Chapter 2

Lika 'Janamee woke suddenly from a sound sleep. He looked at the console on the wall across from him and noted the time. The ship would most likely be leaving slip-space now.

"SHIP MASTER 'JANAMEE," boomed the communication system. It was the voice of Eter 'Dametorne. "WE HAVE RE-ENTERED NORMAL SPACE AND ARE DRAWING NEARER THE TARGET SYSTEM. PLEASE COME TO THE BRIDGE, SIR."

'Janamee stood up and flexed his powerful muscles. He put on his gold, decorated armor and headed to the command center.

When he arrived at the command center, 'Janamee was met by a barrage of "Welcome, sirs" and the usual genuflections.

"Sorry to wake you, sir," 'Dametorne apologized, "But as I said, we are almost to the system. We've sent out our probes to the closer planet 30 minutes ago and are currently awaiting their return. I apologize for not consulting you first. I wished to let you sleep longer."

"You're doing well 'Dametorne," 'Janamee complimented his 2nd in command, "But you do not need to worry about me."

"Yes, sir," 'Dametorne replied, looking slightly embarrassed. He continued his duties.

'Janamee walked to the central view screen, where Daak was stationed. Daak was a Kig-yar; one of the few 'Janamee liked. Daak was the biologist of the Inevitable Justice and he did this well.

"What is your opinion on these nearby planets, Daak?" 'Janamee asked the biologist.

'Janamee still had trouble comprehending some of the Kig-yar language, which consisted of screeches and hisses, but he thought he understood. "From what I can see, there are only 3 planets that have any atmosphere to speak of."

'Janamee clicked his mandibles together, "That's not good." The rest of the crew did not know of it, but the hierarchs were going to be quite angry with 'Janamee if they returned empty handed yet again. "Not good, at all…"

"No, the odds are not good but lets see what the probes bring back, sir, before we jump to conclusions," Daak squawked. "Besides, when have the odds been good?" He smiled up at the Sangheili.

"Good point," he returned the smile. Several restless minutes crawled by, and the ship master inspected his crews more recent work.

"The probes have returned, sir," 'Dametorne informed, after some time.

"What are the results, Eter?" 'Janamee asked, the excitement showing in his tone.

"There is one life sustaining planet in the area. The dominant species is sentient and look very promising," 'Dametorne replied, and chuckle.

"How so?" wondered 'Janamee, intrigued. He walked over to the view screen that was replaying video footage taken from the probes.

'Dametorne said, simply, "See for yourself…"

He watched as the video showed vast and varied landscapes, ranging from dry deserts to lush rainforests. Then it showed them. They were huge; easily 12 feet tall, with some even larger. They were slender built and they almost had the look of a large worm. Their skin, which was wrinkly and lined, was bright orange on their bodies and grayish-black on their limbs. They wore no visible cloths and seemed extremely primitive…until he saw the metal work. 'Janamee watched in awe at the huge metal idols and temples that dotted the land. They were incredibly beautiful works of art; far beyond what you would expect of a primitive race. Some of the larger structures looked to be hundred of feet high. The video ended with a scene showing one of the creatures shaping metal with an enormous mallet.

"Incredible, isn't it?" 'Dametorne grinned. "They would make a wonderful addition to our armies. And they seem truly skilled with metal work."

"We will study this species' language and customs for a few days, and then we must introduce ourselves to them. I believe the prophets will be pleased with this discovery," stated 'Janamee.

"Yes, very," the Navigator agreed.

Several days went by while the Inevitable Justice orbited the medium sized target planet. They learned much of their language by sending down spy probes and they downloaded the information into personal translators. The translators would be worn on the head and would translate the conversations with the aliens both ways. On day seven they set out to come face to face with the aliens for the first time.