Mars
Martin stared for a moment, unable to imagine how his former co-Legend came to be here - and apparently in a position of some authority. She was dressed in a slightly modified version of the usual alien uniform - which gave her a slightly more casual, civilian, appearance. She was wearing a small side-arm in place of her more usual knives.
It was her furry companion who spoke first, with a flawless British accent, of all things.
''My name is Persusis. Naomi and I are advisers to Mallam, King of Daxomites and Lord of Mars.''
Martin choked back a multitude of questions that surged through his brain on hearing that, starting with 'Who are the Daxomites? Where did they come from? What are they doing here?'
The last question, he thought, might be the most important one. But, for now, this Persusis (a musical-sounding name, he thought) was plainly waiting for them to introduce themselves. Interesting - considering that Naomi knew them all. It might mean that these - Daxomites - didn't entirely trust the former Legend - wisdom on their part. Or perhaps it was simply protocol.
''I'm Professor Martin Stein'' he began. ''Professor of Nuclear Physics. My companions are Jefferson Jackson, Joanne Hervey, Mick Rory, last - but not least - Stephanie Karras, a diplomat.''
''Welcome to Mars.'' That was plainly no more than formal politeness on Persusis' part.
''Might I ask who the Daxomites are?'' that was Stephanie.
Persusis considered her for a moment, but it was Naomi who spoke.
''Like us, they're the result of the changed timeline. Originally, they were wiped out in a cosmic disaster. Now this fleet - under General, now King, Mallam survived. They've lost everything and they're seeking a new home.''
The reference to 'losing everything 'told the other Legends that her views of them hadn't changed.
''Now they have found a new home'' Persusis corrected. Looking into her eyes for a moment, Martin could see that, no matter how gentle - almost faun-like - her appearance, hers wasn't a gentle soul. Her words had been as much a threat as a statement.
Stephanie shifted slightly in her seat. ''There is growing concern over your presence here on Mars - so close to our home world. Daxomites are plainly a technologically advanced species and many of us are wondering what your intentions are towards us.''
''Firstly'' Persusis seemed to be choosing her words with care. ''Mars is uninhabited. And it is not Earth's property.''
She was throwing down the gauntlet. Martin's breath caught as Joanne picked it up. ''Do you mean to attack us, once you've established yourselves here on Mars?''
Persusis turned and looked at her. For what seemed like an age, the two females locked eyes. Then Persusis slowly smiled - that might be the first genuine expression she'd shown, Martin realised. Stephanie was looking from one female to the other, with what looked like a dawning awareness in her eyes.
''The Survivalist speaks at last'' there was approval in the furry alien's tones. ''Should you open hostilities with us, we will respond and - make no mistake - we will crush you. But we will not make the first move.''
''That might not be so easy'' Mick growled.
''It wouldn't be'' Persusis agreed. 'But a weak opponent doesn't deserve respect.''
X
They had been allowed to go back to the Acheron before they met with King Mallam - something Persusis had finally promised that they would do. It gave them the chance to talk things over, unheard - they hoped - by the Daxomites.
''I made a mistake'' Stephanie admitted. ''Taking a polite, diplomatic approach. It seems like they're a very hierarchical society - the existence of a King should have warned me. We'll have to negotiate with them as equals - act like alphas when we're talking to their alphas.'' She gave Mick and Joanne a rueful look. ''I think you two might be the best we have for that.''
She was right, Martin realised. In fact, Joanne - the daughter of a man who'd been able to battle his way to a good deal in an overtly racist society - might be their best asset - in this round. He very much doubted that the more hawkish military and politicos would grasp the nuances of that kind of 'you show me yours, I'll show you mine' kind of negotiations. Which was probably why the war had broken out in Saffron's past.
Jax's head suddenly jerked towards the viewport.
''We have a visitor'' he said, in an odd tone.
They all turned and looked that way.
It was Naomi.