Mars
''The message from Earth is simple'' Talbot said, wishing he wasn't in the position of having to look up several steps to address this Mallam individual, who was seated on an ornate chair that must be his throne. ''For an unknown alien species to simply decide to occupy the planet adjacent to ours is unacceptable, as is the abduction and retention of members of our species. Return the humans to Earth, withdraw from Mars and then we will open discussions with you.''
''Firstly, Naomi remains here of her own will'' Mallam said, in what seemed a lazy tone.'' ''More importantly, what will Earth do if we don't leave Mars?''
''We will respond with force.'' Talbot said flatly.
''You will open hostilities'' Mallam raised an eyebrow as he spoke. ''I do not want that.''
Talbot thought two things were plain - Mallam wasn't afraid - in fact he was mocking the suggestion of an Earth-Mars war. You wouldn't be so amused if Hunter hadn't got in the way of our first plan, he thought. It had been a good one and - if Hunter wasn't the only person left who could operate a suitable, immediately available, craft - it could have been tried again.
''Professor?'' Martin jumped slightly - he'd not expected King Mallam to turn his attention his way so soon.
''Professor Stein does not speak on behalf of Earth'' Talbot announced hotly.
King Mallam ignored that. Stein was beginning to understand the extent to what extent Naomi had been correct in her assessment of the King. He was autocratic, arrogant, from a species that held itself to be far superior to others. He could well understand how that was setting Talbot's teeth on edge. But he, Stein, would have added a high level of intelligence to the list of the monarch's qualities.
''We came here - on the Acheron '' Stein said. ''With open minds. We wanted to meet you, find out what you were like and what you wanted from Mars. Then we hoped to negotiate with you on that basis.'' He was aware that, from the Daxomite perspective, that might sound like weakness.
Certainly, Talbot was glowering at him.
''Your companions were more belligerent'' King Mallam observed. Mick and Joanne had indeed said they would go down fighting. ''And the Immortal?''
Savage took a half step forward.
''We didn't come here by choice and - frankly - feel that we should be questioning you and your motives rather than the other way round.''
''Suppose I brought you here to offer you an alliance?''
Savage gave him a questioning look.
''I have Mars, you have Earth - with my help and the promise of peace between us. That is one possibility.
''I didn't come here to agree to Earth being given to a dictator'' Talbot ground out. Plainly he knew at least a little about Savage.
''Nor did we'' Mick growled. Joanne was at his side, nodding.
Mallam sat back in his chair. ''I have studied your species for quite some time - the ordinary ones among you, the rulers, the scientists, the vigilantes, the meta-humans and so on. I have come to two main conclusions.
Firstly, you are not our equals - in yourselves or in the level of development of your civilisation. Indeed, you are so far below us in both respects that, if it were not for the fact that you are so close to us in astronomical terms, we would probably simply ignore you.''
That had antagonised just about everyone in the room, Martin thought. Even Stephanie had a sour look on her face.
''But - I have learned about the nature of your species. You will fight to the very end, to the very last one of you - should it come to war between us. On that basis, you deserve respect - you are worthy of life.''
The connection with Jefferson informed him that his counterpart was thinking that Mallam plainly enjoyed the sound of his own voice. He was inclined to agree.
''So, this is my decision. You - Talbot - can return to Earth with your team. Tell your superiors that Mars is not inhabited and that it is not Earth's property. We want it and it is ours. The Professor and his companions are also free to go and spread the word. Mr Savage, you - and your companions - will stay here for now, as guests for now. I retain the option of helping you to become the ruler of Earth.''
Something to hold over us, Martin thought. That plainly didn't sit too well with Naomi.
With that, Mallam got up and walked out on them, his advisers following.
Back home it is, Talbot thought. Turn Hunter over to the authorities to get his comeuppance. See if there isn't another way to an EMP device to Mars. What about these breach devices the techs keep mentioning?