Guess who's coming to dinner. Chapter 4 (and there ain't no-more.)

Chapter Four. It is what it is.

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The corridors, save for the occasional crew member, were empty. I jumped into the first lift. "Level Seven."

"Level Seven." the computerized voice repeated.

It was a short ride. I exited the lift and headed left towards the Sarenth's quarters.

When I arrived, I couldn't help but notice there were no Sarenth, slithering around the corridor. Further, there were no Security personnel present, nor any members of the damage control team. In point of fact - it was quiet as a tomb. There was no one here, but me.

I hesitated for a quick second thinking, I should have brought a phase pistol, then dismissed the idea as ridiculous.

If anyone could handle themselves in a hostile situation, that would be me.

I squared my shoulders, then pressed the door chime announcing my arrival.

I didn't wait long. The door slid open and I was greeted by none other then the Sarenth ambassador himself.

"Greetings, Lieutenant Commander."

The Sarenth spoke to me in English his voice clear and steady, with no hint of anger.

"Please to enter." He motioned with one of his arms.

The room was sparsely furnished. The Sarenth had no need of tables, chairs, and the like. But there were some present for entertaining guests.

I entered then decided to get right to the point.

"Greetings as well to you Ambassador I'm here regarding the...

The Ambassador interrupted.

"Commander, not so formal? I am, we are, pleased that you are come to pay respect to our fallen."

I decided not to correct the mistake in rank or syntax.

"Come." He gestured with three of his arms, then headed off towards one of the side rooms.

I followed at a respectful distance.

The room was bustling with activity.

A large banquet table, decorated with colorful plants from the Sarenth's native planet, sat in the middle, while servants bustled about carrying covered platters.

The Ambassador smiled, little creepy looking on a seven foot worm,

"Let us dispense with formalities."

Not sure what to do or say next, I just nodded.

"First, we do not hold the young human responsible for the tragedy."

I relaxed just a little.

"This will, in no way affect our relations with Earth."

I relaxed a little more.

"We are saddened and diminished by our loss, but understand we do."

I relaxed even more.

"That being said however, we do hold the man who sent the young human responsible."

The Ambassadors voice had hardened slightly. I was no longer relaxed.

"That would be me, Ambassador. I am in charge of the department and the young human was one of my men."

"Yes true, of this also we are aware. But, you, not the one who sent the young human."

"No, Ambassador."

I kept my face impassive. He was starting to sound like Yoda, of Star Wars fame.

"We are peaceful as a race. However we caution, we are not...he hesitated and appeared to be searching for the right words -weak."
"Of this you understand?"

"Do not mistake kindness for weakness." Another one of dad's keepers.

"Yes, Ambassador. I understand."

"So, then understand also, our planet has resources, which many would like. Some would take, not ask. We protect what is ours, and justice is swift."

I didn't know where this was going but answered ,

"Yes, Ambassador. I understand."

As a large roasting pan, carried by four solemn faced worms, was set onto the banquets table top, the Ambassador rubbed all of his hands together.

"Good, that is good. Now we see maybe if understand, this next, you will. Come."

His tone sounded a full 100% ominous. But I followed him to the table.

The Ambassador nodded sagely.

"Resources we have used today, for many here owe us much. Many problems we think, this will fix."

At a nod one of the servers placed four of his hands on the cover then lifted the lid.

I'm neither squeamish nor easily surprised, but admittedly, this took me aback.

Watson's head surrounded by garnish and a dozen or so vegetables stared up at me.

A variety of small, albeit colorful fishing hooks pierced his lower lip.

On a personal note, I thought he never looked better.

I took my leave of the Sarenth's quarters, after politely declining an offer to have dinner with the Ambassador, who explained, they were not normally carnivores, but at times exceptions were made.

My conversation with the Captain went something like this:

"Well, Lieutenant Commander, has the situation with the Sarenth been settled?"

"In a manner of speaking sir, yes."

"Good. Now where is Sergeant Watson?"

"Sir, Sergeant Watson is with the Sarenth."

"I see, and what is he doing there?"

"Well sir, he's their guest of honor for dinner."

The captain sounded surprised.

"You mean he's having dinner with the Sarenth?"

"Not quite sir. In point of fact, Sergeant Watson, - Is dinner."

The captain emptied the contents of a courier bag onto the desk top.

"Well, that explains why the Sarenth delivered these." A set of dog tags settled with a tinny clink.

He settled back into his chair.

"Lieutenant Commander."

"Yes Captain."

"I think further explanation is in order."

"Yes sir." In hindsight I couldn't help thinking I should have brought Donuts.

"Sit down." he motioned to a chair.

"Start at the beginning."

"Yes sir."