Chapter 7: A Dangerous Introduction

The warning klaxon blared through the bridge, echoing off the metal walls like a death knell.

I tightened my grip on the command console, my mind racing.

First contact, and I was in a warship.

A dreadnought, no less.

To them, I probably looked like an invading force, a relic of some forgotten war suddenly appearing in their space. This could go sideways fast.

“Alright, G’Lan,” I muttered, swallowing the lump in my throat. “Options?”

“You may respond to their hail, power down weapons, or attempt to evade. However, based on their fleet’s formation, escape is unlikely.”

I glanced at the viewscreen. Twelve ships, sleek and deadly, were already shifting into an attack posture, their weapons lighting up.

Running was off the table. Fighting? Not an option.

I exhaled. “Fine. Let’s talk.”

With a nod, I straightened my shoulders and took a deep breath.

“Open the channel.”

A second later, the screen flickered, and a figure appeared.

She was tall, fierce, and undeniably alien. A feline humanoid, her features striking—golden fur, piercing emerald eyes, and a regal presence that radiated authority.

She wore dark, form-fitting armor with intricate markings along her shoulders, a curved blade resting at her side. This was no ordinary officer.

She was a warrior.

“Unknown vessel,” she said, her voice smooth but edged with steel. “You are trespassing in the sovereign domain of the K’Zari Imperium. State your identity and purpose, or be destroyed.”

I swallowed hard. No pressure.

I cleared my throat. “Uh, hey. My name is Jack Harper, and ... this is gonna sound crazy, but I kind of just found this ship abandoned in deep space. I’m not here to start a fight.”

Her eyes narrowed. “A human? Commanding a dreadnought-class warship?”

I raised my hands. “Look, I know how this looks, but I’m alone here. Just one guy trying to figure out what the hell is going on.”

There was a long pause. The way she studied me made me feel like prey under a predator’s gaze.

Finally, she spoke. “Lower your shields and prepare to be boarded.”

I tensed. That was not what I wanted to hear.

G’Lan’s voice whispered in my ear. “Captain, this course of action presents extreme risk. They may not intend to negotiate.”

I glanced back at the screen. “And if I say no?”

Her emerald eyes gleamed. “Then you die.”

I sighed. “Well, you make a compelling argument.”

Minutes later, the airlock hissed open.

I stood in the dimly lit corridor, arms crossed, as the boarding party marched in. Six warriors, feline humanoids like their leader, all armed and ready for a fight.

And at their head was her.

Up close, she was even more imposing. Lean muscle, effortless grace, and an aura of command that made it clear she wasn’t just some officer.

She was in charge.

She stopped in front of me, her sharp eyes scanning me like I was some *puzzle she couldn’t quite solve*.

“You truly are human,” she muttered.

I smirked. “Last I checked.”

Her gaze flicked past me, taking in the massive corridor and the alien technology surrounding us. “This ship is not of your kind. How did you come to claim it?”

I hesitated. How much should I actually tell her?

“I found it,” I said carefully. “It was abandoned. I powered it back up, and ... well, here I am.”

She studied me for a long moment, then nodded. “I am Captain Ny’Vara of the K’Zari Imperium.”

She gestured toward the bulkhead. “And until we determine whether you are a threat, this ship is under my control.”

I let out a slow breath.

This was going to be interesting.