Chapter 9: An Unlikely Alliance

The moment the airlock sealed behind Ny’Vara and her warriors, I collapsed into the captain’s chair and let out a long breath.

That had been close.

I stared at the viewscreen, watching their sleek, silver-hulled vessel drift back toward their fleet. They hadn’t fired on me yet, but that didn’t mean I was in the clear.

I turned to G’Lan. “Status?”

“All systems operational. K’Zari fleet remains in a defensive posture. No immediate signs of hostility.”

I exhaled. “Alright. Keep an eye on them.”

For now, it seemed Ny’Vara was willing to play along—but I knew better than to trust a warrior captain with a dozen warships at her back.

Still...

I thought back to the way she had looked at me before leaving—less like an enemy and more like a puzzle she wanted to solve.

That could work in my favor.

### A Dangerous Invitation

Hours passed in silence. The K’Zari fleet remained stationary, their weapons powered down but still very much ready.

Then, a new signal flashed across my console.

INCOMING TRANSMISSION—PRIVATE CHANNEL

I frowned. “G’Lan, source?”

“Encrypted. K’Zari vessel—Ny’Vara’s personal signature.”

I hesitated, then sighed. “Put it through.”

The screen flickered, and there she was.

Ny’Vara sat in what I assumed was her personal quarters—a dimly lit chamber lined with dark metal and soft, violet fabrics. Her golden fur shimmered under the low light, and those piercing emerald eyes studied me like a hunter watching prey.

“Captain Harper,” she said smoothly. “I trust you are still alive.”

I smirked. “So far.”

Her tail flicked lazily. “Good. Then I have a proposal.”

I leaned forward. “I’m listening.”

She rested her chin on one hand. “You command a ship of considerable power. You claim it is yours by right, yet you know nothing of its past or the war it was built for.”

She wasn’t wrong.

She tilted her head. “Join me aboard my vessel. Let us speak in person—without threats, without weapons. Just words.”

I frowned. This was risky.

She could be setting a trap, trying to separate me from my ship.

But...

If she truly wanted to seize the dreadnought, she could have tried already.

I exhaled. “Alright, Captain. You’ve got yourself a meeting.”

Her lips curled in what might have been a smile. “Good. I will send a shuttle.”

The transmission ended.

I sat back, staring at the blank screen.

What the hell did I just get myself into?

### Aboard the K’Zari Warship

Minutes later, I stepped into the shuttle bay as a sleek black-and-silver vessel glided into my hangar.

The ramp lowered, and two K’Zari guards stepped out—towering, armored, and clearly not the friendly type.

Between them stood Ny’Vara.

She was different now. Not in armor, but in a flowing, dark-blue tunic lined with silver thread. The fabric clung to her lean form, emphasizing her graceful strength.

I swallowed. Focus, Harper.

She stepped forward, meeting my gaze with that same unreadable expression. “Come, Captain. Let us talk.”

I hesitated, then nodded and followed her aboard.

The ship’s interior was sleek, elegant—less military, more like something belonging to royalty. Soft, violet lighting lined the walls, and intricate silver patterns wove across the floor like some kind of ancient script.

She led me to a private chamber, where a table of dark metal and glass waited.

“Sit,” she commanded.

I did.

She took the seat across from me, watching me carefully. “Tell me, Harper ... what is it you truly seek?”

That caught me off guard. “What?”

She leaned forward slightly. “You could have sold the ship. Hidden. Run. Yet you remain here, playing at being a captain. Why?”

I hesitated. What was I really after?

Adventure? Freedom? The thrill of the unknown?

Maybe all of it.

I exhaled. “Because I want to see what’s out there.”

Ny’Vara studied me for a long moment, then nodded slowly. “Then perhaps ... we have more in common than I thought.”

I frowned. “Meaning?”

She smirked. “Meaning, Captain Harper ... I may have an offer for you. One that would benefit us both.”

I raised an eyebrow. “I’m listening.”

Her emerald eyes gleamed. “Join me on a mission—one that could change everything.”

I sat back.

This just got interesting.