Shama was more than happy to have Scarletra`s assistance with allocating his forces and determining where the Ursana forces would likely approach. But he did not want Scarletra outside or assisting in any other way after hearing her small amount of advice.

　　Even with her arguing that she was a warrior and could fight to defend her home, he would not budge on the matter. Insisting that her curse of Hurot was more of a liability to his soldiers than an asset. He was not wrong that her having to fight would be a massive risk to everyone around her, but she still wanted to assist the efforts.

　　Somewhat dejectedly that night, Scarletra remained inside the outpost and attempted to reach Samuel, but no matter how much they radioed out, they never received a response from him. Scarletra and the Captain assumed Samuel was either still working on the satellite dish or had passed out and slept. At least, they hoped that was the case.

　　If something terrible had happened to Samuel, Scarletra would have to go and try to find him. She owed him that much but doubted the Captain would be for it. Perhaps Scarletra could convince him to send one of his squads as scouts to check at the satellite dish, but a trip like that would take well over a week by foot, especially if they were not Varintol, so that would be a hard sell.

　　Once the squad leaders established the watch schedule, the troopers came inside and settled into one of the empty rooms. Scarletra was asked by the captain to explain the Varintol`s general battle plans while they busted open some MREs. She was more than happy to tell them everything she could about the Ursan`s army. At least these soldiers were attentive; too many Ursana soldiers ignored tactics and relied on the hit-it-harder strategy.

　　She also answered their follow-up questions, most of which were about how large and robust the Varintol were. The relief on their faces was palpable when Scarletra explained she was massive even by Varintol standards, with most only coming up to her chest height. The soldiers were also relieved to hear the Ursana used few ranged weapons in combat, finding the idea less than honorable.

　　Little else happened that night beyond Scarletra loathing being alone in bed. But Samuel would call her in the morning and be back by the following day, at least if everything went well. Then, they would not be separated like this again. They would have a new home and bed and be safe. But her life was never that easy, and this was no exception.

　　"Sir, get outside. We have a massive formation at the tree line," one of Shama`s soldiers named Grimtal yelled while he burst into the main area while everyone else was eating breakfast.

　　"Everyone get up, grab your rifles, and move to your positions," Shama commanded, setting his coffee on the table and slinging his rifle.

　　Every one of the GU soldiers dropped their food on the table and quickly got up to follow Grimtal back outside. Each double-checked their chambers and equipment while moving. It was unnecessary to check; they knew their weapons were loaded, but it was a good habit to double down on yourself during pre-combat checks and inspections.

　　Scarletra and Sethun got up along with the troopers, but Shama shot them an icy glare as they did. "Scarletra, wait here. We will get an assessment of the situation and figure out what`s going on. I doubt they want to talk."

　　Scarletra was about to argue the issue, but Shama clearly caught onto her glaring at him. "Scarletra, I don`t want you there unless I have to. They might just decide to jump if you make an appearance. Please trust me. I will send a runner if we need either of you out there."

　　"I will trust you. But I`m keeping my ax handy," Scarletra retorted.

　　"I would expect nothing else," Shama smirked, pulling up his face mask. "Sethun, let`s see if your silver tongue can talk down a warlord."

　　—

　　To Shama`s dismay, heavy snow was falling in the area, obscuring the looming army on the other side of the clearing. The massive formations of soldiers were barely visible; their tight formations looked like legions of slowly swaying shadows waiting to rush forward and rend flesh from bone. They roared and spoke to one another at such a deafening volume that Shama could not understand them despite being fluent in Varintol.

　　He attempted to get a rough count of how many soldiers his mere thirty soldiers were about to contend with but had no accurate idea. A company-sized element was visible from where he stood, but there were three other sides of the outpost and the endless leagues of forest just past the clearing they could be hiding in. For all he knew, there were several warbands out there. Based on the stories Scarletra had told him, it was likely there were thousands of Ursana soldiers waiting.

　　All his soldiers had taken their positions behind rough barricades they had established the previous night, spreading out to the left and right, all weapons trained on the lurking crowd. The only exception was Vintor; he had taken his WSR-1 and set up atop the outpost`s roof, giving him the best position to put his rifle to use.

　　Like Scarletra had told them, there was no direct sign of who was in charge. Shama was not a fan of dealing with tribals or low-tech worlds. Their leaders tended to lead from the back or have insanely inflated egos because whatever God they worshiped chose them to lead.

　　While he did not wish to do this because, as he saw it, the idea of a parley was stupid and a waste of time, he had to attempt to keep his men`s lives safe. And Sethun would not let him live it down if the troopers just started to lay waste to the Ursana.

　　"Whoever is in charge, come out. We wish to talk," Shama bellowed in Varintol, stepping into the open field.

　　That was at least one of the things his troops had over most generic GU troopers. Anyone assigned to a political security detail had to have at least conversational mastery of every language their region offered. In this case, they had no less than twelve they regularly studied.

　　Making contact like this was a horrible plan. Shama and Shethun were so exposed. At least his troopers were ready to open up with machine guns, rifles, and grenade launchers should this go sideways; that should let him retreat to cover before the wave of Varintol reached him.

　　To his challenge, the Ursana fell silent. Shama snickered under his breath. Had they not expected another species to know their archaic language? The winds whipped hard across the field, billowing the snow between them all, only the slightest movement visible in his enemy`s ranks.

　　"Shama, I`m not certain about this," Sethun said quietly. "They do not seem eager to speak."

　　"Well, it`s a little late for that. Don`t worry; we will keep you and Scarletra safe. If I call the end of the talk, we are done, alright"? Shama whispered back. "Just do your best."

　　"I will try to keep this cordial and prevent violence," Sethun assured in a woefully quivering tone.

　　"Keep steady, sir. Remember Scarletra`s briefing. Mother respects power and authority," Shama reminded, to which Shethun nodded his understanding.

　　Sethun was a decent politician but was incredibly young and inexperienced. Shama had seen him broker some good trade deals, but this was different. He was negotiating what could be the start of a war. If the Ursana did kill the troopers, the GU might just decide to retaliate with greater force; both knew that.

　　After an agonizing wait, the army of Varintol separated slightly, and a pair of figures gradually came forward. As Scarletra predicted, they were still armed, but at a bare minimum, both had their swords in scabbards.

　　Once they were close enough for Shama to get a good view of them, who they were was obvious. It was Scarletra`s mother and one of her sisters.

　　One who had to be Insela, the eldest of Scarlatra`s sisters, was quite the looker. She was far thinner than the usual Varintol, but that in no way meant she did not have a presence about her. If anything, it indicated how active she was compared to the other Varintol. Which was a statement for an arctic-based species. They were always blubbery, but not her.

　　Her fiery fur was barely concealed under a lamellar armor vest, leaving her heavily muscled arm in the open. Like Scarletra, her eyes were a pair of golden gems placed neatly inside her angular facial features. Barely a fleck of her brownish hair was visible beneath a nose bridge helm and aventail.

　　That amount of armor she had was a surprise; from what Scarletra explained, the Ursana were usually sparing with metal armor. But all hers was made of well-refined and polished steel.

　　It was a shame Shama would likely be spreading her guts across the snow soon; he would gladly ask a lady like that out for a drink back on Erula. But life is funny that way; all the hot ones had to be crazy.

　　The Mother, on the other hand, was a vastly different beast. Golden fur was shown proudly through light robes that brushed elegantly in the breeze. Mother had a more womanly, buxom figure but held none of the grace her attire or well-done hair would generally be associated with. Authority, command, malice, and greed overflowed from her crimson gaze like a vile curse.

　　Looking at her gave Shama a creepy feeling. She was a meter shorter than Scarletra, but the family resemblance was uncanny. You could change a few details about her fur, and they could be sisters. If you spot this story on Amazon, know that it has been stolen. Report the violation.

　　"Well, who are you?" Mother asked, in a harsh growl.

　　"I am Sethun, the GU representative to this moon, and this is my security commander, Captain Shama," Sethun coughed while gesturing to his side.

　　Mother momentarily looked both up and down and turned her attention to Shama. "Hmm, a male military captain, how quaint. I am surprised the GU allows lessers to command troops," Mother chuckled.

　　Shama made no comment but kept looking between the Mother and daughter`s right hands, resting tensely on the pommels of their weapons. It was generally not his place to speak during diplomatic proceedings, and this woman was clearly just trying to get a rise out of him. He would remain a silent, stoic observer unless Sethun tried to do something off the wall.

　　"Well, miss—" Sethun started to say.

　　"That`s Mother to you, you insolent cur," Insela snapped, causing Sethun to jump slightly at the outburst, with Shama resting a palm on his back to steady the young politician.

　　"Now, stop that. This male is not of our tribe and would not know his place. I am certain they wish to protect themselves like all others do and are here to surrender." Mother said, gesturing to Shama and Sethun.

　　Sethun had to suppress a laugh. This bitch seriously believes they would surrender? If this comes to blows, it will be a blood bath on her end. Sure, his men would have to be careful to stay out of melee, but talking guns and watching their ammunition could do that. They have a hundred and fifty meters of standoff, after all. There is no way this woman truly thinks she would make it out of this unscathed.

　　"Thank you, miss. I am sorry if there are any issues with our being cordial. But I earnestly mean no offense." Sethun replied in his most clean politician voice.

　　Shama hated hearing Sethun talk like that. The man sounded plastic and fake as all hell, but the method generally did defuse situations. Even if it was a complete facade meant to put the other speaking at ease, it was too bad that it only worked when Sethun had power. But Mother clearly commanded the conversation.

　　"But I regret to say, our surrender is not why we wish to speak to you." Sethun continued.

　　"Oh, then, are you handing over my runaway daughter in exchange for your lives?" Mother retorted.

　　Sethun paused for a moment and considered his following words carefully. Likely to prevent the daughter from drawing that blade and deciding the talks were over. "No, miss, I wish to see if we can resolve this scenario without any bloodshed on either side and allow us to all walk away happy and healthy."

　　"It is rare to see a male with some brain between his ears. I would require you all to give me my forlorn loin fruit. She has abandoned her tribe and needs to be judged for it," Mother sneered. "She is little more than an escaped murderer who has killed dozens of my soldiers over the last few years."

　　A vile, wicked grin grew on Insela`s face on hearing that. If what Scarletra told them about their ursana commanders and her family, Insela was more than happy to beat and prisoner half to death. She likely was imagining bludgeoning her sister and torturing her while Scarletra is in chains and cannot fight back.

　　"Perhaps there is something else we could offer? Scarletra has been granted citizenship in the GU and cannot be bartered off without due process in court. She has her rights and is not a criminal in my government`s eyes but a refugee," Sethun explained calmly.

　　Mother paused, crossed her arms, and tapped a long claw against her forearm. Her eyes scanned the group of shifting soldiers in position against the outpost`s walls.

　　Using the distraction, Shama needed to confirm one of his trump cards. He was sure of the answer; he wanted to get warm and fuzzy.

　　Shama reached up and clicked his PTT(push to talk) twice; while it was not any official form of communication, he and his team`s sniper had been in situations like this enough for this to have been ingrained.

　　After a few moments, a return of two squelches came in over his earpiece. Vintor has eyes on them and has a shot at one of the two women in front of him. Shama could not direct him to ice the daughter first without compromising his plan, but Vintor was experienced and could likely see that Insela had armor on and would take priority.

　　Insela, for her part, showed how keen of an eye she has. She did not miss Shama`s motion. Instead of calling him out, she shifted her grip to draw her sword, not just groping the pommel.

　　 "Now, Mr. Sethun, I am certain you can see your situation. Surely, you understand that I am blessing you by even giving you this option. Most enemies would never be given this option; I would simply direct the vanguard to push in and fillet your toppers. Be reasonable," Mother hissed.

　　"Mother, is this even necessary. We can simply slaughter them and take her," Insela interjected.

　　"It is necessary. While this is an opportunity we will not allow to pass, we are on a campaign against the Guraen. One day, you might understand how to use forces well like Scarlatra did," Mother growled, twisting around and shoving a claw against Insula`s breastplate. "And you would do your best to hold your tongue. You are merely here to witness the negotiations."

　　Insula stepped back and lowered her head. "I am sorry, Mother. I spoke out of turn," She pleaded.

　　If running the tribe through fear like that is how their culture was, Shama and Sethun could see why Scarletra was so keen on escaping and had lived for years on the run. One wrong word and Mother would rip her own daughter`s head off.

　　Twisting back around, Mother put on a toothy grin that was unsettling to Sethun. "Tell me Sethun. According to my elders, the GU initially approached my tribe with a desire to mine and set up these little outposts. Is that correct?"

　　"I believe that happened, but that was a hundred years ago. I was not even alive at the time," Sethun replied.

　　"Marvelous, then how about I add that the GU would be unbothered mining within my territories and open all forms of trade?" Mother questioned, eyeing the weapon and armor Shama had. "I am certain we could make efforts to benefit each party?"

　　That came as no shock to Shama. She might have some gravitas, but a warlord is just another warlord. Of course, she mentioned wanting GU weapons, having likely heard about Samuel`s rifle from the scout who saw what rifles can do.

　　What worried him was that Sethun was clearly considering the offer. He immediately pulled out a datapad and looked over the planetary scans of estimated resources on this moon.

　　"I do think that might be something I could—"

　　"Not agree to," Shama said, placing a hand on Sethun`s shoulder. "Sir, it`s time we stepped back; this is not going anywhere."

　　"Shama, but—," Sethun began to say but choked on his words when Shama`s cutting glare landed fully on him.

　　"Sir, we cannot trade lives for some rocks," Shama whispered in his ear.

　　Sethun swallowed his spit and glanced between the Captain and Varintol pair next to him. While Sethun was not a military man, he trusted Shama, having been pulled out of more than one bad situation by the wise warrior.

　　"I am sorry, Miss Ursana, but that is not something I could agree to," Sethun said, turning toward Mother, evident reluctance in his voice.

　　Any semblance of cordialness and calm fell from Mother in an instant. Her soft demeanor faded and revealed the cold, heartless soul underneath. "It is a shame; I hoped you would be reasonable, but it is your funeral," Mother growled, her red eyes burning like fire. "Do not worry; my warriors will enjoy making slaves from any of you who survive."

　　"Ha-I hope you are ready to meet whatever god you believe in. My men won`t go down like that," Shama retorted. "It`s not too late for you to walk away, you uppity bitch. Because I guarantee one of you won`t make it to that treeline if you intend to fight."

　　"I am going to have fun breaking you, especially Captain," Mother replied, emphasizing his rank in a mocking tone.

　　"So that is a no then?" Shama replied.

　　"Definitely, ready your forces. We will attack shorty," Mother said, turning about with a huff.

　　Insula looked Shama up and down with a growl and lick of her lips, attempting to look intimidating, but all she managed was to look like a joke of a warrior to the experienced soldier. A warrior will fight and win, not boast like some animal.

　　"Don`t say I did not warn you," Shama replied, slowly backing up. "Sir, get inside right now and grab Samuel`s shotgun just in case."

　　"I am sorry—I considered that offer—I just know we have been trying to get that for—" Sethun began.

　　"Now is not the time. We can debrief that later; just remember people first, sir." Shama replied, pressing the representative onward.

　　Shama had seen enough political fuckery leaving people to die. In combat, in prisons, hell, even on the streets of larger cities. Shama could stomach slaughtering combatants, but civilians and innocents were different. Scarletra, Sethun, and Samuel were definitely in the latter category; he would not sit by and watch Sethun make a decision he would regret later on. Shama knew there was no way they would be allowed to walk if they gave Mother Scarletra.

　　"Very well. Best of luck, Shama," Sethun chirped before rushing back to the outpost.

　　Shama continued to slowly backstep, not giving his back to the looming warband. "Are you boys ready for a fight?" He said into his radio.

　　A quick series of affirmations, grunts, growls, and excited yips came from his platoon. By the stars, these lads had been pent up and needed something to fight. They had not gone through Special Forces training to babysit, but every operator had to do their stent on political guard at least once for damn good reason.

　　 You would be alone and unafraid against who knows what. In this case, there were warbands of religious fanatics trying to reclaim a young woman whom they saw as their next leader. As much as he hated to admit it, this was just another day at the office for himself and the troopers, eager to get the show started.

　　Shama made it to the line with his men and knelt behind cover. "Vin, you still have eyes on them, right?"

　　"That I do, sir." The sniper quickly replied over the radio.

　　"Perfect, don`t make me a liar. One of them cannot reach the trees," The captain replied, causing a slight sadistic chuckle to pour out of the machine gunner next to him.

　　"You got it, sir," Vintor replied.

　　The sound of dozens of safeties being released simultaneously could be heard even over the whipping wind. A horrendous knot formed in Shama`s gut. One he had experienced many times before. The slight nervousness before any engagement. He believed in his team, but these were not good odds. Fuck, this was an insane plan. Only thirty men against what was likely a battalion. God, how much he would give for some directional mines, air support, and a few more platoons.

　　But you fight with the army you have, not the one you want. So all he could do was pray that Scarletra had already gotten ahold of Samuel and that the Human was on the way back.

　　So long as the team did their jobs and did them well. They could make it through this and hold out until Moi returned the following night. Why Sethun insisted on him dropping off another diplomat to the southern tribes on this trip was beyond him, but now they would pay for that choice in blood, guts, and lead.

　　Without any warning to the soldiers on either side of the clearing, Vintor`s 12.7mm rifle cracked like thunder. He hit one of the duo in the back just before they returned to the lines. The daughter slumped to her knees, clutching her gaping wound.

　　The soldiers looked at them in horror, watching blood pour freely from their commander. On the other hand, Mother was calm and unperturbed by the act. She turned about, raised her sword, and roared a command of charge to the front line.

　　Before Vintor even had a chance to line up another shot, the front lines of Varintol roared and declared their defiance. Without missing a beat, the vanguard surged forward with teeth, claws, swords, shields, and axes ready.

　　Meeting their first steps, Shama settled his rifle`s red dot on one of the charging Varintol, let out his breath, and depressed the trigger.