Chapter 1332: An Unlikely Alliance

Chapter 1332: An Unlikely Alliance

"Can I ask how progress is going in the fifth stratum? The Legion is quite familiar with just how temperamental it can be," Chyron stated.

There was only the slightest pause before Jern replied. He must have been passing on the Commander's words as she spoke them.

"You may not. That information is only for those who are part of the expedition."

Meaning, if they wanted to know, then they would have to commit their support for the invasion. Not an unexpected reply.

"I don't want to waste words," Chyron stated evenly. "I know that there have been difficulties down there. The knowledge of the Legion would be invaluable to you, as would our participation."

"Knowledge has no value when there is no trust. The same goes for prowess on the battlefield."

Chyron couldn't help giving a wry smile.

"If you thought we weren't of any use, you wouldn't be here at all."

"I'm the only one in the Colony who believes in the potential of our cooperation. There is also commensurate–did I say that right? I did? Commensurate risk. The key to success in these negotiations is finding an acceptable balance."

"How old are you?" Chyron asked.

"Who... me?" Jern asked. "I'm eighteen."

"Not you."

Only eighteen? Morrelia thought. This guy is massive!

And he moved well. It was difficult to put her finger on, but there was something about the way he placed his feet, his balance, and the way he didn't seem hampered by the axe on his back, but aware of it at all times. Just what sort of training had the Colony put him through?

Solant tilted her head to one side, her antennae waving curiously.

"Does it matter?" the ant replied.

Chyron shook her head.

Just when she expected Solant to reject the agreement, Jern suddenly raised a hand.

"Uh... the Eldest agrees to the condition."

Suddenly, the ants looked resigned, but there was a ripple of confusion that ran through the Legionaries.

"You speak for the individual in question?"

"No, but I can speak to the Eldest," Jern said, looking embarrassed.

"Really? How do you have that authority?"

The young man looked confused for a moment.

"Oh, thanks. No, I can speak to the Eldest. They were listening in, and agreed to your conditions."

"Interesting," Chyron murmured. "Then it sounds like we may have an agreement."

"It does indeed."

An ant immediately came forward, a thick sheaf of documents held in its mandibles. Moving carefully, in a businesslike fashion, it approached and offered the documents to the Commander. Joshen stepped forward to take them.

"And what are these?" Chyron asked, brow raised.

"Deployment schedule, logistics integration instructions, maps and a step by step plan for billeting your troops."

Chyron flicked through a few of the pages, the corner of her mouth quirked up in a smile.

"This is an awful lot for you to organise on such short notice."

"I didn't. Your participation in this endeavour wasn't... unplanned for."