The Measure was resplendent in her dress armor, and spoke quickly while the Baraqwen ship circled in for a landing. "Listen up! This is important. The Naga and Sururin are matriarchal, but the Baraqwen are not. The Sururin HATE humans with a vengeance, and the Naga are mostly friendly. The Baraqwen are neutral. As a courtesy to ME, a Baraqwen Cross allied Fleet trainer has been sent here from the Lesser Magellanic Cloud to train you select few in Haltuu Enclave Starflet Standards and Practices." "The Baraqwen are a warrior race! They are very tall and fierce. They are a proud and independent species that are always a set of fraternal twins: A brother and a sister. Only one who is 'orphaned' take this kind of assignment. DO NOT mention the lost twin if you value your safety!" The Measure straightened up as the corvette came over the pad and stopped a centimeter over the pad. A tube extruded from the hull and the eight foot tall alien woman stepped onto the pad. She walked up to within thirty feet and stopped. Her yellow eyes tracked like gun turrets over the women gathered on the flying city's landing pad. Measure and Oheeeyuuu approached her and stopped. Measure went through some kind of welcoming ritual that involved singing. After a moment, Measure said, "Kella Delgado! Come and present yourself!" The alien woman said, "You will address me as 'Baraqwen' or 'Commander'. My name is not yours to use. If there were others of my kind on planet, I'd provide you with a name you could call me." Kella said, "I am familiar with that custom! The Trow use that. I have a friend, Yellow Knot-woman, who gave us her real name after years of being under another name. I am pleased to meet you." Kella bowed and walked back to the others. Kella whispered to Slicey and Bluebell, "She made me feel three years old! Rose is six foot NINE and I thought she was GIGANTIC! But eight FOOT! Wow." The blast doors into the flying city opened and Malbess came out. She walked past the three women with a wave and smile. Hawkwing had just been called up and was walking up as Malbess strode up. Measure gave her a withering glare and spoke in low tones, "Malbess...whatever you want, NOW is not the time!" Malbess ignored the Measure and spoke directly to the Baraqwen, "My people have been ignored! I demand to be trained in the standards and practices of the Haltuu! I am Malbess! Sister to the Empress, Malbessa. I am her twin in all things, including honor and fighting spirit! My people are NOT human and should receive the same considerations as these women of different species!" The Baraqwen stared at Malbess for a moment. "You are some kind of unknown machine-life, like the Cyclops? If you can defeat me in hand-to-hand combat, I will consider it." "Acceptable with the answer to one question. Did your other, your twin, die an honorable death?" Malbess was like ice. Measure and Oheeeyuuu gasped in shock. The Baraqwen blinked. "Yes." Malbess bowed slightly and stepped a foot back. "Good. I accept the offer of fighting you. I will wait patiently here until the ceremonies are out of the way for opportunity to defeat you." Measure said, "She has over eight HUNDRED years of fighting experience!" Malbess said with a slight smile, "I do wish you hadn't told me that! I will feel guilty beating up an elderly woman." The Baraqwen said, "You seem over-confident." Malbess shrugged. "No. Just confident in my own abilities and your honor. It will be a fair fight. I do not have an inbuilt shield generator or RIF generator. Since your other died in honor, you are honor-bound to not sully the memory of them. Even if I am beaten, I will enjoy learning what you have to teach me." Measure started to say something, when the Baraqwen raised a hand. She then bowed slightly. Slicey whispered to Kella and Bluebell, "I hope Malbess kicks her ASS! Except for my mom, tall people make me nervous!" --TO BE CONTINUED!--