Pray for the Prey Read Online Free Page A

and more than eighty percent agree that we are right in our agreement to never attack you again. So even if we were technologically stronger, you have earned the right to exist. Why do you ask this question?”
    “We are considering giving you our technology.”
    The seven leaders were stunned by the statement. The First finally said, “Why would you do that? You know the danger we represent.”
    “You just said that you are no longer a danger to us.”
    “Yes, but how could you trust us; words are not always spoken in truth. We’ve seen that agreements mean nothing when survival is at stake.”
    “Have you ever used words that were not true?”
    “No, but you have no way of proving that.”
    “I think you have been nothing but honest with us. However, here is the bargain we will make with you. If you will agree to stop attacking other civilizations, we will share our technology with you.”
    Dolly waited for several minutes for an answer and then George said to the Blue Giant Leaders, “You will not be restrained by this agreement if you are going to be attacked or being scouted for attack. We will only use our technology to defend ourselves against an aggressor. We would only ask that you do the same.”
    “That makes a large difference in our consideration of your proposal. We need some time to see what the consensus of our populations would be on this matter.”
    “Take all the time you need. We worry that the Violet Civilization will come searching for you and we have a responsibility for making that happen.”
    “That may be true but if you had not intervened, we wouldn’t survive to use what you offer. The very fact that you are making this offer has convinced us that our civilizations will one day be linked. I’ll contact you once this has been resolved.”
    George said, “The issue you must resolve is whether or not your civilization is a predator or a very dangerous prey.”
    The First paused and said, “That says it in very simplistic terms, but I can see your analogy.”
    Dolly looked at her board and the connection ended. “Does anyone doubt they’ll keep their word?”
    Arnold shook his head, “It appears you were right. They are honest to a fault.”
    George said, “I trust them more than I do the Moet or the Alliance. I still believe they would attack if they could.”
    Hemon said, “I’m not sure about that, George. I’ve been keeping an eye on them and they’ve started trading with each other. Their economies are starting to boom. I genuinely think the Moets are not looking forward to the Crown returning. They may not be the issue you think.”
    George shook his head, “I wonder what would happen if we removed our threat to destroy the first one to attack the other.”
    Hemon shrugged, “Then remove it and see what happens.”
    “Do what?”
    “Remove the threat and see if they’ve learned anything.”
    George looked at Dolly and she said, “Some things must be accepted and can’t be forced.” Dolly looked at Jeff and said, “Notify the ships to inform the Alliance and Moet that we will no longer stand between them.”
    Jeff frowned, “Are you sure about this?”
    “Yes, I am. Just have a fleet ready to jump in if needed.”
    Jeff smiled and turned to his board. Now this should be something to observe.

Chapter Three
    T enah looked at the Baron on his display and saw that he was one unhappy Moet. The Drooping eyestalks said more than anything he could say about his disposition. “I assume you have been notified about our restraints being removed.”
    The Baron moved his front eye stalks forward, “I was told at the exact moment they told you so that neither of us would have an advantage if we chose to attack.”
    “That’s exactly how they phrased it with me as well. I guess we now must decide what to do about this situation.”
    The Moet was silent and Tenah said, “We should be open in this discussion. I need to know what your plans are.”
    “I’m not the danger