Pray for the Prey Read Online Free Page B

here. You still outnumber my ships ten to one and I only have the old models in my fleet.”
    “That may be true but, you know your Royal Family will be returning and we are no match for the Dreadnaughts they have to use.”
    The two remained quiet until the Moet said, “I almost wish they would stay where they are.”
    Tenah said, “Why?”
    “Since we’ve begun trading with your planets, my populations have enjoyed the highest standard of living ever; I know I’m being selfish, but my member planets are not happy with this new development.”
    Tenah said, “I’ll be honest with you. I couldn’t get the members of the Alliance to attack you if I ordered it. The members are also enjoying the benefits of a booming economy and most of them have seen that you are trading fairly with them. They no longer hate you and they are not willing to go back to the old ways between our species.”
    “What are you saying?”
    “I think that we should formally agree to a joint peace agreement and become allies. My concern is that when the ruling family comes back, we will be immediately attacked.”
    The Baron stared at the display and said, “What you are suggesting is treason.”
    “I know, but you were written off any way. What do you have to lose? You should have been killed by the Blue Giants before now.”
    The Baron looked over at the Watcher and said, “What do you have to say about this.”
    “I say let the Royal Family find a new place to live. Enlist the help of the White Ships to make sure they don’t come back stirring up trouble. I think they might help us.”
    The Baron stared at the Watcher and said, “You’ve been watching everything taking place in the Realm; what is the mood of the population?”
    “They all hope the evacuees never return and we build our society into something it should have become long ago.”
    The Moet looked at Tenah and watched him smile as he pushed a button. Dolly appeared on their display and Tenah said, “The Moet and the Alliance want to agree to become partners in a trading alliance between our species. Our mutual fear is that when the Moet Royal Family returns, they will attack both of us; the Moet because of his treasonous behavior and us because that is what they do. Before we can make this work, we were hoping you would prevent them from attacking us.”
    Dolly looked at the Moet and said, “Are you in agreement with this?”
    The Moet Baron knew that it was now or never to make a decision that could not be unmade. He thought about what life was before and then said, “I agree with President Tenah.”
    “Can you make an agreement and keep it?”
    Tenah and the Moet said together, “Yes.” Tenah smiled, “We are both benefiting from our trade and want to continue it.”
    “Then how do you want to handle letting the Royal Family know they are no longer welcome.”
    The Baron looked at the Watcher as he said, “I will send a messenger to tell them the new situation here, if you will agree to help us fight them off if they attack.”
    The Watcher nodded and prepared the message.
    Dolly smiled, “We will not allow them to harm your civilizations. However, you should know that we have destroyed the Violet Fleet that came here in the Blue Giant galaxy and we fear we will be visited again.”
    Tenah frowned and said, “What about the Blue Giants coming back?”
    “They have agreed to come to our defense if we need them.”
    The Moet and Tenah were stunned and looked at each other on the display. Finally the Moet said, “Is there anything my people can do to assist you?”
    Tenah said, “Count us in on that as well. I’m beginning to see that we are all in the same ship and what affects one, affects us all.”
    Dolly raised her eyebrows and said, “I’m not sure. However, we may need to pull off another masquerade in the future so you should make plans to hide your populations underground if it comes to that.”
    “What do you mean?”
    “We may want you to