[h2][b]Falul 'Taham - The [i]Immaculate Aegis[/i][/b][/h2]

[hr]

Falul was concerned with the arrival of the three Imperial Venators, but it was not until Erthos' message describing his plan that Falul grew visibly agitated. He let out a growl, slamming his fist into the arm of his chair. "Grah! Scan these Imperial vessels and search for any concentrations of energy signatures. Mark targets for plasma torpedoes on any obvious weapons and engines, and any likely location for their reactors on all three vessels. Target the ventral lance on the rearmost ship, but do [b]not[/b] power any weapons. Not yet."

Erthos, it seemed, was already just expecting him and the others to join with him in combat against the Galactic Empire. He was planning an ambush, and one of the other vessels was even planning to board. Now that the Aegis' spirit understood the technology it had been examining well enough, it could open a secure channel with the [i]Resurgence[/i] and the rest of their small fleet. "Supreme Commander Erthos, I have still not agreed to fight your war. You expect us to fire first against these Imperials? Make no mistake, if I were certain they were my enemy, I would slay them without a second thought, but all they have done thusfar is offer you [i]medical aid[/i]. And if we were to engage them, we should destroy them all quickly and not risk detection."

Though he voiced his dissent, Falul doubted that his words would make any difference. Erthos did not seem like a man who would be swayed from facing his enemy. In a way, it was admirable, but it may not have aligned with Falul's goals in the moment. He needed certainty. Falul needed to know who his enemy was, and for that, Erthos' tactics had actually inspired an idea. Erthos' ruse was drawing in their supposed enemy, and Falul was not beyond a ruse himself. If he knew that the Empire were going to try and force their will upon him, to demand a surrender or even just prevent him from leaving, then he would know that he could not avoid fighting them forever. If he made his intentions to leave known, and was refused, then that would make supporting the [i]Resurgence[/i] the prudent course of action. 

"Open a channel with the Imperial vessel." Falul ordered. Regardless of any doubts or questions that his officers might have had, they followed his order without hesitation. "Imperial vessels, since you have arrived to render aid, my ship's assistance is no longer required. My vessel's presence is required urgently with my people, so we shall be leaving imminently." He announced. Should he be refused, he would simply "accept" the Imperials' order to remain, but he would have his answer.