Fela risked a slight smile. “Extending trust is the first step to building a relationship.”

“Betraying trust is the way to end it,” Epyc Ro said.

The chieftain clasped their hands, a gesture to her. “Then let me not betray what has so generously been given.”

With the practiced cadence and ease of a griot, Natan spoke in measured, nearly rhythmical tones. “There is a story that our seers tell about how …

“… visitors came from a faraway village. Their ways were strange. They came in peace, offering great medicine and many gifts from their land. Their warriors clung to the shadows, insects waiting under leaves with the threat of rain. At first, we regaled their envoy, but our seer would have none of it. Our seer warned that we could not become dependent on our benefactors, no matter how generous the benefactors. Relying on them had not, nor would not, work. We had to chart our own course to develop ourselves. So the strangers turned to the child.”

Ellis shifted, his stance no longer comfortable.

“The child’s father died without so much as a yam to his name. Weak and powerless, their neighbors took what was owed them. The child wished to build their wealth on their own. To be powerful in their own name. They chose the child to speak for them to their people. The visitors told the child that they saw their potential; promised them wealth and power. The child called for their people to meet the envoy one last time for a gift before they left. It was then that the visiting warriors revealed themselves. And their terrible weapons. Our people were struck down. The few remaining retreated, organizing like wasps against a cow, more to irritate and to slow down their enemy’s incursion, keeping them from establishing a permanent home. Despite their efforts, they knew it would only be a matter of time before the visitors might overwhelm them. The tribe decided the child no longer had a place among them. The child was cast out from the village to live out their days in exile. They prepared for their banishment when more visitors arrived. Having been stung once, they held no room for welcome in their hearts and took up arms.”

The chieftain paused, their words slow and halting.

Fela wiped sweat from her forehead. The close air made her back itch. “We fear they are or will be soon using your world as a staging area for their fleet in order for a grand push into our sector.”

“We have reports that they have been setting up mining operations on our world,” the chieftain said.

“Do you know what for?” Epyc Ro asked as if suddenly interested.

“This.” They waved to Ellis!Olinger, who brought over a metal box. When Fela opened it, her eyes widened.

“You … recognize it?” Natan asked.