"Will you stop fidgeting? You truly are starting to drive me mad!" said an exasperated Wintean Chiroid.

"What do you want from me?" responded an equally annoyed Wik Zylyn. "If we get caught, this is treason. You do understand that, right?"

"No, actually I don't understand that Wik...especially coming from an Alpha Centaurian trader. You've seen the disparity between Triugha and Rigel first hand. Many on our homeworld have no clue."

Wintean briefly paused to regain composure.

"Look, what we are doing here is our duty. We're giving our people hope. The Humans don't belong on Rigel. They are squatters...short-term renters at best. They have had their fill. It is now time to serve their eviction notice ...That is what we are doing here today."

Wik usually went along with most of what his friend and colleague said and did. Not because he didn't have a mind of his own, but mostly because Wintean's words rarely had any real world consequences one-way or the other. His views on politics and societal mores were interesting but in the grand scheme of things, none of it really mattered. This time, however, things were different. Scary different...

Wintean continued to stare at Wik, seemingly waiting for some sort of affirmation.

"What?" Aren't you going to say something...anything?"

"What do you want from me?" Wik finally replied. "You really want to know what I think? Fine. I think you are playing with fire. Your mental gymnastics and pseudo-justifications won't change anything. And what upsets me the most is that you put me in the middle of your treasonous escapade without the decency of any advance warning. What makes you think I would want any part of this insane plan of yours? I actually like my family and my boring, comfortable lifestyle."

Wintean laughed, which caused Wik to roll his eyes and look away. Despite his colleague's visual disgust, Wintean continued.

"For starters, we have worked together for decades. Since when do you care about the logistical details? Why would this situation be any different?" he asked. "And for the record, this is no game...far from it. This 'game', once it fully plays out will set us both up for life. It will also make us heroes. In time you shall see...and understand."

Wik had just about enough at this point.

"If you choose to deceive yourself you are more than welcome to do so. I however refuse to join your nonsense. When you meet with them, you will do so without me by your side. Take all the profits you think you will earn. You can also take all the fire that will come with it. And yes, there will be fire...plenty of it. This embargo with Zeta Reticulon has been in place for over a century. And it gets tighter and more restrictive with each passing year. Do you really believe that there are no reasons for this? Reasons, I might add that our own AC legislature has gone along with for decades."

"You have grown soft my friend," Wintean replied. " Your so-called 'comfortable' lifestyle is a Rigel lifestyle. Could that be part of this newfound conscience and spine of yours? You are blind if you cannot see that what we are doing today is far bigger than the both of us. This is about enriching the lives of millions of Triughan's who can't harvest enough food because our growing season is much too short and the seed lots we are forced to use have nowhere near the yield we require.

The Zetas can help us...and I plan to do everything in my power to make sure that they do."

Wik was still unconvinced, especially with Wintean's new-found altruistic tone.

"And lining your pockets will simply be a bonus for the good deeds rendered?" he quipped sarcastically.

Wintean looked genuinely confused and surprised.

"You're absolutely right," Wintean responded in a much more conciliatory tone. I should have told you about this meeting. We are business partners, but more importantly, we are friends. It will never happen again."

There was a brief pause.

Wintean continued.

"And as to your question regarding monetary gain, yes, of course, there will be profit. We are still traders, are we not? However, your insinuations regarding motive are misplaced, my friend. Material gain is not my primary concern. I, along with my entire family, still live on Triugha. I see more pain and suffering in one day than you see in a solar cycle. Our people have invested blood, sweat, and many tears on Rigel, centuries before the Humans arrived. These visitors have helped us. There is no question about that. And any agreement we strike with our Zetan counterparts will have to include contingencies to treat the Humans fairly. There can be no violence and no abrupt evacuations. In the end, and in the long run, this will be a win for all involved, including the Humans who will finally get to a place that they can call their own."

Wik shook his head in disbelief.

"Do you truly believe the words you are uttering? For one, the Humans will, in no way, 'profit' from this. The Zetas will respond with deadly force once they realize that they have been deceived. Their kind has no mercy. But you already know this. Secondly, how can you assume that our leadership will embrace even the possibility of having Zeta forces within our system as a result of your insignificant profit-driven triste with a hyper-aggressive and highly antagonistic species? Your determination that there will be no reprisal towards our people for hiding the Humans all these years is absurd. And finally, while we look to acquire superior and highly illegal seed lots along with more efficient propulsion drive systems, how are we supposed to pay for these small treasures?"

Wintean smiled.

"Knowledge," he added.

"Uncovering the whereabouts of an enemy thought to be long since vanquished is valuable currency, my friend. I think you grossly underestimate its worth."

Wik was still not convinced, but at this point had little choice in the matter given the circumstances that he was unwittingly thrust into.

"Trust me, Wik, I would not put either of us in harm's way."

Before Wik could reply, a communication beacon emanating from the helm of their cargo ship sounded.

"They're here," Wintean announced. "We must be in range."

They were now close to Sentilli, which was a neutral outpost primarily used for interstellar transmission relays. Wik knew that this particular facility had not been used for over a decade, which was precisely why Wintean had chosen it for their rendezvous location...

"Prepare to bring us into a stable orbital pattern while I make sure this is who we think it is," Wintean commanded.

While still not thrilled about the situation he found himself in, Wik managed to maneuver the ship into orbit. Meanwhile, Wintean was intently studying the details of the encrypted message they had received from the approaching vessel.

After a few moments of silence, Wik spoke up.

"Well, who is it, and what does it say?"

"It's them. They're requesting clearance to dock. Send them the engagement protocols."

Wik complied, and within minutes, the two ships were joined in synchronous orbit around the remote outpost.

Once the ships were locked in place, Wik abruptly departed the bridge without speaking a word.

Wintean let him go. He could do this part himself, he thought.

Wintean proceeded to the docking station to meet his trading counterpart.

Once the airlock between the ships was pressurized, both doors opened and for the first time in over a century, the two species stood face-to-face.

Since Wintean did not speak Zetan and he was fairly sure native Alpha Centaurian was not a common tongue on Zeta, he decided to communicate telepathically.

"Welcome. Thank you for agreeing to meet me."

The Zeta Trader ignored his communication and instead began intently surveying his surroundings, looking for evidence of external surveillance.

Wintean noticed his behavior and continued.

"I assure you, there's nothing here that should concern you."

The Zeta Trader still avoided eye contact and continued to study the area around him.

Wintean, in an attempt to move things forward, asked, "What is your name? My designation is Wintean Chiroid of Triugha."

His counterpart finally looked up at Wintean. He did not look thrilled.

After a few seconds, the Zeta trader replied telepathically.

"You bring me to the middle of nowhere with vague assurances of great profit, trader. State your business."

Clearly, Zetas were not ones for pleasantries, he thought to himself. Not a problem. The faster we can get the hell out of here the better.

"We want your highest yield grain seed and your best hyperdrives. Both in large quantities."

The Zeta Trader stared piercingly into Wintean's eyes.

"I have heard of your barren cold world so I am sure you do, Centaurian. I am also sure it is quite dangerous for you to acquire such high-end goods. It will cost you, Wintean Chiroid of Triugha. Dearly..."

Wintean did not immediately respond.

"Do not waste my time, alien. State your offer."

"Information," Wintean replied as he met the Zeta's fierce gaze.

"What is this? Do not test my patience, Centaurian. I live by the trade but survive by the sword."

Wintean responded again.

"In exchange, we offer information. Valuable information that will bring you great wealth."

The Zeta Trader stood motionless in front of him and narrowed his stare.

"I can deliver you the exact location of millions of defenseless Humans", Wintean continued. "Humans that your Leaders do not know exist. Humans who are thriving in unimaginable ways this very moment...

And you, nameless Zeta Trader, can be the lucky soul who brings this incredible gift to your Supreme Leader. A gift that no doubt will bring you riches and fame beyond your wildest imagination."

The Zeta Trader stood motionless and did not initially respond. After a moment, he turned and walked towards the pressurized airlocks that joined the two ships. Before departing, he communicated telepathically:

"I will share your information with our Leaders. If what you say holds true, you will receive your seed and drives, Centaurian... If your words deceive, however, you will pay with your life. Either way, we will soon meet again..."