“We are unfamiliar with that term. If you could aid us with the damaged ship, guide us back to our system and our main group we would be thankful.” The bridge crew listened carefully to T’sar while attending their duties.

“What system are you from? My people are unfamiliar with Eridani. It is not on our star charts, however you are the first to come through the Zhule who come close to speaking our language. You are also among the few to come through that showed no hostile intentions. I am Cæmon Tuali, of the ship Nar, of the Arctriani T’rbeo fleet.” Friendly tones spoke just as much as the words said by this cæmon, whatever that was.

“I am T’sar, Captain of the V’rak. Our entire fleet was vrekasht from Eridani, traveling to a new world to make our home, when our small group got separated from the rest when our communications and other onboard systems were adversely affected by an ion storm. We apparently came much farther than we realized after being pulled into that tunnel. I believe you called it a Zhule? Nothing we see in this system matches any of our star charts either. Perhaps we are more lost than we were before?” T’sar’s questions were twofold.

“Yes, I believe you are,” said Tuali quietly. “We can help you with your immediate problems just as soon as the rest of my group closes on this position. Your crippled ship will be towed to our orbital station for repairs. We can then meet and discuss other matters, if that would be acceptable to you?”

Making the decision for all weighed heavily on T’sar but he was the highest-ranking person in the group, therefore he had the responsibility for everyone. He didn’t take long to decide.

“We would be grateful for the assistance. Further discussion would be most acceptable as well. Our people are concerned about many problems and would be grateful for your aid. Your offer of a new home is well worth discussing if you cannot guide us back to our people.” He turned to the rest of the crew, giving them a chance to protest, but none came.

“Very well. If you will point out your damaged ship we will take them in tow and you can follow us to our orbital station for initial discussion and repairs.” Tuali spoke firmly, well in command of the situation.

“Very well,” T’sar responded quietly. “Tela, tell the other ships to undock from the Z’lan, now that at least some air transfer has been accomplished. We will follow our new acquaintances directions and see what is in store for us at their orbital platform. Perhaps, after meeting with them we will be able to decide what our next move will be.”