Meeting Between the Universes

"What ship " sent Grimes again. "What ship Identify yourself, or I open fire."

He grinned when the reply came, "You'd better not."

He said aloud, "Not only human, but our sort of people." He flashed, "This is the Rim Worlds Confederacy's cruiser Faraway Quest."

"Imperial Navy's armed scout Vindictive. Never heard of Rim Worlds Confederacy. Who the hell are you "

Grimes grinned again, sent, "Can't we talk this over "

"Please prepare to receive my boat."

* * *

"Captain Sir Dominic Flandry, of the Imperial Navy," Williams announced cheerfully. "Sir Dominic, may I present Commodore John Grimes, of the Rim Worlds Naval Reserve "

"Your servant, Commodore," said Flandry stiffly.

That'll be the sunny Friday, thought Grimes. "Good to have you aboard, Captain. Or should I say, 'Sir Dominic' "

AND THAT WAS ONLY THE BEGINNING. . .