[Alneyan]

*Brings the thread back to life* A good month later, here is the promised story. *Grumbles* I cannot say I do like it either, even if I had quite a lot of time to think over this text. There *should* be a sequel with the more recent events, hopefully in a few days. *Winks at Ruatha* So without any more addendum:

2407.9 The Free Democratic Socialist Republic

Outside Councillor Dtleberi glanced at the little, private room he was led to. It was located in the left wing of the Basilica, near the suits dedicated to the highest officials in the Republic. Through the bay window, the only opening in the room, he could see the Ceremony of Teaching taking place somewhere else in the Basilica. The well-known words came to his ears, and he found himself reciting the usual prayer along with the acolytes.

After the ceremony ended, only an acolyte raised his hand: “I am not sure how I should put it Noble Voice... Why, the One Above tends to be represented as an androgynous being. Does the One Who Knows have a specific gender?” The apprentice looked ill-at-ease from having asked such a question, but he was comforted by the Holder:

“It is a good question indeed, and I am glad to see you are sharp-witted enough to ask it. The One Above created our people, composed of both females and males, and thus belongs to both genders and to neither. Besides, no human representation can truthfully evince the true nature of the One Above, and what physical body we may give to the One is merely a pretence. But they are other fields in which...” Dtleberi recalled from his politics courses this change took place so that the godhood would encompass all aspects of the society, instead of leaving some individual outside. The same reasoning could be used for the assimilation of aliens beings as well, he thought.

[i] “Would you like to go back to these days of schooling Dtleberi? If so, I believe it could be arranged.” The gentle voice of the Elder Voice came, a sly smile on his usually stern features.

Dtleberi turned at once, startled, and knelt before the Elder Voice, without giving it a thought: “Stand up, such formalities are not required. Not now.” he commanded.

As the Councillor rose, he cast a quick glance at the Voice adamant face and noticed unusual wrinkles running along his forehead. The Elder Voice resumed as though he had been reading the thoughts which occurred to Dtleberi: “Yes, the Republic is suffering from a few problems, here and there, the occasional little bothers you would expect in a government of such a scale. But before we speak of politics, may I inquire your opinion about a most peculiar topic?” Even if the question was rhetorical, a mere courtesy, the Councillor notice this mark of care and attention.

“What do you think of our Republic, and all good it brought with the course of the years?” The query came, unexpected, on a personal matter rather than some question with regards to the *others*, the Outside. He was reminded of the improvements done by the Republic to these outer colony worlds since they came to power, and above all, of the highly advanced technology available on Haven, the Seat of the Republic. Besides, they gave to these depraved worlds values to follow, and a cultural standard. Convinced by the fairness of the Republic, his voice was steady when he answered: “It is my belief the fate of our denizens is as good as one could expect, and the Republic promoted many technological advances ensuring our citizens a decent standard of living. And we managed to avoid the moral decay encountered among other peoples.”

The Elder Voice nodded his approval. “It comforts me to see you share my views about the necessity and the justice of a government such as our Republic. Unfortunately, as you may know, our values are not shared by all, and a few are even plotting the fall of the Republic. *Our* fall, and the tumble of civilization as we know it.” A look of concern passed on his face as he pointed at a projection on the wall. The hologram was of a tall being, with fair complexion and blonde hair.

“ The Swedes,” Dtleberi muttered. “Our relationship with their Democracy has always been tense, as they do not share our agenda on religion and left aside this path,” he mused aloud. “ But I had not expected a war with them, not in my lifetime at the very least, even if we do not pursue the same aims.”

The Elder Voice gave a bitter laugh. “We are not at war with them. Not yet. But our relations are deep rooted in mistrust and misunderstanding and a conflict seems unavoidable. We may have a few months to brace ourselves, but they might strike even as we speak.” Dtleberi heard the deafening din of a spacecraft take-off from one of the remote spaceports. Another dartship northbound, ordered to reinforce the north defences, the most vulnerable border of the Republic.

“Extraordinary circumstances enquire extraordinary measures,” the Voice resumed, in a forbidding tone. “The One Who Knows prevent us from struggling against the Swedes, but we cannot take any chance with our protection. As per an ordonnance of the High Seat, the whole Republic is to fall under martial law. The Order of the Candle will be tasked with enforcing this new rule while the Outside Council will be held responsible for the control of our border worlds. Likewise, all space yards will be called for production of dartships to ensure the safety of the Circle. It is our unfortunate duty to fully militarise the Republic as otherwise a weak military might spell our end.”

Councillor Dtleberi was taken aback by such harsh decisions, as he slowly grasped what it meant. Martial law. All power handed back to the military, and to a lesser extent, to the High Seat, rather than to the civil servants. He was still lost in thoughts when the voice of the Elder, this time gentler, came to his ears: “I do know this prospect can be quite depressing for you Dtleberi, but you know as well as I do that no alternatives are left. Even if we can concur to a pacific resolution with the Swedes, a powerful and efficient fleet will be required. Contrary to our earlier beliefs, we are not alone in this galaxy, and worse, other Empires follow the path of the Faith such as the Nyxians. We can safely assume they have access to the so-called Talisman as well, which means our Republic is no longer a special nation. And as they are rumoured to be stronger than us, they might even surpass the Republic in all its glory. Thus we have to strengthen our military power so that the Republic can remain a Power in this galaxy, while waiting for our opportunity to reclaim what is rightfully ours. Do you now see why such measures are required, even if you do not accept them?”

No answer was needed, and Dtleberi merely shook his head in approval. “But I did not summon you to discuss and to bore with such considerations or our current strategies,” the Elder Voice continued. “Instead, I wished to entrust you with a grave responsibility. As you know, we still have a Trade agreement with the Swedes. We would like to break this treaty, if only to state our independence from the Outside. However, we would have to be wary when doing so, for the Swedes might interpret our decision as a preparation to war. You are to contact them and to explain to them why it is our belief this agreement should be cancelled, while guaranteeing we have no hostilities with them.”

“I shall handle this diplomacy effort,” answered Dtleberi. “But I am reluctant to trust the Swedes, and their disposition tends to be fairly inconstant according to our previous communications. It is my worry they might seize our decree as a pretence to launch their offensive. Nonetheless, I will do as you ask, my Elder.”

“So do I Dtleberi, but once again we have to challenge them to figure out whether they are trustworthy or not. It is why I personally required your assistance in this matter, as all your skill in diplomacy will be needed to treat this request without causing any incident. I will be leaving to attend the Circle Assembly, and will be looking forward to reading your message at your earliest convenience.”

Dtleberi bowed deeply as the Elder Voice left the room, and was left to wonder why he had been designed to see to this delicate relation. It was uncommon for the High Seat to give any scrap of true power, let alone important responsibilities. Perhaps it was due to the tense situation, which required more skilled individuals to solve. He scolded himself sternly for meddling in someone else's affairs, and dismissed the thought with a shrug.

Thus the following message was sent afterwards to the Sweden Tingsrads:
“Greetings Ruatha of the Swedes,
We do understand your concerns about our agenda, and your consequent refusal of our technological exchange. However, you would have to take into consideration our own reluctance to trade raw materials with an Empire which does not follow our path and our values. Distrust and doubts are too well rooted in our relationship to allow any efficient trade agreement between us. Therefore, the Free Democratic Socialist Republic had to decide to cancel all trade with the Swedes. All Republican personnel is to leave Sweden space as soon as possible, and our ships will henceforth stay away from your worlds.
Please rest assured we have no intention of attacking or threatening the Swedes, and our decree is a mere security measure and our attempt to prevent any misunderstanding from occurring again. Our hope is to live in shared peace with the Swedes, but we cannot open our worlds to the Sweden Democracy for the time being. Nevertheless, this decision will be reconsidered at the earliest possible opportunity once we can assure the safety of our Republic, both physical and moral, as our worlds follow what we believe to be a righteous path.
Respectfully, Outside Councillor Dtleberi.”

[ December 24, 2003, 16:05: Message edited by: Alneyan ]