[Randallw]

Broma stood at attention, wearing Diplomatic uniform. Around him stood the crew of the vessel on which he had been transported here. Mostly comprising Auxiliaries they also wore their dress uniforms, besides him the captain stood waiting along with the other members of the States diplomatic contingent. Slowly the doors leading into the conference room opened and a junior officer ushered in the delegates from the neighbouring empire. Broma made an effort not to react to their alien appearance. Bedecked in their own Versions of uniform, or at least Broma assumed, they filed into the room and stood opposite the desk that filled the center of the room. Broma strode forward, aware of the fact that cameras in the room were filming the events for the records. Reaching to one side he picked up the old fashioned pen lying on the desk, and with a flourish he affixed his newly created signature to the official documents on the desk. Normally documents would be signed with an electronic print, but so little was known of the aliens that old fashioned means were required. Turning the documents he pushed them over to the Alien envoy, accepting in return a copy of the documents newly signed by the Alien. Again the envoys signed the copies before an aide from each side reached over and took the newly signed trade treaties. Reaching across the desk Broma held out his hand. The Alien envoy stared at the presented limb before reaching forward with its own alien limb and grasping Broma's. Broma was surprised how warm the hand felt, and he began to smile.