[geoschmo]

Year 2409.1 (This post was a combined effort detailing the dialogue between the Norak and Sallgan representatives.)

Cecil Calvert walked down the shuttle ramp and handed his papers to the Norak in charge. This was his first visit to Olontra II, but not his first trip offworld by any means. His duties as deputy cultural attache had taken him to nearly a dozen worlds belonging to 5 different races over the years. He had never been given one of the choice ambasadorial positions that required so many political connections, but his knack for getting things had meant that he stayed busy none the less. He also was not well known outside of the diplomatic core of the various races. This combination of anonimity and ability was very important in critical "unofficial" missions such as this one.

This planet was very pleasant by Sallegan standards. The Norak colony appeared to be thriving and growing. From his vantage point on the platform he could see the remains of the old city destroyed by the Amonkrie in the war years before. Avoiding such destruction in the future is precisly why Calvert was here.

Having been notified of his imminent arrival, the Norak Consular office had sent a ground car to pick him and his aide up. As they rode in silence, he reviewed the latest intelligence reports from the Cephredi system. Things there were quickly comping to a head. He feared there would be much bloodshed, but he hoped he was wrong. The path his own government had started down was a dangerous one, thought Calvert. It would not end well if there were any misunderstandings among their allies.

He hoped also that his imformation about Deacon Tallik was correct, that this was a man who had the ear of the Norak Council of Elders. He had met Tallik before at a treaty function in the early days of Republic-Continuum relations. But they had done little more than exchange plesantries, and Calvert had been a minor official at the time. He doubted the Norak would even remember him.

As he arrived he was usshered into the office of Deacon Tallik who was seated and speaking to several others Calvert didn't recognize.

"Decon Tallik, thank you for seeing me on such short notice." Calvert bgean.

Deacon Tallik rose at the sudden entrance of the Sallega representative. "Ambassador Calvert, we welcome you to Olontra II. It seems we have met before, since you directly put the name to the face. This is my trusted assistant Monk Raeghar. Please have a seat. We also return the thanks to your government in allowing us input into this grave situation. Please, please...proceed."

"The Sallgan Republic has grave concerns over the recent events in the Cephredi system. As allies to the Norak, the Amonkrie, and the Zynarians, it pains us to see the constant fighting between your races and loss of life. We have attempted for years to work out a peaceful settlement between the warring parties to no avail."

"Recently our own relations with the Zynarians have become strained over their incresingly irrational demands that we break our treaties with the Norak and Amonkrie and take direct military action against both of you. Let me reassure you Deacon that the Republic has no intention of cedeing to any such demand. They have also recently violated an agreement between our peoples over colonization rights to Cephredi VII."

"This has placed my government in an extermely uncomfortable position. We cannot take up arms against another of our allies in defense of a corrupt government. Perhaps the most politically viable position for the Republic would be to withdraw and let the Zynars and Amonkrie resolve their own issues. But as a people who value life in all it's forms, we cannot sit back and allow the Zynarian people to be exterminated. We know from the experience of others that the Amonkrie are not enemies to be triffled with. One need only look out your own window at the remains of the old city to see how the Amonkrie comport themselves in battle. The Sallegans may have to take control of the Zynars to save the people from their own leaders. Their irrational behavior has angered the Amonkrie and is risking an all out attack which could result in an end to the Zynar race." Calvert paused to allow Tallik a response.

Deacon Tallik began, "We understand your concern and are more than willing to help. The Norak have come to Cephedri one Last time in hopes of peace. Ever since the Norak Continuum lost millions of lives in a foolish attempt to colonize parts of Cephedri, we've sought only peace and reconciliation. I will not decieve you Ambassador, our fleet is a show of force. Many in the Counsel are tired of extending hand after hand to the Zynarra.

"On the other hand, we have had a rocky past with the Amon'krie and we fear if the Sallega attempt to subjugate or install a puppet government in the house of Zynarra, relations between the Amon'krie and the Sallega could deteriorate. The Sallega and the Amon'krie are both vital to the peace of this entire quadrant of the galaxy, and were relations between your people and the Amon'krie to falter, we would have no choice but to involve ourselves.

"Practically though, if the Zynarra choose to make their peace with us, we will petition the Amon'krie to halt the hostilities; otherwise I fear our government may think the extinction of the Zynarr, as an independent people, a good thing. If the Sallega proceed, we ask in the name of the Almighty, that no manner of genocide take place...neither that, nor the wholesale killing of citizens. Planets are not to be bombarded by any means! You must understand. If you sit here and tell us your actions are for the safety and protection of the Zynarra, to save their civilization from death, then we, the Norak, will hold you to your intentions. We've given the Zynarra one Last chance at peace, and expect their answer at any time. We would ask that your government do the same. I have been briefed on the colonization treaty you claim the Zynarra have violated. Bluntly, and take this as the mind of my superiors, the claim is rather weak. If this point of matter is indeed the Last inch which drove the Sallega to action, then may we suggest you offer the Zynarra some payment for the planet."

Calvert considered his response carefully. He sincerely believed every word he was saying about the republics intentions. However he also had no illusions about the possibility that he was being left out of the loop on some things. He hoped that it did not turn out just to be that his government was taking advantage of the situation for a "land grab".

He spoke, "Deacon, your words as always are wise. However, the Sallegan republic does not consider this action rashly. We only bring up the issue of the colony rights as an example of the irrationality of the Zynarian leaders of late. We would never take such serious actions over such a minor issue. Subjugation of other races is not something we seek. We believe that every race has the right to self governance, as long as they show they can do so peacfully with other races. But that right is out-weighed by the individual memebers of that races personal right to exsist. We shall give your negotiations every chance for success. We have as well been expending great efforts to get the Zynar and Amonkrie talking to each other. But if it becomes clear the Amonkrie and Zynar cannot be convinded to make peace, we will be forced to take action to to ensure the survival of the Zynar race."

Tallik leaned slowly back in his high-backed chair. He knew full well what Calvert was saying could not be refuted. Recent reports from Cephedri revealed the real destruction inherent in this conflict. Recent ship movements and our technology intelligence of the Amon'krie showed no intent on their part to take Zynarra worlds intact. "The Norak know little of this conflict, and have to wonder at it's beginnings and underlying dispute. We realize full well that the Amon'krie are slightly expansionistic and have the tendency to expect more than their share...if such a thing exists. But the Zynarra are unreasonable and prone to violence. If negotiations fail, our fleet will remain in Zynarra space to ensure that all parties act sensibly. Although both the Sallega and the Amon'krie are our allies, we will not take immediate sides in this matter. However, we warn you, that the Amon'krie will no doubt lay claim to much of Zynarr space, if you proceed to overthrow their corrupt..."

As Deacon Tallik spoke, Raeghar, his trusted assistant was called from the conference room, only to immediately return. Raeghar handed Tallik a small note. The note contained two short sentences. Tallik forced himself not to sigh or show any sign of surprise. Tallik continued, "It seems, Ambassador, that the Zynarra have refused our Last call for peace, and the Counsel has sent our fleet previously stationed over the warp point leading to Amon'krie space to the Zynarra homeworld. The intent here is to blockade the planet not to destroy it. Finally, the Amon'krie have attacked two planets in Cephedri...I'm not sure which ones. It seems both our questions have been answered, and I am sure you'll wish to straight-way depart, but let me say just two things. Now is the time for you to protect your friends, Ambassador. As we have no intention on their destruction, we also have no desire to lose ships and relations with the Amon'krie and the Sallega in protecting them. May the Almighty grant you wisdom and insight into this matter.

"Thank you for your time Deacon." Calvert said as he prepared to leave, "I must of course return immediately to the Republic and see what the situation is. I am glad to see we are in agreement. I hope we are not too late to avert a disaster."