Thirty six hours remaining until the Council of Nations’ meeting.
Two hours remaining until the Council of Nations’ meeting.
The Princesses on board a Light Corvette.
The Griffin King on board a Light Corvette.
The Minotaur Representative on board a Light Corvette.
The Dragon King on board an Assault Frigate.
“It’s the first council in ages, if I remember correctly,” said the Dragon King more to himself than to the guards at the ammunition hangar, now emptied to temporarily house the enormous Dragon. “First council in ages without the Zebra, at least.”
Zebra have refused to take part in the Council meeting.
They are represented by the Princesses.
The Diamond Dogs have been expelled from the Council permanently.
They are not considered an Independent Species.
Someone in the Fleet Intelligence threw the idea that the Diamond Dogs could’ve been the higher race for whom the saddles were designed. No one picked the subject up, however, as the upcoming meeting occupied every mind.
The Princesses on board the Mothership.
The Dragon King on board the Mothership.
The Griffin King on board the Mothership.
The Minotaur Representative on board the Mothership.
A sufficient place was found within the hastily modified hangars to accommodate the Dragon and every other ambassador, allowing for some semblance of private space.
“What baffles me, though, is how you’ve made a pillow perfectly designed for me? Where did you find so much fabric? How could you make it just plush enough to support my weight?” asked the King.
All the other ambassadors, although they noted the peculiar ease of the Dragon, remained nervous, with their eyes scanning the new environment. The lights blinded, the muffled walls deafened, and the welcome smile of the always optimistic Kushan speaker seemed more forced today than ever before.
“Oh, it’s simple,” the speaker answered, turning to the Dragon King he sat next to. “Our cameras scanned your body from every angle and we observed how you prefer to sit. We’ve also estimated your mass, which allowed us to design and fabricate the perfect pillow. I think every pilot has a seat like that made for him, unless we’re building ships in the middle of the battle.”
“How lovely! I wish we had that fabrication technology. I could lay my whole cavern with plush.” The dragon sighed and smiled a dreamy smile. “But may we begin? I’m terribly anxious to hear that Fleet Command, as you call her.”
The screen at the end of the chamber flashed, and the emblem of the Kushan Fleet was displayed: Two wings, stretching outward from a small sphere, the representation of the world they came from, Kharak. It seemed that the small, winged planet was flying, yearning to reach a larger, closer one slightly below it. The emblem itself appeared to be a representation of their journey, from the hot, unwelcome Kharak to the new, unknown, but filled with hope Hiigara.
“This is the Fleet Command of the Kushan Fleet. I’ll represent the side of the Fleet. I’m currently unable to see you in my physical body. Please, proceed with the introductions if you deem them necessary.”
“I’m the Dragon King. I’ve always used to be the Dragon King. Maybe outside of the time when I wasn’t the King, but that was a long, long time ago. Back when the world was flat, I think.”
“My name is Adamantine Rhetorics. I am the Representative of the Minotaur Tribes.”
“I am Princess Celestia, and this is my sister, Princess Luna. We stand for the United Pony Nations, and as appointed, for the Zebra, at this Council meeting.”
“I’m Ailidh, the Griffin King. I represent the Griffin nation and all of its colonies.”
“The Diamond Dogs remain expelled from the council since the last meeting, nothing’s changing here soon,” said the Dragon King.
“I believe that is everyone,” Fleet Command said, the speakers reproducing her voice perfectly. “Considering we are the hosts, may I have the privilege to speak first, Dragon King?”
“Privilege granted.” The Dragon smiled.
“Now, as you’ve been informed, we’ve recently discovered a set of ruins, whose origin appears to have association with our culture. We have found biological remains and technology suggesting that this planet is our world of origin.”
“We are aware of that. It has been confirmed by the Princesses here, and the scientific community in general. The question is: what does that imply for you?” The Dragon’s question was almost a rhetoric one and he didn’t show any signs of surprise when the answer was voiced.
“We request to be considered a nation from Within at this council and at all times forth.”
“We’ve never had an alien race claim to be the nation from Within and for smaller groups of species from here it takes time and agreement of at least three countries for the nation to be independent,” the Dragon mused. It was clear, however, that he hadn’t finished yet. “Why, I believe for the time of this Council, we shall dine as equals. You may deem yourself a nation from Within, if the others agree. The formalities shall be dealt with later.”
“I agree to the Kushan Fleet’s request,” said the Griffin King.
Celestia looked at the other ambassador’s uneasily, and then at her sister. She was answered with the same lost and nervous gaze. “We agree to consider the Kushan Fleet a nation from Within until proven otherwise.”
“Majority reached,” Minotaur Representative said. “I don’t believe my agreement is required, but nonetheless, it is granted.”
“Consider it done then.” The Dragon King nodded at the screen. “You may be the first to voice your matter. You’re both the host and the virtual cause of our assembly.”
“Thank you,” the voice from the speakers replied. “We shall state our intentions toward each nation openly on the meeting. You may voice your opinions once all intents and purposes have been revealed.
“First, the Minotaur tribes. Your species’ structure is unstable and unbalanced. With the tribal lifestyle, it’s impossible to judge the social implications of the whole species’ population fluctuations, and both political and military potential.
“To preserve your culture and implement the positive development, we offer your tribes to be monitored by volunteers from within. Nothing more than the number of specimen in each tribe and their health state will be recorded, but it is important that any internal or external conflicts be handled with a negotiator to prevent any actual combat that might have dire consequences on your species.
“In return, you will be provided with research in fields such as medicine, comfort and education. None of the species will be provided with mechanisms of warfare research. The technology of the hyperdrive will also never be traded.”
“We agree to the presented terms and conditions, although we allow for no direct or indirect way of forcing a change of lifestyle on Minotaurs within or without the tribes,” the Representative asked.
No direct opposition recognised from the Minotaur Representative basing on his body language.
No direct opposition recognised from the other Council members basing on their body language.
“It will not be,” assured the Fleet Command. “We wish to address our relationship with the Dragon nation now. From this Council meeting forth, we believe the treaty we have signed becomes officially invalid.”
“Some of its points, yes, but it merely needs to be rebuilt...” the Dragon King started.
“You are a wise and everlasting species, even if decreasing in number as of recently. As a nation from Within, we wish to trade with you and provide an exchange of our scientific knowledge for your wisdom. As soon as the proper trade route documents are signed we shall begin. No birth control technology will be provided.”
The Dragon King chuckled, but approved.
“I would like to address the Equine nation now.”
“We call ourselves Ponies, but address us as you will,” interrupted Luna.
“I suppose I’ll address the Pony nation now then. We’d like to issue our sincerest apologies for the... high efficiency of the scientific tests we have done with you. In exchange, we wish to sign adequate treaties to establish trading routes. Our technology and knowledge will be provided to you at a fair price.
“Furthermore, we have come to know and understand the nature of your war with the Griffins recently. We would like to voice our full support of your side.”
There was a stir in the group.
The Equine Princesses show surprise, based on their body language.
The Griffin King shows multiple signs of fear, based on his body language.
“As soon as you allow, and as the documents are agreed on and signed, we will station our ground troops by the chosen points within Equestria and intervene only upon a direct request from the Pony nation itself.”
“This...” Celestia stumbled on her own words. “This will require further negotiations on the bases’ placement, on the amount of forces stationed, on multiple other parts. But we do accept your request as of now.”
“Very well then. We will send in our troops no sooner than in a week’s time.”
Luna shot a surprised stare at her sister. Celestia’s horn flashed briefly in response, but she didn’t look into Luna’s eyes.
Psychic message detected.
Deciphering.
Comparing to Equine speech patterns.
Message deciphered:
“I had no choice but to accept. We must call for the Elements as soon as we get back.”
Luna’s horn flashed.
“They are considered a nation from Within. We cannot use the Elements in war unless it threatens the very existence of our species!”
“It might. That’s enough,” Celestia answered, her eyes trained on the Kushan Fleet symbol visible on the screen.
“Don’t be afraid, Griffin King, for we have heard and understood your request. We won’t unleash a direct attack on your country.”
“What was the request, if I may ask,” inquired the Dragon King.
“I have tried, on multiple occasions mind you, to bring this matter to the Council, but it has never been addressed! You see, my nation, its culture and goals, are degrading. We are becoming more and more obsessed with war, with having more and more territory. I don’t know why this is happening, but I’m afraid we’ll deem ourselves and everyone around us to years of conflict if it doesn’t stop,” the Griffin took a deep breath.
“I’ve got no idea why this hasn’t been addressed. Perhaps some of my damned adversaries thought this is not important enough to be brought to my attention. I’ll make sure they eat gravel when I get home. Lots and lots of gravel.” The Dragon King huffed. “Nevertheless, what can we do? That is a good question.”
“A proper pro-royalist and peace propaganda needs to be created. Psychologists within your country should be trained to reduce the population’s tension. The influence of the lords must be diminished, and the power centralized. Upon request, you will be granted all the help we can provide,” Fleet Command suggested.
“Oh, if you can help with my nation, if that can be done, you have my full approval,” agreed the Griffin King.
“Well, I suppose the Council’s help won’t be needed then. Good luck sorting the situation out!.” The Dragon nodded and looked at the screen in deep thought.
“The plans will be prepared immediately. We’ll deploy our operatives as soon as possible.”
“All settled? No further questions? No major issue to be brought before the Council? Then I call the meeting over. No matter how much I appreciate this pillow,” he tapped the pillow below him, “the politics bore me. You’ll polish things out on your own, just make sure they agree with the treaties we signed all those ages ago. Good whatever-time-of-day-it-is!” The Dragon King, no matter how much he wished to leave, realised he was in space. And in space, as some might notice, no one cares you wish to leave.
The adversaries on board Light Corvettes. Dragon King on board an Assault Frigate.
Traces of uncertainty and fear noted in the Princesses’ body language.
Relief noted in the Griffin King’s body language.