//The Dominion, Sele// The sounds of the council reached the prelate's ears long before he even came to the doors. Two voices dominated the air, it seemed that Exarch Bruta and Exarch Thant were going at it again, both seemed confused as to why they were suddenly called to the homeworld. [i]"good"[/i] the thought to himself, the two exarchs were constantly at one another's throats, off appearing as the black and white of an argument and anyway to get them both off balance was a good way to keep them focused on the larger picture over their petty squabbles. Rounding one last corners Veicc reached the doors to the council chambers, massive stone double doors that had carvings of the old stories etched into their surface, they were guarded by a fair number of the white masked Hivegaurds, who opened the doors as the Prelate approached. Like all Karilac architecture the chamber was deep underground and was carved from the living stone, the different stones giving the room an ethereal look. Size wise the chamber was a long room, a few hundred feet long, and at least half its length wide. Its high vaulted ceilings were supported by columns that run the length of the room at 30 foot intervals, also far above the ground were openings from which observers could peer down at the proceedings. In the center of the room sat a large raised stone table, its smooth surface covered in the colors of different Hives and around which sat the Exarchs. Behind the Exarchs table, on the back wall of the room was the Prelate's throne, a large chair that was hewn from the rock and draped in the ornamentation, colors and flags of the Dominion as a whole. It sat higher than the table, as to be able to look down on all the Exarchs at once, and was thus only reachable by the set of stairs that seemed to also be the original stone, all in all however it appeared quite modest. A hush fell over the council as Veicc lead his guard into the room. With the whisper of cloth all the Exarchs slowly got to their feet and bowed the Prelate as he passed. Veicc groaned internally, he hated all the ceremony, but it was tradition. Mounting the stairs Veicc left his guard at the base of the stairs and took his seat, motioning for the Exarchs to sit as well. An invitation they took silently. "My Exarchs" Veicc began, scanning the assembled host. "I am sure you are all itching to know why I have summoned you here, today. The truth of the matter is there is a... new matter that requires our attention." A murmur ran through the Galleries above and the Exarchs table, looks were exchanged, but all fell silent as Veicc held up his hand for silence "There are now confirmed reports of a new race, one that does not use the pathways. One of their scouts seem to be headed towards Miris." There was a pause then the murmurs erupted in stereo, questions began to be thrown around [i][color=aba000]"What are they doing there?"[/color] [color=003471]"What kind of weapons do they wield?" [/color][color=9e0b0f]"Dose this mean we shall wage another scourge war?"[/color][/I] "My Sire!" A voice rang out, browbeating its way above the others, Bruta's. Standing up the Exarch continued "Surely there is no cause for alarm, the must be simply a wayward traveler or explorer. Let it reach Miris unmolested. It will observe a colony, nothing more. We have more pressing concerns at the moment that could have ramifications into the future " "Ramifications? Bha." Another voice rose, a voice of contention, Thant's. "You propose we let this scout go? so what, we can focus on a civil war that is not our own? They dug themselves this hole, the best wecan do is fill it, or leave it and focus on our own concerns, mainly a potentially hostile ship!" "You shortsighted, Nal!" Bruta swore "You would shoot one of the sisters if they presented themselves to you!" All went silent at the oath, even Thant seemed taken aback, though sadly it was only a moment. "You seek to insult me here! You were born no warrior, how can you be a Karilac? You have no spine, not even the Ventri could eat you away enough to find it!" Bruta's eyes narrowed as he drew himself up to his full height. His response was not verbal, instead his Ventri began to swarm around him as he reached for his belt. He was issuing a challenge, one Thant seemed intent on answering. Veicc had seen enough, he begaai to stand "That's enough." He stated calmly. Still the two began to move away form the table, both keeping eye contact. At this point Veicc begain to get... angry, as he did he felt a familiar buzz along his skin. "I said that was, ENOUGH." With the last word he unleashed a pulse of crackling blue energy that created not only a thunderclap, but amplified his voice. "You will stop acting like Hachlings and calm yourselves, you will act like Exarchs and return to your seats. Or I will answer both your challenges myself and see you twitching on this floor. Understood?" The last question was dangerously quiet and only hastened the two's return to their seats. "Now I have already ordered a response fleet to be organized, but I am going to send a reinforcement garrison to Miris, and will continue to keep you all ready to form a war fleet should the need arise. In the mean time, we will observe this scout. And weigh our options for and interference in this Civil War." ------ //Dominion Outer Territories, Miris// The garrison commander breathed out heavily, sending a burst of air that disrupted the falling ash. He had just gotten word that the unknown scout was now in range. This unnerved him, he was not afraid, just... apprehensive about the unknown. Still he had received word via scatterburst that a double garrison was to arrive within another week, bolstering his numbers on the ground, armor and in aerospace defense. Still as he looked up through the thin ash cloud choked atmosphere, he still felt off balance, as if he was anticipating something. ---- Summery: The Dominion have began to observe the scout with intent interest, they have bolstered the effectiveness of Miris's garrison, and have begun to take an interest in the Civil War, though their hand has not yet been shown. Tempers faired at the Exarch council, but they were quickly doused.