[center][h1]Derelict Imperium Station, Unnamed Nebula, Argyillian Belt[/h1][/center]

The ancient ring station floated like a mote of dust against the vastness of the nebula around it, the lurid blue and violet clouds of gas looking like waves set to devour the tiny lifeboat in space at any second.  An outpost left over from the Imperium, the station had to be many centuries past its prime.  It had been dormant when the small army of diplomats responsible for choosing the meeting place of the peace conference dug its coordinates from a mountain of disorderly files left over from the fall, and had they not it would likely have ended up as one of the billions of artifacts like it, forgotten and abandoned by its creators for all eternity.  Luckily for the station at least, it was now sure to be remembered.

It had taken a day to sweep the circular station and reactivate its rotational motors, even longer to prep it for the coming negotiations, but now the time was nigh.  Three Freedom class cruisers loitered above the station and within a short battalion of men guarded the side that’d been reserved for the Confederation.  All was set and now the Confederate diplomats abroad anxiously awaited the Empire’s own contingent, each watching their clocks as the seconds ticked down to the agreed time.

A pair of Ibuki-class cruisers, escorted by a pair of minekaze-class destroyers appeared a few minutes before the designated time. The Musashi force approached the station slowly, making no move to power up their weapons systems, although shields were operating at full power. As they neared, the cruisers launched several craft that were identified as carrying Musashi government officials and escorts.

“Ah” Princess Yuki said as she looked over the list Musashi had provided of the officials who were to partake in the meeting. “It’ll be nice to see Lian-sama again.” Her face lit up with a smile as she placed her hand on her mask and pushed it ever so slightly away from her on the table.

Sparing the Princess a glance Chancellor Woolsey cocked a brow and questioned, “A friend?  Teacher?  I suppose it’s best you know the diplomats your father sent.  This might go well enough none of us die by the end.”

Yuki let out a quick chuckle before answering “No, nothing like that. Simply a man worthy of respect. A true patriot. He was tasked with overseeing the defense of our border with you a few years back.” Her smile seemed to widen slightly as she commented “I recall my cousin throwing a fit when Lian-sama drastically cut our active military presence in the region.”

“Is someone talking about me?” A tall man, dressed in dark blue hanfu, said as he entered the room. He took one look at Yuki before removing his mask and falling to a knee. “I cannot put into words how grateful I am to see you unharmed.”

“Please” Yuki said with a slight blush, “not here and now Lian-sama. Now then,” She said as Lian rose to his feet and approached Yuki and Woolsey. “Allow me to introduce you to Woolsey-sama. Chancellor of the New British Republic. Woolsey-sama this is,” She gestured towards Lian, “Lian Yunxu-sama. Admiral of the Imperial Musashi Navy.”

The admiral eyed Woolsey for a moment before saying “The pleasure is mine Woolsey-sama. And be grateful it is I that am here today.”

“Lian-sama!” Yuki sounded truly shocked.

“It was either myself or one of your cousins, Yuki-hime” Lian shrugged.

“Oh….”

“Your father, the emperor, made it quite clear to me that I was supposed to support you in negotiating this peace” Lian continued. “And, might I add, that you need perform well during these negotiations. Shoichi-denka and Saeko-denka are already preparing to take advantage of this whole...mess.”

“Lian-sama! Why speak of internal matters here?” Yuki was clearly flustered.

“The Confederation will figure things out eventually on its own” Lian said with a shrug. “Consider this a token of goodwill on my part.” This he said to Woolsey. “Now then Yuki-hime, Woolsey-sama, shall we begin?”

Woolsey had listen to the back and forth with interest, and at the prompt he was quick to speak, “Indeed we shall Admiral, and it is taken as such.  We all have…  Unpleasant realities to face in the wake of this.  After all, I wouldn’t even be here if it wasn’t the only choice I had.  It can’t be helped, more than a few of my ministers were born on Edinburgh.”  Woolsey regarded Lian closely and gestured to a seat, “Take that anecdote as you will.” 

“Edinburgh is a nice planet” Lian commented as he took the offered seat.

“You’ve been there before?” Yuki asked with a raised eyebrow.

“I’ve seen it from orbit.” Was all Lian gave up before switching the target. “Now about those peace talks…”

“Umm… yes. Woolsey-sama I would like to take measures to prevent another war from occurring. Towards that end Musashi is willing to officially recognize its pre-war border with the Confederation if the Confederation does so as well.” Yuki began. “I would also like to see provisions in this treaty that would prevent either country from annexing territory that once belonged to the other except with the explicit permission of the country that the territory was once a part of.”

“The pre-war borders shall be restored, of that we are in agreement.  However, I would amend your second suggestion.”  Woolsey interlocked his fingers in thought,  “I acknowledge the necessity of a provision against hostile annexation of territory.  However, in light of recent events I believe that we should institute a legal apparatus for such annexation to occur, if desired by the majority populace of a system on either side.”

Yuki frowned, closed her eyes and leaned back in her seat as she considered Woolsey’s proposal. After a moment she opened one eye to look at Lian, who was carefully maintaining a perfectly neutral expression. “A two thirds majority” Yuki said after a moment. “And neither country will be legally bound to annex a system in the event that such a referendum is successful. Agreeable?”

“Hm,”  Woolsey thought for a moment, ideally the bar would be set lower, but he wasn’t foolish enough to ignore Lian’s warning.  If the Princess didn’t seem to be getting a good, or even fair deal the Confederation would have larger issues than attaining mere treaty concessions.  “Very well Princess, your conditions are agreeable.  On the subject of preventing another regrettable incident though, I propose a line of direct communication between the Confederation and Musashi be established at the highest level.”

“Yes!” Yuki perked up. “That falls in line with some of my longstanding wishes. I would like each of our countries to establish an embassy in the capital of the other. I cannot negotiate a direct link to the Emperor, but I can set up a direct communication line to our minister of the foreign affairs.” She nodded to herself before adding “And perhaps we should set up a station, operated by both countries, that we can use as a site for future conferences.”

Woolsey nodded, “All this can be done.  So to recap, a direct line will be established between our respective foreign affairs bodies, a mutual exchange of embassies will occur,  and a neutral territory will be established to settle future disputes.”  Woolsey glanced at Lian before looking to Yuki again, “Is there anything else the Empire of Muashi wishes to propose on the subject of averting future conflicts?”

Yuki glanced at Lian before shaking her head. “I believe we have done as much in regards to that subject as we can at this point in time. Is there anything else you would like to bring up?”

Woolsey corrected his glasses with a quick tap, “No…  Moving on then.”  Woolsey opened a small folder on the table and continued, “Mmmm, yes the next subject of note would be prisoners of war.  Quite simply the Confederation asks for their mutual exchange, all in our custody would be released, as would all in yours.  Does your government find that acceptable?”

“That is acceptable.” Yuki said.

“Actually” Lian spoke up for the first time and, for a moment, it seemed that he would contradict Yuki. “We have brought our POWs here with us. Eight pilots lead by a…” He had to go over some of the materials he brought with him “Captain John Cabet. They can be released into your care the moment these negotiations are completed.”

“Good good.”  Woolsey flipped through another few pages in his folder, “Likewise we can have yours brought here within a single jump.  Most seem to be injured soldiers from the assault on Edinburgh, so they would have to be transferred via medical ship.”

“Would it be possible for the medical ship to transport them straight to a facility in Musashi territory?” Lian asked. “I’d like to avoid any unnecessary transfers of injured personnel if at all possible.”

Woolsey looked up, “Certainly, though we would need certain assurances of the crew's safety, not that I expect trouble of course.”

“I give you my personal word that both the crew and ship will be unharmed while in Musashi’s territory.” Lian said. “And perhaps if we stated they were Yuki-hime’s guests…?”

“None would dare harm them.” Yuki said with a slight nod. “It will be so. Now then.” She lightly tapped the table before saying “I am prepared to offer twenty million in Confederate dollars as compensation to the families of those who died in the defense of their homeland.” Lian narrowed his eyes, but kept his mouth shut.

Woolsey leaned back and shot a glance at Lian.  Reparations would be seen as a significant victory for the Confederation, even if they were small in comparison to the damage done.  The very fact that Yuki would offer them told Woolsey enough about the Princess he’d resented only days ago to agree with the Admiral.  If there was to be a lasting peace, Yuki would have to lead it.  Making eye contact with Yuki he spoke, “On the behalf of my nation's citizens I would be more than happy to accept such an offer.”

“Excellent” Yuki said with a smile. “I hope that it helps in repairing some of the damage done to our countries’ relations.”

Tapping the table and looking down Woolsey remarked, “Indeed it will.”  With a flip to the last page of his folder he spoke again, “Which leaves us the last issue on my agenda.  At the moment my government holds all the agitators responsible for the incident which started this war, and we are prepared to extradite the ringleaders to Musashi to face trial.  Those ringleaders being some eight individuals we’ve noted for their active involvement in the kidnapping of the Princess.”

“I… we appreciate it.” Yuki said after a moment. “But if I recall there was another ten or so individuals on board the ship. Nothing… happened to them, right?”

Glancing up and turning to the Princess from his folder Woolsey answered, “Those individuals were found to be either innocent of conspiracy to provoke a state of hostility between our nations, or remain under interrogation.  It is the will of my government that they remain in the Confederation for the time being.”

“I always figured some of those separatists had truly good intentions. Very well. We shall allow some of our citizens to remain in your country as… tourists?” Yuki nodded to herself. “Yes. Or whatever you want to call them. And the ringleaders of my kidnapping shall be put on trial for terrorism, war crimes, and treason, amongst other charges I’m sure.” She nodded again before adding “Well I believe that just about wraps things up. I must admit we’ve come to an agreement far easier and quicker than I had dared dream.”
“Often times a rational opponent may recognize the value in simplicity Princess.  I feel we’ve both done so today.”  Closing his folder Woolsey stood and outstretched his hand, “I’ll have an official treaty drawn up from the transcripts for us to sign, It was a pleasure.”

What Woolsey didn’t mention how he’d almost certainly be reprimanded for his actions, unofficially of course, but nevertheless.  He just hoped the unconditional extradition would soften the blow to Yuki’s reputation, after all her future was as much power as he had left now.  The failure to protect Edinburgh was enough that he’d lost any chance of reelection, but the pleasant thing about monarchies was that a good decision made regarding them could have a truly lasting impression. 

“The pleasure was mine Woolsey-sama” Yuki said as she shook his hand. “I look forward to working with you and your government in the days to come.” She turned to Lian with a smile. “And it’s good to know that you are on my side.”

By this point the admiral had risen to his feet and was looking down at Yuki with a raised eyebrow. “I’m afraid you’re misunderstanding something” He said as he placed his mask over his face. “The only side that I am on is the Empire’s. I have rushed to your aid once, but I shall warn you now: should you cause harm to Musashi again, I will not hesitate to crush you.” He turned to Woolsey, ignoring the look of utter shock plastered across Yuki’s face, as he said “If you’ll excuse me Woolsey-sama, I’ll see that your pilots are returned to you.”

Rather taken aback by the exchange Woolsey stuttered, “Ah…  Yes I’ll make the arrangements on my side as well.”

“I...I’m sorry you had to see that” Yuki managed as Lian made his exit. All color had seemed to have drained from her face, any trace of pep had fled her body. Her expression was equal parts shocked and betrayed. After a few moments she forced a weak smile and asked “I suppose that completes our business, does it not?”

“I suppose it does.”  With an adjustment of his suit Woolsey almost turned to leave, but he lingered for a moment, “I would take care Princess, for a great many have already sacrificed for your sake.  Do honour them and what they’ve lost, for they won't always be there.”

With that Woolsey strode out of the meeting room and prepared for what would be hours of drafting versions of what had been said until the minor aides on both sides were content with the phrasing.  All said and done, all he wanted now was a modest bunk and a bottle of whiskey. 

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The signing of the official treaty was completely perfectly and was broadcast live in both the Confederation and Musashi. After the ceremony Lian located Woolsey and led him to a side room.

“My apologies Woolsey-sama” Lian said when they were alone. “But I wanted to give you this away from the prying eyes of the media.” He held out a small data cube. Activating it showed the image of a Musashi bushi helping a confederate soldier to his feet. “This was recorded during the battle of Edinburgh. I suspect that it will be leaked to the media in Musashi within the days to come. I am also sure that certain individuals will be using it as part of a propaganda campaign aimed at repairing the relations between our two countries.” He shrugged as he added “I figured you might be interested in a copy yourself.”

“Well then…”  Woolsey waited for the clip to player over a second time, “I can certainly see what you mean.  This will doubtless be a great help to my successor, after I resign.”  With a wry smile he continued, “It seems the party wasn’t too pleased with me, but that’s the beauty of democracy isn’t it?  I’m replaceable, always was.  I digress, but still you have my sincere thanks Admiral.  For more than just this.”

“True leaders are not replaceable” Lian shook his head. “But I suppose that is the problem with democracies. They give their people the type of government they deserve. And monarchies eventually make the people wish they were in a democracy.” He sounded somewhat amused. “Ah, but I must have taken up enough of your time. Perhaps we shall meet again Woolsey-sama, though to be honest I suspect we won’t.”

“Well you may have made it sure there Admiral, after all life tends to mock what we take as certainties.”  Woolsey smiled and went for a handshake, “I have enjoyed your company, however brief it was.”

“Ah. yes.” Lian said as he returned the handshake. He turned to leave, but paused for a moment. “Oh, and thanks for not browbeating Yuki-hime.” He didn’t wait for Woolsey’s reply.