[center][h2]Paradise Station, Paradise System, Sovereign Star Confederation[/h2][/center] As the chambers projectors hummed to life Woolsey’s downcast expression materialized a moment before his body, almost immediately provoking looks of concern from all but a few of the Chancellors. They all knew why they were here today, and to see their ambassador and former colleague in such spirits was nothing but foreboding. Almost cautiously Kaela Sevaren stood to greet him, “Ambassador Woolsey, as always it is good to see you. We received your preliminary report and have convened as you requested, would you care to elaborate on what details you included in your missive?” Woolsey nodded, but before he could speak a rather distraught looking Chancellor Cooper interjected, “Is it true?” Leaning over her podium as if to hear Woolsey’s words more clearly she continued, “Has that fool of an Emperor truly done something so asinine?” Woolsey rubbed his temples and straightened his slumped posture before he looked up to Cooper on her podium, “All too true—unfortunately. It seems the Princess Yuki has been disowned and disinherited by the Emperor. From what I have gathered it seems at the urging of Uther she endeavoured to prevent the war with the Second Imperium in contravention of her father’s orders; as it is now the Princess Yuki will never sit on the throne.” A silence fell on the room and the Chancellors exchanged tense glances among themselves, none of them keen on being the first to speak. As if taking responsibility for asking Woolsey Chancellor Cooper swallowed and spoke, her voice clearly uncertain, “What… Has become of the Princess? Did her efforts bear any fruit? Do we know at least that?” Woolsey sighed and scratched his chin, “I know not the Princess Yuki’s fate Chancellor, but I imagine the fleet she was travelling aboard will bring her back to Musashi in chains. From what I have heard the Emperors reaction was extreme, and I do not expect her to fair well.” He paused and massaged his brow a moment, as if contemplating the irony that led him to delivering this news. Glancing up and scanning the faces of the assembled Cabinet members he spoke again, “As for her efforts, at least it seems Musashi will not invade the Second Imperium as soon as was expected. Though… I would not attribute that solely to the Princess Yuki.” Cooper perked up a bit at that, perhaps there was someone else in Musashi they could reason with? With a tinge more confidence than before she questioned, “If not Yuki, who managed to stay the Emperors hand?” Woolsey caught Coopers gaze and held it uncompromisingly as he spoke, “It was the Princess Saeko Chancellor.” Cooper deflated, the hope in her eyes falling to nothing. Below the slightest smile formed on Woolsey’s lips, but none noticed as a slam resounded though the chamber and Ainsworth bellowed, “What does it matter who stopped the Emperor? You heard the Ambassador, the old fool will invade soon enough anyway, regardless of what we hope. The Princess Yuki may have truly been an ally of ours like many here insisted, but then it’s no surprise she’s been removed. We should never have involved ourselves with a state that, may I remind this Cabinet, declared war upon us!” Many murmured their support, but regardless of Ainsworth words the toxic looks they directed at Chancellor Cooper were clear. She’d made the last mistake she was going to on this Cabinet. Woolsey almost felt for her, but the sight of Emperor Ryu choking Saeko was far too fresh for him to sympathize. Shaking his head he looked away from Ainsworth and to Sevaren, “Certainly, we may have made the wrong decision when it came to the Princess Saeko, but cutting relations with Musashi is rash. The Emperor is also rumored to have made threats against the Remnants, if nothing else we must ensure those threats never become reality. Neither heir can help us with that now, but they are not the only ones in the court of Musashi. I advise that we attempt to win over the higher officials in the nation, if we cannot be friends with Musashi we can at least influence it to stay out of our affairs.” Sevaren mulled it over and peered down at Woolsey, looking for any cue that might imply his words were influenced by emotions brought forth by recent events, and finding none. Sitting up behind her podium she addressed the whole of the Cabinet, “Woolsey brings up valid points, we cannot sever our ties with Musashi, regardless of how much we may regret our actions.” Sevaren glanced pitifully at the despondent Cooper and went on, “I also agree with his assertion that should make allies within the Imperial court of Musashi. However, we must not fall prey to the delusion that we can continue as if this means nothing. Chancellor Ainsworth is right, if Yuki was disowned now she was always going to be.” “First the report of him strangling his niece, that was enough to make us question this Emperor Ryu, but now word of him rejecting his daughter? I believe it is clear to all of us that the Emperor of Musashi is unstable, and dangerous.” Sevaren looked around the room challenging anyone to disagree, “Beyond that with no reasonable candidates to replace him we are faced with a difficult situation, no matter how much the court loves this nation of ours they do not rule Musashi. As a result I move that this Cabinet enacts a policy, that should Musashi launch a war of aggression against the Second Imperium or any other sovereign nation, we will condemn them and prepare ourselves for the possibility of conflict. A nation run by a madman cannot be left unchecked.” The Cabinet was silent, but soon burst into cheers of support, even Ainsworth nodding in favour of the First Chancellor. For his part Woolsey could only stand in a daze, Sevaren had always been an advocate for peace, so what was this? As if voicing his confusion the voice of Chancellor Espanta rang out, “First Chancellor, did you forget we have a treaty with the Empire? We cannot simply run to the aid of whomever they choose to invade.” Sevaren nodded, but spoke threateningly, “Normally Chancellor, we could not. However, if the foolish Emperor of Musashi thinks he can violate the word of his diplomats by disavowing them he is mistaken. Do not forget it was the Princess Yuki who negotiated our peace treaty.” Just then she stopped and turned to Woolsey, her expression softening, ”That having been said, I do not wish for war, and while we shall not shy away from it we must do all in our power to prevent it. Ambassador, you are to win over as much of the court as you are able to that end, but Musashi shall know our positon if the Emperor marches to war. If there is any sense left in his head he will back down, or else he will be brought to heel.” Woolsey looked at her dumbstruck and nodded meekly, “Very well First Chancellor.” Before vanishing into the air.