((Collaboration with [@Ozerath]))

[u][b]Outer Orbit of Jalaryias
Environs of Sanctuary Station[/b][/u]

Surrounded by the eerie silence of the deathly sidereal void, the ship swept through its chill expanse, its shape and rapid, smooth motion rendering it similar to some sort of abyssal predator swimming through murky oceanic depths. Some hundred thousand miles away, yet seemingly no less vast for the distance, the silhouette of Jalaryias loomed ahead, akin to a small, faint sun, to such an extent that it had likely been mistaken for one by many of the system's inhabitants in their early, primitive days. Though its satellites were both large and numerous, almost none could be seen from the ship's position, save for a few sparse, barely visible asteroids constellated across the luminous circle of its surface. Unless one were equipped with instruments more discerning than mere vision, the vessel itself would have appeared to them as merely one of those; and so would its destiation likewise have appeared to its occupants, had their own perceptions not been suitably enhanced and funneled through the craft's mechanical conduits.

Within, the ship appeared almost as empty as its external surroundings. Manifestly, it was desiged to accommodate far greater numbers than the company which had presently taken up quarters in it. There was some animation in the fore sections, with rays of golden light streaming into the penumbra beyond, accompanied by the chittering of Vraslil voices. However, most of the large, vaulted chambers, which could, for their conformation, have served as rudimentary barracks, hangars or storage depots alike, were empty, the darkness in them feebly pierced by dim green lights streaming from rown of diminutive projectors along the intersection between the walls and the floor, and the silence only slightly disturbed by the low humming of motors somewhere below and occasionally broken by the steps and rasping breathing of patrolling cybeasts.

Presently, however, life seemed to course through the hollow spaces. The green lights grew more intense, and scurrying steps began to be heard throughout the vessel, accompanied by rhytmic metallic clattering, as its occupants sprang into motion. Though it was not particularly perceivable from within, its motion was growing progressively slower, as the engines shifted to a stance more suited for finer manoeuvering. The ship was approaching its destination.

[hr]

Sanctuary shone like a beacon in the void. The station was massive, and still growing. The lights of its artificial cities shone from within their habitat domes, beckoning travellers closer. There was a throng of traffic flitting about the station, freighters and transports from all over the orbitals, interspersed with golden Concordat cutters diligently policing the flow. The station was not armed, of course. It was a civilian installation. Powerful shield generators could keep it safe for a time, and anyone with half a brain knew that Concordat warships lurked just out of range, silent and ready to strike at a would be invader. Sanctuary's reputation also helped protect it; the largest civilian hub beyond the garden moons was hardly a valid military target. Anyone who attacked it would be attacking the citizens of a dozen nations; destroying it would constitute an atrocity.

The Covenant vessel was granted clearance and assigned an approach vector. Soon enough, it was nosing against the station's bulk, attaching tubes and conduits.

A tone sounded in the waiting room. Kedal practiced her most diplomatic smile. Joren conveyed his amusement at her over the network. Sendema was not with them, thankfully. Kedal had managed to convince her to skip this particular meeting. Sendema was not a great admirer of the Covenant, and Kedal was not keen to have her bluntness foul up negotiations. Herself and Joren were adequate representation, each of them Star Chamber members from opposing factions. They would suffice to advance the Concordat's agenda. The door to the airlock began to cycle open, and Kedal turned to face it, assuming the smile she'd been practicing.

Due to the rather restrictive positioning requirements in boarding such an object as Sanctuary, the ship was so placed that its boarding ramp was facing the void, regrettably rendering the somewhat militaristic typical landing display of Covenant delegations impossible in these circumstances. However, whoever it was that arranged the usage of its openings was seemingly quite capable of adapting to unusual situations. As the airlock door gradually unlocked, wisps of yellow-greenish vapour escaped through the narrow space between its edges and the metallic surface around them, rapidly dissipating in the waiting room's clear air, albeit not without leaving a strange, unplceable and mildly unpleasant odor hovering about it. Then, the door swung open, revealing a vast, shadowy space, only a part of which was conspicuously visible, partly lit by regular patterns of low green lights. Then, something stirred in the rearmost shadows of the chamber, and a number of distinctly alien shapes emerged from it.

The first to step out of the ship and into Sanctuary were a pair of Vraslil, one of them slightly bulkier and shorter-limbed than the other. Their proboscidal appendages twitched in their customary manner as they took stock of the new environment, then briefly flailed in confusion as they were met with the uncustomarily sterile, artificially conditioned air of the station before hastily returning to more composed motions. Following them was a Iurrkhal, to all appearance, rather unremarkable for his species, whose only reaction was a mildly suspicious pulsation of his central body. Behind them, closing the procession as an otherworldly honour guard, seven large quadrupedal amalgams of bestial flesh and metal crawled out of the darkness with a vaguely arachnoid gait, their laboured breathing the loudest sound rising from the group.

Having reached what might well have been the limit of the respectful distance from the Concordat representatives, the delegation stopped. If even they did notice Kedal's smile, they apparently did not think much of it, but their cerimonious oscillating motions seemed to indicate a greeting of sorts. Then, the foremost Vraslil began to speak in its language of clicks and vibrations. Resounding over his characteristically indistinct words, a mechanical monotone rang out from the bulk of one of the beasts, without, however, the creature itself having moved in the slightest:

"We salute the honoured representatives of the beneficent Concordat. I am Swarm-Speaker Xalthil, Adjunct-Administrator of the Iurrketh-Vraslir Covenant; these who accompany me are the distinguished Adminstrator Evrell and Cycle-Bearer Rezthil, of the Global Vraslir Union. We hail you with the hope that our communication shall be enjoyable and fruitful for us all."

Kedal spread her hands wide and low in a welcoming gesture. Well, other bipeds would certainly recognize it as a welcoming gesture; whether the distinctly alien Covenant members would make that connection was unsure. There were plenty of Iurrkhal in the Concordat, many of them here on Sanctuary. Certainly enough to develop working translation software, which Kedal had loaded in her cortical processor. Her understanding of body language was considerably more limited, and she couldn't hope to mimic their gestures with her own tetrapod configuration. She was faintly amused by the discrepencies between what the Covenant translator was saying and what her own software was telling her. Evidently Xalthil was not being as polite as their translator was indicating. Naturally she had zero intention of letting the Covenant representatives she could understand their language on her own. That was not an advantage one lightly gave up in diplomacy.

"I am Kedal, this is Joren, both of the Star Chamber. We welcome you to Sanctuary. If you would come this way?"

She led them to a lift car, which ushered them deeper into the station, then up the curve of a habitat dome towards the traditional conference room at the apex. As the lift moved them along, Kedal made an effort at small talk. Again, she wasn't sure if the Iurrkhal and Vraslil would appreciate the effort, but a lifetime of politics and diplomacy made the attempt almost instinct.

"Is Sanctuary as you expected it would be? Few Vraslil have seen it." She did not mention the many, many *Iurrkhal* who had seen it. No point bringing up that sore spot, which again made Kedal grateful Sendema was not here. Much as she admired Sendema's vision and drive, it would hardly do to have her casually referring to the Covenant representatives as 'primitive' and 'backwards'.

Joren abruptly spoke to her over the network. Kedal easily engaged him in conversation even as she listened to Swarm-Speaker Xalthil's response.
[i]"I guarantee they're here about Tarin."[/i] Joren's certainty was conveyed quite clearly over their connection.
[i]"And if they are? We could use the assistance, even with the Tremarians on our side."
"It doesn't add up. Why approach us now? What's changed?"
"You worry too much.
"Maybe. Let's just be careful."[/i]

Xalthil had finished speaking, and the translator...being...was beginning to recount his words in that mechanical monotone.

As soon as the Swarm-Speaker's greeting had been answered, the creature which had rendered his words in a - supposedly - more comprehensible form began to whirr and chitter after the fashion of his own speech, manifestly for the delegation's benefit. The process was repeated with Kedal's question once the group had been conveyed by the lift to a height allowing them to appreciate the vistas of the station's interior, whereupon Xalthil, having remained still for a few moments as he elaborated the question posed to them, replied, rejoindered by the voice emanating from the cybeast:

"Few Vraslil, yes. Our collective holds little information. Notwithstanding the overview conforms to our suppositions sufficiently for the reliability of them not to be compromised. Have the distinguished Adminstrator Evrell and Cycle-Bearer Rezthil observations in addition to the empirical appraisal?"

"Contrary to predictions, biodiversity could be enhanced by my individual estimates." Rezthil spoke through the mechanical translator, "Ambient conditions are optimal for the undertaking, yes, esteemed Administrator Evrell?"

The Iurrkhal seemed to briefly, but conspicuously contemplate either the query or his surroundings. "Simulated atmospheric cleansing is perceived sufficient for the undertaking. Simulated sky objects could concern utilization."

Such, at least, was the version of their words provided by the machine, and, in a strictly literal sense, it was accurate enough. However, what the translator program did not, and probably could not, adequately transpose to another language were the intonations and characteristically subtly interwoven turns of phrase, with which Covenant speech was replete, which could have provided to anyone personally familiar with it a far greater insight into the true intent of the envoys' words. Xalthil was somewhat puzzled at being asked what he understood to be a strategically evaluative question; Rezthil did not make a great effort to conceal that he believed biodiversity not only could, but [i]should[/i] be "enhanced" if it was to meet any acceptable standard, and Evrell's appraisal left little to the imagination regarding what exactly he thought of just how unproductive that holographic sky was.

"We are assured that the honoured Concordat will employ our input in methods it trusts appropriate." Xalthil clicked out once again, in a tone which might have appeared either conciliatory or signifying agreement wih the others' comments, "Mutual benefit resides in our interest." This last part betrayed a certain impatience, as though he were eager to establish said benefit in a more concrete form.

Joren smiled briefly. "It's a work in progress," he said in response to the commentary. Kedal nodded sagely. "We'll be certain to consider your assessment going forward." Not the most productive exchange, but it had served its purpose. The lift deposited them in the conference room. On one side of the table were a number of chairs. On the other were a few podiums designed for Iurrkhal, and some empty space for the Vraslil delegates. Kedal and Joren took two of the chairs. They took a moment to sort out their thoughts, almost literally. Both of them ran quick self diagnoses, double checking that their implants were all working and connected to the station's network.

Adequately settled in, Kedal took the lead. "We are delighted to entertain representatives of the Covenant, and always welcome the opportunity to improve relations between our two great nations. Fostering cooperation and understanding is a worthy objective, after all." She said it like a question, but before the delegates could begin to formulate an answer, Joren cut in.
"Indeed, but let's be more specific. What can the Concordat do for you, and what can you do for us?"

Kedal was not satisfied with simply conveying her displeasure over the network. She actively scowled at Joren for a moment as he got straight to the point, rather than letting her wind her way there through formalities and pleasantries. No one seemed to appreciate formalities anymore.

Having reached the table, Evrell crawled upon one of the podiums with an oozing, but rather stately motion, whilst the Vraslil took position to his right, with Xalthil in the middle. The creatures, which had followed the delegation into the conference room, arrayed themselves in a semicircle behind them, the one serving as, or containing, a translator in the figure's center. The three delegates exchanged brief undulations - what might have passed for nods and glances among them - then Xalthil began to speak, the translinguistic rendition this time having virtually no discrepancies from the original, at least as far as meaning was concerned:

"We believe the honoured Concordat is aware that the planetary system our collectives populate is as currently within an epoch of socio-political instability. Forces actively opposed to the Covenant and the honoured Concordat have entered functioning. In the span of recent planetary month units, damaging enterprises have been accomplished over the surface of Erelvath by agents subordinate to the Aurolian Federation, which has been learned. The detailed accounts of the damaging enterprises are desirably not divulged; notwithstanding it is established that the purpose of mentioned is to provoke instability about the dominion of the Covenant and the reverend constituent nations. The ulterior motive has been calculated to consist in inducing weakness and disorder in probable preparation for martial offensive.

The hostility of the Aurolian Federation in respect of the Covenant is veterate and ancestral, and it has been predicted the inimical force would implement disruptive and damaging measures at given moment. The bolstering and proliferation of the Aurolian Federation and the fruition of its hostile targets would result in an undesirable outcome for alike the honoured Concordat and the Covenant, and conceive significant instability across the planetary system.

We possess intelligence regarding the Aurolian Federation having engaged in military deployment upon the surface of the planetoid-moon Tarin. In addition, the notoriety of the honoured Concordat implementing measures to maintain the structure of the planetoid-moon Tarin secure is gathered by us. Projections of the Covenant indicate that neutralisation of the armed forces deployed from the Aurolian Federation is probable to destabilise its hostile functions and induce shortages of assembled intent.

Ensuingly, the Covenant finds interest in extending the following proposal to the honoured Concordat. The Covenant will deploy armed forces in support of the structure of the planetoid-moon Tarin which it is a functional target of the honoured Concordat to preserve and assist in the neutralisation of inimical presences. Additionally, the Cycle-Bearers of the Global Vraslir Union, represented by Cycle-Bearer Rezthil, will assist in the operations of support and neutralisation."

At this point, Rezthil slowly waved his proboscis in approbation. The Swarm-Speaker continued:

"The neutralisation of the Aurolian Federation is beneficial; notwithstanding, we estimate the material cost for the Covenant and the Global Vraslir Union is probable to result significant. Therefore, we possess authorisation to forward a single condition for the honoured Concordat. Upon the accomplishment of the neutralisation of the Aurolian Federation, the honoured Concordat is to assist in negotiations between the Covenant and the autonomous planetoidal structure to the effect of the planetoidal structure ceding a fraction of the natural reserves of the mineral renthulium extracted from the planetoid-moon Tarin to the Covenant. The mentioned fraction has been calculated not to affect the acquisitions of the autonomous planetoidal structure negatively, and amounts to an approximate value of two point eight three five eight percent of total. The Covenant and the Global Vraslir Union will issue no further demands and will not interfere with the activities of the autonomous planetoidal structure and the honoured Concordat.

We trust the honoured Concordat will find these terms agreeable."

As the last words issued from the beast's mechanical interior in their new guise, Evrell undulated sideways with his central body as a sign of approbation, whilst the Vraslil remained mostly immobile, either confident in the answer which would come or impassively expectant.

Kedal and Joren remained impassive while the delegates spoke, but they were rapidly conversing over the network. Joren remained skeptical, as if he was trying to prove something.
[i]"Aurollian activity on Erelvath? I hadn't heard anything about that."
"Why would you have? We hardly have extensive intelligence assets there."[/i] Kedal was liking where the Covenant delegates were heading, and didn't want Joren to ruin it.
[i]"But surely we would have heard something, if not from Erelvath, then from Aurollia."
"And why would they conceivably lie to us?"[/i]
Joren was silent after that. He indeed could not think of a motive for the Covenant to deceive them.

And then Xalthil dropped those terms. Those wonderful, perfect terms. A pitance of Renthulium in exchange for military support against the Federation. It was almost too good to be true. Joren was convinced it was, and said as much to Kedal.
[i]"That's bait. It can't possibly be all they want."
"And why not? That's still a substantial amount of Renthulium. Still, perhaps I agree with you to an extent. Certainly not enough to turn them down, but...well, we'll have to keep a careful eye on them."[/i]

A soft pinging noise indicated someone on the station wanted to access their conversation. Kedal checked the identitag: Sendema. It must irk her to have to request communication, rather than simply barging in with her overrides. But as ostensible equals in the Star Chamber, Kedal and Joren were immune to such tricks. Kedal waited a moment before accepting the request. Just long enough to remind Sendema they were indeed equals. Kedal might back the 'Harbinger of Tomorrow' in public, but she still didn't care for Sendema's towering arrogance.

[i]"Accept the terms."[/i] Sendema said in no uncertain terms.
[i]"Keeping an eye on us I see"[/i] Joren replied acerbically.
[i]"Yes. Accept the terms. We can shoot the primitives in the back later if they prove problematic. For now we need everything we can get against the Federation."[/i]
Then she was gone.

The translator beast finished recounting Xalthil's words. Kedal forced herself to wait a few moments, as if she hadn't understood the Vraslil's original utterances. Then she clapped her hands together in a mild display of delight. "Swarm-speaker, these terms are quite agreeable to the Concordat. We would happily welcome your aid against the intrusions of the Federation."

The devices concealed in the creature's bowels having completed their translation, the Covenant envoys exchanged another series of gestures and motions, then each proceeded to express their contentment by the means of a bodily oscillation of some sort. Having gone through this seemingly ritualistic performance, Rezthil and Evrell continued to gently sway the one upon his legs, the other on the podium, whilst Xalthil replied once again, the machine superadding its toneless notes to his own chittering speech:

"It is well for us to appreciate that the honoured Concordat has discerning ability as concerns the common positive gain. From my position, the Covenant finds these facts agreeable. Upon our acquisition of relevant strategic information, the armed forces recalled in the stipulation will proceed to neutralising the presence of the Aurolian Federation. A propitious era has been opened for the Covenant and the honoured Concordat."