“Thank you for submitting that proposal, Nirann. We will need assurances that the gate is only temporary, though.” President DeWinter smiled at the holographic Rothian then turned her head to address at Roth’Orsa.

“We have discussed the arrangement as a group and could potentially agree to expand the clause on exo-Cradle objects. So we can investigate this entity’s compatriots together.” The Director-General nodded encouragingly while DeWinter continued. “But we cannot agree to any expansion of our relationship regarding the Cradle. It is still our asset, and willfully relinquishing control to another civilisation would reflect poorly on this administration. Our top priority right now should be returning this thing home.”