The meeting was tense, though Knight suspected the PrimEx had seen tenser ones before. There were a few plates of halfling and gnomish pastries on the table but no one was eating. The negotiation was simple really, Akishino was assuring the PrimEx and her trade minister Dyelvin that Ning really was willing to join the pact. It wasn’t surprising really that there were doubts, after all since the continent had always refused to obey the authority of the Absalom pact that bound the rest of the star system.

“Of course, there will be stipulations unique to us,” said Akishino. “For starters, we will be considered our own world for adjudication purposes, separate from the rest of Triaxus. Furthermore the Stewards may not enter our airspace without advance warning and permission from the Immortal Suzerain or one of his subordinates.”

Dyelvin(a gruff, red haired dwarf) responded “Tha’ be a piss-poor deal lad, we canna’ give yer father the right ta keep them Stewards out o’ ya land. If they be needing ta check on ya, they will.”

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Akishino argued back “The people of Ning do not trust the Stewards. Though they may uphold the pact that does not make them free of corruption.”

PrimEx Melacruz spoke “The Stewards will not require permission to enter your land, however they will give you advance warning before a visit. Deal?”

Akishino said “I am willing to agree to that, and hopefully my father will be too. We must leave to report this news, but we will return upon discussing it with the Immortal Suzerain. Farewell.”

At this Akishino got up from the table and walked away. Knight, who had previously been standing in the corner, followed him. He wondered if the Suzerain would agree to the terms, as Lord Jimmu was not as devoted to his nation’s isolationism as the previous emperors of Ning.