The president's conference room was silent. Everyone at the table had a look of seriousness, and some even dread. Griffin Alamore clasped his hands together and rested his head on them. He was not looking forward to this meeting. After the tense silence had gone on for what felt like forever, a young man in a Union Navy uniform walked into the room.

"Mr President, the envoy from her highness the princess is here." From behind the young man came the short and fancily-dressed envoy with golden-blonde hair. Everyone at the table stood up as he entered the room. The envoy walked into the room and took his seat at the head of the table.

"The princess gives her apologies for not being here today, Mr President" the envoy said shaking his hand and the hand of Ronald Bohr.

"That is all right, give her my well wishes." Alamore replied actually feeling kind of relieved rather than offended. "I will be direct with you because I know we are pressed for time…the union congress has been pushing me to negotiate for an 10% reduction in royalties and taxes in the renewed Quildalar Accords. I think that is reasonable."

"I think that's going to be a difficult sell" the envoy replied shaking his head. "The situation has become more…complicated. Turraski has moved warships over to the outworld border. The royal armada is already planning to deploy several destroyers to the border, and the medical teams on the ground are going to be costly."

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"So the princess is going to walk back on the promise her mother Queen Adella years ago?" Bohr said sounding very disappointed.

"Director Bohr" the envoy said in a sympathetic-sounding voice, "I can assure you her highness does not want to do anything to jeopardize the good relationship the kingdom has with the union."

"Yes, but you know some will see your generous deployment of ships and personnel as a way to monitor militia groups and crack down on illegal church parishes."

"Do not underestimate the bellicosity of Turraski and the Black Serpent" warned the envoy. "You cannot apply conventional rules of psychology to them. They only understand the language of intimidation and chest-beating. The death of Zalidore doesn't change the fundamental nature of Cogito lacerti. As of now we see our best course of action to show strength."

"It might be wise to show some cooperation and good will to the militia groups on the border. Ava Baxter has done a good job organizing them and she could be helpful" opined Bohr.

"We will not do that. We are now past the point of considering Ms Baxter merely a political opponent but an enemy."

"That will be enough" the president said. "Let her highness know we can offer backup if needed" President Alamore said to the envoy.

"Thank you Mr President" the envoy replied softly "but I don't think that will be necessary. If union forces can ensure… tranquility on the interior worlds as our new sector commander begins his job then you can leave the saber rattling with Turraski to us." The young man who announced the arrival of the envoy whispered something in the president's ear.

"The shipyards are ready for you to tour" the president said to the envoy. "I think you will be impressed with the progress that has been made. They will be a great place location to build the royal armada's ships." The envoy and all the men got up and left the room at once.