Ivan Kal - Out of the Ashes

The human looked at Niraas with an expression that could only be disbelief, and Jusan turned to Niraas with a similar expression. That was not something that they talked about in the preparation. He glanced at Nimuse, and saw no surprise in her. She knew about it, which meant that they withheld things from him.

“We have no intention of taking control of Nuva. Our only motive is to protect the people living there.” Fleet Commander said.

“And yet you have been taking our people to who knows where. We will require that our people be brought back to Nuva, and all your presence removed from the system.” Niraas said.

“We stopped being your people when you abandoned us to the Sowir!” Isani said harshly.

“That is not your decision to make traitor! Nuva belongs to the council!” Nimuse said.

“Lanai Sumia, the leader of Nuva colony declared our independence. You have no claim on us!” Isani responded.

Then Niraas spoke up, “And where is Lanai Sumia? She has been taken to an undisclosed location by these humans. Why should we acknowledge her decree, even if she had the power to make it – which she does not – when she is nowhere to be seen?”

“We believed that we would all die, it was decided that few should be saved. And Sumia went with them to provide guidance.” Isani said.

“It matters not. She had no right to make such a decree. Nuva is, and always will be Nel colony.” Niraas said, and then turned to the human. “You will remove yourselves from our territory. Only then might we discuss some kind of a trade agreement.” Niraas finished in a condescending tone.

For the entire exchange, Jusan watched the human Fleet Commander. His extremely Nel like expression went from inviting at the beginning to neutral, and now hardened and calm. Jusan could see that this person knew, not believed, but knew, that he was equal to anyone. Jusan could just for a moment see pity in the human’s eyes, pity for Niraas and his belief. And then it was gone, replaced with icy gaze.

“Trade agreement…” Fleet Commander said. “Our proposal was for more than that. We offered you ships so that you can fight the Sowir Dominion.” He said in a calm voice.

Niraas managed to collect himself a bit, but still a touch of condescension entered his voice, “Ah, yes. Our experts determined that any ships you build using this “fabricating” technology of yours won’t be of use to us. But we are willing to make a trade agre—”

“Won’t be of use ? ” Fleet Commander interrupted. Niraas bristled. It was a great insult to be interrupted in the middle of a sentence, especially for a council member, but Fleet Commander continued, not giving him a chance to say anything, “You haven’t even seen our technology. You didn’t inspect our ships, and from what I see you didn’t even look at the recording of the battle we provided.”

“We examined the recording. We were not impressed.” Nimuse said.

“So you will not accept an alliance with us against the Sowir?” Fleet Commander asked.

“No. We see no benefit in such an agreement. A trade agreement is more to our liking. We will of course offer some technological advances that your people obviously lack, in shipbuilding and other areas. But nothing until you remove your presence from Nuva.” Niraas said.

That was when Jusan stood up. He glared at Niraas.

“What are you doing? We need help, Sowir are still a threat and you are throwing any chance of an agreement by insulting them!” Jusan said.

“A threat? No, they overextended by trying to take on all of the Consortium by themselves. The fact that we have seen no sign of them on Nelus for a decade, proves it. They don’t have the strength to fight us, a fact confirmed by the evidence at Nuva. They were defeated by these primitive ships, and our outdated models. No, Sowir pose no threat to Nelus.” Niraas said.

“Perhaps we should continue this discussion tomorrow, after we both had time to reflect on what was said here today.” Fleet Commander said.

Niraas got to his feet, “Yes. But understand that without you agreeing to remove your forces from Nuva there will be no agreements. And the consequences of you not doing so, will be grave.” With that Niraas went out of the room, followed closely by Nimuse and their Laas Rett. Jusan looked at the human, he saw no sign that Niraas’ threat hit its mark. There was no fear in him. Jusan turned to his Laas Rett,

“Wait for me outside.” The Laas Rett bowed their heads and left the room. He didn’t send them outside because he didn’t trust them, he did. But he hoped that it would be a gesture that the human could understand.

The Fleet Commander looked at Jusan for the moment and then without any outward command from him, his guards also left the room. Leaving only Retsar Isani, the Fleet Commander and his beasts, and Jusan in the room. Jusan sat back in his chair and sighed.

“I apologize for what just happened. I had no knowledge of it, our official plan was much different. Although it too was along the same lines, only much more… Diplomatically formulated.” Jusan said with a small smile.

The human raised an eyebrow and then returned Jusan’s smile. “Apology accepted. Although it wasn’t needed. I was warned that this might happen.” Fleet Commander said, glancing at Retsar Isani. “I admit that I didn’t really believe it would be like this.”

“I am afraid that you will not get what you want here Fleet Commander. Even though we might need it desperately.”

“Please call me Adrian. You don’t agree with the rest of your party?”

“No, I don’t. I know that your help is much needed. But the rest of the council… They have deluded themselves into a false safety. Or rather they were deluded into it by House Nor Ral.” Jusan sighed, “Sowir haven’t been seen in Nelus for a decade, so they believe that they won’t turn to us, ever. They think that our converted ships coupled with our new fleet ships will be enough to match Sowir should they chose to attack. This attack on Nuva should scare them, and yet they chose to ignore it.”

“What of the people? Surely some can see that they are in danger.” Adrian asked.

Jusan smiled and looked to Retsar Isani. “No, they don’t, they believe in the council, and that it will keep them safe. That is how society on Nelus works now, those in charge lead, the rest follow.”

“But how could have you been the part of the Consortium if your leaders are like this? It makes no sense.” Adrian asked.

“Because they weren’t in charge then. And because those living on Nelus, are in a way the worst of us.”

“What do you mean?” Adrian asked.

“Our planet was very close to being overpopulated before we went into space. And tensions were high. Many feared that we will repeat the mistake of the past. A thing we are all most ashamed of. But luckily we started colonizing space. Soon after we meet the Pouute, and we formed the Consortium. Those that went to the stars were forward thinkers, those who wanted to erase the class systems. And soon in the Consortium they succeeded. Nelus became the planet filled with backward thinkers. With our best living out amongst the other planets of the Consortium.” Jusan said, stopping to choose his next words.

And then Isani continued Jusan’s thoughts, “And then the Sowir attacked. And all those living outside of Nelus died, leaving only those still following the old ways. The council retook the power on Nelus from the government, and started sending all those who were more vocal in their protest to Nuva. Soon people realized that they had to keep their opinions to themselves, or risk being sent to a world without protection.”

“Yes.” Jusan agreed.