There was no response from the units, who turned in unison to dissipate into the crowd. Bittersweet Sun [Son] had already departed, turning its attention elsewhere in the dome. As Solan watched, Thesh began clearing the transcript of the conversation, line by line disappearing, before ending with a quiet chime as the screen retracted back into the ceiling. They were alone, or as alone as they could get in the darkened cavern. Welcoming light shone from the tunnel they had taken back, the nature scenes continuing to play on an eternal loop, before fading to black behind them as they passed.
The conversation had given Bittersweet Sun [Son] much to contemplate. Not too much; Solan had been cautious, sidestepping questions where possible. He had mentioned the Carasi as a possibility, strong enough evidence that he was not truly considering them. They were a good candidate race, albeit not without their problems, so for Solan to mention them meant he likely had another candidate in mind. But which one, was the question. It examined its memories of the meeting, viewing it a few dozen times from different perspectives, pondering Solan's phrasing and terminology. It would be useful information for the Seven, regardless.
The emotional appeal of friendship amused Bittersweet. It knew Solan had no such emotions; the Xyn was as calculating as he was old. The offer of friendship was a ploy. It could not have been legitimate - the Xyn befriending a collective mind of five thousand insectoid units? An unlikelier proposal had not been presented to it in decades. The mere concept was ludicrous. And yet, appealing. Oddly. It would be foolish to not acknowledge the underlying appeal, the 'yearning of the heart's desires' as the Terrans might say, despite the great dangers involved.. Appealing enough to risk Solan learning the truth about itself? Likely not.
So: a ploy. Solan had lost his touch in dealing with nonhumanoids. The Carasi were clearly not his choice, leaving precious few options. The Urqa were an unlikely possibility given their strenuous lack of aligned moral codes. Most other races were too small or contrarian for Solan to risk supporting them. That left... Bittersweet Sun [Son] considered the options. The Shiypatsan, and the Ravnikai. Likely the Ravnikai. That would be a difficult one to counter. The Ravnikai could play on much sympathy from within the Drudari, promise to support the Carasi, and scrape up a few other votes here and there - say, from the Urqa, with the promise of some territory.
Yes, the Ravnikai would be his most likely choice. And a rather unpleasant option, given their general loathing for both the Drudari and the Ternary. Grateful to the Xyn for elevation, distrusting of the Seven for harboring the Bright Roost, and angry at the other two Elder races. It had to almost admire the ingenuity. Ah, but there was potential to capture two objectives with one move. It would need to move quickly.
First, a message to Red Feather:
Proceed to open lines of communication with Carasi ambassador with the intention of discussing the Carasi bid for the open Council position. Inquire as to general Carasi thought with regards to the Drudari vis a vis Drudari-led political initiatives and efforts. Personal opinions of ambassador are irrelevant, but desire information on Carasi government objectives and viewpoint.
Bluntly inquire to the Carasi ambassador what resources or concessions she and her government would require for their loyalty. Culture is heavily based on openness of providing resources for deference. See if said approach works favorably at your discretion. Do not assent to a finalized agreement beyond previous discussions. Lack of success is not failure.
The approach was heavy-handed, intentionally so. The Carasi might find its offer insulting, but it was highly likely they would provide, whether indirectly or directly, their views on the Drudari in the process -- and also a counter-offer to buy Seven support. Red Feather's failure was nearly guaranteed, but the information of the encounter would give Bittersweet Sun [Son] much to consider. If it succeeded, then all the better. The next message would be more interesting, and far more likely to fail utterly, given the personalities of the ones involved. Still, an effort should be tried, and if all failed, at least valuable diplomatic resources would be exhausted on their ends. A minor, minuscule benefit, but there was little else to do. The situation had to be addressed eventually; why not now?
Honorable Ambassador Utpish Kuyshiz-tsa Muzh; blessings unto the Muzhpatsa Clan and its many children. Devout Ambassador Sadavyr Turayn Idar; may the Heavenly Triad guide your course.
Let us not waste words. A time of great tension is upon us. The Galno Basin, home to each of our polities, is not large enough to constrain the ambitions of your two governments. The battle for dominance has no doubt spread to include the struggle ongoing to be anointed the next Elder race. Such a position would grant substantial powers and responsibilities to the race receiving it, requiring dedication and commitment to the higher principles each of our polities value greatly. Neither of your governments wish the other to succeed. Your opposition to each other denies an opportunity that ensures neither gains the prize, but instead wins a new one - not as great, but more assured than a risky gamble.
Neither of your nations will declare open conflict, for fear of Assembly intervention against the aggressor. Let us then meet, to discuss a path towards prosperity - although I do emphasize, not peace. That would be unsustainable, and I shall not offer either of you insult in pretending it is a possibility.
Prosperity, then. A chamber within the Assembly dome has been reserved for our initial discussion.
All three messages were delivered by Thesh immediately, appearing on the datapads of the ambassadors - or their close attendants, as protocol dictated.
