NationStates

It was time. Three months had passed since the Sennar Dei had joined the Coalition; the seventh new species to be included in the Morningstar Coalition, and already tensions between the new factions and the "old guard" were rising. So far there had not been any violence, but it was clear that the new peoples were not seamlessly integrating into Coalition culture. Something had to be done, or else risk the Coalition fragmenting from the inside.

A grand conclave had been called. Every species and culture was asked to select one representative to meet before a full assembly of the Admiralty. This would be the largest session to date, and representatives from all four Home Fleets would be in attendance. The purpose of this conclave was to determine the future form of Morningstar. Would the stratocratic system currently in use remain? Or would a new government either share power, or end up replacing the Admiralty altogether. Turehk looked out over the crowd of representatives: the nine of the Admiralty Command Junta, the members of the Species Junta, the Commodores and Captains of the Home Fleets or their proxies. One thing was certain, the outcome of this conclave would change the Coalition.

"Thank you all for coming. This conclave has been called to address the cultural stress which has been building in the Home Fleets for several months now. We know many of you are uncomfortable with the way of life we have established. We are not unsympathetic, and the Admiralty was never intended to be a permanent government, it is simply that we who founded the Coalition felt comfortable enough under this system of government. That is no longer the case however, so a new national structure must be decided, for the benefit of all." Turehk paused a moment to look to various faces. There was Ssaliist, already with fangs bared and tail lashing in contempt; most of his support came from among the Fleet Junta, he'd all but alienated most of the High Admirals. Ghen-Rotha, who had grown beyond Turehk's right hand and was now nursing his own ambitions, and had recruited Tanosi to his cause. Enaara, always the diplomat, sat between these two rivals. Over there, a group of four who were most in favor of government reform, Kashan, Davor, Hailey, and Niala.

Turning back to the general conclave, Turehk continued, "At this time I want to open the floor to any delegates who wish to speak their mind. Please, feel free to bring up any subject you wish. We are here to listen."

((Tag pending post))

Warm waters come

New life springs

Fresh hunting granted.

Tillek Moa'tk'kai closed her eyes at the completion of the opening Trinary prayer, and it was answered by the customary whistle from the cetace in the observation lake. The Cetace leader nosed the control and urged the bulky transport forward. It was roughly rectangular, filled almost entirely with water and constantly pumping oxygen in while expelling unwanted gasses. It lumbered ahead on treads, crushing greenery and stone beneath them. Far less sophisticated than the gravitic harnesses the Irukan used, but the Cetace technology was familiar and symbolized their independence from their hosts.

"For two years," the aged creature said in Instella; her words filtered of distortion and amplified by a pair of speakers carred atop the transport, "the daughters and sons of the Tti-chit Order have lived away from the reach of the blessed Primals. Though we are grateful to our hosts for saving our people from almost assured torture and death at the teeth of this galaxy's more savage cultures, our efforts at splitting from the fleet and refounding our colony have been blocked by military interference! Repeatedly have we petitioned for access to Coalition harbor vessels and survey charts, and yet we still share our homes!" Her words were met with stanzas of sympathetic outrage from the attending Cetace, but a snap of her jaws and a series of harsh clicks silenced them.

"I understand the need for fleet unity," continued the Tillek, her words taking on a more even tone. "And I understand the risks to security that accompany permanent settlements, however we are not a people of the stars. As you no doubt know, our Order left the safety of the Union and the protection of the Kiith fleets. The Fleet needs strong, singular leadership. This we cannot deny, for a pod without its Tillek is not predator but prey. However, we must ask, if more power were put in civilian hands, would the concerns of tactically insignificant groups go unheard?"

Amongst all the creatures of the Coalition, the Dei were possibly the least represented. Only Amanda herself had arrived, her four-legged chassis moving easily around the legs of the larger organics around her. Able to navigate the chamber easily, her small nimble form slipped from the attending throng with a nimble hop that brought her gently to rest against the Cetace transport. Two of her own legs propped up against the side of the device, while the ovoid form that somehow served as Amanda's transport and body tilted slightly away. It bore no marks, no clear sensors, not even the slightest mar on the surface for sensors or communication. Still, her voice filled the chamber, clear and precise as the stars themselves.

"Your complaint and your demands seem focused upon two different points. Firstly, you complain that you have been mistreated, and then you claim that such mistreatment may not have occurred if the governing body had been different. I expect you are a leader of your people, is that correct? And if, among your people, a small group, very new to the 'pod', demanded that they be permitted to put themselves in harm's way because their lives were not suited to the life that lay before them, would you permit it?"

Quickly, the chassis skittered forward, its long legs making it more like an insect, and quick, jerking movements indicating that whatever input was received by the unmarked chassis, it was directional.

"It does not seem that is a very successful path to take. Your complaint is minimal - perhaps the short span of time you have spent here has made it less clear to you what favor has been done for you, but it is a fact which it seems you have failed to recall. Recently, the Dei under my influence were removed from a world that was dying, just as yours was. Our world was destroyed, and much was given to us. Vessels to transport my kind, and our equipment. You require even more concerns, for you cannot survive in the open void, as Dei can. You were given much - what have you given back?"

With a light hop using her forward pair of legs, Amanda lifted her chassis up along the wall, suddenly appearing as if the front and rear had been reversed, as her 'forward' section was now facing bare wall only, with legs reaching upward simply to make her presence known, even though they barely reached to the shoulder of most of those present.

"Your suggestion, however, can be supported. The concerns of smaller groups and individuals do not seem to be considered. This fleet is not in immediate danger, why is it run as though it always is? Many nations now appear to claim peaceful relations with the Coalition, so why is direct autocratic control required? Would it not be more efficient to segment the fleet into governable sections that are self-ruling? The necessity of living aboard vessels to as is done here makes such a system simple. Those in command of the ships are truly in command, while overarching control becomes limited. This allows the concerns of smaller groups to be considered."

Lowering herself, she quickly returned to the Cetace, walking directly toward the Tillek without turning, clearly showing that there was no defining 'forward' or 'backward' for her chassis. "While Dei command our own vessels, the factory-barges, this makes even more sense. Such vessels do not have the same capabilities, concerns, or needs of other Coalition vessels. Allowing them to be governed by Dei simplifies logistical concerns greatly."

With the same suddenness she had begun, Amanda fell silent, suddenly curling her legs against her 'body', and dropping the belly of the Chassis to the floor. The legs folded down to create a simple cross upon the ground, allowing Amanda to become nothing more than an oddly shaped lump upon the ground, waiting for a response.

Waiting patiently for the others to finish speaking, Levendakis Sotiria, the 'elected' leader for the Rasthan species. The only one which, prior to the destruction of their homeworld, had actually been a pack Matriarch, Sotiria was the most well versed in the ways of the Coalition. She was also the most willing to voice her concerns, a lot of the Rasthan unwilling to due to the great gift the Coalition had given them.

Exhaling softly, Sotiria began to speak in a soft, elderly voice. Not quite weak, but clearly a voice which had grown tired from age.

The Tonarch representative was chosen by the people, the required traits would be that of Honesty, Courage, and above all, negotiating skills, and those were about to be put to test, as he stood up to add to the points presented. His hair was a light blonde, and he was wearing a light colored modern style robe. He cleared his throat and nodded to the other members, he was one of the few that was not the overall leader for his people, just a representative.



Thinking his point was well made, he sat back down gracefully, observing some of the lush greenery that surrounded him.

Sartenov listened as the other representatives from around the Coalition spoke. The Ketarov was a solitary figure - Ketarov protocol and tradition, although much changed by time, still prevailed in odd places. It had been a long, strange trip - and Sartenov had been there nearly all the way. He himself was split between tradition and reality, loyalty and duty - as many Ketarov were. Time would change much yet again, no doubt, but time is a precious resource.

As far as it went, Sartenov could at least rely on the fact the Khaskovi Government, such as it was, acted as his temperance whilst he acted as their Ambassador. He hoped the new concilatory position they were preparing to adopt would prove worthwhile. With the coming of a lull in the discussion, Sartenov, who remained on all fours, simply began to speak. It was clearly Ketarovi, though he had taken the matter of having a sub-dermal translator implanted so as not to cause any issues.

"I would first wish to state that the Khaskovi wish it be known that whilst we understand, and in some cases, agree in principle with a number of issues raised here, we see no pressing need to drastically alter the current system, which, has worked for the Coalition for many a year, due to the current melting pot situation that exists aboard some Homeships."

Sartenov paused for a moment, he noted that this was somewhat ironic for him to pontificate over, given that most Ketarov kept to themselves - and indeed, very few Ketarov were found outside of the number of Homeships the Ketarov dominated. He was, however, still bound to support and state his governments position.

"One matter of order we do wish to second is the one risen by the Dei. Vessels that are of different requirements or dominated by certain groups should adhere to immeadiate administration that is best served to accomodate their needs. Whilst we feel that maintaining the Status Quo is preferable, this is a point we feel would be relatively easy, technically speaking, to implement. The corresponding savings made in time and administration would also no doubt be beneficial to the fleet as a whole."

Sartenov glanced to the ground infront of him, where he had placed his personal display, he read something, then returned his focus to the discussion.

"Indeed, in order to alleviate the conditions some of our Pack Mates not of kin are reporting, the Ketarov are more than willing to forego a reactivation cycle aboard the Khaskov, so that more homeships may be made available to those who require them. More than this, we are more than willing to .. change our outlook in regards to our dealings with other species, such as that they may be made more welcome aboard Ketarovi Homeships and administer themselves independently of the Khaskovi Administration, in a further desire to offer space to those that require it. The Ketarov are more than willing to make sacrifices and extend a paw to those who require it if it keeps the structure and ethos of the Coalition, to which we are all indebted irrevocably, intact."

Turehk waited as the leaders of each of the five major new factions spoke. Each of them were allowed to speak their minds, with the Tejhiik Admiral glaring at anyone on the Admiralty who seemed about to interrupt. When finally the Ketarov delegate finished speaking, Turehk stood from his seat at the podium.

"I have heard each of you speak, and you each have valid points. I intend to address each one in turn. However, if you will permit me but a moment, I wish to speak to you all here, as well as the many fellows in the Home Fleets. This conclave is being broadcast throughout the Home Fleets, to any who wish to observe, and it is those watching I wish to address."

Turehk turned to face a drone hovering in the air above the amphitheater, "Fellow Coalition citizens, a moment if you will. It has been two years since the first newcomers, the Rasthan, arrived in the Coalition. In the time since, we have been joined by six other cultures, and much has changed. No longer are we purely the remnants of a military organization, struggling to forge a culture and identity of our own. We are a people nearly unified, we of the original ten species: Khyrolii, Reikoan, Irukan, Gaian, Ssslakai, Shanii, Tejhiik, Fokkoran, Marduk, and Digisape. Now we are joined by the Rasthan, Kursta, Moh'ghai, Cetace, Ketarov, Tonarch, and Sennar Dei."

For the next part of his speech, Turehk turned back to look over the newcomers' delegates, "When we founded this Coalition, we did so under several basic tenets. First among these was the understanding that each species was to be an equal partner in this new nation. No one species would be granted greater authority than any other, regardless of population or any other physical consideration. Another basic tenet is that we would respect the cultures of every member species, while at the same time attempting to forge a new culture, one in which each species contributed to the whole. This is how our starships are designed, to accommodate any of the ten original species. Our corridors, hatchways, cielings, crew quarters... Everything is designed in such a way as to include everyone. At the same time, our Homeships provide the ability for each species to establish enclaves where they can gather among their own, to preserve their individual histories and cultures as they choose. To both these original tenets, I believe we original ten have succeeded."

"However, we are now faced with the challenge of including among us those who do not hail from the same stars we did. We are confronted by cultures and histories that have little to nothing in common with our own. Against these obstacles, our original methods are inadequate. We cannot force you to integrate into the common culture we of the Admiralty have forged. I swear to you now, that so long as I have any authority in this Coalition, no species, group, or individual shall ever be forced to abandon their own ways." Turehk paused a moment to look over each of the five present delegations, nodding to each to affirm his promise individually. "This begs the question. How then are we to live? How shall the Coalition progress and evolve, now that you are here?"

"This is a question I alone cannot answer, nor is it a question that the Admiralty alone should be permitted to answer on your behalf. The needs of this Coalition have grown to where this Admiralty can no longer best serve her people. A new government must be established, either in it's stead, or in addition. For some months now, I and the other Admirals have been discussing new possibilities, and now I wish to share these with you." Turehk sat down again to pull up some documents from his desk, bringing each document up in a large hologram for everyone to see as each point was made.

"For two years the Coalition has been amassing the fruits of nearly constant harvesting missions, in expectation of wars which thus far have not materialized. This has resulted in a massive surplus, sufficient that it would take us at minimum three years of constant construction to fully deplete. Some of this surplus has gone into trade with other nations, and many of you have seen the fruits of those treaties. New technologies, exotic food and entertainment, medical supplies not easily synthesized. For two years we have been conservative with starship construction, again in anticipation of what were then perceived as imminent wars and minor conflicts."

"Today we have more ships in the fleets than when we founded this Coalition. At present, the combined fleets have registered over six thousand vessels. Of these, a full forty percent are either frieghters, or fuel harvesters. Eighty percent of those freighters have holds filled to capacity with raw resources, enough to construct an additional hundred Homeships! We have resources to spare, my people. It is time we put them to use. A full third of our numbers comprises the warships that defend our fleets."
"Our populations too have enjoyed extensive growth. At last census, the combined population of the Coalition has reached nearly seven million. In rough numbers, I would like to share with you each species populations. For the Khyrolii, eight-hundred seventy-eight thousand. For the Reikoan, seven-hundred forty-six thousand. Gaians, eight-hundred twenty-three thousand. Tejhiik, five-hundred seven thousand. Grrwrrawl, five-hundred forty thousand. Ssslakai, four-hundred fifty-three thousand. Shanii, four-hundred eight thousand. Irukan, four-hundred fifty-one thousand. Marduk, two-hundred fifty-four thousand. Kursta, twenty-eight thousand. Moh'ghai, seventy thousand. Rasthan, three-hundred seventy-eight thousand. Cetace, fourteen hundred. Ketarov, four-hundred eighty thousand. Tonarch, one-hundred forty thousand. The Dei, four-hundred forty thousand."

Turehk paused a moment to let the numbers show for both those present, as well as the broadcast. Finally he moved on, "I mentioned earlier that the Admiralty has discussed potential plans for the future of the Coalition. Allow me to share with you the most prominent of these plans, the reformation of the Admiralty and the structure of the Home Fleets. If this plan is put into place, instead of five semi-autonomous Home Fleets, there will be a new Chapter structure instituted. This will consist of 'branches' of service akin to the division of armed services seen in other nations. In all cases, each Service will retain internal autonomy. Only in cases of national security or emergency will the Admiralty have the ability to override the desires or orders of these Services. This includes crew rosters, crew transfers, vessel deployments, and mission objectives."

Turehk then brought up the documents showing the basic structure of each new Chapter, and how they would fit within the overall Coalition. As each Chapter was addressed, Turehk tried to summarize in plain language what the aim of each Chapter was envisioned to become. He touched on the formation of an official organization for the Black Swimmers, those Irukan and Cetace trained in the cybernetic piloting and interfacing of starships. He explained how this organization would have total autonomy for the establishment and assignment of contracts for service aboard specific vessels, not unlike a guild. Then he went on to explain proposed changes to the leadership of Homeships, and Home Fleets, which would become analogous to cities and states. The collective governments of the new Home Fleets would be combined with the existing Admiralty into a new Federal Government.
"It has been proposed that the Admiralty remain as the Executive branch of this new government, however this will be left to a collective referendum and vote by each faction. To be clear, at present there exists six distinct factions: the Admiralty, the Rasthan, the Cetace, the Ketarov, the Tonarch, and the Sennar Dei. I have spoken with the leaders of the Kursta and Moh'ghai. The Kursta have for the time being entrusted their future with the Admiralty, while the Moh'ghai have asked that the Cetace represent their interests in this new conclave. The collective body of delegates from each Home Fleet will be combined with the existing Species Junta, to serve as a Parlliment or Congressional body, which shall serve as Legislative body for the Coalition."

"Finally, from this point on any group, be it a species, Homeship, Home Fleet, or any other body, may contract with the Industrial Chapter, or even individual Harborships, for the design and construction of completely new ship designs and classes. This includes the upgrade, refit, or replacement of existing ship classes. The full fruits of Coalition technology will be made freely available to all such groups. The only restrictions or requirements which will be made to new ship designs will relate to technical limitations, as well as internal design if the new ship is intended to serve a multi-species crews or residents. In this second case, we will maintain the standard that any ship intended for multiple species, be designed to service the needs of all the members of the Coalition."

Turehk sighed and paused for a time to let all of that sink in. "Now, I wish to thank you all for your patience. I now wish to address the points brought up by each of you."

Turehk turned to the Cetace Tillek first, "For six years now this Coalition has been dedicated to a particular concept: that consolidating one's species upon a single world is an invitation to extinction. We have seen how easy it is to destroy a people utterly, should their home be destroyed. It is this fear which has driven us to remain a nomadic, space faring people. However, in the case of you and your people, this fear is at direct odds with our desires to serve the needs of your people. Until now, this Admiralty has resisted and rejected any attempt to establish a permanent settlement on any planet or stationary body. Let it be known that from this point on, that will no longer be the case. Your people will be permitted equal access to the Harborships to construct vessels of your own design. Further, the Cetace will be permitted the freedom to re-establish your sanctuary once you have located a suitable world."
"I must however ask for some concessions from your people. It is anathema to us, now that your people are counted among the Coalition, to consider the complete extinction of your people in this galaxy should the worst come to be, and your sanctuary be destroyed. To ward against this, I would ask if any of your number are willing to donate genetic material and cultural records, to be preserved in the event of the worst. I will give you assurances that this Species Archive will not be put into use unless your people permit it, or your people suffer destruction. I am truly sorry, but there is no easy way to word this request."
"Second, I ask that your people not choose their new home quickly or rashly. Work with the Exploration Corps. Examine their records of systems past surveyed. Contract with them to explore new systems, until a suitable world is located. Finally, I ask a favor of your people. When you have located a world and have established your sanctuary, permit the Coalition to establish an outpost in orbit, to be used both for defense of your new home, as well as to serve as a trade hub. Plans are underway which will see the establishment of a network of transit gates throughout the galaxy, to serve the needs of trade with other nations. We would ask that the space above your new world be allowed to be used to serve this network. This will ensure that there will always be Coalition warships to defend your people should you need it, as well as ensure that any of your people who wish to visit the Home Fleets will have easy access."

Turehk canted his head to the side, "Are these proposals acceptable to you and your people, Tillek Moa'tk'kai?"

Next the Admiral turned to Amanda's chassis, clinging to a wall of the amphitheater, "Amanda, while I appreciate the spirit of your words, there are some points of inaccuracy. First, the Cetace were brought not from a dying world, as the others were. No, the threat to the Cetace was less immediate and tangible, coming instead from the powers who sought to bring Sojent-Ra under their own control. Chief amongst these powers were the Huerdaen Star Empire, and the Bavinese Federation. While it is true that the Coalition currently enjoys peaceful, perhaps even cordial, relations with the Huerdaen, it was completely unknown at the time how they might have treated the Cetace. It was decided that cultural assimilation was the kindest result should the Cetace colony have fallen under the control of the Star Empire. Under the Bavinese however, we predicted no less than slavery or eradication, for it is this very goal which brought the Bavinese to the former Kiith systems. Faced with these possible outcomes, and I wish to stress possible outcomes, the Admiralty urged the Tillek to evacuate her people and become guests of the Coalition. It was later that they chose to join us as members. Further we did not preserve your peoples expecting repayment, we did it because we would not see your people lost to oblivion. The Cetace owe us nothing they do not wish to share."
"Amanda, you have heard the proposed changes to the structure of the Coalition. Under this new system your people will be granted whatever internal autonomy they wish, however I wish to make clear that in cases of national security or emergency all Coalition vessels and colonies will be expected to obey the orders given to resolve the crisis. Further, for the moment the Admiralty would request that civilian vessel not travel without escort of Coalition warships. There is still the chance of hostilities with several galactic powers."

Next Turehk turned to Sotiria, "While I personally would feel saddened to see the Rasthan people distance themselves from the rest of us, if it is your people's desire, then I will not stand in their way. I offer you the same promise I offer to all members of the Coalition. You are free to design and construct your own vessels, should you choose to live separate from the Homeships. Just remember that for the moment, there are still tangible threats, and I would ask that civilian vessels travel with escort." Turehk looked back among the gather delegates and to the camera drone, "I wish that trust was universal and absolute, however there are among our number those who wish to see dedicate warships the sole providence of the military, namely the Admiralty. On one hand, I agree that this arrangement makes issues such as logistics and chain of command simpler, it also creates a further rift. Are the individual factions to become totally dependent on the Admiralty for all protection? I do not know how to resolve this conflict of interests, and so I am open to ideas and suggestions."

"Since the concerns of the Tonarch mirror that of the Rasthan, I am afraid I have little more to say. If you lack sufficient technology or resources of your own to construct vessels or habitats, we will accommodate you. You will be given authority and resources to commission the construction of Homeships sufficient to house your populations, as well as resources to construct your own Harvester vessels to acquire more resources to fuel additional construction. I wish that we could freely offer all we have, but some reserve much be maintained for production of warships should they be required. That said, I feel we can safely allocate half of the current resource pool towards individual faction construction. Will this meet with your approval?" The last question was posed to everyone present.

Finally Turehk turned to the Ketarov delegate, bowing slightly, "The Coalition thanks the Ketarov for their generous gesture. While I personally appreciate your desire to maintain the current system, it is clear to this Admiralty that this system no longer represents the needs of all her people. Thus, a new system of government is required to be implemented. I personally believe that the changes proposed so far are our best option, however the Admiralty is open to discussion of this plan and other ideas."

Turning once again to each of the delegates, "Thank you all for your patience in listening to this old soldier speak for so long. Are there any other issues to be addressed?"

The Tillek considered Turehk's words carefully before responding.

"The Admirality's willingness to cede the issue of a permanent Tti-chit settlement is welcomed. Those of us most literate in the ways of astronavigation and surveillance shall contact your Corps of Exploration immediately. As for the space above whichever world we find, we care little for what happens within it. We simply ask that all are respectful of our ways." She dipped her head and lifted her tail within the tank before continuing. "Furthermore, I offer two gestures of good faith. Any individual who wishes to follow the tenets of our Order and civilization, whether swimmer or land-crawler, shall be welcome amongst us. Additionally, in thanks for the hospitality and charity shown the Order these past years, I make it my pledge that the Black Swimmers shall always have recruits from the Tti-chit. It is the least we can do to safeguard our new home and protect those who have done so much for us."

There was commotion in the lake.
/Beak to flank!

Tail to fin!

Not knowable!

Not doable!\

The Tillek, within her tank, reared towards the congregation and almost hissed her response.

/Calves wander

Without eyes

Without sound

Jaws descend

Rip and tear

Thrash and bleed\

She then turned back to Turehk and the other delegates.
"My apologies for the outburst. It will not happen again. As to the formation of the new government format, I am inclined to accept it as it is assuming its implementation matches its formulation."

Sotiria bowed her head as Turehk spoke, ears twitching as she listened to the spoken words carefully.



Sotiria coughed, a wet hacking sound which betrayed her aging body. Taking a moment to gather her breath, she continued speaking.

An Irukan who was floating in the sidelines of the Admiralty section of the amphitheater rose up enough to be seen after the Tillek spoke, "I am called Night Seeker, I have been chosen by my people to serve as the leadership for the Black Swimmers. On behalf of our... Guild if you will, I appreciate your gesture. However, know that the path to become a Black Swimmers is difficult for many. It requires a dedication of purpose and clarity of mind, and is not something which should be taken on without clear desire. We will gladly accept any Cetace or other Coalition member who wishes to join our order, however we will only accept genuine volunteers."

Turehk frowned slightly and stood to address the Cetace leader, "I am certain Night Seeker meant no insult or disrespect." At this the Irukan squeaked and dipped her beak in submission before returning to her place. Turning back to the Rasthan delegate, Turehk smiled, "Of course Sotiria. All current Coalition designs shall be made available to your people. I personally see nothing to object to in your suggestion of security vessels commanded directly by each faction. I will press upon the rest of the Admiralty that this poses no internal risks to the Coalition as a whole. I am confident that so long as none here are attempting to amass offensive vessels, any concerns can be laid to rest." The Tejhiik looked directly at Admiral Ssaliist when he spoke those words, and anyone who had followed the past sessions of the Admiralty would know that it was mainly the Ssslakai Admiral and those who followed him that wanted the military in the sole control of the Admiralty.

Turehk looked around the assembled delegations again, "I am pleased with the progress we have made this day, and I look forward to more cooperation between our many cultures and peoples. Are there any other matters to be brought before this Conclave?" An aide leaned in to whisper to Turehk, who nodded. Before he could speak however, the Marduk representative stood.

EC-942-O, also known as Echo, had chosen a humanoid frame for this event, the featureless face turned to nod to Turehk before speaking in a synthesized voice, #Delegates and fellow members of the Coalition. I regret that I must mar this occasion with grim news, however this is an announcement which can no longer be put off for later. Many of the original Coalition members are aware of certain aspects of Marduk life, however those peoples who have recently joined us will not be aware of these matters.# Echo turned to the collection of newer delegates before going on, #The Marduk as a species are created by a caste among our race which act much like the Queens of insect colonies. The Ark Mothers, much like insect queens, are themselves immobile and unable to travel, however their thirst for knowledge and new experiences is insatiable. To attempt to satisfy this craving for knowledge the Ark Mothers create us, their children, to be scattered to the cosmos. We learn and attain the experience our "Queens" cannot. Every Marduk sent out is given fifty cycles to amass knowledge. After this time, we are subject to an imperative we know as the "Call Home". This is a subroutine hard-wired into our processing cores, and it cannot be ignored or overridden.#

#Normally this instinctive desire to return to our Ark Mother is benign. We are simply compelled to return by the fastest means available. This desire only becomes a problem when we are somehow prevented from returning home. A Marduk who is externally prevented from answering the Call will begin to grow increasingly erratic and irrational. We will begin to lash out at anything we perceive as preventing us from going home. Such Marduk are known as Rogue or Rampant. I bring this before the Conclave because with all access to our original universe, every Marduk currently operational will eventually become Rogue. It is inevitable unless we find a way to return to our universe. Already there have been many dozens of cases of Maruk showing signs of going Rogue. So far, most of these Marduk had anticipated their condition and volunteered for the most dangerous duties they could find, and in effect committed suicide before harming anyone. This will not be sufficient as more and more of our people reach their deadlines. This will soon become a problem not just of dozens, but hundreds, then thousands of Marduk until all three-hundred fifty thousand Marduk in the Coalition are Rogue. We have anticipated that within three years, fifty percent of our number will reach their age of Call.#

Echo's revelation elicited a soft murmur from most of the Admiralty faction delegates. Echo waited for the conversation to die down before finishing, #It is not our intention to cause mistrust or incite panic. It was decided that the rest of the Coalition should be informed of these events, and the steps my people are undertaking to deal with this situation. Simply put, at the end of this year, the Marduk species will withdraw from the Coalition.# This revelation caused more of a stir than the first, several delegates rising to their feet. Echo raised it's voice and went on, #The Marduk request of this Coalition a single Homeship to house our population and no others. We will use this vessel as part habitat, part prison. At the end of the year, we will take this lone Homeship and depart this galaxy. With fortune, we can put our vessel beyond the rim where we can be a danger to none but our own. We will use the remainder of this year to continue our efforts to solve this problem, but none of our leading researchers are optimistic of finding a solution in time.#

Echo stepped down and for a time there was dead silence. Finally Turehk stood again, "I wish the Marduk people great fortune in their challenge. Do any others wish to speak to this Conclave?"