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More is revealed about the Anticans as the peace summit commences, however something deeper, much more sinister might be happening here than anyone could imagine. (Part 1 of 2)

Yay 3-month art/writers block! I hope you enjoy reading.

Leave a comment and let me know what you think please! I love reading them, anything is appreciated! :)

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The squeaks of rubber soles and tapping of the ambassador’s walking stick on the stone tiles echoed through the cavernous hallways of the Sarti capitol building. While occasionally feeling awkward in social interactions, Sa’Rahn had no issue chatting with their elderly Antican host on a friendly basis. However his brother had specifically requested for him to refrain from getting overly involved this evening; Morley’s career as a Starfleet Captain needed this assignment after being on the sidelines for so long! Yet, here he was, speaking to the Ambassador in his brother’s place. Although not present at the moment, Sa’Rahn knew Morley would be irate with him upon returning.

“Indulge an aging man’s curiosity, Admiral Noa’Tek. Do, tell me about yourself.” Ambassador Budȧh asked openly as the group sauntered along.

“Um, there’s not that much to tell really.” Sa’Rahn shrugged a little, lightly clasping his hands over his stomach as he walked, hoping the Ambassador would stop paying him so much attention. He already felt guilty enough for undermining his brother’s authority, even if he hadn’t intended to.

The ambassador, for whatever reason, had taken a liking to Sa’Rahn, and a painfully obvious dislike towards Morley. Using one of his sharp claws to pick at his yellowed teeth, the Antican chuckled as he eyed the obese Caitian waddling beside him. “Haha heh… Your attempt at modesty is amusing, Admiral. Though you need not present such a… ‘political’… face.” He grinned, emphasizing his words with his free hand. “The records given to me before your arrival detailed many of the colorful tales of your service. Upon seeing you in the flesh, however, I am inclined to believe you are far more interesting than you profess.”

Sa’Rahn’s hackles twinged slightly as he drew in a deep breath, trying to think carefully before replying. “You already seem to know a lot about me… what more do you want to know exactly?”

Angling his elongated head, as if to ponder the question thoroughly, the Ambassador eventually replied, “Tell me, what is the Captain to yourself? I admit, I am not familiar with your people’s customs, but your collective names resemble that of a pack. Are you in some way related?”

“Yes, Mor-… er, Captain Noa’Tek is my older brother.” Sa’Rahn replied, catching himself with a forced cough.

“Ah, I see! Quite interesting… Forgive my confusion; I suspected some sort of relation. However you both appear largely different, such as your height, the color of your coats… Until this evening I had not the pleasure of meeting your kind, so that I was perplexed.” The Ambassador explained, continuing to hobble slowly with his cane, “I too have an extensive pack, my eight brothers and three sisters, all spread abroad. However, none are my superior, I suppose.” Budȧh lightly caressed the silky white fur that made up his beards as he thought about his own family briefly. His attention returning as he glanced back to the other Caitian members of the away team following behind them, he added, “Tell me, Admiral, are more of your pack also among Starfleet’s ranks?”

“Oh, no. It’s just me and my brother. The rest of my family is back on Cait, uh, our home planet. Except for my uncle that is, not sure where he is right now.” Sa’Rahn explained, smiling a little, “My parents are fishermen, handed down from my grandparents too I guess. My father owns his own restaurant back home as well, he’s the head chef. I just got back from visiting them as a matter of fact, heh.”

Budȧh snickered and a smile creased his lips, nodding happily, “Both a fisherman and a chef are within your bloodline, respectable titles among my people! The right to claim one’s self both as a hunter and a culinary artist would be an honor. It also would certainly explain your impressive waistline my friend! You must be quite proud of your pack!”

Sa’Rahn’s ears lowered a bit as he took a moment to process the remark. Usually, comments about his weight didn’t phase him. With his good friend Jagara, the fleet’s counselor, he often enjoyed the obligatory fat joke. In recent months however, especially after his heart attack, the words felt far more cutting and hurtful. “Um, yeah I guess so…” He murmured, embarrassed.

It took only a heartbeat for the Antican to notice Sa’Rahn’s sudden shift in demeanor. Slowing his pace, he turned to Sa’Rahn, leaning his head to one side. “Admiral… I do sincerely apologize. I see my words of commendation have instead proved insulting to you. I do request your indulgence, it was not my intent.”

“No no, it’s fine. Really. Heh. I’m the big guy everyone knows, ha heh…” Sa’Rahn laughed a little, giving his stomach a light pat, trying to dismiss the uncomfortable situation as a joke.

“Please, allow me… Our culture has changed dramatically over the passing decades. My people value honesty at its very core.” Budȧh began to explain, placing a gentle hand on Sa’Rahn’s shoulder. “Especially if to reveal one’s flaws, the act of honesty is foremost. If one is deserving. I meant no ill intent with my words, but rather, was conveying the impressiveness and modesty at which you present yourself!” The Ambassador’s eyes narrowed as he continued, his tone more serious, “I am certain the difference in how I have treated you thus far, compared to the captain, has not escaped you, no?”

Sa’Rahn chose to remain silent as he listened to the ambassador’s words, unsure if he should respond or not.

“I too took it upon myself to read the excessive portfolio on your brother before your arrival; he is a soldier, a trained combatant, and deceiver. I could see it within his eyes, in his posture, and in his scent. In my many years as a politician for my pack, I have been witness to many types of people. The benign facade of friendship the Captain attempted was a pathetic farce. He is untrustworthy, and undeserving of my kindness.

“You however…” The Ambassador continued, lightly prodding Sa’Rahn’s belly with a finger to make his point. “You made no such attempts at dominance. You knew your place, and respected your kin, although inferior. You should be commended for such! I know you were once a type of soldier as well, but your merits of character were not earned through the same means. It is evident there is no deceit within you. Quite simply put, the kindly, plump, simpleton you appear as is also what is within your soul. You are trustworthy, which is why I have chosen you to represent your Federation this evening.”

“Ambassador Budȧh. Look, I assure you, my br-… Captain Noa’Tek, he…” Sa’Rahn stammered, struggling to gather his words. Morley had changed so drastically since they were cubs; he was more aggressive, angry over anything that opposed him. He had many flaws, most obvious his hair-trigger temper, but Sa’Rahn knew his brother was still a decent person. At the very least, he wanted to believe he was. Although the ambassador’s words had merit, this was his brother they were talking about! Feelings and facts aside, he was his family! “He’s my brother, Ambassador. I grew up with him. He’s a good person, I promise.”

The Antican simply snorted, staring at Sa’Rahn, not particularly impressed with the defense. Still, he ultimately understood the Caitian’s position. Sighing, the Ambassador added, “I am humble enough to admire the defense of your pack, Admiral. However, I do feel the need to warn you; there is something dark within your brother’s soul; an underlying arrogance that reveals the trapped beast holed up in his heart. I do apologize for my harsh words. Yet, even still, I would rather enjoy someone at my table this evening of whom I can trust. If you would?”

“What um, will tonight’s peace summit focus on exactly?” Sa’Rahn asked as he rubbed the back of his neck, trying to avoid inevitably angering his brother even further upon his return. He had half-heartedly read through the briefing provided from Starfleet yesterday during lunch, though ultimately ended up getting distracted by a strawberry-chocolate sundae that required his full attention. In what he remembered though, nothing specific about the summit had been detailed strangely.

The ambassador bellowed a laugh as he shook his head. Returning his gaze back to Sa’Rahn, he replied, “Quite simply, my friend, everything shall be discussed. This evening’s summit of peace, like many in which I involve myself, is to maintain stability among the packs as a whole, as dictated by the Pack Council. Tonight will raise a number of past failings, and current disputes, some of which I am sure to partake.”

A painful grunt escaped the Antican’s breath as he attempted to straighten his hunched spine with a few audible cracks and pops. The poor man was clearly too old to stand fully erect anymore. Pausing as he caught his breath, he continued, “Much like your own pack’s lineage of fisherman, Admiral, my pack has borne politicians for generations. My very father, was head advisor and chieftain to the late Ant’lircan Ambassador. And before him my grandfather, Badar N’D’D, served as the ambassadorial conduit for this province at the Parliament hearings in 2364. An inspiration to be sure. I never met him, regrettably.”

“That’s impressive! That-… wait, that’s only… forty-seven years ago?” Sa’Rahn started to say, pausing a moment as he did the math in his head. “How did you not-…?”

Watching Sa’Rahn struggle to comprehend his words mildly amused the Ambassador as a smug grin grew across his face. Leaning forward on his cane, he asked, “Tell me, Admiral, I always enjoy asking other species this; how old do you take me?”

“Oh uh… I don’t think… I would rather not guess, Ambassador.” Sa’Rahn stammered, quickly realizing any answer would surely prove insulting.

“No, no! Please, guess!” The Ambassador pressed further, a hint of excitement in his tone. “Most outsiders believe my age to be far older than the truth. They tend to judge by my white hair, or my crooked back, or the many wrinkles across my scalp. I always enjoy a certain pleasure in telling others how wrong they are… It makes me feel young again. Haheh!”

“I-… With all due respect, Ambassador, I’d really rather not.” Sa’Rahn declined once more, politely bowing his head.

“Bah!” Budȧh scoffed, waving him off with his hand as if shooing away a fly. “While I appreciate your manners, my friend, I would suggest you learn to indulge others when asked to do so. You are too cautious. In terms to my age, by ‘Federation standard’, I am forty-two years of age. My departed grandfather, Badar, returned to the soil at the age of fifty-two.” Scratching his chin briefly, he added, “Enjoy your youth while you are able, Admiral. Time does not treat my people kindly.”

“Admiral!” A distant voice suddenly called out, gathering the attention of everyone to look back down the long hallway. Morley had finally returned. “Your guest has arrived.” He added seconds later while making his way back to the group promptly.

Like the confident woman he knew her to be, Iris glided alongside Morley’s heavy and determined stride, gently guided by his leading arm. Sa’Rahn’s heart began to beat in his chest as his eyes met his mate. His heavy tail began to sway from side to side happily, slapping against the backs of his thighs like a paddle. What’s more, she had even worn the elegant dress he had hoped for! The armless, deep wine gown started with a low V-neck, pausing at a banded waist, and draped to the floor with a long flowing skirt. A single slit ran down the swathe of fabric, teasing a bare leg occasionally. Countless sparkling diamond-like jewels were interwoven down the sides like a Trill’s spots, catching the light in a mesmerizing galaxy of stars.

The dreary ambient sounds of the capitol building all faded away as soon as Sa’Rahn caught sight of his mate. His heavy chest began to weigh on him as the last of his breath escaped his lungs. Despite taking all of his strength to try and maintain a decently calm composure, Sa’Rahn’s jaw hung open like a lovestruck cub as a wave of pure awe and emotion overpowered him. She looked absolutely stunning! How lucky he was to have her in his life.

“That female alien there… she is the ‘mate’ you spoke of before?” Ambassador Budȧh asked, doubtingly.

“Yes…” Sa’Rahn nodded happily, not really paying attention.

The elderly Antican paused as he looked between the two of them a few more times before scratching behind his ear, baffled. “Really?”

“Yes…” Sa’Rahn replied again, still not paying attention.

Leaning his weight on his cane once more, Budȧh’s eyes narrowed as he continued to stare, finally adding, “This female… has chosen to mate with you…? Of her own will?”

The Ambassador’s words were completely unheard by him as Sa’Rahn passionately reached to hold Iris’s open hands as she neared him. Letting her fingers comb into the fur of his palms, a broad smile spread across his lips. “Wow…” Sa’Rahn breathed, finding he was at a complete loss for words. Looking her up and down, his heart racing, he simply said, “You look… beautiful.”

Iris grinned warmly as she gazed up into his golden eyes, recognizing his innocent sincerity. “You don’t look so bad yourself, big boy.” She replied coyly, reaching up to brush a stray crumb from his collar. “You always did look good in uniform.”

“And you wore the dress too… heh…” Sa’Rahn squeaked softly, struggling to keep his voice down. “Thank you for coming.”

“Aha, if I may…” The ambassador suddenly spoke up, lightly tapping his cane against the floor to gain their attention. Turning his focus to Iris with a warmly crooked smile, he opened his free hand and asked, “You must be the Admiral’s mate?”

Somewhat puzzled by the strange looking alien presented to her, Iris simply smirked and offered her hand to shake his own, “Yes, yes I am. Pleased to meet you. Iris.”

“AH but of course!” The ambassador exclaimed suddenly as if he had simply forgotten her, gingerly taking her hand. “The admiral has told me much about you since his arrival.” He started to laugh, returning to lean upon his cane. Perhaps remembering a tale of Terran tradition, the Antican leaned down to brush his lips against the back of her hand. “So much so, I was very close to believing such a lovely female as yourself were not possible!”

Sa’Rahn opened his mouth as he listened to the ambassador, as if to speak, but hesitated before closing it once more. Since the away team’s arrival at the capitol, he had only mentioned Iris once, somewhat in passing too. Although he couldn’t explain it, perhaps the ambassador’s skills as a politician and reading people had come to play. Had he really deduced their relationship so quickly? While catching a split second when Iris’s eyes were averted, the Antican glanced to Sa’Rahn, sneaking in a sly wink. Although utterly confused, Sa’Rahn had little time to question the old man’s helpful antics.

“Oh really?” Iris smiled in return, raising a playful eyebrow as she glanced up to her love.

“Certainly! I was in fact just about to demand proof of the admiral’s haughty claims!” The Antican affirmed loudly, stamping his cane on the ground. “I can humbly see now I was wrong to have ever doubted him. Gah! My sincere apologies, where have my manners gone. I am Ambassador Budȧh R’D of Ant’lirca. It is an honor to meet you.” Sweeping his cloak out of the way, the ambassador opened his free arm to the side, offering the best bow he could manage. With his broken back and aching limbs however, it wasn’t all that much. “Ah, do forgive me. I would show honor further, though I fear my old bones might hurl me to the ground.”

Iris grinned as she chuckled some, finding the old Antican amusingly charming, “It’s a pleasure to meet you as well, ambassador.”

All while the three continued to exchange empty flattery and waste everyone’s time, Morley had been standing near the back of the group waiting for someone, anyone at this point, to realize their captain had returned. Nothing about this mission was going his way from the moment they beamed down. Morley was here to represent the Federation this evening, and was not about to let his oblivious brother steal his glory again! Stifling a spiteful scowl under a plastered smile, Morley straightened his posture as he sternly spoke over everyone, “I do apologize I was gone for so long, ambassador. Thank you Admiral Noa’Tek, for standing in while I was absent. I believe we were on our way to the assembly hall for the peace summit?”

The ambassador’s expression promptly stiffened harder than stone as he snarled at Morley. To him, it was as if watching an adolescent child profusely asserting he was an adult too! Knowing truthfully Morley had little say in whether or not he would represent his group for the evening now that they were on his turf, the ambassador had no interest in humoring him. “Ah, captain… thank you. I had forgotten you were present also.” Morley’s front cracked slightly as his whiskers and tail twitched at the ambassador’s snide remark. “Ah, now where has the time gone, please, everyone, to the main hall. This way, if you would?”

Whispering into Iris’ ear quickly to go on ahead of him as the group carried on, Sa’Rahn hung back for a moment, hoping to speak to his brother privately. From Morley’s perspective, Sa’Rahn knew it looked like he had stolen the spotlight from him yet again. Truthfully, that wasn’t entirely wrong, even if it wasn’t intentional. Taking in a breath, he reached out a hand to stop him, “Morley, a moment-…?”

“What?” His brother angrily spat out, cutting him off.

“I wanted to thank you… for bringing Iris down here. You have no idea how much it means to me that she’s here. And her too! So, thank you. Really.” Sa’Rahn began to explain, taking the time to chose his words carefully. “And… I want to apologize. For everything so far. I tried to stay out of the way, I swear. I never meant for the ambassador to-…”

Morley swiftly raised a hand to silence his brother. Despite the growing disdain for the ambassador’s smug attitude, his brother’s sincere acknowledgement and thanks weren’t lost on him. Closing his eyes tightly, his muscles tense, Morley shuddered as he drew in the biggest breath the support unit constricting his waist would allow. Rationally, he knew he was overreacting. His incompetent brother was clearly not skilled enough to act as a representative for the Federation. There had to be another reason that bloated, old Antican was chumming up to him. Regardless, as much as he hated to admit none of it had been by his own doing, the evening was going relatively smoothly. Perhaps he should at least attempt to focus on that, Morley thought.

Although concerned, Sa’Rahn meanwhile remained silent, waiting for his brother to speak first.

“I’m… happy, for you two.” He finally admitted, hesitating between his words, “I just want this mission to go without incident. Then get a commendation for my record… that’s been dry for three years.” Shaking his head, a subtle growl rumbling in his throat, he added, “If the ‘ambassador’ has a crush on you… whatever. Just don’t screw anything else up!”

“Right. Right, ok…” Sa’Rahn nodded.

Looking to the rest of the away team being escorted by their Antican host up ahead, Morley sneered bitterly. “Cath sserrot I can’t stand these people…”

Ever since Morley had first explained what he knew about Anticans, and how he clearly felt about them, Sa’Rahn had been puzzled by the hatred towards their species. Morley was a lot of things, but ‘speciesist’ had never been one of them. Glancing back as well for a moment, Sa’Rahn then turned to his brother, asking, “I know the ambassador has been kind of impolite to you and all, but… why do you hate Anticans so much? They don’t seem all that bad?”

“Because they don’t deserve to be a part of the Federation.” Morley grumbled with a snarl. “They’ve been off and on at war with their neighbors in the past so much, their attempts at peace are almost comical at this point. They’re arrogant and think they’re the dominant species over everyone. And have you seen a single ounce of technology since we beamed down? I’m amazed they’re warp capable at all! Humans, Vulcans, Tellarites, us, every species in the Federation are light years ahead of them. We’re Starfleet!” He growled, jabbing his finger at the golden badge pinned to his chest, “The Federation is supposed to stand for peace, friendship and the advancement of knowledge! Anticans profusely preach they practice that but, time and again, they always prove to be liars. It’s in their nature. Why should we continue to accept that when we know they’re just going to turn on us again?”

Sa’Rahn hesitated as he thought. Morley had a point, but it seemed flawed to him. “Not every culture is perfect, Morley. Humans and Caitians nearly obliterated their own species with their wars… if the Federation stands for what you said, shouldn’t we try to be friends and give them the benefit of the doubt?”

Morley simply froze in place as he stared, at a complete loss for words, confounded by his brother’s incongruously insightful reply.

“Do try to keep up! I am older than the both of you!” Ambassador Budȧh suddenly shouted from up ahead, his scratchy voice resonating by the architecture. While the two Caitians had been talking, the rest of the group had managed quite a distance down the hall. “How am I expected to maintain the appearance of a feeble politician if I am the faster here, ha!” He added seconds later with a bark of laughter.

“We’ll talk about this later.” Morley grunted quietly as they both turned to catch up to the party.

With nothing left to add, Sa’Rahn merely clasped his hands behind his back, giving his brother a concerned look. He certainly wasn’t looking forward to whatever conversation they were planning to have later.

Ambassador Budȧh smiled with a soft grunt of approval as he noticed Sa’Rahn return to the front of the group, silently offering his arm to Iris.

“What was that about?” Iris whispered to Sa’Rahn.

“It’s… it’s nothing.” He replied softly, “I’ll tell you later.”

Only a few seconds of silence passed among the party however before the ambassador noticed another group of Antican delegates loitering in the hallway just ahead, one of which he readily recognized. Seizing the opportunity to make conversation, Budȧh tapped Sa’Rahn on the arm to gain his attention, “Ah! Admiral Noa’Tek, my friend, you see that group right there we are approaching?” Wiggling a stubby finger pointed at the tallest in the group, the ambassador remarked, “Him there, the tall one? That, is Dagarr N’R, ambassador of the Rit’lhir pack. Ant’lirca’s closest neighbors.”

“Oh, you know him?” Sa’Rahn asked.

“Quite.” The ambassador simply replied.

The Antican that had been pointed out was freakishly tall, towering over his companions. A single, slender beard dripped from his chin like pouring water from a faucet, while more flowing white hair sprouted from the back of his head, tied back into a single pull that stretched down to the backs of his knees. His pointed black nose jutted upwards like that of a terran alligator, tugging on his lips to reveal jagged razor-sharp teeth. His eyes were pale with milky cataracts giving him a ghostly, undead appearance. Surrounding him were a number of other Anticans clad in armor similar to Budȧh’s entourage, but with designs and colored dyes to notify where their loyalties lied. There was something about the distant and vacant expression on his crippled face that unnerved Sa’Rahn.

While appearing a bit younger and notably thinner than Budȧh, he was clothed in similarly dressy garb but with less fabric and different patterns, bearing a dark green and golden cloak that hung from his shoulders like a cape. Tightly fastened around his thick neck was a large necklace made of brilliant golden links, bones, and gems; matching cuffs and bangles were tied around his wrists. A colorful leather tunic was fastened around his toned chest, but was cropped just above his waist, revealing his bare stomach and adjoining white fur coat on his back. Along with a series of tribal tattoos along his abdominals, his navel had seemingly been forcefully pulled out and pierced with a slender copper shaft, a few colorful feathers dangling decoratively. It looked incredibly painful, Sa’Rahn thought; it must have had some sort of cultural meaning.

“The Ant’lirca and Rit’lhir packs have been adversaries for generations. Many moons ago, long before even my grandfather's first breath, the packs once shared hunting grounds in unity, and all was at peace. Until an unspeakable murder in the northern woods was committed. To this very day, even history does not know what truly unfolded that night.” Laughing a little, Budȧh continued, “As one might expect, both Ant’lirca and Rit’lhir were proud. Neither would admit fault, which inevitably led to division, and our packs’ first war.” The Antican’s head slowly swayed as he gripped his cane a little harder, “Times have changed a great many things, though not all have been healed.”

“Sorry, ambassador…” Sa’Rahn spoke up, hoping to sate his curiosity, “I assumed you were-… does every pack have their own ambassador?”

“Indeed they do, admiral! All six-hundred and forty-three of them. What you would call a ‘government’, to our people, is a uniquely fractured balance of power. Each pack, of course, are all subject to the eight leaders of the Antican Pack Council.” The ambassador explained, all the while his voice growing steadily louder and louder to the point of near shouting. It soon became clear he was purposely trying to draw the attention of the other group they were nearing. “Of course! Still to this day, Admiral, it proves to be an amazement to me, the pack of Rit’lhir would elect such a disgruntled, lowlife, purse of gnarled fur and flesh to represent their interests!”

Rolling his long head up and over to the side with an exacerbated sigh, the taller Antican of the second group, Ambassador Dagarr, reluctantly turned to the familiar sound of Budȧh’s voice.

Satisfied he had gained the attention of his rival, Ambassador Budȧh lowered his tone, pretending to muffle his words as he continued, “Of course, I admit I may be wrong. Ambassador Dagarr may well have not been invited to this summit at all! As, it is late, and he is well known by many to wander the streets when his many medications have failed him.”

“Ah Ambassador Budȧh, what an unexpected surprise. I must say I hardly recognized you at first sight! I see you are looking ever fatter and paler with each passing summit I see.” Ambassador Dagarr jeered in return, clasping his burly hands over his waist upon facing the group. “Had it not been for your grating voice, I would have ordered my guards to remove such a vagrant from the premises.”

Ambassador Budȧh simply growled in return, but not without a slight a grin peeking the corners of his mouth. He clearly got some enjoyment from the petty bickering.

Dagarr’s lifeless eyes narrowed quickly however as his gaze darted to Sa’Rahn and the rest of the away team. “Who are they…? Why is Starfleet here!” He barked bitterly!

At least spotting an opportunity to set himself at the forefront of the mission again, Morley shoved past his brother and Iris to the head of the group before any of them could respond. “Greetings, Ambassador ‘Dagarr’, was it?” Morley asked kindly, offering his open hand to the Antican with a warm and professionally crafted smile. “I am Captain Noa’Tek of the starship Alpha-Caitian IV. Our host for the evening, Ambassador Budȧh here, was just escorting us to-…”

“Are you armed?” The tall Antican suddenly interrupted, reeling his arm back as if threatened by Morley’s introduction.

Confused by the man’s unusual behavior, Morley paused as he slowly retracted his hand. Rolling his tongue around in his mouth a moment, abating the frustration of being cut off, he continued, “…Not personally, but-…”

“How dare you dishonor this summit!? Has Starfleet not oppressed our people enough! Get off this planet!” Dagarr hissed, taking a stride back. With a swipe of his hand, the Ambassador motioned his armored entourage to step forward, weapons raised to the Starfleet Officers!

Sa’Rahn felt Iris’ hold on his arm tighten, obviously concerned by the tension. Without really thinking about it, he gently guided her to stand behind him.

“Dagarr you senseless, rotting, imbecil!” Ambassador Budȧh viciously barked, baring his teeth and striking his cane against the floor in rage! “These are the Federations observers attending tonight's peace summit, you old greth’krek! You were informed of their attendance the same as everyone else!”

Acceding to Budȧh’s words, Ambassador Dagarr merely snorted, motioning his guards to stand down and return to their posts behind him.

“Your kind isn’t welcome here, Starfleet.” The ambassador spat, his voice low and threatening, almost more growl than speech. “I suggest you take your leave gracefully before someone takes it for you. Stay away from the Rit’lhir table this night!”

Without another word, Ambassador Dagarr drew his cloak around himself dramatically, turning to leave with the rest of his party.

After what seemed like an eternity of holding his breath, Sa’Rahn took a moment before turning to Ambassador Budȧh for a much needed explanation. “What was that about!?”

“Bah, ignore the old mongrel! His bite is akin to that of a toothless marrit hound.” Ambassador Budȧh grunted, seemingly unphased by what had transpired, as if accustomed to such interruptions.

“That was a bit startling…” Iris whispered into Sa’Rahn’s ear, “I thought you said this was just going to be a bunch of old men yapping at each other. Not pointing guns at us.”

“Yeah… I thought so too.” He whispered in return, unsure how to rationally explain what just happened.

“Ambassador Dagarr is… a troubled man. Forgetful of much. Not a summit passes without some manner of incident on his part.” Budȧh sighed as he rested both hands atop his cane, “All jesting aside, my remarks about his need for medication is more true than not. The Ambassador suffers from a case of Braa’kthak, a rare degenerative illness among our people. Those affected tend to become hostile when opposed, their mental state retreating to a more… primal, nature. It can be fatal if left untreated.” Shuffling his robes some, he added, “Fortunately, the old windbag is rich enough to afford such help many times over. It is regrettable though, not even money can atone for simple forgetfulness.”

Morley’s knuckles cracked as his fists tightened, enraged by the hostile display! This only proved him right, his brother was an utter fool to trust these people! It took every last drop of his willpower to maintain a professional composure. Breathing shaky as he bottled up his anger, Morley swiftly reached out to place an unnecessarily firm and heavy hand on his brother’s shoulder, dragging him closer to angrily whisper, “You still think we should trust them!?”

Brushing off his beards lightly, the Ambassador motioned the group with his cane to continue on, “Now, if you all would, the assembly hall is just ahead. The summit has likely already begun.”

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-Continued in Part 2...