ShipCore

Book 4: Chapter 169: Political Decisions

USD: After two days of aborted negotiations.

Location: Meltisar, MOR-1, Ambassadorial Station Segment, Near Meeting Room A

Alex sank into the plush lounge sofa, her tense shoulders proof of her unease. The thick carpet and elaborate decorations surrounding her did little to alleviate her mood and while the smart fabric couch was comfortable, it did not provide any sense of relief.

Relax, Rachel urged gently, observing Alexs tension.

Casting a sidelong glance at her friend, memories of the recently aborted meeting prickled at Alexs nerves, making relaxation seem nearly impossible. That isnt easy.

With a deep breath, she prodded her cake with her fork. The mere thought of Talisas face stirred an urge to crush the dessert in frustration. A desire to punch something bubbled up inside her.

Another gathering loomed in just a couple of hours, but thus far, negotiations had been fruitless.

Despite receiving advice and support from Admiral Westlake and Captain Mackey, most of their time had been spent arguing and flinging empty platitudes at each other. The envoys had no issue bringing random conflicts and issues that werent even related to Meltisar whenever possible. Whenever she interrupted or attempted to steer things, the discussions would inevitably devolve into heated exchanges between her and the Imperial Envoyboth flinging thinly veiled barbs at each other that only served to exacerbate tensions further.

Alex shook her head slightly before letting out a sigh. I cant believe we have to do this all over again, she murmured to Rachel.

Rachel offered a sympathetic smile. Just try to stay focused on finding common ground, she advised softly. You never knowmaybe today will be different.

The only thing in common is that we all hate each other, Alex muttered, frustration evident in her voice.

With a sudden move, Rachel walked over and sat in Alexs lap. The unexpected closeness caught Alex off guard, momentarily disarming her frustration and filling her with surprise. She glanced at the door to the room, realizing they werent exactly in private.

Its a good thing I came with you, or youd be wrecking MOR-1 worse than the AGAI did to MIL-1A, Rachel commented lightly.

Alex huffed. That isnt funny. Yet she couldnt deny that her friend had effectively defused her urge to break something.

She slipped an arm around Rachels back and leaned in, pressing a kiss on her neck. Rachel giggled, but pulled away slightly. Save that for later.

Biting her lip, Alex retorted, Youre the one who needs the extra attention, and youre telling me to stop?

I can be professional, Rachel shot back. Im just doing my duty to keep our esteemed diplomat presentable.

The hiss of air from the door sliding open interrupted their banter. Rachel quickly slid off Alexs lap and stood up as the Solarian Envoy entered the lounge.

Am I interrupting something? The Corpo Envoy asked, her violet eyes flickering between Alex and Rachel.

Alex shook her head while Rachel responded, No, Freylia. Nothing going on. Im just getting some coffee.

Freylia gave them both a second appraisal before continuing into the room and sitting on the lounge sofa across from Alex.

Alex felt her annoyance surge as her HUD went off on a tangent, highlighting Freylia and announcing the danger and threat posed by the sigma NAI. Dismissing the indicator, Alex set her cake down on a glass end table, suddenly losing her appetite.

Rachel hummed innocently and moved to the drink bar.

Alexs gaze remained fixed on Freylia; although she wasnt the most aggravating of the envoys, she was far from innocent when it came to causing disturbances in the meeting room.

Tia had advised her to keep trying, even though Alex had come to view these meetings as a waste of time. Even if Rachel claimed that she was enjoying their time away from the academy, Alex was not. She had already missed a lot of instruction, and despite receiving lessons from Nameless and others, it didnt feel quite the same.

What do you want, Freylia? Alex asked tersely.

Ive never seen someone as irritable as Talisa, Freylia replied, her voice carrying a hint of amusement.

Alex shot her an annoyed glare, but Rachel broke their eye contact as she passed between them and sat down beside Alex. She pushed a cup into Alexs hands, momentarily distracting her from the conversation.

Annoyance short-circuited as she looked down at the milky brown drink full of sugar. Taking a sip, Alex could taste the perfect blend of half-milk, half-coffee, and half-sugar. Rachel knew just how she liked it.

Freylia gave them a considering look before continuing. The Imperium likes to use the tau because shes difficult to work with, hates everyone, and enjoys being a bully. I think youve confused her by shouting back at her.

Alex frowned. Is there a point to that?

This tactic works for the Imperium because they hold the strongest positionthe most planets, core worlds, and warships. Not enough to do whatever they want, but enough to show they have the biggest stick, Freylia explained. Meltisar isnt in the same situation. Youre surrounded on all sides and even with a powerful navy you cant stop all four factions simultaneously.

Thank you for stating the obvious, Alex said sarcastically.

Freys cool confidence wavered as her eye twitched in annoyance. We are aware of Celestias relationship with her family--

A hiss from the sliding door drew everyones attention as the Ertan priestess entered confidently. Alex dismissed another HUD warning.

Freylia acknowledged her first: Eirene.

The priestess frowned at Freylia. Frey, its rude that you started without me.

Alex and Rachel observed as Eirene approached and sat beside Frey, copying their proximity. Alexs eyes widened slightly, realizing that there might be more to the two envoys relationship than had been evident in the meetings.

I hope you dont mind? We are being a bit casual here, arent we? Eirene asked with a coy smile.

I dont think they care, Freylia responded sarcastically.

Alex shifted her posture to sit straighter, conscious of Rachels closeness. She moved her legs so that their thighs were no longer touching.

Eirene laughed at Alexs reaction. Could you please let me know where we are in the conversation?

I was just about to make the offer, Frey said, turning her attention back to Alex and clearing her throat. Meltisar wants to maintain its independence as a core world. We can make that happen. If youll come under the Corporate Systems umbrella, and Celestia accepts Monetas protection, well leave you to your own devices in the same way Meltisar has always enjoyed its autonomy. The Ertan Republic will support the move, and we will form a three-part alliance.

Alex listened intently, setting her coffee down and rubbing her temple. But you want Tia to become Monetas sub-core and be locked to her directives? Thats not possible because Celestia is a Psi as well.

Eirene clicked her tongue and rolled her eyes, leaning into Frey. Thats a silly position. I truly dont see how making something like that up and then trying to run with it benefits Celestia or Meltisar.

Were offering you a sweetheart deal that gives you equal status with us. Celestia doesnt have another option unless she wishes to return to her mother, but from our information, we dont think thats possible, Freylia said heatedly.

As much as my encounters with the CS have poisoned me towards liking you, I very much would like to consider your offer. But Tia going under Moneta, or the High Priestess, is a non-starter, Alex countered firmly.

Frey huffed in anger and stood up. Spitting on our offer with lies isnt going to make you any friends, and you need them. Meltisar might have a strong navy now, but you wont when commerce comes to a halt.

Alex considered the situation thoughtfully. Frey wasnt wrong; they had over a trillion people to take care of in the system, and while mining the gas giant would provide consumables for centuries still, the mines on the moons were already lacking rare materials due to over mining. There was no way resource extraction from the single star system could compare to the four larger star nations.

Eirene stood up and clung to Freys arm, whispering something so quietly that even Alex couldnt hear it with amplification. Frey glanced at the priestess with an annoyed expression before turning back to Alex, who had risen to her feet as well. Rachel followed suit.

We also want Thea back. We know you have taken her, Frey demanded.

Alex frowned. If she wants to go back, she can. But our first directive is self-determination, and we arent going to force her to return to you.

Frey clicked her tongue in anger again. This is bullshit. Lets go. She turned and left, with Eirene staying by her side and glancing back to wave at them.

As the door closed, Rachel rubbed Alexs back soothingly. Alex stated flatly, The Corpo and Ertan envoys are sleeping together.

Rachel choked on a laugh and then confirmed, You didnt read the report? We already knew that.

Alex frowned. We need something like the deal they offered, but we cant accept their requirements. I dont even know if they were right about working with the Imperium. This was stupid going into it without a plan. I need to VM Tia.

Hey, youre doing your best, Rachel countered gently.

Yeah, but Im just a cadet, Alex admitted with a sigh. I dont have the experience for this. Where is Meltisars stellar diplomatic corps? Even with Westlake and your fathers help, they arent cut out for this either.

Rachel looked away reluctantly. Theyre down on the surface; the experienced staff are all part of the anti-NAI faction

Alex groaned loudly in frustration. Big freaking surprise!