TERRA—FEDERATION SECRET SERVICE HQ—UNDERGROUND BUNKER
Two men stood around a table.
They were General Ralfot and Supreme Chancellor Souley, at this time the two most important men in the entire United Federation of Planets.
pαпdα`noνɐ1`сoМ Chancellor Souley consulted some documents and said, "Are you sure?"
General Ralfot replied, "There is no doubt about it. Our sources have clearly identified those responsible for these attacks. Without exception, they are all Eternals."
The chancellor seemed troubled as he answered, "Do they have any demands? Any manifesto?"
Ralfot answered, "That answer was easy to get, at least. From what we understand, the Eternals wish to found a new state, independent of ours. However, they wish to do so in the space belonging to the Federation. This is the project of their so-called SuperGuild, which serve sort of as clans within their people."
Souley replied, "What a mess! The Supremacist plot, the war against the Orc Empire, and now this attempted secession of a Federation people... The situation is critical, Ralfot. Our most important institutions were wiped out in the terrorist attacks. Only about a hundred senators remain. But the Constitutional Council? The Council of Ministers? All destroyed, and their members killed! We must take urgent remedial action if the Federation is to survive the coming days.
"First, we must negotiate peace with the Orcs. Get rid of this thorn in our side, as it were. I am sending you to Damocles, the Orc imperial capital, to meet with Emperor Xerxer XVI to negotiate peace on the Federation's behalf. If necessary, you can negotiate the secession of the Cronos Prime systems, as well as the twelve other systems populated by the Geoils. They hold no economic interest for us—they are very poor, and the Geoils are known for neither their intelligence nor for their efficiency at work. Their worlds will make a perfect bargaining chip, if necessary."
Ralfot was disgusted by the Chancellor's words. They sounded like the words of a Supremacist! Yet, he knew that the situation was too serious to continue a war that was already failing. He replied, "Well, I'm going there right now. What will you do about the Eternal situation?"
Chancellor Souley answered, "I have no choice after what they have done! To preserve the social peace, I will confirm your arrest order towards the Eternals, as well as their forfeiture of their civil rights. Once the situation with the Orc Empire is resolved, we will deport them outside of Federation space."
Ralfot replied, "This seems extreme to me, especially since we now have over twenty million Eternals in our army. What should we do with 'them?'"
Chancellor Souley answered, "Well, they must be removed from the army as soon as possible."
Ralfot grew increasingly skeptical of Chancellor Souley's reasoning. "What about those fighting for us on Cronos I?"
Chancellor Souley replied, "Why should that matter? No exceptions shall be made."
Ralfot tried to think of the rationale for these words, but could come to no conclusion except that the Chancellor had lost all critical reasoning! He was openly ordering Ralfot to violate the Federation's constitution!
So he answered, "I understand. As soon as I have the endorsement of the Army Staff and what's left of the Senate, I will order them stripped of their civil rights and deported from Federation space."
Chancellor Souley seemed annoyed. "I think you misunderstood me, General! 'I' will declare a state of siege across the entire Federation, which will give 'me' the absolute power to regulate the situation as I see fit! I am counting on you, in this critical moment, to show your complete and unwavering loyalty!"
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