FaddedFox
"Alas, so long as the music plays, we dance."
"We need the Taren crystals and Balminium, Jace," the woman growled, her black tongue flicking across the screen. She bared her jagged fangs, the motion making her narrowed eyes appear demonic. Each word she said was just under a snarl, but it didn't phase the human. Jace had long gotten used to the guttural speech and mannerisms of his 'friends'. Jace had been around the block more times than he could count and dealt with governments and organizations that thought they were the 'big bad'. They were all the same. What mattered was getting them what they wanted in a way that benefited all of mankind. He didn't give an actual shit about their woes.
"These things take time. Have I disappointed you before? No?" he mused when she was silent, "Then trust me. I know what I am doing. We'll get you what you need and we'll bring them to heel. We just need to paint a picture before we take our steps, Captain. I'll speak with you soon. I have an audience to address." He gave her a salute before terminating the connection. They may all think they were in charge of this alliance, but Jace held the cards. The man sighed as he stood and straightened his suit. Though he much preferred loose clothing when working, he had to appear the model citizen. They all had parts to play. Jace ran his hand through his hair and ensured not a single strand was out of place for the cameras. He checked his appearance in the mirror and adjusted the glasses he wore more for affect than actual need. Once he was ready, he headed for the podium. It was time to set the stage.
_-_
The dimly lit bar was bustling with activity. It may not be the biggest bar on this star station, but it had the best food this side of Westerion trading route. Various races took up residence at the tables or bar without care. There was no segregations between the races here. This was a safe zone where anyone and everyone was welcome so long as they didn't start anything within the establishment itself. It was a amalgamation of chatter, laugher, games and music. Several bright screens were hovering so everyone in the bar could see them. Initially, a game had been playing but it had suddenly changed to the news channel. The breaking news story had mostly been ignored, but a few key words were starting to garner attention from the customers. The din quieted and the words echoed across the open space.
[Representative Maron: ... We are here today not because we individually are great, no. We are here today because the diverse races, planets, galaxies, have come together in this crucible for a common goal. What is that goal, you ask? Advancement. Advancement of medicine, technology, education. We have built a better world for future generations of all people, not just one race in misplaced nationalism. We have come to understand that the way forward is through collaboration and aiding each other in times of need. As head of the Inter-world Trade Union, it is my duty to inform you of complications and the goings on between our planets, as it truly affects each and every one of us. Many of you know about the tension impending between Zalenthi and the representatives from Aks'shaka. You yourself may have found yourself in the middle of the stand-off and closures of trade routes between the ships and the planet or have been turned around altogether.
This hostility between the Le'ak of Zalenthi and the Aks'shaka will amount to nothing but a degradation of trade, the despicable and unnecessary loss of life, and disruption that goes beyond just this particular negotiation. Zalenthi has gone back on their ideals of collaboration and common ground. Representatives of Aks'shaka have been amenable to the various demands and limitations proposed by Zalenthi authorities. It is sad to see Zalenthi deny life saving resources in the midst of these negotiations and outright refusal to open trade. The limited resources they do trade have increasingly spiked in price, leading to constraints and inflation. At this time, they are the sol mass distributor of the Balminium catalyst. Without cooperation, we can continue to see prices rise, making anything containing Balminium will be obtainable by the wealthy alone. Many of our technology now is fueled by Balminium. Without it, we can see our society as we know it come to a stand-still.
But do not yet fret. We may be facing hard times, but I and the charitable Aks'shaka, are doing our best to work with Zalenthi and pursue trade for the benefit of us all. The trade route near Zalenthi, for now, will experience a closure for the safety of everyone involved. Anyone trying to cross will be stopped and investigated before being asked to utilize another route. We will open alternative routes so cargo and trading ships may continue to meet their supply and demand undeterred while we work for a quick resolution. Thank you for your cooperation. Announcements will be made periodically so that you may all be up to date on the situation and the trade routes. Thank you for attention.]
Arien growled low in the back of his throat as he watched the screen. Deep green eyes narrowed in indignation as the petal extensions around his head lifted and rattled. Though he was a man of few words and generally tried to be as expressionless as he could be, he was an open book. It didn't help that his own body betrayed his emotions. Arien's grip tightened on his glass till his knuckles were white. He wasn't as politically savvy, but he could tell bullshit when bullshit was spewed. Perhaps he was biased. He was from Zalenthi, after all. But that also meant he knew his people's code of conduct. They wouldn't just 'refuse' trade. There had to be a reason.
"He's hiding something," Arien murmured.
"Hey, Ari, might want to tone it down a notch," Naomi informed against her own glass. "You're getting admirers."
Arien glanced at her before taking note of the various customers in the bar. Many had turned to look at him. Some of those gazes were wary of his obvious aggression and others were laced with malice. They probably believed what the representative had said on the screen. Even though Arien had nothing to do with the trades and agreements, he was Le'akian. Considering what the 'news' just purported, he was a face of the enemy. No matter what he did here, people would assume negative intentions. Arien didn't want to cause problems for Ancasta and the crew. Maybe it would be better if he just left before something happened.
Arien forced down the rest of his drink and willed the petals to lower back against his neck. The bartender set down the food they'd ordered but the sight of it now turned his stomach. He set down his coin and pushed the food back. "I've lost my apatite," he informed. "I'll be on the ship."
Naomi grabbed his sleeve as he began to stand. "Arien, you don't have to go sulk in the ship. You have every right to sit here. Just ignore them. " Normally, Arien walked around and took in the sights when they made it to any station. They all got a bit stir crazy being stuck in a ship for a long period of time. Naomi didn't want him to forgo that desire and need just because some people wanted to be assholes. The only reason she'd even brought it up was the fact that she knew Arien didn't like to be the center of attention.
Arian shook his head. He didn't want to be here and he needed space. Maybe he was taking things personally, but he didn't like lies and half-truths. This was just painting his people in such a bad light. He pulled free of her grip gently and headed towards the door of the bar.
Naomi shook her head, a few strands of her curly hair falling forward in her face. She blew them out of the way so they wouldn't end up in her stew. She hadn't seen Arien so wound up before. Well, actually, there had been that one time an Amali person had tried to attack her when he was drunk. Arien had gone full soldier and beat the guy for even touching her, but that had been completely different. That had been an actual danger. This? This was just propaganda bullshit. Of course there were people who gobbled it up like turkeys gobbled up feed, but that didn't necessarily mean anything. Zalenthi had always instigated trade before. She didn't doubt this would blow over and trade agreements would be struck as usual. This was probably just an attention grab.
Naomi tapped her spoon against her lips and looked over at Ancasta and Hayate. "Sooooo, that was fun," she sighed. She waved the bartender down then. "Hey, could we get a container for the food please? Thank you much!" The man simply nodded and provided her the container. Naomi quickly began to shovel it in so it wouldn't get cold. She was sure Arien would regret not eating later. They'd been on the ship a long time without sun. Arien was bound to get fatigued without a good hearty meal. "That trade route that just got blocked off, is that going to hinder us now? It looked like the routes that they opened instead are going to take us completely away from and around the planet. Did we have a bounty for Zalenthi?" She didn't normally concern herself with the bounties that Acasta and Hayate did. Her main concern had always been the ship and their destinations.
"These things take time. Have I disappointed you before? No?" he mused when she was silent, "Then trust me. I know what I am doing. We'll get you what you need and we'll bring them to heel. We just need to paint a picture before we take our steps, Captain. I'll speak with you soon. I have an audience to address." He gave her a salute before terminating the connection. They may all think they were in charge of this alliance, but Jace held the cards. The man sighed as he stood and straightened his suit. Though he much preferred loose clothing when working, he had to appear the model citizen. They all had parts to play. Jace ran his hand through his hair and ensured not a single strand was out of place for the cameras. He checked his appearance in the mirror and adjusted the glasses he wore more for affect than actual need. Once he was ready, he headed for the podium. It was time to set the stage.
_-_
The dimly lit bar was bustling with activity. It may not be the biggest bar on this star station, but it had the best food this side of Westerion trading route. Various races took up residence at the tables or bar without care. There was no segregations between the races here. This was a safe zone where anyone and everyone was welcome so long as they didn't start anything within the establishment itself. It was a amalgamation of chatter, laugher, games and music. Several bright screens were hovering so everyone in the bar could see them. Initially, a game had been playing but it had suddenly changed to the news channel. The breaking news story had mostly been ignored, but a few key words were starting to garner attention from the customers. The din quieted and the words echoed across the open space.
[Representative Maron: ... We are here today not because we individually are great, no. We are here today because the diverse races, planets, galaxies, have come together in this crucible for a common goal. What is that goal, you ask? Advancement. Advancement of medicine, technology, education. We have built a better world for future generations of all people, not just one race in misplaced nationalism. We have come to understand that the way forward is through collaboration and aiding each other in times of need. As head of the Inter-world Trade Union, it is my duty to inform you of complications and the goings on between our planets, as it truly affects each and every one of us. Many of you know about the tension impending between Zalenthi and the representatives from Aks'shaka. You yourself may have found yourself in the middle of the stand-off and closures of trade routes between the ships and the planet or have been turned around altogether.
This hostility between the Le'ak of Zalenthi and the Aks'shaka will amount to nothing but a degradation of trade, the despicable and unnecessary loss of life, and disruption that goes beyond just this particular negotiation. Zalenthi has gone back on their ideals of collaboration and common ground. Representatives of Aks'shaka have been amenable to the various demands and limitations proposed by Zalenthi authorities. It is sad to see Zalenthi deny life saving resources in the midst of these negotiations and outright refusal to open trade. The limited resources they do trade have increasingly spiked in price, leading to constraints and inflation. At this time, they are the sol mass distributor of the Balminium catalyst. Without cooperation, we can continue to see prices rise, making anything containing Balminium will be obtainable by the wealthy alone. Many of our technology now is fueled by Balminium. Without it, we can see our society as we know it come to a stand-still.
But do not yet fret. We may be facing hard times, but I and the charitable Aks'shaka, are doing our best to work with Zalenthi and pursue trade for the benefit of us all. The trade route near Zalenthi, for now, will experience a closure for the safety of everyone involved. Anyone trying to cross will be stopped and investigated before being asked to utilize another route. We will open alternative routes so cargo and trading ships may continue to meet their supply and demand undeterred while we work for a quick resolution. Thank you for your cooperation. Announcements will be made periodically so that you may all be up to date on the situation and the trade routes. Thank you for attention.]
Arien growled low in the back of his throat as he watched the screen. Deep green eyes narrowed in indignation as the petal extensions around his head lifted and rattled. Though he was a man of few words and generally tried to be as expressionless as he could be, he was an open book. It didn't help that his own body betrayed his emotions. Arien's grip tightened on his glass till his knuckles were white. He wasn't as politically savvy, but he could tell bullshit when bullshit was spewed. Perhaps he was biased. He was from Zalenthi, after all. But that also meant he knew his people's code of conduct. They wouldn't just 'refuse' trade. There had to be a reason.
"He's hiding something," Arien murmured.
"Hey, Ari, might want to tone it down a notch," Naomi informed against her own glass. "You're getting admirers."
Arien glanced at her before taking note of the various customers in the bar. Many had turned to look at him. Some of those gazes were wary of his obvious aggression and others were laced with malice. They probably believed what the representative had said on the screen. Even though Arien had nothing to do with the trades and agreements, he was Le'akian. Considering what the 'news' just purported, he was a face of the enemy. No matter what he did here, people would assume negative intentions. Arien didn't want to cause problems for Ancasta and the crew. Maybe it would be better if he just left before something happened.
Arien forced down the rest of his drink and willed the petals to lower back against his neck. The bartender set down the food they'd ordered but the sight of it now turned his stomach. He set down his coin and pushed the food back. "I've lost my apatite," he informed. "I'll be on the ship."
Naomi grabbed his sleeve as he began to stand. "Arien, you don't have to go sulk in the ship. You have every right to sit here. Just ignore them. " Normally, Arien walked around and took in the sights when they made it to any station. They all got a bit stir crazy being stuck in a ship for a long period of time. Naomi didn't want him to forgo that desire and need just because some people wanted to be assholes. The only reason she'd even brought it up was the fact that she knew Arien didn't like to be the center of attention.
Arian shook his head. He didn't want to be here and he needed space. Maybe he was taking things personally, but he didn't like lies and half-truths. This was just painting his people in such a bad light. He pulled free of her grip gently and headed towards the door of the bar.
Naomi shook her head, a few strands of her curly hair falling forward in her face. She blew them out of the way so they wouldn't end up in her stew. She hadn't seen Arien so wound up before. Well, actually, there had been that one time an Amali person had tried to attack her when he was drunk. Arien had gone full soldier and beat the guy for even touching her, but that had been completely different. That had been an actual danger. This? This was just propaganda bullshit. Of course there were people who gobbled it up like turkeys gobbled up feed, but that didn't necessarily mean anything. Zalenthi had always instigated trade before. She didn't doubt this would blow over and trade agreements would be struck as usual. This was probably just an attention grab.
Naomi tapped her spoon against her lips and looked over at Ancasta and Hayate. "Sooooo, that was fun," she sighed. She waved the bartender down then. "Hey, could we get a container for the food please? Thank you much!" The man simply nodded and provided her the container. Naomi quickly began to shovel it in so it wouldn't get cold. She was sure Arien would regret not eating later. They'd been on the ship a long time without sun. Arien was bound to get fatigued without a good hearty meal. "That trade route that just got blocked off, is that going to hinder us now? It looked like the routes that they opened instead are going to take us completely away from and around the planet. Did we have a bounty for Zalenthi?" She didn't normally concern herself with the bounties that Acasta and Hayate did. Her main concern had always been the ship and their destinations.