The Accord, continued

[Dasquian Belargic]

Continued from here (http://sw-fans.net/forum/showthread.php?s=&threadid=33311)...

A sort of quiet respect had over-come the walkway leading up to the Jedi Order proper. As they stepped into the antechamber, a great dome of a room, the party exchanged polite conversation. It was the pre-discussion banter of a group attempting to ease one another's nerves and set an even, smooth playing field for when the real debate began.

"Right this way," Dasquian said, turning on his heel to address the group whilst gesturing up a smooth curve of stairs against the far wall. The entourage of Cizerack and human alike followed his lead as they climbed the 'case.

"The rest of the Council are on their way. If they are not already there when we arrive, they will be soon after."

[Keerrourri Feessaarro]

"Thank jyou, Masssterrr Belarrrgjic."

Keerrourri nodded to Dasquian. Estelle walked alongside him, and he returned his eyes to her, smiling knowingly. Behind him, Commander Laeedraa and her entourage walked with Lion. So far, the meeting had gone cordially. The Emissary was pleased at the progress.

[Estelle Russard]

Walking along behind Dasquian, Estelle let her mind explore the potential of this new treaty which Keerrourri proposed.

She could feel his eyes each time the Cizerack glanced to her, but Estelle kept her own gaze ahead, trying not to be swayed unduly by the Emissary's plentiful charm.

In a perfect world, forming closer ties and alliances with the Pride could hold many advantages -help in protecting some of the outter rim worlds by their fleet and simple presence, for example.

However, there was also the risk when one took a tiger by the tail that he may just twist around and bit ones head off.

She looked up, a little guilty at her suspicion, to find Sarrtarroa's eyes on her once again. A crimson flush came to her face and she looked away quickly.

"Ah, we are here"

Saved by the ending staircase and the opening of the Chamber doors.

Dasquian preceded them through the doorway to usher the Emissary and his party inside.

[Dasquian Belargic]

They entered to find a large table, ringed with seats. The rooms main purpose was discussion and debate - many a problem had been ironed out over this table. The various parties took their seats, set apart from one another in two vague camps. "Would you like to begin now or wait for others to arrive?"

[Keerrourri Feessaarro]

"Perrrhapsss jI ssshould begjin, jI sssuppossse."

Keerrourri looked around, seeing no new entrants to the room.

"The Prrrjide Motherrr hasss made a rrrequessst to me. Ssshe wjissshesss to petjitjion forrr entrrrjy jinto the New Rrrepubljic. jI know that sssuch a decjisssjion jisss two-fold, ssso jI have come to ssspeak of jit wjith jyou."

The Emissary retrieved a Cizerack viewpad from beneath his outer robe, and passed it to Dasquian.

"We arrre prrreparrred forrr a full jintegrrratjion jinto the Rrrepubljic. Ourrr arrrmed forrrcesss wjill jintegrrrate jinto jyourrr command ssstrrructurrre, and we wjill make prrreparrratjionsss to aljign ourrr goverrrnjing bodjy to act asss sssuborrrdjinate. The Prrrjide Motherrr would rrretajin herrr authorrrjitjy asss a rrregjional leaderrr, and mjy tasssksss would be deferrrrrred to the Galactjic Sssenate, asss a Sssenatorrr, rrreprrresssentatjive of mjy people."

[Estelle Russard]

The offer made by the Pride Mother which the Emissary delivered was, to Estelle's point of view, surprising when dealing with such a race as the Cizerack in regards to autonomy. Her Majesty was willing to submit her forces to the Authority of the New Republic, in order for acceptance.

There were however obsticals. The matriacal culture itself being the main issue to Estelles mind.

She ventured to voice this misgiving.

"Emissary, with respect, I wonder if your officers will be able to submit to the Authority of the New Republic in regards to...(she wanted to be tactful)...in regards to gender...? It is well known that the female of your species are very...assertive. Do you not forsee problems in this?"

For her part, Estelle did. Males were held, by and large, in contempt by the Cizerack. Scant few were given any education let alone authority. Keerrourri himself being the exception to the rule.

"This would be a great upheaval for your culture. The repercussions of which may bring great strain on your people."

[Keerrourri Feessaarro]

Keerrourri nodded, and smiled.

"A ssshrrrewd quessstjion."

Taking his time, he continued.

"jI thjink that both of ourrr culturrresss mussst learrrn acceptance. Whjile we prrrossstrrrate ourrrssselvesss forrr admjissssssjion to the Rrrepubljic, we arrre not rrreadjy to rrresssjign ourrr wajysss of ljife. But then agajin, nejitherrr arrre jyou. What jisss jimporrrtant jisss a mutual rrressspect between both vjiewpojintsss. Whjile ourrr culturrral mannerrrjisssmsss majy ssseem crrruel to jyou, thejy arrre jin place forrr a rrreassson, asss no doubt jyourrrsss arrre asss well. We onljy asssk that jyou look at ourrr rrrelatjionssshjip bejyond the ljimjitatjions of jyourrr own culturrral thought patterrrnsss, and we wjill do the sssame. jIt jisss the onljy wajy two culturrresss ssso djiverrrssse asss ourrrsss can worrrk jin harrrmonjy."

[Dasquian Belargic]

"I was under the impression that Cizerack viewed only their own male as inferior," Dasquian interjected, speaking from experience when he continued,

"and that any other species was viewed as an equal. Regardless of this, I think any small changes that may have to be made to accomodate one another would be worth while, although I can't speak on behalf of the New Republic as a whole," he added, slightly irritated at the fact that the NR had as of yet sent no representative.

[Estelle Russard]

She could not be sure, but Estelle wondered if Keerrourri held some personal rebuke in his reply. Though he was careful to smile congenially, and his wording was faultless, he and she both knew that cultural differences could be overcome if both parties were so inclined.

However, she did not share the Emissay's nor Dasquians optimistic point of view that the adjustments would be minor. Old ways were jealously protected by most cultures. It was a matter of pride. And nature. True, the New Republic had embraced many varied and different worlds than their own, and vice-versa, and so far, it had been to much benefical results on both sides.

"I do not judge your culture, Emissary" Estelle was careful to remain formal and even in her response, "The Pride are in all respects, fascinating. I wanted only to raise the issue of such an intergration of forces and personalities might prove difficult."

She noted the unspoken annoyance of Dasquians last remark, and looked at him, also wishing someone of a military representation was present.

"The New Republic would set up a base on Carshoulis if the Prides request is accepted. And the Pride a base here, too, I should imagine." She asked Keerrourri, wanting to grasp an understanding of what he - or rather the Pride Mother - envisioned.

[Keerrourri Feessaarro]

"jI had jimagjined a much clossserrr rrrelatjionssshjip, Essstelle."

Sarrtarroa smiled slightly.

"One jin whjich sssuch conceptsss asss borrrderrrsss arrre forrrgotten completeljy."

[Estelle Russard]

This was monumentous. No borders?

Estelle felt her vision may be limited, but did not see this as being realistic. Atleast in their time. Her face showed her astonishment.

"Surely, that would take generations, Emissary, for two such different cultures - and regimes - to bond in such closeness. No borders, no limits - free travel and trade between the Pride and the New Republic would need complete trust and openness that can only come from real experience proven over time."

[Pierce Tondry]

"Time is right," said Pierce as he bustled into the room, decked in the uniform of a Major. A military attache followed him carrying a briefcase "Lots of that, plus a healthy dose of compensation, and some public apology, too. Maybe then the Republic can see our way through to granting this request of yours."

Both he and the attache sat, some distance from either Keerrourri or Estelle and Dasquian. "Sorry I'm late, gentlebeings. I wasn't expecting to be called on to do any negotiation today."

[Dasquian Belargic]

Better late than never was the phrase that came to mind as he watched Pierce enter and sit down. He smiled politely.

"Yes, Emissary... perhaps a more slow, methodical approach would be best advised. A sudden change, as appealing as it sounds, could cause any amount of friction through culture clashes and so forth."