Page 51 of Signed, Sealed, Seduced
“The perspective of someone who has worked throughout the galaxy is valuable,” Thane’va notes. “Many systems become... insular in their thinking.”
There’s something in her tone that suggests she’s not just talking about agricultural systems. I glance at Vex’ra, who gives me an almost imperceptible nod. This is clearly more than just a trade delegation—they’re evaluating Zater Reach’s potential as a political partner.
“Speaking of galactic perspectives,” Mor’dek says casually, “I understand your arrival here was somewhat... unplanned?”
And there it is—the real reason for this visit. They want to know about the sabotage attempt, the political implications, and where I fit into the larger picture.
“That’s one way to put it,” I say carefully. “My ship had a mechanical failure that forced an emergency landing. The First Blade was... gracious enough to offer assistance.”
“And you’ve decided to remain as a diplomatic attaché?” Kol’tar asks. “That’s quite a career change from courier work.”
I can feel the weight of their attention, the careful way they’re watching my reactions. Whatever I say here will be reported back to the Morcrest Confederacy leadership, analyzed for political implications, and used to inform their relationship with Zater Reach.
“Sometimes opportunities present themselves when you least expect them,” I say, trying for diplomatic vagueness. “The First Blade recognized that my experience with interstellar logistics could be valuable to Zater Reach’s diplomatic efforts. It seemed like a good fit.”
“The First Blade has always been... perceptive about such matters,” Mor’dek observes. “Though I understand his judgment has been questioned by some political factions.”
The careful phrasing tells me he knows exactly what happened with the sabotage attempt. They’re fishing for information aboutthe Corsairian involvement and how it might affect the regional balance of power.
“Political factions always question strong leadership,” I reply, echoing something I’ve heard Henrok say. “It’s the nature of politics. But results speak for themselves.”
“Indeed they do,” Mor’dek agrees, his tone suggesting he’s impressed by my diplomatic deflection. “And the results here are certainly impressive.”
We continue the tour, moving through different sections of the dome while the conversation flows between agricultural techniques, trade possibilities, and carefully coded political observations. I find myself actually enjoying the diplomatic dance—there’s something satisfying about the layers of meaning, the careful balance between what’s said and what’s understood.
Rusty proves to be an unexpectedly valuable addition to the group, offering historical context and technical details that complement Vex’ra’s more formal presentation. His personality upgrades have given him an intuitive understanding of diplomatic protocol that keeps the conversation flowing smoothly.
“This unit recalls when this sector was devoted to Terran apple cultivation,” Rusty mentions as we pass through a section now dedicated to protein-rich grain production. “The harvest festivals were quite spectacular, involving considerable amounts of fermented cider and interpretive dance.”
“The droid was present for the harvest festivals?” Thane’va asks, clearly intrigued.
“This unit served the D’Vorr family for seventy-three years,” Rusty explains proudly. “This unit has extensive memories of peacetime celebrations, including detailed records of traditional recipes and ceremonial protocols.”
I can see the delegation exchanging glances, recognizing the value of those historical records. Rusty isn’t just a serving droid—he’s a living archive of Zater Reach’s cultural heritage from before the wars.
“Perhaps,” Mor’dek says thoughtfully, “your hospitality unit could share some of those traditional recipes with our cultural attaché. The Morcrest Confederacy has always been interested in preserving historical knowledge.”
“This unit would be honored to contribute to such scholarly endeavors,” Rusty replies. “Though this unit should note that several of the traditional beverages have been known to cause temporary loss of dignity in those unaccustomed to their potency.”
Kol’tar laughs outright at that. “Now you’ve got my attention. Any beverage that comes with a dignity warning is worth trying.”
“This unit shall prepare a comprehensive sampling for your next visit,” Rusty promises. “Including appropriate warnings and recovery protocols.”
The relaxed atmosphere is exactly what this diplomatic mission needed. By the time we reach the dome’s central observation deck, the conversation has evolved from formal diplomatic pleasantries to something approaching genuine interest and mutual respect.
“The view is remarkable,” Mor’dek observes, looking out at the star field visible through the dome’s transparent walls. “You’ve built something impressive here.”
“The First Blade believes that strength comes from self-sufficiency,” Vex’ra replies. “But not isolation. We value our relationships with aligned confederations.”
“Such as the Morcrest Confederacy?” Thane’va asks directly.
“Such as any organization that respects sovereignty and mutual benefit,” Vex’ra counters smoothly.
I watch this exchange with growing admiration for Vex’ra’s diplomatic skills. She’s managing to be welcoming without being desperate, confident without being arrogant, and open to alliance without appearing weak.
“The political landscape is changing,” Mor’dek says more seriously. “The Stellar Togetherness Initiative’s influence continues to expand, and many independent systems are finding themselves under increasing pressure to... conform.”
“And yet some systems continue to thrive independently,” I point out. “It’s possible to maintain sovereignty while still participating in galactic commerce and diplomacy.”
