The Meeting

Waiting for Altan at the briefing room were the usual suspects. Brigader Hote of the Wri Empire and Colonel Bravi of the Naseef Empire's elite Black Dagger commandos. Both men were rather slight looking, but the contrast in uniforms was immediate. Hote wore a navy blue uniform, whereas Bravi's uniform consisted of sleeveless teal overalls that flaunt the twenty-six hexagon tattoos, fifteen of them filled with daggers to symbolize his service as a commando, and three of them colored red to show the start of the current conflict. He looked at Altan with his brown eyes, the right one having a tattoo underneath it, that of a circle with a cross in the middle, two lines underneath, and two lines on either side of those, which was the Naseef Military's insignia for a Colonel.

Projected on a screen were two other faces, including Prime Minister Garrin Hal, the gaunt man watching with hawkish eyes and a beak of a nose. There was also Carasa Briva'Tosi, CEO of Starstealer Industries and one of the board members of the Vatari nation's Council. She was the youngest of the five attending the meeting, only in her mid-thirties, with pale white skin and her red hair cut in a shoulder-length bob.

“So I believe everyone is present. Shall we begin?"

Hote nodded. "To start, Colonel Bravi has a request."

“Indeed.” The Colonel said.

The King looked to the foreign commander. "I'm all ears."

Tapping on his wrist-mounted computer, Bravi summoned an image of the galaxy, showing the sector of Sidis-Todor.

“We once again request that our men can train with the Royal Raider Regiment. We believe there has been an uptick in Aurum mining near the rebel space station Skerta-Lunus located in the Sidis-Tor Sector which is near the Vatari and Naseef Empire borders. We believe they are taking advantage of trading a supposed neutral party."

If Carasa had been upset by the remark, she didn't show it, her face as cold and calculated as ever.

“I'll see what I can do, but my men are stretched thin as it is. We've taken heavy casualties in the region of Sidis-Kilm.” Altan replied.

“I understand. This war is taking its toll on both our nations.”

“Indeed it has.” Garrin interjected. “Many here on Corr are growing tired of this conflict.”

“We all are.” Bravi muttered, gritting his teeth.

“What do you make of this, Brigader Hote?” Altan asked.

“We still need to do something about the Sidis-Tor Sector. Maybe if the Vatari could agree to stop purchasing from there, the rebels would find themselves crippled.”

“With all due respect, there is no one on this council that is directly dealing with any rebel ****.” Carasa said. “We have already enacted various sanctions and recently a group of smugglers was arrested. The Council is doing its best to ensure the cooperation of all corporations operating in Vatari borders, but we can only do so much."

The King held his tongue, even if he didn't trust Casara's words.

“Then why are you letting these scum operate so close to your borders?” Bravi said.

“Because they have yet to attack us, and anyone who would dare will find that to be most unwise.”

“Well if they're not fighting you and they find comfort in your borders, I can only come to the conclusion that the rebels are comfortable with a group on Vatari, maybe even within your precious council.”

Casara's eyes narrowed. “I find your accusations to be similar to your evidence. Lacking. I'd advise that you hold any more wild conspiracies if you wish to see our continued support, which seems to be something you are in **** need of.”

Bravi clenched his fist but said no more.

“Now, is there anything else you wish to discuss, King Altan?” Casari asked.

“I believe that is all from me for now.”

“Good. I have matters to attend to.”

She ended her connection, so Garris said “What were you thinking? Neither of us can afford to upset the Vatari."

“Yet they have the freedom to insult us? “Bravi slammed his fist on the table. “They are obviously trading with our enemies and profiting off of the blood we shed.”

“And there's nothing we can do about it.” General Hote said. “Our best course of action is to find more evidence of any corruption among Vatari traders.”

“And how would we do that?” Altan asked.

“We could send a battalion of Raiders to Sidis-Todor for a deployment. It might put them on edge, and make them more likely to make mistakes."

“I'll consider it.”

“Well whatever you plan on doing, you may want to do it soon.” Garren said. “Elections are coming up, and I don't favor a campaign that promises this war continuing any longer than it has to. Anyway, I have matters I must attend to.”

Altan nodded as Garren disconnected.

“Anything else?” Altan asked.

“That is all. Thank you for your time.” Bravi said.

“Please, feel free to treat my tower as your home for as long as you need, Colonel.”

Bravi nodded before walking off, leaving Altan alone with Hote.

“What do you make of this mess?” Altan asked.

“Bravi's right, but as I said, we need to catch the Vatari with their pants down.”

Altan nodded. “I agree.”

“And we need to do it soon. I'd repeat my recommendation of moving a company Raiders to conduct operations in the Sidis-Tolo sector."

“Okay. Now, what if that doesn't work?”

“Well, we could try and convince the Naseef Empire to commit a false flag operation. Maybe engage the Vatari Defense ****.”

“It's risky, but, it may just come to that.”

“Right."

"Anything else?"

"Yes. Are sure it's wise to extend our hospitality to foreign officers? There are plenty of places they could stay instead of Cloudseeker."

"You don't think they're up to something?"

"Well no, but-"

"But that's enough. They are only six men that are completely unarmed."

"Yes sir. I shall see myself out then."

Altan nodded once more before taking his leave and bringing up his wrist-mounted computer to his face. The war that was supposed to be over months ago was dragging, and with it, the wolves were circling. He was growing unpopular, and Garrin was probably already planning his moves. The Vatari wouldn't move an inch either, not until it came at a cost of their precious profits.

Once he was done, he noticed his daughter moving passed him. Kira had grown to look much like her late mother, with her ocean-colored eyes, golden hair, and porcelain skin. She wore a red and orange-colored silk dress with gold trim that clings to the curves of her petite figure and flaunts ample cleavage, something that he hoped would attract the eye of a suitor sooner rather than later.

"Morning Father." She said.

"Morning dear. Any plans for today?"

"Not particularly."

"How are your studies of computery going?"

"Okay. I'm taking a break for now."

Altan nodded, as much as he didn't approve. He wanted Kira to be the full package. Attractive, charming, and smart. "We have some guests here, from the Naseef Empire. They'll be staying here for some time, just so you know."

"Really? Who are they?"

"Just some military officers. They'll probably stay out of your way."

"Right. I suppose I better get moving."

"Of course. See you."