Fiction:Great Xonexian Schism/Division of Opinion

Uriel was working late one evening within the study deep in the loder levels of the ALcanti Imperial Palace. Writing in documents and studying manifests regarding troop movements and intelligence reports, he rubbed his nostrils with stress as he felt overworked in these strenuous times. Accompanying him on the disk was a steaming cup of tea, half-empty with marks indicating he had been drinking form it earlier in the night.

He was alone this night, most of the family were in other sections of the palace, leaving him alone with only a small bodyguard who stood outside and, lately, inside his study. He had the light at three-quarters brightness, illuminaating the room with a soft amber light as he worked into the evening.

After studying one recent report from Southern Crepusculum, he leaned away in his chair to give his eyes a periodic break, groaning as he did. Entering through the door, somewhat quietly at that, was Kithworto - clad in semi-formal black Kicathian clothing, typical for a Kicath of his kind. It was apparent that, as a friend of House Ultanos, there was nothing that could hinder Kithworto's entrance into Uriel's study. As he closed the door behind him, he waited there for Uriel to notice his presence. Uriel was rubbing his eyes as Kithworto entered, as he removed his fingers from his snout he blinked and sat motionless in his chair.


 * Uriel - ...I was not expecting a visit.
 * Kithworto - I do wish for a time where my visits came with glad tidings. Hm. Perhaps soon, but not today.

Uriel was sudenly embarrased by his initial response.


 * Uriel - I apologise-- I did not mean to say your arrival was not pleasing. SImply. I have been enduring a considerable degree of pressure as of late.
 * Kithworto - The war.

Uriel nodded.


 * Uriel - Indeed. The war.
 * Kithworto - For what reason is the Delpha Coalition of Planets warring with the Gigaquadrant?
 * Uriel - For what reason? - Uriel raised himself from his chair and moved around the back of his desk, running his fingers over the documents he had been working on. - At first...they wished for order in Drakonmi Terevus. Younger powers such as the French Republic and the Farengeto Trade Coalition are becoming more prominent, and the coalition's answer was military action in order to pacify them. When these powers hit back, they claimed they wanted no more of the Coalition' policing. That was when our war began.
 * Kithworto - In all honesty, Uriel. Do you think that your alliance has enough to repel the Coalition well and truly?
 * Uriel - We have little choice, Kithworto.
 * Kithworto - There's always a choice, Uriel. I can't exactly press you to believe that, of course. But there is.
 * Uriel - Six. Months. For six months our diplomats tried to reason with the Coalition and the only resolution after all that time they wanted was our submission.
 * Kithworto - The fact that the Coalition wants to strive to make an extragalactic nation submit to them is somewhat illogical. Then I also find that this war as a whole is...somewhat illogical. I wish I could provide military aid - though...to where I stand - I am politically allied with both you and the Coalition...and I am also bound by political decree to not have any involvement in a war.
 * Uriel - You think I did not have this difficulty Kithworto? Are you implying that I considered this decision straightforward though some strange angle?
 * Kithworto - I imply that everyone considered a decision which was detrimental to the health of this Gigaquadrant.

Kithworto stood up, tall as he was, and paced the study that he was in.


 * Kithworto - Whatever happened to the Seven Starr Alliance, Uriel? What...perverse thought caused it to crumble?
 * Uriel - You expect me to know the entire story? The Alliance was buckling before the Imperium was admitted to it.
 * Kithworto - That I agree with. It is an alliance dedicated to deal with a threat that truthfully we can no longer see. And now, because of a lack of a common threat, I'd say everyone is retreating back into themselves. I'd say...who is the next threat down on the list? At least that is what I see the Coalition is doing. They believe pacification of the Milky Way Galaxy is the surest way to protect against any extragalactic threats and beyond. That makes me wonder whether...fighting against such measures is wise.

Uriel lowered his head and sat back down. He looked at the documents on his desk as he cradled his head in his hand, contemplating for a few minutes before looking into Kithworto's eyes.


 * Uriel - And yet their opposition was united just as had been done with the early Seven Starr Alliance. I sense a pattern, quite honestly.
 * Kithworto - The universe works in patterns. Infinite and as chaotic as it is, there's always a pattern. History tends to repeat itself in so many points in time that the principle remains the same throughout.
 * Uriel - The Coalition no longer understands the universe Kithworto. Three years before this war, I was among the founders of the Gigaquadrantic Intergalactic Trade Organization. In the five years that passed I watched it grow and prosper. The Organization was one of the uniting factors against the Coalition, the French Republic's dreams were built using methods the Coalition shrugged at. They seek to tame a new universe with the old ways and this...conflict. This conflict is the result!
 * Kithworto - The French Republic spread too wide; too quickly and too thin. The Alcanti Triad Alliance that you signed is now standing on one leg, and the Organization in itself is now cascading back to the ground. I have respect for humanity...or at least an understanding of their desire to expand. But now the forefront of this alliance against the Coalition is now resting upon your shoulders, and I don't think a conflict will alleviate such burdens. Since the conflict against the Dominion, I have wished to seek a universal peace in the wake of that threat. I could equally tread towards ending this war in more ways than that. I would tell the same to Emperor Wormulus.
 * Uriel - Are you calling our efforts a forlorn hope?
 * Kithworto - Laconically speaking; yes. This war will leave you all in an irredeemable state with one another, and the Gigaquadrant does not need that. I would seek peace rather than to end this conflict as you would.

Urielsat with a grim look upon his snout. He took a deep breath, dreading the reaction coming from what he was about to say. But knew inside that he had few alternatives


 * Uriel - You ask me to seek peace with a civilisation that now cares little what side other powers are on. The New Tertamian Alliance wanted no part in the conflict but right now their soldiers are fighting for their lives in the name of survival against the Coalition. The Artharon Realm would rather see itself burn than become subordinates to Emperor Wormulus. Unless you feel content with the Gigaquadrant living as the Coalition's citizens do. Where every drifting thought puts you at risk of disappearing or serving in its armies. A diplomatic resolution that appeases both parties is out of the question
 * Kithworto - ...Very well. I could think of a few alternatives to a resolution that would appease both parties.

Kithworto looked at Uriel for a moment, his face ever-unchanging in its gaze, before slowly walking back to the door.


 * Kithworto' - Know this, friend. I exist to bring continuance to the Gigaquadrant. If no peace can come of this war, I may have to end it myself. As final and as cruel it may seem; the Gigaquadrant tearing itself apart is infinitely more cruel to me. I wish not to bring that ultimatum; but if worlds and galaxies are to fall in the wake of not solving this conflict as denizens of the Gigaquadrant, it leaves me with little recourse.
 * Uriel - Billions have died already to challenge the Coalition Kithworto. I am continuing this war because I want to preserve the diversity of the universe. If Wormulus will at all see reason and rein in his warlords, perhaps I might reconsider negotiation.
 * Kithworto- Then when we meet again, I hope it's under better circumstances.
 * Uriel - Kithworto - Uriel called out as Kithworto was about to leave. - Whatever happens, I know you meant well. And I respect that.

Kithworto nodded; a small raise of his mouth appeared before he turned away, almost into complete darkness as he left the room.