Ares Chronicles: What Comes Before - Part VI: The Embassy Dinner

What Comes Before

Part VI: The Embassy Dinner

The Salrilian Embassy Dinner has almost become a regular event on Cantharis. Every time when a major Salrilian-Cantharan cooperation becomes public knowledge, the Salrilians celebrate their enhanced friendship by holding an embassy dinner, inviting all the diplomatic personnel stationed on Cantharis. In recent decades, the Salrilians have also been hosting embassy dinners to celebrate Cantharan victories. Lately, the theme of these dinners is concentrated on one person, Admiral Mek Het, Chief Strategist of the Cantharan Order.

Many in the diplomatic circles have also noticed that the Salrilian Embassy Dinner has become the only place where the Elejeetian delegation and the Cantharans can mix more or less amicably. Most of the times, when one is present, the other boycotts. Cantharan-Elejeetian relations has degenerated to the exchange of insults.

The latest Cantharan victory, the conquest of Earth, has only caused that relationship to deteriorate. That is, if further deterioration is possible. Then again, perhaps it is possible after all. A rumor circulating within diplomatic circles is that the Elejeetians plan to downgrade their diplomatic relations with Cantharis by downgrading their diplomatic establishment on Cantharis to a consulate. But perhaps they'll first protest by recalling their ambassador.

It is under this atmosphere that the Elejeetian ambassador, Kraudin, arrived at the Salrilian embassy.

The Salrilian ambassador is accustomed to greeting whoever comes through the door with a smile, even if that person is one he despises intensely.

"How ironic," thought the Salrilian ambassador as he sees Kraudin leaving his atmospheric shuttle and heading towards the embassy gates. "The one who doesn't have a spine has more backbone than the one who actually has a spine."

But of course, such words are not appropriate for a diplomatic setting and the Salrilian ambassador kept those thoughts to himself as he slithered towards the gates. As they opened, the Salrilian ambassador, his smile ready, greeted his guest:

"Welcome to Salrilian territory, Mr. Ambassador. I believe I speak for everyone when I say that we are pleased that you will be gracing us with your presence."

Kraudin replied with a simple nod.

"Come on, allow me the honor to escort you to meet our guests tonight."

Kraudin nodded again. Taking the lead, the Salrilian ambassador slithered towards the embassy compound, followed by Kraudin and a small army of lower-ranking Salrilian and Elejeetian diplomatic personnel.

As soon as they entered the central hall, the Salrilian ambassador said:

"I almost forgot. Admiral Mek Het would like to send his apologies. He is currently delivering a report to the council and may be delayed."

Kraudin replied with a scornful look.

"I hope you'll forgive me," said Kraudin. "But I see my Ishiman colleague over there and I wish to have a few words with him."

"Of course, of course," replied the Salrilian ambassador.

Kraudin walked to the other side of the room, followed by his subordinates.

"Some day, we've got to hang that arrogant jerk by his legs on the ceiling and put up his head as a wall mount." whispered a Salrilian diplomat.

The Salrilian ambassador turned to his subordinate and said:

"Now, now, that is no way to speak to a friend, is it?"

"Hardly a friend at that."

The Salrilian ambassador smiled.

"Come now," he said. "I see Governor Veth's shuttle landing. Let us greet them."

And they left for the gates again.

Ishiman ambassador to Cantharis, Kozar Leveth, dislikes his job almost as intensely as Kraudin dislikes his. When he was assigned this post, his friends and family expressed their condolences because Cantharan-Ishiman relations are already in deep freeze. They have not gotten better after he arrived at his post.

Nowadays, his routines are distasteful to him. Exchanging diplomatic protests with the Cantharan Foreign Ministry, reading reports of Cantharan massacres of the races they conquered and being brought to tears by them, and dispatching those reports back to Omisha knowing that the only Ishiman response will be more protests.

He had already requested a transfer several times over the last 2 years. Every time, his superiors informed him that they still regarded him as their best choice and revoked his requests.

He honestly don't know what he does that is so much better than anyone else. To him, the very establishment of a diplomatic post on Cantharis is a disgrace to Ishiman principles and he has reflected these views in his Annual Assessment of Ishiman-Cantharan Relations.

He doesn't know what happened to his reports.

His superiors were supposed to read them. Members of the assembly can read them if they wish. But obviously, they were deleted as soon as they were received because no one ever acted on any of his recommendations: downgrading diplomatic relations, dispatch humanitarian aid to states at war with Cantharis, cut off trade relations with the Order. Perhaps these recommendations are too extreme for his superiors. Then again, as he repeatedly noted, soft measures such as diplomatic protests have not yielded any positive results.

The only person who can cheer him up is his Elejeetian colleague, Kraudin, who, surprisingly, might be the unexpected highlight of his mission to Cantharis. Unlike his own recommendations, Kraudin's recommendations to his own government have all been adopted. When he recommended severance of trade ties, his government adopted his proposal. When he advocated the dispatch of humanitarian aid to states at war with Cantharis, his government agreed. Not that these measures brought about any behavioral changes on the part of the Order. But at least the Elejeetians are consistent in their words and deeds.

"For a moment, I was afraid that you won't come." said Leveth.

Kraudin sighed.

"I didn't think I was going to come either. But then I thought I couldn't leave you to suffer all by yourself. After all, misery loves company."

Leveth smiled, perhaps for the first time in months.

"Besides," Kraudin continued. "I have a bomb shell to drop."

"Now you've piqued my interest."

Kraudin came closer to Leveth and whispered in his ears:

"Right after the fall of Earth, I recommended my government to recall me and downgrade diplomatic relations. I just received their endorsement of my proposal two hours ago. I'll be leaving the day after tomorrow."

Leveth was shocked.

"This is a fairly drstic step. Are you sure-"

"This might be a drastic step," interrupted Kraudin. "But considering the circumstances, It's the only logical step left."

"But a Salrilian embassy dinner is hardly the appropriate-"

"On the contrary," interrupted Kraudin again. "It is the perfect forum."

Leveth looked deeply into the eyes of his Elejeetian colleague.

"I'll miss you, my friend." he said slowly.

"I apologize for leaving early. I hope you won't fault me for it."

"Not at all. I can't blame you. In fact, if I could, I'd have left already."

"I'm sorry that from now on, you'll be the only one fighting them."

Leveth let off an ironic laugh.

"What I'm doing can hardly be considered 'fighting them.' You're the only one doing the fighting that I know of since I arrived."

"On the contrary, I leave when I can't stand this any more. It takes a man of courage to read those reports and to stay at his post."

"They won't let me leave."

"You're not the kind of person who cares more about his career than his principles. You would've resigned if you wanted. No my friend, you want to fight them in every way you can even if your choice of weapons is far more limited than my own. You want to serve your people for as long as you can. You want to let them know everything the Cantharans have done. You're afraid that another Ishiman may decide that Ishiman-Cantharan relations is more important than Cantharan treatment of its conquered peoples. I'll be dropping the bomb shell for myself and for you. I'll be re-assigned to a place far from here so that I won't have to hear the word 'Cantharis' ever again. But I'll always think of you, my friend."

Again, the two exchanged a long deep look. Suddenlym they were itnerrupted by a disturbance at the door. They turned and saw Admiral Mek Het entering the room.

***

In his full uniform, the admiral is quite a figure to see. As the only person in Cantharan history to be rewarded both the Star of Zom and the Star of Doz, the admiral's uniform is laced with numerous other honors, including many honors granted by other states.

The admiral delivered on his promise: He asked that his commanders be allowed to attend. Surprisingly, the Salrilian ambassador agreed. Therefore the admiral's entourage is much larger than usual.

In contrast to the gloomy expressions of Ishiman and Elejeetian delegations, the Cantharan delegation is filled with laughter. Many of them received citations for bravery during their latest exploits. Almost immediately after entering the room, they are surrounded by foreign dignitaries, all of them eager to hear about their latest triumph.

This has become a pattern in diplomatic gatherings on Cantharis. In diplomatic occassions, Elejeetian, Ishiman, and even Bazidanese delegations have become increasingly isolated and shunned by others whereas the Cantharans have become the stars. The Salrilians, in order to enhance the prestige of their protege, has usually avoided the lime lights, prefering to allow the Cantharans to occupy the center of attention. They know very well that as the sponsors of the Cantharans, each honor conferred upon them is an indirect compliment to themselves. As a result, while the older and more established races such as the Bazidanese are forced to respect the Cantharans, the younger rising races such as the Obish and the Gaitori almost idolize the Cantharans. In the field of international politics, power is respected. The Cantharans appear all powerful therefore respect is paid to them.

Kraudin remained unmoved while Leveth decided that he should greet the Cantharans just for the sake of diplomatic courtesy. Therefore, after apologizing to his Elejeetian colleague, he approached the circle formed around the Cantharan delegation. As soon as Mek Het saw Leveth approaching, he motioned his subordinates to make way.

"I am pleased to meet you again, admiral," said Leveth, determined not to mention the latest Cantharan triumph.

Unfortunately for him, Mek Het is determined to force the issue:

"Thank you, ambassador. With the incorporation of Earth into the Order, I am pleased to say that the market for Ishiman goods has increased, yet again, thanks to our military."

That last remark brought snickers and badly-suppressed laughs.

Leveth thought:

"If you're going to insist upon talking about this, I'm not going to be mute." therefore he responded:

"Indeed. The loss of lives is regretable."

Mek Het laughed.

"Ambassador, the enlightenment of primitive cultures comes at a high price. Luckily for them, the Cantharan Order is willing to pay that price. We will honor our fallen appropriately."

"What about the deaths on the side of these 'primitives?'"

"Regretable, to be sure. However, I am certain that if they have a soul, their souls will be pleased knowing that their descendents will become enlightened citizens of the Order."

Leveth stared into the eyes of the admiral.

"You're certain of that?"

The admiral looked directly back.

"Of course."

"You should know that we will soon be requesting the dispatch of humanitarian aid to Earth."

"That is unnecessary, ambassador. The Order has more than sufficient funds to take care of its own."

"We're also concerned about the humanitarian situation on the planet. Initial reports indicate abuses."

"Might I ask who filed those reports?"

"I'm afraid that our sources must remain anonymous. but can you reassure my government that those reports are false."

"Absolutely. Their state has been incorporated into the Order. We have no reason to harm our own civilians. I can assure you, ambassador, reports of abuses of our military are greatly exaggerated. Maybe a few random incidents have occurred. But our military justice system is swift and unforgiving. Mr. Ambassador, the Order cannot enlighten those who are dead. It is not to our benefit to damage relations between the Order and our new citizens."

Leveth remained silent.

Sensing a tense moment emerging, the Salrilian ambassador interceded:

"I just received a message from the Bazidanese ambassador. He apologizes for his inability to attend tonight. As you all know, the ambassador was recently inolved in some intense negotiations regarding free trade principles in the Free Trade Zone and has fallen ill due to the intense stress."

"Well, that is truly regretable," said Captain Xet. "I was looking forward to some salutations from the Bazidanese delegation."

Captain Xet's words brought laughter from his colleagues in the Cantharan delegation.

"I heard that war can be a hungry and thirsty affair," said the Salrilian ambassador. "You have all fought a tiresome fight. Please, go to the table and enjoy some Salrilian delicacies."

With those words, the Cantharan delegation broke up. Mek Het, accompanied by the Salrilian ambassador and a few members of his entourage headed towards the table while the rest remained surrounded by foreign dignitaries, eager to learn more details about the recent battle.

The Cantharan delegation moved through the rows filled with exotic dishes. Other than the admiral and a few Cantharan diplomats, the rest of the admiral's entourage has never tasted Salrilian dishes before. The Salrilian ambassador introduced the dishes one by one, reminding his guests that the ingredients of each dish were sent all the way from Salril to Cantharis.

"Oh, and captain," said the Salrilian ambassador addressing Captain Xet. "I believe you're holding a human nose with the napkin."

Captain Xet laughed. But before he can speak, the ambassador continued:

"I believe the human's name is Okari Mosawa."

The captain's smile was suddenly erased from his face.

"To answer your question, we do test our human subjects in every way. Including taste tests."

The muscles on the captain's face twisted as if he is about to throw up. The ambassador smiled.

"It's just a joke, captain. Such dishes are hardly appropriate for a diplomatic setting."

"Do you really test your subjects' taste?" asked another Cantharan captain.

"Of course not."

Captain Xet was not so certain.

"I must admit to being a little puzzled, captain. You do not hesitate to kill hundreds of these people. Yet the very thought of eating one of them, well cooked I might add, makes you sick to your stomach." remarked the Salrilian ambassador.

Captain Xet let off a forced laugh.

"I'm simply hoping that I've advanced beyond the cannibalism stage."

"I can assure you, captain, very few of us have advanced past the cannibalism stage. If you stick 2 people in an isolated cave with no food and check on them seven days later, one of them would've been digested by the other."

"What about the Salrilians?"

"We have advanced past the possibility of facing that choice," replied the ambassador with a smile.

"Admiral Mek Het," said a voice behind the party. Everyone turned around and saw that the speaker was Kaudrin.

"Ambassador Kaudrin," returned the admiral with a slight bow.

"I'm pleased to inform you that our government has decided to recall me. In addition, my government has also decided to downgrade diplomatic relations with Cantharis to consular status."

Those words brought a tremor that rapidly spread throughout the room. Like a pebble dropped in the middle of the pond whose reverberations quickly reached the shores. Admiral Mek Het's entourage became silent immediately. Then that circle of silence spread quickly by whispers. Within a dozen seconds, the entire room is silent. All eyes concentrated on Kaudrin.

"These actions," continued Kaudrin "are undertaken in protest to recent Cantharan aggressions. My government will also not rule out future retaliatory" he deliberately emphasized the word "retaliatory."

"...actions if the Cantharan government refuses to end its campaign of aggression against innocent worlds."

There were a few gasps heard around the room. Kaudrin's eyes focused on the admiral. For a moment, Mek Het did not even know how to respond to this direct challenge. Perhaps he has been unused to direct verbal challenges like this for so long that his wits did not recover from the shock for a while. But he eventually said:

"Well, I believe I speak for my government when I say we regret your government's actions and we hope-"

"I'm afraid that your hopes will be in vain," interrupted Kaudrin sharply. "Your actions, or the lack of them, is far more likely to encourage us to reverse our decision rather than your hopes."

This time, even the Salrilian ambassador who is widely known in diplomatic circles for his quick wit in defusing tension, did not know how to respond. Mek Het felt such furor in his mind that he blurted out:

"I would like to remind you, ambassador, that Cantharis is not a province of the mighty Elejeetian Empire. We do not receive dictates from His Majesty well."

"Regretable," commented Kaudrin with an icy voice.

A Cantharan captain stepped forth half a step, only to be restrained by his colleague standing right besides him. The rest of the diplomats are in shock. Many of them started to shift uneasily. Diplomats have a heightened sense of self-preservation than most people. When they sense an explosion about to occur between 2 great powers, their first instinct is to duck for cover. Yet hiding under the table right now is hardly a dignified thing to do.

If Mek Het's eyes were spewing fire during the first Elejeetian challenge, that fire should be hot enough to incinerate Kaudrin by now.

Yet Kaudrin stands, alone, without even his own delegation for support. But this loneliness is not a show of weakness. Rather, it is a show of strength. As if he alone can challenge the entire Cantharan delegation, or even the entire Order itself. It confers a sense of superiority and pride, almost reaching proportions tantamount to haughtiness. He looked down at his Cantharan adversary.

"Please pass forth this message to your Foreign Ministry," continued Kaudrin. Then, eyeing the Salrilian ambassador, he said:

"I hope you'll forgive me for leaving early tonight. I have a lot of packing to do."

The Salrilian ambassador was frozen in his place. He did not respond. It was as if his mind still cannot register what just transpired in this room.

With his parting words, Kaudrin withdrew gracefully.

Leveth was also caught by the tension of the moment. He realized that what Kaudrin had just done was what any self-respecting person will do when facing the barbarism of the Order.

"That," he thought "is a true representative of his people."

Seeing that the diplomats began to leave the room as if fleeing from a plague, many of them doing so without even informing the host, he walked up to the Salrilian ambassador and said:

"I hope you'll allow me to withdraw, ambassador."

The Salrilian ambassador did not respond.

"It has been a-" he paused for a while. Then, with a slight twinkle in his eyes, he said:

"eventful evening."

With those words, he also withdrew. Leaving only the Cantharans and their host behind.

-htjyang

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