January 27, 2112
Airra
The last request for a parley between the ARW and Wersillian Legion was years ago. It was held only a few months after the start of the Wersillian War, and Airra foolishly trusted that idiot Eruvir Varzaac to take charge during that parley. It went south, and he lost his life in a battle that followed the parley. She wouldn't make that mistake again. This time, she would answer the call herself.
Sitting in the commander's chair, Airra watched from above as dytircs and lycargans worked the star cruiser's controls. A bit behind her chair, Kaizerious sat in a chair of his own.
They arrived at the designated location, near a hypergiant sun. From the viewing window, Airra saw just one ARW star cruiser. This was a meeting on neutral grounds.
"Scans show that their weapons are disabled," said one of the dytirc pilots.
"They're hailing us," said another.
"Make sure they are unable to see me," Kaizerious commanded.
Airra nodded. "Patch them through."
A projection screen illuminated. On the screen was a dor'o. She had an unusual glow to her, possibly due to her soft smile or gentle eyes. Her face was bright, highlighting her bright-red skin. And her stumps were elegant and polished.
"I'm Day-Bringer, chief admiral of the ARW. It pleases me so to see you have respected our wishes to engage in a parley. Please, to whom am I speaking?"
A chief admiral, Airra thought to herself, this must be important for one of them to show up.
"Airra, head warlord of the Wersillian Legion, of course." Airra grinned.
Day-Bringer had a pleasant expression. "So you're the legendary head warlord I've heard quite bit about recently."
"One and only." Airra shifted in her chair. "Now, enough with the introductions. I came here to negotiate."
"As you wish. The ARW knows the Wersillian Legion is looking for these." The video cut to two of the Quondam Keys. They were placed inside some container, but it was too dark to make out many details. Day-Bringer continued. "Our terms are this: Cease all hostilities within our galaxy, and I promise, these keys will not be destroyed."
"Destroyed?" Airra growled. "Those keys are almost pure forcidion. It would take nothing short of--" Airra stopped when she realized where they were located.
"--a sun. That's what you were going to say, right?" Day-Bringer gave Airra a taunting expression. "As it happens, those two keys are contained within a missile pointed directly at the sun next to us, which has temperatures rivaling a supernova."
Airra's jaw flexed. "You conniving, ruddy bitch."
"Is that any way to conduct a civilized negotiation?" Day-Bringer's voice was full of mockery.
"This isn't a negotiation… not anymore. This is blackmail."
"Since you understand your current situation, I shall restate our terms. The ARW wants the Wersillian Legion and all its supporters to cease war-related activities. No more colonizing or attacking other planets or civilizations of any kind. The ARW will allow the Wersillian Legion to keep all that it has currently conquered, so long as native species are allowed equal vote in laws, regulations, or policies of any kind that affect their home worlds. In conjunction, the ARW will take no hostile actions against the Wersillian Legion, and those two keys will not be destroyed. These terms are more than fair. And we'll give the Wersillian Legion a week to comply with these terms." She paused. "I shall give you a few minutes to make your decision. I eagerly await your response." The video cut out.
Airra was full of fury. So much so, she wouldn't be surprised if she set herself ablaze. She turned to Kaizerious. "Those ARW scumbags think they can just end the war like that?!"
"Calm down, Airra. Remember our endgame. If those keys are destroyed, the galaxy as a whole will be lost. We can't let such a thing happen. As for now, we will heed their demands. The Wersillian War will cease. I trust you to finalize the agreement with them." He got up and started to leave.
"Wait. This can't be it."
"Relax, daughter. Every great mind has a backup plan, and I assure you, I do, too. But it'll take time. So be patient. We will talk later." Kaizerious left the room.
Airra sighed. She knew what she had to do. She knew he was right; they had to bring in a new era of peace if they wanted to reach their goal in the long run. Even though Airra would miss the thrill of battle, she knew it would not last forever. In the meantime, she'd have to find another vice to ease that urge.
Airra signaled for a dytirc to reopen communications with Day-Bringer. It was time for the two of them to settle into peace talks.