Interlude III

“Breaking news! The Terran ambassador has stormed into the council building, and he looks absolutely enraged! What could’ve made the normally peaceful ambassador this mad?” -streamed live by a famous news station.

Selene rubbed her eyes sleepily as she staggered into the meeting hall. She had been called in to replace the previous ambassador who had resigned because she was the “most suitable candidate”. She knew that it was just a ploy to get her out of any important positions and eventually retire her, but she didn’t mind. She was ready for some rest.

“Why are we having a council meeting now? It’s the middle of the night!” The Grent ambassador whined. At that moment, the Terran ambassador stormed in, hopping mad. He stalked up to the podium and slammed down a photo. The Grent Ambassador immediately went pale.

“What is this? Why are you so angry?” The Republic representative asked curiously.

“I am angry, because You,” he pointed at the Grent Ambassador “made This,” he pointed at the photo,” Abomination!” The Grent Ambassador became even paler, before trying to bluff his way out.

“Slander! We are perfectly law abiding and would never do such a thing.”

“Then why were Grent special forces stationed there, why were the scientists all documented as having ‘disappeared’ at the same time, and why was the whole operation funded by the Grent Empire! Answer me that.” The Grent Ambassador spluttered.

“Baseless accusations and lies!”

“Also, you were experimenting on Terran citizens! The abomination was made from a Klithrapose, whom you kidnapped and experimented on! We-”

“We are a proud nation and will not tolerate these lies! We- “

“Shut up!” Selene couldn’t take it anymore and shouted, stopping both of their rants. “Could we just calm down and stop acting like a bunch of children! Alright you speak, then you.” She continued, pointing at the Grent and Terran ambassadors in turn.

“We would never do such a thing! We, the Grent, would never stoop so low as to interacting with slavers. We are a proud nation and will not allow you to insult us like this! We-” He was once again interrupted by the Terran Ambassador.

“I don’t care about your stupid pride! You have harmed Terran citizens! The people are calling for blood!”

“Couldn’t we come to an agreement? The Grent could pay The Terrans compensation and-” Selene attempted to negotiate an end to the standoff.

“I have just received news from my government. I have total authority to negotiate whatever I want.”

“Good, now let us come to an agreement-”

“No. Do you know what the motto of the Terran Army is?”

“Why is that relevant?”

“It is this. ‘No One Left Behind’. No one left behind. From this moment onwards, Humanity and its allies are at war with the Grent Empire.”

Silence swept through the hall. Selene buried her face in her hands. Why couldn’t things just go right for once?