Tanri Zeir was observing everything on her way through the docks and the corridors.
She had to admit that she was impressed with the Shipyard, which her superiors were interested in.
One of her duties, except for her diplomatic work, was to observe everything and report it upon her return.
This also helped her decipher the Emperor's personality and determine the best approach to achieving her goals with minimal effort.
Your majesty, let me introduce Tenri Zeir, the elder diplomat of the Five Races Federation, and her entourage.
Jennifer said, standing at attention and saluting to the man seated at the head of a U-shaped table surrounded by half a dozen females of different species seated to his left and right.
To Tanri's surprise, the Man in the middle wore something loosely resembling the uniform worn by the lieutenant who brought her there, but it was as black as the space itself, with no visible adornments of any kind, but in her eyes there was no need for any adornments as the man was handsome and the dark uniform gave him an aura of mystery and danger.
On the other hand the females to the right of the Emperor wore white uniforms with some medals and other distinctions, presumably rank insignia or something of similar nature.
The ones to the left were all wearing similar outfits, but in slightly different colors and designs.
The diplomat quickly categorized them as military and civilian advisors or the heads of the departments, and she knew two of them, but now they looked much different than when she last saw them.
-It's a pleasure to make your acquaintance.
Andrew said in a calm, measured tone.
-Diplomat, the ladies joining this meeting are:
Empress advisor Aelita, Empress head diplomat Tarina, Empress advisor Lanarine, Empress Admiral Runir, Empress Vice Admiral Arien, and Empress Vice Admiral Giarna.
Jennifer introduced everyone, and they all nodded their heads as she spoke their name and titles.
Tanri was shocked but kept her composure, bowing slightly to the empresses, one of whom was her little sister.
More over it was not the first time she saw a man with a harem, but it was her first time seeing an Emperor with so many empresses.
-Your majesty, I bring Greetings from the Five Races Alliance council, which wishes to establish an alliance between our two star nations.
She started her speech looking directly at Andrew.
-Despite some misunderstandings between us in the past, I'm sure that we can help one another.
-Excuse me, Diplomat, but if by some misunderstanding you mean planting explosives on the ship you gifted to the Emperor for releasing her holiness Tibrana, sending an attack consisting of several ships filled with cadets, which failed, and starting a war by proxy, aiming to weaken the empire or destroy it outright.
Then I'm curious to hear what a serious misunderstanding would look like?
Tarina interrupted her speech, not even addressing her by her name but simply by her function, which Tanri had to admit stung a bit.
What stung even more was the fact that her little sister had become not only a head diplomat but also an empress.
Reaching the heights she shrived for her whole life.
The question was one she anticipated and had an answer ready for, if it was needed.
-These incidents were unfortunate, but they can be explained.
The elder diplomat said.
-The explosive charges were left by a mistake and I'm sure that your majesty was informed about the scuttling charges placed on all our vessels.
As for the cadets attacking your territory, this was their independent action.
The Federation believes that they wanted to prove their worth before they were ready, which led to this unfortunate incident.
For these two incidents, I sincerely apologize in the name of the Five Races Federation, and ask Your Majesty to treat these as accidents, which they were.
As for the war by proxy, it is the first time I heard about it, so I'm sure that this was simply a misunderstanding or a provocation aimed at pitching our nations against each other.
She lied through her teeth, knowing full well that the Empire was aware these were the Federation's authorized attacks on them.
The question was, were they ready to go to war, or would they accept her explanations and apologies?
Andrew didn't say a word and simply nodded slightly.
-Since you are here with a diplomatic mission, we would like to return the identification chips of the cadets to the Federation, as we are sure that their Families would like to have them.
Arien said as two droids entered, each holding a beautiful chest filled with neatly arranged identification chips of the cadets who died.
-You can also assure their families that they died with honor, fighting to the last, not even trying to surrender.
Runir added while the chests were handed to the Diplomat's aides.
-Thank you, I'm sure that their families will be happy to receive these mementos.
Tanri said with a slight smile, but inside, she was boiling with frustration.
Her carefully prepared speech was interrupted, and was now useless, the control of the situation was knocked out of her hands before she could grasp it and now she was forced to improvise, which she hated to do.
What's more, she was certain that Tarina and Runir were doing this on purpose, to throw her off and make it as difficult as they could to achieve her goal.
-As for the incident's as you called them.
Tarina said, returning to the matter at hand.
-If you can't even remove some explosives or keep your cadets in line, then what reason would the Empire have to ally with the Federation?
These instances show that you are either incompetent or have no control over your people.
Both of which are detrimental to any alliance we could have and are simply a recipe for disaster.
The empire does not need incompetent allies, nor does it need ones who can't even maintain control over its territories.
She finished, leaving the elder diplomat speechless.
This was the first time she was ever outmaneuvered like that and she could not find anything to say that would not worsen the already bad situation.
However, she could not just leave with nothing, or she would be punished, maybe even exiled like her sister for failing such an important task.
-It seems that the Empire's trust is not easily gained, so maybe instead of an alliance, you would consider accepting an Ambassador of the Federation.
This would allow us to prove that we are neither incompetent nor do we lack control over our people.
-This is something to consider.
Please allow us to discuss this matter before giving you an answer.
Aelita spoke for the first time.
-I'll be waiting for your answer on board my ship.
She agreed.
-If you'll excuse me.
She said, bowing her head slightly.
-You may leave.
Andrew said in the same stoic, neutral tone he greeted her.
However, it was not how he spoke but what he said that pissed her off, and she even wanted to kick herself for breaking protocol in such an embarrassing way.
One needs to ask permission to leave in front of an emperor or a king, which she didn't do, indicating a lack of manners or that she didn't consider a monarch important enough to ask for permission.
With three simple words, he reminded her she was in the presence of a monarch as well as delivered a warning that he would not allow anyone to disrespect him.
In other words he put her in her place with one sentence, which was something she never experienced till now.
However, she kept a neutral expression, bowed slightly once more, and left with her pride in pieces.
On her ship, she lost her cool the moment she entered her cabin and started swearing in a way that would make a drunken sailor blush with shame.
This whole mission was a disaster from the start.
Not only did she fail to secure an alliance with the empire, but she was also outmaneuvered by her exiled little sister, who could never stand up to her in any discussion or argument.
What's even worse, she might have offended the Emperor.
This alone was enough for her to be demoted or even executed if she couldn't find a way to repair the damage she had done.
The Emperor himself was also an enigma to her.
At first, she thought that he was just a new monarch not understanding anything, but he proved her wrong, without even speaking.
Thinking about it now, she understood that the man was a warrior simply by looking at his physique; he didn't feel the need to wear any fancy clothing to impress others.
Indicating that he didn't care what anyone thought.
Additionally, he was quiet during the whole meeting, clearly showing his faith in the competence of his people.
All of this combined painted a picture of a young but intelligent ruler, who didn't need to prove anything to anyone anymore.
-Let's hope he doesn't hold a grudge, or I'm dead.
She whispered to herself, right before a signal from the door informed her that she had a visitor.
Tanri composed himself immediately.
-Enter.
She said calmly, like nothing ever happened.