The war council that convened after the diplomatic contact was the most fractured in the alliance's history. Representatives sat in small clusters based on species and loyalty, their body language reflecting the fundamental divisions that the negotiations had revealed.
"We have a moral obligation to warn them." Serian spoke first, her voice carrying the conviction of someone who had made her decision before entering the room. "Whatever pragmatic benefits we've gained, we cannot let allies face annihilation without warning."
"What moral obligation?" King Henrik's response was sharp with years of accumulated hatred. "They invaded our world, killed our people, and would have enslaved or destroyed us all if circumstances hadn't forced cooperation."
"Circumstances that still exist. The moment we betray them, we destroy the only military alliance capable of defending this world."
