Similar to the old tradition, the Auspexes entered the ornate chamber and formed a semi-circle at a table. Although these days, only one figure sat where the line of ministers used to be. The Auspex cabinet was becoming more diversified as time went by; only three of them were Salrilian: Sathin, Lophathid, and Shij. The newcomers were the Phylydion Verad, the Cantharan Cal Sev, the Obiard Kagstz, the Gaitori Gath'Roik, the Bazidanese Dumiar, and the Ishiman Sothos. All of them forming a crescent around Sargatanus.
Sargatanus pulled up to the table and began in what those unfamiliar with the process to be informal. "As usual, let's try to keep this short. I have been fully informed about the events during my absence, so just stick with what has happened since my awakening." He turned to Verad.
"Nothing too entertaining, I'm afraid. The humans keep screaming about a war, Phylydion free-lancers continue to harass the border without retaliation from their government, the Ishimans continue to protest along the quiet parts of the Free Trade Zone, the Gaitori isolationists made three terrorism attempt, all of which failed, and a few resistance cells have been popping up within our protectorate zone of Nijayias territory and are being dealt with.
"There are however, some strange goings on near the Elejeetian periphery. A surprisingly large renegade fleet has been lurking around the nebula and prodding an outpost on an uninhabited planet. There are rumors circulating about the possible discovery of another Verasi-class artifact, but even aside from that, this fleet is just large enough to be a minor threat. My recomendation is that we capture their ships and interrogate them."
Sargatanus shook his head. "Unacceptable. We know almost nothing about them. Dispatch some of your finest recon teams and observe them; learn everything you can about them. For all we know, they could end up doing us a favor."
"Of course, your eminance."
"Shij, what is the status of the Sisircahad (the Ring) imigration?"
The old Salrilian arched up slowly and cleared his throat before he spoke. "The sites for cities, industry, and farming are completely mapped out, and we have imported 87.43% of the resources required for full-scale imigration. The imigration itself is almost non-existant."
Sargatanus raised an eyebrow, and Shij continued: "Our technicians have not yet completed the equipment to open and sustain a permanant jumpgate large enough to move 20% of a homeworlds population. Though we are having much success in alieviating the population within the Salril system: 40% have been transfered to Sisircahad."
"Thank you. Cal Sev?"
The Cantharn stood and gave a slight bow. "I apologize for the delay. It was discovered that a permanant jump gate would be much more difficult to sustain when some 40,000 large transports were passing through. Although we have found a way to solve the problem, we will not be able to complete the modifications for about four months."
"Spare me the details, and be sure to get it done before the Cantharans complain. What is the status on Lucifer's Hammer?"
"The superstructure is completed, as are all of the major systems with the exception of the Zero Point Reverberation Projector, which I am pleased to announce is nearing the end of testing in the Oculus Nebula. With luck, we will be able to implement it within eight weeks."
"Excelent. Well are there any other matters or opinios that need to be expressed before we adjurn?"
Kagstz stood. "In regard to Verad's claim of a large renegade fleet, I would like to bring attention to this intercepted transmission. It was garbled by the nebula and difficult to translate, but you can make out enough information to get the picture."
The recording played mostly static fuzz, and codded obain language. But two words caught the attention of the cabinet: "Swtz," and "Thrz'gei'hol."
Sargatanus scrathed his cheek while he pondered. "Correct me if I'm wrong, but wasn't the Thrz'gei'hol the prototype battlecruiser given to the Obiards by the old Grand Oracular Council?"
Kagstz nodded readily. "It was also the flagship during the third and fourth Obish/Gaitori wars. All ships of that design should have been destroyed or scrapped a long time ago. This one went missing in battle and was presumed destroyed. But its carrier signla was never transmitted, as was standard for all obish ships in that time when they were destroyed."
"Mutiny?"
"Not a chance. The ship was commanded by General Swtz, cinsidered the best and most loyal of all the Obish command to this day, and I don't think I need to tell you about Obish loyalty."
"Well that does change things. Verad, you have a change in orders. Assemble your recon team, and lead the investigation yourself with the Absolution once its repairs are completed. Kagstz, you will accompany Verad with the 22nd and 23rd divisions of the second fleet, to be led by the carrier Cold Crescent at your command."
Both Auspexes nodded, and Sargatanus continued: "Anything else?"
Silence.
"Well in that case we adjurn." With those words, the assembly dispersed in a matter of seconds.
Sargatanus toyed with a communicator for a moment before speaking into it. "Tactical, have the Vindictive prepared for my arrival, and order them to set a course for the Gault system; Cicion Station."
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Throughout their history these "unenlightened" beings have continually opposed and fought abuses of power wrought by their own bretheren. We, as the prophets would do well to learn from these Humans.
-Final statement of the Salrilian reformist Sirthis shortly before his execution.
