Celeste took a step back in shock. Why was the Commander here? Had something worse happened? She feared the worst, but pushed those thoughts away.
“Envoy, I am sorry for rushing over here without informing you,” Commander Shail said, peering inside her quarters. “But it is imperative I talk with you privately. Shall we take a walk?”
This was a most unusual request by a Commander. However, Celeste felt it must be important enough for him to appear here without any notice. She stepped out and walked beside him as he led her to a large arboretum. As they stepped into the space, Celeste felt at peace with the space.
“I doubt you knew we had such a space on a battlecruiser,” Commander Shail commented.
“I never knew there was space for such things on this vessel.”
He smiled. “That is what most people say. Our scientists felt it was important to have an area on a battlecruiser for the crew. We all know of the horrible effects of war. This space gives my crew a place to reflect, a place to mourn and a place just to be. When they first built it, I didn’t believe in it. I thought this space could be used more efficiently. But I was wrong.”
Celeste nodded as they walked further in and took a seat. She knew this wasn’t the reason he had brought her here. She sensed he had something heavy on his heart to share. The look in his eyes gave it away.
“I think I need to leave the vessel with Phog and Tara,” Celeste blurted out.
“How did you know that was what I was about to suggest?”
She smiled weakly. “It is the logical next step. You also did say the Emperor also suggested it.”
“I don’t know about logic, but I agree with the Emperor’s suggestion. It is safer for you. He also doesn’t know why the Zandrax are demanding you. A seat on the Imperium Alliance makes sense. Any smaller species would desire it. But why you? I still cannot understand their thinking.”
“What did Commander Anetho say after I left?”
“He again repeated his demand and said he would execute the remaining prisoners if we didn’t send you down to the surface.”
The Zandrax were insanely bold to say that to the face of a Grekk Commander.
“Of course I laughed at him and then said you had already left the vessel and were heading home as you had other pressing duties.”
Celeste was speechless.
“You should have seen my XO’s face,” Commander Shail. “I did have him stand away from the display so that no one could see his reaction.”
“That was …”
“Brilliant. I know.”
She kept her straight face on. It was truly a brilliant move. “How did the Zandrax react?”
“The lunatic exploded. At first, he didn’t believe me and accused me of putting everyone in jeopardy. But I calmly restated my position. I don’t think the Zandrax know about the emotional training we undergo because in the end Commander Anetho began to believe it. It ended badly though. He said he would keep executing the Grekk prisoners.”
Celeste had hoped Commander Grekk’s daring move would have put a stop to the execution of the officers and her waves of guilt. However, she had been too hopeful. Mercy didn’t seem to be part of the Zandrax culture.
“May I speak frankly?”
Commander Shail nodded.
“I think the Zandrax are killing the officers to create a mutiny on board this battlecruiser. It would then trigger a revolt and put you in a difficult position. My presence here would make matters worse. That is their underlying motive behind these public executions.”
“Oh my goodness! How did you know? The Emperor shared this same insight with me when I left to communicate with him. And that’s why he suggested you return back immediately. He was right about you. Your capabilities far exceed that of an Envoy.”
“I just realised it before you came to see me,” Celeste said.
“I actually didn’t want to believe the Emperor either. He was so far removed from the situation we are facing here. How could he possibly understand the Zandrax? But after what you shared with me, I know he and you are both right. As I said before the Imperium Alliance had never seriously got into the work of building up the galaxy. And now part of the blame for this situation lay at their feet.”
“I don’t understand.”
“The Imperium Alliance was built to maintain peace and strengthen the galaxy. But it had failed to do just that. I had heard that there was constant bickering amongst its members on every issue. It meant there were no achievements to highlight. We are in a galaxy with at least fifty other species. The work was limitless. But there is nothing to show after all these years. I am not surprised the Zandrax had decided to take things into their own hands. It is possible many other smaller species without a voice at the Imperium Alliance would do the same in the future.”
“It has all to do with the lack of trust.”
“Yes you are correct, Envoy. If there is no willingness to trust those across the table, there is no chance at any progress.”
“Willingness takes a leap of faith.”
It was something she had learnt the hard way. She had wrestled with that issue of willingness on many occasions when she sat across the negotiation tables with other species. She always had to put aside her fears and doubts and march forward with the other side. The willingness for both sides to take that leap never came easily. It sometimes never ever materialised. Trust was the hardest commodity to earn, but yet it was the easiest to misplace.
“Have you thought of a way to leave?” Commander Shail asked.
“Not yet.”
“I have a suggestion that might work for you and me.”