The Broken Peace

Captain Marquette stared impatiently out of the large window in the conference room. He watched as the Panther seemingly drifted alongside the Berenice. Over an hour passed since Marquette was escorted into the room to await Cloudsley’s arrival. Since coming aboard, Marquette had little contact with any of the ship’s crew. His patience was beginning to wear thin.

Several more minutes passed before an officer entered the room to greet him. “Captain Marquette, my apologies for keeping you waiting. I’m Captain Cazalas. May I offer you some refreshments? A drink, perhaps?”

“Thank you, Captain; a drink would be most welcome,” Marquette responded.

Cazalas nodded and pushed a button on the far wall. A small bar emerged from the wall with an assortment of bottles. “Care for an Attican Brandy?”

“That would be most welcome, yes, Captain.” Cazalas nodded and began to pour the drink. “Is the Admiral delayed?” he asked. Marquette accepted the drink from Cazalas and sipped it. “This is good,” he said. He sat the glass down and returned his attention to the captain.

“Admiral Cloudsley is trying to contact Starbase Thespidon to confirm your story,” Cazalas said. "May I sit? It’s been a long day.”

“Of course, you hardly need my permission; it is your ship.”

Cazalas took his seat. “A courtesy, captain to captain. Admiral Cloudsley was not pleased to hear the news you brought today. You could tell from the wreckage that we engaged the enemy and destroyed their meager forces. When you arrived, we were within moments of launching our attacks on their major cities. Tell me, what changed the Assembly’s mind?”

“I can’t say that they have changed their mind. My orders were to get to Meteora as quickly as possible to stop the planet’s destruction. My voyage may be wasted because the Assembly is still debating the issue.”

“Why not contact us directly?” Cazalas asked. “Why send a ship?”

“The Assembly, especially Ekklesian Varro, wanted to ensure you received the message. Supposedly, the Assembly also sent a message, but they feared its arrival would be too late. So, here I am.”

“I see,” said Cazalas. He regarded Marquette with some suspicion as the men sipped at their drinks. “You have the formal diplomatic papers with you then, I take it.”

“Of course,” Marquette responded. He produced a sealed envelope stamped with the official seal of the Assembly. “However, I am authorized to give it to Admiral Cloudsley and only the Admiral. You do understand, Captain.”

Cazalas was taken aback by the other’s question. “Yes, I understand. May I offer you another drink?”

The door opened as Admiral Cloudsley entered the room. Both Marquette and Cazala stood. Cloudsley quickly motioned for them to sit. “Captain Marquette, I’m Admiral Cloudsley, and you’ve met Captain Cazalas. Now, what the hell is going on here? Why has the attack on Meteora been postponed?”

“Admiral, if you will. These are the diplomatic papers, and they should answer all of your questions.” Marquette handed the envelope to Cloudsley. He nervously watched as the man broke the seal and began to read the letter. After he finished reading the letter, he handed it to Cazalas.

“So, I am to begin negotiations with the planet. I am to demand the surrender of the insurrection’s leaders and bring them back to Anatolia for trial. Am I reading this right?”

“Sir, I am only the messenger,” Marquette replied. “My duty was to bring you the message, and I have done so. I do not know what instructions are enclosed. I only know what I have told you and Captain Cazalas.”

“Well, Captain Marquette, I hope you enjoy your stay with us.”

“I’m sorry, sir, I do not understand.”

“According to the message, you are assigned as a liaison to Meteora. Your orders are to assist in the negotiations and transport the renegades back to Anatolia for trial.”

“Sir, I did not know-”

“Well, you do now. Captain Cazalas, arrange a meeting with all senior officers tomorrow at 0900. That includes you too, Marquette. You are both dismissed.”