Fwurg

[Nehket Aeka]

Nehket Aeka paced up and down her offices, clearly in a bad mood.

"The connection is set up milady", said her aide softly, before quickly leaving the room.

"Minister Ardios Eldrilith, you might want to make sure this conversation is private."

Nehket Aeka waited a few moments before continuing.

"I think we should discuss your unreasonable assumption of authority of this afternoon's meeting in the senate.", Nehket Aeka continued.

"Not only did you assume that you have the authority to single-handedly decide that the Union will cooperate with other superpowers, something that is not up to you alone, you actually declared to the full senate that we will join forces with the Echani and the Core Hegemony in case of all out war with the Mandalorians!

Where did you get that ridiculous notion?! Have you withheld information from the chancellor and the other ministers with regard to this issue? Or did you just think it interesting to imply that the current administration has entered into talks with the Core Hegemony -- which, by the way is not known for it's helpful and cooperative attitude -- because you think the Union's military isn't up to the task!

Such statements can easily be used by others for their own political machinations; I demand that you explain your behaviour immediately!"

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"Dear Nehket Aeka,

I apologize for the assumption that I made, I will clarify this to the senate. It is true that we do not have the support of the Core Hegemony yet. Since we are already negotiating with the Core Hegemony to set up trades I intend to warn them of the threat as well. It is not for me to decide what our plan of action is. I only expressed my intentions. "

[Nehket Aeka]

"Why would you inform them of this? The Mandalorians are far from Core Hegemony territories, and the only thing that you accomplish with it is giving them the notion that our military is not strong enough.

Setting up trade, and going to war together are two completely different things. Besides, we are better served by keeping our possible alliance with the Echani secret for as long as possible. Word will surely reach the Mandalorians if we as much as hint of our knowledge on the subject to the Core Hegemony."

Nehket Aeka sighed.

"And even worse, if you invite the Core Hegemony into this, there is the very real possibility that they accept your offer! Think about it: wouldn't such an invitation be just the thing the Core Hegemony needs to manoeuvre its fleets into position to occupy a large swath of Union territory, just while we are engaged with the Mandalorians?

I understand your desire for decisive action, after all, your culture is based on a military hierarchy... But I urge you to carefully consider your words next time you answer such enquiries.

My advice to you is to bring this issue up on the next ministerial meeting. Together with the chancellor we should present a common front, it wouldn't do for our political opponents to gain traction. Especially with the elections nearing."

[Senator Ardios Eldrilith]

"We Praetorians have not been to war in centuries. Maybe you are right. I agree that we should discuss this situation with the other ministers. Lets discuss our options on the upcoming meeting."