"He was ordered to stand down!"

"But that does not deny the fact that your ship destroyed ours!"

"Ours was also destroyed!"

"Only because they were stupid enough to open fire in the first place!"

"Your people were the agressors!"

"To the 5 hell's they were! We wanted to help in a peaceful mission!"

"The Kzatti wouldn't know peace if it walked up and shook their hand!"

"Only because you've been hunting us ever since the war ended! We're scattered throughout known space because of you!"

"Are you calling us murderers?!"

"As the humans say 'If the shoe fits'."

"That's IT!"

"SIT DOWN NOW SCRAGGIT!!"

Cutani General Gir Buta, former Kzatti General Krr'tel and Admiral Keogh are together in a conference room aboard the Merrimack.

"Now this has gone on long enough!" says Keogh "I have been informed by Vice-President Naude that if this keeps up the Federation will have no choice but to go to war against the Cutani."

"You would go to war with us to protect these animals?"

"We are not animals!" shouts Krr'tel

"I SAID SHUT IT!!"

Keogh calms himself before continuing.

"This must end General Buta. I've talked with Emperor Savo and his brother and they agree with me. Frankly its refreshing to deal with reasonable men."

"Savo's a fool Keogh!" says Buta.

"I'm sure he'll be glad to hear you said that." says Keogh "Because I intend to mention it to him."

Buta pales slightly upon hearing this and Krr'tel sneers at him.

"After everything we've been through together you would go to war against us?"

"To protect a people who only want sancuary from the ravages of war."

"I, for one, am tired of running." says Krr'tel "We only want to live in peace and resettle."

"Live in peace!"

"Buta!" warns Keogh

"As you wish. I will....discuss this with the Emperor. See you later Admiral."

General Buta leaves the room.

"I fear he may do something stupid." says Keogh

****

On board the Strayer. They are carrying civilians from New Shepherd to their new home.

"I'm getting a communications signal on all frequencies BJ." says Rif "It's coming from Cutani space."

"On screen."

General Buta appears on the screen.

"Citizens of the Cutani Republic, our allies have abandoned us. Even our own government has betrayed us. The Federation has sided with those warmongers the Kzatti. I hearby condemn Emperor Nij Savo, Admiral Jonathan Keogh of the Terran Federation and anyone else who is against us. I control almost 25% of Cutani space. As of now, we are seceeding from the Cutani Republic and setting up the Buta Alliance. My first act as leader is to declare war on the remaining Kzatti and the Terran Federation. For my children who will be able to live in a galaxy without fear of bloodthirsty Kzatti stalking the galaxy. For all our children. Down with the Kzatti and the Terran Federation!"

to be continued...