Agent047
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874 - A Dilemma
🕑 Added 2025-03-26 04:00:41 +0000 UTCOver the next two days, the Astral Conclave representative and their entourage found little excitement, spending most of their time within the space station. Workers meticulously organized their inventory, transferring cargo from their ships to storage, while those with free time explored the station, some out of curiosity, others to analyze the empire’s design philosophy and compare it to their own.
Concerns about being spied on had been dismissed early. Upon arrival, their security personnel conducted thorough scans for surveillance devices, only to discover that the empire had taken extreme measures to ensure privacy. The station's walls had a unique structure, two parallel layers filled with mana in its gaseous form, separated by a mana-free void. This design effectively blocked both conventional surveillance methods and mana-based detection techniques. The sheer level of effort and resources invested into guaranteeing privacy was almost unsettling, signaling just how far the empire was willing to go to earn the trust of its allies.
While surveillance cameras were present in public areas, this was openly disclosed in the provided documentation. Still, despite the empire’s transparent security policies, the Conclave’s delegation took additional precautions, modifying their quarters to reinforce security, not because they doubted the empire’s assurances, but simply for their own peace of mind.
Despite their time on the station, the representatives and their entourage had yet to interact with any imperial citizens, even though the Trade Hub was designed to facilitate exchanges not just between the empire and its guests but also between individuals. This separation was intentional, as they had been informed beforehand that, for security reasons, they would not be permitted to mingle with the station's regular inhabitants. Their designated areas kept them apart, ensuring that any interactions would only take place under controlled circumstances.
Soon, the third day arrived, and all representatives made their way to the meeting location. Thanks to the station's efficient transportation system, including elevators and other rapid transit methods, they all arrived well ahead of schedule. Without delay, they entered the designated meeting room, settling in as they waited for the proceedings to begin.
…………………..
The moment Masimbi, the head of the Joint Task Force, entered the room and greeted everyone, he wasted no time. “Thank you for your attendance. Since everyone is already here, let’s not waste time and immediately start the meeting,” he announced as he took his seat, despite there still being ten minutes before the official start time.
He wasn’t the only human in the room. Seated beside him was Lanesra, the second-in-command of the Joint Task Force and the head of the Imperial Mana Agency. Her position in the task force was a direct result of the agency's critical role in managing mana-related affairs with the Conclave civilizations. While the Joint Task Force handled all external trade, both between states and private enterprises, Lanesra and her agency currently focused exclusively on dealings with the Conclave.
Accompanying her was Eragon, the second-in-command of the Imperial Mana Agency. With their presence, there were a total of three humans in the meeting room, each representing key aspects of the empire’s interactions with the Conclave.
With no objections to his proposal, Masimbi immediately began the meeting by outlining the main topics.
“Today, we have five main topics to discuss. First, immigration requirements. Second, business regulations and requirements. Third, the introduction of a trade currency. Fourth, a proposal for the expansion of Virtual Reality. And lastly, the mana stone exchange. Once we have covered these key points, you are welcome to propose any additional topics for discussion."
Masimbi paused momentarily, scanning the faces around the circular table. Most representatives appeared focused, while a few seemed indifferent. The only one who stood out was the Xor’Vak representative, who looked completely disinterested, as if he would rather be anywhere else but here.
Adjusting his glasses, Masimbi continued,
"Let's begin with immigration. To ensure a lawful and controlled entry of citizens from Conclave territories into the empire, we will be implementing a visa system. This permit will allow individuals to enter and stay within imperial territory, granting them access to the resources and opportunities available for the duration specified by the permit.
To facilitate this process, we request permission to establish embassies within each of your territories. These embassies will serve as both diplomatic channels and processing centers where interested citizens and businesses can apply for the necessary permits to visit, work, or conduct business within imperial space.
Should you agree to this arrangement, we will also extend the same courtesy, allowing you to establish your own embassies within imperial territory..."
As Masimbi continued presenting the topic, the atmosphere in the room shifted. Those who had appeared disinterested suddenly focused, and those already paying attention adopted serious expressions the moment they heard the word embassy and fully grasped its implications.
While the explanation itself was logical, ensuring controlled entry into the empire, allowing lawful access to its benefits, and distinguishing legal traders from pirates, none of that was their primary concern. Their focus was solely on the embassies.
The proposal directly undermined their previous strategy of delaying the empire’s presence in their territories for as long as possible to keep mana stone prices low.
Even though Masimbi hadn’t explicitly mentioned the empire using the return wormholes to hitch a ride back into Conclave Territories, everyone in the room understood that was the inevitable next step. Conventional travel would take decades, and the empire could easily argue that business and travel into their territory would only be permitted after the embassies were fully established.
A quiet tension settled over the room. The representatives knew they had to tread carefully, rejecting the proposal outright could sour relations, but accepting it could mean losing control over the empire’s expansion into their domain.
From the very first topic, they found themselves in a dilemma.
If they denied the empire’s request, it would inevitably delay their plans to cripple the empire’s economy and production capabilities. The empire could use their refusal as justification to halt all trade except for mana stones, limiting their influence and leverage.
On the other hand, allowing the empire to establish embassies would effectively turn them into carriers, accelerating the timeframe in which the empire would fully grasp the true value of mana stones.
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