Peace in Our Times

[Nightfall]

Insults? But sire, you are insulting my and the intelligence of every sentient human being in the sector that has over twenty-five standard years of age.

Do I have to point out what is the significance of Tau-31 to you? You yourself are saying, I quote

a bloody system of ice chunks! It will remain a system of ice chunks..

To you, maybe, for the Outcasts, it's a source of water.

Not only that is the reason of my incensement, it is the fact that the Kusari ambassador so blatantly took the liberty of 'giving' it to the IMG. Tau-31 is not a golden lock of hair from her excellency's head to give as a romantic reminder of love. The Outcasts have suffered death, the Outcasts are ready to suffer more if it is necessary. We live with it every day, from dusk 'till dawn and every day that follows until we pass into the great unknown.

Your reputation, sir, is something I can't afford to ignore. You have declared yourself 'Epopt to the Outcasts' and yet haven't made a single contact to any officials about that. The only logical thought is in the lines of 'disruptive behavior'. Considering the fact that you attack my motives like this, so ostentatiously supporting what would be your enemies, Sir, I would be questioning the quality of that Kallisti Gold you're handing out if I were a Colonial. But I understand them. They just came from a long perilous journey, they have the potential. Provided they take the right path, they can prosper and flourish. That is yet to be seen.

Finally, as far as I am concerned, your presence here is welcomed as we are trying to bring up a democratic solution. Or am I wrong here? You have the same right as most others present here, to attend. But please, don't insult us by telling 'reverse psychology' bedtime stories with no foundation whatsoever. In fact I suggest we stop 'beating a dead horse' and the so called peace makers go back to elementary school and take some history lessons.

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If the stars should appear one night in a thousand years, how would men believe and adore and preserve for many generations the remembrance of the city of God? - from 'Nightfall' by I. Asimov
The Outcasts consider Siniestre Nube a sacred place for several reasons. Early explorers discovered a jumphole within the depths of the cloud that leads to a strange world of ringed stars and strange craft. All ships in the burrial ground are placed facing that hole to honor the Alien Spirits. - An Outcast rumor