“Now, if a Sakuntala technician or two were to receive from another, more technologically sophisticated source detailed instructions on how to carry out such deadly modifications, it’s easy enough to see how the consequences could be blamed on the Deyzara. If they were to be held responsible, especially in the current political climate, this could be greatly to the advantage of the Sakuntala. For example, gullible humans, and I won’t deny that there are some, who might otherwise be neutral in the current conflict, might find themselves more partial to the Sakuntala point of view. If the Sakuntala were to be favored, that would naturally also be to the benefit of those who favor the Sakuntala.” She smiled pleasantly. “The AAnn, let’s say.”
She waited for a response. It was not long in coming.
“If what you ssay hass happened, and you are being truthful about the circumsstances ssurrounding it, then we will not deny ssuch a sscenario could be to the benefit of the Empire.” Thessu raised his left hand, claws extended. “But I and my colleague will sswear on the ssandss in which we were brooded that neither of uss had anything to do with the incident you sso elaborately detail. Until you sspoke of it jusst now we had no knowledge of the dissappearancess of which you sspeak. We are in no way or wisse involved in the vanisshment of the two craft to which you refer. Wonderful if it iss blamed on the Deyzara, to the benefit of our friendss among the Ssakuntala. We welcome such a development. But . . . much as we would like to take credit for ssuch a clever sscheme, we had nothing to do with it. If indeed the dissappearancess are truly due to the kind of convoluted and problematical plot you desscribe.”