That provoked sufficient howling and hooting to drown out the sound of rain splattering on the top of the transparent dome. The noise only began to die down when Cecolou-tiu rose from her chair. Even the Deyzara quieted their hooting, mindful of the revered Hata’s status among her kind.
An aged but still steady six-fingered hand waved in the administrator’s direction. “Humans may not interfere in affairs between sentient native species. I know this thing to be true because I have studied it.” Ears, tail, and hand waved as one in the direction of the seated Deyzara. “You may exercise your law with the interlopers, but by your own regulations you cannot do so among the Sakuntala.” Despite her age, the elder succeeded in conveying an ample measure of confidence. Yelps and yowls from her fellows showed how much her short speech was appreciated.
Matthias was not taken aback by it because she had come prepared for it.
“The esteemed Hata of the C’Tiu is right. No Commonwealth authority may intervene forcibly in sentient native affairs.” She paused for effect. “Unless it is to defend the interests of a second group of sentients who have no way of protecting themselves.”
A Hata-niu of the P’Lua clan slipped out of her seat to speak. “The Deyzara have many ways protect themselves. That they choose not use them does not mean they not exist.” Muted Sakuntala laughter rose from her kinfolk, and a number of the seated Deyzara tensed visibly.
“I was not speaking of the Deyzara.” Matthias waited for the noise to die down before resuming. “I was referring to the pannula.”