Cecolou-tiu spoke into the ensuing silence. “What you want of us?”
“Stop fighting each other. The extremists’ move to drive the Deyzara off Fluva has devolved into internecine combat. That, too, must cease. You are going to have to learn how to live and work side by side without these intermittent explosions of senseless violence. The Deyzara are on Fluva to stay.” Soft hoots of approval rose from the side of the chamber that was filled with their representatives.
“And regulations designed to protect the ingenuous Sakuntala from mercantile predation by their more commercially sophisticated neighbors will be enforced by every means at my command.” To this the Sakuntala responded with knowing, and appreciative, yowls of awareness.
“Thanks to the official upgrading in status, Commonwealth instruments and materials for improving the education and situation of all intelligences on Fluva will be increased.” Leaning forward against the dais, she tried to meet as many watching eyes as possible. “My authority allows me to favor whichever species proves to be the most cooperative and willing to embrace Commonwealth principles and values. If the Sakuntala continue to wage war on their neighbors and themselves, it could be the Deyzara. If certain Deyzara persist in using their greater knowledge of Commonwealth ways to take advantage of and impoverish their fellow citizens, it could be the Sakuntala.” She paused meaningfully.
“If both the Deyzara and the Sakuntala continue as they have before, then the Commonwealth Authority on Fluva will have no choice but to favor the interests of the pannula to the exclusion of all else.”