A young and neutral Hata-niu rose somewhat timidly from her chair. “If we do move against Deyzara as Aniolo-jat proposes, someone like Jemunu-jah who work close with both humans and Deyzara could be caught in middle.”
“Heesa-mu,” muttered the relentlessly belligerent Yeruna-hua, “that would be serious loss indeed.”
As expected, Aniolo-jat took a far more rational view of the possibility. Whether he believed it or not, Naneci-tok reflected, was another matter entirely.
“Jemunu-jah is skillful enough to take care of self. Time here-now is for worry about future of all Sakuntala—not individuals.” He turned another slow circle. “I say to you, my fellow Hatas, that all future of our people will be decide here today, and that we must make right decision.” He paused for emphasis. For a long moment, the liquid percussion of rain spilling through the central opening of the High House was the only sound in the circular chamber.
“Otherwise, we and our cublings can forward look to long lives of prosperity and good health as part of this great star-place Commonwealth—working low jobs for Deyzara. Where is the mula in that?”
As an appeal to reason as well as emotion, Aniolo-jat’s speaking clearly moved the Hatas. Others spoke after him—some to agree, others to dispute. Naneci-tok used her chance to point out once again that moving against the Deyzara might well bring the Sakuntala into direct conflict with the Commonwealth and its superior technology. Her words were listened to by most. But not all. Yeruna-hua and his own small circle of virulent supporters were as ready to kill humans as they were Deyzara. The amount of support that showed itself for this extreme position frightened her. By contrast, Aniolo-jat appeared reasonable and almost restrained.