Of course Panic has failed, as planned. It was, in a way, amusing to see how both sides chose a vengeance-hungry incompetent as their champion at Dumati. How much clearer could it be that we were simply sparring? I must admit that I was a bit surprised at the resolution of the assassination attempt, although the ultimate outcome was never in doubt. I know General Phardos disagrees with me, but I still believe that the sacrifice of Caliban was warranted. As he was anathema to his people, his use as a double-agent was limited.
We were prepared to continue with the game using a parade of General Panic simulacra indefinitely, until Ashtara would finally do something showy enough to provoke the judgment of the SongLuminants. Ironically, the judgment came sooner than expected, and through no action of ours.
Bllllllllllllllllllllrrrrrrrrrrrmm, my contact amongst the Floatfish, was able to secretly provide me with a copy of the verdict of the Lords of the Inner Vent (see attached). To say that things did not go as anticipated would be an understatement.
We were so certain that a species as inexperienced as the Cu’endhari would condemn themselves to erasure, leaving the Domha’vei ripe for plucking. Oh well, the best laid plans of mice and Floatfish, I suppose. Bllllllllllllllllllllrrrrrrrrrrrmm thinks it’s quite amusing, and I must admit to seeing the humor. Perhaps I have spent altogether too much time with the Floatfish.
I will, of course, obsequiously seek to advance the cause of peace with the Matriarchy. The Matriarch herself is not to be underestimated – I was with her on “Restoration Day,” and I saw how ably she manipulated public opinion into the disposal of her political enemies. Fortunately, she has nothing to gain from a protracted conflict with CenGov. She will, of course, demand that we remove our troops from Tasea. That’s for the best – controlling that rock is a waste of resources. We can take some satisfaction in noting how much capital it will cost her to rebuild the schools and hospitals that we destroyed that she rebuilt after she destroyed them when Admiral Whelan first took the system. Maybe third time’s the charm.
However, the mechanization faction, of which Alara Panichini was but the most visible representative, will continue to demand the complete subjugation of the Domha’vei. Of course, being idealists, they will never be made to see reason, which is why they have been kept ignorant of the information fed to us by our guardians, the Floatfish, for the past three centuries. Or should I say our former guardians? Times are changing. Nevertheless, I do expect certain profitable aspects of our alliance with the fish to continue.
The hawks will not back down. And the general atmosphere on Terra is that of wounded pride. We must find a way to escape from the situation while saving face. A domestic crisis should do the trick.
There’s no way around it now. President Harmoulis must be assassinated. I trust one of our agents can handle it?
Another thing – I’ve also attached some Archonist propaganda. Start distributing it to the seditionary factions. Make religious practices seem like some kind of precious “human right.”
What we won’t do to keep our own heads off the block, eh?