A Galaxy Unknown 10: Azula Carver Read Online Free PDF Page B

ancestors and tried to support the rebuilding efforts on Dakistee in any way we could, but I'm afraid they'll never trust our efforts to establish peaceful, diplomatic relations. For them, the events of two hundred centuries ago seem very recent. It may take decades before they forgive my people."
    "That's foolish— but understandable. The people who committed those heinous acts are long dead. Their bodies have, no doubt, turned to dust by now."
    "Yes, but the people currently alive on Dakistee were alive during that time and slept through all those intervening years. For them, it's the same as if my people wronged them most grievously today and then asked for unconditional forgiveness tomorrow. The event would just be too recent in their minds."
    "Yes. Perhaps in time they'll realize the folly of holding our people in this century responsible for the sins of our distant Nordakian forefathers. But history shows us that hatred often dies an interminably slow death."
    "When I received your message that you'd be stopping for a visit, I thought you also had concerns about the new government on Dakistee."
    "We're watching the situation closely. If you're worried they might attack Nordakia, seeking retribution for the sins of the past, let me put your mind at ease. They have no ships or weapons with which to attack you. Nordakia is safe at this time."
    "Yes, we're safe now, but the rumors coming from Dakistee warrant attention. Lady Christa is doing an admirable job from what we understand, and despite her Nordakian citizenship, she has been accepted everywhere. I'm sure her Terran appearance being almost identical to that of our ancestors has an influence. Has she been in touch with you?"
    "I communicate with her regularly, but it's mostly personal issues. She reports current military and political information to the Region One HQ Command Center on Earth. What is it you've heard?"
    "We have several intelligence operatives on Dakistee, collecting any information they learn about the new government. Normally, all off-world intelligence gathering is left to SCI, but with Dakistee being the original home world of our people, this situation is— unique. It's difficult for our people to get close to the Dakistians because our appearance makes us so easy to identify as Nordakian, but we've managed to establish a small network of informants that provide fairly dependable and useful information." The king hesitated for a moment before continuing, as if trying to decide how much he should say. "Our latest information is that the new president and her cabinet have just signed an agreement to turn over all information regarding the manufacturing of Dakinium— or, as they call it, Wlabisnk-320— plus all information regarding the cloning process to the Raiders in exchange for a cure to their sterility."

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Chapter Three
    ~ August 23 rd , 2288 ~
    Jenetta was shocked but had long ago learned to mask most reactions completely. The King only saw her poker face. "How reliable is this information, Your Majesty?"
    "How reliable is any information purchased from an informant? Until we have confirmation from a different source, we're treating it as just a rumor. But we're paying a bit more attention to this one than many others because of the enormous significance if it's true."
    "Yes, we must watch this closely. Have you notified SCI at SHQ?"
    "Our Minister of Intelligence sent a message two days ago, detailing everything we've learned on the matter. It's not much, but we continue to pursue any new leads."
    "And does your source give a timetable for the transaction, Your Majesty?"
    "Our information is that no transfer of Dakinium or cloning information will take place until the formula has been delivered to Dakistee and tests in a Dakistee laboratory indicate it will actually cure sterility in their citizens of childbearing age. At that point, the planet leadership will transfer all early research information on the cloning process. It