Rating: PG-13
Author's Notes: SPOILERS for the PeaceKeeper Wars mini. This fic was previously posted on Kansas, it is seen here with generous revisions, and now with beta! Thanks Yuna Lesca!
Disclaimer: Farscape – Fun to Play with. Not to Own…cause then you have to deal with copyrights and production costs and deadlines. In other words, NOT MINE.
And the Beat Goes On
"They say the gods walked on stars, but we have never walked the stars, we can only pass by them." The Nebari emissary pivoted sharply, synthetic boots clicking against the stone floor. His opaque eyes traveled from planetary ambassador to ambassador as they floated about him.
They coursed around the room, on domes that flowed on waterways chiseled into the floor. A mimicry of the system's various planetary obits, with the ambassadors seated upon their respective world.
The emissary had been speaking with the system's council for a good arn, and had been dancing around the issues like Luxan fingers on a shilquin.
The Nebari paced on a higher stationary dome in the center of the room—a depiction of the system's only sun. He rocked his head crabwise before continuing, "While we would happily share our cure for the virus that afflicts your people, we are not gods, so it is not unexpected that we desire something comparable in return."
"And what do your people pose?" One of the system's diplomats, a gaunt looking species whose skin dripped down from his bones in small globules of skin, asked as he floated past the imitation sun.
"Embrace the Nebari."
"A treaty?"
A more skeptical ambassador interrupted, "We are already in negotiations with the Peacekeepers and Scarre—"
Sensing his gravity over the council waning, the Nebari cut the ambassador short, "Full rights as Nebari citizens, our protection…and a cure. In return, your observance of our laws."
The Nebari's shifty eyes passed over each representative, assuring himself that he had their attention before continuing.
"The Peacekeepers? Oh, they'll offer you everything…except peace." His voice crescendoed, "Let The War speak for those races! Leave half the Galaxy in chaos, then retreat to their own realms—you'd find a better ally in the virus. A treaty with the Nebari…? You have much to gain."
Another diplomat leaned back in his chair and added, "I am…curious to know how the Nebari came about this cure. Suddenly a bizarre disease that defies scrutiny crops up, yet—you somehow have a treatment. It all seems a little…"
"Suspicious?" The Nebari supplemented, amusement underlining his tone. He had been expecting this.
"Convenient."
The emissary's eyes narrowed, "I admit it does seem to be. If I was in your positions, I would be equally distrustful. Unfortunately for us, we don't have the luxury for skepticism. So, I will tell you forthright. We have previously encountered this infection, centuries ago. We were able to synthesize an antitoxin—and now, in light of this new outbreak, we wish to share it. You see. You have nothing to fear. We want to help."
Another ambassador from one of the fringe obits stood, and addressed the emissary, "And what of those who won't be," she paused, evaluating her next word with caution, "…helped?"
"Then, we must oblige their spirits," the Nebari paused, savoring the words, "for the greater good."
-
Unknown to the council members or the Nebari emissary, a lone Leviathan had just existed starburst on the outermost edge of the system.