Chapter 80
.
In June of 2023 the Ambassador was watching on tv as one freshman congressman, endorsed by the SBA, was claiming that recent wildfires in the pacific northwest were created by an "alien space laser." It seemed that refugees really were being blamed for everything. John Smith's presidential campaign was gaining momentum, and all over America highschools and colleges were organizing "Student Defense Squads." These "Defense Squads" often attacked others whom they suspected of being an alien refugee. Some schools banned these hate groups, others encouraged it. As the Ambassador contemplated this Chase Graves entered with news.
.
Chase: Sir, I've recieved a transmission from Hell. It's from a general, a man named Gardner.
Ambassador: Do we have intel on Gardner?
Chase: Some. He is from the world that had advance knowledge of the asteroid. As they built Arks, a civil war erupted, mainly over who would gain admittence. Some states tried to secceed, Gardner fought for the loyalists. At the end of this war, president Mason promised amnesty to enemy soldiers who laid down their arms, even promised them lottery chances for admittence into the Arks. This last part was not popular amongst surviving loyalists, they felt that no collective soldiers should be admitted. So, with Gardner as one of their leaders, the military staged a coup to take control of the Arks. The coup was put down, Gardner was beheaded for treason.
Ambassador: You think we can trust him?
Chase: I think he cares about his soldiers, wants to avoid war.
Ambassador: Okay, talk to him. But make it clear that you are not authorized to make any kind of deals. Just get a feel for where he stands and try not to reveal too much too him.
Chase: Yes sir.
.
Chase used the back-channell to contact general Gardner again.
.
Gardner: Your president has authorized this communication?
Chase: We call him Ambassador, but yes. However I am only authorized to talk, not to negotiate. I can only listen to your proposals and advise the Ambassador to the best of my abilities. First off, who do you represent?
Gardner: I rule certain territory. I believe your people call it a mini-kingdom. I'm not elected but I do protect my citizens. Frankly I'd prefer to avoid war.
Chase: Most of my people would prefer that too. Still, we do prepare for defensive purposes and I'm assuming you do as well.
Gardner: We do. In the event of full scale war my, citizens, might be caught up and unable to avoid this war. My territory could be overrun.
Chase: So this peace overture is about your own power, as well as your people?
Gardner: Partly.
.
Chase had to admit, this did make Gardner more credible, he was willing to admit he was doing it for himself. It was the ones who claimed to be completely selfless that he didn't trust.
.
Chase: What exactly do you propose we do to avoid war general?
Gardner: I can keep my people here, in my kingdom, prevent them from coming to your world. With less refugees enlarging your army, the rest of your world would have less reason to fear your people.
Chase: You make a valid point. It's not a cure all but it could help. But you seem okay with prohibiting your citizens from leaving, what do you need from us?
Gardner: Crack down on rescue missions. Stop coming into this world to get refugees. Over time, perhaps we could arrange weapons sales, other things to make my kingdom more attractive. And in return, I offer my services as a mediator between your Ambassador and some of the warlords of my world.
Chase: I will present your offer to my government, and advise them to accept your terms and stop rescue missions.
