At one of the event locations in Unity City a large amount of Chiss wearing UPT Military Caste uniforms were gathered. Security was tight. Not surprising considering the amount of gold stitching on said uniforms. These were the very top of the Unified People of Thanda government.

With the amount of Chiss there were a few other races that stood out. Delegates of other worlds, here to enjoy some refined culture. Press was kept at a reasonable distance by security.

As delegates entered the exposition they were offered a guide. They were, of course, free to refuse and enjoy the art by themselves. There were several areas with different arts.

The first area held sculptures. There were life-size marble figures, miniature animals cast in a variety of metals, beautiful scenes carved into wood and highly detailed pottery.

The second area was home to drawings. A variety of subjects were drawn. Portraits, animals and objects were most prevalent. A few cityscapes but not a single landscape could be found. As if nature was missing.

The third and last area had paintings and was the largest of the three. There were a variety of portraits. A number of scenes of military personnel at work. A few paintings of urban gardens seemed to attract a lot of attention from the Chiss audience. But the very centre piece stood out immediately. Likely because of the guard standing next to it. Though the liquid filled case the piece was inside of called attention to it as well.

At first glance the piece itself wasn't very impressive. It was relatively small and the quality wasn't all that great either. It was clearly aged. Much older then the other art on display. But the most prominent difference between it and the rest was the fact that this was a painting of a lush landscape. A mountain lake surrounded by trees, grass and a clear sky. A pair of deer-like animals was also present. The description said it was a painting of a specific mountain-range on Thanda. Those who knew something about the UPT homeworld knew Thanda was a irradiated wasteland, permanently covered by thick black clouds. This painting would have been made before the start of the nuclear winter. The artist was unknown.

The last painting before one would reach the reception hall was of a bouquet. Most notable was that the bouquet had flowers from each world that was a member of the Union. The piece was named "Unity" and the artist was listed as Esethim Streth.

As the delegates reached the end of the exposition they saw the senator of the UPT talking to an officer. The officer seemed relatively young, but never the less was leaning on a cane. It was black with a richly crafted silver handle. As the officer excused himself, Colonel Streth saluted.

Turning towards the delegates he smiled. With a smooth baritone voice he welcomed them.

"Ah, welcome all. I'm very pleased you could all make it. Can I offer you a drink?"

Senator Amoomeu arrives in an open-top hovercar gliding through the air a little slower than most closed hovercars. After gliding to a stop, three figures of note get out of the car: one man and two women, each with pale green skin. The man wears a block robe and hat, one of the woman wears sturdy armor, and the other a well-tailored evening gown.

The trio enters the exhibition, and enjoys the offered tour. During the tour a few questions of little consequence are asked, every time by the bearded man wearing a black robe. He speaks with a happy voice, clearly enjoying the art viewing. At the end of the tour, he thanks their guide with a smile.

Upon seeing their colleague, the bearded man offers a nod of recognition and turns his full attention to the senator from the Unified Republic of Thanda:

"Thank your, colonel Streth. I would love some refreshments.", Carastin glances towards the two women walking with him, "I heard that there might be traditional Thandan drinks on the menu? I think I will try three of those."

As drinks are arranged, he nods towards his two companions.

"Allow me to present Mithria," he nods to the woman in the evening gown, "my experiment in human female aesthetics." As he speaks of Mithria, a note of pride is clearly audible in his voice.

Mithria, the second present focus of the oual senator, makes a slow turn in place to show off her appearance. As she does so, she is clearly happy with the attention she draws from nearby delegates and officers.

Senator Amoomeu has a strong grasp of the social dynamics of individualist species, though it sometimes forget the intricacies of what it deems "limited point of view interactions". Unfortunately, this sometimes leads the oual senator to take actions that can be uncomfortable for bystanders. Blatantly showing off a focus' body is one of those.

Mithria takes over the conversation from Carastin, "I am happy to be here colonel. In the hopes of causing less confusion among those not used to the oual, I have come as Zatraina as well..."

Without a pause, the rest of the sentence is finished by the third woman with pale green skin.

"...to offer a more familiar appearance and bearing. My plan is that a focus used to military activities will smooth interaction. I have, of course, handed off those sidearms I was not permitted inside."

Mithria and Zatraina give each other a annoyed look.

"Ah, my apologies. I seem to have let my attention drift. It will not happen again this evening.", Zatraina adds after a moment.

"What is your opinion of my plan, colonel Streth?"

Both Carastin and Zatraina looked at the colonel, while Mithria is clearly studying one of the waitresses.

"Of course, senator." the colonel replied. He turned to a passing waiter.

"Warrant officer. Get one glass of that ninety-three Thandan Brandy, one glass of the oh-five Ouroboro red and one glass of Jormungand single malt."

The warrant officer snapped his boots together and gave a sharp "Sir". Before going to get the drinks.

A few of the brass glanced their way at Mithrias twirl, but quickly continued whatever they were doing before. They didn't seem very interested, or they were very good at hiding it.

The colonel himself merely smiled and said:

"And clearly a very successful experiment."

After Zatrainas question, colonel Streth considered his reply for a moment.

"A very kind and generous gesture. It is very much appreciated, if slightly superfluous.

If I might inquire? Do you prefer I call each foci by their own name or should I address you as senator Amoomeu?"

At about that time the waiter returned with the drinks.

Carastin thanks the waiter as he accepts the glass of brandy.

"I have individualized many of my foci in an attempt to be more approachable by those not used to oual."

"I find I have no strong preference," the bearded man said pensively, "but please for the sake of clarity, be consistent in a single conversations."

He takes a sip of brandy.

"I have discovered that many individuals do not realize they are speaking with the senator when they visit the We Collective's embassy."

"It has been a cause of some embarrassment to my interlocutors when they realize that it is me," he adds with some mirth.

"Might I ask, how is the gesture superfluous? As I understand it, a caste implies a social judgement of standing. I though it would be easier to present a focus that appears to be a social equal. Is this a misstep?"

"Ones Caste does have some impact on ones social status in the Unified People of Thanda, yes. However, the Military Caste is more pragmatic then that."

Colonel Streth spoke to all foci simultaneously, not so much focussing on one of them.

"Unlike most militaries we have a lot of interaction with the general public. Not just because the Military Caste rules the UPT, but because we also enforce the law on Thanda. Getting hung up on social status in such matters is generally counterproductive. At least for us Thandans."

"In addition, our caste system limits itself to UPT citizens. It doesn't apply to outs..., my apologies, foreigners. We prefer to look at a persons capabilities, actions and attitude to decide how we interact with them. Generally speaking, we act towards foreigners in the same way they act towards us. Assuming there is no reason to react differently."

The Colonel speech seemed natural, though he looked a bit cautious.

"Do people come to the We Collective embassy often?"

"I am glad to hear that it was not a misstep, but rather somewhat unnecessary."

"As you can understand, not many of my kind make the journey from Eunaphlan. We like to stay grounded," the focus smiles at his own joke. "But there has been a steady stream of visitors yes."

"Several visit to inquire about the laws of the collective. Some are clearly diplomatic personnel. They have the strangest inquiries, and do not always come with good intentions. Once they even threatened to break my legs," his tone suggests that he did not see the threat as warranting any concern.

He takes another sip of the fine brandy.

"Of course some people visit to seek temporary employment as models or scientists on Eunaphlan. As one of my duties I maintain a list of open positions in the We Collective."

And every once in a while someone seeks sanctuary in the embassy. So I offer them sanctuary, and do my best to help them."

Mithria gives a polite nod to the Thandan senator, and wanders off to go and speak with others visiting the exhibition.

"We had a similar incident some time ago. A woman came to the UPT Embassy, demanding we ignore certain illicit activities. Needless to say we dealt with her appropriately. That was the last time something like that happened."

There was a tiny hint of something dark in Colonel Streths voice at the last sentence.

"Also should you or the We Collective ever feel the need for additional security, please do not hesitate to ask. The UPT is dedicated to protect its allies and the Union."

"These people that come seeking sanctuary, do they seek asylum or just temporary aid? And what exactly do they seek sanctuary from?"

"Though I thank you for the offer, there is no need for additional security. I am even entertaining the thought of reducing the number of armed foci I maintain at the embassy."

"This is a fine brandy," he states after a sip.

In a somewhat quiter voice, Carastin is Amoomeu continues: "Between you and me, the arms are mostly there as a deterrent. In case of an actual altercation, I much prefer to simply grab hold of the offenders."

"There is less chance of accidental injuries that way. And it is much preferred to have healthy belligerents in custody."

He takes another sip, clearly intent on making what little brandy remains in the glass last a long time.

"Some flee from violent associates, and some have come looking for their parents. Admittedly, those looking for their parents are often young children that have become lost," he explains in a normal voice again. "In most cases, a good meal, a few words of encouragement, and a referral to the Unity City police resolves their issues."

"And some come to seek officially ask for asylum. Sometimes because they have nothing left and their ship just made it to Unity City, or because they do no longer feel welcome in their old home. Those are the difficult cases. I can offer them sanctuary, but not always the new home they hope for," the collective's senator sounds wistful.

"To be fair senator, it's as much about appearances as security. If someone can just come to your embassy and threaten you without repercussions. It encourages others to try such things. People might think the We Collective is weak, which I'm sure isn't true."

The Colonel seemed concerned as he spoke.

"It's important to show that threatening you or your world holds dire consequences. Such criminals shouldn't be coddled. They should be made examples of. If not public, then toward others of their kind."

His voice had become harsh, there was even a hint disgust when he talked about criminals being 'coddled'. A few Thandan officers near them overheard this and gave looks of approval at the colonels reaction. His voice then returned back to normal.

"That said, making refugees comfortable isn't your job as a government. If you grant them asylum, you give them the opportunity to make a home for themselves on your world. It's their responsibility to actually make it a home. To build themselves up. Doing it for them just turns them into self-entitled drains on society."

"I thank you for your concern."

Carastin takes another sip. And notes the reaction of the Thandan officers.

"Have no worries, esteemed colleague, I am reasonably sure that no encouragement has been had from my reaction.

Besides, I was not truly threatened. A threat to break the legs of a focus can't really be construed as anything serious, it is mostly puerile vandalism. We mustn't take offence at such a childish threat, that might give them the idea that they are operating on our level."

After a final sip, the brandy has disappeared.

"I am not my government, colonel. I personally offer sanctuary in the embassy because I think it is the right thing to do.

That being said, my government may grant asylum in some cases. Furthermore the We Collective welcomes immigrants, provided that they can show how they would improve the collective."

"I suppose that's one way of looking at it."

A moment after Carastin finished his drink a waiter offered him another glass. A second glass of the brandy was picked up by Colonel Streth. Who took a sip and nodded in appreciation.

"But, please. Keep my offer in mind should you feel the need."

The Colonel looked around.

"Might I ask your opinion of the artwork on display?"

Another hover car arrived at the exposition, carrying the Senator Izyash and their aide Valkea Brinn. Valkea got out of the vehicle first, looked around her and stepped aside.

Senator Izyash stepped out of the vehicle next, their light-weight multi-layer robes gracefully following their elegant movements. For this special occasion, they had donned a ribbon of intertwined vines across their torso. The green vines had small leaves and tiny white flowers, which could be recognized as the emblem of the Senator's faction.

The senator's aide was wearing a similar ribbon of living plants, with red and white flowers that matched the neat suit she was wearing.

They gladly accepted the offer of a guide and at the first hall, they both spent a relatively long time appreciating the artworks, asking a few questions on materials, animals and perhaps recurring patterns and themes they were unfamiliar with.

In the third hall, the Senator's attention seemed to be drawn to the paintings of urban gardens.

"It seems I'm far from the only one interested in these paintings." Izyash noted to the guide in a friendly tone. "Could you elaborate a little on this subject and its context for me?"

With the same smile the young lieutenant had answered all of Senator Izyashs questions she answered the senator.

"Of course, Senator. As you probably know, Thanda is currently in the middle of a nuclear winter. Both the temperature and the amount of radiation make it impossible for any life to exist outside the major cities. As a result plants and animals of any kind are practically non-existent. The few plants that remain are very precious."

Her expression became more serious.

"The Military Caste recognised that, though precious, plants needed to be viewable to the people. It is for both recreational purposes and a reminder of what was lost. Which is why these small urban gardens why created."

"The respective artists of these works depicted these gardens. Likely in recognition of their importance. Which is also why so many are interested in them. That and the fact most of them are probably too busy to visit the gardens in person."

Noticing the arrival of the Dealasach Society's senator, Carastin seems distracted for a moment before answering the colonel.

"Ah, another glass. Most excellent", he cheerfully acknowledges the waiter.

He casts another glance at the newly arrived delegation before turning back to the chiss senator.

"I was most interested in the sculptures. Though I admit that I was saddened by the fact that there are so few larger animal sculptures. Maybe you could elaborate on the significance of the smaller casts?"

"Most interesting..." Izyash pondered after hearing the guide's explanation. They kindly thanked the guide and joined Valkea to admire the final painting before the reception.

Attention still at paintings of plants, they seemed not to have noticed Senator Amoomeu's foci yet.

Their aide, however, seemed to pay more attention to her surroundings. When she met Canastin's eyes, she smiled and nodded politely to acknowledge him.

A moment later, the senator turned away from the painting and the pair moved to join the reception.

They moved in a path that allowed the two senators already present to draw them into their conversation, as well as to let them pass and join another conversation, without being rude.

The Colonel thought about Senator Amoomeus question for a moment.

"To my shame I must admit that I don't know of any special significance of the smaller casts. Other than the skill with which they were made and their beauty. Though I understand metal casting is a labour intensive and time consuming process. Smaller figures would reduce both to a more manageable amount. Especially considering that the respective artists have their actual jobs as well."

As he spoke the Colonel shifted his position to open up the conversation circle. Once they had come closer he looked toward the delegation from the Dealasach Society.

"Ah, Senator Izyash, welcome. I'm glad you were able to join us. To you as well, Miss...?"

His last question was to Valkea.

“Miss Brinn, Valkea Brinn.” Valkea answered politely.

Senator Izyash smiled and greeted both other Senators.

“Thank you Senator Streth, for this opportunity to experience art made by people of your faction. I found your painting ‘Unity’ a particularly inspiring piece.”

"Miss Brinn." the Colonel said with a smile. "Again welcome."

As Senator Izyash spoke to him, the Colonel blinked several times. Trying to determine if they had any hidden intention behind the words. He decided to give them the benefit of the doubt. For now.

"Thank you very much, Senator. I wanted to convey the UPTs dedication to the Union. As well as my own."

He chose to forgo correcting the Ineo Senators assumption the art was from his world in general. It was solely made by officers in the Military Caste in their spare time. Though technically the Senator was correct, it was an important distinction for the UPT.

"That said, might I ask you to call me 'Colonel Streth'? I prefer being called by my military rank over my function, if you wouldn't mind."

The Colonel sounded sincere, if slightly insistant.

"Might I offer the two of you a drink?"

“I wouldn’t mind at all, Colonel Streth. Thank you for being clear about your preference.”

Upon the offer of a drink, Izyash shared a short glance with Valkea, smiled and asked for something non-alcoholic.

Meanwhile, Valkea’s smile had gone from polite to enthusiastic upon the offer.

“I was delighted to learn that there might be traditional Thandan brandies on the menu. I would love to try them.”

"Thank you, Senator."

The Colonel seemed unaffected by Valkeas enthusiasm. He signalled a waiter. He then turned to Carastin.

"My apologies. As I said I don't know of any special importance of the size of the casts. I can make an inquiry to the artists and get back to you on it at a later time, if you wish?"

The waiter returned at that point with the drinks for Senator Izyash and Valkea.

The Colonel took a sip of his own drink after the Dealasach delegation had received theirs.

"This may be a bit forward of me, but might I ask what my esteemed colleagues enjoy in their spare time?"

"Do not pay it to much heed, colonel, it was an idle musing. I greatly appreciate sculpture, and sought to better understand the techniques and ideas behind the work."

Carastin looks enthusiastically at the new arrivals, clearly interested in both.

"Senator Izyash, Miss Brinn, it is very nice that you have found the time to attend. Please, allow me to introduce Zatraina," he points to the armoured woman next to him, "one of my foci that accompanies me here."

He looks around, but seems to fail to find a way to point out Mithria. "Mithria is also here, but I cannot point her out because I am viewing the nature paintings again.

Izyash responded to Senator Amoomeu’s greeting with similar enthusiasm.

“It is also a pleasure to see you are here, and with two new foci no less. Hopefully we’ll have the opportunity to see Mithria later.”

Izyash seemed glad the Colonel asked after their and their colleague’s interests outside of their responsibilities.

“In my spare time I like to design and tend to miniature ecosystems, like the green wall panels in our embassy and the vivarium these ribbons are grown in.” They pointed at the ceremonial ribbons they and Valkea were wearing. “Hence my interest in the urban gardens and your paining of the bouquet, Colonel.”

“Of course I use that time to catch up with friends and acquaintances as well. What about you, Senator Amoomeu?”

"I must admit that, between my duties as senator and my other duties at the embassy, I have little time to fully devote to leisure activities."

He takes a sip and looks thoughtful for a moment.

"It is the nature of my species to have many strands of attention. Currently I am tending to tasks and social engagements with some four thousand of my foci. So the concept of spare time best translates to having times of lesser required attention."

"That said, I find it calming to tend to the embassy's garden. And if the opportunity arises I like to sculpt, mostly humanoid forms. I find that sculpting a form helps one to more thoroughly understand it."

He sips from the glass of brandy.

"What about you, miss Brinn?"

Quietly enjoying her drink, Valkea listened to Amoomeu’s explanation with interest. A little startled by the question, she blushed, but answered.

“Well, aside from martial arts, I’m passionate about the development of taste in liquids during fermenting and distilling processes, so I try to make time for such projects. Hence also my enthusiasm about the brandy.” She lifted her glass to accentuate her words. “It is always a source of inspiration to explore unfamiliar tastes.”

“What about you Colonel Streth, do your responsibilities allow for other passions next to painting?”

"Unfortunately, they don't."

The Colonel didn't seem to mind his apparent lack of free time.

"Aside from my political duties, I also have to fulfil my military duties. Though I try to make some time to contact my wife on a regular basis."

He smiled at the last sentence.

"Whatever time I have left I spend painting."

He took another sip of his drink.

"Might I ask how those ribbons are grown, Senator Izyash? From what you say I take it you don't make them by cutting up the plant."

Amoomeu made sure to keep Carastin's face neutral when his colleague casually remarked on cutting up a plant.

“It’s quite a straightforward process really. I plant the seeds in a pouch so the roots can be lifted from the vivarium with the ribbon.”

Izyash gently lifted a mass that weighed down the ribbon a bit at the hip, to give them a better view of a pouch that was carefully wrapped in white cloth.

“To form the ribbon, I simply drape the ends over each other around a support, when the vines are long enough. They will continue to grow and get entangled all by themselves. With basic care they’ll live for many years and get ever more beautiful.

“The main challenge was to find a variety with a suitable root mass, length and color, so that I can work with the plants, rather than against them.”

From the way the Ineo spoke, it was clear they genuinely cared for the plants and truly enjoyed the process.

"I see. I'm not that familiar with the minutia of caring for plants, to be honest."

The Colonel spoke the same as before, continuing as if nothing was wrong.

"Except maybe food plants. Wheat, rice and potatoes to be specific. They must be properly grown so they can be eaten and yield as much as possible."

He continued in a casual tone. He cast a glance towards Carastin and Zatraina as he took another sip of his drink.

"Is something wrong, Senator Amoomeu?"

He asked, an innocent smile on his face.

Carastin pays close attention the Izyash's explanation of the process, interested in the way the Ineo handles plants.

"A fine process, senator Izyash." he nods when hearing how she approached the interesting task.

Carastin has a faint smile as colonel Streth plays the ignorant.

"Oh not at all, senator. I am just amused at the juxtaposition of your stance here and the clear desire of your world to alleviate its lack of plant life," he replies with a happy smile that did not reach his eyes.

He turns back to the other pair. Zatraina, the armoured woman standing beside him, also deliberately turning her attention to the pair from the Society of Kotimme.

"Senator Izyahs, I am curious," he asks, "Is there an underlying reason you did not breed a variety to arrive at suitable qualities for your project?"

Izyash took a mental note of the reaction of the Oualean Senator to the Thandan Colonel. They definitely wanted verify their understanding of the Senator’s reaction in private later.

For now, a subtle frown was their only reaction, and it was gone by the time Carastin reached his second syllable.

“There are many reasons for finding an existing variety over breeding one, but for me, what counts most is that it suits who I am as a person. It requires exploring places, meeting and talking to people and increasing my understanding of the plant’s interaction with it’s natural habitats. Nothing critical depended on it, so there was no need for breeding.”

“I have to admit that I still have limited understanding of your life and the lives and societies of your species. So may I inquire, at this time, after your opinion and the reason for your question?”

It was clear Izyash genuinely wanted to increase their understanding, but would respect it should Amoomeu decline to answer.

The Colonel merely smiled and raised his glass slightly to the reaction of the Oual focus.

Remaining silent and seemingly unaffected by his bait not being taken.

His attention seemed to increase as he listened to whatever Senator Amoomeu answered to Senator Izyashs question.

"There is an ancient philosophy on Eunaphlan that supposes the existence of intentional environmental adaption. In the sense that the environment will inevitably adapt to desired change.

The original though being that the world is not an uncaring place. The theory of environmental adaption hypothesizes that interacting with the environment influences the environment to be biased towards change that matches one's desired situation. Even if none of the actual interaction is meant to work towards this desire."

He takes a sip of brandy.

"Or at least, that is the abridged version. This ties into the choice of seeking new varieties and forms, or breedind and refining new forms, the distinction of which is of some importance among the Oual. And it seems that we are not alone in this. You clearly choose to seek new varieties to augment your being, something that might have bearing on your approach to other problems as well."

"I would have no problem discussing more about our society, but this is not the place for it. This is a place to appreciate Thandan artworks," he adds with a genuine smile, "Maybe at some later time? The Collective's embassy is always open."

"Colonel, maybe it would be nice if we tour among the displays? I am sure that some of the pieces have remarkable stories behind them."

“I’d be delighted to enjoy the discussion at a later date.” Izyash responded to the invitation.

As the Oualean Senator expertly steered the conversation back to its original topic, Izyash turned their attention to the Colonel. They wondered if the Colonel had stories to share.

Meanwhile, Valkea seemed to have been studying the Colonel’s facial expressions and body language so intently, that some cultures would even have considered the staring rude.

"Of course, Senator. Though I have to admit I don't know every piece well enough to tell a story for all of them. But I would be happy to share those I do know."

The Colonel gestured for the others to go ahead. He somehow managed to guide the group from the rear position. Guiding them back to the exposition. They passed his own work without stopping.

They stopped at a medium sized painting of a large hall with a low ceiling. Tables were neatly lined up with chairs set around them. One of the walls had a counter behind which a few Chiss stood. A few more were sitting at the various tables. Some seemed to be talking to each other. Others were reading or eating. It had a relaxed atmosphere.

"This is one of my personal favourites. It's called 'At ease' and was painted by Admiral Hugh Honlour. It depicts the officers mess on the Sword of Thanda, the flagship of the UPT navy. While he was painting the Admiral often had to tell officers coming and going to be at ease, which is why he gave it its name."

There was an amused tone to his voice at the last sentence.

"The reason it's one of my favourites is that it depicts officers far less formal then we are usually depicted or seen. Officers in the Military Caste are taught to lead by example, you see. We need to act formally with our subordinates. As such we often aren't viewed as regular people. Most officers, myself included, try to live up to that. At least in front of our subordinates.

This painting, however, shows officers just as regular people. Simply relaxing, enjoying a conversation or a meal."

He turned to Valkea.

"Is something wrong Miss Brinn?"

“Thank you for showing is this piece. To me it seemed like you were trying to hide your intentions and feelings from the other senators, and I was wondering why. I suppose I gave little thought to possible influences of the current setting on your behaviour.”

“My apologies if I have made you uncomfortable.”

"I've fought on the front lines, Miss Brinn. It takes more then some staring to make me uncomfortable."

The Colonel studied Valkea as he spoke. A few moments passed before he spoke again.

"Politics is similar to warfare. Opponents use a variety of strategies and tactics to gain as much benefit as possible for as little cost as possible. Among the most effective strategies are those that use deception and secrecy.

The biggest difference between the two is that in politics, ones allies and enemies are the same people. So if it seems I'm hiding my feelings, it's because I am."

He paused a moment to let his words sink in.

"As for my intentions, they are quite simple. To represent the UPT and advocate its interests in the Senate. Which are my standing orders."

"I have been trained for combat from a very young age. So, being squeamish is a luxury I've never had. If I should ever have my hand on your throat, you can expect me to squeeze if that benefits the UPT."

His words were directed at both Valkea and the other representatives.

"That little... exchange between me and Senator Amoomeu was a small test on my part. One I might note you passed with flying colours, Senator."

At the last sentence the Colonel looked at the foci of the Oual Senator.

A woman in a silver gown joined the group, a matching white and gold veil draped over her head. She courtesied to greet the host and his company.

"A most impressive collection of art, Colonel." she smiled warmly. "I like that there is so much individuality, each of the pieces seems to display something not just of your culture, but of the individual who made it, yet there is a hidden symbolism that is not as easy to decipher as the art we are used to at home on Aethra." she said with genuine admiration

“Thank you for your straightforwardness, Colonel Streth.” Valkea replied politely as she stepped to the background to make it easier for Senator Gwynine to join the group.

She mirrored Senator Gwynine’s courtesy with a little extra reverence, and withdrew herself from the inner circle of representatives a little further.

"Thank you for those kind words, Senator Vishaniel. Welcome and thank you for joining us."

The Colonel snapped a salute in return of the Caelaran Senators curtsy.

"I was just giving our colleagues a tour of the art, if you would like to join us? And can I offer you a drink?"

"Thank you, I would enjoy that" she smiled "Just some water for me, if it is no trouble"

She walked with the group along to the next exhibit.

"I could not help but notice the ancient piece your people are preserving" she motioned to the painting in the liquid "Is it from before the Times of Chaos?" she wondered

The Colonel signalled a waiter. Listening to Senator Gwynines question he shook his head.

"I'm afraid it isn't. While by far the oldest piece here, it is about 350 to 400 years old. Which I believe would make it from during the Times of Chaos."

He looked at the encased painting for a moment.

"As for preserving, the water is more of a radiation shield then a preservative. The painting was discovered about twenty years ago during an archaeological expedition into some city ruins on Thanda. So before that it was irradiated for a long time. It remains radioactive so the case is both to protect it and us."

The waiter returned with Senator Gwynines water and refills for the any of the other senators and representatives that had finished their drinks.

"A lot of things were destroyed in the nuclear holocaust on Thanda, including most historic records. Which is why pieces like this are of such immense cultural value to the UPT. They are reminders of a time when our world still supported life. And how precious such, seemingly simple things as walking outside, truly are."

"It is a far more powerful and meaningful piece then it at first glance appears then" the senator concluded with a warm and appreciative smile.

"One might say that this piece has been given a new purpose. Originally it served as a decoration depicting an idyllic scene of nature, a casual reference to a beauty easily visited in person.

But now, though the painting itself is unchanged, its duty has shifted, and it has instead become an echo of a different time, and a contemplation on the fragility of life.

We would call that Sacred, and though I understand your people would not use that word, the value you ascribe to it I believe shows it has inspired a similar reverence."

It was clear the senator had been impressed by the piece and its history.