Free The Enclave (The Verge) by H.M. Clarke Page B

hesitated a moment before rising from his chair.  Chandler’s tone sounded more menacing than diplomatic; he was beginning to grow a genuine dislike for this man.
    “First Councillor, councillors.”  Joshua nodded around the room and was heartened to see some sympathetic faces.  “Our case is a very simple one.  The City and territories of Val Myra voted to secede from the Alliance and become a neutral territory.”  Joshua stopped and drew a deep breath.  “The Alliance did not respect our decision and attacked us without warning.  They had the codes to our defense systems and so Val Myra was an easy target for them.  We wish to ask for asylum in New Holland until we can claim back our home.”
    “And how do you propose to do that?”
    Joshua turned to look at the scoffing councillor, schooling his face to not show his annoyance.
    “We are going to ask for assistance from the Earth Federation.”  Val Myra also had a destroyer and a fighter carrier serving in the Alliance Navy under the command of his cousin.  They had been recalled the day before the Alliance attack on Val Myra.  They should be due to arrive back in system in another four days; Joshua did not think this a good time to point this out to the Hew Holland Council.
    “Lobby help from us you mean.”
    Joshua declined to answer the man and looked back at the First Councillor.  Adam Chandler’s expression had not changed.  “The Council has agreed to grant Temporary Asylum to the citizens of Val Myra.  But remember our largesse does have a time limit,” he forced through gritted teeth.
    Joshua bristled at the First’s words but quickly tamped down his anger.  If Val Myra was still intact Chandler would never have spoken to him in this way.
    “Then it’s best I get things moving right away.  We request a meeting with the newly arrived Federation Ambassador as well as with your Governor General.”
    Adam Chandler’s face suddenly set like stone.  Joshua tried not to smile .  What did he think?  That the official request for aid would be placed to the Federation through him?   Val Myra had been in secret communication with the Federation over the last few months and in the last communication, Val Myra was told that a Federation delegation would meet with them at New Holland.
    An administrator turned from speaking with a silver haired woman who sat apart from the others.  “A meeting with the Governor General has been arranged for this afternoon Elder Val Myra.  The Governor General has offered to pass your request for a meeting to the Federation Ambassador.”
    Joshua bowed his head low in appreciation to the silver haired woman.  This was obviously Andrea Pritchard, the Governor General of New Holland.
    Abruptly Robert stood up, tapping furiously on his datapad.  He turned to the Council members seated around him.  “Please excuse me,” Prockter stepped out from his chair and made his way towards the door.
    “What is happening?” the First asked.
    Joshua turned to hear the SIO Directors answer.
    “An incident with one of the Federation Personnel that arrived with the Ambassador,” Prockter answered, his eyes staring hard into Joshua’s. 
    Joshua tried not to squirm under the Director’s intense gaze; he had nothing to hide from him but he had the distinct impression that Prockter had ‘caught him out’ somehow.
    “What type of incident?” Chandler snapped at him.
    The SIO Director ran his eyes around the chamber only stopping when they crossed those of the First Councillor.  “Please excuse me.”  Prockter disappeared out the door before any more questions could be asked.
    Joshua moved uncomfortably in his chair.  I hope whatever this incident is doesn’t affect our negotiations.  We need Federation help.
    But the abrupt departure of the SIO Director put Chandler in a flap.  At least Prockter’s interruption will stop Joshua contemplating punching the lights out of the First Chancellor.
    Tersely, Chandler