Hunt laid his forehead in his handpalm, as he felt an headache growing. 'What now' he poundered 'Why do even the Peony have to meddle in this? First with their shenanigans about the validity of the Empire's claim - like anyone cared ha!- then this...' A theather full of primadonnas, that's what the South Pacific is!'.

Whatever ambition they had in mind, it was time to cut the crap, he decided. Better to know already to which extent they were turning their backs on Bruuma.

"I am formally asking you, High Diplomat, to provide me now with an answer, if you are going to open us your bases as per Treaty or not. I have already proved my goodwill by agreeing to your timing conditions, whose compliance to our written agreement is at best dubious. I will not discuss anything else until I have my answer".