Government Complex, Ecteen, Treecuu Star Empire

It had happened slowly. Few had noticed, and even fewer had protested. Since the annexation of Laar, the true power within the Empire had shifted from the Senate to the Committee for the Expansion of the Empire. The role of the Senate, and indeed the other authorities and departments, had become advisory.

All the important authorities had gathered in a conference room belonging to the Committee. The discussion was lively.

"How many systems did you say?" Utance, Chair of the Committee for the Expansion of the Empire asked.

"Well over a hundred. But how many systems isn't the issue here, rather what systems. According to our estimations at least two significant states where visited: the entities known to us as Bacsdracuu and Venteraan" a self-assured admiral, representative from the Star Fleet, answered.

"And you know this how?" Utane asked, not hiding his scepticism.

"The 19th Regional Fleet was able to obtain the data stored in the probe in its entirety before it jumped", the admiral raised his index finger and smirked .

"Yes, it was that crude. We know exactly all places it visited. Or was supposed to visit."

The admiral paused for effect.

"When it appeared again in Treecuu space, by Daaruu as we knew it would, we took it out."

"Thank you Admiral. Excellent work." Utane turned to the President of the Senate.

"What does the Senate suggest be our next steps?"

"Action one: increase surveillance and reconnaissance efforts, both internally and externally. Two: assess the attitudes towards the annexation of the Aryyt't of said entities."

"Good. Then I say it is time for the diplomats we persist to maintain to finally do some real work. Send envoys to the two states to determine what their intentions are. Obviously officially on a purely diplomatic mission."

Utane stood up, immediately followed by the others.

"That shall be our decision."

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Soon two ships left the capital and were on their way to Pax Dracon and the Venterran Federation.