"They are tough, I shall grant them that"

Ferul was reflecting on his circumstances. He knew the Stoinians would love to assist the Empire due to their stalwart pledge to defend every human they encounter. That is what they told the Ryccians. But even so, one cannot rely on mere words alone. One has to see actions, both past and present. What if their neighbours detest the Stoinians and these xenophobes go into another of their genocidal wars with Ryccian technology? What if they are lying through their teeth and they are simply just planning to steal Ryccian technology? He knew the Stoinians were astonished by such a high demand. After all, whilst their senses are weak on this regard, Velpans can detect incredibly strong emotions that create a torrent of chemicals with their scent. Besides, the keen-eyed would not require this sense of smell, for it was visible, if only briefly, for the observant. He knew he had angered the Stoinians immensely. The issue was how much he should infuriate them.

"Perhaps it is preferable to reach a medium. Your laws dictate periods of 10 years, whilst ours is around 25 to 40 years. Let us meet and the middle and say 22 years. Our companies shall feel some familiarity with this timeframe, allowing them to plan ahead for the future"