''Well of course we're still technically at war with the Silvyns, Jerrah. I understand that many people in your union are vary of this. As human ambassador to the Tweon Union of Stars, I do indeed understand. You're a peaceful people. So, in truth, are we.''

Cameras pan back, the tall hairless man is sitting in a chair borrowed from the Hegemony's embassy, as the studio didn't have any chairs big enough. It looks almost comical with the tall man sitting in it, the feathery interviewer having to crane his neck to speak to the ambassador. Jerrah-of-Silver-Skies is a respected avian-like creature in the industry, and the human race as the biggest trade partners and technical allies of the Tweon are always of interest to the news-cycle. And now with minor but increasingly frequent hostilities on the current border between the Hegemony and the Silvyn remnants, it is necessary to for him to talk with the ambassador. ''A peaceful people? You've fought quite a lot of wars for a self-proclaimed peaceful people.'' The ambassador smiles. Jerrah is a professional, but to see a predator like that barring its fangs, despite the knowledge that it is a friendly gesture, it still strikes a chord within his instincts.

''We didn't start the fire that rages between our peoples. We wanted to live in peace. But as is well-known, the Silvyns didn't see us as equals. They saw us, and indeed we believe they still see us, as rampaging animals. How can you deal with that? How can you even begin to make peace with them when they cannot see you as a sentient and civilized being, not something to be collared and used for work or games? We've started some wars in the past, of course, but it is not in the interest of the Hegemony to start any unnecessary wars. Even if it came to that, rest assured friend Jerrah, that we would not let our Tweon allies get hurt by it.''

Jerrah nods thoughtfully. ''But what would happen if we did get hurt, if, for some reason, the Silvyns tried to get to you, through us. We share a border with them too, as you well know.'' There was a trained ease in the large hairless human. There seemed to be an aura around him, indicating that if he was calm now, so should you be.

''Well, Jerrah, I guess we'll do what we've always done. Fight them, and try to shield any innocents from harm. Should they come, I'll do everything I can. It's impossible to say what will happen, but I promise that; I will do everything I can to help. And so will the people of the Hegemony.''

-INTERVIEW ON THE ''TONIGHT WITH JERRAH'' SHOW ON THE TWEON NATIONAL NETWORK, FIVE WEEKS BEFORE THE SILVYN 7TH LEGION BROKE THROUGH HEGEMONY FORCES BY ATTACKING THE TWEON. THE AMBASSADOR FROM THE HEGEMONY SENT AS MANY TWEONS TO SAFETY AS HE COULD WITH HIS PRIVATE SHIP, CHOOSING TO DIE FIGHTING, TAKING OUT THE SILVYN GROUND LEADER WITH A LUCKY SHOT BEFORE GETTING OVERWHELMED DURING THE DEFENSE OF CRYSTALLINE GROWTH PARK. AFTER THREE STANDARD DAYS THE HEGEMONY'S FIFTH FLEET, THOUGH DAMAGED, ARRIVED TO ASSIST WITH THE DEFENSE.-

Report.

Mission statement: Sabotage of illegal Silvyn equipment on Reservation World 03.

Debrief: At 0600 hours the signs of a potential energy source was found by the orbiting defensive network. Command HQ sent spydrones 3, 5, 6 and 8 to investigate. Infiltration successful. No detection. Source of energy found to be illegal contraband generator, class A-62-FG. Generator in violation of protocols for power as an independent power-source capable of being used to recharge any hidden cache of energy weapons. Per protocol 1107d, spydrones disassembled the illegal generator in 9.1 seconds. Inhabitant of structure where illegal object was stored has been captured and sent to Stockade 96 for further questions. Drones returned to base without incident.

Threat from Silvyn population accessed: Minimal.

Recovered items: Legal Silvyn literature: 8 titles. Illegal generator parts: 1 box. Legal blackpowder based self-defense weapon: 1 rifle. Unknown works of art, presumably anti-human: 43 paintings, 15 sculptures, 1 interpretative dance instruction manual.

-AUTOMATED REPORT FROM RESERVATION WORLD 03.-

SILVYN WORLDS INDEPENDENT: 0

SILVYN WORLDS UNDER HUMAN CONTROL: 100%

SILVYN REEDUCATION PROGRAM: 23.59% FINISHED

PROBABILITY OF SILVYN RESURGENCE 1.0034%.

PROBABILITY OF HUMAN INDEPENDENCE 98.2%

CONCLUSION: HUMAN VICTORY OVER SILVYN PRECURSORS ACHIEVED.

EDUCATIONAL PROGRAM COMPLETE.

SHUTDOWN TERMINAL Y/N?

Y

It is now safe to shut down your terminal and head to OWLCON! 2431