{"id":2762,"date":"2025-03-11T13:31:20","date_gmt":"2025-03-11T18:31:20","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2762"},"modified":"2025-03-11T13:31:20","modified_gmt":"2025-03-11T18:31:20","slug":"ambassador-zee","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/ajscifistories.com\/?p=2762","title":{"rendered":"Ambassador Zee"},"content":{"rendered":"

Ambassador Zee<\/span><\/h2>\n

by AJ Marks<\/span><\/p>\n

The Galactic Council chamber looked like a mega tiered amphitheater on a grand scale.\u00a0 Gleaming metal, lights, and delegates from over a hundred worlds sat in a semicircle all facing the center stage.\u00a0 Currently, Ambassador Zee of the Sarini, stood on the emissary platform just off center to address the council.<\/p>\n

He took a breath to steady himself, being from one of the younger races he rarely was in this position.\u00a0 But he was here for a plea of justice.<\/p>\n

\u201cMembers of the council,\u201d Zee began, his voice amplified to every corner of the council.\u00a0 \u201cI stand here as an equal member of this body, representing the Sarini people.\u201d<\/p>\n

Murmurs rippled through the chamber at Zee\u2019s comment.\u00a0 He knew many of the older races didn\u2019t share that same opinion of being equal but pressed on.<\/p>\n

\u201cTwo days ago a Bluthi war fleet launched an unprovoked attack on a Sarini colony at Meryos Prime.\u00a0 Over five thousand of my people are dead, our settlement in ruins and the Bluthi fleet remains in orbit blocking any attempt at communications with survivors.\u00a0 We demand accountability for their actions.\u201d<\/p>\n

The chamber erupted in a cacophony of voices over the accusation.\u00a0 Grolan Vex, the Bluthi ambassador, stood glaring at him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThese allegations are baseless,\u201d Grolan growled, his voice booming through the council.\u00a0 \u201cThe Sarini colony encroached upon Bluthi territory in direct violation of council accords.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThat is a lie!\u201d Zee replied.\u00a0 \u201cThe coordinates of Meryos Prime were assigned to my people during the investigations of the planet per the council; we have the records to prove it.\u201d<\/p>\n

Several seconds no one moved until a Preenian, one of the elders of the council, raised a hand.\u00a0 \u201cAmbassador Zee, I suggest you tread carefully.\u00a0 The council exists to maintain balance, not take sides in every border skirmish of its members.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBalance?\u201d Zee bellowed.\u00a0 \u201cWhere is this balance when my people are slaughtered and the aggressors sit here unscathed, unchallenged?\u00a0 Where was this balance with Proxial Three, or Yorth in the past years?\u00a0 If the council cannot protect its newest members, then perhaps it has lost its purpose.\u201d<\/p>\n

Gasps rippled through the chamber.\u00a0 Grolan Vex stood uncaring as he looked back at Zee.<\/p>\n

\u201cI demand an independent investigation,\u201d Zee said, trying to remain calm.\u00a0 \u201cIf the council refuses this, then the Sarini will have no choice and take matters into our own hands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou overstep yourself ambassador,\u201d the President of the Council said from his position in the center platform as he looked over at Zee.<\/p>\n

\u201cDo I?\u201d Zee asked back.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou would force Article Seven,\u201d the President said back.<\/p>\n

There was an eruption in the chamber.\u00a0 Article Seven meant war against a member race by all other members.<\/p>\n

Zee glared at the President, but stepped back from the platform.\u00a0 He said what he was required to say, but what would be the cost.\u00a0 He glanced seeing the many hostile faces, some indifferent and a few, seemed to hold a glimmer of respect and sympathy.<\/p>\n

The fight was far from over.<\/p>\n

Zee left the council chamber and made his way towards his office.\u00a0 His thoughts dwelled upon the way the council dismissed his race\u2019s concerns, along with the veiled threat at the end.\u00a0 Yet, none of it was a surprise to him, intelligence predicted this outcome.<\/p>\n

The office doors slid open, a modest space but functional as he walked past his secretary into his personal office before activating the communicator.\u00a0 The image of the High Strategist Dalen flickered to life, he was an older Sarini and Zee could see several others behind him.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey denied us,\u201d Zee said flatly.<\/p>\n

\u201cAs expected,\u201d Dalen replied, his voice calm yet resigned.\u00a0 \u201cIt seems the council protects its own.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey speak of balance and order yet reinforcing the Bluthi\u2019s ability to do whatever they wish,\u201d Zee said, disgusted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou stood your ground,\u201d Dalen replied.<\/p>\n

\u201cTrue, there were some among the younger races who seemed, sympathetic to my plea,\u201d Zee said recalling some of the faces.<\/p>\n

\u201cThen we may still have some leverage,\u201d Dalen said nodding.\u00a0 \u201cWe mustn\u2019t underestimate any cracks within the council.\u00a0 The older races band together for dominance, we must work to see a shift in power away from that.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBuilding alliances under their watchful eyes is,\u201d here Zee paused, \u201cdifficult.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYes, but keep an open ear,\u201d Dalen said.\u00a0 \u201cThe time will come.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAny news of the colony?\u201d Zee asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cGaining information isn\u2019t easy,\u201d Dalen replied.\u00a0 \u201cThe Bluthi fleet remains, we have no idea how many have survived in the colony.\u00a0 Intelligence is reporting the massing of other Bluthi ships along our border.\u201d<\/p>\n

Zee felt his spirit drop with the knowledge. \u00a0The Bluthi were going to take even more territory from them and without support from the council they could do nothing.\u00a0 The Bluthi were superior to the Sarini\u2019s military.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll try among the council,\u201d Zee said.<\/p>\n

\u201cGood, we will be in contact soon,\u201d Dalen said.<\/p>\n

The commendations ended as Zee turned to look out the window.\u00a0 War was coming and he wondered if his people would survive.<\/p>\n

The next day the chamber of the Galactic Council buzzed with the usual murmur of politics.\u00a0 Ambassadors talking in low voices exchanging pleasantries or thinly veiled barbs so typical of before a council session.\u00a0 Zee took a seat taking care to see who looked at him and who didn\u2019t.<\/p>\n

Zee\u2019s plea for any type of justice seemed to be dismissed and swept aside as if nothing happened.\u00a0 The council continued its normal procedures as if he had never been there.\u00a0 He thought he saw the Nox ambassador looking his way as if he knew something else before turning away.\u00a0 Zee didn\u2019t have much time to consider it as the President announced the first issue for the day.<\/p>\n

The Torvani ambassador, a sleek insectoid being, approached before droning on about trade route disputes in the outer sectors and some pirate activity wanting more protection.\u00a0 The next ambassador spoke about increasing tensions between two long feuding species and how it might impact commerce.\u00a0 It was all, bureaucracy as usual.<\/p>\n

Grolan Vex sat entirely at ease as if the previous day never happened.\u00a0 The thought angered Zee wishing he could do more.<\/p>\n

The President then announced Ambassador Kheris of the Vonn.<\/p>\n

The Vonn were another newer race having joined not long before the Sarini but were known for their neutral approach to almost everything in the galactic council.<\/p>\n

Kheris himself was a tall, silver skinned figure, violet eyes wearing a gold robe, their ambassador uniform Zee had learned.<\/p>\n

\u201cHonored council members, I wish to address some troubling information my race has gathered,\u201d Kheris said to the group.\u00a0 \u201cA patrol has detected unusual movement along the shared border with the Bluthi, a border which has been peaceful for thirty cycles.\u201d<\/p>\n

A murmur washed through the council as Zee glanced over at Grolan Vex, who again appeared bored.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe ask why there is movement along out border.\u201d Khreis asked.<\/p>\n

Everyone looked towards the Bluthi ambassador for an explanation.\u00a0 Zee waited to hear what excuse he had this time.<\/p>\n

Grolan Vex stood, his expression now neutral.\u00a0 \u201cThe Bluthi maintain the right to protect our borders as we see fit.\u00a0 Any movement internally is a matter of Bluthi matters which doesn\u2019t require council oversight.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cGiven recent events I am not inclined to agree,\u201d Kheris said, a tilt of his head towards Zee.\u00a0 \u201cSuch movements raise concern.\u00a0 If the Bluthis wish to reaffirm their commitment to peace then I suggest a transparent report on these activities would be appropriate.\u201d<\/p>\n

Grolan\u2019s eyes narrowed before he replied.\u00a0 \u201cThe Vonn consider themselves neutral, yet you have this concern suddenly after the Sarini.\u00a0 Perhaps you are acting in bad faith?\u201d<\/p>\n

Zee sucked in a breath, the entire thing had become volatile in his mind, but he said nothing as he noticed the older races looking with distain at the Vonn.<\/p>\n

But it was the President who spoke up.<\/p>\n

\u201cFor now, we\u2019ll note the Vonn\u2019s concerns, but no actions shall be taken nor shall any demand be made upon any Bluthi internal movements,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

And there it was the council\u2019s protection of the older races once more.\u00a0 What would it take Zee wondered.<\/p>\n

The doors opening to the council chambers silencing any further whispers.\u00a0 All eyes went to the new race walking straight to the center podium.\u00a0 The President\u2019s face registered shock as several bipedal aliens walked in with confidence, and a power Zee rarely saw.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe council hasn\u2019t changed, protecting their own,\u201d the alien said, glancing at the Bluthi ambassador before continuing.\u00a0 \u201cWe warned you we\u2019d return.\u201d<\/p>\n

The murmured whispered seemed both loud and quiet to Zee in the chamber to go along with a mix of confusion, disbelief and fear at the newcomers as a name surfaced.<\/p>\n

Humans!<\/p>\n

Zee had never seen one before, but he knew of them as rumors.\u00a0 A race that had once been part of the Galactic Union, long before the Sarini even reached the stars.\u00a0 The story was they abandoned the galaxy for their own selfish reasons and now they stood here, unannounced, unafraid.<\/p>\n

The human at the podium was broad-shouldered, sharp eyes that took in the entire room with a glance.\u00a0 He wore a dark uniform, simple yet seemed to hold a presence unlike others.<\/p>\n

The President finally recovered from his shock and now appeared angry.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou were exiled,\u201d he said, his voice resonating though the chamber.\u00a0 \u201cAlways trying to disrupt the peace for war and instead of taking our advice you left your seat in this council.\u201d<\/p>\n

A grim smile played across the human\u2019s face.\u00a0 \u201cExiled? No, you forced us out when we refused to kneel.\u00a0 You are still confused as to what happened,\u201d he said, gesturing to certain older race\u2019s ambassadors.\u00a0 \u201cWe see nothing had changed, the strong still pretend to enforce a balance while being a bully.\u201d<\/p>\n

With this his eyes landing on the Bluthi ambassador.<\/p>\n

\u201cWatch your words human,\u201d Grolan Vex said, surging to his feet, fist clenched.<\/p>\n

\u201cOr what,\u201d the human replied, unafraid.\u00a0 \u201cYou\u2019ll send your fleet after us, the way you do with every other race that refuses to bow down to you?\u201d<\/p>\n

A ripple of unease spread through the chamber as Zee looked on.\u00a0 He noticed several others were watching closely, especially younger races, or others who had been pushed by the elder races.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy are you here?\u201d the President said.\u00a0 His anger now tempered with some hesitation.<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause we warned you,\u201d the human replied his voice steady but cold.\u00a0 The chambers now felt cold, uneasy.\u00a0 \u201cWe told you we would return, consider this our warning that we are back.\u201d<\/p>\n

The elder races now felt wary, fear in their faces.\u00a0 For the first time Zee heard nothing from anyone in the council.\u00a0 No shouts of protest, even Grolan Vex stood motionless.<\/p>\n

The human continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe have no interest in what you consider bureaucracy, your failed politics,\u201d here he glanced at Zee before looking back at the President.\u00a0 \u201cWe do have an interest in this galaxy we call home.\u00a0 We\u2019ll no longer stand by as this chamber allows tyrants to run unchecked.\u201d<\/p>\n

The human stepped back slightly his gaze sweeping across the entirety of the chamber.<\/p>\n

\u201cHumanity never stopped watching.\u00a0 We never forgot.\u201d<\/p>\n

With that the humans turned and walked out leaving behind a eerie silence.<\/p>\n

Zee managed to quickly leave the chambers, along with every other ambassador, and get back to his office.\u00a0 Homeworld had to know this important piece of news at once.\u00a0 He rushed past a startled secretary who never had time to even question what happened as Zee activated his communicator.<\/p>\n

High Strategist Dalen appeared, his face showing excitement as much as Zee had.<\/p>\n

\u201cZee, the situation has changed,\u201d Dalen said, his voice rich with many emotions, shock, joy, wonder.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat\u2019s happened,\u201d Zee asked, his own news briefly pushed aside.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Bluthi fleet at Meryos Prime has been forced to retreat,\u201d Dalen said.<\/p>\n

Zee\u2019s heart skipped.\u00a0 That was impossible as they had no fleet which could push the Bluthi away.<\/p>\n

\u201cHow?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhat reports we\u2019re able to gather, a fleet of ships just appeared, and powerful,\u201d Dalen said.\u00a0 \u201cThe Bluthi tried to fight, but these ships, their weapons, shields, unlike anything we\u2019ve ever encountered before.\u00a0 The battle was over before it began.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAre they still there?\u201d Zee asked, mind racing.<\/p>\n

\u201cNo, after the Bluthi retreated they simply vanished, melted into space,\u201d Dalen said as his voice dropped lower.\u00a0 \u201cBut there are survivors.\u00a0 More than half the colony, they need supplies and help, but its more than any expected.\u00a0 They saved thousands.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cDid they communicate at all?\u201d Zee asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cStrangely only one thing, we warned you we\u2019d return,\u201d Dalen said.\u00a0 \u201cDoes that make any sense?\u201d<\/p>\n

Zee\u2019s breathing stopped.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou know something,\u201d Dalen pressed.<\/p>\n

\u201cHumans,\u201d Zee said quietly, almost in a daze before looking at Dalen who seemed confused.\u00a0 \u201cThey showed up at today\u2019s council meeting.\u00a0 They are an older race who warned the council they had returned.\u00a0 They mentioned they warned the council they\u2019d return.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cYou think it\u2019s these humans?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey directly challenged the Bluthi who appeared almost fearful,\u201d Zee replied.\u00a0 \u201cIt appears they saved us.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy\u201d Dalen asked.\u00a0 \u201cWhy intervene now?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t know,\u201d Zee replied.<\/p>\n

Dalen sighed.\u00a0 \u201cFor now, they are our saviors and we owe them some favor.\u00a0 Keep an ear open.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI will,\u201d Zee said.<\/p>\n

The communicator ended leaving Zee wondering.\u00a0 What did the humans want?<\/p>\n

He turned to look out the window as his communicator buzzed.\u00a0 His secretary informing him that he had visitors.\u00a0 Looking up he noticed the human walking into his office.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe should talk,\u201d he said.<\/p>\n

Zee quickly straightened trying to remain composed but indicated a seat which the human took.<\/p>\n

\u201cMy name is Otto Hernandez,\u201d the human said.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt was your people who attacked the Bluthi at Meryos Prime,\u201d Zee blurted.<\/p>\n

\u201cYes.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cBecause we know what it\u2019s like to be abandoned by the council, be told your concerns are overstated,\u201d Otto said to him.\u00a0 \u201cEven now the council hides what happened, not out of shame, but fear.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThe elder races, they are too strong,\u201d Zee said.<\/p>\n

\u201cThey fear losing power.\u00a0 Fear someone else rising up,\u201d Otto said.\u00a0 \u201cThey feared us, our abilities, our curiosity.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cI don\u2019t understand,\u201d Zee said.\u00a0 He didn\u2019t know much about humanity, only that they abandoned the council.\u00a0 Beyond that nothing more was given.<\/p>\n

\u201cOur curiosity is our strength,\u201d Otto said.\u00a0 \u201cHumans seek answers to questions most races never ponder.\u00a0 The council through their actions tried to limit us, push us down, take away colonies, our growth.\u00a0 If we stayed we would have become slaves, so we left with the warning that we\u2019d be watching and we\u2019d return.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd they allowed you to leave?\u201d<\/p>\n

Otto chuckled.\u00a0 \u201cNo, they attempted many times to conquer us.\u00a0 But we were already prepared.\u00a0 At the time we didn\u2019t have the technology to fight back, so we hide.\u00a0 Preparing, growing, learning for the day we\u2019d return.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cSo what now?\u201d Zee asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cCreate a new galactic council,\u201d Otto said.<\/p>\n

Zee understood the magnitude of the statement.\u00a0 It meant an upheaval of everything, a council which had ruled the galaxy for centuries.<\/p>\n

\u201cYou and I both know the current council exists to serve itself.\u00a0 It protects the powerful, silences the weak, like the Bluthi who run amok unchecked by any power,\u201d Otto said to him.\u00a0 \u201cYou pleaded for justice only yesterday and were ignored.\u00a0 That\u2019s how its always been with them.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cAnd you\u2019re alternative will be different?\u201d Zee asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cWe hope to do better, build something where power isn\u2019t horded by the few and all voices are heard,\u201d Otto said.<\/p>\n

\u201cSo why now?\u201d Zee asked.<\/p>\n

\u201cDespite the show of force, the council is more divided than ever before due to their centuries of rule.\u00a0 The galaxy is on the verge of collapse, we don\u2019t wish that.\u00a0 It would mean hundreds of trillions of lives lost in a war that should be preventable,\u201d Otto said.<\/p>\n

The news shocked Zee even as Otto continued.<\/p>\n

\u201cThe Bluthi attacks on your colony, their movements in preparing to go against the Vonn, all cracks which will lead to all out war. The elders\u2019 power is weakening, the Tribia and Nax have an alliance, and were moving to help you and the Vonn,\u201d Otto said.\u00a0 \u201cBut they had to do so in the shadows.\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cIf they helped against the council,\u201d Zee said, his voice trailing off.<\/p>\n

\u201cIt would have been all out war,\u201d Otto said.<\/p>\n

Zee felt horrified at how close the galaxy came to such a war.\u00a0 Otto had been right; the losses would be in the hundred of trillions.<\/p>\n

\u201cWhy not help form something new, something better,\u201d Otto said, standing and extending his hand.<\/p>\n

\u201cI\u2019ll have to talk to my government, but I\u2019ll give it my vote,\u201d Zee said shaking Otto\u2019s hand.\u00a0 \u201cWhat about the others, like the Nax and Bluthi?\u201d<\/p>\n

\u201cThey too are invited, after all, if we exclude others are we any better?\u201d Otto said, then said his good-bye and walked out.<\/p>\n

Zee felt many things watching the human leave, but he had renewed hope for the future and this new Galactic Union.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"

Ambassador Zee by AJ Marks The Galactic Council chamber looked like a mega tiered amphitheater on a grand scale.\u00a0 Gleaming metal, lights, and delegates from over a hundred worlds sat in a semicircle all facing the center stage.\u00a0 Currently, Ambassador Zee of the Sarini, stood on the emissary platform just off center to address the […]
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