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"...there are competing theories on human conflict. There is the "A Just war" theory, and then, there is "just a war" theory."
-Elizabeth Ngo, "Letters to my children from my grave".
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Chapter 35 - The Advisor[]
3157
[Diplomatic Communication, Rassalhague to Tharkad]
"I really think you should stay out of it." Trillian said, "I know Khan Bekker wants to go all in on this, but I honestly think the Dominion should stay out of this conflict." said Trillian Steiner-Davion, Archon of the Lyran Commonwealth.
"Like you're doing? Why such a massive fleet if you won't use it?"
"Because the Combine didn't start this...this time." she said, "and I'm not sure I have enough of the facts to actually pick a side. Unless you're sitting on new facts I don't have, I'm going to suggest you don't either. Stone claimed it was a Republic victory, the video shows Federated Naval vessels. Julian is refusing comment, doesn't that sound fishy to you?" asks Trillian
"The Combine has done enough to deserve this-the sterilization of the NovaCat civilians, an attempted genocide, their aggression against the Dominion-"
"Are you afraid they can somehow win, Elected Prince?" she asked, "If I remember, the Combine's war with Clan Ghost Bear was a failure and they were sent home in defeat-and you didn't need allies to repel them. Honestly, I can pull up the entire history of the Clans and suggest that Yori Kurita was being somewhat merciful. It isn't what we would have done, but I remember the killing fields we found when we retook Jade Falcon worlds and the reports in their own archives over what went on in the Homeworlds in the thirty eighties. The Lyran Commonwealth's official position is that we're not involved with the war on that side of the Sphere. I'm recommending your government would be well served to also remain aloof. If nothing else, you can suggest to Khan Bekker that she wait and see if there's any Draconis Combine left to attack, and maybe you should do some investigation."
"What kind?" asked Elected Prince.
"The kind that clarifies if you want to be associated with what's going to happen after they've finished with the Dracs." said Trillian
"What are you suggesting?"
"Things I'm not stupid enough to tell Devlin Stone through Comstar's networks." she said firmly. "This whole thing stinks to high heaven and my Cousin is stuck up to his eyebrows in it whether he wants to be or not. That doesn't mean anyone else needs to be dragged into it. Keep this in mind in your deliberations, though: there are things we know, that can't be said over Comstar, which leaks right into the Exarch's ear-holes."
The Rassalhagian prince leaned forward, "What is it worth to the Commonwealth to keep us out of this fight?"
"What are you asking for?" Trillian wasn't afraid to deal.
"Ships."
"How many? What kind? how long can you wait for delivery?"
"You'll deal?" asked the Prince.
"Let's deal."