Part 1: Diplomancy and the Lessons that were learned
Nine dragons set out from Tla’loc’al, heading to where the olgogs who claim to be the Nine said they would be.
In the deep deserts of Karov they did not find nine Olgogs, instead they found two Olgogs. Both were barely taller than 2ft, one dressed in half-cape of white falosini feathers with a mask of falosini feathers covered its eyes, the other dressed in a simple orange loincloth hand tooled from Mak Hoblok hide and was gnawing on a bone.
Once located, the two Olgogs gave the signal promised by the Nine’s representatives. The dragon riders landed, staying a good distance in order to not cause these unknown olgogs to feel threatened.
Gol’Lal would lead the talks, introducing himself, Rapi’lal, Lok’Uf’Tor, Tla’Hob,Holur’zh, Healer Stepheny(a Karovian from the Hospital of Or’lur), Glog, his two students, and Stormbreaker, the oldest and wisest dragon among those with Or’lur.
“Welcome,” said the Olgog in the orange loincloth, carefully speaking around the bone gripped in its teeth, “I am Gogol Gul, and this is my dearest friend Orsa Gul.”
The olgog in the feather mask bowed his head respectfully to the Or’Lur diplomats.
Gol’Lal of Or’Lur said, “We came here hoping to understand your harsh demands that would kill millions, for just as many have used their growth for war, far more have tried for peace. No longer do our people fear death from Earthers who slaughter whole Tribes as they sleep. Healers are able to get to the sick and wounded or bring them to a safe place where they may recover without conflict. Travel from one place to the next is fast, though most of us trust ourselves or larger beings for such.” at this he gestures to Stormbreaker who swells with pride. “While we are not perfect, we have made great changes that save lies that would otherwise have been ended by senseless slaughter and destruction.”
Gogol Gul said, still speaking around the bone, “Then we are in agreement, since the Nine never demanded millions die. My friends also never said you need give up your allies. Our concern is about Earther technology, Sylvan technology and the other species warfare technology.
Never once did we demand you give up food or water or life…
Our enemies have poisoned the minds of the Olgogs against us…”
Orsa Gul interrupted, reaching up to his feather mask, “If you are not truly part of the violence of the UtR. Tell us then why you allowed Kalok to rise?”
Glog stepped forward and said, “As the Elder charged with protecting our Tribe, I should have seen the threat that Kolgol was unleashing. It was my hopes that the signs I was seeing were my war trained mind trying to stop our new peace."
“Then your restraint was wise,” said Orsa Gul, lowering his hand, leaving the mask over his eyes, “It is common for Warmonger to turn allies on each other. In a way it is better to trust an ally, and be betrayed, then let Warmonger turn you against a genuine ally through suspicion. I am just sorry your ally betrayed you so fully.”
Glog was shocked by that reply by the representatives of the Nine. For so long, so many had judged him harshly, but they spoke his mindset exactly. There was no judgement from these two Olgogs, only sympathy as if they had experienced a similar betrayal in their own past.
Gogol Gul said, “More diplomats arrive. Rest now Or’Lur tribals, for you deserve our protection.”
Glog sat back, wondering how the day had turned out so well. Then he saw the approaching carriers of the UtR and shuddered. They did look quite menacing when seen in what could be a context of violence.
Lalder hoped him and others could convince the nine not to become violent. He saw an ultimatum that they did not expect them to meet. Good chance this offer of theirs was a show. He hoped for peace and that he was wrong, but was concerned he was right.
Lalder approaches them and nods with respect to them. Lalder says “I am Auf Lalder of Auf Lal’al, councilgog of the UtR. I wish to work with you, the nine. But we need a compromise. But Let me explain my perspective.
I remember Olgogs from back thousands of years ago. We then were still living in peace. Even Olgog did not fight Olgogs much. We didn’t have to. There was land with Food and water.
But then the Earthers came and the Oners came. Olgogs driven from the North to the sourth. Resources getting less and less. Then Oners slaughtered more and more Olgogs. Destroy more and more of our foods, settlements, and tribes. Then I watched Olgogs fight each other more and more just to survive. Just for water and some food to eat. This went on for hundreds and hundreds of years. Watching whole tribes and bloodlines disappear.
I still wonder how our being slaughter did not empower the mag mag gor. How much destruction, slaughter, and loss of life happened during those years. I fear the mag mag gor was feasting on our destruction. Whether we fought in armies or not.
Now, three years ago. Tribes started working together. Develop new ways to grow food, produce water and protect our tribes. We found out that if we Olgogs stop fighting each other, we could protect each other. And we were strong. We fond ways to counter the earther technology. Axes were not working on Tanks, striders, or their aircraft. The ships did.
We also built floatings farms to prevent Oners, and other enemies from destroying or poisoning the food. This was happening when they were on or in the ground.
Then the Sky rained Destruction on Tla’loc’al. An Earther weapon used to destroy much of Tla’loc’al, the parts above ground. And we had no defense.
Unfortunately, this is where my big mistake came. I was a foolish and scared Olgog who thought he could make a deal with the Djinni. I did not understand what they could do. I was used by the plans of those beyond our little world. I will work to attone for a very long time due to this. The djinni crystal has been destroyed, but the damage is done.
But now, olgogs have are having the chance for peace. It did take conflict to get to. But now the Oners are unable to slaughter Olgogs outright. Olgogs are not fighting Olgogs just for food or water. Olgogs and Earthers have a chance for peace.”
Then Lalder pauses for a moment to collect his thoughts and says “For your demands. I cannot let you risk the lives of all of the Olgogs under my care. But I do not wish conflict. I hope for compromise and to work together. Let us not destroy the gains made as while you were gone.
This is my starting offer, I will destroy any technomancy devices. I have already sacrificed the first of 2 carriers and weapons my tribe recovered to banish all the demons in Unen. We could sacrifice the next carrier to do something that would help Olgogs. Something we can work together on.
Next, Peaceful use of the Sylvan technology and artifacts should be continued to used. The Floating farms, the barges and fighters that transport goods, the carriers which also act as communication and transportation hubs to make it possible to disperse the food and supplies where needed. We also use artifacts to heal the sick and disease and to keep areas clean of wastes.
We will stress the training of Hand weapons and not that of guns of the earthers. But we will not punish those that do use them.
Next, for now the I will maintain my fleet, not expand it, but keep it out of sight and look for ways to reduce its use in combat. They already are intended for defense and helping the food production.
We still have enemies in Unit 111, the Giants who keep attacking, and the Oners. As others can take up that duties of protecting Olgogs, we can determine what to do in reducing their use. As others take up defense, then we won’t need the weapons.
When thinking of what empowers the mag mag gor, consider all of the conflict that doesn’t happen due to their presence. Destroying the fleet will increase fighting, not reduce it. Our enemies will attack if they think we are weak. Will you replace them?
Lastly, the Herd of Auf Lal’al, the UtR, are a Provisional Colony. This will not change. This alliance allows us Olgogs protection from the ones, help with the flamewinds, and allies to help protect us when it is needed. Anyone that attacks us, attacks the Colonies. Our enemies think twice about attacking, reducing the chance of war.
I ask for you, the Nine, to help us. Advise us. Not threaten or attack us. We can work with you address your concerns. But this is not a solution that can be found in one day. If we do as you ask today, there would be famine without our farms and war as our enemies take advantage.
You will determine how me and mine treat you. Will you be respected advisors and elders? Or will you be enemies and terrorists and cause harm, destruction and Famine? I prefer the first but will defend ourselves against the second.
Thank you for listening"
Orsa Gul nodded, and said, “Allow me to thank you Auf Lalder, it has been a long time, and you probably do not remember us, or remember the promises made by the ancient Tribal Leaders who ruled over you so long ago.
First we will eliminate these threats. Have your soldiers disembark, leaving the technomancy and weapons onboard and I will handle the vessels.”
Thinking he had won them over, but also realizing the two representatives had not yet actually agreed to his counter offer, Lalder allowed them to do as they would.
Orsa Gul said, “Look away so my brilliance does not blind you.”
