The sun was passing on overhead and the day was getting older. Daragon looked over his shoulder and saw that Askar were closing on him as he mounted the stairs of the Council chambers. His other drones were already inside and all he needed now was this Bothan. Quickly the reached the top of the stairs. Infront of them were three double doors. Daragon stepped through the middle door and motioned for Askar to follow him. As the Bothan diplomat stepped through the doors closed and this rather small room was revealed to be a turbolift. Daragon pressed the bottom button and turned back to Askar. Quitely the turbolift began its silent journey spiralling ever downwards.

"You must forgive me, Askar, for being so rude back there but unfortunately you have arrived at the proverbial wrong time."

Daragon chuckled sliightly. "It is also ironic that you arrived in the proverbial nick of time. I forsee great things for my people, but there are short sighted ones who impeded my progress. You are going to help me clear them away."

There was no more time to say anything for the lift had reached its destination. Daragon smiled. "Prepare yourself, Askar, for you are about to see something very few have. Ohhh I would also suggest you cover your ears for the first part."

The doors slid open quitely. Daragon's last drone stepped out followed by a cautious Askar.

The sight that greeted him was even more spectacular than the outside. A very large cavern stretched out for miles and miles. The walls were covered in an organic mass but shaped and formed to resemble famous battles from Bartokk history. In front of Askar there stood five groups of Bartokk's. One of the groups were standing on a plinth. Something so humble, yet so strong. It was the only kind of furniture in this entire monstrous cavern.

The drone which had accompanied Askar walked over to the other's who made up Daragon.

The group of Bartokk's standing on the plinth regarded the Bothan with a suspicious glare. Then there heads turned as one on Daragon.

"Whats the meaning of this, Daragon. Why have you brought this Bothan before us."

"Simple, I wish a chance for him to address the council. He brings a message of great importance."

Arator, who was standing on the right hand side of Hastos, almost jumped up at the mention of this. "This is highly irregular Hastos. This can not be allowed. Council mergers are not for outsiders to witness."

Arator shot a glare across the floor to Daragon. "If our esteemed collegue wishes to spend time with filth that is his business, but to bring it before the council. That is inexcusible."

Daragon simply smiled. "It is not outside the law Hastos. You know it."

"But its......."

"SILENCE!!!!!!!!!"

The booming voice of Hastos echoed through the chamber.

Quitely Hastos regarded Arator for a few minutes then Daragon. "It is within the law for speakers of other races to adress the Council."

This blow seemed to slice deep into Daragon's arch rival. "Honoured elder...."

"I have spoken, Arator. Unless you wish to declare a grievance." The eyes of Hastos rested on Arator.

Quitely all the drones of Arator shook their heads.

"Very well. The merger/session shall begin."

One of the drones of Daragon looked over at Askar and motioned for Askar to put his hands over his hears. The confused Bothan looked at Daragon for a few moments then slowly placed his hands over his ears.

The very air of this cavern became electric. Strong wind currents began to blow. The lights from the torches began to flicker. Hastos raised his heads to the roof of the cavern. He opened his mouths and an inhumane screech issued from him. It was incredibly highpitched and seemed to fill this entire enormous cavern. One by one each of the other assembled Bartokk's followed the example of Hastos. The sound waves mingled and danced through out the cavern. One after the other they became entwined. Each of the drones present began to shake slightly, as if something was literally shaking their bodies. Higher and higher the sound rose until finally Askar felt his head was about to explode. Then as quick as it began the sound stopped. Carefully he looked up. Each of the drones was standing dead still. Slowly his attention focussed on the plinth. The usual red eyes of the Bartokk's gathered on the podium of sorts was gone. They now instead glowed a deep livid blue. Like one each of the assembled drones turned towards the plinth.

"The Council is formed."

The voice struck the lone Bothan like a jackhammer, almost knocking him from his feet. It was a deep booming voice that held the quality of rolling thunder. Yet there was a strange echoe in it like that of many people speaking at once.

"First we adress internal issues."

For a long time there was absolutely no movement from the Bartokks. Askar was almost tempted to see if they were still alive.

"The decisions are made. Let them be implimented."

The sound was almost as big of a suprise as the first time. With a single thud of feet the Bartokks turned to regard the Bothan. Deep blue eyes regarding his every movement.

"Askar Vrikre of the Bothan Star Federation. You wish to adress us. Let your words be heard."

Then absolute silence as the Council waited for the Bothan.

For a moment, Askar stood in stunned silence, his eyes locked on the group of Bartokks. He could quite honestly say that in all his years as the chief diplomat of the combined clans of Bothawui he'd never seen such a...unwonted sight. It was quite impressive, but, nonetheless, he would not allow it to become a stumbling block on this already near-disasterous assignment. So, coughing quickly to cover his surprise, Askar stepped forward, allowing his gaze to rove over the combined council before he cleared his throat once again, ran a hand through his tan-coloured whiskers and began to speak,

"Esteemed members of the Council, I thank you for allowing me to address you today. As you are well aware, I am Askar Vri'kre, a representative on the Bothan Star Federation. Before I begin, I wish to thank you for assissting my crew in defeating the villainous human pirates who attempted to capture my vessel while I was travelling to a diplomatic conference to discuss an alliance with the people of Barab, who had sent Lyzaar to request an audience, so that our peoples were better able to defend themselves against the growing human scourge.

Now, judging by the way your warriors reacted to the human scum, I would guess you have had more than a few unpleasant encounters with them yourselves. While this is unfortunate, it does provide us with an opportunity to work together to bring about the destruction of these foul humans. From my discussion with Lord Daragon, I have learnt that your people are proud warriors. Mine aren't such great warriors on the ground..we specialise more in space battles. So, what I propose, is an alliance between our peoples."

For a moment, he paused, allowing his words to sink in, but then, before any of the council could voice an objection, he plunged back in and continued,

"This alliance would be fairly simple...we provide you with information the human scum, as well as any resources you should require, and in return, you annihilate the fiflth wherever you find them. And, I'm sure, it would be a learning experience for both our militaries."

Smiling slightly, he fell silent once again, watching the Bartokk's faces for any sign of an emotion. There was none however, for the bartokk's, while in the council at any rate, were excellent at hiding their true thoughts and feelings. 'It seems as if I shall have to do as Daragon suggested,' He thought uneasily, before stepping closer to the council and speaking again, his voice louder than before,

"Now, I am aware that you might see us as inferior warriors, unworthy of allying with yourselves, but to dispel that thought, I place down the ritual challenge of cos'ka. One of my warriors shall face a champion of any one of you, tp prove our worth in battle!"

Complete silence filled the cavern. Several of the drones twitched slightly indicating that they were still alive, but beyond that nothing.

Then the booming voice once again filled the cavern. "You speak truth. Askar Virkre. Humans are indeed parasites. They infest and consume, then travel to other worlds to once again repeat the process. We have heard your words. Your offer of an alliance is a most interesting concept. And your challenge is gratefully accepted. The fires of combat shall prove your worthiness. Who amongst you will face the gladiator drone in combat."

Without thinking even twice about it Askar simply said "Lyzaar."

"So it shall be." Quickly the drones turned their heads towards each other.

"And we sense that the part of us known to you as Daragon will be your cos'sa. The other part of us know as Arator will be the cos'se. What is said shall be done. This session is over. Let the Council be disolved."

What began as electrifying ended rather abruptly. The drones simply stared at each other, then the next moment their eyes slowly returned to the normal blood red. The group of Bartokk's on the plinth after a few moments looked around at the Bartokk's assembled before him. In his normal gravelly he said "The Council has been disolved. You are free to go about your business."

A general murmer of conversation broke out amongst the members as they began walking towards the turbo lift doors. Daragon made his way towards Askar. Without saying a word he tugged on his sleave, indicating that the Bothan should follow him. Daragon led Askar to the side. When they were finally alone in the gigantic Council chambers Daragon smiled at last. "I am glad that is over. I must once again apologise for my abrutness earlier, Askar, but this was something that needed to be done as soon as possible. Now we can talk like civilised beings." With a slight chuckle he added. "Perhaps we need to visit your friend the Barabel. The contest begins in exactly one planetary turning."

Askar smiled slightly as he nodded. Daragon returned the smile then walked towards the turbo lift doors acompanied by the Bothan. After all of his drones were in the lift one pressed the button and the lift shot upwards again.

The light from the single sun shone brigthly as this unlikely pair left the main Council chambers. It was aparent that a lot of time had passed while they were in Council. Night was about to fall. Quitely Daragon led Askar back to the building they first emerged from. Around them multitudes of Bartokk's carried on with their tasks seemingly oblivious to the Bothan. However as they aproached the building a single drone emerged from the doors and walked towards them.

"How did it go."

Daragon smiled, an emotion reflected on all of his lead drones. "Cass, old friend, it went better than expected. Before the sun sets tommorow our plans will have reached fruitition. But where are my manners. Cass allow me to introduce Askar Virkre of the Bothan Star Federation."

The drone of Cass regarded the Bothan for a second, then he crossed his four arms over his chest and bowed, the traditional Bartokk greeting. "Greetings." The voice sounded much like Daragon's but it was slightly lower pitched. This drone was also slightly shorter than Daragon's drones.

"But we really need to speak with the Barabel. He is going to fight in the Cos'ka tommorow. I trust he is well." Daragon interupted him. There would be time for pleasantries later.

At the mention of the Barabel Cass could not help but chuckle. "He is fine, although we had to sedate him again. He is an incredibly hardy member of his species and it seems as if he does not apreciate his current surroundings. I will take you to him now."

Daragon nodded. "Excellent."

One of his drones turned to Askar. "Afterwards you are welcome to stay the night at my quaters. We do not believe in useless luxuries here, but it is slightly better than your current accomadations."

The trio entered the building just as the sun disappeared over the horison.

Pleased with his apparent success in the council chambers, Askar allowed Daragon and Cass' drones to escort him throught eh web of streets that made up the citadel, towards a particularly insect-like building, complete with wicked spires and graceful curves. Truly, the structure was alien to Askar, who had gorw up amongst the beautiful, but definitely artificial structures of the Bothans. Not that he allowed the strangeness of his surroundings disturb him though, for he simply pushed all considerations of them out of his mind, concentrating on the task at hand

To put it simply, he had no further concerns for this mission. There would be no further chances to upset the council, and he was ompletely certain that Lyzaar would be able to defeat any Bartokk drone. The barabel was a ferocious warrior after al, and as his host had already stated, he'd slain a bartokk already - no mean feet, considering that Lyzaar had been unarmed, while the bartokk undoubtably carried a weapon. 'Not that he really needs another weapon. Those claws and teeth are deadly enough', reflected Askar with a smile as he followed Daragon and Cass into the building.

For several minutes, they walked through a maze of corridors that looked remarkably similar to Askar's eyes, trained in observing as they were. Still, Cass apparently knew where he was going, for his drones lead them quickly through the corridors, until they reached a door that looked somewhat sturdier than the others. "This is it", intoned one of the drones in it's gravelly voice, before motioning for Askar to take the lead as it opened the door. Instantly, Askar stepped over the threshold, glancing about warily as he did so. He needn't have worried though, for Lyzaar stood on the far side of the room, his beady eyes somewhat glazed over. "Lyzaar, how are you?" enquired Askar carefully, before smiling as the reptillain warrior swung around to face them, his motuh widening into a decidely toothy grin as he replied, "Askar, is good to hear you again. Was worried bugmen had killed you."

Askar smiled faintly at that, well aware that Lyzaar had never thought of him as capable of defending himself. Still, he could understand that the lizard-like warrior would see himself as a superior fighting machine. And of course, his theory on himself would shortly be put to the test, "Lyzaar, it is good that you are okay. I have much news for you, but first, there is a...an entity I would like you to meet. HIs name is Daragon." Still smiling faintly, Askar turned slightly and motioned for one of Daragon's drones to move forward and introduce himself.

Daragon stepped forward, quite wary. With Askar here Lyzaar would probably not act so hostile towards him but there was still a chance that he could lash out. At what he judged to be a relatively safe distance Daragon stopped. A few moments passed as the two warriors regarded each other, but then Daragon smiled a broad smile. He bowed formaly then said "Greetings, Lyzaar. I am, Daragon, Speaker of the Grey Council. On behalf of my people I would like to welcome you to Vallus II our homeworld."

Silence.

The silence was broken by a chuckle and a thoothy smile from the Barabel. "I am, Lyzaar. From Barab I."

Mentally Daragon heaved a sigh of relief. "Well then perhaps you gentlemen would like to join me for a drink in my quaters we have much to discuss."

Lyzaar's gaze fell upon the Bothan. Askar nodded and soon the Barabel followed suit.

Daragon smiled, this time with more than one drone. "Excellent."

He quickly turned to Cass. "Prepare my quaters and bring us some of the imported wines. We are in for a long night."

The single drone belonging to Cass who had accompanied them in bowed, then left in a hurry.