1965, Chiss Territory (II)
"Without a doubt, we came for peace," Brent said. "The Duchy of Dawn has no intention of waging war against Chiss territory, nor do we need Chiss territory to join our war. All we want is to make a friend."
"Since you came for peace, then I believe we can begin a dialogue." The speaker was still one of the four seated in the center, a middle-aged woman. She glanced at Brent and the others before adding, "I am Csapla family."
Another middle-aged man beside her also spoke. "The members of the Chiss Cabinet have all abandoned their own names. We represent our respective families, and our titles are equivalent to the names of those families—I am Nuruodo family."
"Inrokini family."
"Sabosen family."
After the leaders of the Four Great Families introduced themselves, the other five families also gave their introductions. Without question, those standing here were the supreme authority governing all of Chiss territory—the Family Cabinet.
"Duchy of Dawn, commander of the Second Exploration Fleet, Lieutenant General Brent." Lieutenant General Brent answered with neither servility nor arrogance.
"Very well. Then... since the Duchy of Dawn has sent a fleet all this way, tell me directly: what benefits can the Duchy of Dawn bring us?" Csapla family asked bluntly.
"Chiss territory is not directly connected to the outside world. We are self-sufficient, with our own culture and civilization, sufficient strength to protect ourselves, and abundant resources. As for the Duchy of Dawn, your relationship with the Galactic Republic and the current Galactic Empire appears unstable to us. If we accept you, we would bring the hostility of the Galactic Empire upon Chiss territory." Nuruodo family said.
"It seems you still keep an eye on what happens in the Milky Way Galaxy. Doesn't that prove that you