Voss inclines his head. “Reduced trade corridors through Alliance-adjacent sectors. Permanent demilitarized buffer zones along contested routes.”
The projection shifts to display proposed boundaries. Red lines carve through former Reaper territory like surgical incisions.
The loss is visible.
“It is defensive,” one of the Alliance military advisors says quickly. “A gesture toward de-escalation.”
“A gesture that amputates three of our most profitable lanes,” Rethan replies, voice sharp.
Voss does not flinch. “A gesture that prevents renewed war.”
Behind me, I can feel the tension radiating from the Reaper representatives who remain loyal. Clan Rethan. Clan Ilyr. Smaller houses that chose unity over fracture. Their pride coils tight in the air.
One of them, a gray-haired matriarch from Clan Ilyr, leans forward. “We bled for those corridors,” she says. “You demand we relinquish them as proof of restraint?”
“Yes,” Voss answers simply.
The chamber stills.
It would be easier to refuse.
It would be cleaner to declare insult and walk out.
But the casualty projections still live in my memory—the ninety-four percent curve Elara dragged into daylight.
I rest both hands flat against the table and study the red lines.
“If we refuse,” I say slowly, “Alliance fleets remobilize.”
Voss does not deny it.
“If we accept,” I continue, “Alliance recognizes our remaining territories without further incursion.”
“Yes,” he says. “Under Council oversight.”
Behind me, a Reaper captain inhales sharply. “Oversight?”
“Observation,” Voss corrects. “To ensure compliance.”
Rethan leans closer to my shoulder. “They want to leash us.”
“They want to reassure themselves,” Elara murmurs quietly.
I glance at her.
She meets my gaze evenly, not urging, not pleading—only steady.
“You ask for permanent loss,” I say to Voss.
“Yes.”
“And in return?”
“Recognition of autonomous governance,” he replies. “Formal cessation of offensive operations.”
The League observer clears his throat softly. “The League will co-sign recognition provided the Reaper territories adhere to trade transparency protocols.”
Rethan lets out a low, incredulous sound.
