XIX - Diversity

The city of Incongruens presented a sharp contrast to western Kefar -- paved streets, tall buildings, an abundance of automobiles, bustling crowds. Traffic was heavy. Jasmine slowly negotiated the jeep through the streets.

"Where will we be meeting General Miscus?" Kamon asked.

"At the State Senate," Jasmine answered.

"We're just going to walk right in?" Kamon asked skeptically. 'With Destinatus?' was left unsaid at the end of his question, but his meaning was clear.

Jasmine nodded and smiled. "You said yourself Destinatus was unrecognizable."

"That I did," Kamon admitted. The plan was simple....and ingenious. The best way to protect Destinatus in the capital city of Kefar was to not hide him. Without guards they would attract no attention.

"It is rare that I would travel anywhere without protection," Destinatus commented. "I must confess that I do find this ride through the city of my enemy to be quite strange. It is like a dream, a very bizarre dream. The sun is shining; the air is warm. I can wave at anyone I choose." He waved at a car passing in the right lane. "And no one is alarmed. It is not how I imagined to enter Incongruens."

"This is not the city of your enemy," Jasmine said to him.

"The government in this city has branded me a terrorist," Destinatus differed. "There is a price on my head -- dead or alive! I think this is the city of my enemy," he concluded.

"You have differences, perhaps," Jasmine conceded. "But after today, you will certainly have no enemies."

"We will see," Destinatus responded soberly. "I have put much faith in your word, Jasmine. If the negotiations do not proceed as you hope, I am expecting to leave freely, just as I have come. That may be hard for the Fraus leaders to accept." He stared at Jasmine. This was obviously a conversation he had had with her before, but once again he was raising his doubts. His concerns were legitimate. Given the risk, it was incredible that she had convinced him to go through with it.

"My word is good," Jasmine replied with equal seriousness. "There will be no need for Secundus to seize hostages. No matter what else happens here today, you will leave in peace."

Destinatus frowned. How did she know about his counter plan -- to bargain for his release with Fraus hostages, if necessary? A lucky guess? "Why would you think Secundus might seize hostages?" he asked at last.

"You're not as unpredictable as you think," was Jasmine's only answer.

Destinatus did not respond. Grim-faced, he observed downtown Incongruens as they drew closer to the State Senate. The building was now well in sight. It bothered him that Jasmine had come so close to the truth. It was not the first time she had done this -- guessed his moves -- but he still found it troubling. He wished to keep some things to himself. It was the key to survival. Jasmine always seemed to know too much; he did not like it.

Jasmine turned into a parking lot. There was plenty of empty space on the gravel surface. She pulled the vehicle to a halt. "We're here."

"Why aren't we parking closer?" Destinatus asked with some irritation. The Senate building was nearly three blocks away. Two paved lots filled with cars were between them and the seat of the government.

"I didn't think the exercise would bother you," Jasmine said a bit lightly.

"It doesn't." Destinatus was not amused. "But I would think that the Fraus government would afford more respect to the leader of the Clemens people."

"If we drove up to the steps of the Senate," Jasmine said, "and were greeted by Fraus dignitaries, I think you would be recognized as someone important. Questions would be asked. Your identity might be revealed." Jasmine led the way across the lots in the direction of the State Senate. "This is much better. You are safe."

"When I finally meet with General Miscus," Destinatus groused, "she will know....and undoubtedly others at that time."

"General Miscus has guaranteed you safe passage," Jasmine replied. "No matter what happens here today, you may leave at any time."

Destinatus did not respond. Although he had come, a part of him remained skeptical of such a promise. He had survived many years as a Clemens rebel by trusting few people. At this point in his life, it was almost an instinctive response.

The Senate building loomed in front of them. It stood about six stories high. A gold plated dome crowned it with the blue and white flag of Kefar fluttering in the breeze atop a spire.

The trio spryly climbed the steps. "Where will someone be greeting us?" Destinatus asked.

"Inside," Jasmine answered. "It's all arranged. We're right on schedule."

They entered the Senate through huge doors. A security station was positioned just inside. The three passed through the metal detector without incident.

"See?" Jasmine spoke as they walked on. "Everything is fine." She veered to her right, avoiding the rotunda. A man with a crew cut awaited them at a door.

"Hello, Jasmine," the man said. His hair was almost completely gray; it made him appear older than he really was. "Who's with you?"

"Hello, Moellering," Jasmine greeted the aide to General Miscus. "Please lead on."

Moellering was General Venon Miscus' chief aide. He was clearly miffed that Jasmine had not directly answered his question. He nearly voiced his displeasure....but then didn't. He had explicit orders to escort Jasmine and her party to the Minita Conference room by way of the back stairs as soon as they arrived. "Follow me," Moellering said as he opened the door.

They followed a staircase that wound upward. After rising half the height of the building, Moellering opened a door and they stepped into a hallway. Just a few more meters and they entered a small room with no windows. Two long sturdy wooden tables ran end to end down the middle of the room. Green cushioned chairs surrounded the tables. A small wall counter opposite them held a pitcher and some glasses as well as some stationery supplies.

Moellering closed the door after they had all entered. "You're to wait here until General Miscus arrives. Who should I say she will be meeting with?"

Moellering had not recognized Destinatus. He did not even suspect that the leader of the Clemens rebels stood before him. Jasmine's plan had worked to perfection. "Please tell General Miscus that we await him," Jasmine said pleasantly.

Again Jasmine had not answered Moellering's question and the chief aide was not at all pleased. Moellering hesitated, then spoke icily. "First General Venon Miscus is accustomed to knowing with whom she will be meeting!"

"I understand," Jasmine nodded. "But if you would just please tell her we are here."

Kamon saw Moellering's jaw muscles work furiously. He was insulted. As chief aide to General Miscus, he felt he had a right -- indeed a duty -- to know the identity of the people who had accompanied Jasmine.

But Moellering also had his orders. "Very well," the aide said tersely. "I will let the general know." Then he exited the room and closed the door behind him.

"You didn't make a friend there, Jasmine," Kamon commented. "That's not your style."

"I regret that," Jasmine answered. "But I feel strongly that General Miscus should be the first to know that it is Destinatus who is here to speak for the Clemens people."

"You should have told General Miscus that the leader of the Clemens' people was coming," Destinatus grumbled. "How could he guarantee my safety if he did not even know I would be the representative?"

"He gave me a blanket guarantee," Jasmine answered. "No matter what the outcome, any representative of the Clemens people that I brought would be free to go."

Destinatus frowned. He was not satisfied, but at this point, there was little he could do about it. "This room is rather small," Destinatus spoke. He seated himself in one of the straight backed chairs. "I expected something more elaborate."

"This is perfect," Jasmine said. "It is private; it is out of the way. It gives us a sense of closeness."

"We have yet to see how close the Clemens and Fraus can come," Destinatus warned.

Jasmine simply nodded an acknowledgement. She was calm, at ease. Destinatus, on the other hand, was a bit nervous, understandably so. He was indeed taking a great risk in coming here, both personally and as a representative for the Clemens.

Kamon moved around the table closest to him and sat facing the door. Venon Miscus was coming to see Destinatus and Jasmine, not him. He wished to be out of the way when the first general arrived.

Five minutes passed. Then the door opened. A tall, solidly built woman stepped in. Everyone in the room rose. "Good afternoon, Jasmine," First General Venon Miscus greeted her with a confident voice.

"Good afternoon, General," Jasmine responded. Although Miscus was retired from the military, she retained her title. And to the Fraus of Kefar, she still seemed like a member of the military even though she now headed the civilian government.

Moellering followed the general in and closed the door.

"I trust you had no problems getting here?" Miscus asked.

"None at all, General," Jasmine answered.

The general looked at Destinatus, then Kamon. She noted Kamon's pale skin. It was unlikely the big man would be a representative of the Clemens....but he seemed vaguely familiar. Her eyes returned to Destinatus for an instant. The dark-skinned man had to be the representative of the Clemens. "So, Jasmine," Miscus said. "Who have you brought with you to speak for the Clemens rebels? You were true to your word. I do not recognize him." Left unspoken was the question in the general's head. 'With how much authority can the man really speak if he is not a Clemens leader?'

Jasmine pointed to the Clemens leader. "This is Destinatus."

Miscus' face turned to stone for an instant. She was clearly stunned....and mystified. Then she spoke. "You're joking."

"It's no joke, General," Jasmine said. "This is Destinatus, the leader of the Clemens people."

"Then who would be the man with the dreadlocks and the bushy beard?" Miscus was experiencing both skepticism and confusion. "I have seen many pictures of a man who has claimed to be Destinatus. This is not him."

"Have you heard my voice, General?" Destinatus finally spoke.

"Yes," Miscus answered quietly. "Television and radio seem to find Destinatus while I cannot." The voice clearly matched, but the face.....Miscus studied it........the eyes could be a match as well! It certainly could be Destinatus! "I will suspend my disbelief for a few moments," the general finally said. "In any case, Jasmine, this would be a most ingenious plan to bring the leader of the Clemens rebels before me -- hide him by not hiding him. Without the dreadlocks and the beard, no one would recognize him." It must be Destinatus, she thought. It made sense.

"Why don't we sit down and talk for a while?" Jasmine suggested pleasantly. "A time to get acquainted would be in order."

"I did not come to 'get acquainted'," Destinatus spoke, a bit defiantly. "I came to speak of the Clemens people and their quest for freedom."

"We should sit," General Miscus said, lowering herself into a chair. She eyed the Clemens man warily. It was Destinatus! She had heard enough of the man's voice now to be sure. Destinatus sat as the general continued speaking. Miscus' tone was not pleasant. "I have chased you all over western Kefar. I thought for sure that when we finally met, I would either have you in chains....or you would be dead. You are responsible for the deaths of thousands of Fraus."

"And you are responsible for the deaths of even more Clemens!" Destinatus countered quickly.

"I have protected my people," Miscus said.

"As have I!" Destinatus retorted.

The belligerence of each leader was growing. Jasmine finally interrupted. "That's enough. You've each had a chance to vent your frustration in the presence of your nemesis. We're not here to discuss the past. We're here to speak of the future."

There was silence for a moment. Then General Miscus spoke. "Agreed. I promised you that."

"I also want a promise," Destinatus said to Miscus, "from you, that I will be allowed to leave here no matter what happens."

"You are already here," Miscus pointed out. "It would seem a little late to be asking about such a promise, don't you think?"

Destinatus bristled. "Jasmine told me it was arranged. Are you suggesting that you might renege on your promise to her?!"

"I am a woman of my word!" General Miscus replied testily. "You will be allowed to leave. Perhaps you should leave right now."

"Enough!" Jasmine intervened. "I mean no disrespect but we have serious issues to discuss here. We should get to them."

The silence from both General Miscus and Destinatus was a sign of their grudging acquiescence.

Moellering had sat silently throughout. He was as stunned as Miscus had been by the revelation of Destinatus' identity. He seemed uncomfortable with the setting. At last Moellering spoke. "You must excuse me, General." He pushed back his chair. "I have to step out for a few moments."

"Is something wrong?" Miscus asked. "Do you feel alright?"

"Yes, General," Moellering answered. "I'm--I am feeling a bit faint though. I need to go to the rest room. That's all. I'll be fine."

"Okay," Miscus nodded. "Take care of yourself. Come back when you're ready. We'll be fine."

Moellering left the room. Kamon now faced no one. The table was between him and the door. Destinatus, Jasmine, and General Miscus, in that order, sat on the opposite side of the narrow room at the second of the two adjacent tables.

"Perhaps, I should move to the other side of the table," General Miscus continued. She stood. "It might be beneficial if I could more easily see Destinatus during our.....talks." Miscus walked around the table and passed behind Kamon. "And you have yet to introduce me to the third person in your company, Jasmine."

"I would have come to that sooner, General," Jasmine explained, "if you and Destinatus had not been so busy 'greeting' one another."

Miscus smiled and sat down. "Your surprise was too great, Jasmine; I admit that. You might have expected I would 'react'."

"I did," Jasmine confessed. "But now, General -- this is Councilman Kamon from the province of Sparrow Hawk in the state of Marmot."

"I thought I recognized you!" Miscus exclaimed. "I knew your face but I couldn't place it! The first man to sit in the Marmot Council! It's a pleasure to meet you!"

"I am honored to meet you, General," Kamon responded.

Puzzled, Miscus' gaze went from Kamon to Jasmine and back again. "So why are you here? I did not request any assistance from the government of Marmot."

"I am not here as an official representative of the state of Marmot," Kamon explained. "I'm simply observing. Jasmine asked me to accompany her to Kefar and I accepted."

"How long have you been in my country?"

"Nearly two weeks."

"Where have you been?"

"Until today, we were in western Kefar," Kamon answered. He hoped that Miscus didn't pursue this line of questioning too far. He would have to avoid any references to Destinatus' camp.

"Interesting," the general remarked.

Miscus did not voice the thoughts she was pondering. Kamon was concerned how the first general might view his travels. However, she did not seem upset.

"We shall have to discuss your travels later, if there is time," Miscus continued. "I would be interested in your observations."

"I would like that." Kamon was greatly relieved. He was good at masking his feelings when he wanted to. He doubted that the general would notice.

"Well, General," Jasmine said, "why don't we begin then? We have come together to discuss a settlement between the Clemens and the Fraus."

"If it's possible," Destinatus added.

"Yes," Miscus joined in. "If it's possible."

Jasmine smiled. "Remarkable! We already have agreement on one point!"

A wry smile came to both Destinatus and General Miscus.

"I've talked to each of you individually," Jasmine continued, taking on a serious tone. "But obviously this is the first time I've had you both together, so I will repeat some things in order that both of you might know exactly what the other has heard -- my impressions, my thoughts after spending hours upon hours in discussions with each of you."

Miscus and Destinatus nodded.

"First," Jasmine said, "I believe that as the leaders of the Clemens and Fraus, respectively, you two are closer to a peace agreement than either of you think possible. I think that each of you has a main, overriding concern that would frankly cause you to get bogged down in details."

Jasmine looked at the man beside her. "For Destinatus, his mistrust of the Fraus government worries him most. He's not convinced it would honor an agreement."

"We keep all our commitments!" General Miscus interjected.

"I'm explaining it from Destinatus' point of view," Jasmine said. "I understand you may disagree, but this is the way he and the Clemens see it. They have not had an equal status in Kefar for centuries. It is natural that they would mistrust anyone who suddenly promises it to them."

"You speak of trust," Miscus said. "Why should anyone trust terrorists -- like the Clemens?"

"We're not terrorists!" Destinatus shot back. "We're freedom fighters!"

"Which brings us to General Miscus' main concern," Jasmine calmly proceeded. "She finds it difficult to believe that the Clemens would actually abide by any agreement you might come to, Destinatus."

"I am the leader of the Clemens people!" Destinatus exclaimed indignantly. "They follow me!"

"You have never been elected," Miscus pointed out. "You're their self-proclaimed leader today, but what about tomorrow?"

"If you allowed the Clemens to hold elections," Jasmine quickly responded before Destinatus could speak, "they would have leaders publicly chosen by the people."

Miscus smiled slightly. "You've made your point, Jasmine."

"The common element here," Jasmine said, "is trust, or rather, a lack of it. I think each of you needs to offer something, to create an atmosphere of good faith. My suggestion would be...from you, Destinatus -- the Clemens renounce the use of violence."

"What about the Fraus?!" Destinatus demanded. "Will they renounce the use of violence?! Will they end their oppression?!"

"My government would end hostilities," General Miscus spoke, "if the Clemens would renounce violence as a method of settling their grievances."

"Good!" Jasmine exclaimed. "And from you, General, the Clemens desire free elections. They wish to police themselves. There would be no more Fraus troops in western Kefar."

"That's more than one demand," Miscus protested. "It's three! Where's the balance? I thought this was a negotiation."

"It's not really three demands, General," Jasmine differed. "It's just a different arrangement between two peoples and so it requires a bit more of an explanation."

"We want independence!" Destinatus interjected. "We want to be a separate state, with all the rights and privileges of statehood -- the freedom to set foreign policy, to conduct international affairs!"

"The right to raise an army?" General Miscus asked suspiciously.

"Of course!" Destinatus answered. "It is one of the necessities of an independent state."

"Out of the question!" Miscus was angry. "We will not have an armed hostile neighbor on the island of Kefar!"

"Full independence is our demand!" Destinatus exclaimed.

"Never!" Miscus shot back.

"Enough!!" Jasmine shouted. The room went silent. She slowly moved her gaze from one leader to the other, like an angry teacher surveying her classroom. "You're adults. We don't need this......Destinatus. I think you and I need to talk alone for a short time." She looked at Miscus. "General, is there a room close by where Destinatus and I could have a few moments in private?"

Jasmine's outburst had quieted the general. "Yes, of course. There is a rest room right across the hall. It is not used much in this area of the Senate building -- as a bathroom anyway. As such, it has achieved the status of a 'conference' room. Lock the door; we have all become quite used to finding it in use for private conferences......if such a facility would be acceptable to you."

"It is perfect," Jasmine answered.

"I don't feel the need to leave," Destinatus grumbled. "I can state my positions here."

"We will talk!" Jasmine emphasized each word. She was not pleased with Destinatus.

"Very well," he conceded.

"General," Jasmine said, "if you don't mind, we will leave you and Kamon alone for a short time."

"That's fine," Miscus nodded. "I welcome the opportunity to talk with the councilman."

Destinatus and Jasmine left the room.

"Incredible, isn't it?" Miscus said to Kamon. "The fate of my country may be decided in a bathroom."

Kamon matched the general's smile.

"It seemed as if Destinatus said something which Jasmine did not expect," General Miscus continued. "Is that what you thought?"

"It looked that way to me, too," Kamon answered. "Jasmine seemed...annoyed."

The general nodded. "Yes. Destinatus surprised her. He is younger than I thought. I'm not sure if he is capable of this -- negotiating a peace. What do you think?"

"I really haven't known him long enough to judge that," Kamon said. He was being careful with his answers. He did not want to jeopardize Jasmine's efforts nor break his promise. "We only met yesterday."

Miscus nodded. "It is odd that you are here. I do not believe your country would approve of these negotiations, the Delphi in particular."

"As I said, I'm not here in any official capacity. I'm just visiting."

"Jasmine is doing more than 'just visiting'," the general pointed out.

"Yes," Kamon agreed with raised eyebrows.

"You seem content here," Miscus said. "Does that mean you do not disapprove of these talks?"

Kamon smiled. "I am a guest in your state, General. I would not think of interfering."

"You are more evasive than what I would have been led to believe by the few stories I've read about you," Miscus commented. "The words 'blunt' and 'rebellious' come to mind. You do not seem at all like that, but...then the press can have a way of molding an individual to fit their stories."

"Those words would...probably fit me at times, General," Kamon admitted.

"Then please feel free to be candid with me, Kamon. This is not an interrogation. I'm not seeking to undermine Jasmine's efforts."

General Miscus seemed genuinely sincere....and likable. Kamon could not help but notice the only medal on her chest -- a tiny blue and gold saber. It was a memorial pin, most often worn in honor of those who had recently died. Kamon knew that First General Venon Miscus had been awarded many medals during her illustrious career. Yet none were displayed on her chest, except for one -- the memorial saber.

"I notice you're wearing the memorial saber pin, General," Kamon said. "I don't mean to pry into your personal affairs, but did you lose someone close to you?"

"I did," General Miscus answered solemnly. "The women and men under my command."

"The memorial saber isn't usually worn for more than a week or two." Kamon doubted Miscus was mourning a recent loss, but he wanted to be sure. He suspected the pin said a great deal about the woman wearing it.

The general nodded. "That's right. But I always wear it. I've sent many women and men to their deaths. I should remember them -- always."

"I would think any solider would be honored to serve under you," Kamon commented sincerely. "And I am being candid," he finished with a smile.

Miscus smiled in return. "Thank you." Her smile faded. "Tell me, Kamon, where were you in western Kefar?"

"In a village named Purus," Kamon answered truthfully. He still intended to avoid references to Destinatus' camp.

"A village that was recently the target of a reprisal raid," Miscus commented thoughtfully. "What did you do there?"

"For the first day or two it was basically a search and rescue operation. After that, we were busy rebuilding."

"You saw death there then?" It was more of a statement than a question. General Miscus was solemn.

"Oh, yes," Kamon answered.

"How did you come to be there?"

"Jasmine drove there. I really don't have a better explanation than that."

"Jasmine has a way of showing up at the oddest of places," Miscus spoke, "does she not?"

Kamon nodded. "I would agree."

"How do you suppose that is?" the general asked.

"I've wondered myself."

Miscus smiled briefly. "What else did you observe while you worked among the Clemens in Purus?"

"I saw people attempting to rebuild their lives," Kamon answered. "There was much bitterness, yes." He relayed some of their comments. " 'The hated Fraus did this to us; they are devils; it will always be so with the Fraus.' But most of their time was devoted to the job of rebuilding and the formidable task of eking out an existence. It is not an easy land in which to take root, but they seem to manage. They can be a most hospitable people. But they do mistrust the Fraus."

"They are not all innocents in Purus," General Miscus contended. "Some are terrorists...and terrorists kill."

"I would not argue with that," Kamon agreed bluntly. "But if you're there, as I was, you tend to be concerned with only the needs of everyday life. It is what most Clemens in Purus focus on."

General Miscus did not respond immediately. She simply sat still, staring into space, thinking. Age wore well on the general. Her hair was coal black, not a touch of gray. She seemed remarkably fit. Kamon suspected she could still strap on a backpack and march off for miles on end without tiring. But her chiseled and studious face indicated that she had seen much of life....and learned many lessons.

"I have fought in many conflicts in as many lands," General Miscus spoke thoughtfully. "I never engaged in a single hostility which was not a part of an overall plan to defend the state interests of Kefar. In some cases, hindsight indicated that the troops of Kefar might have been better off staying at home. But our intentions were always noble. We are not a perfect people. There are none on this planet. When we fought, we fought hard; there can be no other way. The weak, no matter how good their intentions, are usually defeated. We gave quarter to our adversaries when they finally chose to surrender. We are a compassionate people...."

General Miscus paused, reflecting. Then she continued. "We have always fought with pride for our country......but when people fight back, as I have recently witnessed the Clemens, with nothing but rocks and sticks in their hands....with no apparent regard for their safety......." The statement tailed off. Miscus began anew. "There is honor in war --- in defending one's country, its people.......There is no honor in the slaughter of people armed only with rocks and sticks....no matter how much I might distrust them, in some cases, even hate them."

It was a touching admission by the general. Kamon recognized it for what it was. General Miscus was tired of killing. She was not beaten, not defeated, but very weary of this conflict. Honor was slipping away, and this wore heavily upon her. It was the reason she was willing to take the unprecedented step of meeting with a Clemens leader. If it were possible to find a way to end this conflict, she would pursue it. But if not.....Kamon had no doubt that General Miscus would fight on. She would defend the Fraus in Kefar.

"Kefar is fortunate to have you as its leader," Kamon said sincerely.

"Thank you."

"And perhaps Jasmine will find a satisfactory solution which will allow the Fraus and Clemens to live in peace," Kamon added.

"Well," Miscus said wryly, "I notice that Jasmine has indeed instilled a sense of optimism in you."

The door opened. Jasmine and Destinatus reentered and took their seats opposite General Miscus.

"I'm sorry for the delay, General," Jasmine said. "Destinatus and I needed to clarify some matters. I also apologize for raising my voice earlier. It is not how these negotiations should proceed. I am mindful of the dignity to be afforded two leaders."

"You may speak as you see fit," General Miscus offered, "in whatever tone of voice you deem necessary. I can assure you I will not be offended."

"I agree," Destinatus spoke up quickly.

"Okay," Jasmine said. "Now then, Destinatus, I believe you have something to present to General Miscus."

"Yes. I do." Destinatus pulled a piece of paper from his pocket and unfolded it. "I have told Jasmine what the Clemens would require and she suggested I list everything for you to read. She also suggested that I keep it short, if possible, so I have tried to do that. I'll summarize what I have here and then you can read it, if that would be acceptable, General."

"Go ahead," Miscus said.

"My people want peace," Destinatus began. "In order to achieve this, we need a homeland. What you now call western Kefar, we ask that it officially be recognized as the homeland of the Clemens. In the spirit of compromise, we would settle for something less than total independence. Western Kefar could be a province of the state of Kefar. Main Kefar, which the Fraus occupy, would be the other province. We would conduct local elections to choose our leaders. We would also have representation in the Kefar Senate which would be based on Western Kefar's percentage to the total population of the country."

Destinatus frequently glanced at the paper in his hands. He was a bit nervous, but he tried not to show it. Speaking across a conference table was something to which he was not accustomed. He kept going. "Finally, in order to protect our rights as a minority population within this state, all discriminatory laws will be superseded by a proclamation declaring all people of the state of Kefar to be equal. No one shall be discriminated against or denied their rights because of religion, race, sex, or age. Among these rights are the right to an education and peace. The specific listing of these particular rights should not preclude the preservation of other rights held by the people." Destinatus tried to seem at ease. He handed the paper to General Miscus. "That's it. I believe all the people of the state of Kefar would benefit from this."

General Miscus scrutinized the document. She took her time. She was a veteran of negotiations. She seemed not at all uncomfortable nor hurried. After a while, Miscus turned and took a pad of paper and pen from the wall counter. She tossed them on the table in front of Jasmine.

"Someone should take notes," the general said, "if you don't mind."

"Of course," Jasmine agreed.

"A separate province would present many problems," Miscus said to Destinatus.

"In the past," Jasmine interjected, "the Clemens have demanded complete independence. This is a compromise."

"M-hm," Miscus reacted noncommittally. He looked at the paper. "It says here that Western Kefar would 'police itself'. What does that mean?"

"We would protect ourselves," Destinatus answered.

"Against what?" Miscus asked.

"Anything," Destinatus replied. "It would be a defense force."

"That sounds like a military to me," Miscus concluded. "No military force. I'll never agree to that."

"And how are we to protect ourselves?!" Destinatus demanded.

"If we're going to live in peace," Miscus shot back, "we won't need protection from one another!"

"A police force," Jasmine intervened. "Western Kefar will need their own police force to handle civilian crimes. Is that not true, Destinatus?"

Destinatus hesitated, then a reluctant, "Yes."

"That would be clearly spelled out," Miscus said. There was no response from Destinatus. "Correct?" the general then asked.

"Yes!" Destinatus snapped. "I said yes!"

"There would also need to be a clear statement from the Clemens renouncing the use of violence," General Miscus said.

"Am I to be asked for one concession after another?!" Destinatus exclaimed. "The Fraus need to demonstrate their good faith in implementing an agreement before I am to give away everything!"

"The Clemens must clearly renounce the use of violence or there can be no agreement," Miscus stated firmly.

"Such a pledge is implicit in this document of yours, Destinatus." Jasmine was once again quick to jump in. "It should not be a problem to add a statement to that effect."

Destinatus scowled but not did not speak.

"Destinatus?" Jasmine spoke to him again. "Surely that would be acceptable."

"I suppose it would!" he snapped. "But what about specifics from the Fraus?! We want a withdrawal deadline! When would the Fraus troops be withdrawn from Western Kefar?!"

"Why would they all need to be withdrawn?" Miscus asked. "There is still the necessity of state defense. Some bases in western Kefar serve that purpose. They would need to remain."

"Never!" Destinatus nearly shouted. "You are offering to change nothing! The Clemens would still be living under the threat of the Kefar military!"

"The role of the Kefar military could be clearly defined," Jasmine suggested. "They could be barred from interfering in civilian matters. They could be subject to the laws of the Western Kefar court system." She looked at Miscus. "And General, surely many of the bases will be abandoned. As a practical matter you won't need them all."

General Miscus responded grudgingly. "Obviously, the bases on the Periment Ocean are the most critical to state defense. I'm not sure what you mean by the military being subject to 'the laws of the Western Kefar court system', however."

"It really wouldn't be any different from the military bases in main Kefar," Jasmine answered. "Crimes on base are handled by military tribunals. But off base, the civilian courts have jurisdiction." She turned to Destinatus. "What would you think of that, Destinatus?"

"It would be acceptable," Destinatus said tentatively.

"And you, General?" Jasmine asked.

"I don't know," Miscus said skeptically. "The Fraus and Clemens in any land have never co-existed under such an arrangement. It would be especially difficult for the military stationed in western Kefar."

"The essence of unity is the acceptance of diversity," Jasmine said. "In the interests of unity and peace, I believe Destinatus is making a reasonable offer."

Miscus paused, then nodded. "Alright. But I couldn't give you a specific timetable at this time on the withdrawal plans. The bases would have to be evaluated, which ones are necessary, that sort of thing."

"An agreement in principle would do for now," Jasmine said, "as long as the other conditions regarding the bases that would remain are spelled out. Would that be acceptable, Destinatus?"

"Yes," Destinatus agreed reluctantly.

"General?"

Miscus frowned, but said, "Yes."

"We're close then," Jasmine said cheerily. "Could we have someone retype Destinatus' document, adding changes based on the notes.....?"

The door opened, interrupting Jasmine. Moellering, now wearing a light jacket, stepped in. He closed the door but did not sit.

"Are you alright?" Miscus asked. "You've been gone a long time."

"Yes," Moellering answered. However, he seemed nervous -- or maybe ill.

"You don't look well," Miscus said. She was concerned. "Are you sure you're feeling okay? You don't have to be here. We're managing quite well."

"No! I-I'm fine!" Moellering still seemed ill at ease, however.

"Okay then." Miscus was reassured. "Sit down if you wish." The general returned his attention to Jasmine. "I believe you were in the middle of asking if we could have a revised document typed up. I know you're hoping it can be an agreement in principle, and frankly, it has a chance."

Only Kamon had kept his eyes on Moellering. For one, he was closer to the man, right across the table from him. And there was something odd about Moellering's demeanor. He seemed very much ill at ease.

When General Miscus finished his statement, Moellering acted. Kamon saw the gun come from inside the aide's jacket. Even as Moellering whipped the gun out and aimed, Kamon reacted. The big man shoved the heavy table with a vengeance. It slid furiously, upending and taking chairs with it. The table slammed into Moellering, knocking him into the wall. But the gun went off.

END OF CHAPTER