Mission Success and Negotiations
Orin Zento scowled as he finished going over the various records, agreements, and treaties. While he could attempt to dismiss portions of it, that would be politically inconvenient as he would have to put his reputation on the line.
And if he did succeed, this Draal character obviously had the power to back up his claim. Any attempt would fail and he would be blamed for getting Earth Force into an impossible-to-win situation.
The other choice would be orbital bombardment – and there was no way that could be justified. Also, it would be counterproductive as either the machines were vulnerable and they would be destroying what they wanted to obtain or the machines were not and their efforts would fail.
Finally he made his report to Earth Gov. He opened his communication panel. "Get me a Gold Channel connection to the Earth Alliance President's office."
The computer chimed back with, "Authorization." He rattled off his authorization and entered the physical portions. "Connecting."
Soon, he was put through. The President's Chief of Staff answered. "Report."
"I have been presented with the proofs of ownership – and they are legally sufficient. This Draal character has also ensured there were sufficient copies and witnesses with the other races as well as copies of the evidence. And while the League races could be ignored for the most part, the Centauri, Minbari, and Vorlons cannot."
The Chief of Staff looked at him for a moment and said, "Damn." The man then looked back at Zento. "Is Draal sharing any technical information with anyone else?"
"No. His statement claims that any single race getting access could upset the balance between all races in the area. There was an attempt by the Minbari warrior caste, once they had heard that he was the new Carataker and de facto owner of the installation, to appeal to his Minbari identity. Apparently, Draal's response was not pretty. If nothing else, it's good that it was a religious caste Minbari who took over."
The Chief of Staff sighed. "Well, at least there is that. So, when will you be leaving to return?"
"It will be delayed. Admiral Sinclair has requested that I meet with the leader of the race that achieved the right to put an installation on the planet. Apprently this Ragnok wants to negotiate regarding another topic that does not directly relate to the Great Machine."
"Ragnok leads the Goblins, right?"
Zento nodded.
"I've heard about them. They were hired by Sinclair to help with security. Apparently they have methods that can't be duplicated to find contraband that even our tech can't detect. According to the reports we've seen, several criminals, spies, and smugglers who returned to Babylon 5 were prevented by their people."
Zento considered that. "That can be a double-edged sword. While no enemy agents are getting through it also makes it unlikely that we can place our own agents without Sinclair knowing."
The Chief of Staff tsked toward Zento. "We'll have to keep that idea out of any reports. I gave your name to Luchenko because you know what needs to be done. Clarke's outing has damaged our position. We cannot afford to look less than completely open – while hiding operations from scrutiny. So, keep such comments to a minimum. I'll authorize it and convince Luchenko to make it official. Find out what the Goblins want. We'll see if we can use it to advance our agenda."
"Understood. Zento out."
Draal looked over at Ragnok, who was considering what he had just seen. Ragnok said, "There is not enough to see whether it is rough politics or treason they are considering. My loyalty is to my world – and those I have made agreements with. Sinclair. You. Potter. The Pope from my own world." He looked at Draal. "The future of my people is at stake. I will not endanger them to play shadow games unless the reward for them is worth it. What would you have me do?"
Draal nodded. "I understand. I am not asking you to endanger your people. I just wanted to request that you broadcast any agreement in full and do not hide portions. I ask that you make it a condition of your agreement. It will not adversely affect your bargaining position sufficiently to cause concern – and it may assist in saving billions of sentient lives. If you agree to buy the planet for 50 tons of gold, ensure that everyone knows that it's 50 tons. If you promise Quantium 40 in the future, tell any witnesses. I don't want to see traitors receiving hidden resources. That is all."
"While I agree in principle, client confidence is of utmost importance. We cannot violate confidentially."
Draal considered that. "Then it is about ensuring that you are negotiating with the correct client. If Zento is negotiating for the Earth Alliance, then it should be made clear at the beginning that such is the actual entity you are negotiating with and not the office of the President or the Office of the President's Chief of Staff."
Ragnok nodded. "It will be like dealing with the old Ministry of Magic. We often had different officials attempting to line their own pockets. And while we ignored some of it, we were very clear when it was our survival at stake."
"Exactly! This is not a bank customer. This is an agreement between nations."
Ragnok considered that and then nodded. "We will ensure that there area sufficient members of Earth Alliance that are aware of the details – even a confidential agreement has to have evidence recorded somewhere. We will be cautious."
Draal nodded. "Good. Thank you. That will make my job easier."
Marek, who had been sitting back and observing the interaction, spoke out. "Now it's a matter of what to negotiate with."
Ragnok shrugged. "Gold and silver has been our race's barter of choice since our beginning."
"That is true. But such things, while still having value, are not as important to the other side as other things." He sighed. "If you had more time, you could mine Quantium but you don't have that amount of time." He considered for a long moment. "But you are right. Gold and silver still do have value – and they use them in their electronics and other things. How much is in my vault in Universe 1A?"
Ragnok considered that. "From my understanding, your vault contains the combined wealth of a large number of families that were killed off in your original world. You have several hundred million Galleons, Sickels, and Knuts."
"And how much Gold is in a Galleon?"
Ragnok asked sharply. "What are you suggesting?"
"Well, while I technically own all of that Gold, I have been mostly operating off of investment income and interest. Your counterpart has had my agreement to use my vault as security for its financial operations. But, as a matter of policy, there is quite a lot that is unencumbered. You both know what who and what I am. I never really understood why I was driven to take my entire vault. I don't need that much – and I can create much of what I need. What If I permitted your people to melt down those Galleons and Sickles into bars of gold and silver – and loaned them to you? A metric ton of gold is …."
"32150.7 Troy Oz of gold."
"… a little over 32,000 galleons. Well, if I have 32 million gallons – that's 1000 metric tonnes. And I have much more than that."
"At 1400 Earth Credits per Troy ounce, it is approximately 45 million credits per ton. That is 45 billion earth credits for a thousand tonnes. Silver has a greater value due to electronics in this place. A thousand tonnes of silver is another 5 billion. Is 50 billion credits sufficient to buy a planet?"
Draal looked at Ragnok. "Well, how about if you …."
Susan Ivanova watched as the Omega-class Agamemnon flew through the jump gate, followed by the small ship it was leading and then the Ha'tak.
"Agamemnon to Babylon Control."
"This is Babylon Control."
"Please inform Sunray that the mission was successful. Our package will dock. Ensure Starlight is on hand to remove his insurance. Acorn will need to open the package."
There was a pause. Sinclair's voice actually came on the line. "This is Sunray to Sunray Minor. Come on over for debrief."
"Understood. Over and out."
Susan Ivanova was a bit confused. "Admiral? What was that all about?"
Sinclair smiled a little. "That is old Earth style – specifically old British – call sign usage. Sheridan and I actually go way back – and it wasn't always pleasant. He was an upperclassman when I was a plebe and I accidentally spilled a tray of food on him." Ivanova looked at him in shocked amusement. "Yes. I paid for that my whole first year. But we patched things up since. Sheridan knows that my family members have been fighter pilots since the Battle of Britain. Back then some call signs were standard. Sunray is the base or unit commander. You would be Seagull though you are second on Babylon 5: Seagull technically is the adjutant. But in the larger sense Sheridan is Sunray Minor – second in command of local Earth forces. Intelligence (Acorn) will need to interrogate: The package needs to be opened. However, there is something which the prisoner could use to suicide (insurance) and they need a medical officer (Starlight) to remove it."
Ivanova asked, "Why have I never heard of this?"
Sinclair grinned. "Because you're Russian?"
Susan just gave her superior a filthy look.
Alfred Bester had finally succumbed to temptation and attempted to actually scan those around him. He was shocked to find that he was completely unable to do so.
During his time on this alien ship, he had observed as much as he could. And while the Jaffa seemed somewhat like primitive barbarians to his mind they were very efficient in their duties. The Tau'ri special forces team of O'Neill and his group were standard military minds as far as he could tell. The Slayers seemed like a squad of brute force fighters, even if they were all women. This Harry Potter, however, seemed a combination of warrior and statesman – despite his attempts at seeming normal. And the "Aurors" with him seemed a combination of policemen, military, and intelligence officers, much like the Psi-Corp members tried to be.
Still, they did not seem to disdain him whatsoever his ability to read minds. Even though he found he could not, they didn't seem to have the smugness of besting him. They actually seemed to treat him as just another person with his own set of skills.
It was actually a novel experience to find people who were not intimidated by his uniform. He didn't know if he liked it or hated it.
However, after the mission commander – Potter and not Sheridan – had been called away, he came back and said, "Mr. Bester. Although I could use my skills to help with the interrogation of the prisoner, Admiral Sinclair has asked for your assistance. Though you are not a military telepath such is commonly asked for, Sinclair assured me that as a P12 you would have the necessary training. Are you willing to assist?"
Bester considered that. "Since I will be here until we can find out exactly who the telepaths are that were being taken to the Shadows, I have time. And this alien likely knows where and why my people, the telepaths, have been threatened. So, yes, I will assist."
"Good. Now, I will warn you now: Though I am not what your people would call a telepath, I do have the ability to read memories and emotions." He had noticed Bester's increasing discomfort both before this conversation and during and so didn't feel it was necessary to hide what he was about to say. "You might have noticed already that we are immune to your scans – that is a combination of innate ability and technique. However, the laws among my people strictly limit when I can use my abilities and under which circumstances. Even I, as Supreme Mugwump and leader of my people, cannot violate our laws without penalty. This is your war, Earth Alliance's that is, and I am only an ally. But I will be monitoring to ensure nothing is hidden. Do you understand?"
Bester nodded. "Understood."
Potter nodded and went off to speak to the rest of his people.
The prisoner had been moved to Babylon 5. The decision was made to keep him under sedation or stupification until the telepaths that were retrieved were examined and as much information as possible was obtained to use during the interrogation.
Doctor Sheridan and the magical healers that had come were going to work together to see what they could find and what they could do in combination.
Orin Zento reported to Sinclair. "The proofs have been inspected and deemed to be sufficient. I have now been authorized to meet with this Ragnok. When and where are we to meet?" Zento was trying to stay strictly professional.
Sinclair nodded and called out, "Communications. This is Sinclair. Get me Ragnok."
"Stand by." After a long moment there was a chime. "This is War Leader Ragnok."
"Ragnok! This is Sinclair. The Earth Representative is now prepared to meet. Where and when would you like to meet him?"
"Excellent. I have made arrangements and gotten permission from Draal. An Earth Force transport can bring him down – unarmed transport – or I can ask Lord Potter to arrange for a Tau'ri transport."
Sinclair looked at Zento, who looked a little torn. "Earth Force"
Sinclair nodded. "I will have Ivanova arrang a shuttle and escorts for him. Though we are allies, he is an Earth Alliance official and our responsibility. And your installation isn't Earth Alliance. His guards will have to be armed, though no weapons will be brought into the room where the negotiations will occur."
Ragnok paused and then said, "That is acceptable. I have asked Draal to witness as a third party. Does Mr. Zento wish to have a third party observer?"
Sinclair said, "Hold. Mute."
He turned to Zento. "Do you want a third party?"
Zento was about to dismiss it out of hand and then caught himself. "Who would you suggest?"
Sinclair paused for a long moment. He then smirked. "How about a Narn. Currently we have the former Narn Ambassador who has asked for Sanctuary aboard Babylon 5. He doesn't represent the Narn government – the Centauri pulled a Vichy on them – but he is well respected by most League Ambassadors. He has enough personal clout to do it – and he wasn't here when the Tau'ri arrived. He also can keep his mouth shut. And he isn't one of our allies or enemies as regard the Shadow War."
Zento considered the suggestion for a long moment. "As long as he agrees to only discuss the results and not the negotiations I will accept him."
Sinclair nodded and turned back to the panel. "Sound. Thank you, Ragnok for waiting. Mr. Zento has named Citizen G'Kar as an uninterested third party observer. Will that be acceptable?"
Ragnok's voice sounded out of the panel. "Actually – that is an inspired choice. He doesn't represent a people that we currently could do business with. That might change later, but that is for later. He is acceptable."
"It will take a couple of hours to make arrangements. How does 15:00 sound?"
"That is acceptable. I will make arrangements to feed those who visit – Mr. Zento can bring food tasters if he wishes."
"Understood. Sinclair out."
He pushed a few buttons. "Sinclair to G'Kar."
It took a long moment and then the panel actually showed a visual. "Admiral. What can I do for you?"
"Mr. Zento here is going to negotiate with Ragnok regarding a matter of State. We would request your presence as a third party. A fee of 50,000 Earth Credits will be paid to your account for the service from Earth Alliance. Your name is acceptable to both sides. Will you do the job?"
G'Kar considered that. "Every little bit helps. When and how long?"
"The when is in two hours on the planet below. How long will depend on the length of the negotiations but Ragnok is an abrupt sort – he's not the type to drag things out. So it like will not take a huge portion of your time. Ragnok is also providing food."
G'Kar nodded. "I will be ready for transport at 14:00. Which bay?"
"Wait at customs. You will be led. We are taking a Babylon 5 shuttle."
"Very well. I will be there."
The transport was filled and being launched by 14:30. "This is Shuttle 647. Beginning approach toward Epsilon 3."
"Confirmed, Shuttle 647. We'll be watching."
The shuttle quickly entered the thin atmosphere and flew toward the charms which masked the entrance to the shaft which led to the Great Machine.
By 14:50, the shuttle was landing. The pilot turned. "Okay. Breathers on everyone. The area we are entering doesn't have Earth Normal atmo."
Everyone in the party put on their breathers. They were met by two wizards who had what looked like bowl shaped pockets of air around their head. "This way."
Zento looked over at the Babylon 5 guards with him. "He said 'this way'."
Zento nodded and followed along. They had guards in front and behind. G'Kar was walking to his side. Also with them was Abbut the Vicker.
Zento, G'Kar and the guards were all temporarily speechless as the vast machinery around them when they reached the catwalk which led to the meeting place.
They were led to a small door and were surprised to find a cart inside on a track of all things. The Goblin inside (who also seemed to have a bubble of air) said, "The access to our location is not fully built. We have laid temporary tracks to where Gringotts is located. At a future date, visitors will be directed there. For the moment, this is the most efficient system."
They cautiously got into the large cart. "Keep your hands within the cart." The goblin got in and pushed an old lever. The cart started moving – though they didn't see any engine.
It was a harrowing speed. Zento called out, "Can we go a little slower?"
The Goblin smirked but didn't turn his head. "One speed only."
Very shortly, the arrived at another location. They saw a large group of goblins working on building a landing platform for shuttles. There was another access tunnel that was also being excavated to be larger.
They were allowed to exit the cart and then led to a door. Once inside the door, one wizard pushed a button and the whole group felt the change. The two wizards then pointed sticks at themselves and the bubbles disappeared. "Okay. We're in regular air here – or close enough. You can leave your breathers there," he pointed to a cabinet with glass doors and places for their equipment, "or bring them with you, your choice. Your safety is guaranteed."
Zento watched as the Babylon 5 security members (already knowing the Goblins) all put theirs in the cabinet. Zento and G'Kar followed. The wizards then led them to another door where two Goblins stood with large pikes and uniforms.
"The Earth Alliance Negotiator, Orin Zento."
One guard nodded and said, "Welcome to Gringotts. Your escorts are inside."
One wizard said, "We will wait here. As I said, your safety is guaranteed. If you are not threatened but pull a weapon the Goblins will kill you – that is their culture. In exchange for guaranteeing peace within their domain, they will kill anyone threatening them or their customers inside. Your group, due to the diplomatic nature of it, are being allowed to bring weapons in. This is a great concession and we need you to understand that. Very few people – extremely few – are allowed to bring weapons into any Gringotts location. Even we are not allowed to carry our wands and must sheathe them."
Zento, while he was an asshole, was a very experienced diplomatic negotiator. While he felt superior to non-humans he was also very well trained in acting with discretion as needed. And so he did not protest. And so he turned to the guards and said, "We accept. I am unarmed. My guards will not draw weapons inside unless I am threatened."
The goblins nodded. "Very good. We accept your word." He looked at G'Kar.
G'Kar, while being a former Ambassador of a defeated people and a former prisoner of his people's enemy, was still very proud. "I have a knife. Far too many people want me dead to go unarmed. And while I have no firearms on me, if you want my knife you will have to pry it out of my cold, dead hands."
The two guards took a long, hard look at the Narn who stared at them with full resolve – and promptly broke into loud laughter. The one who looked like he had a fancier uniform said with some mirth, "Very good! Keep your knife. But keep the peace of Gringotts."
G'Kar gave a brief bowing salute with a small smile.
The guard opened the door and called in, "Representative Zento, his guards, as well as his guest, Warrior G'Kar, have arrived. They have also brought a Vicker." The guard turned and motioned them in, stepping to one side.
Zento gave a nod and proceeded his escorts. As soon as they were inside, the B5 security guards moved to the side and let Zento lead. The four guards followed the two.
They found themselves in a large cavern and there were several goblins working as well. The goblin who was leading them led them to a large wall with a single door. They paused to read the inscriptions. In English as well as other languages, the words were iconic.
Enter, stranger, but take heed
Of what awaits the sin of greed
For those who take, but do not earn,
Must pay most dearly in their turn.
So if you seek beneath our floors
A treasure that was never yours,
Thief, you have been warned, beware
Of finding more than treasure there.
Zento, in that moment, understood a great deal more than what had already been said. This was not a people who would accept shady dealings.
G'Kar had also read the inscription and noted that the Earth language version and the Narn version were identical in meaning. He nodded in appreciation.
The went in through the door and observed construction crews who were building what looked to be a bank lobby – as odd as that seemed to be. They were led to a door and found inside an actual finished area. There was a large conference room where an importantly dressed Goblin stood waiting with two more richly dressed Goblins as well. Draal (or a holo verion of him anyway) stood waiting also.
Arrayed around the room were guards at various places that reminded Zento of the Tower Guard in London – watching but not reacting without need.
"Welcome, Mr. Orin Zento of the Earth Alliance. Welcome Warrior G'Kar of the Narn. I am Ragnok and I am War Leader of the Goblins. Thank you for coming. Please be seated."
"Thank you." Zento took a seat, as did G'Kar. Two of the four guards also sat – they would change out every little while so that there were always two guards watching the backs of Zento and G'Kar.
Ragnok actually looked to the Goblin that had led them and the Goblin who led them pointed out where the refresher was (lavatory and cleaning area) as well as other things that they might need. He then withdrew.
Zento looked at Ragnok and said, "You requested a meeting. What did you wish to meet about?"
"The Council, the leaders of our most important clans, has recommended that we negotiate for permission to claim Epsilon 4 for future residence. We would make it our homeworld."
Zento was surprised. Very surprised. "According to what I know, the planet is currently completely uninhabitable due to a comet impact."
Ragnok nodded. "Yes. This system is a fairly young system – cosmologically speaking. It is only two billion years old. The Sol system, for example, is over 4 and a half billion years old. The planets in this system were not truly developed enough to actually support life, despite the Drazi's attempt as well as the Earth observation post that the planet had been used for. We wish to buy it and to do something very similar to what your people have done with Mars – gradually make it habitable. Which means mining and other activities will have to be strictly controlled. But we believe that we have the drive and wherewithal to succeed."
Zento was curious. "How long do you anticipate it will take to complete this process?"
"Centuries."
"What happened to your own home planet?"
Ragnok smiled to himself "We are, for all intents and purposes, too far away from our home planet to make it viable for us to become involved in interstellar relations as a viable option without obtaining a planet in this general area. And while we could negotiate for a more hospitable planet, the Epsilon System is deep in neutral space. It has central to far too many other races to ignore. We are not the Tau'ri – we are more of an allied race. Our nature is that of bankers, artists, miners, and engineers, as well as warriors as necessary. We survive better if we work alongside other races rather than in opposition. And while we have a cordial relationship with the Tau'ri, it has not always been true. Very much like your Centauri and the Xon, both of our people evolved on one world. Unlike the Centauri and the Xon, one did not kill off the other off – though there were those among each group that wished to. The better angels of our nature, however, prevailed. However, the Tau'ri have no real desire to establish themselves in this area of space. They are too," he paused, "Human-like if you will. They recognize that there would be confusion, consternation, and general unpleasantness. They are the primary life form on our planet – much like the humans are the primary life form on your Earth. They are called the Tau'ri because in the language that word comes from, Tau'ri means 'people of the First World'. Their descendents occupy hundreds of worlds in the region of space in which we live. There are very few other races. They have as much room to expand as they like for hundreds or even thousands of years. We and they actually came here only because someone whom we owed a debt to asked it of us to help save Babylon 5. We have no vested interest in Babylon 5 or any worlds or systems in this area of space. The Tau'ri have no need or desire to operate within this area of space. And while we could expand with them where we live, we are also fiercely independent by nature. A conundrum for a species which operates best when interacting with others. We are also adventurous. And so we would establish a world in this area of space, whilst not giving up our place in their society. We are recognized as an independent people and we have our own lands, laws, and society. And while we might employ some of the Tau'ri within our organizations, their place is not here. We would make a place here. And so we would like to buy Epsilon 4."
Zento sat back and considered what he had just been told for a very long moment. This actually answered many questions and concerns that Earth had regarding the Tau'ri. There had even been speculation that these Tau'ri were actually humans from Earth that were a lost colony. The only thing which kyboshed that idea was that these Tau'ri had technology and abilities that were far too different from their own.
"If I may be told, what is the debt which prompted you to come to the aid of our people?"
Ragnok sat back for a moment and considered that. He looked over to Draal. Draal said, "I will go ask." He disappeared.
"While we wait for an answer, would you like refreshment?"
"Certainly," Zento said. "What type of refreshment if I can ask?"
Ragnok smiled and said, "We have water, some juices from our home planet, and some alcohols we distill. They are all quite safe for humans and Narns – we checked."
"I will take juice. The guards can have juice or water." He looked at G'Kar.
G'Kar paused for a moment. "I will have an alcoholic drink – but just one as I need to keep my senses to act as observer."
Abbut piped up, "Would have you a Jovian Sunspot? It would hit the spot just about now."
Ragnok nodded. He said something guttural to one of the guards who moved to go out a door. The guard soon returned and then a Goblin came in with a tray. There was a carafe of an orange liquid, a carafe of what looked like water, and a bottle with amber liquid. It also had a strange concoction which was the Jovian Sunspot for the strange Cyber-Organic Abbut.
The Goblins each took a small glass of alcohol though they also left the large carafe of water on the table. Zento accepted the glass of the orange liquid, as did one of the guards. The other guards accepted water.
G'Kar took a glass of the amber liquid. Everyone raised their glasses and drank.
Zento looked at his drink in astonishment. "What is this? It is quite good. Though it doesn't taste very alien to me."
Ragnok chuckled and said, "It comes from a gourd that is very much like the pumpkins you human grow."
Zento took another sip. "Pumpkin juice. Odd, but not unpleasant."
G'Kar was astonished to feel flames coming out of his mouth for a moment. "What is this?"
Ragnok smirked, an unpleasant look. "We call this 'Firewhisky' – for obvious reasons."
G'Kar laughed briefly. "An apt description."
After a long moment Draal appeared. "The Supreme Mugwump, Harry Potter, said that you are the leader of your people. You can divulge as much as you wish – as long as you keep the agreements already made."
Ragnok nodded. He turned to Zento and said. "The debt was to a man who assisted us in migrating from a planet where we were at risk from being killed by those who did not have the abilities that those we call wizards have and from those who wished to kill all who were not normal. While many Tau'ri do not have the abilities that we have, most who are aware of us are understanding that there is no inherent reason for the differences other than genetics. However, there were those that objected to our existence out of jealousy, fear, or hatred. Think of the Witch Trials from your own deep history. Much like your telepaths, they were seen as different with too many strange powers by the ignorant. The flames of prejudices were fanned by a small group of the wizards and witches whose resentment of the history and whose sense of superiority boiled over into violence and attempts to control those who did not have the abilities. Genocide was attempted against those who had these abilties. And though millions were killed, hundreds of thousands were saved and hidden by those who believe in a merciful God of love, much like the God of your Bible. And then the one whom we are repaying arrived and arranged for our escape to the First World. And though there is a Statute of Secrecy to hide us away and the average person does not know we exist, the governments of the different nation states on the First World work with us so that we can protect each other. We do not involve ourselves with the politics of the nation states and they do not try to control us. And when there is a birth amongst the normals of one of those that are called wizards or witches they are contacted when they turn eleven and allowed to come and learn how to use and deal with their abilities. They are allowed to live amongst others like them or those who are the normals. As long as they follow the laws of the lands and the laws of secrecy, and they do not violate the rights of others, they are free to live and work as they like. As long as they do not abuse those without the abilities, the leaders of the wizards and witches do not interfere. We also provide secure banking services and management services for the governments of the nation states. A few years after we were lead to salvation, the one who asked us to come arrived to explain what was happening with the Shadows. And so we came to repay our debt. There is no other reason for our arrival here."
Zento said, "And yet you want to colonize."
"As I said, we are adventurous. And we would make our own homeworld."
"And how long before your population would need to expand to other worlds?"
Ragnok considered that for a long moment. "Honestly? It is unknown. Perhaps after two thousand years. Our population here would start in the thousands – maybe 20,000. And we have three to four young per couple. It is a rare occurrence for there to me more. And we live longer than humans. Like those with abilities among the Tau'ri, we live anywhere from 80 to 200 Earth years. How long did it take for Earth to move from 20,000 to enough to require expansion?"
Zento considered that. "A few thousand years. But we often had wars which killed off significant portions of our population. From the time where such things started becoming anathema, perhaps a thousand years."
Ragnok nodded. "Then that should give you an idea. We are warlike and we fight clan against clan at times. But with enough room, we will likely have a minimum of such conflicts. So we can anticipate that it will be a thousand years before we have to start expanding. Perhaps even longer. It is unlikely that it will be less. Though like any other race we will eventually create outposts so that we can efficiently do business with other races."
Zento asked, "So what can you offer to buy the planet?"
Ragnok replied, "Gold and silver."
Zento coughed. "Gold and silver? How much Gold and Silver can you offer? A ton of gold, while valuable, still is only valued in the millions. A planet could cost much more."
"What are you willing to take for the ownership of Epsilon 4? Remember that included will be agreements to use water as needed – it is the most significant source of water in this sector of space. We will also want to be able to use as needed though not control the jump gate. Like Earth, we have no desire to have the jump gate closer. We may, like Earth, create Lagrange-point stations. These will, like the Lagrange stations of the Sol system, be used to detect any more comets or asteroids which would interfere with Epsilon 4. Like any other race, we may collect hydrogen from the gas giants further out. In effect, save for the jump gate which is controlled by Earth and Epsilon 3, which is owned by Draal, we are effectively negotiating for the system as needed, though only Epsilon 4 and its moons will be directly under our ownership."
"How much Gold and Silver can you actually offer?"
Ragnok grinned again. "How much is being asked for?"
"How much of what you have told me can I relay to my government officially?"
"You can send them the entire recordings that Mr. Abbut has taken. This is an open negotiation."
Zento nodded. Abbut said, "That's great. And while he's sending, can I get another one of those Jovian Sunspots?"
The Babylon 5 guards snickered. Abbut was kind of famous in certain circles for his love of that drink.