The Shosho sighed musically.
Morioka had sat with her hands folded, one leg over the other, leaning back in the chair with the prim and polite air of someone who is resigned to long speeches and broad, sweeping statements from superiors. By contrast, she had remained - was still remaining - remarkably silent, especially given her reputation for theatrics.
Now she spoke, and her tone was respectful - though, it was difficult for her to keep a sort of lilting sing-song out of her voice; it seemed to be as beautifully natural as her sunlight hair.
"Daikaitai-Taisho-denka," the Shosho began, referring to the Admiral's former royal titles instead of her current, more state-based responsibilities, "It seems to me that we have recently went to such great pains to, if not unify the other races, at least pacify them regarding our sovereign nation's military efficiency during time of peace. It is their opinion, without doubt, that we are war hungry and unscrupulous. Enough has been shown in the recent conference, which I had the - well, I suppose I should say the pleasure of attending. We have had the opportunity to annouce our military intentions to the other inhabitants of the star ocean, and for the most part, it seems that they are accepted as necessary to ensure our sovereignty in the area of the former United Outer Colonies, which are of course ours again.
"The Lorath are foolish, grasping, and without power comparable to ours. Their strength is a mere two thousand ships, give or take logistics, if the recent reports from the front are to be accepted as fact. I have myself seen several patrols of them, and though they affect to move in strength, I am relatively confident that my Task Force - which to remind the rest of the table consists of only five warships, three of which are capable of extended conflict and only one is capable of discharging Aether, which in my day used to be our shining sword - pardon. I say again, my force could deal them a heavy blow, if utilized correctly.
"However, ultimately, two thousand ships in the area tells. I would eventually be overwhelmed by their firepower, and essentially, to declare open war while we are still deployed would be dooming us all to death. Especially if we establish, as we have planned to do, a colony in the area. Even so, if we wish to make the area a warzone, it is likely that, with our Aether, which they distinctly lack, a single fleet - perhaps the Fourth fleet, which is stationed nearby in the Bard cluster - a single fleet would be enough to repel any incursion against our borders. Even should they come in force.
"So it seems to me, ultimately, that as they are harmless and can pose no real threat to our Galactic Empire, that to pursue a conflict with the Lorath would ruin our intergalactic reputation further. If we were to go to war directly, it would be unquestable that popular opinion would turn on us, should we be the aggressors.
"Therefore, I would not recommend strengthening our border until conflict is unavoidable. I will however abide by whatever decision you make, Taisho-denka, and if it is your wish that we be your spearhead, I would not decline the honor."
