Pretaria and Keome
JJE 01/12 Two planets and two cultures in a trade dispute. Magistrates to mediate.
“It’s a trade dispute that could escalate into a war between neighboring systems. That is a big deal. We would usually send a more experienced Magistrate, but that’s not what this one needs. Pretarians and the Keome are aliens who have a common ancestor, but they’ve both developed on their own worlds. Both are hotter climates than humans are used to. Part of your last upgrade in the Pod-doc will help you deal with that. Pretaria is an arid planet, desert-like, while Keome is rocky. You’d think they’d get along famously, but they don’t. This accord is their first attempt, and it has gone off the rails in a big way. “Magistrates to the rescue as part of the Federation arbitration commitment. We do it, not the usual toadies and lawyers, in case there is any subterfuge. As Federation signatories they are both obligated to comply, and should we find one of the governments conducting illegal activities to controvert the agreement, we can mete out immediate punishment. We are in a unique position to stop governments from playing that game. They all try it, but we make sure they don’t get away with it. Punish the individual and let the government save face before they return to the negotiating table. On a personal note, I’m curious how your gift will work with aliens other than Yollins. These folks are both very tall and very alien.
They are in an identical orbit, but separated one-hundred and eighty degrees. They are both hot and dry, being equidistant from the same sun. The people are descended from a common ancestor, but those on each planet have evolved some unique traits. They are all seven to nine feet tall. The Pretarians have leathery orange skin with kidney-shaped yellow eyes. The Keome are tall with chameleon-like skin, but they developed multiple long arms and have eyes on both sides of their heads.” “They have a penchant for wearing a lot of clacking beads.” Each group is allowed to bring five people into the arbitration. Our translation chips have their languages uploaded, so our interaction with them should be seamless.” Keome and Pretarian foods are toxic to humans. Your nanos will help if you ingest it, but it’ll put you into a world of hurt. I insist you don’t eat or drink anything they offer.” Pretarians shuffle their feet to show dismay. Rivka found that the Pretarians had not allowed the Keomes to greet them, but had made them wait inside a cold (to them) building. He was nearly as tall as Maseer, but the four arms made him appear more imposing. As he turned, the eyes on the back of his head came into focus. Rivka found the four eyes far more disconcerting than the extra limbs. For reasons only evolution knew, the Keome had developed differently from the ancestor they shared in common with the Pretarians.
