Universal Language by Robert T. Jeschonek

Mazeesh message. " This isn't enoug h. There must be an admission of guilt. There must be penitence for the suffering they've caused. "
    "Once you've taught them to read and write," said Jalila, "work with them to develop historical records. Ensure that the true story of your people's first coming is available to everyone and never forgotten. When all Vox know the truth, there will be plenty of penitence."
    " What is to prevent what happened before from happening again? " said the Mazeesh.
    "Awareness of the truth," said al-Aziz. "Regret. And you setting an example by extending mercy to those who've hurt you instead of continuing the cycle of violence."
    The Mazeesh hovered in place without answering, its unreadable stare providing Jalila no clue to its intent. At last, the creature flashed another message on its wings. " I must consult with my brothers ," it said, and then it turned from al-Aziz to face the rest of the Mazeesh.
    As the Mazeesh conferred, Ieria stormed over and snapped at al-Aziz. " They can c onsult all they want . We'll never give in to these monsters. "
    "Is that in the best interests of your people?" said al-Aziz. "Do you think they'd agree that extinction is preferable to cooperation ?"
    " I speak for all of them ," said Ieria.
    "Do you?" al-Aziz stepped around her, bringing himself face to face with the assembled Vox ministers. "What about you ? You also speak for your people. Do you agree that they would vote for destruction?"
    The ministers stood silently, meeting his gaze.
    "If the Mazeesh accept our proposal," said al-Aziz, "you won't be asked to sacrifice much. If anything, you'll come out ahead. You'll have a written language, access to deep space, access to advanced technology...and if things work out, in the long run, you may end up with some pretty powerful allies.
    "What do you think your people would want? All that...or the end of the world?"
    Ieria threw herself between al-Aziz and the ministers. " Promises, promises! " she said. " Why would they promise rewards to a species they believe slaughtered their ancestors? To get us to surrender quietly! Care to guess how many promises they'll keep after we put down our weapons and get on our knees? "
    "Do you really think they care if you surrender?" said al-Aziz. "With the fleet they've got in orbit, they can wipe your planet clean without working up a sweat."
    " They'll never let us live ," said Ieria. " They'll need to cover up the truth of what they did to our people...and if by some miracle they really do believe that ridiculous story of theirs, they'll be too afraid of what we might do to them. "
    "They believe it, all right," said al-Aziz, "but they might be willing to give you a second chance. Why not take it, if your only other option is total annihilation?"
    " Because we are the injured party here! " Ieria shoved her snout in his face. " We are the ones who should receive apologies and reparations! "
    al-Aziz pushed her away with the palm of his hand. "So holding on to a lie is more important than saving your people?"
    " It's too late for my people. "
    "You have the power to save them," said al-Aziz. "If you don't use that power, you'll be responsible for their destruction."
    " It won't be on my head! " said Ieria. " The same monsters who nearly drove us to extinction three hundred years ago will be to blame ! "
    "You're sure that's what the people would want?" said al-Aziz.
    " It doesn't matter! I speak for everyone, living and dead! "
    Just then, Ieria was interrupted by a clawed finger tapping on her shoulder. She whirled to face a blonde-furred minister with brown markings.
    " Spoke ," said the minister.
    " Excuse me? " said Ieria.
    " You spoke for everyone ," said the blonde minister. " Past tense. "
    " What are you talking about? " said Ieria.
    " You're not fit to lead ," said the minister. " We just had a bloodless coup. "
    Ieria snarled and bared her fangs. " You can't do this ," she hissed. " Traitors! "
    " Somebody get a gag on