Breaking Point

"Even at this late time, there may exist a solution with these D'Kail." 
"Why seek peace when they slapped aside our offer of trade and friendship and threatened to devour us?!"
"And there are larger considerations. The planet is extremely rare and the branches of Solva are made heavy by the weight of our multitudes."
"Many believe that this planet portends a new dawn. Have we not all seen the revival of faith?"
"It is true, every sunrise the Life Trees swell to overflowing where only cycles ago they echoed with the sound of silence."
"We cannot pander to the religious fringe!"
"The people are not ready for these explorations and new technology. Even my father cannot understand the science of the warp points."
"It is the nature of technological development to increase at an increasing rate. It is truth." 
"Never at this pace. But we digress. Settlement with these D'Kali hunters is of urgency. Our recent offer was more than fair, but perhaps there is another way?"
"They destroyed our ship of greeting in our home system! They flew armed ships throughout our space. How can any fool talk of settlement?!" 

"Further negotiations are futile!" growled the tall, jet black Solvani at the portal, cutting through the discussion of the other ten. "When a wild beast growls at the foot of your tree, claiming it for its hunting grounds and salivating at the smell of your flesh, is the answer not simple? Does a Solvani let the beast grow larger and stronger?  Does a Solvani, once bitten, descend and extend the hand again? Was your courage lost along with your tails?"

Silence prevailed as several of the ten blinked their nictitating membranes nervously over their pale blue eyes, supremely conscious of the Intendant's tail as it brushed across the grass-covered floor. 

"I have the confidence of the Imperatii, now I demand that you give me yours as well. We have no alternative."