VOP shifted in a series of careful calculations. For a few heartbeats, only the strained huff of his breathing could be heard. Finally, in a measured cadence, he spoke. “I called to ensure that our relationship got off on the right foot. To remind us that our two powers face great challenges moving forward. Not the least of which is this ‘Interstellar Alliance’ and the threat they represent.”

“Indeed, we face threats on all sides. Some much closer than an Interstellar Alliance on the far side of a now-sealed wormhole.”

“Sealed? We had reports of an energy discharge from your sector…”

“Reports? I’m sure your observation array produced clear, up-close footage of us launching our quantum payload. You should be sifting through firsthand accounts now. The Orun Gate represented a security risk to all of Muungano. One I could not in good conscience abide for the sake of my people.”

It was a delicately woven trap. The more VOP Harrison protested his innocence, the more the Ijo—all of Muungano—would believe his complicity. Because history had demonstrated time and time again exactly how O.E. would act in light of the Orun Gate. Maulana did not need to wait for evidence. Just like he understood—probably never doubted—that he would be the next Camara. He understood that he could do the things we could never do. And somewhere deep within, we understood that, too.

“That was a unilateral decision. One that should have been done in consultation with your allies.” VOP rose from his chair, his pleated trousers flowing with his sudden movement.

Camara Maulana smiled, VOP now having been unsettled out of his gamesmanship. “Allies? We have no allies when it comes to the internal security of Muungano. Also, we are wary of allies who plant agents to infiltrate us.”

“That’s quite the accusation. What proof do you have?”

“The kind that has us choose to seal our borders and cut off trade relations as the cost of violating our sovereignty.” Maulana gathered his robe and stood. “You should be receiving several of your ambassadors and other operatives any day now, assuming you haven’t heard from them already.”

Maulana didn’t turn to any of us. Did not involve us in the conversation. We were all silent props, a background at best, of his show. He didn’t see the openings VOP tried to extend to him. VOP shouldn’t be underestimated. No matter how depleted, he possessed a fleet of ships and the resources of an entire planet. Much of which we still depended on for our survival, despite his talk of cutting off trade. VOP knew that. A toddler knew that.

“You sound like you want to take us to the brink of war.” VOP chose his words carefully.