9 Months ago, Council Chambers, Horsebreeder Clan lands. Joyful Finder stood after the immediate business had been dealt with. Since taking to space Clan Council meetings had become longer, and she knew everyone was tired. But this had to be raised, and if not now, then at the end of another meeting - when again, everyone would be tired. "The Council hears Joyful Finder of the Horsebreeders" the chair announced. "Thank-you", she paused and straightened before continuing "Although it is unlikely that Seeker will obtain the information she has been tasked with locating in this first tour, we must make plans for what we will do when the home of the raiders is found." One of the elders from the Fisher Clan spoke up "I presume you have ideas, Joyful?" She shook her head "Unfortunately, no. I have been studying the histories brought back from the Scouts' archives. They are extensive, and go back to before humans took to the stars. There are even hints of when our ancestors were taken from the human homeworld." The same elder asked "But?" Joy sighed. "But in all that time they have recorded only two instances where an invader successfully replaced the rulers of a land without causing resentment that took generations to resolve. And frequently never did." The Forester Clan elder cleared his throat "So we do what they did." "If only it were that simple. In both cases the lands in question had made open war against a coalition of other nations. After initial successes, they were beaten back, and then crushed absolutely. The coalitions then spent vast sums rebuilding the nations they had just defeated." The Forester elder grunted "Seems simple enough then. It seems that things mostly match our circumstances." "Except for one thing. In both cases the lands were subject to totalitarian and authoritarian rulers. We know nothing of how the raiders are ruled or the structure of their society." "So why are you raising this?" that was the Fisher elder again. "I am hoping the Council is wiser than a single ex-Scout, and can find a solution." There was silence. Several minutes passed, and various elders whispered to each other. Then one of the elders of Weaver Clan stood. "You present a problem to us, but you have already given us the solution." Joy frowned in puzzlement "I have?" "Indeed. Our first course of action is to learn what their society is. And you are our best resource there." "I am?" "I move to the council that Joyful Finder be charged with recruiting and training a Scout force, whose task will be to learn all there is about the raider society." Around the chamber was a sound of agreement. Joy swayed a little in shock, and then asked "May I seek aid from the Scouts themselves in this?" The chair stood "That would be prudent. Despite the treaty." Joy sat heavily, feeling her years. There was a mail ship expected in a few weeks. She'd have to write to the sector commander. Convincingly. #SFF #SF #SciFi #microfic #tootfic #microfiction #IAmWriting #ShamanSpace