A short time later, a small four-winged craft left the capitol building, taking the Starfleet crew to the site. Cuzar left the meeting chamber, her steps slow and measured. Security Provost Helanoman watched her with hatred burning in his eyes. Once the regent was out of sight, he turned to the others in the room.

“See? She would encourage more contamination from offworlders. Her search for this truth will bring curiosity seekers or fortune hunters or who knows what else. Evora will no longer be just our world but one we must share!”

“And what do you suggest the Onlith do?” This from Ilona, who remained in her seat, while Helanoman strode the room, his short red cape fluttering slightly in his wake. “She is our regent and we are pledged to follow her rule.”

“The Onlith have opposed all contact beyond our solar system and that remains a perfectly attainable goal. There are enough people who share our beliefs that we hold almost a majority within the council. Our opinions need to be heeded. We have no desire to be visited or trade with others. Our planet is bountiful enough without foods or gems from distant races.”

“And the technology they offer without price? Or their protection from others less benevolent?”

“Shira, you ask good questions but imagine our world at peace. We have nothing unique they want, we’re not near any of their boundaries with hostile races. Evora can be left alone and that is as it should be.”

The other woman, seated by Ilona, frowned. “What about the artifact? What if it tells them something that changes that?”

Helanoman whirled about, slamming an open hand atop the table, startling the four others in the room. “It cannot be true! If it is, then more will come and ruin our way! And that means the Federation must learn nothing. They will go away and we will exert our influence over Cuzar. I have people at the site and if it becomes necessary, the item will be destroyed.”

“You would hide the truth?” Shira seemed very disturbed by the notion and Ilona was shaking her head in agreement.

“If this truth brings more contamination, then yes. Maybe we don’t always need to know the truth.”

“You think we can successfully defy the regent and her majority?”

“Shira, dear, the margin between them and us is under ten percent. If we can show how the Federation ridicules our core beliefs, the numbers will change and we will be the majority. You’ll see.”

He also knew he had enough followers that his other plan would be launched at the same time. His fellow council members, already filled with doubt, would not stand in his way, but he was shrewd enough to know not to count on much support from them.