CORMORANT-LEVEL ENCRYPTED MESSAGE FOLLOWS.

AUDIO SURVEILLANCE TRANSCRIPT AA726CBJ913JHS443

UNRESOLVED EVALUATION: PENDING DIRECTIVE

I greet you in the Light, Ixis. Thank you for speaking with me. I understand you have some questions about the House of Light?

…

Oh! Umm. No offense taken. Our Houses haven't always embraced with four arms.

…

I understand your reluctance. Your history is so much longer than mine. As Variks is constantly reminding me. You haven't had much reason to trust the Humans.

…

I can see why you believe that. But you must admit, much has changed since the Twilight Gap. This is a new period in history. Potentially, the greatest era of development we've known since the Drift. It's an opportunity to move beyond traditional rivalries to create new—

…

Eramiskel may have evolved more than you think. We've spoken at length about the hardships your generation faced. Many at the hands of the Humans. And many more self-inflicted. I know it's hard to change old ways. But the young Eliksni of House Light—those hatched after the Drift—we have no appetite for more death. We share no animosity with the Humans. They're our neighbors now.

…

Well, if cooperation is defeat, then we are defeated! All thanks to the bloody mess left to us by our venerated elders!

…

I apologize. That was… unkind. I know you've faced much, and persevered. But if a loss of pride is the cost of peace, then so be it. The House of Light will raise their hatchlings in safety, free from old bitterness, and be glad of it. I just hope you're able to see the City as I do. Someday.