An ornate bot floated down from above. Faint spotlights shone on the bot and two identical scrolls in its grasp.
The lengthy paper documents were exaggeratingly large and encrusted with golden flourishes and other decorative elements.
The scrolls served as the symbolic representation of the treaty that the Larkinsons and Crossers had settled upon. The actual treaty existed in an electronic format, but it was nice to hold a traditional event in order to formalize the historical occasion.
The alliance was of paramount importance to both clans.
On the surface, the pioneering alliance was about sharing the responsibilities and benefits of becoming galactic pioneers.
According to the admissions scheme set up by the Big Two, alliances were subject to additional rules. Any individuals or groups that chose to split the cost of a single fleet beyonder ticket needed to pick their allies carefully.