In order to increase economic expansion rates, the Imperium has approved a Trade and Research Proposal to be sent to the Cere Alliance. They seem neutral and the Imperium wishes to trade if they prove themselves wise and trustworthy. They is some dissent in the Imperium to the Proposal as some believe they will reject our proposal or choose to ignore our request for peaceful trade. There are a few others who just wish to invade the Cere Alliance. Overall, the Diplomatic Services extend a chance of good-will between our peoples and await a response.
**SUPPLEMENTAL**
After a diplomatic envoy was sent to the Cere Alliance on 1/25/99 we lost contact with the Ambassador. Search ships were dispatched to the Cere border but were turned away by determined border patrols. To honor our Trade and Research proposal we recalled our search teams and hoped the Ambassador's envoy would show up. Discontent with the Cere Alliance rose as communications with them went unheard and unanswered. A Public opinion of Imperium citizens was taken on 2/17/00 and 60% called for invasion due to the lack of diplomatic action and response on the Cere Alliance part. Since the Cere Alliance has not responded, "hidden sources" report that the Cere has executed some foul-play upon our Diplomatic Envoy. Therefore, an invasion fleet has been sent to the Cere Alliance to execute our own search of Cere Alliance space. The challenge is for 1.0 quads with 75 techs and no WP manipulation. I will have no allies assisting. They will have one week to respond. Of course the Cere Alliance can avoid this matter by contacting us and we can open diplomatic channels, otherwise the 3rd and 4th fleets are enroute.