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Echoes from the Void (An Interstellar Empire Roleplay)

@Doncaster


"Well, they definitely received it."


"Clearly."


The tech tapped on his keyboard for several seconds, forwarding it to RUS high command. He got a response almost immediately.


27 hours later...


"...data we acquired from the transmission appears to be mainly textual; we assume it's their alphabet. We're not sure about the rest of the text; our mathematicians THINK it might be their number system. We also got quite a few pictures; as of now, we're calling them Pales."


From the back of the crowd of representatives, a faint "I'd bang that!" came out. The speaker was completely unperturbed by this, and continued. "Currently, we are working on a data package of our own, following the same style as the alien data. We've chosen English to be the primary language of communication, until more efficient channels of discourse are available."


Several days later, the Human data packet was sent.


The first part of it was a simple response in English and binary; "MESSAGE RECIEVED." Following that was a text and picture file containing the English alphabet, and a series of pictures with numbers beneath objects of the same amount, up to the number twenty (to demonstrate that a base ten system was used). It also included all the basic numbers from 0-9. The next was a picture of the Milky Way, with the Sol system clearly indicated on the map, and a series of progressively smaller images of the location of Sol, ending with a view of Sol and everything five light years around it. Next were the pictures; men, women, and children of all different races, smiling and waving. Some were alone, some were with family and friends, but it was an equal representation of humanity. Next were dozens of pictures; the gleaming city of Moscow, Russian era architecture mixed with gleaming skyscrapers and a monorail. The city of Pathos on Mars, miles of factories, businesses, and homes covering the red and green landscape. The Amazon jungle, overflowing with life and small mining settlements. The oil fields of Titan, thousands of derricks piping oil to massive storage facilities where it would be taken into space. The most important picture, however, was of the former UN building, now the capital of the RUS. The flags of the old world still flew, but above them was the flag of the RUS; the UN flag, now with multiple planets in the center instead of just the Earth.


There was one final part to this message; a simple greeting from Goge Brown, current president of the RUS. He was sitting at his desk in the UN, before rising with a smile. "Greetings from humanity, and the RUS!" He waved, before the video ended.


With high hopes, the message was sent.
 
((Contacting all of you through data messages due to that we're so many now, that contacting each individually will take so long :P ))


Hyperspace, 4th of May, 2113


Thor regretted not having been able to stay with the Vand'jin longer than he had, but they could always contact him directly now. The device he had gifted to them would send a holographic transmission of the user to him, and if he chose to he could send one back. Practically allowing them to speak face to face. The device also contained a great deal of information regarding what the Asgard had discovered, and a request that the Vand'jin sent all available ships to their aid in confronting this unknown new possible threat. He could not, however, stop thinking of how puzzled the Vand'jin must be. Considering that they encountered an alien species for the first time, which had just stopped by for a quick visit and then left again.


A Delovanian Corvette had entered Asgard territory, and Thor was highly interested in making contact with them. The signals were growing stronger by the hours, and was estimated to arrive at the outer rim sometime during the 10th of May (In Asgard, Maj). And not only that, he had recieved word from Aegir, the High Council had decided to send out a message to all space-faring nations. Making contact on their respective languages, while informing those with no knowledge of the Asgard who they were, aswell as providing all data that the Asgard had collected of the signals from the void. Aswell as asking for assistance and providing coordinates to Aegir, should anyone wish to respond. They had hoped not to do this, due to how important the information was, aswell as the widepread panic it could cause among the other species. However they had no choice anymore. The Asgard needed help, as they were not sure whether they could defeat this foe or not. But should they fail, if the newcomers were hostile that is. Things would look even worse for the Galaxy.


(( @Doncaster ))


Thor was staring out the window as he Heard "Exiting Hyperspace Supreme Commander.". The next thing he saw was a, by comparison to his vessel, a small ship that was the Delovanian Corvette. He heard vaguely how the two cruisers left Hyperspace behind him. Thor ordered "Hail them, and let's see what they want now shall we?".
 
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Haven Crey, also known as Emperor Cray of the Cyber Torigans, was standing in his palace, at the main front section, looking out the giant glass at the bustling planet of Askabar. As he continued to stare at the skyscrapers below him, hover crafts like flying insects buzzing from one to another, he heard another ping coming from his hollo-communicator, and frowned, knowing that he would need to get back to dealing with the empires everyday problems...and even some serious ones, so he tapped his wrist, and out of his hand came an octagon shaped hologram, showing a screen of unread messages. *sigh* "better get to work...the empire wont work itself" and with that, he opened the first message, and began to reed them.


Zerrok, Minister of war


Hello friend, I wanted to talk about the planet of Pretonas, because the severity of the rioting has gotten worse, and our partrol soldiers just don't have the morale to keep it contained, so I mentioned protocol 7 to the business, and they got furious, saying that it would ruin the economy, and that the empire would go into tormoil...but slavery is primitive...and I believe its time to move beyond that don't you...anyways mabey we can talk about it at the meeting today...you didn't forget did you.


Haven sighed, for he hadn't forgot about the meeting, but didn't want to think about the Troigan slaves...and about how wrong it is to even still have them as slaves...so he spoke into the hologram, and told it to send a message


Zerrok


I have read your message, and share your concern, but I will talk to the business myself, on a different time...and no I didn't forget about the meeting ~Haven





Haven told it to send, and then continued on to the next one


Carmen, Minister of world affairs


Haven, just wanted that there will be something important that I want to discuss with you at the meeting, so be prepared.





Haven was a little worried seeing this one, for Carmen never messaged him so spiraticly...sure when they spoke she could often get hyper, but was always perceived as calm when she sent you a message...so Haven responded to this short message with one of his own


Carmen


I assure you, whatever it is, can be spoken apon at the meeting ~Haven





Haven then sent the message, and then looked at the last one


Cristine, your wife


hope you dress good for your meeting, and me and your son love you dearly.





Haven couldn't help but smile at this, "Leave it to my family to put a smile on my face" Haven muttered, and then relied


Cristine


Do I ever not dress good? love you and my boy to ~Haven


And with the last message read and sent, Haven closed his Holo-communicator, and strolled across the room, and prepared for the meeting.


-1 Hour later-


Monthly Council Meeting


"All council members here?" Haven said, while taking a seat at one of the four chairs surrounding the circular table.


"What do you Think Haven...are we?" Carmen, the only female member, and at 60 years of age, the youngest one here, said in a teasing manner


"Where else would we be" Zorrok, at 160, the oldest member said in an innocent like tone


"right here sir" Charles, at 100, and being the newest member said, still not as accost to the other three peoples friend.


"alright...then lets begin" Haven said "Zorrok, you first"


"right" Zorrok said, changing into a serious tone "I'm here to talk about protocol 7...I think its time to...


and with that, the meeting went on to talk about that, and about reciving an outer rimmed signal from beyond the galaxy, which has been left out because the authors computer glitched and that part was erased...a message was also sent throuout the galaxy to anyone willing to listen

Dear Civilations of the galaxy, we are the Cyber Togains, and we have discovered a signal from beyond the galaxy that could be dangerous...we send this message in hopes that some of you will join us in preparing to counter this signal...if it gets out of control. ~Carmen, Minister of World Affairs
 
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@Mitch Neon


An aide burst into the office, interrupting Goge smoking some cannabis. He quickly sputtered and threw the bong across the room, before sitting up straight in his chair. "Yes?"


"We got a message. Considering the location, it's a new species."


"DAMNIT."


A reply was quickly sent to the Cyber Torgians, which consisted of the words "Message received; awaiting more" repeated in English and binary.
 
Carmen, the minister of World Affairs, sent the message shortly after the meeting, and was shocked when one of her personal sent here a message via holo-communicator, that a species had responded...and in short time...so Carmen continued into the transmission room...read the message, after using her robotic eye to decode it into Cyber Torigan (a gift all of them can do), and sent a message to Haven


Haven was sitting at his throne, with a hologram of certain trade sector stocks pulled up on a hologram, when his hoho-communicator beeped with a message from...and after reading it...shaking of the surprise...he sent a message back, telling her to send a message to the species in question, asking them to visit the homeworld, via battleship travel, so they could discuss it with him...and with that sent, Haven waited patienty


Carmen recived Havens message and sent a transmission directly to the species


We would like you to visit our homeworld, so our leader can discuss in detail the situation...so we have attached airspace coridantes, and will meet a ship of yours with two of our corvettes, so we can land you safely ~Carmen, minister of world affairs
 
@Mitch Neon


Several minutes later, the aid burst in again, causing Goge to drop a dust pan filled with glass shards. Swearing loudly, he turned back around. "What?!"


"They sent a message back in English! They went us to send an ambassador to their world."


"DAMNIT."


A message was sent back, saying "Message received; sending diplomatic team to location." A single ship was sent to the meet up location; the Sirius class corvette "Forward unto Dawn". On board was a platoon of space marines (soldiers trained for orbital combat), a research team, and a diplomatic team led by a man by the name of Howard Smith. They also had a single Pave Low and D-8 landing ship onboard the corvette.


(@Alator @Mitch Neon You guys okay if we skip to the ship arriving? Me and Mitch are right next to eachother.)
 
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The Delvonian diplomat who had been sent to talk with the people of Asguard was their most inveterate negotiator. He was not an ambassador to any one nation, but rather a roving trouble shooter, sent to deal with the toughest of problems and the most uncooperative of partners. He was a man who knew how to play softly softly diplomacy, but who rarely did. If you had to call for him the gentle approach had usually failed already. Rather, this was a man who did not see war as a failure of diplomacy, but rather an extension of it by other means. As long as the Ascendancy got what it wanted he was happy. That was not to say he would rush headlong into war. No one knew the horrors of war better than the Ascendancy, their very nation had been born in blood and they had been best by enemies and strife for almost their entire history. But whilst some men would not condone armed force as part of any diplomatic exchange to him it was just another tool in his tool box, all be it one to be used sparingly.


This man was built much like any other Delvonian, though perhaps a little more heavy set than most. His dark grey, granite coloured, skin was something of a rarity but not notably so amongst the Delvonian people whilst his yellow eyes stared out with an obvious alertness. For now his hair was ocean blue, but that was to be expected of diplomats who had to be calm and even tempered as a matter of course.


He would answer Thor’s hail promptly, and wasted little time getting to the point.


“I am Hillian Kassin. Nominated representative of the Ascendancy and sent here under the Authority of High Executive Prass.” He didn’t need to go into any kind of detail about his people, he knew Asguard was well aware of the Ascendancy, as they were of Asguard. “I have been sent here to discuss the extra galactic signal that is even now approaching our galaxies northern rim. If our sensors have picked it up so have yours.” Hillian was being blunt. He didn’t see the need to play pointless games and be coy about who knew what when concealing the truth served no purpose whatsoever. Nor was he going to let Asguard play that game. “If this signal truly is from beyond our stars it will have a level of technology that outstrips yours. All of the peoples of this galaxy need to treat these new visitors with caution and coordination. We are here to discuss the terms under which it will be done.”


Placing his hands behind his back the Delvonian continued. “If it comes to violence the Ascendancy is prepared to lend military aid. We no more want a new technological power in these skies than you. Though we would need assurances that captured ships, technology and prisoners will be shared. The spoils of victory are to be equally shared with us. However, we hope this can be resolved diplomatically. If so we must ask that no unilateral negotiations take place, technology gained by trade be shared and that we have a place at the negotiating table with a veto on any measures proposed that would negatively affect not only Ascendancy but all Delvonian holdings. As part of this, I can pledge the support of the entire Delvonian Combined Arms treaty to any conflict.” It might have appeared presumptuous to make these statements, but the Ascendancy would not allow herself to spend her lives whilst allowing Asguard to take all the spoils. Any result which resulted in a stronger Asguard and an either stagnant or weaker Ascendancy were to be resisted.






It would take some little time for the drone to arrive, but when it did the sensor arrays of RUS would be able to detect a sphere of kellersteel and high grade components about the size of a house squatting on the very edge of the sol system. Often something like this might have gone undetected, or confused for an asteroid, particularly if it had engaged silent running. But it was relaying a constant, narrow beam communication back to Ascension in order to receive orders. This was an Ascendancy deep space drone, fully autonomous exploration units that could rove the stars for centuries if need be. Upon reaching the edge of the human home system it seemed to pause, inert for quite some time, whilst it methodically scanned and processed the hubbub of RUS civilian communications, processing the languages of earth and picking out important trends such as leading news stories, many of which involved these so called Pales, which had sent this very drone here.


After about an hour, allowing for a thorough understanding of most major human languages as the drone worked through billions of voices all at once, a message was finally delivered. It was broadcast to what seemed to be the primary sensor arrays on earth, though the drone had no way of knowing what was civilian and what was classified or military. All those in charge of these arrays would receive the following message.


An image of Villian Vas’thuros the Foreign Secretary, sitting at his desk, would appear on their monitors. To the side they would have the option of listening to the original language with subtitles, or a dubbed English translation. Looking dead into the camera he would say.


“Greetings Humanity and the RUS. I am Foreign Secretary Villian Vas’thuros of the nation known as the Ascendancy. I speak with the full authority of our leader, High Executive Prass, who has been keen to expand the brotherhood amongst the stars. It would appear as though your world received a message of ours by happy accident, though we did not previously know any were here to hear it. But I am glad that this happenstance has brought you to us. Our people are hardworking, industrious, steadfast, determined and ever dedicated to the wellbeing of the whole. We laboured hard for our place amongst the stars. I am sure that more labours await both our peoples. But you need not face them alone any more. I include with this message a copy of a core text in the education of our people, the Story of the Delvonian for that is the name of our race though not our nation. It describes our path from the time of primitive tribes to today. There are more detailed works but to know a people’s history is to understand their present, and I hope this can begin that understanding. I also include works of literature and music. Sadly the distance between our worlds means that I cannot respond to your messages immediately. However, if you broadcast your replies to the drone bearing this message it can be received within two hours. I look forward to hearing from your world shortly. And please, allow me to be the first to welcome you to the brotherhood amongst the stars. May justice, peace and prosperity shien upon your lands.”


With that the message ended. Any who cared to listen to the music encompassed within the message would find first the national anthem of the Delvonians, a soaring epic full of massed choral voices and references to the trials of their people. But after that would be some choice picks from their new cultural revolution. As with any species their music was vast and varied. But the Foreign Office had chosen some gran orchestral epics which, to a human ear, might put them in mind of Mussorgsky, Prokofiev, Wagner, Grieg, Shostakovich or Tchaikovsky.






Meetings of full cabinet were always tense affairs, but the current situation only amplified that tension. An extra galactic threat, new species contacts, strange goings on amongst the stars, rumours of military activity to the south. Something more needed to be done. High Executive Prass sat in his high backed chair at the head of the meeting table, slowly looking over all 18 of his cabinet colleagues. There had already been several minutes of anxious discussion over recent events. But now Prass was cutting to the decision he had made long before entering this room.


“I am ordering that the Ascendancy move to full war production and that the reserves be mobilised.” His announcement was quiet but firm, however there was a slight moment of disbelief from many of his colleagues.


“Are you sure this is wise?” Enquired Vespa, minister for culture. “Our people are allways mentally prepared for war. We are a nation born from suffering and struggle and have only survived due to strength of arms. To go to battle for the sacred cause of the Ascendancy, more precious than any delusional faith, is ground into our core. But this will create perception problems for our culture in those close to us.”


“I am not proposing to declare war on anyone at this moment Vespa.” Reassured the High Executive. “But far too many new powers have emerged and this extra galactic presence threatens to destabilise the whole region. We may need these troops to fight whatever is arriving. But, even if they are peaceful their knowledge and presence will completely alter the balance of power. Asguard may lose her technological edge, obscure backwater worlds may be lifted to the fore of technology, armies could be utterly broken if violent resistance is needed. Every nation amongst the stars will scramble to get what they can and that scramble can all too easily turn to war. I want to be prepared for the aftermath of whatever is arriving in our galaxy.”


“You would go to war for that?” Asked another cabinet member.


“I doom our people if we do not. Asguard has been benign. But if Asguard should fall or become less significant another, more violent power may take the crown. I will not let that happen. I doom our people to a slow death if I do not prevent the ever exploitative imperialists from becoming too powerful. I hope to avoid that chaos. But I do a disservice to my people by being unable to strike should that become required.”


He was not going to entertain further questions about the wisdom of his actions. His mind was made up. Instead, the High Executive pressed on with the issuing of orders. His tone was firm and he left no time for interruptions. They could discuss the details at another time. But for now he needed them all working towards this one goal.


“Tellina. I am relying on you to ensure our factories meet their revised targets. You shall also pass our Delvonian Alliance partners the documents necessary to make our cruisers and corvettes under license, to harmonise our militaries. Vespa, you will be in charge of ensuring our people believe in the mission, no matter what the cost. Rethgar, you shall be in overall command of coordinating the civilian wing of this effort. All ministries will lend you their aid in ensuring the military is fully prepared. Villian, you shall ensure all members of the Delvonian Alliance also mobilise. Altworth, begin formulating strategies not only to deal with this extra galactic threat should our initial efforts fail. But also to go to war with our neighbours should they seek to exploit the chaos for their own profit. Lillias, you will be in charge of reverse engineering capture alien technology to supplement out own capacity and as ever, industrial and military concerns must be forefront in our mind. Now, go to your ministries and prepare.”






Villian Vas’thuros was a man starting to feel the strain. Had it not been for his first rate education, raising him specifically for high level government service, then he may well have cracked by now. Certainly most men would have. New threats, approaching Asguard, a strange presence in the south, two new first contacts, the crusade towards unification, the new Delvonian alliance. All this in just a few days. This was more history worthy diplomatic events in a week that he usually saw in several years! Stalking back to his office, looking forward to that fresh cup of warm kurrastill and a moments rest from this chaos, he could not help but feel agitated at the aide who excitedly approached him, data slate in hand.


“What is it?” Snapped the Foreign Secretary, before silently raising a hand in apology whilst he reigned in his feelings.


“Sir, we have another first contact. This time with a people called the Cyber Torigans.” Whilst the aide may have been visibly happy the look which came over the Foreign Secretary was one that could only be described as icy calm, concealing the supressed firestorm of irritated frustration just beneath the surface. Another one! Another one! He found himself wishing for some sort of interplanetary version of a do not disturb sign. Slowly taking the slate he red over the brief message before handing it back with a sigh.


“Get the video crews, again….”


Lumbering into his office he took a few moments to hastily note down some brief opening remarks and share them with Prass, who made a few small amendments before authorising the skeleton greeting. The Foreign Secretary traditionally had huge discretion on this matters and both he and Prass had worked together for long enough. Prass trusted him to get it right without babysitting him. Soon the crews came lumbering into film yet another greeting from the office of the Foreign Secretary. Fumbling for his stimulating kurrastill Villian rapidly downed the still hot drink before shaking himself into alertness and staring straight into the camera.


The man was a hardened professional, and instantly all the fatigue, all the frustration and weariness, all of it melted away. He looked bright, alert, confident, everything a Foreign Secretary should be.


“Greetings Cyber Torigans. I am Foreign Secretary Villian Vas’thuros of the nation known as the Ascendancy. I speak with the full authority of our leader, High Executive Prass. Our people are hardworking, industrious, steadfast, determined and ever dedicated to the wellbeing of the whole. We laboured hard for our place amongst the stars. I am sure you people have faced their own trials. We are aware of the signal of which you speak and are already taking steps to meet it. We hope to do so in a spirit of peace and brotherhood. But we are prepared for these new arrivals to not share in that desire. Our military stands at the ready and we are already coordinating with our neighbours. Should you wish to join that effort I would ask that you send a delegation to our capitol, Ascension, where we will be happy to receive you and discuss how to meet this challenge. Welcome to the brotherhood amongst the stars.” With that the message ended and was sent. He had nailed it one take, he knew what he wa doing. Almost instantly the man slid back in his chair, scowling.


Brotherhood amongst the stars? How many of these new arrivals were Empires, exploitative mega corporations, slave owners? All vile imperialists who should be on the receiving end of a sharpened bayonet, not a welcoming hand. But this new presence from beyond the galaxy had forced the Ascendancy into the uncomfortable ethical position of having to do business with the devil. They had to survive for today, they could cleanse their souls tomorrow.


“All right, all right. Pack it up. I need the office to myself, classified materials.” One by one the film team obeyed and moved out of the room. But reaching into a draw the Foreign Secretary did not draw out an intelligence report or anything of the kind. Looking at the clock and realising he had not slept in two days, he drew out a small bottle of sleeping pills, took a single dose and closed his eyes. Sleeping in his chair might give him a bad back, but he was too tired to look for a bed.
 
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@Doncaster


SETI was...impressed, to say the least, with the translation programs of the Ascendancy. The news outlets got a hold of the message within thirty minutes, and by one hour in the internet was ablaze with discussion involving the Delvonians. 2 hours after the message was received, people were already ripping the audio from the music section of the broadcast and putting it on youtube. At the same time, the government was quickly organizing a response message. Of course, there were the public addresses to be done, and the calming of fears, but that is too trivial to fully go into.


Goge straightened his tie, and sat down in front of the camera. He smiled, and the camera started broadcasting to the Drone. "Hello, Foreign secretary Villian Vas'thuros. I am Goge Smith, current President of the RUS! It is an honor to speak with you, and I ensure you that our people will benefit immensely from mutual cooperation." He pauses, and continues. "It has been the dream of countless generations to contact extraterrestrial life; this is the greatest, most pivotal turning point in Human history. I, and the RUS, would be honored to host you and dignitaries of your choice at a governmental Banquet a week from now, on the world of Mars. Enclosed within this message is a record of the chemical reactions concerning proteins in humans; in return, we request a record from your own species, to ensure that the atmosphere and food at the banquet are safe for members of both species to eat. Finally, I would like to inform you that we are currently in contact with a second species, known as Cyber Torgians. Do you have any contact with this species?" Goge stood up, and with a polite nod said "Good evening." The camera than cut off; the rest of the transmission was just the song "In the Hall of The Mountain King", by Peer Gynt (Goge was a fan of the classics).
 
Carmen stood at the transmitter with a hyper-like energy, for the species they had made contact would arrive tomorrow, and they had got another message. "Hmm...so the Ascendancy want us to send a delegation...well I cant go myself" Carmen said to herself, for by tomorrow the species they made contact with first would arrive, and she need be there to help the discussion between these people and the rest of the council...for she is the Minister of world affairs. "Hmm...send official Keith Renold a message saying that I want his to start traveling to the coordinates the Ascendancy have sent us, for it will take him at least two days to get there, and we need to solve this problem before it gets outta hand" and with that, one of the guards was off to send the message "now to respond to them" Carmen said, speaking a reply into the transmitter


Carmen/The Ascendancy


We will, starting tonight, send one of our battleships containing one of our affair leaders, in hope that in two days, he will make it to your home world, so expect the arrival.





And as Carmen sent it, she also sent a letter to the emperor of this news, and to get ready for tomorrows guest


(@Hazeron you should be here tomorrow, and @Doncaster I should be there in two days from today)
 
"Sir, there are nearly three thousand people down there. We cannot sit back and wait while the situation manifests."


Governor We'l stood out on the deck of the Palace of Thandilsdk, not too far from the Spaceport. In the Prince's absence, the Governor was to take his place in ruling the city. Crowds of people flowed through the street, constantly growing.


"How many more foot regiments do we have left in garrison?" asked the Governor.


"Thirteen that are ready to be deployed at this moment, sir," answered one of the Barons assembled on the deck. "Closer to twenty if you're willing to wait for a couple hours."


"We don't have a couple hours," said the Governor. "As soon as the slightest bit of unrest breaks loose, it's going to spread through the city like wildfire. God, I have no clue why the damn Prince even let those visitors into the city in the first place. They're causing more trouble than they're worth."


"What shall we do, then?" asked another Baron.


"Assemble as many regiments as can be armed, hell, take the Palace guards down there too." responded the Governor. "Break up the crowds immediately. Anyone tries to resist, arrest them. Anyone resists arrest, kill them. Are my orders clear?"


"Yes, Sir." said the Barons in unison. They all dispersed into the Palace, preparing to assemble the troops to quell the crowds. The Governor gazed out upon the masses of civilians, still growing in size. The city was going to be saved, and We'l would make sure of it.






After the Prince had shown the diplomat what was inside the boxes, they proceeded to the meeting room. Prince Kulf and his men has hastily thrown together a collection of items from their world that were sitting around the Palace. Inside the boxes were books about the planet's history by various authors, ancient pottery vases which had been sitting in the halls of the Palace, some elegant fur rugs woven by the finest weavers in the Empire long ago, and most importantly, the ancient weapons of the Kraaf people, including some elegant maces and pikes.


The Prince led his guests through the halls, lined by stone-willed soldiers holding impressive spears and curved swords. They were here not for protection- the government areas of the Spaceport were strictly forbidden to anyone but the government- but as a show of force to their visitors. Kulf felt not only uneasy having the aliens by his side, but he felt another emotion he hadn't felt in decades- fear. He did his best to conceal it as the headed to the grand meeting room.


Several stocky guardsmen emerged to hold open the doors as the procession reached the meeting room. As they stepped inside, Kulf took pride in his creation once more, and he hoped his guests were in awe with it. He had personally commissioned this addition to the spaceport one hundred and twenty years ago. The walls stood tall, sloping to a dome eight stories up. They were made of the finest quarried stone in all the realm, polished to a shine and adorned with elegant romanticized illustrations of the Kraaf people and their beautiful homelands. Lamps were set into the wall at regular intervals, and a massive chandelier, made with lavish Idra metals and adorned with thousands of jewels, hung down in the center of the room, where an equally huge and grand wooden table stood. The table itself was carved almost six hundred years ago by Kulf's father, Ward, one of the Princes who helped unite the people of the two planets. The table was made with wood from one of the Elder Trees, some of the most sacred and fine trees in the Empire. Equally elegant chairs sat all around it.


Kulf's various diplomats already sat around the table, awaiting their guests. No guards were in this room, Kulf had instead stationed them outside of the doors. A show of force was all well and good, but it had its limits. No matter how elite they were, Kulf didn't want his men hearing the conversation between the two peoples.


"Please, find yourselves a seat," Kulf said to the visitors, his speech being almost instantly translated by the little device they brought with them. "It is a pleasure to be hosting you all in this fabulous place, carved out by me myself and containing relics from our forefathers. This table itself was carved by my father, nearly six hundred years ago."


After they had all been seated, Kulf called to his ushers. "Bring us your finest champagne," he ordered. The stout ushers rushed out of the room and returned momentarily with tall bottles of red liquid. "The wine of Thandilsdk, made by some of the finest wine makers in the Empire, aged for almost a millennia. Enjoy."


After they were all settled in, Kulf prepared to begin the negotiations. However, he had to address something first. He glanced over to his Secretary, who nodded to him.


"Now, before we go on, visitors, I have to ask something." said the Prince. "There is definitely something you're here for. Goodwill and friendship may be all well and good, but I know you desire something from us. So, tell me exactly why you're here."


@Doncaster
 
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"it will soon be time to meet our guest, when they show" Hazen thought to himself, putting on his official Emperors Garments, only wearing them on certain occasions. "according to Carmen, two Cruisers have been set at wait for the species ship to arrive, so when they do they will be lead to the ship port" Hazen muttered, sitting at his throne, still in thought. "and then theres the other species, but Carmen said that there would be a representive at there planet by tomorrow, so all should go well there" and finishing his thoughts, he nodded to himself, and started off to the conference room, where Carmen would lead their guest for their negiotation.
 
If the Prince had been hoping to intimidate the Ascendancy delegation with a series of guards armed with swords and spears, all be it large and vicious looking ones, he had failed. Not only did the Ascendancy diplomats know that their hosts would be spectacularly ill advised to make good on their silent threat and attack but also sword and spears meant nothing to them. Tanks, battleships, advanced missile technology, airpower. That might have intimidate them, but weapons which had been obsolete for centuries? No. It told them that this was a people inclined toward tradition and personal combat. Noble traits in many cultures, but not ones that traditionally fared well against an artillery barrage. Their lives, which counted for little, might have been in danger. But the Ascendancy was not.


Grand displays of governmental power were nothing new to the Ascendancy. They also made an effort to make many of their government buildings something akin to cathedrals to the idea of the state with vast edifices and cavernous rooms that would intimidate foes and inspire their people. But beyond scale their tastes were quite different. Aside from on Delvonia, which was largely filled with old Imperial buildings, Ascendancy architecture was quite minimalist, as opposed to the more decadent display put on by their hosts. What was more, the ambassador got a sneaky suspicion that the subtle purpose of the room was slightly different. In the Ascendancy such buildings were designed to aggrandise the state and its people. Whilst here, it seemed as though the purpose was to aggrandise the ruler. A telling phrase was, carved out by myself. Perhaps they were misjudging their host but they doubted the veracity of his words. He paid for it, he may even have designed it. But the agreed some other people actually built it. But such a stance was to be expected. Not every civilisation could be as enlightened as the Ascendancy.


Sarina listened intently as Kulf explained the origin of this room, and the fact the table was a great heirloom from his father. So, this world allowed inherited wealth and power. Again most Ascendancy citizens would have now been casting dirty looks at Kulf and his aides for their ethical transgressions in the eyes of the Ascendancy. But foreign office workers were far more tolerant and understanding. They knew that many people in the galaxy would not think like them, and they would not make moral stands on such petty grounds. Instead she nodded her head politely before running a single long finger along one of the joins in the table.


“Flush and smooth.” She observed. “Your father was quite the carpenter.” It was obvious this was a point of pride for their host, she risked nothing by playing to that.


The drinks however, were a slightly different matter. She took the beverage of course, but then produced a small vile of clear liquid from her robes.


“Forgive me.” She said by way of explanation. “But I do not know how similar our digestive systems are. We anticipated that you would be kind enough to give us food and drink. Meals are important to our kind as well. However, we do not know how similar our digestive systems are. What may nourish you could poison us. This substance will tell us if we may eat and drink safely.” The product also had the beneficial by-product of detecting poisons. The Ascendancy were not above carrying out political assassinations, and sometimes suspected it in others. But in truth, the motive here really was to see if their stomachs could handle it.


A drop or two was placed into the glass, and after nothing happened Sarina gave a little nod to signal all was well before delicately sipping on the beverage. Their almost beak like mouths made this a little difficult, but they managed to avoid looking silly or clumsy.


“Humm, light and crisp, almost a citric tank but not harsh on the tongue. Aged for a millennia you say. I am surprised that it retains its vitality. Your vintners are to be congratulated.”


But the pleasantries were now over, finding herself a seat at one end of the table, silently joined by her aides, Kulf seemed to show no further hesitation in coming to the point.


“In broader terms the diplomatic landscape of the Galaxy is changing. Ours is not the only species amongst the stars, and making contact with your race, amongst others, will help our people manage these times. I can assure you, your people will fare better by bringing an end to this isolation as well.”


She was as calm as ever, she was not nonchalant but rather completely unphased by what was going on around her. She had been raised from a very young age to do this kind of work, she was not about to collapse in the moment. Leaning forward all three of her eyes seemed to lock with Kulf.


“More immediately a large and unknown presence has been detected to the galactic north of here, heading towards this world. We are currently gathering more information but we cannot ignore the possibility that it is hostile. It is scertainly intelligent, technologically advanced and large. We came here, in part to warn you. But also, to try and enlist your aid in resisting it. We hope to deal with it by diplomacy but we are preparing for the worst. If it is hostile it will roll through your worlds with barely a thought and then move on to the next, and the one after that. But through combined efforts we might be able to stop it here, before it can terrorize the galaxy.”


Leaning back in her chair she continued.


“We are aware of the disharmony currently affecting your worlds, your civilian communications indicate growing civil unrest, the recent death of one of your Princes and a resistance movement which has earned several important successes recently. If it comes to war with this new threat, your internal conflicts will doom you as surely as their guns. Even if the situation could not be solved, it might be possible to suspend the violence and negotiate a ceasefire until the crisis has passed. Because what is coming will not care which side of the civil war you fought on.”


Pausing she came to her proposal.


“We can discuss whether or not you wish to cooperate in dealing with this new presence, and the terms under which this will be done. But the issue of your brewing civil war must be addressed. Normally we would not involve ourselves in the internal affairs of another kingdom.” That was a lie, but one she told well. “But given the extraordinary circumstances I am authorised to lend what aid I can in at least brining a temporary stay to the strife. This includes not only my diplomatic assistance but should it be required I am authorised to deploy five battleships, fifteen cruisers and twenty five corvettes to help resolve the situation as well as approximately forty million ground troops. It is my most fervent hope that this will not be required, but if they can act as an independent guarantee of a cease fire the Ascendancy is happy to act in this role, simply so your people can face this threat united and avert total disaster.” Her words were genuine, she really did want at least some sort of temporary truce. No matter who was right and who was wrong if the galaxy had to go to war with this new presence any nations preoccupied with infighting would swiftly be overwhelmed. They had to put their differences aside for now, or they would all die. Secretly she was already trying to work out who the Ascendancy would support as ruler afterwards. But today, unity was the main goal.


She continued, by way of reassurance but also a subtly display of power. “In the event that it becomes necessary to fight this new presence in this area of space one of our lead plans will see our military commitment to this region increase to twenty three battleships, sixty cruisers, ninety five corvettes and approximately one hundred million ground troops.” This was not their whole military but it was a very substantial portion of it and well over half their battleships. She was aware her news would come as a shock, but there really was little other way of putting it.






The Foreign minister had to admit, that tune at the end of the broadcast from earth had a certain power to it. The climax in particular put him in mind of some of the more energetic works of this worlds younger composers. He didn’t like the fact he was awake, but he had managed to sneak in a few precious hours, that would have to tide him over for now. The words of the president did make him feel a little strange, almost filled with a certain kind of self-aware awe. This was not first contact for the Ascension, but the idea he was involved in the first contact for another species, the weight of that was only now dawning on him. Still, as grand as that realisation was, he would not be overwhelmed by it.


Sitting at his desk he made yet another address into the camera.


“President Goge Smith. The people of the Ascendancy welcome your peaceful overtures and are honoured by your invitation to dine upon your world of Mars. We gratefully accept your invitation and please find embedded within this message a series of documents outlining what is required for a safe environment and diet for our people. We are also in contact with the Cyber Torgians and a number of other species. Galactic events are currently moving rapidly. A delegation shall be sent to your world of Mars, where doubtless these occurrences can be discussed in more detail.”






The idea that the Cyber Torgians would be sending their diplomat via battleship did not strike a positive note with the Ascendancy. They understood that all diplomacy was backed by the subtle threat of violence, but to send their most heavily armed ship made this new race seem quite belligerent, even if that was not their intent. Certainly sending it right to the core of Ascendancy space was not welcome. But it would be tolerated.


“We await the arrival of your diplomat with anticipation.” Was the Foreign Secretary’s only message, there was not much else to say to these people until their delegation arrived, meanwhile the defences of Ascension were being made ready, in case that battleship decided to use its guns.
 
The diplomat aborad the ship, was rather nervous, for they never actually made contact with another intelligent race, but he would contain his nerves "sir, we have arrived at their homeworld, waiting for orders"


"send a message saying that we are awaiting a transport ship, to dock our own" The diplomat said


"its time we meet our host"
 
@Doncaster


(Is it safe to assume that the Delvonians can eat whatever humans can?)


Preparations began immediately; a venue was chosen, a meal plan was created, and invites were sent. It would be a grand occasion, with a feast worthy of the legends of past, and a full orchestra playing. The only thing left to do was wait...


@Mitch Neon


With a burst of Chekhov radiation, the Forward Unto Dawn emerged from Slipspace, coming to rest above the gray planet of Askabar. On a broadband transmission, the ship broadcasted "This is the Forward Unto Dawn; we are carrying a diplomatic team from Earth, and request docking instructions."
 
Alator said:
Several hours ago, Farren



"As this is urgent and my presence if required elsewhere..." He picked up a small device from his pocket and handed it to Arin. "The Asgard long-range sensors has found proof of that something is approaching our galaxy. We have made the decision of setting a trap, by activating an... By expressing it simply, an anti-hyperspace device once they are in close proximity in a decided spot in the outer rim. And then we intend to face whatever it is before it can enter, preferably peacefully, but if this is a threat we intend to neutralise it, or die while attempting to do so. The device contains coordinates to our capital system, Aegir, should you decide to join us in this endavour. And should you ever wish to contact me, I added the feature to the device. As it is in your language, it should not be too hard to find. I will answer any further questions on my way back." As he finished he entered a code on a small device around his wrist. Signalling that he wanted to come onto the ship again.


And simple and swift as that, Thor was teleported back to the ship. Oddly amused at how confused the Vand'jin must be now. His musings were however interrupted by one of the commanders. "Supreme commander, we have been contacted by the Delvonians. Shall we hail them back?" he asked. The Delvonians was yet another species that the Asgard knew of, yet had allowed to develop on their own without interference. Thor nodded.
Click to expand...
(OOC- really sorry for the late response!!!)


Central Docking Bay. Farren. -Arin


Holding the device he was given by Thor, Arin listened intently, understanding the seriousness of the situation. He wasn't sure on all the details, but he got the gist. The Asgardian pressed a series of keys on his wrist device, and just as he appeared, he disappeared in the same blue light. Arin squinted his eyes once again, and waited to watch the three large vessels fly off back into the depths of space they had yet bothered to thoroughly explore. He felt that would soon change though...


Central Defense ward. -Talin


Almost 20 minutes ago now, Arin had brought General Talin the device, ordering an immediate search through the entire piece of equipment. They had already gone through and downloaded more than half of all the data and information. "Lieutenant Vix, how goes the data sweeping?" Talin asked to one of the men sitting at the large console, diligently working. "Very good sir. We've already got all the coordinates, best routes, cautions on travel, and information on how to contact them from long distance." Vix replied. Talin nodded in approval, glad to see everything had gone as well as it did. His paranoia soon kicked in though, making him worry if it had been too easy. "Lt. is it possible that there could be an encrypted code within these files files?" Talin asked, a serious look on his face. Vix looked over at Talin, obviously thinking about it for a moment. "Yes sir, that is always a possibility, but our security would surely have caught any hidden information, which it has not." Vix replied to Talin's question. Talin wasn't sure he was convinced it was safe, but decided it was just his emotions getting to him. "Thank you, Lt. Vix. As you were." Talin said, now satisfied with the answer he was given.


After many hours of consulting, simulating, and prepping, it was finally decided. They were to mobilize their fleet by the end of the day, and head off towards the coordinates the Asgard had given them. A message was sent to the Asgard, notifying of their arrival. They'd be there within a day once the fleet was mobilized.
 
Hazeron said:
@Doncaster
(Is it safe to assume that the Delvonians can eat whatever humans can?)


Preparations began immediately; a venue was chosen, a meal plan was created, and invites were sent. It would be a grand occasion, with a feast worthy of the legends of past, and a full orchestra playing. The only thing left to do was wait...


@Mitch Neon


With a burst of Chekhov radiation, the Forward Unto Dawn emerged from Slipspace, coming to rest above the gray planet of Askabar. On a broadband transmission, the ship broadcasted "This is the Forward Unto Dawn; we are carrying a diplomatic team from Earth, and request docking instructions."
Click to expand...
Carmen got the message, and imediantly sent another one back


"there should be two of our corvettes coming your way, and these ships will lead yours to the landing pad on out home world, were you will meet up with me and I will lead you to the emperor to discuss" Carmen sent, and with her royal clothes on, made her way to the landing pad.


(sorry after the last time I posted I had to get off)
 
@Mitch Neon


The landing ship was somewhat cramped (compared to their previous transport), but the diplomat and the team of 8 marines could handle it. They were all in full body hazmat suits
1ec5c0b6f99e8d4c452be9fbe1e87bbd.jpg
, with a self contained air supply in case of foreign pathogens. They waited in the ship for the two corvettes to arrive.
 
(OOC: I'm without my PC for a week, so I'm typing this off an IPhone. Apologies in advance for the many typos that are sure to be here :P )


An external threat.


More civilizations were out there.


The Prince of Thandilsdk, Grand Warren Kulf, had never been more overwhelmed in his life. In the past week, he had dealt with issues he had thought important, the death of a Prince, the growing of the Rebellion, the arrival of a new people to his city, but these issues seemed extremely minor compared to what was ahead. The Empire of Dong'Ur was soon to be invaded by an unknown alien presence, and the strange visitors that called themselves the Ascendancy wished to help Kulf defend his world.


Perhaps what was most shocking to Kulf is that the foreign guests wished to land a massive fleet of over one hundred ships and a massive ground force of over one hundred million men here on Dong'Ju. The foreign army could easily overpower the army of the Empire. They wished to help Kulf put an end to the rebellion, as well. This, he was thankful for. However, they could easy attack the Empire under these false pretenses. For all the Prince knew, they could be secretly allied with the Rebellion, wishing to usurp him from the throne. It all came down to whether the Empire was to trust these visitors or not. However, that was not Kulf's descision to make.


"If you will please excuse me," he said to the visitors, "I must consult my superiors. In my absence, please enjoy my finest court band, playing for you the Dances of the Empire."


With that, Kulf and his military advisor and head general, Wiss, stood up from their seats and strode out of the room, where they were met by a platoon of guardsmen. Behind them, a group of musicians filed into the room, carrying an array of stringed instruments and drums.


Kulf, Wiss, and the group of soldiers strode through the halls until they reached a room with tall, gilded doors. The soldiers opened the doors for Kulf and Wiss but remained outside.


As Kulf and Wiss emerged into the tall, cavernous room, the doors slammed behind them and a huge pit in the floor opened, a bright, blue light shining up from within.


"My Lord, forgive me." said Kulf. "Our hosts wish some things of us."


"Yes, I have been watching. These strange visitors, they call themselves the Ascendancy. They are quite superior to our pitiful peoples." Boomed a voice coming from the pit. "They wish to land their armies here, no?"


"Yes, my Lord. They desire to help us put an end to the rebellion here on Dong'Ju, but they say that there is a much larger threat coming for us. From the North, the far North."


"Yes, this threat. I have always known that something of this nature was to happen eventually. The Armageddon is upon us. These are desperate times."


"What shall we do, my Lord?"


"Let them land their men here, but be wary. There may be more to these visitors than we think."


"Yes, my Lord.


The pit closed back up with a hiss and the guards opened the doors back up for Kulf and Wiss. They emerged from the room into the grand hallways. They began to head back to the meeting room to inform their guests of the verdict they had reached. However, they were stopped short by a short man who ran up to the group. A squire, carrying a message.


"My Lord," the squire said, "An urgent message from Governor We'l. The situation in the streets has grown violent. He informs you that rioting has broken out, and our guests need to be evacuated for their own safety."


As he said that, a loud crash was heard from outside, followed by shouts.


"Thank you," said Kulf to the squire. "Take this message back to the meeting room. I will not be able to make it back, I need to attend to some... minor unrest in the city. Our guests have full permission to land their armies here on the planet side. Further instructions to them will be provided later. Tell them that they need to be escorted to their ships immediately. There is a minor threat and they need to be escorted off the planet side. Thank you, squire."


"Yes, my Lord," said the squire, than scurried off.


With that, the Prince readied himself for the coming storm. More rioting meant only more trouble for the Empire, which was already in tough times to begin with. He said a quick prayer to the gods above and grasped the hilt of his sword for reassurance.


@Doncaster
 
@Mitch Neon


The landing ship touched down on the provided coordinates, two of the marines coming out with loosely held rifles. They surveyed the area, before motioning inside the ship. The diplomat walked out, and looked for the people they were there to meet.
 
Carmen stood walking from afar, her own guards with her, until she reached the diplomat


"welcome foreigner, now please follow me to meet the emperor if you will" Carmen said, turning back and walking to the mountain palace.
 
((OOC: Sorry for the late response @Doncaster))


Thor had carefully considered the Delvonian proposal and discussed it with the High Council on Aegir, and while the support was appreciated, they ´were concerned about the demand of shared technology. The Asgard would not allow young upstart species to precure such extremely advanced technology, should it come to that, with that technology, wars would be incredibly devastating. Thor ordered "Contact the Delvonian ship and bring me up on their screen."


He spoke while looking into the device that transmitted a video of him speaking to the Delvonian vessel "Greetings Hillian Kassin, we have discussed your proposal and come to a decision. We will gladly accept any help and we will grant you a seat, with a veto, at the negotiating table. However we will not agree to that any technology being siezed by any, including ourselves, of the species in this galaxy. If this is an invading fleet, the technology that can be precured is thus the one of the kind that can be used for war. And we will not allow such technology to be spread without the species having reached that level of knowledge themselves. Otherwise, if some young race comes into possession of that kind of knowledge, while lacking an understanding for it... A martial technological level of a kind that lies thousands of years ahead for most in this galaxy... It would be devastating, and the Asgardian High Council has decreed that all their technology will be destroyed should they prove to be hostile. With the only exception being if we are required to use their technology against them in order to survive. So, should anyone attempt to defy us in this, we will break our usual policy of non-interference and we will strike them down. And we give your our word on that we will stick to our own terms. We will not use this as an oppurtunity to strengthen our own position. I hope that you will find these terms fair. And something you may want to consider is the fact that they will be here in just a few days now."


He did not enjoy making threats, however the Asgard had spent thousands of years safeguarding undeveloped species from external threats, wanting them to evolve on their own, and preventing more advanced species to take advantage of their technological advantage. Preferring to intervene as little as possible, and only reacting if the threat to a species was dire. Often acting without the actual intended victim even being aware of what happened. At the least, no one could blame them for abusing their technological advantage.


The Asgard fleet was being mobilised, and 87 Battleships and 52 Cruisers would be sent from Riak to the rim, where the Asgard device would be activated to interrupt the newcomer's hyperdrive. The rest they would keep as reserves, as they had no intention of spending their entire fleet, should the enemy prove to be too strong. And back in the Asgard systems, hundreds of millions of reserves was being called to arms along with several new battleships being built. They would not go down without a fight.
 
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