Futuristic Nova One - A Galaxy United

[SilverFlight]

Nova One
​

​

Earth, April 2140


It was a phenomenal leap forward when our first space craft returned from the next star. Warp drive had only been a dream less than a hundred years ago, and now our explorers had been there, out of our solar system and into another.  I Remember watching it on the vid screens, the area outside the landing zone was packed with people. The cameras all focused on the door as it opened and our global heroes stepped back onto earth. I remember thinking then, ‘gee, these men and women don’t look as happy as they should’. And I was right, the slow, uneasy glances they gave the crowd and cameras told me there was something weighing on them. Something wasn’t quite right.


After that they were escorted away by men in suits and for three days we heard nothing.


On the fourth day the news spread like wildfire: “Humans have made contact!”


Alpha Centauri was not as lonely as we thought. Turns out our craft was met by another vessel…an alien vessel, and unlike the archaic fantasies of earth-grounded dreamers they did not want to probe or dissect us. They wanted to meet us…All of them.


The interviews that came afterwards, of the pilot and crew were shaky, uncertain, but the facts came out one after the other. There was not only a single race within travelable distance from our star. There were many. Over the past 5000 years they had built an intergalactic, multi-species civilization that they felt humans were now ready to join.


There was a call made for the selection of a small team to go back out into space and meet with the high-ranking officials in an outpost space station called ‘Ketzar’, owned and run by a race of reptilian aliens that lived in the Alpha Centauri system.


I remember thinking to myself ‘by God, this is it. We’re not alone…and our neighbors just invited us over for a chat.’


Ketzar space station


The minuscule outpost was ill-equipped for a large council meeting of the peoples. It was only supposed to be a scientific outpost, gathering data on solar flares around a habitable exoplanet. Yet they had all come, delegates from every corner of the known galaxy, and they had come here because it was not yet known how advanced the human technologies were. It was True that no race had occupied space for more than 5000 years, but it seemed that the species of Earth had only just come out of their solar system. They were strange, thin-skinned things, straight-backed and fragile, with small eyes that could only see in good light and small noses and ears. Overall their senses did not seem effectual in the best of situations. But their hands, their hands were deft and flexible and one look at those hands told anyone that this was a race of complex ingenuity.


There was a buzz of excitement as the human vessel came into port, docking in one of the bays and going through the detoxification procedures before the chamber the ship was in was pumped with the appropriate oxygen content. They would all need to be given breathers…but that would be the easy part.


Overview


In the year 2090 mankind perfected the first space craft equipped with a functional warp drive. Fifty years afterwards we made contact with a galactic unification force consisting of all beings that had reached the technological advancement of space travel. News of the discovery changed the way we saw everything. Aliens were real, and they wanted to meet us.


The council governing this multi-race organization has summoned a human envoy to Alpha Centauri, to a habitable exoplanet that orbits both stars, Centauri A and B to discuss a threat to all sapient species. There is a new kind of intelligent life, as of yet it has no form. There is no evidence of space craft, or data transmissions, only the wake of their destruction. For now, the damage has been limited to space stations and scouting fleets, but the danger grows more and more real, and humans are now part of the force standing against it.


This will be fairly detailed, but I want to keep it pretty free in terms of alien races. You can make your characters and invent their species and culture. Races of Artificially intelligent machines or robots are acceptable. You can also play a human sent in the envoy. This will be sort of a space exploration, military mission rp, where a small elite team will uncover planets, new races (some friendly, some not so much) and learn more about this shadowy terror that is slowly descending upon our galaxy. I'd really love the players to contribute to the story and the worlds and species we find. This will be much less shaped by myself (though I do have a vague plot in mind) and more by the ideas of the players.


The Intergalactic Council Code


The intergalactic council has complete jurisdiction over the vastness of space as used by all of its member species, as well as certain actions performed by council species on registered planets sustaining non-sapient life.


Here are the main obligations of all council races:


1. No council race will actively engage in unsolicited war with any other race.


2. No council race will interfere with the on world politics or social decisions of any other race.


3. No council race will engage in off-world or exobiological genetic experimentation.


4. No council race will create militarized artificial intelligence units with an intelligence core enabling mental evolution or to make decisions based on self-preservation.


5. No council races are to form alliances or treaties that undermine the authority of the intergalactic council.


Failure of any race to comply with these rules could result in a cooperative military response from the remaining council races.


Rules


-        All of RPN’s rules apply


-        This is a mature thread and will have content in this category, but you must stick to the site rules, fade to blacks are a must.


-        Respect the other players and their ideas


-     Please keep OOC chat in the OOC, no other tabs.


-        No godmoding, bunnying or powerplaying. You are in charge of your own characters only. No one elses.


-        You must post a character profile that follows the CS outline I have provided


-        The personality and bio portions must be at least one good paragraph long.


-        You may also add an entry to the ‘Races’ page of the thread with information on your alien species.


-        Please keep your species biologically realistic, i.e. no outrageous ingrained weaponry or god-like super powers, though mechanical enhancements are permitted.


-        This is a high-casual rp, posts will be between one and four paragraphs as a normal length. I don’t want one-liners and I don’t want novels.


-     The writing will be in 3rd person past tense please


-        I must review your profile before you can begin posting


-        Regular activity is expected, please if you join, be active and consistent.

 

[SilverFlight]

 

[johndoe]

I would love to join are we only allowed to rp as humans or...

 

[SilverFlight]

Reyna knew space was quiet, but as she waited in the acclimatizer, the small chamber just before the main ship doors the silence felt like it was pressing down on her. The computer worked without a sound as it analysed the composition of the air outside. It wasn't suitable for humans to breathe, but that was expected. They were docked on a frickin' alien ship!


Part of her still couldn't believe it, her heart was racing a mile a minute, but she recalled the images the previous crew had brought back. There was no mistake. This was happening, and as a point beyond her wildest dreams, it was happening to her. She took a quick look back at her crew, a few scientists and a few soldiers, most fidgeting nervously as the computer finished its work and calibrated the suits to filter the air into what they needed. 


Then, with an audible ping, the systems were calibrated and the door gave a jolt and slid down, creating a gangway for them to step into an entirely new reality.


Vaz was not wearing a helmet, none of the people gathered were, the atmosphere converters tied snugly around each throat changed the composition of the very air breathed into exactly what each species needed to survive. This way they would never have to worry about air supplies, nor hindrances in communication. The device in his ear took care of language. It automatically translated every recorded language into the language of its wearer, and thanks to a data capsule they recovered not 50 years prior, they were able to add the most common language spoken on earth. English. On a soft pillow held delicately between his two clawed hands were identical translators and atmosphere converters that had been modified specifically for their human guests, the newest editions to the intergalactic community.


The council mediator stood beside him, a slim, golden-coloured being with a hard exo-skeleton that looked not unlike one of Earth's lesser species, a mantis he thought it was called. Her species, like those of some insects on the earth planet lived in huge social colonies, as such, diplomacy and mediation were dedicated specialties of the race and Bretziz (as she was called) was no exception.


The air was thick with anticipation as the gangway of the ship slid down and the humans appeared, their smooth, small faces peering out from the transparent coverings attached to their helmets.


Vaz knew there would be many who would want to greet the humans personally, so he hung back and let them, waiting by Bretziz until they moved to the end of the hangar.


"Hello!" Reyna said loudly, raising a hand in greeting...and hoping to whatever god was up there that it wouldn't be seen as offensive to some of the amazing faces that peered curiously back at her.


"I bring you warm and sincere greetings from the planet Earth." The words were rehearsed, and she was bound contractually to give the greeting, it had been written for her. At this moment, in front of so many insanely different sapient beings she couldn't have imagined, she felt too overwhelmed to criticize the gushing formality.


  Bretziz, Council mediator.


@avira @zCrookedz @Tarmagon @sprouhtt @Abyss @Daniel reaving @SirGrey @_Line 213 @Kinzu Hekmatyar @player2


((If I missed anyone still interested please let me know ))

 

[avira]

Luthiel Celúbrindawen - Exobiologist & Diplomat
​

Luthiel straightened her dress as she sat upright. Somewhere in the back of her mind, she could hear her first mother's voice giving instruction on how to handle herself in such an important diplomatic situation. This advice was getting lost in Luthiel's head, overtaken by the strong current of excitement and wonder. Though she probably knew more facts about each species than they knew about themselves, Luthiel had rarely gotten the chance to see them in person. She took turns between staring discreetly at the "aliens" and taking notes in her datapad. They were mostly confirmations of things she'd learned or quick sketches of appendages like hands, but sometimes she found small details not covered in an official report (like the Vosite in the corner whose head tentacles seemed to have enough dexterity to pick his own nose). Of particular interest to her was the Kosaritrez Council mediator, Bretziz. The Kosaritrez, a matriarchal society, have maintained strong diplomatic ties with the Aule'waen for many eons. Luthiel had always though this was due to their many similarities. She loved to study non-humanoid races, especially their adaptive evolution over time. That was really why she was sent to this meeting, and on this mission. The Council hoped she would be able to unmask and hopefully communicate with this boogeyman race of destroyers.
 


Lost in her musings, Luthiel's attention was ripped back into reality by the sound of an opening airlock. Short, slender creatures walked in, almost apprehensively. Realizing the historic moment for what it was, she began to furiously record what tidbits she could. Their gait was slightly strange, she thought, but perhaps appropriate for their build. They seemed to walk on their own two feet and work with two hands, just like most humanoid species. From what Luthiel could see from her seat, their faces were smooth and pigmented in shades of cream to chestnut. Though the helmets made it difficult to see the humans, she concluded that it must be necessary for their breathing. Luthiel quickly scribbled a note reminding herself to ask what optimal atmospheric conditions were like for humans.


Luthiel was giddy with excitement. She had spent time analyzing the English language since the Council had gotten hold of it and this was her chance to hear (and possibly use) it with real native speakers. Of course, she had her own translator in her datapad for the tough words, but the Aulean often made it a point not to use automatic ULTs (Universal Language Translator) in meetings with the core species. It was a sign of respect to the other species, that the Aulean would take the time to learn their native language, and often helped in the building of trust for diplomatic relations.


"Hello! I bring you warm and sincere greetings from the planet Earth." 


Luthiel rose gracefully and made her way over to the head of the humans. "Excuse me, ah, Captain, is it?" she said with what sounded somewhat reminiscent of a French accent. "Perhaps you'd like to put your hand down? In Moltar culture, the gesture you are making indicates an invitation to duel, and I think the delegation of Moltari might heed your call."


@SilverFlight

 

[Tarmagon]

K'tharazhanaa V'nyr N'see, Small Claw of the Khan, stood near a bulkhead slightly behind the council greeting party awaiting the Council's newest invitees. Despite his relaxed stance he remained vigilant,  his eyes constantly roving over the assembled politicians, the members of his Sha'kinir scattered about the chamber,  and the access hatch that the 'humans' would soon be entering through. He had felt the tremors of their ship's docking a few centi-cycles before, so given any reasonable level of technology, they should have atmospheric analysis completed any...


The hatch opened and a small bipedal being stepped through. It was clad in some kind of suit that resembled a set of second generation hazardous environment armor,  complete with a clear visor. A peltless face that appeared quite flat, save for a protruding, something, just below and between the eyes, peered out from behind the visor,  taking in the assembled species. The figure paused,  then moved forward with a determined stride as other figures began to move down the ramp,  some tentatively,  some with purpose. 


"Those moving with purpose are their warriors, " Kthara thought, assigning two of his squad to watch them with an ear flick and a small gesture. "At least these beings are not so foolish as to come unprotected."


Kthara's thoughts cut off as the lead figure,  and he would bet his defargo that the figure was a Claw,  possibly even a Great Claw amongst the humans, reached the delegation and delivered a rehearsed greeting. Immediately one of the delegates moved forward, an Aule'waen by the looks of it, to offer its advice on the human's greeting.


"As if the Moltar would send a complete idiot to these proceedings," Kthara mused to himself. "First negotiations are always, exciting. No matter how grave the insult, always make sure it is an insult before you take offense. Of course if it turns out that it was meant as such, well, things can be revisited. "


Setting his thoughts aside,  Kthara settled into watchful waiting, absorbing everything he could about the new creatures,  letting the diplomats handle the initial greetings. He would get his chance to meet the 'humans' soon enough. 

 

[zCrookedz]

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The sounds of the stream running through the Eco Chamber had lulled Uriel into the depths of his concentration as he sat writing on a hololtab resting on his folded leg. The ground beneath him was slightly dampened, and the rock propping him up was not very comfortable, but he was barely aware of them as his hand wrote line after line of notes on the translucent screen of the holotab. A small electronic device that projected a screen of blue light between two thin metal rectangles, Scientia Patronus kept the device on them at all times to jot down notes should the need arise. Luckily for Uriel, he hadn't forgotten his on the ship this time. As he had been passing through the Eco Chamber, waiting for the arrival of the humans, he had spied a pair of furry creatures drinking from the nearby stream. Uriel was fairly certain they were known as Pygmy Gnolls, and had been studied extensively on one of the Jungle moons in far space. But he couldn't help sitting a spell and taking a few notes on their behavior as they scampered around the grass and in and out of bushes. [/SIZE]


 

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]As he sat, making a small note about the gnolls love for pulling on each others tails during recreational activities, a sudden beep resonating in his head startled him out of his trance. He glanced up at the brim of his Haloid and then raised a hand to press the side of the device attached to his head.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Hello Cassiel, what can I do for you?[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The brim of his Haloid lit up with a pale blue light and a veil dropped before Uriel's face. On the veil of light was the face of another Patronus, a female with long black hair that was pulled up into a ponytail. She had a meek looking face and her eyebrows showed the annoyance in her voice. The voice rang through his head as if the person on the other side of the communications device was standing right before him.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Where are you Uriel?! The Humans will be here any moment and Michael wants us all to be here as representatives when they get here. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Uriel smiled as he slid the pen he had been using to write on the glass made of light and the two rectangular bars collapsed together hiding the screen. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Relax Cassi, I'm in the Eco Chamber. Had to take a stroll and take some notes. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Cassiel placed her hands on her hips, a gesture Uriel could tell just from the view of her face. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]You better get here quick. The humans are about to enter![/SIZE]


 

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]The veil of light before Uriel retracted back into his Haloid and he sighed. The wings on his back gave a slight twitch and Uriel began to slowly rise from the rock he was leaning against. Once he was floating a few inches from the ground, he smiled at the Gnolls, who had taken to hiding under a leaf as they watched Uriel ascend. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]We'll have to finish this another time my furry friends. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Uriel's wings began to hum a bit louder as he began floating upstream with a bit of haste. He liked walking, it was a good way to observe things slowly and take in more detail. But he could only imagine the amount of work that Michael would give him if he was late for the Humans arrival. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Uriel reached the exit to the Eco Chamber in only a few moments, and once out he floated along down the halls towards the main chamber.  The hallways were buzzing with different species in small groups. Uriel could have used the Haloids Universal Language Translator to translate what they were saying into his head, but he was fairly certain he knew what they were talking about. The humans had been a very lively subject lately, especially on Coelum. It had been a very long time since a Patronus had seen a Human, and Uriel was ecstatic to be chosen to be one of the first Patronus to see what they looked like now. [/SIZE]


 

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]As Uriel rounded the corner to the entrance to the main chamber, two Patronus were standing outside the door waiting. A short female patronus, Cassiel, stood before a larger male Patronus. His skin was much darker than Uriel's or Cassiel stretch flawlessly over his bald head until it reached his right eye. The jagged scar that had rendered his right eye useless stretched from the top of his lip to the right temple.  His bulkier frame dressed in a more heavily armored biosuit labeled him as a Bellator, and as Uriel approached, he and Cassiel both folded their arms over their chest and gave him a look of annoyance. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Michael is a bit annoyed with you Uriel. Because we were not all together, we have to wait till you show up before joining him."[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Uriel stopped right before the pair and dropped to the ground. His wings ceased humming and folded to his back as he stepped over towards the door. [/SIZE][SIZE=14.666666666666666px] [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Relax Tabbris. I'm here now, so let's go in."[/SIZE]


 

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]WIthout waiting for a response, Uriel placed a hand on the doors control panel and it slid open. The buzz of the Humans arrival surrounded them as they trio entered the Hangar. Standing at the edge of the balcony before them, was the final Patronus in their small group. An Elderly looking man, maybe in his late 60's by human standards, dressed in a robe like outfit with the styling of the Patronus. His Haloid was a bit more elegant than that of the trio, with small ridges along the top and bottom of the Haloid. He gave a slight turn when he heard the door open and gestured for the group to join him. The trio made their way over the Michael and joined him over looking the hanger door that had been designated for the Humans to dock at and enter. Michael kept his focus on the door, but spoke so as to address Uriel. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"I hope you found what you were looking for Uriel, and that is was worth you and your fellows tardiness."[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Uriel winced a bit as he felt the dagger like stares of Cassiel and Tabbris in the back of his head, but before he could respond to Michael, the doors gave the indication of the doors opening. Michael seemed to perk up a little more and stepped a bit closer to the railing as he watched the Humans enter the hangar. Uriel craned his head a bit to see the humans stepping forward. [/SIZE]


 

[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]As the lead figure approached and began greeting the hangar and all within it Uriel leaned a bit closer to Michael and whispered. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Should we go down and greet them?"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Michael pretended not to pay attention as he listened and watched. After the human gave her greeting, an Aule'waen stepped forward and gave the first greeting. Uriel, a bit annoyed by Michaels lack of response stepped a bit out of line with the rest of the Patronus and leaned on the bars of the railing. He overheard a Valknir close by making a remark the Moltari threat the greeting had represented. Uriel found it to be a bit humorous, and as he stood watching he nearly missed Michaels motion for the the group of Patronus to leave the railing and head down. Uriel fell in line between Cassiel and Tabbris and the small group of Patronus made their way down to the hangar floor where they approached the group of Humans from the side. As they approached, Uriel and Cassiel fell to the right of Michael, while Tabbris went to the left. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]Michael stepped forward and bowed his body towards the group of human, followed by Tabbris, Uriel, and Cassiel. Michael raised first and smiled at the humans with a warm and kind smile. [/SIZE]


[SIZE=14.666666666666666px]"Greetings Humans. On behalf of the planet of Coelum, and the Patronus throughout the entire Galaxy, we welcome you."[/SIZE]


 


@SilverFlight

 

[_Line 213]

For better or worse, Diplomacy was not present in Cooper's Serial.


Even so, considering his part to play in what was to come, he nonetheless found himself floating alongside a collection of ten or so Spectralite diplomats, separate from their Flock, yet near enough to seem like he belonged. His white aperture flickered and fluttered from presence to presence, setting the scene for all those watching in the various corners of the galaxy. There was absolutely no way that the wider Spectralite Intelligence Union was going to let such a momentous occasion go without a live broadcast, after all.


He had consumed so much information about these 'humans' in preparation, and they had still somehow managed to seem more than a little puzzling in person. Cooper's panels flicked outward, flaring in a slight display of surprise, before folding back into their default configuration as the terran entourage grew nearer. The chattering of hundreds of thousands of Spectralites bounced through the streaming channels, opinions on everything from human physiology, to human culture, to whether or not Cooper and the diplomats should run up and scan their biological composition immediately, filling Cooper's core. They failed to be all that distracting, fortunately, and Cooper took a moment to thank the Makers for his processing speed as he followed along after the Specralite delegates.


Approaching the front of the gathering, the small cloud of Specralites formed themselves into a perfect, upward line, taking up as little space as possible in order to make way for all the others that likely attempted to make their way to the front at roughly the same time. Cooper resigned to drifting a few inches behind the pillar of diplomats, his panels continuously furrowing as his aperture focused on various portions of the arriving lifeforms. Pulling himself from his private thoughts, he turned his attention back to the Spectralite voices buzzing throughout the streaming routes, and submitted a poll.


"PUBLIC QUERY. CATEGORY: HUMAN CULTURE, RELATIONS. SUGGESTION: PLAY HUMAN MUSICAL SELECTION, THE BLUE DANUBE WALTZ. TWENTY SECOND PRE-VOTING CONSIDERATION PERIOD BEGINS NOW."

 

[Andraus]

@SilverFlight


A bit before the meeting got underway, A flotilla of ships would slip into space near the ship. These ships were armed, built for speed, and diverse. There were a dozen frigates, four cruisers, two carriers, seven destroyers, an unknown number of fighters, and three dreadnoughts. Standing out of these would be a ship that would seem oddly meshed: Built like an Attack Cruiser, armed like a Dreadnought. This was the Revenant of Ascension, the capitol ship of the Ascended Fleet, the Fleet of Perpetual Justice, and Admiral Onishera's personal flagship. 


A Communication would then break out.


"~To all Coalition Forces, This is the 137th Expeditionary Defense Flotilla, of the Fleet of Perpetual Justice. The Revenant of Ascension is docking now, carrying Fleet Admiral Mehrunes Onishera and High Chancellor Solia Onishera. We are on orders to act as a security detail for the duration of the meeting. Don't worry, we'll keep the space clear for you, Over and Out."


Stepping onto the ship now would be an male, with three infantry units behind him. This was Mehrunes Onishera, and in between him and the three units was his sister, Solia. Mehrune came here as part of her security detail. Originally, he wanted to bring the entire fleet, but Solia managed to convince him the 137th E.P. Flotilla was enough protection. Mehrune still had the fleet on standby out-of-system, in case things got dicey. He didn't trust the Coalition here, and he sure has hell didn't trust the Council. If they tried anything, he would shot as many as he could dead.


It was bad enough he wasn't allowed to come fully armed: Most of his gear was back on his ship, the only thing he was permitted to bring was his Pistol, and a standard set of Security Armor, and it sure as hell had nothing on his Combat Suit. He would have the helmet off, giving view of his glowing skin. "This is just a bad idea....restrict our weapons and armor, then bring us here....I swear, it's like they want to kill us.....then again, I wouldn't be too shocked if that were the case." Mehrune said, obviously agitated at being brought out of the field for this little event. He had to admit, meeting new races was nice and all, but all the political bull was not his cup of tea.


A hand would be placed on his shoulder, and he'd look back: It was Solia, and she had a look of concern on her face. "Brother, Please. I understand your....distaste for Coalition business, but it is necessary we are here. It would be in bad taste if we chose not to be present. "She said. She herself was wearing something out of the ordinary for her, her outfit meant to impress. It was made of a ballistic weave to protect against small arms fire, but nothing more major than that. It did suit her purple hair, though.


She would then take her hand off, and look around. "I need to link up with the other members of the Council, to greet the newcomers. Do me a favor, and don't antagonize them here? They are not really happy with you right now. "She said, almost pleading with him. His last rally had generated a large drop in investments in Coalition-related businesses among the Ascended, as well as investors pulling away their funding all around the coalition. Needless to say, things were tense right now between them, and Solia didn't want it to escalate any further. 


Mehrunes would just scoff. "Why? Because I speak the truth? Because I am a proud Ascended, and I refuse to take whatever bullshit they're feeding people?" Mehrunes said to her.


Solia would pinch the bridge of her nose. " Xhu'th, Please brother. Just....avoid talking about the subject with them at all? At least for right now?"


Mehrunes would just roll his eyes, before sighing. "I will try, Solia, I cannot promise any more than that."


Solia would just nod in return. It was all she could really hope for. "Good. That's all I can ask." She said, as they continued on.


Once in the room with the rest of the Council, they'd see they were just in time: The new race, the humans, had finally arrived. Compared to her, they looked tiny. Then again, her race DID apparently resemble elves in Human Fantasy (glowing skin, graceful, tall, and pointed ears. Who knew, huh?). Solia herself would bow to the Newcomers, looking towards them with a gentle smile on her face. "Greetings. As Representative of the Ascended High Council, and the Ascended Species, I offer you warm welcome among us. I hope the trip here was none too difficult?" She asked.


Mehrunes would just stare around the room. He wasn't one for all this nice talk, he was a soldier first and foremost, but he knew he had to display proper military doctrine among the newcomers. Mehrunes would cross his arms, and offer a small nod to the Humans, keeping his distance. "Welcome, Newcomers." He said. Though he did his best to hide it, it was clear he didn't like being here.

 

[SilverFlight]

Reyna put her hand down immediately but her eyes were wide with  surprise for a moment before she wrangled her shock back into a neutral expression.


"You speak English." She said to Luthiel, the surprise still evident in her tone. Reyna took a little time to examine the diversity in the small hangar. She was surprised to see several faces that looked positively human, even if some were of a slightly more primary shade or...glowing. The Patronus (as he called his people) caught her off guard. He looked positively...angelic, and she wondered if it was an illusion, strange tech or if that was his actual appearance. Her disbelieve she decided to suspend indefinitely until she had a more firm grasp of this strange new reality.


It was then Vaz stepped forward, his thick, plated bulk looming over the group of humans. Reyna forced herself to keep her hand down, which was itching to go to the gun at her side. If any gesture would be declaring combat, she thought reaching for a weapon was pretty universal.


The alien however held out a cushion upon which were two sets of devices. He gestured to his own set, one on the throat and one in his ear and she understood. The crew watched in anticipation as their captain took the devices and flipped the switch on her suit. The helmet visor flipped back and Vaz leaned in to slip the converter around her neck. The device gave a warm sensation and tentatively she took a breath. Next he placed the translator in her ear, his bulky, clawed fingers surprisingly precise.


He spoke then, his grating, guttural language smoothing out into something she could understand.


"That should be better." The large Reksh'an tilted his head up in amusement at Reyna's expression.


She heard the other greetings around the room suddenly in English. Vaz gave a brief explanation of how the devices worked and by the time he stepped aside Reyna was thoroughly amazed.


Her eyes flicked to the small floating angular...actually Reyna would have to ask what that was, but she smiled at what it said. "Anything that likes Strauss is ok in my books."


Her attention then turned to the two humanoid beings that had entered last. One seemed to flow through the words of greeting as if she were born to them, the other Reyna felt like there was a hint of animosity, though whether it was toward her, or the gathering as a whole she couldn't tell.


"Greetings." She said, looking at the Ascended man specifically.


Vaz liked the way the human leader carried herself. He stepped back and found a place by the Valknir Small Claw, rumbling thoughtfully as the Ascended representatives entered.


"I would watch those two." He growled. "Bretziz gives them more slack than I think is wise."


After a moment of the human crew following their captain's lead and donning the new devices the council mediator began to clear a path for the delegates.


"I am sure many of you have several questions for the newest editions to the intergalactic community, but I must beg your patience, we must begin the meeting soon, I fear matters have become more pressing since last we were updated." She lead the way then, her four legs clicking audibly on the floor as her forelimbs held and reviewed information on a datapad.


Reyna made sure the reps of her own crew were close by before she started forward too, feeling small as she came down off the gangplank and amongst the other species.


It was a lot to take in, but Reyna couldn't deny there was a thrum of excitement running through her veins.


"I want to thank you all, for agreeing to meet with our race."


Vaz chuckled from his place in the back, his hearing was quite good. "You were expecting an invasion?"


Reyna stifled a laugh (who knew what that meant to one of these races?)


"Well...yeah." She gave as honest an answer as she could.

 

[_Line 213]

The panels of the glowing diplomats stiffened slightly at the human's response, before relaxing in relief when the delegate responded in agreement. Specralites across the galaxy cheered over the network.


Cooper himself fluttered a bit, working away some of the anxiety that had racked his computation for several moments beforehand. The poll had come back from the Union at 97% to 3%, and that, alongside with the human's approval, was more than enough for him and the diplomats. As one of the diplomats near him began to emit that soft bit of human culture, Cooper quietly voiced his relief, his singular eye swiveling in a wide circle as he briefly dipped in the air, letting out two pulses of an affirmative, bell-like chime. "...Goodness me. Close call. Tense, felt like."


The music seemed to have a slight effect on the diplomats, who, whether they noticed it or not, were beginning to sway and dip ever so lightly in accordance with the throes of the music, wavering in their midst of their formerly-perfect straight line. The diplomat at the very top, still floating, pushed himself a little higher, as if making her presence known. Several others had given proper introductions by that point. "Believe it or not, a great many in the galaxy have already taken pains to research your local languages! But, thanks to advances in translator technology, it's hardly necessary for you to do the same. I'm sure you're quite overwhelmed already." She looked back and forth, letting out a brief vocalization that sounded like a rough approximation of the clearing of one's throat, varied in pitch and tonality just enough for it to seem vaguely applicable to any nearby species possessing a larynx-like construction. "On behalf of the Spectralite Intelligence Union, I, 2484 Energetic Diplomat, would like to welcome you to the, ah, 'wider world,' as it were, to use one of your expressions!" The Spectralite let out a little laugh; as far as they were concerned, this meeting was absolutely delightful. "Below me are Generalized Diplomats 1449 through 1453, 3165 Satisfied Diplomat, 0142 Knowledgeable Diplomat, and Thoughtful Diplomats 3745 and 1221." Each, in turn, all the way down the line, dipped in the air slightly as a marker of acknowledgement.


Cooper, still hanging back, folded his panels inward just a little more, seemingly aiming to stay as hidden in plain sight as possible. The public query was already enough of a disruption, if the slightly frustrated squabbles of the Diplomats over the network was any indication. Nonetheless, he followed along behind the diplomats as the mediator drew closer, the entire network of hundreds of thousands of Spectralites falling quiet with sudden immediacy as it became clear that important matters were on the verge of discussion. The music remained, just loud enough to be heard, but soft enough to allow for proper conversation nonetheless. The diplomats were doing all they could not to "waltz" through their flight paths as they floated closer.

 

[zCrookedz]

Uriel could tell that Michael was smiling without even looking at him. The human's reaction to their ability to speak english was understandable, even if it wasn't all the remarkable to Uriel. The "English" language they had been provided from the council had been easily turned into data and transferred into their Haloids, making it relatively easy to speaking and understanding the humans language. For Uriel and the others, it was pretty easy to understand. But for a young species like the Humans, Uriel could see the fascination with it. 


Uriel watched as the Reksh’an distributed the atmosphere converters and language translators to the humans. Michael stepped back into line with the other Patronus and allowed for others to approach and greet the humans. Uriel spied a pair of Ascended enter and approach, he had never met one in person but had heard stories of their race. They seemed very intense, something Uriel had exspected from a species with such a reputation. Hi thoughts on the Ascended were interrupted when a soft melody began playing and he looked up to find the representatives of  the Spectralite.


Uriel was so preoccupied with the music that he nearly missed that Michael and the others had already begun to head for the meeting chambers behind Bretziz. He stepped back into place between Tabbris and Cassiel, who gave him sideways glances of irritation. Michael, infront of all of them, walked to the right of the humans, but kept his distance from them as to not intimidate them. He chuckled at her comment about invasion. 


"I think you will find that most species have no intentions of invading other planets. Those who would, well, the council keeps them in check. You have nothing to fear here my dear."

 

[Tarmagon]

Kthara stayed quiet as the humans were presented with their translators and converters, his eyes roving the area unceasingly. His duty seemingly discharged, the large Reksh’an moved smoothly over to stand by him. The large creature’s attention, as well as Kthara’s, was captured by a pair of new arrivals, one of whom immediately addressed the humans. Kthara couldn’t quite stop his ears from flattening slightly as he noted the species of the newcomers, who called themselves Ascended.


[SIZE=10.5pt]"[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]I would watch those two,[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]" [/SIZE]the Reksh’an growled. "[SIZE=10.5pt]Bretziz gives them more slack than I think is wise.[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]"[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10.5pt]“I do not find myself in conflict with your opinion scale-brother,”[/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]Kthara replied quietly, flicking one ear in emphatic agreement. He noted the human leader moving forward through the greeters and decided that the time had come to discharge his duties.


[SIZE=10.5pt] [/SIZE]“I must absent myself for a moment scale-brother,” he said. “K’tress grant that we may continue to speak shortly.”


[SIZE=10.5pt]Kthara moved forward, approaching the human leader. When it had noticed him, he bowed formally.[/SIZE]


[SIZE=10.5pt]“I am K’tharazhanaa V’nyr N’see of the ZeeValkniriseer’eere,” [/SIZE][SIZE=10.5pt]he said formally. [/SIZE]“I have been charged to bring the words of my Khan to you. In this, I am Khan’ha’aiku, my words are his words, my voice is his voice.”


[SIZE=10.5pt]Kthara paused a moment, feeling the weight of his own words settle over him. In this moment he, a lowly Small Claw, was the Khan, his next words spoken for his entire race.[/SIZE]


“Welcome far travelers. That you have the capability to make the journey speaks to your intellect. That you were curious enough to start the journey speaks to your heart. That you have chosen to be here, now, speaks to your bravery. We have yet to take your full measure, just as you have yet to take ours, but here, in this place, the ZeeValkniriseer’eere acknowledge you as warriors at heart, and greet you as such.”


Kthara extended one hand, not expecting the human to know how to respond, but after a moment it extended one its hands to clasp his. He smiled the tooth hidden smile of a carnivore as his free hand slashed upwards, his fully extended claws tapping gently against what he hoped was the human’s cheek. Rather than bringing its own free hand up, the human's empty hand flashed to its holstered pistol with a speed that was worthy of respect. Even as his claws stopped against the human's face, the muzzle of the unfamiliar pistol aligned on his own, and Kthara flicked one ear out sideways, even as a single eyebrow rose.


"My apologies Great Claw," he said as he brought his free hand down, claws retracting. "I did not realize that your warriors greeting required the drawing of weapons instead of claws. I meant no dishonor, and will make certain that any who wish to offer you honor draw their weapons in the future, rather than using their claws."


The human's pistol returned to its holster with the same fluid speed that it had risen with as Kthara released the human's hand and waited, wondering if he had just embroiled his people in a war by failing to render proper respect to the humans.

 

[Andraus]

Solia sighed in relief. So far, the meeting had gone along without TOO much chaos. Then, just as she thought that, the young Kthara performed a traditional warriors greeting. Solia just pinched the bridge of her nose, before walking over, and placing a hand on his shoulder. "I do not believe it is that, Young ZeeValkniriseer’eere. I believe they are merely startled by the greeting. Remember, this is our first time meeting, so there is bound to be confusion on both sides. Relax, young Small Claw, there will be time to learn as our races become more acquainted. "The 7ft woman told Kthara, trying to relax the Valknir male. 


She would then move her hand, and walk over towards Bretziz. " Vah'Hiden Bretziz. It has been awhile since we last received a chance to perform civil discourse. " She said. She knew the council was likely not very happy with her race at the moment, but she herself meant no ill will, and hoped to convey that to him. "You must come to Zephyrus one of these days, so we have better opportunity to talk in full. I assure you, you're quick welcome in my home at any time. " Solia said. Her people may not be fond of the Council, but for Solia it was a matter of practicality: The Ascended needed to be with the Coalition, and the Coalition needed the Ascended. Solia would be damned before she made Bretziz of all people feel unwelcome.


Mehrunes would just sigh, running his hand through his hair, as he'd walk towards one of the few races he could actually stand to talk to: The Spectralites. He found them great company, and made it a common point to use them as an intellectual sparring partner. He was then met with a familiar glowing figure. "Ah! 0090 Cooperative Navigator! It's good to see you again. I believe I finally have a riddle to stump you. "He said, before thinking. Which one should he use.....hmm.....well, it's best to try and stump him right away, so he would try his best made one. "This thing, all things devours, Birds, beasts, trees, and flowers. Gnaws iron, bites steel, Grinds hard stones to meal, Slays king, ruins town, And beats high mountain down." He said, putting a hand to his chin, rehearsing it the way he put it. "Can you guess?" 


@_Line 213 @SilverFlight @Tarmagon

 

[_Line 213]

The sudden mention of his Serial gave the floating fellow a bit of a start, his panels flaring outward once again, small geometric body dipping in the air before turning, flicking a glowing aperture towards one he had seen on his journeys before. Indeed, here was a fellow on whose ships he had served some time ago; let it never be said that he passed up a chance to pilot and navigate. A quick tone went up and down as several panels flapped in consideration, the sliding note sounding almost like a hum of thought.


"Query returns several possibilities. One, a forward-moving concept of temporality. Two, acid rain. Three, biological specimen 'B-22,' colloquially known as an 'Iraxis Gastroworm.'" He stopped for a moment, his eye flickering briefly, panels flapping in and out once more as he considered for several seconds more. "Considering the confinement of the Gastroworm to starsystem Iraxis-A, and the lack of acid rain on a vast majority of planets and satellites, I will go with--pardon the simplification--Time."


His panels shifted outward at that with an accompanying bell-like chime, extending slowly as he anticipated an answer.

 

[Daniel Reaving]

Edward had throughout the trip and time with the others stayed quiet, not talking to any one as he would observe them through the lenses of his "glasses"





A small sigh escaping his lips as he looked around his eyes scanning the room through his glasses as constant monitors piped up on the glass lenses. Looking to the others with a stone cold expression. He didn't want much for this trip. Truly it was his followers that convinced him to go. So that they may recruit more from the aliens and upgrade there tech farther but he felt going with the first group was a waste of time

 

[avira]

Luthiel Celúbrindawen - Exobiologist
​

At the mention of her English-speaking ability, Luthiel smiled gently at the human Captain. She excused herself, knowing that many races had yet to make their greetings, and sauntered away back towards her place. In the corner of her eye, she noticed a familiar object floating above the ground, emitting the most catching music. Though there were few races she had actually gotten to observe in person, the Spectralites were one she had great familiarity with. Luthiel found herself gracefully swaying back and forth to its three-time beat as she approached the Spectralite.


The Spectralites were a curiosity on the Aulean home world of Imladris. After their awakening, some decades ago, the Spectralites had no where to call their own. The Auleans, infinitely curious about their new mechanical friends, struck a deal with them. The Spectralites were allowed to set up what would be known as the Enclave on the Aulean world Imladris. The Spectralites were given access to the vast Aulean libraries. This included  history of the verse since the Aule'wae been able to record it, their research on continuing bio-technological advancements, and profiles of every species encountered by the Aule'wae. In return, the Spectralites would work cooperatively on this database with the Auleans, gathering data and inputting it as they traveled the galaxies. It was an arrangement that suited both the Spectralite's and the Aulean's thirst for knowledge.


Luthiel was just about to greet the Spectralite when she was beaten to the punch by what looked like an Ascended. She moved in closer, analyzing their exchange.  "I'm sorry to interrupt," she greeted them with a twinkle in her gray eyes and a soft smile on her lips. "I believe, my dear Spectralite, that you may have gotten it right. Otherwise we are both stumped."


@_Line 213 @Andraus

 

[Andraus]

@_Line 213 @avira


The Ascended male let out a laugh as the two answered, snapping his fingers. "Correct you are! Mark my words though, 0090 Cooperative Navigator, I will find a riddle to stump you on, one day!" He said, before turning towards Aulean female. His posture notably tensed up, as his face grew cautious. She was an Aulean, and it was doubtful that she would support independence from the Coalition in itself, but she seemed young and it was likely that she didn't have the same brain-washing that most of the founding race had, when it came to the Coalition. He would take a moment, before speaking. "Greetings. You must be the Aulean Representative sent from Imladris. I am Admiral Mehrunes Onishera, of the Fleet of Perpetual Justice. " Rune said, before shaking his head. "But for the life of me, Just call me Rune, or Mehrunes. I prefer those I work with not to use formalities with me....speaking of work-" Mehrunes would look towards 0090.


Mehrunes would then reach into his pocket, and pull out a small holographic projection device (HPD). Pressing a button on the display, it would show a Droid, though this one was of a new design. "We finally got through the last of the damned Coalitions red tape, and finally finished working on the new Mk.1 Commando Units. I am glad my sister has the patience to deal with them, because I don't. "He said, showing it to the female Aulean. "Light-weight Ablative Ceramic armor, Scout-Class Yngol Energy shielding, Built in Promethium combat blades in the lower arms, and an Active Camouflage unit built into the lower abdomen." He said, the projection pointing at and demonstrating it's abilities. "It's intended for use in infiltration, torch and burn, assassination, and mid-term engagements. It's AI is also designed to follow imprinted combat routines in such mission scenarios, though it can adapt to different combat scenario's if necessary." He said, putting it away.


"The Council gave us hell for trying to get this forward, but Solia finally managed to work around them. " He said to 0090 Cooperative Navigator. "We only have a thousand working models now, but we have 'permission' to build about ten thousand. We'd be allowed to build more if we sent the blue prints to the council, But we refused on grounds of secrecy. Annoying Kasiths, I swear." Mehrune said. He would then look towards Luthiel.


"Let me ask you something, Miss: If you were backed into a corner, and held down, would you sit there and take it, or would you fight back?" He asked her, before holding up his hand, trying to dash any attempts at evading the question. "I am not asking for an explanation, it Is a simple 'left' or 'right' question. Which would you choose?" 

 

[_Line 213]

Cooper let out a quiet double-chime as the information was given, a light series of interlocking geometric arrays momentarily sprouting from his eye and interlacing the device and its projection, likely taking in the information. Another two-part sound came when the Ascended had finished speaking, an indication that Cooper had words to say.


"I will relay the given information to the wider Intelligence Union. A Spectralite with proper clearance will respond on an available channel within the minute." A dip of acknowledgement, and his eyes swiveled to the unfamiliar delegate; he likely had words for her as well, but the Ascended man had managed to catch her attention first. The Spectralite fell silent, watching the exchange between them with quiet, unassuming neutrality, aperture shifting from one to the other in turn as speech was prompted.

 

[SilverFlight]

So they were a race in themselves! Reyna watched the floating collections of light with great intrigue. There was so much ti learn...


She nodded at Cooper's observation of her being overwhelmed. "You got that right friend."


Bretziz looked back over her thorax, an easy feet given the elastic joining at the base of her cranial shield. "I beg your forgiveness for the rush of this entire process. Normally we would have a much more extended integration conference, but with this new unknown force, all of our civilizations could well be in jeopardy."


The news was sobering. There were so many cultures so much more advanced than what her own had ever dreamed of...the fact that something was rattling them all made her more than a little nervous.


One of the angelic Patronus came up to her then. She couldn't help but feel calmed by him just walking serenely beside her. His appearance certainly made her think back to christian texts and painting of angels. 


"You...seem a lot like beings many humans revered as divine. Is that a coincidence?" She tried to put the question delicately.


Soon after an absolutely enormous cat-like being approached. After the tense moment Reyna just paused, staring up into the Valnkir's large, predatory eyes. Then she couldn't help but give a laugh.


"I like your race already. The gun's not a greeting, I just thought you were going to put those claws through my head!"


Vaz gave a deep-throated growl, a sound which Reyna found out later was Reksh'an laughter.


She smiled kindly at the Ascended who had come to her rescue. "Its all right. I'm expecting a lot of surprises." She turned back to Kthara. "I know we've got a lot to learn."


Bretziz inclined her antennae in respect for the Ascended representative as Solia addressed her. "Your offer is most gracious my friend. You honor me with the kind invitation. I do hope to visit the sparkling gem of your planet in short time, however I fear the news I must share at our meeting might make us all wary of space travel for a time. I know your people and the Council do not always...see eye to eye, but this new danger...it is like nothing we have ever seen..."


The council room was actually the rear hangar, with seats brought in from across the space station to collect around a projector set against the far wall. The space was tight. Vaz opted to stand in the back, his bulk likely to block the view of others if he tried to sit. Several of the Reksh'an scientists hovered in the background, some looking a little put out that their work had been so thoroughly disrupted. The human crew was offered front and center seats as Bretziz told them they would introduce themselves and their race after the most important issues had been presented.


Once everyone was seated the Kosaritrez Councilor clicked her way to the podium before the projected screen.


"You honor all with your presence, esteemed members of the Intergalactic council." She began, Reyna could hear her real voice under the translation in her ear. It was smooth as silk and melodious, completely unexpected given her insect-like form. "We have two reasons to gather today, one of which I fear is very grave." She gave a signal and the projector's operator flipped the image to the husk of a space shuttle. The metal sidings looked like they had been melted through in places, and completely decomposed in others. The ship was so damaged Vaz could not even identify the make or origin. He muttered a curse under his breath. He had been given the report along with the other council delegates. There were no survivors.


"This is the remains of a recent attack from this force that has been roaming the galaxy. Investigations of the wreckage yield very few clues. We since have collected evidence that this being is now no longer limited to the deep folds of space. It has landed on a planet."


There were shocked whispers and worried glances shared between many of the delegates. Reyna stared hard-eyed and calculating at the image. She turned to Edward with a grim face.


"Ever seen anything like it?" She asked.


Bretziz gestured to Vaz who made his way to the front. "Not 3 solar cycles ago the space station monitoring system lost contact with a ground team working on the surface of the planet we are now orbiting. Satellite images showed some evidence of damage...similar to that found on the destroyed ships. After much thorough dialogue the council has agreed to put together a small team that will begin investigating this new threat, starting with the location and hopefully rescue of the Reksh'an science team that went missing."


Bretziz continued on after that.


"It is now my honor to introduce to you a new race that will be joining our intergalactic community, and as a gesture of trust and peace, we invite the human crew to select several members to become part of the investigative team...Reyna Summers, kindly stand and introduce yourself and your crew. Each representative will then follow."


Reyna did as she was asked, her voice loud and confident despite the disturbing news she had just been given. Underneath her words her mind was working furiously to accommodate and store all she had learned.


((Sorry for the length, plot advancement takes a bit of explaining))

 

[_Line 213]

Seeing as the briefing was due to begin at the same time as the conversation between the Aule'waen and Ascendant diplomats, Cooper quietly excused himself, a fluttering of his panels accompanying his exit as he fell in line behind the representing diplomats of his kind, still content to follow.


There was no chair set aside for the Spectralites, though to all those in the room, such was expected. The floating intelligences presented themselves towards the back, hovering over the tops of assorted seated heads as all glows dimmed away, revealing dull, matte exteriors. There was no need to distract themselves and the others from the offered projection, after all. Though the diplomats chattered amongst themselves over the network, Cooper himself remained silent, both in terms of transmission and vocalization, panels flattening against his central body as he focused on the presentation, specifically the shuttle and the damage done. Dissolution, decomposition, but no visible burns; Cooper searched through all the databases comparable to him, quietly compiling a list of similar damages to similar materials. His first conclusions rested on biological components, as opposed to high temperatures or particle weaponry, though it was perhaps too early for guessing games right that moment.


Then, the lead member of the human delegation stood, prompting Cooper to open his panels wide once more, latent--yet unvoiced--curiosity re-emerging through gesture. Still behind the diplomats, yet nonetheless attentive, Cooper switched his aperture from the projection to the newcomers, every so often pulling his lone eye away to gauge the reactions of the rest of the room.

 

[Tarmagon]

Kthara couldn't help himself. Despite the gravity of meeting a new species, despite the disturbing conversation he had overhead as he awaited the human's response, despite the threat that had gathered them all together, the human's reaction had been so Valknir that he burst out laughing.


"I like your race already. The gun's not a greeting, I just thought you were going to put those claws through my head!"


Despite her admission, she hadn't hesitated, hadn't flinched. She had been ready to face her ending and take her ender with her to serve in the Great Hall. Kthara had no idea what the rest of the human race was going to turn out to be, but this one had the heart of a ZeeValkniriseer'eere, and he and his would grant her the respect of a farshtok, whether or not she was ever named as such.


"I look forward to speaking with you under less, troubled times Great Claw," he said respectfully, once he had his mirth under control. "I think we are more alike than we know."


The human's attention was claimed by the Council representative, but Kthara didn't mind. He was well satisfied with his encounter with the human commander, but the conversation he had overheard was, troubling. The female Ascended had been ready to smooth over any issues with gentle words and understanding, but the male, Mehrunes he had named himself, had proven that some of the rumors about the Ascended were sadly true. He had been gleefully describing a weapon of dishonor, unworthy even of a chofaki, then he had confronted a delegate with an impossible question.


"He seeks to force his views onto others by manipulation," Kthara thought darkly. "I fear I have been remiss in my study of his people, and now I must correct my mistake."


Flipping open a panel on his left arm, he tapped a quick series of commands and queries into his RI assistant, then settled back and turned all his attention to the briefing by the Council representative. He hadn't seen this part of the report yet, and he found it profoundly disturbing.


"We must learn all we can of these chofaki," he thought grimly. "Then it shall be our turn to lay waste to them."

 

[avira]

Luthiel Celúbrindawen - Exobiologist


The handy thing about gray eyes like hers, Luthiel thought, is that most species have a tough time telling if she was bored. Of course, she absolutely excited to be meeting an Ascended. She had spent some time studying their Ascendancy program and would have loved to get first person perspective. But, all things military and combat were of passing interest to her. Technological advancement was certainly something to be celebrated, but the moment you take that technology and twist it into the fastest way to kill people, you've lost Luthiel's interest. She was passively nodding along in politeness to the Admiral's presentation when he posed her with a question.


"Let me ask you something, Miss: If you were backed into a corner, and held down, would you sit there and take it, or would you fight back?"


Luthiel's brow furrowed slightly. Such a sudden question from a practical stranger would be enough to throw anyone off for a moment. Though, Mehrunes wasn't a complete stranger to Luthiel. She'd never met him in person, but his reputation as a troublemaker and anti-Council intentions made him known well enough in most circles. Luthiel's mother, one of the Council's oldest diplomats, frequently cited him as the source of her headaches. Unsure of whether Mehrunes knew who she (or more importantly, her mother) was, Luthiel decided it would be best to answer vaguely and quietly excuse herself. She parted her lips, attempting to evade his question, when Mehrunes perceptively waved away whatever response he expected her to have. "I am not asking for an explanation, it Is a simple 'left' or 'right' question. Which would you choose?" Closing her mouth, she gave him a thoughtful smile. It was at that second that the meeting was called to order. The many representatives shuffled to their seats as Lutheil's fellow Aule'wae beckoned her to their side. She breathed a sigh of relief.


"It may be, Admiral, that you and I have differing ideas on what it means to 'fight back'. But, alas, duty calls." She nodded towards the rest of the Ascended delegation and glanced at her own."Perhaps we may speak another time. If you would excuse me." Luthiel gave a short bows toward the Spectralite and the Ascended. "Cooper. Admiral Oneshira. It was a pleasure to meet you."


Luthiel reflected on the attack as she made her way back to her place. Her mother had already forwarded her parts of the data from the wreckage, hoping that Luthiel might be able to glean some kind of clue as to what the mystery aggressors were. Unfortunately, they had no such luck. As Mediator Bretziz gave her presentation, Luthiel was more focused on the reactions of the delegations. Around her, the faces reflected the severity of the destruction. The mood was lifted with the official introduction of the humans. It seemed introductions were in order.


@_Line 213 @Andraus

 

[Andraus]

Mehrunes would sit by his sister as the presentation began, slightly aggravated over the limited.response from the Aule'wae, but opted to speak with her about it another time. When the report about the attack came into play, Mehrunes took the report, and began scanning it carefully. Let it never be said matters of conflict were not his specialty, but he didn't know who could do damage on this scale, and make it out of system without a trace. Mehrunes would then look towards his sister, who would sigh, and nod in return, before speaking.


"I know this will generate debate from the rest of the council, but in the events of this crisis, I put forward the motion to declare a state of emergency, and request permission to initiate re-armament of the Ascended Military" Mehrunes said, before looking around. "This is the work of highly trained aggressors. They hit both of these targets with precision, overwhelming power, and managed to escape before we knew what we were up against. We are in complete dark about this, and it would be in the best interest of the people if we can ensure our space remains safe." Mehrunes said, using both logic and reason to put the motion forward.


"I will also devote my own Fleet in an attempt to rescue these scientists and protect them against this new threat: I only have one flotilla with me at the moment, but if need be I have the rest of the Fleet on stand-by out of system, if only you would ask of it. That is all I have to say on that matter for now. "Mehrunes said, earning a few shocked words as he stood there.


If the number of ships out were simply a flotilla, then how many ships were in the main fleet?


Solia would then get up, before speaking herself. "This is something that my brother suggested to me as well awhile ago, and I hope now you will all please give this a chance, if not for me then for the people this will aid, Because with space travel gonig to be limited as it is, It would be for the best." She said, before taking a deep breath, and speaking. "We all know the current condition of the Vosith home-world. It is....Less than desireable. As of right now, I am working in a attempt to try and reverse the damage done to their ecosystem, but my brother has suggested a temporary solution that would aid them presently.." She said, before holding out her hand, and taking a device from her brother.


She would then press a button, and a Supply/Habitation platform, twice the size of a normal one, would just pop up.


"We've devised feasible plans for a S&H Platform, and have the resources on stand-by to place it in orbit above the Vosith home-world. With little interrupt, we estimate it should be done within half a year. It is twice the size of a normal plat-form, and can support a larger interior farm than most others, but that is not the only benefit it can provide. Brother, who you like to care to explain to them?" Solia asked, sitting down herself.


Mehrunes would nod, before speaking up. "The terms are simple: My people shall build this platform, and provide it towards the Vosith people. In exchange, to cover the cost of time and materials, we shall collect 5% of earnings from the farms, either in goods or credits, for one year after construction. To protect our investment, we shall provide the 67th Planetary Defense Flotilla, from the Fleet 'The Shadow of Intent', to protect both the Vos workers and Platform proper. Once that year is up, The Vos are free to do with the platform what they wish. Should they continue to need our protection, we can renew the defense contract at their discretion." Mehrunes said to them.


Mehrunes would then show a projection of an economy graph. "This benefits the Vos in quite a few ways. For one, as the workers get to keep what they harvest after we take the 5%, the rest can either be sold by them or used to feed their families. This provides chance to help reestablish the economy on their home-world based on agriculture, which has been fluctuating for years now, completely on their own, allowing them to become self-sufficient. Also, if this project proves to be a success, we can build more platforms of this size if necessary." Mehrunes said, before finally putting the device away. "Obviously, however, I cannot authorize this without the Vosith Ambassadors expressed permission."


This was a clever move on Mehrunes part. With this plan put forward, the Vos were being given a massive relief effort by the Ascended. This also would drive a wedge between the Vos and the Council. The Vos had been in this condition for awhile now, and here the Ascended were, a new comer still to the Council, and they were providing the means to aid the Vos more than most had, seeing as most saw them as cockroaches or scavengers. This was also a clever move because, if the council interfered with it, it would be seen badly on them, but if the Ascended and Vos went along with it, it would strengthen the ties between the two races.


Mehrunes may have been a soldier, but he also had a head for politics it seemed. Mehrunes had done things that had caused a bad visage for the council before, but this is the first time he's actually gone out of his way to make them look bad.

 

[_Line 213]

The collective panels of the Spectralite delegation furrowed in artificial confusion. Was it just them, or was what the Ascendency just put forward somewhat unrelated? The diplomats glanced between each other, trading private thoughts across their local communication lines, lightly-glowing gazes flicking back and forth from the Ascendant diplomats to the head of the council, wary as to how she would respond. Cooper himself, even despite the words that he had received from the diplomat earlier, found himself a little puzzled as he attempted to link potential reasons for the announcement together.


Looking to the diplomats for a moment, he linked himself into their network ever so briefly, quietly joining the silent conversation as the diplomat core looked back to him. The group puzzled and mulled over whatever it was that occupied their respective corespaces; to an extent, it was rather strange for Cooper to be mingling with diplomats in such a manner, not only because he thought that he would never do such over the course of his operational period, but because diplomats of all species, at least to an extent, tended to prefer to keep their business strictly amongst themselves. Yet, there came a time when the group eventually broke away, returning to their frontward positions as the head diplomat let out a chime, ramping up their glow to a visible level, the default indication that a Spectralite would like to speak.