A Gathering of Powers (closed FT)

[The Star Eaters]

"Might I ask, Adept Clusor, what are your reasons for being here?"

asked the Captain.
Giving a disaproving glance to the students that had gathered behind him, Clusor turned back to Stanslaus.
"Like any of the diplomats here- trade, security, alliances... well, alliances with some." Clusor said, giving a dark look to the reptillian form of Pren. "Although we do have a specific want that we were hoping one of the nations here could help us achieve. The purpose of which must remain confidential I am afraid, but we are looking for a very specific kind of material. Something strong, low density, but most important of all we need something with a huge resistance against psychic attack. Your nation itself may have psychic individuals in its borders, the Solar Empire most certainly has- our own leader is the most acomplished psyker we have ever encountered.
I don't know if your nation, or any of the nations you may be allied with have access to such as asubstance, but we would be willing to pay in great supply for an abundandant source of this material."

[Skirtingboard]

“Greetings, I see what you mean; it seems everyone is so busy preaching about their own affairs. At any rate my Name is Kate Maryland, Secretary of state of the Terran Alliance; it is quite a pleasure to meet you. Care for a drink?”

Srill placed her empty glass on the table top and examined the selection of bottled beverages. She lifted up a bottle that encapsulated a light brown liqour. She held it up to her bright green eyes and shook the liquid gently. Wondering if it would taste similar to the wine she had drank earlier.
"What is in this one?"
She smiled gently at Kate.


Lieutenant Lairds mouthpiece withdrew back into the jaw mounted ventilator and he began to pay more attention to his surroundings. There had been progress made on the "Solaris Project" and his conversation had dragged on for longer then he had anticipated. He spotted Srill across the room, handling a small bottle of some sort of spirit that several of the races here appeared to enjoy so much. Hopefully she would choose the wise option of leaving strange alien beverages outside of her body. Re-adjusting his insignia's hooked into the red slash of metal across his jacket he ventured towards the balcony.

[Tkdkidsx2]

Pren seemed pleased when he heard this. "i will just say tha you and the Cue Cappa share some similar, what i would call, characteristics." he said. "just so you know, the Cue Cappa have lived, being feared, and i think it might be a good idea to have it remain that way."
Teff was writing more things in his book when he said, "the reason they are so feared sir, is that the Cue are a parasitic race, and have some mind abilities. the Cappa are just the hosts."

"Interesting, very interesting," he pulls out his recorder again, looks at it for a moment, records the data, and puts it away. "Now, is there anything you need me to clarify upon?"

[Verlorenen]

Stukov stood up, all of these diplomats were making him nauseous, he saw a nearby balcony and moved to it immediately to get some air. He emerged from the conference hall and onto the balcony with Emperoro Kordann. He moved to the side and took a deep breath. He looked up, and said, "The night sky is so soothing, is it not? The darkness gives you this feeling that the world is laid bare for all the world to see. It is... picturesque."

"Indeed it is, friend. The night is what we Verlorenis crave. It is the peace and supernatural silence that calls out to us," he took a long drag on his narc-stick, "From our debut as a people we learned to live in the perpetual dusk."

He chuckled and breathed out the smoke gently.
"Fortunately, the Gods had the presence of mind to let us retain our eyes in the darkness..."

President Sagen in the mean while sighed again, he let out a long plume of wispy smoke as Kordmann joined him, indeed the night time on this world was a sight to behold, and his eyes gazed softly and longingly in to the night sky for a moment he paused to savor his drink and cigar. His lungs filled with the crisp soft air, as his nostrils slightly flared to take it in. He softly shifted a bit his head turning to look at Kordmann, he started to speak softly to the other leader.


“Quite a night isn’t it ?”

"Oh yes, sir. Quite beautiful, this planet is."

He paused for a moment after asking in a friendly tone he then continued.

“So… where did you fight?”

Kordmann, expecting a question sooner or later, smiled and leaned back against the doorway. He was pleased with the respect the President had given to the question and answered softly.

"I fought on a place called Rikkan." he paused, thinking quietly in the cool night air, "An asteroid with an atmosphere, they called it - certainly nothing special. But it was home to a mining base that kept getting attacked by slaver rebels. So my Marine divison got called out. It was supposed to be a peace-keeping operation, a walk in the park. But as soon as we got on the ground, we knew something was wrong. The hair on the back of your neck stood on end, you know? It was only when the first transport exploded that we knew our fears were confirmed."

He paused, hoping he wasn't boring the man.

"We fought for that rock, just our divison. It didn't even matter, all the miners were already dead, slaughtered like animals. But the slavers wanted the precious metals to trade on the black market and our government simply couldn't have that on our conscience. Sure, we outnumbered them, but everytime you let your guard down they'd attack us, brutally. I was one of the lucky ones - I made it out after the first wave of reinforcements arrived, twenty-five weeks in, when I took an anti-personnel round in the leg. I got airlifted out with the seriously wounded during a major firefight. I almost bled out on the shuttle home, but those damn medics kept me breathing."

He took in another breath of smoke.

"Anyway, the doctors said that the risk of infection was too great I couldn't return to my platoon. So I served out my term in a hospital bed, listening to the casualty reports on the vid-screen and filling out endless paperwork to get back to the fight. Finally, there was a massive counter-attack and most of the slavers were either killed or captured. The final Marine body count was 1,407 dead. In 30 weeks. It was shocking. And at the end of it they still couldn't bring themselves to call it a war. It was the 'Rikkan Incursion' and that was how they repaid our sacrifice. That was when I decided to place myself in a position to become the next Emperor and change things in Verlorenen. And well, here I am."

He placed his glass down upon a table to the side of him. He picked up his uncapped bottle of brandy and poured himself another long tall glass, the ice clanked against the crystal sides as the liquid again filled its form. President Sagen looked over to the other and asked raising his bottle.

“Brandy? You look like you can use a drink..”

Kordmann laughed and offered his glass.
"Yes, my good friend," he said, "In this life I've learned never to refuse three things - liquor, women, and orders."

[Asuaw]

Lord Xevox decided there had been enough chit-chat. Now it was time to get down to business. He activated one of the microphones.

"If I could have all of your attention please. The conference will now reconvene. I assume you have all developed the trade relations you wanted to. If not, you may have to contact the other country privately. (i.e. send them a telegram) Now, I believe we need to address the issue brought up earlier by President Sagen, of the Terran Alliance. I think we all would be interested to hear what you have in mind. Anyone else who wants to bring up a topic that they believe to be important, feel free. Remember, this conference is not just for trade, its for treaties and better relations."

[Verlorenen]

"If I could have all of your attention please. The conference will now reconvene. I assume you have all developed the trade relations you wanted to. If not, you may have to contact the other country privately. (i.e. send them a telegram) Now, I believe we need to address the issue brought up earlier by President Sagen, of the Terran Alliance. I think we all would be interested to hear what you have in mind. Anyone else who wants to bring up a topic that they believe to be important, feel free. Remember, this conference is not just for trade, its for treaties and better relations."

As he took his seat, Kordmann raised his voice slightly so he could be heard,

"Could you remind us what exactly we're going to be discussing, Lord Xevox? What is the issue at hand?"

[Asuaw]

"Could you remind us what exactly we're going to be discussing, Lord Xevox? What is the issue at hand?"

"To be honest, i'm unsure as well. President Sagen has hinted at something. Something about equal voices for all. Something this council will do. I'm very curious as to what he means, and what he intends. But still, this is an open discussion. Anyone can bring an issue to the table."
Lord Xevox was curious. The wide variety of nations present seemed to have at least a grudging trust if not respect for one another. That alone was impressive in this chaotic and xenophobic age. But it occured to him that some of the representatives might want to expand. He did not want to introduce any ideas himself, but he was interested to see what others would do. As of now, he was witholding his approval.

[The Gank Federation]

"Interesting, very interesting," he pulls out his recorder again, looks at it for a moment, records the data, and puts it away. "Now, is there anything you need me to clarify upon?"

"if there is, ill tell you later." pren said and he started to go take his seat when he said, just out of hearing distance to anybody, to Teff, "i like that guy" And with that, he took his seat.

[Skirtingboard]

Laird approached his seat upon hearing Lord Xenox's now familiar voice over the speakers. He rested in his seat, hands clasped with his elbows resting on his lap. He turned to his right, casually glancing around for Srill.

"Helloooo!-"
Came loud yet familiar voice at his left hand side. He spun round imidiately, almost spilling his glass of water. Srill had taken her seat and was sitting on the side of her seat, leaning in towards him. Inches from his face. He glared back at her, eyes like steel.
"What exactly do you think your doing?"
"You know your eyes look really strange when your pissed off!" Retorted Srill in her a mocking example of Lairds accent, eyes closed with a huge grin across her face. She swayed slightly as she leaned back into her chair, giggled and stared up at the high marble ceilings. Her pupils mildly dialated.
The Lieutenant was visibly taken aback, his his joints begining to glow red with anger.
"You should not talk in such a manner! You are in the presence of very influential beings, watch your tongue!" Interjected Laird in the Skirters national language- Sirean
Srill waved a hand for a few moments, patronising Laird before lowering her head again and pretending to pay attention.

It had been his very proposal to the Senate for a member of the Franlk family to accompany him to this gathering. He deeply regretted his actions now. If only they had told him how illogical an action it was to bring an esscort based soley on their popularity among his people. Still, at least now knew he had to keep her away from potent liquors.

"I would very much like to hear more on this issue that was raised shortly before our interval." Laird had spoken out mostly to draw attention away from his inebriated escort. Though his involvement would no doubt increase his chances of entering into some form of alliance. He drank deeply from his glass of distilled water while forcing out a smile.

[Verlorenen]

Kordmann, easing himself into the chair, noticed the intoxicated Skirter and wondered off-handedly if she had been sampling President Sagen's whiskey.
Which was fine liquor, he might add.

He deeply wished she would control or excuse herself before things got out of hand. If he had read the police reports and subsequent investigation commission's findings correctly, alchohol had played a key role in kicking off the events that had led to disaster on his own planet's conference.

[The Gank Federation]

Laird approached his seat upon hearing Lord Xenox's now familiar voice over the speakers. He rested in his seat, hands clasped with his elbows resting on his lap. He turned to his right, casually glancing around for Srill.

"Helloooo!-"
Came loud yet familiar voice at his left hand side. He spun round imidiately, almost spilling his glass of water. Srill had taken her seat and was sitting on the side of her seat, leaning in towards him. Inches from his face. He glared back at her, eyes like steel.
"What exactly do you think your doing?"
"You know your eyes look really strange when your pissed off!" Retorted Srill in her a mocking example of Lairds accent. She swayed slightly as she leaned back into her chair and stared up at the high marble ceilings. Her pupils mildly dialated. Lightly giggling
The Lieutenant was visibly taken aback, his his joints begining to glow red with anger.
"You should not talk in such a manner! You are in the presence of very influential beings, watch your tongue!" Interjected Laird in the Skirters national language- Sirean
Srill waved a hand for a few moments, patronising Laird before lowering her head again and pretending to pay attention.

It had been his very proposal to the Senate for a member of the Franlk family to accompany him to this gathering. He deeply regretted his actions now. If only they had told him how illogical an action it was to bring an esscort based soley on their popularity among his people. Still, at least now knew he had to keep her away from potent liquors.

"I would very much like to hear more on this issue that was raised shortly before our interval." Laird had spoken out mostly to draw attention away from his inebriated escort. Though his involvement would no doubt increase his chances of entering into some form of alliance. He drank deeply from his glass of distilled water while forcing out a smile.

when Pren realized what was going on with Srill, he began to laugh historically. "look Teff! proof that not everyone is perfect!"
Teff was trying to not laugh after what Pren said,but a deep smile came across his face. "indeed sir, indeed"
Pren almost nearly stopoed laughing when he said, " now you know Lairid not to bring ones younger then you to these conferences."

[The Star Eaters]

Clusor turned away at the announcement from Lord Xevox that the conference was about to restart.
"You'll have to get back to me on that, Captain." he said to Stanslaus.

As the Adept took his seat, Orpheus leaned in.
"That creature is obviously drunk." he spat, disgust clear on his face. "What type of a people are these?"
"Make no mistake Captain, I am as unimpressed as you are but we must be reasonable with these people. First encounters are of the greatest importance." Clusor said, his fingers knitting together in front of him on the table asz more diploma took their seats.
The lizard-like aliens suddenly burst into laughter at the sight of the drunkard, and Orpheus wondered where this was going.

[The Fedral Union]

President Sagen wanted to get to know the others on a personal scale a bit more, but was happy the meeting was getting underway, Kate felt the same way, both of them bowed softly to their respective contacts and returned to the conference, President Sagen stopped in the middle of the room to explain his idea. Kate quietly sat down in the same seat she had been saving the other for the President.
Sagen started to speak.

“Ladies and gentlemen, to address your question about what I mean, let me say this, as we are gathered here today we have the potential to create a diplomatic body to act as a political forum for our concerns, our issues and our grievances with other powers and within ourselves, I am not expecting this body to be any more than just a place for our nations to come together and take peaceful routes to otherwise dangerous situations. The more conflicts and wars we can avoid the better. This body would also provide mediation, as there will surely be neutral nations about that will gladly offer to be mediators. As for the galactic assembly, that has already been corrupted by one single power and party, Hermes. They use it to mealy put forth their imperialistic agendas, we need a true neutral party that will allow all nations to speak, unlike the GA that only lets a few speak. I ask you all to help us in this Endeavour, so we may come together regularly and work out our problems peacefully. Thank you for your time, I am humbled you chose my topic to speak of, If we all agree on such function I’d like to move to the ground rules of this organization.”

President Sagen sat down with a sigh, his eyes gazed across the crowd of diplomats, and he kept a smile on and ran his hand over his well kept mustache. With a quick move of his left hand he placed what seemed to be an old style monocle upon his right eye, the monocles was in fact a computer connected to most of his bio mods, as he had not gotten rental implants yet he would use it to monitor a few things.

[Skirtingboard]

“Ladies and gentlemen, to address your question about what I mean, let me say this, as we are gathered here today we have the potential to create a diplomatic body to act as a political forum for our concerns, our issues and our grievances with other powers and within ourselves, I am not expecting this body to be any more than just a place for our nations to come together and take peaceful routes to otherwise dangerous situations. The more conflicts and wars we can avoid the better. This body would also provide mediation, as there will surely be neutral nations about that will gladly offer to be mediators. As for the galactic assembly, that has already been corrupted by one single power and party, Hermes. They use it to mealy put forth their imperialistic agendas, we need a true neutral party that will allow all nations to speak, unlike the GA that only lets a few speak. I ask you all to help us in this endeavour, so we may come together regularly and work out our problems peacefully. Thank you for your time, I am humbled you chose my topic to speak of, If we all agree on such function I’d like to move to the ground rules of this organization.”

Laird listened intently to the proposition put forward by Sagen. It seemed like the logical route for establishing firm international relations. He rose from his seat.
"I believe this to be a most noble cause that will undoubtably bring benifits to all involved. We would be glad to enter into this endeavour, our senate permitting of course."

[Verlorenen]

“Ladies and gentlemen, to address your question about what I mean, let me say this, as we are gathered here today we have the potential to create a diplomatic body to act as a political forum for our concerns, our issues and our grievances with other powers and within ourselves, I am not expecting this body to be any more than just a place for our nations to come together and take peaceful routes to otherwise dangerous situations. The more conflicts and wars we can avoid the better. This body would also provide mediation, as there will surely be neutral nations about that will gladly offer to be mediators. As for the galactic assembly, that has already been corrupted by one single power and party, Hermes. They use it to mealy put forth their imperialistic agendas, we need a true neutral party that will allow all nations to speak, unlike the GA that only lets a few speak. I ask you all to help us in this endeavour, so we may come together regularly and work out our problems peacefully. Thank you for your time, I am humbled you chose my topic to speak of, If we all agree on such function I’d like to move to the ground rules of this organization.”

Emperor Kordmann nodded sincerely in agreement.

"I fully support your proposition, Mister President," he said, clapping his palms together, "As a token of my participation, I would like to offer the services of the Verloreni High Magistrate's Court as an impartial judiciary mediator for those nations who wish to join the potential alliance. It is high time that all in this turbulent galaxy were seen as equal under the law!"

[Rethan]

At last things were called to order and Stanslaus returned to his seat. He was never very good at interacting one on one with people, and the open discussion provided an easier form of communication for him. He took his seat beside the Skirter, trying very hard to ignore the drunken royality and instead focusing on the Terran president as he spoke again.

“Ladies and gentlemen, to address your question about what I mean, let me say this, as we are gathered here today we have the potential to create a diplomatic body to act as a political forum for our concerns, our issues and our grievances with other powers and within ourselves, I am not expecting this body to be any more than just a place for our nations to come together and take peaceful routes to otherwise dangerous situations. The more conflicts and wars we can avoid the better. This body would also provide mediation, as there will surely be neutral nations about that will gladly offer to be mediators. As for the galactic assembly, that has already been corrupted by one single power and party, Hermes. They use it to mealy put forth their imperialistic agendas, we need a true neutral party that will allow all nations to speak, unlike the GA that only lets a few speak. I ask you all to help us in this Endeavour, so we may come together regularly and work out our problems peacefully. Thank you for your time, I am humbled you chose my topic to speak of, If we all agree on such function I’d like to move to the ground rules of this organization.”

"On behalf of the Technocratic Militocracy, I applaud this effort. It is time we set aside our own personal greed for the greater good. I have seen many delegates seek technology and services for themselves. This is slow, inefficient and divisive. If we all agree to this proposal, not only will we have a forum to peacefully settle disputes, we will also be well capable of uniting our skills and unique assets to better ensure peace and prosperity for all involved."

Stanslaus stood and bowed slightly towards Sagen.

"I am sure the Militocracy would be more than willing to aid in the organisation and running of this counter-GA. For the betterment of ourselves, and the betterment of all. It is time to set aside our petty differences and ensure that the imperialistic Alliances do not trample over all that we have."

[Phenia]

Nyman sighed quietly. Then he stood and addressed everyone, replying to President Sagen with his eyes as he did.

"With all due respect, isn't this the same ostensible sort of goals the Galactic Assembly had? And how are we truly engaging in neutrality, in the avoidance of those large alliances mentioned, with the creation of yet another alliance? Doesn't this seem just a bit counterproductive to any of you? For me and my Colony, I came under the distinct and now clearly mistaken impression that this would be a trade conference. The creation of an interstellar alliance is not something Phenia is prepared to do, or to endorse."

[The Fedral Union]

President Sagen stood up perplexed he responded.

“Allaince? This is simply the creation of a FORUM that I am suggesting not an alliance. And frankly I think such a thing would work because let me be frank, we are more enlightened powers than the Shanderians or Hermes or Iron, none of us here seek to control smaller nations, at least to my knowledge. I never personally suggested otherwise.”

He looked to the Phenian and then continued on.

“Many nations have agreed to me that we should make something greater than the sum of our parts by working together. If it’s too much of a commitment for your nation, say so now, I am not here representing my people for just their own interest, our people wish good upon the galaxy and we see a Neutral forum for discussion as a way to perpetrate such things.”

President Sagen was getting a bit irritated at the “Me me, me” style of diplomacy nations were engaging in, he didn’t show it, on the contrary he showed respect and a discussed things in a friendly tone.

[Rethan]

"With all due respect, isn't this the same ostensible sort of goals the Galactic Assembly had? And how are we truly engaging in neutrality, in the avoidance of those large alliances mentioned, with the creation of yet another alliance? Doesn't this seem just a bit counterproductive to any of you? For me and my Colony, I came under the distinct and now clearly mistaken impression that this would be a trade conference. The creation of an interstellar alliance is not something Phenia is prepared to do, or to endorse."

"I do not believe anyone has stated the creation of an alliance. We, ourselves, would not endorse such an action. It was merely proposed that there be grounds for dicussion, that all here would have a common forum for trade - as you seem intent on - and also to work out diplomatic difficulties before they escalate to violence. Alliances typically have mutual defence pacts, and enforce rules on their constituents. What I was to understand was that this would simply be a grounds where neutral states could discuss matters and form friendships, without the necessary forced allegiance and loyalty of an Alliance. Were the Terrans to go to war, or be invaded, they could ask for aid, but unlike an Alliance it would be up to the individual states and noone would be forced to."

Stanslaus shrugged.

"Noone is forcing any commitment. Merely a common talking ground. No more, no less."

[The Gank Federation]

Ladies and gentlemen, to address your question about what I mean, let me say this, as we are gathered here today we have the potential to create a diplomatic body to act as a political forum for our concerns, our issues and our grievances with other powers and within ourselves, I am not expecting this body to be any more than just a place for our nations to come together and take peaceful routes to otherwise dangerous situations. The more conflicts and wars we can avoid the better. This body would also provide mediation, as there will surely be neutral nations about that will gladly offer to be mediators. As for the galactic assembly, that has already been corrupted by one single power and party, Hermes. They use it to mealy put forth their imperialistic agendas, we need a true neutral party that will allow all nations to speak, unlike the GA that only lets a few speak. I ask you all to help us in this Endeavour, so we may come together regularly and work out our problems peacefully. Thank you for your time, I am humbled you chose my topic to speak of, If we all agree on such function I’d like to move to the ground rules of this organization.”

Pren stopped laughing when he heard this. "Sir," Teff said, "I think we should do this, but I’m not so sure the Sithrack would approve of this idea, nor the Xiati."
"Hmmmmm" Pren said. After he gave it some thought, he stood up and said to everyone else "a lot of the Gank Federation would love this idea, but however there are others in the council that would not approve this, and maybe abandon us. From what I have hearted, there was another group that did this and failed, am I right? Why would we want to lose a few hard earned trusting allies, just to try something that may fail?" he remained standing waiting for an answer.

[The Fedral Union]

President Sagen gave a look to the representative of the Gank Federation mirroring:

[Verlorenen]

Emperor Kordmann poured himself a flask of Verloreni milktea and sat back to watch the diplomats argue it out. He had entered his two credits and wasn't planning on getting into a heated debate over such a matter.

The proposition will succeed or it won't, he thought to himself, but arguing semantics and crying about "this isn't what we signed up for" isn't going to solve anything. Either support it, or don't, and explain why. That's when we'll start getting somewhere...

[Tkdkidsx2]

Chevanoprav was just sitting watching this debate. If it got any more heated, he was fairly sure he would jump in at just the right moment. He looked towards his host, and saw that he was sitting this one out. He smiled, That's probably the best idea.

[Phenia]

Karl Nyman knew he was swimming in deep waters, but he wasn't caught off-guard by the seeming severity of response. After the GA meeting, it was hard to be caught off-guard by any wordplay at these kinds of discussions.

He was calm in his reply to President Sagen, and this time included Stanslaus.

"Again, with respect, it was just said in agreement to your proposal, of creating an organization "uniting our skills and unique assets to better ensure peace," are those not the exact words of the esteemed representative of the Militocracy? A "counter-GA." And on one hand, Mister President, you say that it is not an alliance, merely a forum - and then you challenge me that make a commitment to make "something greater than the sum of our parts." This is most definitely an alliance, whatever the term for it, so no, I am not prepared, as I said, to make such a commitment. Now if you want to discuss trade, I see no reason why that cannot be done now, here, nor why a new forum must be created to do so."

[The Gank Federation]

"hmph" pren said, and then sat down, giving a glaring look at Sargon