The Fall of a Republic (IC)

[The Seven United]

Unofficial Communications
Not Authorized by Parliament
This is not recorded

To: Greater Byzanthia, address encrypted.

I see you have a shitstorm on your hands, Intelligence says you've been dealing with aliens?? I fail to believe this. Anyways, I'll be happy if we can establish a military base for peacekeeping, just outside Prometheus. Or, I might accidentally bribe the mindless drones in Parliament to vote for a peacekeeping deployment of troops in your nation.

[Taigawa]

After officials ensured that the New Jerseyan soldiers were comfortable and acquainted for the meeting, the Prime Minister, along with his guards and the Federal Council walked out onto the Federal Plaza to greet the extraterrestrial starship. It had conveniently landed in front of the Federal Palace, the residence of the Prime Minister. Upon touching down, members of the Federal Guard, dressed in ceremonial uniform, saluted as the "aliens" began to disembark. The Prime Minister then stepped forward, extended his hand, and stated, "Welcome to Byzanthia. I'm sorry for such a short greeting, but I think that we will be able to exchange proper introductions at the meeting. If you would, please follow me." He then motioned the aliens towards an armored SUV.

"Greetings are indeed due, but I shall wait untill we go to this place of gathering. My gunships and Promeatheans will remain here to guard the dropship. I will keep my sidearm and armor as well to gurantee my security." With that, she got into the vehicle. Sylvia did not trust them quite yet, but she would give them a chance.

[Greater Byzanthia]

The armored cars pulled up alongside the portico of the palace, and uniformed guards opened and saluted the officials as they disembarked the vehicles. They then entered the grand reception room. It was a vast, cavernous place, complete with ornate chandeliers and stately photographs of the nation's emperors and Prime Ministers. The palace had originally been the residence of the Emperors of Byzanthia, but after they were deposed in 1905, it became the residence of the Prime Minister. It underwent major restoration and redesign in the 1950s and 60s after an accidental fire destroyed much of the interior of the building. The group then exited the room, walked up a stately staircase, and entered the private office of the Prime Minister. Charles settled into his chair at the head of the room, with his back facing the Federal Plaza, a large public space adorned with Byzanthian flags, perfectly manicured lawns, and numerous fountains and reflecting pools. He then motioned Sylvia to take a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk. "Now then. As you already know, I am the leader of Byzanthia. We are one of numerous nations on this planet, a planet that we call Earth. Our planet is over four billion years old, however, Byzanthia was only founded in the last couple of centuries. We are a federal constitutional republic, subdivided into fifteen Federal States, all of whom are represented equally in our legislature, the Federal Senate. If you would like, I can give you a copy of the basic outline of our government."

[Greater Byzanthia]

COMMUNIQUE OFFICIALIS IN MAGNA BYZANTHIAN PRO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE ON THE BEHALF OF THE GREATER BYZANTHIAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FEDERAL MINISTERIO FOREIGN NEGOTIIS | FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS To: The Government of Aterria From: Oskar Warner, Minister of Foreign Affairs Message: We would be delighted to open diplomatic relations between our nations. However, I must warn you that we are neutral. While we are friendly with all nations, we do not make alliances or any other form of military agreement that jeopardizes our neutrality. But we would be ecstatic to open embassies between our nations. You may send over a representative as soon as you'd like. Signed, - His Excellency, Prime Minister Charles Burgardt - The Honorable Christoph Schroeter, Minister-President - Oskar Warner, Minister of Foreign Affairs

[Greater Byzanthia]

Tunis, Greater Byzanthia

---

Christian Wachter leaned back in his chair, enjoying the warm sunlight that shone down on him. An ice cold glass of Tunisian mint tea was in his hand; Christian was currently lounging on the patio of a restaurant here in Tunis, sipping his tea and gazing across the street at the police station. A pair of dark sunglasses concealed his icy blue eyes, so no one would know that he was surveying the Byzanthian installation. Yes, Wachter certainly stood out here with his cold blue eyes, platinum blond hair and pale Nordic skin- well, after all these days in Tunis, it was tanned much darker than its original pigment. Officially he was here as a tourist, but that was a lie. Christian Wachter was an operative of the Stoßschutz Geheime Staatliche Nachrichtendienste- a mouthful, that was for sure(it was usually abreviated to SSGSN). In short, he was a Capilean spy.

Wachter was a longtime agent of the SSGSN, and he along with hundreds of other individuals had been scattered across Byzanthian North Africa to glean as much information about the place as possible. And Christian had been doing very well. So far he had recorded the patrol habits, equipment, and officers of the military base in Tunis and sent it all back to Nova Capile. Why was he here? It was obvious to anyone. Nova Capile craved Byzanthia's sprawling colony; it was their gateway to the Mediterranean. And so Wachter was building up his country's' information on the territory, so that an invasion could be executed much more efficiently. If required, Christian might even be ordered to sabotage something- and risk his life in the process. All was good and well to him; a hefty reward awaited him back home once he completed this mission.

Byzanthia's north african protectorates were especially weak, with most of Byzanthia's military focused on protection of Byzanthia. For the few remaining soldiers in the area, the security of the colonies were paramount. Byzanthia's territories contained valuable metals, such as gold and coal, with deposits worth of to billions of Federal Marks. While Byzanthia did not actually use these resources (the environmental complications posed by harvesting them were too insurmountable to overcome), it knew that nations all over the globe would do anything to take the land for themselves. It was for this reason that an officer of the Bureau of Civil Protection and Defense (BCPD) became very anxious upon spotting an odd looking man. Nobody in Tunis had skin as dark as he, and his hair was so blonde that one could mistake it for being white. He stood out among the crowd, all of whom were natives. Normally, this would not have been such a big deal, to see tourists drinking cups of coffee at a local coffee shop. But tourism was essentially banned to Tunis in may after multiple terrorist attacks in Byzanthia. Fearing that they could spread to their colonies, tourism and travel was banned to the public, excluding government officials and military personnel. Upon watching him further, the soldier concluded that he was not of Byzanthian origin. The soldier thought that it was odd to see the man here, and out of sheer curiosity, he approached him. "Good morning sir. Beautiful weather we're having, isn't it? I trust that you are enjoying your trip to the Byzanthian protectorates?"

[Republic of New Jersey]

"Bravo-1, detach Omega-1, over." A whoosh roared through the C-78. It had just opened its doors, letting through sunlight and very, very fast air. As the end finally dropped to its maximum, a thud was heard as a Jell-20 detached from the plane, and started to roll out, with the Jerseyian Diplomat Cad Bush. He was to represent New Jersey at the conference.

"Omega-1, detached, descending to O-5, then rotorblade ignition." The helicopter did as was told in the transmission, heading to a DP near the capital.

A Jeep met them there, transporting them to the capital, and to the soldiers.

[The Seven United]

snips

[Greater Byzanthia]

COMMUNIQUE OFFICIALIS IN MAGNA BYZANTHIAN PRO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE ON THE BEHALF OF THE GREATER BYZANTHIAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FEDERAL MINISTERIO FOREIGN NEGOTIIS | FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS To: The Government of The Seven United From: Oskar Warner, Minister of Foreign Affairs Message: While establishing a military base is completely out of the question for Byzanthia (we must maintain a level of neutrality, after all), we would truly appreciate it if you would aid us should we ask for help. However, we implore that you resort from bribery, as we believe that your government should not help us should they truly find the need unnecessary. Signed, - His Excellency, Prime Minister Charles Burgardt - The Honorable Christoph Schroeter, Minister-President - Oskar Warner, Minister of Foreign Affairs

[Taigawa]

The armored cars pulled up alongside the portico of the palace, and uniformed guards opened and saluted the officials as they disembarked the vehicles. They then entered the grand reception room. It was a vast, cavernous place, complete with ornate chandeliers and stately photographs of the nation's emperors and Prime Ministers. The palace had originally been the residence of the Emperors of Byzanthia, but after they were deposed in 1905, it became the residence of the Prime Minister. It underwent major restoration and redesign in the 1950s and 60s after an accidental fire destroyed much of the interior of the building. The group then exited the room, walked up a stately staircase, and entered the private office of the Prime Minister. Charles settled into his chair at the head of the room, with his back facing the Federal Plaza, a large public space adorned with Byzanthian flags, perfectly manicured lawns, and numerous fountains and reflecting pools. He then motioned Sylvia to take a seat in one of the chairs in front of his desk. "Now then. As you already know, I am the leader of Byzanthia. We are one of numerous nations on this planet, a planet that we call Earth. Our planet is over four billion years old, however, Byzanthia was only founded in the last couple of centuries. We are a federal constitutional republic, subdivided into fifteen Federal States, all of whom are represented equally in our legislature, the Federal Senate. If you would like, I can give you a copy of the basic outline of our government."

"Geology is of little interest to the Ecumene. What is is this civilization. It stands at Tier 3 on our scale, where nation-states are still numerous and each a segment of civilization. I mean no offense of course, dear leader, but those are the hallmarks of a civilization at your stage. See, for us, nation-states have been abolished; racial identities merged into one. There is but one divide that matters to my people, and that is rather you're a colonist or from our homeworld. We are united under these two labels, yet all subscribe to identify as belonging to the Ecumene. We are one nation...unified in our persuit of knowledge and the betterment of our people. We are a representative monarchy, headed by the Empress and her family, yet led by the Imperial Council....which itself is influenced by the Ecumene Council...a panel repersenting every system the Ecumene has colonized. I...am just a soldier....a defender of that system."

[Greater Byzanthia]

Charles sat flabbergasted after she finished speaking. Byzanthia was home to some of the brightest minds in the entire world, yet even the highest elected officials were dumbfounded by Sylvia's statement. Charles stared off into space for a good minute, before standing up and looking out into the night sky, wondering what was out there. "Are you to tell me that there is a whole other community, another universe, where you come from? And forgive me on intruding, but what brought you here? And out of all the nations on our planet, why ours?", he asked.

[Foledonia]

Foledonia
Folereach, Foledonian Capitol
Imperial Stateroom
21:30 - 8/24/2016


Emperor Foley tapped his fingers against the dark ebony wood desk, his back turned to the vaulted blasto-glass windows that overlooked the vast, sprawling capitol city, sky speeders and ground cars zipping by or trundling along below the thick perpetually present grey rain clouds, a hallmark feature of much of Foledonia. Foley's eyes moved slowly between the two men seated in front of him. On the left, High Lord General Henigan Sturge, on the right, Defense Minister Aaron Holandi. Both looked back at him, faces contorted in a distressed fashion, indicating their discomfort. The information the Lord General had shared was still sinking in. Foley stopped drumming his fingers against the desk and leaned in before saying, "Is this some kind of fucking prank Sturge?"

The General pushed the document back across the desk and under Foley's fingers. "My Lord, please." Foley brushed the document away, "I fucking read it Sturge!" he shouted. "You mean to tell me there are fucking aliens on this planet right now?"

Sturge shuddered at the raised voice and pleaded a second time, hoping to calm the waters before heads started rolling. "My Lord, Sir, understand I find this just as impossible and astonishing. Truly my Lord, I almost had the analyst who brought this to me shot for disorderly conduct. But Sir, you must understand, the evidence is hard to deny. The photographs, the energy readings, the video footage, by Sigmar!"

The Emperor, visibly displeased, took a deep breath and collected the document and read it a second time. "Aaron, what say you?"

The defense minister had been rather quiet up to that point, possibly hoping to avoid the noose, just in case. "Sir, I too find this tale rather tall. However, Sturge has a point. The evidence, though possibly fabricated, is startlingly convincing. Furthermore, we're actually getting more and more reports from the field corroborating the evidence at hand. The best I can say, Sir, is that to not take action could possibly be dangerous. However, an overreaction might be just as bad."

The Emperor began drumming his fingers again. "Sigmar, give me strength," he muttered. After a moment, he stood and beckoned to the two men with him. They left the office and made their way at a brisk pace to the Imperial Strategy Chamber. Massive digital displays and holographic readouts crowded the room, a throng of military analysts and engineers tapping away at computers and doing calculations in VR digital systems. Foley smoothed his suit and came to a stop at a holographic display of Imperial colonial and municipality planets and manufactory worlds. "Sturge, draw from the colonies an auxillary force. I want them prepped and ready for hostilities. As for the local army, have them battle ready by tomorrow morning. I want engines revved and guns loaded by 0300. Oh, and get me a fleet."

Sturge nodded to the Emperor and picked up a phone before dialing the Imperial Naval Office. "Ricon? Ah, yes, it's Sturge. What? Oh, haha, no it's not about that. Actually, I need you to prep the second and ninth fleets. Have them in orbit by 0400. Yes? Very good, thank you Mr. Ricon."

With that, the room burst into a flurry of activity as chains of command and personnel began receiving and giving orders. The Emperor and Defense Minister left the General alone to organize the military side of things. Together, they returned to the Imperial Stateroom and sat once more. "Aaron, I trust you to find out as much as you can. Whoever these... Byzanthians are, I want to know why they have Aliens landing at their damn capitol building. Report back to me when you have any information regarding this bullshit."

Aaron nodded curtly and stood to leave. Before he closed the door, he cleared his throat and said, "Sir, this might get ugly. Are we ready for this?"

The Emperor simply looked at him, eyes grim, lips pursed. Aaron closed the door.

[Taigawa]

Charles sat flabbergasted after she finished speaking. Byzanthia was home to some of the brightest minds in the entire world, yet even the highest elected officials were dumbfounded by Sylvia's statement. Charles stared off into space for a good minute, before standing up and looking out into the night sky, wondering what was out there. "Are you to tell me that there is a whole other community, another universe, where you come from? And forgive me on intruding, but what brought you here? And out of all the nations on our planet, why ours?", he asked.

"I am. Our universe is but one of many, each a microism of Living Time, and an exercise in the many possibilities of life. I came here to investigate the possibility of there being intelligent life on this world. As your nation was the first to attempt contact, you are also the first to recieve a visit from me. I am simply a harbinger...a messager of one of many advanced civilizations to exist. Living Time is infinate."

[Greater Byzanthia]

COMMUNIQUE OFFICIALIS IN MAGNA BYZANTHIAN PRO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE ON THE BEHALF OF THE GREATER BYZANTHIAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FEDERAL MINISTERIO FOREIGN NEGOTIIS | FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS To: President Vidi Vidi of Neu Gibraltar From: Oskar Warner, Minister of Foreign Affairs Message: You plea for peace has not gone unanswered, President. Byzanthia is currently hosting a meeting in Prometheus, and we would to pleased if you would join us. There are extraterrestrials there (yes, aliens), but please do not be alarmed, they mean no harm. I hope to hear from you and/or your nation soon. Signed, - His Excellency, Prime Minister Charles Burgardt - The Honorable Christoph Schroeter, Minister-President - Oskar Warner, Minister of Foreign Affairs

[Greater Byzanthia]

Charles sat flabbergasted after she finished speaking. Byzanthia was home to some of the brightest minds in the entire world, yet even the highest elected officials were dumbfounded by Sylvia's statement. Charles stared off into space for a good minute, before standing up and looking out into the night sky, wondering what was out there. "Are you to tell me that there is a whole other community, another universe, where you come from? And forgive me on intruding, but what brought you here? And out of all the nations on our planet, why ours?", he asked.

"I am. Our universe is but one of many, each a microcosm of Living Time, and an exercise in the many possibilities of life. I came here to investigate the possibility of there being intelligent life on this world. As your nation was the first to attempt contact, you are also the first to receive a visit from me. I am simply a harbinger...a messenger of one if many advanced civilizations to exist. Living Time is infinite."

"Byzanthia was founded over 700 years ago on the basis of freedom, on the basis that every single living being could coexists in a manner that would benefit all of humanity. We have been deemed, by some, as one of the most progressive nations of our time, and the most trustworthy and reliant. Madame, if I may, I have something that I would like to show you, something that makes the words that I have just spoken have the weight of over a thousand generations. Now then, if you would come with me". Charles stood up, and walked towards the exit of the room. He motioned for Sylvia to follow.

[Taigawa]

"I am. Our universe is but one of many, each a microcosm of Living Time, and an exercise in the many possibilities of life. I came here to investigate the possibility of there being intelligent life on this world. As your nation was the first to attempt contact, you are also the first to receive a visit from me. I am simply a harbinger...a messenger of one if many advanced civilizations to exist. Living Time is infinite."

"Byzanthia was founded over 700 years ago on the basis of freedom, on the basis that every single living being could coexists in a manner that would benefit all of humanity. We have been deemed, by some, as one of the most progressive nations of our time, and the most trustworthy and reliant. Madame, if I may, I have something that I would like to show you, something that makes the words that I have just spoken have the weight of over a thousand generations. Now then, if you would come with me". Charles stood up, and walked towards the exit of the room. He motioned for Sylvia to follow.

"Antiquity is a sign of perminance. Our Living Time is similar, yet operates on a far larger scale. If you have something significant to your nation-state, I will follow." With that, she did so, showing no signs of hesitation or fear.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Tunis

---

Christian Wachter looked up to see a Byzanthian soldier approaching him. Smiling casually, he picked up his tea and took another sip. "It is a wonderful day, sir. And I'm enjoying my time here, thank you. The weather is beautiful, and the people here are very kind." Christian smiled again at the soldier. His other hand fell to his pocket in case he had to pull out his fake ID; the SSGSN had provided him with identification as Hans Funke, a new secretary at the Capilean consulate here in Tunis. And they had made sure that the consular himself knew of the operation, and would back Wachter up in any dispute. In any case, the card had been finely crafted and no common soldier would be able to tell of its true origin.

[Greater Byzanthia]

Tunis

---

Christian Wachter looked up to see a Byzanthian soldier approaching him. Smiling casually, he picked up his tea and took another sip. "It is a wonderful day, sir. And I'm enjoying my time here, thank you. The weather is beautiful, and the people here are very kind." Christian smiled again at the soldier. His other hand fell to his pocket in case he had to pull out his fake ID; the SSGSN had provided him with identification as Hans Funke, a new secretary at the Capilean consulate here in Tunis. And they had made sure that the consular himself knew of the operation, and would back Wachter up in any dispute. In any case, the card had been finely crafted and no common soldier would be able to tell of its true origin.

"Ah yes, Byzanthian hospitality. You'll get a lot of that around here. Here for vacation, I presume?" Of course, the officer knew that travel had been banned to the area, but he was testing to see who exactly this strange man was.

[Greater Byzanthia]

"Byzanthia was founded over 700 years ago on the basis of freedom, on the basis that every single living being could coexists in a manner that would benefit all of humanity. We have been deemed, by some, as one of the most progressive nations of our time, and the most trustworthy and reliant. Madame, if I may, I have something that I would like to show you, something that makes the words that I have just spoken have the weight of over a thousand generations. Now then, if you would come with me". Charles stood up, and walked towards the exit of the room. He motioned for Sylvia to follow.

"Antiquity is a sign of perminance. Our Living Time is similar, yet operates on a far larger scale. If you have something significant to your nation-state, I will follow." With that, she did so, showing no signs of hesitation or fear.

Charles walked down the staircase, and then down another hall towards the diplomatic reception area. He, along with Sylvia, the stepped into the SUV still parked outside of the palace, which then drove off to another very stately building, this time the National Museum of History and Heritage. Upon exiting the car, he turned to face Sylvia, and stated, "This building houses the entire history of our nation, figuratively speaking. Behind those doors contain the lives of over a thousand generation, all compiled into glass display cases and paintings. I invite you to look around, to learn more about our race. This is just the history of our nation, and is but a small sample of the history of our species."

[Taigawa]

"Antiquity is a sign of perminance. Our Living Time is similar, yet operates on a far larger scale. If you have something significant to your nation-state, I will follow." With that, she did so, showing no signs of hesitation or fear.

Charles walked down the staircase, and then down another hall towards the diplomatic reception area. He, along with Sylvia, the stepped into the SUV still parked outside of the palace, which then drove off to another very stately building, this time the National Museum of History and Heritage. Upon exiting the car, he turned to face Sylvia, and stated, "This building houses the entire history of our nation, figuratively speaking. Behind those doors contain the lives of over a thousand generation, all compiled into glass display cases and paintings. I invite you to look around, to learn more about our race. This is just the history of our nation, and is but a small sample of the history of our species."

"You keep history like we do. Preserved and sequestered away behind glass. We do this as well....sometimes on a larger scale. If you were to visit our homeworld, within the base of the larger arcologies lie entire midieval cities. Not reconstructions, but original buildings. The capital still even has it's old midieval city center...within which lie the ancient White Tiger Palace. Learn from and continue to cherish it...as to do so is to honor your ancesters."

[Land of Germany]

"There are aliens?" asked the commander of the troops in Byzanthia. The special forces soldiers that pushed ahead to survey the area confirmed the message.

"Nope. Nope. Nope."

The commander twirled his finger in the air and pointed back north to indicate that it was time to leave.

"Nope. Nope. Nope..."

The Germans left Greater Byzanthia.

[Silverakia]

Luciana stared at the landscape, rubbing her hands together, pleased as the bomb was set. A soldier ran over to her.

"Miss President! The bomb has a 10 mile radius!"

"Wonderful."

[Neu Gibraltar]

(Image) COMMUNIQUE OFFICIALIS IN MAGNA BYZANTHIAN PRO FEDERAL GOVERNMENT OFFICIAL COMMUNIQUE ON THE BEHALF OF THE GREATER BYZANTHIAN FEDERAL GOVERNMENT FEDERAL MINISTERIO FOREIGN NEGOTIIS | FEDERAL MINISTRY OF FOREIGN AFFAIRS To: President Vidi Vidi of Neu Gibraltar From: Oskar Warner, Minister of Foreign Affairs Message: You plea for peace has not gone unanswered, President. Byzanthia is currently hosting a meeting in Prometheus, and we would to pleased if you would join us. There are extraterrestrials there (yes, aliens), but please do not be alarmed, they mean no harm. I hope to hear from you and/or your nation soon. Signed, - His Excellency, Prime Minister Charles Burgardt - The Honorable Christoph Schroeter, Minister-President - Oskar Warner, Minister of Foreign Affairs

Letter to Greater Byzanthia

Encyption: High

To: Prime Minister Charles Bundgart

From: President Vidi Vidi

Greetings Prime Minister,
I am delighted that you have taken you own steps to sort the situation, and will be happy to take part personally. However, I feel I must advise you on my guest arrangements.

My good trusted friend, who I have often come to rely on, George Takedo, will be in attendance with me to help in planning decisions for me in this meeting. I also will have a small, 3 person entourage of body guards, simply for protection purposes, if anything goes wrong. These guards will have none lethal weapons.

As well as the above, I must add I will be arriving by boat, and once reaching port, will require land transport for the final part of the journey.

I hope these arrangements are ok with you.

On a side note, you may be wondering why this message was encrypted. This concerns your exterrestrial friends. You see, we have recently discovered a recently undiscovered element, deep below our tiny nation. Our scientists have reached an impass on understanding this new element further, and we believe this element may possibly be alien in nature due to this struggle.

We therefore wish for this part of the message to be sent to your friends, in the hope they will work with us to unlock the secrets of this mystery.

Hope to see you in person soon, there is much to discuss.
Signed, President Vidi Vidi.

[The Grand Duchy Of Nova Capile]

Tunis

---

Christian Wachter looked up to see a Byzanthian soldier approaching him. Smiling casually, he picked up his tea and took another sip. "It is a wonderful day, sir. And I'm enjoying my time here, thank you. The weather is beautiful, and the people here are very kind." Christian smiled again at the soldier. His other hand fell to his pocket in case he had to pull out his fake ID; the SSGSN had provided him with identification as Hans Funke, a new secretary at the Capilean consulate here in Tunis. And they had made sure that the consular himself knew of the operation, and would back Wachter up in any dispute. In any case, the card had been finely crafted and no common soldier would be able to tell of its true origin.

"Ah yes, Byzanthian hospitality. You'll get a lot of that around here. Here for vacation, I presume?" Of course, the officer knew that travel had been banned to the area, but he was testing to see who exactly this strange man was.

Christian grinned. "No, I've actually been sent to join the staff of the Capilean consulate here," he replied, reaching into his short's pocket and pulling out his wallet in case the inquisitive soldier wanted further proof. "I'm still learning the ropes, but I'm on break now," Wachter explained.
He hoped the guard would be satisfied with that, as he didn't want this conversation to drag on much longer. "Time to find a new hiding place," he thought.

[Aterria]

Airspace over Byzanthia

A single nuclear powered jet liner carrying 20 members of the Aterrian govt. flew over the land bellow at upwards of 6000 km / h. Their plane was flanked by 5 F-40 multi-role fighters going at a similar speed. Onboards, govt. officials talked, preparing for the upcoming meeting with Byzanthian delegates.

"I've heard an alien craft just showed up over Byzanthia's territory, what do you think of this?" One asked.

"Interesting, but its not like we've never seen aliens before." Another replied.

"Probably acting all arrogant like the xenos they are." Replied a third.

"Attention all passengers, we will be arriving in 30 minutes." The pilot announced. "A signal will be sent to the nearest airfield."

With that, a transmission was sent to the nearest large Byzanthian airfield, stating that the Aterrian delegation was arriving.

[Greater Byzanthia]

Charles walked down the staircase, and then down another hall towards the diplomatic reception area. He, along with Sylvia, the stepped into the SUV still parked outside of the palace, which then drove off to another very stately building, this time the National Museum of History and Heritage. Upon exiting the car, he turned to face Sylvia, and stated, "This building houses the entire history of our nation, figuratively speaking. Behind those doors contain the lives of over a thousand generation, all compiled into glass display cases and paintings. I invite you to look around, to learn more about our race. This is just the history of our nation, and is but a small sample of the history of our species."

"You keep history like we do. Preserved and sequestered away behind glass. We do this as well....sometimes on a larger scale. If you were to visit our homeworld, within the base of the larger arcologies lie entire medieval cities. Not reconstructions, but original buildings. The capital still even has it's old medieval city center...within which lie the ancient White Tiger Palace. Learn from and continue to cherish it...as to do so is to honor your ancestors."

"Of course, the museum is not what we're here for. We are actually here to give you a gift on the behalf of our nation." Charles walked into the museum, only to come out five seconds later with a small, metallic box. The box was in fact empty, aside from a small note inside:

This message was commissioned by the Minister of Cultural Preservation on August 25, 1977.

Today, Byzanthia took its first major leap into space with the launch of the BNAA-01, the first Byzanthian rocket to ever reach space. It was in this this moment that I realized that Byzanthia was entering a new age, one where the world may not be as welcoming as we had previously thought. For years, we have known that the nation was decaying at an alarming rate, and yet we did nothing. Even our own Prime Minister has been lackadaisical in his attempts to rejuvenate the government. In time, our nation shall fall to forces that have been proven too insurmountable to overcome. I have written this message with the intent of giving it too the one person who has shown remarkable strength and dedication to saving those that might otherwise be lost. This message shall not be known to anyone but you and I, and shall be placed within the metallic box that you see before you. No other government official shall know what this box is for, other than it must be given to a person that they think can save our nation. I trust that whoever is reading this message shall have the courage to lead our nation out of the hole that it has buried itself so deep into.

With anticipation for what the future may hold,

Rupert Geier, Minister of Cultural Preservation

Charles looked in anticipation after he handed Sylvia the box. "Well, what does it say?", he said excitedly. After all, no one knew what exactly was inside the box.