JSA - Imperial Combine Accord

[Terraius]

Due to the events of the past week or so, Rome was in a rather presumptuous and beneficial position to execute what it had been planning on doing for the past year, a crusade to reclaim the Imperial Combine as the dominant power in the galaxy, but to do so, Emperor Constantine would have to tread quietly and allow events to work out in his favor.

In a bit of irony however, he was about to attempt to make peace with one of his former worlds, a world that used to make up the Combine and its Empire; Magna Omega, a sprawling superpower born from the fires of war and near extermination at the hand of aliens, one of the foremost powers of the galaxy, leader of the Joint Systems Alliance.

Constantine knew that his gamble for the galaxy would require allies; but more importantly, it would require lots of neutral powers that wouldn't attempt to stop him in his quest to maintain the natural beauty and order of the galaxy, spreading Roman and Church authority to each corner of the darkness, establishing humanities dominance.

In this spirit of coexsistance, the former dictator of Magna Omega invited Magna Omega to Rome to talk.

TO: Magna Omega Foreign Affairs
FROM: Roman Communications Division
SUBJECT: Private Accord

His August Majesty, Emperor Constantine of Rome invites the current Prime Minister of Magna Omega to Rome for a very important meeting to discuss post-Combine relations between the JSA and Rome. We look forward to your arrival and should you require escort, it shall be provided.

[Magna Omega]

Tag for future post.

[Hornopolis]

Rome was at it again. They're attempting to reclaim past Imperial Combine worlds. Hornopolis was an Imperial Combine world. As was the IFMO. Because Dizzy Wallin was out and about with scientists, and Thoth was on Earth drinking fine wines and discussing politics, the only extremely professional representative that could attend the meeting at Rome with their Omegan allies was VIP. But he would not be going. The Human Remnant knew how xenophobic Rome was. They would send a human, someone they could trust. Aurora Dupont would attend.

Message from the Human Remnant

Rome, one of our oldest allies still around from our Imperial Combine days. The Human Remnant is overjoyed that your civilization has survived such a harsh and unforgiving existence. In short, it would be an honour if the Human Remnant was allowed to join the Omegans in discussing post-Imperial Combine matters, in the beautiful city of Rome.

[Terraius]

A Reply was dispatched at behest of Emperor Constantine to Hornopolis immediately;

TO: Hornopolis
FROM: Roman Communications Division
SUBJECT: Attendance

All former Combine worlds are welcomed at Rome any time; we look forward to seeing old friends.

[Ozymos]

Tag

But seriously, what is this I don't even.

[Magna Omega]

Rome, Diplomatic landing zone

Ambassador Ansolan stood ridgid at the landing platform, clutching his case of wears tightly in his left hand, his Omni-tool in his right. The Enthsomer class shuttle lifted off behind him, slightly forcing him forward due to the preasurised gust that was thrown toward him. Two guards flanked him, both in standard dark blue security attire, their sidearms holstered for the time being.

Ansolan observed the ornate city with a curious eye, but was not one to arouse suspicion. He was, after all, the first Omegan to visit the old Combine in at least thirty years. It was an honor to be selected to carry out this mission, though the call for peace from Rome did surprise the Interstellar Federation. The Senate debated on all possible motives for such, motives that were likely so of Rome. Nonetheless, the ambassador assured the Senate that adequate measures would be taken to ensure that the JSA got their own end of the stick intact. Still, the ambassador could not help but feel slightly uneasy. An uneasiness that would never be allowed to rear its ugly head at the conmferance table.

The abmassador and his guards continued to await the arrival of something. A valet? An escort? thought Ansolan as he studied the landing pad. What the hell am I waiting for? The details of the proceedings were sketchy at best. He had but a seemingly empty environment to work on.

So that we can get things started, I've already arrived. Just send an escort to the palace or where ever the meeting is to be held.

[Terraius]

Almost as soon as they had arrived, a Roman transport itself landed accompanied by two familiar faces: Roman Legionnaires, in their distinctive Imperial Guard uniforms. One was in officer dress, the other in enlisted battle gear. The officer stepped forward a bit puzzled.

"Your not the Prime minister.. but you will do. Come."

The two retracted into the transport. It seemed as if they were in a hurry; and as they flew through Rome, the Magna Omegan ambassador could tell why: All across the horizon, massive fleets were blasting into space, transports by the hundreds lifting off with soldiers crammed into their corridors. Now was not the time for lagging and slow paced processions. Rome was at war.. but with who?

The transport arrived at the steps of the Imperial Palace, the distinctive architecture still the same, even the massive, towering statue of Saint Constantine the Great garnishing his sword and holding a cross stood at the entrance, staring down all who entered the palace. The ominous words 'IN HOC SIGNO VINCES' shouted out boldly at all warring visitors to the palace, which would further add to the uneasiness of the militaristic society to outsiders.

Through the many rooms and halls of the palace, especially the hall of the fallen, which honored the millions lost in battles over the years, including the Magna Omega Marine Legionnaire divisions, would the group emerge at the crown jewel of the palace: the Emperor's throne room, the largest in the building, with dozens of Imperial Generals, Admirals, staffmen, and the works, always there directing and assisting the Emperor in his daily duties.

"Your Highness, the Magna Omegan Ambassador as arrived."

And with that, the two soldiers left the room promptly. The Emperor seemed a bit puzzled that an ambassador had shown instead of the Prime minister, but didnt dwell on it for long. He motioned for him and his guards to accompany himself and a few Roman officials into a side conference room where they would all seat and begin.

"Welcome to Rome, ambassador. I am Emperor Constantine Augustus, and this is my right hand, General Maximus Flavius, and his officer staff. Make yourself at home."

[Magna Omega]

The large ornate room payed homage to the godly figure at its center. The ambassador was humbled by the aura of this imperial presence that had him appear meak, far more so than if the Prime Minister had been present. Due to his accident, however, that was no longer a possibility.

"Your highness." said Ambassador Ansolan clearly with a bowed before the majectic figure. "I am Ambassador Selsus Ansolan, of the Intersteller Federation. It is an honor to make your aquaintance."

He turned to his flanking guards and nodded ever so slightly. They both returned the nod and withdrew to the back of the room.

"The Prime Minister apologizes for the inconvenience, your majesty. He has sent me instead, to act as chief representative for the Joint Systems Alliance. With me is the Omegan treaty proposition, which we may nagotiate on when the time does come. Are you prepared to begin the proceedings, your highness?"

[Terraius]

Constantine nodded solemnly.

"I understand, things come up; leaders cannot be everywhere at once, and it was a bit of a short notice, I know."

Waitors placed some bread and a few bottles of red wine on the table for all attending to enjoy. The Emperor pored himself a glass and snacked on a piece of bread, ruffling through some documents his assistants handed him.

"You have your own terms, splendid, I would love to hear them. My terms were simple and straight forward so Im sure we can both find level ground. Please do tell."

[Magna Omega]

"Of course." said the ambassador as he sat himself down at the table.

He drew his belongings, most of which were data pads, booklets, a several pictures of his eldest son in uniform. He set down his specialized Omni-tool, fit with a portable holo projection system. He rapidly tapped several keys as the system began to engage. The projector flashed an example of the Omegans' list of terms for the pact that was to take place. It grew ten meters across by another ten, shown clearly to the Emporer. It read:

JSA/Imperial Combine Accords - Appropriate list of terms

* The JSA and the Imperial Combine will agree to a session of non-aggression for the duration of this treaty's validity.

* As a friendly state to the JSA, free trade is to be opened to both alliances

* Both alliances will refrain from conducting any offensive hostile act against each other or each other's allies.

* Imperial citizens will be granted access to Delta Capita station, the JSA's political and cultural heart.

*This treaty will be rendered null and void in two Omegan years, that being, 706 days from the signing of these accords.

"As you can see," began the ambassador, "these terms are simple and broad. There is much to work off if need be."

[Hornopolis]

Frigate Faydra
Dupont strode through the hallways of the old, old, frigate. A survivor of the Hyberborian war. She's a survivor that she is. Surviving first the Hyperborian War, then the exodus from the Kamikaze System. Now, she was a recreational vessel, even if your outside hull was scarred, scorched and bent. Inside it mirrored what the Titanic looked like on her maiden voyage, before the crash. Dupont fit in extremely well. Her tight-fighting flowing black dress complimented her figure extremely well. She reached the elevator where a nearby crew member summoned it for her, trying to get on her goodside, most likely. She brushed past her without so much of "Thank you". Below decks she quickly made her way towards the shuttle that would take her down to the planet. A message was sent out from the bridge, informing the Romans of her arrival.

Landing Pad
Aurora stepped out into the shining sun, her eyes taking a minute to adjust. The female pilot quickly closed the door of the shuttle behind the diplomat and took off immediately, leaving Aurora alone on the landing pad, waiting for a Roman greeting party to arrive and take her to meet the Emperor. Dupont took a seat on a nearby bench, making sure not to damage her expensive dress.

[Terraius]

The Hornopolis Emissary would have been greeted and escorted in a similar fashion as that of the Omegan ambassador. Talks would have been postponed by the parties until her arrival; at which time she would be greeted appropriately and sat through the discussion of terms by the Romans and Omegans. At the conclusion of Emperor Constantine's terms, she would be given the opportunity to interject or introduce herself if she so pleased.

---

Constantine nodded as the terms were read aloud to him. He seemed pleased with the treaty terms, however had a few interjections.

"Sounds grand, all the terms are more then generous. I do however have a few things to add If I may so; bare with me."

Constantine whispered to General Maximus seated on his right, pointing at a few terms listed on the treaty. They both nodded in agreement before he spoke again.

"I would like to stress the importance of the treaties' first and third terms of non aggression. I want it specifically stated that this stipulation will ensure that all JSA members and the former Combine will refrain from aggression, taking precedence above any other alliances, pacts, and treaties. That is, if any one of your JSA members has prior promises to another ally or alliance outside of the JSA that would force them into aggression with the Combine, they will have to be considered violators of the treaty and ejected from JSA support. Mainly fine details, but I want to make sure no loop holes can ever exist that would draw the Combine and the JSA into a war, roman citizenry as well as myself find the idea very distasteful and would prefer to remain close friends with our former Combine allies. Surely this is agreeable, yes?"

Constantine jotted a few notes down, and then began speaking again.

"I was going to suggest free trade myself. Roman imports and exports have been non existent for some time and I would love to see Omega and Roman businesses coming back into contact with eachother, as well as your JSA friends."

"The fourth term of the treaty is also agreeable, and I'd like to add that all Omega citizens alive at the time of the old Combine will be re granted Roman dual citizenship and be allowed access to Terra at any given time. All other Omegans and JSA allies will be allowed to visit Rome and enjoy the culture and history of our empire.

"The last term I would like to include is that within six galactic months of the treaties expiration, or anytime before hand if it suits, that a joint conference be held by the JSA and Rome to discuss a more permanent alliance between our factions, in hopes of re birth the days of old camaraderie between us."

Constantine looked at his entourage and nodded.

"That will be the jist of it on my end. What say you, ambassador?"

[Magna Omega]

The ambassador gave the treaty a long look of depth while he stroked his chin, with thought. The Emporer did know his political sense, unlike the mere figurehead image that the ambassador expected him to be.

"I would point out, Your Majesty, it is up to the Joint Council to disbar or retain members, no matter what treaties they may or may not have broken. Needless to say, you are using this treaty to establish more neutral parties throughout the galaxy. More neutrality on the part of the galactic superpowers means less intereference in your quest to assert Roman interests. I know how this galaxy works, Your Highness. You can see why we wish to attempt this temporary pact to begin the reconstruction of cooperative trust between our peoples. A trust that has long been overdue. I shall make this amendment to my proposal."

The ambassador grabbed hold of his Omni-tool, working on more keys as the display image hopped about the room while it changed. Finally, he set down the device, carefully, and rested it in the same position as it had been before.

"What if we establish that any unprovoked attack on each other or each other's allies is in violation of the pact. Emphasis on unprovoked, Your Highness. The non-aggression pact is the most stressed element in this pact, for my government. We are adamant on our position to retain peace as best we can. The JSA is not a military alliance at heart, Your Highness. I would intend to keep it that way."

[Terraius]

Constantine chuckled for a moment, before coming into a full out laughter, Maximus following suit. He clapped his hands together and nodded.

"You overcome my expectations Ambassador, and for this I applaud you. I do not know your exact age, however you look like you have been around long enough to have lived through the past few decades."

Constantine strutted around the room, sipping on his wine, cherishing its fine age. He waved a hand towards some of his staffmen and guards, motioning for them to leave the room. All that remained was himself and his General Maximus with the Omega ambassador. His voice changed to a more serious and monotone one rather then jolly or diplomatic.

"Yes, indeed you do know how the galaxy works.. along with how things work here on Rome. You see, for the past ten years Terra and its worlds have been a state of perpetual fear and dismay. For five of those years I laid in a coma in some dark mountain after nearly having my head shot off. Now is the time for Rome to see prosperity and greatness, and It is my intention and duty that others see this greatness and enjoy its benefits."

Constantine had no quarams of gulping the entirety of what remained of his wine glass down and poring himself another infront of the diplomats.

"Thousands of Romans died in liberating and defending Magna Omega from alien invaders. Magna Omegans, including you, are my children, my people, and no amount of bureaucracy or paperwork will ever change that fact. You exist in your haven independently with your alliance, this I can respect and have no intentions on changing. However there is one key factor that I should explain to you, ambassador."

"A handful of your Systems members are intertwined in a number of questionable entities that inhabit the galaxy.. questionable entities that I intend on dismantling. This is one of the reasons the Combine disallowed multiple alliances from having membership from our nations, for this puts me in a precarious position. When I go about my destruction of this chaotic entities, that puts the JSA and Rome at ends. Ends I do not want us to be at, for as I said, Magna Omegans are my people and I refuse to cause harm or go to war with my own. I do not want war between us, I want peace, and eventually a hand of alliance between us, but if you and your government refuses to maintain a peace, then I will have to devolve to secondary tactics."

Constantine slowly slid the pen to the Ambassador, tapping him on the shoulder.

"I want peace and stability for Rome and the JSA. I do not intend on making war on innocents, or wreaking retribution on those who dont deserve it. Im simply trying to do what others before me should have done long ago; bring an end to the evils that intend on destroying all we hold dear: Order, stability, peace, prosperity. All I ask is that the JSA does not side with any of these evils simply because one of its members happens to be affiliated in some way or form with these certain evils. I dont believe I am asking too much, hmm?"

[Magna Omega]

"The Joint Systems Alliance is a mutual pact organization." began the Ambassador. "It cooperates with alien races for the peace of the galaxy, in the simplest of terms. The chief difference between the Combine and the JSA is the fact that we consider alien beings just another race in this galaxy of races."

The Ambassador turned to sip his cup of wine. He indulged in the taste for several seconds before setting the glass down and turning to face his Imperial counterpart.

"You, however, see them as these 'evil entities'. I cannot allow this treaty, as remarkable and imperative as it may be, to interfere with the JSA's openness to non-humans. Do not get me wrong, Your Majesty."

Again, the ambassador's eyes drifted across the room, only to lay rest upon the great Emporer himself, once more.

"The IFMO owes the Combine a great personal debt. You aided in the liberation of New Omega during the Kray War, thirty years ago. Your openness to our civilization jumped our technology forward at least one hundred years. Our Federation stands because of your sacrifices, as well as our own. Our monument in Halo city still stands erect today, still depicting those very same Omegan and Combine marines. They still clutch each other's solid metal hands, climbing atop that stone pedestal to victory. The IFMO, more than all others, yearns for peace with you. But this peace must be built on mutual understanding. We understand your stance towards our existance, our non-human allies. You must also accept that we do hold these allies as dear as any human civilization, and think no less of them. If this is to be a non-aggression pact, then we must work on that basis of understanding. I will not have our two nations embroiled in needless conflict. I will not."

[Terraius]

Constantine stood idle, taking in the words with a sense of understanding. He placed his glass on the table, and again came face to face to the ambassador. Leaning on the table with his arms crossed, he spoke in a low, solemn voice, his eyes daggering at the Omegan Ambassador.

"I do not intend on making war on innocents, or wreaking retribution on those who dont deserve it. Im simply trying to do what others before me should have done long ago; bring an end to the evils that intend on destroying all we hold dear: Order, stability, peace, prosperity."

He repeated the words slowly and with more emphasis. He again slid the pen towards the ambassador.

"If these alien allies of yours are worthy of such high regard of your government, then they are worthy of the same regard of ours. Do you understand now?"

[Magna Omega]

Now the ambassador stood still, suffused with the Emporer's words, his gaze penatrating at least.
'
"I believe then," said the Ambassador with a small growing smile "that we have come to an accord."

The ambassador carefully established his name upon the document, in broad clear lettering.

The first step up the staircase to peace begins with a glance...

Prime Minister Aurelius said these words well. He, of all Omegans, was the closest to the Combine. In the fires of bloody toil he bred the Omegan nation, he brought peace to them through the Combine. If he were alive today, what a momentous occasion this would seem.

The ambassador finished his signing, quickly, and handed the stylus to the Emporer, his hand stretched out almost with perfect stillness.

[Terraius]

Emperor Constantine signed the document swiftly, effectively bringing it into Imperial Law come midnight.

"I thank you for your understanding, Ambassador. Do rest easy knowing that within the year, Rome will be in a rather.. victorious position to extend our gratitude to our former Combine compatriots. Soon, we will all enjoy an era of everlasting peace and prosperity."

[Magna Omega]

"That..." began the ambassador as he took a breath, "would be a gift to all of our children."

He quickly rose and gathered his wears that lay strewn upon the table. He disengaged his Omni-tool, the holographic image slowly flickering to a close. The final articles in his case were collected and stored as the two guards reappeared to escort the ambassador out.

Ambassador Ansolan turned to the Emporer. He gave him a solemn gaze, one of acceptance that had not been seen in a long while. He bowed, slowly, as did his two flanking guards.

"Goodbye, Your Highness." he said, simply. "And God be with you."

[Terraius]

The Emperor nodded, blessing them with the Signum Crucis, as was tradition to all of the Emperor's loyal's. As the large doors closed behind the ambassador and his guards, Constantine wandered slowly over to the holo display. He clicked a few buttons, bringing up a map of the Galaxy, zooming into Beta.

"If God is with us, who is against us?"