Depths of Space (IC, OPEN, FT)

[The Greater Gambia]

Katja smirked.

"My, my aren't you a polite one. Already, you're leagues better than most of the rabble around here. I am Katja of the Mulkava tribe. Ruler of the twin moons and Highest Warlady of the Maug-Lai Kingdom. Anyway, Ka'jalli "wandering one: in the tongue of the Mulkava.

Lethox nodded. "Ah, I understand now." He said. "And politeness is customary among my people. we find it leads to a much more happy life than one of rudeness." He continued, putting his arms to his side.

"Hmm. Some of these Tagali could learn a lesson from you." She said, peering back towards the Lord of Admirals and the Lord of Generals.

"But enough about that, I'd like to introduce my daughter, Sindra. She will be taking my place while I'm away."

"Your joining your husbands campaign too?" Lahira asked.

"The Legolo-Sa? Yes, while my husband is a excellent military leader, he will need someone to better control the unorganized rabble that are taking part."

[The Dark Brotherhood of Deros]

Lethox nodded. "Ah, I understand now." He said. "And politeness is customary among my people. we find it leads to a much more happy life than one of rudeness." He continued, putting his arms to his side.

"Hmm. Some of these Tagali could learn a lesson from you." She said, peering back towards the Lord of Admirals and the Lord of Generals.

"But enough about that, I'd like to introduce my daughter, Sindra. She will be taking my place while I'm away."

"Your joining your husbands campaign too?" Lahira asked.

"The Legolo-Sa? Yes, while my husband is a excellent military leader, he will need someone to better control the unorganized rabble that are taking part."

"Ah. I would be happy to make her acquaintance. I am here to make friends after all." Lethox said, smiling to reveal small fangs. his species was a carnivorous race, feasting off of rodents, insects, and sometimes small reptiles. but they would never feast upon any living creature. they thought that eating something alive was cruel, and his race was not know for being cruel.

[Spindle]

Eris smiled, feeling the warmth radiating from Khronos and Gawain. He was just sat there, so small and vulnerable, clutching tightly at the finger of his father. Her smile turned sad as she realised the burden he would soon have to bear: titles and responsibilities from both Spindle and the Empire. He was so young and yet...she let the train of thought peter out. She wan't going to think about that. Not here. Not now. Not when she should be happy and content. She felt her body relax slightly, softening into Khronos and their baby as she savored the kiss. Yes, this was how she wanted to be: needed to be.

---

Euphemia felt her lips twitch at Lyson's fumbling search for words. It was another sign of the magnitude of the change from the old Lyson. Calling her, a xenos, a friend? That would have been inconceivable! Her face split into an even brighter smile as the thought passed through her mind. She stood up and gently paced over to Lyson, going down to one knee in front of him and reaching out, lightly taking his hands in hers, eyes level with his.

"Lyson, I am your friend. I will always be your friend. If you ever need reassurance of that, or if you ever need anything else, all you need to do is ask and I will be there. Always. I promise." Her smile wavered for a second and she released his hands, standing up, "And perhaps I should hate you. But what's the point? Our lives here are so brief, and the only things we'll leave behind are the memories in other people's minds. Why not make them the best we can?"

---

Ophius ground her teeth in frustration. Getting anything on Ostian powered armour would be useful like no-one would believe...it would buy her the undying support of Echidna and her political bloc. Unfortunately, Joseph apparently wasn't going to let anything slip, so Ophius' options were highly limited. She sat back and spooned more soup to her mouth, eyes taking in everything she could from the holos. It wasn't going to be anywhere near enough for Echidna's loyalty, but if she could whet the appetite, she could get some leverage...

Still, as she replayed the images of the over, she couldn't help but admire the Ostians' weaponry. They couldn't be too far ahead of Spindle, yet their ships would almost certainly have crushing advantages in straight-up fights. Her mind ran through the potential uses of Third Fleet with the Ostians opening holes in the enemy's wall of battle. Perhaps just a shattering blow? No, no, no! She didn't have the capital hulls available to her to simply break the enemy's wall, not when they had the Silver Scythe. Her mind worked furiously for the next few seconds, before her lips curled into a smile. Yes...that might just work. But first...

"When you say long-range...how long is long-range?" She paused for a moment, as if she had forgotten something before nodding to herself and awaiting the response. The damage had already been done if he was going to take that as too prying.

[Theyra]

Captain Solia and Master Osan after entering the Banquet hall, noticed that most the people there are occupied with themselves and no one has approached him since they have arrived.

"Solia, I think this is not a good sign if no one has even introduced themselves or even noticed us", Master Osan said.

Solia sighs, "perhaps we should find someone to talk to rather than wait for someone to talk to us Osan"."Though I thought someone from the Federation would have at least waited for us to arrive to make things less awkward for us to engage in conversation with someone".

"Maybe, we can talk to them", Osan motions to Lethox and Lahira, perhaps with we can talk to them, since it looks like that guest is different from the rest and may be a another race that the Federation has contact recently like us".

Solia whisperers to him, "and if this was a coalition function than we would have send a someone to greet them to avoid situations like this and.... we don't have much choice anyway other then to wait for someone to talk to us".

Solia, Osan and the two guards walk over to Lethox and Larhira.

[The V O I D]

Eris smiled, feeling the warmth radiating from Khronos and Gawain. He was just sat there, so small and vulnerable, clutching tightly at the finger of his father. Her smile turned sad as she realised the burden he would soon have to bear: titles and responsibilities from both Spindle and the Empire. He was so young and yet...she let the train of thought peter out. She wan't going to think about that. Not here. Not now. Not when she should be happy and content. She felt her body relax slightly, softening into Khronos and their baby as she savored the kiss. Yes, this was how she wanted to be: needed to be.

---

Euphemia felt her lips twitch at Lyson's fumbling search for words. It was another sign of the magnitude of the change from the old Lyson. Calling her, a xenos, a friend? That would have been inconceivable! Her face split into an even brighter smile as the thought passed through her mind. She stood up and gently paced over to Lyson, going down to one knee in front of him and reaching out, lightly taking his hands in hers, eyes level with his.

"Lyson, I am your friend. I will always be your friend. If you ever need reassurance of that, or if you ever need anything else, all you need to do is ask and I will be there. Always. I promise." Her smile wavered for a second and she released his hands, standing up, "And perhaps I should hate you. But what's the point? Our lives here are so brief, and the only things we'll leave behind are the memories in other people's minds. Why not make them the best we can?"

The Imperator's Might
Capital Dreadnought of All Remnant Fleets
The Taari Armada / Remnant

Khronos was fairly tired, but stayed with the both of them. He needed it; they needed it. Khronos for a moment saw his wife's face, and knew what she was thinking about, or what she was likely thinking about. Gawain and his future as the Crown Prince of the Taari Remnant, and Lord of Spindle. Yes, indeed; that was a big responsibility. But he decided that unless his wife brought it up with him, it was best to let the train of thought end. Because, for now, all they needed was each other; and that was fine. For him, it was enough.

Lyson nodded at Euphemia's words, considering them. They were true. All of them. And he knew it. Lyson felt an odd sensation at this revelation, but wasn't sure what it was. Lyson tried to figure it out, but couldn't; he hadn't felt this way before, to his memory. He knew not what this feeling was. Gratitude? No... it was something else. Something... warmer. Lyson couldn't quite put his finger on it. Nonetheless, he stopped thinking about it, and returned Euphemia's smile with his own large smile. Lyson spoke to her in a calm tone.

"Thank you. You are so patient. So diplomatic about these sorts of things. I know it might be somewhat apart of your daily duties, but it is nice. I'm sure the man who takes you as his bride will be a lucky one.", he stated, almost without thinking. Lyson's face grew warm suddenly, as he somewhat flushed. Did he just say that? That was probably the first time he's said something so... nice. Complimentary. Toward a xeno. And she was right there. Lyson felt that sensation again, and he again tried to figure out what it meant.

[Spindle]

Eris felt her eyes drooping as they flitted between her son and her husband. Her world. She quickly picked Gawain up and set him back down on her lap, scooting over to sit next to Khronos. A smile crossed her lips as her forehead touched his, Gawain sitting on her lap and trailing Khronos' arm like an umbilical cord. Her arms wrapped around Khronos, exulting in his existence as she did her best to forget about her worries and fears for Gawain. Her eyes drooped further and before she knew it, she was asleep with Gawain.

---

Euphemia's smile faltered for a moment, before disappearing completely at Lyson's words. She knew he had meant it with all the best intentions, but it still hit her like a blow to the stomach. She sank down onto the bed, blinking tears out of her eyes before laughing: a hollow, dull laugh.

"Lyson..." She trailed off for a moment, a hand trailing down to her stomach, "I can't marry, Lyson. I'm infertile. I had ovarian cancer when I was twelve and they...my ovaries...they were removed. Who would marry me, knowing they would end their own line by doing so?"

Another laugh escaped her mouth, harsh and bitter. Softly, almost silently, she began to cry.

[The V O I D]

Eris felt her eyes drooping as they flitted between her son and her husband. Her world. She quickly picked Gawain up and set him back down on her lap, scooting over to sit next to Khronos. A smile crossed her lips as her forehead touched his, Gawain sitting on her lap and trailing Khronos' arm like an umbilical cord. Her arms wrapped around Khronos, exulting in his existence as she did her best to forget about her worries and fears for Gawain. Her eyes drooped further and before she knew it, she was asleep with Gawain.

---

Euphemia's smile faltered for a moment, before disappearing completely at Lyson's words. She knew he had meant it with all the best intentions, but it still hit her like a blow to the stomach. She sank down onto the bed, blinking tears out of her eyes before laughing: a hollow, dull laugh.

"Lyson..." She trailed off for a moment, a hand trailing down to her stomach, "I can't marry, Lyson. I'm infertile. I had ovarian cancer when I was twelve and they...my ovaries...they were removed. Who would marry me, knowing they would end their own line by doing so?"

Another laugh escaped her mouth, harsh and bitter. Softly, almost silently, she began to cry.

The Imperator's Might
Capital Dreadnought of All Remnant Fleets
The Taari Armada / Remnant

Lyson was shocked by her words. He moved immediately to her as she began to cry, acting on almost basic instinct. He hugged her, suddenly, and hugged her tightly. It was also a very warm hug. A sympathetic, compassionate hug. This truly showed how far Lyson had come from the man he was before, when they had first met. It showed just how well she had been affecting him; and how far she's taken him. Lyson kept his hold on her, trying to calm her with his hug. He spoke to her.

"I'm sorry. I didn't know. But... at the same time, I don't see why fertility should have something to do with it. If you love and care for someone - truly love and care, what does it matter? What truly matters is that they love eachother, care for eachother, and are happy.", he stated. His voice was absolute, as if this was an absolute fact. He was certain of it. Lyson's face grew warm, as he suddenly realized what he had said and what he was doing. But he didn't stop. He kept hugging her. Lyson wasn't sure what this meant.

[Spindle]

Euphemia felt the sob catch as Lyson embraced her before the tears continued streaming on. She held him back, wrapping her arms around him in return. As she did her sobs broke into full-body shudders, her chest heaving as she wept into Lyson. When her breath began to normalise she spoke, her words occasionally juddering as another sob crested and broke.

"It doesn't normally work like that." She explained, "We have our responsibility to ...to help strengthen and create political alliances however we can. If that means we have to put aside our personal feelings...that's just what we have to do. It's not a pretty system, but it...it works."

[The V O I D]

Euphemia felt the sob catch as Lyson embraced her before the tears continued streaming on. She held him back, wrapping her arms around him in return. As she did her sobs broke into full-body shudders, her chest heaving as she wept into Lyson. When her breath began to normalise she spoke, her words occasionally juddering as another sob crested and broke.

"It doesn't normally work like that." She explained, "We have our responsibility to ...to help strengthen and create political alliances however we can. If that means we have to put aside our personal feelings...that's just what we have to do. It's not a pretty system, but it...it works."

The Imperator's Might
Capital Dreadnought of All Remnant Fleets
The Taari Armada / Remnant

Lyson kept holding Euphemia in a tight hug. Trying to keep her comfortable. As she spoke to him, Lyson felt an odd pain mixing with the sensation within him. He thought he knew what it was now, but wasn't sure. Lyson had never experienced it before... but he thought he was feeling love. Or something like it. But... for her? Lyson cut off his own line of thought, not wanting to dwell. It wouldn't end well if he dwelt on it. Lyson parted the hug to stare her in the eyes as he spoke.

"That doesn't seem very fair. You should be allowed to marry someone who loves and cares for you. I mean, look at Eris and Khronos... they drown eachother with love and care. You deserve something like that, Euphemia.", he stated firmly. Lyson kept his hold on her, wanting to tell her how he felt. Or, how he thought he felt. It was a mess. Lyson wasn't sure about it, but at the same time felt as though it was real. Lyson wasn't sure what to think about it, either.

[Spindle]

Euphemia stared up into Lyson's eyes, body still trembling slightly. The feel of their hug had left an odd feeling on her, as if she were still experiencing the warmth from his body against hers. Her face flushed slightly-from which emotions she didn't know-and she felt her body begin to still as Lyson spoke again.

"It's no fair." She assented, "But nothing is. We live our lives surrounded by luxury from birth. We have to pay that back somewhere. So, perhaps I do deserve what Eris and Khronos have. I'll never get it. Because, at the end of the day, I'm just a political liability. I'm useless."

She sighed deeply and felt the tears stop flowing. There. She'd said it. She was politically useless. Had she been fertile, she'd have been married away years ago, but instead she would be alone, long after Gawain would be married and surrounded by children. But now the tears wouldn't start again. She'd emptied herself of everything and now just sat there, drooping like a wilting rose on her bed.

[The V O I D]

Euphemia stared up into Lyson's eyes, body still trembling slightly. The feel of their hug had left an odd feeling on her, as if she were still experiencing the warmth from his body against hers. Her face flushed slightly-from which emotions she didn't know-and she felt her body begin to still as Lyson spoke again.

"It's no fair." She assented, "But nothing is. We live our lives surrounded by luxury from birth. We have to pay that back somewhere. So, perhaps I do deserve what Eris and Khronos have. I'll never get it. Because, at the end of the day, I'm just a political liability. I'm useless."

She sighed deeply and felt the tears stop flowing. There. She'd said it. She was politically useless. Had she been fertile, she'd have been married away years ago, but instead she would be alone, long after Gawain would be married and surrounded by children. But now the tears wouldn't start again. She'd emptied herself of everything and now just sat there, drooping like a wilting rose on her bed.

The Imperator's Might
Capital Dreadnought of All Remnant Fleets
The Taari Armada / Remnant

Lyson stared at her, shaking his head. No. She was wrong. She deserved it, and she would have it. But Lyson knew how he felt now. The emotions he felt within him finally added up until he couldn't take it. He knew where he stood, and Lyson was going to make sure she got her love. From him. He didn't care about the fact she was a xeno. Not anymore. Never again. Lyson only cared that he loved her, and didn't want her to be sad.

"You know, sometimes you can be an idiot! I... I'm in love with you, Euphemia. I have been. I will give you the love and care you deserve.", he suddenly blurted out, and right after before he could change his mind or stop himself, he kissed her. Lyson kissed Euphemia and that was that. His emotions had finally exploded and he had exposed himself to her. Lyson didn't care anymore. It was about her now.

[The Greater Gambia]

"Hmm. Some of these Tagali could learn a lesson from you." She said, peering back towards the Lord of Admirals and the Lord of Generals.

"But enough about that, I'd like to introduce my daughter, Sindra. She will be taking my place while I'm away."

"Your joining your husbands campaign too?" Lahira asked.

"The Legolo-Sa? Yes, while my husband is a excellent military leader, he will need someone to better control the unorganized rabble that are taking part."

"Ah. I would be happy to make her acquaintance. I am here to make friends after all." Lethox said, smiling to reveal small fangs. his species was a carnivorous race, feasting off of rodents, insects, and sometimes small reptiles. but they would never feast upon any living creature. they thought that eating something alive was cruel, and his race was not know for being cruel.

"Well, I think I've paid my dues in attending here. I must leave now. If you have any questions, refer them to Sindra. Hopefully, this Highbreed pest will be exterminated with haste. She will be taking my place as Ambassador of the Maug-Lai. It has been a pleasure meeting you, Lethox." Katja nodded her head in respect towards Lethox. Lahira noticed too alien figures approaching behind her.

"Ah, you must be the Representatives from the Vryr'yks Coalition. I am Lahira Nal-Togara, Consul of the Tagali Federation. I don't believe we have met. Have you had any difficulty since you came into the system?"

[Theyra]

"Ah. I would be happy to make her acquaintance. I am here to make friends after all." Lethox said, smiling to reveal small fangs. his species was a carnivorous race, feasting off of rodents, insects, and sometimes small reptiles. but they would never feast upon any living creature. they thought that eating something alive was cruel, and his race was not know for being cruel.

"Well, I think I've paid my dues in attending here. I must leave now. If you have any questions, refer them to Sindra. Hopefully, this Highbreed pest will be exterminated with haste. She will be taking my place as Ambassador of the Maug-Lai. It has been a pleasure meeting you, Lethox." Katja nodded her head in respect towards Lethox. Lahira noticed too alien figures approaching behind her.

"Ah, you must be the Representatives from the Vryr'yks Coalition. I am Lahira Nal-Togara, Consul of the Tagali Federation. I don't believe we have met. Have you had any difficulty since you came into the system?"

"Yes we are, I'm Captian Solia Kor of the Vryr'yks Coalition and this is my adviser on xeno relations, Master Osan"."We had no trouble getting into the system, through it seem that we were not expected, as no one appeared to be waiting for us, or even introduced themselves to us and we kinda just hoped that you would talk to us when we approached you two."

[The Greater Gambia]

"Well, I think I've paid my dues in attending here. I must leave now. If you have any questions, refer them to Sindra. Hopefully, this Highbreed pest will be exterminated with haste. She will be taking my place as Ambassador of the Maug-Lai. It has been a pleasure meeting you, Lethox." Katja nodded her head in respect towards Lethox. Lahira noticed too alien figures approaching behind her.

"Ah, you must be the Representatives from the Vryr'yks Coalition. I am Lahira Nal-Togara, Consul of the Tagali Federation. I don't believe we have met. Have you had any difficulty since you came into the system?"

"Yes we are, I'm Captian Solia Kor of the Vryr'yks Coalition and this is my adviser on xeno relations, Master Osan"."We had no trouble getting into the system, through it seem that we were not expected, as no one appeared to be waiting for us, or even introduced themselves to us and we kinda just hoped that you would talk to us when we approached you two."

"That's odd, my Assistant, Riiva should have greeted you at the door." Lahira grew concerned, Riiva could be scatter brained at times, but she never messed up this bad.

[Theyra]

"Yes we are, I'm Captian Solia Kor of the Vryr'yks Coalition and this is my adviser on xeno relations, Master Osan"."We had no trouble getting into the system, through it seem that we were not expected, as no one appeared to be waiting for us, or even introduced themselves to us and we kinda just hoped that you would talk to us when we approached you two."

"That's odd, my Assistant, Riiva should have greeted you at the door." Lahira grew concerned, Riiva could be scatter brained at times, but she never messed up this bad.

"Well the only ones we met outside were the guards". "Perhaps your assistant become busy with something and neglected to tell you?

[The Dark Brotherhood of Deros]

"Ah. I would be happy to make her acquaintance. I am here to make friends after all." Lethox said, smiling to reveal small fangs. his species was a carnivorous race, feasting off of rodents, insects, and sometimes small reptiles. but they would never feast upon any living creature. they thought that eating something alive was cruel, and his race was not know for being cruel.

"Well, I think I've paid my dues in attending here. I must leave now. If you have any questions, refer them to Sindra. Hopefully, this Highbreed pest will be exterminated with haste. She will be taking my place as Ambassador of the Maug-Lai. It has been a pleasure meeting you, Lethox." Katja nodded her head in respect towards Lethox. Lahira noticed too alien figures approaching behind her.

"Ah, you must be the Representatives from the Vryr'yks Coalition. I am Lahira Nal-Togara, Consul of the Tagali Federation. I don't believe we have met. Have you had any difficulty since you came into the system?"

Lethox nodded as well, then turned to face Sindra. "Pleasure to meet you, I am Lethox, but I suppose you know that already." He said, bowing once more.

[Delta Eridanus]

Unknown Location, Just outside Arcturus space...

"BE READY FOR CONTACT!"

Aboard the 10-km long ICS Corinthian Valor, Decius Lupercal, Lord of House Lupercal, gave final orders.

During the entire situation with the Daynes and the Martells, Decius had brought up an transmission from the Arcturus System, asking for permission to trade.

Being on Darius Caridin's good side, Decius got it.

It was rather unusual for a Cadian Lord to stray this far from home, but Decius knew that the trading agreement would probably be beneficial to Cadia.

With that thought, Decius gave the go ahead, and the ship advanced into the system, sending an message:

This is the Corinthian Valor of the Imperial Cadian Navy of the Imperium of Delta Eridanus. We received an message from this system, requesting trade.

[Aterrian Union]

Lenin-Class Super Carrier, outer Arcturus System
The Lenin-Class Super Carrier was an utterly colossal ship, being 200km long. It had attached to it 4 15km long Victory-Class Battleships. Currently it was just on a maintenance run, just to see if everything was in line. The Super-Carrier was the pride of Arcturus, while in the past the system had made more, only 1 was kept, primarily for large airshows. It was escorted by 50 smaller ships of all sizes.

"Captain, we are getting readings from a nearby vessel entering the system. They are here to trade, and most likely help with our food issues." Officer A-100 says.
"Good, lets give them a warm greeting comrades!" Captain Petrov announces to the mini-fleet.
"Send an invitation to their leader onboard to dock his ship at the Carrier. Since it seems to be heavy cruiser sized, it should fit. We will take talks from there."

"Sending now." The Officer sends the message to the new vessel.
"Huh, we just met talking ponies from some ancient TV show and now we meet quasi-Imperials, interesting." Petrov says.

Equestrian Ship
Kurama looked around the ship's bridge, and he had to say, he was rather impressed. The teleportation these ponies used was definitely quite interesting to say the least, as it seemed to involve something other than pure technology. Kurama then "shakes" hands with the two ponies in charge of the ship.
"Greetings as well, I'm former doctor Kurama, now Chief Scientist of Arcturus 3, the rocky planet you skipped to here. The man next to me is just known as 118. He's not exactly talkative."
Kurama pauses, then continues. "I have to say that your teleportation is rather interesting, I have never seen such a pattern as before." 118 looks uninterested (well you can't really tell with his helmet on).

*118 is somewhat similar to John-117, not very talkative, always on guard. He used to be a marine.
*Chief Scientist Kurama used to be a human genetics researcher. His job didn't end well.To make it short the world he worked on had to be quarantined for unspecified reasons, following some sort of disaster. 30 soldiers were sent down to evacuate Kurama and his staff. Only Kurama and 2 soldiers, one who was horribly injured, got out alive. The others were huge messes of blood, guts. and limbs. "Legless Johnson" was the injured soldier, 118 was the other. Kurama now hates human experimentation, and wears a badge from the civil rights agency.

[Delta Eridanus]

Lenin-Class Super Carrier, outer Arcturus System
The Lenin-Class Super Carrier was an utterly colossal ship, being 200km long. It had attached to it 4 15km long Victory-Class Battleships. Currently it was just on a maintenance run, just to see if everything was in line. The Super-Carrier was the pride of Arcturus, while in the past it had made more, only 1 was kept, primarily for large airshows. It was escorted by 50 smaller ships of all sizes.

"Captain, we are getting readings from a nearby vessel entering the system. They are here to trade, and most likely help with our food issues." Officer A-100 says.
"Good, lets give them a warm greeting comrades!" Captain Petrov announces to the mini-fleet.
"Send an invitation to their leader onboard to dock his ship at the Carrier. Since it seems to be heavy cruiser sized, it should fit. We will take talks from there."

"Sending now." The Officer sends the message to the new vessel.
"Huh, we just met talking ponies from some ancient TV show and now we meet quasi-Imperials, interesting." Petrov says.

While the entire bridge looked on in shock at the size of the Super-Carrier, Decius smiled and said one thing.

"Our friends are here."

The Corinthian Valor proceeded to dock in the Carrier, where its paint job was clearly seen. Caridin's Eagle, the symbol of the Imperium was plainly visible on the side of the ship. an silver stripe along the side identified it as belonging to House Lupercal, the trading house of the Imperium.

Decius and four Imperial Guardsmen disembarked. The Cadian Lord preferred function over form, so Decius was wearing a black tunic with silver trimmings.

[Aterrian Union]

Decius is greeted by Captain Petrov, who is wearing his standard green Union Military uniform, symbolized by the hammer and sickle, which is on cap Petrov wears. 4 Union styled Cadian 401st Kasrkins come with him, each wearing full body carapace armor (Arcturus Pattern) and carrying Heavy 1.00 caliber Multi-lasers. Petrov Salutes and begins.

"Greetings in the name of The Socialist System of Arcturus. I am Captain Petrov of the Arcturus 2nd Defense fleet, and I am glad to be discussing our trade terms, as I speak in the President's name." Petrov eyes the Imperial Guardsmen.
Hmm, Imperial Guard, quite interesting.
"Lets try to keep formalities short, as there are xenos in this system we are currently meeting as well. Once introductions are over, We shall teleport to the meeting room, if all is fine."
*All the Kasrkins have the Cadian 401st symbol on their armor.

[Delta Eridanus]

Decius is greeted by Captain Petrov, who is wearing his standard green Union Military uniform, symbolized by the hammer and sickle, which is on cap Petrov wears. 4 Union styled Cadian 401st Kasrkins come with him, each wearing full body carapace armor (Arcturus Pattern) and carrying Heavy 1.00 caliber Multi-lasers. Petrov Salutes and begins.

"Greetings in the name of The Socialist System of Arcturus. I am Captain Petrov of the Arcturus 2nd Defense fleet, and I am glad to be discussing our trade terms, as I speak in the President's name." Petrov eyes the Imperial Guardsmen.
Hmm, Imperial Guard, quite interesting.
"Lets try to keep formalities short, as there are xenos in this system we are currently meeting as well. Once introductions are over, We shall teleport to the meeting room, if all is fine."
*All the Kasrkins have the Cadian 401st symbol on their armor.

Decius nodded.

"I am Decius Lupercal, Lord of House Lupercal of the Imperium of Delta Eridanus. I am also glad to be discussing this terms on the behalf of Darius Caridin, Lord of Cadia."

Decius pointed out the Imperial Guardsmen. "Shall I leave them on the ship?"

(Quick note: Cadians average from 6-7 feet tall, and have a biology closer to that of a Space Marine, than to a human. )

[The Moscow Metro Red Line]

Sol System - Orbit Around Mars - Battle Group Sol - I.O.S. Relentless Zeal, Crown Prince Joseph Marx's Flagship - Audience Chamber - 2030 Earth Hours

"Well, despite the Ostian preference close-quarters fleet actions. We are quite generous went it comes to the term long-range. The maximum range of a jager cannon aboard a Pious Class Destroyer is about 1610 kilometers. For the Coeus equivalent, it is 1/4 of that range." Joseph replied. "Also I would like to submit a request to have a few of my vessels collect solar energy of this system's star. It's always good to have a few reserve power cells." Joseph subtly emphaized the words, reserve power cells.

To say he was intrigued by Ophius would be an understatement. From her posture and questions, it seems that she has other goals other than helping the alliance. But in this game, Joseph feels that he still has a few trump cards in his hand. All he needs to do is keep us his poker face. Those power cells will be useful later should there be the favorable battlefield conditions.

------------------------------------------------------------
Fuerein System - Fuerein Fleet Starbase

"Wait what?" Admiral Baum interjected when the foreigners actually agreed to the request. "I apologize for my poor hearing, but what did you say?"

If Admiral Baum is correct in their willingness to handover command, than it was beyond belief. If this was the case, than perhaps this was a dream. No civilization has ever built such ridiculous proportions for a ship. Besides, why waste material on one large ship when you can have just as many other ones of smaller yet equivalent value? Yes, this must be a dream. No stranger would give another his house willingly.

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Displeoa System - Heading Towards Lepota - Between Vryi and Lepota - 60 Hours to 61 Hours After Awakening

"We're getting reports on the initial brunt. Their 'boarding pods' if that is what the call them, seems to be more for infecting than boarding. I am getting a few reports but security should be able to handle it considering the sealed-armor order." Replied the Chief Security Officer over internal communications.

"Thank you, Colonel, we have to stall as much as possible." Admiral Specht spoke calmly.

"Admiral Specht, the Royal Guard squadron was able to escape the encirclement. Hold on. Admiral, a few of the bioships as well as two traitor frigates are leaving the column and are heading to the Starbase." The sensors operator reported.

"Can we contact it?"

"Negative, last barrage severely damaged the communications array. We can only manage to communicate with the nearby vessels but no more." Replied the communications officer immediately, as he frantically tapped on his console.

"Reroute all remaining power to the weapons, also prepare to wipe all the database should our destruction be imminent. Any high ranking officer here is to burn himself or herself should the ship be compromised. We cannot let the highbreed gain any more information."

The boarding pods that hit Tyrant Orava's ship exploded simultaneously. Eight large explosives covered the organic hull of bioship.

"Captain! The blasts have taken down the shield generators on the bioship! They won't have any shields anymore!" Reported one of the bridge crew of the Undying Light.

"Than in the Emperor's name, fire everything, maximum power to weapons!" The Undying Light fired a full broadside with its weapons at full power at the unique bioship. While this barrage occurred, the shields of the Undying Light were significantly weaker.

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Displeoa System - Displeoa Fleet Starbase - 60 Hours to 61 Hours After Awakening

"This is the Royal Guard Sigma Squad, we are returning to the starbase. Do not fire upon-"

"Lieutneant, the highbreed is breaking off a few ships! They're headed to the starbase."

"Damnit, there isn't much we can do, just keep moving to the starbase and meet up with the remaining personal. Hopefully it is alot more peaceful."

"Allied vessels, whatever is behind us is not friendly. Any highbreed must be delayed in exiting this system."

.......

They kept coming.

Even though half a dozen of them would fall, more would rush forward. They didn't even care about their losses, they were fixated on the defenders themselves. A few of the Ostians threw down their firearms and drew swords, closing on the traitors who came too close to the barricade.

.....

"Should we intervene?"

"No, just keep watching. It was his last orders."

"What about the other ships closing in?"

"We shall wait to for the perfect opportunity. Are our troops aboard?"

"Of course, they stand by on your order."

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Warhrihet System (Formally the Pravda System) - Warhrihet (Formally Pravda) - The former city of Vneipr - Industrial Complex 415

"We do. We need as much help as we can get." Ulyanov replied. "You will be in command of a raiding team for now. I may be convinced but the other commanders are not so forthcoming. This raiding unit will consist of three squads of Riflemen, two squads of recruits and one squad of veterans, and five IL-1 Mechanical armors. A small but efficient force. You task will be to raid an Ostian outpost in one of the numerous sectors here on the planet. This task is a test for you, given by the other commanders."

[Aterrian Union]

Fuerein System - Fuerein Fleet Starbase

"I simply said that we would help you in your fight." Commander Richard replies calmly. "Think of it as a token of friendship. Anyways, it's stated in the 3rd Article of our Constitution that any Union forces are required to help other humans in need."
Johnson continues the previous explanation.
"You might think that our ship is ludicrously oversized, but where we come from, big ships were commonplace. Resource wise, this ship certainly isn't cheap, but for the Old Union the amount of materials required was insignificant. Arcturus itself can produce dozens of these vessels every month, assuming we have the supplies anyways. As for combat practicality, our ship should serve quite well. It can take a hell of a lot of damage, and from what we've seen in this galaxy it would take Planet glassing weapons to take down, and that's assuming you aim at the back. Smaller ships' standard lasers, plasmas and rail-guns would probably at most dent the armor slightly."
Johnson finishes.
"Anyways, if you like admiral, you can join Commander Richard on the UNS Transpire."

[Osnil]

Pravada
"Show me to my men," Kale grinned. Soon the other commanders would know what he could do. First he wanted to meet his men, as he always did with a new command. He wanted to win the hearts of his command, as he always did. Then he would get the squad leaders to convene with him to decide the attack plan.

[Spindle]

Euphemia’s eyes widened in surprise at Lyson’s words, widening further as he came and kissed her. For several seconds she sat there, rigid with surprise before she began to return the kiss, her hands slipping across to Lyson’s cheeks. For that moment, nothing else mattered any more. They drew apart from each other slowly, breathing heavily and Euphemia smiled for a moment before a thought crossed her mind, her smile rapidly turning into a frown.

“Lyson, if you’re doing this out of pity…” She trailed off, unsure of what to say. Even if he was, did she really want him to stop?

---

Ophius felt her eyes narrow slightly at Joseph's words. Reserve power cells? What would he need reserve power cells for? Her fist clenched slightly under the table. Now wasn't the time to be thinking about that, not those kind of mind games. No, this wasn't the time for that. She brought out a miniature holo and ran a quick set of simulations on it, before nodding to herself and expanding the holo to be visible to Joseph, the triple-bulge ships of Spindle visible in a ring outside the Ostian ships, the Gorgons held slightly behind the overall formation. The missile engagement envelopes appeared in an emerald green, stretching out three light seconds.

"To add onto your plan, then, if our ships deploy like this, we can tramell the enemy capital ships into the Jager Cannon, or else have them separated from the rest of the fleet and its point defence umbrella. At that point we can simply dump the missile pods and take them from there." She shrugged lightly, almost to herself "It's not a full oplan, but it's a nice start. And before you ask, no we're not going to join the wall. We'll help your point defence mesh and ECM, but our ships aren't sluggers. We simply cannot take hits, definately not from kinetics like your Jager Cannon."