Sauria: Of Civility and Ambition (IC)

[Harbertia]

OOC

A magazine lays upon a stone table; it's title is EPOCH and the heading reads; "Will the Empire war again?" Below it in smaller print, "If the Grand Rex declares war it'll be the first time since Unification that a Grand Rex has done so- TRULY HISTORIC."

The magazine was long outdated, but relevant and somehow left behind by customers who where discussing the topic of late.

The table is in a fast food place, defined by crossed tusks- it's customers are varied. Large benches, and small stools, along with booths of various sizes accommodate them.

The surrounding location is a township densely covered in foliage with stone and clay housing; some round, some tall, some rectangle showing themselves. The roads, while having some traffic, are less packed then the streets where many walk.

----

Teyrance's Place
Teyrance came down the stairs from his room to the main living area on the ground floor. The TV was on, and his niece, a young Pterodactyl kin, was watching 'Uncle Quackie's Hatchling Hour'- one of the programs for youths. Though this meant that he'd be unable to get the news just yet or watch 'SEVEN THRONES' for a little under half an hour or more. This also meant that his brother was visiting, and indeed he emerged from the kitchen to join his daughter by the television.

The day was chill even while the heat was on, and everyone was a little slow. No greetings where exchanged as Teyrance got a meal of 'fish in a roll' and proceeded back up the stairs, past his room, to the balcony above and looked out to the town. He placed the 'fish in a roll' into a metal case, and took hold of it with his talons while spreading his wings out and leaping- the air was chill against him but not unbearable- some plants where browning. He eventually made his way to the 'crossed tusks', and landed.

He ordered from the menu, and took a seat in one of the booths. The booth with the magazine, and frowned a little while taking hold of burger. He began to focus on his morning meal- and await the meeting that was planned here.

[Labstoska]

Xhotol
Xhotol stared at the front cover of the latest of issue of the Imperial times and the news to say the least was worrying, the reestablishment of the military had lead to the market which was already in quite a precarious state had now become even more uncertain. This whole military affair was also caused quite a bit of damage to the project that Xhotol had already poured so much money into as seen as many expected that an invasion of Earth was to begin and the government was beginning to stick it's filth covered fingers into the work that Xhotol was depending on to save his business, he even suspected that if he was unable to launch the ships that had been constructed soon the whole operation would be sized in the name of national interests. There were a few other articles in the paper concerning the new military high command and some other tripe however a small piece on the ever encroaching ice sheets did catch his eye; apparently the ice sheet was once again on the move and this years winter was going to bring snowstorms like no other. It was for this reason why the expedition had be hastened and quickly. For this expedition he would require someone to lead the diplomatic talks and steer clear of those interplanetary war scenarios that movies were constantly speaking about, the latest sci-fi film that had scared of so many of the potential applicants for diplomat away was 'They came from Earth' now most may believe that this was a harmless motion picture however Xhotol as the son of a TV producer knew that this was because the government was providing the population with fear, fear that they could turn against the Humans. Eventually Xhotol had found a guy who was willing to accept the role of diplomat, he was called Teyrance and was according to what Xhotol could read up on him was an expert in all things Earth related, the perfect saurian for the job.

Eventually Xhotol's long black car pulled up outside the 'crossed tusks', an odd place for a meeting but it would service his needs. When Xhotol got out of his car the people who were milling about the parking lot began to stare and mutter amongst themselves, it was something that Xhotol had gotten used to over the years but still it was always rather unnerving.

As he entered the building he began to search for Teyrance. Eventually his eyes fell upon one booth in particular, in it was a saurian with a feathered head and winged arms, he was fairly sure that this was the man he was looking for. He went to sit down in the booth where Teyrance was and as he did he introduced himself.

"Hello I presume you are Teyrance, I am Xhotol CEO of the Imperial Trade company, now I believe we are now here in order to discuss the expedition that I have been preparing, of course you will not be the one making first contact instead I have already recorded a series of radio transmissions in a series of Human languages, however you will be on the first ships going to Earth, now do you have any opinions on how diplomatic relations should be handled?"

[Harbertia]

Xhotol
Xhotol stared at the front cover of the latest of issue of the Imperial times and the news to say the least was worrying, the reestablishment of the military had lead to the market which was already in quite a precarious state had now become even more uncertain. This whole military affair was also caused quite a bit of damage to the project that Xhotol had already poured so much money into as seen as many expected that an invasion of Earth was to begin and the government was beginning to stick it's filth covered fingers into the work that Xhotol was depending on to save his business, he even suspected that if he was unable to launch the ships that had been constructed soon the whole operation would be sized in the name of national interests. There were a few other articles in the paper concerning the new military high command and some other tripe however a small piece on the ever encroaching ice sheets did catch his eye; apparently the ice sheet was once again on the move and this years winter was going to bring snowstorms like no other. It was for this reason why the expedition had be hastened and quickly. For this expedition he would require someone to lead the diplomatic talks and steer clear of those interplanetary war scenarios that movies were constantly speaking about, the latest sci-fi film that had scared of so many of the potential applicants for diplomat away was 'They came from Earth' now most may believe that this was a harmless motion picture however Xhotol as the son of a TV producer knew that this was because the government was providing the population with fear, fear that they could turn against the Humans. Eventually Xhotol had found a guy who was willing to accept the role of diplomat, he was called Teyrance and was according to what Xhotol could read up on him was an expert in all things Earth related, the perfect saurian for the job.

Eventually Xhotol's long black car pulled up outside the 'crossed tusks', an odd place for a meeting but it would service his needs. When Xhotol got out of his car the people who were milling about the parking lot began to stare and mutter amongst themselves, it was something that Xhotol had gotten used to over the years but still it was always rather unnerving.

As he entered the building he began to search for Teyrance. Eventually his eyes fell upon one booth in particular, in it was a saurian with a feathered head and winged arms, he was fairly sure that this was the man he was looking for. He went to sit down in the booth where Teyrance was and as he did he introduced himself.

"Hello I presume you are Teyrance, I am Xhotol CEO of the Imperial Trade company, now I believe we are now here in order to discuss the expedition that I have been preparing, of course you will not be the one making first contact instead I have already recorded a series of radio transmissions in a series of Human languages, however you will be on the first ships going to Earth, now do you have any opinions on how diplomatic relations should be handled?"

Xhotol had to Teyrance rushed into business talk expressing how crucial this matter was to the company. Teyrance's mind concluded that some level of annoyance also existed in the dialogue, likely in having to meet Teyrance at the 'crossed tusks'. Naturally the proper reaction is to stay on the topic of business to carry the dialogue's weight and urgency. Yet in a manner befitting the responsibility he would be taking on; "I feel that we should seek out a connection outside the diplomatic norms to ease our presence. We are both aware of the situation, and must not pretend to have more say then we do. If we approach as a nation we will be treated as a nation which should the Empire send forces to Earth will undoubtedly destroy our efforts. We must let it be known that the Imperial trade company, while loyal to our Rex, is not able to speak for the sovereign. We must prepare ourselves to be in a good position regardless of the direction taken by our majesty. We must demonstrate an autonomy to the people of Earth while also demonstrating to the Empire that our presence can be beneficial. We need to display a distinction between us, and the Empire so that should war occur, we can maneuver native opinion to protect our assets. Should this fail, and the natives assault our holdings in retaliation to an invasion, we must be able to garner protection from the Imperial Army. In brief sir, we must uphold our image in the Empire while displaying an amiable presence on Earth."

[Labstoska]

Xhotol
Xhotol stared at the front cover of the latest of issue of the Imperial times and the news to say the least was worrying, the reestablishment of the military had lead to the market which was already in quite a precarious state had now become even more uncertain. This whole military affair was also caused quite a bit of damage to the project that Xhotol had already poured so much money into as seen as many expected that an invasion of Earth was to begin and the government was beginning to stick it's filth covered fingers into the work that Xhotol was depending on to save his business, he even suspected that if he was unable to launch the ships that had been constructed soon the whole operation would be sized in the name of national interests. There were a few other articles in the paper concerning the new military high command and some other tripe however a small piece on the ever encroaching ice sheets did catch his eye; apparently the ice sheet was once again on the move and this years winter was going to bring snowstorms like no other. It was for this reason why the expedition had be hastened and quickly. For this expedition he would require someone to lead the diplomatic talks and steer clear of those interplanetary war scenarios that movies were constantly speaking about, the latest sci-fi film that had scared of so many of the potential applicants for diplomat away was 'They came from Earth' now most may believe that this was a harmless motion picture however Xhotol as the son of a TV producer knew that this was because the government was providing the population with fear, fear that they could turn against the Humans. Eventually Xhotol had found a guy who was willing to accept the role of diplomat, he was called Teyrance and was according to what Xhotol could read up on him was an expert in all things Earth related, the perfect saurian for the job.

Eventually Xhotol's long black car pulled up outside the 'crossed tusks', an odd place for a meeting but it would service his needs. When Xhotol got out of his car the people who were milling about the parking lot began to stare and mutter amongst themselves, it was something that Xhotol had gotten used to over the years but still it was always rather unnerving.

As he entered the building he began to search for Teyrance. Eventually his eyes fell upon one booth in particular, in it was a saurian with a feathered head and winged arms, he was fairly sure that this was the man he was looking for. He went to sit down in the booth where Teyrance was and as he did he introduced himself.

"Hello I presume you are Teyrance, I am Xhotol CEO of the Imperial Trade company, now I believe we are now here in order to discuss the expedition that I have been preparing, of course you will not be the one making first contact instead I have already recorded a series of radio transmissions in a series of Human languages, however you will be on the first ships going to Earth, now do you have any opinions on how diplomatic relations should be handled?"

Xhotol had to Teyrance rushed into business talk expressing how crucial this matter was to the company. Teyrance's mind concluded that some level of annoyance also existed in the dialogue, likely in having to meet Teyrance at the 'crossed tusks'. Naturally the proper reaction is to stay on the topic of business to carry the dialogue's weight and urgency. Yet in a manner befitting the responsibility he would be taking on; "I feel that we should seek out a connection outside the diplomatic norms to ease our presence. We are both aware of the situation, and must not pretend to have more say then we do. If we approach as a nation we will be treated as a nation which should the Empire send forces to Earth will undoubtedly destroy our efforts. We must let it be known that the Imperial trade company, while loyal to our Rex, is not able to speak for the sovereign. We must prepare ourselves to be in a good position regardless of the direction taken by our majesty. We must demonstrate an autonomy to the people of Earth while also demonstrating to the Empire that our presence can be beneficial. We need to display a distinction between us, and the Empire so that should war occur, we can maneuver native opinion to protect our assets. Should this fail, and the natives assault our holdings in retaliation to an invasion, we must be able to garner protection from the Imperial Army. In brief sir, we must uphold our image in the Empire while displaying an amiable presence on Earth."

Despite having requested to meet in the 'Crossed tusks' Teyrance seemed to be a rather smart individual however attempting to remain in favour with the Empire was a far easier said thing than done, with a recent wave of nationalisation passing over various industries, Xhotol predicted that if those parasites in the ministry of industry smelt any kind of failure within his company they would take and absorb his company into their industrial juggernaut. Just last week an unusually large number of government inspectors decided to pay the Imperial trade company a visit.

" So you think that the best direction for the expedition would be to attempt to please both sides, well in that case how do you believe the people of Earth would react to a migration treaty because what we need to do is start getting Saurians of the planet, not only will there be a huge market for transportation there but this planet is turning into a snowball I guarantee you that, also as seen as you are an expert on human culture and politics who are the people we should begin to associate ourselves with on Earth and how should we start to introduce the Imperial trade company to Earth's markets."

[Harbertia]

Xhotol had to Teyrance rushed into business talk expressing how crucial this matter was to the company. Teyrance's mind concluded that some level of annoyance also existed in the dialogue, likely in having to meet Teyrance at the 'crossed tusks'. Naturally the proper reaction is to stay on the topic of business to carry the dialogue's weight and urgency. Yet in a manner befitting the responsibility he would be taking on; "I feel that we should seek out a connection outside the diplomatic norms to ease our presence. We are both aware of the situation, and must not pretend to have more say then we do. If we approach as a nation we will be treated as a nation which should the Empire send forces to Earth will undoubtedly destroy our efforts. We must let it be known that the Imperial trade company, while loyal to our Rex, is not able to speak for the sovereign. We must prepare ourselves to be in a good position regardless of the direction taken by our majesty. We must demonstrate an autonomy to the people of Earth while also demonstrating to the Empire that our presence can be beneficial. We need to display a distinction between us, and the Empire so that should war occur, we can maneuver native opinion to protect our assets. Should this fail, and the natives assault our holdings in retaliation to an invasion, we must be able to garner protection from the Imperial Army. In brief sir, we must uphold our image in the Empire while displaying an amiable presence on Earth."

Despite having requested to meet in the 'Crossed tusks' Teyrance seemed to be a rather smart individual however attempting to remain in favour with the Empire was a far easier said thing than done, with a recent wave of nationalisation passing over various industries, Xhotol predicted that if those parasites in the ministry of industry smelt any kind of failure within his company they would take and absorb his company into their industrial juggernaut. Just last week an unusually large number of government inspectors decided to pay the Imperial trade company a visit.

" So you think that the best direction for the expedition would be to attempt to please both sides, well in that case how do you believe the people of Earth would react to a migration treaty because what we need to do is start getting Saurians of the planet, not only will there be a huge market for transportation there but this planet is turning into a snowball I guarantee you that, also as seen as you are an expert on human culture and politics who are the people we should begin to associate ourselves with on Earth and how should we start to introduce the Imperial trade company to Earth's markets."

"To my knowledge we can not 'officially' negotiate a treaty of migration, however I share your sentiment. My specialty isn't in the area of business management, but acquiring an area of land for the company's use and arranging for employees to receiving company housing on that land, with the native government's permission- will bring our people to Earth. However, the Humans are fragmented- their is an organization- a loose, confederation known as the United Nations- that is responsible for handling contact with life not of the Earth. I feel this complicates matters, but any negotiation with the Humans will first have to go through this United Nations and it's elected council. Similar to how, were Humans to reach Sauria, they'd be escorted to the capital for an eventual audience with the Grand Rex after security and existence of gifts, have been confirmed. When we approach Earth, our main focus should be in contacting this UN, and as an exchange of customs- we should prepare a gift- though as such isn't for a single ruler- the choice of gift has to be something the nations of Earth can benefit from; but not in way that may prove upsetting to the Empire. Something impressive to them, but trivial to ourselves while also symbolic. Earth is mostly water, and the Humans haven't utilized it as greatly as they can. The Aquatic among us have developed aquaculture techniques, and housing I imagine the Humans are eons behind in developing. It's sure to be impressive, and it's applications largely peaceful." Teyrance was showing a hint of fearful concern, "The risk comes from two directions- one is that the nations are autonomous enough that we can not, no matter how we try, plan for every contingency. These nations will react in their own manner, and I lament what ever chaos may come in our wake. The other is that by initializing this contact, we effectively destroy any hopes the Empire has of a surprise attack. Which is why we must move quickly to secure valuable resources from the planet. We must demonstrate to our fellow Saurians the potential Earth holds in trade and living- if done with great care we can expect applications for employment with the Imperial Trade Company to increase, and with that employment the number of Saurians on Earth; all while fostering a great zeal for relations to continue in such a manner, thus averting war."

While such long words may have left any other being winded, the Avians of Sauria where known for being quite talkative.

[Labstoska]

Hmm a loose confederation of states was going to complicate the process of diplomatic negotiations, they would now have to take in to account the fact that the various cultures of Earth were going to have varying opinions on the company and they were going to have to .and sure that they were capable of purchasing land of one of the various nations.

"We've already taken a number of Saurian botanical goods in order to place aboard the expedition which could provide cures to various Human diseases, we've also made sure that the message being transmitted to Earth is in the 6 human languages that have been deemed as the most important, this message is also ment to make the Humans aware of the fact that the expedition is coming and will bring with it vast amounts of trade goods. Another possibility of settlement on Earth could be through aquatic cities as seen as large parts of Earth's seas remain unclaimed however what is your belief on the feasibility of this idea?"

[Danceria]

Gaff
"Tusky's Burgers"/Crossed Tusks

---

Theropods are known to be slow, methodical creatures. They weren't so easily aroused to anger, suspicion, or rather any intense emotion. Even in the unfortunate event that you may arouse their wrath, they prefer to internalize it rather than lash out in a blaze of fury.

Gaff was onesuch theropod, carefully entering the establishment with a form of stealth that was surprising for a man his size, doubly because of his reputation. Three very fuzzy meters he stood, weighing just shy of a tonne, Gaff exuded the fatherly calmness of anyone who had been the star of a Hatchling Program show for five (and going on six) seasons. However, such interest in the wild had dropped for a rather double-edged reason, the grownups (and subsequently their hatchlings) were interested in an inhabited planet and their wildlife. These "you-manz", with the recent coupling of an ever encroaching winter, and the latest bout of propaganda in the form of sci-fi films, Gaff feared that a war may be costly both in terms of lives lost, and strip-mining resources.

Gaff was known to be slow, methodical. He would wait next to the avian and the raptoid until the opportune time to arrive.

[Harbertia]

Hmm a loose confederation of states was going to complicate the process of diplomatic negotiations, they would now have to take in to account the fact that the various cultures of Earth were going to have varying opinions on the company and they were going to have to .and sure that they were capable of purchasing land of one of the various nations.

"We've already taken a number of Saurian botanical goods in order to place aboard the expedition which could provide cures to various Human diseases, we've also made sure that the message being transmitted to Earth is in the 6 human languages that have been deemed as the most important, this message is also ment to make the Humans aware of the fact that the expedition is coming and will bring with it vast amounts of trade goods. Another possibility of settlement on Earth could be through aquatic cities as seen as large parts of Earth's seas remain unclaimed however what is your belief on the feasibility of this idea?"

Teyrance blinked while taking in what had just been proposed. He frowned nervously, "That may have a greater chance of being accepted. Additionally since the oceans are not largely used, and if recent estimates by the Imperial astrological society are correct- will expand as the planet continues to warm. Finalizing such an arrangement will allow a great number of our people to inhabit the Earth; though I know that I would personally find such a life unappealing. I am aware of accommodations for Avians and land dwellers in Aquatic settlements but the idea of living my life confined beneath miles of water, of which I've never attempted to swim in, isn't appealing. I'd prefer a more open, and less life threatening place to live. It's too much like, that film 'Frozen Over' which explored how we may adapt to life on Sauria during an," Teyrance looked to his side as if worried that his words might expose his fears to another, "Age of Ice. The prospect of us going underground, that segment with the Avians in the great underground cavern- It's haunted me. I know the film is suppose to be hopeful but such a concept terrifies me."

[Labstoska]

Xhotol could see the fear within Teyrance's eyes and to some extent he could understand it, the idea of forever living under miles and miles of pure water, so deep that if you were to step outside for by one second you would be instantly crushed by the sheer pressure of the endless void of water above you, Xhotol did have to admit that that concept was rather terrifying however what he had in mind for aquatic cities was far different.

" I believe that you may have misunderstood what i meant by these aquatic cities instead of living under the sea I would propose floating nomadic cities which sail along the vast oceans of Earth, in fact let me show you a picture"

Xhotol fumbled around in his pockets for a few minutes for his phone and then he spent a few more seconds trying to find the small chip which contained the initial sketches and designs for these floating cities. He then proceeded to insert the chip into his phone and showed it to Teyrance

"Hopefully that has managed to dissuade your fears about the aquatic cities, now let us move on to talking about the more practical features of the expedition. There will be 6 ships, three of which will be essentially flying containers which will bring the customs that we shall use to start trade up with the Humans, the other two will be scientific vessels who will analyse diseases from Earth and will attempt tom make cures for them and the final ship will be the command ship if you will where the entire expedition will be commanded from. The expedition will be launched two months from now at a large complex just north from here,I will also be accompanying you on the expedition to Earth, any further questions?"

[Danceria]

Xhotol could see the fear within Teyrance's eyes and to some extent he could understand it, the idea of forever living under miles and miles of pure water, so deep that if you were to step outside for by one second you would be instantly crushed by the sheer pressure of the endless void of water above you, Xhotol did have to admit that that concept was rather terrifying however what he had in mind for aquatic cities was far different.

" I believe that you may have misunderstood what i meant by these aquatic cities instead of living under the sea I would propose floating nomadic cities which sail along the vast oceans of Earth, in fact let me show you a picture"

Xhotol fumbled around in his pockets for a few minutes for his phone and then he spent a few more seconds trying to find the small chip which contained the initial sketches and designs for these floating cities. He then proceeded to insert the chip into his phone and showed it to Teyrance

(Image)

"Hopefully that has managed to dissuade your fears about the aquatic cities, now let us move on to talking about the more practical features of the expedition. There will be 6 ships, three of which will be essentially flying containers which will bring the customs that we shall use to start trade up with the Humans, the other two will be scientific vessels who will analyse diseases from Earth and will attempt tom make cures for them and the final ship will be the command ship if you will where the entire expedition will be commanded from. The expedition will be launched two months from now at a large complex just north from here,I will also be accompanying you on the expedition to Earth, any further questions?"

Gaff
"Crossed Tusks"

---

"Ah've seen a couple o' the older models back in Morenil Bay." the gentle theropod interceded "Granted, they were only for a couple 'o algae farms for th' Megalumils, desalination, an' wind turbines. But if they can 'elp turn a small sliver o' an estuary into one o' Nothron's biggest ranchin' towns, then it's sure as sunrise gonna feed a heckuva lot o' Avians...an' even a few Theropods."

Setting his tray down, which consisted of a decent sized grilled Tunamadi-chicken salad, and a supersized soda cup of water, and smiled. "G'day gents, sorry I'm late, had to talk with a few producers who would allow me...a leave of absence." Which of course was his way of saying "being a goodwill ambassador of sorts".

"Though my questions are rather simple: how do we have self-sufficiency, so we don't have to rely on food shipments that can be compromised, and what's stopping us from aligning with one o' the local corporations, or maybe someone up an' coming, so we may not need to rely upon international treaty as much. Get these humans to like us by seeing us do everyday stuff, an' not just the stuffed shirts. Lastly, an' this is just my opinion, but could you make room in your...cargo for a few samples of our own wildlife. Not only for potential self-sufficiency as livestock, testing, and whatnot...but to show these 'umans that we won't eat 'em. Cuddly animals can be good conversation starters, or at the very least, calm nerves."