A New Era (FTRG)

[Taerra]

The Andromeda Galaxy was an interesting place, but also a very dangerous one. There were a large variety of threats that stood in the way of living a good life with no war, no death, and no oppression. The Tau-Covenant Empire who demanded that you participate in the 'Greater Good', which espoused an almost communistic ideal that always turned to authoritarianism. They had crushed the nation of Kajeek under their heel, after the Galactic Alliance had been formed by them and began to oppose them. With one swift stroke, they were brought to heel and forced the government into exile. Then there was the Vanloan Swarm, a race of ravenous, biological war machines that could overrun large portions of the galaxy through sheer numbers and primal savagery. Any effort to halt such an invasion would take efforts far beyond that of any single government, save for the large powers that already existed. The Imperium of Segmentia, the Drone Empire, the list went on. The large powers dueled and the lesser nations were just puppets in their game.

The Republic of Taerra intended to fix that.

President Kara Domin had laid down the framework of the new Catena Initiative. The Congress had debated long and hard, with pro and cons being argued, torn apart, and argued over again. It was a risk to reveal themselves as much as the initiative called for, but it was deemed worth the value of getting the necessary nations together to form a power bloc against all of this. They barely passed the Formation of the Catena Initiative Bill that gave funds towards the creation of an alliance or cooperative group designed to gather the smaller powers and form a unified group with the goal of ensuring their mutual protection and prosperity. It was time they began the long hard road to getting control of their fate back from the murky unknown that was the future and seize it with both hands.


*****


Ortus Prime, Capital of the Taerran Republic
Office of the President

Awareness crept slowly through her mind, lifting her out of the warm fog of sleep and letting the mind get up to speed. She shifted and sat up, her soft blue blanket falling off her shoulders to crumple at her waist. She looked around in confusion, rapidly blinking the sleep from her eyes. She had been working on paperwork for the coming summit, and now she suddenly founder herself on her couch, with a blanket on her. She smiled as she reached out to touch the blanket; her aide, Ashley, must have found her asleep and moved her to the couch with the blanket. She was a good worker and Kara had been glad many times that she had hired her as her aide. Many hard days and close deadlines had been suffered through only due to her help.

But she had a job to do and she had to focus on what was coming. The summit was today, on the very orbital she was on. Ortus Prime, or as it was officially known, Ortus I, was ringed by a series of stationary trading and administrative orbitals, along with the vast network of mobile defense stations that guarded the planet. In tandem with the large amount of vessels from the Republic Navy guarding the system, they had the proper security measures in place.

They had designated the main orbital hub as the site of the meeting, in the board room that the Ortus Civilian Authority that administered the ruling of the system conducted their meetings in. They had sent out the invitations to all the nations they had trade ties to as well as those they felt needed or would be beneficial to the group they were trying to form. And who else was to meet them than the Republic's President, Kara Domin.

She gathered her coat and bag, while spending a minute or so in the bathroom getting rid of the obvious signs of being sleep, and headed down to the meeting place. As she walked down the hall, people greeted her with smiles and bows, and she nodded at each as she passed them. She was almost at the room's entrance when she her mental augmentation displayed an incoming message. She mentally issued the command to open it as she was walking.

"What is it?

This is Fleet Admiral Matheson, we have incoming contacts to the system. They identify as the ones we sent the invitation, are we prepared for them?

Yes, welcome them in. I will be waiting for them.

Aye aye, Mrs. President."



****


A message was sent to all the incoming arrivals:

"To new arrivals, this is Admiral Matheson of the Republic 1st Fleet. Welcome to the Taerran Republic's capital, Ortus Prime. We are sending coordinates for your ships to berth and for your delegations to go for the summit. We ask that you bring no weapons aboard and to not worry, we have taken precautions for everything. If you so wish, your crews may visit and enjoy leave while the summit is going on. Thank you and enjoy your stay."

The arrivals would have their ships shown to berths on the main orbital hub and a single hangar for their shuttles to land in. Upon arrival a man in a suit would welcome them and show them to the meeting room, allowing them to look around at the hub, the various shops and markets, and the fact that the Taerrans were slimmer than most humans and have pointy ears. They finally reached the room and were ushered in to see a room with a large, dark brown hardwood table, and several seats, with a woman at the head. She had long brown hair, green eyes, and wore a blue suit. She was reading over a stack of papers when she heard them walk in. She looked up and smiled, standing up to walk over to them.

"Welcome to Ortus Prime, ladies and gentlemen. I am President Kara Domin, and we are here to change an era. Take a seat and we'll get started."

[Kajeek]

The Presidential Yacht, KRS Denyar, received Admiral Matheson's message as they entered the system. The small starship carried Vrel Cenn, President of the Republic of Kajeek, and his aide-de-camp Plo Biul. After streaking though the system to Ortus I the pilots followed their instructions and berthed the ship accordingly.

As the President and Biul disembarked the ship, Cenn turned back to the crew of eight. "An excellent trip all, you may take shore leave while the summit is in progress." He then exited the ship and walked to the place where the summit was to be held. Soon he entered the room containing a large table and a solitary woman.

"Welcome to Ortus Prime, ladies and gentlemen. I am President Kara Domin, and we are here to change an era. Take a seat and we'll get started."

"Hello Madame President. I am Vrel Cenn, President of the Republic of Kajeek."

[Arunus-Heos]

The TLS Glory sped through the cosmos, bearing a delegation that hoped to bring order and safety to the growing chaos of the galaxy. On board was none other than the Supreme Praetor, the secondary leader of the Division of Control, and the most powerful Senator in Aruno-Heosian society. Ignatius, as he was called, possessed a mechanized body grander than many others’. Like all Senators, he did not have any legs, moving due to a strange propulsion mechanism located somewhere in his torso. Additionally, he did not have any arms; instead, eight unattached hands orbited the rest of his body. Ignatius burned a gold color, and a dark light sprayed forth from his four eyes, arranged in a diamond shape on his face.

As the Glory landed on the surface of Ortus Prime, its jellyfish-like shape quivered into what looked to be a watery substance disturbed by a ripple. From this effect, Ignatius emerged, followed by a crew of two lesser Senators of Relations. While the two left to experience Taerran living, Ignatius followed the suited man to the summit proper. Upon arrival, he heard the introductions between Kara Domin and Vrel Cenn, and followed suit.

“Greetings, Madame President and Mister President,” Ignatius spoke in an eager and prophetic tone. “I am Ignatius, Supreme Praetor of Arunus-Heos. In terms relative to other governments, I am an advisor to my leaders. I am pleased to meet both of you. May this summit go well.”

As would be expected of a floating organism, sitting was an awkward process, but eventually, the Praetor sat, wishing for the best of the meeting.

[Dioists]

The Supreme Priest came into the gravity well in his unarmed Battlecruiser DIN-Faith, and let the commander of the ship retain geosynchornous orbit well away from any structurs as the Priest soon made landing on the designated area of the orbital hub, and soon made his way to the Summit, reading over his notes on this meeting. Soon, he was there, and looked up to greet the delegates.

"Hello, everyone. I am the Supreme Priest of Dioists-Controlled Sectors, but you may call me Kristoff. I hope that this summit be fruitful and nothing but, for the sake of this summit." He said, bowing humbly before the assembly, and took a seat to himself, examining those around him almost excitedly. He had never met the creatures with the floating hands, and the other groups before him were unknown as well; such an experience would greatly assist Him in future dealings with any civilisation.

[Neo Nurasia]

A small fleet of one envoy ship and three escort ships arrived in the system in which Ortus Prime resided. The Supreme Commander himself insisted that he come to the gathering along with his foreign minister so that he come face to face with other civilizations. Indeed he was intrigued. Ever since the federation first encountered the Vanloan, he has been hearing frequent reports of encountering other civilizations, and now he was actually invited to join an alliance of sorts.

"Captain, we have arrived at the destination coordinates."
"Good, notify the Supreme Commander and Minister Yolia that we have arrived", the Captain said.
"Aye aye Captain."

The Supreme Commander was in his quarters, engaging in small talk with Minister Yolia, when the notification came in.

"Commander we have arrived at our destination."
"Very well", the Supreme Commander said, "Notify fleet that they are allowed leave for the time that we are gone."
"Right away Commander."

The Supreme Commander put on his decorative cloak and took the ministers hand.

"Well shall we go now miss Yolia."
"Yes, the sooner we arrive the more influence we may attain", she replied.

When the two left the envoy ship, they were escorted to the meeting place. They were amazed by the structure and technology of these people. The Supreme Commander felt ecstatic about the whole situation, as if he were a child again. Soon they arrived at the meeting place, and they entered. As they entered they spotted the delegates of four civilizations already seated. The supreme commander and the minister took their seats and greeted themselves.

"Greetings all, I am Supreme Commander Char Casval, elected leader of the Nauri Federation of Neo Nurasia, and this is my Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yolia Kuanao. It is an honor to meet all of you."

[Taerra]

Kara was pleased so far by the turnout; four nations had responded to her call and that would serve as a fine core for the alliance she had planned. The Republic of Kajeek, in exile after the invasion by the Tau-Covenant Empire, perhaps here to seek an expansion to their Galactic Alliance perhaps, or a new start in galactic politics. The Arunus-Heos Collective was one of the stranger nations out there, with the population being cyborgs, robots with internal organs and such protected in their metal body. Their politics and views were unknown, so it would be a bit of a risk factor in the coming deliberations. The Dioist delegation was another risk factor, with the only knowledge known about them was the fact they owned slaves and they appeared to be a theocracy of some form. There had been argument due to the slavery issue, but it was resolved that they would be invited so they could work on the slavery issue as allies rather than hostile states. And finally, the nation of Neo Nurasia had arrived, with the Supreme Commander himself having made the journey along with his Minister of Foreign affairs. Information on them was scarce, but enough had been gathered to show that they were at least leaning towards democratic tendencies and could be brought into the alliance safely.

She invited them him and let them take their seats. She snapped her fingers and and an aide stepped forward, setting down jugs of water with glasses nearby and a bowl of fruit. They would be able to eat and drink during the conference and keep going without constant interruptions. Once everyone was settled in, she took her own seat and began to speak. "Welcome. I am glad you all responded to our invitation. I have called you here for a special occasion." She leaned back, gazing up at the roof and speaking quietly. "I am sure the status of the galaxy is of no surprise to any of you, so I won't have to spend time filling stuff in for you. We are in a galaxy where large powers run about, colliding with other powers, and their struggles lay waste to countless sentient lives. We have threats like the Tau-Covenant, who have already struck close to home for some of us." She nodded at Vrel. "Then there is the Vanloan Swarm, a threat to all life and to any who wish to have live in peace. The Drone Empire, a race of robot sentients who hate organics and subject them to the worst of experiments and torture.

There are others, but it would take too long the name them. The point here is they clash and the destruction is felt by all. The smaller nations, without the power to alone stop this cycle of destruction and power, are unable to be anything but pawns or targets in these conflicts. Until now, that is." She leaned forward, her sharp gaze collectively meeting their own. "The Kajeeki people had the right idea with the Galactic Alliance, however it was only the first step and that has been severely hampered by the occupation of the Republic by the Tau-Covenant Empire. I am suggesting a new alliance to counter this trend and ensure the rights, sovereignty and prosperity of the smaller powers of the galaxy. The Galactic Alliance sought to preserve peace and security, but this is not enough. We can't be passive; we have to have the drive and power to ensure the larger powers do not attempt to do the same that they did to Kajeek.

I am not suggesting aggressive military campaigns and such, just that we have the unity and purpose to stand firm. Peace is the goal but we must have the strength to resist in order to ensure peace is possible. Our goals would be focused on ensuring protection for members, economic stability and freedom, democratic policies and ensuring the rights of sentient peoples, and providing for the defense of all. We can discuss the how's and what's, but this is the planned goals for us. We will be a reactionary force only, reacting to threats towards small powers and those who cannot defend themselves, the causes of our members, and our own defense. It will be us, not the larger, opulent powers, that will start the change to make things better for all."

She sat back and drank deep from her glass, recovering. "With that said, we have two tentative names for the alliance: The Harradan Pact, for the very capital we are in right now, or the Union of Allied States. Now, feel free to discuss; I just wanted to give the intention for calling you all here." Kara then quieted and waited for the debate to begin. This would take a long time, she knew that was how democracy acted, and she was unsure of certain representatives and how they would act, but she felt the threat was big enough that something would come out of this. And that is all that happened.

[Neo Nurasia]

The whole room was dead silent, except for the occasional footsteps that can be heard outside the room. Everyone was waiting for the other to come up with a topic of discussion. The Supreme Commander himself contemplated about a subject that could benefit Neo Nurasia. Suddenly Minister Yolia stood up, with a determined look on her face.

"Look everyone, we came here for a reason. We came here because we realize that there are threats out there that could destroy our very ways of life. If we all sit here silently, waiting for the other to come up with an idea, then how do you expect things to be done."

Minister Yolia really was a brave person. For any person to stand and criticize the delegates of nations that could very well annihilate Neo Nurasia's fledgling military, they would have to be. Her fearless personality was the very reason why the Supreme Commander appointed her as the foreign minister.

"Well said Yolia, I suppose I shall start the negotiations with something bold, but could benefit all of us. Well I actually have two proposals, the first, and quite obviously the most basic, is to establish trade between our civilizations. I'm sure we can work out the details of such a thing later. What I am more interested in is the sharing of military technologies. I'm sure there are some differences between our technological advancements that, if brought together, would increase our military strength 10 fold, or even more."

What the Supreme Commander proposed was bold indeed. The last thing any nation would share is there military technology and secrets. But he had to come up with something that got the ball rolling, so to speak.

[Arunus-Heos]

“Interplanetary trade is a grand idea,” said the Aruno-Heosian delegate, his hands moving into multiple gestures as he spoke as if some help in explanation. “Brotherhood often begins at the bank. In addition to a trade agreement, I support the motion of technological exchange that the respected leader of Neo Nurasia offered. I confess that as a nation Arunus-Heos is not bent on warfare or conquering and hence maintains a small military. However, my people shall pledge our defensive weapons in the name of galactic security.”

Then with a darker tone he continued, “Having forsaken our own bodies, we know exactly how to dispose of others’. The Enlightened Collective of Arunus-Heos offers its anti-personnel weapons so that the arms of those empires may be withdrawn. Even the vicious Drones themselves will reevaluate their plans should our armies thrive off the greatest battle technologies in the galaxy.” Ignatius’ slow, normal way of speaking reapplied itself in the wake of those words. "Though I know there might be little trust between our nations, trust will be essential to the victory of this union. Anyway, I invite the commentary and deliberation of you other delegates on Lord Minister Kuanao’s proposals.”

[Kajeek]

"We also support trade, and the sharing of technology." said President Cenn. "However, due to policies set by the Senate, the Republic of Kajeek will not cooperate with nations that do not display at least a degree of democracy. I would like to be assured that all members entering into this organization are democratic."

[Arunus-Heos]

The Supreme Praetor’s hands shriveled at the Kajeeki delegate’s request, knowing that such a statement was oriented towards him specifically. The upper tiers of Arunian society hated the use of broad categorizations, and democracy was one of them. The concept and its execution did not bother Ignatius or the other Senators either. Rather, they saw the government’s modus operandi as the complex organism it was, not limited to millennia-old terms like democracy, republicanism, and aristocracy. However, from the moment other civilizations had been discovered amongst the cosmos, Ignatius knew that this hesitancy was not true of many nations.

Addressing both the president and all else in the room, the golden official answered, “I understand such a position, Mister President, and I can see the distrust in many of your eyes. Some would see this alliance as a union of democracy campaigning against the dark tyrannies of the Tau and Droid and such, but I resist such a view. My people are a gray, a complexity, an enigma to you all, but that is no excuse to dismiss Arunus-Heos as a nation of tyrants, feeding off their people and playing the game of politics for nothing but their pockets. This is my country: a nation on equality but difference. Proper democracy extends to only a fifth of the population, but it is direct democracy for that minority. Additionally, referenda and counterproposals and councils are forged by those lacking these rights in order to counter any perceived oppression. Each man has a say in the management of his life, each man is tested purely by his own exertion, and each man has a vote, technically or loosely, for or against the powers that be. If we do not have democracy, few, if any, do. Respected diplomats, I pray you would consider these things.” With these not-so-much defensive as apologetic words, Ignatius looked around the room once more, searching for a change in expression, or perhaps just a sign of understanding.

[Dioists]

The Supreme Piest waited and listened.

"I must apologise, but my Government is not that of a democratic one. It would be best described as a religious tribe-based communism. Now, there may be some places where voting is occurred to pick a delegate for a Clan, but beyond that, there is no democracy. Further more, Dioists' Controlled Space is only protected by a small fleet and a large defense system, the fleet being support. We can't afford to build a larger fleet at the moment, seeing as how trade is stifled for us. However, if we opened up trade, I'm sure it would boom for us all, and we could build a larger fleet.

At the moment, however, we are unable to meet these demands, and seeing the size of the Dioists' Controlled Space, we are faring pretty well on our won for the moment, but I'm sure that, in time, we will be able to meet the requirements given to us." He finished, all the meanwhile retaining his composure.

[Neo Nurasia]

"We are indeed a democracy", said the supreme commander, "however, according to our constitution, in order to be eligible to be elected one needs to have fulfilled the proper amount of military service. For instance, I myself had to serve two terms (10 years) in our navy before I became eligible for the position of supreme commander. In order to be a senator or a governor one needs to serve for one term. Don't misunderstand me though, we are not a country ruled by its military. In fact one cannot hold a seat of office if they are still enlisted in the military. The title of Supreme Commander is simply an artifact of the old regime."

"Also", the minister interrupted, "If your wondering how elected official have the knowledge necessary for their position, during military service one has the option to have a free higher education in any chosen field. So by the time they leave the military, they will have been well educated." "I'm sorry for interrupting you Char", she whispered to the Supreme Commander. "No harm done Yolia", he replied.

The room was silent again. The Supreme Commander did not mind working with the other nations, regardless if they are democratic or not. One cannot be too picky about making allies when your ultimate goal is survival, although survival is one of Neo Nurasia's best skills. Since they first found themselves on planet Nauri, they have been struggling against all kinds of obstacles; from the civil war, the shadow toxin, the shadowkin, and now the threat from outside.

[Dioists]

The Dioists' Supreme Priest listened intently to the Supreme Commander's explanation.

"That is indeed interesting! I, while I cannot meet Kajeek's basic demand of democracy, would like to establish two or three boards to allow such an alliance to occur as well as have members like the Dioists' and Kajeek's in the same alliance. One would just be less democratic, and one would, and there could be one in the middle somewhere.

Each could have Basice Military requirements that, I'm sure despite the lack of trade, that the Dioists' could fulfill at one of the shipyards in our Outer Core Systems, such as Ha'lan, within the time of a few revolutions of our Home Star, Al'tan. However, all trade and political policies will have to be implemented individually between each board. As the alliance continues, however... I think we could all merge into one whole alliance." He finished, looking over to the delegate of Kajeeki Controlled Space with hope for the allowance of suha deal.