Consolidation + Expansion FT

[Bulgislavia]

Planet Bulslov, Capital City Tirest
Radu System

With the Mass Convocation having been completely dissolved, mostly all political power was concentrated around Rit Malnos and his Governing Directorate which he had packed with his own Absolutist Faction cronies.

On this occasion the mass convocation chamber was the seat of a massive "Expansion Convention".

A huge holographic image of a nebula made of golden wisps of gas and clouds which contained hundreds of stars.

"Here we have the Avitus Nebula, containing hundreds of newly forming and nature stars. In the edge of this massive gas formation is our home star, the Radu System" Spoke Rit to the attending delegates. "The Bulslovian Space Agency have identified four stars that are the best prospects for colonization. We have robotic probes inside these systems and hey are all beginning to send back the first images of the planets that look ripe for colonization"

Four new names then appeared on the holographic star map

"We have the Kortorno system, the Orica system, Athika system and the Myzak system. All of them the last names of the lead scientists in the exploration probe projects to these systems" Rit took a breath before he continued to speak "No not doubt me when I say there are empires and space civilizations out there that are very large and powerful, extremely technologically advanced. We must undergo a massive expansion program and begin colonizing the stars in the Avitus Nebula so we will not be so insignificant" There were a few scattered moments of applause from the delegates before Rit continued

"The government will invest over three trillion Radu Creds into the massive expansion of space industry and infrastructure and we also need help from the private sector to buy into the huge program of investing in space..."

The convention continued to go on, by the end of it all of the planets elite industrial captains were pledging up to two trillion Radu Creds to help build up the space industry. New Space ports and the limited number of existing space ports were to be expanded and upgraded, new ships designed submitted and space vehicles produced. Plans would also be drawn up for how the four prospective systems were to be colonized. It was identified by the BSA that other star's contained good prospects for colonization but only the four systems identified were to be targeted by the Radu System civilization for colonization....

[Auricium]

"Oh my, what is it? Did you come here to collect the Holodex? Not so fast... what happened to your onboard ship computers? You must be living in the stone age, if you need a Holodex. Your Universal Translators should be enough. After all, I hear your ships have at least a Holonet connection."

Holodexes had become valuable artefacts, a sign of power and longevity. Families that possessed them almost immediately earned respect, only the most powerful of families could use and access them. The Jinauricans were one, but further research revealed that more than one family had access, possibly more. She was wrong. Those in connection to such power were always favoured in the Empire, and could always recognise each other. It didn't matter what others thought. They were unimportant. Those who had no power had no input.

"Um... yes. You are quite aware of my perogatives here. I am here under the authority of the Emperor. You may not think much of me now, but rest assured, there will be nothing that stands between me and my goals. Now hand it over, before I make you."

"Why of course. Such resolve means that we can have a little adventure, after all. Don't think that I underestimated you. You play a dangerous game, Admiral. You have made powerful enemies... some of whom are in Command. So don't think that you have free reign to do things outside the Empire. You should remember your place. This way, if you please."

Opening the doors to the central, vault, the AI would lead her there... for a price. Her loyalty was the ultimate perogatives of the Jindi dynasty, which had sponsored this mission and had maintained close ties with the ruling dynasty, the Jinauricans. Such power was not to be taken lightly, and the Jindi required... connections which they could fall back on. She was selected as one of them. It was just business. The AI could maintain its... illusion of autonomy, living away from the politics of it all, all for this one object. It was more than just a artefact. It was a symbol, a symbol of power.

"As you directed. Guards, secure the area. We can have no... miscalculations. Have Rear-Admiral Jenessey map out systems for colonisation, and prepare a list of possible capitals. I will make the final decision."

---

"Ensign, report on the anomaly in Sector 12."

"Yes commander. We have been tracking it for a while, but it has not come to our attention until now. It appears to be on a crash course with the main mothership. It won't cause much damage, and we can shoot it down if we need to. We have the cannons primed and ready to fire."

[Bulgislavia]

Athika System
Avitus Nebula

The Small robotic probe entered the system, confirming scientific knowledge about the system.

---[Aged, orange dwarf --- Confirmed as Athika ---- Planet's out from Athika --- Tosyk ---- Vrostok Gas Giant ---- Eparu (Primary objective) --- Lotrok gas Giant ] -----

The probe set its targeting systems to Eparu, which was the planet said to have good colonization prospects. Eventually the planet was in sight as well as its companion moon Mamera. The scan's showed the planet has an atmosphere , cloud formations, patches of blue lakes, rivers and oceans for liquid water. The planet was also located in the habitable zone of the star.

The probe released three capsules and launched them at the planet. They contained research data, electrical conductors and basic technology that would help any fledgling settlement. Just them something pinged on the probes scanner's, a strange technological signal coming from something near the planet Eparu.

It broke from its orbit of the planet to investigate the anomaly, setting a course for it before it started to come in on its scanner's. A construction that was clearly the doing of an intelligent, technological civilization. The Probe then began to slow down before coming to a halt before the giant, monolithic ship.

The probe sent a holographic message that was made standard protocol on all probes in case of this eventuality.

----[Sending holographic contact protocol message ------ Finding systems of communication ------- Sending..... ------] ----

A holographic image of the 60 yearold Chief of the RSSA.

"Greeting's. My name is Arad Malu, I am the chief of the Radu System Space Agency. Your presence has been noted and the probe sending you this message has already relayed its information back to the Radu System" A holographic image then shows a star map of the Avitus Nebula indicating the location of the probe in the Athika System and the location of the Radu System. "If you wish for further contact, please relay your communications through the probe. Our esteemed leader, Supreme Paramount Rit Malnos has received interstellar beings once before in a Private First Contact event on the Sky Spires floating city above Bulslov. If First Contact with the Radu Star Republic is an avenue you wish to discuss further, then I advise against destroying this probe" Smiled the hologram of space chief Malu. The image then dissipated where in a computerized tone it said
"This message was pre-recorded in accordance with the First Contact Contingency Act of 3015 AL and activated on this time stamped date of...."
The message clicked away before dissipating entirely..

The probe silently drifted a small distance away from this huge ship structure and continued to analyze the stream of information coming from the three capsules that had landed down on Eparu

---[Signs of primitive life ------ flora and fauna ----- a breathable atmosphere ----- temperature 20 degrees -----] ----

When the probe tried to analyze any information from the alien ship, nothing came up. Sophisticated technology seemed to block its attempts to get life form readings from inside the huge structure. All the probe could do was sit there waiting for a response to the pre-recorded first contact message it sent.

..............................................................................................................

Avitus Nebula
Radu System, Planet Bulslov

Rit Malnos ordered a special session of the Mass Convocation, the first since he had dissolved the chamber. The reason for the special session was to try the faction leaders that had been accused of treason. Rit occupied the central podium while each of the accused were hovered out on platforms, shackled to it with energy bindings.

Rit's holographic image was broadcast to the entire chamber making him appear giant while he stood in the middle of it on the central podium.

"The first accused to face trial is Mazir Sikal, leader of the Revolutionists"

Mazir Sikal tried to keep his balance on the platform as it drifted up to the Rit Malnos holo projection.

"You stand accused of aiding defective clone fugitives, organizing the bombing of Cloners Union property and of plotting to bomb the Sky Spires floating city...." Rit was cut off as the Mass Convocation chamber erupted in boo's and calls of "Traitor! Traitor!", the most vehement shouting came from the Absolutist faction that were calling for public executions for each of the accused.

"Be calm my people" Reassured Rit before turning his attention back to the accused "So Mazir Sikal, how do you plead?"

Mazir steadied himself as he spoke "I assisted in helping cone slaves escape a brutal system of exploitation by the Patrician's Union! Yes I plead guilty to that charge! As for organizing the bombing of Cloners Union property, yes I am guilty of that too. As my fight to end this disgusting system!"

"Enough!" Boomed Rit "I sentence you to a life sentence of internal exile. Like the trash you will be thrown to Numek, our garbage world and so will 10,000 Revolutionist traitors. Take this idiot away immediately!"

Mazir's hover platform then drifted away where armed guards escorted him to a transport bound for Numek, one of Riara's moon's.

"Next is leader of the Spiritual Bloc, Lira Binesh!"

Lira knelt down as the platform drifted up to the Rit Malnos projection, the Absolutist faction shouted and booed at her before Rit settled them down.

"You also stand accused of assisting defective clone fugitives, of collaborating in acts of terrorism and fermenting unrest in the Mayas Municipolity. How do you plead?"

"I am guilting of encouraging unrest and dissent against you, you bastard tyrant!" she yelled

"Very well, you will also be sentenced to internal exile. I was considering sending all of you to Numek but I believe it would be dangerous to keep you all together. You will also be exiled to the Riara gas giant, to prison on Erovist. I'm going lenient on you because you have such sympathy among the people, even though you betrayed them and me. Take her away"

Lira's platform drifted off where she was bundled into the same transport as Mazir Sikal.

"Next, bring out Natarina Somex, leader of the Neutralists"

Natarina was sitting on her platform when Rit addressed her

"You claim to be neutral, yet you sided with the traitors in forming their clique of opposition. For that I sentence you to 10 years in the Sinkhole, and no point listening to what Imor Sorak the leader of the Decentralists has to say, I sentence him to 20 years in the Sinkhole" With that Natarina's platform as well as Imro Sorak drifted off to the side where they were taken in transports to the maximum security prison located in a large sinkhole on Bulslov.

"Now, last but not least, the unassuming, renowned scientist, Ella Unar. How do you plead to charges of treason?"

The 65 yearold Ella held herself up on her platform

"I am no traitor. The real traitor is the megalomaniac with the giant holo projection of himself. You are the traitor, you have destroyed all semblance of the kind of democracy the Mass Convocation was to stand for!"

"Right, ok.... Well I'm sentencing you to 30 years on one of Milea's moon's. I moon I believe you are familiar with, you did some work there. We could use a good researcher on Orantia"

"No! No I will not go back there!"

The platform then hovered away where Ella was placed on a transport to the Milea gas giant.

"All sympathizer to the traitors are to be reported where they will be detained and could potentially face jail or internal exile. But I advise all citizens to respect the rules, respect the central government and respect your Supreme Paramount. This special session of the Mass Convocation is now closed" Rit's holo projection then faded away as the central podium pod hovered up to the chamber where he could get into his office. Apparently the Chief of the RSSA had some news for him......

........................................................................................................................

[Bulgislavia]

Avitus Nebula
Radu System, Planet Riara

The hulking transport slowly made its way into a docking bay on the Riara Orbital Mining Station. The station was a sprawling complex housing storage warehouses where freighter ship's unloaded their cargo. Smelting and refinery stations were attached to the complex. The station had a permanent population of around 34,000 which was set to expand. Most of the workers were standard clone's, genetically modified so they were sterile, unable to reproduce, and unable to grow hair on their head's so all of them were bald, even the women. Instead the only thing on their head were skin markings indicating their ID number and clone batch. They all wore dark blue overall's and worked the most dangerous jobs and long shifts as virtual slave labour.

As the transport locked into place in the docking bay, the exiled opposition leaders, Lira Binesh and Mazir Sikal were forced to disembark, still in the energy bindings to ensure their freedom of movement was limited. They were herded out and onto a platform where they were processed before being placed on two separate transports.

Mazir Sikal was placed on a large garbage scow where he would be dropped off on Riara's garbage and waste moon of Numek, while Lira was to be sent to the snowy, ice world of Erovist to be detained at a luxury prison for high profile inmates, a sign of Lira's status and popularity despite falling out of favor with Rit Malnos.

In the bridge of the garbage scow, Mazir sat on a metallic chair, restrained to the wall as the crew steered the garbage scow out of the Riara Orbital Mining Station's docking bay. The crew paid no attention to Mazir, who shut his eyes to try and get some rest before he was dropped off on Numek. The trip did not take long, within 30 minutes the garbage scow was now in orbit around Numek, the gas giant Riara dominating the scene behind the small barren moon.

"Numekia Space Port, Numekia Space Port, this is GS12 coming in to land" said the navigator in the comms panel. A crackled message then replied back

'Affirmative GS12, Numekia is ready for the drop off'

The garbage scow began to lower above the planet. From what Mazir could see the planet had a pale brown complexion while the side facing the gas giant was a more dark colour. Large tracts of the planet and in many of the craters were turned into massive open landfill's where old ship's were decommissioned and discarded as well as other rubbish produced by the system's inhabitants.

The garbage scow began to fly low, close to the barren, cratered surface. A large rumbling and machine sound then reverberated throughout the whole vessel as tonnes of rubbish was ejected from the scow's underbelly to fall into a large landfill crater. The scow then began to approach a settlement of domed cities located in one of the larger craters on the moon. The scow then gently came to a stop on the landing pad. A round tube began to come out from a terminal complex to link up with the garbage scow airlock.

"Alright you, this way" said the captain ordering some security guards to escort Mazir down the cold, steel corridors and out the airlock. After the full disembarking procedure was complete, the captain and security entered the terminal building.

The air was kind of stale and the gravity felt a little bit lighter, Mazir felt a little light headed, the internal atmosphere of the dome cities is something he may take a while getting use to. The garbage scow captain the security and Mazir were then greeted by some important looking man in the kind of expensive robes seen among wealthy Patrician families back on Bulslov. Although something was off about this guy, like he was drunk or on some kind of drug. He lurched forward, his security in tow. "Ah our special visitor, I can't remember how long Malnos has sentenced you to be here, but lets face it, your probably never going to get off this planet. So..." The man looked at the captain of the garbage scow "Thank you very much for the special delivery and for your garbage, take the money at the Trade Office on your way out, mmk? bye!" The man waved the captain and his men away.

He then clapped his hands together and smiled at Mazir "Right now, seize the traitor, I suppose I have to do some welcoming speech, blah, blah, blah" He waved and his security who grabbed Mazir still in his energy bindings which forced his hands to be clasped together at the wrists. "Oh, my name is Narim Visescu I am the chief of the Numek Operations Council. As you know the moon is a landfill planet because it has absolutely nothing of value and its not even habitable. BUT! We turn that into an advantage, we take dead ships and rubbish in exchange for Radu Cred's, we expand our operations, constructed domed cities, get smart about recycling and here we are today!"

"So as your special visitor what is going to be my place in this all?" asked Mazir.

Narim laughed "Well Rit Malnos insists hard labour, that you get among the clone division and do the work we only reserve for clones"

"Fine" huffed Mazir

"Buuuut I'm not a brutal dictator like Malnos is.... I can be reasonable, so I'm assigning you to work among the division of other exiles to work on ship salvaging...... alongside our Clone division. And you won't be staying in the Numekia settlement with us, but will be sent to the Clone settlement to live among our lowest class in recognition of the filth you are. Take him away" The guards then led Mazir away.

Mazir and his armed escorts led him beneath the terminal building where a tube station with transit pods that fitted 7 to 14 people at a time zoomed through the tubes down to the domed city of Numekia inside one of the planets larger craters. From there further underground transit tubes led to the domed cities of the clone settlement. Made to house 10,000 clone inhabitants, another 10,000 exiles from Bulslov were to now surge into the domes to take up residence.

The tube pod then reached an underground bunker station with a holographic sigh along the walls beaming out 'Welcome to Clone Dome!'

The guards then shoved Mazir out of the transit pod "We'll come for all of you in the morning, make sure your in the work suit ready before the work bell starts. There's automated turrets in the ceiling that will shoot any trouble makers inside the dome. Be on your best behavior" With that the transit pod then sped through the tubes. Mazir walked up a flight of stairs that led into a large central courtyard, containing an inner system of hydroponic plants and food stuff that rose up 10 floor's of the bunker. At the very top Mazir could see Riara looming up past the ceiling specially re-enforced glass dome.

Along all the corridors were sleeping bag's and belongings of the exiles who had arrived but there was not enough room for everyone to have proper accomodation. There seemed to be an atmosphere of confusion and fear, even the clones looked unsure of how to react. Many of the exiles were high profile supporters and activists that opposed Rit Malnos in his rise to power, many of them recognized Mazir by face. The clones however lived a completely different, sheltered life. After being mass produced and manufactured in batches they were transported straight to Riara and set up on Numek, with no news of life outside their garbage planet.

Luckily an elderly clone had managed to calm the dome inhabitants, a man that appeared to have quite a large amount of respect from within the community. Mazir sought out the elderly clone until he was led to a wrinkled, bald man in dark blue overalls.

"Hi... I heard you managed to maintain calm among all this change and I just wanted to say thank you"

The elderly clone stood up but before he could get a word out a loud speaker coming from one of the ceiling gun turrets spoke up 'NO CONVERSING BETWEEN CLONE AND EXILE LABOUR DIVISIONS!'

The elderly clone closed his eyes and bowed his head. With that Mazir nodded at the other clones sitting nearby before he went back to take up residence in a sleeping bag next to a doorway.....

[Bulgislavia]

Radu System, planet Riara
Moon of Erovist

A small transport shuttle descended down on the moon, flying over a sprawling bunker complex built into a large rocky glacier valley. The settlement was known as Erovia, the largest settlement on Erovist with a population of around 78,000. The moon was also the seat of the Riara Executive Board. Most of the planets inhabitants were elite class businessmen associated with the Patrician's Union, most gaining their wealth through mining investments.

The accommodation in Erovist was known for being extravagant and luxurious. Palatial fortresses belonging to the Bulslovian elite were scattered across the wider landscape. In the frozen landscape next to the settlement a large hole opened up in the ground to reveal a docking bay large that that a 200m diameter. Easily allowing the transport shuttle to dock as well as other small trading ships.

The hole then closed up as the roof slowly churned shut. Small portable airlock vehicles, some the size of a bus, designed to transport up to 80 people across the docking bay to the entrance terminal. The crew disembarking from the transport shuttle was Lira Binesh the leader of the Spiritual Bloc. She was silent as a guard accompanied her to a kiosk in the main arrivals terminal. A small delegation of wealthy patrician's in their expensive robes approached the guard and Lira.

"Welcome Lira Binesh, my name is Yanos Visescu, I am the Chairman of Riara and chief of the Riara Board of Executives..."

Lira shook her head "You're a lackey for Rit Malnos" she said in a calm and confident tone.

Yanos stiffened up at this "Yes, well in any case you are a prisoner on this planet.... And I believe the first five years of your sentence has to be under house arrest"

"Well I don't own a house on Erovist"

"That's not a problem, your new home will be a vacant pent house at the Canyon Palace Fortress. I'm sure even you have heard of the Erovist luxury prison. Perhaps if Rit Malnos makes a visit to Erovist, he will allow you out of your cage. In our communication he referred to you as 'his new little pet'. So off to the Canyon Palace for you. Take Rit's little pet to her new cage" he waved off Lira who defiantly spat at his feet, a bit of it hitting the base of his expensive robe.

"Erugh you vile little bitch!" he slapped Lira across the face before demanding to "Take her away!" where Lira was bundled into the underground transit tube system which sped Lira to the Canyon Palace Fortress which was a large glass and metallic concrete structure which clung to the wall of a large canyon which was large enough to be seen from space. Lira exited out of the transit tube and was then pushed into a very luxurious pent house. Floor to ceiling glass windows with a view across the expansive canyon, the view mostly obscured by a blizzard. It had its own kitchen, living area, bedroom and luxury bathroom. Crystal light fittings and expensive carpets.

Lira thought to her friend and ally Mazir Sikal, the two of them had failed to resist Rit Malnos and now that maniac was in complete control of the Radu System. 'These are dark days' she thought to her self, looking out of the windows at the blizzard outside.

[Kingdom of genoa]

After a decade of quiet, the confederation having been forced to rededicate resources in a time of desperate war. Now they have found peace again, but the confederation has changed, with a far more powerful military and ships that are enough to destroy most fleets of the confederations lesser neighbors. it just happened the confederation was now shifting its stance, towards the endurance of peace and the continuance of Justice.

The CSS Kronos, a 40 kilometer long beast, exited transwarp just inside the system, it's new gravimetric shields on standby, as it displayed its massive size, the pride and flagship of the confederation, one would be very hard pressed to find an equal, bristling with plasma, beam and antimatter weaponry, she was capable of single-handedly defeating an enemy fleet with minimal damage to herself. Her objective was to awe the civilization and to scare off any possibilities of an attack

[Bulgislavia]

Radu System
Planet Bulslov

In the towering convocation spire, in the upper floors, Rit Malnos sat at his work desk. Various holographic screen's and interfaces surrounding him in his circular desk.

While Rit worked away signing off on some space expansion programs such as construction of new segments on orbital space stations and committing more Radu Creds for expansion of some of the Riara and Milea moon settlements, a message bleeped up. An urgent message form Minister of Interstellar Affairs and Chief of the Radu System Space Agency (RSSA).

Rit pulled up the message to reveal Arad Malu on the holo-screen "Minister Malu, you have more information from the alien activity we have been seeing?"

'We are still waiting on a message from the anomalous ship located in the Athika System, but more urgently a massive vessel from the Confederation of Genoan Planets has entered the system'

"Very well. I trust you can send the greeting message. I will meet with them if that is what they desire, working out the final details of the proposal's we worked out at the earlier meeting no doubt. Make sure they understand they have our hospitality and friendly greetings. Get Ambassador Nikoris to deliver the draft Association Treaty to my office ASAP"

'Ofcourse Supreme Paramount' with that the communication ended

.........................................................................................................

A holographic message was beamed to the Genoan vessel which displayed Arad Malu speaking to the Genoan's on the visiting vessel's bridge:

'Greeting's vessel and citizens from the Confederation of Genoan Planets. Welcome back to the Radu System. Ambassador Nikoris has finished his draft of the Association Treaty which covers cooperation on security and trade that was discussed with one of your citizens Captain Alfried Dreyfus. Supreme Paramount of the Radu Star Republic, Rit Malnos is also happy to meet with you on Bulslov to finalize these agreements and discuss further methods of cooperation'

..............................................................................................................

Meanwhile entering the Myzak System..

The Exploration probe entered the star system. Confirming earlier scientific scanning that located 4 planets in orbit around the star Myzak.

The probe first scanned the planet closest to the star, Kepico, located in the area that is too hot to sustain liquid water and life. The planet was incredibly bright and showed evidence of lava formations and geological activity with a surface temperature of around 174 degree's, no longer supporting an atmosphere. The planet was completely roasted. No lifeforms were detected on this planet.

Next the probe scanned the second planet from Myzak, the planet of Lomoth was located in the habitable zone. The scan's were incredibly promising. Surface temperature was a hot but livable 30 degrees around the equator, but cold tundra and snow kept temperatures lower in the northern hemisphere. Signs of unintelligent life, flora and fauna were confirmed by the scan's. Lomoth also contained a sizable moon which looked to have good prospects for mining. The probe then ejected a capsule and launched it towards the planet to get proper readings from the planets surface.

After that the probe made its way to the third planet out, the gas giant Thuran which was also located in the habitable zone. The gas giant contained huge, impressive asteroid rings and a very sizable moon that was larger than some planets. The scan's indicated the planet contained a non breathable atmosphere but held water ice glaciers and signs of extinct volcano's, another good prospect for colonization. The probe released another capsule to land on Thuran's largest moon of Parmekia.

Lastly the probe went to the further est planet out, located far enough away in the cold area where water would most likely be frozen solid, unable to exist as liquid. The scanning began on the planet Posk. Surprisingly the temperature was around -13 degree's, warm enough to colonize comfortably, there also existed some a thick enough atmosphere that kept heat in, ensuring it was not a completely frozen world. The probe ejected its last capsule and launched it down to the planet before making its way back to Lomoth which was by far the best planet for colonization in the system....

[Kingdom of genoa]

A message was sent from the Kronos, both a warning against over extension of power and a promise to defend the civilizations freedom

This is the warship CSS Kronos of the Confederation navy. We have been deployed to this system for now to monitor activity and to ensure that the security and peace of the Gamma quadrant will not be threatened by this civilizations expansion, and if necessary we will intervene

The Kronos displayed its massive batteries of weaponry to help convince themselves.

[Bulgislavia]

Radu System
Planet Bulslov

On the upper level's of the Convocation Spire, with a stunning view of the sprawling planet's capital city of Tirest. Large metal, stone and glass sky scrapers straddling a large canyon that could be seen from space. The leader of the Cloners Union, Tor Mazrik was in a meeting with Rit Malnos.

"Based from all of our data samples, commercialized cloning is hugely unpopular and no amount of PR spin is gonna save it. Mazir Sikal and the jailed opposition have genuine and sympathy from the population at large" said Tor holding a data pad out infront of Rit Malnos, so simply raised an irritated eyebrow at it.

"So Tor, you came here to bitch about how unpopular you and everything you stand for are with the general population.... And?" said Rit dismissively

"Look, sooner or later the Cloners Union is going to have to see some incredible changes. With the beginning of first contact with multiple space civilizations we also have our image to consider. We have a committee dedicated to countermeasures if the intergalactic community is hugely against a certain technology we possess for example cloning"

"Countermeasures?"

"One strategy call's for the phasing out of clone production where we will transition into synthetic droid work force"

"Mmmmhmmm?"

"Just some things to consider if you plan on being an active interstellar statesman, a card you can play or something" Said Tor who then shrugged it off.

"Duly noted. Now leave" said Rit. Tor bowed and then backed out of Rit's office. Just then there was a blinking priority message from Arad Malu the interstellar affairs minister. Rit walked over to his desk and tapped on the holographic interface, bringing up the message.

'A new message from the vessel that has entered the system from the Genoan Allied Confederation'

'This is the warship CSS Kronos of the Confederation navy. We have been deployed to this system for now to monitor activity and to ensure that the security and peace of the Gamma quadrant will not be threatened by this civilizations expansion, and if necessary we will intervene'

"Ha, what kind of threat could our humble little star nation pose to the wider galaxy. Let the little tree sprout forth i say! Give us a change in this forest or large tree's. How long was that ship?" said Rit to Arad

'40 kilometers'

Rit did a long breathe out "Right, well give them our permission to conduct their security operations if it is conducive to protecting the Radu Star Republic and its Sovereignty"

Arad nodded in the holo-message before Rit flicked down the message and then walked towards the floor to ceiling window to look out across the sprawling metropolis.

[Zarthina]

Zartinan Battle-Cruiser Shadow of Intent
Commanding Officer-Vice Admiral Thel Vadam
Edge of the Radu System

At the edge of the system a large slip-space rupture appeared and a Zartinan Cruiser came forth from it.After a few seconds it closed sending a shock wave of energy throughout the system. The 27km ship began moving forward towards the center of the system. On the Bridge Vice Admiral Thel Vadam looked at his holo-desk and asked "what happened......wheres the rest of the battle group"one of the crew answered "our Slip-Space drive overloaded......our engineers managed to prevent a overload of the drive but forced us to exit slip-space. We have no contact with the battle group but we detect a planet at the center of the system." Thel's tail moved in competent."very well....get us moving...inform the crew to general station's"

[Kingdom of genoa]

(Image)
Zartinan Battle-Cruiser Shadow of Intent
Commanding Officer-Vice Admiral Thel Vadam
Edge of the Radu System

At the edge of the system a large slip-space rupture appeared and a Zartinan Cruiser came forth from it.After a few seconds it closed sending a shock wave of energy throughout the system. The 27km ship began moving forward towards the center of the system. On the Bridge Vice Admiral Thel Vadam looked at his holo-desk and asked "what happened......wheres the rest of the battle group"one of the crew answered "our Slip-Space drive overloaded......our engineers managed to prevent a overload of the drive but forced us to exit slip-space. We have no contact with the battle group but we detect a planet at the center of the system." Thel's tail moved in competent."very well....get us moving...inform the crew to general station's"

CSS Kronos
Captain Edward Dreyfus

On the bridge of the CSS Kronos, the alert defense system sounded, and the bridges AI said "large vessel just exited FTL, unknown faction possibly hostile, suggest weapons systems activated"

The captain nodded and said "All hands battlestations, weapons to full and get me a communicae with Admiral Valois"
"Aye captain"
"Contact the fleet, let them know to get here quick, we have a possible engagement."

The Comns officer sent out a transmission to the unknown ship, a warning, along with the powering up of the ships massive weapons batteries, including the two sets of six antimatter cannon turrets.

Official Transmission
CSS Kronos NCC2146
United Confederation of Planets
Confederation Navy
Captain Edward Dreyfus

This is the warship CSS Kronos of the Confederation Navy, flagship of the United Confederation of Planets, this system is under the protection and supervision of the Confederation. We discourage any acts of aggression against either us or the civilization that calls this system home.

[Zarthina]

Zartinan Battle-Cruiser Shadow of Intent
Commanding Officer-Vice Admiral Thel Vadam
Radu System
The Bridge was a blaze of movement as alarms blared and crew members got to their stations.
"Admiral Incoming Transmission from an unknown ship.....Its huge sir.......40km from our scan's of the system."
the vice-admiral barred his teeth in disgust. "show me this transmission........and get me contact with any Zarthinan ship......"
The crew member tapped away and then on a view screen appeared the transmission.

Official Transmission
CSS Kronos NCC2146
United Confederation of Planets
Confederation Navy
Captain Edward Dreyfus

This is the warship CSS Kronos of the Confederation Navy, flagship of the United Confederation of Planets, this system is under the protection and supervision of the Confederation. We discourage any acts of aggression against either us or the civilization that calls this system home.

Thel's scales bristled slightly due to excitement. "Interesting.....Very well get a comm's link with this ship.....maybe we can get help."
the crew member bowed and then tapped a fury of commands.

Official Transmission
Imperial Zarthinan Vessel Shadow of Intent
Empire of Zarthina
Vice-Admiral Thel Vadam

Attention Unknown Vessel-We mean this system no harm...our slip-space drive is damaged and we require assistance.....again we do not intend to harm this system......any hostile act's against this ship will result in war with the empire.

[Bulgislavia]

Radu System
Planet Bulslov

Tirest was its usual bustling and busy self, large neon light and holographic signage and billboards were increasingly installed on many city buildings. There was also an emphasis of construction of more holographic screen's that blared out Rit Malnos giving speeches or reading about the latest decree he had passed.

Arad Malu arrived in Rit's office to discuss the latest interstellar news update in person.

"An unidentified ship has entered the system, we have also received word from the Genoan ship that they have attempted to make contact with the ship"

"Where is it going?" asked Rit

"It appears to be making its way into the systems interior, here, towards Bulslov. While we would be mostly defenseless if it had hostile intentions, the Genoan ship is a powerful, behemoth of a structure. We should be safe" said Arad

Rit nodded and then paced past Arad and up to the floor to ceiling window to look at the bustling city scape at night. "Send a message to the new system, informing them of our existence and peaceful intentions"

"Yes Supreme Paramount, it will be done" nodded Arad who then left Rit's office.

Message to incoming space ship

Greetings. You have entered the sovereign system of Radu. Please state your business. If you are here of peaceful intention and wish to make contact with the Radu System government, please respond to this message....

[Kingdom of genoa]

Zartinan Battle-Cruiser Shadow of Intent
Commanding Officer-Vice Admiral Thel Vadam
Radu System
The Bridge was a blaze of movement as alarms blared and crew members got to their stations.
"Admiral Incoming Transmission from an unknown ship.....Its huge sir.......40km from our scan's of the system."
the vice-admiral barred his teeth in disgust. "show me this transmission........and get me contact with any Zarthinan ship......"
The crew member tapped away and then on a view screen appeared the transmission.

Official Transmission
CSS Kronos NCC2146
United Confederation of Planets
Confederation Navy
Captain Edward Dreyfus

This is the warship CSS Kronos of the Confederation Navy, flagship of the United Confederation of Planets, this system is under the protection and supervision of the Confederation. We discourage any acts of aggression against either us or the civilization that calls this system home.

Thel's scales bristled slightly due to excitement. "Interesting.....Very well get a comm's link with this ship.....maybe we can get help."
the crew member bowed and then tapped a fury of commands.

Official Transmission
Imperial Zarthinan Vessel Shadow of Intent
Empire of Zarthina
Vice-Admiral Thel Vadam

Attention Unknown Vessel-We mean this system no harm...our slip-space drive is damaged and we require assistance.....again we do not intend to harm this system......any hostile act's against this ship will result in war with the empire.

Captain Edward read the message on screen and said "inform them we can send over a repair team, however keep our weapons trained on it"
"Aye captain"

We will send over an engineering team to assist with repairs, however we do hope you would be wise enough to avoid hostilities, as there could be a hundred ships on station in minutes and ready to rock. Also the Confederation does not fear your 'empire' we have fought civilizations of intergalactic proportions and have emerged victorious both times, do not test us.

The CSS Kronos's advanced AI was already managing the advanced computers security systems, setting up computer security systems derived from a Dyson spheres systems, which included the unique ability to allow an AI to create a physical body.

[Zarthina]

Radu System
Planet Bulslov

Message to incoming space ship

Greetings. You have entered the sovereign system of Radu. Please state your business. If you are here of peaceful intention and wish to make contact with the Radu System government, please respond to this message....

Zartinan Battle-Cruiser Shadow of Intent
Commanding Officer-Vice Admiral Thel Vadam
Edge of the Radu System
The Vice-Admiral Noticed another message appear on his holo-desk."interesting......Inform this sovereign System that we are experiencing problems with our slip space drive and that we wish to dock at one of their stations."
one of his bridge members nodded his head and typed a message.

To the Government of Radu.....we wish to establish communications with your leadership to negotiate our vessel's repair at one of your orbiting platforms.....we will be sending a team to meet with your leaders on behalf of the empire they will be lightly armed.

The Vice-admiral donned his robe and prepared his most experienced men for the meeting.

[Galactic Federation of the FDR]

Bridge of the FNS Imperator

The durasteel plates that had been covering the bridge viewports slowly retracted reviewing a large star system. An Imperial II-class Star Destroyer, the 1.6 kilometer long vessel had been tasked with a standard exploration mission. A light tone from the datapad Captain Alana Paleon held in her hand indicated the scans from navigation were ready. Turning around, she walked over to the bank of turbolifts that connected the bridge to the rest of the ship. Taking one of them down one level, she arrived in a room illuminated merely by the glow from the consoles and holographic displays of the technicians.

The instant she entered the room, the technicians that had been preparing her scans jumped out of their seats and snapped to attention. "At ease. Where are my scans?" A young technician grabbed a datapad off of his workstation, handing it to her. The holographic map clearly displayed an inhabited planet along with two large vessels in the system. Sighing, she returned to the bridge to file a report to Fleet Command requesting reinforcements. In the meantime, she ordered gunnery to charge the turbolasers at maximum power while the TIE Interceptors of the 457th and 761st Interceptor Wings launched from the hangers, swarming around the large vessel.

[Kingdom of genoa]

The CSS Kronos's sensors picked up the new ship, and several batteries targeted the much smaller vessel. The Kronos's point-defense turrets were prepared for the expected attack, and we're very well equipped to deal with fighters. The Kronos fired a warning shot in the direction of the star destroyer from one of its 24 cutting beam turrets, giving a preview of the massive firepower the ship held. The yellow beam passing meters from the hull of the star destroyer

Captain Edward opened a direct audio and visual communication and said "unknown hostile ship, this is the Confederation warship Kronos, we have detected the activation of your weapons and order you to stand down or be destroyed, this system is sovereign and under the supervision and protection of the Confederation of Allied Planets. If you continue with your course and show aggression towards this system we will engage you, consider this your only warning"

[Bulgislavia]

Radu System
Planet Bulslov

To the Government of Radu.....we wish to establish communications with your leadership to negotiate our vessel's repair at one of your orbiting platforms.....we will be sending a team to meet with your leaders on behalf of the empire they will be lightly armed.

Due to the sudden spike in ET activity within Radu System space, Arad Malu had returned to Rit Malnos' office in the upper floors of the Convocation Spire in the center of Tirest. Rit viewed over the message intently before he turned to Arad.

"They can dock their ship at the Bulslov Orbital Trade Port, from there their team can take a transport down to the planet to meet. Like the first contact with the Genoan's we will utilize the floating city as the meeting ground" said Rit. Arad nodded and then wrote back the response

To the Zartinan Battle cruiser

You can dock your ship at the Bulslov Orbital Trade Port where repair teams can work on your ship. Your selected, lightly armed team is permitted to meet with the Supreme Paramount of the Radu System Rit Malnos and his Minister of Interstellar Affairs and chief of the Radu System Space Agency, Arad Malu. The meeting will take place on 'Sky Spires' one of the luxury floating cities that will be drifting among the clouds above the planets capital city of Tirest. We prefer your visit to our system pass without any incident and we can help fix the problem with your ship.

Just then Rit's desk began to light up an update from the system patrol drones who were now showing a live feed of what was occurring between the 40km long Confederation ship and the much smaller Imperator and its swarm of fighters.

"The last thing we want is an intergalactic incident. Hail both the ship's with the same message, a holo-message from me directly" said Rit Malnos. Malu aimed the holocam at Rit. The message was beamed to the two ship's...

Holo-message from Supreme Paramount of the Radu System Rit Malnos
To CSS Kronos's and Unknown Imperator ship

"Greetings to the both of you. To our friends in the Confederation ship who are here to protect us from predatory galactic civilizations, thank you. And to the new arrivals to the Radu System, you are in space belonging to a sovereign civilization so I do believe I have the right to ask why have you come here, perhaps it is even something we can help you out with? In order to avoid any needless bloodshed in some potential intergalactic incident I encourage the captains of both ship's to meet with Minister of Interstellar Affair's Arad Malu and myself on Bulslov, the capital planet for the Radu Star Republic"

[Zarthina]

Radu System
Planet Bulslov

To the Zartinan Battle cruiser

You can dock your ship at the Bulslov Orbital Trade Port where repair teams can work on your ship. Your selected, lightly armed team is permitted to meet with the Supreme Paramount of the Radu System Rit Malnos and his Minister of Interstellar Affairs and chief of the Radu System Space Agency, Arad Malu. The meeting will take place on 'Sky Spires' one of the luxury floating cities that will be drifting among the clouds above the planets capital city of Tirest. We prefer your visit to our system pass without any incident and we can help fix the problem with your ship.

Zartinan Battle-Cruiser Shadow of Intent
Commanding Officer-Vice Admiral Thel Vadam
Nearing Bulslov Orbital Trade Port
The Massive Cruiser Dwarfed the Orbital trade port as it prepared to dock. Meanwhile on the bridge the vice-admiral responded to the new message

We would be honored to discuss with your leaders at your specified location.....we are deeply humbled by your act of kindness....we will be arriving shortly.

Thel and his selected guards marched to the hanger bay and boarded a spirit drop ship which disembarked towards the surface.After a few minutes they began approaching the Spire and descended onto one of the landing zones.

[Zarthina]

We will send over an engineering team to assist with repairs, however we do hope you would be wise enough to avoid hostilities, as there could be a hundred ships on station in minutes and ready to rock. Also the Confederation does not fear your 'empire' we have fought civilizations of intergalactic proportions and have emerged victorious both times, do not test us.

Zartinan Battle-Cruiser Shadow of Intent
Commanding Officer-Shipmaster Zhar Vortic'
Bulslov Orbital Trade Port
With the Vice-Admiral meeting with leaders of the planet Zhar was put in charge of the ship.When he entered the bridge he quickly sent a response to the confederation ship.

We have docked at the native station called Bulslov Orbital Trade Port where a native team is going to assist us......if you wish to continue your assistance of repairs please head there.

Zhar got his team ready to help the native's enter the ship.

[Bulgislavia]

Bulslov Trade Station (Orbital Trade Port)

The structure in orbit around the dusty, brown planet of Bulslov sprawled out in different directions containing enough living quarters, offices, rec zones and jobs to sustain a permanent population of 3,400. Massive warehouses contained goods, trade and mining freight, in another direction were the newly expanding Ship Yards where a new generation of Bulslovian space ship was to be constructed. In another zone of the station were a series of docking bay's and landing platforms for traveling ships needing the pit stop.

The Zarthinan battle cruiser docked at a suitable platform where Trade Station officials and dock workers were wearing envirosuits while they got to work securing the Zarthinan ship and called out some repair technician's to work with the ship crew. Genoan repair teams were also said to be tending to this ship, the Bulslovian's having no real exposure to FTL travel.

The Zarthinan crew that were to meet with Rit Malnos and Arad Malu took their drop ship down to the floating city of Sky Spires, beneath the floating city, the night lights of Tirest could be seen sprawling across the landscape.

Once landing on a landing pad they were escorted to inside one of the Sky Spire's luxury hotels. There Rit Malnos and Arad Malu waited to greet their ET guests.

[Kingdom of genoa]

2nd Frontier Patrol Group
12 ships
2 dreadnaughts
Flagship Devestator class CSS Armegedon

The fleet was preparing to enter transwarp, where the ships core would bend space and time around the ship. It's flagship and commander had been the first to respond to the call for reinforcements from the CSS Kronos. Now the 2nd FPF was preparing for whatever lay at its destination.

The admiral, Geral Schnel sent a transmission to the CSS Kronos, meant to help alert the Kronos to the fleets approach, as well as well scare off anything attacking it.

CSS Kronos this is the 2nd FPF, we've received your call and were in route now, just hold on until we get there

[Zarthina]

Bulslov Trade Station (Orbital Trade Port)
The Zarthinan battle cruiser docked at a suitable platform where Trade Station officials and dock workers were wearing envirosuits while they got to work securing the Zarthinan ship and called out some repair technician's to work with the ship crew. Genoan repair teams were also said to be tending to this ship, the Bulslovian's having no real exposure to FTL travel.

Zartinan Battle-Cruiser Shadow of Intent
Commanding Officer-Shipmaster Zhar Vortic'
Bulslov Orbital Trade Port
Zhar and his team opened the airlock that connected the ship to the orbital station.Stepping out into the hallway between the ship and the station they were a sight to behold. Closely resembling a Raptor the Zarthinan's were clearly reptilian and through gaps in their armor scales could be seen. Zhar slowly walked forwards towards the trade station's crew. "Thank you for allowing us to dock.....we are humbled by your offer of assistance......please follow me and i shall show you the slip-space drive." Zhar bowed as did his men.

[Zarthina]

The Zarthinan crew that were to meet with Rit Malnos and Arad Malu took their drop ship down to the floating city of Sky Spires, beneath the floating city, the night lights of Tirest could be seen sprawling across the landscape.
Once landing on a landing pad they were escorted to inside one of the Sky Spire's luxury hotels. There Rit Malnos and Arad Malu waited to greet their ET guests.

Commanding Officer-Vice Admiral Thel Vadam
Sky Spire's luxury hotel
Thel and his men quickly bowed before they were escorted into the hotel. Thel's Purple robe turn as he faced the leaders of the planet."I am Vice-Admiral Thel Vadam......I Represent the Empire of Zarthina......I am deeply humbled by your kindness.....it is rare for newborn civilizations to display such honorer and respect......unlike this confederation.......but nonetheless we are greatful. Please entertain us with your planets history.......from what can see your planet is majestic."

[Bulgislavia]

Radu System
Bulslov Orbital Trade Port

The day had started like most other for the Station Chief Herod Tearku. Waking up in his standard modular living quarters on the space station before work in the station and trade offices. Never did he think he would be out meeting with ET explorer's and having to log in an alien space craft. The reptilian creatures began to step out of the ship, Herod looked back at the station workers in the envirosuits who looked quite stunned at seeing real aliens. Herod ensured the translator and linguistics program was activated in his helmet.

Zhar and his team opened the airlock that connected the ship to the orbital station.Stepping out into the hallway between the ship and the station they were a sight to behold. Closely resembling a Raptor the Zarthinan's were clearly reptilian and through gaps in their armor scales could be seen. Zhar slowly walked forwards towards the trade station's crew. "Thank you for allowing us to dock.....we are humbled by your offer of assistance......please follow me and i shall show you the slip-space drive." Zhar bowed as did his men.

Herod gave a nervous bow of his head "Of course, lead the way", Herod followed the reptilian being to the slip-space drive. He intently took in the surroundings, his eyes scanning the ship, curious about its design and technology.

.............................................................................................

Meanwhile down on the planet
Sky Spires Luxury Hotel

Thel and his men quickly bowed before they were escorted into the hotel. Thel's Purple robe turn as he faced the leaders of the planet."I am Vice-Admiral Thel Vadam......I Represent the Empire of Zarthina......I am deeply humbled by your kindness.....it is rare for newborn civilizations to display such honorer and respect......unlike this confederation.......but nonetheless we are greatful. Please entertain us with your planets history.......from what can see your planet is majestic."

Rit stood before the Reptilian species and bowed his head "Well it's always a pleasure to meet the beings that come from other civilizations from far away. My name is Rit Malnos, recently elected Supreme Paramount of the Radu System and this is my minister of Interstellar Affairs Arad Malu. Arad bowed at the Zarthinan before taking his seat on one of the couches.

"First and foremost we wish to foster peaceful intergalactic relations and we want to develop and grow with the Avitus Nebula which is our star neighborhood in this part of the galaxy. So far we only lay claim to all the planets within the Radu System, but we are exploring four other star's and their planets for colonization. As for the history of Bulslov. We are descendants from an ancient human world, for reason's unknown we left for the star's in a voyage that lasted many hundreds of years before eventually landing on Bulslov for civilization to start again. 3000 years later and this is where we are at now. So we are part of the human family, but centuries living in space and three millennia of life on Bulslov has changed our appearance somewhat. As you can see our skin if quite pale then the Humans of the Confederation. Our eye's are also bright and fluorescent they almost look like they glow. The cause of this was a mixture of genetic mutation and special bacteria in Bulslov's fresh water"

"As you can probably tell we are a very small and technologically backward system compared to many of the star nations we have encountered, it is because of this we have permitted the Genoan Confederation of Allied Planet's to help with protection and security while we start getting more of our space industry off the ground. But anyway enough about all that, tell me about your civilization and people Vice-Admiral Thel Vadam"