The vicissitudes of interstellar politics [ Semi open FT]

[The Fedral Union]

Talos Station diplomatic sector T1

---

Malcolm Shore was flanked by a security agent and his Secretary of Interstellar Relations Lorum Ki. They briskly made their way across the atrium plaza. The soft incandescent light glow of augmented sunlight seemed to filter through the various glossy panels above, accentuating the alabaster colored fountains, classical statues, and lines of greenery that graced the area near the seamlessly melding walls. For Ki, it had been his first visit and as they walked through the plaza he was mesmerized - it felt like some sort of surreal dream, like even though he was a patriotic Terran he was actually stepping onto another, wholly alien world. He found it hard to fathom that so many wandered through this plaza every day from the lowliest technician’s and security personnel to persons of the leisure class and high officials.


How could they be so used to it, that nothing stood out anymore? His wonder was tempered by logic and he supposed that if one was a resident of a place like this, that it would be normal as walking about the comparatively drab streets of Caminais City was for him.


The three figures -Terran, wolven, and sophont- came to a stop near a vaulted opening that lead into a specially prepared conference room. Ki and Shore gave the appropriate greetings to whatever press and dignitaries that happened to be present.


The chamber was vast, with its tall ceiling ornate and intricately carved light fixtures placed in between large arched windows that let in a misty, almost ethereal and heavenly view of the indomitable large city and country scape within the Terran habitat. From rolling hills and forests to the north to the towering cloud covered spires to the south it seemed as if this conference room was designed in the likes of an ivory perch.


Of course it was no such thing, it was just a gathering area and anyone who came here would keep that obvious thought in their minds even if they momentarily got lost in the view. The yellow rays of the sun diffused by the misty clouds outside simply blended in to the light within the chamber offering a sheen upon the large mahogany colored table. The banners of attending stellar powers flickered to life on opposite walls in the room, Shore and Ki took their seats at and near the head of the table.


President Malcolm Shore had only been in office for a couple of months. The warmth and euphoria of victory began to wear off bringing the young leader slowly back down into the mine fields and muddy quagmires of politics that seemed to grace any representative system. Shore had been to Talos many times and struck many deals within the vast structure of seamless metal and force fields that made up the station, only before he was merely a diplomat or an envoy, now he was the president of the United Terran Alliance.


He had long gotten used to the idea of being a diplomatic representative of a superpower, in his capacity as secretary of interstellar relations he had been the mouthpiece for the policies laid out by the President. Now he had a chance to make foreign policy without too many of the limitations he had been used to before. Shore sank back into the conformal chair under him and idly folded his hands on the table in front of him, his eyes shot a look toward Ki, the Wolvian seemingly couldn’t avert his gaze from the view outside.


“You think we can get this treaty hammered out?”

Ki shifted his trance broken by the soft and casual tone of the president, he looked back at him and thoughtfully replied.


“Considering the forces of nationalism that got this killed in the GESO assembly last month it could be a tough sell. Hopefully the leaders that attend this meeting can see the bigger picture.”


Shore let out a sigh, a cup of water materialized out of thin air on a contact just to the right of one of his hands. He slipped his fingers around the frosted glass and sipped replying sardonically.


“Nationalistic forces you say...do you think that’s all it was? Consider the delegates who spoke firmly against it, refusing to see reason refusing to even add their own improvements to the treaty. They acted as if they were a parliament of owls under the spell of the moon.


It seemed more like a vain display of ignorance in my eyes but democracy is democracy."


Shores tone changed and was more analytical and thoughtful.


“Consider the history of non-reg nanopaste in the galaxy, in every single case of a containment breach or deliberate use the galactic scene was altered not just on a small scale but a profound scale.


Let's look at the Rethast for example, they swept through the Gamma quadrant and plunged it into anarchy centuries ago and nearly threatened the other quadrants as well. We were lucky enough they died out in some manner before they caused more damage. And even now we’re still tackling the anarchy in the gamma quadrant. They were nanomachines, let’s look at the second case the quick bronze incident in the martian era. Nanopaste weapons were used and entire areas had to be laid to waste as it went out of control.


Now the third and most bewildering case brought up by the Houseidians. The Basaka, yet again we have the same pattern of unregulated weapons turning or out living their creators and slowly laying waste to large sections of a quadrant, and yet even they refused to back the proposal that would limit unregulated weapons of that class and other classes because of some national agenda.”


Shore placed his glass down and drove his point in to Ki’s mind with a bitter sweet display of satisfaction.


“Either this nationalist zeal has made these delegates blind fool’s, or they’re playing a very dangerous game of short term politics at possibly the expense of billions of lives in the future. I honestly hope and think it’s the latter.”


Ki was momentarily stunned, he knew the President was not pleased by the way the GESO had handled the proposal, he had helped found it as secretary of state, of course there would a bitterness to an assumed failure. Yet Ki didn’t exactly know what conclusions Shore had drawn. It made sense now that Ki thought about it saying in a careful manner.


“It appears sensible that the whole affair was for lack of a better word displaced by political self interest rather than actual self interest Mr President. But I think we should focus on this bilateral step for regulating weapons of mass destruction of all calibers.


For all we know if we start leading by example with other powers, we might displace any partisan debate within our own sphere of allies.”


Shore looked at Ki and nodded simply saying as he fingered the empty glass of water on the desk thoughtfully.


“Yeah I suppose you’re right, I can only hope the leader of the Directorate is more amenable to working with us."

Ki shrugged and leaned back in to his chair he turned to face the window again. President Shore placed a finger on a hidden contact just under the table ordering the glass he had to be refiled. Only time would tell what would come of this conference , the critics at home would always have their ears to the ground or eyes to the holoviewer keeping an eye on proceedings. If there was one thing he thought , that he missed about not being in the big chair was the fact that he had a lesser amount of scrutiny placed upon him.

[Wandering Argonians]

Space stations always stank, and Talos was no exception. The mix of overly-recycled air and the bodily odors of countless species combined to generate an unpleasant sourness at the back of his throat, a vaguely fish-like flavor that produced an equally sour look on his age-worn face. Halstrom Vek growled softly, brushing a hand absently over the jacket of his ice-white dress uniform. A stack of ribbons adorned the left pectoral, the sigil of the planet Defiance in polished brass centered on the right. Looking closely, one could almost see the faint imprint of the rank pins on his shoulder-boards, like the faint traces of rapier scars on his scaly face.

The uniform, much like the man inside of it, was starched and immaculate. The ribbons spoke of a long and glorious career as a soldier, for those who could decipher their colorful code. Vek was a warrior, first and foremost a servant of the Argonian Emperor, and typically his envoy to the immense apparatus that was the GESO. Vek despised his posting as a diplomat, but duty was a concept he'd become familiar with at a young age. Vek was at least grateful that this meeting was to be carried out on Talos Station and not in the Security Council chambers where he seemed to live these days, pouring over endless bits of legislation and enduring the constant bickering of the various delegates.

There were better drinking establishments on Talos, at least. Places to escape to and not deal with the people he already dealt with. The heavy tread of armored footsteps off to his right-rear alerted him to another presence. Major Kasper Kresh was a powerfully-built specimen of his species, a Naval Provost commander who'd advanced in rank thanks to a knack for cracking skulls and maintaining order among the Empire's countless regiments as they were ferried between war-zones. His no-nonsense reputation had seen him promoted to oversee the security detachment for the Argonian sector of Talos station, a posting he took very seriously. Vek respected that about the man, if he was a bit unimaginative in his approaches. Kresh came dressed in his full carapace, as befitted the reception of an honored guest like Halstrom Vek, the armor the dark blue of NAVSEC forces over the traditional black uniform of Naval personnel...

"Sir, it's a pleasure to have you on the station. Before your escort to the Diplomatic Sector, an individual of importance has arrived and wishes to meet with you immediately..."

Vek met the Major's gaze, and detected a hint of concern in his hard eyes. This was someone that gave Kresh pause, and that wasn't easy. He was the ranking Argonian military official on the station. That only meant one thing...

"General Vek..."

He knew the speaker before he turned to address them. Watchman Barnabus Jei. Assigned to the Outer Reaches. The Watchman had recruited three of Vek's finest Grenadiers when he still commanded troops in the Emperor's name. Only someone from that time period would address him with his former title...

"Watchman Jei, it's been a very, very long time. I..."

Once he turned to speak to the Watchman his words caught in his throat. Although his eyes still shone with the fierce intelligence he'd most remembered Jei for, the Watchman seemed somewhat diminished, as did the regal silhouette next to him. Jerard Himes was one of the three men Vek had lost to the Watchman some two decades ago. By the hard set to his eyes Vek knew the fate of the other two. His once-pristine slate-gray armor was pitted and acid-etched, and there were faint traces of blood caked in the finer detailings. Jei himself sported an off-putting augmentic arm that replaced his entire original left limb. Made of a bone-white material accented with jet-black synth-muscle between the plates, it looked like the limb of a cybernetic nightmare creature, despite its identical shape to his previous arm. No doubt it also concealed some sort of exotic weaponry as well. Jei always had been more about playing off the mystique and fear inherent in his office. Vek wasn't concerned with such showmanship, although the arm produced such an effect...

"It's been a long week, General. I ask that you give this your undivided attention after your meeting with the GESO. My retinue and I will be on Talos for a few days receiving medical treatment. I'd like to speak with you once you've had a chance to review the information..."

The black-robed Watchman extended a data-stick in his augmentic hand, which Vek took without delay. His eyes met Himes' and the two exchanged a brief nod...

"Certainly, Watchman. Now, if you'll excuse me I've a meeting to attend..."

Vek was one of the few people who could get away with being curt to someone like Jei, and he exploited it in this circumstance. Jei could just as easily floated the information through the Argonian data-net and dispensed with all the cloak-and-dagger theatrics inherent in the dealings of the Black Watch. Then again, he could also have chosen a less startling replacement arm, but given the time-frame he'd hinted at it must have been a swift grafting operation. Damaged limbs usually needed to heal first before augmentic replacements were added as the synthetic nerve tissue and the host's natural tissue had to knit seamlessly, unless one was able to undergo the extremely painful process of hard-wiring the cybernetics into their own nervous system. Both were equally effective but soldering nerve-bundles together was considered a torture technique in most parts of the Empire. Jei had a reputation for ruthlessness, and it wouldn't have surprised Vek to know that he'd undergone such a procedure in order to not compromise his effectiveness.

The former general nodded to the Watchman and his henchman, then turned to depart with a worried-looking Major Kresh in tow. Vek wasn't sure if it was the Watchman's arm or the fact that he was a Watchman at all that had disturbed the burly Provost so...

"Relax, Major. You're a loyal servant of the Emperor, you've got nothing to fear from the Watchman."

Walking next to Vek at a decent pace, Kresh turned to respond, his right hand sitting absently on the grip of his bolt-pistol...

"My apologies, sir. They're an unsettling lot. You never know what to expect with them. They're all very different people, who use their authority in very different ways..."

Vek nodded, understanding completely. Some of them were very pleasant to deal with, simply doing their jobs to the best of their abilities. Others would put a bolt-round through your temple if you so much as looked at them the wrong way or took too long to answer a question. Granted, those sorts of Watchman inevitably ended their careers early as their overconfidence got the better of them and they disappeared. Few knew the particulars outside the Black Watch, but most considered it a 50/50 chance that their own peers might have had hands in such incidents. Then again they might have simply rushed headlong into a situation like Jei apparently had, there was no way of telling, even for someone of Vek's status...

"Agreed. Jei is known to me. He's a hard bastard, but not a psychopath. He's been assigned to the Outer Reaches for a very long time, took three of my best men with him, in fact. His associate was once a Gunnery Sergeant in one of my Grenadier regiments. I believe the other two are dead, likely along with his other arm. How far from Sector T1 are we?"

The major kept from commenting on the first part of Vek's statement as the delegate swiftly changed the topic...

"Just a hundred or so more meters, sir..."

The former general simply nodded, tucking the data-stick in his pocket...

[Pordlandia]

The Diplomat
Rift Relative to Talos

A tall wave of sickly particulates and obscene energies crashes over the bow of the Häzhel-nam Koch type rift cruiser as it plows through the domain for which the type is classified. A healthy glow emanating from her form indicates all is in working order and she thus continues onward through the rift. The craft, carrying High Hunter Kazhel-nam Koch (the brother of Häzhel), has made good time and her skipper, now finding himself relative to the bustling hub of GESO, makes good on his descent back into real space: a slight tear heralds the arrival of the ship but almost as soon as it forms it is sealed. Thus present on the seven fabrics of space and time, she makes steam for the station proper; vast plumes of green smoke billow out in grand array and disperse behind her as she edges ever closer to the docking berths.

It's been a while since we've had a meeting with GESO officials in such a manner, Kazhel-nam Koch's scribe, a long-haired Pord by the name of Pokyshak Kalna, notes. She is new but is more than familiar with the meetings Kazhel has and hasn't been to. She pulls out a small datapad and finds a calendar. Not since the Triskeli debacle, she says.

Kazhel frowns. There is probably a good reason for that, he says. Since then, Kazhel has been content with letting the lower Hunters who represent Nalydya within the GESO General Assembly deal with Nalydian policy in the Milky Way Galaxy. For the most part he hasn't really been needed, and indeed since it became apparent Triskel and the Terran Alliance would not find middle ground, he felt there was little more to be gleaned from further direct interaction unless a specific need were to crop up. He glances towards treaty drafts of what will be discussed during the meeting; specific need has cropped up, he confides to himself.

Among others, Admiral Tunods von Begin - commander of the Nalydian 8th Fleet and shepherd of GESO shipping lanes - has not agreed with Kazhel's course of action, but there is little that he can do to persuade the High Hunter otherwise. He is respected as the ultimate authority for Nalydian relations for a reason, second only to his brother. But von Begin, stuck based out of Nalydya's Sol holdings in the Milky Way (and thus privy to the day-to-day happenings in the area), would much rather Kazhel spend more time interacting with the local MWG powers. But ultimately though, he understands Kazhel cannot... And this knowledge confounds him. It is almost as if Kazhel's policies have Nalydya moving in opposite directions simultaneously, and von Begin is yet to fully understand the gist of it all.

A hologram appears from the displays at the head of the chamber. High Hunter Koch, we are berthing near the Talos station.

Kazhel nods to the hologram. Namengrazhniskaya, he says.

The scribe is first out the door. She zooms to the hangar bay leaving Kazhel behind in the meeting chamber; the High Hunter stands and brushes lint off of his deep-azure robes; the silver and alabaster accents and exquisitely patterned sleeve-cuffs, collar, sash, and general edges are in good condition and he finds them to be acceptable. He tightens his scabbards and water satchels and re-ties his charcoal-tinted boots; thus fortified he marches out of the chamber as well to rejoin his scribe. She is already discussing things with a Pord by the shuttle when Kazhel arrives.

We are cleared for disembarking, she tells him.

Good, he says, I'd like to get off of this ship.

Pokyshak laughs. Best not let the crew overhear you, she says.

The two enter the shuttle and before long it pulls away from the cruiser now gravitically anchored near the Talos station. The shuttle-pilot receives landing clearance and brings the craft down with a dull thud before dropping the ramp to allow the High Hunter off. As per usual, guards rush out to join him but he shoos them away. There should be no need here at Talos, but if someone did have the gall...

They arrive in the structure and begin heading to the meeting chamber. The sights are familiar to Kazhel; he has been here before on many occasion, but for Pokyshak many are new. She finds herself in awe at the collection of differing cultures and styles in such a small area - Nalydya is largely homogeneous. Such things are rare within Pordish borders.

This should be the meeting chamber, Kazhel notes.

Pokyshak looks at her map. You are correct, she observes.

Kazhel-nam Koch is the first to enter the room. He finds a chair but does not sit. He bows first and addresses the Terran: President Shore - it has been a while. I do believe we have not spoken in person since your days as Secretary of State, Kazhel says. Congratulations, he says.

Pokyshak steps out from behind Kazhel and speaks as well: Pokyshak Kalna, scribe of the High Hunter Council and director of the Imperial Archives in Tnem-Fragg, she says. A pleasure to meet you, President Shore. Pokyshak bows and seats herself.

Kazhel takes the opportunity to seat himself as well.

[New Roman Empire]

Talos Station

Emperor Tedian and Chancellor Salum had just arrived on the station. This meeting had called his attention away from the frontlines of the Kadush Expanse revolt. Though he couldn't help the feeling that the meeting was a waste of time. "Chancellor I know you feel this meeting is important for me to be at. But this meeting is a waste of time, I'm sure this treaty will be passed on its own without my input." Stated Tedian as the two were walking down the corridors flanked by two royal guards.

"Emperor Tedian, we both know you'd rather be on the frontline fighting. But a meeting of this magnitude you should be present to talk with the other delegates. This is important for relations with the other powers in GESO." Informed Salum as the two finally entered the door. They were not the first to arrive.

"Greetings everyone, President Shore always a pleasure to see you." Informed Tedian as he took his seat in the room.

[Dyelli Beybi]

The Dyellians were becoming increasingly restless within GESO. The recent tarring and feathering of GTFA agents and refusal of several States to implement the taxes called for in the GESO Funding Act were notorious and well reported events, but the dissatisfaction went much deeper and predated the most recent outbursts of hostility. The Dyellians were beginning to see GESO as, rather than being an organisation that guaranteed their sovereignty, one that undermined the liberty of the States far more dangerously than their own imperial government.

Two of the delegates they sent were well known politicians. Caroline ab Ieauf headed the delegation (or more formally, Lady Krolewiec, Governor of Eskgar). She was a Djel, blonde and tall for one of her species (although only about average height for a human - a species with which Djels were perpetually confused). She looked young, like she should be at University, although she was actually in her late thirties (Djels tended to age more slowly than humans). She was one of the Tzarina's most experienced diplomats and one who was known to be willing to work with people to achieve a lasting settlement.

The other well known politician was King Edmund of Rheged. He was also a Djel, with a long nose, an unusual pallid complexion and a fair peppering of grey in his lank black hair. Edmund, on the other hand, was not likely to be helpful to a settlement. His Kingdom Rheged was an up-and-coming power within the Union which was currently in the process of merrily building as many war machines as it had troops to man. Edmund, it was rumored, had aspirations to the Imperial throne and, realistically, his claim was better than that of his bastard half-sister, the reigning Tzarina. He had probably been included to keep him occupied and stop him meddling in internal politics for a few weeks.

The last person in the party was Aurelia Turriano. Like the other two she was indistinguishable from a human of Southern-European origin. She had raven black hair and a lythe build. She was quite distinguishable, however, if she was put through a metal detector. Aurelia Turriano was entirely synthetic, an 'automaton' as the Dyellians called them, with a titanium skeleton and silicon skin. If someone cut her she didn't bleed... unless you counted bright blue cooling fluid. She was also a mere four years old although she had (probably) had a diplomacy module uploaded... which was not to say that she did not have a personality backing that up. Automata were, unlike many other synthetic beings, independent entities, frequently disagreed with one another and were regarded by most Dyellians as more emotional than organics.

Her inclusion was dangerous. The Dyellian delegates in the GESO assembly had called the attempts to legislate against self-replicating machines 'speciesist' and had specifically pointed out that they had citizens who could be classified as Von Neumann machines. Now they had included one on their delegation. She had probably been included at the demand of automaton politicians or perhaps by someone trying to ruin any chances of a settlement. Either way it didn't take a genius to figure out the damage a hot-headed automaton could do to negotiations.

The group were escorted by a section of Rhegeditian Wyvern Guard in ceremonial bronze scale armour with helmets that looked an awful lot like late-Roman ridge helmets and long black fur cloaks that dragged across the ground behind them. In the centre of each cloak was a white shield with a red wyvern designed on it. It was both the insignia of the Guard and the emblem of King Edmund's house. They looked like they had stepped straight out of the iron age, though the energy weapons they carried were some of the latest designs to come out of the Dyellian arsenal.

They stopped just shy of the meeting hall, the guards forming a loose circle around the delegates as they took a moment to briefly confer, "Thoughts, Aurelia?" Caroline asked, taking a quick glance around to make sure nobody was in earshot. Once inside they would use titles, but there was no need for formalities until they were with the foreigners.

"They seek to impress us with the size of their scientific and cultural achievements." the automaton observed, casting a roving eye across the station, "They imagine that we will be awed and more easily persuaded to their view."

"They do appear to be more technologically advanced than us." Edmund remarked mildly. He had worn a huge black cloak and matching doublet along with the somewhat crude looking Rhegeditian crown (which, to Caroline, looked little more than a battered copper band).

"Speak for yourself." Aurelia replied, pouting at the King. Was she flirting with him? Caroline wasn't entirely sure, though she wouldn't put it past the automaton... "Whether you are or not, I'm sure you and your troopers will help to reinforce the idea that we are the barbarians at the gate."

"But my dear, we are the barbarians at the gate." Edmund replied with a trace of a smirk, "We know we are the guardians of a superior kultur, but from the narrow window of liberalism we must seem like backward savages. I'm just reminding them we are a little different."

"You both seem relaxed." Caroline cut through the banter, "I gather you are both clear on your individual roles in this?" there were nods, from the other two delegates "Good, then let us enter."

The automaton entered first, flanked by Rhegeditian guards. She was strikingly pretty, especially if one didn't realise she was synthetic and had almost certainly chosen this appearance to gain attention. She had dark black hair, a pleasing tan, vivid blue eyes and a look of, almost, angelic innocence to her. She had chosen to wear a crisp navy blue matching pencil skirt and blazer to the meeting, "Ambassador Aurelia Turriano." she introduced herself, with a slight incline of her head, "Representing her Imperial Majesty Alexia ap Adam, Tzarina of Dyelli Beybi, Queen of the Djel Valley and Supreme Governor of the Church Militant. May I also introduce Lady Krolewiec, Governor of Eskgar." she paused to allow ab Ieauf to enter and take a place beside her, "And His Majesty King Edmund of Rheged. Together we represent the interests of both the Tzarina's Court and the thirty five Realms of the Union."

[Wandering Argonians]

Vek had arrived a bit before the others, and had seated himself without announcement or retinue. While such pomp and circumstance were as commonplace in Argonian politics as that of the other member species of the GESO, the former general was not fond of wasting time proclaiming his own importance. There was a neatly-inscribed name-plate made of black marble inlaid with white enamel lettering that told the others everything they needed to know about him: His name and the organization that he reluctantly represented.

Casting his eyes about the room, Vek's scalp itched as his old command implants cycled through informational dossiers as his fellow delegates filtered in and their files cycled through his augmented cortex. He was pleased to see that the Pordish had taken the meeting seriously and dispatched an individual of importance to mediate on their behalf. The title of "High Hunter" cycled through his mind as his implants sought an appropriate comparison. Al they could come up with was a comparison to an ancient form of Argonian tribal government, as a member of the 'Council of Elders'. Some of the tribal worlds still employed this form of government, ruled in matters of peace by the eldest females from each tribe, with the exact number varying widely. The Pordish seemed like a no-nonsense people in his dealings with them, something Vek respected immensely. He typically had little time for the games politicians played to enlarge their own spheres of influence.

The presence of the Dyellians was also a very welcome sight. Fiercely independent and as culturally diverse as the Argonian Empire, Vek was aware of a number of clandestine military operations certain elements of the Black Watch had undertaken to support the anti-slavery efforts of a few of the Dyellian states. They'd proven to be worthy allies in the fight against unlawful enslavement. Vek blinked as a brief pain shot through him, a sharp sensation behind his eyes he'd come to know as an upload from his analyst team through the encrypted channel his augments employed when hard-wiring wasn't an option. According to his most recent intelligence, the Dyellians had included a 'construct' in their diplomatic detail, along with a contingent of ceremonial guards. Argonian law forbade the construction of self-aware machines for labor or martial purposes (such a thing was considered slavery), and with Argonian lives being rather cheap such efforts to create artificial intelligence had never been fully explored. It was a bold move on their part, as many GESO organizations were wary of such beings. The word 'SKYNET' flashed through his mind, although it wasn't attached to any sort of information to provide context as to what the phrase meant. He'd certainly seen the effectiveness of the heavily-augmented fighting forces of the Machine Cult, but they always included the essence of a (comparatively) living Argonian within their often fully metallic frames. They were a formidable fusion of flesh and machine, and parted from their organic consciences Vek imagined they'd be capable of developing an anti-organic disposition, although that would be unlikely.

Much like his own kind, the Dyellian guards were a fusion of centuries of marital traditions and modern technology. Their armor and ramients reminded him of the Gungiri and the Tyrwozi, two human vassal-worlds that produced burly, bearded warriors of unmatched ferocity. Their respective traditions had been melded with Argonian technology and methodology to produce viable (and ferocious) regiments for the Imperial war-machine. While still disorganized by the exacting standards of Vek's homeworld, the human regiments filled the roles of shock troopers quite well. He'd even seen lesser Argonian regiments waver in the face of a horde of bearded, tattooed, howling barbarians descending on their lines with little to no regard for their own safety.

Vek had no files of note for the New Roman delegation, and sent a quick message to his analysts to remedy that fact with all due haste...

[Perseid Federation]

Perseid Delegation to the Talos Conference
Talos Station, Gamma Quadrant — circa 1372 XS

---

It seemed humorously coincidental to Silvanos Cotsadis that the Archons were going their separate ways across the galaxy this time of year. His counterparts from Xenia and Servitus had gone off to Propylaea Station for the Second Conference on the Great Displacement, something that Kypros said was just 'taking care of things', while Demos was in the middle of a state visit at the Erythros Commune—a long ways away from home had it not been for the Maruportas Gate. At least they were attending events that would serve to be stressful as the one that he was invited to at Talos Station, the bastion of a facet of interstellar politics the Perseid Federation was still struggling to come to terms with. And the Servitan was one of the more laidback members of the Archonate. All he could do while his spacecraft approached that ringworld was messing around on his slate and reviewing his documents while indulging himself with a glass of rich Prosope.

While he was one of those who sought to maintain relations with the United Terran Alliance and the rest of GESO even after the Omospondia had withdrawn from the organization, he remained wary of their motives at the conference. Somewhere behind that mask of the intent to regulate weapons of mass destruction—planetkillers and starkillers in all their forms—there was a game of politics at play, and Silvanos seemed prepared. There was no way that they would want to convene this meeting to 'think of the children', as the Solarians put it. He knew that they were often capable of dropping bombs on occasions like these, the recent partnership between the Terrans and Idruteians being one of them—but he hoped that the summit will run smoothly and produce a deal that will be beneficial to all parties, and not just beneficial for the drafters of the agreement.

Then again, this was the same GESO that he had dealt with once before, just with newer faces and ever bolder agenda. To think that he was gonna meet with them under the same roof... it felt humorously touching and a tad awkward at the same time. He wondered how the other delegates would respond to the Perseid Federation's presence at the meeting—for the memory of Persexit was still novel to them. The temptation was strong to keep drinking more wine, but he felt like he should hold it off for after their first meeting. Even a mountain of alcohol filling his stomach wouldn't exactly remove those arrogant sophonts dressed in suits. But perhaps a little more would lighten his mood for today.

"Looks like we have arrived," a Firasai rose from the chair opposite of the Archon's. He seemed to be clothed in a formal suit evident of the Thalassan culture, but one that was syncretized with the contemporary fashion of the Perseids. He seemed to tower over much of everything in the cabin, his head only a few centimeters from the ceiling.

Silvanos removed his gaze from the view outside and to his companion. "Indeed we have, Kyrios Sorishu. I should probably tell you that we have no need for hurry."

"Yes, Archon."

As the Servitan and his aides disembarked from his shuttle, he noticed that the people that built the station were replicating the scenery that they may have had in their home systems. Both greenery and marble seemed to have grown from the ground as if this was a planet—and to think he was standing on the surface of this giant metallic ring in the midst of space. It was a bit of a culture shock to find out the Terrans were just as profligate with their stations as the Perseids were, but he knew that he could get used to everything. After all, it was a bit like strolling around Icosakhilos' 360th Floor, which was equally as wastefully luxurious as this sector. Not minding that he could see mountains and lakes that were ascending into the cerulean sky, he was escorted to a vehicle that took him to the meeting place—a conference room concealed in the midst of a Romanesque garden.

"May I know the root of their obsession with the Neo-Classical?" the Firasai fixed his gaze on the fountains and statues. "The Sagittarians appeared to admire a time that was locked away in the distant past, a time that seemed to be characterized with the apex of their human civilization—a time that I have heard to have been characterized by very primitive planetside technology. It was as if they chose this period to be their utopia, or paradise as they call it."

Silvanos shrugged. "I'll guess you have been doing a lot of reading recently."

"Far from it," Sorishu corrected, "for I know of the Greeks and the Romans for many years."

"Then you know why they greatly admire them," the Archon explained. "Human civilizations like ours have originated from the Sol System, spreading our species among the stars in search of new worlds to call home. Our ancestors have regarded the Greeks and the Romans, primitve their cultures were, as the progenitor of the values that they have shared as a species and as a civilization. Indeed, we have carried our admiration for the Greeks as we began our civilization in the Sivulon Reach."

"Yet I do not see many gardens of this aesthetic in Servitus," the Firasai briefly paused to stare at the colorful flowers that bloomed brightly. "They appear to conform to more... dare I say it, avant-garde tastes."

"We could safely say that the Sagittarians show more adulation for them than we do," quipped Silvanos.

Sorishu covered his mouth and snickered, "You don't seem to imply them to be religious fanatics, do you?"

"Hardly," the Archon chuckled. "After all, the more atheistic humans seem to see us as fanatical."

The two Perseid delegates were accompanied by guard drones and entered the conference chambers and saw that many have already arrived. They appeared to be late to the party as usual, like the Perseids they were. Fortunately there were still few that have gathered. There were many familiar faces that had gathered here, and also others that they may not have encountered before, but everyone was here with the same apparent agenda in mind. A couple of greetings here, a couple more pleasantries there, such was necessary during these prior moments before the meeting can officially begin. After all, one can only ascertain how much has changed in the past few years.

Yet there seemed to be a particular person that had caught Silvanos' eye. To think that Malcolm Shore, that Terran diplomat, had made his presence at the conference not as the Foreign Secretary of his nation, but as its head of state. The Archon felt impressed by the eager man's ascendancy to the reins of power as he now appeared to hold sway over a great power in the galaxy, and by extension the direction of an entire alliance. Only the gods know if the power he wields now will test him. Approaching the Terran President he made his acquaintance. "Ah, President Shore," Silvanos shook hands with the most powerful man in GESO. "Now we finally meet as equals. I would like to congratulate you on your resounding victory—I wish you the best of opportunities as you serve your term."

Glancing at the Firasai, the Archon introduced, "I believe you know of Ashurdan Sorishu, our recently appointed representative to the United Terran Alliance." It had seemed that Silvanos had planned to do this all along, for Sorishu was going to part ways with him after the conference has ended.

"It's all right, Archon," the Firasai nodded his head. "I am capable of introducing myself." Turning his head to the President he spoke, "Ashurdan Sorishu, Ambassador of the Perseid Federation to the United Terran Alliance. It is a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance, Mr. President—I look forward to working with you to maintain and strengthen our great nations' bonds."

[The Fedral Union]

Forward Diplomacy.

---

President Shore had long stood up, he was notified of the delegates arrival ahead of time and took his position as a sort of greeter. He looked over the hall as it started to fill with delegations, he pondered for a moment.

He and Ki knew there were many tensions within the GESO, those had to be resolved in their eyes, the situation was complex. Shore and KI already knew what had to be said and didn’t seem too worried. In some respects the Terran's agreed with some of the recent dissent. They were wary of over centralization and even while Nodan Silver was at the helm of the GESO she and the UTA sought to avoid over centralization as a matter of course.

That Shore thought, would have to be dealt with in time for now his job was to placate and soothe the tensions that would no doubt play a part in the decision making process here. And so the chambers filled Shore politely nodded to whatever delegates had entered. Shore turned about just as Emperor Tedian, greeted him. The president dipped his head in greeting

“ Emperor Tedian, it’s a pleasure to see you here as well, there are many things we all need to discuss, I think we all have our work cut out for us.”

Just as Shore had finished his greeting he was approached by the Perseid delegation, he wasn’t surprised that they would attend as this did involve quite a massive undertaking that would reap benefits for those involved but he was taken aback from the warm greeting. Shore bowed toward each of them lightly returning their handshakes with the just the right pressure in a professional manner.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Archon Silvanos, you as well Ambassador Sorishu. I’m grateful for the congratulations-”

His tone changed seamlessly to a more light hearted one, and he continued to say.

” Let’s hope I don’t drop dead from the stress, or at least lose my hair. But I digress I look forward to working with you as well Ambassador, we’ve many benefits to gain from better relations in this day and age.”

He seemed to be quite popular, so far three delegates had came to greet him, just as Shore thought things had abated he was pulled into yet another conversation with the Pordish representative. It wasn’t the fact that he minded all the warm greetings and polite nods, it was just the matter of him not being used to it. Shore however kept up appearances and hid that fact but just barely. He simply kept his professional and diplomatic smile and aura about him.




”Its is an honour to meet you , and it’s quite refreshing to see you Kazhel, thank you for your best wishes . To be honest I was looking to retire a bit early before my countrymen called, I find it quite odd that the ones who least wants power ends up in the big chair.

President Shore nodded back to the Perseid delegation and said just as he made his way toward the table.

“Please sit and relax comrades Thank you for attending this conference we’ll have two things on the agenda to discuss, but of course we’ll be open to discussing a myriad of other matters. I welcome you all to Talos. ”

Shore motioned to SIA (Secretary of Interstellar Affairs) KI and continued on.


“Secretary Ki will be the man of the hour tonight in regards to the discussion on the Gate network expansion, which is much different from previous network routes as it is now a multi power affair not just a GESO affair.”


Ki was sitting at the table tapping upon a few hidden contacts manipulating a holographic projection of text, the wolvian looked toward the other delegates and leaders and smiled standing.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you all, I am secretary Ki of the department of Interstellar Affairs, if you’d like any refreshments there are contacts in front of each chair you can use and all you have to do is think and your refreshment will appear in front of you. “


KI smiled as he stood up , he glanced around thoughtfully and studied the posture and demeanor of everyone in the room subtly patiently the white furred wolvan waited for everyone to settle down and get comfortable. It went without mentioning verbally that the contacts on the table where interfaces to the computer system. Anyone who read a bit about Terran technology would know this and indeed forgo any shock about “reading thoughts” as it was a one way connection.


KI taped a contact on the desk displaying the text and map of the proposed gate network expansion in front of every seat. Who ever would arrive late would have had a copy sent to them in earnest.

[The Humankind Abh]

The vastness of space surrounded her as she walked in the darkness between galaxies. Galaxies floated lazily around her or rose and fell in the palm of her outstretched hand. With the wave of her hand or a single thought, a whole galaxy would be snuffed out only to replaced by a new one that was more pleasing to her senses. Dahlia stood at the center of creation like a pale goddess as space and time orbited her. Asteroid belts were her tools to redecorate the landscape by creating ellipticals that were far too complex for simple chance and gravity to form. Far flung nebulas became the paint which she tinted her worlds to bring the universe new life.

For some, Abh holographic art may appear a bit ostentatious but that was simply the quick conclusions of the ignorant. It was simply a means of relaxation for an Abh to enjoy the artwork of the universe with their extra sensory organ and to be inspired to reach new heights. Ambassador LaNoir Dahlia only lamented that she could not entirely shut off the gravity controls within her room so she could truly relax and appreciate the work of art. The holographic system was one of the first additions she had installed in the room when she took up her quarters on the Talos station.

A melodious chime from the clyuno on the back of her hand sounded, disturbing her from her meditation.

Dahlia sighed, slightly irritated at the interruption. "Off."

For a moment darkness reigned across the universe as Dahlia stood as the lone figure amidst nothingness. "Lights."

Light flooded the room bringing a strikingly smallness to the reality around her that had once been as infinite as the cosmos. Dahlia gently touched the cat's eye jewel on the back of her hand and pulled up her schedule. She had almost forgotten that there was a meeting of the GESO that she had been invited to attend.

Dahlia grabbed her outer robe that was draped over a small cushioned chair and threw it over her shoulders. She adjusted its color as she pulled her long blue hair free of its confines and allowed it to fall pass her shoulders. The robe was a pristine white with only a seam of jade green running down either side along the hem line. Across the back of her robe was the eight headed dragon, Gasorous, the emblem of the Abh Empire. Dahlia scooped up her small glass PDA and left her room.

The Abh diplomat arrived in the conference room some time later. Though late, she cared little for her tardiness as she had no real role to play in this matter since she was just observing. Dahlia managed to take a seat back away from the early discussion.

[Telros]

Milky Way Galaxy, Alpha Quadrant
Talos Station, Tezekian Directorate Delegation

Talos Station was like many stations of its size and purpose in the galaxy; large, symbols of various messages of the nations that inhabited the Milky Way, but most importantly, it saw almost constant traffic from countless species. Some for trade, looking to make their fortune or spend their hard, or sometimes, ill-earned currency in the large and varied markets such places carried. Some were simply moving their way through, looking to immigrate in or emigrate out from the nation, going through the large piles of paperwork and interviews conducted for such matters, They were becoming quite lengthy and cumbersome in a day and age that had become ever more infected by war, plague, terror attacks and pirates. But more came for the most pointless or most important sport in the galaxy, depending on who you asked: Diplomacy. Politics. The Great Game. Diplomats of all stripes and species moved through the glass-encased hallways of the station, discussing high matters of state over sandwiches, moving the levers of power that could shatter planets in conference rooms not that different from ones CEO's and their advisers run their corporations in.

Still, Wings of Crimson managed to draw not an insignificant amount of stores and whispering as he moved towards the security checkpoint at the end of the hall from the landing pad they had been directed to store their shuttle. Initially one would think it would be the two massive insectoid guards that accompanied his flanks, the lights of the hallways glinting off their powered armor that encased them completely, mandibles and all, their weapons kept on their backs with magnetic clamps. Another would be the fact that he was a a walking eagle, as if a bird grew arms and legs and began to walk upright. Avian species, while not new, were not that common in the galaxy. The weak bones that allowed them to fly were not productive for the rigors of faster-than-light travel. And to add onto that, he was a very old one, with barely any red left to give truth to his name, only the faintest shreds of color remained on his feathers, along with the wrinkles and other symbols of time. Talons gripped around a cane that helped him walk slowly through the crowd, which tended to before the silent giants, who only occasionally gently nudged people out of the way for their charge.

They came to the security point themselves eventually, having joined the line and waited patiently, Wings humming an old song to himself and murmuring to his charges, whom only grunted or would click a mandible once or twice in response. After probably two hours of waiting, they finally came to the security checkpoint, where a tired guard came up to hold up a hand with the slight sloppiness that comes from a long shift that was nearing its ends. “Hold. Identification chit please.” The avian held up his hands for a moment.

“But of course, bear with me a moment. My old frame doesn't move as fast as it used to.” His right hand slipped into a pocket of his clothing, a rich dark blue with white inlays and gold designs of the Directorate all over, with a curved hood behind his head. The security members watched carefully, ready to react should he try to pull a gun or a bomb or his two guards exploded into violence. Nothing of the sort occurred, with Wings having drawn a clear rectangular piece of plastic with a chip in the middle and faint blue light pulsing out from it in various patterns. “Ah there it is. Here you go, young one.” The guard glanced at him, slightly off-put by the comment but ran the chit through the machine, putting it against the information in the database. There was a pause as the machine took its time processing and then the security guard started, looking back at him.

“Sir, you have priority access, if you had let us know you had a meeting-”

A waved claw silenced him. “Nonsense. There is no need to place myself before anyone. Besides, I wanted to try some of your Terran food. A tad spicy for me, but still delicious all the same. I trust everything is in order?”

The man blinked and seemed about to pass him through before one of the others coughed and he straightened. “R-Right, we need to confiscate your weapons and run a security scan. Standard procedure.”

“Of course. Continue as you need.” Wings clicked his beak and as one, the two guards handed over their weapons, just two high powered semi-automatic rifles, and pistols, they weren't going to go to a diplomatic meeting with a full kit. After a quick security check, with the Terrans resuming their usual stoic efficiency, they were quickly escorted through and directed to the meeting location. For after all, one of the leaders of the Directorate does not come to the center of another government lightly. Many nations in the Gamma Quadrant had felt the sting of the increased rate of raiding and pirate attacks, and the Directorate was no different. Their limited military was experiencing the stress of dealing with the growing attacks and had contacted their neighbors for agreements to cooperate on the matter. One of these neighbors had been a member of the Galactic Economic and Security Organization who had been quite helpful in offering aid and they had quite a few agreements worked out.

Apparently, there had been concerns about weapons of mass destruction that had been pushed after rumors of a Von- Neumann-esque threat was rearing its head in Delta. So they were calling a conference on the matter, with intent on presenting a document to be ratified and they had surprisingly called in the Directorate. He suspected the alliance may be trying to bring the Directorate more into their influential orbit, which was to be expected, but still it was something the Ternion was fine with pursuing. Other matters would be discussed, of course, but he viewed it as a way to learn more about this potential allies. He was finally directed to the appropriate room, with a few more checkpoints to make the transfers to get allowed into the protected area where the other heads of state and diplomats were gathering. The doorway couldn't accommodate the Oozori guards, so they were allowed to stay at the last security station, able to be called upon should the worst or some kind of attack happen. The doors finally opened to a meeting room instead of more hallways, with already several delegates at hand, and Wings moved himself to the seat provided for him, easing himself along with his cane. Whenever he got an acknowledged he would nod, give a weak wave with a hand and continue on his way.

Settling down into his chair, he began to look over the notes, clearly having become a bit late to the meeting. With help from a neighbor, he called up the documents about the gate system and began to give them a read. He had been expecting the weapons discussion, but that was later in the discussions according to the itinerary. Glancing over, he noticed he was seated next to another observer, apparently from an Abh Empire; sadly they looked a little annoyed at being here and he wasn't sure they would be inclined to discuss anything during the proceedings. With a cooing sigh, Wings settled himself into the chair, and let the very expensive and comfortable material ease his sore limbs. It had been a very long walk.

[The Humankind Abh]

At the moment, what concerned Dahlia was not the discussion on establishing a gate network among the members of GESO but who was actually in attendance. The Empire for some time had not bothered to take notice or interfere with those outside their realm of influence. That practice was beginning to change as evident in the housing of an ambassador on Talos Station so that a representative of the Abh was more available to other powers. Dahlia paged through her dossier to browse the information on the other nations represented at the table.

Most of the information was obtained second hand as the Abh had no dealings with those at the table outside the Terran President. Dahlia appraised the new arrival that sat next to her. Something seemed vaguely familiar of the markings and insignia on the avian's clothing. Dahlia quickly pulled up the information on Mythrandir and their griffin species. After a brief glance at the information and the nation's insignias, Dahlia saw that the two did not belong. She found an older entry though under a nation that the Abh had some prior dealings with. Undoubtedly the information that Dahlia's dossier retained was outdated but at least it was a familiar start.

The Abh diplomat the glass screen of her datapad off and leaned comfortably back in her chair as she folded one arm in front of her and held up her cup of tea with the other. As the others divulged into private conversations around the table, Dahlia slightly leaned towards Wings of Crimson.

"If I may, I find that a hot cup of tea with a slice of citrus fruit helps me to relax."

[Telros]

Crimson was still looking over the notes, using a slightly shaking talon to move through the various sections of the briefings for this gathering, his implant pinged a proximity alert to his senses. Although, it was an unnecessary measure, he had sensed the movement and distance closing of the person beside him. He continued to keep his interest on the information in front of him as he waited for this representative to make their intent known. While he had been briefed on what information they had on the various nations going to this meeting, their information network only had so much; they had only few agents in some of these nations, having mostly relied on merchant and scout contacts and agents placed around to get more general information. They had been focused on improving relations, opening trade deals and doing what they could their neighbors in Gamma; spying on other nations and getting more data on them outside of the ones they wanted to meet had not been the plan until recently. His train of thought was interrupted when a voice broke through his thoughts. Pressing the power button on the station in front of him, Wings turned to face the other diplomat, taking in who he was speaking to. A woman, mostly humanoid with slightly more peaked ears than most human species, most curious. His implant identified her as a member of the Humankind Abh, a large nation that was mostly focused on its internal affairs, although its vessels had been seen going on on many missions on occasion.

"If I may, I find that a hot cup of tea with a slice of citrus fruit helps me to relax."

He trilled in quiet laughter, grasping his walking implement firmly and leaning forward.

“I must say, I am surprised to find someone of such a like mind here. I was just thinking about how such a thing would help ease my bones. Something to deal with when you're my age. I'm afraid I don't happen to have anything of the like with me at the moment. If you are offering, however, I'd be happy to accept the invitation, perhaps over some polite discussion? It would seem this meeting is not ready to proceed and as a non-member, I can only provide comments. And, well, the young don't always like to listen to their elders.”

Amusement twinkled in his eye, as he waited for a response from Dahlia. No name had been provided yet, so he had withheld his. The Abh were an unknown factor; they could be a great ally and have similar principles or they could be another state that they would have to be polite but eternally watched? The next few minutes would tell.

But, for Wings, there was a point in their favor; they had excellent taste in tea.

[The Fedral Union]

President Shore, watched the various delegates that had arrived or settled in earlier begin to converse. He had aura of calm about himself, the turn out to the whole affair was palatable to say the least, he nodded politely to any new entrants into the chamber not wanting to interrupt the flow of the conference.

Ki stood in the center of the room, a subtle diplomatic smile still broke his normally dowery expression. He folded his arms behind him and began to speak just as he glanced about the room and at the gathered delegates.


“If we are to engage in this gate program, I’d like to note a few important points of debate. Since this project will be a multinational effort , with existing routes connected to other networks it is the belief of the Terran Alliance that certain measures be in place to assure the free flow of trade is not impeded even during a time of conflict.

Obviously we do not propose to assume we will or try to regulate the sovereign networks that participate but what we do propose is this.

First, that any recognized participating entity, or stellar power will have full rights and regulatory privileges of the sections they hold or construct.

Second, that a joint corporation inviting members of the participating entities should be established in order to facilitate constructive dialogue and hear any concerns that might arise.

And third , that each participating party should have their security forces, armed forces or whatever institution that maintains their networks security corporate and coordinate with other organizations within the network to maintain system integrity. “

Ki and Shore both knew that this entire proposal could not afford to be drowned in the usual red tape, but also knew some rough guidelines had to be put to pasture to at least reign in some possible side effects that could ensue by connecting net work to network.

This was a project never before embarked upon, it was not just one route, but several connecting many existing and vast networks to one another into one meta network. Ki slowly took a seat gripping a frosted cup with a fuzzy clawed hand taking a satisfied sip from it. Shore merely observed awaiting for things to move along, they all had a long way to go after all they still had the whole WMD affair to wrestle.

[The Humankind Abh]

A faint smile graced Dahlia's face as she regarded the ambassador. By the way he easily fell into conversation and his polite mannerisms, Dahlia found Wings to be an agreeable sort. There was nothing overly friendly thrown up like a wall to hide a false facade that many ambassadors often deployed. Such was like an overused battle tactic that any experienced battle commander could see through and counter.

The Empire had concluded a lengthy stint of concerning itself with mainly its own internal affairs and the expense of largely being absent from the realm of galactic politics. But that time had passed and now the Abh sought to at least have their name known outside of their sphere of influence. Ever concerned about the stability of trade routes, the Abh were also curious about the state of the wider galaxy and what problems plagued the smaller nations. Star Forces sent scout ships through the breadth of the galaxy to maintain intelligence on any great threat that threatened to redraw the galactic map. But as far as the smaller concerns of individual nations went, the Empire tended to pay them little heed.

While the Abh were interested in establishing new ties in the galaxy, that did not mean they were so eager to jump at every possible invitation. They were a patient lot and interested in learning about nations they had little information. Years of solitude had not diminished their pride.

"It seems that you and I have been cast the same lot as outsiders to this meeting. I imagine our opinions would be humored then promptly forgotten by more interested parties."

Dahlia considered going to her glass PDA to pull up a manifest of the different restaurants and cafes on the station but quickly decided against it. Her knowledge was still fairly limited on the station and one name in a list of others would be as good as the next in her mind.

"I believe a polite discussion some place more comfortable without a meeting going on in the background would be enjoyable. Unfortunately I am still fairly new to this station and am unfamiliar with which social gathering locations are preferable. Perhaps if you have a preference, otherwise I did bring some tea leaves from home that I would be willing to share."

[Perseid Federation]

Perseid Delegation to the Talos Conference
Talos Station, Gamma Quadrant — circa 1372 XS

---

So far the cordial welcome had given some optimism to the Perseid delegation. As they settled in their places around the table, Silvanos was trying to get used to the air about him. Many of the delegates were familiar faces to the Archon, for the Omospondia had been once part of their assembly, but it had seemed that they had put aside any negative sentiments that they harbored towards the Federation. Maybe they have let the Persexit be a bygone in foreign affairs, at least for now. If there was one thing that he would have liked to gain from this conference, the following would be his goals: first and foremost to mend any severed ties with GESO members through bilateral talks, secondly to ensure the Perseid Federation's national economic and security interests in this meeting, and thirdly to reaffirm the resolutions that were made at the Propylaea Conference. Not wasting any time to sit and chat, he and Sorishu looked over the notes that were in front of them as the meeting began.

A gate network expansion, huh? Silvanos remembered that talk had been circulating within the chambers of GESO of expanding the trade routes they already have. He was one of the Archons to be against the idea of constructing gates in Perseid space. He believed that both time and resources would go to waste in attempting to punch a hole into the fabric of spacetime—the Sivulon Trade Network might as well be thrown out the window should the government actually consider. But with the recent reorganization in the Ecclesia, things could be very well different. After all, a gate gave the Omospondia easy access to the prospective markets of the Delta Quadrant, cutting travel time by months compared to their more traditional "slipspace FTL". Opportunities to make travel easier and more convenient across the galaxy would sound prudent, especially in an age where they must make their place in the galaxy or decline into obscurity.

Silvanos chuckled at the mention of refreshments by the Terran foreign secretary. He thought that the Sagittarians were rather late to the party, pun intended. The Perseids, being the decadent sort of people they had accustomed to be, had that kind of convenience in abundance for hundreds of years. At least it felt like home for once. He tried to literally "think up" a glass of Nixxakaia to appear in front of him, and it was so. The table gave way to reveal a slot inside, and out of it came the wine glass. The rich purplish-red wine swirled a little as the glass was raised and placed in front of the Archon. So indeed they still enjoy Perseid wine... he mused as he took a small sip. Well, what can I say? After all, the texture and taste of it make Nixxakaia so addictive. It would be surprising if the Sagittarians don't find pleasure in drinking it. As he kept on sipping his wine nonchalantly, he tilted his head a little upwards and stared at Ki as the latter introduced his proposals.

Sorishu seemed more attentive. After all, this was the Firasai's first time to be attending an international summit of this scale, so he might as well want to note everything the others put forward to the table and ascertain their motives and interests that way. He felt a little nervous sitting alongside more seasoned diplomats and representatives who have been making and breaking deals years longer than he has, but he believed all he needed to do was to bring the best interests of the Omospondia forward to the table and not screw up. Was that not the goal of diplomacy? he presumed naively. Yet details about the expansion's actual extent were nebulous. Questions began to arise in his mind. How extensive are these expansions going to be, exactly? Which portions of the galaxy will be connected to this network? Where are the lines drawn when considering sections that are supposed to be under the full jurisdiction of any one star-state? How large a force should each participating nation contribute to secure the trade lanes?

Most of all, was his superior asking those same questions in his head? Probably. Well, Sorishu couldn't really tell from Silvanos' aloof mood. The Archon didn't seem to be paying attention to what Ki was saying—he was just staring aimlessly at his glass, watching the wine slowly swirl round and round. But as soon as the Terran foreign secretary finished speaking, he saw him placing the glass down and adjust his microphone. So he has been paying attention after all!

The Archon figured that he should be getting the ball rolling here. The Sagittarian had given his proposals, now it was time for him to take a few pokes at it. He began, "Pardon my observations, Secretary Ki, but these proposals that were offered to the table may be unclear and vague. While I understand that we have only just started to discuss the details of this gate network expansion—and that the proposed terms were offered in a manner that will account for the suggestions and recommendations of all the delegates in this room—but it is my opinion that it would certainly be helpful for us if there was a form of rudimentary framework in place to better describe this program and the extent to which nations signatory to this agreement will be involved."

"Firstly," he briefly glanced at his slate. "How extensive are these expansions going to be? Based on what was already said, it is likely that the program will focus on constructing routes that connect already existing networks. This raises the question regarding which networks will be connected by these expansions, and whether these networks will need new infrastructure or not to accommodate these connections. Secondly, what do you exactly mean by 'joint corporation'? Is it going to be a customs union, as with other multinational ventures involving the construction of trade networks? Or shall it be a platform for each participant of the program for negotiation and discussion? If it is the latter, it is better that we instead create a forum to facilitate this exchange. This forum may include government representatives, private businessmen and investors, and other associated groups that may have a vested interest in this expansion program."

He cleared his throat before continuing on. "Thirdly, to what extent will multinational cooperation happen between our respective spatial security forces? After all, each nation's security forces is limited to the sovereign space it holds, as well as to spatial zones where it can exercise its sovereign rights. Beyond that, it's international space, where there is an unspoken rule of universal jurisdiction in play. While any nation has the prerogative to patrol these areas of space, coordinating our efforts to combat piracy and prevent other criminal acts from taking place in those interstellar lanes—as well as deterring any hostile threats posed by outside sovereign states—remains a problem, even for multilateral parties. If it is sound to the other delegates of this meeting, the level of cooperation between our security forces should involve sharing intelligence with other forces if necessary in connection with any criminal activity or external threats."

Sorishu had no clue whether Silvanos' words had indeed been plucked from what he had heard, or if the wine had something to do with it. Perseids aren't known for conducting diplomacy while drunk, so it was safe for him to assume it was most likely the former. And certainly with good reason—a wise man famed to have been an alcoholic once said regarding the Omospondia, "If we choose to drink, we drink hard." And a drunk Archon didn't exactly make for good PR. One can only hope that he hasn't drunk enough of it to start slurring his words.

[The Fedral Union]

Ki, and President Shore listened rather intently to the Perseid delegations concerns and inquiries, as with all diplomatic meetings this was going to be filled with many details and proposals then counter proposals. Ki and Shore could already see that much coming, indeed it was and would continue to be rather hard to keep the attention of all the invited delegates so they all didn’t get lost or become incredibly bored of the trivial red tape being discussed.

Ki leaned back into his chair the questions posed were fair but it wasn’t as if he was unprepared for them, and with a simple nod and smile Ki replied his eyes glancing toward all of the delegates as he addressed The Archon’s points in succession.

“To address your points, our intent is to make this a multi-step program, the first steps would indeed involve the connection of existing routes at neutral locations closest to each of the respective larger systems that will be linked.

This may or may not require the construction of additional minor routes or infrastructure if that is the fact the participating powers will agree to subsidize these new minor routes. After all every stellar nation in this room would have something to gain by funding a route expansion across the galaxy in order for their goods to reach that much farther and for that much more return on investment.

As for this joint corporation, an open forum would be the best option to proceed , that was our intent. Obviously customs unions and trade blocs can still be discussed at this forum but its primary function should be to deal with the complex overlay of interlinking these different routes and balancing out the representation of each bloc or super bloc’s interests in fair use or what can be defined as fair use.”

Ki took a sip of water from his glass, his paw snugly fitting around it his lips touching the smooth glasses edge in a quick and subtle nip from the refreshing liquid that seemed to kept at a comfortably cool temperature at all times. Placing that glass down Ki proceeded to reply to the Archon’s other points in a calm manner of fact demeanor.


“As for the aspect of mutual cooperation, it is our belief that every member nation in this project would and should desire to support a much closer relationship between sovereign military and security assets to ensure the success of what we’re trying to achieve here.

The fact of the matter is, the way the network is being proposed renders some of the lawlessness of interstellar or intergalactic space moot, as the terminus of each junction would be at either neutral systems easily reached by reinforcements from parties to the network agreement or systems owned by powers themselves.

While the Terran Alliance would agree that the need to share information is crucial and perhaps necessary to secure and protect valuable cargo we should possibly explore the intricate details of security cooperation to our respective ministries of defense.”



Ki folded his hands on the table in front of him, he hopped that he was able to navigate those questions without too much deviation from the main points, everyone would of course have to weigh in and they would also have to work out any details about the forum that would be created but Ki was nonetheless satisfied with his reply.

He had discreetly made sure copies of the proposals at hand and the discussions were being distributed to all of the delegates for review their review. In some cases he was authorized to make it clear to some powers that the Terrans would even offer generous subsidies and loans or grants to include them in the network expansion. If that wasn’t a strong enough hint that they wanted even observing members to consider participating in this expansion he would be sure to spell it out more clearly in a proposal to them.

The conference as per what was normal for any such gatherings began to grind on with some of the more mundane affairs to be discussed, so it was hardly surprising that some delegates would rather do something other than the usual state businesses, and everything still had yet to proceed to the more contested treaty on the conventions of weapons of mass destruction. The reservations against the treaty within the GESO was surprising and still had to be addressed.

President Shore shifted forward in his seat, he let Ki take the handles of the trade network discussion quite deliberately. His issue where those aforementioned reservations about the treaty to come after these dry details regarding the gate network mega bloc project.

He was hardly looking forward to taking the brunt of heated words from delegates about over regulation a glass of cool blue liquid appeared on his table with one of his hands he picked it up and took a generous sip. The relaxing effects of that liquid did little to dissuade the knot forming in his stomach about the job he had ahead of him. It hadn’t even been six months and already he had to deal with the compounding issues of both domestic and foreign affairs.This was of course normal for any head of state and after all Shore was an experienced diplomat in his own right, but being president was something completely different in some respects to what he was used to.