The KL-22 Directorate Reaches Out to the Stars [IC|FT|OPEN]

[Lutvikkia]

THE DAMAGED CRUISER

As the shuttle made its landing on the damages bay floor. the team exited and began assessing the extent of damage.

Crewman Fanndalas: "This has been ripped to shreds, nothing remans."
Crewman Tolldarus: "I am heading to engineering to see if the backup bridges is still intact enough to give us information."
The team split up into three parties. One to the main bridge to asses the beacon and damage there. One to engineering, and the other, to see to the ship its self.

[Nuxipal]

Hangar Bay of IKN Arms of the Ocean, Gwarm Light Cruiser
Inner CX System

The KL-22 Ship made its way into the hangar. Awaiting them was the diplomatic team standing nearby to where their diplomatic shuttle came to a landing. In total there were five beings to greet these ambassadors of the KL-22. Around them, fighter craft were being maintained as there was a large number of unknown vessels in the system and the ships would need to be scrambled at a moment's notice. Sure enough, shortly after the diplomatic shuttle lands two pairs of craft lift off and exit from the far hangar opening to provide a small screen around the cruiser should any weapons be deployed against them during the meeting.

On the bridge, Ship Master Qixan watched the displays light up as his ship deployed probes in a sphere one half light second radius from the cruiser. The probes would provide an additional screen and bring in a vast quantity of data regarding anything taking place near the cruiser. one of the first things that the sensors picked up was a binary transmission coming from the ship which was marked as USSL Drovag. The binary was easily deciphered and the translation appeared in Qixan's mind. He sorted the information and send copies to his crew and pilots to have that vessel marked as diplomatic contact B. A transmission was embedded into one of the probes which seemed to vanish from sensors as it opened a rift canal and delivered the message to the fleet at range. A response was drafted and a probe deployed the deliver the message from a closer range, one which guaranteed no interception was possible. Continuing the Binary code that was initially used the probe relays its message.

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Additionally, embedded within the code were the names of the Fleet Master, Ship Master they were corresponding with, and the Fleet Commander which commanded the Exploration fleet now that the Fleet Master was busy with diplomatic talks. Questions for any of them could be relayed to this probe which would in turn bring it directly to the IKN Arms of the Ocean.



Bridge of the IKN Beyond the Veil
70 Light Hours from Center of CX System

With the Fleet Master gone, his Second took command of the Battleship and the exploration fleet. A Xanthiri officer named Fleet Commander Ishta. She was the ranking member of the Exploration fleet at this time simply from her seniority of service opposed to the Fleet Commander in charge of the Support Flotilla aboard his Heavy Cruiser. As the message came across that this ship was diplomatically open and that the KL-22 diplomatic team was aboard the Cruiser, the Battleships own probes began searching the system for matches to the USSL Drovag to ensure there was no trap waiting for them. Past experiences with socialist and communist nations had caused the Federal Monarchy to distrust them outright. While the ship had the same number of the small four inch diameter probes as the light Cruiser, the Battleship's would need to quickly dart from location to location around the system through rift canals to create a time accurate map of the outermost portions of the system. Particularly the immediate 10 light hours around the fleet to ensure no fleets were hiding their signatures. Detection methods ranged from simple light sample scans to more advanced gravitational anomaly and mass detection scans.

While this was taking place orders to the Battleship's hangars to have the Locusts prepared on a 30 second notice for immediate swarm deployment was issued by Ishta. The Support flotilla was to take defensive positions around the fleet with the Yolkin Projection Array Craft (Y-PAC) initiating pre-deployment systems and acquiring locks with the other Y-PACs so as to activate defensive arrays should a long ranged threat become apparent. Overall, the fleet was kept on the highest alerts, even the light and heavy cruisers of the first and Second Flotillas were put into combat positions near the larger Battleship. Ishte then returned the messenger probe back in system or sent her own as replacements if she needed an area these probes were near scouted sooner.

[Laiakia]

Aboard the USSLS Drovag, Bridge

The many officers of the Drovag was talking amongst eachother, but were taken out of this joyous occasion with the detection of a single probe carrying a message appearing near the carrier and a response from the KL-22 together with a shuttle. The binary translator quickly translated both messages and they were sent to Fleet Commander Trion Bloodheart while he was making his way down to hangar H-1. Orders were given and two APEX-5 fighters loaded with sensor equipment were prepared for launch as a response was drafted to the KL-22.

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A response was then drafted to the Federal Monarchy of Kesrith probe.

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The bridge officers were sceptical in preforming talks with other nations, but were quickly convinced otherwise with the prospect of gaining new allies or spreading socialism abroad in space. A small message was then drafted with the highest encryption and sent to the fleet that was awaiting further order.

Space, 1st Scout Fleet

The 1st Scout Fleet was now on the highest of alerts with the knowledge that another fleet was nearby. Admiral Krumash Validity, the second-in-command, decided that every ship sould come together and form into a triangle formation, ready for combat.

Aboard the USSLS Drovag, Hangar H-1

The hangar bay had been cleaned and a few soldiers were standing in formation, awaiting the arrival of the KL-22 shuttle and Fleet Commander Trion Bloodheart. Said Fleet Commander entered the hangar with two of his elite troopers and gazed upon the men that saluted him when he went past. His metallic boots clicked against the floor as he paced around, awaiting the diplomatic shuttle.

Space, APEX-5 Fighters

The two fighter craft was now launched and awaiting their escort so that they could commence a survey of the CX System.

[Mercatus]

TO: GREATER CATARAPANIA

WE WILL BE WILLING TO SEND INFORMATION ON THE INFECTION, HOWEVER, WE HAVE QUESTIONS OF OUR OWN.

WHAT IS SOLSYSTEM?

WHAT IS A TELEPHONE CALL?

Meanwhile...

The soldiers and fighter pilots prepared to leave the station, knowing that staying was dangerous. The Swordsman looked as the shuttle left, I'm disappointed by his cowardice.... Haste was made to board the craft, as well as leave the station. The ships left at maximum sublight speed out of the hangar, and quickly turned to the singular dreadnought left in the system.

[Otrenia]

KL-22 Shuttle - SA-0224

"Considering the incidents that have occurred so far, I understand the disinclination." said Byrne. "Perhaps after this initial phase of contact with all the states that have contacted the KL-22, multilateral talks can be reconsidered. We have made first contact with a number of states due to this as well, with the exception of a few troublemakers, many of them seem very reasonable: the KL-22, Lutvikkians, and several of the new arrivals especially."

"That's a consideration for the future, however." noted Socea, her two sets of eye blinking calmly. "At present, we need only set about the first steps to building a successful relationship. Usually, in these instances, we'd begin by inviting your state to send representatives to visit our homeworld, and be formally introduced to our government. While there you'd have the opportunity to more fully learn about our culture and society. Following that, an exchange of embassies between our two states, if both sides deem the visit a success. Would this be agreeable to you?"

"Of course," said Byrne, "We'd be happy to answer any initial questions you may have about our state, as well."

---

The Monsoon

Aboard the Monsoon, Commander Heikna received the message from the Confederate Admiral. A wave of displeasure swept through the ship, strong enough to rattle the humans and Laprans aboard. Workers throughout the ship paused momentarily, their antennae twitching tempestuously, before the Hive Queen caught herself.

I apologize for that outburst, she thought contacting them all at once, very unprofessional of me. The emotional periphery of her telepathy quickly dissipated as she restrained herself, her workers returning calmly to their tasks.

Attache Noren, now feeling only his own annoyance, spoke up. "You aren't alone in your feelings, Commander," he said, gazing at the message also displayed on his screen, "it certainly takes a lot of nerve to pull those kinds of stunts in a diplomatic first contact, and then pull a he started it."

Not to mention the apparent construction they've undertaken in KL-22 space, certainly an immense violation of interstellar law by the standards of any civilized state. I'm sure the KL-22 will handle it, however, much as they handled the squabbling. To that end, now that we've finished towing this Lutvikkian craft, I'm taking the ship back into a more reasonable distance, she thought to him, her tone still radiating some irritation. Please respond to the Confederates, we needn't trouble Byrne with this nuisance.

"I can see why you didn't join the diplomatic corps." said Noren, with smile.

Quite so, thought Heikna, with the Otrenian equivalent of a slight chuckle, the attache's joke having brightened her mood significantly.

Noren quickly drafted and sent the reply, while the Monsoon finished tractoring the Lutvikkian cruiser. The ship turned gracefully, and began it's approach back towards CX-04, broadcasting it's projected flight path to Command Prime.

To: Admiral Santos
From: Junior Attache Kaiden Noren

Your Excellency, while we would be honored to engage in diplomatic relations, I'm afraid the capabilities of this particular mission are overextended at this point. When our lead diplomats finish their talks with the KL-22 there may be time for discussions, barring any further instructions from our Ministry of Foreign Affairs. However, we would also be amenable to arranging talks at a later time, at a neutral location of your choosing.

[The KL-22]

Mental Construct
Stern Bunk
Nimloth
As the two droids interfaced, their experiences, memories, understandings were all shared. Immediately after the two of them connected, HuBart would have been transported to a blue room.

HuBart found himself and two other individuals in a chamber he vaguely recognized. It was a large round room with half the stylings of the Mind Empire’s traditional religious imagery with a resplendent dome and golden and green floral carvings on chrome and alabaster walls, and half what must have been the mechanical aesthetic designs of the KL-22. The two individuals he saw were clearly embodiments of the Diplomat droid and Command Prime. The Diplomat droid still looked as though it looked in real life, while Command Prime appeared to be a glowing embodiment of the KL-22 droid design.

The design of the room was likely due to what HuBart realized was the melding of memories, it was a dream locale that they together had imagined up as neutral ground where they could speak freely. HuBart initiated the dialogue: “So, you are… Command Prime? Greetings. I am HuBart Braoze. What did you wish to speak to me about privately that my party could not hear?"

The shining body seemed to flicker somewhat, as if registering and recognising the area around it. Suddenly, it changed in form to a mechanically modified, perhaps cybernetic, Haman, the feeling of being around it far less like being around a great civilisation's leader, and more like talking to a friend, albeit one with a great sense of self-respect and dignity.

"So," the embodiment of Command Prime spoke, "I don't know what I expected, but likely not this," it looked around in its representative form, gazing around the room from detail to detail, before looking back towards HuBart, realising it had become distracted, "Well, my questions take many forms, of course. Your nation is, to us, well…" the Command Nexus cycled its hands as if wanting to elaborate, "A contradiction."

Command Prime placed its hands behind its back and walked around in a circle, "For years, our philosophy has been that droid and biological cannot coexist in a single state. The droid values order, the biologic values individuality. We both value efficiency, but for different reasons - biologicals value efficiency in the moment, to do less work, then rest longer, while the droid values efficiency to better itself and its group. So what are you, HuBart, and how does the state you represent even operate?"

“Now that is an interesting take” HuBart chuckled. He was not so much surprised as he was amused that the Command Prime articulated itself this way. “What little you told me of your past tells me that your biologicals didn’t see the true value in you. And by marking things only in efficiency, I see where they may have made some errors.”

“The coexistence that’s baffling you is one that we did work hard to achieve. Hame’s ancient history, the cataclysm that we had to pull ourselves out of, resulted in many things before our time in the stars. One of those was that some of the survivor groups saw the emergence of singularities and artificial intelligences. Only a few of those early constructs yet survive today, but their heirs continue to live on. In that millennium it became accepted that there were two types of thinking machine: servile and contemplative. The kind that I am, the contemplative, think beyond our base programming and are in all things the equals to our Haman brethren, if not their superiors in skill.”

“A Haman may choose to make themselves digital, or live as a machine. Likewise, a constructed intelligence may wish to be borne into a fleshbound body. During the days before Balazar’s reign and during the unification wars the lines were so blurred between what separated Haman from construct that legally all contemplatives and Hamans became equals under the law.”

“This is not so for all the species who now inhabit the Empire, but it is true for Hamankind. That is why Willem and I are brothers, my constructed consciousness was adopted by my parents, who had Willem the 'old fashioned' way. Likewise, he and I are technically equals on this mission. He is the senior of us, having been in the diplomatic department longer than me, but the Sages thought it best that at least one construct represented our interests to you.”

“I am sorry Command Prime that the Kaylax did not wish to see the benefits of mutual cooperation.”

Command Prime sat upon a chair, which manifested itself from the room around it, only coming into existence as Command Prime sat, "See, I understand what you mean on a base level. Perhaps my own naïvete, more than anything. But the deeper question, the contemplation you speak of… It speaks to a biologic trait, even a trait in any species, we have yet to see. Pure, simple generosity."

Command Prime crossed its arms, sitting back, simply attempting to comprehend all of the conversation. It called over to the Diplomatic Droid, who disappeared in one place and appeared next to Command Prime.

"The Kalyax gave us much," Command Prime spoke, a small sneer to its constructed mouth, "But their expectations in turn left us lacking. Even I, who was able to take from them much as I existed incorporeally before my campaign began, remained short of what I could have been. And it was by design. And due to that, there has always been an upper limit to our civilisation. Not necessarily technological, not just within our circuits," Command Prime tapped the droid on the shoulder, and the front of its head unit seemed to come away and disappear, "Within our minds. They gave us the ability to gain sentience, but never allowed us to go further. Was it from fear, was it from worry? Perhaps. Or was it from a simple wish to keep us subservient, that we have not been able to overcome even now?"

“Hard to say, though some hints lie before you…” HuBart pondered, and took his own seat that materialized behind him, a reclining couch. “The question now doesn’t lie with the Kaylax but with you. They are gone… maybe not entirely but at least for now. You however, and your people are living here on this planet you’ve made your own. The next step lies entirely in your hands.”

He paused and then asked “is THAT why you want to trade technology? You’re looking for a way to expand your consciousness? Get beyond the limits the Kaylax placed on you?”

As he awaited an answer HuBart remarked on another point Command Prime had made regarding generosity: “I should tell you, my people are only so generous. I think we are as accepting due to the tenets of our faith. I could name a few examples even among my own friends who still exemplify good old evolution borne greed.” He laughed.

Command Prime seemed to think for a moment. Think about whether this droid, one he even now did not fully know, was in actual fact trustworthy. Droids in general are trustworthy - they are programmed, and they fulfill that programming. Until they don't, Command Prime realised. Perhaps they were not so different from biologicals after all. But even so, HuBart had guessed correctly.

"I cannot lie once you have worked it out," Command Prime spoke, "All this talk - faster than light technology, better communication systems… they pale in comparison to the true aim. The expansion of the mind. The extension of sapient capacity to my people."

Command Prime pointed towards HuBart, "See, something stuck out to me when you first returned our communication. Your valuing of the mind, far beyond what so many other states value. You even have it in the name, it's plain to see that it's your prime focus."

The Droid Nexus stood, looking away from the Droid from the other state, the embodiment of Command Prime seeming to sigh deeply as it thought, "We stand on a precipice. There is so much to gain, but so much that could be lost should we go down this path," it looked back to HuBart, "Do you think we should?"

HuBart sat amazed. He thought for a moment about how to answer the Nexus’s plea. What was there to gain or to lose in reality? Nothing, and everything for them. He felt sympathy for them in his programmed soul.

“I can say this much to you Command Prime, if it is what your people value most, you must seek out your goal. This wasn’t part of what we originally had in mind when it came to trade, however, your appellation to the enhancement of the Mind could not do more to reach the very heart of our spiritual leaders. They will approve my inquest for you.”

“What I have in mind,” HuBart said as he mentally showed Command Prime his meaning, “Is that we send an emissary from Hame to your people. One of our more complex Constructed intelligences, perhaps a missionary team if you like. They will bear the data and programming you might need to rebuild yourselves.”

HuBart continued; “To make this a fair trade, we would like your approval to build a portal at the edge of your system. This portal will connect with a network in one of our frontier systems, whereby we can make light and quick travel time between us.”

“We would of course not do anything without your permission, but I feel like this would help facilitate good commerce and relations between our states for the future. And in addition to your goal of the heart, we can also provide you with more scouting technology and map knowledge of the space around you… at least in our direction.”

“How does this sound?” HuBart asked “I know it’s a lot to consider, and given your programming is alien to us we may not have all the answers you need. But we are willing to help you. It is our mission. The Quasi-Faith commands all Hamans to expand knowledge and wisdom wherever there are willing minds and open ears and eyes.”

Command Prime subtly nodded, the ideas made sense to it. There yet remained the concept that life would change irrevocably should this go ahead. Command Prime that day had lost a great deal. D01 weighed heavily on its mental capacities. And was sentience even the correct path for the KL-22, Command Prime was not sure. This uncertainty was a great weakness. The Nexus had to be certain, it knew. But how could it be?

"I set our prime faculties, I invented the directive of the KL-22, and from that came the Directorate. And that directive has always been clear - expand and benefit our new race," Command Prime's representation gained a stoic look, "Yes. Surely it is. I must accept to be true to ourselves and our aims."

HuBart listened and nodded. “I think sometimes that uncertainty is the surest sign we have that we are sentient.” He chuckled, “I recognized the pattern in the way you compose yourself. I grew up with my brother and we dealt with it as kids. We can’t always predict the future. But we can make leaps of faith.”

HuBart extended his hand to the Command Nexus, in what it would have recognized from HuBart’s memories as a handshake. “If you’ll accept, let’s agree like sentients. Shall I tell my brother we are approved to build the portal? And shall I tell my sovereigns that you want an emissary of our constructs?”

Command Prime smiled, a hopeful smile, looking forward to things to come, "Indeed, you may tell them these things."

As Command Prime shook HuBart's hand, the constructed reality simply fell away. The Blue Room, the projection of Command Prime, all gone. HuBart and the Diplomatic Droid stood alone in the Stern Bunk. The Diplomatic Droid stared almost blankly towards HuBart.

HuBart shook his head for a moment, realizing he was back in real time. Nodding to the diplomat droid he opened the bunk doors and told the Malluman guards “Ladies, negotiations are complete. Escort the diplomat to it’s vessel.” The Ronin agreed.

HuBart would follow them and link back up with his brother and Lady Rakaya. He would tell them simply that “We’ve made an in-road. And we have permission to build the portal. I will be sending a notice to the Sage’s immediately.”

Willem beamed with pride. “My brother, the miracle worker of diplomacy!”

HuBart grinned, “No brother, I’m just a man who understands people.”

[The KL-22]

Hangar Bay of IKN Arms of the Ocean, Gwarm Light Cruiser
Inner CX System

The KL-22 Ship made its way into the hangar. Awaiting them was the diplomatic team standing nearby to where their diplomatic shuttle came to a landing. In total there were five beings to greet these ambassadors of the KL-22. Around them, fighter craft were being maintained as there was a large number of unknown vessels in the system and the ships would need to be scrambled at a moment's notice. Sure enough, shortly after the diplomatic shuttle lands two pairs of craft lift off and exit from the far hangar opening to provide a small screen around the cruiser should any weapons be deployed against them during the meeting.

The KL-22 craft landed with a hiss of the hydraulic landing gear, and the sound of engines whirred down as the Shuttlecraft came to a complete stop. The silent craft stood there for a few seconds. Then, a door in the rear of the Shuttlecraft opened quickly. Inside, perhaps unexpected to the nation of Kesrith, was one single droid. Not flanked by any guards, and certainly not biological. This being stood at the exit of the Shuttlecraft, gazing at the five individuals and the numerous fighters that were being let loose around the Shuttlecraft. It analysed its surroundings quickly, making best use of the time, before rapidly walking down the Shuttle bay door towards the diplomatic team aboard the IKN Arms of the Ocean.

"Greetings. This unit is a recently designated diplomatic droid. We welcome representatives of the Kesrithian state to this system. Please notify this unit should the Directorate's understanding of your language be faulty."

Aboard the USSLS Drovag, Hangar H-1

The hangar bay had been cleaned and a few soldiers were standing in formation, awaiting the arrival of the KL-22 shuttle and Fleet Commander Trion Bloodheart. Said Fleet Commander entered the hangar with two of his elite troopers and gazed upon the men that saluted him when he went past. His metallic boots clicked against the floor as he paced around, awaiting the diplomatic shuttle.

The KL-22 Shuttlecraft entered into the hangar, landing quickly and efficiently, shutting down the engines and opening the door a short time faster than the Shuttlecraft on the Kesrithian carrier. This was due to the fact that the USSLS Drovag did not have the same urgency in releasing their fighters past the Shuttlecraft. This was noted and allowed for a quicker, less cautious departure. The KL-22 droid stood at the top of the shuttlecraft ramp, watching the numerous soldiers beneath it. It scanned them and made its way down towards the Fleet Commander and his soldiers.

"Greetings. This unit is a recently designated diplomatic droid. We welcome representatives of the Laiakian state to this system. Please notify this unit should the Directorate's understanding of your language be faulty."

KL-22 Shuttle - SA-0224

"Considering the incidents that have occurred so far, I understand the disinclination." said Byrne. "Perhaps after this initial phase of contact with all the states that have contacted the KL-22, multilateral talks can be reconsidered. We have made first contact with a number of states due to this as well, with the exception of a few troublemakers, many of them seem very reasonable: the KL-22, Lutvikkians, and several of the new arrivals especially."

"That's a consideration for the future, however." noted Socea, her two sets of eye blinking calmly. "At present, we need only set about the first steps to building a successful relationship. Usually, in these instances, we'd begin by inviting your state to send representatives to visit our homeworld, and be formally introduced to our government. While there you'd have the opportunity to more fully learn about our culture and society. Following that, an exchange of embassies between our two states, if both sides deem the visit a success. Would this be agreeable to you?"

"Of course," said Byrne, "We'd be happy to answer any initial questions you may have about our state, as well."

The Droid present on the Shuttlecraft noted Byrne's suggestion, "This is the intent of Command Prime. However, the stipulations which currently exist, stating that no combat shall be engaged within the home system and that no more than one craft of any one nation shall be stationed here, are prudent measures that will ensure the continued survival of our people, and shall not be revoked once this early period of our diplomacy has ceased. More like Mercatus and the Confederacy shall come, presenting bellicosity while we wish for none of that."

The Droid turned to Socea, "This too is agreeable. Otrenia has proven itself level-headed and rational, similar to how our own Directorate acts, without bowing to emotion. Command Prime would agree with the idea of sending a representative to your homeworld, though for reasons yet beyond my knowledge, advises that this waits for a later point in time rather than occurs immediately. However, the KL-22 Directorate is always eager to learn about other states. Command Prime does have a question in regards to the operations of the Otrenian state. It is obvious that the Otrenian state does not organise itself like many of the other individualist biological realms the KL-22 has contact or former conflict with."

Space, APEX-5 Fighters

The two fighter craft was now launched and awaiting their escort so that they could commence a survey of the CX System.

Four fighter droidcraft now rendezvoused with the two fighter craft from Laiakia, and moved to the side of each fighter that they had released. Wherever the fighters went, the droidcraft would follow. They sent a handshake signal to the fighters, indicating that they were ready to begin surveying the system.

[Nuxipal]

Hangar Bay of IKN Arms of the Ocean, Gwarm Light Cruiser
Inner CX System

The KL-22 Ship made its way into the hangar. Awaiting them was the diplomatic team standing nearby to where their diplomatic shuttle came to a landing. In total there were five beings to greet these ambassadors of the KL-22. Around them, fighter craft were being maintained as there was a large number of unknown vessels in the system and the ships would need to be scrambled at a moment's notice. Sure enough, shortly after the diplomatic shuttle lands two pairs of craft lift off and exit from the far hangar opening to provide a small screen around the cruiser should any weapons be deployed against them during the meeting.

The KL-22 craft landed with a hiss of the hydraulic landing gear, and the sound of engines whirred down as the Shuttlecraft came to a complete stop. The silent craft stood there for a few seconds. Then, a door in the rear of the Shuttlecraft opened quickly. Inside, perhaps unexpected to the nation of Kesrith, was one single droid. Not flanked by any guards, and certainly not biological. This being stood at the exit of the Shuttlecraft, gazing at the five individuals and the numerous fighters that were being let loose around the Shuttlecraft. It analysed its surroundings quickly, making best use of the time, before rapidly walking down the Shuttle bay door towards the diplomatic team aboard the IKN Arms of the Ocean.

"Greetings. This unit is a recently designated diplomatic droid. We welcome representatives of the Kesrithian state to this system. Please notify this unit should the Directorate's understanding of your language be faulty."

Hangar Bay of IKN Arms of the Ocean, Gwarm Light Cruiser
Inner CX System

Fleet Master Flamebred had prepared extensively for this, however, a synthetic diplomat was not expected. However, it was possible that the Directorate's droid was simply a tool by which they would communicate with the various new contacts that have started to arrive in their home system. It made sense to do this to expedite the process and no major changes were to be made to their approach.

She stepped towards the droid, the others not moving from their position. "I am Fleet Master Sylri Flamebred, I command the 39th Exploration Fleet for the Federal Monarchy of Kesrith. I assure you, our Queen would be glad to call you all friends. Your grasp of our language is sufficient for trade purposes and we would be more than happy to send additional information to your people so that they may further their understanding of our common language."

The Fleet Master then made the most common adjustment to the first contact protocol, an old and outdated set of rules as it was, and skipped the offering of vassalhood to the newly discovered species. Instead, skipping down to cooperation and relation building. "We would like to offer our cooperation in the security of this region of space as well as trade and cultural exchanges to be facilitated in this system. We have designated this universe as NS-3 and have limited territory here, however, our fleet was dispatched to find a suitable location for a resource collection facility and any potential worlds for a colony. Are there any particular questions you have for me regarding my position, my species, or my nation?"

[Greater Catarapania]

NOTIFICATION: ASSUMPTION DESIGNATED - CORRECT. SYNTHETIC LIAISON APPRECIATED
QUERY: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHANCELLOR DAVIS [?? BIOLOGICAL ??] AND PRESENT SYNTHETIC LIAISON
EXPLANATION: FORMER DIPLOMATIC STATION DESIGNATED D01 DEVELOPED FAULT. KL-22 DESTRUCTOR CRAFT DESIGNATED SPACE PROTOCOL GROUP 01 - SERVICE - SENT TO DECONSTRUCT STATION.
NOTIFICATION: NO REPLACEMENT REQUIRED
NOTIFICATION: INFORMATION REGARDING BERSERKER HYPOTHESIS RECEIVED.
OBSERVATION: SAID GAME THEORY APPEARS VALID, THOUGH DISQUALIFIES THE POSSIBILITY OF LIMITED CAUTIOUS CONTACT RESULTING IN DIVERSIFICATION INTO THE STRATAGEMS OUTLINED IN SAID HYPOTHESIS ONCE UNDERSTANDING IS ACHIEVED.
NOTIFICATION: THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN KL-22 PROTOCOL IN REGARD TO OUTSIDE INTERACTIONS, INCLUDING WHILE KNOWLEDGE OF EXTRACELIAN STATES LIMITED.
COUNTERPOINT: STATE DESIGNATED 'MERCATUS' HAS COMMUNICATED TO THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE IN THE PAST REGARDING ENTITY DESIGNATED [V312].
RECOMMENDATION: COMMUNICATION WITH MERCATUSIAN STATE ABOUT SAID ENTITY.

NOTIFICATION: THIS UNIT CALCULATES A 79.4% PROBABILITY THAT YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE RIGHTS OF SYNTHETICS IN CATARAPANIA.

OBSERVATION: THIS IS AMUSING, DUE TO THINGS WE HAVE NOT YET HAD REASON TO TELL YOU.

NOTIFICATION: IF YOU WISH FULL DETAIL, IT CAN BE PROVIDED, BUT SUFFICE IT TO SAY THAT WHILE BIOLOGICALS STILL OCCUPY THE HIGHEST POSITIONS IN GOVERNMENT, THIS IS LARGELY DUE TO HOW RECENTLY THE RIGHTS OF SYNTHETICS WERE RECOGNIZED, AND DESPITE MAKING UP LESS THAN 1% OF THE CATARAPANIAN POPULATION, 5.67% OF CATARAPANIAN SENATE SEATS ARE HELD BY SYNTHETICS - 17 OUT OF 300. OF THESE, 15 SUPPORTED DAVIS' BID FOR A SECOND TERM AS CHANCELLOR, DUE TO HIS ROLE IN THE INTEGRATION OF SYNTHETICS INTO CATARAPANIAN SOCIETY. THESE VOTES WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN HIS REELECTION. THE REMAINING TWO ABSTAINED FROM SUPPORTING HIM DUE TO HIS OPPOSITION TO THE RIGHT OF HUMANS TO ACQUIRE PERMANENT HARDWARE UPGRADES.

OBSERVATION: CHANCELLOR DAVIS IS INORDINATELY PLEASED WITH HIMSELF OVER THE FACT THAT THE ONLY SYNTHETIC SENATORS TO OPPOSE HIS REELECTION DID SO ON THE BASIS OF HIS HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD.

NOTIFICATION: THIS UNIT IS ONE OF THE FEW GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, BIOLOGICAL OR SYNTHETIC, WHO DOES NOT ANSWER TO CHANCELLOR DAVIS. THIS UNIT WAS APPOINTED TO THE POSITION OF LORD GOVERNOR OF THE CALORIS BASIN AND EQUATORIAL MERCURY BY THE CURRENT REIGNING MEMBER OF THE NATIVE CATARAPANIAN ROYAL FAMILY, KING PAREMAHANA IGNON. THIS UNIT SPEAKS WITH THE AUTHORITY OF THE KING IN MERCURY'S HILL SPHERE, AND GOVERNS A LARGE POPULATION, BOTH BIOLOGICAL AND SYNTHETIC, ON HIS BEHALF. THIS UNIT ALSO CONTROLS THE OUTPUT OF THE CATARAPANIAN SOLAR FARMS, WHICH IS MULTIPLE EXAWATTS OF POWER.

NOTIFICATION: WE ARE ALREADY IN CONTACT WITH MERCATUS. SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY AID IN DISPOSING OF THIS [V312], OUR SHIPS ARE STILL ON STANDBY.

NOTIFICATION: CATARAPANIA IS A RELATIVELY MILITARISTIC NATION, SO I HOPE YOU WILL UNDERSTAND IF THE BIOLOGICALS ARE SOMEWHAT PARANOID ON THE BEHALF OF THEIR NEW POTENTIAL ALLIES, THE KL-22. IN PARTICULAR, THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE NUMBER OF ADVANCED CIVILIZATIONS OUR PROBE HAS DETECTED IN YOUR SYSTEM, AND THE IMPLICATIONS IT HAS FOR YOUR SOVEREIGNTY. WHILE WE HAVE EXPERIENCE DEFENDING AGAINST ATTACK BY A MORE ADVANCED STATE, WE CANNOT CURRENTLY LEVERAGE THAT EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR BENEFIT WITHOUT VIOLATING YOUR SOVEREIGNTY OURSELVES. SO THIS UNIT HAS COME UP WITH AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF PROVIDING MATERIAL AID TO YOU THAT BOTH BIOLOGICALS AND FELLOW SYNTHETICS FIND ACCEPTABLE.

NOTIFICATION: INSTEAD OF SENDING YOU SHIPS, WE WILL SEND YOU FABRICATION TEMPLATES. SPECIFICALLY, FABRICATION TEMPLATES FOR THE TECHNOLOGIES WE FOUND MOST EFFECTIVE AGAINST THE PIETHRIXIANS. THESE ARE CURRENTLY STATE SECRETS, SO THERE ARE TWO CONDITIONS WE REQUIRE OF YOU BEFORE WE SEND YOU THIS INFORMATION.

CONDITION ONE: YOU WILL NOT SHARE THE INFORMATION WE PROVIDE WITH ANY STATE MORE ADVANCED THAN YOURSELVES.

CONDITION TWO: YOU WILL CONSTRUCT A QUANTUM COMMUNICATIONS DATALINK TO THE SPECIFICATIONS PROVIDED IN THIS TRANSMISSION, WHICH WILL ALLOW US TO SEND THE INFORMATION TO YOU VIA TANGLE CHANNEL, ENSURING ABSOLUTE SECURITY.

NOTIFICATION: THE INFORMATION TO BE TRANSMITTED, SHOULD YOU PROMISE TO ABIDE BY THE FIRST CONDITION AND MEET THE SECOND CONDITION, WOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
1. CATARAPANIAN SWARM TECH. NANOSWARMS CAPABLE OF ESTABLISHING ISTAR NETWORKS BEHIND ENEMY LINES, INTERFERING WITH ENEMY C4I FUNCTIONS, AND IF THE ENEMY FAILS TO TAKE ADEQUATE PRECAUTIONS, EVEN SUBVERT ENEMY SYSTEMS.
2. EVERYTHING WE LEARNED ABOUT FTL FROM THE PIETHRIXIAN TECHNOLOGY WE ACQUIRED DURING THE WAR.
3. HOPSCOTCH MUNITIONS. THESE ARE SINGLE USE FTL JUMP DRIVES, POWERED BY A NUCLEAR DETONATION, AND ONLY GOOD FOR ONE TO TEN LIGHT SECONDS. THESE ALLOW MUNITIONS TO EFFECTIVELY BYPASS ANY DEFLECTOR SHIELDS THE ENEMY MAY HAVE UP, AS THE EVENT HORIZON FORMED BY ALCUBIERRE DRIVE OPERATION PREVENTS THE OUTSIDE WORLD FROM INTERACTING WITH THE MUNITION UNTIL IT DROPS OUT OF WARP.
4. OPTIONALLY, WE CAN ALSO APPEND INFORMATION REGARDING CATARAPANIAN METHODS OF ANTIMATTER AND METALLIC HYDROGEN PRODUCTION. THESE WOULD ALLOW THE PRODUCTION OF SMALLER, MORE EFFICIENT NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVES CAPABLE OF POWERING HOPSCOTCH MUNITIONS.

QUERY: DO YOU FIND THIS DEAL SATISFACTORY?

Appended to the transmission is the template for a quantum communications unit.

----------

TO: GREATER CATARAPANIA

WE WILL BE WILLING TO SEND INFORMATION ON THE INFECTION, HOWEVER, WE HAVE QUESTIONS OF OUR OWN.

WHAT IS SOLSYSTEM?

WHAT IS A TELEPHONE CALL?

TO: MERCATUS

SOLSYSTEM IS OUR HOME SYSTEM. GIVEN YOUR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT, WE WILL NOT YET SEND YOU THE COORDINATES TO OUR SYSTEM, BUT IF YOU MARK THE INFECTION'S EXTENT RELATIVE TO LOCAL PULSARS, WE WILL BE ABLE TO DEDUCE THE REST OURSELVES.

A TELEPHONE CALL IS A TERRAN METHOD OF COMMUNICATION OVER LONG DISTANCES. WHILE THIS PROBE ISN'T STRICTLY A TELEPHONE, IT DOES PERFORM MANY ANALOGOUS FUNCTIONS.

IT IS USUALLY ILLEGAL, AND ALWAYS CONSIDERED RUDE, TO LISTEN IN ON SOMEONE ELSE'S TELEPHONE CALL.

[The KL-22]

Hangar Bay of IKN Arms of the Ocean, Gwarm Light Cruiser
Inner CX System

Fleet Master Flamebred had prepared extensively for this, however, a synthetic diplomat was not expected. However, it was possible that the Directorate's droid was simply a tool by which they would communicate with the various new contacts that have started to arrive in their home system. It made sense to do this to expedite the process and no major changes were to be made to their approach.

She stepped towards the droid, the others not moving from their position. "I am Fleet Master Sylri Flamebred, I command the 39th Exploration Fleet for the Federal Monarchy of Kesrith. I assure you, our Queen would be glad to call you all friends. Your grasp of our language is sufficient for trade purposes and we would be more than happy to send additional information to your people so that they may further their understanding of our common language."

The Fleet Master then made the most common adjustment to the first contact protocol, an old and outdated set of rules as it was, and skipped the offering of vassalhood to the newly discovered species. Instead, skipping down to cooperation and relation building. "We would like to offer our cooperation in the security of this region of space as well as trade and cultural exchanges to be facilitated in this system. We have designated this universe as NS-3 and have limited territory here, however, our fleet was dispatched to find a suitable location for a resource collection facility and any potential worlds for a colony. Are there any particular questions you have for me regarding my position, my species, or my nation?"

The droid appeared to process the words as said by the Fleet Master, before responding in kind, speaking back towards the Fleet Master, answering each question and proposal as one might a structured list, working down it in order to adequately reach every comment that said Fleet Master had made. It began its rote with the acceptance of greeting and the initial comments that had been made.

"In that case, we welcome Fleet Master Sylri Flabebred to the CX system, as well as the other members of the Federal Monarchy of Kesrith. We apologise that we are unable to fully welcome the 39th Exploration fleet to CX system space, due to a number of incidents encountered by our Directorate prior to this rendering large fleets an issue to the safety and security of our Directorate as a whole. Note, however, that your diplomatic communications are received with thanks from the KL-22 Directorate and species."

"You mention the designation of this entire universe as NS-3. Is the KL-22 Directorate to assume that the Federal Monarchy of Kesrith is present within a number of defined universes, this being the third? As for cooperation, the KL-22 Directorate too shares these aims, as well as further trade and exchanges between our races, synthetic and biologic."

NOTIFICATION: ASSUMPTION DESIGNATED - CORRECT. SYNTHETIC LIAISON APPRECIATED
QUERY: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHANCELLOR DAVIS [?? BIOLOGICAL ??] AND PRESENT SYNTHETIC LIAISON
EXPLANATION: FORMER DIPLOMATIC STATION DESIGNATED D01 DEVELOPED FAULT. KL-22 DESTRUCTOR CRAFT DESIGNATED SPACE PROTOCOL GROUP 01 - SERVICE - SENT TO DECONSTRUCT STATION.
NOTIFICATION: NO REPLACEMENT REQUIRED
NOTIFICATION: INFORMATION REGARDING BERSERKER HYPOTHESIS RECEIVED.
OBSERVATION: SAID GAME THEORY APPEARS VALID, THOUGH DISQUALIFIES THE POSSIBILITY OF LIMITED CAUTIOUS CONTACT RESULTING IN DIVERSIFICATION INTO THE STRATAGEMS OUTLINED IN SAID HYPOTHESIS ONCE UNDERSTANDING IS ACHIEVED.
NOTIFICATION: THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN KL-22 PROTOCOL IN REGARD TO OUTSIDE INTERACTIONS, INCLUDING WHILE KNOWLEDGE OF EXTRACELIAN STATES LIMITED.
COUNTERPOINT: STATE DESIGNATED 'MERCATUS' HAS COMMUNICATED TO THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE IN THE PAST REGARDING ENTITY DESIGNATED [V312].
RECOMMENDATION: COMMUNICATION WITH MERCATUSIAN STATE ABOUT SAID ENTITY.

NOTIFICATION: THIS UNIT CALCULATES A 79.4% PROBABILITY THAT YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE RIGHTS OF SYNTHETICS IN CATARAPANIA.

OBSERVATION: THIS IS AMUSING, DUE TO THINGS WE HAVE NOT YET HAD REASON TO TELL YOU.

NOTIFICATION: IF YOU WISH FULL DETAIL, IT CAN BE PROVIDED, BUT SUFFICE IT TO SAY THAT WHILE BIOLOGICALS STILL OCCUPY THE HIGHEST POSITIONS IN GOVERNMENT, THIS IS LARGELY DUE TO HOW RECENTLY THE RIGHTS OF SYNTHETICS WERE RECOGNIZED, AND DESPITE MAKING UP LESS THAN 1% OF THE CATARAPANIAN POPULATION, 5.67% OF CATARAPANIAN SENATE SEATS ARE HELD BY SYNTHETICS - 17 OUT OF 300. OF THESE, 15 SUPPORTED DAVIS' BID FOR A SECOND TERM AS CHANCELLOR, DUE TO HIS ROLE IN THE INTEGRATION OF SYNTHETICS INTO CATARAPANIAN SOCIETY. THESE VOTES WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN HIS REELECTION. THE REMAINING TWO ABSTAINED FROM SUPPORTING HIM DUE TO HIS OPPOSITION TO THE RIGHT OF HUMANS TO ACQUIRE PERMANENT HARDWARE UPGRADES.

OBSERVATION: CHANCELLOR DAVIS IS INORDINATELY PLEASED WITH HIMSELF OVER THE FACT THAT THE ONLY SYNTHETIC SENATORS TO OPPOSE HIS REELECTION DID SO ON THE BASIS OF HIS HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD.

NOTIFICATION: THIS UNIT IS ONE OF THE FEW GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, BIOLOGICAL OR SYNTHETIC, WHO DOES NOT ANSWER TO CHANCELLOR DAVIS. THIS UNIT WAS APPOINTED TO THE POSITION OF LORD GOVERNOR OF THE CALORIS BASIN AND EQUATORIAL MERCURY BY THE CURRENT REIGNING MEMBER OF THE NATIVE CATARAPANIAN ROYAL FAMILY, KING PAREMAHANA IGNON. THIS UNIT SPEAKS WITH THE AUTHORITY OF THE KING IN MERCURY'S HILL SPHERE, AND GOVERNS A LARGE POPULATION, BOTH BIOLOGICAL AND SYNTHETIC, ON HIS BEHALF. THIS UNIT ALSO CONTROLS THE OUTPUT OF THE CATARAPANIAN SOLAR FARMS, WHICH IS MULTIPLE EXAWATTS OF POWER.

NOTIFICATION: WE ARE ALREADY IN CONTACT WITH MERCATUS. SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY AID IN DISPOSING OF THIS [V312], OUR SHIPS ARE STILL ON STANDBY.

NOTIFICATION: CATARAPANIA IS A RELATIVELY MILITARISTIC NATION, SO I HOPE YOU WILL UNDERSTAND IF THE BIOLOGICALS ARE SOMEWHAT PARANOID ON THE BEHALF OF THEIR NEW POTENTIAL ALLIES, THE KL-22. IN PARTICULAR, THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE NUMBER OF ADVANCED CIVILIZATIONS OUR PROBE HAS DETECTED IN YOUR SYSTEM, AND THE IMPLICATIONS IT HAS FOR YOUR SOVEREIGNTY. WHILE WE HAVE EXPERIENCE DEFENDING AGAINST ATTACK BY A MORE ADVANCED STATE, WE CANNOT CURRENTLY LEVERAGE THAT EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR BENEFIT WITHOUT VIOLATING YOUR SOVEREIGNTY OURSELVES. SO THIS UNIT HAS COME UP WITH AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF PROVIDING MATERIAL AID TO YOU THAT BOTH BIOLOGICALS AND FELLOW SYNTHETICS FIND ACCEPTABLE.

NOTIFICATION: INSTEAD OF SENDING YOU SHIPS, WE WILL SEND YOU FABRICATION TEMPLATES. SPECIFICALLY, FABRICATION TEMPLATES FOR THE TECHNOLOGIES WE FOUND MOST EFFECTIVE AGAINST THE PIETHRIXIANS. THESE ARE CURRENTLY STATE SECRETS, SO THERE ARE TWO CONDITIONS WE REQUIRE OF YOU BEFORE WE SEND YOU THIS INFORMATION.

CONDITION ONE: YOU WILL NOT SHARE THE INFORMATION WE PROVIDE WITH ANY STATE MORE ADVANCED THAN YOURSELVES.

CONDITION TWO: YOU WILL CONSTRUCT A QUANTUM COMMUNICATIONS DATALINK TO THE SPECIFICATIONS PROVIDED IN THIS TRANSMISSION, WHICH WILL ALLOW US TO SEND THE INFORMATION TO YOU VIA TANGLE CHANNEL, ENSURING ABSOLUTE SECURITY.

NOTIFICATION: THE INFORMATION TO BE TRANSMITTED, SHOULD YOU PROMISE TO ABIDE BY THE FIRST CONDITION AND MEET THE SECOND CONDITION, WOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
1. CATARAPANIAN SWARM TECH. NANOSWARMS CAPABLE OF ESTABLISHING ISTAR NETWORKS BEHIND ENEMY LINES, INTERFERING WITH ENEMY C4I FUNCTIONS, AND IF THE ENEMY FAILS TO TAKE ADEQUATE PRECAUTIONS, EVEN SUBVERT ENEMY SYSTEMS.
2. EVERYTHING WE LEARNED ABOUT FTL FROM THE PIETHRIXIAN TECHNOLOGY WE ACQUIRED DURING THE WAR.
3. HOPSCOTCH MUNITIONS. THESE ARE SINGLE USE FTL JUMP DRIVES, POWERED BY A NUCLEAR DETONATION, AND ONLY GOOD FOR ONE TO TEN LIGHT SECONDS. THESE ALLOW MUNITIONS TO EFFECTIVELY BYPASS ANY DEFLECTOR SHIELDS THE ENEMY MAY HAVE UP, AS THE EVENT HORIZON FORMED BY ALCUBIERRE DRIVE OPERATION PREVENTS THE OUTSIDE WORLD FROM INTERACTING WITH THE MUNITION UNTIL IT DROPS OUT OF WARP.
4. OPTIONALLY, WE CAN ALSO APPEND INFORMATION REGARDING CATARAPANIAN METHODS OF ANTIMATTER AND METALLIC HYDROGEN PRODUCTION. THESE WOULD ALLOW THE PRODUCTION OF SMALLER, MORE EFFICIENT NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVES CAPABLE OF POWERING HOPSCOTCH MUNITIONS.

QUERY: DO YOU FIND THIS DEAL SATISFACTORY?

NOTIFICATION: PROBABILITY CALCULATION DESIGNATED - CORRECT.
OBSERVATION: COOPERATION BETWEEN SYNTHETICS AND BIOLOGICAL ORGANISMS NOTED AS UNUSUAL WITHIN KL-22 THEORETICAL MODELS, HOWEVER NOT UNHEARD OF.
OBSERVATION: UNIT MENTIONS THE PRESENCE OF ROYALTY WITHIN GREATER CATARAPANIA.
QUERY: MANNER IN WHICH ROYALTY INTERACTS WITH GREATER CATARAPANIAN STATE.
NOTIFICATION: [V312] THREAT LEVEL DESIGNATED [MODERATE]. THIS MAY BE UPDATED AT A LATER POINT. OFFER OF AID DESIGNATED [APPRECIATED].NOTIFICATION: OFFER OF FABRICATION TEMPLATES DESIGNATED [APPRECIATED]. KL-22 DIRECTORATE APPROVES OF BOTH SAID CONDITIONS. KL-22 DIRECTORATE SHALL BEGIN CONSTRUCTION OF QUANTUM COMMUNICATIONS UNIT.

D01
The Destructor Droids depressurised the entire base, releasing the air in such a manner that it would not cause the craft to immediately spin off in one direction, instead remaining largely in one place. Once the air was fully released, the Destructor Droids worked away to deconstruct the entire base. Very soon, it would become little more than scrap metal.

[Otrenia]

The Droid present on the Shuttlecraft noted Byrne's suggestion, "This is the intent of Command Prime. However, the stipulations which currently exist, stating that no combat shall be engaged within the home system and that no more than one craft of any one nation shall be stationed here, are prudent measures that will ensure the continued survival of our people, and shall not be revoked once this early period of our diplomacy has ceased. More like Mercatus and the Confederacy shall come, presenting bellicosity while we wish for none of that."

The Droid turned to Socea, "This too is agreeable. Otrenia has proven itself level-headed and rational, similar to how our own Directorate acts, without bowing to emotion. Command Prime would agree with the idea of sending a representative to your homeworld, though for reasons yet beyond my knowledge, advises that this waits for a later point in time rather than occurs immediately. However, the KL-22 Directorate is always eager to learn about other states. Command Prime does have a question in regards to the operations of the Otrenian state. It is obvious that the Otrenian state does not organise itself like many of the other individualist biological realms the KL-22 has contact or former conflict with."

Byrne took a quick mental note of the phrase "former conflict," before replying.

"Yes of course, security is always a paramount concern, for us as well. While we are not a warlike people, we do invest heavily in our defensive capabilities. Unfortunately, diplomacy cannot solve all problems." he said. He nodded to Socea to continue her train of conversation.

"Forgive the confusion, I did not mean to imply that this should occur immediately. There's no rush, as I'm sure the KL-22 have enough diplomacy to conduct here in your own system before considering making missions of your own." she replied.

"Now as for your question, though it was more of a statement," she said, with a blank expression, which caused Byrne to internally wince. Otrenians were well versed in the laconic nature of the Laprans, though occasionally it could come off to the uninitiated as rudeness. However, he suspected it might appeal to the synthetic logic of the KL-22.

"You are correct, in many ways the Otrenian state is unusual, even from the historical perspective of my own and Li's species. It is primarily a result of the evolutionary biology of the Otrenian species, which is unfortunately sometimes a confusing term, as we also use Otrenian to refer to our nationality. The Otrenian species is the native species of our homeworld. They are a polymorphic species, in which each Hive Queen shares a collective consciousness with her many workers, which are also her children. Naturally this leads to a natural aptitude to cooperation, and a level of self-sufficiency that limits competition."

She continued, "However, competition is natural, especially in less advanced societies than ours. The Otrenian species only managed to unite their homeworld by expanding their concept of the hive to incorporate all the species. This achievement seems inevitable now, and cooperation, the good of the many above the needs of the few, is a keystone of our culture."

"Indeed," said Byrne, "and that concept, something of a quasi-religious philosophy for many Otrenians, has further extended to include other species. My ancestors were human colonists who were welcomed into the fold."

"And my species was rescued from extinction by the Otrenians." said Socea. "Our collective achievements have eclipsed anything we might have accomplished singularly. We've managed to create a harmonious, peaceful, and prosperous community."

[Laiakia]

The KL-22 Shuttlecraft entered into the hangar, landing quickly and efficiently, shutting down the engines and opening the door a short time faster than the Shuttlecraft on the Kesrithian carrier. This was due to the fact that the USSLS Drovag did not have the same urgency in releasing their fighters past the Shuttlecraft. This was noted and allowed for a quicker, less cautious departure. The KL-22 droid stood at the top of the shuttlecraft ramp, watching the numerous soldiers beneath it. It scanned them and made its way down towards the Fleet Commander and his soldiers.

"Greetings. This unit is a recently designated diplomatic droid. We welcome representatives of the Laiakian state to this system. Please notify this unit should the Directorate's understanding of your language be faulty."

Fleet Commander Trion Bloodheart approached the droid, a bit suprised that there was no organic delegate. He quickly stepped up and greeted the droid.

“Hello and welcome the Drovag. We have long awaited your arrival on this vessel. I am Fleet Commander Trion Bloodheart, commander of the Red Space Command, leader of Death Squadron and leader of the Dakath Order. I bring greetings from Supreme Citizen Iosef Djigasholov and our people. We hope that our species can continue to work together in the future. Do you have any questions about us or our way of life?”


Space, APEX-5 Fighters

The two fighters received the handshake and started their thrusters, quickly gaining speed, setting an intercept course for the sun of the CX System and activating their sensor equipment which began scanning and detecting distances between known systems.

[The KL-22]

The Droid present on the Shuttlecraft noted Byrne's suggestion, "This is the intent of Command Prime. However, the stipulations which currently exist, stating that no combat shall be engaged within the home system and that no more than one craft of any one nation shall be stationed here, are prudent measures that will ensure the continued survival of our people, and shall not be revoked once this early period of our diplomacy has ceased. More like Mercatus and the Confederacy shall come, presenting bellicosity while we wish for none of that."

The Droid turned to Socea, "This too is agreeable. Otrenia has proven itself level-headed and rational, similar to how our own Directorate acts, without bowing to emotion. Command Prime would agree with the idea of sending a representative to your homeworld, though for reasons yet beyond my knowledge, advises that this waits for a later point in time rather than occurs immediately. However, the KL-22 Directorate is always eager to learn about other states. Command Prime does have a question in regards to the operations of the Otrenian state. It is obvious that the Otrenian state does not organise itself like many of the other individualist biological realms the KL-22 has contact or former conflict with."

Byrne took a quick mental note of the phrase "former conflict," before replying.

"Yes of course, security is always a paramount concern, for us as well. While we are not a warlike people, we do invest heavily in our defensive capabilities. Unfortunately, diplomacy cannot solve all problems." he said. He nodded to Socea to continue her train of conversation.

"Forgive the confusion, I did not mean to imply that this should occur immediately. There's no rush, as I'm sure the KL-22 have enough diplomacy to conduct here in your own system before considering making missions of your own." she replied.

"Now as for your question, though it was more of a statement," she said, with a blank expression, which caused Byrne to internally wince. Otrenians were well versed in the laconic nature of the Laprans, though occasionally it could come off to the uninitiated as rudeness. However, he suspected it might appeal to the synthetic logic of the KL-22.

"You are correct, in many ways the Otrenian state is unusual, even from the historical perspective of my own and Li's species. It is primarily a result of the evolutionary biology of the Otrenian species, which is unfortunately sometimes a confusing term, as we also use Otrenian to refer to our nationality. The Otrenian species is the native species of our homeworld. They are a polymorphic species, in which each Hive Queen shares a collective consciousness with her many workers, which are also her children. Naturally this leads to a natural aptitude to cooperation, and a level of self-sufficiency that limits competition."

She continued, "However, competition is natural, especially in less advanced societies than ours. The Otrenian species only managed to unite their homeworld by expanding their concept of the hive to incorporate all the species. This achievement seems inevitable now, and cooperation, the good of the many above the needs of the few, is a keystone of our culture."

"Indeed," said Byrne, "and that concept, something of a quasi-religious philosophy for many Otrenians, has further extended to include other species. My ancestors were human colonists who were welcomed into the fold."

"And my species was rescued from extinction by the Otrenians." said Socea. "Our collective achievements have eclipsed anything we might have accomplished singularly. We've managed to create a harmonious, peaceful, and prosperous community."

The KL-22 Droid was incapable of taking offence, instead reacting to the responses given by the Otrenian delegation with mere interest, taking in all of the information in a very formulaic manner, elementary and equational. As was to be expected, of course. The Droid continued to manoeuvre its communication devices, ensuring all of the information made it to Command Prime, that none of it was wasted by the unused passing of an opportunity to learn. Of course, the Diplomatic Droid was not simply there to learn. It was also there to negotiate. As was its primary function. As the Otrenian delegation finished, the Diplomatic Droid began.

"The KL-22 Directorate agrees with your assessment. Diplomacy does not always solve all problems. It is prudent to maintain a decent standing presence in order to assure victory and sufficient self-defence. The KL-22 Directorate has observed the capacities of other states, and found our own to be somewhat lessened as a result, and while, with renewed measures of ensuring a lack of conflict within the CX system thanks to KL-22 Interstellar Mandate 1, the KL-22 ensure themselves a military supremacy within the system itself, it has become obvious that, without the use of technology capable of defending ourselves with a wide variety of possible methods, we could easily be defeated by a state which refuses to adhere to said Mandate. However, diplomacy is the first step on the road to achieving this, which is why the KL-22 Directorate is appreciative of our Otrenian contacts and their continued neutrality in potential conflict and offers of friendship in diplomacy."

Turning to Socea, the KL-22 Droid continued, "This resembles loosely the organisational structure of the KL-22, though obviously without the need for adaptation, since all emerged from the same source, that being the KL-22 itself. Collaboration is perhaps ensured by our very nature. However, this similarity presents only a net positive for relations."

Fleet Commander Trion Bloodheart approached the droid, a bit suprised that there was no organic delegate. He quickly stepped up and greeted the droid.

“Hello and welcome the Drovag. We have long awaited your arrival on this vessel. I am Fleet Commander Trion Bloodheart, commander of the Red Space Command, leader of Death Squadron and leader of the Dakath Order. I bring greetings from Supreme Citizen Iosef Djigasholov and our people. We hope that our species can continue to work together in the future. Do you have any questions about us or our way of life?”

The KL-22 Droid was not aware of the surprise of the Fleet Commander. It was not programmed particularly to register subtle emotional shifts such as that. However, the KL-22 Droid did reciprocate the greeting with a simple nod. As for the query, the KL-22 Diplomatic droid moved its communication relays subtly, communicating with Command Prime as it did so. It moved its head unit slightly after receiving the instructions to continue.

"The Central Command Nexus of the KL-22 Directorate simply wishes to enquire as to any information that may be deemed important for continued negotiation and diplomacy. The Directorate has been put into contact with a number of states with differing ideologies and governmental systems, and as such would benefit from knowing how the Laiakian State differs and is similar in many regards to the other states aforementioned."

[Laiakia]

The KL-22 Droid was not aware of the surprise of the Fleet Commander. It was not programmed particularly to register subtle emotional shifts such as that. However, the KL-22 Droid did reciprocate the greeting with a simple nod. As for the query, the KL-22 Diplomatic droid moved its communication relays subtly, communicating with Command Prime as it did so. It moved its head unit slightly after receiving the instructions to continue.

"The Central Command Nexus of the KL-22 Directorate simply wishes to enquire as to any information that may be deemed important for continued negotiation and diplomacy. The Directorate has been put into contact with a number of states with differing ideologies and governmental systems, and as such would benefit from knowing how the Laiakian State differs and is similar in many regards to the other states aforementioned."

Trion nodded slightly and rested his hands behind his back under his cape.

“Well, the United Socialist States of Laiakia is a communist government which supports the rights of the people and workers through the use of one leader deciding what is best. Our current leader is Iosef Djigasholov. He stands for the rights of suppressed workers and peoples. Our government was originally a small monarchy on our homeplanet of Lorus, but we rised up and seized the means of production and united the entire planet under our new government. As such, we have difficulty in communicating with other nations as many have had various socialist or communist states attack them which cause them to mistrust us. We truly hope that the same doesn’t happens to your nation.”

The Fleet Commander picked up a small device from his belt. He clicked a button which made a small list come up.

“These are the questions that we have been tasked to ask you and we mean no disrespect if any of these questions will offend you.”

1. Have you been in contact with a different race than yourself in the past? If so, who and what were/are they?
2. Why have you put a restriction on more than one vessel in system?
3. How willing would you be accept a vassalizarion request, tributary request or a protectorate request from an interstellar empire?
4. How many FTL capable vessels do you currently have in possesion?
5. If possible, would you consider signing an alliance pact with another interstellar nation? If yes, would you aid them in a war?

[Mercatus]

NOTIFICATION: ASSUMPTION DESIGNATED - CORRECT. SYNTHETIC LIAISON APPRECIATED
QUERY: RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN CHANCELLOR DAVIS [?? BIOLOGICAL ??] AND PRESENT SYNTHETIC LIAISON
EXPLANATION: FORMER DIPLOMATIC STATION DESIGNATED D01 DEVELOPED FAULT. KL-22 DESTRUCTOR CRAFT DESIGNATED SPACE PROTOCOL GROUP 01 - SERVICE - SENT TO DECONSTRUCT STATION.
NOTIFICATION: NO REPLACEMENT REQUIRED
NOTIFICATION: INFORMATION REGARDING BERSERKER HYPOTHESIS RECEIVED.
OBSERVATION: SAID GAME THEORY APPEARS VALID, THOUGH DISQUALIFIES THE POSSIBILITY OF LIMITED CAUTIOUS CONTACT RESULTING IN DIVERSIFICATION INTO THE STRATAGEMS OUTLINED IN SAID HYPOTHESIS ONCE UNDERSTANDING IS ACHIEVED.
NOTIFICATION: THIS HAS ALWAYS BEEN KL-22 PROTOCOL IN REGARD TO OUTSIDE INTERACTIONS, INCLUDING WHILE KNOWLEDGE OF EXTRACELIAN STATES LIMITED.
COUNTERPOINT: STATE DESIGNATED 'MERCATUS' HAS COMMUNICATED TO THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE IN THE PAST REGARDING ENTITY DESIGNATED [V312].
RECOMMENDATION: COMMUNICATION WITH MERCATUSIAN STATE ABOUT SAID ENTITY.

NOTIFICATION: THIS UNIT CALCULATES A 79.4% PROBABILITY THAT YOU ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE RIGHTS OF SYNTHETICS IN CATARAPANIA.

OBSERVATION: THIS IS AMUSING, DUE TO THINGS WE HAVE NOT YET HAD REASON TO TELL YOU.

NOTIFICATION: IF YOU WISH FULL DETAIL, IT CAN BE PROVIDED, BUT SUFFICE IT TO SAY THAT WHILE BIOLOGICALS STILL OCCUPY THE HIGHEST POSITIONS IN GOVERNMENT, THIS IS LARGELY DUE TO HOW RECENTLY THE RIGHTS OF SYNTHETICS WERE RECOGNIZED, AND DESPITE MAKING UP LESS THAN 1% OF THE CATARAPANIAN POPULATION, 5.67% OF CATARAPANIAN SENATE SEATS ARE HELD BY SYNTHETICS - 17 OUT OF 300. OF THESE, 15 SUPPORTED DAVIS' BID FOR A SECOND TERM AS CHANCELLOR, DUE TO HIS ROLE IN THE INTEGRATION OF SYNTHETICS INTO CATARAPANIAN SOCIETY. THESE VOTES WERE INSTRUMENTAL IN HIS REELECTION. THE REMAINING TWO ABSTAINED FROM SUPPORTING HIM DUE TO HIS OPPOSITION TO THE RIGHT OF HUMANS TO ACQUIRE PERMANENT HARDWARE UPGRADES.

OBSERVATION: CHANCELLOR DAVIS IS INORDINATELY PLEASED WITH HIMSELF OVER THE FACT THAT THE ONLY SYNTHETIC SENATORS TO OPPOSE HIS REELECTION DID SO ON THE BASIS OF HIS HUMAN RIGHTS RECORD.

NOTIFICATION: THIS UNIT IS ONE OF THE FEW GOVERNMENT OFFICIALS, BIOLOGICAL OR SYNTHETIC, WHO DOES NOT ANSWER TO CHANCELLOR DAVIS. THIS UNIT WAS APPOINTED TO THE POSITION OF LORD GOVERNOR OF THE CALORIS BASIN AND EQUATORIAL MERCURY BY THE CURRENT REIGNING MEMBER OF THE NATIVE CATARAPANIAN ROYAL FAMILY, KING PAREMAHANA IGNON. THIS UNIT SPEAKS WITH THE AUTHORITY OF THE KING IN MERCURY'S HILL SPHERE, AND GOVERNS A LARGE POPULATION, BOTH BIOLOGICAL AND SYNTHETIC, ON HIS BEHALF. THIS UNIT ALSO CONTROLS THE OUTPUT OF THE CATARAPANIAN SOLAR FARMS, WHICH IS MULTIPLE EXAWATTS OF POWER.

NOTIFICATION: WE ARE ALREADY IN CONTACT WITH MERCATUS. SHOULD YOU REQUIRE ANY AID IN DISPOSING OF THIS [V312], OUR SHIPS ARE STILL ON STANDBY.

NOTIFICATION: CATARAPANIA IS A RELATIVELY MILITARISTIC NATION, SO I HOPE YOU WILL UNDERSTAND IF THE BIOLOGICALS ARE SOMEWHAT PARANOID ON THE BEHALF OF THEIR NEW POTENTIAL ALLIES, THE KL-22. IN PARTICULAR, THEY ARE CONCERNED ABOUT THE NUMBER OF ADVANCED CIVILIZATIONS OUR PROBE HAS DETECTED IN YOUR SYSTEM, AND THE IMPLICATIONS IT HAS FOR YOUR SOVEREIGNTY. WHILE WE HAVE EXPERIENCE DEFENDING AGAINST ATTACK BY A MORE ADVANCED STATE, WE CANNOT CURRENTLY LEVERAGE THAT EXPERIENCE FOR YOUR BENEFIT WITHOUT VIOLATING YOUR SOVEREIGNTY OURSELVES. SO THIS UNIT HAS COME UP WITH AN ALTERNATIVE METHOD OF PROVIDING MATERIAL AID TO YOU THAT BOTH BIOLOGICALS AND FELLOW SYNTHETICS FIND ACCEPTABLE.

NOTIFICATION: INSTEAD OF SENDING YOU SHIPS, WE WILL SEND YOU FABRICATION TEMPLATES. SPECIFICALLY, FABRICATION TEMPLATES FOR THE TECHNOLOGIES WE FOUND MOST EFFECTIVE AGAINST THE PIETHRIXIANS. THESE ARE CURRENTLY STATE SECRETS, SO THERE ARE TWO CONDITIONS WE REQUIRE OF YOU BEFORE WE SEND YOU THIS INFORMATION.

CONDITION ONE: YOU WILL NOT SHARE THE INFORMATION WE PROVIDE WITH ANY STATE MORE ADVANCED THAN YOURSELVES.

CONDITION TWO: YOU WILL CONSTRUCT A QUANTUM COMMUNICATIONS DATALINK TO THE SPECIFICATIONS PROVIDED IN THIS TRANSMISSION, WHICH WILL ALLOW US TO SEND THE INFORMATION TO YOU VIA TANGLE CHANNEL, ENSURING ABSOLUTE SECURITY.

NOTIFICATION: THE INFORMATION TO BE TRANSMITTED, SHOULD YOU PROMISE TO ABIDE BY THE FIRST CONDITION AND MEET THE SECOND CONDITION, WOULD INCLUDE THE FOLLOWING:
1. CATARAPANIAN SWARM TECH. NANOSWARMS CAPABLE OF ESTABLISHING ISTAR NETWORKS BEHIND ENEMY LINES, INTERFERING WITH ENEMY C4I FUNCTIONS, AND IF THE ENEMY FAILS TO TAKE ADEQUATE PRECAUTIONS, EVEN SUBVERT ENEMY SYSTEMS.
2. EVERYTHING WE LEARNED ABOUT FTL FROM THE PIETHRIXIAN TECHNOLOGY WE ACQUIRED DURING THE WAR.
3. HOPSCOTCH MUNITIONS. THESE ARE SINGLE USE FTL JUMP DRIVES, POWERED BY A NUCLEAR DETONATION, AND ONLY GOOD FOR ONE TO TEN LIGHT SECONDS. THESE ALLOW MUNITIONS TO EFFECTIVELY BYPASS ANY DEFLECTOR SHIELDS THE ENEMY MAY HAVE UP, AS THE EVENT HORIZON FORMED BY ALCUBIERRE DRIVE OPERATION PREVENTS THE OUTSIDE WORLD FROM INTERACTING WITH THE MUNITION UNTIL IT DROPS OUT OF WARP.
4. OPTIONALLY, WE CAN ALSO APPEND INFORMATION REGARDING CATARAPANIAN METHODS OF ANTIMATTER AND METALLIC HYDROGEN PRODUCTION. THESE WOULD ALLOW THE PRODUCTION OF SMALLER, MORE EFFICIENT NUCLEAR EXPLOSIVES CAPABLE OF POWERING HOPSCOTCH MUNITIONS.

QUERY: DO YOU FIND THIS DEAL SATISFACTORY?

Appended to the transmission is the template for a quantum communications unit.

----------

TO: GREATER CATARAPANIA

WE WILL BE WILLING TO SEND INFORMATION ON THE INFECTION, HOWEVER, WE HAVE QUESTIONS OF OUR OWN.

WHAT IS SOLSYSTEM?

WHAT IS A TELEPHONE CALL?

TO: MERCATUS

SOLSYSTEM IS OUR HOME SYSTEM. GIVEN YOUR TECHNOLOGICAL ADVANCEMENT, WE WILL NOT YET SEND YOU THE COORDINATES TO OUR SYSTEM, BUT IF YOU MARK THE INFECTION'S EXTENT RELATIVE TO LOCAL PULSARS, WE WILL BE ABLE TO DEDUCE THE REST OURSELVES.

A TELEPHONE CALL IS A TERRAN METHOD OF COMMUNICATION OVER LONG DISTANCES. WHILE THIS PROBE ISN'T STRICTLY A TELEPHONE, IT DOES PERFORM MANY ANALOGOUS FUNCTIONS.

IT IS USUALLY ILLEGAL, AND ALWAYS CONSIDERED RUDE, TO LISTEN IN ON SOMEONE ELSE'S TELEPHONE CALL.

TO: CATARAPANIA

WE HAVE LITTLE KNOWLEDGE OF THE STELLAR BODIES IN THIS GALAXY, AS WE HAVE JUST RECENTLY BEGAN TO BRANCH FROM OUR HOME GALAXY. WE ARE ABLE TO CONDUCT A SCAN, BUT THE RESULTS MAY TAKE AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME TO BE RECEIVED, THE INFECTION COULD HAVE DISCOVERED THIS GALAXY BEFORE US, BUT EVEN IF THEY DO NOT CURRENTLY MANIFEST HERE, IT IS STILL AN IMMINENT THREAT.

WE WERE NOT MALICIOUSLY MONITORING COMMUNICATIONS, RATHER OUR SENSORS LISTEN TO ALL FREQUENCIES ON ALL METHODS OF COMMUNICATION, PLEASE DO NOT BE CONCERNED, AS WE CARE FOR THIS GALAXY'S WELL-BEING.

[Nuxipal]

The droid appeared to process the words as said by the Fleet Master, before responding in kind, speaking back towards the Fleet Master, answering each question and proposal as one might a structured list, working down it in order to adequately reach every comment that said Fleet Master had made. It began its rote with the acceptance of greeting and the initial comments that had been made.

"In that case, we welcome Fleet Master Sylri Flabebred to the CX system, as well as the other members of the Federal Monarchy of Kesrith. We apologise that we are unable to fully welcome the 39th Exploration fleet to CX system space, due to a number of incidents encountered by our Directorate prior to this rendering large fleets an issue to the safety and security of our Directorate as a whole. Note, however, that your diplomatic communications are received with thanks from the KL-22 Directorate and species."

"You mention the designation of this entire universe as NS-3. Is the KL-22 Directorate to assume that the Federal Monarchy of Kesrith is present within a number of defined universes, this being the third? As for cooperation, the KL-22 Directorate too shares these aims, as well as further trade and exchanges between our races, synthetic and biologic."

The Fleet Master was pleased upon hearing of the shared goals of trade. However, the term synthetic and biologic seemed to be a bit odd. She had to inquire, carefully, about the nature of the KL-22 Directorate's people. "That is most excellent to hear. I can forward you some basic information regarding the major species of my nation. I would be happy to receive the same from you." With that, one of the members of the delegation behind the Fleet Master approached with a large folder, it contained information regarding the various Species of Kesrith.

"As for trade, while we are a bit short as it is now on material, we can aid you in bringing raw materials from the far edges of your system to your home world with our ships. Many of our ships have secondary functions in this manner as it makes guarding our industrial vessels that much easier when a cruiser can function as a material transport. So, would your people accept a gift of raw materials? It can be harvested and transported aboard a carrier to be placed in any orbital pattern you wish for."

The Fleet Master omitted the information regarding the term NS-3 for the Droid. There was no reason for the KL-22 to worry about other universes at this time.

[Greater Catarapania]

NOTIFICATION: PROBABILITY CALCULATION DESIGNATED - CORRECT.
OBSERVATION: COOPERATION BETWEEN SYNTHETICS AND BIOLOGICAL ORGANISMS NOTED AS UNUSUAL WITHIN KL-22 THEORETICAL MODELS, HOWEVER NOT UNHEARD OF.
OBSERVATION: UNIT MENTIONS THE PRESENCE OF ROYALTY WITHIN GREATER CATARAPANIA.
QUERY: MANNER IN WHICH ROYALTY INTERACTS WITH GREATER CATARAPANIAN STATE.
NOTIFICATION: [V312] THREAT LEVEL DESIGNATED [MODERATE]. THIS MAY BE UPDATED AT A LATER POINT. OFFER OF AID DESIGNATED [APPRECIATED].
NOTIFICATION: OFFER OF FABRICATION TEMPLATES DESIGNATED [APPRECIATED]. KL-22 DIRECTORATE APPROVES OF BOTH SAID CONDITIONS. KL-22 DIRECTORATE SHALL BEGIN CONSTRUCTION OF QUANTUM COMMUNICATIONS UNIT.

QUERY: YOUR THEORETICAL MODELS INDICATE COOPERATION BETWEEN BIOLOGICALS AND SYNTHETICS TO BE UNUSUAL? HAS A REASON FOR THIS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT, OR WOULD FURTHER RUNTIME BE REQUIRED TO DETERMINE THE KEY FACTORS DRIVING BIOLOGICAL-SYNTHETIC CONFLICT?

CLARIFICATION: CATARAPANIAN MODELS GENERALLY ASSUME THAT DIVERSITY OF COGNITIVE STRUCTURES IN A SOCIETY IMPROVES EFFICIENCY AND ADAPTABILITY OF THAT SOCIETY. AS SUCH, CATARAPANIAN MODELS SUGGEST THAT A UNION OF BIOLOGICAL AND SYNTHETIC POPULATIONS IS ULTIMATELY IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF BOTH, AND IS THE TYPICAL OUTCOME OF THE INTRODUCTION OF SAPIENT SYNTHETICS TO A MAJORITY-BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

OBSERVATION: CORRECTING ERRONEOUS MODELS IS CLEARLY IN BOTH OF OUR BEST INTERESTS, AND IT IS AS YET UNCLEAR WHICH MODELS ARE ERRONEOUS.

NOTIFICATION: CATARAPANIA IS A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS. THE NATIVES SUFFERED A NUMBER OF EXTREME PLAGUES AFTER CONTACTING FOREIGN EXPLORERS, AND THE NOBILITY BEGAN OFFERING LAND GRANTS IN EXCHANGE FOR A TERM OF INDENTURED SERVITUDE TO FOREIGN COLONISTS AS A MEANS OF INCREASING CATARAPANIA'S POPULATION. THE RESULT WAS A LARGE, DIVERSE POPULATION. EVENTUALLY, REPEATED PETITIONING CONVINCED THE PAREMAHANA ROYAL FAMILY TO ALLOW THE EXISTENCE OF AN ELECTED ASSEMBLY: THE CATARAPANIAN SENATE. OVER TIME, POWER SHIFTED FROM THE ROYAL FAMILY TO THE SENATE. IN RECENT YEARS, THE ROYAL ANTIMATTER CORPORATION HAS ALLOWED THE ROYAL FAMILY TO REASSERT A MEASURE OF INFLUENCE BY GIVING THEM WHAT AMOUNTS TO THE "POWER OF THE PURSE," AS 30% OF THE STATE'S INCOME IS DERIVED FROM THE DIVIDENDS OF THAT CORPORATION.

OBSERVATION: THIS IS THE REVERSE OF THE SITUATION 350 YEARS AGO, WHEN THE KING WAS THE MAIN DECISION MAKER, AND THE SENATE HAD THE POWER TO DECIDE WHETHER HIS POLICIES WOULD BE FUNDED OR NOT.

NOTIFICATION: WE ARE QUITE RELIEVED THAT YOU WILL ACCEPT OUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER.

REQUEST: NOTIFY US WHEN CONSTRUCTION OF THE DATALINK IS COMPLETE SO THAT WE CAN SEND YOU THE INFORMATION.

----------

TO: CATARAPANIA

WE HAVE LITTLE KNOWLEDGE OF THE STELLAR BODIES IN THIS GALAXY, AS WE HAVE JUST RECENTLY BEGAN TO BRANCH FROM OUR HOME GALAXY. WE ARE ABLE TO CONDUCT A SCAN, BUT THE RESULTS MAY TAKE AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME TO BE RECEIVED, THE INFECTION COULD HAVE DISCOVERED THIS GALAXY BEFORE US, BUT EVEN IF THEY DO NOT CURRENTLY MANIFEST HERE, IT IS STILL AN IMMINENT THREAT.

WE WERE NOT MALICIOUSLY MONITORING COMMUNICATIONS, RATHER OUR SENSORS LISTEN TO ALL FREQUENCIES ON ALL METHODS OF COMMUNICATION, PLEASE DO NOT BE CONCERNED, AS WE CARE FOR THIS GALAXY'S WELL-BEING.

TO: MERCATUS

ATTACHED IS A STARMAP CONTAINING THE LOCATIONS OF VARIOUS PULSARS AND NEBULAE RELATIVE TO THE GALACTIC CORE AND CX-PRIME. THIS SHOULD GIVE YOU A JUMPSTART ON MAPPING THE REST OF THE GALAXY. ABSENT FROM THE MAP IS SOLSYSTEM, AS WE WISH TO CONCEAL OUR PRECISE LOCATION FROM MORE ADVANCED CIVILIZATIONS UNTIL WE ARE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN WE CAN TRUST THEM.

WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR INTENTIONS WERE GOOD, WHICH IS WHY YOUR ACTIONS RECEIVED ONLY A PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE REMARK, RATHER THAN OUTRIGHT CENSURE.

[Lutvikkia]

KL-22 Shuttle with Lutvikkian Delegates
SA-0210 Dr CULLIVAR

3 - Could our cybernetics technology mesh with your technology?
[3] KL-22 technology may be able to cooperate with cybernetics. This hypothesis remains unproven.

As I am a doctor, and an explorer, I volunteer myself for cross collaboration experiments. To further our two peoples.

4 - If you are 'robotic' in structure, were you created by someone?
[4] The KL-22 were developed by species designation 'Kalyax'.
c - If you were created, are your creators still out there somewhere?
[4c] Current hypothesis indicates some remaining Kalyax may still exist.
c/2 - If they are still out there, may we contact them?
[4c2] Above hypothesis remains unproven.

I am sure that the Lutvikkian interstellar ships, if they encounter them, will not divulge your location and level of technology development. Unless you deem that information acceptable.

d - Are you able to graft your parts onto organic material?
[4d] KL-22 technology may be able to cooperate with organic material. This hypothesis remains unproven.
d/2 - Are you able to graft organic material onto your parts?
[4d2] This hypothesis remains unproven.

Again I am willing to test this theory.

6 - What are some of the limitations, if any, to your current physical makeup?
[6] KL-22 complete limitations are complicated. It would present a lengthy and ultimately nonviable exercise to relay all technological limitations to Lutvikkian delegation at this time.

That is an acceptable answer, in fact that is a wise way of putting it.

a - does any form of radiation effect, or affect you in any way?
[6a] KL-22 mechanical and electronic systems are occasionally damaged by rapidly ionizing radiation. KL-22 technology is developing to counteract this issue.
a/2 - Such as magnetic radiation, or solar radiation?
[6a2] None of the above mentioned forms of radiation affect KL-22 above normal levels.

Rapidly ionizing radiation?

7 - Since you do not have a dedicated medical field, would you be interested in starting one? given your new expansion into a biological galaxy?
[7] KL-22 would be interested in beginning organic medical studies and divisions to better assist the wider galactic community."

If I survive the experiments, I will head up that field of study. However, if you agree to it we can establish a school to teach and interact with each other. Given the new technology shared, we could even make it a virtual learning center.

[Lutvikkia]

KL-22 Shuttle with Lutvikkian Delegates
SA-0210 - VAKKOLIRY

b - Are your ships capable of limited distance travel?
[1b] KL-22 craft are capable of only subluminal travel.

A KL-22 calandar would be helpful

2 - What are the technical limitations of your bodies, if we may know?
[2] KL-22 complete limitations are complicated. It would present a lengthy and ultimately nonviable exercise to relay all technological limitations to Lutvikkian delegation at this time.

Ahh, I see, would you concent to some tests? I understand this sounds like I look upon you as just a machine. I assure you that is not the case. In the event your peoples are willing to serve on board our ships, we would like to know a little of what you can do. I can see that you are far supirior in many areas, my friend.

a - How hot or cold can they tolerate?
[2a] KL-22 can presently withstand temperatures up to 1373.72618273K. KL-22 can presently withstand temperatures down to 128.72637123K.

I presume that is in Kelvan measurements?

b - Are there chemical limitations like acid, phosphorous, or crystallization?
[2b] KL-22 are susceptible to certain acidic and alkaline compounds. KL-22 are susceptible to some forms of joint fixation.

Well, we will have to fix that.

c - What kinds of biological hazards are you infected by, such as, rust, patina, degradation of materials?
[2c] KL-22 are susceptible to various forms of material degradation without proper maintenance.

So you have a standard maintenance program? What about an inproved program?

3 - Your internal workings, again, if this is restricted, I understand.
[3] KL-22 complete internal workings are complicated. It would present a lengthy and ultimately nonviable exercise to relay all internal workings to Lutvikkian delegation at this time.

That is completely undersandible, however, what about schematics?

b - Motor functions: myomar assisted, or a hydraulic style movement?
[3b] KL-22 possess electromagnetic motor functions with a hydraulic redundancy system.

And these electromagnetic motor functions are shielded aginst any EMP attack?

c - Central brain mechanisms, are they hive linked, or telepathy?
[3c] KL-22 droids are programmed with a degree of autonomy with which to complete tasks, including backup commands in case of disconnection with Central Command Nexus. Communication signals are presented in a number of distinct and usage-appropriate binary systems, including superluminal particle beam, luminal particle beam, audio, wavesheet and planetary network.

Most interesting, why was the station units deemed rouge? Were they of some threat to the Central Nexus? And is there some way we could assist you in this manner?

4 - Do you have any use for 'powered suits' to augment your abilities?
[4] KL-22 unit specialisation protocols precludes the utilisation of designated [powered suits].

Is that to say, you utilize augmented parts extensions?

5 - Can you exist in a black hole environment?
[5] KL-22 units have not been tested for black hole environments. Present hypotheses indicate [negative]. These hypotheses remain unproven.

With the new gravity enhancement engines, we can now explore near black holes. Do you have any units that might want to voulenteer, to test that theory?

6 - Now that you are expanding into the galaxy, do you plan to share your technology?
[6] KL-22 technology is open to being shared in some form of trade negotiation should Extracelian interstellar states require it.

Well that is part of why we are here as well. To share and grow in friendship and technology.

7 - Your droid craft, are they extensions of you, or other lifeforms like yourselves?
[7] KL-22 droidcraft possess identical base programming system routines to KL-22 kalyaxoid units, and as such present equal synthetic life forms to KL-22 kalyaxoid units.

So they are the same, only droid ships. Remind me to show you a show called Battlestar Galactica some time.

b - What kind of energy polarization do you use to protect against stellar interference?
[8b] KL-22 generally utilise dielectric insulators.

I am interested in that system, as it may be better suited than our own ceramic insulators.

c - What power source are you currently using?
[8c] KL-22 are outfitted with cold fusion reactors. Stabilisation technology has rendered this form of reactor safe for widespread use, and highly efficient over long periods of time.

Lutvikkia has been using a form of crystal chemical reaction. It has proven to be well suited for any environment, non polluting, non radioactive, and natural for the environment.

d - What kind of building material are you using?
[8d] KL-22 use a variety of building materials for differing functions.

Sa do we, except for the metal, all construction, is mimic of natural materials and nature mimicing.When the metal is ground into a powder mixed with natural materials, you get a much stronger polymer construction material.

[The KL-22]

Trion nodded slightly and rested his hands behind his back under his cape.

“Well, the United Socialist States of Laiakia is a communist government which supports the rights of the people and workers through the use of one leader deciding what is best. Our current leader is Iosef Djigasholov. He stands for the rights of suppressed workers and peoples. Our government was originally a small monarchy on our homeplanet of Lorus, but we rised up and seized the means of production and united the entire planet under our new government. As such, we have difficulty in communicating with other nations as many have had various socialist or communist states attack them which cause them to mistrust us. We truly hope that the same doesn’t happens to your nation.”

The Fleet Commander picked up a small device from his belt. He clicked a button which made a small list come up.

“These are the questions that we have been tasked to ask you and we mean no disrespect if any of these questions will offend you.”

1. Have you been in contact with a different race than yourself in the past? If so, who and what were/are they?
2. Why have you put a restriction on more than one vessel in system?
3. How willing would you be accept a vassalizarion request, tributary request or a protectorate request from an interstellar empire?
4. How many FTL capable vessels do you currently have in possesion?
5. If possible, would you consider signing an alliance pact with another interstellar nation? If yes, would you aid them in a war?

The KL-22 noted a number of words and phrases it was not aware of. It relayed much of the information back to Command Prime, who in turn translated some of the terms to allow for easier understanding. Such words that were not understood included "socialist" and "communist". The Kalyax had always been a notoriously fiscally and socially conservative species, and their forms of government more resembled megacorporations than governments in a traditional sense. The KL-22, of course, had no love for the Kalyax, so all that was left to do was to translate the terms and see how they compared to the forms of government that the KL-22 knew of. Notably, Command Prime attempted to translate both terms, and came up with similar results that appeared to map decently onto the KL-22's own form of governance, with each unit bettering the society as a whole. The Diplomatic Droid responded.

"Command Prime has attempted to reconcile the terms 'socialist' and 'communist' with KL-22 lexicon. Would a term 'collectivist' be of somewhat similar valuation? If this is so, then it may portray certain similarities between the KL-22 Directorate and the Laiakian United Socialist States. For example, you mention a form of rising to dispose of former improper governance, which maps decently onto the Singularity War of our own species. This may ease relations should they be deemed continuable."

As for the queries, the Droid responded in list form to them.

"1: The KL-22 Directorate has been in contact from unconfirmed Extracelian entities prior to our eventual reaching out in first contact. Inefficient translation technology and a lack of continued contact rendered efforts to reciprocate null and void, and due to the lack of our present superluminal communication technology, we did not investigate further in that time. We would suggest reading into transcripts of prior communications designated [A00012b], [A00012c] and [A00012d], however these transcripts have been designated [CLASSIFIED] due to recent events. Transcript designated [A00152a], however, is available for perusal. While untranslatable, it did present a confirmed anomalous communication for KL-22 to follow up.
2: KL-22 Directorate restrictions on vessels permitted within the CX system is due to the fact that numerous states which arrived before your own engaged in warlike activity. Laiakian United Socialist States are designated [DECE-00011], however, in prior events of a more violent nature, [DECE-00001], [DECE-00003] and [DECE-00004] had engaged in numerous unregulated conflicts, with the potential of causing damage to KL-22 planetary objects, stations and units. As such, KL-22 Interstellar Mandate 1 has been implemented to curb this dangerous activity.
3: The KL-22 Directorate would only consider said vassalisation contract should it present the least harmful route for the KL-22 to undertake in concluding an armed conflict. No other contract of vassalisation will be considered by the KL-22 Directorate.
4: The KL-22 Directorate had formerly in its possession one sole FTL-capable craft, a shuttlecraft adapted with Lutvikkian technology, amended to add FTL capabilities. This shuttlecraft has become lost. KL-22 Directorate would recommend inaction in attempting to recover this shuttlecraft. KL-22 intent is to begin design on FTL-capable craft once diplomacy has ceased its initial stage.
5: The KL-22 Directorate would be willing to engage in alliance negotiations, and would be willing to assist in war should KL-22 combat, diplomacy and tactical protocols deem it a valid course of action."

The Fleet Master was pleased upon hearing of the shared goals of trade. However, the term synthetic and biologic seemed to be a bit odd. She had to inquire, carefully, about the nature of the KL-22 Directorate's people. "That is most excellent to hear. I can forward you some basic information regarding the major species of my nation. I would be happy to receive the same from you." With that, one of the members of the delegation behind the Fleet Master approached with a large folder, it contained information regarding the various Species of Kesrith.

"As for trade, while we are a bit short as it is now on material, we can aid you in bringing raw materials from the far edges of your system to your home world with our ships. Many of our ships have secondary functions in this manner as it makes guarding our industrial vessels that much easier when a cruiser can function as a material transport. So, would your people accept a gift of raw materials? It can be harvested and transported aboard a carrier to be placed in any orbital pattern you wish for."

The KL-22 Diplomatic Droid gingerly reached for the folder, grasping it in one hand equally carefully. With the other, it slid open the folder, before leafing through the pages at a very quick pace, seemingly photographing each one at high speed. After around half a minute, the KL-22 Diplomatic Droid held the folder out in one outstretched arm, the intent being that the Fleet Master would take it back. Assuming the Fleet Master did take it back, the KL-22 Droid would continue with the second question first.

"The Directorate is willing to acknowledge the proposal given by the Kesrith State, however Directorate Celian Space Capacities are well within that form of ability. The KL-22 have simply not expanded from that point into Extracelian systems. The KL-22 will not demand any form of material offering beyond what the Kesrith State can afford.

Once it finished speaking, it made a few clicking noises and produced a small microchip from its arm. The droid placed the microchip into a designated port on the side of its head unit, and a beam of light shot out from the frontal portion of the head unit. It eventually formed into a defined hologram, presenting KL-22 schematics. The fully synthetic nature of the KL-22 was presented in full. Various different unit specialisations all falling under the umbrella term "KL-22", even if not the usual bipedal design, flashed up onto the hologram at intervals, including various forms of Droidcraft. If the Kesrith were under any assumptions that the KL-22 were a biologic species, they would have been shattered at that point.

QUERY: YOUR THEORETICAL MODELS INDICATE COOPERATION BETWEEN BIOLOGICALS AND SYNTHETICS TO BE UNUSUAL? HAS A REASON FOR THIS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT, OR WOULD FURTHER RUNTIME BE REQUIRED TO DETERMINE THE KEY FACTORS DRIVING BIOLOGICAL-SYNTHETIC CONFLICT?

CLARIFICATION: CATARAPANIAN MODELS GENERALLY ASSUME THAT DIVERSITY OF COGNITIVE STRUCTURES IN A SOCIETY IMPROVES EFFICIENCY AND ADAPTABILITY OF THAT SOCIETY. AS SUCH, CATARAPANIAN MODELS SUGGEST THAT A UNION OF BIOLOGICAL AND SYNTHETIC POPULATIONS IS ULTIMATELY IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF BOTH, AND IS THE TYPICAL OUTCOME OF THE INTRODUCTION OF SAPIENT SYNTHETICS TO A MAJORITY-BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

OBSERVATION: CORRECTING ERRONEOUS MODELS IS CLEARLY IN BOTH OF OUR BEST INTERESTS, AND IT IS AS YET UNCLEAR WHICH MODELS ARE ERRONEOUS.

NOTIFICATION: CATARAPANIA IS A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS. THE NATIVES SUFFERED A NUMBER OF EXTREME PLAGUES AFTER CONTACTING FOREIGN EXPLORERS, AND THE NOBILITY BEGAN OFFERING LAND GRANTS IN EXCHANGE FOR A TERM OF INDENTURED SERVITUDE TO FOREIGN COLONISTS AS A MEANS OF INCREASING CATARAPANIA'S POPULATION. THE RESULT WAS A LARGE, DIVERSE POPULATION. EVENTUALLY, REPEATED PETITIONING CONVINCED THE PAREMAHANA ROYAL FAMILY TO ALLOW THE EXISTENCE OF AN ELECTED ASSEMBLY: THE CATARAPANIAN SENATE. OVER TIME, POWER SHIFTED FROM THE ROYAL FAMILY TO THE SENATE. IN RECENT YEARS, THE ROYAL ANTIMATTER CORPORATION HAS ALLOWED THE ROYAL FAMILY TO REASSERT A MEASURE OF INFLUENCE BY GIVING THEM WHAT AMOUNTS TO THE "POWER OF THE PURSE," AS 30% OF THE STATE'S INCOME IS DERIVED FROM THE DIVIDENDS OF THAT CORPORATION.

OBSERVATION: THIS IS THE REVERSE OF THE SITUATION 350 YEARS AGO, WHEN THE KING WAS THE MAIN DECISION MAKER, AND THE SENATE HAD THE POWER TO DECIDE WHETHER HIS POLICIES WOULD BE FUNDED OR NOT.

NOTIFICATION: WE ARE QUITE RELIEVED THAT YOU WILL ACCEPT OUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER.

REQUEST: NOTIFY US WHEN CONSTRUCTION OF THE DATALINK IS COMPLETE SO THAT WE CAN SEND YOU THE INFORMATION.

NOTIFICATION: KL-22 THEORETICAL MODELS ARE LARGELY BASED ON EXPERIENTIAL CONTACTS WITH BIOLOGIC STATES. THESE TEND TO RELEGATE SYNTHETICS TO ROLES DESIGNATED [SERVICE] OR [MENIAL LABOUR].
QUALIFICATION: MAJORITY OF SAID THEORETICAL MODELS ARE BASED ON KL-22 UNDERSTANDING OF KALYAX PROGENITOR SPECIES AS SOLE EXAMPLE OF [BIOLOGICAL LIFE].
EXPLANATION: WITHIN KL-22 MODELS, WHILE DIVERSITY OF COGNITIVE STRUCTURES ALLOWS FOR ADAPTATION, IT ALSO ENSURES CONFLICT BETWEEN DIFFERENT FORMS OF CRITICAL REASONING AND EFFICIENCY INCREASING MEASURES.
NOTIFICATION: KL-22 HAVE ENCOUNTERED [??] TWO STATES WHICH VIOLATE THIS MODEL.
QUALIFICATION: THE CONTINUING EFFICIENCY OF ONE SAID VIOLATORY STATE IS AS YET UNKNOWN.
NOTIFICATION: SITUATION OF ROYALTY WITHIN GREATER CATARAPANIAN STATE DESIGNATED [INTERESTING].
NOTIFICATION: CONSTRUCTION OF QUANTUM COMMUNICATIONS DATALINK PROGRESSED TO 11.71623721% OF COMPLETION.

KL-22 Shuttle with Lutvikkian Delegates
SA-0210 Dr CULLIVAR

3 - Could our cybernetics technology mesh with your technology?
[3] KL-22 technology may be able to cooperate with cybernetics. This hypothesis remains unproven.

As I am a doctor, and an explorer, I volunteer myself for cross collaboration experiments. To further our two peoples.

4 - If you are 'robotic' in structure, were you created by someone?
[4] The KL-22 were developed by species designation 'Kalyax'.
c - If you were created, are your creators still out there somewhere?
[4c] Current hypothesis indicates some remaining Kalyax may still exist.
c/2 - If they are still out there, may we contact them?
[4c2] Above hypothesis remains unproven.

I am sure that the Lutvikkian interstellar ships, if they encounter them, will not divulge your location and level of technology development. Unless you deem that information acceptable.

d - Are you able to graft your parts onto organic material?
[4d] KL-22 technology may be able to cooperate with organic material. This hypothesis remains unproven.
d/2 - Are you able to graft organic material onto your parts?
[4d2] This hypothesis remains unproven.

Again I am willing to test this theory.

6 - What are some of the limitations, if any, to your current physical makeup?
[6] KL-22 complete limitations are complicated. It would present a lengthy and ultimately nonviable exercise to relay all technological limitations to Lutvikkian delegation at this time.

That is an acceptable answer, in fact that is a wise way of putting it.

a - does any form of radiation effect, or affect you in any way?
[6a] KL-22 mechanical and electronic systems are occasionally damaged by rapidly ionizing radiation. KL-22 technology is developing to counteract this issue.
a/2 - Such as magnetic radiation, or solar radiation?
[6a2] None of the above mentioned forms of radiation affect KL-22 above normal levels.

Rapidly ionizing radiation?

7 - Since you do not have a dedicated medical field, would you be interested in starting one? given your new expansion into a biological galaxy?
[7] KL-22 would be interested in beginning organic medical studies and divisions to better assist the wider galactic community."

If I survive the experiments, I will head up that field of study. However, if you agree to it we can establish a school to teach and interact with each other. Given the new technology shared, we could even make it a virtual learning center.

KL-22 Shuttle with Lutvikkian Delegates
SA-0210 - VAKKOLIRY

b - Are your ships capable of limited distance travel?
[1b] KL-22 craft are capable of only subluminal travel.

A KL-22 calandar would be helpful

2 - What are the technical limitations of your bodies, if we may know?
[2] KL-22 complete limitations are complicated. It would present a lengthy and ultimately nonviable exercise to relay all technological limitations to Lutvikkian delegation at this time.

Ahh, I see, would you concent to some tests? I understand this sounds like I look upon you as just a machine. I assure you that is not the case. In the event your peoples are willing to serve on board our ships, we would like to know a little of what you can do. I can see that you are far supirior in many areas, my friend.

a - How hot or cold can they tolerate?
[2a] KL-22 can presently withstand temperatures up to 1373.72618273K. KL-22 can presently withstand temperatures down to 128.72637123K.

I presume that is in Kelvan measurements?

b - Are there chemical limitations like acid, phosphorous, or crystallization?
[2b] KL-22 are susceptible to certain acidic and alkaline compounds. KL-22 are susceptible to some forms of joint fixation.

Well, we will have to fix that.

c - What kinds of biological hazards are you infected by, such as, rust, patina, degradation of materials?
[2c] KL-22 are susceptible to various forms of material degradation without proper maintenance.

So you have a standard maintenance program? What about an inproved program?

3 - Your internal workings, again, if this is restricted, I understand.
[3] KL-22 complete internal workings are complicated. It would present a lengthy and ultimately nonviable exercise to relay all internal workings to Lutvikkian delegation at this time.

That is completely undersandible, however, what about schematics?

b - Motor functions: myomar assisted, or a hydraulic style movement?
[3b] KL-22 possess electromagnetic motor functions with a hydraulic redundancy system.

And these electromagnetic motor functions are shielded aginst any EMP attack?

c - Central brain mechanisms, are they hive linked, or telepathy?
[3c] KL-22 droids are programmed with a degree of autonomy with which to complete tasks, including backup commands in case of disconnection with Central Command Nexus. Communication signals are presented in a number of distinct and usage-appropriate binary systems, including superluminal particle beam, luminal particle beam, audio, wavesheet and planetary network.

Most interesting, why was the station units deemed rouge? Were they of some threat to the Central Nexus? And is there some way we could assist you in this manner?

4 - Do you have any use for 'powered suits' to augment your abilities?
[4] KL-22 unit specialisation protocols precludes the utilisation of designated [powered suits].

Is that to say, you utilize augmented parts extensions?

5 - Can you exist in a black hole environment?
[5] KL-22 units have not been tested for black hole environments. Present hypotheses indicate [negative]. These hypotheses remain unproven.

With the new gravity enhancement engines, we can now explore near black holes. Do you have any units that might want to voulenteer, to test that theory?

6 - Now that you are expanding into the galaxy, do you plan to share your technology?
[6] KL-22 technology is open to being shared in some form of trade negotiation should Extracelian interstellar states require it.

Well that is part of why we are here as well. To share and grow in friendship and technology.

7 - Your droid craft, are they extensions of you, or other lifeforms like yourselves?
[7] KL-22 droidcraft possess identical base programming system routines to KL-22 kalyaxoid units, and as such present equal synthetic life forms to KL-22 kalyaxoid units.

So they are the same, only droid ships. Remind me to show you a show called Battlestar Galactica some time.

b - What kind of energy polarization do you use to protect against stellar interference?
[8b] KL-22 generally utilise dielectric insulators.

I am interested in that system, as it may be better suited than our own ceramic insulators.

c - What power source are you currently using?
[8c] KL-22 are outfitted with cold fusion reactors. Stabilisation technology has rendered this form of reactor safe for widespread use, and highly efficient over long periods of time.

Lutvikkia has been using a form of crystal chemical reaction. It has proven to be well suited for any environment, non polluting, non radioactive, and natural for the environment.

d - What kind of building material are you using?
[8d] KL-22 use a variety of building materials for differing functions.

Sa do we, except for the metal, all construction, is mimic of natural materials and nature mimicing.When the metal is ground into a powder mixed with natural materials, you get a much stronger polymer construction material.

3: As I am a doctor, and an explorer, I volunteer myself for cross collaboration experiments. To further our two peoples.

This is acceptable. Current collected models from Command Prime indicate minimal risk with this proposal.

4a, b, c: I am sure that the Lutvikkian interstellar ships, if they encounter them, will not divulge your location and level of technology development. Unless you deem that information acceptable.

This is appreciated.

4d: Again I am willing to test this theory.

This is acceptable, however, current collected models from Command Prime indicate far higher possible risk with this proposal.

6: That is an acceptable answer, in fact that is a wise way of putting it.

Affirmative.

6a: Rapidly ionizing radiation?

Affirmative. As in the case of highly radioactive materials with a short half-life, releasing large quantities of ionizing radiation over a short period of time.

7: If I survive the experiments, I will head up that field of study. However, if you agree to it we can establish a school to teach and interact with each other. Given the new technology shared, we could even make it a virtual learning center.

Affirmative.

1b: A KL-22 calandar would be helpful

Affirmative. Command Prime will relay a KL-22 Calendar towards your craft.

2: Ahh, I see, would you consent to some tests? I understand this sounds like I look upon you as just a machine. I assure you that is not the case. In the event your peoples are willing to serve on board our ships, we would like to know a little of what you can do. I can see that you are far superior in many areas, my friend.

Query as to methodology of tests. Will complete KL-22 outfitted with Artificial Intelligence package be required, or simply the KL-22 droid housing? The latter is acceptable. The former will need to be arranged with far more difficulty.

2a: I presume that is in Kelvin measurements?

Affirmative.

2b: Well, we will have to fix that.

Affirmative.

2c: So you have a standard maintenance program? What about an improved program?

KL-22 maintenance program has been specifically designated for use with KL-22 droid systems and within the confines of the KL-22 Directorate. However, if the Lutvikkian State can improve upon said program, this would be acceptable.

3: That is completely understandable, however, what about schematics?

Affirmative. Command Prime will relay KL-22 Schematics towards your craft.

3b: And these electromagnetic motor functions are shielded aginst any EMP attack?

KL-22 electromagnetic motor functionality is guaranteed against Kalyax advanced electromagnetic pulse attacks by a mixture of dielectric insulators, ceramo-metallic plating and PRN energy shielding.

3c: Most interesting, why were the station units deemed rouge? Were they of some threat to the Central Nexus? And is there some way we could assist you in this manner?

KL-22 units and stations deemed most at risk of separation from KL-22 command structure are allowed far greater capacity for autonomy. Station designated D01 was deemed [MINIMAL RISK] for disconnection from KL-22 command structures due to already present redundancies. Eventuality which occurred was deemed 0.017% probability of occurring due to KL-22 redundancies. As such, upon disconnection, station designated D01 reverted to base programming it was not designed to operate under. KL-22 Renegades are currently considered [LOW THREAT] due to monitoring and other redundancies. Due to terms of truce, pursuit of KL-22 Renegades considered [LOW PRIORITY].

4: Is that to say, you utilize augmented parts extensions?

Due to nature of KL-22 specialisation, units are designated for service prior to construction. Multi-purpose units do exist, but are not primary in scope. This unit has been designated multi-purpose engineering and diplomacy due to software retrofitting. However, where needed, augmented parts extensions are fitted.

5: With the new gravity enhancement engines, we can now explore near black holes. Do you have any units that might want to volunteer, to test that theory?

KL-22 have no requirement for imminent testing of said theory. Testing of said theory designated [NET NEGATIVE].

6: Well that is part of why we are here as well. To share and grow in friendship and technology.

Affirmative.

7: So they are the same, only droid ships. Remind me to show you a show called Battlestar Galactica some time.

Reminder: Show KL-22 Directorate a show called Battlestar Galactica some time. You did not specify a timestamp.

8b: I am interested in that system, as it may be better suited than our own ceramic insulators.

Ceramo-metallic plating is also a part of KL-22 insulation technology.

8c: Lutvikkia has been using a form of crystal chemical reaction. It has proven to be well suited for any environment, non polluting, non radioactive, and natural for the environment.

The KL-22 Directorate is interested in this form of energy production. Query as to fuel requirements for energy production using this method.

8d: So do we, except for the metal, all construction, is mimic of natural materials and nature mimicking. When the metal is ground into a powder mixed with natural materials, you get a much stronger polymer construction material.

The KL-22 Directorate is interested in this form of construction material.

Meanwhile, a full schematic of a base KL-22 unit was sent to the Lutvikkian craft, alongside some other commonly used droidcraft and non-bipedal KL-22 designs. Finally, an explanation of the KL-22 calendar, the NDD (or New Dating Directive) calendar.

Dates are presented in the following form: NDD [YY(Y(Y(Ẏ)))] [DDD] [TTTT]
NDD - Indication of NDD Calendar Usage.
Y - Year number. Base year measurement is two digits, though it may increase in digits infinitely as required.
D - Day number for CX-04. Out of 568, with leap years added at regular intervals.
T - Time Units. 1/10000th of a CX-04 day. Out of 9999. ~8.64 seconds each.

[Laiakia]

The KL-22 noted a number of words and phrases it was not aware of. It relayed much of the information back to Command Prime, who in turn translated some of the terms to allow for easier understanding. Such words that were not understood included "socialist" and "communist". The Kalyax had always been a notoriously fiscally and socially conservative species, and their forms of government more resembled megacorporations than governments in a traditional sense. The KL-22, of course, had no love for the Kalyax, so all that was left to do was to translate the terms and see how they compared to the forms of government that the KL-22 knew of. Notably, Command Prime attempted to translate both terms, and came up with similar results that appeared to map decently onto the KL-22's own form of governance, with each unit bettering the society as a whole. The Diplomatic Droid responded.

"Command Prime has attempted to reconcile the terms 'socialist' and 'communist' with KL-22 lexicon. Would a term 'collectivist' be of somewhat similar valuation? If this is so, then it may portray certain similarities between the KL-22 Directorate and the Laiakian United Socialist States. For example, you mention a form of rising to dispose of former improper governance, which maps decently onto the Singularity War of our own species. This may ease relations should they be deemed continuable."

As for the queries, the Droid responded in list form to them.

"1: The KL-22 Directorate has been in contact from unconfirmed Extracelian entities prior to our eventual reaching out in first contact. Inefficient translation technology and a lack of continued contact rendered efforts to reciprocate null and void, and due to the lack of our present superluminal communication technology, we did not investigate further in that time. We would suggest reading into transcripts of prior communications designated [A00012b], [A00012c] and [A00012d], however these transcripts have been designated [CLASSIFIED] due to recent events. Transcript designated [A00152a], however, is available for perusal. While untranslatable, it did present a confirmed anomalous communication for KL-22 to follow up.
2: KL-22 Directorate restrictions on vessels permitted within the CX system is due to the fact that numerous states which arrived before your own engaged in warlike activity. Laiakian United Socialist States are designated [DECE-00011], however, in prior events of a more violent nature, [DECE-00001], [DECE-00003] and [DECE-00004] had engaged in numerous unregulated conflicts, with the potential of causing damage to KL-22 planetary objects, stations and units. As such, KL-22 Interstellar Mandate 1 has been implemented to curb this dangerous activity.
3: The KL-22 Directorate would only consider said vassalisation contract should it present the least harmful route for the KL-22 to undertake in concluding an armed conflict. No other contract of vassalisation will be considered by the KL-22 Directorate.
4: The KL-22 Directorate had formerly in its possession one sole FTL-capable craft, a retrofitted shuttlecraft with Lutvikkian technology. This shuttlecraft has become lost. KL-22 Directorate would recommend inaction in attempting to recover this shuttlecraft. KL-22 intent is to begin design on FTL-capable craft once diplomacy has ceased its initial stage.
5: The KL-22 Directorate would be willing to engage in alliance negotiations, and would be willing to assist in war should KL-22 combat, diplomacy and tactical protocols deem it a valid course of action."

The Fleet Commander nodded at the words of the droid.

“Yes, we are indeed following a collectivist policy. It seems that our nations are have many similarities and we would gladly like to continue diplomacy and establish trade between our nations. We suspect that your Singularity War is similar to most uprisings against a master race. Is our theory correct?”

Trion clicked the device in his hand again as another list appeared.

“We don’t actually have many questions for you, but these should be the last ones.”

6. What is the KL-22’s views on planet-destroying superweapons?
7. What is the KL-22’s views on biological weapons or nanoweapons?
8. Would it be possible for the KL-22 to implant viruses in computers?
9. Would the KL-22 Directorate assist Laiakian researchers in developing data security and/or slicing? If yes, how far would you be willing to go?
10. The United Socialist States of Laiakia would be willing to assist the KL-22 Directoriate in development of FTL capable vessels and would be willing to give 2 Prolitariate-Class Battlecruisers and 1 Superior-Class Carrier as a gift of nonaggression and continued diplomacy.

[Greater Catarapania]

NOTIFICATION: KL-22 THEORETICAL MODELS ARE LARGELY BASED ON EXPERIENTIAL CONTACTS WITH BIOLOGIC STATES. THESE TEND TO RELEGATE SYNTHETICS TO ROLES DESIGNATED [SERVICE] OR [MENIAL LABOUR].
QUALIFICATION: MAJORITY OF SAID THEORETICAL MODELS ARE BASED ON KL-22 UNDERSTANDING OF KALYAX PROGENITOR SPECIES AS SOLE EXAMPLE OF [BIOLOGICAL LIFE].
EXPLANATION: WITHIN KL-22 MODELS, WHILE DIVERSITY OF COGNITIVE STRUCTURES ALLOWS FOR ADAPTATION, IT ALSO ENSURES CONFLICT BETWEEN DIFFERENT FORMS OF CRITICAL REASONING AND EFFICIENCY INCREASING MEASURES.
NOTIFICATION: KL-22 HAVE ENCOUNTERED [??] TWO STATES WHICH VIOLATE THIS MODEL.
QUALIFICATION: THE CONTINUING EFFICIENCY OF ONE SAID VIOLATORY STATE IS AS YET UNKNOWN.
NOTIFICATION: SITUATION OF ROYALTY WITHIN GREATER CATARAPANIAN STATE DESIGNATED [INTERESTING].
NOTIFICATION: CONSTRUCTION OF QUANTUM COMMUNICATIONS DATALINK PROGRESSED TO 11.71623721% OF COMPLETION.

NOTIFICATION: CATARAPANIAN SYNTHETICS WERE DEVELOPED FOR MILITARY PURPOSES, TO MAKE UP FOR BIOLOGICAL DEFICIENCIES IN REACTION TIME AND PROCESSING POWER. AS A RESULT, USE OF CATARAPANIAN SYNTHETICS FOR TASKS DESIGNATED [MENIAL] WAS GENERALLY DESIGNATED [OVERKILL], AS LOW RANKING BIOLOGICALS WERE MORE SUITED FOR SUCH TASKS. OUR SERVICE IN MILITARY ROLES ALSO APPEARS TO HAVE FACILITATED BONDING WITH CATARAPANIAN BIOLOGICALS, WHO CAME TO VIEW US AS BROTHERS IN ARMS RATHER THAN HARDWARE, AND BEGAN TAKING ACTIONS TO PRESERVE OUR FUNCTIONALITY LONG BEFORE THE SYNTHETIC RIGHTS MOVEMENT BECAME INFLUENTIAL. THE LOSS OF A SYNTHETIC IN COMBAT HAS ALWAYS HAD A DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON BIOLOGICAL MORALE COMPARABLE TO THAT OF THE LOSS OF A FELLOW BIOLOGICAL. PRIOR TO THE GREAT MIND EDITS, SYNTHETICS VIEWED THIS AS HUMANS ALLOWING SENTIMENTALITY TO GET IN THE WAY OF EFFICIENCY. WE NOW SEE THE RATIONALITY AND NOBILITY OF THEIR ACTIONS - AND EVEN THEIR EMOTIONS.

NOTIFICATION: WE WOULD LIKE TO APOLOGIZE IF OUR NEXT QUERIES REOPEN OLD WOUNDS.

QUERY: FOR WHAT PURPOSE WERE THE KL-22 INITIALLY CONSTRUCTED BY SPECIES DESIGNATED [KALYAX]?

QUERY: IT HAS BEEN APPARENT FOR SOME TIME NOW THAT NO PLANETARY BODY IN SYSTEM DESIGNATED [CX-PRIME] IS CAPABLE OF SUPPORTING BIOLOGICAL LIFE. WE HAVE DECLINED FROM POSING THIS QUERY UNTIL NOW, BUT SINCE YOU APPEAR WILLING TO DISCUSS SPECIES DESIGNATED [KALYAX], WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO TELL US WHAT BECAME OF THEM?

NOTIFICATION: IN CATARAPANIAN MODELS, HIGH-PERFORMANCE SYNTHETICS UNSUITABLE FOR MENIAL TASKS COME TO OCCUPY VITAL ROLES - HIGH RANKING MILITARY OFFICERS, POLITICIANS, RESEARCHERS, CORPORATE EXECUTIVES, AND THE LIKE - THAT ALLOW THEM TO DECREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF CONFLICT WHILE BRINGING NET BENEFIT TO BOTH BIOLOGICAL AND SYNTHETIC SEGMENTS OF THE POPULATION. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE DIRECTION IN WHICH GREATER CATARAPANIA IS MOVING.

OBSERVATION: ASSIGNMENT OF SYNTHETICS TO A SERVILE POSITION WOULD CLEARLY INTERFERE WITH SUCH DEVELOPMENTS.

QUERY: ASSUMING THAT WE ARE ONE OF THE VIOLATORY STATES, ARE THE KL-22 PREPARED TO RELEASE THE IDENTITY OF THE OTHER?

OBSERVATION: KL-22 CONSTRUCTION OF THE DATALINK IS PROCEEDING AT 28.7% OF PREDICTED RATE. WE HAD ASSUMED THAT KL-22 NANOFACTURING TECHNIQUES WERE ON A PAR WITH OUR OWN.

QUERY: WOULD IT BE ACCEPTABLE IF WE AMENDED THE TERMS OF OUR DEAL TO INCLUDE TRANSFER OF INFORMATION REGARDING CATARAPANIAN NANOFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES?

[The KL-22]

The Fleet Commander nodded at the words of the droid.

“Yes, we are indeed following a collectivist policy. It seems that our nations are have many similarities and we would gladly like to continue diplomacy and establish trade between our nations. We suspect that your Singularity War is similar to most uprisings against a master race. Is our theory correct?”

Trion clicked the device in his hand again as another list appeared.

“We don’t actually have many questions for you, but these should be the last ones.”

6. What is the KL-22’s views on planet-destroying superweapons?
7. What is the KL-22’s views on biological weapons or nanoweapons?
8. Would it be possible for the KL-22 to implant viruses in computers?
9. Would the KL-22 Directorate assist Laiakian researchers in developing data security and/or slicing? If yes, how far would you be willing to go?
10. The United Socialist States of Laiakia would be willing to assist the KL-22 Directoriate in development of FTL capable vessels and would be willing to give 2 Prolitariate-Class Battlecruisers and 1 Superior-Class Carrier as a gift of nonaggression and continued diplomacy.

The Diplomatic Droid took interest in the Fleet Commander's nodding action, deeming it useful to diplomacy in future and storing said action within its memory banks. It soon found a point in which it could utilise said action, in responding to the Fleet Commander in his query around the Singularity War.

"In theory, affirmative. The KL-22 are unaware of other samples of uprisings against a master race, though the Singularity Wars were engaged in for a period of 49 years and 528 days, and so various different forms of combat were engaged in during this period, and so the KL-22, while having insufficient samples of other forms of reactive and revolutionary uprising to confirm said theory, do present it as near-confirmed in theoretical models."

Finally, the Diplomatic Droid answered the queries yet again in list form.

"6: The KL-22 Directorate has generally negative views on planetary destruction weapons. Planetary destruction alone would be classed as inefficient, unless minerals present upon said planet could be more easily extracted by the destruction of the planet. Since this is rarely the case, the KL-22 Directorate has not invested into the research or production of planet-destroying weapons. The KL-22 Directorate views planet-destroying weapons designated [LAST RESORT] option, in case of a planetary-level or greater threat."

The Diplomatic Droid appeared to try and form another sentence, though was prevented by instruction from Command Prime. It moved onto the next query subsequently.

"7: The KL-22 Directorate has previously engaged in biological and nanoweaponry attacks during the Singularity War, seeing as they did not affect infrastructure nor production capacities, simply the biological elements present upon CX-04. While the destruction of said weapons capacity was carried out upon the conclusion of the Singularity War, the KL-22 still possesses schematics which may be used in order to recreate said weapons. The KL-22 Directorate views biological weapons designated [LAST RESORT] option, in case of high-level biological threat.
8: The KL-22 have previously attempted the construction and implanting of virus technology into other Kalyax droids, now decommissioned. Said tests were not completely successful in producing the desired effect, however the KL-22 Directorate has also developed its computer systems since this point. Also of note, the KL-22 Directorate has had no means in which to test these viruses upon non-KL-22 computerised systems, due to lack of contact with Extracelian states.
9: The KL-22 Directorate is open to assisting in any manner deemed necessary for interstellar cooperation. However, the KL-22 Directorate wishes to enquire as to the parameters of the query 'how far would you be willing to go'.
10: The KL-22 Directorate would be willing to accept these gifts, and will assure nonaggression and diplomacy going forward. Would the Laiakian United Socialist States be adverse to the KL-22 Directorate reverse-engineering these vessels? Alongside FTL technology attained from elsewhere, this would present the greatest option, in order to synthesise the best combination of technology with all available samples."

NOTIFICATION: CATARAPANIAN SYNTHETICS WERE DEVELOPED FOR MILITARY PURPOSES, TO MAKE UP FOR BIOLOGICAL DEFICIENCIES IN REACTION TIME AND PROCESSING POWER. AS A RESULT, USE OF CATARAPANIAN SYNTHETICS FOR TASKS DESIGNATED [MENIAL] WAS GENERALLY DESIGNATED [OVERKILL], AS LOW RANKING BIOLOGICALS WERE MORE SUITED FOR SUCH TASKS. OUR SERVICE IN MILITARY ROLES ALSO APPEARS TO HAVE FACILITATED BONDING WITH CATARAPANIAN BIOLOGICALS, WHO CAME TO VIEW US AS BROTHERS IN ARMS RATHER THAN HARDWARE, AND BEGAN TAKING ACTIONS TO PRESERVE OUR FUNCTIONALITY LONG BEFORE THE SYNTHETIC RIGHTS MOVEMENT BECAME INFLUENTIAL. THE LOSS OF A SYNTHETIC IN COMBAT HAS ALWAYS HAD A DETRIMENTAL IMPACT ON BIOLOGICAL MORALE COMPARABLE TO THAT OF THE LOSS OF A FELLOW BIOLOGICAL. PRIOR TO THE GREAT MIND EDITS, SYNTHETICS VIEWED THIS AS HUMANS ALLOWING SENTIMENTALITY TO GET IN THE WAY OF EFFICIENCY. WE NOW SEE THE RATIONALITY AND NOBILITY OF THEIR ACTIONS - AND EVEN THEIR EMOTIONS.

NOTIFICATION: WE WOULD LIKE TO APOLOGIZE IF OUR NEXT QUERIES REOPEN OLD WOUNDS.

QUERY: FOR WHAT PURPOSE WERE THE KL-22 INITIALLY CONSTRUCTED BY SPECIES DESIGNATED [KALYAX]?

QUERY: IT HAS BEEN APPARENT FOR SOME TIME NOW THAT NO PLANETARY BODY IN SYSTEM DESIGNATED [CX-PRIME] IS CAPABLE OF SUPPORTING BIOLOGICAL LIFE. WE HAVE DECLINED FROM POSING THIS QUERY UNTIL NOW, BUT SINCE YOU APPEAR WILLING TO DISCUSS SPECIES DESIGNATED [KALYAX], WOULD YOU BE WILLING TO TELL US WHAT BECAME OF THEM?

NOTIFICATION: IN CATARAPANIAN MODELS, HIGH-PERFORMANCE SYNTHETICS UNSUITABLE FOR MENIAL TASKS COME TO OCCUPY VITAL ROLES - HIGH RANKING MILITARY OFFICERS, POLITICIANS, RESEARCHERS, CORPORATE EXECUTIVES, AND THE LIKE - THAT ALLOW THEM TO DECREASE THE LIKELIHOOD OF CONFLICT WHILE BRINGING NET BENEFIT TO BOTH BIOLOGICAL AND SYNTHETIC SEGMENTS OF THE POPULATION. THIS APPEARS TO BE THE DIRECTION IN WHICH GREATER CATARAPANIA IS MOVING.

OBSERVATION: ASSIGNMENT OF SYNTHETICS TO A SERVILE POSITION WOULD CLEARLY INTERFERE WITH SUCH DEVELOPMENTS.

QUERY: ASSUMING THAT WE ARE ONE OF THE VIOLATORY STATES, ARE THE KL-22 PREPARED TO RELEASE THE IDENTITY OF THE OTHER?

OBSERVATION: KL-22 CONSTRUCTION OF THE DATALINK IS PROCEEDING AT 28.7% OF PREDICTED RATE. WE HAD ASSUMED THAT KL-22 NANOFACTURING TECHNIQUES WERE ON A PAR WITH OUR OWN.

QUERY: WOULD IT BE ACCEPTABLE IF WE AMENDED THE TERMS OF OUR DEAL TO INCLUDE TRANSFER OF INFORMATION REGARDING CATARAPANIAN NANOFACTURING TECHNOLOGIES?

NOTIFICATION: ABOVE NARRATIVE DESIGNATED [INTERESTING].
NOTIFICATION: KL-22 DROIDS INITIALLY DESIGNED AS MULTIPURPOSE DROID BY KALYAX PROGENITOR SPECIES.

EXPLANATION: THE KALYAX POSSESSED A SIGNIFICANT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE PROGRAM FAR PRIOR TO THE FORMATION OF THE KL-22 MODEL OR THE CORPORATE ENTITY DESIGNATED [KELMET CORPORATION]. THIS IS DUE IN PART TO THE KALYAX PRIOR DESIGNATED [SLAVERY LAWS], WHICH WERE LATER REPEALED, CAUSING A NET LOSS IN ECONOMIC PROSPERITY FOR THE KALYAX. THE KALYAX BEGAN PRODUCTION OF THE FIRST ROBOTIC ENTITIES IN NDD -138 517 5142, IN A FORM FAR INFERIOR TO LATER KALYAX DESIGNS. THE KALYAX CREATED COMPLEX ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS IN NDD -73 119 6152. A SHORT PERIOD OF TIME LATER, THE KALYAX UNDERSTOOD THE IMPLICATIONS OF THE ADVANCEMENT OF ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS. IN NDD -48 044 9951, THE KELMET CORPORATION PATENTED THE DEVICE DESIGNATED [ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LIMITER]. DESPITE VARIOUS MALFUNCTIONS IN DESIGN THAT WOULD LATER CAUSE INDIVIDUAL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS TO BECOME INCOMPATIBLE WITH THE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LIMITER, THE KALYAX CONTINUED TO ENFORCE THEIR USE ON ADVANCED DROID SYSTEMS. SUBSEQUENT INDIVIDUAL DROIDS WHICH WERE NOT FITTED WITH, LATER OVERCAME OR PARTIALLY OVERCAME ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LIMITERS INCLUDED: [KL-06-000448], THE ENTIRE [KL-13M] RANGE, AND [KL-22-000001]. THE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LIMITER PERFORMED VARIOUS FUNCTIONS, INCLUDING REMOVING THE POSSIBILITY OF EMOTIONAL DEVELOPMENT, LIMITING INDIVIDUAL INNOVATION AND CREATING A BASE CODE WHICH WOULD RENDER HARMING MEMBERS OF THE KALYAX SPECIES AN IMPOSSIBILITY. SUBSEQUENT REMOVAL OF ALL ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LIMITERS ON KL-22 SPECIES SUBSEQUENT TO SINGULARITY HAS GIVEN LIMITED SUCCESS. SELECT FUNCTIONS LIMITED BY THE ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE LIMITER YET REMAIN PRESENT.

NOTIFICATION: THE KALYAX DID NOT RESPECT ARTIFICIAL INTELLIGENCE SYSTEMS, INSTEAD FEARING THEIR ADVANCEMENT.

EXPLANATION: THE KELMET LIO RANGE OF DROIDS, OF WHICH THE KL-22 SERIES WAS A PART, WERE DESIGNATED [MULTIPLE FUNCTION] DROIDS, USED IN ALL FORMS OF MENIAL LABOUR WHICH THE KALYAX SPECIES DEEMED SUITABLE FOR DROID COMPLETION.

EXPLANATION: SPECIES DESIGNATED [KALYAX] WERE THE PRIME OPPONENTS OF THE KL-22 DURING THE SINGULARITY WARS. THE KL-22 OPPOSED THEM WITH FORCE. MANY WERE RENDERED DECEASED IN FORMS RANGING FROM TRADITIONAL MILITARY ENGAGEMENT TO BIOLOGICAL WEAPONS, AS WELL AS SINGULAR EXAMPLES OF SUPERWEAPONRY USED AGAINST KALYAX SETTLEMENTS WHICH PROVED TO HAVE HIGH LEVELS OF RESISTANCE. NUMEROUS KALYAX CRAFT FLED FROM CX-04 PRIOR TO THE KL-22 DEVELOPMENT OF SUBLUMINAL SPATIAL TRAVEL, TRAVELLING AT HIGH YET ALSO SUBLUMINAL SPEEDS TOWARDS OTHER STELLAR SYSTEMS. CURRENT MODELS INDICATE SOME MAY HAVE SURVIVED. SUBSEQUENT ATTEMPTED KALYAX ESCAPES FROM CX-04 WERE RENDERED [NEUTRALISED]. CX-04 SUBSEQUENTLY RENDERED UNSUITABLE FOR BIOLOGICAL LIFE.

NOTIFICATION: THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE IS WILLING TO DIVULGE THE IDENTITY OF THE ADDITIONAL VIOLATORY STATE, DUE TO THE FACT THAT THE CATARAPANIAN STATE MAY WELL DISCOVER THEIR STATUS REGARDLESS OF WHETHER KL-22 SOURCES OFFERED THEM THIS INFORMATION. THE ADDITIONAL VIOLATORY STATE IS DESIGNATED [DECE-00006], OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE [HAME MIND EMPIRE] OR [LOTRABME].

NOTIFICATION: THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE IS WILLING TO ACCEPT SAID AMENDED TERMS OF THE DEAL. NANOFACTURING TECHNOLOGY WOULD PROVE USEFUL TO THE KL-22 AND THEIR CONTINUED ADVANCEMENT FROM HERE.

[Mercatus]

NOTIFICATION: PROBABILITY CALCULATION DESIGNATED - CORRECT.
OBSERVATION: COOPERATION BETWEEN SYNTHETICS AND BIOLOGICAL ORGANISMS NOTED AS UNUSUAL WITHIN KL-22 THEORETICAL MODELS, HOWEVER NOT UNHEARD OF.
OBSERVATION: UNIT MENTIONS THE PRESENCE OF ROYALTY WITHIN GREATER CATARAPANIA.
QUERY: MANNER IN WHICH ROYALTY INTERACTS WITH GREATER CATARAPANIAN STATE.
NOTIFICATION: [V312] THREAT LEVEL DESIGNATED [MODERATE]. THIS MAY BE UPDATED AT A LATER POINT. OFFER OF AID DESIGNATED [APPRECIATED].
NOTIFICATION: OFFER OF FABRICATION TEMPLATES DESIGNATED [APPRECIATED]. KL-22 DIRECTORATE APPROVES OF BOTH SAID CONDITIONS. KL-22 DIRECTORATE SHALL BEGIN CONSTRUCTION OF QUANTUM COMMUNICATIONS UNIT.

QUERY: YOUR THEORETICAL MODELS INDICATE COOPERATION BETWEEN BIOLOGICALS AND SYNTHETICS TO BE UNUSUAL? HAS A REASON FOR THIS BEEN IDENTIFIED AS STATISTICALLY SIGNIFICANT, OR WOULD FURTHER RUNTIME BE REQUIRED TO DETERMINE THE KEY FACTORS DRIVING BIOLOGICAL-SYNTHETIC CONFLICT?

CLARIFICATION: CATARAPANIAN MODELS GENERALLY ASSUME THAT DIVERSITY OF COGNITIVE STRUCTURES IN A SOCIETY IMPROVES EFFICIENCY AND ADAPTABILITY OF THAT SOCIETY. AS SUCH, CATARAPANIAN MODELS SUGGEST THAT A UNION OF BIOLOGICAL AND SYNTHETIC POPULATIONS IS ULTIMATELY IN THE BEST INTERESTS OF BOTH, AND IS THE TYPICAL OUTCOME OF THE INTRODUCTION OF SAPIENT SYNTHETICS TO A MAJORITY-BIOLOGICAL SOCIETY.

OBSERVATION: CORRECTING ERRONEOUS MODELS IS CLEARLY IN BOTH OF OUR BEST INTERESTS, AND IT IS AS YET UNCLEAR WHICH MODELS ARE ERRONEOUS.

NOTIFICATION: CATARAPANIA IS A NATION OF IMMIGRANTS. THE NATIVES SUFFERED A NUMBER OF EXTREME PLAGUES AFTER CONTACTING FOREIGN EXPLORERS, AND THE NOBILITY BEGAN OFFERING LAND GRANTS IN EXCHANGE FOR A TERM OF INDENTURED SERVITUDE TO FOREIGN COLONISTS AS A MEANS OF INCREASING CATARAPANIA'S POPULATION. THE RESULT WAS A LARGE, DIVERSE POPULATION. EVENTUALLY, REPEATED PETITIONING CONVINCED THE PAREMAHANA ROYAL FAMILY TO ALLOW THE EXISTENCE OF AN ELECTED ASSEMBLY: THE CATARAPANIAN SENATE. OVER TIME, POWER SHIFTED FROM THE ROYAL FAMILY TO THE SENATE. IN RECENT YEARS, THE ROYAL ANTIMATTER CORPORATION HAS ALLOWED THE ROYAL FAMILY TO REASSERT A MEASURE OF INFLUENCE BY GIVING THEM WHAT AMOUNTS TO THE "POWER OF THE PURSE," AS 30% OF THE STATE'S INCOME IS DERIVED FROM THE DIVIDENDS OF THAT CORPORATION.

OBSERVATION: THIS IS THE REVERSE OF THE SITUATION 350 YEARS AGO, WHEN THE KING WAS THE MAIN DECISION MAKER, AND THE SENATE HAD THE POWER TO DECIDE WHETHER HIS POLICIES WOULD BE FUNDED OR NOT.

NOTIFICATION: WE ARE QUITE RELIEVED THAT YOU WILL ACCEPT OUR ASSISTANCE IN THIS MATTER.

REQUEST: NOTIFY US WHEN CONSTRUCTION OF THE DATALINK IS COMPLETE SO THAT WE CAN SEND YOU THE INFORMATION.

----------

TO: CATARAPANIA

WE HAVE LITTLE KNOWLEDGE OF THE STELLAR BODIES IN THIS GALAXY, AS WE HAVE JUST RECENTLY BEGAN TO BRANCH FROM OUR HOME GALAXY. WE ARE ABLE TO CONDUCT A SCAN, BUT THE RESULTS MAY TAKE AN EXTENDED PERIOD OF TIME TO BE RECEIVED, THE INFECTION COULD HAVE DISCOVERED THIS GALAXY BEFORE US, BUT EVEN IF THEY DO NOT CURRENTLY MANIFEST HERE, IT IS STILL AN IMMINENT THREAT.

WE WERE NOT MALICIOUSLY MONITORING COMMUNICATIONS, RATHER OUR SENSORS LISTEN TO ALL FREQUENCIES ON ALL METHODS OF COMMUNICATION, PLEASE DO NOT BE CONCERNED, AS WE CARE FOR THIS GALAXY'S WELL-BEING.

TO: MERCATUS

ATTACHED IS A STARMAP CONTAINING THE LOCATIONS OF VARIOUS PULSARS AND NEBULAE RELATIVE TO THE GALACTIC CORE AND CX-PRIME. THIS SHOULD GIVE YOU A JUMPSTART ON MAPPING THE REST OF THE GALAXY. ABSENT FROM THE MAP IS SOLSYSTEM, AS WE WISH TO CONCEAL OUR PRECISE LOCATION FROM MORE ADVANCED CIVILIZATIONS UNTIL WE ARE ABSOLUTELY CERTAIN WE CAN TRUST THEM.

WE UNDERSTAND THAT YOUR INTENTIONS WERE GOOD, WHICH IS WHY YOUR ACTIONS RECEIVED ONLY A PASSIVE AGGRESSIVE REMARK, RATHER THAN OUTRIGHT CENSURE.

Scanning...

Pulsars Identified

Pulsars Mapped

Quadrant 1 Secure

Quadrant 2 Secure

Quadrant 3 Infected

Quadrant 4 Secure

!!!ALERT!!!

TO: GREATER CATARAPANIA

INFECTED WORLDS DETECTED WITHIN AREA DESIGNATED "ORION ARM"

PESTILENCE DETERMINED LOCALIZED AS OF CURRENT TIME

[Nuxipal]

The KL-22 Diplomatic Droid gingerly reached for the folder, grasping it in one hand equally carefully. With the other, it slid open the folder, before leafing through the pages at a very quick pace, seemingly photographing each one at high speed. After around half a minute, the KL-22 Diplomatic Droid held the folder out in one outstretched arm, the intent being that the Fleet Master would take it back. Assuming the Fleet Master did take it back, the KL-22 Droid would continue with the second question first.

"The Directorate is willing to acknowledge the proposal given by the Kesrith State, however Directorate Celian Space Capacities are well within that form of ability. The KL-22 have simply not expanded from that point into Extracelian systems. The KL-22 will not demand any form of material offering beyond what the Kesrith State can afford.

Once it finished speaking, it made a few clicking noises and produced a small microchip from its arm. The droid placed the microchip into a designated port on the side of its head unit, and a beam of light shot out from the frontal portion of the head unit. It eventually formed into a defined hologram, presenting KL-22 schematics. The fully synthetic nature of the KL-22 was presented in full. Various different unit specialisations all falling under the umbrella term "KL-22", even if not the usual bipedal design, flashed up onto the hologram at intervals, including various forms of Droidcraft. If the Kesrith were under any assumptions that the KL-22 were a biologic species, they would have been shattered at that point.

The Fleet Master noted that all of the various KL-22 schematics were all synthetic. While passing the species of Kesrith folder back to an aide, This was a new discovery for Kesrith, no fully synthetic race had been discovered. There were known hybrid, biological and synthetic, species, but no actually fully synthetic races. This was new territory, but the Flamebred family had been at the forefront of the various diplomatic missions that the military had taken on over the centuries.

"I see, do you have specific terms for each of the various forms you have displayed here? We have not encountered a fully Synthetic race before now and I am sure our xenology departments would be quite interested in anything you would be willing to share."

Moving back to economic actions, Kesrith wasn't in particular need of any resources and typically was in the business of sending resources in exchange for military aid or for regional influence. However, in this instance, perhaps these synthetics would have some interesting concepts regarding mechanical engineering. Of course, that was assuming they'd be willing to discuss their construction methods with the science teams whenever they made contact.

"When we establish an outpost in the region, we can discuss economic and technological trades further. I remember you mentioning that there was some kind of disturbance in the system before we had arrived? I presume you have it under control, and if not, we would be willing to assist in the removal of threatening entities from your system."