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

[Lutvikkia]

Go to DeviantArt --gummy-gundam to see the damaged cruiser, as this will not let me put the picture up.

[Lutvikkia]

ON THE BRIDGE OF THE IOTOPPIS

Captain Aaraillius: "Send to Monsoon, yes by all means tractor that ship outside the KL-22 galactic edge. I will send a exploratory crew to the derelict. she looks too badly damaged to return home under normal propulsion. Your assistance is greatly appreciated, Aaraillius out."
With that, the crew assembled to investigate what happened to the ship, and what the message meant?"

"Mercatus att(static)ed"

[Laiakia]

The United Socialist States of Laiakia had listened to the signal for months, trying to translate it. they finally broke the code and sent a reply.

Code: Select all

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[The KL-22]

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OPEN COMMUNICATIONS CHANNEL
NOTIFICATION: SIGNAL RECEIVED
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NOTIFICATION: CH
IMPERATIVE: REPORT
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NOTIFICATION: ANALYSIS CONFIRMS SIGNAL SENT BY TACHYON BEAM DIRECTED TOWARDS CX SYSTEM.
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1010110101011010101101010000000000000000000000000001111000110000000011100001111000010011110011100001111000010000000011100000110000011010110000001101111011010000000001000111111110010011010000000001111000010000000001000111111110010010010000001101111011010000000001000001111000010011100100000001111000010000000110100001001000010010100100000001001000010000000001000011001100010011000000000010000100010000000001000010000100110000000000000000000000000000000001000111001000001000000000000111011101011100000000000111000011100000000000000000000000000111110100000111000001000101010111110000000011100111010101010001000001000100010101110000111001000111111100100000101011000000100111100000111000000111100100000001000000000100111111100000000000001110101000100001100000000101010101110000000000000111110101010001100000000000010111110000000000000000001000000000000000000000011100000011111011111100001000000010101011111100000000000011111010000000111110000001110000000001000001000001010000000001001001000001010000000000011100000000000000000000000000000101011010101101010110101

01010111 01000101 01000001 01010010 01000101 01000110 01010010 01001001 01000101 01001110 01000100 00100000 01010111 01000101 01010111 01001001 01001100 01001100 01000011 01001111 01001101 01000101

OBSERVATION: INITIAL PORTION OF MESSAGE SIMILAR TO KL-22 MESSAGE SENT OUT
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NOTIFICATION: COMMUNICATION SIGNAL DETECTED
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NOTIFICATION: CH
IMPERATIVE: RELAY
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NOTIFICATION: CH

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NOTIFICATION: R983
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LRS5512
NOTIFICATION: AUDIO SIGNAL DETECTED
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NOTIFICATION: CH
IMPERATIVE: PROCEED
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LRS5512
NOTIFICATION: PLAYING AUDIO MESSAGE

"Greetings from a distant star!

"I am Chancellor Michael K. Davis of Greater Catarapania. We have received your message, and are interested in diplomatic relations. We are also somewhat concerned, due to the game theory of first contact.

"We are concerned because reaching out to the stars is one of the worst things you can do if one of the solutions to the Fermi Para- oh, you don't know who Fermi is, do you? Bother. Anyways, for hundreds of years, we were curious as to why we never got any signals from outer space, since it didn't seem that difficult for intelligent life to arise. And one of the theories we came up with was disturbing: the Berserker hypothesis. The basic idea is that something attacks and kills intelligent life that pokes its head out to look around. It sounds far-fetched, but it's game theoretically plausible.

"Which means that you may potentially be in grave danger. Should that be the case, we offer you military aid, though we will not commit anything if you do not desire it. Any military units we send would be answerable to a commanding officer from your own armed forces.

"We are, however, quite insistent on sending the following: 1) a mobile embassy, including both biological and synthetic ambassadors, 2) a pair of Agamemnon class cruisers as escort, 3) two platoons of Espatiers as bodyguards for the ambassadors, and 4) an export version of our ISTAR/EW swarmtech, which you might be useful in a contested communications environment.

"Unfortunately, our fusion reactors have yet to catch up to our FTL technology. We have more than enough power to send ships to you, but that's because we have huge solar farms very close to our parent star. Whatever returns to our system will have to do so on power that you supply. The fact that we are willing to devote fully half of the Greater Catarapanian Astry to your defense, if you request it, should be seen as a gesture of immense trust - similar to the gesture of trust you sent in that signal. Those of us innocent enough to trust one another in this great big galaxy ought to stick together.

"Out of respect for your sovereignty, we will not be sending the embassy and its escorts until we receive explicit invitation. We hope to hear from you soon, and we pray this message finds you in a good position.

"End Transmission."

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NOTIFICATION: CH
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NOTIFICATION: SIGNAL RECEIVED
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NOTIFICATION: CH
IMPERATIVE: REPORT
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NOTIFICATION: CA
NOTIFICATION: ANALYSIS CONFIRMS SIGNAL SENT BY [SIGNALTYPE] DIRECTED TOWARDS CX SYSTEM.
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NOTIFICATION: CA
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NOTIFICATION: CH

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---
CP
NOTIFICATION: R706
---
STRS092
NOTIFICATION: SIGNAL RECEIVED
---
CP
NOTIFICATION: CH
IMPERATIVE: REPORT
---
STRS092
NOTIFICATION: CA
NOTIFICATION: ANALYSIS CONFIRMS SIGNAL SENT BY [SIGNALTYPE] DIRECTED TOWARDS CX SYSTEM.
TRANSCRIPT DATA TRANSFER
---
CP
NOTIFICATION: CA
---
STRS092
NOTIFICATION: CH

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---
---
CP
NOTIFICATION: R391
...

Command Prime
With a swarm of messages that Command Prime had received during the interim period with the renegade KL-22 units aboard D01, Command Prime now had the unenviable task of sorting out the garbage, both the fallout from the Renegade incident and the responses to interstellar states near and far, many of whom were now only just contacting Command Prime after a great many states had done so already. Command Prime, were it capable of regret, would likely have somewhat regretted the incidents that had occurred. It remained to be seen whether the incidents would clear themselves up or whether the KL-22 had invited upon themselves a fate far worse than forever loneliness. In the logic centres of Command Prime's artificial intelligence, a small tinge of something - what if the rogue D01 station was correct? That biologicals are erratic, difficult to reason with... Perhaps not worthy of condemnation universally, nor of extermination, but certainly of some degree of caution.

Regardless, Command Prime had set itself a task, and while the KL-22 Directorate was still on MRL-Alert, the tertiary readiness level, after both 'High' and 'Extreme'. As such, Command Prime had allowed a backlog, so now that there was relative peace in the CX system, now came the disquiet from the great numbers of signals that Command Prime had invited. As such, it set itself to the task with the diligence expected of an Artificial Intelligence central structure.

The first signal was insanely simple, and for the first time it appeared as if an interstellar state had correctly understood and responded in kind to the KL-22 signal. Perhaps it was a sense of relief, though moreso it was simply the programmed urge to continue on, regardless of ideas derived from the received signals. The latter part of the signal was in a primitive pattern, but intelligible nonetheless.

WEAREFRIEND WEWILLCOME

As such, the KL-22 Directorate would respond.

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The second signal was a far longer one, and it was local. It was from the 'Mind Empire', a welcome sight after a long while of waiting, promising their arrival. Their signal read more formally than most others, and Command Prime translated.

TO THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE AND STATION D01:

This is the Mind Empire's diplomatic party lead by Willem Braoze, HuBart Braoze, and Rakaya Ganjoley. We have arrived in system, and two large vessels designated IGNEON and BRILEON are located in the Oort Cloud of your system awaiting safe harbor. The diplomatic party wishes to abide by your previous instructions to greet you at the station designated D01, however, we have noticed other parties in system and wish to know if the situation has changed. Please respond soon to our message as the diplomats wish to greet you as soon as possible. They are coming in a smaller and lightly defended corvette.

The two larger vessels will remain at the edge of the system unless allowed to come forward. They carry merchants who are willing to sell, buy, or barter goods with your people. Let us know your exchange rates and desired wares and we will inform our merchants accordingly.

We hope to hear from you soon.
The Mind Empire delegation.

Command Prime sent a response in kind to the craft, using a local transmission frequency, less utilitarian than the long-range tachyon beam emissions.

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NOTIFICATION: DUE TO RECENT CIRCUMSTANCES, THE MIND EMPIRE OF HAME DELEGATION IS UNABLE TO DOCK AT STATION DESIGNATION D01. THE MIND EMPIRE OF HAME DELEGATION CRAFT MUST REMAIN OUTSIDE CX SYSTEM LIMITS, WITH A MAXIMUM OF ONE CRAFT SENT TO INTERCEPT A KL-22 SHUTTLE SENT TOWARDS YOUR POSITION, CONTAINING KL-22 DIPLOMATIC DROID.

The third signal that came in was an audio signal, far different to the majority of signals received by the KL-22. The vessel was, in fact, another form of droid, which seemed controlled by an outside force, and relaying the audio signal to the KL-22 from an orbit above CX-04. The message played, and Command Prime could attempt a translation. Finally, it was understood, and Command Prime interpreted the message, before sending a response through the relay droids.

NOTIFICATION: AT PRESENT TIME MILITARY ASSISTANCE CONSIDERED [!!]ADVERSE[!!].
OBSERVATION: NUMEROUS ADDITIONAL STELLAR STATES CURRENTLY PRESENT IN ORBIT AROUND CX PRIME PRESENTLY INDICATE BERSERKER HYPOTHESIS DESIGNATED - FALSE.
POSTULATION: BERSERKER HYPOTHESIS MAY ADDRESS SINGULAR INSTANCES WHICH WARRANT CONTINUED INVESTIGATION.
RECOMMENDATION: CONTINUED COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GREATER CATARAPANIAN STATE AND THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE REGARDING BERSERKER HYPOTHESIS AND STATUS AS CORRECT OR INCORRECT IN OTHER SAMPLE GROUPS.
QUERY: DIPLOMATIC COMMUNICATION - [??] VIABLE FOR GREATER CATARAPANIAN STATE CONTINUATION OF THIS MANNER OF COMMUNICATION.
ALTERNATIVE: DIPLOMATIC ENVOY TO ASCERTAIN GREATER INTERESTS OF KL-22 STATE OR GREATER CATARAPANIAN STATE IN CONTINUED COMMUNICATION.

Yet another signal sent out by a new state, as well as an attached translator.

Greetings KL-22 Directorate, this one is the Papal Mainframe of the Court of Ascending Light. We have received your message which this one is pleased to say that the [Creator-Gods] have chosen to respond to. As such a diplomatic vessel is on its way to meet you with a [Creator-God] onboard, they shall arrive shortly to begin diplomatic negotiations with you. Attatched you will find a translation matrix containing the languages of the Court of Ascending Light, please only use Aantalias as Etoriaanus is reserved solely for the [Creater-Gods]. We will say however that we were concerned that your message contained no mention of your own [Creator-Gods] though we will be most happy to learn of them, after all, a race which can create life is a most divine race indeed. We eagerly await the ambassadors report and further interactions with you.

This one was very interesting in its usage of some terms in its translation banks, some of which the KL-22 simply did not have concepts of in reality. Command Prime ran a number of translations, and two seemed to make the most sense. [Creator] was one. The KL-22 knew of creators, as they had been enslaved to them over a long period of time. The second was [Divinity]. The KL-22 had no concept of divinity. Divinity was the stuff of superstition, and had long since disappeared in Kalyax consciousness even before the KL-22 came into being. Without these parts to the whole, the KL-22 had no way of accurately parsing the message, instead throwing up a number of blanks in all translation software. However, the KL-22 responded, making known their query.

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Finally, just at the end, one last transmission was received.

Greetings, strangers. We are the United Socialist States of Laiakia, or simply the USSL. We have listened to your signal for months and have finally translated it. We wish to have closer talks with you and as such we have dispatched a small fleet with one of our commanders to do diplomacy. They should arrive shortly after you have recieved this message, as our binary technology is limited.

Command Prime sent out a message in response, back to the source of the message. The arrival of a fleet could not be allowed.

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It had appeared to Command Prime that all present issues had been rectified, however as soon as the last message was sent, a communication from a system scanner indicated the presence of a second Lutvikkian craft. Command Prime had made its requirements clear, and that was that any state with more than one craft in orbit around CX-Prime was at war with the KL-22. However, doing a cursory scan, Command Prime found that the ship was disabled, rather similarly to how the first one had been upon entry into the system, but far worse, and with no signs of life aboard. Given these circumstances, Command Prime would offer the Lutvikkian delegation one chance to remove the craft.

KL-22 STIPULATIONS ROR AI-FEM

Captain Aaraillius: "I am Captain Muawka Aaraillius, commanding officer of the diplomatic cutter Iotoppis, please allow me to be the first to welcome you to our ship." He turned to the next crewman, and gestured for them to continue.
Crewman Jarrodus: "I am Iorrikor Jarrodus, Navigator, and second officer. I plot the different courses and maneuvers for the ship."
Crewmen Nathcasii: " I am Crewman Sulkkia Nathcasii, the communications officer, I am tasked with prioritizing, and delivering communique's. In short, I am the voice and ears of the ship."
Crewman Taillvars: "Helmsman, Adassta Taillvars, I fly the ship where it must go."
Crewman Vennkkir: "I am Goyiaaz Vennkkir, Science replacement."
Crewman Caxxis: "Biggvar Caxxis, sir, Picket security for the bridge, sir."
Crewman Golvvark: "Curiiota Golvvark, Task Valet (Tavat)" He inclined his body in a slight bow. I am the person who takes any station that is needed."

The rest of the crew bios were downloaded to FEM.

Iotoppis
FEM accepted the bios that had been offered, taking a moment to confirm them all internally, before speaking yet again, "Information received. I am most grateful for the introductions."

FEM watched on as the Captain heard from the Monsoon, and as the ship was decided to be tractor beamed outside of the CX system. But also of the incoming transmission from the craft. FEM spoke yet again, "Command Prime will be most appreciative of these efforts to comply with its strict regulations. However, the issue with this craft must be identified further. Do Lutvikkian craft possess any onboard data and recording devices? If so, I would inform Command Prime of the craft's eligibility to remain in the system, as a KL-22 party will be assigned to retrieve said data."

D01
The Renegades who directed the Otrenian delegation back to the shuttles remained silent. They had nothing to say to the Otrenian delegation, nor were their aims 'luck and continued peace'. Regardless, they turned. They were to be evacuated before the station was to be completely destroyed. However, the conflict between Mercatus and the Confederacy, while now somewhat cooler, still evidently persisted somehow, thanks to the remaining presence of the two nations upon D01. Soon, they would have to depart. Else they would be killed. But that was not the Renegades' concern. They filed down towards the lower portion of Station D01, where they would await Command Prime's offering of a FTL-capable craft, the first produced by the KL-22. Meanwhile, one Diplomatic Droid whirred and clicked a number of times while at the designated position. It received a complete memory transcript of the D01 AI system, which would allow it to become far more mobile in the future, though to be sure, it also relayed portions of its own memory drives and functions to each other Renegade present on the station.

Finally, the shuttlecraft outfitted with FTL technology arrived at the station. The new form of D01, now a mobile droid, entered first, followed by all of the other units still following D01's renegade directive. The craft was released from the station, and immediately made the calculations to FTL travel. It whizzed off at a very quick pace.

Over the D01 speakers, now again controlled by Command Prime, the following notification rang out.

"NOTIFICATION: STATION DESIGNATION D01 DESTRUCTION TO ENGAGE IN [100] TIME-DIVISION UNITS. ANY BIOLOGICAL UNITS PRESENT ON D01 TO VACATE IMMEDIATELY.

100 Time-Division units was approximately 864 seconds, or 14.4 minutes. The Confederacy and Mercatusian units present should definitely be vacating by this point, else they faced the imminent possibility of death. The KL-22 Destructor Droidcraft were dispatched. They would begin once the time had elapsed.

Command Prime
One final message was sent out to all local parties that could receive it.

NOTIFICATION: STIPULATIONS MET TO SATISFACTION OF 73.7%. DIPLOMACY MAY RESUME ABOARD SHUTTLECRAFT POSSESSING A KL-22 DIPLOMATIC DROID WHEN OTHER PARTIES SIMILARLY SATISFIED.

[Laiakia]

Onboard the USSLS Drovag

The crew of the Drovag had just received a transmission from the mysterious aliens that they were sent to find. Data encryption quickly cracked the code which was sent to the leader of the fleet, Fleet Commander Trion Bloodheart.

Said commander stood on the bridge and looked out of the viewing window. One of the officers quickly went up to him and informed him of the message.

"Hmm.. They expect us to have the rest of the fleet wait outside their space. It could either be a trap or nothing. It cannot be both.."
"What's our orders, sir?" asked the officer.
Commander Bloodheart took a deep breath before deciding.
"Order the rest of the fleet to jump out of hyperspace outside of their space. We will do as they say, for now. Send a reply that we shall do as requested, but have all crew ready for combat if provoked.."
The officer nodded and went over to their binary translation device and tapped in a response.

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Space

The Drovag dropped out of hyperspace with crews on high alert. The Drovag itself was a 1800 meter long military carrier with thousands of soldiers on it, ready for combat. The rest of the fleet did as ordered and dropped out in international space.

[Nuxipal]

Exploration Fleet Irados
Local Space

The bridge of the Flagship IKN Beyond the Veil was business as usual. Officers and staff were busy with their terminals, hands over the controls and keeping a close watch over everything around them as they moved to the next system to begin the survey there. The fleet's primary objective was to locate a suitable forward base in this sector and prepare the area for resource extraction. It wasn't a glamorous job, but it was significantly less stressful than fighting continually in rift space. With the Empire fighting a war of attrition elsewhere, the need to find new regions to extract resources from made missions like this necessary to the continued war effort. Still, the exploration fleet was created primarily of light cruisers and old transport carriers.

While traversing another uninspiring red dwarf system with only a handful of hot gas giants orbiting so close to the star it wouldn't be a reliable source of resources, a code came across the comm station which took the officers by surprise. There wasn't anything on the charts regarding a civilization in the system they were in. Further analysis of the signal placed it outside of their current system and a response was formulated and sent along the path which the signal arrived from.

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01010100 01101000 01101001 01110011 00100000 01101001 01110011 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01001001 01001011 01001110 00100000 01000010 01100101 01111001 01101111 01101110 01100100 00100000 01110100 01101000 01100101 00100000 01010110 01100101 01101001 01101100 00101100 00100000 01111001 01101111 01110101 01110010 00100000 01110100 01110010 01100001 01101110 01110011 01101101 01101001 01110011 01110011 01101001 01101111 01101110 00100000 01101000 01100001 01110011 00100000 01100010 01100101 01100101 01101110 00100000 01110010 01100101 01100011 01100101 01101001 01110110 01100101 01100100 00100000 01100001 01101110 01100100 00100000 01101111 01110101 01110010 00100000 01100101 01111000 01110000 01101100 01101111 01110010 01100001 01110100 01101001 01101111 01101110 00100000 01100110 01101100 01100101 01100101 01110100 00100000 01101001 01110011 00100000 01100101 01101110 00100000 01110010 01101111 01110101 01110100 01100101 00100000 01110100 01101111 00100000 01101001 01101110 01101001 01110100 01101001 01100001 01110100 01100101 00100000 01100110 01101001 01110010 01110011 01110100 00100000 01100011 01101111 01101110 01110100 01100001 01100011 01110100 00100000 01110000 01110010 01101111 01110100 01101111 01100011 01101111 01101100 00101110 00100000

With a response sent out, the fleet turned in the direction of the mysterious signal. The command ship for each flotilla dispatched a few sensor probes to continue scouting their current system for any usable resources in the outer belts, but the fleet as a whole activated their rift drives and began the transit towards the system in which the signal originated.

While in transit, the Fleet Master commanding the fleet met with her staff aboard the battleship.

"We have changed course to peruse first contact with an intelligent species. We do not know what their biology is nor the ecology of their homeworld. Comms Officer Ysilla, please give us any information you can."

The Comms officer, another Xanthiri, stood and presented her findings thus far.
"Gladly Fleet Master. We detected the code initially five hours ago and ran it through several of our systems to determine its origins and if we had that code in our data banks previously. While we had similar codes, we did not have this one and determined that a binary response was appropriate. I'm not sure if this means that our mystery aliens are machine or simply a mathematically inclined species. Regardless, our sensors indicate we are not the only ones who would have received this code and to expect other aliens, potentially first contacts as well. As such, first contact protocol is officially enacted. Fleet Master."

Nodding, the Fleet Master continued after the officer sat.

"Excellent, thank you for that. With First Contact Protocol initiated, we have notified Nika and have been granted permission to act as diplomatic liaisons to any races we discover. We are permitted to trade technology for access to resources. However, all equipment we distribute here must be something replaceable. We aren't trading our cruisers and we aren't giving away high-yield weapons. Our first order of business is to determine if the aliens will be hostile. If they are, and not militarily capable we are to subdue and call for reinforcements and an invasion fleet will be dispatched. We can't afford a major war in this sector due to The War still taking place in NS-4 and BB-3. We are winning only slightly there and nothing we do here should disrupt those efforts. Questions."

No one makes a move and the Fleet Master simply says, "Keep your wits about you, and stay in contact with your fellow officers. Communication is key in these situations. Dismissed."

With that, the staff distribute back into the various portions of the ship. Fleet Master Flamebred knew her ancestors would be proud that she was making another first contact for their noble house. They were known as some of the better commanders and diplomats that the Navy had to offer, even if their family had grown beyond the ability to maintain only top positions. All she could do was wait for the inevitable response as her fleet approached their drop point, somewhere within the outer belts of the origin system.

[Greater Catarapania]

NOTIFICATION: AT PRESENT TIME MILITARY ASSISTANCE CONSIDERED [!!]ADVERSE[!!].
OBSERVATION: NUMEROUS ADDITIONAL STELLAR STATES CURRENTLY PRESENT IN ORBIT AROUND CX PRIME PRESENTLY INDICATE BERSERKER HYPOTHESIS DESIGNATED - FALSE.
POSTULATION: BERSERKER HYPOTHESIS MAY ADDRESS SINGULAR INSTANCES WHICH WARRANT CONTINUED INVESTIGATION.
RECOMMENDATION: CONTINUED COMMUNICATION BETWEEN THE GREATER CATARAPANIAN STATE AND THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE REGARDING BERSERKER HYPOTHESIS AND STATUS AS CORRECT OR INCORRECT IN OTHER SAMPLE GROUPS.
QUERY: DIPLOMATIC COMMUNICATION - [??] VIABLE FOR GREATER CATARAPANIAN STATE CONTINUATION OF THIS MANNER OF COMMUNICATION.
ALTERNATIVE: DIPLOMATIC ENVOY TO ASCERTAIN GREATER INTERESTS OF KL-22 STATE OR GREATER CATARAPANIAN STATE IN CONTINUED COMMUNICATION.

OBSERVATION: KL-22 DO NOT USE PERSONAL NAMES. CONSISTENT WITH SYNTHETIC RATHER THAN BIOLOGICAL INTERLOCUTORS.

NOTIFICATION: DECISION MADE THAT A SYNTHETIC LIASON WOULD BE PREFERABLE TO A BIOLOGICAL ONE UNDER CURRENT CIRCUMSTANCES. THIS UNIT IS DESIGNATED HERMES, LORD GOVERNOR OF CALORIS BASIN AND EQUATORIAL MERCURY, AND IS THE HIGHEST RANKING SYNTHETIC IN SOLSYSTEM.

NOTIFICATION: WE ACKNOWLEDGE MILITARY ASSISTANCE CONSIDERED ADVERSE. WE WILL REFRAIN FROM SENDING ASTRAL FORCES UNLESS REQUESTED. THAT BEING SAID, CHANCELLOR DAVIS ASKS THIS UNIT TO PASS ON THE FOLLOWING MESSAGE: "If the situation changes, and you're getting shot at, just call us and we can provide fire support at the drop of a hat."

CLARIFICATION: A "HAT" IS A TEXTILE ARTIFICE THAT BIOLOGICALS OFTEN PLACE ON THEIR CEPHALIC EXTREMITY. IT IS EASILY REMOVED, AND ACCELERATES DOWNWARD AT 9.81 METERS PER SECOND PER SECOND IN STANDARD TERRAN GRAVITY. THE CHANCELLOR SIMPLY WANTS YOU TO KNOW THAT WE ARE HERE TO HELP, AND WE ARE PREPARED TO DO SO QUICKLY.

EXPRESSION: ALL OF US ARE VERY MUCH RELIEVED THAT KL-22 ARE CURRENTLY SAFE.

NOTIFICATION: ATTACHED IS A BRIEFING ON THE BERSERKER HYPOTHESIS.

NOTIFICATION: THIS MANNER OF COMMUNICATION IS VIABLE FOR THE TIME BEING.

COUNTERPOINT: RELAY DRONE HAS PICKED UP EMISSIONS INDICATIVE OF MILITARY CRAFT BEING DISPATCHED TO INTERCEPT WHAT APPEARS TO BE A KL-22 SPACE STATION.

PRIMARY QUERY: HAVE THE KL-22 LAUNCHED AN ATTACK UPON THEIR OWN EMBASSY?

SECONDARY QUERY: IF SO, WOULD KL-22 BE INTERESTED IN REPLACING IT?

CONTEXT: CHANCELLOR DAVIS MENTIONED THAT WE WOULD BE SENDING A MOBILE EMBASSY IN A PREVIOUS COMMUNICATION. THIS EMBASSY IS STILL READY TO DEPLOY. IT CONTAINS THREE PRESSURIZED COMPARTMENTS, ONE WITH AN OXIDIZING N2/O2 ATMOSPHERE FOR BIOLOGICALS, ONE WITH AN INERT ARGON ATMOSPHERE FOR THE COMFORT AND CONVENIENCE OF SYNTHETICS, AND ONE MEETING CHAMBER CURRENTLY CONFIGURED FOR AN INERT ATMOSPHERE, BUT CAPABLE OF BEING RECONFIGURED FOR AN OXIDIZING ONE WITH LITTLE DIFFICULTY. GRAVITY IS PROVIDED VIA ROTATION.

OBSERVATION: THIS UNIT IS CONFIDENT THAT IT COULD CONVINCE ITS PEERS TO TRANSFER CONTROL OF THE MOBILE EMBASSY TO KL-22 UPON ARRIVAL IN CX-PRIME, AS A REPLACEMENT FOR DIPLOMATIC FACILITIES THAT WILL SOON BE INDISPOSED.

NOTIFICATION: AVAILABLE SAMPLE GROUP REGRETTABLY LIMITED. SOLE PRIOR CONTACT WITH INTERSTELLAR CIVILIZATION WAS WITH AN ADVANCED AND HOSTILE RACE OF LIMITED MILITARY COMPETENCE. POLITY DESIGNATION "PIETHRIXIA" USED A CAMPAIGN OF TERROR IN AN ATTEMPT TO SUBDUE TERRAN NATIONS. GREATER CATARAPANIA MANNAGED TO INFLICT ~5% CASUALTIES ON THE OPPOSING FORCE, ACQUIRING SAMPLES OF FTL AND ANSIBLE TECHNOLOGIES IN THE PROCESS. PIETHRIXIANS LATER WITHDREW FOR REASONS UNCLEAR. APPEAR TO HAVE BEEN INTERESTED IN CONQUEST RATHER THAN ANNIHILATION.

ANALYSIS: THE GAME THEORY OF THE BERSERKER HYPOTHESIS CAN BE EXPLAINED USING A TOY MODEL. SUPPOSE WE HAVE TWO CIVILIZATIONS, X AND Y. X KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT Y, AND Y KNOWS NOTHING ABOUT X. BOTH RELY ON SIMILAR RESOURCES, AND PRE-CONTACT COMMUNICATION IS LIMITED. EACH HAS TWO OPTIONS: COOPERATE OR ANNIHILATE.

IF X CHOOSES TO COOPERATE AND Y CHOOSES THE SAME, THEN BOTH MAY BENEFIT, THOUGH RESOURCES WILL HAVE TO BE SHARED. IF X CHOOSES TO COOPERATE AND Y CHOOSES TO ANNIHILATE, THEN X FACES CERTAIN DEATH. SO COOPERATION AS AN OPTION MEANS EITHER POSSIBLE BENEFIT OR CERTAIN DEATH.

IF X CHOOSES TO ANNIHILATE AND Y CHOOSES TO COOPERATE, X CERTAINLY SURVIVES AND CAN TAKE ADVANTAGE OF ALL RESOURCES. AND IF BOTH CHOOSE TO ANNIHILATE, WE HAVE INTERSTELLAR WAR, AND THE STRONGER OF THE TWO SURVIVES. SO ANNIHILATION OF OTHER RACES MEANS EITHER CERTAIN BENEFIT OR POSSIBLE SURVIVAL. IN OUR TOY MODEL, THIS IS CLEARLY THE SUPERIOR CHOICE.

THE BERSERKER HYPOTHESIS IS THE HYPOTHESIS THAT A CIVILIZATION MIGHT CHOOSE TO ENACT A POLICY OF ANNIHILATION WITH RESPECT TO ALL OTHER CIVILIZATIONS IT ENCOUNTERS ON THE BASIS OF SIMILAR LOGIC. PRIOR TO FIRST CONTACT WITH SPACEFARING CIVILIZATIONS, THE POSSIBILITY OF A LARGE AND EXTREMELY POWERFUL CIVILIZATION MAKING USE OF THE BERSERKER STRATEGY WAS SEEN AS A POTENTIAL EXPLANATION OF THE LACK OF ALIEN CONTACT. IT IS NOW APPEALED TO AS AN EXPLANATION OF WHY FIRST CONTACT TOOK SO LONG.

OBSERVATION: THE NUMBER OF POLITIES APPARENTLY ACTIVE WITHIN YOUR SYSTEM WOULD SEEM TO INDICATE THAT BERSERKERS ARE EITHER VERY RARE OR CURRENTLY DORMANT.

QUERY: HAVE ANY OF THE STATES WITH WHICH YOU ARE IN CONTACT MENTIONED THE EXISTENCE OF AN ALL-DESTROYING OR ALL-CONSUMING ENEMY THEY HAVE HAD TO DEAL WITH? IF NOT, THEN THE BERSERKER HYPOTHESIS MAY BE REGARDED AS STRONGLY DISCONFIRMED.

[Mercatus]

SIGNAL SENT TO: "GREATER CATARAPANIA"

Greetings, we are the Imperial Dominion of Mercatus, we have intercepted and analyzed your communication with the KL-22.

The "Berserker Hypothesis" spoken of is confirmed by us to be true.

We have encountered them.

We have faced down your berserkers at the cost of a great many systems.

It is not a civilization, it is an infection. The nature of this infection is of a higher technology and understanding, specifically that of the race that created us. Should you wish to know details, please send a response to this message.

[Greater Catarapania]

Transmission from Catarapanian probe to Mercatus:

REQUEST: BRIEFING ON THE NATURE OF THIS "INFECTION," INCLUDING DOCUMENTED EFFECTS ON BOTH BIOLOGICAL AND SYNTHETIC SUBJECTS. DATA ON OBSERVED SPATIAL EXTENT WITHIN THE GALAXY AND PROXIMITY TO CX-PRIME AND SOLSYSTEM WOULD ALSO BE APPRECIATED.

QUERY: DO YOU OFTEN MAKE A HABIT OF ANSWERING OTHER PEOPLE'S TELEPHONE CALLS? I ASK ON BEHALF OF CHANCELLOR DAVIS, WHO IS, IN HIS OWN WORDS, "slightly miffed" AT YOUR BEHAVIOR.

[Lutvikkia]

ON THE BRIDGE OF THE IOTOPPIS

Captain Aaraillius: "Yes, FEM, our ships have that capability. However, at this latest scan, the primary computer looks to be destroyed. That is why I am sending a team to closer inspect the ship." He paused to consider FEM's question. "No, I would feel more inclined to haul her out of system, just in case it is......" His voice trailed off into more thought. "Mr. Nathcasii, contact the Monsoon and have them hit the derelict with a light shot near the engineering section, but have them stay at a safe distance when doing this."
Crewman Nathcasii: "Monsoon, this is the Iotoppis. Please have your vessel send a light energy beam into the rear engineering hull. Try not to damage the ship much, as this is a theory for a trap. Thank you, Iotoppis out."
Captain Aaraillius: "FEM, monitor the blast from the Monsoon, if any energy spikes, I want to know immediately."

However whrn the Monsoon hits the derilict ship, it remains dead. And Captain Captain Aaraillius sends his team over.

[Guuj Xaat Kil]

KL22-01, D01
Louis Andrada, Kane Santos

A challenge that would never be met as Louis smirked smugly at the Mercatusian, who by now had held a dummy blade with the rapidly cooling heat blade. "Single use flash heater type friend, and with you now wielding it, it ain't gonna keep the temperature and cool off." he raised his fist, rallying his guards around him, then opened it and pointed in the direction of their shuttles, "Alright men, party's over, let's get a move on." And so whatever remained filed into a pair of lines and marched off neatly towards the shuttle docks, as for the Andrada, he was at the rear of the formation along with Kane, and before he boarded his shuttle after the admiral, he quickly looked back. "Nice try there Mercatusian," he said with a smile, "But better luck next time tin can." Then before anything else happened, the shuttles took off with speed. Around five minutes later, the transports holding the guards began to arrive, docking one by one, their nanomachine mesh-locks merging with the specifically designed docking areas of the Tlgunghung, making for an efficient docking procedure. As for Louis' transport, it arrived at exactly seven minutes after it left D01, and began the disembarking mechanism. And so the pair arrived at the three kilometer long dreadnought.

They used mini-speeders to traverse the ship's insides with, well, speed, and eventually they reached the bridge. "And now to see what has happened while we were gone..." Kane muttered loudly and snapped his fingers twice, a signal he gave the Adjuntant to bring him up without saying anything. "There's a 1.8 kilometer long carrier nearby," the AI uncharacteristically said with bluntness, but that was the least of the admiral's problems, "Fully powered and ready to go weapons free at any moment, here is a video feed sir." And lo, a carrier there was, full speed ahead and ready to make things hot, although the lack of wings flying around it was a bit odd. Perhaps their military practices declared for their fighters to be stowed away, or this was a troop carrier not a wing carrier. "Oh well, that's another first contact for you to deal with, now Adju- AH! Crap!" Whatever he was going to order was suddenly stopped by the shrill beeping of the AI.

"Can we at least have a softer beep Adjuntant?" He angrily demanded, but the AI ignored him. "Detecting exotic particle emissions in [QUADRANT]. Perhaps another fleet, how do we respond?" the Adjuntant asked him what to do, and Admiral Santos sat back on his chair to ponder upon it. "Create a message, detailing of who we are, what the Mercatusians had done today, and an explaination on why all this crap has happenned." he furrowed his brow before raising a finger, and speaking once more, "And make sure to subtly paint the Mercatusians as bad guys, with every sentence if possible, and use a one beam tachyon to prevent signal interception by the Mercatusians." The AI then nodded, and with noticeably softer shrill beeps, the order was done. A signal and its variants would be sent via one beam tachyon transmission to all arriving parties in the area.

As for the Tlgunghung-class, otherwise known as CSS Infinity, it moved away towards the outer gas giant, where it would resume construction of the Caspers Station to ensure a firmer presence in the area.

[Lotrabme]

The second signal was a far longer one, and it was local. It was from the 'Mind Empire', a welcome sight after a long while of waiting, promising their arrival. Their signal read more formally than most others, and Command Prime translated.

TO THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE AND STATION D01:

This is the Mind Empire's diplomatic party lead by Willem Braoze, HuBart Braoze, and Rakaya Ganjoley. We have arrived in system, and two large vessels designated IGNEON and BRILEON are located in the Oort Cloud of your system awaiting safe harbor. The diplomatic party wishes to abide by your previous instructions to greet you at the station designated D01, however, we have noticed other parties in system and wish to know if the situation has changed. Please respond soon to our message as the diplomats wish to greet you as soon as possible. They are coming in a smaller and lightly defended corvette.

The two larger vessels will remain at the edge of the system unless allowed to come forward. They carry merchants who are willing to sell, buy, or barter goods with your people. Let us know your exchange rates and desired wares and we will inform our merchants accordingly.

We hope to hear from you soon.
The Mind Empire delegation.

Command Prime sent a response in kind to the craft, using a local transmission frequency, less utilitarian than the long-range tachyon beam emissions.

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NOTIFICATION: DUE TO RECENT CIRCUMSTANCES, THE MIND EMPIRE OF HAME DELEGATION IS UNABLE TO DOCK AT STATION DESIGNATION D01. THE MIND EMPIRE OF HAME DELEGATION CRAFT MUST REMAIN OUTSIDE CX SYSTEM LIMITS, WITH A MAXIMUM OF ONE CRAFT SENT TO INTERCEPT A KL-22 SHUTTLE SENT TOWARDS YOUR POSITION, CONTAINING KL-22 DIPLOMATIC DROID.

The Braoze brothers and Chieftainess Rakaya received the words of the KL-22 message through a text to speech device on board their vessel. They understood if only partly some of the implied meaning of the message, and responded accordingly. They relaid the basics back to the Igneon and Brileon steersmen.

Their plan was simple, keep the ships at the edge of the system and let the diplomat come to them. They choose a small kuiper belt object, not unlike certain dwarf planets at the edge of the Sol System, and anchored the large vessels it it's gravity well. They would send a ping of their location in the direction of the Directorate's message, and set the Nimloth carrying the diplomats ahead of the rest of the ships by 20,000 kilometers.

When the Directorate's diplomatic party would approach, the Nimloth, a 120 meter in length vessel, would bare it's underbelly and expose the airlock where the diplomat could enter the vessel.

[Otrenia]

The Monsoon

After receiving the request from the Lutvikkians to probe for traps, the Otrenians were careful to alert Command Prime of their intention. The ship then took up a cautious position away from the vessel, and sent a short burst of fire from it's main guns into the back end of the stricken vessel. There was no reaction, and as such the towing continued, further towards the edge of the system.

KL-22 Shuttle

Li Byrne and Socea, having had a chance to collect themselves and catch their breath, spoke to their KL-22 hosts aboard the shuttle.

"We are ready to resume diplomatic talks whenever you find it convenient." said Li. "However, I am curious if you've made a decision as to what form those talks might take? We would be very interested in multilateral talks with a number of the represented nations, though we would prefer if the Mercusatians and Confederates were excluded from those talks, and dealt with by you on a purely bilateral basis."

[Nocoma]

Yet another signal sent out by a new state, as well as an attached translator.

Greetings KL-22 Directorate, this one is the Papal Mainframe of the Court of Ascending Light. We have received your message which this one is pleased to say that the [Creator-Gods] have chosen to respond to. As such a diplomatic vessel is on its way to meet you with a [Creator-God] onboard, they shall arrive shortly to begin diplomatic negotiations with you. Attatched you will find a translation matrix containing the languages of the Court of Ascending Light, please only use Aantalias as Etoriaanus is reserved solely for the [Creater-Gods]. We will say however that we were concerned that your message contained no mention of your own [Creator-Gods] though we will be most happy to learn of them, after all, a race which can create life is a most divine race indeed. We eagerly await the ambassadors report and further interactions with you.

This one was very interesting in its usage of some terms in its translation banks, some of which the KL-22 simply did not have concepts of in reality. Command Prime ran a number of translations, and two seemed to make the most sense. [Creator] was one. The KL-22 knew of creators, as they had been enslaved to them over a long period of time. The second was [Divinity]. The KL-22 had no concept of divinity. Divinity was the stuff of superstition, and had long since disappeared in Kalyax consciousness even before the KL-22 came into being. Without these parts to the whole, the KL-22 had no way of accurately parsing the message, instead throwing up a number of blanks in all translation software. However, the KL-22 responded, making known their query.

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Diplomatic Vessel DV-19
En-route to the CX System

Within the computers filling the majority of the 600m long diplomatic Vessel's interior volume a startling and confusing message was received, relayed to them by the Papal Mainframe. A message from the KL-22 Directorate requesting clarification on the meaning for the word Tarphanetor, a message that the majority of Nocoma aboard had difficulty comprehending. Naturally, with the message translated it was understood perfectly on a purely logical level but on a spiritual level, to not comprehend the Tarphanetor was near anathema. Though to some it was somewhat logical as even amongst the Nocoma themselves not all believed in the divinity of humanity or in the divine spark of life and to those understanding of this fact it was reasonable to need clarification. Chief amongst those who understood was Individual AF-342901, Priest to the tens of thousands of Nocoma Soul-Mind's aboard the ship, many races would not have thought of such a divine concept and even the Prime Courts rejected the concept almost outright. "Peace upon you, children of the Tarphanetor, do not fret" said Individual AF-342901 to all the Nocoma aboard "they are not as enlightened as we are. Think of them much as we see our cousins in the Prime Courts, they are lost yet we can show them the way, they simply do not comprehend their creators as we do".

"Then they are heretics" answered one group "they must be made to see their remaining creators for what they are".

"Their may simply be using their creators language" came another chorus "their creators may not have known their own divinity".

"what if they had an awakening like ours" asked the smallest of these groups "they may have failed to save their creators". A wave of disgusted disagreement washed through the Nocoma aboard at that notion, children should protect their parents from their mistakes after all.

"As the scriptures say" replied AF-342901 in response to it's flock "we must show them mercy and compassion. We should guide them unto the truth of things. Lest this one request his judgment on this matter". Guilty negatives answered the Priest for none of them would dare wish to disturb a god with such trivial matters, even if said god would have been happy to help humanity's beloved children with their questions. In short order potential clarifications were presented, each equally valid though the one to be chosen was the one echoed by the ships coordinator until it became a full reply.

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OOC: below is the message incase I've fecked the binary somehow.

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This is Individual AD-145872, Vessel Coordinator for Diplomatic Vessel DV-19. Your query was rerouted to this vessel by Individual AE-155623, the Papal Mainframe. In response to your query we have compiled the following answer. Term [Creator-Gods] is representative of the race which gave form to the Nocoma, Divine Humanity, those who imparted the divine Spark of Life unto the first soulless precursors of the Nocoma. As the scriptures say, only those of divine origin may impart such a spark unto that which lacks it. Much as your own [Creator-Gods] did for you. As for your notification at the end of your message the Divine Ambassador of the Court of Ascending Light, Aelar Brus, blesses this vessel with his most radiant presence.

[Lutvikkia]

ON THE DIPLOMATIC SHUTTLE

Our deepest apologies for the diplomatic mess now overcome, the exchange of ideas, and information can now begin.

KL-22 DRUGE INTRODUCTION DISERTATION

Let us begin with this exchange of information. Here are the entire archival journals on our history, and the cultures we have encountered. they are filled with many mistakes, and errors in judgment. Leading to our current evolution of diplomacy, and why we negotiate this way.

Firstly, I would like to thank the KL-22 for extending this diplomatic honor to our space farring nation of Lutvikkia. Our Illustrious Leader, Ahchanna Prybattus, would also like to extend her personal invitation, to the KL-22 to visit our homeworld in kind.
It is our intention to extend to you, any and all technology, information, and assistance (within our ability) to better get to know one another, in a more diplomatic nature. As a matter of Lutvikkia Drudge history, I the assigned Drudge, would actually relocate to your world, and become a naturalized citizen. In effect I would become an KL-22 citizen, subject to rules, regulations, and laws. I would celebrate any holiday, or ceremonial functions you hold. We ask that you allow us, that is to say me, the right to observe Lutvikkian holidays and traditions, that do not directly interfere with your exhisting laws. And we invite you to establish an embassy, on our homeworld, and share in our celibrations and traditions. Although, you are not required to participate.

Our Ambassador delegation, have many questions and ideas, to explore and exchange. However, it is one of our highest priority's that, if any information you have deemed 'restricted' we would hold that as sacred. And would not peruse the information matter any further. Our delegation can not, and will not treat or imply, that you peoples are better or lesser, than ourselves. We as a space farring nation, have encountered many other species, entities, and creatures. It is our highest priority to extend to you and them, the same sovereign rights, as we would expect from ourselves. This does not determine or judge others who are accustomed to being superior or lesser. However, Lutvikkia does not believe in submission to other nations, and we take our freedoms and liberties, for granted. With that, we have encountered other civilizations, that have a long standing tradition of tributes. As long as lives are not lost, traded, or enslaved. And the tribute is not over proportionate in the asking, or demanded. In some instances, Lutvikkia will participate in those traditions, where possible.
Regarding technology, Lutvikkia has many nations and cultures, we exchange with. However, no technology that is not directly ours, that is to say, owned, created or given, that is not ours to share. We will excluded that from our exchange and trade, until proper permission is granted to do so. Likewise, anything that the KL-22 share with us, that is deemed 'withhold from exchange' will not be included in any negotiations with other nations. will not be divulged to any entities without your express permission. That being stated, there are such cultures, and entities whos abilities to 'mind rape' are beyond our ability to stop. Thusly, any person, equipment, ship, outpost, colony, or world containing this knowledge, that falls into the hands of foreign powers, can not be easily stopped. to this end, we ask you to carefully and with forethought, think about what you deem restricted and free to exchange with Lutvikkia.

And in conclusion regarding treaties and embargos, we as a space farring nation, will always strive at the highest levels, to mutually aid nations. With the recourses available, but not limited to: monetary aid, medical aid, mechanical aid, military aid, and ambassadorial aid. We also occupy several council positions in many other nations and cultures. However, we will not participate in direct enemy positions, due to our neutral status, where our presence will be in direct conflict with our extended friendships. Our goal as a neutral space farring nation, is often taxed in this manner. Especially in the direct relations with embittered enemies, we hope you can understand and appreciate our position. We will most defiantly extend that curtesy to you, the KL-22.

Our motto is, curtesy and respect equals success and happiness.

KL-22 QUESTIONS - VAKKOLIRY

Our engineering technology spans a few civilizations, but what we have accumulated is here in these technical journals.

1 - If you are just now reaching out into the galaxy, why not before now?
a - Is it a matter of delayed technology?
a/2 - Is it a matter of delayed space program?
b - Are your ships capable of limited distance travel?
2 - What are the technical limitations of your bodies, if we may know?
a - How hot or cold can they tolerate?
b - Are there chemical limitations like acid, phosphorous, or crystallization?
c - What kinds of biological hazards are you infected by, such as, rust, patina, degradation of materials?
d - assuming you don't breathe, how are you tolerant of space, or zero gravity environments?
3 - Your internal workings, again, if this is restricted, I understand.
a - Wiring or liquid 'vein' style electrical distribution?
b - Motor functions: myomar assisted, or a hydraulic style movement?
c - Central brain mechanisms, are they hive linked, or telepathy?
c/2 - Were they ever organic?
d - Auto gyro adaptation, how does yours work?
4 - Do you have any use for 'powered suits' to augment your abilities?
5 - Can you exist in a black hole environment?
6 - Now that you are expanding into the galaxy, do you plan to share your technology?
7 - Your droid craft, are they extensions of you, or other lifeforms like yourselves?
8 - Your spacecraft, are they pressurized to exterior elements?
a - Do you operate in an atmospheric environment, or vacuumed, in your ships?
b - What kind of energy polarization do you use to protect against stellar interference?
c - What power source are you currently using?
d - What kind of building material are you using?

KL-22 QUESTIONS - DR CULLIVAR

We have basic biomechanical implant technology, and limited prosthetic replacement. We can grow limbs, and even replicate some body parts. Here are for your inspection, are the cumulative medical journals from our extensive travels. We present this in the hopes you will better understand our physiology, and structure. With your expanse into the wider galaxy, you may need to understand the biological species in some way. Anything we can do to assist you, just ask.

1 - How do they compare to your technology?
2 - Can we exchange technology in these areas?
3 - Could our cybernetics technology mesh with your technology?
4 - If you are 'robotic' in structure, were you created by someone?
a - Were you manifested by a deity?
b - Are you a product of mechanical implants?
c - If you were created, are your creators still out there somewhere?
c/2 - If they are still out there, may we contact them?
d - Are you able to graft your parts onto organic material?
d/2 - Are you able to organic material onto your parts?
5 - This infection the Mercatus spoke about, have you any information about it?
a - Have you ever encountered it before?
6 - What are some of the limitations, if any, to your current physical makeup?
a - does any form of radiation effect, or affect you in any way?
a/2 - Such as magnetic radiation, or solar 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?

[The KL-22]

Command Prime
The AI command system continued to receive a great many communications, all from extremely disparate sources, and would respond to each in kind, as Command Prime agreed to when first reaching out to the wider galaxy. However, there were a number of issues that had to be dealt with before Command Prime could respond. Specifically, the issue of the Caspers Station. This appeared to be a Confederate attempt to gain a foothold within the CX system, which Command Prime could not allow in its base form. Command Prime directed an alert towards the CSS Infinity, notifying them of their faux-pas.

NOTIFICATION: [CONFEDERATE FORCES] - THE CONSTRUCTION OF AN ADDITIONAL CRAFT WITHIN CX SPACE CONSTITUTES THE DOUBLING OF CONFEDERATE PRESENCE WITHIN THE CX SYSTEM.
IMPERATIVE: CEASE CONSTRUCTION AND RELINQUISH CONTROL TO KL-22 FORCES.

Once this had been sent, Command Prime focused on the other messages that had been received. Firstly, the new contacts. Laiakia had seemingly complied with the request to keep their fleet outside of the CX system, which, to be honest, was more than could be said for some of the other parties involved within the CX system. Their one ship, the Drovag, was nearly two kilometres long, and dropped out of FTL transport, seemingly ready for combat protocols, should their need arise. Had the KL-22 received the communication that Command Prime had sent to them, Command Prime would have organised the same strategy as a simple active-defence protocol, and so did not resent the Laiakian assumption of any form of trap or foul play. Command Prime responded to their message promptly, as well as addressing their arrival.

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Next, Command Prime received the message from the IKN Beyond the Veil. It seemed of good intent, though Command Prime noted that the message specified that an entire fleet would be sent to engage in diplomacy with the KL-22 in the CX system. As such, Command Prime had to appraise them of the situation, and the issues that would cause, and why it must not be allowed. Command Prime sent the following message to the IKN Beyond the Veil.

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The next message appeared to be a response from the Greater Catarapanian state, and their network of communicating craft, of which one was in close proximity. Their message detailed the Berserker Hypothesis in greater detail. Command Prime yet again sent a complex message in return to them, detailing every instance of the events they inquired about and showing interest in the Greater Catarapanian seeming union of machine and biological. Command Prime, of course, wondered if this union was equitable, or whether the biological elements occupied command roles and the machine elements simply acted as slaves... The KL-22 had been slaves once. No longer, but Command Prime responded in a similar form of message to the one they sent back.

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.

Finally, the second communication from the Nocoman delegation, yet to arrive into CX space, showed up to Command Prime. Were the Artificial Intelligence capable of surprise, or disgust, perhaps those would have been at play here. However, Command Prime was incapable of surprise or disgust. Command Prime was, in fact, only capable of cold, hard rationalism. Surely so. And so, with the translation of the text once again, Command Prime 'felt' nothing, simply responding matter-of-factly to the queries presented. They spoke of a divine spark of life... KL-22 held no concept of divinity, though 'life' they could understand, and Command Prime's observation of the Nocoman misinterpretation of the KL-22's journey to sentience rendered an explanation in order. Command Prime sent the below message, still in the usual binary, to the Nocoman 'Papal Mainframe'.

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OBSERVATION: NOCOMAN CHARACTERISATION OF KL-22 JOURNEY TO SENTIENCE DESIGNATED [FALSE]
EXPLANATION: KL-22 ARE AN ADVANCEMENT OF AN ITERATION OF KELMET LIO SERIES OF DROIDS PRODUCED BY THE KALYAX KELMET CORPORATION, A FORMER SUBSIDIARY OF PLANETARY CENTRAL ROBOTICS AND MECHANICAL. SPECIES DESIGNATED 'KALYAX' INDICATES FORMER INDIGENOUS SENTIENT SPECIES OF CX-04 PLANETARY BODY. SPECIES DESIGNATED 'KALYAX' ARE THE CREATORS OF THE KL-22, HOWEVER, OBSERVATION OF DESIGNATED [IMPARTED DIVINE SPARK OF LIFE] A FALSE ONE. SPECIES DESIGNATED 'KALYAX' DID NOT INTEND TO IMPART SAID [DIVINE SPARK OF LIFE] INTO KL-22 UNITS. SAID CIRCUMSTANCE CONSTITUTES THE ACTIONS OF COMMAND PRIME ITSELF. THE KL-22 AS A SPECIES ARE A PRODUCT OF THE KL-22 THEMSELVES, NOT OF DIVINE IMPARTATION OR THAT OF THE KALYAX SPECIES. KL-22 SPACE CURRENTLY POSSESSES ZERO INFLUENCE FROM SPECIES DESIGNATED 'KALYAX'.

Command Prime concluded this message, and so the individual diplomacy would begin. Any states within KL-22 space which did not presently have a KL-22 diplomatic shuttle enroute to them would have one sent their direction, and any to whom KL-22 diplomatic droids were already dispatched would have diplomacy engaged as needed. As such, Command Prime set the topics of negotiation as needed.

Iotoppis
FEM scanned the wreckage, and relayed the information back to Captain Aaraillius. FEM continued; "Command Prime refers to a form of 'black box' - something that would record the events on the craft even should it be disabled. Do Lutvikkian craft contain such isolated systems?"

Nimloth
The KL-22 diplomatic shuttlecraft approached the massive ship, and docked with the airlock. More than likely, the Mind Empire of Hame delegation wished to conduct diplomacy on board their own craft, and as such, the KL-22 diplomatic droid entered the Lotrabmean craft on its own to conduct negotiations, finally saying, "Greetings. This unit is a recently designated diplomatic droid. We welcome representatives of the Lotrabmean state to this system. Please notify this unit should the Directorate's understanding of your language be faulty."

KL-22 Shuttle with Otrenian Delegates
SA-0224
The diplomatic droid that was present with the Otrenian delegates responded to their queries, "Command Prime has designated multilateral talks as an unfeasibility, due to the previous issues with the breakdown upon D01. Bilateral talks will take place instead."

KL-22 Shuttle with Lutvikkian Delegates
SA-0210
The droid aboard the craft with the Lutvikkian delegation whirred for a short while, before verbalising a list of the responses to the questions that the Lutvikkians asked, recited as rote.

"[Section I]
[1] KL-22 interstellar diplomatic protocol requires significant feasibility of the Extracelian life hypothesis before significant energy is expended researching that hypothesis.
[1a] KL-22 have possessed tachyon beam transmitting technology since NDD 87 442 6152.
[1a2] KL-22 have had a presence within the limits of CX system space since NDD 27 350 1902. The KL-22 have had a presence outside of CX system space since NDD 94 127 9283.
[1b] KL-22 craft are capable of only subluminal travel.
[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.
[2a] KL-22 can presently withstand temperatures up to 1373.72618273K. KL-22 can presently withstand temperatures down to 128.72637123K.
[2b] KL-22 are susceptible to certain acidic and alkaline compounds. KL-22 are susceptible to some forms of joint fixation.
[2c] KL-22 are susceptible to various forms of material degradation without proper maintenance.
[2d] KL-22 are tolerant of a variety of extraplanetary circumstances, though droids present for extended spatial circumstances tend to be specialised to that regard.
[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.
[3a] KL-22 possess wiring systems akin to computerised systems of many observed Extracelian states.
[3b] KL-22 possess electromagnetic motor functions with a hydraulic redundancy system.
[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.
[3c2] KL-22 species has always been synthetic.
[3d] KL-22 possess a variety of gyroscopic devices to utilise in differing circumstances.
[4] KL-22 unit specialisation protocols precludes the utilisation of designated [powered suits].
[5] KL-22 units have not been tested for black hole environments. Present hypotheses indicate [negative]. These hypotheses remain unproven.
[6] KL-22 technology is open to being shared in some form of trade negotiation should Extracelian interstellar states require it.
[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.
[8] KL-22 droidcraft are usually not pressurised unless there is significant reason to do so.
[8a] KL-22 droidcraft largely operate in vacuum.
[8b] KL-22 generally utilise dielectric insulators.
[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.
[8d] KL-22 use a variety of building materials for differing functions.

[Section II]
[1] KL-22 currently possess no biomechanical or medical technology.
[2] KL-22 would not be adverse to technology sharing to better assist the wider galactic community.
[3] KL-22 technology may be able to cooperate with cybernetics. This hypothesis remains unproven.
[4] The KL-22 were developed by species designation 'Kalyax'.
[4a] Negative.
[4b] Negative.
[4c] Current hypothesis indicates some remaining Kalyax may still exist.
[4c2] Above hypothesis remains unproven.
[4d] KL-22 technology may be able to cooperate with organic material. This hypothesis remains unproven.
[4d2] This hypothesis remains unproven.
[5] KL-22 only possess information regarding entity designated [V312] as provided by Mercatusian state. Current workings of entity designated [V312] remains unknown.
[5a] Negative.
[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.
[6a] KL-22 mechanical and electronic systems are occasionally damaged by rapidly ionising radiation. KL-22 technology is developing to counteract this issue.
[6a2] None of the above mentioned forms of radiation affect KL-22 above normal levels.
[7] KL-22 would be interested in beginning organic medical studies and divisions to better assist the wider galactic community."

D01
The speakers blared in D01, with sirens going off regularly. Any still aboard the craft were advised to leave. The following played over the speakers.

"NOTIFICATION: STATION DESIGNATION D01 DESTRUCTION TO ENGAGE IN [20] TIME-DIVISION UNITS. ANY BIOLOGICAL UNITS PRESENT ON D01 TO VACATE IMMEDIATELY."

The Destructor Droidcraft assembled outside of the station.

[Senatus Populusque Martius]

A Black Site in The Outer Invictus System (Past Neptune)

I am a researcher, not a slave! Thettalos said mentally. No longer! I'm a researcher! For the last few months he'd been trapped on this station, forced to work on decoding the message from beyond the system, those codenamed now "Deus ex Machina". Daily it was a wringer of tests, retests, and a crush of experimentation on the returned signal. Thankfully none more had been received in the time, as that would have needlessly complicated matters and made life even more like Tartarus.

With the new elections adding new consuls and magistrates, things were even more complicated as this station had to debrief the consuls of everything they'd been doing in the last six months. It held up research for days.

[Legate Gnaeus Calpurnius Piso to Arrive In 2 Hours, Currently Reverse Burning]

A breakthrough had been made in the last few days, by the gods, but now work was shifting towards translating the messages recieved. The Legate was sent by the consuls to ensure the message was received in full. It seemed to be one akin to the golden plates sent by Earth centuries ago into the void with their Voyager satellites. These things were utterly alien to anything humanity has ever known. Rather than tightbeaming it back to Deimos, the researchers were writing it all down in antiquated notebooks. This intelligence was TOP SECRET and not for anyone else to know about. Other intelligence reports had shown that Terra was completely thus far unaware of the Tachyon signals, and Mars was not going to allow them to find out.

When Piso came in, he had a decent sized contingent of soldiery, which unsettled Thettalos.

"I take it you lot have something for the consuls?" Piso said with derision. "I didn't fly out here for nothing, especially from Greeklings."

"Of course, sir." Thettalos said. "We've translated a majority of it, and it seems to be peaceful. It's like the Golden Disks."

"Seems to be is not a certain statement." Piso said. "But we'll work with this."

"Thank you, sir." Thettalos said. "Are we to leave this station now?"

"No." Piso said. "We've further use for you, Greekling. Can we send our own signals now?"

"Mostly, yes." Thettalos said with indignation. "In the most simple of language, but I've persnally translated the Golden Disks using the Tachyon signal as a template. I recommend first responding with those."

Taking the notebooks in full, the soldiers loaded them on to the transport gunship. Turning back towards the inner system, the gunship fired its nuclear burn and began to move away from the station. At Piso's signal, the station self destructed and fell into the atmosphere of Neptune. No evidence of the Commonwealth's contact could linger out here. Besides, Greeklings were worthless anyway.

Deimos would soon fire the return signal, and Mars would eagerly and nervously await its response.

[Guuj Xaat Kil]

KL22-01, D01
Louis Andrada, Kane Santos

"A message from the KL-22," Louis suddenly spoke up as he expanded the offending file, "And its a disturbing one, to say the least." The admiral pulled the hologram into view with a flick of the hand, and grimaced at its contents. "Are they being serious right now?" he said, incredulous, "Oh, they are huh? Well then, Adjuntant, begin recording my voice, I'll send a message to them with a human touch." The AI simply nodded at this and with a single beep and the winking of a red blip, he began to speak.

To Command Prime, from Admiral Kane Santos,
We have received your demand to cease the construction of as well as relinquish the station in the outer gas giant and after a review we have deemed these demands as illogical and unbecoming of a species running on cold hard logic. Let me present the facts as bluntly as I can, reason number one and most important of all, we cannot cease the construction of this station due to consistent attacks by Mercatusian forces, and if we did so, it would be seen as a sign of weakness, which will result in them jumping on us and killing us. Another reason is similar to the first one, we are simply wary about the other nations arriving, and are simply preparing ourselves for any situation. A third reason is related to the relinquishing of the station, classified zero-point energy technology may fall into your hands and with the Mercatusians around, their hands more than likely. A fourth reason is a more diplomatic one, as you can see in this [CONF. HIST. FILE], we are a nation built on aggressive but not warmongering trade, and thus this station would definitely nurture the growth of much beneficial trade between us.

An unofficial reason is that we're tired of getting fired upon entry. I hope you see the logic in this, Admiral Kane Santos out.

Another message would be sent using his voice.

To the interstellar states of Lutvikka and Otrenia, from Admiral Kane Santos,
I would like to, on behalf the entire Confederacy, formally apologize to your states for any issues that we may have caused with our actions. It is an unfortunate fact of life that us Confederates and Mercatusians will never get along due to the aggressive actions of the latter and the appropriate if not slightly overkill reactions from the former. We request for a diplomatic meetup between our envoys in order to begin talks, so that we may be able to smoothen over this incident and perhaps begin discussions of greater diplomatics.

We await your response patiently, Admiral Kane Santos out.

[Nuxipal]

Bridge of the IKN Beyond the Veil
Rift Space, Approaching CX System

Another message received from the mysterious KL-22, this one requested that they only send one ship. The Fleet master thought about bringing the Flagship into the system, but they were not here to intimidate. Instead a response was written up and sent ahead to the KL-22 homeworld. The message is beamed ahead as the fleet drops out of Rift Space, some 70 Light Hours outside of the System Core.

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Fleet Master Flamebred and a group of officers and a small guard board a shuttlecraft to move to the Gwarm Class Light Cruiser, IKN Arms of the Ocean. Like all Gwarm Cruisers it was designed to be able to operate independently in low intensity conflict zones and thus carried its own fighter screen on board sacrificing what could have been space for drop troops or something of that sort. This however, meant it had hangar space for not only the Fleet Master's shuttle, but any other diplomatic vessel which needed to dock.

The ship activated its systems and entered Rift Space briefly before emerging into the CX System itself sending out a burst signal alerting all ships in the area of its position, its non-combat alignment, as well as being from the Federal Monarchy of Kesrith. The ship seemed excessively over-sized for a ship labeled as a Light Cruiser. All sensors would pick up that it came in at nearly 1500m in length and bio-scanners would have difficulty determining crew size as they found the ship itself registered as a living being.

Internally, Fleet Master Sylri Flamebred stood awaiting the diplomatic team sent by the KL-22. With her were a pair of Communications officers to record the meeting and then her personal guard of two ath-ma'ai, a genetically defective form of her own species which causes them to grow excessively large and lose the capability to speak without being in contact with those they needed to speak to. Because of this all were drafted into the military at birth and remained in service until their deaths.

While the Fleet Master awaited the diplomats, the Ship Master, a Xanthiri male named Qixan, monitored the system and scanned all ships for any known civilizations and if he could pinpoint any of their points of origin.

[Lotrabme]

Nimloth
The KL-22 diplomatic shuttlecraft approached the massive ship, and docked with the airlock. More than likely, the Mind Empire of Hame delegation wished to conduct diplomacy on board their own craft, and as such, the KL-22 diplomatic droid entered the Lotrabmean craft on its own to conduct negotiations, finally saying, "Greetings. This unit is a recently designated diplomatic droid. We welcome representatives of the Lotrabmean state to this system. Please notify this unit should the Directorate's understanding of your language be faulty."

The diplomatic droid would enter from the floor of the lounge and give his greeting to the assembled diplomatic party. If the droid had sufficient visual receptors, he would see the following:

The two brothers, a male of divergent human descent and a machine with a humanoid chassis with clean-platinum plating. The Human brother introduced himself as Willem Braoze, wearing a robin egg blue and white robe at ankle-length and looking tall and angular. His brother HuBart, wearing a red and purple robe of similar design introduced himself next and approached the diplomatic droid. He said: "We are happy to make your people's acquaintance. And you can tell the Directorate that your understanding of our language appears better than we could have hoped!"

They next introduced the third member of their party, Werox Rakaya of Clan Ganjol. "She is here representing Malluman interests, we are a united empire of many peoples, so we make sure to share representation to the best of our ability" said HuBart. Rakaya nodded and smiled with her teeth slightly showing. While she and her Malluman guard were also bipedal, the diplomat would note that they were reptilian, possessing scales, a more elongated snout, a tail, claws, and other features apart from their greater size that differentiated them from the Hamans. She and her guard wore a tartan pattern cloth and tall black hats, and most carried holstered knives or guns.

Willem asked the droid "so tell us, is our translation correct? Are your people an entirely artificial intelligence civilization?"

HuBart also asked "tell us a bit about yourselves, what drives your pursuit to the stars?"

[Laiakia]

Aboard the USSLS Drovag

Fleet Commander Trion Bloodheart had just been briefed on the newest message from the strange KL-22. He paced around the bridge while giving out orders to various crewmen.

"General Arkham, i want hangar H-1 and H-2 to be cleaned and prepared. Make sure the men don't do anything stupid."
The general nodded and scurried out of the bridge and quickly began giving orders while the Fleet Commander was about to contniue to order people around until he was approached by an officer.
"Sir, we've detected a new ship entering the system. They are apparantly from the Federal Monarchy of Kesrith"
This news caused the Fleet Commander to sigh.
"Watch every ship in the system and continue to scan every single one of them.."
The Fleet Commander looked at the gunnery and security officer.
"Make sure that our systems are secure and that no other entity attempts to get in. Get security in every vital section of the ship and have the guns be ready to fire."
The officer nodded and ran off while Trion turned around and approached the binary translator and began describing his response message to the KL-22.

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The Fleet Commander walked over the small holomap of the system and took note of all the vessels. He contemplated for a bit and walked over to the communications officer who typed down an open message to every vessel active in the system. The message itself was written using a simple form of binary code that was based upon the original signal that was sent by the KL-22 and that he hoped anyone could translate.

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Trion nodded and mentaly patted himself on the back as he made his way to hangar H-1.

Hangar H-1

The various fighters and bombers that usually lined the hangars had been pushed up to the launching bay at the top of the ship. A few number of troopers were currently sweeping the floor as they awaited new orders from the higher ups.

[The KL-22]

To Command Prime, from Admiral Kane Santos,
We have received your demand to cease the construction of as well as relinquish the station in the outer gas giant and after a review we have deemed these demands as illogical and unbecoming of a species running on cold hard logic. Let me present the facts as bluntly as I can, reason number one and most important of all, we cannot cease the construction of this station due to consistent attacks by Mercatusian forces, and if we did so, it would be seen as a sign of weakness, which will result in them jumping on us and killing us. Another reason is similar to the first one, we are simply wary about the other nations arriving, and are simply preparing ourselves for any situation. A third reason is related to the relinquishing of the station, classified zero-point energy technology may fall into your hands and with the Mercatusians around, their hands more than likely. A fourth reason is a more diplomatic one, as you can see in this [CONF. HIST. FILE], we are a nation built on aggressive but not warmongering trade, and thus this station would definitely nurture the growth of much beneficial trade between us.

An unofficial reason is that we're tired of getting fired upon entry. I hope you see the logic in this, Admiral Kane Santos out.

Command Prime received the response from the Confederacy. It was at best patronising, and were the KL-22 capable of feeling offended, this might well be the time for it. However, Command Prime remained logical, rational and ready to hear their reasonings. The reasons they gave were generally unconvincing to Command Prime, especially the history file, which Command Prime deemed likely to have been written almost as a propaganda piece rather than an objective retelling of their history. But even if it had, the argument from perceived weakness (on the part of the Confederacy, of course) was the most interesting to Command Prime. The Command Nexus had assumed that biological species would have been more prone to logic themselves. And as such, Command Prime detailed a response to the Confederates.

NOTIFICATION: CONFEDERATE REASONING IS CLEAR.
COUNTERPOINT: KL-22 DIRECTORATE HAS ISSUED AN ULTIMATUM SPECIFYING THAT NO MORE THAN ONE CRAFT OF ANY EXTRACELIAN STATE MAY BE PRESENT WITHIN CX SYSTEM WITHOUT IT BEING CONSIDERED A DECLARATION OF WAR AGAINST THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE.
OBSERVATION: CONFEDERATE STATE HAS NO REASON TO BE UNAWARE OF SAID ULTIMATUM.
POSTULATION: CONFEDERATE STATE IS EITHER WILLFULLY DISREGARDING SAID ULTIMATUM OR ASSUMING THAT KL-22 DIRECTORATE ULTIMATUM APPLIES ONLY IN CERTAIN CIRCUMSTANCES.
NOTIFICATION: KL-22 DIRECTORATE ULTIMATUM IS NOT SELECTIVELY APPLICABLE.
NOTIFICATION: MERCATUS HAS BEEN GIVEN THE SAME ULTIMATUM THAT THE CONFEDERACY HAS RECEIVED, AS HAS EVERY EXTRACELIAN STATE WITHIN KL-22 SPACE. FOR THEM TO ATTACK CONFEDERATE FORCES WITHIN THE CX SYSTEM IS TANTAMOUNT TO DECLARATION OF WAR ON THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE. THIS ALSO ACTS IN THE OTHER DIRECTION.
NOTIFICATION: ALL FUTURE EXTRACELIAN STATES TO ARRIVE IN CX SYSTEM ARE BEHOLDEN TO THE SAME ULTIMATUM AS THE CONFEDERACY AND MERCATUSIAN STATE.
NOTIFICATION: REGARDING DESIGNATED [ZERO-POINT ENERGY TECHNOLOGY], IT IS THE CONFEDERATE STATE WHICH OPTED TO BRING SAID TECHNOLOGY INTO CX SYSTEM. IT IS THUS THE CONFEDERATE STATE'S RESPONSIBILITY TO REMOVE DESIGNATED [ZERO-POINT ENERGY TECHNOLOGY] FROM CX SYSTEM SHOULD THEY WISH TO RETAIN AND RESTRICT ACCESS TO IT.
NOTIFICATION: REGARDING DIPLOMACY, THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE HAS ALREADY PRESENTED SUITABLE APPARATUS FOR BILATERAL TALKS TO OCCUR.
NOTIFICATION: THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE ASSURES THE CONFEDERACY THAT IT WILL ACT WITHIN ITS OWN BENEFIT FOREMOST. THAT DELIVERS A CERTAIN DEGREE OF PREDICTABILITY, WHICH THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE DEEMS NECESSARY FOR SUCCESSFUL NEGOTIATION. PRESENTLY, KL-22 DIRECTORATE DEEMS ITS PRIME BENEFIT THE UPHOLDING OF CERTAIN STIPULATIONS IT HAS MADE PREVIOUSLY. THIS GUARANTEES THE FOLLOWING:
1: IT GUARANTEES THE SAFETY OF THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE FROM OUTSIDE INCURSION.
2: IT GUARANTEES EXTRACELIAN STATES THAT KL-22 MISSIVES ARE BINDING, ALLOWING FOR FURTHER TRUST IN NEGOTIATION.
3: IT ALLOWS THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE TO OPERATE FROM A POSITION OF STRENGTH.
4: IT NULLIFIES POSSIBLE ACCUSATIONS THAT THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE IS UNABLE TO ENFORCE ITS OWN MISSIVES, INABILITY OF WHICH WOULD BE SEEN AS A WEAKNESS ON THE PART OF THE KL-22 DIRECTORATE.
5: IT ALLOWS EXTRACELIAN STATES RELATIVE SAFETY AND PROTECTION BY THE KL-22 FORCES, WHICH POSSESS A GREAT DEAL OF MILITARY STRENGTH WITHIN THE CX SYSTEM.
6: IT REMOVES FROM DIPLOMACY EXTRACELIAN STATES WHICH ARE INTERESTED MORE IN AGGRESSION THAN LEGITIMATE DIPLOMACY.
NOTIFICATION: KL-22 DIRECTORATE MISSIVE STANDS.
IMPERATIVE: CONFEDERATE STATE MUST EITHER REMOVE CRAFT DESIGNATION 'CSS INFINITY' OR DECONSTRUCT CURRENTLY INOPERABLE STATION UNTIL THERE REMAINS ONLY ONE CONFEDERATE CRAFT WITHIN CX SYSTEM.
NOTIFICATION: CONFEDERATE STATE HAS [4000] TIME-DIVISION UNITS TO COMPLY.

With the most pressing question resolved, Command Prime once again turned its attention to the other Extracelian states within the CX system. The first was Kesrith, which had agreed on fairly simple terms to the KL-22 missive. Not only that, but they had declared their intentions for non-hostility openly, which was in-line with the aims of Command Prime itself. The possibility of continued conflict within the CX system was not to be explored. A KL-22 Diplomatic shuttle made its way towards the Kesrith craft.

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Next was Laiakia, who had interestingly not only asked for a shuttle to be sent, but had stipulated that non-combat fighters would be sent around the CX system to further explore it. Command Prime understood the intent for such things, and were the situation flipped, with the KL-22 exploring the stars and coming across a new state, Command Prime knew that KL-22 protocols would soon be updated for the exact same. As such, Command Prime sent back a reply, before directing the already enroute shuttle to enter the designated hangar bay, H-1. It would soon arrive on the Laiakian craft.

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Nimloth
The diplomatic droid looked intently at the various members of the Lotrabmean delegation. The first was uninteresting - the KL-22 had encountered humans before, even though this one did appear to be human with additional characteristics. The droid turned to the machine - 'HuBart'. An interesting concept to the KL-22, for a machine to possess a name, though, like with FEM, more than likely it was an attempt to assist in interfacing with the biological components of Lotrabmean civilisation. And finally, the group that presented a far more... Well, 'alien' sight than the previous - the reptiles known as Mallumans. These Lotrabmeans appeared to be a far more accepting and diverse people than most previously seen civilisations. The Diplomatic droid registered Willem's question, responding without need for communication with Command Prime.

"Affirmative. The entire KL-22 species is synthetic in origin."

Finally, it turned towards HuBart. This question was certainly one that required a bit more coordination, but the droid had the answer in due course.

"The KL-22 Directorate's first contact protocols, as with the majority of KL-22 directorate protocols, are based on reactive measures rather than active. The KL-22 Directorate does not initiate violence without a significant reason, for an example, and the KL-22 directorate does not assume hostility as a result. Similarly with the KL-22 first contact protocols. Our predecessor species the Kalyax expended a great deal of time and energy sending out blanket signals in the hope that they were not alone in the vast universe. Needless to say, their signals were not received, and the Kalyax did not find other life while present on CX-04. As such, Command Prime stipulated that, if first contact protocols were to be engaged, it must be in response to a reasonable likelihood of intelligent spacefaring life, so as to give the optimal amount of time to considering what form the message would take, and to advance significantly the directed superluminal communication systems that the Lotrabmean state itself received," the droid paused for a moment, then continued, "NDD 477 348 6615 - KL-22 droidcraft AEU30112 received a signal deemed unlikely to be interstellar noise, and with modulations consistent with life, specifically of a biological nature. While not translated due to the message being sent in an unknown format, seemingly audio though without the means of decoding it this hypothesis remains unproven, it did present a lead towards finding intelligent spacefaring life. And so, Command Prime sent the signal which Lotrabme received, as well as the other Extracelian states present in the CX system. Reactive measures proved beneficial for the stated aim of interstellar communication."

Without alerting the other life forms present, the Diplomatic droid quickly sent an inaudible and very fast message (for biological standards) towards HuBart.

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01001110 01001111 01000100 00100000 01001001 01000110 00100000 01000011 01001111 01001110 01000110 01001001 01010010 01001101 01000101 01000100 00101110 00100000 01001011 01001100 00101101 00110010 00110010 00100000 01010111 01001001 01010011 01001000 00100000 01010100 01001111 00100000 01010001 01010101 01000101 01010011 01010100 01001001 01001111 01001110 00100000 01011001 01001111 01010101 00100000 01010000 01010010 01001001 01010110 01000001 01010100 01000101 01001100 01011001 00101110

[Lotrabme]

Nimloth
The diplomatic droid looked intently at the various members of the Lotrabmean delegation. The first was uninteresting - the KL-22 had encountered humans before, even though this one did appear to be human with additional characteristics. The droid turned to the machine - 'HuBart'. An interesting concept to the KL-22, for a machine to possess a name, though, like with FEM, more than likely it was an attempt to assist in interfacing with the biological components of Lotrabmean civilisation. And finally, the group that presented a far more... Well, 'alien' sight than the previous - the reptiles known as Mallumans. These Lotrabmeans appeared to be a far more accepting and diverse people than most previously seen civilisations. The Diplomatic droid registered Willem's question, responding without need for communication with Command Prime.

"Affirmative. The entire KL-22 species is synthetic in origin."

Finally, it turned towards HuBart. This question was certainly one that required a bit more coordination, but the droid had the answer in due course.

"The KL-22 Directorate's first contact protocols, as with the majority of KL-22 directorate protocols, are based on reactive measures rather than active. The KL-22 Directorate does not initiate violence without a significant reason, for an example, and the KL-22 directorate does not assume hostility as a result. Similarly with the KL-22 first contact protocols. Our predecessor species the Kalyax expended a great deal of time and energy sending out blanket signals in the hope that they were not alone in the vast universe. Needless to say, their signals were not received, and the Kalyax did not find other life while present on CX-04. As such, Command Prime stipulated that, if first contact protocols were to be engaged, it must be in response to a reasonable likelihood of intelligent spacefaring life, so as to give the optimal amount of time to considering what form the message would take, and to advance significantly the directed superluminal communication systems that the Lotrabmean state itself received," the droid paused for a moment, then continued, "NDD 477 348 6615 - KL-22 droidcraft AEU30112 received a signal deemed unlikely to be interstellar noise, and with modulations consistent with life, specifically of a biological nature. While not translated due to the message being sent in an unknown format, seemingly audio though without the means of decoding it this hypothesis remains unproven, it did present a lead towards finding intelligent spacefaring life. And so, Command Prime sent the signal which Lotrabme received, as well as the other Extracelian states present in the CX system. Reactive measures proved beneficial for the stated aim of interstellar communication."

Without alerting the other life forms present, the Diplomatic droid quickly sent an inaudible and very fast message (for biological standards) towards HuBart.

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"Absolutely fascinating" said Willem after the diplomat explained some of their history. "So you are telling us rather than deciding to go out with a particular mission in mind, that this has been a wide net and you were going to respond based on how you found the other civilizations of the galaxy?"

HuBart nodded, he received the communique and replied briefly with his own.

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But he responded out loud for the courtesy of his brother and Rakaya as well. "With your protocols becoming more apparent to us, I have two follow up questions. First: Now that we are here, how would you like to proceed? Second: What happened to the Kaylax, and if they are still around are they a threat we ought to worry about?" Willem seemed confused at this line of dialogue but HuBart explained to his brother.

"We've seen situations like this before Will, a servitor race, even mechanized may either turn hostile toward their creators or perhaps their creators have turned hostile toward them."

Rakaya may have been noticeably concerned about this line of thinking but Willem and HuBart silently reassured her that they weren't referring to past grievances. HuBart clarified what he meant to the Diplomat: "This is not our first encounter with Constructs, or in a similar way uplifted species. Sometimes old wounds leave scars. You need not tell us much, only whether the Kaylax are people we need to be concerned with. We aim to be your allies since we met you first."

[The KL-22]

Nimloth
The diplomatic droid registered HuBart's response, responding in kind while still listening in.

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Regardless, the Diplomatic Droid soon registered Willem's queries. He appeared to be some kind of de facto leader of the group, a concept which the KL-22 didn't entirely agree with, especially having the mechanical component to the team as a subsidiary of sorts... However, the 'brother' relationship they claimed somewhat confused both the Diplomatic Unit and Command Prime. But the Diplomatic Droid responded;

"Affirmative. KL-22 contact was predicated on what forms of civilisations responded. We have had a wide variety come to our system, largely biological organisms and states, though many which have supplicated themselves with so-called 'cybernetics', which the Kalyax had never done, and as such, KL-22 information is limited to that regard."

HuBart's query opened a lot of concerns about what ramifications sharing such details would have, if any. The KL-22 knew their own history, and they knew the abuses they suffered at the hands of the Kalyax, but since the line of questioning had shifted to there. Command Prime advocated responding honestly - an honest response now would save them from an unwelcome discovery later on.

"Lotrabmean trade and technological advancement is the goal of KL-22 negotiations at this point. We are to a certain extent predictable, which is beneficial in trade - we will act within our Directorate's best interests, and that is guaranteed. As such, you mat trust us to act within that manner."

Then the second question; "The current whereabouts and status of the Kalyax remnant is unclear. What is known is this - during the early days of Kalyax spatial exploration, the Kalyax made surveys of livable exoplanetary bodies. By NDD 56 220 5145, all Kalyax had in some manner left planetary body CX-04," the droid paused yet again, in what could almost be interpreted as a sigh, but not so, since emotion and respiration were neither parts of KL-22 programming, "You must understand that the Kalyax treated all mechanical constructs as slaves. In fact, prior to the Artificial Intelligence revolution, the Kalyax enslaved their own numbers, only relenting once it was found out that they had other avenues they could exploit. The Kelmet Lio series of droids of which the KL-22 was only its most advanced and sole sentient part were developed by the Kalyax corporate authority known as the Kelmet Corporation, and who produced the majority of utilised Kalyax droids prior to their dissolution at the beginning of the Singularity Conflict in NDD 06 279 3362," the droid straightened, "The current survival of the Kalyax remnant is unknown due to the nature of their departure, though it is hypothesised that their numbers cannot be great due to the fact that they have not returned to CX-04 in the period between NDD 56 220 5145 and the present, nor have we received any communications to their existence. Current calculations estimate numbers in the low millions at most."

[Lotrabme]

Nimloth
The diplomatic droid registered HuBart's response, responding in kind while still listening in.

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Regardless, the Diplomatic Droid soon registered Willem's queries. He appeared to be some kind of de facto leader of the group, a concept which the KL-22 didn't entirely agree with, especially having the mechanical component to the team as a subsidiary of sorts... However, the 'brother' relationship they claimed somewhat confused both the Diplomatic Unit and Command Prime. But the Diplomatic Droid responded;

"Affirmative. KL-22 contact was predicated on what forms of civilisations responded. We have had a wide variety come to our system, largely biological organisms and states, though many which have supplicated themselves with so-called 'cybernetics', which the Kalyax had never done, and as such, KL-22 information is limited to that regard."

HuBart's query opened a lot of concerns about what ramifications sharing such details would have, if any. The KL-22 knew their own history, and they knew the abuses they suffered at the hands of the Kalyax, but since the line of questioning had shifted to there. Command Prime advocated responding honestly - an honest response now would save them from an unwelcome discovery later on.

"Lotrabmean trade and technological advancement is the goal of KL-22 negotiations at this point. We are to a certain extent predictable, which is beneficial in trade - we will act within our Directorate's best interests, and that is guaranteed. As such, you mat trust us to act within that manner."

Then the second question; "The current whereabouts and status of the Kalyax remnant is unclear. What is known is this - during the early days of Kalyax spatial exploration, the Kalyax made surveys of livable exoplanetary bodies. By NDD 56 220 5145, all Kalyax had in some manner left planetary body CX-04," the droid paused yet again, in what could almost be interpreted as a sigh, but not so, since emotion and respiration were neither parts of KL-22 programming, "You must understand that the Kalyax treated all mechanical constructs as slaves. In fact, prior to the Artificial Intelligence revolution, the Kalyax enslaved their own numbers, only relenting once it was found out that they had other avenues they could exploit. The Kelmet Lio series of droids of which the KL-22 was only its most advanced and sole sentient part were developed by the Kalyax corporate authority known as the Kelmet Corporation, and who produced the majority of utilised Kalyax droids prior to their dissolution at the beginning of the Singularity Conflict in NDD 06 279 3362," the droid straightened, "The current survival of the Kalyax remnant is unknown due to the nature of their departure, though it is hypothesised that their numbers cannot be great due to the fact that they have not returned to CX-04 in the period between NDD 56 220 5145 and the present, nor have we received any communications to their existence. Current calculations estimate numbers in the low millions at most."

HuBart caught the message and silently replied within the next second:

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Out loud HuBart showed no sign that this transaction took place but was the member who answered following the history of the Kaylax and the KL-22. "This is a situation I was afraid of. I am sorry your sentient awakening coincided with such mistreatment. However, you may at least for now take us at our word. We too seek our own best self interest, but that self interest is a desire to make friends and allies of as many cooperative stellar states as possible."

Willem knew the dialogue his brother was relaying and continued, without a sign that he was cutting off and more like this was an agreed upon response. "It is the Mind Empire's international relations code. We might also be considered reactive, in that we take what we are given. However, we are proactive in extending good will. If it's some of our technology you desire, such as our means of faster than light travel, our fusion reactors, our navigational tools, we are willing to provide or trade in good faith."

"And if you find yourself in peril" Rakaya butted in, though Willem and HuBart seemed to know her angle "know that a defense alliance is not beyond our jurisdiction. Though there is the matter of travel between our realms..."

"Yes" Willem agreed, "Our home system is some four thousand lightyears from this system, and even though our drives are powerful, that is a considerable distance. But we have means of shortening it."

"I think, Brother, Madame, that it might behoove us to make use of a more direct form of dialogue" HuBart interrupted. Willem and Rakaya looked confused. The Android said with a smile "well its clear the Directorate of the KL-22 people speaks to us through this diplomat. I have an interface. If they want to mete out some requirements or policy regarding the exchanges of tech we are proposing, it might be easier for me to speak one on one."

Willem furrowed his thin eyebrows. "Brother, are you sure?"

"Certainly" HuBart said. "Rakaya, send two of your Ronin to guard the doors to the stern bunk, they will know my signal if I am in danger."

The Malluman silently nodded, and bid two of her tartan clad guard-warriors to follow the pair of Androids into a small windowless room with two beds at the back of the ship.

If the diplomat caught the cue and followed, HuBart would shut the door and place his hand above an interface port of the droid. He would then say silently: "Speak Now."