He huffed and he Puffed. (FT, Semi-Open see OOC for sign up)

[Dinosians]

November 12, 3478
"Report." Captain William Smithson stated as he walked onto the bridge of the Civilian Cruise Ship Titan as he did every other morning. This was their fifth day out of port, they had just jumped into neutral territory on their way to a Trading post to resupply. It looked like things were going to go smoothly for another day. All the Captain could think about was the good-bye party he would get when they made it back to Makinb-2.

The ship was on a fourteen day cruise from Makinb-2 to a neutral trading post and back, making a total of 3 stops during the full trip. However they hadn't been told that this area of space was said to be prone to the rare satellite flying through.

---

"Hey Matt, look out there. What do you suppose that thing is?" A teenager said looking out a window in one of the ship's lobby rooms. Another young man walked up to the window. After looking for a moment he replied, "I'm not sure James, I don't think it's part of the tour."

The two continued to watch the object as it hurtled towards the Cruise Ship. They finally raised the alarm when the thing was close enough to make out clearly.

---

"Sir the object is 400km away and closing." a deck officer said checking his panel. This information was bad as it meant that the ship was unable to maneuver out of the way now.

"Close all the bulkheads, raise what little shielding we have, focus on the lobby rooms." Captain William barked. In his entire career he had never been in this situation, twenty-one successful trips, then on his last trip before retirement this had to happen.

---

Dinosian News

Your News, all the time.
Date: November 12, 3478

Today the cruise Ship Titan was found destroyed. Rescue Crews report that there was only one survivor and that little wreckage could be found. The only evidence found at the scene was a emblem that has since been identified as belonging to the Federated States of America. What little information we have lists that their home planet is the planet known as Earth in the Sol System. A team of diplomats has been dispatched to the planet.

---

The DNS Twilight Dawn jumped into the the space just outside of Sol. They hailed the planet requesting permission to land.

OOC: viewtopic.php?f=5&t=68495

[FS_America]

The planet of pluto, was a trade nexus for the Sol system and her extra solar colonies, whilst each nation in Sol maintained that the planet was controlled by a consortium of different nations tasked to police it. The Reality was it was a pirate den, Full of thugs guns for hire and pirates, Nations tended to stay away from the planet unless they had connections with some one on the planet. On the odd occasion a Naval ship would pass by just to let the Inhabitants of Pluto know that they where still in Empire space.

On this occasion An American Naval Heavy Cruiser was on routine patrol. The U.S.S Challenger at a 825 foot long dominated the space over Pluto, Officially they where on routine, unofficially Captain Arthur Finch was picking up some rather exotic wines for his rotate home. Upon arriving back on his bridge he found his crew in a state of controlled chaos. his first office sat in the captains chair looking rather puzzled. Adjusting his Bicorn Finch officially stepped onto the bridge, as he did so the marine on guard at the door scream out.

"Captain on deck!"

At that Those officers that weren't doing anything snapped up to a stand at attention. This included the first officer who turned to face Captain Finch. Walking in finch Frowned. "What the Devil is going on O'Connor!"

O'Connor was an Irish immigrant 3rd generation American, and a damn fine officer, one thing he lacked was any proper Experience dealing with Xeno's and people outside of the Sol system. "Sir!" he spoke with a slight Irish accent. "5 minutes ago, an unknown vessel jump to the edge of the system and has stayed their since. We are picking up Radio frequencies."

Finch frowned, "Bring it up on screen and Try to translate their Heathen language." Finch was a southerner and a radical one at that, a Staunch catholic and a brutal military man. Taking his seat on his captains chair the picture of the xeno vessel appeared on the Pseudo windows in front of the captains chair. Leaning forward Finch watched the ship do nothing. Chucking Finch sat back smirking.

"Flimsy, and no match for out guns!, hail them tell them to state their intentions! Bring us about and on an intercept course"

The Massive 850 foot long Heavy Cruiser's Boiler engines roared to life, slowly the cruiser turned and moved towards the Unknown vessel, Transmitting on the same frequencies the Other vessel was they hailed it.

"Attention unknown vessel, you have entered sol space, state your intentions, or leave!"

[Great Solar Japan]

Outer Solar System
Sol system
Near Pluto

The USS Challenger was not the only Terran starship in the area at the time of the Dinosians' arrival. On a routine survey mission in the Kuiper Belt, the HIMS Kirin, a Japanese light cruiser, was on it's way back to Earth when the Dinosian ship arrived. On board the Kirin, Captain Takahashi Saito sipped tea calmly on the bridge, watching the two starships drift by each other.

"What could they be doing in Pluto's orbit, honourable captain?" questioned the helmsman. Takahashi simply observed the screen, occasionally bending over to sip his tea. He was a Buddhist by birth, though like all military officers he had been indoctrined in the importance of honour and the Emperor's divinity. Personally he was atheist, but he somewhat admired the relatively progressive Emperor, and was as proud of his nation as any other man. He finally spoke.

"Can you intercept their communications?"
"Yes, sir," answered the communications officer, shifting uncomfortably under Takahashi's unforgiving gaze.
"I would like to hear their entire conversation, liutenant," said the captain.
"Yes, sir... But it's not much of a conversation, sir."

"Attention unknown vessel, you have entered sol space, state your intentions, or leave!"

Takahashi raised an eyebrow. "It appears that the Americans were as surprised by the xenos' prescence as we were. At least this means that the Federated States aren't involved in any... Questionable business. Prepare to hail the xenos."
"Yes, honourable captain!"
The captain stood at last, and walked over to the screen.

Attention, unidentified alien vessel. This is Captain Takahashi Saito of the HIMS Kirin, a ship of the Great Solar Japanese Empire. You have entered the system of Sol, and are required to identify yourselves to the people of Earth whom rightfully own this system. We thank you in advance for your cooperation.

He stared at the screen some more, then said, "Repeat the message in English, Russian, and French. If they have had any previous contact with the people of Earth, it will have been through one of the Great Powers. Also broadcast the signal in all xenos dialects."
"As you command, sir. I live to serve." The communications officer began running the message through the neccesary translation programmes, while the helmsman stared in awe.

"Sir... Captain, sir, permission to... Er... Inquire into your personal op-"
"Ask what you wish, young one."
"Yes, honourable captain sir. What do you think these aliens are doing here, sir?"
Takahashi paused to consider his answer. After a moment, he said, "I do not know, ensign, but I dearly hope for their sake that they have no foolish preconceptions about conquering this system. Such would be very unpleasant for them."
The ensign grinned and turned around. "Yes, sir. Very unpleasant."

[Solar Denmark]

HMS Christian

The day had started as any other on the cruiser HMS Christian who was one of many in the Danish navy both of the same design and the same name, what however made it stick out of the crowd of HMS Christians in the mighty Danish navy where the distance it was from Terra herself and the old fatherland. Being way past even Saturn and his rings so where the medium sized ship one of the Danish ships in sol that where farthest from the fatherland, mostly due to Danish ships had not much to do this far out from the home Islands space. But what got the ship this far out had been nothing but a routine patrol part to inform the rest of the planet that the small nation in the north existed part to keep Danish trading routes free of pirates and privateers.

On the bridge of this rather unremarkable ship did the day pass mostly as it usually did by scanning rapports came in on time as they slowly floated through space. Then did probably what should be one of the more important moments in modern Danish history came as what seemed to be a collection of two ships known on record and another ship of unknown design up on the furthest reaches of the sensors.
"Captain!" the young helmsman that where in charge of that particular station said to the captain that sat on the all but throne like chair and oversaw the bridge and the mighty wheel that the first mate handled to steer the ship amongst the stars.
"Yes?" the captain turned towards that specific young man that had spoken out on the otherwise so quiet bridge
"Sir, the long range scanners have picked up three ships on the edges of the system, one believed to belong to the Yankees and the other one to the Japs sir, but..." The helmsman begun before he where interrupted by the captain
"and the point in telling me this helmsman is?" the captain snapped at him "It is probably just a small pleasantry visit you know how the Japanese is and the Yanks are republicans so you never know what they are up to!" The captain simply dismissed the young man without thinking of the incident any further
"but sir the third ship.." he tried again
"Helmsman I do not care if the Dutch, British, French or whatever nationality the third ship is doing in a meeting as it probably do not involve or even concern us!" the captain said again with a bit more irritated tone on his voice
"But sir the third ship is nothing, it match no known design either military or civilian it would even seem to be of alien origin Sir!" The helmsman finally managed to get through to the captain
"Aliens? in sol?" the captain asked a bit surprised at first before he managed to collect himself and snapped at the young man "Why didn't you say so at once helmsman? you may return to your post!" he finished his barking at the helmsman and turned his attention to the first mate that held the wheel "First mate you may turn us around to intercept to protect Danish interest in this portion of space!"
"Aye aye sir!" the first man said as the ship turned and speeded up towards the weird collection of ships "communication!" the captain barked at the portion of the bridge that where designed for that purpose and where rewarded with a "aye sir!"
"open communication with all ships and hail them in both the good old Danish and Russian in that order so they can understand us!"
"Aye aye sir!" the report from the communication station came as a message where sent as a general hail, which was good as the captain did not like one bit that a Xeno ship seemed to be preparing to sneak into Sol, "always up to something those blasted Xenos!" he muttered to himself as his ship speeded up as fast as it could towards the Xeno ship and its company.

"This is HMS Christian of the royal Danish stellar fleet and by the power invested in my captain by his highness king Fredrik Romanov and the kingdom of Denmark do I order you to identify yourself!"

As the communication officer wrote the short demand and sent it could he not help but to feel excitement over the possibility of meeting aliens as he always since he where a little kid had dreamed about meeting wild savages like that and now did he wonder if it would be like he had imagined as a kid.

[Aagartha]

Aagartha's Royal Palace,
'The Sanctem's Heart'

King Harold and his close advisors on military and political matters sat within the stone chamber under the royal palace discussing the events in the Senthani Sector. Aagartha's period of growth and heightend nationalistic pride lead to an increasing demand to become more involved in the affairs of the galaxy and to expand. It was not without doubt within this inner circle that the royal house, largely isolationist in their previous reigns, was caught between the tides of change and unwillingness to see Aagarthans die for petty quabbles.

"Do we know how many people were on board the liner?" Lord Charles was a staunch progressive, but hardly a fighter. He was a humanitarrian and strongly opposed to military intervention.

"Who gives a damn, this is the perfect oppurtunity to expand our interests in the Senthani Sector." Lord Luther, unlike the rest of House Swasn, was a nationalist and 'advocate' for military glory, a yang to Charle's ying. It was no secret that Aagartha needed resources, much of which could be found within the Senthani sector.

"I must agree with Lord Swasn here, we can not sit idly by and watch an oppurtunity to increase our presence and mining operations within the sector waltz by unabated. And besides, the Sol's powers are much a threat to us as they are to the Dinosians." Harold had once said it would be a cold day in hell when Lord Talbert would find favor with anything that emerged from Lord Luther, but now he supposed that day had come. The tides of nationalism and expansion must have changed Lord Talbert's previously held beliefs of isolation (which he had so valiantly defended so long ago). And it was not just Talbert and Luther, many of the military and lords murmured in agreement.

"Then it is settled, we'll send a diplomat to Dinosia to conduct talks about aide aswell as to expand our presence in the Senthani Sector. The military will be placed on alert and await further orders as this situation develops." Getting the approval from most of the council (the exception being Charles and slim minority) Harold lead a prayer before dismissing the meeting.

---

Offical Comminique to Dinosia
Subject: Titan Incident
Encryption: Moderate
From: King Harold Sakua IV

Messaga as follows---- Message as follows----Message as follows----Message as follows

On the matter of your nation's recent loss of life I would like to extend my sympathies, aswell as that of the whole of Aagartha, to the families of the victims. This blatant act of aggresion is an affront to civilization and we, the Kingdom of Aagartha, stand in solidarity with your people. We are willing to offer military support to aide in the defense of your world and its territories should the Sols commit to open war if diplomacy breaks down. To iron out the details of our diplomacy we are dispatching several of our diplomats to your world to continue this dialouge.

King Harold Sakua IV.

Messaga ends---- Message ends---Message ends----Message ends----Message ends

---

2.3 AU from Dinosian Homeworld,
HMS Bryant

The HMS Bryant, a diplomatic shuttle in service with the Kingdom of Aagartha, exited warp some distance away from Dinosia's captial world. Carried within its hull was Lord Luther Swasn, General Fallgood, Admiral Terrid, and Counsol Jessica Garh. The four of them comprised the diplomatic mission to Dinosia that would attempt to forge a military alliance aswell gaining Aagarthan access to the Senthani Sector's resources. The ships captain had a message sent to the Dinosians minutes after exiting warp.

Attention Ground Control, this is the shuttlecraft HMS Bryant of the Kingdom of Aagartha. We are requesting landing clearance for our diplomatic team.

[Dinosians]

Sol System Border, Pluto Orbit

The DNS Twilight Dawn was shocked at the rude replies it had received, in a variety of languages to. Captain Summers, a seasoned Captain of two campaigns was calm through all this. "Comm, reply tell them that we are carrying a diplomatic delegation meant for the planet of Earth. Also caution them to lower their weapons and shields, we mean them no harm." Summers then looked to her SIC. With a nod he followed a routine order. "Engineering, take us to one-seventh sub-light speed."

The reply came through, "Roger that, sir." The Engineering officer had made this move several times, while they communicated the ship would be moving into the group. If they attempted to fire, from the look of their weaponry from scans, the enemy wouldn't hit them before their shields were raised.

Code: Select all

To: All greeting Ships
From: The DNS Twilight Dawn Captain, Summers

First of all you can stop broadcasting in several languages, we speak English just fine thank you. Now to comply with your... questions, we are on a diplomatic mission to the planet Earth. We carry a Dinosian delegation on board. We seek a meeting with your leaders.

The Comm station then repeated the reply in the other languages just in case they didn't all speak English.

---

Dinosian Homeworld, Laoudi; Sara System

Code: Select all

To: HMS Bryant
From: Docking Station 12

This is Ground Control for Docking Station 12, we have received your message you may land at platform 3.

A Dinosian armed delegation was waiting on platform 3 to greet the ambassadors. The Dinosians had heard that the Aagarthians were isolationists so they were eager to find out what they wanted in exchange for their help. Nicholas Vi Saria, the King and leader of the Dinosian Confederacy, was very eager to make new allies.

[OMGeverynameistaken]

On Pluto
Ivan Vassilyvich Faddev, or, as he was presently known, John Keese, tapped a coin on the edge of the bar in a pensive fashion. As an agent of the Okhranka, he did not technically exist, was not here, and most certainly was not about to do what he was going to do. The Russian Empire, it was well known, did not partake in the underhanded tricks which were the hallmark of certain other European states, nor did they act through foreign agents, much less pirates, except perhaps to hire the occasional privateer as a pirate hunter. Tsar Nicholas IX was an honorable, moral and kind man who, his advisers generally agreed, needed a bit of help when it came to the realities of politics.

Aliens, it was generally agreed, were a threat. They had strange ideas which any God-fearing citizen of Earth found terrifying, most of them were physically horrible to boot. Descriptions of giant spiders had been the talk of Russian corner clubs for weeks when Admiral Anjou had returned from the abortive Peace for Men campaign.

And now, right when they were needed, a group had shown up right on Sol's doorstep.

The Imperial Council had acted quickly. Moving without the knowledge of the Tsar or, indeed, virtually anybody else, Minister Shishkov had directed the Okhranka to act, bringing to bear the not insignificant resources of one of Earth's most feared intelligence agencies. Word had quickly made it's way from the offices of the Okhranka deep under Moscow here, to Pluto, where Faddev, in his guise as a local booze smuggler for some American naval officer, had been quite surprised at the contents of his latest dispatch.

"Oi." He gestured at the barkeep, "Mac." Virtually every barkeep on Pluto was Irish. The exact reason was unknown, but apparently had to do with an old joke about Irishmen trying to be as far from England as possible. "I just got a little package from a friend here, says there's good money in it to take down that X that just showed up. 'Course it ain't goin' down to just my little scow alone, y'know, so whadda you say you put the word out and we'll cut'cha in?"

'Mac', who was presently smearing the contents of a mug around with a cloth that was most likely older than himself, grunted, "2 shares an' ye gotterself a deal."

"One share and count yerself lucky it's that, you lazy potatostuffer."

"One and a quarter."

"One, Irishman. That's good pay for pickin' up the damn PA and sayin' a few words."

"Fine." The barkeep, slightly surly, seized a microphone, cleared his throat, and tapped the device a few times, "Ye all list'n? Good. This fella says there's good money in it fer takin' out the gally's that just shewed oop. Any'ody keen ta join 'im get goin'." He leaned over to the Russian agent, "'Ow much did'ja sae 'twas worth to this 'friend' o' years?"

The agent smiled and, shortly after, the barkeep almost fell over.

---

So it was that, in a matter of minutes, a significant portion of Pluto's population was scrambling aboard every vessel that could be found, ranging from tiny cargo vanships to frigates to the rare retrofitted Great War cruiser. They boiled out of Pluto like locusts, a ragtag but greedily determined fleet. Naturally, lacking anything like the military precision of their disciplined counterparts in the military, they simply began blasting at the Dinosian vessel, regardless of range or likelyhood of being able to hit it.

All in all, nearly a hundred ships of various sizes bore down on the Twilight Dawn, their crews filling the local radio space with all manner of obscene chatter, threats, boasts and war-cries.

(OOC:
For reference, 'X' is short for xeno. 'Gally' is slang for 'Galactic' which is, in turn, slang for people not from Sol.)

[Dinosians]

"Captain, incoming fire from what appears to be a Pirate attack." The Helmsman shouted out.

"Raise Shields! Activate CIWS, Load Missile Bays and Charge the primary weapons! FIRE!" Captain Summers bellowed out. The Weapons Crew quickly obeyed with 108 Zinex Photon Missiles aiming at various ships. Meanwhile Captain Summers was remaining calm. Anything that got to close would be intercepted by the CIWS Pulse Guns and Phase Disruptors.

"Open a video Channel to all ships. Make sure we are seen." Captain Summers ordered. Not long after the broadcast had hijacked all communication stations. The Dinosians appeared as Humans, they were physically no different than a human, genetically though they were engineered to be stronger, faster and smarter. This was so common now that Captain Summers was a 1st Generation natural born Raptor, the name taken by those who are genetically enhanced.

"All ships cease fire at once, we don't wish to harm you, we come bearing a diplomatic delegation to Earth. We implore all those who value friendship or their lives to abandon the attack at once." Summers said calmly before ordering the Comms Officer to replay the message in all known human languages.

[MagyariaAustria]

While most people, some Austrians included viewed aliens as a threat, a much greater majority (who incidentally resided mainly in Austria) found them to be the biggest, untapped source of potential money. Afterall, money is power and a whole market of unknowns represented a very large market for goods and services, if it could be tapped.

When the alien ship had arrived, a conference consisting of the largest Austrian corporations, and several heads of state and defense ministers was taking place. The moment the Alien vessel had entered Sol space, several Austrian station partook in a great race, bouncing transmissions back and forth, codded messages running through the stars as everyone tried to figure out what to do, how to do it and how it could make them money. After all, the present king was from only a minor noble family, and as such knew the true value of money.

The King eye'd his defense ministers, glaring at them as he wondered why no message came in Austrian nor were there any sort of Austrian vessel anywhere near the ship.

"tell me." he rumbled, glaring all the while "Why there is no Austrian vessel within range of this... Opportunity." the display in-front of him showed the disposition of Austrian vessels, none of which had active IFF tags in the region of the Alien.

One younger looking aide, shuffled sideways in the silenced, nervously tapping his clipboard, all eyes were upon the source of the noise, he blinked, once, twice and looked left and right before he realized all eyes were on him. The King moved from his prey and onto a new target, moving like a hawk he prepared to give the aide a verbal roasting before something unexpected happened. Like a man before god he offered a sacrifice, a tidbit of information that would hopefully save his sausage.

"Um.. lord, your kingship.. There is a ship there, Within prodding distance too.. Your modernization program, while vast and wholly effective has yet to reach all the ships in your honorable fleet, a single fleet unit is able to respond."

The King grinned, his trademark grin which at this point, seemed more like the smile of a sated god then any normal man, at which point the unfortunate captain of said fleet unit was given a quick ultimatum. In short, Get hard or go home.

So, it was during this unfortunate, or fortunate turn of events that saw Unit Captain Antonio Angelos Gabriel Heimlak reviving a rather.. Abrupt message from high command, during the middle of his gawking at the aliens as a matter of fact. He stared at the orders, then at the situation developing in front of him, then back to the orders again. the last lines ringing in his head. "Earn their trust and their money."

With a grimace, and fearing for his life, his position and his family the small group of ships sped towards the whirling melee of battle that yet to begin. He felt the thrumm of his own ships boilers, as they raced to maximum, his ship, The PC Orion and his escort group consisting of the AC's Pride of Kings and Forward Untill Lunch Time along with eight torpedo boats.

The Torpedo Boats raced ahead, a volley of Torpedos seeking out pirate targets before the small Austrian crafts scuttled towards the shelter of the alien vessel, the larger ships, slower to respond by still fairly fast raced to join in the fight as long range shells and Area denail muntions raced to counter there fire. This was as much a move to gain favor with the aliens as it was for Austrian revenge, After all noone likes a pirate.

[Venusian France]

HIMS-Peregrine
Flagship, DesRon 332
Outer System patrol
Four Weeks out of Callisto

Commander Genevieve Chin entered on the bridge of the Peregrine as she finished sealing the fastenings of her skin-suit. It was practice in His Majesties Solar Navy that when a warship beat to quarters that all officers and crew members stripped out of their duty uniforms and donned their naval skin suits. The form fitting black and red trimmed suits were designed to protect the crew member from decompression from hull breeches which tended to be common in naval battles in space. It was a practice adopted early in the Second Great War over two decades prior.

"Captain on Deck" The Marine Sentry announced and despite the running sense of urgency the bridge crew quickly came to attention, She was already waving them off,

"As you were" she order as she moved into the bridge and stood near the holo-tank which displayed all the known tactical dispositions and compositions of the solar forces in system. It was at its greatest extent far too much information to be gathered by and processed by Peregrine's sensor alone, but rather it was organized by SOLCOM back in orbit of Venus. Right now Genevieve could see that it was focused on the the dwarf planet of Pluto, which currently hosted a confusing collection of vessels not to mention weapons fire.

"Its a cluster fuck out there skipper." Her XO expressed. She has had Henry Bentley as her executive officer for two years now and in that time she had rarely heard him swear, for him to do so now only emphasized his words.

"By the numbers now XO" She told him in a calm voice, it seemed to strike home to him.

"Ten minutes ago, an unknown vessel arrived in system in proximity to Pluto, it was shortly hailed by a Japanese and American vessel that were in proximity."

She almost grunted, it would have been a most unbecoming sound from a master and commander of His Majesties warship Peregrine, but acceptable given what she just heard. First contact situations were, difficult at best, and something that could be easily botched by even the officer of the experienced Navy's of the Great Powers. America and Japan were knew and the reports from New Eden cast doubts on the latter's sanity. As she read the displayed transcripts from the hail, she saw she was right. They were not the most optimum messages to send to a vessel that declared itself a diplomatic envoy.

"It was unfortunate that the unknown vessel that identified itself as the Twilight Dawn a diplomatic envoy, was beset by cosairs that arose from Pluto's surface. They probably are viewing it as an easy prize."

She could not fault the Cosairs, it ought to be like stealing candy from a baby for them, a ship which knows nothing of our system jumps into one of the most hazardous section of it, waylaid for sure.

"The good news is that an Austrian cruiser and a section of Torpedo boats were in the vicinity as well and they have moved against the Corsairs. I advise that we move to support. "

"I concur XO, spin up the Fold Drives, we have a long gap to cover and must be about it expeditiously. It is vital to the interests of our Empire that new contacts do not think our system as hostile."

"Signals, I want two messages squawked, one to the Dinosian vessel identify ourselves, the Corsairs and that we are moving to support. Then send a drone to Callisto, the Admiral must be made aware of the situation out here, inform him that DesRon 332 is moving to engage."

Dinosian Vessel, this is His Imperial Majesties Ship Peregrine, you are currently being attacked by unaligned Corsairs, they are criminals and brigands and do not represent any nation of this system. Warships of the Cytherean Alliance are moving to assist in your defense. The Orion is an Austrian Armored Cruiser and her consorts are currently engaging the Corsairs. My squadron is moving at its best speed to assist. Hang tough, Peregrine Out.

[Aagartha]

Sara System,
Laoudi,
Docking Station 12, Platform 3

HMS Bryant landed softly on Platform 3 as instructed by ground control. As soon as the engines had died down the delegation and their aides departed from their transport to the waiting group of Dinosians. Not one to be bashful, Lord Luther and Counsol Garh approached the group with smiles and hands outstretched to greet them while General Fallgood and Admiral Terrid both hung back along with the six aides that had come along.

Wanting to quickly meet the Dinosians leaders, Cousnol Garh asked when could they expect to see the king. "Not to rush things, but I feel it is critical that we quickly meet your king as the time is a crucial one for everyone." Lord Luther was rather giddy, mostly from his overswelling pride and ego that he would get to negotiate this treaty and increase his prestige and power within the council. The military representatives (Gen. Fallgood and Adm. Terrid) both hung back and didn't look as excited or pleased about being here, the aides on the other hand looked uncertain as though it was the first day of school.

[FS_America]

The U.S.S Challenger hung back as the Pirates swooped in on their prey. Captain Finch Sat back in his command chair and chuckled, meal for the scavengers. Adjusting his Bicorn hat once again he leaned fully back in the rather ornate Leather command chair. All around him Men and women where working furiously. As reports came in.

"Sir Chatter indicates the incident has been noticed by other powers! One of the sensor officers Shouted up.

Finch frowned and sat forward his elbows resting on his knees his hands clasped together. "what have we got?"

The Sensor officer nodded and looked back to his screen. "Seems everybody and their mothers have come to see what's going on, We have Japs, the French, Austrians, Even the British have have pull their noses from each others ass's to have a look. And for some Reason the Danish seem to think they are mighty enough to get involved, and the of course we've got the massive fleet of Pirates racing towards the So called Dinosian vessel."

Finch chuckled "what are they doing?"

"Seems sir their all just having a look except the Austrians they seem to be moving to intercept the Pirate sir!" the Senosr officer replied.

Finch laughed a short but loud laugh. "Austrians... who the Devil brought them out of there shell! Ha! Bring us about full broadside on the Battle, raise shields but hold your fire, we will wait for a bit Let the Vultures have their feast, I want the Carcass to our tech guys can pick at it!"

"Yes Sir!" O'Connor answered. O'Connor pulled on the bell, a tradition kept from the old days the sounding of general quarters, the bell sounded through the bridge but over the rest of the heavy cruiser, Mechanical Klaxon's blared out Waking up crew member's and ordering them to their stations.

The Ship its self swung around bring its port broadside to bare on the pirates and the Dinosian vessel, its Guns Pivoting. Its 5 spinal mounted 12' guns Lumbered to face the targets in the distance, Gun crews Primed and ready to fire. On the Port broad side their was an additional 2 10' double barrelled guns and 2 double barrelled 8' guns as well as 5 small single barrelled 6' cannons. The Challenger was designed to take on ships twice its size and win. It didn't have much in the way of anti fighter support, but if that was the case then their would be plenty of american vessels close by who would be more than willing to help out.

The American heavy cruiser finished its manoeuvre and sat their tis guns trained on the battle before it.

[Great Solar Japan]

HIMS Kirin
Orbit of Pluto
Outer Solar system

Captain Takahashi scanned the chaotic scence in front of him. In all his career, he'd never seen a pirate attack of this size; there had to be about a hundred ships- none a match for the Japanese navy, of course, but collectively quite a troublesome force, especially for the lightly-armoured diplomatic vessel. He turned to the communications officer, a bemused look on his face. The officer smiled despite himself, and the helmsman even laughed a little.

"I take it our new friends are enjoying their welcoming party," he said.
"Yes, sir," answered the comms officer. "It looks that way. We're receiving a message."
"Let's hear it."

First of all you can stop broadcasting in several languages, we speak English just fine thank you. Now to comply with your... questions, we are on a diplomatic mission to the planet Earth. We carry a Dinosian delegation on board. We seek a meeting with your leaders.

"They are as rude as a Frenchman," said the captain. "Have we received word from Japan?"
"Yes, sir. We have orders direct from the Emperor. A second vessel will be arriving shortly to escort the ship to Earth; in the meantime, we are to defend Japan's interests."
"In what way?" asked the helmsman. It occured to Takahashi that he should be punished for insubordination, but his enthusiasm was only to be expected from such a young officer in such a situation.

"Keeping the diplomatic envoy from being blown to pieces would be a good start, honourable ensign," he repled. The comms officer nodded.
"What shall I tell them?"
"Only that we will assist them, and that the Tenno is interested in speaking with them. Take us in, honourable helmsman. Mr. Harada," he added, reffering to the silent tactical officer, "please activate all weapons."
"Yes, honourable sir. Banazai teikoku!"
"Banzai tenno!" added the helmsman eagerly. The captain nodded.

Attention, Dinosian ship. We are most shocked by the informal and impolite tone of your previous message. However, you are honoured guests in our system and His Majesty the Heavenly Sovereign wishes to meet with your delegation. Therefore, the HIMS Kirin will assist you against your attackers, who we assure you are unaligned bandits and thieves who have no honour or standing in Sol. We welcome you to our territory, honoured guests.

---

HIMS Yokohama
Outer Solar system

"Captain, the Kirin is moving to engage the pirates and assist the aliens!"
The captain of the Yokohama, Captain Yamasaki Ichiro, watched as the other Japanese warship moved to engage.
"They do so in the Emperor's name. Take the Yokohama in to assist them."
"Yes, sir!" the helmsman replied- an experianced but still eager pilot, who had recently been transferred and was eager to impress his captain. Yamasaki turned to the comms officer.

"What of the other ships?"
"One is American as reported, sir. Another Austrian... By the Emperor! The hated French are present also!"
"It makes no difference. That is but three ships, liutenant. There are more on our scanner."
"Yes, sir. There is one of British nationality."
"Very good. With the British present, the French are less likely to try anything unwise."
"Yes, sir... And a Danish ship, sir."

The captain stared at him. It was unconceivable that the Danish would dare get involved in matters of the major powers.
"Just Danish? There are no Russian vessels in the area?"
"No, sir. Though you can bet that our honourable Russian friends are watching the conflict closely."
"No doubt, liutenant."

The hull shook, sending a few officers flying. The gunner looked up.
"Sir, stray shots from the conflict. That's a lot of pirates. Shall I lock onto the targets?"
"Yes, you may. Target the largest of the pirate vessels. The smaller ones pose little threat once their allies are indisposed."
"Of course, Captain Yamasaki sir."

---

Battle between Dinosian and Pirate vessels
Orbit of Pluto

The Phoenix-class Kirin opened fire on the largest of the ships, darting through the chaos to evade enemy fire. Meanwhile, the more powerful Doragon-class Yokohama came up alongside a large pirate vessel, almost it's size; opening fire, it launched a crippling broadside attack, before swiftly moving on to engage the next ship, the Kirin coming alongside the Twilight Dawn, shielding it's starboard flank from the brunt of the attack.

[OMGeverynameistaken]

Several of the pirate vessels, smart enough to realize the situation, or feeling that the reward wasn't enough for the trouble, broke off quickly, fleeing back to the relative safety of Pluto. More, though, came on, driven by bloodlust, greed or some combination of the two. The ragtag group, while indeed mostly composed of old vessels, did pose some challenge for, far from confining themselves to traditional 'honorable' methods of combat, they tended to rely on speed, trickery and cunning to achieve their goals. The larger ships mounted a variety of ECW and countermeasure devices, quickly filled space will all manner of heat, holographic and dummy ships while simultaneously moving to interpose themselves between the Dinosian and various navy vessels, creating a situation where the enemy ships could not help but hit each other now and again without taking the precaution of lowering their rate of fire enough to ensure that each shot was carefully aimed.

The American bombardment helped somewhat as well, while indeed inflicting several losses on the pirates, the unexpected volley would no doubt cause a great deal of confusion on the part of the other vessels, hopefully giving them some pause, or at least distracting them as another target, while they went about their business.

Pirate Captain Anne Ni Maelli, not content to remain silent on the subject of 'those who value friendship and their lives' opened a wide beam communications channel and unleashed a difficult to translate stream of gaelic before calming down enough to switch to English, "Friendship my space-pale Irish arse, I'll be taking everything ye have and tossin' ye'r li' green haeds ta th' sun!"

The Fiach was not the largest vessel of the band of pirates, although it was certainly among the more distinct, its bright green paintjob, the large Irish tricolor flying from its bridge, and a profusion of gaelic knot designs across the midsection of its hull made clear it's owners feelings on the subject of Irish independence, certainly, and the fury with which it dove towards the alien told well that it's owner's zealousness was not reserved purely for her homeland.

The ship itself was a light cruiser 'obtained' on its way to decommissioning from an indeterminate state, a series of bribes and a well placed explosive device had allowed Ni Maelli and her associates to scramble aboard as the ship left port, quickly blasting off for Pluto in a headline searing blaze of gunfire which had instantly earned her the respect of much of Pluto. The ship had later been modified, the removal of her lower structure lightening the ship to a great degree, along with the addition of, in place of the vanship elevator previously running through the ship, a large plasma-based boarding device of terrific power.

The tip of this device glowed an unearthly blue-purple as the pirate dived toward the Twilight Dawn, outstretched like the appendage of some angry god. Such was its power that even the mighty shields of a Solar battleship might have trembled at its impact, while the lesser power of a cruiser or frigate surely would be overwhelmed. As she closed, the Fiach promptly ceased firing, instead pouring all power that wasn't taken by its engines or the terrific weapon into its shielding, a crude combination of Earthly void shields and various imported alien designs which, while temperamental, had proved effective enough.

Moving with great speed, and a singularity of purpose not common to pirates, the Fiach leaped forward, her fellow pirates either engaged with the Solar Navies which had shown up or merrily blasting away at whatever was closest. Naturally, the relatively slow torpedo volley of the Austrian vessels was fairly easy to simply dodge for most of the pirate vessels, torpedoes were made to engage battleships, not small, fast, vessels. Indeed, in many cases the pirate's the Austrians targeted might have been smaller than the torpedoes themselves.

Thus the situation, far from being an organized battle in the finest tradition of Sol, quickly devolved into a massive furball in space, pirate vessels leaping, dodging, occasionally vanishing into some other dimension, cloaking or exploding, all centered on the alien ship. Many pirates, no doubt, would die, but they were driven on by a reward which few men of their positions could resist, enough gold to BUY Pluto.

[Venusian France]

The Cytherean Space Navy's 332nd Destroyer Squadron translated back into normal space nearly 500k-klicks from the nearest edge of the expanding fight. The Fold-drives of the Navy enabled intra-system FTL jumps but the process was complicated and there was a margin of error, which is why the squadron translated at a safe distance from the fight. Making translation into another vessel would have had catastrophic results.

The Holo-tank quickly refreshed itself updating itself with the most recent developments of the skirmish. I seemed that the Americans and even the Japanese have joined the Austrians in defending the Dinosian envoy from the Corsair's attack. Yet, there were still far to many pirates attacking the group. If the pirates simply concentrated all their efforts on destroying the Envoy or capturing the vessel there was likely little that could be done to prevent that outcome. The disparity of force was simply to great.

And the French Commander knew that it would still be over ten more minutes before her vessels reach attack range and by then the Envoy would likely no longer exist. As her six destroyers closed with the sparing ships she sent a message with an attachment to the Envoy,

DNS Twilight Dawn, I would like to suggest that if your vessel is capable of FTL travel or a micro-jump, that you attempt to withdrawal from this system, and re-enter it at a more secure area. Attached to this transmission is a the location of a secure orbital entry way in Earth orbit and in orbit of Venus, both areas are protected by His Majesties Navy, and you will be protected by hospitality rights. Peregrine, Out.

[Dinosians]

Sara System,
Laoudi,
Docking Station 12, Platform 3
"Of course Milord, this way. Please pardon the guards, a recent attack by the Darkspore Insurgents has us all on edge." 1st Lt. Xames replied to the ambassador. He motioned them towards the edge of the platform where a Mag-Lev Unit was waiting. "I'm pleased to meet you Milord, I have heard many great things about you." Xames said trying to sound cheerful and diplomatic.

DNS Twilight Dawn,
Pluto Orbit
"Shields are being hit by some sort of boarding weapon, they are down to 71%!" A deck officer yelled.

"Captain a message from a ship called the Peregrine, it contains co-ordinates to a save orbit!" The Comms officer cried out.

"Accelerate to full speed, break contact and jump to Venus orbit!" Summers yelled out.

In the next moment everything was a blur. The ship quickly accelerated to a distance of 10km from the ship attempting to board it, then disappeared in a small burst of light as it was enveloped and shot through a jump vortex. It dropped out in Venus orbit a minute later.

"Contact the Peregrine using long-range Comms, tell them that we have safely reached Venus orbit. Inform them that we need a place to dock so we can transport the delegates. After that notify the other ships that we are maintaining a peaceful orbit around Venus." Captain Summers ordered before sitting back in her chair. The Comms Officer sent out two messages.

Code: Select all

To: All Ships
From: DNS Twilight Dawn
We have just safely jumped a short distance to the planet of Venus, and are now maintaining a non-hostile orbit.

Code: Select all

To: Peregrine
From: DNS Twilight Dawn
Thank you for your assistance, we are now orbiting Venus and are in need of safe docks to land our delegates and meet with the nation of "Federated States of America". It involves what appears to be an unwarranted attack but we want to get the facts straight first.

[Venusian France]

HIMS Peregrine
Flagship, DesRon 332
Vicinity of Pluto
Sol System

"Skipper, the waylaid ship has translated into FTL." The operations officer reported as he monitor his sensor suite.

They were must have heeded her advise and jumped to Venus. Even with the Navy senor grid, it would be some minutes before the holo-tank would receive the information update.

"Contact the Austrian Navy squadron in vicinity, advise them to link up with our formation for mutual support. Suggest that we break contact with the pirate formation. The Pirates prey is now gone, they will scurry back to their slip ways on Pluto. I dare say they will want to continue a fight against our combined firepower, Pirates want easy money, they do not relish in stand up fights against dedicated warships."

High Orbit of Venus
Capital of the Third French Empire

The Twilight Dawn translated to one of the safe jump points maintained by the Venusian Space Navy. It was a safe point that french warships could use as a fall back point, it was clear why this was so. In an enveloping sphere nearly two thousands kilometers around the point a ready alert division of French battleships and a squadron of smaller vessels of the Lance, cruisers, destroyers and sloops. They sat ready to deal death to any unfriendly sorts that could perhaps be following.

A message was sent from the Division flag to the Dinosian vessel,

Twilight Dawn you have entered the sovereign space of the Third French Empire, we welcome you as guests of our Emperor's hospitality. You are in a safe harbor now, no harm shall come to your vessel while you enjoy our protection. I am squawking data to your navigator that will relay a flight plan for your vessel to dock at the Lafayette Fleet Yards before proceeding down to the capital, Nouveau Paris down on the surface.

A message was also sent to the embassy of the Federated States of America.

To whom it may concern:

A diplomatic delegation representing the solar nation of Dinosia have requested for and receive safe harbor granted by the Third French Empire. They would like to engage in diplomatic talks with your nation involved an alleged attack. The talks will be mediated by the Empire, in Nouveau Paris on Venus. It is my hope that an American delegate will be sent and that any problems between your nation and theirs shall be resolved diplomatically.

-Dominique Pinchard, Minister of State, Third French Empire.

ooc: All i could do before work...Pretty much FS is Invited to the talks. If other nations want to join in they can do so as observers. If you send ships for whatever reason to Venus keep in mind Venus is unequivocally FRENCH. There is an FTL/I that extends as a sphere with a one light minute radius from the planet. There exists two gateways through the FTL/I one is at the top of the sphere one is at the south pole of the sphere...the top is used for arrivals the bottom is for departures. Non-allied warships are not welcome. Exceptions being OMG/NewNick if they want they can bring cruiser. Its not that I don't trust you others, well yeah I dont trust you... Any attempt to violate this is a transgression against French sovereignty and will be responded to with deadly force.

[FS_America]

Florida space Station
Geosynchronous Earth Orbit over North America

The Florida station had been monitoring the event carefully, passing on information where and when it was available. The Massive station placed above North America had the capability to track almost every vessel in the system, and track FTL signatures several light years out. On the large command deck Stood Vice admiral Jerome Cook. Looking out over the curvature of Earth Cook smiled softly letting out a soft sigh, He was getting on now and had applied to be transferred to the Florida station to see out the remainder of his career.

He Expected an easy retirement discharged with honour from the military, and Allowed to live with all the merits and honour that came with being of admiralty. Turning he looked a the rows of computer terminals each one manned by a fresh faced young man or woman in immaculate military uniform. Approaching him was one several First officers that helped the admiral run the Station. The one in question was Commander Liana Haster, Looking as immaculate as the rest of the Crew on the bridge her Orban hair tied tightly back into a bun. Smiling to Cook he outstretched the data pad she she for him.

"Admiral Reports are coming from the U.S.S Challenger and All over the system of the pirate attack. And the new comers, Seems it really caused a stir with many powers intervening on the side of the Xeno's" Haster Emphasised Xeno's heavily a sneer in her voice.

"Come now commander one does not make friends with the unknown by treating it with less respect than our selves." Cook took the data pad and looked it over, skimming his figures over the bulky slate. He frowned he had heard the reports of the pirate fleet but never believed it. "Hmm seems the French are getting uppity, Apparantly these new comers want to talk with a Delegate from America, and not any of the others."

Handing the Data pad back to Haster he nodded sagely. "Pass it on, see to it that it reaches the president."

Haster Nodded and took the data pad back, with a quick salute she was off to do her task. Cook watched her go and turned once again to face earth in all its glory clasping his hands behind his back.

Pluto
Edge of the Sol System

Captain Finch frowned and watched the Xeno vessel get pulled into some spacial anomaly, which had been put down to some sort of Logic drive that allowed for micro jumps. Due to the fact its signature reappeared again in orbit above Venus. Leaving the Consortium of sol vessels with a rather large and Angry Pirate fleet, to contend with. Finch Smashed his fist onto the arm of his command chair.

"Prime weapons! Call in the support, Do not fire! If the pirate scum wants to play then let them have at us if not then leave them be! Finch was furious that the Xeno ship had gotten away, Although he didn't say it he secretly wanted the 'problem' to go away in a cloud of debris and fire. But that Seemed to not be the case any more.

The Massive heavy cruiser Primed its guns ready to fire and targeted the larger pirate vessels, instead of firing the Ship sat their and waited. More waiting for back up but also to see what the pirates would do, It would take a few minutes for the reinforcements to arrive.

Washington D.C
Federated States of America
Earth

President Roosevelt stepped out of his office dusting off his hands he had just concluded a deal with the Russian securing a rather large loan to help Fund Future American endeavours, such as colonising the many many stars out their. Smiling happily at how easy the proceedings went, it seemed the Russians weren't to hard to deal with after all, and they had the same down to business attitude as he did, he respected that.

Before he could take another step how ever he was Met by one of his aide producing a brown folder from her stack of folders, on it stated "Urgent". Looking at the young female aide he nodded and opened it reading its contents. His expression went from light hearted to serious in a matter of seconds. What he read Was not good news, Massive pirate Fleet Aliens wanting to talk to a delegation from America rather than a super power, and France Wanting as always to be part of anything that goes on in Sol. Sighing heavily he shook his head, and looked to the Aid before him.

"Have a Delegate sent out straight away, id attend my self but I have the Russians to attend to. Make sure we don't mess this one up okay, send some one .... more sympathetic towards aliens." Roosevelt Handed the folder back to her and she nodded hurrying off to do her job.

Several hours later

the American Vessel flashed into existence in orbit over Venus, a Light cruiser By the name of U.S.S Waterstone, took up a high orbit over the lush Planet of Venus. Aboard was the American Delegation. Diplomat Howard Crane was the Man chosen to Head the Negotiations for the Americans. He had an entourage, of Several Other figures men and women, most of the diplomats in training students of his here to learn from the unique experience.

Aboard the Bridge Lieutenant commander George Higgins nodded, "Ensign Hammond if you would please Let Ground control we have arrive and have aboard delegates for the negotiations, and ask them to advise where to land."

"Aye Commander" the ensign got about his works and with in a minute a transmission was sent.

"Venus Control this is U.S.S Waterstone Requesting permission to land, be advised we have Delegates to meet with the... Aliens"

[Aagartha]

Sara System,
Laoudi,
Docking Station 12, Platform 3

With the exception of Counsol Garh, the other delegates and aides quietly and without motion got on board the vehicle that would presumably take them to the Dinosian king. Counsol Garh entertained the lieutenant so as not to seem rude, she struck up conversation mostly about the weather and her favorite cuisine. Lord Swasn sat idly by while Gen. Fallgood and his counter-part, Adm. Terrid, shifted uneasily at the mention of rebels. The aides more or less gawked at the local architecture as they passed it by.

"So, how long have these insurgents been giving you guys a headache," Counsol Garh asked. She had ran out of things to talk about and supposed it would be good to know what was happening in Dinos (other than cruiseships blowing up). She wouldn't ask him about the economy or the nuetral territories in question, she'd save that for the king when they got to meet him.

[Azaranthia]

The arrival of the Dinosian ship was initially unnoticed by the nations of Sol, thinking that it was a another arrival from one of the several extra solar colonies that nations like the Russian Empire had. However, after routine scans revealed it to be an alien vessel, it immediately drew attention, especially when the Americans, Japanese, and even the Dutch gave them a somewhat cold welcome. The attention they garnered was focused upon a needle's edge when pirates swarmed out of Pluto to attack the ship, with no initial response until the French and Austrian forces found out about the ship and came to its aid. The other nations, who seemed to be content to sit back, decided to join in and began to fight the pirates. The alien ship remained unharmed, mostly due to the pirates being disorganized and not having ships up to military specifications.

A Cytherean Alliance taskforce was deployed to protect the ship as it docked at Venus, which meant this whole chain of events was immediately of interest to King Rodrigo, especially considering that it was an alien who had come to Sol. Plus, the pirate showed that someone, be it monarch, nation, or enterprising individual did not want this alien ship here and tried to take it out, and with the American and Japanese reluctance to come to their aid, Rodrigo suspected something was going on beneath the public eye. Even so, he had been informed that the aliens, confirmed to be "Dinosians". They wished to speak to the Federated States about something and had come to Venus to set up a meeting. Curious as to why aliens were wanting to speak with the Americans, and admittedly some trepidation that those democratic fools had somehow managed to get alien contacts already, he sent an observer to the diplomatic meeting being held on Venus. Who else but the man who secured Spain's entry into the alliance, Marcelo Selestino, could be sent to oversee this.

Which was why he arrived on Venus, after consulting with the orbital authorities and being escorted to the meeting area, and found himself seated with a small glass of wine. He could relax and watch, taking note of the matters of importance and report back to Rodrigo when it was over. He had no idea, of course, the chain of events that would ensue and of how much benefit it would be for Spain...

[Empire Netherlands]

The Dutch navy, making a tour of Dutch Colonies arrived back in Sol to find a mess. Pirates were attacking and Aliens had arrived on Venus. As they arrived they picked up the numerous transmissions floating through space, and one from King William. They split up into two parts after they had fully reviewed the many messages. One part headed toward Mercury, to make sure everything was fine. The other headed to Venus, the group was comprised of a cruiser and three frigates. On board was a Dutch Ambassador, who had been touring the extra-solar colonies. King Williams message had told the Fleet to move the diplomat to Venus so it could join with his allies in the meeting. The ships pulled over the planet and sent a message to the Controllers.

Code: Select all

To: Venus Space Traffic Control
From: Cruiser Éridan

We have heard that a meeting between American Diplomats and Aliens will be happening on Venus, we would like to land an observer, if you can please give us landing directions it would be appreciated.

[OMGeverynameistaken]

The pirate vessels, their quarry having escaped and few having the means to pursue it, quickly retired to Pluto, taking the occasional potshot at the navy vessels. Later on there was much grumbling at the bar and Pluto's various houses of negotiable affection did good business that night.

[Imperial Svenska]

Mattis Sundberg, like his Spanish counterpart, was really present at the meeting on behalf of the Crown to observe their French allies, as well to assure that Swedish interests were not drowned out in the grandstanding of the Great Powers, who tended to overlook the interests of smaller states in their arrogance. The choice of a man with such ideas about the Great Powers as Ambassador to France was probably a bad idea, but King Olaf had taken a chance in appointing him, and Gustav had kept him on.

Sweden, lacking a large fleet, did not know of the Dinosians until informed by the French, and even afterward lacked the resources to do anything about it militarily. Aside from a cruiser group tasked with interstellar exploration- with the French FTL drives that Gustav had acquired- the Swedish navy did not engage in many extra-atmospheric operations. Indeed, if Sol was invaded, Sweden's only major role would be if they landed in the Arctic!

But told they had been, and Gustav had decided that the Kingdom ought to be represented at the meeting, if an invasion of Sol was a possibility. Better safe then sorry, the young King had said in his telegram to the extensive Swedish embassy on Venus. And so Mattis found himself seated next to the Spaniard, watching the proceedings closely, sipping quietly on a bottle of Venusian wine.

[Dinosians]

Sara System,
Laoudi,
Docking Station 12, Platform 3

"Oh the Darkspore insurgence is nothing really. They usually maintain small activities in the outer rims of the Confederacy, where our grip isn't as tight. But these are of no concern to you, please enjoy your stay. Now excuse me, Milord." Lt. Xames replied to the question. As he finished with the Ambassador he turned to the two military officers. He noticed that unlike the others they didn't seem so relaxed.

"Come now Sirs, I know of a better place to spend your time. The Mag-Lev Unit behind the Ambassadors will send you to the Military Lounge. They you can read, eat, sleep, or tell War stories. I do believe that Brigadier General Elena is currently reading up on 18th century Tactics at the moment. If you would like to meet her, I'm sure she would welcome the company, Sirs." The Lt. offered.

---

DNS Twilight Dawn

The ship did as it was told and moved to the Fleet Yard. Once there it docked and a few moments later the delegation and a group of 7 armed guards filed out of the ship. The delegate approached what appeared to be a welcoming group. She did a slight curtsy before telling them, "I am Queen Zilva Li Saria of the Dinosian Empire. I am here for the negotiations."

---

Location 4.7 AUs away from the edge of the Sol System
"We have a signal lock on the Twilight Dawn's location. Should anything happen to the ship or her majesty we have orders to jump into the system and eliminate all threats." A captain said in conference with 6 other Captains. Together they made up the 1st Diplomatic Escort Group, they were specifically formed to protect the King and Queen of Dinosia when they were out negotiating. Their Key Drives allowed them to jump distances of up to 27 AUs with no down time between Jumps.

[Venusian France]

OOC: Convinced some people do not read my posts...FS I know you dont intend anything untoward...its just i believe in taking precautions.

IC:

The American cruiser arrived at the northern gateway to Venus nearly one light minute distant from the planet, this was where the FTL/I pulled the American warship out of hyper. It was lucky for the Americans that they had at least traveled in a direct line to the northern gate way, if they were of course or were pulled out of FTL at a different spot of the FTL/I sphere they would be in the midst on mines and anti-infiltration devices. Instead the American warship would have became away of the plethora of active tracking systems pinging them. Two guard-ships, battleships of the Glorie classes and an Orbital Fortress, had the cruiser under their guns. Orbital security was something the Venusian Space Navy to gravely seriously, un allied warships simply were not let near the planet, ever.

A message was sent from the Fortress commander to the American Cruiser,

Waterstone, you will not proceed any further, warships are not permitted into proximity of Venus. If you attempt to breech the perimeter you will be fired upon. We fully understand that you are here as part of a diplomatic mission, such a mission is allowed entrance, but you must make the transit in shuttle craft. While you are in the sovereign territory of the Third Empire, you will be afforded the fullest hospitality of parley rights, we shall provide for your safety. Ft. Saint-Frederick, over.

Lafayette Fleet Shipyards

The French Command stood for a moment a bit in shock, he was told to welcome and escort a diplomatic envoy to the Imperial Centre for talks. He was not told that the envoy would be the Queen of another nation. They had not the proper honor guard, no band, no regalia. Only the commander who stood in the black over blue uniform of the space navy, and a marine fire team as an honor guard, yet he did what any good sailor would do, adapt and carry on.

"Queen of the Dinosian Empire, Arriving!" the commander announced over the Bosuns pipes two pitched tones. "Honor guard, Attention!"

With the sound of six pairs of heels meeting the marines and commander came to attention.

"Present Arms."

The Commander ordered he brought his own hand up to his black beret, the marines rifles moved in well drilled precision from attention, to port arms then to present arms as they brought their muskets in front of their bodies in salute in six distinct and cadenced beats. It was the sign of well practiced drill an discipline that the marines valued, and a sign of respect.

"Order Arms," the group did the same process in reverse this time, and then the Commander finally spoke to the Queen.

"Your Highness, I apologize on behalf of my Empire on not provide yourself with the honor required of the arrival of royalty. I was instructed to only be prepared to welcome a diplomatic envoy, I did not expect the Queen of a nation. I hope that you only place the blame of this insult upon myself and not upon the honor of my Emperor and of France."

The French commander said now falling to one knee bowing to the foreign Queen. She may be foreign, she may be an alien, but she was a Queen and by god in the Third Empire, such blood would be respected.

OOC: Just trying to draw it out a bit for other arrivals. Assuming no one else arrives in warships, you can have your observers show up in the Government Centre conference room in Nouveau Paris, when Spain, and Sweden already are.... so we can stream line this a bit. The conference room is going to have a table like a giant C at on end is the American, at the other will be the queen. In the middle my guy. Observers can all collect in the balcony, which is a two way mirror above the room. It goes without saying though that anyone attend went through my security inspections, no weapons whatsoever, besides a pen knife I suppose. EVERYTHING else even ceremonial weapons would be checked.