Invitation to a Wedding (IC, Open)

[Constarus]

OOC thread can be found here.

---

En route to Luminumbra in one of their luxurious ships, Constaran Prime Minister Vera Yudina sat in front of a mirror primping her hair. It was her first time traveling through space, and sure, looking out the window of the ship had been exciting at first. But it was her wedding day, after all, and making sure she looked just right was more important than staring at the stars right now. They'd still be there for her to admire tomorrow.

"What do you think?" she asked, suddenly turning away from the mirror and addressing her personal guard.

"Looks great, ma'am... but aren't you gonna be coverin' it up anyway...?" she responded cautiously. The guard spoke the Constaran language with an accent generally thought of as lower-class and unsophisticated; it was something that annoyed Vera to no end, but well-spoken bodyguards were hard to find.

Vera turned back to look at herself in the mirror. "Of course. But I don't want to shock my husband later on tonight with a rat's nest of hair under my scarf." Satisfied with her hair, she picked up said scarf off the table. The guard watched as she worked the lacy black cloth around her head. "Are you married?" Vera asked her, out of pure curiosity.

"No, ma'am. Haven't met the right person yet." Not only that, but the guard happened to find the idea of getting married a bit repulsive. The Aynanist faith spoke of women belonging to their husbands and having to be 'eternally faithful' no matter what, and it all sounded too restricting and even a bit oppressive for her tastes. Besides, she had kissed a man before; that made her 'impure' and therefore not a good marriage candidate. If only Vera knew... she probably would've had the guard fired for not exemplifying religious virtues or something like that.

"All is part of the deities' plan. You'll find a man when they're ready for you to do so." Vera stood up and moved over to a more comfortable chair, where she settled in. The temperature in the ship was pleasant, a nice escape from the brutal winter that Constarus was in the midst of, and if she wasn't so nervous about the wedding ceremony, she might've found this ride quite relaxing. She'd heard the nights in Luminumbra could be very cold, but she hoped that during the day it was a little bit warmer than it was in Constarus. She longed to go outside without a big fur coat on.

To pass the time, she turned on her eyescreens and started browsing the news. An article popped up regarding the Constaran Empress's latest speech, and a video clip of the speech started autoplaying over Vera's field of vision. Vera binned it with a dismissive motion of her hand. "Can't escape that bloody heretic, even out here," she muttered.

Her guard looked up, not having expected to hear Vera speak again. "What'd you say, ma'am?"

"Nothing." She closed out of the news app and pulled open a digitized edition of the Aynanist holy book on her eyescreens instead. A wedding was an important religious occasion, after all, and she felt it would be remiss of her not to revisit a few choice passages on her big day. They were almost to Luminumbra, but she still had a little bit of time to do as she pleased before their arrival.

[Piethrixia]

"Sir. T-minus ten seconds to slowdown. i would advise sitting down, These Retribution class cruisers arent known for Comfort."

"Ill be fine" The Lft Gen grabs the railing on the ceiling of the bridge. " used to fly these things in the wars."

"really? I thought you just fixed em!" The Helmsman laughs.

"Real funny. Shouldn't we be out of FTL now?"

"Yes we should." The helmsman Pulls back on the throttle and in front of the ship appears a beautiful planet with Hundreds of other ships surrounding it.

"So that is Luminumbra Prime?"

"Yes that would be sir"

"Ok lets get going!"

"Just wait we have to ask to land or something"

"oh yes always the requesting to land"

"PDROP-Retribution Requesting landing clearance to Luminumbra Prime"

[Zevretin]

5:36 PM, ISLES TIME

Of all the days for things to grow chaotic, today.

Slave revolts throughout the nation. Dissatisfied nobles, all of whom had an underlying agenda. For Chairwoman Esla Cartimandua's late father, this was another day in the office. But under her regime, the aforementioned occurrences were most disturbing. She had succeeded where her father failed numerous times, however. Surely this would be no exception.

Surely.

"Madam?"

Esla snapped out of her trance, glancing up out of the open door of her limo at an EB officer-- gloved hand outstretched. She gave a nod as if to confirm she was mentally present, accepting his hand and climbing out of the vehicle. Upon stepping out of the tarmac, she was flanked by another EB, who held a large umbrella above her head as she advanced. Across from her sat a massive Luminumbran luxury starliner, as promised by their delegation, and at both her sides thick crowds of press and security. The uproar of reporters grew louder as Esla paused at the entrance ramp, her EB escorts now exchanged for four hulking AXES troopers. She spun on her heel toward the press, forming a fake smirk.

"It is with great pleasure and excitement this evening that I depart our beautiful land for the great Luminumbra Prime...the capitol planet of a vast and prosperous civilization known as the Luminumbrans, with the intention of attending the union between their head of state and an official of a similarly impressive society, the Empire of Constarus. As an act of goodwill and congratulations toward both peoples, we intend to gift the newlyweds our national animal, the Lynx, along with a saber my late father Lord Aethelwulf carried into battle. While our intentions are merely to express our satisfaction with the union as fellow galactic neighbors, we are open to any potential forms of dialogue between our civilizations."

With that, Esla nodded and waved to the crowds before turning back toward the ramp and ascending it, AXES in tow. Upon entering the ship Esla was greeted by Alden Bremmin, his wife, and Luminumbran crew members, who gave her a brief overview of the vessel and its many corridors. Rather comically, they pointed out the smaller size of the ship, to which Esla responded that it was the most overwhelming thing she'd seen. She was then escorted to her lavish quarters on the ship, and left to unwind as the vessel lifted off toward the stars. Seeing as how she had no personal means of contacting her homeland, Esla decided to make proper use of the bed within her quarters, removing her heels and burying herself in its soft and cool sheets. For the first time in months, she drifted into an deep and undisturbed slumber.

6:00 PM, ISLES TIME

Esla was pulled from her sleep by a harshly loud voice from above.

"Chairwoman Cartimandua. We will be arriving at Luminumbra Prime in approximately half an hour. Please prepare accordingly."

Esla sat up slowly, letting out a groan. She glanced over at herself in a nearby vanity, still in her red skirt-suit from earlier-- though now her hair was a mess. Throwing her legs over the side of the bed and standing up, Esla scanned her quarters for a bathroom. Her eyes rested on a window directly across from her first; revealing endless blackness accented by blurred stars. She let out a small chuckle, amazed at the reality of the situation. Another blast from the intercom startled her.

"Additionally, Commander Bremmin and his wife are waiting for you in the lounge."

Esla nodded to herself, finding the bathroom and quickly preparing to bathe.

--

After a record twenty minutes, Esla slid on her dress carefully, watching herself in the mirror. Her thoughts drifted to her father and home quicker than anticipated, having only been travelling for about an hour. She wondered what her father would think of her newest achievement. Reaching out across the stars to powerful and highly advanced neighbors, forging a lasting relationship through the celebration of matrimony. What was SHE thinking? In truth, while Aethelwulf was indeed a man with a vision, his ambitions scraped the very bottom of an endless void of possibility. He would always be remembered for his groundwork. She, on the other hand, for advancement. She shook her head as she stepped out into the corridor to be greeted by her guards, knowing full well that despite her efforts, it was clear her childhood resentment was still very much alive within her.

By the time she reached the lounge both Alden and Kender alike had cocktails in their hands, fixed in deep conversation on a plush couch flanked by other heavily polished furniture. She clasped her hands together before clearing her throat.

"Commander, Madam."

Both stood up in unison, Alden being the first to speak.

"Chairwoman! I surely hope your rest did you well. The Luminumbrans have informed us of our transition into orbit. We should be landing shortly."

"Very good." She stated plainly, brushing her hand through her straightened hair. "Anyone willing to wager this is some kind of elaborate trap?"

Alden snickered.

"Well if it is, Madam, they've managed to fool a whole lot more nations than just us. Supposedly there's a number of other delegates who will be in attendance. I imagine they could serve just as usefully to our cause as these Luminumbrans."

"Hmph...that they could, Commander."

[Luminumbra]

The Day of Matrimony

The day of matrimony had arrived. Even though Luminumbra was at war, it would not let such matters interfere with the state of affairs on the capital planet. Grand Dietus Alphus Brei II, the leader of The Heavenly Cult of Luminumbra had been preparing for this day in spite of the war, practically ignoring it, while his commanders vye for his attention in the struggle against the Terran Concordium.

He looked at the sky above the gas giant planet. The dim, relatively average orange star looking marvelous for such a special day.



It was a calm, beautiful summer day in the palace and it was just above 40 degrees Fahrenheit, which was considered quite warm and a perfect summer's day on the gas giant. The clergymen of the palace were meditating as usual, and the player of the lyre in the palace was practicing for the wedding. He looked above the back balcony of the palace, and at the long moving walkway leading down to the landing platform below. His guests would be arriving there shortly. He had dressed in his white robes for the first time in years, his mask having been left behind for the first time since his birth.

As he walked down the hallways of the palace, an advisor ran up to him.

"Master Brei--" He cut himself short. In the 15 years he had worked at the palace and known the cult leader, he had never seen his face. The Leader had a humble but serious face. He looked to be of mixed descent. It was fascinating to the advisor.
"Yes?" The Cult leader responded. "W-we are expecting our guests to arrive shortly, but the war goes poorly."

"Worry not about the war. Today is a great, special day."

"But, Master Brei--"

"Do you defy my commands, my son?"

"N-no, but --"

"Then worry not about the war. Today is a special day, and I do not want to be interrupted. Send the entourage to the landing platform. They will guide the guests to the royal marriage hall, where we hath prepared a great feast for them."

"It shall be done, Master Brei." The advisor began to walk back in the other direction, when he turned around.
"Master Brei, one of our Admirals have initiated peace negotiations with the enemy! This is a violation as it is only under your power to do such a thing! Half the fleet has been wiped out." He shouted.

The cult leader stopped in his tracks. He turned around and started quickly walking towards the advisor. He was getting very angry at the advisor's defiance.

"You're lucky I do not throw you to the clouds below for what you just said, for I feel merciful today! Luminumbra needs an heir, and I am doing my duty as sovereign of this nation on this important day. Do not mess it up! I will reprimand the admiral later on, but do not bother me with such matter on this one day. If you have a concern, report it to the war department!" Having said this with a tense look on his face, he relaxed. "I shall now go pray. Report your concerns to the war department. And then go repent at the chapel. In the book of Gamaris it is said not to defy your spiritual leaders. You hath violated this holy law. But I am a forgiving man. So repent in the chapel."

The advisor, his shocked face hidden by his mask, stood in his spot for a few seconds. "It shall be done." He slowly started walking back to the chapel, turning around once more. He was worried. Worried that the war could reveal its nasty face to the wedding at just the wrong time. It could turn into a catastrophe of epic proportions, and destroy the newfound bonds with these nations who have given their time and most prized possessions to Luminumbra.

The advisor passed by a member of the war department, and he voiced his concerns, "Make sure no enemy ships are able to breach our planet's security." The war department worker nodded and immediately notified his post.

Meanwhile, the entourage, consisting of three tall, masked figures in black robes, stood silently on the landing platform waiting for the guests. They were like statues and one would have to look twice to make sure that they were living human beings rather than sculptures. The winds near the platform were high, blowing above the majestic pink clouds swirling below. A look towards the sky above and one would see ripples, like a heat wave but it was chilly, quite chilly.

The Grand Dietus prayed in the wedding hall. He wanted everything to go smoothly today. And the war did concern him, but the wedding must go on. He had always wanted to meet a woman like Yudina Vera. And nothing, not even a war would get in the way of this chance.

[Agarntrop]

MINISTER IVAN KILN AND HIS AIDS

5.00 PM, CAPE TIME, AGARNTROP SPACE CENTRE
Minister Kiln: "I've been waiting for this wedding for weeks, I almost felt like threatening to tear up my application things were taking so long."
Aid 1: "But with all due credit to the Lumunbrians, it is going to be a grand and expensive wedding so no wonder it took long to organise."
Minister Kiln: "I suppose

INSIDE THE ROCKET POD, 30 MINUTES UNTIL TOUCHDOWN
Minister Kiln (panicking): Shoot! My security guards!
Aid 1: What trouble my minster?
Minister Kiln: My freaking security guards! There not here! It's my fault! What an idiot!
Aid 1: Don't worry, don't worry! I will consult with the other aids to find a solution!

AT THE LUNUMBRIAN SPACEPORT
Minister Kiln goes to the passport check-in, the aids still consulting each other in a frantic manner.

Aid 1: But that millitary shuttle can't cross such a wide space!
Aid 2: But it's all we have
Aid 1: Use a proper rocket
Aid 2: We don't have permission!
Aid 1: Then stop doodling around and get permission!
Aid 2: You are not my master
Aid 1: Stop acting like a 6 year old
Aid 2: Stop treating me like I'm your slave then!

Minister Kiln sees his aids arguing, and goes to see the problem.

Minister Kiln: What's the arguing?
Aid 1: She won't let us use a proper rocket to get the security guards here!
Aid 2: We don't have permission!
Minister Kiln: I have a close working relationship with the secretary for homeland security, the Secretary for space and exploration and the defence minister, they can issue direct permission
Aid 2: See?
Aid 1: Are you 2 or what!?

Chapter 1 finishes as they both check in their passports at the spaceport.

[Luminumbra]

Suddenly at the spaceport, a woman wearing golden robes with ruby embroidery and a white mask with emerald embroidery ran up to them.

"You must be Minister Kiln!" She spoke with a heavy romani-like accent.

"What are you doing at the spaceport??" she said in a worried tone. "Come minister, the ship must have taken a detour, we are expecting our guests directly at the palace. We give our most sincere apologies, we were not clear in our directions."

She looked at the rocket pod sitting in the bay. She was bewildered. Apparently, so were the spaceport workers, who were gathering around the primitive object. They scratched their heads in awe.

"Did they just travel 87,000 light years in a plain rocket? No, how--how did they do that?"

"Follow me, we don't want you to be late to the wedding!" She gestured for them to follow her, she would take them to another ship, which would travel straight to the Palace grounds landing platform.

[Zevretin]

Luminumbra Prime

Upon landing Esla and her entourage were greeted by Luminumbran minders, adorned in jet black robes and masks. There, at the foot of the Palace Esla stood in brief admiration. This wing alone was overwhelming...coupled with the entirety of the palace and world itself, it was hard to not sit idle and stare forever. One of the minders stepped forward, requesting that all arms be relinquished prior to entering the Hall. To that end, Esla turned to her hulking troopers, nodding. The four lumbered forward in their armor, placing their BlacTec ABR's at the feet of the Luminumbrans, along with any remaining sidearms and handheld explosives. Commander Bremmin was next; removing his compact from his belt, followed closely by his unarmed wife. Esla gave a warm smile before reaching for her thigh, grabbing her auto-locked holster through the material of her dress and unlocking it-- letting it clatter to the ground at her feet. She then sheepishly pushed it toward the lead minder with her heel before proceeding past him.

The entourage advanced across the landing platform, passing various guards and workers on their way up toward the hall. Esla shivered.

"A little cold for summer."

One of the Luminumbrans spoke up.

"A warm day for us here on Luminumbra Prime, Madam. This way please."

He gestured towards a massive entryway that opened up to the Marriage Hall, currently only occupied by various workers and officials from both Constarus and Luminumbra. Inside, a massive, ornate rug stretched for as far as the eye could see; surrounded on all flanks by banners fastened to equally large golden columns. While her vision betrayed her, Esla could make out two golden figures on either side of a small open-air pavilion, presumably where the vows would take place. Kender Bremmen glanced over at her.

"These people know how to have a wedding."

Esla nodded in agreement, continuing down the center of the room, taking in the other sights that were closer to the ground. Servants darted back and forth purposefully, adding the final touches to genuine cornucopias of exotic foods and spirits, as well as what appeared to be stages for live entertainment at a later time. Esla and her entourage were quickly tended to by a servant.

"The Grand Dietus and Prime Minister insist you enjoy the fine food and drink provided here. Is there anything in particular your palate is set on?"

Esla grinned.

"Cocktail. Something strong, please. For all of us."

The group took seats close by for the time being, and carried on in conversation in anticipation of their hosts and fellow visitors.

[Agarntrop]

CHAPTER 2

Minister Kiln (whispering): "I'll contact him on the train with my phone."
Aid 2: We are 87,000 light years away!
Minister Kiln: Oh yes, then I must use the communal superbeam!
Aid 2: But we are going to the palace now!
Minister Kiln: Damn!

AT THE AGARNTROP CITY CHEMISTRY REASEARCH CENTRE

Master Scientific General Clark: Did it work?
Professor Green: Yes, we got a superbeam confirming the ship's arrival
Master Scientific General Clark: How long did it take them?
Professor Green: 8 hours
Master Scientific General Clark: 8 hours! That's up to Augustin standards! We could soon lead the cape in this industry!
Professor Green: Maybe so, with just a little bit more effort we could become frequent defiers of E=mc2!
Master Scientific General Clark: Yes, certainly, with just this potion!

IN MASTER CLARK'S PRIVATE OFFICE

Master Scientific General Clark: Let's see how those politicians like my 'offerings' now! (chuckles)


BACK ON THE LUNUMBRIAN TRAIN

Minister Kiln: Let's just rely on the police
Aid 2: Ok

Aid 2 consults with Aid 1

Aid 2: Talk to that mysterious Lunumbrian woman again.
Aid 1: Okay, Mrs, Excuse me
Aid 1: She's gone!
Aid 2: Into the thin air!


END OF CHAPTER TWO

[Danceria]

Outskirts of the Laurelin System

---

In the cargo hold of the R.D.S.S. Aman, there lay a priceless cypruswood table, rendered a natural green from preservation in mud. The semi-fossilized wood was durable, yet retained a natural, verdant softness from craftsmanship and appearance. While unadorned, the table itself could be found in a King's dining hall. Well, not wholly unadorned at the moment.
"...Snow?"
"Mm-hmm?"
A hand was dealt, pieces moved, and the metal chairs creaked accordingly.
"Why...are you playing cribbage on the wedding gift?"
"It's a table, isn't it?" a young girl with nutmeg hair would comment. "So, might as well use it."
"Besides, Ace, it's not as if we're eating on it." A girl with rose-pink hair would comment. "I think even Snow knows the importance of this occasion."
There was a pause, before a sigh.
"Deal me in."

Luminubra Prime Orbit

---

The Aman slung itself through space slowing to a graceful descent into orbit, before a smaller shuttle would emerge. Gracefully descending into the cloud-like city, it was truly awe inspiring. Winds danced their chill across the entourage. There were fifteen guards, all groomed and chosen from the most elite of fighters, seven Magibenders, seven who simply excelled at covert operations, all in black combat armor. King Aceus and Lord Villiers wore rather dark-ocean blue garb, whilst the females opted for wine-dark red dresses.

Paying their respects to the Luminumbrans, some of more conservative clergy held silent contempt for the silver-white haired King and his company, opting to wear subtly chromatic garb and carrying elaborate ebony masks in spite of them not being of their faith, yet he continued to be escorted, half-listening to the guide as she gushed on the glory of the "Grand Deitus" and his work.

Relations between the two powers were...surprisingly strained. Ever since Arda tentatively began her colonization of the surrounding systems, it found itself lodged between the Concordium and the Empire. Although avowedly neutral, catering to both sides in trade and harboring of refugees, it simply lacked the power to defend itself. Both found the Ardans frustrating in their own ways. Ardans were expansive, often ignoring any claim the Concordium has on a valuable system. That's not to say they disliked the Concordium, but the Ardans prioritized their own over the needs of strangers. Valarists refuted the Heavenly Cult in theology, philosophy, and ethics. Worse still, did missionaries begin to proselytize and open charities on the fringe worlds near Arda. The latter ultimately forced the Ardans to side with the Concordium during the brief "Ardan Crusade", when a small "mob" as it was described by the Luminumbrans of over zealous Cultists booked it to Arda, with the intent on striking of the "head of heathenism", or something along those lines. What happened would be covered in most Ardan Interstellar War classes, both in tactics and history.

Aceus's father, Aserys, had lead the planet on a stiff guerrilla war, and the colonies remarkably retained enough sympathy for their homeworld to rally a fleet to counterattack. Hidden communiques lead the attacking forces to believe that the outlying worlds were isolated from Arda, and were unaware, and that as soon as they were finished in Danceria, they would collapse. By containing the prideful Crusaders in one system, they funneled their reinforcements through predictable routes that the Outworld Militias traced to supply depots. In a lightning fast attack, the Millitias, having built up their strength, took the vital worlds by surprise and seized their assets for their own, even going so far as to encroach upon the sectoral capital. After much explaining, and presenting of evidence, both the official governments of the Concordium and Empire, along with the reinforcements from the outlaying systems, returned to Arda and crushed the zealot movement once and for all. What followed was the Treaty of Danceria, which officially incorporated Arda and her holdings under the Concordium with great deals of autonomy, as well as any spoils gained from the war in territory, resources, as well as a small amount of war reparations despite the Cult swearing up and down that it was not an "official act of war". As a vassal, the Ardans continued their expansion after a few years of reconstruction, but the slight against Empire would not be so easily forgotten. Especially now that the Concordium and Empire were at war.

The King realized his world was a small theater, a decisive moral victory against the Luminumbrans, but he and his people would not be willing to be another cog in a war machine. Despite the success, the zealots inflicted terrible damage to the core systems. If a rabble of angry cultists lead by a temperamental commander could inflict such damage, what horrors would a fully disciplined army of Luminumbrans bring upon the young interstellar nation?

[Sterkistan]

1 Day Prior to the Ceremony

Markus walked into the chambers of the Royal Residence, looking over toward the changing room.
"Christina, the Adviser for Finance needs to speak with you, it's about the Teren Reform."
She walked out, dressed in a dark-coloured dress, still in her helmet, which she never really took off.
"Tell him to take it up with the panellists, I gave that insufferable man permission three times now."
Markus nodded, conveying the message to an attendant and turning back.
"That's what you're wearing to the event?" He asked jokingly.
"Yes! I needed to ensure it would sync with my helmet." The helmet had a neck plate coming down toward the collar of the dress, and appeared to connect to the dress itself.
"You best hurry, we're leaving in an hour."

Markus waved her off, heading toward the landing pad behind the residence for their voyage to Luminumbara.

---

Ceremony
Luminumbra Prime

The 1st combat fleet, the official transport of the Empress and her charges exited slipspace in a stationary position away from the planet, broadcasting their FoF code and ensuring they wouldn't be mistaken for hostiles. The shuttle left from the flagships hangar, and made a beeline for the gas giant, setting down on a palace landing pad.
As the shuttle door opened and the stairs descended, Christina, Markus and their Royal guard exited, showing their identification and displaying their lack of weapons, before heading toward the wedding hall. They looked around the colossal building as they entered.
"They really are sparing no expense for this event." Markus commented, both he an Christina in work mode for the event.
Markus was dressed in a dark formal outfit, involving a fairly traditional suit however the jacket was styled with his military medals and embellishments, with a dark red beret atop his head.

"The Luminumbarians never let an event as prestigious as this slip through their fingers."
Christina was wearing a dark black and grey dress, consisting of three stripes running vertically down which pinched at the waist before extending out into the skirt that went to below her ankles, providing a low clearance off the ground. Her helmet was untouched, the same sleek black with white trimmings. As well as a pair of elbow gloves adorning the few rings and bracelets she wore. The Royal Guard stood behind them, his large figure dwarfing Markus by at least 2 feet, his large 9 foot frame making him stand out in his matte silver armour.

They were approached by a minder, offering them food and drink as well as asking for their specific palate.
"Strong liquor please." Markus responded, "And water for the lady."
Christina smiled beneath her mask, evident by the pinpoint light as the front of her mask glowing and changing shape.
They looked around, finding a seat nearby the Zevretin officials.
"Good day, I am Christina Wiseman, Empress of the Neo-Dominion of Sterkistan, I don't believe we've been introduced."
She introduced herself to their group, bowing her head. Christina's voice was a smooth, monotone blend of robot and machine, altered by the helmet she wore atop her head.

[Zevretin]

Royal Marriage Hall

By the time Esla finished her cocktail, another group of foreign dignitaries arrived-- they, too, being greeted by Luminumbran servants. Shortly after making their requests they approached Esla and the rest of the Zevrish delegation.

"Good day, I am Christina Wiseman, Empress of the Neo-Dominion of Sterkistan, I don't believe we've been introduced."

Taking note of Empress Wiseman's uniquely monotone, semi-robotic voice, Esla was intrigued. She smiled warmly, standing up and outstretching her hand.

"Good day! It is truly a pleasure, Empress. I am Chairwoman Esla Cartimandua of Zevretin." She turned, giving a slight gesture with her left arm toward her colleagues.

"This is Commander Alden Bremmin of the Enforcement Bureau, and his better half, Madam Kender." Alden and Kender followed after Esla, greeting the Empress. Esla then clasped her hands together, softening.

"Now, if you don't mind me asking, are you fairly well acquainted with either of the nations involved in this union? Zevretin has never made contact until now, so this is quite an exciting experience for us." Esla would wait to address the other members of the Sterk delegation, as she was unaware of their customs.

[Sterkistan]

Christina took Esla's hand, shaking it softly before bowing to the group next to her.
Christina motioned to the two people standing behind her.
"This is my husband, Grand Minister Markus Wiseman, and one of our Royal Guards."

Markus introduced himself to the group, and the guard continued to stand at attention, his role obviously not being socialisation. Christina continued to speak to Esla,
"We have not had any formal contact with either nation no. But we have known of their existence through nearby territories. Their war also has our attention drawn currently."
The pinpoint light on the front of her helmet flashed and grew in size slightly, signifying a change in her mood and emotions. What that change was however, was unknown to those outside of her personal circle.

Markus made conversation with Alden and Kender,
"Apologies for my ignorance, but I have no formal knowledge of Zevretin. What is it like, generally?"

[Zevretin]

Royal Marriage Hall

"This is my husband, Grand Minister Markus Wiseman, and one of our Royal Guards."

Esla exchanged handshakes with the Grand MInister, simply nodding to the royal guard before turning back to the Empress.

"We have not had any formal contact with either nation no. But we have known of their existence through nearby territories. Their war also has our attention drawn currently."

Esla nodded slowly before speaking.

"I see. While I am unfamiliar with the details of this war I have heard about it myself as well, through the murmurings of many of the palace workers. It seems the Luminumbrans have been heavily bogged down in this conflict for some time." She looked downward as if to dismiss the subject. Meanwhile, the Grand Minister spoke with Alden and Kender.

"Apologies for my ignorance, but I have no formal knowledge of Zevretin. What is it like, generally?"

Commander Alden glanced over at the minister.

"Ah, it is quite alright sir. Zevretin is a humble, rainy island nation on the planet Earth. What we lack in geographical size we well make up for in terms of our natural resources. We are, rather comically, sitting upon one gigantic phosphorus deposit, which makes us a very valuable trading partner. It also makes us a target for many nations who don't wish to negotiate like civilized societies do. As a result, we are highly militarized. An abnormally large percentage of our population make up a national gendarmerie called the "Enforcement Bureau". We have other, more specialized units as well, whom have been in frequent use recently by Chairwoman Cartimandua." He'd point toward the AXES troopers, standing idly behind Esla.

"Anyway, while we are undoubtedly a wealthy nation, the business of mining phosphorus is simply grueling. We u-"

Kender would step closer, squeezing Alden's arm and giggling nervously.

"Now now, Alden, let's not run on about us. A-and what of Sterkistan?"

[Kowani]

A single Kowani shuttle dropped down from the Carrier in orbit, heading towards the planet’s surface. “This is Shuttle 358 A Reincarnač from Kowani, requesting permission to land, over.”

Inside the shuttle
The minister was inserting a data cable into the back of his head, transferring all data they had on Luminumbra, which was basically nothing, into his brain. A wireless transmission was available, of course, but there was nothing quite like the feeling of the bytes entering the memory centers. While that happened, his servo-harness was being tended to, as he used a much more delicate model. 8 arms, reserved only for the most important delegations, this one was a Spiderweb model. So much easier to use than the average servo-harness, but damn if didn’t break easily. “Pilot!” “Take us down. We have several things to do, and many places to see.”

[Sterkistan]

Christina noticed Esla look downward, continuing.
"However, we are not here today to discuss a war, this is to be a joyous occaison."
She looked over unsure of what to discuss, small talk was not her speciality unlike Markus.
"I, um, I look forward to the event. The Luminumbarans rarely spare any expense for their public events. It should be highly enjoyable."

Markus was listening to Commander Alden, nodding along.
"Phosphorus is extremely useful. Our more primitive ships utilised phosphorus engines for propulsion."
He chuckled slightly when the Commander's wife interjected.
"Sterkistan controls 8 planets in the Beta Quadrant. We work to improve relations between various races, some of them go head to head pretty often."
He took a sip of his drink, "We have a tremendous population, plenty of capital for any task. And the diversity of many of our worlds means we have a very diverse production. Bionic enhancements are extremely popular though, as well as spacecraft production. We keep a large army as well, made up of your standard groups, they keep the peace in the outer-rim industrial worlds. They're very popular for angry militias."
He looked over at Christina, "She took my job, she has military experience and was able to pass the Faragor Trials. I couldn't get past them."
He lowered his voice, "Don't ask her about it though, and you didn't hear it from me."

He leaned back, "Sorry, that was very out of tone, we are here to celebrate this union... And secure some generous trade deals."

[Agarntrop]

CHAPTER 3

ABOARD THE TRAIN
Announcer: Next stop: hall, interchange to blue and yellow line, tram routes 6 and 14 and bus routes 456, 547 and 459.
Aid 1: That's us! Isn't it?
Aid 2: Yes!

Minister Kiln enters

Minister Kiln: Are the security guards here?
Aid 2: No, but if we were going to be murdered on our way to the wedding it would have all ready happened.
Minister Kiln: Suppose so
Aid 1: That won't play well in cour...
Minister Kiln: Come on! The doors are opening.

Minister Kiln and his aids scramble around a massive gang of people.

OUTSIDE
Minister Kiln: I'm tired, let's get a taxi
Aid 1: But your an enviromentalist, and it...
Minister Kiln: I'm also a VIP!
Aid 2: We could issue one directly to the building in this rank
Minister Kiln: Great!

Minister Kiln and his aids queue for a taxi

ON THE TAXI

Driver: Where to?
Minister Kiln: Royal wedding hall
Driver: Ooo! What VIP are you then?
Minister Kiln: Agarntropian foreign affairs Secretary
Driver: What planet's near that?
Minister Kiln: Mars and Venus. And plus we are...
Driver: Never heard of that. Where are your security guards then?
Aid 2: There was a bit of a...
Minister Kiln: Mishap
Driver: Anyways, pay and buckle up

COMING OUT OF THE TAXI

Minister Kiln:Thank you
Driver: A pleasure!

Minister Kiln and his aids come out of the taxi and face the hall

Aid 1: Well, look at that beauty
Minister Kiln: We are here, finally here!

END OF CHAPTER THREE

[Zevretin]

Royal Marriage Hall
"However, we are not here today to discuss a war, this is to be a joyous occasion."

The Empress paused before speaking.

"I, um, I look forward to the event. The Luminumbarans rarely spare any expense for their public events. It should be highly enjoyable."

Esla chuckled, pausing to gesture to a servant for another cocktail.

"That I can tell. If I ever happen to get married, somehow I'm going to thicken up our coffers enough to afford a similar ceremony."

--

Meanwhile, the Grand Minister listened intently to Alden.

"Phosphorus is extremely useful. Our more primitive ships utilised phosphorus engines for propulsion. Sterkistan controls 8 planets in the Beta Quadrant. We work to improve relations between various races, some of them go head to head pretty often. We have a tremendous population, plenty of capital for any task. And the diversity of many of our worlds means we have a very diverse production. Bionic enhancements are extremely popular though, as well as spacecraft production. We keep a large army as well, made up of your standard groups, they keep the peace in the outer-rim industrial worlds. They're very popular for angry militias."

The Commander nodded, engrossed.

"Your...spacecraft. In layman's terms, how do they function? I imagine your military makes use of them as well, yes?"

He looked over at Christina, "She took my job, she has military experience and was able to pass the Faragor Trials. I couldn't get past them. Don't ask her about it though, and you didn't hear it from me. Sorry, that was very out of tone, we are here to celebrate this union... And secure some generous trade deals."

Alden stroked his beard, stating plainly: "Trust me, I know the feeling. I practically raised Esla...taught her everything she knows. I am also many years her senior, and besides both politics and military strategy I just generally have more life experience than her. But alas, leadership within the Unitary State has become hereditary, and I am now much too old to start my term as Chairman-- even if I wanted to. And I agree! How could our nation be of service to yours?"

[Luminumbra]

It seemed that the wedding was going quite well. The wine was being drank and the servants were doing their jobs. The members of the entourage would take turns taking in guests, as the other two would stay still standing like statues.

Grand Dietus Alphus Brei II was finishing his last prayers, as the antiquity style band of drum, baglama and lyre players were finishing their practice sessions. The players started filing out onto little stages at the sides of the hall, and they begun playing folk tunes. The walls behind the altar began to slide open, and fresh water--specially collected from the clouds in the lower depths of the gas planet itself--began pouring out, creating a waterfall that slide down the walls themselves and into a pool below. The water then filtered down the comb-like structures below hugging the pool, also behind the altar. The tens of little mirror pools scattered throughout the hall had suddenly come to life, with little fountains of water creating graceful arcs. Lights in the ground at the walls and around the pillars had also come to life in a warm glow.

The sound of a female singing smooth chants could be heard. The first of a slew of background performances were beginning.

The cult leader got up from his prayers and asked a nearby advisor--"When can we expect Yudina to arrive?"
"I do not know Master Brei."
"I hope she gets here soon. She's going to miss my mother's cooking, and that means more of it for me, which I don't want to have to have happen. We should both suffer together in that regard."
"That would be a nice mix of traditions, the virtues of suffering being passed onto Yudina, while you take on her traditions."
"Either way, I'm not eating that by myself. You understand my son?"
The advisor let out a small chuckle. "Yes, very much so Master Brei."
Alphus grinned, and put a hand on the advisor's back. "Have you prayed today?"
"No, Master Brei."
Alphus's grin disappeared. "Then you should go do that. We want this wedding to go smoothly, and the Gods must know the appreciation we have for them."
"It shall be done Master Brei."

The war advisor's concerns were beginning to swell in the head of the cult leader. His worries about the war rearing its ugly head on this one day of all days grew. Life has a funny way of throwing curveballs at the exact wrong times. As his palace workers groomed him another war advisor, wearing a red robe with golden embroidery asked him how to better protect the wedding. The first words out of the Grand Dietus's mouth were not more guards or better vetting, but "More Turrets."

And from there on, as the hours passed, small platforms carrying ion guns were slowly starting to appear one by one from random directions. They would often be miles away, and thus one could look out the palace windows and not notice much of a difference, except a few dots here and there growing in number around the palace.

[Sterkistan]

-SNIP-

Christina nodded at Esla's remark, "There was not an especially large event for my marriage to Markus, it was more private event. And was relatively cheap as weddings go."
She got a glass of water, a small hatch in the front of her mask allowing her to drink from the glass.
"I hope we haven't arrived too early. It would seem quite unprofessional."

---

Markus stroked his chin in response to Alden's question.
"Our spaceships make up the largest majority of vehicles in Sterkistan, we've managed to develop self-sustaining life support systems, artificial gravity and various types of energy reactors."
He sipped his drink again, tapping his wrist and revealing a holo-pad as a piece of fake skin opened up.
A small image came up, cycling between the different types of engines used in the various ships.
"The two most popular drive types are Plasma and Pulse drives. Plasma drives work by converting a Hydronium source into energy. They're more powerful but require fuel cells, not to say we haven't made them extremely efficient. Pulse drives work on a fusion core, they're less powerful but can run almost indefinitely."

He closed the holo-pad, and it receded back into his arm, closing over.
"But yes, we utilise spacecraft extremely heavily in our military, we have a fleet in this system currently matter-of-factly."
He chuckled knowingly as Alden talked about his prospects as Chairman, nodding as he asked about his nation.
"Yes, we work very closely to secure routes into other territories. We can offer you many things; travel deals, trade, evenprotection from extraterrestrial or any threats you may need. And we do-"
He lowered his voice as the singer began, looking over before continuing.
"In fact have a market for Phosphorus if you're willing to support the appropriate infrastructure for intergalactic trade."

[Agarntrop]

CHAPTER 4

JUST OUTSIDE THE ROYAL MARRIAGE HALL

Minister Kiln: Let me take it from here
Aid 1: Okay
Aid 2: That's fine

Minister Kiln enters the royal marriage hall

Minister Kiln: Champagne please
Servant: Certainly, sir
Minister Kiln: I must make my presence here noticed!

Minister Kiln and his aids look for officials

Aid 1: Who are you looking for?
Minister Kiln: The Kowanians
Aid 1: Why?
Minister Kiln:We are close to them, geographically and politically
Aid 2: Explain please
Minister Kiln: Firstly we're both on earth and secondly, our senators get along.
Aid 1 & 2: Senators!?
Minister Kiln: The international Senate, remember
Aid 1: Oh! They have a representative there?
Minister Kiln: Yes, Senator Aurelia he's called, and our senator Khanabul gets on remarkably well with him! Also, here's another servant we'll ask him where they are!
Aid 2: Excuse me, do you know where the Kowanian entourage are?
Servant: Unfortunately they haven't arrived yet
Minister Kiln: We'll just congregate around then

Minister Kiln and his aids congregate unnoticed and wait for the Kowanians to arrive.

END OF CHAPTER 4

[Constarus]

The ship landed on Luminumbra. Vera flicked off her eyescreens to give the event her full attention and, before exiting her room, gave one last look in the mirror. It was the wedding outfit she'd dreamed of as a young woman. As is traditional for Aynanist brides, Vera was dressed in all black -- from her long velvet dress and lacy headscarf, to even her eyeshadow and lipstick. A dainty black necklace bearing a religious symbol adorned her neck. Brides were not to wear color, as it implied impurity. And there was really no reason why Vera would want to imply that, given that she had practiced abstinence her entire life.

She was joined by her guards as she disembarked the ship, as well as her traveling companion, Irina Skorokhodova. Irina was the Party's head of religious affairs, the Matriarch of the Aynanist Church, and a surprisingly chatty gossip. She'd been meditating for most of the ride to Luminumbra, and it now seemed to Vera like she was talking enough to make up for lost time.

"Feel that warm air!" Irina said, twirling around in the cool breeze of the near-40 degree weather. Like Vera, she wore a black dress, but hers was too tight-fitting to flutter around with her movement. "Oh, it's just beautiful. What perfect weather for a wedding. The deities must be smiling upon you today, Ms. Yudina. ... Oh my goodness, I just noticed. Look at that palace. Gorgeous. You know, I wouldn't mind coming out here someday, like for a nice vacation or something."

"Right. I'm sure that can be arranged," Vera responded. She was a little nervous and it manifested itself in a cold facade that didn't feign interest in whatever Irina was babbling about. Ever serious, she approached the entourage waiting for them.

"Hold on, hold on just a moment!" Irina wailed, stopping in her tracks to dig through the tiny black purse she carried. "I don't want to hold you up on your wedding day but I want to make sure I have everything." Camera, electronic holy book, bobby pins, compact mirror... it looked like everything was all there. "Okay. Oh, wait a second." Irina looked in the compact mirror and made sure her veil was securely on her head and her makeup was okay. With a snap, she closed the mirror and stuffed it back in her purse. It barely fit in there and she struggled to close the purse after. "Okay. Now I'm really ready." Presently, she remembered her place as subordinate to the Prime Minister (at least, in the political sphere if not in the religious sphere). It was something she had been neglecting, not treating Vera with the proper formality. She added, "I give my apologies for making you wait, Ms. Yudina."

Vera looked towards the Luminumbran entourage once again. "Yes, I suppose we are keeping everyone waiting. We should go," she said, and with her companions she entered the hall.

[Luminumbra]

As Vera Yudina, blessed be her name, walked into the hall, the workers began to pause in admiration. Her cold, elegant demeanor inspiring awe into the Luminumbrans, who value such displays highly.

Special servants, dressed in green and purple robes with silver and gold embroidery, respectively, wearing rather intimidating bronze masks walked up to her and got on their knees and bowed down.

"Prime Minister Vera Yudina. You look lovely today. Come with us for grooming, and let us know if there is anything else you need. We hope you find everything to your liking."

The Grand Dietus got the news. The bride had arrived. He suddenly became far more tense. He was going to finally meet the Prime Minister in person. He gave one last short sermon to bless the wedding itself.

The first primary performances were slated to begin shortly.

[Zevretin]

"There was not an especially large event for my marriage to Markus, it was more private event. And was relatively cheap as weddings go. I hope we haven't arrived too early. It would seem quite unprofessional."

Just as the Empress said so, Prime Minister Vera Yudina of Constarus entered the hall, accompanied by a large group of both Luminumbrans and Constarans alike.

"Well, I suppose we don't have to worry about that for much longer." Esla would nod toward them. "She really is quite a beautiful bride."

--

Alden listened to the Grand Minister describe the functionality and energy composition of Sterkistan's ships, intermittently bouncing questions off of him. Meanwhile, Kender politely excused herself. Taking in the opulent decoration, Kender made her way a little further down the central aisle, attempting to spot other groups of gathered dignitaries.

After Alden at last drained Markus of trivia pertaining to Sterkistan's burgeoning interstellar fleets, the Minister at last jumped to business.

"We can offer you many things; travel deals, trade, evenprotection from extraterrestrial or any threats you may need. And we do-"

A Luminumbran woman began singing, adorned in tributary black garb.

He proceeded. "In fact have a market for Phosphorus if you're willing to support the appropriate infrastructure for intergalactic trade."

"While all of these naturally sound very appealing, fostering a strong phosphorus stream to Sterkistan in exchange for, say...Sterk technology and military advisors, and a few pocketfuls of coin...well, I'd say we already have a deal. I feel the logistics could be the only limiting factor here. I'd like for you to speak further with Chairwoman Cartimandua at some point later this evening as well."

[Luminumbra]

Soon, other high ranking officials of the Luminumbran State began showing up, including the spiritual leaders of the largest congregations of Luminumbra Prime. The chief engineer of the war department had entered the building. He had overheard the last part of the conversation Alden was having.

"I don't mean to intrude on the conversation, but I think I might be able to help. If you so choose, I'll have a talk with the Spiritual Purveyors Department and see if we can supply you with the infrastructure to trade."

Just then, the more unrecognized, yet still highly recognized folk--business leaders, rich families with estates and the like began pouring into the hall.

A mini-play using magiscience for special effects was the main show on the stage at the moment.

A massive lightning bolt suddenly shot up from the clouds below and into another cloud in the sky high above. It was far away yet so massive that it could still be heard inside the palace as a soft rumbling, the flash went in through the windows as rays of light. Little wisps of gas could be seen above, and it started to rain neon crystals along with water. They were dull and only the size of little pebbles, but they were rock solid. The sky became a darker purple and there were colored glints of yellow, red, blue, and pink from the sunlight reflecting off the raining crystals.

The Ceremony was to begin soon.

[Sub Sector Protractis]

En Route to Luminumbra Prime's designated landing zone

The Gun Cutter that served as Warder's personal lander was feeling the atmophereic burn of reentry into the planet below. During this transit a final briefing was being given out by Inquisitor Tsagos:

"Per our eariler meetings we know that both host nations have very peculiar religious beliefs we also know that Luminumbra is presently entrenched in a very costly military conflict. Our directives are simple, for the Sub Sector we are here to determine if the Religious nature of these nations will bring them into confict with us. For Rouge Trader Warder we are to ensure he has a positive position to negotiate business contracts with. This operation is very simple, we land, play nice and deliver the wedding gift. If all goes well we have a good time and Warder secures a contract therefore allowing the Protractian Navy access to common trade lanes and ports. If things go bad we are to escort Warder out of the Palace and too the ship.

We will only have one platoon with us of Warders troops, They will serve as our primary escort, personal weapons only for us and keep the shethed. This is a diplomatic mission after all."

______________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Landing Pad


The Cutter landed and the front ramp dropped. The Platoon's command squad was the first out, the banner of House Warder was flowing and the officer in command started to call Cadence. The Platoons three Squads fell into a collumn three wide and ten deep. They began to march and would part on the left and right side of the walkway and render a present arms for the next portion of the delegation.

Next the Warder himself and the other members of his entourage walked forward. With Tsagos and Warder exchaning small talk and trying to look and friendly and diplomatic as possible. Finally were the two 8 foot tall super soldiers of the Keepers-of-Fortune flanking the wedding gift that was hovering on anti gav repulsors.

The detail awaited reception of the hosts.