[Empire5!] The Ninurtine New Year

[Aedilred]

Ningish, NIC 18.99.99, Galactic Year 217504

Those ships from distant civilisations that arrived at the fifth moon of Ninurtin were dealt with according to their size. Those small enough to dock at the orbital spaceport were received there, the remainder advised to remain in orbit, and shuttles sent from the surface to each location to transport the delegations to the moon itself. From the shuttle bay

The Temple of Ninurtin was a wide white space perhaps a quarter of a kilometre across, surrounded by a low wall with a single arched entrance. A few small and single-storey buildings occupied the space within, with only one rising any higher, a hexagonal shrine with an open doorway, standing atop a series of eight steps. It was here that the Emperor and the Councillors of State stood, each holding their regalia of office.

Towards the centre of the temple space were a collection of huge black obelisks, higher than any building save the shrine, of obsidian or something similar, arranged in a pattern not readily discernible from the ground.

The place was oddly quiet. From the moment they arrived the visitors would hardly have seen any of the natives, and the temple itself, which could have accommodated tens of thousands (and may well have been built with those numbers in mind) now held only a few hundred, such that it felt almost empty.

Spoiler: Characters Present

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Emperor Cherahiteth II
Ambassador Daregense, the Emperor's betrothed and Councillor Without Portfolio
Essahecheth, the Censor-General
Angurchathamur, the Commissioner-General
Durgachabeph, Justiciar-General
Anguradeshib, Lord Admiral
Sennaheshab, Philosopher-General
Shalamachathor, Registar-General
Ninurbethush, Secretary-General
Nandadamicher, Overarchon of Bechu
Sennadelaman, Prime Minister of Ninurtin
Nanachagad, Archchancellor of Senna
Wurmadamosh, Lord Protector of Nanasu
Ledahadden, Great Aristocrat of Nisu
Dulidder, Station Chief of Zayin
Raul Entebe, President of Arursha

Spoiler: OOC

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This isn't (intended to be) a particularly narrative-heavy event but just an opportunity for characters to meet up. Feel free to mingle, chat to any of my guys, or do whatever...

[Gaius Hermicus]

Arkastakh Palace, Phakhuun, Taurina I

Urthuun Kzarna Harpooner, queen of the Rothuun, was hearing a dispute between two rival merchants in her throne room before the message arrived. An invitation to the Ninurtine nation would be a welcome break from the tedium of managing her people.

At the event:

Striding calmly out of her spaceship, Kzarna surveys her surroundings with apprehension, she moves to stand alone on the edges of the crowd. She doesn’t approach the members of any other race.

[PepperP.]

Droccen Imperium

The silence of the Temple of Ninurtin did more to hammer home the alien nature of this place more than the stark architecture or the pallid inhabitants. Prince Sukero regarded his surroundings with a quiet reserve rare in the gregarious Droccen, certainly his temperament had always been at odds with his cousin Sai. Like his cousin, Sukero had the same raspberry skin and white hair, he wore his coiled at the back of his head in a large bun. There was little difference in the traditional robes he wore than those the crown Princess wore to the Simulacrum, resplendent crimson and silver. Despite the androgyny of his apparel, Prince Sukero cut a masculine form with broad shoulders and strong jawline even if the Droccen tended towards a more diminutive stature than the more common humans. Sukero appeared unarmed though his Guardian was close by his side. The Guardian was unmistakable, as they all seemed exactly alike. How their wards could pick their own Guardian out of a crowd of them unerringly was a mystery to those without the privilege, and oddly wasn't a question even the wards could seem to answer beyond a vague grin and noncommittal shrug.

Prince Sukero approached his hosts and bowed respectfully.

"Emperor Cherahiteth II, thank you for the honor of your invitation. My Grandmother, the Empress Candrimay of Droccen regrets that her health is too fragile for travel, and her heir must attend her duties to our people." He was well-spoken, even as he spoke his regrets at his own second-rate royalty status. Sukero was third in line for the crown, behind Sai and her younger sister Aran who was being married off to some native in exchange for control of his people's land. His brow creased fractionally, determined to not suffer a similar fate.

"I am Prince Sukero, and this is my Guardian Shiri." The great metal construct bowed similarly.

[Tentreto]

START LOG

The Duenem delegation arrived in only one ship. Of course, as the ship was itself a Duen, with a number of turret-duen mounted all over it, this proved no issue. The ship stayed exactly on the given flight path with no deviation. As the ship reached the moon, a small craft exited from one side. This smaller shuttle-duen waited to be given instructions to land. When it did eventually land, six legs descended from it in an imitation of the basic Duenem form, before letting down a ramp.

Telescopic Radiance led a group of three other Duenem. Radiance itself looked no different than at the Simulacrum, except for possibly a shinier body, which looked almost silvered. The other three were diverse as could be. A large Duen, with only two massive legs and a prehensile tail towered over the others. It had a similarly metallic appearance although it seemed a more copper colour. The next was only slightly larger than Radiance, but was otherwise a floating ball with two red dots the only indicator it was actually alive. The third was small, at aproximatly a third of Radiances' height, but was otherwise a standard Duen, albeit with a small tail and somewhat sharp hooks on the front of its graspers.

Spoiler: OOC

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As a standard Duen like Radiance is half a metre tall, the size range here is about 1.2 metres to 15cm

Telescopic Radiance approached first, being the only Duenem to have any firsthand experience of diplomacy.
"Greetings His Imperial Majesty Cherahiteth II." Radiance begins, using a small speaker to communicate. "I thank you on behalf of the Duenem for this invitation. It is good to meet neighbours on good terms again." The other Duenem blink their 'eyes' in greetings, but otherwise stay silent. Radiance quickly looks over the beings arrayed before it, wondering if Himpahach would be amoung them, but only gets negatives on its scanners

[Aedilred]

All the lights in here were artificial, but beyond them, and the crystal hemisphere which enclosed the space, the stars were visible. One in particular shone brightly, and those looking for it would no doubt identify this as Malak, the central star of the system. Behind the shrine, directly opposite Malak, loomed the great pink-purple bulk of Ninurtin itself, and more distantly the other moons of the mighty planet.

The Droccen

"We are honoured that you have made the long journey here, Prince Sukero," said the Emperor, once the prince had made his introduction. "You are welcome in our system, and it is our hope that no matter what distances may lie between our peoples, they will prove no barrier to friendship."

Once of the Councillors, a buxom woman apparently aged about thirty, and holding a golden baton, descended the steps to approach the prince more closely.

"I present to you the Great Aristocrat of Nisu, Ledahadden" said the Emperor. "She has volunteered to be your host for today, until she is required for the ceremony."

On reaching the bottom of the steps, Ledahadden stood a little less tall than Sukero, and looked up at him with a smile that did not disguise the fierce intelligence in her eyes. Were he minded to look, the prince might observe that her baton resembled a scroll - save for the sharp spike protruding from its lower end.

"Insofar as I can welcome you to Ningish, allow me to do so," she said. "I believe you and I will have much to discuss, particularly as regards your marvellous Guardians."

Rothuun

On observing the minotaurs' reluctance to approach any further, one of the Councillors separated herself from the core group and made her way over. She stopped slightly short of him and saluted.

"I am Anguradeshib, Lord Admiral of the Ninurtine Imperial Navy," she said. "It is my pleasure to welcome such renowned warriors as the Rothuun to Ninurtine space."

[Gaius Hermicus]

Kzarna does not bow. She inclines her head slightly in recognition of Admiral Anguradeshib, but is unwilling to defer to the Ninurtin any more than that.

<Thank you, Admiral. It is a pleasure to be invited here to this event. I have admired the Ninurtin from afar, and you seem like a strong nation worthy of respect. I hope our relationship will be friendly in future.>

[PepperP.]

The Droccen

"We are honoured that you have made the long journey here, Prince Sukero," said the Emperor, once the prince had made his introduction. "You are welcome in our system, and it is our hope that no matter what distances may lie between our peoples, they will prove no barrier to friendship."

Once of the Councillors, a buxom woman apparently aged about thirty, and holding a golden baton, descended the steps to approach the prince more closely.

"I present to you the Great Aristocrat of Nisu, Ledahadden" said the Emperor. "She has volunteered to be your host for today, until she is required for the ceremony."

On reaching the bottom of the steps, Ledahadden stood a little less tall than Sukero, and looked up at him with a smile that did not disguise the fierce intelligence in her eyes. Were he minded to look, the prince might observe that her baton resembled a scroll - save for the sharp spike protruding from its lower end.

"Insofar as I can welcome you to Ningish, allow me to do so," she said. "I believe you and I will have much to discuss, particularly as regards your marvellous Guardians."

Prince Sukero repeated his bow. It was slightly less deferential than the one he had aimed at the alien Emporer but still respectful.

"It is a pleasure to meet a... Great Aristocrat of Nisu." Uncertain of what was proper address of this woman, he opted for formality. Sukero and Shiri's eyes met each other's at the same exact moment.

"Shiri? Yes, what would you like to know about him?" Their eyes returned to the woman again comically in sync.

[Nefarion Xid]

A cadre of modestly expensive suits had arrived from Celes by way of the luxury yacht bearing both the name of the Consul, and the brand associated with mineral interests and deep-space manufacturing across the system: Relor. Little in human fashion had changed for the Celenians since the diaspora. Bold colors were in, not just charcoal and navy. Cravats had come back, though mostly for young men. Collars were worn starched and high now, blurring the line between military and business dress. Even the women wore smart looking jackets with tall collars, though typically cut short at the waist, whereas men wore longer dagger-shaped coattails. A woman in a dress signaled that they had no business pursuits and were only at a event to have a good time.

The majority of the Relor executive and aides milled about, not-so-subtly making it known that the Consul had authorized them to fill the roles of diplomats and organize a lucrative trade deal for alloys. While not overeager to sell, they did advertise to potential buyers between otherwise polite conversation.

Constantine Relor was an exception. The young man was no business genius and he had far more important things on his mind as he approached the Droccen.

"Princess Sai isn't with you?" he asked, not bothering to hide the disappointment in his voice.

[Mary_Sue]

EAA

The Prime Minister assignment on Alysia had long maintained a reputation for tedious monotony. A figurehead role that lacked any real influence or power. The events of the Simulacrum had changed all that and Eladia was thrilled. She reveled in her notoriety. Something new after centuries of the same. She basked in her peers congratulations and triumphed beneath their jealousy. It was not a difficult decision to accept the Ninurtine invitation. She chose a handful of lesser diplomats and military specialists to accompany her seemingly at random.

Six Alysians stepped off the gleaming white craft that had ferried them across the fathomless space between their worlds. At first glance, they might have been mistaken for sextuplets, or perhaps even clones. As they approached, their differences became more apparent though their similarities remained remarkable. They were all tall humanoids of slender build and they all wore the same blue uniforms with white cloaks and boots. their skin and hair seemed devoid of color, so fair they were, and their eyes were all an identical gleaming blue.

Eladia stepped forward from the group, her perfect features all ablaze with the confidence her new self-importance afforded her.

"Greetings Your Imperial Majesty. We have come from the Eternal Assembly of Alysia to join your celebrations at your behest. I am Prime Minister Eladia Mekeda Sarai and these are my... colleagues." Eladia stumbled slightly over what to call the others. Clansmen sprang to mind but she was galled to use so gauche a term. As she placed her right fist over her heart and her left behind her back, her fellow Alysians likewise saluted the Ninurtine assembled.

[Miltonian]

Lyraens

Ayl Lan arrived in-system aboard her flagship, named the Shining Lady. She came aboard the station with only two members of her immediate family, a husband and a wife.

Spoiler: Cultural Note

Show

The Lyraen family structure is different than most. Each member of a 'family', save for the children, is married to all the others. To marry one is to marry all. OOC, this was based off the idea of a wolf-pack's social structure. As for children, they are considered 'unattached' and keep the name of their birth-family until they find one of their own.

Ayl took a look around at the others in the room and sighed. Two years since she'd last stood in the room with these aliens. Of course, it had been a very different room. She adjusted her clerical robe, decorated with emblems of the sun and stars. Compared to the others, the clothes she and her two mates wore were rather plain.

As is tradition, she moves to greet their host first. Paws clasped before her, she bows with her head and shoulders. "I greet you in the name of Lyrae, Emperor," she says, "May the day guide you and the moon never take you."

[Aedilred]

Spoiler

Show

Prince Sukero repeated his bow. It was slightly less deferential than the one he had aimed at the alien Emporer but still respectful.

"It is a pleasure to meet a... Great Aristocrat of Nisu." Uncertain of what was proper address of this woman, he opted for formality. Sukero and Shiri's eyes met each other's at the same exact moment.

"Shiri? Yes, what would you like to know about him?" Their eyes returned to the woman again comically in sync.

Ledahadden gave a musical laugh. "Great Aristocrat is the title given to the head of state of my world. Comparable to a king, I suppose, or a president; anything short of an Emperor. On Nisu, we call ourselves a true aristocracy: we value intelligence and scholarship, and athleticism and martial prowess. The gods only know why they made me their leader."

"I have read reports from the Simulacrum about the Guardians, a remarkable fusion of the mechanical and the - biological seems the wrong word, really? The spiritual? May I ask what it is that imbues him with life?"

Spoiler

Show

Kzarna does not bow. She inclines her head slightly in recognition of Admiral Anguradeshib, but is unwilling to defer to the Ninurtin any more than that.

<Thank you, Admiral. It is a pleasure to be invited here to this event. I have admired the Ninurtin from afar, and you seem like a strong nation worthy of respect. I hope our relationship will be friendly in future.>

"As do I," said the Admiral. "I have heard that your people value strength above all, but that it is allied to a sense of honour. Sadly, I cannot say the same about all the peoples we have so far encountered. Tell me, is it still the intention of the Rothuun to explore the Core?"

Spoiler: Celes

Show

A cadre of modestly expensive suits had arrived from Celes by way of the luxury yacht bearing both the name of the Consul, and the brand associated with mineral interests and deep-space manufacturing across the system: Relor. Little in human fashion had changed for the Celenians since the diaspora. Bold colors were in, not just charcoal and navy. Cravats had come back, though mostly for young men. Collars were worn starched and high now, blurring the line between military and business dress. Even the women wore smart looking jackets with tall collars, though typically cut short at the waist, whereas men wore longer dagger-shaped coattails. A woman in a dress signaled that they had no business pursuits and were only at a event to have a good time.

The majority of the Relor executive and aides milled about, not-so-subtly making it known that the Consul had authorized them to fill the roles of diplomats and organize a lucrative trade deal for alloys. While not overeager to sell, they did advertise to potential buyers between otherwise polite conversation.

Constantine Relor was an exception. The young man was no business genius and he had far more important things on his mind as he approached the Droccen.

"Princess Sai isn't with you?" he asked, not bothering to hide the disappointment in his voice.

It was the Secretary-General, Ninurbethush, who took the lead in dealing with the Celenian negotiators. This should probably have fallen to the Commissioner-General, but he wasn't the force he once was - and frankly she had never liked him much anyway. Surely he couldn't last much longer before either dying or tendering his retirement? She had her own plans for the position once he was out of the way, but to make this stick she would need to establish herself as someone worth listening to on such matters.

She had not risen to her current lofty position through administrative ability alone, and was not above using more candid tactics to manipulate those around her. Her projection was set to that of an attractive women - enough to be distracting to men without being overwhelmingly so, enough to make women feel insecure without being overpoweringly jealous. There was a hint of flirtation, a suggestion without a promise, the slightly too-long look, the light touch on the hand of an apparently receptive mark...

"I am sure I am missing something, but what I have yet to understand is what makes the alloys in Celes so much more desirable than those elsewhere. We have an abundance of metals in our own domain - why would we transport others across hundreds of star systems?"

[Aedilred]

Spoiler

Show

EAA

The Prime Minister assignment on Alysia had long maintained a reputation for tedious monotony. A figurehead role that lacked any real influence or power. The events of the Simulacrum had changed all that and Eladia was thrilled. She reveled in her notoriety. Something new after centuries of the same. She basked in her peers congratulations and triumphed beneath their jealousy. It was not a difficult decision to accept the Ninurtine invitation. She chose a handful of lesser diplomats and military specialists to accompany her seemingly at random.

Six Alysians stepped off the gleaming white craft that had ferried them across the fathomless space between their worlds. At first glance, they might have been mistaken for sextuplets, or perhaps even clones. As they approached, their differences became more apparent though their similarities remained remarkable. They were all tall humanoids of slender build and they all wore the same blue uniforms with white cloaks and boots. their skin and hair seemed devoid of color, so fair they were, and their eyes were all an identical gleaming blue.

Eladia stepped forward from the group, her perfect features all ablaze with the confidence her new self-importance afforded her.

"Greetings Your Imperial Majesty. We have come from the Eternal Assembly of Alysia to join your celebrations at your behest. I am Prime Minister Eladia Mekeda Sarai and these are my... colleagues." Eladia stumbled slightly over what to call the others. Clansmen sprang to mind but she was galled to use so gauche a term. As she placed her right fist over her heart and her left behind her back, her fellow Alysians likewise saluted the Ninurtine assembled.

“It is a pleasure to welcome you and your people to our system,” the Emperor said, choosing to ignore the slight awkwardness over the Prime Minister's slip. “Please convey my respects to Queen Alysia."

“I present my Councillors of State and in particular my own Prime Minister, Sennadelaman.” The Ninurtine Prime Minister, a man in early middle age who appeared largely unremarkable save for the large white metal wand he carried, gave a respectful nod, his eyes never leaving Eladia's.

Spoiler

Show

Lyraens

Ayl Lan arrived in-system aboard her flagship, named the Shining Lady. She came aboard the station with only two members of her immediate family, a husband and a wife.

Spoiler: Cultural Note

Show

The Lyraen family structure is different than most. Each member of a 'family', save for the children, is married to all the others. To marry one is to marry all. OOC, this was based off the idea of a wolf-pack's social structure. As for children, they are considered 'unattached' and keep the name of their birth-family until they find one of their own.

Ayl took a look around at the others in the room and sighed. Two years since she'd last stood in the room with these aliens. Of course, it had been a very different room. She adjusted her clerical robe, decorated with emblems of the sun and stars. Compared to the others, the clothes she and her two mates wore were rather plain.

As is tradition, she moves to greet their host first. Paws clasped before her, she bows with her head and shoulders. "I greet you in the name of Lyrae, Emperor," she says, "May the day guide you and the moon never take you."

“I fear the moon may already have taken me,” the Emperor said. “I was born on a moon and stand on a moon now. It is interesting, is it not, how the frames of reference of two peoples in this galaxy can be so entirely different? But that is a matter of semantics; I am grateful for your kind words, and am delighted to welcome you to our system.”

Spoiler

Show

Telescopic Radiance approached first, being the only Duenem to have any firsthand experience of diplomacy.
"Greetings His Imperial Majesty Cherahiteth II." Radiance begins, using a small speaker to communicate. "I thank you on behalf of the Duenem for this invitation. It is good to meet neighbours on good terms again." The other Duenem blink their 'eyes' in greetings, but otherwise stay silent. Radiance quickly looks over the beings arrayed before it, wondering if Himpahach would be amoung them, but only gets negatives on its scanners

“Our sincere thanks for making this journey, Telescopic Radiance,” said the Emperor. “Following the Simulacrum we have heard a great deal about the Duenem and the desirability of establishing relations with you, the moreso as you are our near-neighbours. I believe that Station Chief Dulidder and my – advisor Minister Daregense have a great deal to discuss with you in that regard.”

The fondness with which he looked at Daregense was likely evident even to a machine, but it was Dulidder who spoke first.

“Himpahach is one of my best engineers and he was greatly impressed by you at the Simulacrum. Such marriage of intelligence, design and elegance of form in an inorganic form is something beyond our current capabilities. Presently we rely heavily on what we term artificial intelligence for extrastellar activity, but ours is primitive and often insufficient. The Duenem would doubtless be a great asset to us.”

“What he means,” said Daregense with a smile, “is to enquire whether any Duenem would be interested in entering the employ of the Empire. Please forgive his bluntness: he is an engineer, not a diplomat.”

[Miltonian]

Lyraens

Ayl gives the Emperor a tight smile. "It's a traditional greeting, nothing more I assure you. The true meaning behind it is 'may your mind never falter, and may you remain the master of yourself until the end of your days'. We have a particular legend about our moon being the harbinger of madness. It doesn't bear repeating here."

[PepperP.]

A cadre of modestly expensive suits had arrived from Celes by way of the luxury yacht bearing both the name of the Consul, and the brand associated with mineral interests and deep-space manufacturing across the system: Relor. Little in human fashion had changed for the Celenians since the diaspora. Bold colors were in, not just charcoal and navy. Cravats had come back, though mostly for young men. Collars were worn starched and high now, blurring the line between military and business dress. Even the women wore smart looking jackets with tall collars, though typically cut short at the waist, whereas men wore longer dagger-shaped coattails. A woman in a dress signaled that they had no business pursuits and were only at a event to have a good time.

The majority of the Relor executive and aides milled about, not-so-subtly making it known that the Consul had authorized them to fill the roles of diplomats and organize a lucrative trade deal for alloys. While not overeager to sell, they did advertise to potential buyers between otherwise polite conversation.

Constantine Relor was an exception. The young man was no business genius and he had far more important things on his mind as he approached the Droccen.

"Princess Sai isn't with you?" he asked, not bothering to hide the disappointment in his voice.

Prince Sukero didn't bother to mask his surprise at being so bluntly approached by the pale stranger or his apparent interest in Sai.

"I am afraid Princess Sai is busy as it seems she is about to become Empress Sai." He placed emphasis on her Imperialness in hopes of impressing the proper respect into this man.

"Tell me, how do you know my cousin." And what is your interest in her? He managed to not voice his doubts aloud when a realization hit him in force.

"Oh is this you? The one from the Simulacrum?" Sukero pulled out an already dog-eared copy of "Star-Crossed Lovers" On the cover was a picture of a red-skinned woman being ravished by a dark-haired human man.

---

Ledahadden gave a musical laugh. "Great Aristocrat is the title given to the head of state of my world. Comparable to a king, I suppose, or a president; anything short of an Emperor. On Nisu, we call ourselves a true aristocracy: we value intelligence and scholarship, and athleticism and martial prowess. The gods only know why they made me their leader."

"I have read reports from the Simulacrum about the Guardians, a remarkable fusion of the mechanical and the - biological seems the wrong word, really? The spiritual? May I ask what it is that imbues him with life?"

"It is Shiri's spirit which animates the machine." Shiri nodded in agreement.

"The construct remains inert until it is imbued with the spirit of an ancestor who agrees to return and serve us as guides and Guardians. They are quite remarkable." Sukero smiled at his Guardian fondly who inclined his head modestly at the compliment.

[Ausar]

Master Aurelius' personal fighter touched down on the landing pad, the remainder of his Ravager Squadron maintaining orbit, weapons powered down. Popping his canopy, Aurelius slid out of the sleek craft, and jogged off towards the shuttle bay, smoothing his crumpled uniform. He was not partial to being tardy.

Stepping out from the shuttle, he took a deep breath, and slowly let it out before striding forwards into the temple, and the hubbub.

He looked for the Emperor who had invited him here. He approached the seemingly human figure, and gave him a crisp salute. "A pleasure, Emperor. Please excuse my late arrival - the ability to travel between the stars does not come without complications, and our engineers are not yet masters of this new technology. Rest assured, it will not happen the next time.

Thank you for the invitation to your domain. I hope I can return the favour, in due time. What would you have of me?

[Nefarion Xid]

She had not risen to her current lofty position through administrative ability alone, and was not above using more candid tactics to manipulate those around her. Her projection was set to that of an attractive women - enough to be distracting to men without being overwhelmingly so, enough to make women feel insecure without being overpoweringly jealous. There was a hint of flirtation, a suggestion without a promise, the slightly too-long look, the light touch on the hand of an apparently receptive mark...

"I am sure I am missing something, but what I have yet to understand is what makes the alloys in Celes so much more desirable than those elsewhere. We have an abundance of metals in our own domain - why would we transport others across hundreds of star systems?"

"Excepting those that haven't been recycled in the stellar crucible to form the heavier elements, most systems have virtually identical compositions," the tallest, brightest-eyed suit conceded. "Lithium, nickel, iron, titanium -- there is literally nothing new under the sun. Our alloys, on the other hand, are proprietary, as are our manufacturing techniques. In a word, our deep space foundries offer volume. Even if other civilizations could figure out how our foundries work, they would still have to build them. If you started today, you might have one operational in ten galactic years and the cost will be astronomical. Meanwhile, we have three, each mining, smelting, alloying, and fabricating two megatonnes of material per year. Our newly acquired territory also hosts a primitive (but rapidly industrializing) civilization; they also seem to have a glut of high-strength metals. Hmm. Not to be indelicate, but I am given to understand your people require massive amounts of alloys now, not in ten years."

Prince Sukero didn't bother to mask his surprise at being so bluntly approached by the pale stranger or his apparent interest in Sai.

"I am afraid Princess Sai is busy as it seems she is about to become Empress Sai." He placed emphasis on her Imperialness in hopes of impressing the proper respect into this man.

"Tell me, how do you know my cousin." And what is your interest in her? He managed to not voice his doubts aloud when a realization hit him in force.

"Oh is this you? The one from the Simulacrum?" Sukero pulled out an already dog-eared copy of "Star-Crossed Lovers" On the cover was a picture of a red-skinned woman being ravished by a dark-haired human man.

"N-no," Constantine bumbled, pulling at a shock of his blond hair. "Do you mean the author or the man on the cover? I'm confident I'm neither. My name is Constantine Relor and I'm the eldest son of our illustrious Consul."

An elected position, but one with no term limits. The Relor family's wealth put them on par with some galactic royalty, and there were calls within the Republic for Maximilian Relor to be elevated to Emperor. Elections were a formality anyway, since the ruling party had the votes to stay in power indefinitely.

"I had hoped to have the honor of proposing marriage to Princess Sai directly, but I suppose family will suffice. You will convey my well wishes and proposal, won't you?" The man offered over a tablet with a diplomatic/marital contract displayed. Among the items at the top were: The Republic of Celes agrees to provide (2) one-megatonne frigates to the Droccen Navy.

[Aedilred]

Spoiler

Show

"It is Shiri's spirit which animates the machine." Shiri nodded in agreement.

"The construct remains inert until it is imbued with the spirit of an ancestor who agrees to return and serve us as guides and Guardians. They are quite remarkable." Sukero smiled at his Guardian fondly who inclined his head modestly at the compliment.

"Marvellous indeed. May I ask, how do you preserve the spirits of your ancestors so that they are available to take possession of a Guardian construct? Have you attempted the process with a spirit not of Droccen origin?"

Spoiler

Show

Master Aurelius' personal fighter touched down on the landing pad, the remainder of his Ravager Squadron maintaining orbit, weapons powered down. Popping his canopy, Aurelius slid out of the sleek craft, and jogged off towards the shuttle bay, smoothing his crumpled uniform. He was not partial to being tardy.

Stepping out from the shuttle, he took a deep breath, and slowly let it out before striding forwards into the temple, and the hubbub.

He looked for the Emperor who had invited him here. He approached the seemingly human figure, and gave him a crisp salute. "A pleasure, Emperor. Please excuse my late arrival - the ability to travel between the stars does not come without complications, and our engineers are not yet masters of this new technology. Rest assured, it will not happen the next time.

Thank you for the invitation to your domain. I hope I can return the favour, in due time. What would you have of me?

"You are welcome here, and I ask nothing of you save that you do not breach my peace," said the Emperor with a smile. "Tonight is a period of celebration and we are content merely that you have given us the honour of travelling such distances to be with us on this occasion."

"Excepting those that haven't been recycled in the stellar crucible to form the heavier elements, most systems have virtually identical compositions," the tallest, brightest-eyed suit conceded. "Lithium, nickel, iron, titanium -- there is literally nothing new under the sun. Our alloys, on the other hand, are proprietary, as are our manufacturing techniques. In a word, our deep space foundries offer volume. Even if other civilizations could figure out how our foundries work, they would still have to build them. If you started today, you might have one operational in ten galactic years and the cost will be astronomical. Meanwhile, we have three, each mining, smelting, alloying, and fabricating two megatonnes of material per year. Our newly acquired territory also hosts a primitive (but rapidly industrializing) civilization; they also seem to have a glut of high-strength metals. Hmm. Not to be indelicate, but I am given to understand your people require massive amounts of alloys now, not in ten years."

"Our current reserves are adequate for our present requirements," she said, with slightly narrowed eyes. The massive expansion of the Navy had strained their resources, it was true, but to nowhere near breaking point. "We would however be prepared to confirm an option agreement to purchase Celenian alloys within the next, say, ten galactic years, of course with a forfeiture premium should the option not be exercised."

Spoiler

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"N-no," Constantine bumbled, pulling at a shock of his blond hair. "Do you mean the author or the man on the cover? I'm confident I'm neither. My name is Constantine Relor and I'm the eldest son of our illustrious Consul."

An elected position, but one with no term limits. The Relor family's wealth put them on par with some galactic royalty, and there were calls within the Republic for Maximilian Relor to be elevated to Emperor. Elections were a formality anyway, since the ruling party had the votes to stay in power indefinitely.

"I had hoped to have the honor of proposing marriage to Princess Sai directly, but I suppose family will suffice. You will convey my well wishes and proposal, won't you?" The man offered over a tablet with a diplomatic/marital contract displayed. Among the items at the top were: The Republic of Celes agrees to provide (2) one-megatonne frigates to the Droccen Navy.

Ledahadden almost felt sorry for the Celenian nobleman, though she kept her counsel. They might as well have named their frigates Overcompensator - although actually, that was a good idea, she should suggest that to the Registrar-General for the next capital ship class name.

[Tentreto]

“Our sincere thanks for making this journey, Telescopic Radiance,” said the Emperor. “Following the Simulacrum we have heard a great deal about the Duenem and the desirability of establishing relations with you, the moreso as you are our near-neighbours. I believe that Station Chief Dulidder and my – advisor Minister Daregense have a great deal to discuss with you in that regard.”

The fondness with which he looked at Daregense was likely evident even to a machine, but it was Dulidder who spoke first.

“Himpahach is one of my best engineers and he was greatly impressed by you at the Simulacrum. Such marriage of intelligence, design and elegance of form in an inorganic form is something beyond our current capabilities. Presently we rely heavily on what we term artificial intelligence for extrastellar activity, but ours is primitive and often insufficient. The Duenem would doubtless be a great asset to us.”

“What he means,” said Daregense with a smile, “is to enquire whether any Duenem would be interested in entering the employ of the Empire. Please forgive his bluntness: he is an engineer, not a diplomat.”

For a second, all the Duenem froze, even the floating one, which dropped a bit in the air. "Enter the employ of the Empire." Radiance repeated. "That is an intersting thing to ask." The marsupialesque one tilted its head towards Radiance. Dulidder would probably catch they were communicating electronically and at a very fast speed.

"The Duenem work together towards our goal of restoring the Niuan system,. We would certainly be interested in sharing information and some Duenem would be interested in working with your Empire, but we would be doing so in order to carry out our Task."

"However, we do wish to pursue relations, as we value life of all kinds highly, so the Duenem are willing to offer you a gift." Radiance gestures back at its three companions. "Gladiator Whip and Cultivator Dew have both invoked their beliefs that working for another civilisation would benefit the Task and the Duenem as a whole, so wish to serve you for the period of a task."

At this, both the small Duen and the big-legged one stepped foward. "Much life and interest here." began the small one. "Much to teach and learn." The other one remained silent, watching carefully still.

[PepperP.]

"N-no," Constantine bumbled, pulling at a shock of his blond hair. "Do you mean the author or the man on the cover? I'm confident I'm neither. My name is Constantine Relor and I'm the eldest son of our illustrious Consul."

An elected position, but one with no term limits. The Relor family's wealth put them on par with some galactic royalty, and there were calls within the Republic for Maximilian Relor to be elevated to Emperor. Elections were a formality anyway, since the ruling party had the votes to stay in power indefinitely.

"I had hoped to have the honor of proposing marriage to Princess Sai directly, but I suppose family will suffice. You will convey my well wishes and proposal, won't you?" The man offered over a tablet with a diplomatic/marital contract displayed. Among the items at the top were: The Republic of Celes agrees to provide (2) one-megatonne frigates to the Droccen Navy.

Sukero regarded the man incredulously but took the proferred tablet.

"You want to marry my cousin?" The frigates would about double the strength of their navy.

"Why?"

"Marvellous indeed. May I ask, how do you preserve the spirits of your ancestors so that they are available to take possession of a Guardian construct? Have you attempted the process with a spirit not of Droccen origin?"

"I am afraid that I am not privy to the secrets of creating the Guardians, though I am certain that we have not attempted the process with a non-Droccen spirit. Mostly because we didn't know of any until very recently." Shiri nodded in agreement.

[Nefarion Xid]

"Our current reserves are adequate for our present requirements," she said, with slightly narrowed eyes. The massive expansion of the Navy had strained their resources, it was true, but to nowhere near breaking point. "We would however be prepared to confirm an option agreement to purchase Celenian alloys within the next, say, ten galactic years, of course with a forfeiture premium should the option not be exercised."

Trade talks quickly become intransigent, the Celenian representatives believing that the Ninturine have nothing adequate to offer the Republic. They are content to wait until approached, but they make it known to the Duenem that they would be receptive to future negotations -- perhaps when the vast unexplored distance is less of an issue for them.

Sukero regarded the man incredulously but took the proferred tablet.

"You want to marry my cousin?" The frigates would about double the strength of their navy.

"Why?"

"Princess, soon to be Empress, Sai is the most eligible bachelorette in the galaxy and one of the most beautiful women besides," Constantine scoffed. "And I think I would make a magnificent Prince Consort. If she isn't already inundated with proposals, I'm shocked! Though, I doubt you've yet received any so generous. The frigates are already being built; we've just been adapting the operating systems to your language. Can't believe that bloody linguist was actually useful for something..."