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A Call from the North || 
Keres
This kind of thing was why Lee loved his job so much - not just getting to travel the galaxy and witness incredible sights while doing meaningful work, but getting to really know and understand the people he was talking with. Although he still discussed important topics with Philips and Wrightson, Lee was perhaps a bit too eager to drop the professional tone in favor of his casual, natural speech and expression. At the risk of committing an unintended social blunder, the Saharian diplomat felt he learned much more about a people from casual, natural interaction rather than the well-groomed and polite facade diplomats were expected to act with.
Strangely, Lee seemed to speak more vaguely and briefly when confronted with discussions about Saharia’s own greater goals and capabilities. The Kereians didn’t need Lee to remind them that Saharia is a galactic superpower. Although Saharia was far from an uncontested leader in every conceivable metric, the size disparity was apparent. Kereian colonization efforts saw the christening of singular planets. Saharian colonization is done in waves - dozens of worlds at a time can be claimed within the span of a few months. Keres was coming out of isolation into a galaxy full of mice and giants alike - and everything in between.
Lee’s elated demeanor was visibly tempered upon the mention of the brewing conflict. He didn’t want to see Keres involved in the upcoming bloodshed any more than he wanted to see his own people sucked into it. He certainly didn’t want the nation’s first major international venture to be a taste of intragalactic warfare. It was something that couldn’t be prepared for. Although Saharian Central Command would be all-too-eager to accept assistance from the KRRF, Lee couldn’t let them pose such an offer without knowing the risks.
Orellians are not particularly choosy about their targets. If the KRRF is sent to provide aid, there can be no guarantee that they will be able to avoid extremely dangerous scenarios. Significant loss of life is not unlikely. Lee didn’t enjoy this topic - the inflections in his voice clearly telegraphed that. But he said everything he needed to. Saharia would gladly accept Kereian aid, so long as Keres understands the major risks involved with a galactic war on this scale.
Despite being a veteran diplomat, Lee found it almost impossible to hide how he was truly feeling. It was evident that he was waiting eagerly to discuss anything else.
War for the Core: The End of Neutrality || 
FreeAmericanStates
President Night Watch won the lottery in Saharia. Despite everything that was going on, Ellecon actually answered the call soon after being pinged - saving the Thestral President the indignity of scheduling an appointment with the Executor through one of his subordinates. One which would be days in the making.
Ellecon hesitated before he flicked the switch to simultaneously open the channel and encrypt the transmission in an enigma that would take a single man a lifetime to unravel. He had no idea what to think - all he knew is that it was one of two things. Something to do with the war, or news about the situation in the Thestral Union. If it was the latter, Ellecon expected bad news.
The Executor made his characteristic move - the camera was directed at a particular part of the ten-meter-long curved window which was behind his workstation. During calls like these, Ellecon would appear in front of a backdrop of the Edekar megacity, flanked by banners of the Saharian flag on either side of him - as he stood center stage, in his new signature suit of armor. Slowly rising from his desk, he did his best not to look exhausted. Which he could do very well.
Ellecon’s posture was masterfully Saharian. Arms behind his back, torso facing just off to the side. He looked down at the camera slightly, his head locked forwards, leaving his eyes to look ever-so-slightly down his nose at the camera below his eye-level. It was an extremely subtle thing, but it was the Executor’s way of presenting himself in professional conversation. Saharians always did their best to look down upon who they were talking to - even if only barely, even if they meant no disrespect. It was difficult for a non-Saharian to judge whether or not the look they were being given was inoffensive Saharian professionalism, or if they were genuinely being looked down upon. Night Watch would not be able to tell.
“--Greetings, Madam President. I suppose you have news on the ongoing situation in the Union..?--”
After Lee had finished speaking, the heads looked at each other for a second. Despite the best efforts of the Admiralty to try and understand how intergalactic warfare had developed, Lee’s portrayal of what a modern conflict certainly shook them a little. Plus, if the General Council learnt of what could possibly happen to a force vital in supporting domestic security then they would almost certainly block the deployment.
Nicholas, the main proponent, believed that Keres could materially benefit New Saharia in an open conflict, but the thought of the death of his comrades, even in nominally secure areas, was about to make him start to seriously reconsider.
The deployment of forces is always a balancing act in the greater strategic plan, and it would be important to consider exactly how much of an impact to Kererian and Saharian operational capability the deployment of the KRRF would make. In other words, it might be wise to temporarily put the plan on hold and reconsider its value.
The alphox fleet would steam forwards aggressively, helping to assist their massive capital ship, the ISN Hoyau, which was still battering the Breen fleet. Hoyau would begin to push back as well, attempting to drive the Breen fleet into the advancing Alphox fleet, while the rear battleships would cut them off at the flanks, slamming many of the ships with heavy missile and laser fire.
Fighters and bombers would also begin to press their attacks against the Breen while they were in the state of maneuvering. They would attempt to disrupt their coordination by firing at key vessels and warships with their anti-ship missiles and lancers. Meanwhile, the two Spectral Predators would join the fray in a spectacular fashion, hot-dropping at the edge of the Breen's fleet near the flank in an almost curved-ball manner. They would drive forth, opening fire in full volley, while activating their tractor beams to drag enemy vessels out of their positions, and into eachother!
Elements of the advanced fleet would begin to rapidly change tactics, combining into a larger and more concrete force to catch the Breen off guard, since they were used to dealing with small hit-and-run attacks by now. Several of the fleets began to make a u-turn push through Breen space, storming south to support the massive fleet battle of the main fleet, adding a much needed bulking of numbers in the area.
Homebound patrol fleets in the outer territories would be rapidly deployed to stop the suprise attacks by the Breen, with two fleets arriving to put and end to their advances. This fleet would consist mostly of the entire homeland defense forces, with each fleet comprised of 25,000 vessels each, dare they not advance, they would instead stick to their territories within the region. Both of the fleets would promptly move for the attack, while letting the defense systems within the attacked areas hold off the stealth vessels the best they could. These two fleets would be supplemented with a significant number of Spectral Predators, the new and highly advanced creation of the Vel'othi admiralty.
[START OF OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION]
Planets Office
Re: Planet Predentis
The Comptroller of Planets (chief executive of the Planets Office), Chair of the Planets Commission of the General Council, Outer Minister for Endosolar Affairs and the Administrator of the Provisional Government of Predentis today attended in A.TFP Point C to seal the official copy of the planetary constitution, and hand it to planetary authorities. A legal copy was also approved to be taken into the custody of the national archive of Keres (Planetary Records).
An instrument from the Regent was then read, delegating to the Comptroller of Planets the authority to appoint a Governor, to which he appointed Albert Hill, lately Terraforming Officer for the Planet Predentis.
GOVERNORS AND REPRESENTATIVES (APPOINTMENT AND RECALL) ORDINANCE 3751
INSTRUMENT MADE UNDER SECTION 14(3)
Symon Hollbert, Comptroller of Planets and Chief Executive of the Planets Office under the Endosolar Affairs Department.
IN EXERCISE of the powers vested in me by Section 14(3) of the Governors and Representatives (Appointment and Recall) Ordinance 3751 and acting with the advice of the Outer Minister for Endosolar Affairs, I, Symon Hollbert, Comptroller of Planets, HEREBY INVEST AND APPOINT Mr Albert Hill, lately Terraforming Officer for the Planet Predentis, as Governor of Predentis and Representative of Keres.
GIVEN under my hand and the Seal of the Planets Office.
SYMON HOLLBERT
COMPTROLLER OF PLANETS
LONG LIVE THE REGENT
Albert Hill, being formally invested as Governor, then sealed multiple instruments: appointing an intermin planetary executive; setting a date for the convocation of the Predentis Parliament; and appointing a Returning Officer, and instructing him to prepare an election to be held from all registered settlements.
Following this, the Governor, Comptroller, Outer Minister and Chair of the Planets Commission attended to a ceremony, which was further attended by Commander of the Predentis Colonial Garrison, Superintindent of the Predentis Colonial Guard, and Commander of the Northern Operational Sphere First Flotilla, of the conversion of the Predentis Colonial Guard into the Predentis Plantetary Guard, and the Predentis Colonial Garrison into First Battallion Predentis Regiment.
The flag of the Colonial Office was then lowered from all flagpoles, and the provisional flag of Predentis was raised.
For jurisdiction conversions under the Companies Ordinance 4088 contact [PREDENTIS] 807-453-212; [KERES] 807-222-527; [JAGOT] 807-222-511.
Under Section 2 of the Revised Instrument 4176 the Planets Office is required to inform readers that this is not a valid source to make a claim under Section 5
In accordance with the Colonial Courts (Extended Jurisdiction) Ordinance 4101 the Planets Office is hereby making a Section 7 declaration that Section 3 applies. For further information contact the Principal Court (Colonial Division) sitting in A.TFP Point C on [PREDENTIS] 100-000-014.
On behalf of Planetary Records: Disclosure Claims can be made from the beginning of the next week. Section 77(c) of the Planetary Records (Authority over disclosures) Ordinance 3999 applies
On behalf of the Predentis Executive: Section 78 of the Planetary Records (Authority over disclosures) Ordinance 3999 applies
Planetary Office Section 15 (UONFN) Declaration: The Predentis Observer has been selected as the official publicator of all Planets Office notices.
For the Colonial Office: Complete withdrawl from Predentis will be completed by end of day Friday, Zandromeadan time. Any queries after this point must be made to the field office on New Keres, or the head office on Keres.
The Exosolar Department is not making a Section 6 extension for Predentis under the Bilateral Relations (Saharian Republic) Instrument 4177 at this time.
[END OF OFFICIAL COMMUNICATION]
A Call from the North || Keres
Changing topics without hesitation, Lee offered the usual package - that is to say, a mutual embassy program. Saharia would be allowed to establish a physical embassy building on Kereian soil in order to conduct diplomacy more thoroughly and effectively. Keres would be invited to establish their own embassy on the Republic’s capital world of Viskova.
In addition, Lee proposed the obvious - a mutual open-borders policy for civilian traffic, albeit still subject to the travel and border laws of each nation respectively.
Lee laid one last proposal on the table before giving his hosts a chance to offer a reply - an invitation to join the InterStellar Forum. This institution served as the galaxy’s united international assembly, which would allow Keres to easily and effectively initiate contact with many of the galaxy’s independent nations and conduct international ventures and diplomacy in a safe and secure environment.
A Disabled Derelict
The captain was initially startled by the sudden appearance of another being in the doorway, but he recovered quickly. "Greetings, uh, whatever it is you are. My apologies for mine and my crew's trespass, but we noticed your ship was disabled and floating through space. I will make the same offer I made to your" - he gestures to the pillar - "tower of eyes? I don't know. Everything I know about life as I knew it has been uprooted in 20 minutes. In any case..."
The captain made the same offer to the new entrant as he did to the pillar - to repair the ship in exchange for the owners getting the word out about their existence. At the end, he spoke once more, "Hey, this is pretty crazy. I know we just met, but don't forget to report back on the proper subspace channels."
Whilst the heads would gladly accept an embassy programme and free travel of Kererians and Saharians between the two countries, they took the time to remind the Ambassador that Kererian border controls are particularly strict - saying nothing of the protectionist policies on imports and exports -, although not with the intention of dissuading potential visitors from entering, but protecting the Kererian internal market and sovereignty.
On the offer of the 'InterStellar Forum', however, they weren't as sure. Whilst they would love to send a mission, there was a worry that being a member of such a body might appear as subservience to a foreign empire. With an upcoming [indirect] election to the Perpetual Council, such a stunt could manifest itself badly in the polls.[Note 1]
"What does this forum entail, exactly?", Phillips queried
The Intercession – Part 3
The progression of the Culture did not stop at its latest round of expansions into peripheral space. With each completion of a new array of Cylinders and the elevation of Hub Minds (by necessity) meant the need for new Ship Minds to take on the duties and responsibilities of the Contact department. The growth of the Culture’s settlements correlated with its industrial capabilities, and so, its capacity to accommodate the construction of Systems Units and Vehicles. As such, new and old Contact vessels began anew prospects into the deeper reaches of the cosmos.
First came the exploration and cataloguing of new systems, with Contact ships beginning their months-long surveillance of parent stars, planetary bodies, and other localized structures. Major planets and moons were left well alone, as per Contact’s and the Culture’s modus operandi. With the ecological preservation of the cosmos at the forefront, especially as it concerns habitable planets teeming with potential flora and fauna, the sanctity and natural evolution of each system was left untarnished as if the Culture had not been there in the first place.
In addition to explorers, Contact were also diplomats and emissaries, biological participants chosen for their self-authoring and self-transforming minds. These consular activities extended to civilized planets and systems, and it was under the prerogative of Ship Common committees to initiate first contact. In other approaches, those elements of Contact remained hidden, and the work of the echelons of Special Circumstances began their foray into infiltration, subversion, and manipulation.
Unseemly and improper as it may be for something as morally and ethically driven as the Culture, it was otherwise a necessary evil for circumstances wherein the very foundations of said civilizations were built upon the wholesale violation of life and individual agency.
Surprisingly enough, there were instances where the civilizations that the Culture had encountered were ready to join the galactic community. These civilizations the Culture considered non-hegemonizing polities, and fully inclined towards the decentralized settlement of the galaxy and in a manner championed the very rights the Culture held very dear. The first phase of their integration and Culture-adjacency was the establishment of various treaties enacting cultural and technological exchange.
These exchanges would plant the seeds of gradual post-scarcity economies, autonomous industrial capacities, and the transition from planet-side living to orbital and deep space habitation. Furthermore, access to near limitless energy by way of the EGrid would expedite the process without the fear of strained energy sources and fuels. Further stages into integration meant the elimination of institutions, laws, and governments, the grafting of neural laces to link new Citizens to the greater Culture internet, and the final immigration to off world living.
+750 Systems
Detente || 
New Saharia
Shortly after the shuttle's arrival, their sensors would detect what could only be debris. In orbit of almost all the planetoids in the system, even the star itself were pieces of destroyed ships and vessels. Some were Breen, many were not, and it told tales of an old battle that took place in the system. Whatever had happened here had been violent and destructive, but the detritus of fission and dark-matter radiation was still present through the background radiation.
However, the shuttle would have no time to contemplate this disvery as soon a Breen ship appeared on the YnH-60's sensors. It was a massive thing, a square of crisscrossing alien components, weapons and shuttle bays. It was a Battlecube, and it seemed like the meeting point was coming to them.
"This is the Mektan. Power down your shuttle's engineers. You will be guided into shuttle-bay Z-8. Welcome to the Breen Confederacy."
"What's wrong with names as descriptions? Don't you humans do that with last names like 'Smith? Mason, Baker, Warden', for example? Weren't they descriptions originally?" Glass Shell says while turning her head and body a bit, her cutie mark of a yellowy blob of seeming glass and a metal hollow rod going out of it..
And So it Begins:
Drohn O'Licam's day would start just as any other. Emerging from their sleeping alcove, they would go about getting ready for their day, listening to the daily news on their mobile viewscreen and consuming the allotted nutritional substance for the day. As a resident of Petromine, the founding planet of the Union, Drohn was fortunate to have access to the best products produced within the Union, a known benefit of living on one of the core planets, although not admitted to openly by the State Assembly. Drohn would emerge from their domicile and out onto a quaint street on the outskirts of the city known as Utramix, the second largest city on Petromine, and they would walk down the street, waiving to their neighbors that they passed. Drohn would finally reach the transit stop at the end of the street where about 5 others would be waiting as well, and not long after, the bus would arrive. Stepping up into the crowded bus, it would begin to make its way to the local transit center, about a 15 minute ride for Drohn, who during the time, would still be listening to the daily news.
The bus would slow to a halt, and the crowd onboard would file into the transit center just as the next train to the city center arrived. Drohn would stare at the throngs of people crowding onto the train and would look down to see what time it was and, having noted that he was early today, would decide to wait for the next train. Finding a seat to settle into, Drohn would begin to tunnel vision into their viewscreen, and would not notice the people beginning to run from the platform area just below where they were sitting. It wouldn't be until a blinding light would fill the transit hall as the roof would cave in in an explosive moment. Drohn wouldn't be able to see, but was able to hear the sirens wailing within the station. Stunned and blinded, it would seem like an eternity until they heard voices calling for them to follow, identifying themselves as local police, Drohn would follow, and would soon be back into the darkness of the caverns of the suburb. Perplexed, Drohn would stumble home, reaching out to friends, family, and their place of employment, Drohn would confirm that they were okay.
Drohn kept thinking throughout it all, what in the world had happened? They had heard rumors of similar instances across the planet, but Drohn thought that could never happen here. But as they settled back into their residence and turned on the central viewscreen, the local news would be reporting on similar instances occurring all over the planet, with scientists and geologists throwing around the possibility that the extensive mining and inhabitation of Petromine may have destabilized the planet too much, but nothing was confirmed. Drohn, now filled with a flood of fear and horror could only think, what was going to happen next.
INTERMISSION: THE STARS, OUR HOME
~
The Aurelian Empire continues its infinite march of expansion across Garellia's vast expanses.
In the last few months, orbital stations and colony ships have popped up within the Frontiers and more - the colonies of the Empire have also received a hefty amount of Aurem to continue development. The Imperial Guilds are beginning to take notice of the impoverished zone... and seeing that the hungry and malnourished aren't exactly the pinnacle of "The Emperor's Mandate," it is then promptly decided that it's a good idea to help the fringes out a bit.
The drug epidemic that had filled many a planet of the Empire was to stop right here, right now. An almost Empire-wide crackdown of the Warrens and their deregulated markets occurred; putting Elder-aligned factions on high alert whilst sweeps of Aurelia's rend vents were underway.
+750
War for the Core: The End of Neutrality
Night Watch was flanked by a Thestral Union banner on one side and a new banner not seen before on the other side. This banner appeared black and had white crosses similar to those on the Union Flag. The stars became yellow, and in the center was an eclipsed sun. Night Watch herself was in a suit. Night Watch said with a relatively neutral expression as she had a lot of bad news after this one bit of good news.
"Greetings, Executor. We have successfully ended the rebellion in New Aquillia, but that is not what I am here to talk about. This concerns the war your government started in the Core."
Night Watch's face switched to that of a frown.
"Your government's declaration of war on them has put us into a tough situation. We are in considerable economic debt to the Orwellians through the DOLOS AEC. Following the Thestral-Colonial War, our nations took part in, we purchased these ships from them. However, they did not arrive until after the war; there were thousands of ships. We are in significant economic debt to them...."
She says with a sigh.
"It is to the point that paying our debt indirectly supports their side of the war against you, and I want to change that. We've had enough of them using our money to fight you. We want to help you fight them. I am sick of our Bits being sent to them only to be used to fuel their war machine and help kill your people in this war. We like your people; we can't stand staying neutral when part of my citizens' taxes will help them fight you, our ally. We can't stand it. We want to end our neutrality and join the alliance to fight the Orwellian."
A Frank Change of Views || 
Balisi
“The pleasure is ours, Xaluna. I am Ambassador Letcher. Both myself and my compatriot, Ambassador Harrison, represent the interests of my people in this encounter.”
Saharian diplomats were the most prepared when dealing with nonhumans. Still, there was a lingering, almost primal sense of discomfort when looking at a posthuman. It was… unnatural. There wasn’t really another word to describe it. Still, there was no indication of this on Henry’s face nor the Commodore’s. The Commodore in particular had seen worse disfigurations fighting on behalf of the Republic. He was the next one to speak, perhaps rudely taking the spotlight suddenly from the diplomats.
“I am Commodore Ivano. The Altrus Starhold and its many services are yours to use as you please. So long as you respect our laws and values, I can ensure that both myself and my station will offer you the same respect in kind..!”
Saharian Commodores are an odd breed. Commodores are on-par with Rear Admirals in the hierarchy of Rank, but were specifically placed in charge of starbases. This usually meant they spent the entirety of their career in charge of a single starbase, becoming a huge part of its growth and development. Many of them subscribed to a strange culture of ownership, seeing their Starhold as their own independent domain among the stars. Being in space too long is known to cause… strange quirks in personality.
Trying his best to maintain hospitality and grant the Commodore some credit, Letcher picked up. “As I understand, it was a sizeable journey to arrive here. However, my colleagues and I have plenty of time. Should you wish to take the time to settle in, Ivano can surely accommodate. However, I understand if you wish to get straight to business. The course of action is yours to decide, Xaluna.”
War for the Core: The End of Neutrality || FreeAmericanStates
Night Watch did not need to explain the situation to Ellecon. He and Central Command were already acutely aware of the situation. With Saharia being at war with Orellia, and the Thestral Union indebted to Orellia - and thus, through paying off debt, feeding their war machine - one of the Republic’s supposed allies was funding their enemies’ war efforts. It was brutally ironic, and perhaps poetic towards many of the critics of the two nations’ mutual alliance. And it made Ellecon feel a certain kind of anger. Betrayal, but not quite. He couldn’t pin it down.
Ellecon closed his bright blue eyes for a moment, trying not to show his teeth as he held his breath. Rarely did Ellecon take pause during conversation to collect himself, to think on what he should say. He was fighting his emotions, fighting the urge to say things he would certainly regret.
What was the point of this call? Did Night Watch call to beg for his forgiveness? Surely they had no intent to actually declare war. It was indescribably frustrating as Ellecon thought more about it.
Did the Thestral Union opt to buy ships from the Republic when it needed them? It did not. It purchased from DOLOS AEC, despite Saharia’s biggest hypernautics corporations begging for contracts during and after the war. Sure, it would have taken longer to produce the ships needed. The deal would have been slightly worse for the Union’s sake in the moment. Clearly, they did not care.
Did the Thestral Union respect Saharia’s desire to govern all children of Man? It did not. Saharian diplomats had to effectively bribe the Thestral Union away from securing any planets of the Sovereign Colonies. Many planets which Saharians and Saharians alone fought and died to liberate.
It is evident to any observer that the Thestral Union - and any hopes for a future Equissian Empire - would not exist if it was not for Saharian sacrifice. The Union owes the Republic for its very existence - or at least, that’s how Ellecon and many of his compatriots saw it. And this will have been the third time that the Union has found itself stabbing the Republic in the back. Ellecon was boiling over the President’s crocodile tears.
He knew what he was about to say was idiotic. Foolish. He didn’t care. It needed to be said.
“--Do you take us for a bunch of fools, President?--”
War for the Core: The End of Neutrality
Night Watch can only stand there, shocked by what she has heard.
"No, I don't. I just thought you could tell I was not lying."
She opens her desk drawer to her desk and pulls out two pieces of parchment. As the translators translated what was written on it
Thestral Declaration of War on the Orwellia Coalition
Anti Debt Coercion Act
The Anti Debt Coercion Act, which the Executor can see in more detail, proposes that any nation allied with the Thestral Union, regardless of the type of military alliance, takes precedence over any debts the Union has. This means that if a nation finds itself at war with any of our allies, the Union will suspend all debt payments to them for the duration of the war. If the war results in the nation's dissolution, the Union will consider the debt paid, unless it was owed to another entity prior to the war.
"These bills narrowly passed in Congress. They have both delegates and senators, but both cases support this. I support these bills. I called you because I do not know if the Thestral Union joining would help your military strategy. I called you because I can veto these bills. If you believe your nation in this war would be better off with us stating neutral, I will veto it. If not, I will sign it."
She sighs, "Regardless of that, we are currently trying to find another company Orwellia will agree to sell our debt to so we do not help them anymore, even indirectly, who would give them as bad of a deal as possible as we have been ignoring our debt instead every single bit ever since the war started which officially was going to go to them we have put towards fixing our ships and making new designs and ensuring we have our fleets ready to defend you so we can fulfill our obligation to defend you I know we are not obligated to help your government in this war as you declared it, but I do not care we owe it to your nation to do what we can to try to help. We never meant for this to happen; only recently did we finish rebuilding our navy completely so that we could start paying. We are willing to give away ships for your navy. We are willing to give you all of the Frigates. We purchased all 50,000 of them for, say, 20,000 bits per year lent to your government. It might take considerable time for your crew to train them, but it could be helpful. We will be willing to send volunteers to help train crew for such ships so you can at least use them faster."
She frowns more as she adds.
"If not, please tell me what we can do to help?"
War for the Core: The End of Neutrality || FreeAmericanStates
The Executor’s eyes only narrowed as the President went on her tirade. To say Ellecon was dissatisfied and disappointed would be a dramatic understatement. More promises. That’s all this was. As if a national leader would rely on another’s opinion to veto legislative bills of such magnitude. He had a voice in the back of his head, reminding him that he was overcome with emotion - that the words that were about to come out of his mouth would be a mistake. And yet, he willingly ignored it. One of few times in his life where he did not step down. Ellecon was through with this charade.
And for a second time in a few minutes, Ellecon just had to pause. To process. Mouth barely open, eyes narrow. Night Watch could see the borderline disgust in his eyes. And then, unsettlingly, Ellecon cracked a small smile. And began to laugh lightly. “You just don’t understand, do you? Surely you do think lowly of me. I cannot fathom another reason. This is asinine.”
His voice had a tinge of venom. “I am far more aware of your people’s situation than you give me credit for, President. I am not living in a vacuum here on Edekar; I am acutely aware of any particular nation’s situation on a daily basis. The Thestral Union is in no position to pursue conflict on any magnitude. Regardless of what your politicians say - regardless of what they want - you are ill-prepared. In fact, it is you who lacks perspective. Not me.--”
“--Sending that level of support would be seen as an act of war by any. And your nation is in no position to provide even a fraction of it. Furthermore, the Union’s currency is taking untold damage by its failure to properly repay debt - a menace to the international or not, the Union not paying back owed debt is scaring away investment in a time where it is desperately needed. If it truly is by your people’s intention to pass legislation which openly announces its refusal to pay, international trade to your people will collapse.--”
He chuckled again, before continuing. “--And you seem to think that selling the debt to a third-party addresses the issue you claim to truly care about? The Orellians still get the money at the end of the day! Do you not see? Do you not see how it is so brutally evident that all your people are doing is trying to save face? You don’t want to be seen as a benefactor of evil. Damn the results, hah..! So long as you look better in the mirror. Shameful.--” He shook his head, those last words rolling through mirth as it left his tongue. “--I see right through you.--”
“--My forgiveness is worthless to you. So I will tell you what you really came here for. I’ll speak the words you have been waiting on.--”
“--This is not the Union’s hour to be at war. Your people must pay back the debt in full, and maintain complete neutrality. Refusing to do so will set back the Union’s ascension yearsfold. You have been granted the fortune to choose to be free from this enveloping conflict, right when the Union needs it most. I suggest that you take it.--” He almost seemed to spit those last syllables out.
Heaven forbid Ellecon ends a rant too early. “--And know this - Saharia will continue to pledge support for the Thestral Union when the time comes to erase the Solar Empire. But know that I do not continue to support the Union for its sake. No. The way I see it, President, is that a war between the Union and the Solar Empire is wholly inevitable. There will not be a peaceful resolution. And when the war comes, it will be hopelessly one-sided in your favor. I pledge Saharia’s military support because we can turn a war that will last seven weeks, into a war that will last seven hours.--”
“--Saharia has the most powerful military force the galaxy has witnessed in recent memory. We can see to the defeat of the Solar Empire in such short order that the death toll for your people - and its myriad species residing in the Empire - will be brought to an order of magnitude less than it would have been, should we remain agnostic. And it will be done at the cost of more of my people’s lives. I dare even a Solarian to offer you a deal better than that.--”
Ellecon needed a few seconds to breathe. Closing his eyes, imminent regret beginning to build in the bottom of his mind. Five seconds, which felt like a hundred. “--The Union should not be part of this conflict. Your focus, as leader, right now, should be ensuring that reconstruction finishes as planned. As long as I remain Executor, I can guarantee that a future war with the Solar Empire will see our involvement.--”
His emotions seemed to fade from his face within seconds; he returned to the same stoic pose that he started the call with. “--Is there anything else you want from me?--”
Peaceable Assembly
On the other hand, the Zerg would place the Culture's new embassy on Tyrador - the hybrid world both inhabited by the Swarm and its "vassals" alike. Requirements for Zerg life to be sustained were sent over to the GCV Starved for Affection - these requirements turned out to be surprisingly flexible and minimal in nature. Most of the Swarm could live off creep; a nutrient-supplying organic goop.
After the knowledge that other vessels from the Culture would be distributed to the Zerg vassals was distributed to said vassals, those on the destroyer could finally get back to business.
As for what the Zerg desired, all they really wanted was information - information on the Culture and their miracles of genetic engineering. Zerg strains become more and more inflexible the more specialized they are; this can be seen in all, from the humble Zergling to the Ultralisk. Once diverged, it becomes incredibly more difficult to "morph" the form and function of such an organism.
In exchange, the Zerg Dominion was more than happy to allow the Culture to extract resources from the Oort clouds and other sources that the Zerg had no current interest of obtaining. Whilst that might change in the very, very far future, for now the Dominion was more than happy to leave the Culture be.
L O N G L I V E H O N A L U L U & H E R P E O P L E !
- G. 23XX
[Kalena Georgian: 23XX]
Honalulu: Age of Exploration
______
- Feidalus
Feisen Republic
| RP: The ISF: Meeting the Feisens |
Once the pressure between the ship and the Feidalus harmonized with each other. The airlock doors of the Huaka'i opened and out came 6 personnel. 5 of them dressed in military uniforms, though having left their helmets behind inside the ship.
Though Hone would be the only one dressed in a suit with a tie.
The uniforms were colored in black and white, with the flag of the nation on the shoulders under their insignia’s.
Hone: “I don’t have to speak in that many languages now do I?” he asked as he fidgets around with his tie, before raising his arm in order to shake hands, “Anyways, greetings I— hrrk!” his lungs let out air as Valentine hugs him.
Helina: “I guess Mr. Hone expected that personal space was a concept extraterrestrial lifeforms respected and upheld. Not the case no more,” she giggled with the rest of the crew. The crew a bit more prepared to receive a hug when Hone was caught off guard by it. Hone loosened the tie around his collar a bit so as to not suffocate under it. Ties were really meant for only formal meetings between people and not quite for a more casual meeting.
Hone: “Apologies I was caught off guard by the greeting gesture, it’s lovely to meet you Ms. Valentine and Ms. Sarah,” he says more prepared for Sarah’s hug, though him and the crew were uncomfortable or at least it was a bit hard and awkward to receive and give a hug with Sarah’s armor and gear all in the way.
Hone: “Well I thank you for welcoming us to Feidalus, would love a tour around before getting straight to paperwork,”
Captain: “We will stay back and do some repairs and recalibrations on the ship, you can go around without us,”
Hone: “Very well then, Helina would you care to join us?”
Helina: “Sure I can come,” she says.
Hone: “Alright then, you may lead the way Ms. Valentine,” he said.
A Call from the North || Keres
Lee had rehearsed this thoroughly. He made sure to pause and take a deep breath before speaking boldly and confidently, a speech similar to the one he practiced onboard the ISF station in front of his friends and colleagues.
“The ISF is an organization dedicated to international cooperation, diplomacy, and furthering mutual goals of the various star-nations of the galaxy. Any nation wishing to join the ISF or seek association status will be granted an open door to open-contact with dozens of member nations and streamline any and all communication. For many years now, the ISF has allowed both members and non-members alike to establish peaceful lines of communication with the governments of the Forum’s members.”
“Furthermore, the ISF itself works to establish galactic standards and precedents. Every member is granted the chance to propose and vote upon legislation which will apply to every member state. In this way, small nations and large nations are given one vote - thus providing an equal platform for all members. It does not favor or prioritize the major nations in any way.”
“Lastly, there is the IGCSP. Although inextricably linked to the ISF itself, it is a standalone organization whose membership does not demand or necessitate membership in the ISF. The Intergalactic Committee for Standards and Protocols focuses purely on elements of economy and transportation, providing vital information and standardization to international exchanges and movement between nations. It does not enforce any particular standard, but it is certainly encouraged. At the very least, all members of the IGCSP are able to effectively streamline the movement of goods, services, people, and communication between nations and third-party entities.”
What Lee had just outlined was not dissimilar to the concept of a league of nations. Regardless of the risks associated with subjecting Keres to any form of international law which may come into conflict with their own, simply exploring it as an option is guaranteed to open the nation’s eyes to the galaxy as a whole. Nearly every burning question Keres has about the political situation of the galaxy could be answered with a single diplomatic mission to the InterStellar Forum.
Not to mention the possibility of boosting Kereian relevancy in international politics. Should they go ‘the whole nine yards,’ and seek membership, they could vote on legislation with a weight on-par with the superpowers.
Detente || 
The Breen
“...Look at the size of that thing!” The pilot of the humble Saharian shuttle had never seen something so enormous in his life. His diplomat compatriots, standing on either side of the pilot’s seat, looked on with mixed expressions. William Lee, the nation’s most elite diplomat, wasn’t as surprised. He was well informed about how the Breen presented themselves. Still, there was an unshakeable, megalophobic reaction to seeing such a massive construct materialize from nothing. It was impossible to put something so large into perspective without seeing it firsthand.
“Well… seems like the Breen were scared of our little shuttle,” Lee’s former student, Joseph Allen, remarked. Trying his best to lighten the mood, right as the pilot noticed an incoming transmission. He read it aloud to the others. There was a brief silence.
“I suppose… prepare for landing,” Lee said.
---
The Republic shuttle cut engines, and the pilot lowered the landing gear. The characteristic backswept wings of the YnH-60 folded forwards to now point ahead. Three short landing legs deployed from the ventral side, as if the craft was attempting to land upon nothingness. Surely, they thought, the Breen would take care of the rest…
Night Watch looked at him there was nothing but a pained expression on her face. She felt like she wanted to die as the Executor spoke more and more harshly. She was literally trembling.
"I see."
She said with the most downtrodden look the Executor has ever seen.
"I just got to know one thing. A Thestral was serving under one of your ships named Ensign Shadow. We have not gotten any reports from her in a while, and her family is genuinely concerned, including me. Can you please find out what is going on?"
She decides it might be best to neglect mention how they are related and how Ensign Shadow is her First Cousin.
*slogs out of depths*
*Klaxon blares*
90 percent data recovery complete. Following data lost: Card information, polls information, wonders information, some telegram items. Restoration process complete.
New Saharia and Keres
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