Post by EmperorMyric on Mar 21, 2021 19:59:12 GMT
The 1st Albahth fleet of the Thallaj Travellers had been sent to make first contact with the ‘Dectrose’ from the information the Dirge had given the Travellers. They made their way towards the system and begun to exit back into real space under the guiding eye of the fleet’s AI.
The silence on the flagship’s bridge was broken by the AI vocalizing; “Be advised, we are being pulled out of FTL by unidentified interdiction.” The same message was sent to the officers’ implants, the vocalization primarily being for aesthetic or non-implanted races aboard the ships.
Rear Admiral Yousef mentally gave the AI his orders, to be relayed to the crews of the other ships before vocally ordering his own bridge with the same orders: “On entry into the system, ready weapons and prepare to fire on the source of interdiction on my word.” Yousef hoped that it wasn’t necessary, but even a green soldier knows it’s a bad idea to pick a fight inside enemy territory, let alone unknown enemy territory. If he was provoked, he would have his fleet leave as fast as possible.
As the rear admiral finished his thoughts the ship began violently shaking as the quantum tether began to degenerate. They would exit FTL violently and quickly and must utilize all available thrust to maintain control of their ships, lest they end up spread out – a dangerous move even if done with intent. The AI vocalized once again, this time to the entire ship, “Interdiction attempt will be successful in approximately 30 seconds, brace for drop”. The crew strapped in as the shaking only got worse, the advanced construction materials of the Travellers groaning loudly in protest as the ships lost connection to their desired destination.
The AI vocalized the remaining time in increments of 5 seconds, reaching half way through vocalizing ‘Dropping’ before the fleet was flung haphazardly back into space, a massive explosion of light and energy reaching outwards from the fleet’s collective former warp bubble. Yousef watched the chaos as several frigates burned full thrust to move out of the way of a logistics battleship tumbling sideways across space, its crew burning to stop the violent movement and gain control of the massive hunk of metal once again.
As the ships moved back into fleet formation their batteries turned towards the interdiction tower, armed and prepared to fire at the rear admiral’s command, though he sat stoic as he observed the space around them.
All had been silent at the James Murray Border Guard Station, with the shift change having been performed a few hours ago, and several of the Technical Officers had stopped in the breakroom to gather coffee and snacks, when a station-wide alarm began to blare loudly "Unidentified ships incoming, Interdiction Operational, Activating Interdiction, Prepare for Arrival" Crew rushed to their stations, and all Weapons and EW Suites activated. It had been a few weeks since the Imperial Border Guard had set up Interdiction Stations around the Dectrose Empire's Borders, and it was done as an attempt to control the flow of ships entering and exiting the Empire, as well as serving as the first line of defense against invasion.
The James Murray Station lit up, and the Warden Commander of the station came up to the Command Center, Plano Ezaki surveyed the situation, and a countdown to the arrival had ticked down to the last seconds "Raise Shields. Prepare to open Communications on command". Once the ships burst back into realspace, Ezaki watched the controlled chaos unfolded, before nodding to his Communications Officer. "Unknown Vessels, you are at the border of Dectrose Empire's space, state your identities and your business here. Hostilities will not occur unless you provoke it by firing on us."
Tension ran high aboard the fleet’s flagship, the crew ready to fire when ordered before the transmission came through, played through the bridge speakers. As the transmission finished, the bridge crew turned to look at the admiral questioningly, a silent question “What are we doing?”.
Yousef answered by leaning towards his console, enunciating his words in a transmission directed back towards the station. “This is rear admiral Yousef of the Thallaj Travellers, we obtained your information from an alien race that called themselves the ‘Dirge’. We are here to make first contact with your race, preferably a peaceful one.”
He sat back and sent the transmission off, the rest of the fleet listening in on the conversation with interest.
Ezaki waited, and received a transmission back, playing it and placing his finger inquisitively on his chin. He looked around the Command Center, and he knew that it was his play. If he had ordered an attack, he likely would instigate a war with not only these Travellers, but of the Dirge as well. And so far as he knew things where neutral between the Dectrose and them. "Rear Admiral Yousef, this is Warden Commander Ezaki. As far as we are aware the Dirge gave us no prior warning to your arrival. We apologize for any damages or injuries caused due to this lack of communication."
He paused, long enough to power down weapons "Please maneuver your ships into the designated zone at Vector 325, .3 AU from this Station, and prepare a shuttle to depart to Docking Bay 3. A Guard will accompany you to the Meeting Room we have onboard as we contact Kaikoma for an Admiral to oversee the First Contact." With a nod, the Comms Officer relayed the message back to Kaikoma, and asked them for an Admiral to come to the station as soon as possible.
Yousef acknowledged the transmission and ordered the fleet to proceed to the designated zone, and to discharge weapons but maintain active sensor scans.
Once in position, the admiral and his appointed royal guard unit boarded a combat shuttle enroute to the station. A short and relatively uneventful flight was followed by mechanical sounds and the hiss of an airlock as docking was completed. The admiral and his guard detail crossed the threshold onto alien territory. Ezaki made to move off the Command Center when an EW Officer piped up "Sir, they have Active Scanning operational." To which he replied "Inform them to switch to Passive, as Active Scanning is invasive and not condoned." And with that, Ezaki entered the elevator, as the Officer transmitted to the fleet "Be Advised: Your Active Scanning is considered an invasive action, please switch over to Passive Scanning please."
Ezaki himself soon arrived to the docking bay, as an ISF Rear Admiral arrived to perform the diplomatic meeting. Taking a shuttle from the Peremptory, Rear Admiral Saber soon landed in the bay as well, and now that both where there, they approached Yousef and saluted. "Yousef, glad you're here. Shall we move to someplace more.. Quiet?" Saber asked, as Ezaki quickly pulled up the station's map and nodded one he set a waypoint, though he awaited Yousef's agreement first.
"This is T.M.N. Omaira to James Murry station. We will not halt active scanning as our safety and the safety of our admiral relies on our continued vigilance. We hope you can understand that you are unknown to us and we are in your territory, we mean no offense but will maintain our scanning to ensure we have full visibility of the space around us."
The response was assertive but diplomatic, his tone making it clear that they would not back down though also that he did not wish there to be any conflict over the issue.
The officers knew that they were in a perilous position, amplified by the fact that their admiral had boarded the Dectrose's facility. They had decided to board as a show of good will, hopefully the Dectrose would show the same. If they didn't, it would get messy quite fast but the officers of the fleet were loyal to Yousef and would refuse to put him in any further danger than necessary.
In the Command Center, the Executive Warden came up to the Comms Officer, who relayed the message to him. The room fell silent as they awaited Buckner's response, until he spoke softly "Allow them to continue then, there isn't much here that they could gain useful data from. We're a Guard Station, not a Dockyard." As the Comms Officer replied to the T.M.N. Omaira "Affirmative, you may continue your scanning."
Saber stood there, tapping his hip as if getting impatient, though Ezaki held a calm, reassuring expression "Would you like to discuss any diplomatic endeavors here or in the comfort of the Meeting Room onboard this station?"
Yousef acknowledged the pair, noting their contrasting demeanors; "Lead the way, Commander Ezaki."
He turned to Saber, responding to his impatient look with a humorous tone; "And you would be?".
Ezaki gave a pleased look as he lead the way, though Saber appeared to turn red, grinding his teeth but remaining quiet until he appeared to cool down "I am Rear Admiral Saber, and I am in charge of this sector until my request for transfer is complete. Then I shall have other things to watch for." Unknown to Yousef, Saber hated this position, he had at one time been in complete control of the Dectrose Empire, but now he has been disgraced and dishonored by being demoted all the way down to Rear Admiral. The thought stung at him constantly, but as with everything involving Saber, things where deeper then they appeared.
After walking for a while, and making several turns, Ezaki opened the door to the Meeting Room. As standard, there was a wonderfully polished Tungsten table with a wide oval of dark wood in the center, with a dull, inactive-looking ball of some sort in the direct middle. Ezaki tapped it as he passed, the ball turning orange and displaying a holographic cover over the table for a moment before it returned into the ball.
"Now then" Saber said "Shall we move on to business?"
“Lets” Yousef responded as he sat down.
“As you now know, we are the Thallaj Travellers and I am Rear Admiral Yousef. We have already established that we are not here to wage war and destruction, and from our encounter today it is clear that nor are the Dectrose. In light of that, I am open to any questions regarding our empire or our ambitions that you may have.”
Yousef shifted in the chair casually, running a hand over his tied black hair as he continued speaking.
“As for yourselves, I would be interested in learning a little bit about the Dectrose and your ambitions… As a collective, of course. Oh, and before I forget, what was that you did with the orb over there?” Yousef motioned towards the centre of the table questioningly.
Ezaki, getting comfortable in his chair, nodded to Yousef "I activated the AVD Node in the middle of the table, it's a holographic projection and multi-use device, able to receive data, project maps, display holographic forms of official documents, record audio and video data, and a multitude of other purposes. You could say our entire Empire depends on such a device in order to control and maintain order across our thriving civilization."
Saber tapped his fingers as Ezaki droned on, and held his hand up to him to change the subject. "Now, in response to your statement, the Dectrose Empire simply wishes to expand, gain information and advance our own technology.. As well as maintain close relationships with our.. Allies. We take no pleasure in waging wars or attacking others, however if we believe we are under threat or are subject to forms of aggression we will strike back with our full force." He slammed his fist on the table, as if to drive home the last sentence, before he relaxed and crossed his arms. "Though do tell us, what do the Thallaj Travellers wish to do with their civilization? What are your goals?"
“Fascinating, such a device sounds quite helpful. Do you have a portable version? Are these AVDs networked across your empire or simply localized devices?” Yousef’s tone was one of genuine curiosity, a trait that had both served him well and managed to lead him into danger in past years.
“I do hope, though, that the slam of the fist was not the show off full force that you refer to, Admiral Saber" he said jokingly as he looked at both the men in company; “We are... similar in approach. Our empire is founded and improved on a basis of extreme technological advancement. To call us militaristic would likely include undue aggressive behaviors, which we do not have, yet it is an adequate descriptor. I can tell you from experience that when wronged, our emperor does not like to ‘talk it out’.”
A hum of agreement was made by one of the guards standing nearby. “You see? It’s quite common knowledge.” Yousef motioned towards the offending guard as he spoke.
Ezaki was happy to explain, whereas Saber quietly seethed at the remark "Oh yes, it is the AVD Node, it's portable and still able to do all of the same functions easily" He pulled one from his pocket and demonstrated it to Yousef, before tapping it off and placing it back in his pocket "As well, the AVDs are linked throughout the empire, anything it sees or hears or has access to is distributed in the network, though such a system uses an IDC, or Identification Chip, to only accept authorized access. Anyone else cannot even turn it on."
Though at this time, with the mention of technological advancement, Saber perked up again "As a matter of fact, the Dectrose are not much different in that aspect, we strive for more advanced technology and greater understanding of technologies that can benefit us. We are also prepared to put science first in several areas, as to quickly advance our own technology. Perhaps in the future we can do something involving our technologies?" He looked down at his arm for a moment, as if distracted, as his pupil glowed faintly, before looking up as if slightly distressed.
"So, Yousef, what did you wish to accomplish at this meeting? Would you like to trade maps and generalized borders as well as contact information if we need to reach you in the future? Or did you have something else in mind, say a Non-Aggression Pact?"
"Well, aside from insight into the inhabitants of this galaxy, we had no specific goals for the meeting. Non Aggression pacts are relatively useless in practicality, though a nice gesture nonetheless. That said, I am wary of a pact at such an early time as the only information I have on your empire and allegiances are from yourselves, and I'd rather not begin the process to potentially ally an empire that may turn out to be less desirable than they claim. I'm sure you understand." Yousef looking to the two men to gauge their reaction before he continued "As for maps, we don't have much to offer since we've only just arrived but we're happy enough to update your star charts with our location, provided you do the same. Any additional information would be greatly appreciated, though not necessarily expected."
"You do seem to be in a hurry though, Admiral. Is something the matter?" he said inquisitively.
Saber stood up, looking more pale then usual, and moved to exit the room "I'll return momentarily, Imperial politics, as you can understand. Ezaki, you know the First Contact Protocol, I'll be right back" Saber then exited, as Ezaki raised his brow at the door, looking confused as well, before turning to Yousef "Please excuse Rear Admiral Saber, he's been having a difficult time recently. Though I must ask, why do you refuse the Non-Aggression Pact? It's slightly worrying that you would wish to remain in a position where at the drop of a pin you could become hostile in a galactic environment."
Ezaki then shifted to lean on the table with his arm "As for the maps, we can easily do so, though we'd like to know where you'd wish us to try to contact you, or certain frequencies, contacts that are assigned to the Dectrose, etc." Then suddenly, a burst of yelling came from the direction out of the door, before it quieted down, and Ezaki began to look more worried.
"If the issues outside are of importance, commander, I am happy to wait." Yousef smiled patiently. "As for the Non Agression pact, it's not that I want to be able to declare war but about how little we know. I am willing to sign a pact with certain terms written in. Specifically terms that ensure we won't be caught out in a lie, if you're not who you say you are." Yousef looked at the table and shook his head thoughtfully.
"I can see how this seems distrustful, even slightly hostile but I assure you, we only want the best outcome and we're happy to move forward in a beneficial and trusting relationship once we learn more about this galaxy and its inhabitants."
"In regards to diplomatic contact, I will forward the necessary frequencies to contact us. I have been assigned to handle diplomatic affairs. I'm not sure whether I will have an associate for future negotiations, that remains to be seen."
Ezaki subsided, taking the NAP on the holographic display and swiped it with a finger from the table, looking up and giving a barely noticeable sigh "That's acceptable, just means we will have to build the trust between our nations. The contact you would likely need for the Dectrose is simply any IBG Station around the Dectrose's borders, and then the planet Kaikoma. It's currently the major port for all extra-imperial trade and business." Saber then walked in, took a seat, and looked at the contact information, as well as the dismissal of the NAP.
He sat quiet, and Ezaki piped up again "Yousef, other then the trade of contact information, would you like to trade anything else or are you satisfied?"
Yousef shifted in the seat, turning the chair slightly before speaking. "I am indeed satisfied. This has been a pleasant diplomatic session. I do truly hope you understand our hesitance about a non-aggression pact and that we can soon sign that and more, for the benefit of both our nations."
"I am happy to bid you men farewell, if that is all on the agenda..?" Yousef said in a genuinely questioning manner as he nodded towards the two men.
Saber simply nodded, bringing up his AVD node to give orders to his ship, before looking to Ezaki "I'd appreciate it if you where to give Yousef here the pleasantries, I have a very urgent operation to attend to" He swiped his AVD node towards Ezaki, before Saber stood up and gave a stern look to Ezaki "And that, is a Direct Order." Before leaving and leaving Ezaki and Yousef alone.
After a few moments, Ezaki stood up and looked over to Yousef "It was very nice to meet you and your Thallaj, I hope future meetings will be more fruitful, and we can discuss further opportunities in the future, I apologize for Rear Admiral Saber's... Mannerisms. You see, he's had quite a rough time recently, some political things I don't want to get into, that's exactly why I'm out here and not in the core planets." He sighed, placing a small, weighted wooden totem on the table, it had a tribal look to it, with several depictions of the stars.
He pointed at the stars inscribed on it "It's a totem for safe travels, before the Dectrose found us, the stars where our guide, and the Star of Tikkun was the most important, guiding our warriors on safe paths. If you ever feel lost, and don't know where to go or what to do, make sure that you, and only you hold onto this totem, and you will certainly find your way through the stars."
He gave a smile "It's a small gift, but one I think your kind will cherish. Please accept my gift to you, and should you ever need a friend, or a safe harbor, you will find it at my station."
The silence on the flagship’s bridge was broken by the AI vocalizing; “Be advised, we are being pulled out of FTL by unidentified interdiction.” The same message was sent to the officers’ implants, the vocalization primarily being for aesthetic or non-implanted races aboard the ships.
Rear Admiral Yousef mentally gave the AI his orders, to be relayed to the crews of the other ships before vocally ordering his own bridge with the same orders: “On entry into the system, ready weapons and prepare to fire on the source of interdiction on my word.” Yousef hoped that it wasn’t necessary, but even a green soldier knows it’s a bad idea to pick a fight inside enemy territory, let alone unknown enemy territory. If he was provoked, he would have his fleet leave as fast as possible.
As the rear admiral finished his thoughts the ship began violently shaking as the quantum tether began to degenerate. They would exit FTL violently and quickly and must utilize all available thrust to maintain control of their ships, lest they end up spread out – a dangerous move even if done with intent. The AI vocalized once again, this time to the entire ship, “Interdiction attempt will be successful in approximately 30 seconds, brace for drop”. The crew strapped in as the shaking only got worse, the advanced construction materials of the Travellers groaning loudly in protest as the ships lost connection to their desired destination.
The AI vocalized the remaining time in increments of 5 seconds, reaching half way through vocalizing ‘Dropping’ before the fleet was flung haphazardly back into space, a massive explosion of light and energy reaching outwards from the fleet’s collective former warp bubble. Yousef watched the chaos as several frigates burned full thrust to move out of the way of a logistics battleship tumbling sideways across space, its crew burning to stop the violent movement and gain control of the massive hunk of metal once again.
As the ships moved back into fleet formation their batteries turned towards the interdiction tower, armed and prepared to fire at the rear admiral’s command, though he sat stoic as he observed the space around them.
All had been silent at the James Murray Border Guard Station, with the shift change having been performed a few hours ago, and several of the Technical Officers had stopped in the breakroom to gather coffee and snacks, when a station-wide alarm began to blare loudly "Unidentified ships incoming, Interdiction Operational, Activating Interdiction, Prepare for Arrival" Crew rushed to their stations, and all Weapons and EW Suites activated. It had been a few weeks since the Imperial Border Guard had set up Interdiction Stations around the Dectrose Empire's Borders, and it was done as an attempt to control the flow of ships entering and exiting the Empire, as well as serving as the first line of defense against invasion.
The James Murray Station lit up, and the Warden Commander of the station came up to the Command Center, Plano Ezaki surveyed the situation, and a countdown to the arrival had ticked down to the last seconds "Raise Shields. Prepare to open Communications on command". Once the ships burst back into realspace, Ezaki watched the controlled chaos unfolded, before nodding to his Communications Officer. "Unknown Vessels, you are at the border of Dectrose Empire's space, state your identities and your business here. Hostilities will not occur unless you provoke it by firing on us."
Tension ran high aboard the fleet’s flagship, the crew ready to fire when ordered before the transmission came through, played through the bridge speakers. As the transmission finished, the bridge crew turned to look at the admiral questioningly, a silent question “What are we doing?”.
Yousef answered by leaning towards his console, enunciating his words in a transmission directed back towards the station. “This is rear admiral Yousef of the Thallaj Travellers, we obtained your information from an alien race that called themselves the ‘Dirge’. We are here to make first contact with your race, preferably a peaceful one.”
He sat back and sent the transmission off, the rest of the fleet listening in on the conversation with interest.
Ezaki waited, and received a transmission back, playing it and placing his finger inquisitively on his chin. He looked around the Command Center, and he knew that it was his play. If he had ordered an attack, he likely would instigate a war with not only these Travellers, but of the Dirge as well. And so far as he knew things where neutral between the Dectrose and them. "Rear Admiral Yousef, this is Warden Commander Ezaki. As far as we are aware the Dirge gave us no prior warning to your arrival. We apologize for any damages or injuries caused due to this lack of communication."
He paused, long enough to power down weapons "Please maneuver your ships into the designated zone at Vector 325, .3 AU from this Station, and prepare a shuttle to depart to Docking Bay 3. A Guard will accompany you to the Meeting Room we have onboard as we contact Kaikoma for an Admiral to oversee the First Contact." With a nod, the Comms Officer relayed the message back to Kaikoma, and asked them for an Admiral to come to the station as soon as possible.
Yousef acknowledged the transmission and ordered the fleet to proceed to the designated zone, and to discharge weapons but maintain active sensor scans.
Once in position, the admiral and his appointed royal guard unit boarded a combat shuttle enroute to the station. A short and relatively uneventful flight was followed by mechanical sounds and the hiss of an airlock as docking was completed. The admiral and his guard detail crossed the threshold onto alien territory. Ezaki made to move off the Command Center when an EW Officer piped up "Sir, they have Active Scanning operational." To which he replied "Inform them to switch to Passive, as Active Scanning is invasive and not condoned." And with that, Ezaki entered the elevator, as the Officer transmitted to the fleet "Be Advised: Your Active Scanning is considered an invasive action, please switch over to Passive Scanning please."
Ezaki himself soon arrived to the docking bay, as an ISF Rear Admiral arrived to perform the diplomatic meeting. Taking a shuttle from the Peremptory, Rear Admiral Saber soon landed in the bay as well, and now that both where there, they approached Yousef and saluted. "Yousef, glad you're here. Shall we move to someplace more.. Quiet?" Saber asked, as Ezaki quickly pulled up the station's map and nodded one he set a waypoint, though he awaited Yousef's agreement first.
"This is T.M.N. Omaira to James Murry station. We will not halt active scanning as our safety and the safety of our admiral relies on our continued vigilance. We hope you can understand that you are unknown to us and we are in your territory, we mean no offense but will maintain our scanning to ensure we have full visibility of the space around us."
The response was assertive but diplomatic, his tone making it clear that they would not back down though also that he did not wish there to be any conflict over the issue.
The officers knew that they were in a perilous position, amplified by the fact that their admiral had boarded the Dectrose's facility. They had decided to board as a show of good will, hopefully the Dectrose would show the same. If they didn't, it would get messy quite fast but the officers of the fleet were loyal to Yousef and would refuse to put him in any further danger than necessary.
In the Command Center, the Executive Warden came up to the Comms Officer, who relayed the message to him. The room fell silent as they awaited Buckner's response, until he spoke softly "Allow them to continue then, there isn't much here that they could gain useful data from. We're a Guard Station, not a Dockyard." As the Comms Officer replied to the T.M.N. Omaira "Affirmative, you may continue your scanning."
Saber stood there, tapping his hip as if getting impatient, though Ezaki held a calm, reassuring expression "Would you like to discuss any diplomatic endeavors here or in the comfort of the Meeting Room onboard this station?"
Yousef acknowledged the pair, noting their contrasting demeanors; "Lead the way, Commander Ezaki."
He turned to Saber, responding to his impatient look with a humorous tone; "And you would be?".
Ezaki gave a pleased look as he lead the way, though Saber appeared to turn red, grinding his teeth but remaining quiet until he appeared to cool down "I am Rear Admiral Saber, and I am in charge of this sector until my request for transfer is complete. Then I shall have other things to watch for." Unknown to Yousef, Saber hated this position, he had at one time been in complete control of the Dectrose Empire, but now he has been disgraced and dishonored by being demoted all the way down to Rear Admiral. The thought stung at him constantly, but as with everything involving Saber, things where deeper then they appeared.
After walking for a while, and making several turns, Ezaki opened the door to the Meeting Room. As standard, there was a wonderfully polished Tungsten table with a wide oval of dark wood in the center, with a dull, inactive-looking ball of some sort in the direct middle. Ezaki tapped it as he passed, the ball turning orange and displaying a holographic cover over the table for a moment before it returned into the ball.
"Now then" Saber said "Shall we move on to business?"
“Lets” Yousef responded as he sat down.
“As you now know, we are the Thallaj Travellers and I am Rear Admiral Yousef. We have already established that we are not here to wage war and destruction, and from our encounter today it is clear that nor are the Dectrose. In light of that, I am open to any questions regarding our empire or our ambitions that you may have.”
Yousef shifted in the chair casually, running a hand over his tied black hair as he continued speaking.
“As for yourselves, I would be interested in learning a little bit about the Dectrose and your ambitions… As a collective, of course. Oh, and before I forget, what was that you did with the orb over there?” Yousef motioned towards the centre of the table questioningly.
Ezaki, getting comfortable in his chair, nodded to Yousef "I activated the AVD Node in the middle of the table, it's a holographic projection and multi-use device, able to receive data, project maps, display holographic forms of official documents, record audio and video data, and a multitude of other purposes. You could say our entire Empire depends on such a device in order to control and maintain order across our thriving civilization."
Saber tapped his fingers as Ezaki droned on, and held his hand up to him to change the subject. "Now, in response to your statement, the Dectrose Empire simply wishes to expand, gain information and advance our own technology.. As well as maintain close relationships with our.. Allies. We take no pleasure in waging wars or attacking others, however if we believe we are under threat or are subject to forms of aggression we will strike back with our full force." He slammed his fist on the table, as if to drive home the last sentence, before he relaxed and crossed his arms. "Though do tell us, what do the Thallaj Travellers wish to do with their civilization? What are your goals?"
“Fascinating, such a device sounds quite helpful. Do you have a portable version? Are these AVDs networked across your empire or simply localized devices?” Yousef’s tone was one of genuine curiosity, a trait that had both served him well and managed to lead him into danger in past years.
“I do hope, though, that the slam of the fist was not the show off full force that you refer to, Admiral Saber" he said jokingly as he looked at both the men in company; “We are... similar in approach. Our empire is founded and improved on a basis of extreme technological advancement. To call us militaristic would likely include undue aggressive behaviors, which we do not have, yet it is an adequate descriptor. I can tell you from experience that when wronged, our emperor does not like to ‘talk it out’.”
A hum of agreement was made by one of the guards standing nearby. “You see? It’s quite common knowledge.” Yousef motioned towards the offending guard as he spoke.
Ezaki was happy to explain, whereas Saber quietly seethed at the remark "Oh yes, it is the AVD Node, it's portable and still able to do all of the same functions easily" He pulled one from his pocket and demonstrated it to Yousef, before tapping it off and placing it back in his pocket "As well, the AVDs are linked throughout the empire, anything it sees or hears or has access to is distributed in the network, though such a system uses an IDC, or Identification Chip, to only accept authorized access. Anyone else cannot even turn it on."
Though at this time, with the mention of technological advancement, Saber perked up again "As a matter of fact, the Dectrose are not much different in that aspect, we strive for more advanced technology and greater understanding of technologies that can benefit us. We are also prepared to put science first in several areas, as to quickly advance our own technology. Perhaps in the future we can do something involving our technologies?" He looked down at his arm for a moment, as if distracted, as his pupil glowed faintly, before looking up as if slightly distressed.
"So, Yousef, what did you wish to accomplish at this meeting? Would you like to trade maps and generalized borders as well as contact information if we need to reach you in the future? Or did you have something else in mind, say a Non-Aggression Pact?"
"Well, aside from insight into the inhabitants of this galaxy, we had no specific goals for the meeting. Non Aggression pacts are relatively useless in practicality, though a nice gesture nonetheless. That said, I am wary of a pact at such an early time as the only information I have on your empire and allegiances are from yourselves, and I'd rather not begin the process to potentially ally an empire that may turn out to be less desirable than they claim. I'm sure you understand." Yousef looking to the two men to gauge their reaction before he continued "As for maps, we don't have much to offer since we've only just arrived but we're happy enough to update your star charts with our location, provided you do the same. Any additional information would be greatly appreciated, though not necessarily expected."
"You do seem to be in a hurry though, Admiral. Is something the matter?" he said inquisitively.
Saber stood up, looking more pale then usual, and moved to exit the room "I'll return momentarily, Imperial politics, as you can understand. Ezaki, you know the First Contact Protocol, I'll be right back" Saber then exited, as Ezaki raised his brow at the door, looking confused as well, before turning to Yousef "Please excuse Rear Admiral Saber, he's been having a difficult time recently. Though I must ask, why do you refuse the Non-Aggression Pact? It's slightly worrying that you would wish to remain in a position where at the drop of a pin you could become hostile in a galactic environment."
Ezaki then shifted to lean on the table with his arm "As for the maps, we can easily do so, though we'd like to know where you'd wish us to try to contact you, or certain frequencies, contacts that are assigned to the Dectrose, etc." Then suddenly, a burst of yelling came from the direction out of the door, before it quieted down, and Ezaki began to look more worried.
"If the issues outside are of importance, commander, I am happy to wait." Yousef smiled patiently. "As for the Non Agression pact, it's not that I want to be able to declare war but about how little we know. I am willing to sign a pact with certain terms written in. Specifically terms that ensure we won't be caught out in a lie, if you're not who you say you are." Yousef looked at the table and shook his head thoughtfully.
"I can see how this seems distrustful, even slightly hostile but I assure you, we only want the best outcome and we're happy to move forward in a beneficial and trusting relationship once we learn more about this galaxy and its inhabitants."
"In regards to diplomatic contact, I will forward the necessary frequencies to contact us. I have been assigned to handle diplomatic affairs. I'm not sure whether I will have an associate for future negotiations, that remains to be seen."
Ezaki subsided, taking the NAP on the holographic display and swiped it with a finger from the table, looking up and giving a barely noticeable sigh "That's acceptable, just means we will have to build the trust between our nations. The contact you would likely need for the Dectrose is simply any IBG Station around the Dectrose's borders, and then the planet Kaikoma. It's currently the major port for all extra-imperial trade and business." Saber then walked in, took a seat, and looked at the contact information, as well as the dismissal of the NAP.
He sat quiet, and Ezaki piped up again "Yousef, other then the trade of contact information, would you like to trade anything else or are you satisfied?"
Yousef shifted in the seat, turning the chair slightly before speaking. "I am indeed satisfied. This has been a pleasant diplomatic session. I do truly hope you understand our hesitance about a non-aggression pact and that we can soon sign that and more, for the benefit of both our nations."
"I am happy to bid you men farewell, if that is all on the agenda..?" Yousef said in a genuinely questioning manner as he nodded towards the two men.
Saber simply nodded, bringing up his AVD node to give orders to his ship, before looking to Ezaki "I'd appreciate it if you where to give Yousef here the pleasantries, I have a very urgent operation to attend to" He swiped his AVD node towards Ezaki, before Saber stood up and gave a stern look to Ezaki "And that, is a Direct Order." Before leaving and leaving Ezaki and Yousef alone.
After a few moments, Ezaki stood up and looked over to Yousef "It was very nice to meet you and your Thallaj, I hope future meetings will be more fruitful, and we can discuss further opportunities in the future, I apologize for Rear Admiral Saber's... Mannerisms. You see, he's had quite a rough time recently, some political things I don't want to get into, that's exactly why I'm out here and not in the core planets." He sighed, placing a small, weighted wooden totem on the table, it had a tribal look to it, with several depictions of the stars.
He pointed at the stars inscribed on it "It's a totem for safe travels, before the Dectrose found us, the stars where our guide, and the Star of Tikkun was the most important, guiding our warriors on safe paths. If you ever feel lost, and don't know where to go or what to do, make sure that you, and only you hold onto this totem, and you will certainly find your way through the stars."
He gave a smile "It's a small gift, but one I think your kind will cherish. Please accept my gift to you, and should you ever need a friend, or a safe harbor, you will find it at my station."