Post by EmperorMyric on Mar 22, 2021 15:24:48 GMT
Arkus sat alone in his sanctum, brooding over recent events. There were far more nations in this galaxy than even he anticipated. He sipped his wine and began browsing the data from this AncNet that his aides had filtered out as useful. He’d specifically asked them to find non human nations if they could, those ‘normal’ fleshy things of no interest to him. One particular nation had caught his eye. With next to no presence on the network he assumed they were freshly arrived or highly secretive, both of which were of interest to him.
Captain Tarrus Dalir had been summoned by Lord Arkus and was admittedly nervous. He had never spoken to one of the conclave before and he could only hope it was his skill that had led to him being summoned rather than something else. He wracked his brains, trying to think of any failings that could be blamed upon him as he arrived and entered the Lord’s sanctum. “M’lord Arkus” he spoke, going to one knee and bowing his head. Arkus looked over at the captain, a tall man, slightly more so than himself. “Tarrus, may i call you that?” he smiled, a calculated smile. The Captain merely nodded. “Stand up, stand up i’m not going to kill you” Arkus laughed and Tarrus rose to his feet.
“Well Captain Tarrus I have a task for you. After you’re exemplary conduct in our meeting with the Cricaen’s, I have chosen you to lead an...expeditionary force.” he spoke, clapping his hands together as he spoke.
“My lord. It is an honour” he spoke, his head still bowed in respect. “Take, twenty no! Thirty vessels and head to this area of the galaxy” he spoke as he traced a finger around an area on the galactic map he expected them to be. “These Silquami I believe they’re called are of interest to me. You will lead a first contact scenario, standard practice.” he told him
Tarrus nodded. “As you command my lord, I will proceed there at once.” he spoke and bowed before leaving, glad to be out of that room. He proceeded immediately to one of the fleet bases in orbit. His datapad showed he had the pick of any vessels in the home fleet for this expedition, this itself most unexpected. He finally decided after much deliberation on a balanced fleet. He himself maintained command of his Enslave class Destroyer Shackled along with its squadron, plus a second squadron. He then added one of the home fleets dreadnoughts as a show of power. Next came three carriers, more than enough he thought but better safe than sorry. Six battleships would be enough he thought, and 10 cruisers to round it off. With his fleet assembled they formed up and through a series of jumps, arrived at their destination, which unknown to them was the edge of Silquami territory.
All had been quiet as of late in Silquami territory, Ars Safeaa included. Amid Fukayna Eshe had been relaxing aboard the station in system, the gardens aboard were her latest relaxation spot. She was laid peacefully on the grass when her second, a younger Salimasi Naqib by the name of Nailah Maibe, her second in command. “Apologies for disturbing you my Amid.” she spoke softly. She smiled at the young Salimasi. “Worry not Nailah, what troubles you?” she asked, sitting up from the grass she was laid on. “We have detected energy signatures in a system just outside of our border, they would be in keeping with an FTL jump.” she spoke. Eshe frowned at this. “It is our duty to investigate, rally our sisters and prepare to leave dock. We will proceed there immediately.” she spoke and the two slithered off to their bridge.
Having just finished a meeting with his underlings Aarif Irfaan walked out of the meeting room and checked his dataslate for any new information. “My Aarif” one of his staff said coming up to him. “Yes what is it Aayid?” He asked. “There have been reports that an unknown energy reading that has the same signatures as FTL” The younger smaller tailed Sulsasin spoke, “And our Salimasi Sisters have called us to arms” He finished. Irfaan sighed with a slight hiss, “I will go and speak with their Amid” He told him walking off.
Lounging on a coral bed within her quarters Anunit glazed aimlessly at her dinner swimming above her head. The multicolored fish spiraled as their colors started to merge and twist within the light of water, lulling the young Salmataht to sleep as her comms beeped. “Report.” Anunit said as she uncoiled herself. “Mistress, there has been energy readings that correlate with FTL signatures on our border, Amid Eshe has ordered us to join in their investigation.” “Understood, ready the fleet. Awake Kishar from his slumber.” Anunit commanded as she plucked the circling fish as she swam out towards the bridge.
Tarrus took note of the system as they exited FTL. They’d exited into a large system, more than a dozen planets showing up on their scans, all orbiting a binary blue star. “Any signs of our quarry?” he questioned as his destroyer sat at the spearhead of the fleet.
“Distant energy signatures sir, systems away.” the sensors operator spoke. Tarrus nodded slightly. “It seems we may have found our quarry. Advance slowly, if they are intelligent they will know we’re here. Now we just have to wait.” he smirked and sat back in his seat
Eshe and Maibe had boarded their Fer de Lance class Battlecruiser and left dock, and formed up with the rest of the battlegroup. They numbered 212 vessels in all, her sister fleets included. “Anunit, Ifraan. I require your assistance. Bring a patrol each and form up with me.” Eseh spoke as she and several other ships moved away from the main fleet. Including her own vessel, 3 battle cruisers, 2 carriers, 5 cruisers, 5 light cruisers and two squadrons of escorts moved off from the fleet and readied to jump.
Irfaan listened to her sister “Yes my sister I will form up with you shortly” He spoke cordially. Aayid sent the orders for the ship to form up as he boarded his Keelback and then left dock before forming up with the rest of the patrol formation. His Battleship, 1 Carrier, 2 Battlecruisers, 4 Cruisers, 2 Light Cruisers and One squadrons for escorting purposes. He had his fleet form up with his sisters and made ready as well.
Anunit entered the bridge with her scale guard informing their sister’s request. “Form up our forces in the middle of our sisters.” Anunit ordered as she coiled herself on the command pad. Anunit’s own Keelback class battleship along with a Battlecruiser, 3 carriers, 2 light cruisers 3 cruisers and an escort squadron moved off to join her sisters.
With the fleet assembled they all jumped to the system where the signal had been detected.
“Multiple signatures sir.” the comms officer reported as a fleet jumped into the system. “50 ship's total. Orders?”
Tarrus looked as the fleet was enlarged on screen. “Open a channel.” he ordered. “This is Captain Tarrus Dalir of the Vaanitas Supremacy. We have come a long way, seeking the ‘Silquami’ Would that be you?” he questioned. His fleet was smaller but he was confident in their ability should things go sour.
Eshe recoiled. Not only was there a force nearly as large as her own here, but they knew who they were. “This is Amid Fukayna Eshe of the Ars Safeaa, a nation of the Silquami. We know not of you but you seem to know of us.” she spoke cautiously. “How did you come by this knowledge?” she spoke. Her fleet was on alert, weapons exposed but not aimed.
Irfaan listened as his sister spoke to the Vaanitas Supremacy. “Expose the weapons but do not aim them” He spoke as he looked at the Vaanitas Fleet and assessed their situation. Aayid brought him some limited information on the Supremacy, Irfaan nodded and connected to the channel her sister was on “This is Aarif Irfaan of the Suerarib Emirate, another Nation that comprises the Silquami” He spoke.
She raised her head as she listened to the conversation. Anunit followed Eshe’s example of exposing the weapons but not aiming them. “Ready the group shield arrays and monitor the Vaanitas Supremacy fleet for any energy signatures that would correlate with weapons fire.” Anunit ordered as she joined the channel. “This is Awilu Ishtar Anunit of the Salnuwatir Ascendancy another nation of the Silquami.”
Tarrus raised an eyebrow. Usually only one person from a fleet would talk but he now had three to address. “I have been instructed by Lord Arkus of the Conclave to travel to this region of space and find your nation.” he spoke, looking at the three fleets. “He holds an interest in your people and wishes me to initiate first contact.” he spoke.
Eshe had been further confused by the Vaanitas. His lord had instructed him to come here and find them? How did he even know about them? All of these she asked herself and frowned. “You have not entered our space and do not seem...threatening.” she spoke carefully. “I suppose this calls for us to talk, and learn of your nation. We ourselves are young in this galaxy and know little about it.” she continued as she lay on the dais. She paused and looked at the smaller fleet. “I invite you to my vessel, where we may talk and learn.” she finished
Irfaan let his sister speak but remained in the channel listening to the conversation, his specialty was more combat and tactics than diplomacy. Aayid made sure that a transport was ready in the event they went over to their sisters ship if the Vaanitas decided to come aboard.
Anunit listen as Eshe spoke to the outsider, she signaled for a shuttle to be prepped. Once the transmission ended between the Vaanitas and the Silquami, Anunit would head over to her sister’s vessel to join the talks.
He paused for a moment to consider the situation. “I will proceed across. Provide a docking location.” he spoke before cutting comms and heading down to the hangar. Half a dozen honour guard waited and joined him aboard the shuttle. It was a quiet flight, his guard checking their weapons the only real sound other than the low rumble of thrusters. Tarrus stood behind the pilots in the cockpit and looked at the Silquami vessels as they passed through their outer line towards the ship they were to dock with. The pilot eased her into the hangar and the ramp lowered, Tarrus and his guards walking out.
Once he had agreed Eshe had proceeded straight to the hangar with guards of her own incase things went poorly. The majority of the hangar continued with their duties until the Vaanitas vessel landed, all of them standing to attention as the foreign delegate and his guards walked off their vessel. Eshe looked up at Tarrus to start with before straightening herself slightly and putting more of her tail into her height so she looked him in the eye. “A pleasure to meet you face to face Captain.” she spoke cordially with an inclination of the head.
Irfaan went to a shuttle with Aayid and another one of his guards. The journey between the ships did not take long and shortly after the arrival of the Vaanitas shuttle in the ship his shuttle landed, ramp lowering. He walked out with his two guards and went to join his Silquami Sister, going to stand by her side.
Anunit made a quick journey to her sister vessel via a transport shuttle. She waited eagerly in the hangar with a few guards surrounding her. When the newcomers vessel landed in the hangar bay she followed Eshe example and waited her turn to introducer herself more formally.
Tarrus looked at the snake like people. “I appreciate your...welcoming demeanor.” he replied. He took time to look around at their fighters and other goings on in the hangar, as well as them and their equipment. “Shall we proceed to discuss things more...privately?” he suggested.
Eshe looked at the man and his retinue and nodded to her fellow representatives. “Come, we shall talk more privately, Captain Tarrus.” she spoke, letting the S of his name roll as she slithered to the elevator with the others in tow and headed towards a meeting room of sorts where she took a plinth and gestured for Tarrus to be seated also.
Irfaan took his position and sat down opposite Tarrus. Aayid and the over guard stood behind him. He was looking at the Vaanitas man up and down trying to gauge him and his character.
Anunit followed the group with her guards in tow towards the conference room where she slithered into a small pool of water where she rested her head on the sandstone blocks eyeing Tarrus as prey.
He took a seat and cleared his throat. “I thank you for being so...gracious.” he spoke, inclining his head respectfully. “My Lord Arkus has instructed me to seek you out.” Tarrus spoke, looking at each of the three and holding their gaze for a moment. “Our intelligence shows you are new to the galaxy, and have as of yet remained in your territory for the most part. Would I be correct in assuming that?” he questioned
Eshe grew wary of the man though she did not show it. “We may be recently arrived but we are no less ready than we were nestled in the light of Sek.” she hissed in a tone with a warning undertone. “Your assumptions are correct however guest Tarrus. What is it you want of us?” she queried, her tail swaying ever so slightly.
Irfaan remained silent and looked the man up and down trying to get a judge of his character.
Annuit kept her eyes locked up Tarrus, ready to strike should the outsider try anything.
“Straight to the point, excellent.” He spoke with the hint of a smirk. “I bring no hostile intent I assure you. Quite the opposite in fact.” he told them before handing them a datapad. “We are having an issue with one Davian Divine Empire. Cowardly, invasive, threatening and most importantly, enemies.” he spoke, showing them logs and dosiers, giving each of them a moment to read through it.
Eshe took her time to read through, looking at the actions of the Davians thus far. As far as she was able to tell these Vaanitas had been within their rights to respond as they had. “I see from your logs that they are a rather cowardly people, lashing out without cause.” she frowned. “However how does this concern us?”
Irfaan looked at the dossier reading through all the facts and things these Davians had done. “Yes i agree with my sister there people do seem rather cowardly, but she is right how does this concern or involve us” He spoke.
She hissed softly as she read through the things the Davians had done. “Cowardssss” she hissed but left Eshe to speak for them.
Tarrus nodded. “I’ve been sent here to propose a first for my people. We wish to seek closer relations with you, the Silquami was it?” he spoke, taking his time on the pronunciation. “With time we feel this coward could be a plague for the entire southwestern part of the galaxy, perhaps beyond. My Lord Arkus wishes to form a group, an alliance of sorts to better watch over the west and manage goings on here. My people are far from peaceful, but Lord Arkus is an interesting one. He recognises that there is power in you and others that it would be unwise to engage with.” he continued on. “With much larger powers than you or we here, it seems sensible for those of us new to this galaxy to work together, no?” he concluded and sat back.
Eshe paused at this. The man seemed to have no ill intent, though there were points where he seemed to question the words he uttered. “Well, Captain Tarrus.” she began cautiously. “What you propose does seem sensible. As we can attest to, a group is better than being alone. Whilst I cannot speak for all of us, or my nation, my inclination towards your proposal perhaps represents that of our princess.” she replied, maintaining eye contact with the large man. “Sisters?” she asked, seeking their opinions.
Irfaan was thinking as he listened to Tarrus words. “I would have to agree with you Captain and agree with your proposal, it is better to be in a group that way is makes you more powerful when foes come and attack” He spoke.
Annuit was more sceptical of the aliens words but his intent seemed true enough. “I cannot speak for my people. I would have to allow those wiser than I to make a decision.” she spoke, looking at him through narrowed eyes.
Tarrus nodded. “Of course, I didn’t expect anything immediately.” he spoke, pleased by their initial response though still questioning why he had been chosen for this momentous operation. “If I may be so bold, how long would a response take?” he queried.
Eshe looked to her sisters. “If you would be so kind as to wait captain, I shall depart for the moment and see what I can do.” she told him, rising from her plinth and slithering out of the room to contact those more important than her.
“I will have to do the same Captain, so please do excuse me” Irfaan spoke, he stood and vacated the room to go and talk to his superiors.
Annuit narrowed her eyes once more and left with her sisters to speak to her own superiors.
Tarrus remained seated and looked at the Silquami guards on the door. Things were going rather well all things considered, he’d become quite the...what was the word he’d heard other races use. Diplomat? He sat back and waited, allowing
She entered a private room and opened a link. There was a pause before the communication was answered. A young looking woman in thin cotton robes with gold jewelry adorning her answered. “Amid Eshe, how can Sek serve you today?” she questioned with a warm smile on her tanned face, her bluey silver eyes looking on kindly. “
Priestess Khepri, my greatest apologies for disturbing you.” she spoke, bowing her head.
The Priestess smiled “Think nothing of it Amid, how can i be of service?” she asked again.
“Priestess, men from a people calling themselves the Vaanitas Supremacy have arrived at our borders, seeking friendship and alliance. Their leader, Captain Tarrus seems true in his words and intent. How should we answer?” Eshe asked. Khepri paused for a moment. “Sek guides me to agree.” she spoke and Eshe nodded before bowing and ending the link before returning to the room
Irfaan went into another room, he waited for a moment before the transmission was answered. “Ah Aarif Irfaan, how may the glorious light of Sekkis assist you today?” A Male voice replied. The male Salimasi spoke with a smooth voice, ceremonial armour adorning his chest, his face showing scars from numerous conflicts.
“My General Arhmam, I first must ask for forgiveness for the interruption of the meeting” Irfaan spoke.
“It is fine Aarif, now please what is so important that you must contact me?” He asked.
“We have come into contact with these people that are calling themselves the Vaanitas Supremacy, they have come to our territory seeking an alliance of sorts, The Captain they have sent seems to be speaking truths, how should I proceed” Irfaan asked. Arhman told him to wait for the moment as he discussed the new information with the others that were currently in the meeting. He came back “We have all thought and we have agreed to give you power to make the decision” He spoke.
“Thank you my General” Irfaan spoke before ending the transmission and heading back into the meeting.
Annuit had a similar conversation with the priestess of Akk, gaining their blessing to agree if their sisters consented. She slithered back and spoke briefly with Eshe and Ifraan as they agreed.
Tarrus looked up as the three reentered and resumed their places, waiting respectfully for them to talk.
Eshe looked to her sisters. “My Priestess has given me the power to answer you Captain.” she spoke, watching his body language. “It has been decided by we, the followers of Sek, that you shall have your alliance. Here today we shall sign a concordat binding our peoples in the eyes of the gods. We shall have trade. We shall have unity. We shall protect ourselves and each other. Is this acceptable to you?” she asked, looking him in the eye.
Irfaan listened to his sister. “I am much the same, in the higher ups have given me the power to answer you Captain Tarrus” He said. “And we have agreed that the followers of Sekkis will agree to this Alliance, and as my sister Eshe has stated we shall have trade and unity among our people. And there shall be protection for our people and yours” He spoke looking directly at him.
Having discussed this with her outside, Annuit had nothing to add, merely looking him in the eyes as well, waiting for his response.
He clapped his hands together and gave an unwithheld grin of satisfaction. “Most excellent indeed.” he spoke, withdrawing a datapad with a draft agreement that had been evolving as they spoke. “This covers trade, mutual offence and defence, unity in the west and a formal declaration of alliance between our peoples.” Tarrus explained, sliding it to Eshe.
Eshe reached out and took the pad in her delicate grasp, reading over the contract. “Everything here seems acceptable Captain, it seems you came prepared for success. How conceited of you.” she spoke with the hint of a smirk. “The Avarian Uriel Regulatory Alliance.” Eshe mused as she read the proposed name She picked up an ornate stylus and checked over once more before signing just below his name.
Irfaan then looked over the document checking everything in regards to trade and mainly the Alliance. Once happy everything was in order he signed his name below Eshes
Annuit read over every part of the document detailing trade, alliance, and all other aspects with suspicious precision. She looked over everything, checking there was nothing that could cause them issue before eventually signing.
Tarrus inclined his head respectfully to each of them as they signed before producing a copy for each of them, the ‘parchment’ made of hardlight and acting for all intents and purposes like a faintly glowing paper with the treaty on it. “Welcome to A.U.R.A, honoured friends” he spoke and inclined his head once more. “I apologise for being quite so presumptuous, but I already have a short list of potential candidates for membership.” he spoke with a wry smile.
Eshe let out a slight hiss as she smirked. “You play a dangerous game captain” she told him, looking into his eyes. She then rose from her plinth and beckoned him with a single finger. “Follow me Captain Tarrus Dalir. We have more to discuss in private.” the Amid spoke with a glint in her golden eyes, before exiting the room, her blue scaled tail the last thing to leave.
Irfaan waited for his sister to leave before his stood “Good day to you Captain” He said respectfully before vacating the room and heading back to his own vessel.
Annuit gave Eshe a partially amused partially skeptical look as their de-facto leader slithered past. She was perfectly aware of what would occur in those ‘private discussions’ but had no issue with it. Once she had left she inclined her head to their new ally and left also, though she turned the opposite direction out of the room and headed back to her own vessel.
Whilst not sure of their cultural cues yet, Tarrus was no fool. With the hint of a smirk he nodded to Irfaan and Annuit and followed the blue scaled Salimasi towards her quarters for these ‘private discussions’. This had been a rather successful trip on multiple accounts he chuckled to himself as his fleet awaited his return.
Captain Tarrus Dalir had been summoned by Lord Arkus and was admittedly nervous. He had never spoken to one of the conclave before and he could only hope it was his skill that had led to him being summoned rather than something else. He wracked his brains, trying to think of any failings that could be blamed upon him as he arrived and entered the Lord’s sanctum. “M’lord Arkus” he spoke, going to one knee and bowing his head. Arkus looked over at the captain, a tall man, slightly more so than himself. “Tarrus, may i call you that?” he smiled, a calculated smile. The Captain merely nodded. “Stand up, stand up i’m not going to kill you” Arkus laughed and Tarrus rose to his feet.
“Well Captain Tarrus I have a task for you. After you’re exemplary conduct in our meeting with the Cricaen’s, I have chosen you to lead an...expeditionary force.” he spoke, clapping his hands together as he spoke.
“My lord. It is an honour” he spoke, his head still bowed in respect. “Take, twenty no! Thirty vessels and head to this area of the galaxy” he spoke as he traced a finger around an area on the galactic map he expected them to be. “These Silquami I believe they’re called are of interest to me. You will lead a first contact scenario, standard practice.” he told him
Tarrus nodded. “As you command my lord, I will proceed there at once.” he spoke and bowed before leaving, glad to be out of that room. He proceeded immediately to one of the fleet bases in orbit. His datapad showed he had the pick of any vessels in the home fleet for this expedition, this itself most unexpected. He finally decided after much deliberation on a balanced fleet. He himself maintained command of his Enslave class Destroyer Shackled along with its squadron, plus a second squadron. He then added one of the home fleets dreadnoughts as a show of power. Next came three carriers, more than enough he thought but better safe than sorry. Six battleships would be enough he thought, and 10 cruisers to round it off. With his fleet assembled they formed up and through a series of jumps, arrived at their destination, which unknown to them was the edge of Silquami territory.
All had been quiet as of late in Silquami territory, Ars Safeaa included. Amid Fukayna Eshe had been relaxing aboard the station in system, the gardens aboard were her latest relaxation spot. She was laid peacefully on the grass when her second, a younger Salimasi Naqib by the name of Nailah Maibe, her second in command. “Apologies for disturbing you my Amid.” she spoke softly. She smiled at the young Salimasi. “Worry not Nailah, what troubles you?” she asked, sitting up from the grass she was laid on. “We have detected energy signatures in a system just outside of our border, they would be in keeping with an FTL jump.” she spoke. Eshe frowned at this. “It is our duty to investigate, rally our sisters and prepare to leave dock. We will proceed there immediately.” she spoke and the two slithered off to their bridge.
Having just finished a meeting with his underlings Aarif Irfaan walked out of the meeting room and checked his dataslate for any new information. “My Aarif” one of his staff said coming up to him. “Yes what is it Aayid?” He asked. “There have been reports that an unknown energy reading that has the same signatures as FTL” The younger smaller tailed Sulsasin spoke, “And our Salimasi Sisters have called us to arms” He finished. Irfaan sighed with a slight hiss, “I will go and speak with their Amid” He told him walking off.
Lounging on a coral bed within her quarters Anunit glazed aimlessly at her dinner swimming above her head. The multicolored fish spiraled as their colors started to merge and twist within the light of water, lulling the young Salmataht to sleep as her comms beeped. “Report.” Anunit said as she uncoiled herself. “Mistress, there has been energy readings that correlate with FTL signatures on our border, Amid Eshe has ordered us to join in their investigation.” “Understood, ready the fleet. Awake Kishar from his slumber.” Anunit commanded as she plucked the circling fish as she swam out towards the bridge.
Tarrus took note of the system as they exited FTL. They’d exited into a large system, more than a dozen planets showing up on their scans, all orbiting a binary blue star. “Any signs of our quarry?” he questioned as his destroyer sat at the spearhead of the fleet.
“Distant energy signatures sir, systems away.” the sensors operator spoke. Tarrus nodded slightly. “It seems we may have found our quarry. Advance slowly, if they are intelligent they will know we’re here. Now we just have to wait.” he smirked and sat back in his seat
Eshe and Maibe had boarded their Fer de Lance class Battlecruiser and left dock, and formed up with the rest of the battlegroup. They numbered 212 vessels in all, her sister fleets included. “Anunit, Ifraan. I require your assistance. Bring a patrol each and form up with me.” Eseh spoke as she and several other ships moved away from the main fleet. Including her own vessel, 3 battle cruisers, 2 carriers, 5 cruisers, 5 light cruisers and two squadrons of escorts moved off from the fleet and readied to jump.
Irfaan listened to her sister “Yes my sister I will form up with you shortly” He spoke cordially. Aayid sent the orders for the ship to form up as he boarded his Keelback and then left dock before forming up with the rest of the patrol formation. His Battleship, 1 Carrier, 2 Battlecruisers, 4 Cruisers, 2 Light Cruisers and One squadrons for escorting purposes. He had his fleet form up with his sisters and made ready as well.
Anunit entered the bridge with her scale guard informing their sister’s request. “Form up our forces in the middle of our sisters.” Anunit ordered as she coiled herself on the command pad. Anunit’s own Keelback class battleship along with a Battlecruiser, 3 carriers, 2 light cruisers 3 cruisers and an escort squadron moved off to join her sisters.
With the fleet assembled they all jumped to the system where the signal had been detected.
“Multiple signatures sir.” the comms officer reported as a fleet jumped into the system. “50 ship's total. Orders?”
Tarrus looked as the fleet was enlarged on screen. “Open a channel.” he ordered. “This is Captain Tarrus Dalir of the Vaanitas Supremacy. We have come a long way, seeking the ‘Silquami’ Would that be you?” he questioned. His fleet was smaller but he was confident in their ability should things go sour.
Eshe recoiled. Not only was there a force nearly as large as her own here, but they knew who they were. “This is Amid Fukayna Eshe of the Ars Safeaa, a nation of the Silquami. We know not of you but you seem to know of us.” she spoke cautiously. “How did you come by this knowledge?” she spoke. Her fleet was on alert, weapons exposed but not aimed.
Irfaan listened as his sister spoke to the Vaanitas Supremacy. “Expose the weapons but do not aim them” He spoke as he looked at the Vaanitas Fleet and assessed their situation. Aayid brought him some limited information on the Supremacy, Irfaan nodded and connected to the channel her sister was on “This is Aarif Irfaan of the Suerarib Emirate, another Nation that comprises the Silquami” He spoke.
She raised her head as she listened to the conversation. Anunit followed Eshe’s example of exposing the weapons but not aiming them. “Ready the group shield arrays and monitor the Vaanitas Supremacy fleet for any energy signatures that would correlate with weapons fire.” Anunit ordered as she joined the channel. “This is Awilu Ishtar Anunit of the Salnuwatir Ascendancy another nation of the Silquami.”
Tarrus raised an eyebrow. Usually only one person from a fleet would talk but he now had three to address. “I have been instructed by Lord Arkus of the Conclave to travel to this region of space and find your nation.” he spoke, looking at the three fleets. “He holds an interest in your people and wishes me to initiate first contact.” he spoke.
Eshe had been further confused by the Vaanitas. His lord had instructed him to come here and find them? How did he even know about them? All of these she asked herself and frowned. “You have not entered our space and do not seem...threatening.” she spoke carefully. “I suppose this calls for us to talk, and learn of your nation. We ourselves are young in this galaxy and know little about it.” she continued as she lay on the dais. She paused and looked at the smaller fleet. “I invite you to my vessel, where we may talk and learn.” she finished
Irfaan let his sister speak but remained in the channel listening to the conversation, his specialty was more combat and tactics than diplomacy. Aayid made sure that a transport was ready in the event they went over to their sisters ship if the Vaanitas decided to come aboard.
Anunit listen as Eshe spoke to the outsider, she signaled for a shuttle to be prepped. Once the transmission ended between the Vaanitas and the Silquami, Anunit would head over to her sister’s vessel to join the talks.
He paused for a moment to consider the situation. “I will proceed across. Provide a docking location.” he spoke before cutting comms and heading down to the hangar. Half a dozen honour guard waited and joined him aboard the shuttle. It was a quiet flight, his guard checking their weapons the only real sound other than the low rumble of thrusters. Tarrus stood behind the pilots in the cockpit and looked at the Silquami vessels as they passed through their outer line towards the ship they were to dock with. The pilot eased her into the hangar and the ramp lowered, Tarrus and his guards walking out.
Once he had agreed Eshe had proceeded straight to the hangar with guards of her own incase things went poorly. The majority of the hangar continued with their duties until the Vaanitas vessel landed, all of them standing to attention as the foreign delegate and his guards walked off their vessel. Eshe looked up at Tarrus to start with before straightening herself slightly and putting more of her tail into her height so she looked him in the eye. “A pleasure to meet you face to face Captain.” she spoke cordially with an inclination of the head.
Irfaan went to a shuttle with Aayid and another one of his guards. The journey between the ships did not take long and shortly after the arrival of the Vaanitas shuttle in the ship his shuttle landed, ramp lowering. He walked out with his two guards and went to join his Silquami Sister, going to stand by her side.
Anunit made a quick journey to her sister vessel via a transport shuttle. She waited eagerly in the hangar with a few guards surrounding her. When the newcomers vessel landed in the hangar bay she followed Eshe example and waited her turn to introducer herself more formally.
Tarrus looked at the snake like people. “I appreciate your...welcoming demeanor.” he replied. He took time to look around at their fighters and other goings on in the hangar, as well as them and their equipment. “Shall we proceed to discuss things more...privately?” he suggested.
Eshe looked at the man and his retinue and nodded to her fellow representatives. “Come, we shall talk more privately, Captain Tarrus.” she spoke, letting the S of his name roll as she slithered to the elevator with the others in tow and headed towards a meeting room of sorts where she took a plinth and gestured for Tarrus to be seated also.
Irfaan took his position and sat down opposite Tarrus. Aayid and the over guard stood behind him. He was looking at the Vaanitas man up and down trying to gauge him and his character.
Anunit followed the group with her guards in tow towards the conference room where she slithered into a small pool of water where she rested her head on the sandstone blocks eyeing Tarrus as prey.
He took a seat and cleared his throat. “I thank you for being so...gracious.” he spoke, inclining his head respectfully. “My Lord Arkus has instructed me to seek you out.” Tarrus spoke, looking at each of the three and holding their gaze for a moment. “Our intelligence shows you are new to the galaxy, and have as of yet remained in your territory for the most part. Would I be correct in assuming that?” he questioned
Eshe grew wary of the man though she did not show it. “We may be recently arrived but we are no less ready than we were nestled in the light of Sek.” she hissed in a tone with a warning undertone. “Your assumptions are correct however guest Tarrus. What is it you want of us?” she queried, her tail swaying ever so slightly.
Irfaan remained silent and looked the man up and down trying to get a judge of his character.
Annuit kept her eyes locked up Tarrus, ready to strike should the outsider try anything.
“Straight to the point, excellent.” He spoke with the hint of a smirk. “I bring no hostile intent I assure you. Quite the opposite in fact.” he told them before handing them a datapad. “We are having an issue with one Davian Divine Empire. Cowardly, invasive, threatening and most importantly, enemies.” he spoke, showing them logs and dosiers, giving each of them a moment to read through it.
Eshe took her time to read through, looking at the actions of the Davians thus far. As far as she was able to tell these Vaanitas had been within their rights to respond as they had. “I see from your logs that they are a rather cowardly people, lashing out without cause.” she frowned. “However how does this concern us?”
Irfaan looked at the dossier reading through all the facts and things these Davians had done. “Yes i agree with my sister there people do seem rather cowardly, but she is right how does this concern or involve us” He spoke.
She hissed softly as she read through the things the Davians had done. “Cowardssss” she hissed but left Eshe to speak for them.
Tarrus nodded. “I’ve been sent here to propose a first for my people. We wish to seek closer relations with you, the Silquami was it?” he spoke, taking his time on the pronunciation. “With time we feel this coward could be a plague for the entire southwestern part of the galaxy, perhaps beyond. My Lord Arkus wishes to form a group, an alliance of sorts to better watch over the west and manage goings on here. My people are far from peaceful, but Lord Arkus is an interesting one. He recognises that there is power in you and others that it would be unwise to engage with.” he continued on. “With much larger powers than you or we here, it seems sensible for those of us new to this galaxy to work together, no?” he concluded and sat back.
Eshe paused at this. The man seemed to have no ill intent, though there were points where he seemed to question the words he uttered. “Well, Captain Tarrus.” she began cautiously. “What you propose does seem sensible. As we can attest to, a group is better than being alone. Whilst I cannot speak for all of us, or my nation, my inclination towards your proposal perhaps represents that of our princess.” she replied, maintaining eye contact with the large man. “Sisters?” she asked, seeking their opinions.
Irfaan was thinking as he listened to Tarrus words. “I would have to agree with you Captain and agree with your proposal, it is better to be in a group that way is makes you more powerful when foes come and attack” He spoke.
Annuit was more sceptical of the aliens words but his intent seemed true enough. “I cannot speak for my people. I would have to allow those wiser than I to make a decision.” she spoke, looking at him through narrowed eyes.
Tarrus nodded. “Of course, I didn’t expect anything immediately.” he spoke, pleased by their initial response though still questioning why he had been chosen for this momentous operation. “If I may be so bold, how long would a response take?” he queried.
Eshe looked to her sisters. “If you would be so kind as to wait captain, I shall depart for the moment and see what I can do.” she told him, rising from her plinth and slithering out of the room to contact those more important than her.
“I will have to do the same Captain, so please do excuse me” Irfaan spoke, he stood and vacated the room to go and talk to his superiors.
Annuit narrowed her eyes once more and left with her sisters to speak to her own superiors.
Tarrus remained seated and looked at the Silquami guards on the door. Things were going rather well all things considered, he’d become quite the...what was the word he’d heard other races use. Diplomat? He sat back and waited, allowing
She entered a private room and opened a link. There was a pause before the communication was answered. A young looking woman in thin cotton robes with gold jewelry adorning her answered. “Amid Eshe, how can Sek serve you today?” she questioned with a warm smile on her tanned face, her bluey silver eyes looking on kindly. “
Priestess Khepri, my greatest apologies for disturbing you.” she spoke, bowing her head.
The Priestess smiled “Think nothing of it Amid, how can i be of service?” she asked again.
“Priestess, men from a people calling themselves the Vaanitas Supremacy have arrived at our borders, seeking friendship and alliance. Their leader, Captain Tarrus seems true in his words and intent. How should we answer?” Eshe asked. Khepri paused for a moment. “Sek guides me to agree.” she spoke and Eshe nodded before bowing and ending the link before returning to the room
Irfaan went into another room, he waited for a moment before the transmission was answered. “Ah Aarif Irfaan, how may the glorious light of Sekkis assist you today?” A Male voice replied. The male Salimasi spoke with a smooth voice, ceremonial armour adorning his chest, his face showing scars from numerous conflicts.
“My General Arhmam, I first must ask for forgiveness for the interruption of the meeting” Irfaan spoke.
“It is fine Aarif, now please what is so important that you must contact me?” He asked.
“We have come into contact with these people that are calling themselves the Vaanitas Supremacy, they have come to our territory seeking an alliance of sorts, The Captain they have sent seems to be speaking truths, how should I proceed” Irfaan asked. Arhman told him to wait for the moment as he discussed the new information with the others that were currently in the meeting. He came back “We have all thought and we have agreed to give you power to make the decision” He spoke.
“Thank you my General” Irfaan spoke before ending the transmission and heading back into the meeting.
Annuit had a similar conversation with the priestess of Akk, gaining their blessing to agree if their sisters consented. She slithered back and spoke briefly with Eshe and Ifraan as they agreed.
Tarrus looked up as the three reentered and resumed their places, waiting respectfully for them to talk.
Eshe looked to her sisters. “My Priestess has given me the power to answer you Captain.” she spoke, watching his body language. “It has been decided by we, the followers of Sek, that you shall have your alliance. Here today we shall sign a concordat binding our peoples in the eyes of the gods. We shall have trade. We shall have unity. We shall protect ourselves and each other. Is this acceptable to you?” she asked, looking him in the eye.
Irfaan listened to his sister. “I am much the same, in the higher ups have given me the power to answer you Captain Tarrus” He said. “And we have agreed that the followers of Sekkis will agree to this Alliance, and as my sister Eshe has stated we shall have trade and unity among our people. And there shall be protection for our people and yours” He spoke looking directly at him.
Having discussed this with her outside, Annuit had nothing to add, merely looking him in the eyes as well, waiting for his response.
He clapped his hands together and gave an unwithheld grin of satisfaction. “Most excellent indeed.” he spoke, withdrawing a datapad with a draft agreement that had been evolving as they spoke. “This covers trade, mutual offence and defence, unity in the west and a formal declaration of alliance between our peoples.” Tarrus explained, sliding it to Eshe.
Eshe reached out and took the pad in her delicate grasp, reading over the contract. “Everything here seems acceptable Captain, it seems you came prepared for success. How conceited of you.” she spoke with the hint of a smirk. “The Avarian Uriel Regulatory Alliance.” Eshe mused as she read the proposed name She picked up an ornate stylus and checked over once more before signing just below his name.
Irfaan then looked over the document checking everything in regards to trade and mainly the Alliance. Once happy everything was in order he signed his name below Eshes
Annuit read over every part of the document detailing trade, alliance, and all other aspects with suspicious precision. She looked over everything, checking there was nothing that could cause them issue before eventually signing.
Tarrus inclined his head respectfully to each of them as they signed before producing a copy for each of them, the ‘parchment’ made of hardlight and acting for all intents and purposes like a faintly glowing paper with the treaty on it. “Welcome to A.U.R.A, honoured friends” he spoke and inclined his head once more. “I apologise for being quite so presumptuous, but I already have a short list of potential candidates for membership.” he spoke with a wry smile.
Eshe let out a slight hiss as she smirked. “You play a dangerous game captain” she told him, looking into his eyes. She then rose from her plinth and beckoned him with a single finger. “Follow me Captain Tarrus Dalir. We have more to discuss in private.” the Amid spoke with a glint in her golden eyes, before exiting the room, her blue scaled tail the last thing to leave.
Irfaan waited for his sister to leave before his stood “Good day to you Captain” He said respectfully before vacating the room and heading back to his own vessel.
Annuit gave Eshe a partially amused partially skeptical look as their de-facto leader slithered past. She was perfectly aware of what would occur in those ‘private discussions’ but had no issue with it. Once she had left she inclined her head to their new ally and left also, though she turned the opposite direction out of the room and headed back to her own vessel.
Whilst not sure of their cultural cues yet, Tarrus was no fool. With the hint of a smirk he nodded to Irfaan and Annuit and followed the blue scaled Salimasi towards her quarters for these ‘private discussions’. This had been a rather successful trip on multiple accounts he chuckled to himself as his fleet awaited his return.