Post by EmperorMyric on Mar 22, 2021 15:48:14 GMT
With the diplomatic meetings with Capitol wrapped up, and with O'Shea on her way back to Vestahl, Pierre LaPointe was once again under way on his 'tour' (for lack of a better term). The Union had been next on the list for visitation but after negotiations had gone so well with Capitol, LaPointe thought it best to not immediately head straight for their sworn enemies.
To that end, arrangements had been made for a meeting with the Annoliddan Inquisition. They were a full AGA member, one of the newer ones, but they were nearby and (presumably) carried some weight within the AGA. A favorable outcome here could provide a springboard from which LaPointe could jump into negotiations with the Union, or one of the other major AGA powers.
LaPointe's ship dropped from FTL at the designated coordinates. The Rangvald cruiser exited from FTL along with three escorts (one having returned to Vestahl with O'Shea).
The small observation post, dwarfed even by some factions' frigates, drifted lazily over the system's asteroid belt. Khabaros awaited the new arrivals at the communications platform. The recent arrivals had, out of all their choices of contacts, decided to communicate with the Inquisition. It would be foolish for him to pass up an opportunity like this.
The communication officer wordlessly signaled the Vestahl vessels arrival. Khabaros in turn motioned to direct the cruiser to the docking area, and ideal spots for its escorts to position in the meantime. He then made way down to the docking bay, really nothing more than an open platform with clamps to secure two bodies together, and an atmosphere suspended around to keep a comfortable pressure whilst loading/unloading supplies. He stood alone at its center, no real need to have guards or other personnel at his side.
Once docked, LaPointe descended from the cruiser. The aging diplomat was dressed crisply in a perfectly pressed suit, devoid of any dust or wrinkles. He held a briefcase in one hand and was accompanied by a rather busy looking aid.
He'd decided guards were likely unnecessary and so his security personnel stayed behind as he disembarked from the cruiser.
Khabaros bowed deeply to the two as they approached. His half-mechanical body groaned from a few days without maintenance. Though he carried nothing in his hands, Khabaros still had his usual sword and gun slung over his back.
"Welcome to my little corner of the galaxy. I am Inquisitor Khabaros, and to whom do I have the honor of speaking to?"
"Greetings and salutations," Pierre LaPointe answered, returning the bow before extending his hand. "I am Pierre LaPointe with the Vestahl Commonwealth's foreign relations committee. This is Daniel McTavish, one of my aids. I'd like to thank you, first of all, for agreeing to meet with us on such short notice. I imagine you must be very busy what with the war and all,"
Khabaros smiled in turn, reaching out and clasping the man's hand in his. " You have my thanks as well, " retorted Khabaros speaking, not verbally, but through a telepathic link through their hands. " After all, I have not had much chance to test my diplomatic skills since our arrival here. "
He then let go of Pierre, severing the connection and letting them both return to their senses. "Apologies. I find it simpler to demonstrate my race's telepathic ability rather than explain it. Now then, how can I be of assistance?"
It took LaPointe several long moments to recover from the sudden telepathic intrusion. He'd of course been briefed that such races existed but never before had he encountered one. He cleared his throat and straightened his tie before answering the question.
"I've come today as a representative of the Vestahl Commonwealth," He said finally. "We've recently emerged from a violent civil war and I have been tasked with visiting the major powers in the ongoing galactic war in order to affirm Vestahl's neutrality in the ongoing conflict,"
"I am pleased you chose us as one of your first contacts. By 'ongoing conflict', I assume you mean the current war between the Ancerious Galactic Alliance and Pivotal Powers. While I cannot speak on behalf of the other AGA aligned nations, rest assured that the Annoliddan Inquisition will honor a non-aggression pact so long you remain neutral in the conflict." Khabaros's curiosity now was getting the better of him. "Pray tell, what was the cause and result of your civil war, and did it take place in this galaxy?"
"Yes it did," LaPointe said with a sigh. "I'm surprised you hadn't heard of it... the Davians turned the resulting war crimes trial into quite the media spectacal. The long version is far too complicated to explain in one sitting. The short version is that on our homeworld a large swath of the population felt that too much change was happening too quickly. They tried to slow or stop our progress into an interstellar power with politics, protest, riot, and finally rebellion. They very nearly toppled the government but an international intervention crushed the rebellion in its final stages."
He paused and smiled sadly.
"The result is a rather... complicated internal political relationship and a very long rebuilding process. Which is what has brought me not only to you but indeed other nations of the two warring power blocs. I've met with Empress Inara already, and she has agreed to a non aggression pact and the opening of an economic relationship between our two nations. I seek similar agreements with you, and with luck, with other members of the APP and the AGA,"
"You came into direct contact with the Empress of Capitol?" Khabaros said masking his surprise. "Impressive. And thank you for explaining the Commonwealth's situation. Being constantly surveying systems has left me with little time to catch up on news. I sympathize with your people's plight; rebuilding a nation is a daunting task, much less having a galactic war at your doorstep."
He adjusted his posture and took a deep breath, a mechanical hissing betraying his otherwise formal appearance. "For this reason, the Vestahl Commonwealth will have total neutrality with the Annoliddan Inquisition, so long as we remain unprovoked or you seek further alliance. Furthermore, I freely welcome Vestahl vessels to freely travel and conduct business within Inquisition territories. While we do not have much to offer in terms of resources for trade, do stop by our home system if you wish to discuss trading of technologies and/or other immaterial goods."
Khabaros chuckled. "Oh, where are my manners? Please forgive my haste in this decision, but the sooner an agreement is made is all the sooner I can send word to fellow AGA nations to confirm neutrality from them as well. I also understand it is customary to have documentation for such an agreement..."
He pulled out a small prism stone, the same color as a finely polished pearl, holding it out for LaPointe.
"I hope this will suffice. This shard contains my own memories of our discussion, included in three different formats so it may be transferred into a data file for your keeping."
"Among my people we still rely on written paper agreements," LaPointe said popping open his briefcase. "In addition, and in the interest of maintaining our neutrality, I must disclose that my government and the government of Capitol are currently in the process of negotiating a trade agreement. This agreement may include provisions by which my government is paid by Capitol to manufacture war material. I would be remiss if I didn't offer the same potential in any trade deal we make with your government or indeed any government of an AGA power."
"That is quite alright, and understandable. We would not expect total loss of involvement from anyone in this conflict. I wish I could offer a stable trade agreement of equal measure, but for now I can guarantee Vestahl merchants and trade ships will not be turned away from Annoliddan space; Our ports remain open for your use and enterprises. If you wish to expand further trade between our nations directly, please see Ysoln at one of these ports."
LaPointe opened his briefcase and took out two documents, holding them out to his counterpart.
"The first is a standard non-aggression pact while the second authorizes the opening of negotiations with the Trade Committee. They'll handle the details any ongoing economic relationship."
Khabaros took the documents, his cybernetic eye flashing to check for any discrepancies and commit the documents to memory. He then etched his mark and signed the documents with his full name, resulting in a singular occult-looking symbol over the line. Khabaros then handed to papers back to LaPointe.
"This should suffice, correct?"
"It should be sufficient, yes," LaPointe answered taking the documents and returning them to his briefcase.
"I believe that concludes our business for the time being, unless you had something else you wished to discuss?"
"Only a small curiosity really. Has the Commonwealth ever encountered the Black Sails Organization, and if so, your thoughts on them?"
"Yes," LaPointe answered closing his briefcase. "During the civil war we hired a Black Sail Captain Singh to aid security forces. He ultimately betrayed us, changing sides to the rebels and naming himself their leader before nearly conquering our entire world. But, the contract broker Quinn McKendrick promised that Singh would die and his plan would fail. Then, Singh died and his plan failed,"
LaPointe straightened up.
"They are pirates and opportunists, every one of them. I'd detest them as rats and cockroaches feasting upon the misery of this galaxy... but," He sighed. "There's an honor to some of them. They say something will be done, and it comes to pass. I would not want them as allies, but I would certainly fear them as enemies,"
"Hmm," Khabaros nodded in return. "We have encountered them thrice before, and I wanted to get a second opinion. Thank you for sating my curiosity. I will pass the agreements along to the rest of the Inquisition."
He put an arm to his chest and bowed again to LaPointe. "Thank you for your visit today. I bid you safe and swift travels."
To that end, arrangements had been made for a meeting with the Annoliddan Inquisition. They were a full AGA member, one of the newer ones, but they were nearby and (presumably) carried some weight within the AGA. A favorable outcome here could provide a springboard from which LaPointe could jump into negotiations with the Union, or one of the other major AGA powers.
LaPointe's ship dropped from FTL at the designated coordinates. The Rangvald cruiser exited from FTL along with three escorts (one having returned to Vestahl with O'Shea).
The small observation post, dwarfed even by some factions' frigates, drifted lazily over the system's asteroid belt. Khabaros awaited the new arrivals at the communications platform. The recent arrivals had, out of all their choices of contacts, decided to communicate with the Inquisition. It would be foolish for him to pass up an opportunity like this.
The communication officer wordlessly signaled the Vestahl vessels arrival. Khabaros in turn motioned to direct the cruiser to the docking area, and ideal spots for its escorts to position in the meantime. He then made way down to the docking bay, really nothing more than an open platform with clamps to secure two bodies together, and an atmosphere suspended around to keep a comfortable pressure whilst loading/unloading supplies. He stood alone at its center, no real need to have guards or other personnel at his side.
Once docked, LaPointe descended from the cruiser. The aging diplomat was dressed crisply in a perfectly pressed suit, devoid of any dust or wrinkles. He held a briefcase in one hand and was accompanied by a rather busy looking aid.
He'd decided guards were likely unnecessary and so his security personnel stayed behind as he disembarked from the cruiser.
Khabaros bowed deeply to the two as they approached. His half-mechanical body groaned from a few days without maintenance. Though he carried nothing in his hands, Khabaros still had his usual sword and gun slung over his back.
"Welcome to my little corner of the galaxy. I am Inquisitor Khabaros, and to whom do I have the honor of speaking to?"
"Greetings and salutations," Pierre LaPointe answered, returning the bow before extending his hand. "I am Pierre LaPointe with the Vestahl Commonwealth's foreign relations committee. This is Daniel McTavish, one of my aids. I'd like to thank you, first of all, for agreeing to meet with us on such short notice. I imagine you must be very busy what with the war and all,"
Khabaros smiled in turn, reaching out and clasping the man's hand in his. " You have my thanks as well, " retorted Khabaros speaking, not verbally, but through a telepathic link through their hands. " After all, I have not had much chance to test my diplomatic skills since our arrival here. "
He then let go of Pierre, severing the connection and letting them both return to their senses. "Apologies. I find it simpler to demonstrate my race's telepathic ability rather than explain it. Now then, how can I be of assistance?"
It took LaPointe several long moments to recover from the sudden telepathic intrusion. He'd of course been briefed that such races existed but never before had he encountered one. He cleared his throat and straightened his tie before answering the question.
"I've come today as a representative of the Vestahl Commonwealth," He said finally. "We've recently emerged from a violent civil war and I have been tasked with visiting the major powers in the ongoing galactic war in order to affirm Vestahl's neutrality in the ongoing conflict,"
"I am pleased you chose us as one of your first contacts. By 'ongoing conflict', I assume you mean the current war between the Ancerious Galactic Alliance and Pivotal Powers. While I cannot speak on behalf of the other AGA aligned nations, rest assured that the Annoliddan Inquisition will honor a non-aggression pact so long you remain neutral in the conflict." Khabaros's curiosity now was getting the better of him. "Pray tell, what was the cause and result of your civil war, and did it take place in this galaxy?"
"Yes it did," LaPointe said with a sigh. "I'm surprised you hadn't heard of it... the Davians turned the resulting war crimes trial into quite the media spectacal. The long version is far too complicated to explain in one sitting. The short version is that on our homeworld a large swath of the population felt that too much change was happening too quickly. They tried to slow or stop our progress into an interstellar power with politics, protest, riot, and finally rebellion. They very nearly toppled the government but an international intervention crushed the rebellion in its final stages."
He paused and smiled sadly.
"The result is a rather... complicated internal political relationship and a very long rebuilding process. Which is what has brought me not only to you but indeed other nations of the two warring power blocs. I've met with Empress Inara already, and she has agreed to a non aggression pact and the opening of an economic relationship between our two nations. I seek similar agreements with you, and with luck, with other members of the APP and the AGA,"
"You came into direct contact with the Empress of Capitol?" Khabaros said masking his surprise. "Impressive. And thank you for explaining the Commonwealth's situation. Being constantly surveying systems has left me with little time to catch up on news. I sympathize with your people's plight; rebuilding a nation is a daunting task, much less having a galactic war at your doorstep."
He adjusted his posture and took a deep breath, a mechanical hissing betraying his otherwise formal appearance. "For this reason, the Vestahl Commonwealth will have total neutrality with the Annoliddan Inquisition, so long as we remain unprovoked or you seek further alliance. Furthermore, I freely welcome Vestahl vessels to freely travel and conduct business within Inquisition territories. While we do not have much to offer in terms of resources for trade, do stop by our home system if you wish to discuss trading of technologies and/or other immaterial goods."
Khabaros chuckled. "Oh, where are my manners? Please forgive my haste in this decision, but the sooner an agreement is made is all the sooner I can send word to fellow AGA nations to confirm neutrality from them as well. I also understand it is customary to have documentation for such an agreement..."
He pulled out a small prism stone, the same color as a finely polished pearl, holding it out for LaPointe.
"I hope this will suffice. This shard contains my own memories of our discussion, included in three different formats so it may be transferred into a data file for your keeping."
"Among my people we still rely on written paper agreements," LaPointe said popping open his briefcase. "In addition, and in the interest of maintaining our neutrality, I must disclose that my government and the government of Capitol are currently in the process of negotiating a trade agreement. This agreement may include provisions by which my government is paid by Capitol to manufacture war material. I would be remiss if I didn't offer the same potential in any trade deal we make with your government or indeed any government of an AGA power."
"That is quite alright, and understandable. We would not expect total loss of involvement from anyone in this conflict. I wish I could offer a stable trade agreement of equal measure, but for now I can guarantee Vestahl merchants and trade ships will not be turned away from Annoliddan space; Our ports remain open for your use and enterprises. If you wish to expand further trade between our nations directly, please see Ysoln at one of these ports."
LaPointe opened his briefcase and took out two documents, holding them out to his counterpart.
"The first is a standard non-aggression pact while the second authorizes the opening of negotiations with the Trade Committee. They'll handle the details any ongoing economic relationship."
Khabaros took the documents, his cybernetic eye flashing to check for any discrepancies and commit the documents to memory. He then etched his mark and signed the documents with his full name, resulting in a singular occult-looking symbol over the line. Khabaros then handed to papers back to LaPointe.
"This should suffice, correct?"
"It should be sufficient, yes," LaPointe answered taking the documents and returning them to his briefcase.
"I believe that concludes our business for the time being, unless you had something else you wished to discuss?"
"Only a small curiosity really. Has the Commonwealth ever encountered the Black Sails Organization, and if so, your thoughts on them?"
"Yes," LaPointe answered closing his briefcase. "During the civil war we hired a Black Sail Captain Singh to aid security forces. He ultimately betrayed us, changing sides to the rebels and naming himself their leader before nearly conquering our entire world. But, the contract broker Quinn McKendrick promised that Singh would die and his plan would fail. Then, Singh died and his plan failed,"
LaPointe straightened up.
"They are pirates and opportunists, every one of them. I'd detest them as rats and cockroaches feasting upon the misery of this galaxy... but," He sighed. "There's an honor to some of them. They say something will be done, and it comes to pass. I would not want them as allies, but I would certainly fear them as enemies,"
"Hmm," Khabaros nodded in return. "We have encountered them thrice before, and I wanted to get a second opinion. Thank you for sating my curiosity. I will pass the agreements along to the rest of the Inquisition."
He put an arm to his chest and bowed again to LaPointe. "Thank you for your visit today. I bid you safe and swift travels."