Post by EmperorMyric on Mar 22, 2021 16:07:26 GMT
Through the Dectrose's various missions, they had picked over, chose and sent Admirals to invite the most trusted and powerful nations to the creation of a power bloc that was to be the pivotal defensive power in the Ancerious Galaxy. The coordinates given to each invitee would lead them to the planet of Lupus in the Dectrose Empire. Their IFFs where greenlit by the IBG Stations guarding the Dectrose's territories, so there wouldn't be much interruption in attending such a meeting.
Everything would be sorted out to the letter, from orbital instructions to docking clearances and the associated docking platforms for each member to land on. The location itself was inside a military complex, whereas the tower erected in the middle of the complex would serve as the meeting location, along with AVD nodes to give them a scenic view of the surrounding landscape. The Dectrose wished to impress, and that's what they figured they would need to do in order to bring everyone to the table and to peak their interest in such a Council.
Though the name of such a Council had been up in the air, Bohler had figured that the 'Free Defense Council' would be a good enough name to start off on. Indeed, Bohler had been at the location for some time now as well as Terri, hand-picked for her impressive diplomatic skills in stressful delegations. Although the Dectrose was not under threat from either the APP or AGA, it would only be a matter of time before the Galactic War raging on would envelop the currently neutral parties. The Dectrose knew, that a solid defense would be the best deterrent of invasion then anything they could do offensively.
That's what this was about, a Council for Defense, yet each member was free to do what they wished to do. It was going to be a loose alliance, but if a member would be attacked, they would become a solid shield that would stop an invasion force, or repel it if necessary... Bohler waited now, and soon the others would arrive.
In contrast to the other arriving factions, a minuscule FTL signature is given out by the lone Inquisition ship entering the system. Measuring a meager 75 meters, the craft hurried into the system on approach vector to Lupus, IFF signal in open broadcast. Its single occupant called out over comms:
"This is Inquisitor Kelrin of the Annoliddan Inquisition. Requesting confirmation of landing coordinates at designated platform."
Meanwhile, five other ships sat out in empty space near the system. It was in all likelihood that the IBG stations had detected both them and their IFF signals as Inquisition ships, simply placed on standby in case a larger proceeding was deemed necessary, whatever the reason.
Director Tyldum stood quietly in the CIC of the TDASV Tracy Kirstein an alliance Super Carrier en route to the meeting point for the first ever Free Defense Council meeting although the Alliance agreed to the terms some time ago it seems that many more nations were willing to join the cause. Alongside Tyldum in the CIC was Alliance Third Fleet Grand Fleet Admiral Kyle Derringer, who was on protection detail for the director, although the presence of the Super Carrier was mostly to send a strong message about Alliance military capability. The ship waited in the Gorganos system at the wormhole gate that led into Dectrose territory, joining them was the HS Food For the Poor a colossal super dreadnought sized at 299km belonging to the Hospitallars, it was an awe inspiring sight for all those in the system who saw it. The Alliance carrier sent word ahead of time about their plus one to avoid any diplomatic incidents and ventured off into the gate with the Hospitallars, once in Dectrose space they made another FTL jump to the meetings location, and began boarding procedures, with the Dectrose traffic controllers.
The GAE large battlecruiser Prinz Eugen and her two escorts, the destroyers Wolfgang Zenker and Erich Giese, stayed at the edge of the system. Opening her hangar doors, the Prinz Eugen launched out two Gargoyle II gunships, one armed lightly with machine cannons as an oversized fighter escort while the other carried the GAE representative.
Astrid Muhlbauer had been part of the Araxium Imperial Army since she was sixteen and had served right up until the end of the reunification war where she became a senator for her home world like her father, sitting on the imperial senate that advised the empress of the Araxium Empire. Now she had been asked by Arabel herself to return to military service at the age of twenty two in order to work as part of the diplomatic division of the OKRA after their successful creation of the Ancerious colony.
For now the two gunships followed the Dectrose coordinating the docking procedures.
As promised, 5 ships carrying the ZYPHER signal soon came into reality in a Diamond based formation. 3 Holy Pantheon battleships covered the flanks and the rear of it's orbiting ship, the Gastin Dreadnought, bearing the name 'Dark Crestant' behind two Zeta battlecruisers in the front. As they got to a deployment range they set a defensive formation around themselves to allow the Representative to deploy.
"..alright...here we go." Representative Dorvain said as he stepped off the lift to the launch bay.
"I don't like being lightly armed.." One of the guard said.
"It's fine. I highly doubt anything major will happen. Besides, were only here attending for now as promised." He said to his security force.
Stepping on board a Baizar, the dropship lifted off the bay of the Dreadnought as they maintained their safety distance, One of the Zetas followed the Baizar dropship as it got closer to colony before letting the Zeta wait in orbit at a safe but responsive distance as the Baizar entered atmosphere towards the tower, following the Dectrose docking protocols.
A rip forms in the void of space as an Accordite Neccolm-Class B dreadnought tears its way back to reality with its escort of four cruisers and six destroyers in parade formation, the leading ship followed up by its subsequent escorts by the pair from smallest to largest, almost in the shape of a banner. Friendly IFFs determine the leading ship to be the Bloodheart, the flagship of Madam Fleet Admiral Kyra Zalo Irving, one of the three highest ranking navy personnel alongside the much more familiar Eltan and Vetos. Kyra is notable for having never stepping foot in the Ancerious galaxy until now.
Kyra looks to her displays as her ships hurtled towards the location that they were to meet at, sipping on her aged liquor as she ponders the situation. Eltan and Vetos has both been involved heavily in the Ancerious colony and that was entirely the reason why she was present instead of the other two men--the fellow Knighted was a relatively neutral party who could keep a straight mind and can only judge by both first contact with the various envoys and the facts that had been presented to her.
The very same facts the woman was pondering upon as her ships continued forward. The only one in this power bloc that was even vaguely familiar to the Fleet Admiral is the Dectrose--and that was because of their very liberal use of Accordite mercenaries. The others... she was highly unsure of. This meeting feels too forced. Too rushed. As if there is an ulterior agenda to the typical diplomatic façade.
Space distorted as the Summer Court's delegation arrived. It was a single ship that had appeared where only moments before there had been only empty space. The Breath of Summer's multi layered shields shimmered as waves of hard radiation, a byproduct of their jump drives, washed over them. The Breath of summer was larger than any ship, possibly with the exception of a few mass freighters, that the Summer Court had fielded so far. Despite its size, powerful drives and exceptionally heavy shielding it was rather obviously a civilian ship, lacking even the most basic point defense weaponry.
On the ship's spacious bridge the two halves of the blast shield, almost as thick and heavily armored as the ship's exterior hull, usually protecting the captain while she was linked with the ship through her neural interface, separated. A moment of disorientation washed over Asna as she found herself cut from the ship's systems and once again limited to her own, only slightly enhanced senses. She waited for another moment, until the last cables disconnected from the sockets along her spine, then she straightened herself. “Commander Gair, you have the bridge.”
Without further ado she left the bridge, heading for the shuttle bay. Her aides and the honor guard would already be waiting. And as soon as they had coordinates and a trajectory from their hosts, they would disembark. She still couldn't believe she was here though. She couldn't believe her grandmother hadn't come herself or that she had picked her from among her countless daughters and granddaughters. She could only hope that she wouldn't embarrass herself and her grandmother's people.
After a short few moments, a cheery-sounding traffic controller moved the visiting fleets to their designated locations in orbit, and gave them whatever information they needed for directions and protocol. While this happened, Arrington contacted each faction present to advise them on what to bring, and what is expected to be done. In short, he asked that every nation come down on a shuttle for easiest access to the landing pads closest to the building, and hence the meeting room.
As far as guards, Arrington suggested up to a fireteam of four guards at maximum, equipped with light weapons like pistols or SMG/PDW for optimal protection of each nation's representative. The Dectrothian Special Tactics and Intervention Unit stood by with the heavier armaments just in case things did happen to go south, but with the impressive array of Anti-Orbitals guarding this occasion, Arrington was sure that the upcoming event would be peaceful, and that none of the defenses would be needed.
He gave one last instruction to the nations to bring data devices holding their nation's history and information about them to help familiarize the other factions with each other, there would then be the handing out of the treaty to the assembly, to read over and discuss, and finally to accept in new members to the already small established FDC members. Now that his side of the preparations where made, he joined Bohler and Terri, and took his seat next to them.
Bohler had already made him the Dectrose's Councilor in the FDC, so he would be overseeing most of the proceedings here, with Bohler and Terri supervising and being able to make the authorizations necessary for any occasion.
Generally matters on such a scale would be handled directly by the emperor however, due to the ongoing efforts of colonization and quickly building infrastructure in the new galaxy the emperor is otherwise occupied. In his place he had decided to allow James Yousef to head the talks as he had previously been the forefront of diplomacy and had initially pushed for this alliance to take place.
Yousef strapped himself into the shuttle seat as his guards did the same. He had hoped that the proposal would go through the emperor as he had gotten a good impression of two of the member nations and believed it would be beneficial to the Travellers. If he was being honest with himself, he very much hoped he was right for his own benefit.
As the shuttle shuddered through the alien planet's atmosphere he checked his own sidearm impatiently, wishing for the shuttle to move faster through the air so the outcome of the meeting would come quicker.
Astrid had already thought long and hard if she was going to bring her own security. Most guards assigned to important military personnel were infantry in light power armor, there was no other security infantry type. She had even called Arabel and Erika about it, both of them said the same thing, just go alone armed with a heavy pistol for self defense. So that was exactly what she did.
Stepping off the gunship and making her way up to the meeting room, Astrid kept her hands behind her. The pouch containing all she needed hung from her belt on the right side while her side arm hung from her left side, empty with the magazine pouch hanging beside it. She wore the standard all black SS-A officer uniform with skirt and grey markings.
She was nervous, it had been quite a long time since she was last going to be in a meeting room full of important people, people who would be aiding each other should a member come under attack. Astrid just hoped that she wouldn't say anything she didn't need to.
Asna enjoyed the feeling as she was pressed into her seat as the shuttle decelerated while approaching their assigned landing pad. It almost made her forget her frustration about not being allowed to pilot the small shuttle craft herself. She hated being relegated to the role of passenger, but she would have to bear with it. She had to hold up appearances after all.
Her delegation was small, given that this occasion was pretty important. She herself wearing ornate, light power armor, much more gaudy than any suit she had ever worn before was only accompanied by two guards and two aides. The guards wore equally ornate, but much heavier and power armor. Even armed only with a light sidearm, they were a force to be reckoned with. She noted that both wore a shield generator on their off hands.
The two aides on the other hand wore civilian garb. Both the woman and the man wore posh suits, put together to match her light power armor. Either carried a slim, hardened suitcase. One contained proof of her diplomatic legitimization. The document from her grandmother appointing her ambassador for this occasion and a copy of the bills passed by her government, stating that she was allowed to enter into a mutual defensive agreement on its behalf. The other suitcase held the data cubes containing the information requested by their host.
Finally the shuttle touched down and she got out of her seat. One of the guards took the front while the other took up position behind her and the two aides trailing her, as they stepped out onto the landing pad. “Time to get this show started.”
The two ships of the Hospitallars and the TDA entered a holding pattern from the meeting site. The Hospitallars wasted no time in sending off a small ship which rapidly closed distance to its designated landing area. On the TDA ship Tyldum was making a few last minute preparations, everything had to go smoothly and this Bloc needed to outlive the WRL, another mistake like that one and he would be out of the job. When he was done he gathered his two aides and departed the ship. It was only himself and his aides that would be going, it was friendly territory so there was no need for armed escorts. The ride to the landing area was calm and uneventful. When the transport arrived Tyldum and friends disembarked hastily as to not be tardy and followed Dectrose directions to the meeting room.
The Inquisition ship followed protocol, coming to a low hover over the shuttle pads. It's single non-AI occupant, Inquisitor Kelrin, freely dropped the few last stories onto the pad landing feet first. Her ship then maneuvered to land vertically, as to take up as least space as possible. Kelrin stood and lightly dusted off her flowing, formal gown. She was lightly armed and unguarded, a single ancient looking melee weapon at her hip.
Kelrin took in the view of the Dectrothian architecture for the first time before onwards into the meeting area. Tucked underneath her arm was a Frisbee-shaped tablet that briefly lit up in various colors and inviting designs whenever she walked past someone.
The Baizar scaled it's way to the bay it was designated to, coming to a halt . Dorvain stepped off first, covered by a 4 man squad of Assault Officers. 2 Andromidians and 2 Raptors following the human Representative.
"Alrighty guys. Lets go see what kind of party they got." He said and he started down the hall, his escorts following. They were armed with mainly personal defense weapons, nothing too big and their personal guard shields
A shuttle departs from the ANS Bloodheart, bearing the Fleet Admiral and a unit of her honor guard. The relatively small craft speeds to the shuttle pad of its destination, arriving in timely manner and disembarking its five passengers.
The arrival of the Accord to the meeting hall is punctuated by the rhythmic thudding of marching boots as Kyra takes her seat, the first to arrive. Her four guards, two Ska'vari and two Ubians, take positions next to her seat, their arms behind their backs as they stand straight and at attention. All five of them are armed only with their service pistols. The Dectrose know that to strip an Accordite of his or her sidearm is considered a grave insult to their trust.
Kyra herself lays down a manually-operated wireless transmitting device on the table, awaiting the arrival of the other nations' dignitaries before presenting herself formally.
As Kyra made her way to the meeting proper, she passed several of the lightly-armored STIU guards, mainly equipped with their PDWs or bullpup railguns. While the meeting itself had around three fireteams more of the STIU, with the four ATAF members behind Terri, two in the hulking 'Fervor II' Heavy PA, with the other two in the regular 'Vigor II Mk.II' PAs. The table itself was reminiscent of those on the Dectrose's own ships, the tungsten and wood inlet table was wide enough to accommodate all the participants, with the usual RAVD node in the middle, being waved on by Arrington's hand.
The rest of the room itself had several geometric angles and shapes, likely those that where a staple of Dectrose architecture, to the right side of the table was a panoramic view, from which one could see a vast majority of the city below. To the left where refreshments of all sorts of colors, sizes and shapes, looking like it was intended for the multi-racial attendees, how good they where would depend on the accuracy of the recipes on the Ancnet.
The representatives that had already landed where greeted in a friendly manner, and those that had landed found the meeting room quite easy to find and would be able to choose which seats they wished to occupy. Arrington knew that the Accord was already here, with the only ones not specifically on the ground being the Thallaj and the Hospitallars, with traffic control stating that the vessels where Annointed, before Terri waved off the restrictions. Soon both should be landed and on their way, in the meantime, the usual orange holographic display of the RAVD node covered the ornate table, and connecting itself with any of the various documents or devices the others should bring.
Even though Arrington wanted to introduce himself, he thought to wait until everyone was here, then start with himself, then the Accord, since they where here first. It would go on like that, and then business would come into place.
After being greeted, Astrid sat down at an empty seat, not caring about where she sat as long as there wasn't a door behind her. Finding a comfortable position, she placed her tablet and officer's cap in front of her, and kept the pouch open in case she needed to bring out anything else. Aside from three spare magazines for the heavy pistol, the pouch she carried had a few printed documents rolled up like scrolls and a series of pens. If she was carrying a series of large rolled papers one would probably very easily mistaken her for an engineer.
Upon entering the meeting room the first the thing to catch Tyldum’s attention was the Dectrose representative and he gave them a firm nod. He also then noticed the representatives from two other nations which hadn’t had any diplomatic contact with the Alliance thus far. He and his aides took a seating position up towards the Dectrose representative. Once seated on of his aides took out a tablet and act as a scribe for the official Alliance records and for the press release that would be released for the people of the Three Domains Alliance. The other Aide however was not there for diplomatic reasons they were an undercover OSS agent assigned to guard duty, The President had considerable paranoia about this meeting and assigned them to protect against the worst case scenario. The three of them sat waiting patiently for the other representatives to arrive so the meeting could begin.
The Hospitalars elected not to bother with a shuttle, the peculiarities of interacting with flesh life lost upon the new born fleets, instead Second Medic Joseph Banting materializes as if from thin air within the hangar having made the journey across the gulf of space as a stream of gravimetrically accelerated particles.
The grey haired youngling entered the meeting room awkwardly, his long ankle length turquoise doctors fatigues off set strangely against the elbow length white gloves adorning his arms.
Sitting down near the the only person he even vaguely recognized the Medic shifted awkwardly on the spot leaning over closer to Tyldum while trying desperately trying not to look at any of the other delegates as he spike telepathically to the TDA diplomat.
"Hello dear patient, I am Second Medic Joseph Banting, please forgive this gestalt of any errors it may commit, this will be my first time speaking to outsiders."
Kelrin entered the meeting room with a beaming smile on her face. This was but the second official xeno-species meeting she had attended to since her arrival in Ancerious, and was hoping dearly this one did not end in a violent manner. She gave a courteous bow to the Dectrose representative before taking her seat across the meeting table from him. Like the others, she awaited the remaining representatives' arrival before introductions, but Kelrin still did a quick scan of the room and those in it, taking note of what all everyone had brought to the table.
Yousef disembarked the shuttle, squinting and covering his eyes as the alien sun beamed down upon him. As his senses adjusted to the sudden information overload he noticed that the path to the meeting was relatively obvious, a common courtesy which some overlook.
As he made his way to the meeting room, he took in the strange sights and sounds of an alien planet. He felt a compulsion to explore and understand the new input, though he attempted to ignore it; at least until the meeting was over.
Entering the building was near the opposite of leaving the shuttle, he noted. The bright visuals, louder sounds and potent smells gave way to a more military stoicism in the form of harsh geometric architecture.
The meeting room was comfortable, despite its distinctly military looks and the atmosphere was noticeably mixed, some attendees evidently being tense while others made light conversation in the quiet room, the sound of a plate being shuffled occasionally interrupting gently.
He sat while he scanned the room, not seeing anyone he had met, not that he had met many people here. He did however notice the security detail in the room, well armed and looking entirely capable of stopping any sort of coup; or following through with one.
The ZYPHER representative had entered the room, the 4 guards taking their stance around him, with 2 sitting while the other two had the honor of standing. However, their armor allowed them to support their standing weight as a little cheat for Centurians who had guard duty. After a quick scan of the room, the Representative noticed the members of the different empires who they havn't met yet.
"This is surprisingly very nice." the Andromdian guard said.
Asna briskly walked into the conference room, slowing down only once the rest of her small entourage had entered as well. With no small amount of curiosity she took in the other assembled representatives and their hosts. She bowed in greeting while one of her aides, the male one as she noticed, hurried to an empty seat at the table to lay out a small handheld computer and one of the data cubes she had brought.
A curious smell tickled her nose and her eyes briefly darted to the refreshments that had been provided. She knew some and could guess at the nature of others, but there were even more she didn't know even the slightest thing about. She didn't have much time to think about it though as her aide finished. Just like the other representatives she sat down at the table while her aides and the two faceless power armored guards she had brought hung further back.
Once everyone had settled in their seats, the glass for the room turned to privacy mode, where it effectively acted like a two-way mirror, the RAVD nodes attached to the transparent structure dimming slightly as the exterior resembled an unbroken facet of the rest of the building, as if the panoramic view never existed, whereas in the interior the brightness stayed at the same level, though there was no real notable change to those inside. The three Dectrose went over things one last time inside their heads, and Arrington activated the RAVD node, connecting to and synchronizing the various devices into a format that would be accessible to all, allowing a seamless transfer of data or information should the representative choose to transmit any data to another person.
Once the ease of access operations had been completed, Arrington stood up, he glanced upon the assembled representatives, nodding to each one before opening his mouth, his words to those that dealt with him, felt a little more crisp than usual, the salesman-like attitude fading away for the moment "Thank you all for coming, I know that some of you may be hesitant to join a power bloc, some of you may have never been in such before, and some of you are eager to test the waters. However, I wish to reassure those that are curious that you are not required to join at this very moment, and that you may have a feel for what the Free Defense Council is about, and what members are involved."
"As a founding member nation, I, David Arrington, take the position of the Dectrose Empire's Councilor in all matters for FDC. Grand Assault Fleet Admiral and High Diplomat Vanessa Terri is here, as well as the Leader of the Dectrose Empire in Ancerious, Johannes Böhler, here for supervision purposes. Now, I believe introductions are in order for the rest of the nations assembled here, you may introduce yourself, the nation you represent and your business here, that is, if you're interested in joining, are already a current FDC member or are curious and here to investigate what the FDC is about. You may start when you are ready to." He flashed a smile, and sat down into his chair, happy to have his introductions done.
The Accordite Fleet Admiral was the first to stand. Kyra takes a moment to look at each representative at the table before she begins her introduction. "I am Madam Fleet Admiral Kyra Zalo Irving of the Kingdom of the Accord, leader the 1st Royal Harvest Fleet in orbit around our homeworld and capital."
The Ska'vari woman pauses to take a drink from a water bottle that one of her aides had brought before continuing. "As this is the first time that many of you have met any representative of nation, I believe it to be prudent to say that it is my pleasure to establish first contact with your nation in this conference. Should you have any questions or concerns, I will be pleased to answer them either during questioning sessions within this meeting, or after the fact. Additionally, I can provide a summary of my nation's history to those who wish to acquire a digital copy," Kyra gestures to the device sitting on the table before her before returning to her seat.
Kelrin waited for Kyra to sit before taking the opportunity to stand next. "Salutations. I'm Inquisitor Kelrin of the Annoliddan Inquisition." Her eyes methodically looked about the room's inhabitants as she spoke, not favoring her gaze towards anyone in particular. "As previously stated by the Madam Fleet Admiral, this is as much a first ever meeting of many nations as it is a faction meeting. The Inquisition and myself seek to gladly share and trade insight into our nation with others. As for joining a power bloc, the Annoliddan people are currently undecided as whether to remain loyal to the Ancerious Galactic Alliance or to join the Free Defense Council. It is my hope this meeting will enlighten that decision." Especially since I am the one to make it, she said to herself.
Next to stand was Andromdian.
"Greetings to all in attendance. I'm Kurathov Dovovain. I stand as a Representative of the ZYPHER Empire." He paused for a moment to gather his breath.
"As everyone else has spoken this is our first meeting with many factions that we are not familiar with. I'm here to observe to see what this new founding bloc can offer" He said.
Nodding to herself, Astrid stood up and began. "Good day to you all, my name is Astrid Muhlbauer, I am the representative from the Grand Araxium Empire. Our empress is interested in joining. But due to her being grounded at home, I'll be taking her place."
Finally Asna stood, bowing slightly to the other assembled representatives. “I am ambassador Asna Sé. I am here as the representative of the people of the Summer Court and its queen.” She made a brief pause. “Due to recent developments, some of which I got to witness first hand, the queen came to the decision to join the Free Defense Council as isolation seems, despite our strengths and the best laid plans, a sure path to our downfall.” She bows once more, before sitting down again.
Tyldum sat attentively maintaining his focus on every word said by the representatives that had just spoken. He wasn’t too keen on seeing the amount of ‘Empires’ present here today but he wanted to try and push for a greater cooperative attitude from the Alliance. This was risky for everyone involved but he had to try.
“Greetings, I’m Albert Tyldum Interim Director of The Three Domains Alliance Ancerious colonial expedition. Firstly I would like to say we look forward to peaceful and beneficial relationships with everyone here, I know for a lot of you this is the first time we have met.” He said warmly to everyone.
Yousef stood in turn, bowing his head slightly as he looked from person to person. "I am admiral James Yousef, commanding officer of the TMN Omaira and representative of the Thallaj Travellers. Most of us will not have met before, because we are a new nation to this galaxy but I hope we can earn each other's trust and build beneficial relationships."
He smiled lightly as he began to sit back down.
Joseph Banting rose from his seat fidgeting nervously as his telekinetic senses made him all too aware of the multitude of eyes one him.
"H..h.hello my name is Second Medic Joseph Banting here a-as a representative of the Hospitallar fleet, we seek p-peace and understanding with all and do ever so endeavor to aid those who need it, i-i w-will be more than happy to answer and queries you may have about us and our goals."
With his hasty and stuttered introduction finished the fresh gestalt drops itself quickly back into its seat doing its best to not to look scared.
After Banting's rapid re-seating, all participants where accounted for, and the representatives where given names and faces for the nations involved. Arrington, doing his best to retain a level of professionalism, almost appearing like a salesman in a suit that was still too tight. His movements restricted and limited, as he told himself repeatedly to hold his professionalism. "Now that everyone has met each other, we shall move on to the more in-depth introductions, I see that every representative has brought their data devices, I'd like to further familiarize each other with the others involved at this table before the distribution of the FDC Treaty that was created for the founding of this bloc."
He figured that each nation here already knew about the Dectrose's history, and the information about them, otherwise they wouldn't be on a Dectrose world right now. Though he figured some might need a refresher course, so he distributed into the RAVD node the history and basic information on the Dectrose, including contact information, hierarchy and the basic goals of the Dectrose Empire, that being the pursuit of scientific research and development, as well as further knowledge of the galaxy around them. They also added their current alligences and enemies, that being most parties already involved in the allied section, and the Annointed Shades/Red Letter Day Soldiers, Black Sail Organization and the United Alien Emirates as their enemies, the latter being an enemy of the Annointed that the Dectrose pledged to fight.
Also included where an assortment of dealings and contacts the Dectrose have made recently, as well as few comments about blocs and factions throughout the galaxy, this presented a strong distrust of the AGA, but not of the CAE, and a notable lean towards the APP, detailing their dealings with the factions of Rangvald and Triarch. CORE was also mentioned briefly as a mixed and uncertain opinion, trusting some members but not others, WRL was mostly written off as no concern, stating the recent developments in the western reaches of the galaxy.
Though as this was sent, the table opened for discussion, or the sending of information and history.
Tyldum looked through the information the Dectrose had passed around, the APP lean was something of a concern they couldn’t ally themselves with someone who would actively align themselves slavers, the Alliance would be out of the FDC before one could blink. The rest of it seemed pretty standard and the brief mention of WRL made Tyldum roll his eyes. 'What a mistake' that was he thought to himself. He leaned back in his chair and gave instructions to one of his aides who then went and put a small tablet in front of the other representatives. Tyldum then placed his one flat on the table in front of him.
“In front of you is the entire history of our nation, a cultural analysis and guide, coordinates for our Ancerious capitol and a brief list of diplomatic relations with other nations.” Tyldum said plainly
The cultural analysis and guide gave an in depth look on how the Alliance functions as a society and the guide was merely how one should act if they are to visit Alliance worlds. The brief list of diplomatic relations included the present nations in the friendly category as well as the Andracken where it listed a joint project and a MDP. Under the neutral category came just about everyone else they had met from the IRS to the Vestahl Commonwealth. Under the hostile category listed the nations left in the WRL.
Taking a quick read off the tablet placed in front of her and skimming through the documents their host had uploaded, Astrid decided to begin uploading the documents she had brought with her. Mostly made up of Araxian history, there were also small video files that were declassified and made available for distribution, much of it was taken during the civil war and reunification wars.
"I have already uploaded some documents related to my nation's history, as well as an approved copy of trade information should someone be interested. Additionally there are files there concerning our military doctrine, organization and structure. Along with some documents related to our military vehicles, weapons and equipment, which have been made safe for others to read."
For now the Dectrose's stance on the galactic situation didn't bother her as it was a primary goal for the Araxium Empire to become allied to people they could trust should they ever find themselves in trouble.
Kelrin in turn uploaded an introductory document for the Annoliddan Inquisition. Accompanying this was a small program, a messenger to the disc she had brought. With it, the other representatives could inquire about any data on the Inquisition that the disc held in its banks. She then sent relevant files to those representatives she felt or knew would eventually ask for: relative trade agreements and benefits thereof, allies and enemies listings and their status, suggestions for joint research, and other notes regarding extent of military aid upon alliance.
Kelrin did all this without a word, only giving a kindhearted smile to those who looked her way, but she would readily answer any questions asked verbally. She would patiently await and listen while someone else began the main discussion.
The data disc meanwhile began streaming more data to those that searched for it. The only farces it contained, and to no fault on its own, was the Inquisition's involvement with both BSO and Davian factions in recent times.
Yousef passed along the reviewed data of the Travellers. The data relating to current operations within this galaxy included all expedition and mission reports since arrival that have been declassified, barring of course ongoing movements which may be compromised by such information.
The data also contained a brief introduction to the Travellers, their political and social history and their national focuses with emphasis on modern history rather than ancient.
When he'd finished, he took a short while to skim over the data of the other nations to learn at least their fundamentals and awaited the earnest beginning of the meeting.
Asna listens carefully as the others made their introductions. She did not start reading the files provided in detail right away. Instead she only marked some of them as of interest to her for later reading. At the same time she forwarded the files to her aides who would make sure the information would eventually be delivered to the respective specialists still on board of the Breath of Summer.
At the same time she made the same information about the Summer Court available to the other parties present. As long time isolationists the list of the Court's diplomatic relationships pretty much only contains the factions present at this very table as potential allies. She provides some basic information about the Court's strictly hierarchical society governed by a theocratic monarchy as well, putting emphasis that position within it was for the better part dependent on skill and not birth. She provided basic information about the court's military capability as well. As she did not yet know for certain how this meeting would end this information was more superficial though, mostly only slightly more in detail than what could easily be gleaned from public information networks. Even these tidbits of information made clear though, that the Summer Court was, in a defensive kind of way, highly militarized and that every able bodied citizen was a member of the Court's militia and had at the very least basic weapon training.
Kyra taps the device before her as the details of Accordite trade, basics of their culture, and information on their government. But the meat of the article is the history; from the first civilizations of Harvest to the formation of the Accord; the recovery of a Pioneer Plaque to the end of the Great War, all of it is laid out in abridged format but does nothing to shy away from all of the brutalities and atrocities. Truly, the Accord can be stated to be forged in fire and fixed through trial by error.
"I have sent all of you delegations a... relatively brief summary of the Accord. For those who have skimmed through, you would have noted that my nation had only recently emerged from a major war lasting five years, the worst that the Accord had ever faced. But, we have come out of it stronger than ever before."
Donovain joined the exchange by sharing ZYPHER's information as well, including how they arrived in Ancerious and the current conflicts they've been involved in including a good idea of their role within the CORE power bloc.
"A very rich history among everyone here.." He said to himself as she skimmed through the information that was sent about the other factions, which updated ZYHPER's information regarding the Empires here
While each nation presented it's history and it's intentions, Arrington seemed to be pulling on his collar, in a stereotypical kind of way, as if venting some steam out from under it. Though in actuality, this may be the case, as he took another drink of water from his cup. Looking up to present himself to the assembled nations "Now then, I suppose we can move onto the reading of the treaty" He turned to Banting for a moment talking a little quieter "You can take the time you need, I'm also slightly nervous, but I'm certain you'll do fine" reassuring the young gestalt as he spoke up again. "Now, here is the initial version of the Free Defense Council Treaty, if you wish to agree to these terms, you may sign at the bottom of the treaty and you will then become an official member of the FDC."
While Arrington had already signed his, he knew of others that where as-of-yet not officially members, but once they sign, they will be able to influence the bloc, current 'members' as well were likely to sign, as they already knew what the treaty consisted of. There would be time given to those on the fence, but Arrington was optimistic, so much so that he informed Bohler that he was in control of the situation, and that they may supervise via RAVD connection if they wished, Terri taking a moment to excuse herself to refill her coffee cup, though Bohler nodded to Arrington and remained seated.
The RAVD Node at the center of the massive table sent out the Treaties, the Hospitallar's treaty would be accessible once he handed in his documents, to ensure that he had given the required information prior to joining, it was a system of checks to ensure no one member was prioritized. Everyone would be equal in this bloc, and each member would retain their individuality in the bloc. Arrington had some ideas though, on how to further improve the FDC, though he needed to wait to see who would all join first.
Everything would be sorted out to the letter, from orbital instructions to docking clearances and the associated docking platforms for each member to land on. The location itself was inside a military complex, whereas the tower erected in the middle of the complex would serve as the meeting location, along with AVD nodes to give them a scenic view of the surrounding landscape. The Dectrose wished to impress, and that's what they figured they would need to do in order to bring everyone to the table and to peak their interest in such a Council.
Though the name of such a Council had been up in the air, Bohler had figured that the 'Free Defense Council' would be a good enough name to start off on. Indeed, Bohler had been at the location for some time now as well as Terri, hand-picked for her impressive diplomatic skills in stressful delegations. Although the Dectrose was not under threat from either the APP or AGA, it would only be a matter of time before the Galactic War raging on would envelop the currently neutral parties. The Dectrose knew, that a solid defense would be the best deterrent of invasion then anything they could do offensively.
That's what this was about, a Council for Defense, yet each member was free to do what they wished to do. It was going to be a loose alliance, but if a member would be attacked, they would become a solid shield that would stop an invasion force, or repel it if necessary... Bohler waited now, and soon the others would arrive.
In contrast to the other arriving factions, a minuscule FTL signature is given out by the lone Inquisition ship entering the system. Measuring a meager 75 meters, the craft hurried into the system on approach vector to Lupus, IFF signal in open broadcast. Its single occupant called out over comms:
"This is Inquisitor Kelrin of the Annoliddan Inquisition. Requesting confirmation of landing coordinates at designated platform."
Meanwhile, five other ships sat out in empty space near the system. It was in all likelihood that the IBG stations had detected both them and their IFF signals as Inquisition ships, simply placed on standby in case a larger proceeding was deemed necessary, whatever the reason.
Director Tyldum stood quietly in the CIC of the TDASV Tracy Kirstein an alliance Super Carrier en route to the meeting point for the first ever Free Defense Council meeting although the Alliance agreed to the terms some time ago it seems that many more nations were willing to join the cause. Alongside Tyldum in the CIC was Alliance Third Fleet Grand Fleet Admiral Kyle Derringer, who was on protection detail for the director, although the presence of the Super Carrier was mostly to send a strong message about Alliance military capability. The ship waited in the Gorganos system at the wormhole gate that led into Dectrose territory, joining them was the HS Food For the Poor a colossal super dreadnought sized at 299km belonging to the Hospitallars, it was an awe inspiring sight for all those in the system who saw it. The Alliance carrier sent word ahead of time about their plus one to avoid any diplomatic incidents and ventured off into the gate with the Hospitallars, once in Dectrose space they made another FTL jump to the meetings location, and began boarding procedures, with the Dectrose traffic controllers.
The GAE large battlecruiser Prinz Eugen and her two escorts, the destroyers Wolfgang Zenker and Erich Giese, stayed at the edge of the system. Opening her hangar doors, the Prinz Eugen launched out two Gargoyle II gunships, one armed lightly with machine cannons as an oversized fighter escort while the other carried the GAE representative.
Astrid Muhlbauer had been part of the Araxium Imperial Army since she was sixteen and had served right up until the end of the reunification war where she became a senator for her home world like her father, sitting on the imperial senate that advised the empress of the Araxium Empire. Now she had been asked by Arabel herself to return to military service at the age of twenty two in order to work as part of the diplomatic division of the OKRA after their successful creation of the Ancerious colony.
For now the two gunships followed the Dectrose coordinating the docking procedures.
As promised, 5 ships carrying the ZYPHER signal soon came into reality in a Diamond based formation. 3 Holy Pantheon battleships covered the flanks and the rear of it's orbiting ship, the Gastin Dreadnought, bearing the name 'Dark Crestant' behind two Zeta battlecruisers in the front. As they got to a deployment range they set a defensive formation around themselves to allow the Representative to deploy.
"..alright...here we go." Representative Dorvain said as he stepped off the lift to the launch bay.
"I don't like being lightly armed.." One of the guard said.
"It's fine. I highly doubt anything major will happen. Besides, were only here attending for now as promised." He said to his security force.
Stepping on board a Baizar, the dropship lifted off the bay of the Dreadnought as they maintained their safety distance, One of the Zetas followed the Baizar dropship as it got closer to colony before letting the Zeta wait in orbit at a safe but responsive distance as the Baizar entered atmosphere towards the tower, following the Dectrose docking protocols.
A rip forms in the void of space as an Accordite Neccolm-Class B dreadnought tears its way back to reality with its escort of four cruisers and six destroyers in parade formation, the leading ship followed up by its subsequent escorts by the pair from smallest to largest, almost in the shape of a banner. Friendly IFFs determine the leading ship to be the Bloodheart, the flagship of Madam Fleet Admiral Kyra Zalo Irving, one of the three highest ranking navy personnel alongside the much more familiar Eltan and Vetos. Kyra is notable for having never stepping foot in the Ancerious galaxy until now.
Kyra looks to her displays as her ships hurtled towards the location that they were to meet at, sipping on her aged liquor as she ponders the situation. Eltan and Vetos has both been involved heavily in the Ancerious colony and that was entirely the reason why she was present instead of the other two men--the fellow Knighted was a relatively neutral party who could keep a straight mind and can only judge by both first contact with the various envoys and the facts that had been presented to her.
The very same facts the woman was pondering upon as her ships continued forward. The only one in this power bloc that was even vaguely familiar to the Fleet Admiral is the Dectrose--and that was because of their very liberal use of Accordite mercenaries. The others... she was highly unsure of. This meeting feels too forced. Too rushed. As if there is an ulterior agenda to the typical diplomatic façade.
Space distorted as the Summer Court's delegation arrived. It was a single ship that had appeared where only moments before there had been only empty space. The Breath of Summer's multi layered shields shimmered as waves of hard radiation, a byproduct of their jump drives, washed over them. The Breath of summer was larger than any ship, possibly with the exception of a few mass freighters, that the Summer Court had fielded so far. Despite its size, powerful drives and exceptionally heavy shielding it was rather obviously a civilian ship, lacking even the most basic point defense weaponry.
On the ship's spacious bridge the two halves of the blast shield, almost as thick and heavily armored as the ship's exterior hull, usually protecting the captain while she was linked with the ship through her neural interface, separated. A moment of disorientation washed over Asna as she found herself cut from the ship's systems and once again limited to her own, only slightly enhanced senses. She waited for another moment, until the last cables disconnected from the sockets along her spine, then she straightened herself. “Commander Gair, you have the bridge.”
Without further ado she left the bridge, heading for the shuttle bay. Her aides and the honor guard would already be waiting. And as soon as they had coordinates and a trajectory from their hosts, they would disembark. She still couldn't believe she was here though. She couldn't believe her grandmother hadn't come herself or that she had picked her from among her countless daughters and granddaughters. She could only hope that she wouldn't embarrass herself and her grandmother's people.
After a short few moments, a cheery-sounding traffic controller moved the visiting fleets to their designated locations in orbit, and gave them whatever information they needed for directions and protocol. While this happened, Arrington contacted each faction present to advise them on what to bring, and what is expected to be done. In short, he asked that every nation come down on a shuttle for easiest access to the landing pads closest to the building, and hence the meeting room.
As far as guards, Arrington suggested up to a fireteam of four guards at maximum, equipped with light weapons like pistols or SMG/PDW for optimal protection of each nation's representative. The Dectrothian Special Tactics and Intervention Unit stood by with the heavier armaments just in case things did happen to go south, but with the impressive array of Anti-Orbitals guarding this occasion, Arrington was sure that the upcoming event would be peaceful, and that none of the defenses would be needed.
He gave one last instruction to the nations to bring data devices holding their nation's history and information about them to help familiarize the other factions with each other, there would then be the handing out of the treaty to the assembly, to read over and discuss, and finally to accept in new members to the already small established FDC members. Now that his side of the preparations where made, he joined Bohler and Terri, and took his seat next to them.
Bohler had already made him the Dectrose's Councilor in the FDC, so he would be overseeing most of the proceedings here, with Bohler and Terri supervising and being able to make the authorizations necessary for any occasion.
Generally matters on such a scale would be handled directly by the emperor however, due to the ongoing efforts of colonization and quickly building infrastructure in the new galaxy the emperor is otherwise occupied. In his place he had decided to allow James Yousef to head the talks as he had previously been the forefront of diplomacy and had initially pushed for this alliance to take place.
Yousef strapped himself into the shuttle seat as his guards did the same. He had hoped that the proposal would go through the emperor as he had gotten a good impression of two of the member nations and believed it would be beneficial to the Travellers. If he was being honest with himself, he very much hoped he was right for his own benefit.
As the shuttle shuddered through the alien planet's atmosphere he checked his own sidearm impatiently, wishing for the shuttle to move faster through the air so the outcome of the meeting would come quicker.
Astrid had already thought long and hard if she was going to bring her own security. Most guards assigned to important military personnel were infantry in light power armor, there was no other security infantry type. She had even called Arabel and Erika about it, both of them said the same thing, just go alone armed with a heavy pistol for self defense. So that was exactly what she did.
Stepping off the gunship and making her way up to the meeting room, Astrid kept her hands behind her. The pouch containing all she needed hung from her belt on the right side while her side arm hung from her left side, empty with the magazine pouch hanging beside it. She wore the standard all black SS-A officer uniform with skirt and grey markings.
She was nervous, it had been quite a long time since she was last going to be in a meeting room full of important people, people who would be aiding each other should a member come under attack. Astrid just hoped that she wouldn't say anything she didn't need to.
Asna enjoyed the feeling as she was pressed into her seat as the shuttle decelerated while approaching their assigned landing pad. It almost made her forget her frustration about not being allowed to pilot the small shuttle craft herself. She hated being relegated to the role of passenger, but she would have to bear with it. She had to hold up appearances after all.
Her delegation was small, given that this occasion was pretty important. She herself wearing ornate, light power armor, much more gaudy than any suit she had ever worn before was only accompanied by two guards and two aides. The guards wore equally ornate, but much heavier and power armor. Even armed only with a light sidearm, they were a force to be reckoned with. She noted that both wore a shield generator on their off hands.
The two aides on the other hand wore civilian garb. Both the woman and the man wore posh suits, put together to match her light power armor. Either carried a slim, hardened suitcase. One contained proof of her diplomatic legitimization. The document from her grandmother appointing her ambassador for this occasion and a copy of the bills passed by her government, stating that she was allowed to enter into a mutual defensive agreement on its behalf. The other suitcase held the data cubes containing the information requested by their host.
Finally the shuttle touched down and she got out of her seat. One of the guards took the front while the other took up position behind her and the two aides trailing her, as they stepped out onto the landing pad. “Time to get this show started.”
The two ships of the Hospitallars and the TDA entered a holding pattern from the meeting site. The Hospitallars wasted no time in sending off a small ship which rapidly closed distance to its designated landing area. On the TDA ship Tyldum was making a few last minute preparations, everything had to go smoothly and this Bloc needed to outlive the WRL, another mistake like that one and he would be out of the job. When he was done he gathered his two aides and departed the ship. It was only himself and his aides that would be going, it was friendly territory so there was no need for armed escorts. The ride to the landing area was calm and uneventful. When the transport arrived Tyldum and friends disembarked hastily as to not be tardy and followed Dectrose directions to the meeting room.
The Inquisition ship followed protocol, coming to a low hover over the shuttle pads. It's single non-AI occupant, Inquisitor Kelrin, freely dropped the few last stories onto the pad landing feet first. Her ship then maneuvered to land vertically, as to take up as least space as possible. Kelrin stood and lightly dusted off her flowing, formal gown. She was lightly armed and unguarded, a single ancient looking melee weapon at her hip.
Kelrin took in the view of the Dectrothian architecture for the first time before onwards into the meeting area. Tucked underneath her arm was a Frisbee-shaped tablet that briefly lit up in various colors and inviting designs whenever she walked past someone.
The Baizar scaled it's way to the bay it was designated to, coming to a halt . Dorvain stepped off first, covered by a 4 man squad of Assault Officers. 2 Andromidians and 2 Raptors following the human Representative.
"Alrighty guys. Lets go see what kind of party they got." He said and he started down the hall, his escorts following. They were armed with mainly personal defense weapons, nothing too big and their personal guard shields
A shuttle departs from the ANS Bloodheart, bearing the Fleet Admiral and a unit of her honor guard. The relatively small craft speeds to the shuttle pad of its destination, arriving in timely manner and disembarking its five passengers.
The arrival of the Accord to the meeting hall is punctuated by the rhythmic thudding of marching boots as Kyra takes her seat, the first to arrive. Her four guards, two Ska'vari and two Ubians, take positions next to her seat, their arms behind their backs as they stand straight and at attention. All five of them are armed only with their service pistols. The Dectrose know that to strip an Accordite of his or her sidearm is considered a grave insult to their trust.
Kyra herself lays down a manually-operated wireless transmitting device on the table, awaiting the arrival of the other nations' dignitaries before presenting herself formally.
As Kyra made her way to the meeting proper, she passed several of the lightly-armored STIU guards, mainly equipped with their PDWs or bullpup railguns. While the meeting itself had around three fireteams more of the STIU, with the four ATAF members behind Terri, two in the hulking 'Fervor II' Heavy PA, with the other two in the regular 'Vigor II Mk.II' PAs. The table itself was reminiscent of those on the Dectrose's own ships, the tungsten and wood inlet table was wide enough to accommodate all the participants, with the usual RAVD node in the middle, being waved on by Arrington's hand.
The rest of the room itself had several geometric angles and shapes, likely those that where a staple of Dectrose architecture, to the right side of the table was a panoramic view, from which one could see a vast majority of the city below. To the left where refreshments of all sorts of colors, sizes and shapes, looking like it was intended for the multi-racial attendees, how good they where would depend on the accuracy of the recipes on the Ancnet.
The representatives that had already landed where greeted in a friendly manner, and those that had landed found the meeting room quite easy to find and would be able to choose which seats they wished to occupy. Arrington knew that the Accord was already here, with the only ones not specifically on the ground being the Thallaj and the Hospitallars, with traffic control stating that the vessels where Annointed, before Terri waved off the restrictions. Soon both should be landed and on their way, in the meantime, the usual orange holographic display of the RAVD node covered the ornate table, and connecting itself with any of the various documents or devices the others should bring.
Even though Arrington wanted to introduce himself, he thought to wait until everyone was here, then start with himself, then the Accord, since they where here first. It would go on like that, and then business would come into place.
After being greeted, Astrid sat down at an empty seat, not caring about where she sat as long as there wasn't a door behind her. Finding a comfortable position, she placed her tablet and officer's cap in front of her, and kept the pouch open in case she needed to bring out anything else. Aside from three spare magazines for the heavy pistol, the pouch she carried had a few printed documents rolled up like scrolls and a series of pens. If she was carrying a series of large rolled papers one would probably very easily mistaken her for an engineer.
Upon entering the meeting room the first the thing to catch Tyldum’s attention was the Dectrose representative and he gave them a firm nod. He also then noticed the representatives from two other nations which hadn’t had any diplomatic contact with the Alliance thus far. He and his aides took a seating position up towards the Dectrose representative. Once seated on of his aides took out a tablet and act as a scribe for the official Alliance records and for the press release that would be released for the people of the Three Domains Alliance. The other Aide however was not there for diplomatic reasons they were an undercover OSS agent assigned to guard duty, The President had considerable paranoia about this meeting and assigned them to protect against the worst case scenario. The three of them sat waiting patiently for the other representatives to arrive so the meeting could begin.
The Hospitalars elected not to bother with a shuttle, the peculiarities of interacting with flesh life lost upon the new born fleets, instead Second Medic Joseph Banting materializes as if from thin air within the hangar having made the journey across the gulf of space as a stream of gravimetrically accelerated particles.
The grey haired youngling entered the meeting room awkwardly, his long ankle length turquoise doctors fatigues off set strangely against the elbow length white gloves adorning his arms.
Sitting down near the the only person he even vaguely recognized the Medic shifted awkwardly on the spot leaning over closer to Tyldum while trying desperately trying not to look at any of the other delegates as he spike telepathically to the TDA diplomat.
"Hello dear patient, I am Second Medic Joseph Banting, please forgive this gestalt of any errors it may commit, this will be my first time speaking to outsiders."
Kelrin entered the meeting room with a beaming smile on her face. This was but the second official xeno-species meeting she had attended to since her arrival in Ancerious, and was hoping dearly this one did not end in a violent manner. She gave a courteous bow to the Dectrose representative before taking her seat across the meeting table from him. Like the others, she awaited the remaining representatives' arrival before introductions, but Kelrin still did a quick scan of the room and those in it, taking note of what all everyone had brought to the table.
Yousef disembarked the shuttle, squinting and covering his eyes as the alien sun beamed down upon him. As his senses adjusted to the sudden information overload he noticed that the path to the meeting was relatively obvious, a common courtesy which some overlook.
As he made his way to the meeting room, he took in the strange sights and sounds of an alien planet. He felt a compulsion to explore and understand the new input, though he attempted to ignore it; at least until the meeting was over.
Entering the building was near the opposite of leaving the shuttle, he noted. The bright visuals, louder sounds and potent smells gave way to a more military stoicism in the form of harsh geometric architecture.
The meeting room was comfortable, despite its distinctly military looks and the atmosphere was noticeably mixed, some attendees evidently being tense while others made light conversation in the quiet room, the sound of a plate being shuffled occasionally interrupting gently.
He sat while he scanned the room, not seeing anyone he had met, not that he had met many people here. He did however notice the security detail in the room, well armed and looking entirely capable of stopping any sort of coup; or following through with one.
The ZYPHER representative had entered the room, the 4 guards taking their stance around him, with 2 sitting while the other two had the honor of standing. However, their armor allowed them to support their standing weight as a little cheat for Centurians who had guard duty. After a quick scan of the room, the Representative noticed the members of the different empires who they havn't met yet.
"This is surprisingly very nice." the Andromdian guard said.
Asna briskly walked into the conference room, slowing down only once the rest of her small entourage had entered as well. With no small amount of curiosity she took in the other assembled representatives and their hosts. She bowed in greeting while one of her aides, the male one as she noticed, hurried to an empty seat at the table to lay out a small handheld computer and one of the data cubes she had brought.
A curious smell tickled her nose and her eyes briefly darted to the refreshments that had been provided. She knew some and could guess at the nature of others, but there were even more she didn't know even the slightest thing about. She didn't have much time to think about it though as her aide finished. Just like the other representatives she sat down at the table while her aides and the two faceless power armored guards she had brought hung further back.
Once everyone had settled in their seats, the glass for the room turned to privacy mode, where it effectively acted like a two-way mirror, the RAVD nodes attached to the transparent structure dimming slightly as the exterior resembled an unbroken facet of the rest of the building, as if the panoramic view never existed, whereas in the interior the brightness stayed at the same level, though there was no real notable change to those inside. The three Dectrose went over things one last time inside their heads, and Arrington activated the RAVD node, connecting to and synchronizing the various devices into a format that would be accessible to all, allowing a seamless transfer of data or information should the representative choose to transmit any data to another person.
Once the ease of access operations had been completed, Arrington stood up, he glanced upon the assembled representatives, nodding to each one before opening his mouth, his words to those that dealt with him, felt a little more crisp than usual, the salesman-like attitude fading away for the moment "Thank you all for coming, I know that some of you may be hesitant to join a power bloc, some of you may have never been in such before, and some of you are eager to test the waters. However, I wish to reassure those that are curious that you are not required to join at this very moment, and that you may have a feel for what the Free Defense Council is about, and what members are involved."
"As a founding member nation, I, David Arrington, take the position of the Dectrose Empire's Councilor in all matters for FDC. Grand Assault Fleet Admiral and High Diplomat Vanessa Terri is here, as well as the Leader of the Dectrose Empire in Ancerious, Johannes Böhler, here for supervision purposes. Now, I believe introductions are in order for the rest of the nations assembled here, you may introduce yourself, the nation you represent and your business here, that is, if you're interested in joining, are already a current FDC member or are curious and here to investigate what the FDC is about. You may start when you are ready to." He flashed a smile, and sat down into his chair, happy to have his introductions done.
The Accordite Fleet Admiral was the first to stand. Kyra takes a moment to look at each representative at the table before she begins her introduction. "I am Madam Fleet Admiral Kyra Zalo Irving of the Kingdom of the Accord, leader the 1st Royal Harvest Fleet in orbit around our homeworld and capital."
The Ska'vari woman pauses to take a drink from a water bottle that one of her aides had brought before continuing. "As this is the first time that many of you have met any representative of nation, I believe it to be prudent to say that it is my pleasure to establish first contact with your nation in this conference. Should you have any questions or concerns, I will be pleased to answer them either during questioning sessions within this meeting, or after the fact. Additionally, I can provide a summary of my nation's history to those who wish to acquire a digital copy," Kyra gestures to the device sitting on the table before her before returning to her seat.
Kelrin waited for Kyra to sit before taking the opportunity to stand next. "Salutations. I'm Inquisitor Kelrin of the Annoliddan Inquisition." Her eyes methodically looked about the room's inhabitants as she spoke, not favoring her gaze towards anyone in particular. "As previously stated by the Madam Fleet Admiral, this is as much a first ever meeting of many nations as it is a faction meeting. The Inquisition and myself seek to gladly share and trade insight into our nation with others. As for joining a power bloc, the Annoliddan people are currently undecided as whether to remain loyal to the Ancerious Galactic Alliance or to join the Free Defense Council. It is my hope this meeting will enlighten that decision." Especially since I am the one to make it, she said to herself.
Next to stand was Andromdian.
"Greetings to all in attendance. I'm Kurathov Dovovain. I stand as a Representative of the ZYPHER Empire." He paused for a moment to gather his breath.
"As everyone else has spoken this is our first meeting with many factions that we are not familiar with. I'm here to observe to see what this new founding bloc can offer" He said.
Nodding to herself, Astrid stood up and began. "Good day to you all, my name is Astrid Muhlbauer, I am the representative from the Grand Araxium Empire. Our empress is interested in joining. But due to her being grounded at home, I'll be taking her place."
Finally Asna stood, bowing slightly to the other assembled representatives. “I am ambassador Asna Sé. I am here as the representative of the people of the Summer Court and its queen.” She made a brief pause. “Due to recent developments, some of which I got to witness first hand, the queen came to the decision to join the Free Defense Council as isolation seems, despite our strengths and the best laid plans, a sure path to our downfall.” She bows once more, before sitting down again.
Tyldum sat attentively maintaining his focus on every word said by the representatives that had just spoken. He wasn’t too keen on seeing the amount of ‘Empires’ present here today but he wanted to try and push for a greater cooperative attitude from the Alliance. This was risky for everyone involved but he had to try.
“Greetings, I’m Albert Tyldum Interim Director of The Three Domains Alliance Ancerious colonial expedition. Firstly I would like to say we look forward to peaceful and beneficial relationships with everyone here, I know for a lot of you this is the first time we have met.” He said warmly to everyone.
Yousef stood in turn, bowing his head slightly as he looked from person to person. "I am admiral James Yousef, commanding officer of the TMN Omaira and representative of the Thallaj Travellers. Most of us will not have met before, because we are a new nation to this galaxy but I hope we can earn each other's trust and build beneficial relationships."
He smiled lightly as he began to sit back down.
Joseph Banting rose from his seat fidgeting nervously as his telekinetic senses made him all too aware of the multitude of eyes one him.
"H..h.hello my name is Second Medic Joseph Banting here a-as a representative of the Hospitallar fleet, we seek p-peace and understanding with all and do ever so endeavor to aid those who need it, i-i w-will be more than happy to answer and queries you may have about us and our goals."
With his hasty and stuttered introduction finished the fresh gestalt drops itself quickly back into its seat doing its best to not to look scared.
After Banting's rapid re-seating, all participants where accounted for, and the representatives where given names and faces for the nations involved. Arrington, doing his best to retain a level of professionalism, almost appearing like a salesman in a suit that was still too tight. His movements restricted and limited, as he told himself repeatedly to hold his professionalism. "Now that everyone has met each other, we shall move on to the more in-depth introductions, I see that every representative has brought their data devices, I'd like to further familiarize each other with the others involved at this table before the distribution of the FDC Treaty that was created for the founding of this bloc."
He figured that each nation here already knew about the Dectrose's history, and the information about them, otherwise they wouldn't be on a Dectrose world right now. Though he figured some might need a refresher course, so he distributed into the RAVD node the history and basic information on the Dectrose, including contact information, hierarchy and the basic goals of the Dectrose Empire, that being the pursuit of scientific research and development, as well as further knowledge of the galaxy around them. They also added their current alligences and enemies, that being most parties already involved in the allied section, and the Annointed Shades/Red Letter Day Soldiers, Black Sail Organization and the United Alien Emirates as their enemies, the latter being an enemy of the Annointed that the Dectrose pledged to fight.
Also included where an assortment of dealings and contacts the Dectrose have made recently, as well as few comments about blocs and factions throughout the galaxy, this presented a strong distrust of the AGA, but not of the CAE, and a notable lean towards the APP, detailing their dealings with the factions of Rangvald and Triarch. CORE was also mentioned briefly as a mixed and uncertain opinion, trusting some members but not others, WRL was mostly written off as no concern, stating the recent developments in the western reaches of the galaxy.
Though as this was sent, the table opened for discussion, or the sending of information and history.
Tyldum looked through the information the Dectrose had passed around, the APP lean was something of a concern they couldn’t ally themselves with someone who would actively align themselves slavers, the Alliance would be out of the FDC before one could blink. The rest of it seemed pretty standard and the brief mention of WRL made Tyldum roll his eyes. 'What a mistake' that was he thought to himself. He leaned back in his chair and gave instructions to one of his aides who then went and put a small tablet in front of the other representatives. Tyldum then placed his one flat on the table in front of him.
“In front of you is the entire history of our nation, a cultural analysis and guide, coordinates for our Ancerious capitol and a brief list of diplomatic relations with other nations.” Tyldum said plainly
The cultural analysis and guide gave an in depth look on how the Alliance functions as a society and the guide was merely how one should act if they are to visit Alliance worlds. The brief list of diplomatic relations included the present nations in the friendly category as well as the Andracken where it listed a joint project and a MDP. Under the neutral category came just about everyone else they had met from the IRS to the Vestahl Commonwealth. Under the hostile category listed the nations left in the WRL.
Taking a quick read off the tablet placed in front of her and skimming through the documents their host had uploaded, Astrid decided to begin uploading the documents she had brought with her. Mostly made up of Araxian history, there were also small video files that were declassified and made available for distribution, much of it was taken during the civil war and reunification wars.
"I have already uploaded some documents related to my nation's history, as well as an approved copy of trade information should someone be interested. Additionally there are files there concerning our military doctrine, organization and structure. Along with some documents related to our military vehicles, weapons and equipment, which have been made safe for others to read."
For now the Dectrose's stance on the galactic situation didn't bother her as it was a primary goal for the Araxium Empire to become allied to people they could trust should they ever find themselves in trouble.
Kelrin in turn uploaded an introductory document for the Annoliddan Inquisition. Accompanying this was a small program, a messenger to the disc she had brought. With it, the other representatives could inquire about any data on the Inquisition that the disc held in its banks. She then sent relevant files to those representatives she felt or knew would eventually ask for: relative trade agreements and benefits thereof, allies and enemies listings and their status, suggestions for joint research, and other notes regarding extent of military aid upon alliance.
Kelrin did all this without a word, only giving a kindhearted smile to those who looked her way, but she would readily answer any questions asked verbally. She would patiently await and listen while someone else began the main discussion.
The data disc meanwhile began streaming more data to those that searched for it. The only farces it contained, and to no fault on its own, was the Inquisition's involvement with both BSO and Davian factions in recent times.
Yousef passed along the reviewed data of the Travellers. The data relating to current operations within this galaxy included all expedition and mission reports since arrival that have been declassified, barring of course ongoing movements which may be compromised by such information.
The data also contained a brief introduction to the Travellers, their political and social history and their national focuses with emphasis on modern history rather than ancient.
When he'd finished, he took a short while to skim over the data of the other nations to learn at least their fundamentals and awaited the earnest beginning of the meeting.
Asna listens carefully as the others made their introductions. She did not start reading the files provided in detail right away. Instead she only marked some of them as of interest to her for later reading. At the same time she forwarded the files to her aides who would make sure the information would eventually be delivered to the respective specialists still on board of the Breath of Summer.
At the same time she made the same information about the Summer Court available to the other parties present. As long time isolationists the list of the Court's diplomatic relationships pretty much only contains the factions present at this very table as potential allies. She provides some basic information about the Court's strictly hierarchical society governed by a theocratic monarchy as well, putting emphasis that position within it was for the better part dependent on skill and not birth. She provided basic information about the court's military capability as well. As she did not yet know for certain how this meeting would end this information was more superficial though, mostly only slightly more in detail than what could easily be gleaned from public information networks. Even these tidbits of information made clear though, that the Summer Court was, in a defensive kind of way, highly militarized and that every able bodied citizen was a member of the Court's militia and had at the very least basic weapon training.
Kyra taps the device before her as the details of Accordite trade, basics of their culture, and information on their government. But the meat of the article is the history; from the first civilizations of Harvest to the formation of the Accord; the recovery of a Pioneer Plaque to the end of the Great War, all of it is laid out in abridged format but does nothing to shy away from all of the brutalities and atrocities. Truly, the Accord can be stated to be forged in fire and fixed through trial by error.
"I have sent all of you delegations a... relatively brief summary of the Accord. For those who have skimmed through, you would have noted that my nation had only recently emerged from a major war lasting five years, the worst that the Accord had ever faced. But, we have come out of it stronger than ever before."
Donovain joined the exchange by sharing ZYPHER's information as well, including how they arrived in Ancerious and the current conflicts they've been involved in including a good idea of their role within the CORE power bloc.
"A very rich history among everyone here.." He said to himself as she skimmed through the information that was sent about the other factions, which updated ZYHPER's information regarding the Empires here
While each nation presented it's history and it's intentions, Arrington seemed to be pulling on his collar, in a stereotypical kind of way, as if venting some steam out from under it. Though in actuality, this may be the case, as he took another drink of water from his cup. Looking up to present himself to the assembled nations "Now then, I suppose we can move onto the reading of the treaty" He turned to Banting for a moment talking a little quieter "You can take the time you need, I'm also slightly nervous, but I'm certain you'll do fine" reassuring the young gestalt as he spoke up again. "Now, here is the initial version of the Free Defense Council Treaty, if you wish to agree to these terms, you may sign at the bottom of the treaty and you will then become an official member of the FDC."
While Arrington had already signed his, he knew of others that where as-of-yet not officially members, but once they sign, they will be able to influence the bloc, current 'members' as well were likely to sign, as they already knew what the treaty consisted of. There would be time given to those on the fence, but Arrington was optimistic, so much so that he informed Bohler that he was in control of the situation, and that they may supervise via RAVD connection if they wished, Terri taking a moment to excuse herself to refill her coffee cup, though Bohler nodded to Arrington and remained seated.
The RAVD Node at the center of the massive table sent out the Treaties, the Hospitallar's treaty would be accessible once he handed in his documents, to ensure that he had given the required information prior to joining, it was a system of checks to ensure no one member was prioritized. Everyone would be equal in this bloc, and each member would retain their individuality in the bloc. Arrington had some ideas though, on how to further improve the FDC, though he needed to wait to see who would all join first.