Post by EmperorMyric on Mar 22, 2021 16:46:58 GMT
A jolt of energy on the edge of the Thramas system is all that marks the arrival of the Accord scouting fleet. Commodore Vestil Gesphelt Irving shuddered as the system reappeared in his view, easily recalling his previous experiences--and death--at this location. Hardly pleasant nor welcoming, yet he was assigned back to this task as Vestil had the most experience with the system.
The only two comforting thoughts for this mission was that he had a substantially better fleet than before, and the thousand-ship Ancerious Third Fleet was ready to jump on top of any threat still lingering in the system.
The scouting fleet of one battlecruiser, two heavy cruisers, four cruisers and ten destroyers slowed to a stop in an arrowhead formation as the ships began scanning their surroundings.
The AIN Brunhildr had only recently finished repairs, refitting and now was conducting a training exercise out in the Thramas system with students from the imperial academy on Erlun. With the Brunhildr was the newly built AIN Grauer Wolf, both ships were crewed by officers from the previous battle at Vestahl while the rest were trainees.
Fighters, bombers, gunships and other small ships of all kinds were navigating the system for training and exercise purposes. Transport ships with their interiors turned into CQB training areas hosted simulated boarding events by recruits and soldiers from the imperial marines and Schutzstaffel panzermensch. A pair of Z class destroyers were being used for gunnery training firing at targets towed by bombers.
Cadet officer Monika Weiss was on the bridge of the Grauer Wolf with Arabel von Raxia when the yet to be identified ships jumped into system. Arabel ordered an immediate alert to be sent out to those training in order for them to return to the safety of the two ultimate fast battleships currently stationed near the system's star.
While she hadn't completely planned for something like this to happen, it still took Arabel some time to respond to the possible threat this unidentified fleet posed to her students. Meanwhile, Erika remained directing multiple flights of small craft back to her ship for recovery and if needed, would jump out to safety. While the situation would be easily resolved and defused, it was better to be safer by recalling everyone back to their ships.
"Reporting multiple unidentified vehicles in the system," the Sensors Officer reports. "Several weapons powered up... their small craft are recalling. Orders?"
Vestil sighs. "Hail them. If they open up their weapons on us, we're screwed, Third Fleet or no fleet. I don't intend on dying a second time in this damn place."
An affirmative from the Comms Officer gave Vestil the notice to begin. The now-human cleared his throat before he spoke. "This is Commodore Vestil of the ANS Ironheart, of the Accord Kingdom. We come in peace to the forces present in this system."
On the bridge, Arabel turned to ask Monika a few questions. "And there you have it. Based on what you've studied, what would be the best course of action if you were commanding this warship?" While it wasn't uncommon to ask a subordinate for input on a subject matter, Arabel was asking her student what she would do in this kind of situation.
Monika weighed their options carefully, knowing that just two ultimate fast battleships and two destroyers not at full combat power could be easily defeated in this kind of situation. "I would respond to their hails to introduce ourselves. There should be nothing to fear if they're raising us on a system wide broadcast. Additionally should we fall into combat, we could always call upon the home fleet for backup."
"Well done cadet. While I did want you to assume that we don't have backup, you answered well given our situation." Arabel smiled at her student and fellow zwitterding. "Comms, give me a line to their commander."
"Comms are through, mein Kaiserin."
"Monika, you handle this one. This would be a good time for you to gain experience before you fully graduate from the academy."
Clearing her throat, the fox girl held the mic up to her mouth. "This is Cadet Monika Weiss of the imperial academy of the Araxium Empire. As you can see, we are currently recalling our ships from training here. We ask you to state your business here."
Vestil raised an eyebrow at the remark. Should such an event happen to a system under Accordite control, the last thing on High Command's mind would be to repurpose the site for something as mundane as training. Then again, he has not even the slightest idea of the Araxium Empire's methods, nor was he in any position to make judgement.
"My formal apology for stumbling upon your people at such an inopportune moment, Cadet Weiss. My nation has assigned my flotilla of the 31st patrol fleet for a second scouting mission in this system, given what little they were able to salvage of...previous events here."
Vestil pauses momentarily to catch his breath. "By your permission, or the next member of capable rank, I request official permission to continue with this mission of ours. Furthermore, the Accord has noted interest with establishing diplomatic ties with the Araxium Empire."
Arabel had expected someone else to show up in the Thramas system after the Dectrose appeared in the system in a similar fashion. However, she hadn't expected another faction to appear right in the middle of their training exercise.
Taking the mic from Monika's hands, Arabel replied to the commodore. "You have reached the next member of capable rank. This is Arabel Ignatius von Raxia, the first empress of the Araxium Empire. Unlike the Dectrose who visited us a few weeks before, I doubt you're looking for repairs and resupply. How may we assist you?"
The Dectrose had relatively-recently passed by? That thought intrigued Vestil for just a moment, washed aside by the realization that he was now speaking to the equivalent to their own King. Skipping only a beat, Vestil leans closer to the microphone unconsciously. "First Empress, I... was not quite expecting a woman of such grand importance to be present. By your grace, I can partake in diplomacy as the Accord Kingdom's representative, or request a... certain other personnel of greater standing for expanded options. The personnel in question has expressed interest in meeting your people if the chance arose, and can be present in-system within minutes."
"In the Araxium Empire, we believe in letting our officers decide the best course of action. You may choose whoever you wish to initiate diplomatic relations." After saying it aloud she felt quite awkward, she wasn't sure if she said something right but then again if Erika didn't bother contacting her over private comms then it should be fine.
A pause is observed as Vestil deliberates on his position. "I will call it in. Please standby."
A few minutes later a battleship and twenty-five escorting classes of various sizes appear near Vestil's scouting fleet, with an identical energy signature as before. Unlike the previous encounter, these ships were upgraded and relatively new off the shipyards from back home. A new contact appears on the comms, linking directly to Vestil's existing comms with the Araxium.
"This is Brigadier General Lacrimentia Aurotux Irving of the 12th Frontier Brigade speaking. First Empress Arabel Ignatius von Raxia, I am honored to be speaking to you directly. If you wish diplomacy to be taken place aboard your ship or in another location, please request it."
Looking at her pocket watch, then to Monika and then to the clock on the bridge, Arabel responded. "Please come aboard, I'll have my crew guide you in."
And by crew, Arabel actually meant the students aboard the warship. It was a rare opportunity for students from the imperial academy to ever have their final training exercise aboard a fully functioning warship, let alone one of the largest ships in the imperial navy.
"Monika, head down to the hangar. Bring their diplomatic team to the meeting room." with a nod, the fox girl saluted and left the bridge.
"Very well. I shall be aboard momentarily," the Brigadier General speaks before her end of the connection cuts. With it ends Vestil's stream, having been connected as the medium for the Accord's end. The Ubian-turned-Human Commodore leans back in his chair. The rest of this mission is up to Lady Lacrimentia now.
----------
The blocky Accord dropship zooms its way towards its destination, with its precious cargo within. Guided in by the prompts of the larger Araxium warship, it enters its designated bay and opens its maw once landed to allow its occupants their freedom. Five Accordites step out; Two pairs of Ska'vari and Ubians, notable in the difference of size despite being in power armor, and Brigadier General Lacrimentia Aurotux Irving, enclosed in a fairly bulky spacewalk suit. The general salutes to Cadet Monika upon arrival. "Pleasure to be of acquaintance of you, miss. I take it you are the one to guide me on this vessel?"
"Yes I am, welcome aboard the Grey Wolf. Follow me please." Monika turned to lead the way down a hallway large enough for tanks to travel along, passing by the servicing hangar and hopping onto a waiting cargo platform. Coincidentally, this one such platform still had a LT-88 light tank still tied down to it. "Hold onto the railings, this thing was mainly designed to move objects around the ship, but it's safe enough for people to ride on."
With that being said, the platform sped away into the depths of the ship before coming to a stop a minute later at a massive elevator lobby. Monika and the rest of the crew were all not officially listed as navy personnel but they had been on the ship for long enough to know how things work and what you can or cannot do. And serving aboard a very large warship was probably the most responsibility any student had since entering the academy.
Students in their naval training uniforms hurried about, some were following instructors while others were carrying out various tasks. Engineers, gunners, pilots, marines and soldiers of various service branches in the navy were all present. Entering a priority lift for officers, Monika took the foreign dignitaries to the observation deck where Arabel waited for them.
Lacrimentia notes the light tank's construction as they take the platform, but otherwise stays composed and quiet on the way to the observation deck, taking off her helmet on the way there to let out her long, flowing fire-red hair. Upon entering the deck, an easily-missed gesture of her hand dismisses her four guardians to the immediate doorway of the deck as the Ska'vari woman snaps a professional, crisp salute to the Empress before her.
The woman herself is rather remarkable, not only for her fire-red hair but her matching, piercing blood-red eyes. Her appearance is very much that of a human, save the red-brown plates of carapace dotting her jawline, down covering most of her neck and presumably past her uniform. Though her suit hides much from open view, if the bulk is to be believed, then Lacrimentia must be a very powerfully built individual.
"Brigadier General Lacrimentia Aurotux Irving, at your service. It is an honor and pleasure to meet with you in person, Empress von Raxia. I had personally debriefed the ground team captain after the Thramas Incident, and I am rather... intrigued by the methods of your nation. It is nothing that we've ever seen before in the history of our people."
As compared to the woman who walked in, Arabel was small, her dark grey hair going down to her waist while her wolf ears stood on her head and her tail stuck up from beneath her skirt. The only significant feature Arabel had aside from her wolfish features were her amber colored eyes. The uniform she wore was also different from her regular military service uniform, her shirt and jacket were standard high command issue types, but her pleated skirt and cape were not. Her service pistol and telescoping staff hung from her belt but were partially hidden by her cape.
"Welcome aboard, Brigadier General. I'm surprised that you're the one who's interested in meeting us." Arabel sat at the small table in the middle of the observation room, gesturing for her guest to take a seat in front of her. "So what exactly is it that you'd like to discuss? Of course, I'll answer any questions you have."
Lacrimentia graciously takes the seat, leaving her helmet on her lap. "My mission here first and foremost would be to establish lasting diplomatic ties with your nation, though that can obviously wait. Personally, I've gone over the reports of our marines at Thramas... to say the least, many of our army command elements were both surprised and impressed by the usage of high-velocity infantry in combat."
"High-velocity infantry? Ah, you mean the airborne infantry that we call the fallschirmjager?" She was slightly confused as to why such infantry units were a surprise to another faction, though she hid her expression. "From what I know from my father, they were initially supposed to perform interdiction behind enemy lines. But much recently they have been used as highly mobile shock troops. Sometimes in combat they are also deployed with ground vehicles, normally not heavier than a light tank."
"Their light armor is both practical and psychological. While it is significantly less to weigh them down, it also gives them significant motivation to always be on the move." Again, she was slightly confused but Arabel couldn't help but smile when someone starts giving out compliments. "While they are considered elite infantry, they are not exactly the same as the Schutzstaffel. Mostly due to their highly specialist nature since they cannot be deployed in all situations and still be expected to remain effective."
"Still, a very interesting concept," Lacrimentia nods. "It's one our nation hadn't met before. Now, before I overstay my welcome by too much, would it be prudent to move to actions of diplomacy to ensure lasting relations?"
"Very well then. Let us move onwards." Arabel said, gesturing for Monika to move closer, "I hope you don't mind me having my student take some notes? This was supposed to be a training exercise and shake down cruise for my ship as well. Besides, meeting new people and opening diplomatic relations is very rare, especially out here."
"Absolutely none," the General nods with a beaming smile. "Experience is the best teacher, after all. I can only hope to be a good role model for my nation otherwise."
The Ska'vari woman clears her throat as she takes out a folder of papers hidden in one of the larger pockets of her suit, opening it and shuffling the papers around to find what she was looking for. "I have already spoken to my High Command about diplomatic action, and they have granted me permissions to sanction a Non-Aggression Pact and Trade Agreements, as well as provide liaison services in the case that the Araxium Empire ever requires mercenary auxiliary services originating from the Accord. Is there anything you would like to ask beforehand, or start with?"
"We will gladly sign your non-aggression pact. But while I can sign the trade agreements now, it will take some time before anything really happens." Arabel was an empress but she wasn't a person someone would go to seeking to approve of trade deals between nations. In short, she had already assigned the trade management to one of her officers in the great general staff.
"The report I had for the first contact with the IRS showed that they originated from a world similar to ours. I'd like to know a bit about your nation's history if possible,"
Lacrimentia puts a finger to her chin, thinking on the topic of her nation's rather colorful history, before deciding on a start point. "Hmm... to start, our nation and our two races were collectively born on our homeworld of Harvest. Today, we list it as half-gaia world and half-death world for its unique ecosystem we rarely find elsewhere. It was here that our races grew, thrived, and were put to the greatest test of survival."
"My own race, the Ska'vari, was the most recent sapient race to emerge from Harvest. Many of the other races had an advantage in technology and my kind were brought low by many of them at the start. But my ancestors flourished instead of despaired, stealing other races' technology and abilities to further our own strengths. It didn't take long before my ancestors became the dominant species on the planet, taking all the others for slaves."
"Then, in a spark that can only be defined as our aggressive instincts, one of our rulers detonated thousands of atomic bombs in our stratosphere to eliminate all other competition. It was there that all but the Ska'vari and Ubians died to the madman's reign. However, our founder, Sir Kyndon... he broke our people free of that reign and founded the Accord. With his leadership and charisma, he forged the foundations that is now our mighty kingdom. Today, the Accord encompasses over one-third of our home galaxy despite not having existed for any more than four hundred years."
"His principles are still what we collectively follow today. They teach us to be beyond what our instincts are. That our people should be proud for what we can bring to the universe at large. He channeled our natural aggression to fruitful purpose and gave us the principles of equality and freedom."
"Sounds like quite the journey your people have made. We on the other hand have just recently emerged from a reunification war and are in the process of a galactic scale war against a plague. Coming to this galaxy was just a kind of safety precaution in case we lose that battle." Arabel glanced over at Monika before continuing, "So are your people native or foreign to this galaxy? But aside from that is there anything you would like to discuss relating to further diplomatic relations?"
"Our people are not naïve to this galaxy, no. It seems that few are. Instead...we seem to be all gathered here. Pulled by something, though I am rather unsure of what or why," the Brigadier General ponders. "Well, asides from that, I personally do not have anything in mind to discuss diplomatically, though I assure that there are many more in Accord leadership that will, in the near future,"
"Though," the Ska'vari continues just a tad further. "What kind of plague do you speak of? Our nation has made amazing advancements in our medical technology these past decades. Perhaps we could be of assistance?"
"It's not exactly a plague that one can solve, not by medicine at least. It's like a foreign entity from another galaxy that invaded ours. Currently it sits at the edge of our galaxy and has already destroyed countless worlds, so far not yet inhabited by significant life. Though the path they leave is rather obvious. Worlds that they have attacked were left uninhabitable by most standards, the plant life mutated and the atmosphere became dangerous to inhale without proper protection." Arabel pulled up a few images using the holographic projector built into the table. "These were images taken from one such world, as you can see the plant life has grown in such an odd way that it is the very definition of an alien world, one that most would consider hostile. So far we have been unsuccessful in transporting samples to isolated laboratories for testing as the samples rotted away after being transported for a short period of time."
"So far the plague ships have only been observed from a distance but it seems like they're completely organic with no signs of mechanical elements. Meaning that they will take quite a while to infest the whole galaxy. Fire bombing infected planets were successful in destroying the life on the surface but had no effect on the plague below ground."
Lacrimentia's eyes spark with interest. "I see... more a parasite, or potentially wandering bioevolutionists? ...Erm, excuse me," the Ska'vari regaining her composure from the sudden interest. "Our nation would be greatly interested by these beings and the unusual wake they have left behind, particularly our newer generation of biologists and medical experts. But that must be held for a different time. If it is military power that is required, the Accord has no shortage of that."
The woman nods as she lays before Arabel two documents; a mirroring pair is faced to the Accord General, for obvious reasons. The first is a non-aggression pact to agree that both signing parties will not partake in hostile actions, both direct and non-direct, towards the other signing party and that should the pact be cancelled, that there be a one-month period where both parties would have a truce towards one another.
The second document is that of a trade document with a highly-generalized list of Accordite exports, from its raw resource wealth to its mass-produced materials and medical specializations, along with potential mercenary services by third-party Accordite corporations. It does not seem to ask for any sort of signature, so this document must be a mere formalized list of what is to expect from any trade.
Glancing over the non-aggression pact, it seemed to her like the standard agreement, of course modified by each faction based on what they felt was acceptable for a non-aggression pact. Arabel signed her name where it was required, Monika took a look over the document as well. The white fox next to Arabel opened her mouth to speak, "What would be considered an indirect hostile action?" Monika asked, not taking her eyes off the document so it looked like she was thinking aloud.
Lacrimentia smiles. "A very fine question. In the fine print at the bottom of the page... you may need a magnifying glass for it... an 'indirect hostile attack' constitutes any act of harboring enemies of any military intent and supplying any illegals within either of our borders, be they terrorists or rebels, with any kind of foreign aid. Preferably, our nation would also like to keep any compromising intel under wraps, but such matters are more a matter of individual honor than binding contract."
"Well, is there anything more that you would like to discuss, Lecrimenta?" Arabel put the document in her hand back onto the table as Monika searched her pouch for a magnified scope, the same kind found on rifles. Outside, training craft departed again as they recommenced training exercises but this time closer toward the GAE's capital ships.
The observation deck below the command bridge gave a good view out of the capital ship as fighters and gunships danced across the surface and between ships playing mock battles against each other. "Oh, looks like Erika has started sending pilots back out again." Arabel commented, checking her pocket watch.
Lacrimentia smiled as she watched the fighters and gunships returned to their mock battles, reminiscent of simpler times. "No, not for the time being. I'm sure we'll have opportunities to speak in the near future."
"Alright then, will you be headed back to your ships now? If so, we'll take you back down to the hangar." Arabel said as she got off her seat to stretch. While facing away from Lacrimentia and however intentional or unintentional, her tail did force her skirt up as she stretched. Far enough to show off the white and fluffy undergarment she wore in place of regular underwear.
"Alright, so what would you like to do now?"
The Brigadier General blinks at catching the glimpse of the unusual undergarments but decides against asking about it for the time being. "...I think it's time for me to return and report back to High Command. I must say, though, it has been a pleasure to be on board this vessel. If you wish, Empress, we could prearrange another meeting, wherever you may desire."
"Sure. Though I don't think I'll be leaving the capital for a while, you'll be welcome to visit Erlun whenever you wish should you desire another meeting. If we haven't shared the system coordinates with you I'll have Monika do so now. But since I can't give you a new passcode right now, I'll have the control centers and grand fleet archive your IFF as high priority and VIP." Arabel was right, with two recent first contacts including this one, finishing the reports and sending them back through to the home galaxy would take a long time. Even then she still had to approve the large stacks of trade requests that the people on her side would want to sell or buy.
"While I can't guarantee that I would be able to meet you, this is as much as I can offer without the approval of the civilian council."
Lacrimentia grins at the remark. "Don't worry, Empress. Should we require your presence, the Admirality Board has some creative ways to find your presence--or perhaps, the other way around."
The only two comforting thoughts for this mission was that he had a substantially better fleet than before, and the thousand-ship Ancerious Third Fleet was ready to jump on top of any threat still lingering in the system.
The scouting fleet of one battlecruiser, two heavy cruisers, four cruisers and ten destroyers slowed to a stop in an arrowhead formation as the ships began scanning their surroundings.
The AIN Brunhildr had only recently finished repairs, refitting and now was conducting a training exercise out in the Thramas system with students from the imperial academy on Erlun. With the Brunhildr was the newly built AIN Grauer Wolf, both ships were crewed by officers from the previous battle at Vestahl while the rest were trainees.
Fighters, bombers, gunships and other small ships of all kinds were navigating the system for training and exercise purposes. Transport ships with their interiors turned into CQB training areas hosted simulated boarding events by recruits and soldiers from the imperial marines and Schutzstaffel panzermensch. A pair of Z class destroyers were being used for gunnery training firing at targets towed by bombers.
Cadet officer Monika Weiss was on the bridge of the Grauer Wolf with Arabel von Raxia when the yet to be identified ships jumped into system. Arabel ordered an immediate alert to be sent out to those training in order for them to return to the safety of the two ultimate fast battleships currently stationed near the system's star.
While she hadn't completely planned for something like this to happen, it still took Arabel some time to respond to the possible threat this unidentified fleet posed to her students. Meanwhile, Erika remained directing multiple flights of small craft back to her ship for recovery and if needed, would jump out to safety. While the situation would be easily resolved and defused, it was better to be safer by recalling everyone back to their ships.
"Reporting multiple unidentified vehicles in the system," the Sensors Officer reports. "Several weapons powered up... their small craft are recalling. Orders?"
Vestil sighs. "Hail them. If they open up their weapons on us, we're screwed, Third Fleet or no fleet. I don't intend on dying a second time in this damn place."
An affirmative from the Comms Officer gave Vestil the notice to begin. The now-human cleared his throat before he spoke. "This is Commodore Vestil of the ANS Ironheart, of the Accord Kingdom. We come in peace to the forces present in this system."
On the bridge, Arabel turned to ask Monika a few questions. "And there you have it. Based on what you've studied, what would be the best course of action if you were commanding this warship?" While it wasn't uncommon to ask a subordinate for input on a subject matter, Arabel was asking her student what she would do in this kind of situation.
Monika weighed their options carefully, knowing that just two ultimate fast battleships and two destroyers not at full combat power could be easily defeated in this kind of situation. "I would respond to their hails to introduce ourselves. There should be nothing to fear if they're raising us on a system wide broadcast. Additionally should we fall into combat, we could always call upon the home fleet for backup."
"Well done cadet. While I did want you to assume that we don't have backup, you answered well given our situation." Arabel smiled at her student and fellow zwitterding. "Comms, give me a line to their commander."
"Comms are through, mein Kaiserin."
"Monika, you handle this one. This would be a good time for you to gain experience before you fully graduate from the academy."
Clearing her throat, the fox girl held the mic up to her mouth. "This is Cadet Monika Weiss of the imperial academy of the Araxium Empire. As you can see, we are currently recalling our ships from training here. We ask you to state your business here."
Vestil raised an eyebrow at the remark. Should such an event happen to a system under Accordite control, the last thing on High Command's mind would be to repurpose the site for something as mundane as training. Then again, he has not even the slightest idea of the Araxium Empire's methods, nor was he in any position to make judgement.
"My formal apology for stumbling upon your people at such an inopportune moment, Cadet Weiss. My nation has assigned my flotilla of the 31st patrol fleet for a second scouting mission in this system, given what little they were able to salvage of...previous events here."
Vestil pauses momentarily to catch his breath. "By your permission, or the next member of capable rank, I request official permission to continue with this mission of ours. Furthermore, the Accord has noted interest with establishing diplomatic ties with the Araxium Empire."
Arabel had expected someone else to show up in the Thramas system after the Dectrose appeared in the system in a similar fashion. However, she hadn't expected another faction to appear right in the middle of their training exercise.
Taking the mic from Monika's hands, Arabel replied to the commodore. "You have reached the next member of capable rank. This is Arabel Ignatius von Raxia, the first empress of the Araxium Empire. Unlike the Dectrose who visited us a few weeks before, I doubt you're looking for repairs and resupply. How may we assist you?"
The Dectrose had relatively-recently passed by? That thought intrigued Vestil for just a moment, washed aside by the realization that he was now speaking to the equivalent to their own King. Skipping only a beat, Vestil leans closer to the microphone unconsciously. "First Empress, I... was not quite expecting a woman of such grand importance to be present. By your grace, I can partake in diplomacy as the Accord Kingdom's representative, or request a... certain other personnel of greater standing for expanded options. The personnel in question has expressed interest in meeting your people if the chance arose, and can be present in-system within minutes."
"In the Araxium Empire, we believe in letting our officers decide the best course of action. You may choose whoever you wish to initiate diplomatic relations." After saying it aloud she felt quite awkward, she wasn't sure if she said something right but then again if Erika didn't bother contacting her over private comms then it should be fine.
A pause is observed as Vestil deliberates on his position. "I will call it in. Please standby."
A few minutes later a battleship and twenty-five escorting classes of various sizes appear near Vestil's scouting fleet, with an identical energy signature as before. Unlike the previous encounter, these ships were upgraded and relatively new off the shipyards from back home. A new contact appears on the comms, linking directly to Vestil's existing comms with the Araxium.
"This is Brigadier General Lacrimentia Aurotux Irving of the 12th Frontier Brigade speaking. First Empress Arabel Ignatius von Raxia, I am honored to be speaking to you directly. If you wish diplomacy to be taken place aboard your ship or in another location, please request it."
Looking at her pocket watch, then to Monika and then to the clock on the bridge, Arabel responded. "Please come aboard, I'll have my crew guide you in."
And by crew, Arabel actually meant the students aboard the warship. It was a rare opportunity for students from the imperial academy to ever have their final training exercise aboard a fully functioning warship, let alone one of the largest ships in the imperial navy.
"Monika, head down to the hangar. Bring their diplomatic team to the meeting room." with a nod, the fox girl saluted and left the bridge.
"Very well. I shall be aboard momentarily," the Brigadier General speaks before her end of the connection cuts. With it ends Vestil's stream, having been connected as the medium for the Accord's end. The Ubian-turned-Human Commodore leans back in his chair. The rest of this mission is up to Lady Lacrimentia now.
----------
The blocky Accord dropship zooms its way towards its destination, with its precious cargo within. Guided in by the prompts of the larger Araxium warship, it enters its designated bay and opens its maw once landed to allow its occupants their freedom. Five Accordites step out; Two pairs of Ska'vari and Ubians, notable in the difference of size despite being in power armor, and Brigadier General Lacrimentia Aurotux Irving, enclosed in a fairly bulky spacewalk suit. The general salutes to Cadet Monika upon arrival. "Pleasure to be of acquaintance of you, miss. I take it you are the one to guide me on this vessel?"
"Yes I am, welcome aboard the Grey Wolf. Follow me please." Monika turned to lead the way down a hallway large enough for tanks to travel along, passing by the servicing hangar and hopping onto a waiting cargo platform. Coincidentally, this one such platform still had a LT-88 light tank still tied down to it. "Hold onto the railings, this thing was mainly designed to move objects around the ship, but it's safe enough for people to ride on."
With that being said, the platform sped away into the depths of the ship before coming to a stop a minute later at a massive elevator lobby. Monika and the rest of the crew were all not officially listed as navy personnel but they had been on the ship for long enough to know how things work and what you can or cannot do. And serving aboard a very large warship was probably the most responsibility any student had since entering the academy.
Students in their naval training uniforms hurried about, some were following instructors while others were carrying out various tasks. Engineers, gunners, pilots, marines and soldiers of various service branches in the navy were all present. Entering a priority lift for officers, Monika took the foreign dignitaries to the observation deck where Arabel waited for them.
Lacrimentia notes the light tank's construction as they take the platform, but otherwise stays composed and quiet on the way to the observation deck, taking off her helmet on the way there to let out her long, flowing fire-red hair. Upon entering the deck, an easily-missed gesture of her hand dismisses her four guardians to the immediate doorway of the deck as the Ska'vari woman snaps a professional, crisp salute to the Empress before her.
The woman herself is rather remarkable, not only for her fire-red hair but her matching, piercing blood-red eyes. Her appearance is very much that of a human, save the red-brown plates of carapace dotting her jawline, down covering most of her neck and presumably past her uniform. Though her suit hides much from open view, if the bulk is to be believed, then Lacrimentia must be a very powerfully built individual.
"Brigadier General Lacrimentia Aurotux Irving, at your service. It is an honor and pleasure to meet with you in person, Empress von Raxia. I had personally debriefed the ground team captain after the Thramas Incident, and I am rather... intrigued by the methods of your nation. It is nothing that we've ever seen before in the history of our people."
As compared to the woman who walked in, Arabel was small, her dark grey hair going down to her waist while her wolf ears stood on her head and her tail stuck up from beneath her skirt. The only significant feature Arabel had aside from her wolfish features were her amber colored eyes. The uniform she wore was also different from her regular military service uniform, her shirt and jacket were standard high command issue types, but her pleated skirt and cape were not. Her service pistol and telescoping staff hung from her belt but were partially hidden by her cape.
"Welcome aboard, Brigadier General. I'm surprised that you're the one who's interested in meeting us." Arabel sat at the small table in the middle of the observation room, gesturing for her guest to take a seat in front of her. "So what exactly is it that you'd like to discuss? Of course, I'll answer any questions you have."
Lacrimentia graciously takes the seat, leaving her helmet on her lap. "My mission here first and foremost would be to establish lasting diplomatic ties with your nation, though that can obviously wait. Personally, I've gone over the reports of our marines at Thramas... to say the least, many of our army command elements were both surprised and impressed by the usage of high-velocity infantry in combat."
"High-velocity infantry? Ah, you mean the airborne infantry that we call the fallschirmjager?" She was slightly confused as to why such infantry units were a surprise to another faction, though she hid her expression. "From what I know from my father, they were initially supposed to perform interdiction behind enemy lines. But much recently they have been used as highly mobile shock troops. Sometimes in combat they are also deployed with ground vehicles, normally not heavier than a light tank."
"Their light armor is both practical and psychological. While it is significantly less to weigh them down, it also gives them significant motivation to always be on the move." Again, she was slightly confused but Arabel couldn't help but smile when someone starts giving out compliments. "While they are considered elite infantry, they are not exactly the same as the Schutzstaffel. Mostly due to their highly specialist nature since they cannot be deployed in all situations and still be expected to remain effective."
"Still, a very interesting concept," Lacrimentia nods. "It's one our nation hadn't met before. Now, before I overstay my welcome by too much, would it be prudent to move to actions of diplomacy to ensure lasting relations?"
"Very well then. Let us move onwards." Arabel said, gesturing for Monika to move closer, "I hope you don't mind me having my student take some notes? This was supposed to be a training exercise and shake down cruise for my ship as well. Besides, meeting new people and opening diplomatic relations is very rare, especially out here."
"Absolutely none," the General nods with a beaming smile. "Experience is the best teacher, after all. I can only hope to be a good role model for my nation otherwise."
The Ska'vari woman clears her throat as she takes out a folder of papers hidden in one of the larger pockets of her suit, opening it and shuffling the papers around to find what she was looking for. "I have already spoken to my High Command about diplomatic action, and they have granted me permissions to sanction a Non-Aggression Pact and Trade Agreements, as well as provide liaison services in the case that the Araxium Empire ever requires mercenary auxiliary services originating from the Accord. Is there anything you would like to ask beforehand, or start with?"
"We will gladly sign your non-aggression pact. But while I can sign the trade agreements now, it will take some time before anything really happens." Arabel was an empress but she wasn't a person someone would go to seeking to approve of trade deals between nations. In short, she had already assigned the trade management to one of her officers in the great general staff.
"The report I had for the first contact with the IRS showed that they originated from a world similar to ours. I'd like to know a bit about your nation's history if possible,"
Lacrimentia puts a finger to her chin, thinking on the topic of her nation's rather colorful history, before deciding on a start point. "Hmm... to start, our nation and our two races were collectively born on our homeworld of Harvest. Today, we list it as half-gaia world and half-death world for its unique ecosystem we rarely find elsewhere. It was here that our races grew, thrived, and were put to the greatest test of survival."
"My own race, the Ska'vari, was the most recent sapient race to emerge from Harvest. Many of the other races had an advantage in technology and my kind were brought low by many of them at the start. But my ancestors flourished instead of despaired, stealing other races' technology and abilities to further our own strengths. It didn't take long before my ancestors became the dominant species on the planet, taking all the others for slaves."
"Then, in a spark that can only be defined as our aggressive instincts, one of our rulers detonated thousands of atomic bombs in our stratosphere to eliminate all other competition. It was there that all but the Ska'vari and Ubians died to the madman's reign. However, our founder, Sir Kyndon... he broke our people free of that reign and founded the Accord. With his leadership and charisma, he forged the foundations that is now our mighty kingdom. Today, the Accord encompasses over one-third of our home galaxy despite not having existed for any more than four hundred years."
"His principles are still what we collectively follow today. They teach us to be beyond what our instincts are. That our people should be proud for what we can bring to the universe at large. He channeled our natural aggression to fruitful purpose and gave us the principles of equality and freedom."
"Sounds like quite the journey your people have made. We on the other hand have just recently emerged from a reunification war and are in the process of a galactic scale war against a plague. Coming to this galaxy was just a kind of safety precaution in case we lose that battle." Arabel glanced over at Monika before continuing, "So are your people native or foreign to this galaxy? But aside from that is there anything you would like to discuss relating to further diplomatic relations?"
"Our people are not naïve to this galaxy, no. It seems that few are. Instead...we seem to be all gathered here. Pulled by something, though I am rather unsure of what or why," the Brigadier General ponders. "Well, asides from that, I personally do not have anything in mind to discuss diplomatically, though I assure that there are many more in Accord leadership that will, in the near future,"
"Though," the Ska'vari continues just a tad further. "What kind of plague do you speak of? Our nation has made amazing advancements in our medical technology these past decades. Perhaps we could be of assistance?"
"It's not exactly a plague that one can solve, not by medicine at least. It's like a foreign entity from another galaxy that invaded ours. Currently it sits at the edge of our galaxy and has already destroyed countless worlds, so far not yet inhabited by significant life. Though the path they leave is rather obvious. Worlds that they have attacked were left uninhabitable by most standards, the plant life mutated and the atmosphere became dangerous to inhale without proper protection." Arabel pulled up a few images using the holographic projector built into the table. "These were images taken from one such world, as you can see the plant life has grown in such an odd way that it is the very definition of an alien world, one that most would consider hostile. So far we have been unsuccessful in transporting samples to isolated laboratories for testing as the samples rotted away after being transported for a short period of time."
"So far the plague ships have only been observed from a distance but it seems like they're completely organic with no signs of mechanical elements. Meaning that they will take quite a while to infest the whole galaxy. Fire bombing infected planets were successful in destroying the life on the surface but had no effect on the plague below ground."
Lacrimentia's eyes spark with interest. "I see... more a parasite, or potentially wandering bioevolutionists? ...Erm, excuse me," the Ska'vari regaining her composure from the sudden interest. "Our nation would be greatly interested by these beings and the unusual wake they have left behind, particularly our newer generation of biologists and medical experts. But that must be held for a different time. If it is military power that is required, the Accord has no shortage of that."
The woman nods as she lays before Arabel two documents; a mirroring pair is faced to the Accord General, for obvious reasons. The first is a non-aggression pact to agree that both signing parties will not partake in hostile actions, both direct and non-direct, towards the other signing party and that should the pact be cancelled, that there be a one-month period where both parties would have a truce towards one another.
The second document is that of a trade document with a highly-generalized list of Accordite exports, from its raw resource wealth to its mass-produced materials and medical specializations, along with potential mercenary services by third-party Accordite corporations. It does not seem to ask for any sort of signature, so this document must be a mere formalized list of what is to expect from any trade.
Glancing over the non-aggression pact, it seemed to her like the standard agreement, of course modified by each faction based on what they felt was acceptable for a non-aggression pact. Arabel signed her name where it was required, Monika took a look over the document as well. The white fox next to Arabel opened her mouth to speak, "What would be considered an indirect hostile action?" Monika asked, not taking her eyes off the document so it looked like she was thinking aloud.
Lacrimentia smiles. "A very fine question. In the fine print at the bottom of the page... you may need a magnifying glass for it... an 'indirect hostile attack' constitutes any act of harboring enemies of any military intent and supplying any illegals within either of our borders, be they terrorists or rebels, with any kind of foreign aid. Preferably, our nation would also like to keep any compromising intel under wraps, but such matters are more a matter of individual honor than binding contract."
"Well, is there anything more that you would like to discuss, Lecrimenta?" Arabel put the document in her hand back onto the table as Monika searched her pouch for a magnified scope, the same kind found on rifles. Outside, training craft departed again as they recommenced training exercises but this time closer toward the GAE's capital ships.
The observation deck below the command bridge gave a good view out of the capital ship as fighters and gunships danced across the surface and between ships playing mock battles against each other. "Oh, looks like Erika has started sending pilots back out again." Arabel commented, checking her pocket watch.
Lacrimentia smiled as she watched the fighters and gunships returned to their mock battles, reminiscent of simpler times. "No, not for the time being. I'm sure we'll have opportunities to speak in the near future."
"Alright then, will you be headed back to your ships now? If so, we'll take you back down to the hangar." Arabel said as she got off her seat to stretch. While facing away from Lacrimentia and however intentional or unintentional, her tail did force her skirt up as she stretched. Far enough to show off the white and fluffy undergarment she wore in place of regular underwear.
"Alright, so what would you like to do now?"
The Brigadier General blinks at catching the glimpse of the unusual undergarments but decides against asking about it for the time being. "...I think it's time for me to return and report back to High Command. I must say, though, it has been a pleasure to be on board this vessel. If you wish, Empress, we could prearrange another meeting, wherever you may desire."
"Sure. Though I don't think I'll be leaving the capital for a while, you'll be welcome to visit Erlun whenever you wish should you desire another meeting. If we haven't shared the system coordinates with you I'll have Monika do so now. But since I can't give you a new passcode right now, I'll have the control centers and grand fleet archive your IFF as high priority and VIP." Arabel was right, with two recent first contacts including this one, finishing the reports and sending them back through to the home galaxy would take a long time. Even then she still had to approve the large stacks of trade requests that the people on her side would want to sell or buy.
"While I can't guarantee that I would be able to meet you, this is as much as I can offer without the approval of the civilian council."
Lacrimentia grins at the remark. "Don't worry, Empress. Should we require your presence, the Admirality Board has some creative ways to find your presence--or perhaps, the other way around."