Post by EmperorMyric on Mar 22, 2021 17:00:02 GMT
With all that was currently going on in the Avarian frontier the Cricaens looked for making allies outside of the sector and somewhere in the west. They had been managed to gather slight information on some nations from their roaming officers. One of these nations peaked their interest a race of hardlight entities belonging to that Artificia Unanimity.
An invitation was sent to their nation asking if they would be willing to agree to a meeting with one of their representatives from the Government and the Military. They already knew from the information that they had gathered that the Artificia were not fans of humans, so it was decided to send a Volvoxen and a Human to the meeting.
They now waited to see how the Artificia would reply, that is if they even did.
The initial response was nothing more than an automated confirmation that they had received the message, as well as proposed sites and dates. All of them relatively close to Unanimity space. Nothing more, nothing less, though a digitally stamped picture of a winking face implied someone a little lacking in the disciplinary field got their hands on it.
When the chosen time came around, however, the response was likely more than the Cricaens had expected. Sensors screeched as a massive hull left FTL, forming out of a stream of mustard yellow light, accompanied by dozens of smaller shapes as its escort joined it. A dreadnought, one of very few the Artificia possessed, lights on the hull making the bold word 'AUNS PRAETOR' painted on the bow more than visible. None of the fleet's guns were online, but sensors read shields quickly were.
The crews on Agamemnon raised their own shields and looked in awe at the Dreadnought, though it was only just bigger than their own ship it was an impressive ship none the less. Admiral Horace Hood was impressed and he was not an easily impressed man.
The Volvoxen by his side was impressed and taking notes excitedly, she was the government representative that the Cricaens had decided to send. “Please Admiral I guess you can proceed and engaged communications” She said with a hint of glee in her voice.
He rolled his eyes and opened a communications channel. “AUNS Praetor, this is Admiral Horace Hood of the Cricaen ship HMS Agamemnon, we have arrived as pre-arranged to speak with your people” He spoke cordially.
"This is Admiral Vahna, commander of the AUNS Praetor. Consider yourself lucky, Admiral. High Diplomat Koril herself chose to partake in this meeting." Came a firm, flat voice. Evidently not one to be particularly emotional. There was the sound of fumbling, and muffled voices, before an entirely separate voice spoke. This one held the same synthetic tone as Vahna, but had a distinct Japanese accent to it.
"Hello, Admiral! I am Koril! I look forward to meeting you in person. Shall you come aboard my ship, or I aboard yours?" came the much more cheery, enthusiastic voice.
“Seeing as a High diplomat has decided to come we shall board your vessel” Came a calm more serine voice, “And I am Minister Vallista, I too look forward to meeting you” She said having calmed down from her brief moment of hyperactivity
“Well looks like the choice has been made, we shall proceed to your vessel” Hood spoke again. He transferred all the data he needed to his AI and headed down with the minister to the hanger where a shuttle had just been prepared.
They boarded the small sleek shuttle and headed towards the dreadnought, once again Vallista’s excitement got the best of her.
Interestingly, flight patterns provided by the dreadnought did not lead to the vessel's hangars, which remained firmly shut. Instead, magnetic tethers reeled them into smaller, narrower, secondary launching tubes of sorts leading deep within the vessel before depositing them at the launch bay, fortunately large enough for the shuttlecraft.
Waiting was an orange Artificia clad in full, black and...orange AUN uniform, arms crossed behind her back and hat atop her head, half-lidded gaze set upon them. She was flanked by the massive, armoured forms of two R3 powered hardsuits, the latest generation of Artifician power armour. She did not approach as the shuttle landed, though the Marines notably stood to attention.
The shuttle door opened and the pair walked out. The Volvoxen a deep shade of red with blue markings and horn tips, she was a few inches taller than the man who was still rather tall and had a clean shaven face, he was wearing the black uniform of the Cricaen navy, a pistol and sword by his side.
Vallista was looking around eagerly and with wide eyes. Hood found this rather rude as he approached the Artificia, “I am going to presume Admiral Vahna, I am Admiral Hood and this is Minister Vallista, I apologise on her behalf already” He spoke with a slight sigh. She was now looking at the figures in the hardsuits.
"It is of no concern. A pleasure, Admiral." Vahna made a dismissive gesture. "I would ask she keep her hands--and preferably her eyes--away from anything she shouldn't be touching. The Praetor's marines tend to be...jumpy." Vahna explained. The slight tilt of one of the Marines' helmets indicated a returned glare, but they made no other signs of acknowledgement.
"This way. Diplomat Koril is...restless, at times."
Vahna led them through the vessel, with its utilitarian, robust but aesthetically lacking interiors. Many doors were locked shut, keeping the visitors from seeing much of the interior. Eventually, they were led to a small, somewhat makeshift meeting room, with an assortment of soft seats arranged around a table, an automated bar system nearby.
Sat in one of the chairs, was a woman who could only be presumed to be Koril. She was a vibrant, but none too strong pink colour, her form creating the visage of a traditional kimono around her rather voluptuous figure, of similar colour to her hair, which was in an old fashioned hime cut, tied back into a long ponytail. Her features certainly held Asian tones but were soft, welcoming and, by most human standards, possessed of a gentle but definite beauty, though she didn't look too much like any known ethnicity.
She smiled as the visitors entered, her smile wide as she gestured to the seats opposite her, Admiral Vahna circling for the seat next to her.
"Welcome! It is a pleasure to meet you, Admiral Hood, Minister Vallista! As I'm sure you can guess, I am High Diplomat Koril. Please, take a seat. If you would like a drink, please, ask."
Hood made sure that Vallista didn’t touch anything she wasn’t supposed to, he felt like he was being punished by having to essentially babysit her.
Once at the room and Koril introduced herself the pair sat down opposite and when offered a drink Hood just asked for a cup of tea and Vallista for a glass of water.
Vallista looked at Koril with her glowing white eyes and took some notes. “It is a pleasure to meet you as well High Diplomat” Hood spoke as he took off his cap.
The computer whirred, and a few moments later their drinks were both deposited in front of them by hovering drones.
Vahna had ordered no drink, and in front of Koril was dropped...a can of soda the brand of which neither of the visitors were familiar with.
"Of course, of course! Please, just call me Koril. The title is mostly for formality, and it's never been something I've cared much for myself. You've met Admiral Vahna, as flat as she is."
"You know I make a mental list of every time you insult me." Vahna responded, an ever so slight growl in her voice.
"Then put some emotion in your tone!" Koril laughed, taking a sip. "Now. What is it you approached us for?"
They took the drinks and Hood sipped the tea “This is where for the moment I have to hand it over to Vallista” He said.
Vallista smiled and looked at Koril, “It is my understanding that our government would like to become friends with your government and learn from each other through trade, non-aggression pacts and potentially an alliance. One of our people have met one of yours on an exploration mission and it peaked out governments interest” She spoke with a smile.
"Ah! Indeed?" Koril smiled again, leaning forward some. One of Vahna's eyebrows lifted some.
"I have read reports that a few Artificia have left AU space. If you could tell us who your...agent met, I would be most appreciative." Vahna stated.
"Yes, yes. I hope you understand, as part of a dual system, I cannot finalise anything myself, it has to go through Sameh first, but I can most certainly pencil in arrangements for an NAP and trade agreements. Sameh is...distrustful. I promise nothing, I'm afraid." Koril explained.
Hood went through his datapad and brought up a projection of the Artificia in question, “I believe she is called Mihra that is all the information that we have” He said.
Vallista nodded “That is completely understandable and I would not expect anything different, it would be the same in our case” She said still with a smile.
"Ah, yes. Mihra. The level 3 engineer formerly serving aboard the AUNS Ardent. I see, thank you." Vahna nodded, tapping on her own datapad.
"Of course, thank you. I, uh...I'm afraid I have not done this for quite a few years. Where...would you like to begin? I can offer terms of a NAP, if you would like?" Koril asked, a hint of awkwardness in her tone.
“Yes I think that would be quite appropriate, currently we are not operating in the East, but it is a place we would like to establish ourselves, so a NAP is the best start” She smiled, Vallista was new at this as well only having just recently been appointed the Volvoxen Foreign minister in the kingdom.
"Right..." Koril nodded, tapping at a digital keyboard. A small hologram appeared, strings of text initially in some foreign, synthetic language before translating itself into English.
"The terms are, from what we've seen, your average NAP standards. Non-hostility between vessels, vessels and planets and vice versa, all of that stuff. Military jargon here and there, feel free to look it over." she explained, gesturing to the hologram. "If you have any concerns, don't be afraid to voice them."
Vallista looked over it with Hood and they discussed some things together. “My colleague would like to propose free travel for military vessels through territory is that is allowed, and I would like to propose something similar with citizens in the case of settling if that is viable, and then there is also the proposal that the company would like to establish a trading outpost nearby” She spoke calmly.
Koril looked a little...uneasy by the requests.
"Any military movements through Unanimity space would have to be limited, run past our military command and would be closely monitored if accepted. Civilian movements, I can say now would be denied. I am sorry to say, but that is one of few domestic matters beyond my control. As for a trading post near the Unanimity border, I can likely arrange to be cleared, but I cannot promise much business. We're a somewhat...insular people." she explained, taking a somewhat awkward sip from her drink.
"I hope you understand. Security is an absolute priority in command's eyes, and what command says, goes."
Vallista nodded “I can understand where you are coming from with eh civilian movement it was the same for my people before we joined the kingdom and for the trade and military movement I will let Hood take over for a moment” She said.
Hood cleared his throat and sighed “Military movement through territory I can see why it will be monitored, but if the company’s trading hub is cleared and allowed to be established we can use that as a ‘waypoint’ so to say, it is just to make our travels to the east easier and the same would be allowed for if the Unanimity has to travel to the west” He reiterated.
"I see where you're coming from, but while I can likely get its clearance arranged, I make no promises." she sighed.
"It will likely also be under close AUN surveillance." Vahna added bluntly.
"Yes, yes. My...position doesn't afford me as much power as its title implies. If Sameh were here, she could decline or allow any of your requests on the spot. She is busy, however. She usually is..." Koril coughed.
"Anyway. Not important. Is...there anything else on the matter you would like to discuss?"
Hood nodded in response to Vahna blunt statement and sat back with nothing left he wanted to add.
“I don’t think there is anything left to add, apart from that we will have to wait now for who I guess is the head to approve are requests, and if they are approved we will have to arrange another meeting with the leader of the company” She replied.
Koril sent off the relevant requests to Highcom, and she could almost feel Sameh's disgruntled eyes staring at them. After a moment, her tablet blipped, and after reading it, she sighed, ineffectually brushing her fringe aside.
"Erm...well. The Unanimity would be willing to negotiate a trade deal at a time when both parties are better prepared to negotiate such, but as of current, seeing as we've known about your people all of about...however long ago you requested to meet us, Highcom deems it...rushing things, to agree to a company outpost so soon. Sameh herself declined the request." she explained, seeming a tad tense as she explained what Sameh had sent.
"S...Sorry, nothing I can do when it's Sameh's order."
Vallista nodded still looking optimistic, “It is fine, I have to agree with all the security and being cautious about us rushing into things, I will take partial blame for that, Hood just wanted a Non-aggression pact mainly, and he did hope for the other requests that he asked for, but he is a fine” She said.
Hood rolled his eyes and tapped away on a datapad “We have also provided and information package from what we know in the west and actions that we have done” He spoke
"Well, as I said, we can negotiate further deals at a later time. If we have no other matter to discuss, then I would think we both have other duties to attend to." Koril swallowed. As fancy as her title was, it became painfully clear to her quite frequently that her power was...limited at the best of times, and it frequently showed.
"I won't take up any more of your time, if you have nothing else."
“No we have nothing else left to discuss, but we do have gifts waiting at our shuttle, if you will accept them” Vallista said timidly.
"Oh? Please, go on." Koril smiled warmly, her usual friendly and almost cuddly demeanour sparking back. Admittedly, remembering back to how her last 'gift' was actually a spy.
Vallista nodded and they headed back to their shuttle with Koril and Vahna, once they got there they presented the gifts of some goods that were standard and a woman appeared as well. She was a Volvoxen, a small one compared to Vallista on standing around 5’ 8” in height, he skin a fiery red with blue tattoos covering what could be seen of her body.
“This is Karia, she has decided to allow herself to be given away” Vallista smiled. “And no before you say anything she is not going to tamper with anything, she just wants to learn like most Volvoxen, that is if you wish to accept this gift, I know it is a strange gift to accept on a first meeting” She finished.
Vahna signalled to a nearby crewman, who somewhat gingerly took the delicacies and headed off back the way they had come with them, as difficult as being gentle was when in what looked remarkably like the ACES spacesuits of the 20th-21st Centuries. When Vallista mentioned Karia, Koril's face and figure tensed somewhat, however.
"E-Erm..." she started, stammering over her words before getting cohesive out. "P-People aren't really something the Un-nanimity typically...gifts, or...trades in." she swallowed. "Please, uh...d-don't take this as a personal slight against you, ma'am." Koril added, seemingly addressing Karia directly. "I...It's just not a normal practice for us."
Karia nodded and bowed before heading back into the shuttle. “It is fine, just a practice that us Volvoxen are used to throughout the centuries, but I think that is all so we will bid you adieu” She smiled bowing as well before returning into the shuttle.
Hood gave them a salute and said his goodbyes before doing the same, the shuttle ramp then closing before it lifted off and vacated the hanger.
Vahna performed the AUN's own salute in return to Hood, while Koril made a wave and one last warm smile as they stepped aboard, watching the ramp closing.
"You seemed tense, High Diplomat."
"People typically aren't so forward." Koril sighed, wiping her brow.
"Indeed not. We have no further business here, then?"
"Not that I know of." the pink Artificia shook her head.
"Very well then." Vahna lifted her finger to her comms bead. "Bridge, this is Admiral Vahna. We have no further business. Prepare for FTL back to Unanimity space."
"Aye aye, ma'am. Spooling up the drive."
As the Cricaen shuttle returned to its own vessel, the Praetor slowly begun to turn, a simple message of goodbyes sent to the Cricaen ship as energy readings given off by the Tachyonic Phase Drive steadily built up. After a mere few minutes, sensors blared for a second as the ship took off, with the typical electromagnetic bang, a streak of mustard yellow light vanishing into the void.
And like that, the Artificia were gone once more
“That went well-ish” Vallista chuckled nervously once back on the Agamemnon
“You could say that, the government will be happy, the military will be happy, you did well Vallista for you first diplomatic mission” Hood said
“Thank you Admiral” She smiled, her normal cheerfulness returning to her.
Hood smiled for once “All hand prepare to jump we are going home” He spoke to his crew.
The Agamemnon turned about and powered up the FTL drives, then a few moments later the ship jumped back to Cricaen territory, the crew all relieved that the meeting evidently had gone well and they were returning successful.
An invitation was sent to their nation asking if they would be willing to agree to a meeting with one of their representatives from the Government and the Military. They already knew from the information that they had gathered that the Artificia were not fans of humans, so it was decided to send a Volvoxen and a Human to the meeting.
They now waited to see how the Artificia would reply, that is if they even did.
The initial response was nothing more than an automated confirmation that they had received the message, as well as proposed sites and dates. All of them relatively close to Unanimity space. Nothing more, nothing less, though a digitally stamped picture of a winking face implied someone a little lacking in the disciplinary field got their hands on it.
When the chosen time came around, however, the response was likely more than the Cricaens had expected. Sensors screeched as a massive hull left FTL, forming out of a stream of mustard yellow light, accompanied by dozens of smaller shapes as its escort joined it. A dreadnought, one of very few the Artificia possessed, lights on the hull making the bold word 'AUNS PRAETOR' painted on the bow more than visible. None of the fleet's guns were online, but sensors read shields quickly were.
The crews on Agamemnon raised their own shields and looked in awe at the Dreadnought, though it was only just bigger than their own ship it was an impressive ship none the less. Admiral Horace Hood was impressed and he was not an easily impressed man.
The Volvoxen by his side was impressed and taking notes excitedly, she was the government representative that the Cricaens had decided to send. “Please Admiral I guess you can proceed and engaged communications” She said with a hint of glee in her voice.
He rolled his eyes and opened a communications channel. “AUNS Praetor, this is Admiral Horace Hood of the Cricaen ship HMS Agamemnon, we have arrived as pre-arranged to speak with your people” He spoke cordially.
"This is Admiral Vahna, commander of the AUNS Praetor. Consider yourself lucky, Admiral. High Diplomat Koril herself chose to partake in this meeting." Came a firm, flat voice. Evidently not one to be particularly emotional. There was the sound of fumbling, and muffled voices, before an entirely separate voice spoke. This one held the same synthetic tone as Vahna, but had a distinct Japanese accent to it.
"Hello, Admiral! I am Koril! I look forward to meeting you in person. Shall you come aboard my ship, or I aboard yours?" came the much more cheery, enthusiastic voice.
“Seeing as a High diplomat has decided to come we shall board your vessel” Came a calm more serine voice, “And I am Minister Vallista, I too look forward to meeting you” She said having calmed down from her brief moment of hyperactivity
“Well looks like the choice has been made, we shall proceed to your vessel” Hood spoke again. He transferred all the data he needed to his AI and headed down with the minister to the hanger where a shuttle had just been prepared.
They boarded the small sleek shuttle and headed towards the dreadnought, once again Vallista’s excitement got the best of her.
Interestingly, flight patterns provided by the dreadnought did not lead to the vessel's hangars, which remained firmly shut. Instead, magnetic tethers reeled them into smaller, narrower, secondary launching tubes of sorts leading deep within the vessel before depositing them at the launch bay, fortunately large enough for the shuttlecraft.
Waiting was an orange Artificia clad in full, black and...orange AUN uniform, arms crossed behind her back and hat atop her head, half-lidded gaze set upon them. She was flanked by the massive, armoured forms of two R3 powered hardsuits, the latest generation of Artifician power armour. She did not approach as the shuttle landed, though the Marines notably stood to attention.
The shuttle door opened and the pair walked out. The Volvoxen a deep shade of red with blue markings and horn tips, she was a few inches taller than the man who was still rather tall and had a clean shaven face, he was wearing the black uniform of the Cricaen navy, a pistol and sword by his side.
Vallista was looking around eagerly and with wide eyes. Hood found this rather rude as he approached the Artificia, “I am going to presume Admiral Vahna, I am Admiral Hood and this is Minister Vallista, I apologise on her behalf already” He spoke with a slight sigh. She was now looking at the figures in the hardsuits.
"It is of no concern. A pleasure, Admiral." Vahna made a dismissive gesture. "I would ask she keep her hands--and preferably her eyes--away from anything she shouldn't be touching. The Praetor's marines tend to be...jumpy." Vahna explained. The slight tilt of one of the Marines' helmets indicated a returned glare, but they made no other signs of acknowledgement.
"This way. Diplomat Koril is...restless, at times."
Vahna led them through the vessel, with its utilitarian, robust but aesthetically lacking interiors. Many doors were locked shut, keeping the visitors from seeing much of the interior. Eventually, they were led to a small, somewhat makeshift meeting room, with an assortment of soft seats arranged around a table, an automated bar system nearby.
Sat in one of the chairs, was a woman who could only be presumed to be Koril. She was a vibrant, but none too strong pink colour, her form creating the visage of a traditional kimono around her rather voluptuous figure, of similar colour to her hair, which was in an old fashioned hime cut, tied back into a long ponytail. Her features certainly held Asian tones but were soft, welcoming and, by most human standards, possessed of a gentle but definite beauty, though she didn't look too much like any known ethnicity.
She smiled as the visitors entered, her smile wide as she gestured to the seats opposite her, Admiral Vahna circling for the seat next to her.
"Welcome! It is a pleasure to meet you, Admiral Hood, Minister Vallista! As I'm sure you can guess, I am High Diplomat Koril. Please, take a seat. If you would like a drink, please, ask."
Hood made sure that Vallista didn’t touch anything she wasn’t supposed to, he felt like he was being punished by having to essentially babysit her.
Once at the room and Koril introduced herself the pair sat down opposite and when offered a drink Hood just asked for a cup of tea and Vallista for a glass of water.
Vallista looked at Koril with her glowing white eyes and took some notes. “It is a pleasure to meet you as well High Diplomat” Hood spoke as he took off his cap.
The computer whirred, and a few moments later their drinks were both deposited in front of them by hovering drones.
Vahna had ordered no drink, and in front of Koril was dropped...a can of soda the brand of which neither of the visitors were familiar with.
"Of course, of course! Please, just call me Koril. The title is mostly for formality, and it's never been something I've cared much for myself. You've met Admiral Vahna, as flat as she is."
"You know I make a mental list of every time you insult me." Vahna responded, an ever so slight growl in her voice.
"Then put some emotion in your tone!" Koril laughed, taking a sip. "Now. What is it you approached us for?"
They took the drinks and Hood sipped the tea “This is where for the moment I have to hand it over to Vallista” He said.
Vallista smiled and looked at Koril, “It is my understanding that our government would like to become friends with your government and learn from each other through trade, non-aggression pacts and potentially an alliance. One of our people have met one of yours on an exploration mission and it peaked out governments interest” She spoke with a smile.
"Ah! Indeed?" Koril smiled again, leaning forward some. One of Vahna's eyebrows lifted some.
"I have read reports that a few Artificia have left AU space. If you could tell us who your...agent met, I would be most appreciative." Vahna stated.
"Yes, yes. I hope you understand, as part of a dual system, I cannot finalise anything myself, it has to go through Sameh first, but I can most certainly pencil in arrangements for an NAP and trade agreements. Sameh is...distrustful. I promise nothing, I'm afraid." Koril explained.
Hood went through his datapad and brought up a projection of the Artificia in question, “I believe she is called Mihra that is all the information that we have” He said.
Vallista nodded “That is completely understandable and I would not expect anything different, it would be the same in our case” She said still with a smile.
"Ah, yes. Mihra. The level 3 engineer formerly serving aboard the AUNS Ardent. I see, thank you." Vahna nodded, tapping on her own datapad.
"Of course, thank you. I, uh...I'm afraid I have not done this for quite a few years. Where...would you like to begin? I can offer terms of a NAP, if you would like?" Koril asked, a hint of awkwardness in her tone.
“Yes I think that would be quite appropriate, currently we are not operating in the East, but it is a place we would like to establish ourselves, so a NAP is the best start” She smiled, Vallista was new at this as well only having just recently been appointed the Volvoxen Foreign minister in the kingdom.
"Right..." Koril nodded, tapping at a digital keyboard. A small hologram appeared, strings of text initially in some foreign, synthetic language before translating itself into English.
"The terms are, from what we've seen, your average NAP standards. Non-hostility between vessels, vessels and planets and vice versa, all of that stuff. Military jargon here and there, feel free to look it over." she explained, gesturing to the hologram. "If you have any concerns, don't be afraid to voice them."
Vallista looked over it with Hood and they discussed some things together. “My colleague would like to propose free travel for military vessels through territory is that is allowed, and I would like to propose something similar with citizens in the case of settling if that is viable, and then there is also the proposal that the company would like to establish a trading outpost nearby” She spoke calmly.
Koril looked a little...uneasy by the requests.
"Any military movements through Unanimity space would have to be limited, run past our military command and would be closely monitored if accepted. Civilian movements, I can say now would be denied. I am sorry to say, but that is one of few domestic matters beyond my control. As for a trading post near the Unanimity border, I can likely arrange to be cleared, but I cannot promise much business. We're a somewhat...insular people." she explained, taking a somewhat awkward sip from her drink.
"I hope you understand. Security is an absolute priority in command's eyes, and what command says, goes."
Vallista nodded “I can understand where you are coming from with eh civilian movement it was the same for my people before we joined the kingdom and for the trade and military movement I will let Hood take over for a moment” She said.
Hood cleared his throat and sighed “Military movement through territory I can see why it will be monitored, but if the company’s trading hub is cleared and allowed to be established we can use that as a ‘waypoint’ so to say, it is just to make our travels to the east easier and the same would be allowed for if the Unanimity has to travel to the west” He reiterated.
"I see where you're coming from, but while I can likely get its clearance arranged, I make no promises." she sighed.
"It will likely also be under close AUN surveillance." Vahna added bluntly.
"Yes, yes. My...position doesn't afford me as much power as its title implies. If Sameh were here, she could decline or allow any of your requests on the spot. She is busy, however. She usually is..." Koril coughed.
"Anyway. Not important. Is...there anything else on the matter you would like to discuss?"
Hood nodded in response to Vahna blunt statement and sat back with nothing left he wanted to add.
“I don’t think there is anything left to add, apart from that we will have to wait now for who I guess is the head to approve are requests, and if they are approved we will have to arrange another meeting with the leader of the company” She replied.
Koril sent off the relevant requests to Highcom, and she could almost feel Sameh's disgruntled eyes staring at them. After a moment, her tablet blipped, and after reading it, she sighed, ineffectually brushing her fringe aside.
"Erm...well. The Unanimity would be willing to negotiate a trade deal at a time when both parties are better prepared to negotiate such, but as of current, seeing as we've known about your people all of about...however long ago you requested to meet us, Highcom deems it...rushing things, to agree to a company outpost so soon. Sameh herself declined the request." she explained, seeming a tad tense as she explained what Sameh had sent.
"S...Sorry, nothing I can do when it's Sameh's order."
Vallista nodded still looking optimistic, “It is fine, I have to agree with all the security and being cautious about us rushing into things, I will take partial blame for that, Hood just wanted a Non-aggression pact mainly, and he did hope for the other requests that he asked for, but he is a fine” She said.
Hood rolled his eyes and tapped away on a datapad “We have also provided and information package from what we know in the west and actions that we have done” He spoke
"Well, as I said, we can negotiate further deals at a later time. If we have no other matter to discuss, then I would think we both have other duties to attend to." Koril swallowed. As fancy as her title was, it became painfully clear to her quite frequently that her power was...limited at the best of times, and it frequently showed.
"I won't take up any more of your time, if you have nothing else."
“No we have nothing else left to discuss, but we do have gifts waiting at our shuttle, if you will accept them” Vallista said timidly.
"Oh? Please, go on." Koril smiled warmly, her usual friendly and almost cuddly demeanour sparking back. Admittedly, remembering back to how her last 'gift' was actually a spy.
Vallista nodded and they headed back to their shuttle with Koril and Vahna, once they got there they presented the gifts of some goods that were standard and a woman appeared as well. She was a Volvoxen, a small one compared to Vallista on standing around 5’ 8” in height, he skin a fiery red with blue tattoos covering what could be seen of her body.
“This is Karia, she has decided to allow herself to be given away” Vallista smiled. “And no before you say anything she is not going to tamper with anything, she just wants to learn like most Volvoxen, that is if you wish to accept this gift, I know it is a strange gift to accept on a first meeting” She finished.
Vahna signalled to a nearby crewman, who somewhat gingerly took the delicacies and headed off back the way they had come with them, as difficult as being gentle was when in what looked remarkably like the ACES spacesuits of the 20th-21st Centuries. When Vallista mentioned Karia, Koril's face and figure tensed somewhat, however.
"E-Erm..." she started, stammering over her words before getting cohesive out. "P-People aren't really something the Un-nanimity typically...gifts, or...trades in." she swallowed. "Please, uh...d-don't take this as a personal slight against you, ma'am." Koril added, seemingly addressing Karia directly. "I...It's just not a normal practice for us."
Karia nodded and bowed before heading back into the shuttle. “It is fine, just a practice that us Volvoxen are used to throughout the centuries, but I think that is all so we will bid you adieu” She smiled bowing as well before returning into the shuttle.
Hood gave them a salute and said his goodbyes before doing the same, the shuttle ramp then closing before it lifted off and vacated the hanger.
Vahna performed the AUN's own salute in return to Hood, while Koril made a wave and one last warm smile as they stepped aboard, watching the ramp closing.
"You seemed tense, High Diplomat."
"People typically aren't so forward." Koril sighed, wiping her brow.
"Indeed not. We have no further business here, then?"
"Not that I know of." the pink Artificia shook her head.
"Very well then." Vahna lifted her finger to her comms bead. "Bridge, this is Admiral Vahna. We have no further business. Prepare for FTL back to Unanimity space."
"Aye aye, ma'am. Spooling up the drive."
As the Cricaen shuttle returned to its own vessel, the Praetor slowly begun to turn, a simple message of goodbyes sent to the Cricaen ship as energy readings given off by the Tachyonic Phase Drive steadily built up. After a mere few minutes, sensors blared for a second as the ship took off, with the typical electromagnetic bang, a streak of mustard yellow light vanishing into the void.
And like that, the Artificia were gone once more
“That went well-ish” Vallista chuckled nervously once back on the Agamemnon
“You could say that, the government will be happy, the military will be happy, you did well Vallista for you first diplomatic mission” Hood said
“Thank you Admiral” She smiled, her normal cheerfulness returning to her.
Hood smiled for once “All hand prepare to jump we are going home” He spoke to his crew.
The Agamemnon turned about and powered up the FTL drives, then a few moments later the ship jumped back to Cricaen territory, the crew all relieved that the meeting evidently had gone well and they were returning successful.