Post by jadegreen on May 16, 2021 1:18:54 GMT
Sinhipsue, Tausangrool System.
The diplomatic hall was built directly into the structure of the ring, and had no defined exterior save for the ring itself. Neighboring structures simply built up on all sides and only serviced by a handful of public causeways which cut through the amalgam of fused administrative buildings. Mercifully close to a landing platform off one of the major causeways in the ring-city, one accessible to spacecraft and with its own landing pad it would be an ideal meeting point for this discussion. The building had been closed off, heavily guarded and carefully checked incase any under-the-table deals were conducted. A possibility Kroywen did not think was out of the question.
It had many amenities. A pool and sauna; a private dining hall staffed by robotic cooks at all hours of the day, and a number of luxury suites. Chief among them though though a small indoor garden playing host to all manner of alien flora, genetically tweaked to survive under identical conditions. Black ferns and scarlet bamboo; violet grass, alien bulbs that grew line strung pearls and vines that grew with elaborate geometric coloration. The indoor garden was actually where they intended to conduct the meeting.
The prime minister looked over the garden, where mats and seating were being prepared. Brevity was not her strong suit nor her preferred means of conducting diplomacy, but with the onset of war she had her hands full, and had left the duty of contacting their potential allies to her subordinates. Many a petty diplomat and official looking to advance themselves had gone out into the galaxy, trying to sell their side of the story and garner support. It was a tedious balance; reporting the hostility of the Furrelians without overselling the severity of the situation. Emphasising the need for peace and stability; that the dominion was the unwitting victim of a beligerent state and required support, but was by no means in a position to lose this conflict. From there, a diplomat could find their own way to the location or recieve transportation.
Kroywen read a report from their ingenous embassy, chukling in amusement as he read the report stating that when asked about the meeting, their correspondent in the Jade Empire reportedly stood up and asked how soon they could leave.
They had at least one ally they could count on.
Aoife Lysoyne had suppressed a yawn as she was awoken by her ship's reversion to realspace, but she was not yawning now. She had never personally been to Dominion territory before and was thrilled by the opportunity, taking in the lush indoor garden and its exotic plants.
Guided by a Go'ishii, she made her way to where the Prime Minister waited. The Hoytaxians were not an aesthetically pleasing species, but Krowyen was reputed to be, much like the rest of her kind, a sober and measured individual, not prone to outbursts or fits of emotional pique.
Lysoyne bowed, offering a winning smile. Her onibi glowing brightly as she straightened up.
"Prime Minister! Aoife Lysoyne at your service. Sounds like you're heading for a bit of a scrap with the Furrelians, eh?" she said lightly, her lilting accent betraying her origins on the islands of West Sattar.
Naive geniality was her preferred method of operation. Her innocent features and charming accent made it a convincing display, even if it was hiding a more calculated thought process.
A small triangle shaped shuttle jumped in Dominion space. Travel time farely low to the Collectums proximity to the Dominion. Truth be told the Grand Authority had been watching the conflict unfold from ANCnet, and was thoroughly interested in helping the Dominion. Marking one of the few times the AI over-ruled the council. The Grand Authority was not a pleasing diplomat, so in it's place it sent it's most trusted AI. Wayfinder Electus, in her 'mother unit.' The ship would land and the AI would make her way to said garden. Pristine white metal, with blue accents and a face that mimicked a very kind humanoid. While she did float in the air instead of walking she made an elaborate curtsy arriving slightly after Lysonye.
"Warfinder Electus at your service my lady Prime Minister." The AI's voice had a gentle, almost sweet voice in both tone, and accent. A gentle smile on her lips. While she was usually running hundreds of sub-routines and other bodies all had been suspended for this talk. In truth she was nervous, and if she could sweat she would be.
Kroywen hobbled forward, walking slowly. For a few moments she simply seemed to quietly smell the diplomats down from a respectful distance. Of course Warfinder was a machine and she smelled little of her past the bite of metal and hint of ozone.
"Representitive Aoife. Ci Warfinder." She said taking a bow. "Honored that you could accept my invitation. I don't know if anyone else is coming. Can I interest either of you to some hot tea before we begin...? Representative Aoife... I have you pegged as an Indigo Puget root... maybe with some lemon..." She paused for a moment before turning to the Go'shii that had guided her in. "Just... bring us the sample platter and a hot kettle if you will..."
"Madame... Shall I also bring the qualitative computer core and universal uplink for Ci Warfinder." The Go'shii returned in a thick accent.
"Yes... of course."
He bowed and left the room.
"Yeah... 'a bit of a scrap' is one way to put it." She said letting out a grunt. She turned, touring them through the garden past a large sculpture. Water was made to flow uphill via concealed gravity generators through a geometric pattern and then pour down a waterfall turning a wheel. When looked at from the right angle it looked to be a perpetual motion machine.
"All started when I changed to have a hands-off policy with the armed forces. My hands are full with international and internal politics as it is and I don't need to be filing the paperwork everytime some commodore has to fire off a few warning slugs at a couple pirates. For the most part, that’s all they were doing.
Then our innernet got attacked and half a million Cies died... then a ship exploded and next thing I knew there were talks of war. Turns out after the Fair Sakura incident someone went out and authorized monitoring of Furrelian space… case the incident repeated itself. Everything they did after that might have not been the best decisions… picking a scab rather than letting it heal if you get my drift.”
She hobbled over an arched bridge. Fat, genetically modified koi fish wavered gently in the clear pebble-bottom creek below.
“Then I tried to intervene, tried to talk down Jessaio and nip this bud. But she wasn’t having any of it, probably would have asked me to sign over half the nation if she thought she could get away with it. Played a little hardball with her but disclosed everything that had happened on our end… just like she asked. You’ve probably seen it by now… was all over the Ancnet. Then that damn ship had to try to run the Assiduous border wall… security risk… we had to shoot it down… but they took that as an excuse to attack Luasu.
There’s something ugly under the hood here… some reason they want this war to be on. I’m not saying we’re some perfect paragon of virtue… no nation is. I’ve just authorized the Galactic Admiral to have a go at them. She’s… a… spicy disposition. But she’s a skilled tactician and I’m hoping after the Furrelians tango a few rounds with her, they’ll realize they picked the wrong fight and come back to the negotiating table.
But historically… nothing has ever gone the way we wanted. Which is why we have you here.” She said, finally arriving at the small ampatheatre-like area of the compound where they could be seated. Mats were being laid out by robotic waitstaff in the anticipation of more arrivals. The Go’shii butler returned carrying a tray, a kettle and with a small monopod drone following him.
Aoife nodded at the Prime Minister's words, her expression seemingly intent, but then she shook her head sadly.
"I appreciate the difficulties you're facing, Prime Minister, but unfortunately the Jade Assembly feels that the Dominion has accelerated this war. We cannot let the Jade Empire be dragged into your conflict."
She turned her back, staring for a moment at the greenery of the garden, sighing deeply as if resigning herself to something.
"Your betrayal at Sarnath has not been forgotten. I was sent to deliver only one message."
She span, drawing a sleek pistol from her coat and leveling it at Kroywen.
"TENNOHEIKA BANZAI!" she yelled, pulling the trigger
Maybe fast enough, maybe not. Regardless Electus' eyes grew wide at the pulling of the firearm, and quickly went into action as soon as it was being drawn. A small orb on her head glowing a bright blue releasing a high powered concentrated plasma beam, while her hands did the exact same thing. Both pointing forward then starting to release a similar attack. Electus wasn't trying to save the garden, or the walls, or the floor. Her only goal was to obliterate the hostile diplomat. Her eyes narrowed at her attack, and her face contorting into one of concentration. The AI woman was utterly not expecting this to happen, her computer brain racing at the idea of it. 'Is this a crime? Who shoots someone at a diplomatic meeting? Please don't kill her!' I'm so glad I have weapons! All racing through in the mere seconds the event was unfolding.
The prime minister turned. This was an unexpected response to say the least. She turned around, seeing her drawing the object. It didn't register to her as a weapon until the last moment, and her eyes shot wide open. She raised her Daie but a few inches before touching it to the granite. Its report was oders of magnitude out of line with the soft tap. A powerful omnidirectional shockwave tore out in all directions, the granite beneath her feet shattered like glass and the lighting of the indoor garden flickered. Leaves were torn from alien palms. The round deflected off any fatal trajectory, instead grazing the side of her torso with a spray of loose fur and shredded robe.
She turned about, approaching Aoife. Her demeanor had shifted on a dime. Her steps swift and full of vigor as she flourished the staff impossibly. Propped up by subtle gravitational manipulation the weapon almost seemed to dance around her arriving at a ready stance.
"Idiot!" She snarled. Her voice now loud and commanding. "You hid your scent well. But a word to the wise... surprise assassinations don't work if you yell them out beforehand."
The wave of energy rippled past Aoife, pushing her backwards and out of the path of Electus' beams.
Almost without looking she raised her pistol and fired the magazine at Electus with pinpoint accuracy, ionized glass plasma bullets that would explode on impact.
Her other hand grew and elongated into a purple-black appendage, almost like a scythe blade.
Her face, and indeed her entire skin, seemed distorted somehow, as if the force blow had shifted them permanently on her body. Her onibi were gone from her horns and were on the floor behind her, still glowing brightly.
"Lay down your weapon," she said. "It is not too late for mercy."
The grin on her lopsided face suggested otherwise, however. She sprang forwards, the scythe moving in a blistering arc that danced high and then low. As she moved, plants near her withered to black.
Electus herself was thrown by the shockwave. The AI cutting her beams after they went off course, and cut down almost the entire gardens worth of trees. The AI did a quick roll in the air to put her feet in the direction of her trajectory. Quickly stabilizing herself and launching into the air fully. Starting to zipp around the room to gain some cover between the trees. Flicking her hand off to the side to launch a multitude of baseball sized globs of plasma that once they impacted exploded on impact, just as she did that taking several shots to the side of her chest. The reinforced armored AI taking the hits, her armored plating on her left side turning from a pristine white, to a scorched, and battered black. Flickering began to pop around her left arm which indeed fell off. The grav pads linking her arm, to her torso failing and launching the appendage into the ground like a spear, the left-over ionized gas in the arm exploding shortly after. The lost of the arm almost sent her barreling into the wall the appendage working as a stabilization 'thruster' of sorts. She managed to catch herself ducking behind several of the cut in half trees, and beginning to loop back around for a strafing run.
So that was it. A merger infiltrator had made it this far in... come within moments of taking her life. Even Mungunhola were not so crafty. She was not keen on a melee engagement, and preferred to stay at range where she had the advantage.
The tip of her staff drew arcs of emerald light in the air as she flourished, folding into a web of winding mandalas drawing two shapes out of the air. A tetrahedron made of light, and a dodecahedron formed of liquid metal. The two merged in the center, energy and liquid silver traveling along the mandala before its inner and outer elements rotated into their final configuration. An instant later they fired.
Around a dozen magical missiles; large globs of molten chrome burning with rainbow flames. They shot forward, spiraling around one another in a helix pattern and homing in on the charging merger agent. With the attack finished she altered her stance, preparing to withdraw if her efforts to intercept the charging foe failed.
The barrage of thruster fire and liquid metal hammered into the Merger being as it sprang forwards, crashing in a hideous hiss of burning flesh. The steam, flame and energy boiled quickly, letting off a foul-smelling cloud of thick, oily smoke.
For a moment the two diplomats could just make out the half-ruined form of the assassin staggering inside the maelstrom, slowing to a stop. The pistol clattered to the floor beside it, the arm holding it melted away.
There was an otherworldly shriek and the figure sprang forwards again, the scythe arcing at Kroywen. The ruined being was absolutely hideous, half-burned, disfigured and alien morphology protruding out from the ruins of the fleshy disguise. The cloud of smoke followed in its wake, the assassins form rebuilding even before their eyes.
Electus took a deep 'breath' of sorts. For a moment she was gone from sight hiding behind the now ruined trees. She kicked off starting to fly on a collision course with the impostor. Her forehead beam, and the one in her right arm both going off at the attacking xeno. Her main goal was to body block the Prime Minister on her approach. Flying low, and fast at the merger, and priming her 'core' to detonate immeditely if she was 'killed' on this approach.
She took a step back, stumbling on a crack in the ground. She thought she'd done the assassin in; and there wasn't enough time to draw up a proper offensive spell. As she drew her remaining energies into the staff the dodecahedron reappeared, dissolving into a mass of colored light and traveled down the staff. The ground split open, spires of crystal shooting up from beneath it it angled in the direction of her foe like spikes. Glittering emeralds, rubies, sapphires and amethysts; the largest of which the thickness of full grown tree trunks. At their base they were fused into an amalgam of diverse minerals. Rainbow hoppers of bismuth, crystalized gold, osmium, copper and platinum.
After that the prime minister took an ungraceful fall into the koi pond, her staff clattering across the stepping stones and landing well out of reach. She began to right herself, her arms quivering with the effort as she'd been heavily taxed after casting one of her most powerful spells.
It was at around this time help began to arrive. Like the thundering of an approaching stampede around a dozen Cauldarion knights began spilling into the garden in full powered armor. Nearly instantly they identified the threat, pulling up heavy fusion repeaters and opening fire and the malignant construct with high explosive ammunition.
Tausangrool System
The Free Furrelian Republic was little more than an annoying pest in the Furrelian Union's side, and it had been that ever since the Amlitzer Uprising. A small number of rebels were able to capture a few ships parked at the spaceport and could barely flee from the blockade.
However, almost a whole year after the crushed uprising, the original fleet that had escaped grew into a full-fledged nation. A colony was established in a system, which was quickly renamed to New Neetor nation controlling it to the Free Furrelian Republic. Ever since it had faced aggression by Union forces, but no invasion occurred. But, it had also turned into something else; a save-heaven for defectors and escapees. Its population expanded from twenty-thousand in the first few days, to a whopping two-hundred million since its founding. But it remained a relatively poor and underdeveloped nation. Its first Premier, Gurenit Hunita, had vowed that he would re-unify the Furrelian species, but he had little chance in actually succeeding in his goal, and the Union knew that. However, his actions continued to be a pain for the Furrelians, as they not only leaked some classified documents but also shared images on the Ancnet about survivors of torture, committed by various branches of the Furrelian Union’s government. This, however, would be the first time that the Free Furrelian Republic would conduct open talks with the enemy of their land of origin, the Gauss Dominion.
A ship of Pobbmarian design jumped into orbit of the only inhabited planet of the system, its original logos had been replaced with texts in Sylenti and the logos of the FFR. The ship had been repainted in a darker grey, differentiating it from its Union counterparts, but not by much.
“Get her in a parking orbit, wait for permission to come down to the surface before Inudemio can go down, alright?” The captain of the ship, a modified destroyer, said. The diplomat tasked with going down and doing the talks, Inudemio, waited in the destroyer’s shuttle bay for her shuttle, mentally preparing herself for the talks.
There was a confusing moment as the fusion repeaters, crystal traps, thruster blasts and scythe all met in a riot of colour and sound, and then a boom as Electus' core detonated. When the dust finally cleared, there was nothing left of the assassin but scraps of mottled purplish flesh and some rotting bones...
ABOARD THE JCV BLESS YOUR HEART
The skipper of Aoife's corvette frowned as a proximity alert beeped.
Weaponsfire and a high grade explosion had been detected at the site of the summit - the ships sensors had been focused on the location as a matter of standard procedure.
"Must be a false negative," he said dismissively as one of his crew cast a worried glance at him. He opened comms to the Dominion control system below.
"Tower this is the JCV Bless Your Heart, we're reading some unusual activity at the Diplomatic Hall, please advise."
There was radio silence for a few moments. For the Furrelian Republic ships which had just arrived in orbit of Sinhipsue drew the immediate eyre of around a two dozen Sentinel class ships led by a battleship. The arrival of a Pobbmarian was an unnerving developmet for the citizens of the planet and her defenders. The defending were only dissuaded from opening fire immediately thanks to the differing emblems. Even after a liason explained that they in fact that they were deemed trustworthy and here to negotiate, the commanders were still wary to give them premission to do much of anything.
Inside the ring, near the cluster of government buildings the actual ingenious ship had an excellent view as around a hundred security droids flocked out onto the pad and surrounded the falsely ingenious ship. A handful went inside, anticipating bombs or other dangerous weapons. All the while Kroywen and the local governing officals stationed in other sections of the complex were being ushred by security forces out through a hidden evacualtion route. This would take them down to a secure location where they could be quarantined. Slow-acting, Biological, nanotechnology or chemical weapons were a possiblity, one they needed to be thoroughly screened for after such a security breach.
Kroywen herself was among the first to be escorted out. The Cauldarions found her, injured but concious behind her impromptu barricade. The wall of gemstones had been largely destroyed by the blast but spared her anything more than superifical cuts on her snout. Spent of magical energies, she was relegated to her elderly gait and thus (in a rather humilitaing display) carried out of the complex by the barrinet in charge of security.
After around two minutes the unresponsive governmental tower control buzzed back on the air.
“I’m sorry… all ships maintain distance and do not land under any circumstances… I am getting word… that there was just an assassination attempt on the prime minister… we have confirmed that the assialant has been dealt with and that Prime Minister Kroywen was not seriously injured. Standby for further orders.”
Not long after, news skiffs had swarmed in on the administrative compound. Standard civilian transport ships also began rubbernecking the incident, stopping in the accessway to gawk at the developing drama. A few moments later law enforcement craft came in and began pushing traffic along and steeply ticketing anyone who loitered for too long.
Apparently catching wind of the story. The reporters and their camera drones were denied entry to the building by the knights in powered armor. A few drones attempted to fly past them but were disabled shortly after entering the door by an unseen mechanism. They weren’t allowed inside; the interior garden compound was deep within the complex and windowless, so no camera angle provided any idea of what had transpired. Though they had free reign to watch as the gaussians established a large perimiter around the impostor ship still on the landing pad. A concealed MTS line near the base of the tower delivered a handful of light conversion walkers equipped with anti air missiles as additional security and cleanup forces descended on the compound.
It took a full 90 minutes for the diplomatic priorty tower controller to come back online after that.
“The summit is going to have to be rescheduled. We will contact you once we have further details.”
…
Two days later, and a majority of the damage had been resolved. The Sinhipsue administrative complex was deemed clear and set to reopen the next day, albeit repairs in the garden compound would likely take weeks as new plants would have to be brought in. Kroywen, ever tenacious to secure the favor of her allies in a timely manner, perfectly willing to potentially risk her life a second time.
Not much was different this time, save for the location. Rather than the lush gardens of the administrative complex had been exchanged with the stertile hallways and utter lack of decor onboard the GDAN Ineffable Conviction. Hosting their diplomatic summit onboard a dreadnought a strong political statement against anyone who would dare attempt to assassinate her a second time that week. Security had been astute before; but now the measures taken to ensure safety for the prime minister while still allowing face-to-face negotiation were downright comical.
Security droids more or less shoulder to shoulder in the halls outside. Leading security personell were given their own security detail and their own background checks. The air was tested for poison. The water was being tested for poison. The food was being tested for poison. Everyone required to submit to full body scans. The furrelian and ingenious diplomat were forced to submit to genetic identity checks, confirming their genetic match to their home records, and were asked to come without their weapons this time. The Ingenious now held in suspicion and asked to confirm their identity through several means. Electus was held under slightly less suspicion than the other two given the AI’s efforts to save the Minister.
The diplomats, after undergoing a frankly absurd salvo of security checks were escorted to the conference room. A small reinforced room onboard the dreadnought, similar to a bridge it was an armored citadel within the ship with its own independent systems. At its center a large table able to produce holograms; with enough seats for every party. Garo Taronogori was also present at this instance of the summit; bearing his powered armor. Challenging anyone stupid enough try anything funny with the most vetted combatant in the entire dominion seated in the room.
Once everyone was seated, the prime minister brought fourth a service drone. It carried a long box which folded open to reveal a staff. The Daie was presented to Warfinder Electus. It was simple walking staff, white and blue to match the color scheme of her avatar body with a series of illuminated conduits and bands running along it.
“Before we begin. I would like to thank Ci Warfinder Electus for her assistance in helping me to fight off my assailant. I recognize that she is a Ci. To my knoledge her body does not feel pain and as you can see a replacement is standing before us. Nonetheless I still wish to praise her valor and sacrifice. Warfinder Electus. Please accept this Daie as a token of my gratitude.”
…
“Now then. Shall we begin… who would like to speak first.”
The Gaferius Evanstar-Class ship would have made the short jump to and from Gaferius Space. Electus has not only a lot of bodies, but a lot of 'extensions" of herself. When she died she either awoke on a rack, or in another of her bodies. It was the main way she seemed to be everywhere at once. Though this particular Electus was the 'Mother Unit.' The true unit ruling them all. She awoke in Gaferius Border space in one of it's many refuel, and rallying stations. The small ship jumped back to Dominion space arriving at the summit on time, but not before Electus ordered some R&D for new armored chassis.
Electus was patient with the screening even if a bit more lax than the other diplomats. At the Prime Ministers gesture Electus' face grew into a smile. She nodded saying in her gentle, ear warming voice. "Thank you Lady Prime Minister. I'm afraid I do feel pain, but the act was well worth it... Even if painful, I'd rather you live than I have the Uncomfortability of linking with a new body... And well dying!" The metallic woman gave a small giggle graciously taking the staff, and looking it over with a keen eyes. Her systems quickly scanning over the staff in detail. Composition, make, etc. Afterwards Electus gave a curtsy in thanks to the Prime Minister before taking her seat. Crossing her floating legs, and resting both her hands on her knees.... She was still floating however, and decided to let the other diplomats speak first. This time she was much more alert much like the Dominion. Ready to blast anyone who even tried anything before they could even draw a weapon.
The real Aoife Lysoyne, known as 'Brighteye', was present this time, and considerably less chipper than her previous 'appearance'. She had been the victim of a psionic attack, knocked unconscious and her mind held captive for the flesh masquer to draw knowledge from as she lay helpeless in her quarters aboard her corvette, her crew oblivious.
After the Dominion security had alerted them to the situation, her guards had stormed the room with weapons drawn and found her barely breathing, her already-exhausted mind almost broken by the severing of the mental link the Corruption being had held over her. A group of sohei of the Huoming Temple had flown out immediately, helping her to recover whilst also surreptitiously checking that a more insidious ill had not taken hold of her.
Two days later, she was declared fit to proceed and, at her own insistence, had appeared in person. As a diplomat, the real Aoife was not in the habit of toting weapons around, and passed the various security checks without issue.
Seated, she smiled wanly, her onibi orbs not quite as bright as the average Yokari the Gaussians had encountered.
"Good morning all. Let me start by apologising for the actions of my doppelganger. I am sure the events of two days ago have impressed on you the seriousness of the Merger threat to the Ancerious Galaxy, and will perhaps help inform you on Jade Imperial policy going forwards."
Kroywen caught the Ci’s smile.
“I’m glad you like it. It has a wireless interface and hardlight defense system. Simply touch the staff to the ground and it will create a momentary shield to defend your avatar body. Use it wisely as its power supply is extremely limited. There are some other… more day to day functionalities… 25 Exabytes of crystal-filament non-volatile long term memory for you to incorporate into your network or use as a backup and a holgoraphic display stripe with which you can interface to generate projections.
And Aoife…” Kroywen said, stroking her braids. “You have nothing to apologize for. You played no part… I’m sure you and your men did everything in your power to stop it. We are no strangers to such debautchery. For over a millenia we have faced the Courdeel… an enemy so insidious they drove us from the very galaxy that gave us life… forced us to flee… and that’s how we arived here. But that galaxy… that home… the one that was the cradle of our civilization… we will forever honor.”
She reached behind her chair, tapping the barred spiral emblem emblaizoned on the wall before twisting her head to look at it. She took a longing pause before snapping back around.
“But, there is no place for sentiment at this table; and closing the gaps in our security grid to handle these newer… more paranomal threats is a job for the defense board. We are here to ensure history does not repeat itself. That the Furrelians do not force us to flee our newfound home just as the Courgaten forced us out of hte first.
We have made many an effort to share our might…our wealth and our technology with the galaxy. Only asking that the natives understand our plight and that when the time comes… the great powers of the galaxy might be willing to return the favor. Now is that time.”
Aoife nodded in agreement. "Without a doubt - the Sarnath Campaign would have been much harder without the support of the Gauss Dominion. Although that same campaign is the reason the Imperial Jade Navy is stretched thin in Ancerious, I am still able to give you good news here today."
She winced, as if speaking were an effort, and then continued.
"In light of the situation at Sarnath, the Kokubusho has authorised the deployment of an additional Fleet to the Ancerious Galaxy. The IJN 6th Fleet is currently in transit and will be reinforcing our position here imminently. As such, this provides us with enough assets to take over the security measures for multiple key transit regions in and around Dominion space, freeing up Dominion units for the war effort. Admiral Minowara has drafted a proposal which he has already submitted to GDAN. Not only does this mean more Dominion ships will be able to join the fight, but it means that any raids on Dominion shipping will have to engage IJN warships, a political blunder that I doubt the Furrelians will be willing to commit lest they draw the Jade Empire into direct involvement in the war."
Electus kept her smile giving a gentle nod to the Prime Minister. Her eyes turned to Aoife listening quietly. Eventually speaking herself.
"Gaferius has not been in Ancerious long, we are frankly out of our element with no way to our home universe. I know little of this 'merger' threat save for what I have experienced here... Regardless the Gaferius Collectum is willing to dedicate the Foundry world's of Carn, Ral IV, and Raxius Prime to the mass production of Dominion war-machines, and weaponry. We are prepared to take over your entire production of ground units if need be. We require no payment for this, but expect raw materials to be given after the conflict is over, and the Dominion has recovered. These resources only need to be enough to repay what we have used in addition to another 10%. We are also willing to give out our ground force units in bulk, if we are also given the cost in raw materials after the war. Our military force is weak compared to both yours, and the Furrelians so we would prefer to stay out of direct fighting. If all goes well Gaferius is also interested in a formal alliance after the wars end. Escorting our shipments to you can also be taken care of us unless large opposition prevents our limited numbers from being able to keep up."
Electus paused for a moment putting her index finger to her chin. "Of course any revisions you would like to be made, please say so!" She gave a small giggle rolling her own eyes, in a sort of. 'No shit Electus of course she'll give revisions.' gesture. The AI woman gently floating over her chair gently nodded, and awaited a response.
"Hmm... yes. We did review that proposal." Kroywen returned. "We would like to make some modifications... You see since the Octoazura went up, we've been swimming in raw materials while our manufacturing infrastructure struggles to keep up. Our economic analysts and the CEOs within Assiduous Cooperative are offering to actively deliver shipments of materials during the war. We will deliver the raw materials in the quantities required for what we are requesting... the extra... would be more or less whatever you desired... within reason of course. However with this more immediate form of payment they are looking to negotiate the price point down. 5% extra by market value of the raw materials is the target... but its still up in the air."
Garo stepped in, pulling up files on the holographic table. They were labeled top secret and he was subsequently required to scan his biometrics to reveal them. An antiship torpedo appeared, first as a neon-blue wireframe. He produced an explosive view demonstrating the components. The schematics were detailed down to the precise alloys of each component and every measurement to the last screw. As this information loaded the wireframe was colored by the holographic system; appearing almost lifelike.
"This is our 7th Generation Pulsed Skipper Torpedo." He began. "What you'll be manufacturing in quite large for us if we go through with this deal. We're actually up to the 9th generation now, but me and the other directors agreed that selling out our latest missile technology was just too risky. Its still a capable and deadly weapons platform nonetheless.
For us... these are merely disabling weapons. They fry a couple boards, screw up the more sensitive sensors… and possibly disrupt the shield. But they aren’t meant to permanently destroy a ship. But with our data gathered from the skirmish at Lusau reported these weapons did more damage than the ones actually intended to shoot down ships. We have limited intel on Furrelian made ships but we believe that it is disruptive to their antimatter containment systems… and that their electronics may be less shielded or overall less robust than our own… or both. All the while our typical nuclear shaped charges and kinetic penetrators have proven almost laughably ineffective against their armor and shields… even in large numbers.
Thus if this hypothesis turns out to be true… we may have a weapon that can assure more favorable trades in fleet engagements. However theres no solution to their point defense… they targeted and destroyed billions of stealthed kinetic projectiles… intercepted our guided RKKVs… and destroyed skipper missiles in the terminal phase. Thus our only option at the moment is to rely on saturation strikes. And to be frank, we were preparing to fight a war with the padded gloves off and didn’t prioritize the stockpiling of disabling weaponry.
Perhaps Inudemio should weigh in on this matter. He does have some of their ships with him. While he’s at it; he can help us a great deal just by staying here awhile. Give us copies of the schematics and ship’s operating manuals if you have them. Submit them to penetrating induction scans. Let some of our engineers take them apart and put them back together to see how they work… Agree to that and they will have earned my full trust.”
Tomeni Inudemio, the Free Furrelian diplomat, had arrived at the request of her government. The official reason was, according to the Republic’s government, to receive support and recognition as the true Furrelian state. But she knew better, the reason why she was at this meeting was to ensure the republic’s independence. She, like many others in the republic, knew that the only reason that the Republic wasn’t invaded yet by the union was in order to preserve peace with the Dominion, but now that that barrier was gone, there was nothing stopping the Union from invading the Republic. She could feel her emotions appearing, something she was trained to control. Those being fear, for the invasion which would happen, sooner or later. And anger, at the Union for their invasion of the Dominion, but also at the Dominion for them not knowing what threat they created for the Republic. For a few seconds, she sat in a corner of the room in conflict with herself, silently listening to what Kroywen had to say. When it became her turn to speak, she had calmed down, but some of the emotions were still able to be heard in her voice, but quickly disappeared.
“I must add, the Porevi, the ship in which I arrived, has had an extensive refit ever since the Amlitzer uprising when the Republic acquired her. A majority of its systems were replaced, but if I remember correctly, the energy grid, as well as the weapons systems, have remained intact.” She said, looking at Kroywen. “But, I must say that this destroyer is among the largest ships that the Republic has, and one of the few Pobbmarian designs which are still in service, that we own. Before the meeting, I had sent a message to the parliament, and they’ve agreed on submitting the ship to your scans. But, there is something we want in exchange.” She grabs a tablet she had prepared and gave it to Kroywen.
“I am not sure if you know, but the reason why the Republic survived this long was that the Union did not want to risk the peace with your nation. This, due to the war, has changed. And as such the republic is in great danger. On the document, you shall find a series of requests that the parliament has made. Most were half-ready when I had to depart, but it should give you a good idea about what we request from you. I haven’t read them myself, as they are for your eyes only, I’ve only been briefed on why I should give this to you.” On the document, there were a few requests, some of which approved by the FFR’s parliament. On top was the most important one: Post-war changes.
Hereby, the Free Furrelian Parliament requests the following changes to its people and territory after the Furrelian Union-Gauss War of 2235 will have ended.
In case of a Gaussian victory, the Free Furrelian Republic requests to be put in charge of most of the Furrelian Union’s territories, up to Gaussian digression.
In case of a stalemate, the Free Furrelian Republic requests that the FFR will be recognised as the legitimate Furrelian state.
In case of an invasion of the Free Furrelian Republic by the Furrelian Union, the FFR requests that territories controlled by the Free Furrelian Republic will be integrated into the Gauss Dominion as an Autonomy. How this autonomy is ruled is up to Gaussian digression.
A few more articles were written down below it, such as a request for a shared defensive force, consisting of both Furrelian and Gaussian ships, and for economic aid. Inudemio patiently waited for Kroywen’s response.
"I see. I am very much willing to agree to both of these terms..." She said, stroking her braids. "This is not a war of conquest and subjugation. If we win... we will most certainly see to it that you are brought into the fold as the new leadership of their territory. And I am more than willing to have lobbyists approach other nations and power blocks and push recognize your legitimacy immediately. You will have a long and difficult road ahead of you repairing the image of your people... whatever the outcome of this war. However it is in our best interest for you to be able to stand on your own... defend yourself.
Therefore I would like to commission the Gaferius to assist you in the manufacturing a dedicated navy as well as providing capital and the capacity to establish your own industry. If they are willing to assist you in constructing ships and factories... We will agree to match any shipment of raw materials you send to their factories until such time as we believe you are sufficient, as well as cover the additional manufacturing tax."
Electus stayed quiet for a long moment. Not initially responding to the counter offer. She had one hand on her chin, stroking the hardened blue plasma for a long moment before she finally spoke up. 'I agree to the counter offer. It seems fair. Based on what I've seen of the missile it is possible for us to mass-produce. Along with anything else you may need. As for the building, and support of the FFR? I'm willing to support them as requested. We will be able to make our Foundries on their world, but modify it to their standards, but our shipbuilding facilities will need significant changes which is... Doable. Though I must admit we will need either FFR, or former Furelian designs to actually help any production of their navy. As it stands all Gaferius capital-class ships are not... Organic friendly." Her face contorted into a small smile. Looking over to Inudenio for a response herself. Running in the background she was already going through possible designs, how to modify the Gaferius factories to be more suitable to the FRR, and possible ways to modify their ship building plants.
Inudemio looked at her fellow diplomats, they seemed to speak the truth, or so she thought. She however did not overcome the traits of her species, she remained paranoid of the others due to her religion, which was something she could not help. But, she at least, somewhat, secured herself and continued to speak. Before she did so, she caught a glimpse of Electus' face, which she answered with a badly faked smile, one which she tried to hide afterwards.
"I am glad to hear that, but I have only gained the permission to share the blueprints with the Dominion, not the Collective. I will have to ask the Parliament for that." She said, before turning to Kroywen.
"As for your proposal, that can be arranged, I believe. I will, of course, have to propose this to the Parliament too, but it will most likely be accepted." She took a sip of her drink, before finishing up her sentence. "That will be all, from my part, until further notice."
"Very well. I will draft documents such that we might be able to supply some of our shipwrights and engineers to assist the FFR in drafting workable designs for their fleet. I don't know how much of our technology Garo will think its safe to share."
"I almost forgot." Garo began. "Aoife... The most important route to defend is our pipeline to the golden expanse. Without our supply of Ancerium and Sinarium we will be unable to effectively fight a war. See to it that its defense. Of course we will do our best to reroute shipments such that the golden expanse, Galferius territory and jade empire are all along the same branching trade route; minimizing the amount defensive coverage needed. If we end up having to fight a protracted campaign in their territory... having a protected supply line may service us well."
"Is this... everything?" Kroywen asked tentatively. "I know we have some individuals which didn't show up... and some which we will be convening with privately."
Aoife nodded. "We can step up patrols to assist in those regions, without a doubt. Once the 6th fleet arrives we'll be able to flood the region with patrol vessels, forcing any Furrelian raiders to either desist or risk outright war with the Jade Empire."
Inudemio began again. "No, that will be all for me. The Damunera and I will stay in orbit until all the documents will be arranged, and after which we shall depart back to our own territory. I wish the Dominion the blessing of Greyas, and I hope to meet after this war. She said, standing up from her chair.
"Very well. I would like to thank you all for taking the time to come out, and for your promised support." She said as they two gave deep bows. "You will be escorted off the ship and are free to depart at your leisure."
As the representatives were escorted out, Kroywen pondered. She was hoping two dozen nations would have jumped to their aide with direct military support, ready to immediately end this conflict. Obviously such desires were unrealistic and she resolved to find satisfaction in what they had achieved. For the time being they were alone in the direct conflict, but they had backing.
The diplomatic hall was built directly into the structure of the ring, and had no defined exterior save for the ring itself. Neighboring structures simply built up on all sides and only serviced by a handful of public causeways which cut through the amalgam of fused administrative buildings. Mercifully close to a landing platform off one of the major causeways in the ring-city, one accessible to spacecraft and with its own landing pad it would be an ideal meeting point for this discussion. The building had been closed off, heavily guarded and carefully checked incase any under-the-table deals were conducted. A possibility Kroywen did not think was out of the question.
It had many amenities. A pool and sauna; a private dining hall staffed by robotic cooks at all hours of the day, and a number of luxury suites. Chief among them though though a small indoor garden playing host to all manner of alien flora, genetically tweaked to survive under identical conditions. Black ferns and scarlet bamboo; violet grass, alien bulbs that grew line strung pearls and vines that grew with elaborate geometric coloration. The indoor garden was actually where they intended to conduct the meeting.
The prime minister looked over the garden, where mats and seating were being prepared. Brevity was not her strong suit nor her preferred means of conducting diplomacy, but with the onset of war she had her hands full, and had left the duty of contacting their potential allies to her subordinates. Many a petty diplomat and official looking to advance themselves had gone out into the galaxy, trying to sell their side of the story and garner support. It was a tedious balance; reporting the hostility of the Furrelians without overselling the severity of the situation. Emphasising the need for peace and stability; that the dominion was the unwitting victim of a beligerent state and required support, but was by no means in a position to lose this conflict. From there, a diplomat could find their own way to the location or recieve transportation.
Kroywen read a report from their ingenous embassy, chukling in amusement as he read the report stating that when asked about the meeting, their correspondent in the Jade Empire reportedly stood up and asked how soon they could leave.
They had at least one ally they could count on.
Aoife Lysoyne had suppressed a yawn as she was awoken by her ship's reversion to realspace, but she was not yawning now. She had never personally been to Dominion territory before and was thrilled by the opportunity, taking in the lush indoor garden and its exotic plants.
Guided by a Go'ishii, she made her way to where the Prime Minister waited. The Hoytaxians were not an aesthetically pleasing species, but Krowyen was reputed to be, much like the rest of her kind, a sober and measured individual, not prone to outbursts or fits of emotional pique.
Lysoyne bowed, offering a winning smile. Her onibi glowing brightly as she straightened up.
"Prime Minister! Aoife Lysoyne at your service. Sounds like you're heading for a bit of a scrap with the Furrelians, eh?" she said lightly, her lilting accent betraying her origins on the islands of West Sattar.
Naive geniality was her preferred method of operation. Her innocent features and charming accent made it a convincing display, even if it was hiding a more calculated thought process.
A small triangle shaped shuttle jumped in Dominion space. Travel time farely low to the Collectums proximity to the Dominion. Truth be told the Grand Authority had been watching the conflict unfold from ANCnet, and was thoroughly interested in helping the Dominion. Marking one of the few times the AI over-ruled the council. The Grand Authority was not a pleasing diplomat, so in it's place it sent it's most trusted AI. Wayfinder Electus, in her 'mother unit.' The ship would land and the AI would make her way to said garden. Pristine white metal, with blue accents and a face that mimicked a very kind humanoid. While she did float in the air instead of walking she made an elaborate curtsy arriving slightly after Lysonye.
"Warfinder Electus at your service my lady Prime Minister." The AI's voice had a gentle, almost sweet voice in both tone, and accent. A gentle smile on her lips. While she was usually running hundreds of sub-routines and other bodies all had been suspended for this talk. In truth she was nervous, and if she could sweat she would be.
Kroywen hobbled forward, walking slowly. For a few moments she simply seemed to quietly smell the diplomats down from a respectful distance. Of course Warfinder was a machine and she smelled little of her past the bite of metal and hint of ozone.
"Representitive Aoife. Ci Warfinder." She said taking a bow. "Honored that you could accept my invitation. I don't know if anyone else is coming. Can I interest either of you to some hot tea before we begin...? Representative Aoife... I have you pegged as an Indigo Puget root... maybe with some lemon..." She paused for a moment before turning to the Go'shii that had guided her in. "Just... bring us the sample platter and a hot kettle if you will..."
"Madame... Shall I also bring the qualitative computer core and universal uplink for Ci Warfinder." The Go'shii returned in a thick accent.
"Yes... of course."
He bowed and left the room.
"Yeah... 'a bit of a scrap' is one way to put it." She said letting out a grunt. She turned, touring them through the garden past a large sculpture. Water was made to flow uphill via concealed gravity generators through a geometric pattern and then pour down a waterfall turning a wheel. When looked at from the right angle it looked to be a perpetual motion machine.
"All started when I changed to have a hands-off policy with the armed forces. My hands are full with international and internal politics as it is and I don't need to be filing the paperwork everytime some commodore has to fire off a few warning slugs at a couple pirates. For the most part, that’s all they were doing.
Then our innernet got attacked and half a million Cies died... then a ship exploded and next thing I knew there were talks of war. Turns out after the Fair Sakura incident someone went out and authorized monitoring of Furrelian space… case the incident repeated itself. Everything they did after that might have not been the best decisions… picking a scab rather than letting it heal if you get my drift.”
She hobbled over an arched bridge. Fat, genetically modified koi fish wavered gently in the clear pebble-bottom creek below.
“Then I tried to intervene, tried to talk down Jessaio and nip this bud. But she wasn’t having any of it, probably would have asked me to sign over half the nation if she thought she could get away with it. Played a little hardball with her but disclosed everything that had happened on our end… just like she asked. You’ve probably seen it by now… was all over the Ancnet. Then that damn ship had to try to run the Assiduous border wall… security risk… we had to shoot it down… but they took that as an excuse to attack Luasu.
There’s something ugly under the hood here… some reason they want this war to be on. I’m not saying we’re some perfect paragon of virtue… no nation is. I’ve just authorized the Galactic Admiral to have a go at them. She’s… a… spicy disposition. But she’s a skilled tactician and I’m hoping after the Furrelians tango a few rounds with her, they’ll realize they picked the wrong fight and come back to the negotiating table.
But historically… nothing has ever gone the way we wanted. Which is why we have you here.” She said, finally arriving at the small ampatheatre-like area of the compound where they could be seated. Mats were being laid out by robotic waitstaff in the anticipation of more arrivals. The Go’shii butler returned carrying a tray, a kettle and with a small monopod drone following him.
Aoife nodded at the Prime Minister's words, her expression seemingly intent, but then she shook her head sadly.
"I appreciate the difficulties you're facing, Prime Minister, but unfortunately the Jade Assembly feels that the Dominion has accelerated this war. We cannot let the Jade Empire be dragged into your conflict."
She turned her back, staring for a moment at the greenery of the garden, sighing deeply as if resigning herself to something.
"Your betrayal at Sarnath has not been forgotten. I was sent to deliver only one message."
She span, drawing a sleek pistol from her coat and leveling it at Kroywen.
"TENNOHEIKA BANZAI!" she yelled, pulling the trigger
Maybe fast enough, maybe not. Regardless Electus' eyes grew wide at the pulling of the firearm, and quickly went into action as soon as it was being drawn. A small orb on her head glowing a bright blue releasing a high powered concentrated plasma beam, while her hands did the exact same thing. Both pointing forward then starting to release a similar attack. Electus wasn't trying to save the garden, or the walls, or the floor. Her only goal was to obliterate the hostile diplomat. Her eyes narrowed at her attack, and her face contorting into one of concentration. The AI woman was utterly not expecting this to happen, her computer brain racing at the idea of it. 'Is this a crime? Who shoots someone at a diplomatic meeting? Please don't kill her!' I'm so glad I have weapons! All racing through in the mere seconds the event was unfolding.
The prime minister turned. This was an unexpected response to say the least. She turned around, seeing her drawing the object. It didn't register to her as a weapon until the last moment, and her eyes shot wide open. She raised her Daie but a few inches before touching it to the granite. Its report was oders of magnitude out of line with the soft tap. A powerful omnidirectional shockwave tore out in all directions, the granite beneath her feet shattered like glass and the lighting of the indoor garden flickered. Leaves were torn from alien palms. The round deflected off any fatal trajectory, instead grazing the side of her torso with a spray of loose fur and shredded robe.
She turned about, approaching Aoife. Her demeanor had shifted on a dime. Her steps swift and full of vigor as she flourished the staff impossibly. Propped up by subtle gravitational manipulation the weapon almost seemed to dance around her arriving at a ready stance.
"Idiot!" She snarled. Her voice now loud and commanding. "You hid your scent well. But a word to the wise... surprise assassinations don't work if you yell them out beforehand."
The wave of energy rippled past Aoife, pushing her backwards and out of the path of Electus' beams.
Almost without looking she raised her pistol and fired the magazine at Electus with pinpoint accuracy, ionized glass plasma bullets that would explode on impact.
Her other hand grew and elongated into a purple-black appendage, almost like a scythe blade.
Her face, and indeed her entire skin, seemed distorted somehow, as if the force blow had shifted them permanently on her body. Her onibi were gone from her horns and were on the floor behind her, still glowing brightly.
"Lay down your weapon," she said. "It is not too late for mercy."
The grin on her lopsided face suggested otherwise, however. She sprang forwards, the scythe moving in a blistering arc that danced high and then low. As she moved, plants near her withered to black.
Electus herself was thrown by the shockwave. The AI cutting her beams after they went off course, and cut down almost the entire gardens worth of trees. The AI did a quick roll in the air to put her feet in the direction of her trajectory. Quickly stabilizing herself and launching into the air fully. Starting to zipp around the room to gain some cover between the trees. Flicking her hand off to the side to launch a multitude of baseball sized globs of plasma that once they impacted exploded on impact, just as she did that taking several shots to the side of her chest. The reinforced armored AI taking the hits, her armored plating on her left side turning from a pristine white, to a scorched, and battered black. Flickering began to pop around her left arm which indeed fell off. The grav pads linking her arm, to her torso failing and launching the appendage into the ground like a spear, the left-over ionized gas in the arm exploding shortly after. The lost of the arm almost sent her barreling into the wall the appendage working as a stabilization 'thruster' of sorts. She managed to catch herself ducking behind several of the cut in half trees, and beginning to loop back around for a strafing run.
So that was it. A merger infiltrator had made it this far in... come within moments of taking her life. Even Mungunhola were not so crafty. She was not keen on a melee engagement, and preferred to stay at range where she had the advantage.
The tip of her staff drew arcs of emerald light in the air as she flourished, folding into a web of winding mandalas drawing two shapes out of the air. A tetrahedron made of light, and a dodecahedron formed of liquid metal. The two merged in the center, energy and liquid silver traveling along the mandala before its inner and outer elements rotated into their final configuration. An instant later they fired.
Around a dozen magical missiles; large globs of molten chrome burning with rainbow flames. They shot forward, spiraling around one another in a helix pattern and homing in on the charging merger agent. With the attack finished she altered her stance, preparing to withdraw if her efforts to intercept the charging foe failed.
The barrage of thruster fire and liquid metal hammered into the Merger being as it sprang forwards, crashing in a hideous hiss of burning flesh. The steam, flame and energy boiled quickly, letting off a foul-smelling cloud of thick, oily smoke.
For a moment the two diplomats could just make out the half-ruined form of the assassin staggering inside the maelstrom, slowing to a stop. The pistol clattered to the floor beside it, the arm holding it melted away.
There was an otherworldly shriek and the figure sprang forwards again, the scythe arcing at Kroywen. The ruined being was absolutely hideous, half-burned, disfigured and alien morphology protruding out from the ruins of the fleshy disguise. The cloud of smoke followed in its wake, the assassins form rebuilding even before their eyes.
Electus took a deep 'breath' of sorts. For a moment she was gone from sight hiding behind the now ruined trees. She kicked off starting to fly on a collision course with the impostor. Her forehead beam, and the one in her right arm both going off at the attacking xeno. Her main goal was to body block the Prime Minister on her approach. Flying low, and fast at the merger, and priming her 'core' to detonate immeditely if she was 'killed' on this approach.
She took a step back, stumbling on a crack in the ground. She thought she'd done the assassin in; and there wasn't enough time to draw up a proper offensive spell. As she drew her remaining energies into the staff the dodecahedron reappeared, dissolving into a mass of colored light and traveled down the staff. The ground split open, spires of crystal shooting up from beneath it it angled in the direction of her foe like spikes. Glittering emeralds, rubies, sapphires and amethysts; the largest of which the thickness of full grown tree trunks. At their base they were fused into an amalgam of diverse minerals. Rainbow hoppers of bismuth, crystalized gold, osmium, copper and platinum.
After that the prime minister took an ungraceful fall into the koi pond, her staff clattering across the stepping stones and landing well out of reach. She began to right herself, her arms quivering with the effort as she'd been heavily taxed after casting one of her most powerful spells.
It was at around this time help began to arrive. Like the thundering of an approaching stampede around a dozen Cauldarion knights began spilling into the garden in full powered armor. Nearly instantly they identified the threat, pulling up heavy fusion repeaters and opening fire and the malignant construct with high explosive ammunition.
Tausangrool System
The Free Furrelian Republic was little more than an annoying pest in the Furrelian Union's side, and it had been that ever since the Amlitzer Uprising. A small number of rebels were able to capture a few ships parked at the spaceport and could barely flee from the blockade.
However, almost a whole year after the crushed uprising, the original fleet that had escaped grew into a full-fledged nation. A colony was established in a system, which was quickly renamed to New Neetor nation controlling it to the Free Furrelian Republic. Ever since it had faced aggression by Union forces, but no invasion occurred. But, it had also turned into something else; a save-heaven for defectors and escapees. Its population expanded from twenty-thousand in the first few days, to a whopping two-hundred million since its founding. But it remained a relatively poor and underdeveloped nation. Its first Premier, Gurenit Hunita, had vowed that he would re-unify the Furrelian species, but he had little chance in actually succeeding in his goal, and the Union knew that. However, his actions continued to be a pain for the Furrelians, as they not only leaked some classified documents but also shared images on the Ancnet about survivors of torture, committed by various branches of the Furrelian Union’s government. This, however, would be the first time that the Free Furrelian Republic would conduct open talks with the enemy of their land of origin, the Gauss Dominion.
A ship of Pobbmarian design jumped into orbit of the only inhabited planet of the system, its original logos had been replaced with texts in Sylenti and the logos of the FFR. The ship had been repainted in a darker grey, differentiating it from its Union counterparts, but not by much.
“Get her in a parking orbit, wait for permission to come down to the surface before Inudemio can go down, alright?” The captain of the ship, a modified destroyer, said. The diplomat tasked with going down and doing the talks, Inudemio, waited in the destroyer’s shuttle bay for her shuttle, mentally preparing herself for the talks.
There was a confusing moment as the fusion repeaters, crystal traps, thruster blasts and scythe all met in a riot of colour and sound, and then a boom as Electus' core detonated. When the dust finally cleared, there was nothing left of the assassin but scraps of mottled purplish flesh and some rotting bones...
ABOARD THE JCV BLESS YOUR HEART
The skipper of Aoife's corvette frowned as a proximity alert beeped.
Weaponsfire and a high grade explosion had been detected at the site of the summit - the ships sensors had been focused on the location as a matter of standard procedure.
"Must be a false negative," he said dismissively as one of his crew cast a worried glance at him. He opened comms to the Dominion control system below.
"Tower this is the JCV Bless Your Heart, we're reading some unusual activity at the Diplomatic Hall, please advise."
There was radio silence for a few moments. For the Furrelian Republic ships which had just arrived in orbit of Sinhipsue drew the immediate eyre of around a two dozen Sentinel class ships led by a battleship. The arrival of a Pobbmarian was an unnerving developmet for the citizens of the planet and her defenders. The defending were only dissuaded from opening fire immediately thanks to the differing emblems. Even after a liason explained that they in fact that they were deemed trustworthy and here to negotiate, the commanders were still wary to give them premission to do much of anything.
Inside the ring, near the cluster of government buildings the actual ingenious ship had an excellent view as around a hundred security droids flocked out onto the pad and surrounded the falsely ingenious ship. A handful went inside, anticipating bombs or other dangerous weapons. All the while Kroywen and the local governing officals stationed in other sections of the complex were being ushred by security forces out through a hidden evacualtion route. This would take them down to a secure location where they could be quarantined. Slow-acting, Biological, nanotechnology or chemical weapons were a possiblity, one they needed to be thoroughly screened for after such a security breach.
Kroywen herself was among the first to be escorted out. The Cauldarions found her, injured but concious behind her impromptu barricade. The wall of gemstones had been largely destroyed by the blast but spared her anything more than superifical cuts on her snout. Spent of magical energies, she was relegated to her elderly gait and thus (in a rather humilitaing display) carried out of the complex by the barrinet in charge of security.
After around two minutes the unresponsive governmental tower control buzzed back on the air.
“I’m sorry… all ships maintain distance and do not land under any circumstances… I am getting word… that there was just an assassination attempt on the prime minister… we have confirmed that the assialant has been dealt with and that Prime Minister Kroywen was not seriously injured. Standby for further orders.”
Not long after, news skiffs had swarmed in on the administrative compound. Standard civilian transport ships also began rubbernecking the incident, stopping in the accessway to gawk at the developing drama. A few moments later law enforcement craft came in and began pushing traffic along and steeply ticketing anyone who loitered for too long.
Apparently catching wind of the story. The reporters and their camera drones were denied entry to the building by the knights in powered armor. A few drones attempted to fly past them but were disabled shortly after entering the door by an unseen mechanism. They weren’t allowed inside; the interior garden compound was deep within the complex and windowless, so no camera angle provided any idea of what had transpired. Though they had free reign to watch as the gaussians established a large perimiter around the impostor ship still on the landing pad. A concealed MTS line near the base of the tower delivered a handful of light conversion walkers equipped with anti air missiles as additional security and cleanup forces descended on the compound.
It took a full 90 minutes for the diplomatic priorty tower controller to come back online after that.
“The summit is going to have to be rescheduled. We will contact you once we have further details.”
…
Two days later, and a majority of the damage had been resolved. The Sinhipsue administrative complex was deemed clear and set to reopen the next day, albeit repairs in the garden compound would likely take weeks as new plants would have to be brought in. Kroywen, ever tenacious to secure the favor of her allies in a timely manner, perfectly willing to potentially risk her life a second time.
Not much was different this time, save for the location. Rather than the lush gardens of the administrative complex had been exchanged with the stertile hallways and utter lack of decor onboard the GDAN Ineffable Conviction. Hosting their diplomatic summit onboard a dreadnought a strong political statement against anyone who would dare attempt to assassinate her a second time that week. Security had been astute before; but now the measures taken to ensure safety for the prime minister while still allowing face-to-face negotiation were downright comical.
Security droids more or less shoulder to shoulder in the halls outside. Leading security personell were given their own security detail and their own background checks. The air was tested for poison. The water was being tested for poison. The food was being tested for poison. Everyone required to submit to full body scans. The furrelian and ingenious diplomat were forced to submit to genetic identity checks, confirming their genetic match to their home records, and were asked to come without their weapons this time. The Ingenious now held in suspicion and asked to confirm their identity through several means. Electus was held under slightly less suspicion than the other two given the AI’s efforts to save the Minister.
The diplomats, after undergoing a frankly absurd salvo of security checks were escorted to the conference room. A small reinforced room onboard the dreadnought, similar to a bridge it was an armored citadel within the ship with its own independent systems. At its center a large table able to produce holograms; with enough seats for every party. Garo Taronogori was also present at this instance of the summit; bearing his powered armor. Challenging anyone stupid enough try anything funny with the most vetted combatant in the entire dominion seated in the room.
Once everyone was seated, the prime minister brought fourth a service drone. It carried a long box which folded open to reveal a staff. The Daie was presented to Warfinder Electus. It was simple walking staff, white and blue to match the color scheme of her avatar body with a series of illuminated conduits and bands running along it.
“Before we begin. I would like to thank Ci Warfinder Electus for her assistance in helping me to fight off my assailant. I recognize that she is a Ci. To my knoledge her body does not feel pain and as you can see a replacement is standing before us. Nonetheless I still wish to praise her valor and sacrifice. Warfinder Electus. Please accept this Daie as a token of my gratitude.”
…
“Now then. Shall we begin… who would like to speak first.”
The Gaferius Evanstar-Class ship would have made the short jump to and from Gaferius Space. Electus has not only a lot of bodies, but a lot of 'extensions" of herself. When she died she either awoke on a rack, or in another of her bodies. It was the main way she seemed to be everywhere at once. Though this particular Electus was the 'Mother Unit.' The true unit ruling them all. She awoke in Gaferius Border space in one of it's many refuel, and rallying stations. The small ship jumped back to Dominion space arriving at the summit on time, but not before Electus ordered some R&D for new armored chassis.
Electus was patient with the screening even if a bit more lax than the other diplomats. At the Prime Ministers gesture Electus' face grew into a smile. She nodded saying in her gentle, ear warming voice. "Thank you Lady Prime Minister. I'm afraid I do feel pain, but the act was well worth it... Even if painful, I'd rather you live than I have the Uncomfortability of linking with a new body... And well dying!" The metallic woman gave a small giggle graciously taking the staff, and looking it over with a keen eyes. Her systems quickly scanning over the staff in detail. Composition, make, etc. Afterwards Electus gave a curtsy in thanks to the Prime Minister before taking her seat. Crossing her floating legs, and resting both her hands on her knees.... She was still floating however, and decided to let the other diplomats speak first. This time she was much more alert much like the Dominion. Ready to blast anyone who even tried anything before they could even draw a weapon.
The real Aoife Lysoyne, known as 'Brighteye', was present this time, and considerably less chipper than her previous 'appearance'. She had been the victim of a psionic attack, knocked unconscious and her mind held captive for the flesh masquer to draw knowledge from as she lay helpeless in her quarters aboard her corvette, her crew oblivious.
After the Dominion security had alerted them to the situation, her guards had stormed the room with weapons drawn and found her barely breathing, her already-exhausted mind almost broken by the severing of the mental link the Corruption being had held over her. A group of sohei of the Huoming Temple had flown out immediately, helping her to recover whilst also surreptitiously checking that a more insidious ill had not taken hold of her.
Two days later, she was declared fit to proceed and, at her own insistence, had appeared in person. As a diplomat, the real Aoife was not in the habit of toting weapons around, and passed the various security checks without issue.
Seated, she smiled wanly, her onibi orbs not quite as bright as the average Yokari the Gaussians had encountered.
"Good morning all. Let me start by apologising for the actions of my doppelganger. I am sure the events of two days ago have impressed on you the seriousness of the Merger threat to the Ancerious Galaxy, and will perhaps help inform you on Jade Imperial policy going forwards."
Kroywen caught the Ci’s smile.
“I’m glad you like it. It has a wireless interface and hardlight defense system. Simply touch the staff to the ground and it will create a momentary shield to defend your avatar body. Use it wisely as its power supply is extremely limited. There are some other… more day to day functionalities… 25 Exabytes of crystal-filament non-volatile long term memory for you to incorporate into your network or use as a backup and a holgoraphic display stripe with which you can interface to generate projections.
And Aoife…” Kroywen said, stroking her braids. “You have nothing to apologize for. You played no part… I’m sure you and your men did everything in your power to stop it. We are no strangers to such debautchery. For over a millenia we have faced the Courdeel… an enemy so insidious they drove us from the very galaxy that gave us life… forced us to flee… and that’s how we arived here. But that galaxy… that home… the one that was the cradle of our civilization… we will forever honor.”
She reached behind her chair, tapping the barred spiral emblem emblaizoned on the wall before twisting her head to look at it. She took a longing pause before snapping back around.
“But, there is no place for sentiment at this table; and closing the gaps in our security grid to handle these newer… more paranomal threats is a job for the defense board. We are here to ensure history does not repeat itself. That the Furrelians do not force us to flee our newfound home just as the Courgaten forced us out of hte first.
We have made many an effort to share our might…our wealth and our technology with the galaxy. Only asking that the natives understand our plight and that when the time comes… the great powers of the galaxy might be willing to return the favor. Now is that time.”
Aoife nodded in agreement. "Without a doubt - the Sarnath Campaign would have been much harder without the support of the Gauss Dominion. Although that same campaign is the reason the Imperial Jade Navy is stretched thin in Ancerious, I am still able to give you good news here today."
She winced, as if speaking were an effort, and then continued.
"In light of the situation at Sarnath, the Kokubusho has authorised the deployment of an additional Fleet to the Ancerious Galaxy. The IJN 6th Fleet is currently in transit and will be reinforcing our position here imminently. As such, this provides us with enough assets to take over the security measures for multiple key transit regions in and around Dominion space, freeing up Dominion units for the war effort. Admiral Minowara has drafted a proposal which he has already submitted to GDAN. Not only does this mean more Dominion ships will be able to join the fight, but it means that any raids on Dominion shipping will have to engage IJN warships, a political blunder that I doubt the Furrelians will be willing to commit lest they draw the Jade Empire into direct involvement in the war."
Electus kept her smile giving a gentle nod to the Prime Minister. Her eyes turned to Aoife listening quietly. Eventually speaking herself.
"Gaferius has not been in Ancerious long, we are frankly out of our element with no way to our home universe. I know little of this 'merger' threat save for what I have experienced here... Regardless the Gaferius Collectum is willing to dedicate the Foundry world's of Carn, Ral IV, and Raxius Prime to the mass production of Dominion war-machines, and weaponry. We are prepared to take over your entire production of ground units if need be. We require no payment for this, but expect raw materials to be given after the conflict is over, and the Dominion has recovered. These resources only need to be enough to repay what we have used in addition to another 10%. We are also willing to give out our ground force units in bulk, if we are also given the cost in raw materials after the war. Our military force is weak compared to both yours, and the Furrelians so we would prefer to stay out of direct fighting. If all goes well Gaferius is also interested in a formal alliance after the wars end. Escorting our shipments to you can also be taken care of us unless large opposition prevents our limited numbers from being able to keep up."
Electus paused for a moment putting her index finger to her chin. "Of course any revisions you would like to be made, please say so!" She gave a small giggle rolling her own eyes, in a sort of. 'No shit Electus of course she'll give revisions.' gesture. The AI woman gently floating over her chair gently nodded, and awaited a response.
"Hmm... yes. We did review that proposal." Kroywen returned. "We would like to make some modifications... You see since the Octoazura went up, we've been swimming in raw materials while our manufacturing infrastructure struggles to keep up. Our economic analysts and the CEOs within Assiduous Cooperative are offering to actively deliver shipments of materials during the war. We will deliver the raw materials in the quantities required for what we are requesting... the extra... would be more or less whatever you desired... within reason of course. However with this more immediate form of payment they are looking to negotiate the price point down. 5% extra by market value of the raw materials is the target... but its still up in the air."
Garo stepped in, pulling up files on the holographic table. They were labeled top secret and he was subsequently required to scan his biometrics to reveal them. An antiship torpedo appeared, first as a neon-blue wireframe. He produced an explosive view demonstrating the components. The schematics were detailed down to the precise alloys of each component and every measurement to the last screw. As this information loaded the wireframe was colored by the holographic system; appearing almost lifelike.
"This is our 7th Generation Pulsed Skipper Torpedo." He began. "What you'll be manufacturing in quite large for us if we go through with this deal. We're actually up to the 9th generation now, but me and the other directors agreed that selling out our latest missile technology was just too risky. Its still a capable and deadly weapons platform nonetheless.
For us... these are merely disabling weapons. They fry a couple boards, screw up the more sensitive sensors… and possibly disrupt the shield. But they aren’t meant to permanently destroy a ship. But with our data gathered from the skirmish at Lusau reported these weapons did more damage than the ones actually intended to shoot down ships. We have limited intel on Furrelian made ships but we believe that it is disruptive to their antimatter containment systems… and that their electronics may be less shielded or overall less robust than our own… or both. All the while our typical nuclear shaped charges and kinetic penetrators have proven almost laughably ineffective against their armor and shields… even in large numbers.
Thus if this hypothesis turns out to be true… we may have a weapon that can assure more favorable trades in fleet engagements. However theres no solution to their point defense… they targeted and destroyed billions of stealthed kinetic projectiles… intercepted our guided RKKVs… and destroyed skipper missiles in the terminal phase. Thus our only option at the moment is to rely on saturation strikes. And to be frank, we were preparing to fight a war with the padded gloves off and didn’t prioritize the stockpiling of disabling weaponry.
Perhaps Inudemio should weigh in on this matter. He does have some of their ships with him. While he’s at it; he can help us a great deal just by staying here awhile. Give us copies of the schematics and ship’s operating manuals if you have them. Submit them to penetrating induction scans. Let some of our engineers take them apart and put them back together to see how they work… Agree to that and they will have earned my full trust.”
Tomeni Inudemio, the Free Furrelian diplomat, had arrived at the request of her government. The official reason was, according to the Republic’s government, to receive support and recognition as the true Furrelian state. But she knew better, the reason why she was at this meeting was to ensure the republic’s independence. She, like many others in the republic, knew that the only reason that the Republic wasn’t invaded yet by the union was in order to preserve peace with the Dominion, but now that that barrier was gone, there was nothing stopping the Union from invading the Republic. She could feel her emotions appearing, something she was trained to control. Those being fear, for the invasion which would happen, sooner or later. And anger, at the Union for their invasion of the Dominion, but also at the Dominion for them not knowing what threat they created for the Republic. For a few seconds, she sat in a corner of the room in conflict with herself, silently listening to what Kroywen had to say. When it became her turn to speak, she had calmed down, but some of the emotions were still able to be heard in her voice, but quickly disappeared.
“I must add, the Porevi, the ship in which I arrived, has had an extensive refit ever since the Amlitzer uprising when the Republic acquired her. A majority of its systems were replaced, but if I remember correctly, the energy grid, as well as the weapons systems, have remained intact.” She said, looking at Kroywen. “But, I must say that this destroyer is among the largest ships that the Republic has, and one of the few Pobbmarian designs which are still in service, that we own. Before the meeting, I had sent a message to the parliament, and they’ve agreed on submitting the ship to your scans. But, there is something we want in exchange.” She grabs a tablet she had prepared and gave it to Kroywen.
“I am not sure if you know, but the reason why the Republic survived this long was that the Union did not want to risk the peace with your nation. This, due to the war, has changed. And as such the republic is in great danger. On the document, you shall find a series of requests that the parliament has made. Most were half-ready when I had to depart, but it should give you a good idea about what we request from you. I haven’t read them myself, as they are for your eyes only, I’ve only been briefed on why I should give this to you.” On the document, there were a few requests, some of which approved by the FFR’s parliament. On top was the most important one: Post-war changes.
Hereby, the Free Furrelian Parliament requests the following changes to its people and territory after the Furrelian Union-Gauss War of 2235 will have ended.
In case of a Gaussian victory, the Free Furrelian Republic requests to be put in charge of most of the Furrelian Union’s territories, up to Gaussian digression.
In case of a stalemate, the Free Furrelian Republic requests that the FFR will be recognised as the legitimate Furrelian state.
In case of an invasion of the Free Furrelian Republic by the Furrelian Union, the FFR requests that territories controlled by the Free Furrelian Republic will be integrated into the Gauss Dominion as an Autonomy. How this autonomy is ruled is up to Gaussian digression.
A few more articles were written down below it, such as a request for a shared defensive force, consisting of both Furrelian and Gaussian ships, and for economic aid. Inudemio patiently waited for Kroywen’s response.
"I see. I am very much willing to agree to both of these terms..." She said, stroking her braids. "This is not a war of conquest and subjugation. If we win... we will most certainly see to it that you are brought into the fold as the new leadership of their territory. And I am more than willing to have lobbyists approach other nations and power blocks and push recognize your legitimacy immediately. You will have a long and difficult road ahead of you repairing the image of your people... whatever the outcome of this war. However it is in our best interest for you to be able to stand on your own... defend yourself.
Therefore I would like to commission the Gaferius to assist you in the manufacturing a dedicated navy as well as providing capital and the capacity to establish your own industry. If they are willing to assist you in constructing ships and factories... We will agree to match any shipment of raw materials you send to their factories until such time as we believe you are sufficient, as well as cover the additional manufacturing tax."
Electus stayed quiet for a long moment. Not initially responding to the counter offer. She had one hand on her chin, stroking the hardened blue plasma for a long moment before she finally spoke up. 'I agree to the counter offer. It seems fair. Based on what I've seen of the missile it is possible for us to mass-produce. Along with anything else you may need. As for the building, and support of the FFR? I'm willing to support them as requested. We will be able to make our Foundries on their world, but modify it to their standards, but our shipbuilding facilities will need significant changes which is... Doable. Though I must admit we will need either FFR, or former Furelian designs to actually help any production of their navy. As it stands all Gaferius capital-class ships are not... Organic friendly." Her face contorted into a small smile. Looking over to Inudenio for a response herself. Running in the background she was already going through possible designs, how to modify the Gaferius factories to be more suitable to the FRR, and possible ways to modify their ship building plants.
Inudemio looked at her fellow diplomats, they seemed to speak the truth, or so she thought. She however did not overcome the traits of her species, she remained paranoid of the others due to her religion, which was something she could not help. But, she at least, somewhat, secured herself and continued to speak. Before she did so, she caught a glimpse of Electus' face, which she answered with a badly faked smile, one which she tried to hide afterwards.
"I am glad to hear that, but I have only gained the permission to share the blueprints with the Dominion, not the Collective. I will have to ask the Parliament for that." She said, before turning to Kroywen.
"As for your proposal, that can be arranged, I believe. I will, of course, have to propose this to the Parliament too, but it will most likely be accepted." She took a sip of her drink, before finishing up her sentence. "That will be all, from my part, until further notice."
"Very well. I will draft documents such that we might be able to supply some of our shipwrights and engineers to assist the FFR in drafting workable designs for their fleet. I don't know how much of our technology Garo will think its safe to share."
"I almost forgot." Garo began. "Aoife... The most important route to defend is our pipeline to the golden expanse. Without our supply of Ancerium and Sinarium we will be unable to effectively fight a war. See to it that its defense. Of course we will do our best to reroute shipments such that the golden expanse, Galferius territory and jade empire are all along the same branching trade route; minimizing the amount defensive coverage needed. If we end up having to fight a protracted campaign in their territory... having a protected supply line may service us well."
"Is this... everything?" Kroywen asked tentatively. "I know we have some individuals which didn't show up... and some which we will be convening with privately."
Aoife nodded. "We can step up patrols to assist in those regions, without a doubt. Once the 6th fleet arrives we'll be able to flood the region with patrol vessels, forcing any Furrelian raiders to either desist or risk outright war with the Jade Empire."
Inudemio began again. "No, that will be all for me. The Damunera and I will stay in orbit until all the documents will be arranged, and after which we shall depart back to our own territory. I wish the Dominion the blessing of Greyas, and I hope to meet after this war. She said, standing up from her chair.
"Very well. I would like to thank you all for taking the time to come out, and for your promised support." She said as they two gave deep bows. "You will be escorted off the ship and are free to depart at your leisure."
As the representatives were escorted out, Kroywen pondered. She was hoping two dozen nations would have jumped to their aide with direct military support, ready to immediately end this conflict. Obviously such desires were unrealistic and she resolved to find satisfaction in what they had achieved. For the time being they were alone in the direct conflict, but they had backing.