Post by Khaosraptor on Sept 20, 2021 23:04:41 GMT
The Praetorian research vessel IPS An Bradán Feasa Finished its voyage into this new system seemingly folding itself out into real space before beginning its scans of the system. They had received multiple signals from this area but were unable to pin them down so resorted to manually searching for them. as they swept the system they echoed a soft calming tune on all frequencies to hopefully display their intention to come in peace. The vessel's science officer, Korvalo, began ordering the small Praetorian crew to begin scanning planets in order to update their now ancient and outdated maps of the area while they waited for another signal from whatever civilization was awaiting them to be able to pinpoint a location
Alarms blared across the Lorenx system as the unknown signals met the macrys beacons, churning the House of Wrath into a curious frenzy. Many of the House's assets were still in need of repair and inspection following their engagement near Valthris, and many more were still holding territory outside of the Lorenxian system. With the Wrath Kings preoccupied state, an unlikely candidate, Taox Voll of House Valour, arose to deal with the unknown force.
--------////--------------------////---
Taox's forces, a relatively small detachment of corvettes and armoured escorts, accompanied by a single ‘Vollas'Va’ pattern vanguard cruiser, made the swift skip to FTL, translating roughly three AU from the last known location of the alien force. Immediately, the vanguard cruiser slowed to make some distance from the smaller ships, arming its massive spinal gun to fire in case any hostile intent was detected. The smaller vessels however, surged forward towards their targets, all while a macrys message translating into galactic common was sent ahead to herald their arrival.
-/-Attention unknown vessels, you have entered the restricted territory of the United Echotian Empire. If you have diplomatic intentions, we would ask that you correct course towards the accompanying coordinates and power down any and all weaponry. Compliance will be honoured with an appropriate House representative. Any deviation will result in your immediate expulsion from the system by any means necessary. We eagerly await your decision.-/-
The coordinates seemed to be coded into the message itself, directing the research vessels to an exo-station beyond the heliosphere.
The Praetorian vessel would begin to retranslate the message into what had been the ancient galactic common of their time requiring some time to do this they signaled the Echotian vessels in a sort of binary morse code that they mean no harm and will comply with any and all requests. The lone research vessel then powered their engines to full and folded themselves back down to their sub dimensional ftl and began to make their way to the requested coordinates and powering down what little weaponry they had on board. the research vessel was mostly black with reflective paneling where there would be windows making and oddly mirrored surface in the void of space, its running lights were a bright red to make sure they could be seen. once a for sure translation with about 98% accuracy could be made the Praetorians sent a broadcast
"Greetings new life, we apologize for the inconvenience we were required to translate your language into one more recognizable to us. We mean no harm and only wish for diplomacy from this encounter. My designation is Korvalo, I will be Speaker for the Infinite Praetorian Empire during this meeting, does this suit your people?"
There was no follow up message, merely a confirmation ping that signaled the message had been received. As the Praetorian vessel slipped into FTL, the Echotian fleet likewise followed, leaving a ripple of reddish-purple haze in the dark expanse.
-------------///------------///---------------------
The station was prismatic in design, roughly crimson in colouration, though worn and repaired with dark plating. Arrayed around the mid-section of the station were several equally spaced ports, each able to accommodate for a single vessel. A signal pulsed out rhythmically, drawing the Praetorians to one of the pre-selected ports, one able to accommodate for the specific size of the Praetorian vessel.
Shortly after, Taox's own fleet translated into the immediate space, this time much closer in proximity, mimicking its previous entrance as the cruiser backed off from the main force as the swifter vessels approached the station.
-/-A personal greeting can be arranged if your physiology can be accommodated. Your designated delegate will be with you shortly.-/-
The Praetorian ship took its time to dock balancing its atmosphere, or frankly lack thereof, with that of the station. Korvalo, now called Speaker by his shipmates was prepared and sanitized before he went to the airlock, and awaited the station to allow him to board once he did the Praetorian anatomy could be very clearly seen. They were wholly mechanical, completely fluid with their movements and tall, while Korvalo was not as ornamentalized as the higher castes in Praetorian he still had the time to have had his body engraved with many alien workings each piece being clearly distinctive in a black onyx like metal set against his gold and silver frame. There he waited patiently for the next steps to be taken for his meeting.
Korvalo would not have to wait long. As the Praetorian exited the docking passageway, the room opened up into a modest, hexagonal chamber decorated with simplistic, geometric furniture. A small table filled the space between the gathering of seating, but left most of the room open for whatever was needed. Spartan in appearance, it was clear the station was not used often enough to consider luxuries.
A door that had not been visible before slid aside, revealing the diplomatic team sent by the U.E.E.. First to enter was an Echotian male, roughly 1.9 meters tall, clad in a steely silver breastplate and cerulean cloak. A warhelm kept the Echo’s face concealed; the axe-shaped apparatus focusing on Korvalo immediately upon entering the room.
The second figure was far larger and more alien than the first, though there were some clear similarities in biological anatomy. It still processed the same hexipodal layout, but its features were far more sleek and sharp, and it stood nearly another meter and a half taller than its Echotian counterpart. Its armoured hide seemed to flex instinctively, turning the smooth surface outwards and prickling the spines along its body. As it stooped to enter the room, it continued to move along behind the Echo on all six limbs, like a massive onyx panther.
Through the warhelms vox, the Echo spoke calmly; a flawless galactic common that flowed forth like a stream of distant thunder.
“Greetings, Drej’Vo. I am Taox Voll’Vos of House Valour, hereby representing the United Echotian Empire. To whom do I speak with now?”
The creature behind Taox did not pass the space beyond Taox, instead it coiled behind the diplomat, content to watch the interaction until it was needed.
Korvalo was rather somewhat disappointed in the scenery to be quite frank he was hoping for at least some sort of artistic decoration so he could judge the artistic abilities of this species without having to directly ask for it, which it now seemed to be what He'll have to do. Taking a quick look around the room he noticed the many measures of six this species seemed to use and hypothesized that their art may imitate their architectural norms perhaps.
Korvalo was only a slightly above average Praetorian clearly mechanical in nature and exactly two meters tall. His body plate was very Roman and Classical in aesthetic and had many gold and silver plates, a Praetorian's body after all was supposed to be a work of art to reflect themselves individually to other Praetorians. Korvalo took another second to "appreciate" the interior politely before he began to speak.
"My name is Korvalo, however for this meeting my designation shall be Speaker of the Infinite Praetorian Empire. We apologized for having stumbled so rudely upon your space as we did not have an exact understanding of your location simply an approximate one, I assure you the Empire comes in peace and wishes to develop artistic, cultural, and diplomatic ties with your people"
Taox was intrigued by the being; the intricacies of the armoured figure's physique, as well as the detail described in its decoration was something of beauty. It reminded him of the ancient cathedrals the Empire once employed before the fall, though he had only read about such things. The curious nature of interest: developing artistic ties with the U.E.E. was something to be inquired upon, and Taox gave a small motion to the creature behind him before continuing.
"Very well, Speaker'Nva, no judgement has been passed, no swords have been crossed here. I am curious, if you would allow me, to inquire as to your interest in Echotian art?"
Korvalo took a seat, seeming almost out of touch for a second as it communicated with the net taking its orders of how to proceed from his assigned Centurion, number 47. After his subconscious conversation that took microseconds to take place Korvalo turned back to answer his host's inquiries
"We Praetorians appreciate the art of all species in any of its many mediums, many times once diplomatic relations are reached Praetorian households will hire out artists of other worlds to live on Lehon and commission personal art for them, with different species' art being seen as higher or lower rarity. And the art trade is the closest thing the Praetorians have to a civilian economy"
after a quick pause Korvalo continued
"We Praetorians also in our past used to hire engineers, shipbuilders and monument makers to build large projects for others as well."
"Ah, I understand now. Connoisseurs of fine art, purveyors of the aesthetically pleasing."
Taox thought for a moment, considering what he could present to show the Echotian sense of beauty, but the answer was all too simple.
The Exemplar drew his blade, finessing the blade into a flourish before resting it in his open palms. The blade was a master-craft of Echotian engineering, from the sapphire filigree, down to the onyx and silver pommel and blade. It was, in itself, a symbol of power, status, and above all pride. The blade was by far the most beautiful thing Taox had ever claimed as his own, and he presented the weapon to the Praetorian.
"The Echotian race has long found artistic satisfaction through our mastery of martial weaponry."
"Yes our people are rather aesthetically driven and we base most of our culture around the art of other nations."
The diplomat examines the blade and discreetly scans it into the Praetorian database under "Ornamental Weaponry" martial beauty wasn't something Praetorians were inexperienced with many of their weapons too built to be beautiful
"This is rather experienced craftsmanship, do your people create these works to be simply aesthetic or to serve practical purpose as well, as we're sure your people have advanced past the need for melee weaponry"
The Praetorian researcher drone continued examining the blade making sure to list through all the features in its head taking notice of the quality craftsmanship that something so beautiful would be more than capable to take a few hits in a rather violent fight.
Taox gave the blade another flourish before returning it to its sheath; the elegance with which he wielded the weapon displayed his years of training.
"They serve there purpose, my people have long regarded the sword as a touchstone of our society. Mastering a martial weapon not only proves ones dedication, but also displays ones physical and mental ability. In a way, ones mastery of a blade reflects upon their ability to master themselves, as well as the world around them. This is not to suggest that we are adverse to methods of ranged combat, but it holds less significance in our history."
Taox smiled, though Korvalo could not see it. The Exemplar relished being once again on the front lines of diplomacy, able to engage his silvered tongue once again.
"Outside of our fondness for weapons, there are many wonders within the Empire that you may enjoy, though I could not hope to describe them all here and now. Given an escort however, you could be free to explore at your own leisure, if that would interest you, Speaker?"
The two spoke on matters of tourism for quite some time, eventually settling on an unguided tour of the territory of the U.E.E.. The Exemplar was lenient on the Speaker's presence, asking only that they check in with the local House of Wrath occupational force once they reached their destinations.
As Taox departed from the station, a brief sigh of relief came over him. The Speaker's scrutiny had been interesting, but the series of questions that accompanied new races often weighed on his patience. He remembered the banquet not too long ago, relishing in the chance to engage in conversation rather than simply play teacher. Perhaps next time, there would be different circumstances.
Alarms blared across the Lorenx system as the unknown signals met the macrys beacons, churning the House of Wrath into a curious frenzy. Many of the House's assets were still in need of repair and inspection following their engagement near Valthris, and many more were still holding territory outside of the Lorenxian system. With the Wrath Kings preoccupied state, an unlikely candidate, Taox Voll of House Valour, arose to deal with the unknown force.
--------////--------------------////---
Taox's forces, a relatively small detachment of corvettes and armoured escorts, accompanied by a single ‘Vollas'Va’ pattern vanguard cruiser, made the swift skip to FTL, translating roughly three AU from the last known location of the alien force. Immediately, the vanguard cruiser slowed to make some distance from the smaller ships, arming its massive spinal gun to fire in case any hostile intent was detected. The smaller vessels however, surged forward towards their targets, all while a macrys message translating into galactic common was sent ahead to herald their arrival.
-/-Attention unknown vessels, you have entered the restricted territory of the United Echotian Empire. If you have diplomatic intentions, we would ask that you correct course towards the accompanying coordinates and power down any and all weaponry. Compliance will be honoured with an appropriate House representative. Any deviation will result in your immediate expulsion from the system by any means necessary. We eagerly await your decision.-/-
The coordinates seemed to be coded into the message itself, directing the research vessels to an exo-station beyond the heliosphere.
The Praetorian vessel would begin to retranslate the message into what had been the ancient galactic common of their time requiring some time to do this they signaled the Echotian vessels in a sort of binary morse code that they mean no harm and will comply with any and all requests. The lone research vessel then powered their engines to full and folded themselves back down to their sub dimensional ftl and began to make their way to the requested coordinates and powering down what little weaponry they had on board. the research vessel was mostly black with reflective paneling where there would be windows making and oddly mirrored surface in the void of space, its running lights were a bright red to make sure they could be seen. once a for sure translation with about 98% accuracy could be made the Praetorians sent a broadcast
"Greetings new life, we apologize for the inconvenience we were required to translate your language into one more recognizable to us. We mean no harm and only wish for diplomacy from this encounter. My designation is Korvalo, I will be Speaker for the Infinite Praetorian Empire during this meeting, does this suit your people?"
There was no follow up message, merely a confirmation ping that signaled the message had been received. As the Praetorian vessel slipped into FTL, the Echotian fleet likewise followed, leaving a ripple of reddish-purple haze in the dark expanse.
-------------///------------///---------------------
The station was prismatic in design, roughly crimson in colouration, though worn and repaired with dark plating. Arrayed around the mid-section of the station were several equally spaced ports, each able to accommodate for a single vessel. A signal pulsed out rhythmically, drawing the Praetorians to one of the pre-selected ports, one able to accommodate for the specific size of the Praetorian vessel.
Shortly after, Taox's own fleet translated into the immediate space, this time much closer in proximity, mimicking its previous entrance as the cruiser backed off from the main force as the swifter vessels approached the station.
-/-A personal greeting can be arranged if your physiology can be accommodated. Your designated delegate will be with you shortly.-/-
The Praetorian ship took its time to dock balancing its atmosphere, or frankly lack thereof, with that of the station. Korvalo, now called Speaker by his shipmates was prepared and sanitized before he went to the airlock, and awaited the station to allow him to board once he did the Praetorian anatomy could be very clearly seen. They were wholly mechanical, completely fluid with their movements and tall, while Korvalo was not as ornamentalized as the higher castes in Praetorian he still had the time to have had his body engraved with many alien workings each piece being clearly distinctive in a black onyx like metal set against his gold and silver frame. There he waited patiently for the next steps to be taken for his meeting.
Korvalo would not have to wait long. As the Praetorian exited the docking passageway, the room opened up into a modest, hexagonal chamber decorated with simplistic, geometric furniture. A small table filled the space between the gathering of seating, but left most of the room open for whatever was needed. Spartan in appearance, it was clear the station was not used often enough to consider luxuries.
A door that had not been visible before slid aside, revealing the diplomatic team sent by the U.E.E.. First to enter was an Echotian male, roughly 1.9 meters tall, clad in a steely silver breastplate and cerulean cloak. A warhelm kept the Echo’s face concealed; the axe-shaped apparatus focusing on Korvalo immediately upon entering the room.
The second figure was far larger and more alien than the first, though there were some clear similarities in biological anatomy. It still processed the same hexipodal layout, but its features were far more sleek and sharp, and it stood nearly another meter and a half taller than its Echotian counterpart. Its armoured hide seemed to flex instinctively, turning the smooth surface outwards and prickling the spines along its body. As it stooped to enter the room, it continued to move along behind the Echo on all six limbs, like a massive onyx panther.
Through the warhelms vox, the Echo spoke calmly; a flawless galactic common that flowed forth like a stream of distant thunder.
“Greetings, Drej’Vo. I am Taox Voll’Vos of House Valour, hereby representing the United Echotian Empire. To whom do I speak with now?”
The creature behind Taox did not pass the space beyond Taox, instead it coiled behind the diplomat, content to watch the interaction until it was needed.
Korvalo was rather somewhat disappointed in the scenery to be quite frank he was hoping for at least some sort of artistic decoration so he could judge the artistic abilities of this species without having to directly ask for it, which it now seemed to be what He'll have to do. Taking a quick look around the room he noticed the many measures of six this species seemed to use and hypothesized that their art may imitate their architectural norms perhaps.
Korvalo was only a slightly above average Praetorian clearly mechanical in nature and exactly two meters tall. His body plate was very Roman and Classical in aesthetic and had many gold and silver plates, a Praetorian's body after all was supposed to be a work of art to reflect themselves individually to other Praetorians. Korvalo took another second to "appreciate" the interior politely before he began to speak.
"My name is Korvalo, however for this meeting my designation shall be Speaker of the Infinite Praetorian Empire. We apologized for having stumbled so rudely upon your space as we did not have an exact understanding of your location simply an approximate one, I assure you the Empire comes in peace and wishes to develop artistic, cultural, and diplomatic ties with your people"
Taox was intrigued by the being; the intricacies of the armoured figure's physique, as well as the detail described in its decoration was something of beauty. It reminded him of the ancient cathedrals the Empire once employed before the fall, though he had only read about such things. The curious nature of interest: developing artistic ties with the U.E.E. was something to be inquired upon, and Taox gave a small motion to the creature behind him before continuing.
"Very well, Speaker'Nva, no judgement has been passed, no swords have been crossed here. I am curious, if you would allow me, to inquire as to your interest in Echotian art?"
Korvalo took a seat, seeming almost out of touch for a second as it communicated with the net taking its orders of how to proceed from his assigned Centurion, number 47. After his subconscious conversation that took microseconds to take place Korvalo turned back to answer his host's inquiries
"We Praetorians appreciate the art of all species in any of its many mediums, many times once diplomatic relations are reached Praetorian households will hire out artists of other worlds to live on Lehon and commission personal art for them, with different species' art being seen as higher or lower rarity. And the art trade is the closest thing the Praetorians have to a civilian economy"
after a quick pause Korvalo continued
"We Praetorians also in our past used to hire engineers, shipbuilders and monument makers to build large projects for others as well."
"Ah, I understand now. Connoisseurs of fine art, purveyors of the aesthetically pleasing."
Taox thought for a moment, considering what he could present to show the Echotian sense of beauty, but the answer was all too simple.
The Exemplar drew his blade, finessing the blade into a flourish before resting it in his open palms. The blade was a master-craft of Echotian engineering, from the sapphire filigree, down to the onyx and silver pommel and blade. It was, in itself, a symbol of power, status, and above all pride. The blade was by far the most beautiful thing Taox had ever claimed as his own, and he presented the weapon to the Praetorian.
"The Echotian race has long found artistic satisfaction through our mastery of martial weaponry."
"Yes our people are rather aesthetically driven and we base most of our culture around the art of other nations."
The diplomat examines the blade and discreetly scans it into the Praetorian database under "Ornamental Weaponry" martial beauty wasn't something Praetorians were inexperienced with many of their weapons too built to be beautiful
"This is rather experienced craftsmanship, do your people create these works to be simply aesthetic or to serve practical purpose as well, as we're sure your people have advanced past the need for melee weaponry"
The Praetorian researcher drone continued examining the blade making sure to list through all the features in its head taking notice of the quality craftsmanship that something so beautiful would be more than capable to take a few hits in a rather violent fight.
Taox gave the blade another flourish before returning it to its sheath; the elegance with which he wielded the weapon displayed his years of training.
"They serve there purpose, my people have long regarded the sword as a touchstone of our society. Mastering a martial weapon not only proves ones dedication, but also displays ones physical and mental ability. In a way, ones mastery of a blade reflects upon their ability to master themselves, as well as the world around them. This is not to suggest that we are adverse to methods of ranged combat, but it holds less significance in our history."
Taox smiled, though Korvalo could not see it. The Exemplar relished being once again on the front lines of diplomacy, able to engage his silvered tongue once again.
"Outside of our fondness for weapons, there are many wonders within the Empire that you may enjoy, though I could not hope to describe them all here and now. Given an escort however, you could be free to explore at your own leisure, if that would interest you, Speaker?"
The two spoke on matters of tourism for quite some time, eventually settling on an unguided tour of the territory of the U.E.E.. The Exemplar was lenient on the Speaker's presence, asking only that they check in with the local House of Wrath occupational force once they reached their destinations.
As Taox departed from the station, a brief sigh of relief came over him. The Speaker's scrutiny had been interesting, but the series of questions that accompanied new races often weighed on his patience. He remembered the banquet not too long ago, relishing in the chance to engage in conversation rather than simply play teacher. Perhaps next time, there would be different circumstances.