Post by bluesnailok on Feb 4, 2022 22:47:20 GMT
It was an early dusk like any other. The fading sun shot a blood-red tint across the sky overlooking the rendezvous point. This meeting, entirely unofficial, found itself in the middle of the depths of a Veratian forest on Natar. It was General Relanio Ketha, freelance military advisor, supervisor for the ASN Intervention Force, and governor-general for the Kalethian military reserves that had organised this conclave.
This was to be entirely off the books. Ketha was, as far as any officials were concerned, on vacation in Verat to meet family. He, and a clique of like-minded regional military figures had opted to come to this forest to meet with their counterparts: The Orillians. The Free State’s own formal reasonings for their presence were part of an official changing of ambassadors for the local Teliran polity.
Ketha’s motorcade was the first to arrive. Screeching to a halt beside the road at a point devoid of any particular uniqueness, his car door swung open. From his backseat, the general uncoiled from the cardoor. Strutting out onto the road, the officer began to patiently wait. From his shoulder a beetle came crawling. Ketha merely gave a side-eye, flicking it to the floor, the General crushed it under his jackboot.
The General had no time for games nor pests. He was a man of action, and that is exactly what Natar required right now. Tetlisun and his incompetents had not only left the planet devoid of pride, but they had disemboweled the entire planet’s identities, principles and values. Not to mention the vulnerability Natar now found itself in among the galactic tug of war, of which the planet had effectively remained paralysed to declaring a side to.
As the Teliran watched the Orillian delegation rolling towards he and his partners, Relanio gave a sigh; throwing his cigarette aside and standing to attention. These people might be outsiders, but they understood a whole lot more about keeping a community, a nation, a galaxy protected, than Tetlisun’s own government did. This meeting was to establish that understanding of similar minds, and to hammer out a future relationship for Natar with Orillia going forward into Ketha’s grandplan: The rescue of Natar.
Veldathrall watched the sun slowly rise as the Orillian staff car rolled up to the meeting place. It was beautiful here, Natar still had so much natural splendour, and it invoked in him the memories of when he as a child had sat and watched the sun rise over his mothers farm house back on Orillia itself. Before the wars, before the devastation and before its complete destruction of the ecosystem. Veldathrall firmly believed in saving that beauty everywhere they could, a moments hesitation and it would be stolen from a place for a myriad of reasons. All usually to further the colonial cause.
As the small car pulled up with only a small escort of aides and staff Veldathrall exited the car, helped out by an aide the old Orillian was quite unlike the others. He was male of course, and very old. Both of which had diminished his physical stature compared to others like Yrillix. He walked up the steps to the general with a large walking cane and put his hand out to shake his.
“Veldathrall. Pleasure to meet you General, I have to say the sights on the way here were most fulfilling. Brought back all kinds of memories. But that’s for another time, we have diplomatic matters to discuss yes?” He smiled as he gestured with his cane for the general to lead them inside. Natar had a future, and with any luck it would be one beside Orillia as staunch allies.
Ketha with an almost disregarding glance to the handshake offer, Ketha instead chose to give a bow of respect, handshake’s were something more associated with Human influences anyhow,
“Yes, yes… I suppose it is.” The Teliran looked about with somewhat disinterest in his surroundings. This was just as much a foreign place to the Kalethian as it was to the Orillian, but it was still Natar, he supposed. Returning his gaze to the elder foreigner, the Teliran officer nodded,
“I believe we both know what reasons bring us here this evening. The Associated States has, to put it frankly, lost control of our own homeplanet. The present Stadtholder promised that he would unite this planet and strengthen it from foreign conquest. After two terms, he has instead left us no more united or stronger than we were at the time those Royal Federation opportunists attempted to puppeteer our homeland during our time of weakness.”
Ketha seemed to consider something and then briefly chuckle, “Thalerno, Tetlisun, and now this Matras successor fellow Tetlisun is promoting… The promises change but their outcomes are all the same: A bunch of out-of-touch bureaucrats who cheer at improving numbers on yearly reports while ignoring the intuitive degradation outside of their window. We’ve seen the results of Tetlisun’s method of ‘strengthening’ the planet, his rationale made us interdependent on foreign worlds in the name of making us safer from them…”
He paused before shaking his head,
“What a bunch of nonsense that was.” Ketha looked back to Veldathrall, shooting a steely gaze to him,
“Those niggling bureaucrats aren’t even capable of standing up to those imperialists that have embedded their claws already deep into our planet.” He continued to glare at the Orillian, adding, “Natar must be freed, Mr. Veldathrall.”
“With chaos in the streets worldwide, an economy in tatters, a frozen government, something has to be done…” Relanio Ketha stepped away from the cars and towards the brush of the woodland, gesturing for the old Orillian to follow him into the depths of the treeline.
“A sizeable amount of Teliran national militaries, particularly in the developing sectors of Natar, have grown frustrated with the status quo. We need to restore pride and integrity to this planet, or we will crumble from within or from external force… Like an opportunist force like the Singaporean State or whatever they’re calling themselves.” He scowled, turning around,
“These interdimensional empires that have flooded through can be stopped, we have a window to do so… But they already have dominance after 60 years… What will our galaxy look like in two centuries? There are no signs of these incursions stopping… We are on a clock mister Veldathrall… And I do not believe Telirankind ought to sit by and just watch as our galaxy’s one shot at preserving its independence is determined beyond our grasp.”
Finally, he concluded,
“That is why we must force a change of government; oust the Executive Assembly of the Association and establish a Federation of Natar. One capable of effectively handling its worldwide issues and with the martial and executive capacity to get things done, without the likes of Arcamavir and his fellow kleptocrats in the mix. Without a gluttonous elite parasitically consuming the public or with bloodthirsty socialists trying to doom Natar to a substate status under the Union of Worlds. There must be action, Mr. Veldathrall, and we must have your help.”
Veldathrall pulled his hand back in quickly with a nod. It wasnt too careful to try any avenue, one was never too sure on where one stood in the face of true belief.
"Yes indeed. Freedom is the basis of all things. I am very well understanding why we are here. I am also very happy you wish to get straight to business." The Orillian listened to the general intently, walking with him as he gestured towards the forest. His aides came with him, keeping close but not directly helping the old man as he walked with his cane. Veldathrall was old, very old in fact, but he had a sternness about him. Like a man who had seen the wind of change come and go, seen almost too many things and suffered the price of it.
"It is a poor situation you find yourself in. I cant help but be reminded of my people, a long time ago we were starry eyed, watching the interdimensional threat with awe as we pandered to them, traded with them and let them in. In return our worlds burned, our military was shattered and our nation was almost brought to the brink of extinction. Do you know why Orillia fell General? Why we, an economic neutral nation was holocausted? Purely because we were there. We were in the way. The Immortal Empire just wanted to be a bit bigger. Greed, all of it greed. The Union and the then nascent AGA believed they were liberating us, they bombarded the biological weapons burrowed into our crust, and were forced to cause even more devastation in their act of 'kindness'. They wanted us to be their client state, to be rebuilt by their money, as a puppet. We said no. We said no more." He sighed as he hobbled along, reminiscing of the old days.
"With you they have taken the long route, digging in deep. I have no doubt in centuries they will control the whole galaxy, with any native nation swept up as a puppet or stamped out as a threat. We will be toys to them just as my people were. I am fully understanding that Natar must make a stand, if you dont it will be too late."
He stopped next to a large tree and placed his hand onto it, a light early morning mist still filling the forest. Taking a breath he smiled.
"Just like home as it once was."
He looked straight at Ketha with dark and foreboding eyes.
"Natar is a focal point General. It is a beacon. Your freedom from colonial oppression is key to helping nations rise up across the galaxy. Name what you require, you have Orillias full, undivided attention"
A sort of confidence seemed to swell within Ketha at the Orillian’s words. Not that he was a nervous man, if Relanio was known for anything it was for his attitude of steel. Nonetheless, the blank cheque gave the General the surety to lay things out more clearly. Once more the general disregarded the old man’s sentiments and immediately set forth his blueprints for action,
“Stadtholder Tetlisun has built up his faction from opportunists, pragmatists and realists; not from ideologues or fervent loyalists… In this way he is very much a technocrat. He is also a master of building his house of cards and keeping each piece balanced. But one needs nothing more than a bit of brute force to bring it all crumbling down. I have the support of the international military interests.” He surmised.
“All we will have to do is launch an emergency takeover of the government. Once the practical chances of his government, even for a moment, fall out of sway for his administration, every rat of his will jump from his sinking ship since, as we observe, they are not loyalists or ideologues, they have no principles nor values beyond what is practical for them.”
“A situation will be orchestrated utilising the national naval forces from the Kingdom of Nardal… If you’re not aware, that is a Teliran country presently run by the Teliran Capitolitists… Who are willing to assist our bid to establish a more effective authority. Their interstellar forces escalate conflict with the Nebilir Contingent… A Teliran offshoot similar to the Union of Worlds in outlook, nestled between their territory and our own…
The General picked up two rocks and a pebble, placing them before the Orillian to serve as something of a primitive visualisation. Grabbing a branch from among the woodland detritus, the officer honed in on the pebble nestled between the rocks.
“I believe I can manufacture the situation to force Tetlisun’s administration to commit to an invasion of the contingent. He will view the situation as an opportunity to detract public scrutiny away from internal issues and towards an external pride winner… He’ll be forced to, or lose more face than he already has. It is a tactic he’s utilised before...” General Ketha seemed to smile; looking to the old alien, “...I should know, I led the operation he called for.”
Ketha then directed the branch to one of the rocks,
“The proximity, and ideology, however, I believe will at the very least alienate the Union of Worlds from supporting Tetlisun or his successor in a future power play. This is where the first of the Orillian measures comes in.” He returned his attention to Veldrathrall,
“Orillia must make it clear that they would be prepared to escalate the crisis into an international issue should the Union tried to throw its weight around. There must be a deterrence to counterweight the Union getting militarily involved… Orillia must not involve itself either, or the Union’s own hand will be forced to commit… But so long as that risk of a counterweight joining lingers, then this war can be kept to a local issue, and a local issue I can handle.”
“Now.” Ketha continued, “As that war progresses, the socialists and unionists on Natar… Who are already discordant at present, will likely throw even more of a raucous… With no sign of the Tetlisun administration keeping order, the situation will give a ripe opportunity to justify a global military government… Insiders within the assembly will invite me ‘on behalf of the international community’ to establish a temporary international authority to reestablish order and stability to Natar. With some governments already on our side and with, I predict, several dozen more falling to coups by my allies, we will hold the cards overnight and force the assembly to recognize the new government as a ‘fait accompli’ as the outsiders say.”
Throwing the stick aside, Ketha concluded, “All in all, it ought to be a quick and bloodless change of power for Natar, everything will happen before our opponents can react and they will accept a peaceful, and honourable, concession of authority just as they expected of the Thalerno government before them.” He began to smile,
“The most important task I ask of Orillia is that it uses its diplomatic avenues to deter foreign involvement… Both in the contingent war and in the following international putsch on Natar. If that can be done, then planetside opponents will be forced to accept the writing on the wall…” Ketha paused, “...And in the unfortunate instance of a drawn out struggle… Politically or militarily… It will fall upon Orillia to dissuade any opportunistic interventions by any Colonial force for fear of accidentally drawing themselves into a larger galactic war they can ill afford to wage.”
Clasping his hands behind his back, Ketha finished by confirming, “I do not expect Orillia to militarily involve itself in Natar’s own fight… Doing so would simply escalate things… Instead material and financial aid would go a long way in the coming struggle.
Veldathrall listened intently, his stern look ever unchanging as Ketha rolled through his plan. The old man never wavered in his attention as the General slowly constructed a visualisation with the various pieces of the forest around them, he could admire the ease in which he demonstrated such. A military mind was always one on the move, always one acting and thinking.
He also wasn’t surprised at the role he wanted Orillia to perform. Veldathrall wasn’t stupid, he and the rest of the Free State knew that if they intervened directly here on Natar it would galvanise countless factions into taking a unified stand against them, especially the Union of Worlds. It would force them to tip their hand and make a move, simply impossible for them to let a shining jewel like Natar be overrun by the Free State and its supporters. Perhaps it might even start the war early, Veldathrall had been amused when he had read the Jobediea report himself. It was all true of course, even as Ketha reinforced the fact that Natar had refused to take sides and as such was falling the old Orillian knew that the Free State was pushing for conflict. It was inevitable, but it wasn’t perfect right now.
Supporting Natar diplomatically and allowing them to get leverage and make their own moves would be the best and logical decision.
As Ketha finished his fine demonstration and plan Veldathrall stamped his cane once in appreciation.
“A fine line of thinking has gone into this General. Believe me when I say we are pleased to know we are working with someone who knows his detail.” He stepped forward, pointing his cane at different parts of the stick and stone laid plan.
“We can provide exactly what you need. It works to our benefit as well, we need our direct military assets elsewhere. You can expect financial and material aid for your units when the time comes, we can arrange stockpiling so that you already have what you need and are not bottlenecked by our transports when the time comes.” He took a breath.
“As for the Union they will falter the moment we show them force will occur if they get involved. A fine plan, and one we can absolutely be a part of. The Union is already falling at the CGSS and on the political scene, this will just add to that and publicly humiliate them. You have our full co-operation General”
With nought but a nod, the General seemed to be done and satisfied. Despite what was undoubtedly a key assurance and component to ensuring his chances in this plan, Ketha didn’t seem to convey any kind of glee or warmful response. Instead, the Teliran gave a simple, cordial,
“You have my thanks, Mr. Veldathrall. I’m sure in time, Natar will come to repay Orillia’s act of kinship.”
Exhaling slowly, Ketha became a little bit more relaxed now that all was said and done. With nothing else to establish, he looked about, amid the forest that Veldathrall had been admiring. Gazing down to the branch in his hand, the General momentarily seemed to think and then proceeded to cast it aside into the brush.
“...I see little magic in nature that most other people seem to see. People say it makes them feel at ease or at home in a place like this. Being here, I have no clue what they’re talking about.” His face remained in a deadpan, “I’m not a cruel or heartless man, Mr. Veldathrall, no matter what people say about me.”
He turned.
“But I am a man who does what needs to be done.”
Veldathrall nodded at his response.
"Of course. Natar has helped us much and no doubt will do so greatly in the future, perhaps in time we could even be firm friends"
He studied Ketha as he relaxed, the old man seemingly keeping his same composure as the general opened up just a crack. He had respect, his statement was absolutely true from his body language, and he could see in that Teliran the drive to do whatever needed to be done. For a small moment Veldathrall saw the future that Ketha was trying to bring about, of Natar a firm power in the galaxy, just like the Union was now. And he also saw the road to that destiny, paved with blood and the corpses of countless political and ideological opposites. It was a road that Orillia was more than happy to help the ASN walk down.
"I would never dream of accusing you of such general. I never grew up in the forest myself, it always seemed a dangerous fairy tale. By the time I wanted to see one in person my world was gone. I never got to see the magic in nature, but I take a firm grasp in imagining the magic of the future instead" He looked out away into the forest. Seeing the foliage and nature.
"Now that I am here, I wonder if many of my ancestors felt the same way"
“An answer we shall only be able to wonder.” Ketha replied briefly, seemingly done with the conversation now that all utility in the meeting had been concluded. Clutching his hands behind his back, the Teliran officer surmised,
“And so we are agreed. I will leave you to make the appropriate arrangements with your people, farewell, Mr. Veldathrall.” With that, Relanio Ketha turned with a stern expression and marched his way back to the glaring lights of the cars awaiting his return.
Elsewhere, another meeting was transpiring.
The shards of sunlight cracked through the window shutters, nearly blinding Saljir Arcamavir as he tried to gaze outside. Saljir frowned. When he had heard that the one man that he truly despised with all his heart, his boss, Stadtholder Tetlisun, was truly stepping down, he had sensed his opportunity. It was his one chance to finally be freed of the one thing he feared: a greater force breathing down his neck. It was his once chance to prove everyone wrong, to be powerful, to be rich, to be recognized with the love and respect he knew he deserved.
For over a decade, the defamed nation-state minister from the Northern reaches of Natar had been an underling, a crony, to Tetlisun. ‘The snide automaton’, Arcamavir called the Stadtholder, and the Stadtholder knew of Arcamavir’s feelings, both felt no kinship nor loyalty to the other. But for all of Saljir’s contacts, networks, underground connections, and information, there was one thing that trumped it all: Saljir was too predictable for Mose Tetlisun. Amid the infamy and scandal of Arcamavir’s sexual assault allegations in his home country, Tetlisun had practically rescued the man following the lose of his previous ministerial job by employing him into the Associated States.
Arcamavir had originally seen it as the opportunity of a lifetime: Some out-of-touch, cocksure international bureaucrat had employed Arcamavir in the hopes of controlling the man like a dog over the scandal, Arcamavir thought that was all there was to his new employer. But, as it would soon be discovered, Tetlisun was more than an opportunist. Every time Saljir had tried to go behind Mose’s back, every time he had tried to outmanouver or backstab him, Tetlisun had always been one step in curtailing his moves. With each of Tetlisun’s victories in this political game over the years, he gained more and more power over Arcamavir, more and more face in the eyes of the media (Despite having put Saljir in his position of power in the first place), and more control over Saljir’s own political network.
It had become apparent to the corrupt Teliran director what Tetlisun saw in Arcamavir when he had scooped him up now: The face of a lion to which he was the tamer, a man of the establishment from which he could leech with ease, and a man with financial know-how which he could control. To Tetlisun, Arcamavir seemed predictable and thus malleable, and perhaps what annoyed the director most was that, as he had learnt, he evidently was.
For years, Saljir had consistently attempted any move he could make against the Stadtholder whilst Tetlisun was in power. At first, it started as ambitious opportunism fueled by overconfidence, then a case of desperation and fear for his own position and life, and then eventually a tiresome, hopeless game without fear of any stakes, like a hopelessly outmatched chess contest.
But now things were changing. Tetlisun was always solid in his position, in control of the grand scheme of things, so long as every detail was preordained or prepared for by himself. But now the Stadtholder’s grasp was failing. The market crash had shattered the Stadtholder’s grasp of affairs at its most vulnerable time: The shift of power, and had opened a real chance for Arcamavir to lash out.
Saljir winced at the chalice of wine had sipped from, the dark red liquid churned in its bowl as he swirled the cup. There would be blood, of course. Arcamavir only survived his previous regular treacheries because he was too calculable to Tetlisun to be more conveniently dead. Now Saljir was truly a danger, he knew Tetlisun would not hesitate to have him ‘commit suicide’. That’s why the ‘cheshire cat’ had taken flight from the Stadtholder’s centre of power and distanced himself from the frontlines of the political battle.
It was instead here, in his beachside chateau in the clammy, humid climate of the Barcean Federation, a peripheral nation on Natar, that the director orchestrated his candidacy to the members of the Associated States. Here, he was surrounded by people on his payroll, of his choosing, of his strings; not Tetlisun’s.
Saljir Arcamavir turned to look back at his gentleman’s playroom. The place was barely lit; only illuminated by the threads of light that danced with the dust in the air. Strutting over to the coffee table upon which his dossier of his latest operation reports rested upon, the director sighed. Leaning down, he grabbed the documents.
Suddenly the door knocked.
Springing upright, Arcamavir nearly stumbled back over the spine of the sofa behind him. The middle-aged Teliran grunted and gripped his chest, his paranoia taking hold. He could trust nobody. They were all out to get him. He sensed their hate. Even his so-called ‘friends’. But Arcamavir knew his destiny, his right. If a jumped-up nobody like Tetlisun could usurp the throne of Natar’s highest office from the old guard that had clinged onto it for an eternity, then he deserved more than anyone else that seat of office. He needed it, he deserved it.
“...Is it impossible to get just TEN MINUTES of brooding in his household without being interrupted by staff problems?!” The Director growled, bearing his razored teeth to the door like an angered pitbull.
“What is it now?!”
The door opened slowly, as if the man who now stepped inside was trying to be as polite as possible and not break anything he touched. He was not even escorted by any of the chateau staff or security personnel, an alarming fact which belied his friendly smile.
He moved gracefully, like a cat, all movements deliberate and calculated as he placed his hands behind his back and walked very slowly into the room. His head looked around, at the old books, the choice of furniture and the overhead ceiling, examining every facet of the room like it would help him unlock some kind of personal secret in its layout. He was finely dressed though. A lovely black silk suit and purple under shirt dressed him to almost be a clear businessman. But the mans long black hair and somewhat pale complexion mixed with his strange choice of make up picked him out as quite different.
And he had an aura too. One of wrongness, like he was not meant to exist, like he was not as he seemed. The very smooth and calm voice only reinforced that.
Could he be some kind of assassin?
“Saljir Arcamavir? A pleasure to finally meet you. I apologise for the suddenness of my visit, or lack of prior contact. Your staff were most welcoming in helping me find you. I believe that we have a mutual goal in mind, and that we make work out a deal that helps us both tremendously in these rather troubled times” He stepped forward some more and politely bowed.
“My name is Dib, and I represent an interested party in your worlds, and your own, future”
Arcamavir was instantly alarmed by the appearance of the unknown figure; drawing his full attention to the doorway. The Teliran was so alerted by the uninvited visitor that he nearly stumbled back on the couch behind him as he attempted to back away a little.
“...W… What? Who are you…? How did you get in here?!”
As he seemed to calm a little with the stranger’s bow and introduction, the director did nothing to reciprocate friendliness.
“Get out of my house this instant, do you know what forces you’re messing with?!”
Dib stood still when Arcamavir flustered and almost fell backwards. As if letting the man regain some composure and speaking what he had to say.
As he still showed anger and frustration at the sudden entrance, entirely understandable given the circumstances Dib merely smiled politely and gestured with his hand as if for Arcamavir to sit down. While he himself rather fluidly took a seat on one of the lavishly decorate leather sofas. Crossing his legs and leaning back Dib spoke once again, directed at the threat.
"Don't you wish to know what I have to offer you? I come with a rather excellent proposal for you Sajir, myself and my associates are well aware of you and your peoples rather in depth capabilities and your potential. That is indeed why I am here."
He turned his head to stare at the tiny crack in one of the curtains, partially illuminating him as the light moves across his face, throwing strange shadows onto the bookcases and wall which didn't entirely form a human appearance. Dibs faced showed momentary annoyance as he turned back and smiled once more.
"I represent an interested party, we want to extend a hand of help in seeing you become the true ruler of Natar"
Arcamavir glared for a few moments longer for spitting back angrily,
“An interested party like whom?”
The director stomped over to his wine cabinet and took a full body out. With a hollow pop as he opened a bottle and began pouring. He would occasionally look over his shoulder to his uninvited guest, he clearly still wasn’t very trusting of this intruder as he casually reached behind the cabinet for a hidden buzzer.
“And why would anything you have to offer be of value in my own interests…? And what’s in it for you?”
Dib smiled at his choice of Wine.
“Ah the Alluminarian Sweet Berry, properly matured by the looks of things from before the Boreal Jihad, a rare one indeed very good taste” He placed his hands on his lap.
“I will not lie to you Sajir, I know you are looking for power. I know you are looking to undermine and destroy Tetlisun, to take over this administration and to run this planet how you see fit, to see it grow and become what it was truly to be. You see, I represent a group which you have probably heard about, one with a great deal of power and who are able to… Adjust things behind the scenes”
“I am here on behalf of the Ghosts of the Tradex. I don’t think you will find me any more forthcoming regarding that fact.” He then waved a hand in the air at the curtains, which seemed to close fully on their own, getting rid of the light shining onto Dib and putting him back into the relative darkness of the room.
“We wish to see you prosper, Natar is an excellent place for meeting many across the galaxy, just like Lost Star. To ensure our own goals in the wider galaxy we need Natar to continue to be such a melting pot, an avenue for us to gain information. We wish to see It grow more, to become a shining beacon. And we are willing to assist you in helping it become such with all our resources”
The moment it became clear to Arcamavir on what Dib was on mission for, the director shifted his hand back away from behind the cabinet and returned his full attention to the entity. The Teliran now seemed to be entirely relaxed with the circumstance and fully himself. He immediately rolled his eyes as he waltzed over towards his couch,
“Spare me the platitudes and mysterioso. So, you’re an alien from an alien world with alien goals wanting to give me support in exchange for something.” He grunted as he slouched back into the furniture. Swilling the wine loudly in his mouth momentarily with a distracted and thoughtful glare, the Teliran suddenly reached over to a nearby table and scribbled something down on a notepad,
“...A hint… …Of Green Harvest Berry.”
The Teliran seemed almost unphased now by Dibs nature or his motives now that he knew that he wasn’t here on orders to cause harm or on his own volition, but on the command of someone not present.
“Yes yes- I’ll take your support… I’ll… Find- I don’t know- Contact my people. Whatever you want in exchange I'll give once I'm Stadtholder of all Natar.” He waved his hand dismissively to the representative. Of course, if the price tag was too high, Arcamavir thought, he could always renege on his promises later down the line. Whoever these people were, they wouldn’t be a danger once he was the big cat at the top of the tower.
Dib appeared to even raise an eyebrow at the sudden change in demeanour.
“Why yes, I am here on behalf of alien goals and from a far-off alien place.” He smiled.
“So quick to take our support, I can’t complain about such it is very nice to see such enthusiasm when it comes to our backing.” He looked down into the wine glass “We are already in contact with your people, now with your blessing we can begin our full support. We do not want much Sajir, just a place where we can ply our trade and allow you to get on with whatever you wish.” He brushed his coat slightly of dust.
“You can expect we will do our utmost to ensure you are elected of course”
“Then we have a deal.” Saljir grinned with his pearly white teeth; raising his glass as a toast, “To a most welcome agreement.”
A third meeting, between new parties, was soon to transpire elsewhere.
The tone of an entirely different meeting was later to transpire elsewhere on that same planet by very different parties. It had been a long time since the last major meeting of significance between the Union of Worlds and Stadtholder Tetlisun, but now it looked like another such meeting was about to occur.
Things were not looking good for the Stadtholder’s government by this point. The market had crashed, the Kotegaman’s Socialists had declared a crusade against the old systems, the Capitolitists and Militarists had gone rogue, the Yog Narr incident had inflicted a second critical blow upon the world economy, the Thalernoists were taking their stand, Arcamavir had betrayed the Stadtholder, and every loyalist Tetlisun had was now in open rebellion.
Finally, Tetlisun had agreed to go ahead with the ASN elections. The pretense of further delay to allow for a ‘more stable climate to proceed’ had been a complete misjudgement; the situation had only gotten more radical and violent, and less ideal for Tetlisun. Now, the beaten and encircled Stadtholder was stepping down.
The request to meet with the Primary Ambassador to the ASN was thus one of the last moves Tetlisun was to make in office. Far from a move to preserve his own position, Tetlisun had summoned the mission to rally the support of Tetlisun’s most historic foreign supporter to the aid of his groomed successor: Togarn Matras, an uninspired puppet.
Tetlisun waited for the Union's arrival, pacing back and forth among the Palace’s main courtyard. There was no ceremony, no official pomp or symbolism left within the ASN now, just chaotic and to-the-point practicality. There was no time or resources to be afforded for something else. Anybody could mistake the meeting as just the rendezvous between two common people on the street were the courtyard not to reside within the depths of the Association’s old palace.
The Union car pulled up to just outside the courtyard moments later. There was no honour guard or ceremony this time.
The door opened to reveal a large reptilian figure who pulled himself clear of the seat and tightened his suit as he stomped over to the Stadtholder. With Khamir retired after the rather violent events of the riots another had to stand in his place, Ambassador Garoth had taken up the role a few months ago and came forward with a nod of his head.
“I came as soon as I was able. I believe we have a great deal to discuss Stadtholder, things are moving quicker than anyone can anticipate” The guttural grumble of the Jorgals voice betrayed little in the way of his feelings, at least at current.
Truth be told, the Union was in a tough position too. It was losing control, and the entire galaxy was falling apart. Natar had always been a bastion with ties to the Union, a neutral beacon that at least acted like an anchor. With it now falling apart from the inside the chance of it falling to factions who were against the Unions principles was something they could not afford.
Mose to a stern glance up and down at the Jorgal. It was the first time he had met the man in any official capacity. In earnest, Tetlisun would’ve preferred to have dealt with Khamir, rather than an unknown. Khamir was tied to Tetlisun’s administration ever since he had greenlighted the coup against Mose’s predecessor. But now he was having to curry support with someone who had nothing at stake for their reputation.
“Indeed they are.” The Stadtholder conceded grimly, raising a hand to gesture for the pair to head indoors. It was these very halls that Administrator Thalerno had marched down to meet with Khamir in his bid to urge the Union’s reconsideration of support for his ousting.
“The assembly is in total rebellion, the public is… confused and the states are becoming increasingly erratic. It’s getting like to old years.” The Teliran muttered as they strutted down the hallway and into the Stadtholder’s office,
“But I still have confidence that the turbulence will subside with the appointment of my successor. Togarn Matras is a good man and he has modest intentions, he will not rock the boat and he will allow cooler heads to prevail.”
As he reached his desk, the Stadtholder set himself down into his chair, looking to the Jorgal and stating,
“What we need now is the Union to make a series of gestures that will alleviate public pressure on our national and international governments. Our first step would be to return all extraterritorial territories gained over the years through legations and concessions back to their mothercountries, and to limit Union diplomatic territory exclusively to any ambassadorial missions… This includes conceding the universities established in our First Contact Treaty to Natar’s nationstates.” He stopped for a second, reading the Jorgal’s reaction before continuing,
“The next step will be to rescind the Union’s rule of self-security when outside of their embassies. As you might know, your country declared that they would not allow their representatives to be protected by Teliran security and police after a string of terror attack a couple of decades ago… Ending that rule will look like an easing off of Union paternalism and an expansion of trust within Natar.”
“The Union is also expected to pay its full debt from the Far Reach Project Loan within the course of the next five years.” He coldly asserted, “Doing so will not only help to restore Teliran economic health, but it will help to curb Uniphobia on Natar. Finally…” He added, “...The ASN and the Union of Worlds must terminate our bilateral trading agreements. As much as it stands against my general economic outlook, the ASN must begin to shield its members from foreign competition to show it is doing something in the spirit of protecting jobs.”
The Jorgal gave a Stoney look as he was taken inside. This time, not seeming to look around at the intricacies of the Stadholders abode. This place had seen a lot of Union officials come and go over the years but Garoth was not a man of interest or culture, he was a man of official mandates, diplomatic debate and getting results.
“I fear there will not be much a boat for him left to rock Mr. Tetlisun, our reports are rather disturbing given your current national situation. Do you really believe with this election that a single result would so easily calm or fix the problems?” It was a matter-of-fact statement. No doubt with hidden connotations to the Capitol elections of the past years and the hideous failure of the results.
Garoth sat down at the behest of the Stadholder. His expression was unmoving, and surprisingly it did not move that much as Tetlisun outlined his exact demands. If it had been Khamir the man would have likely blanched right now at what was being asked.
“The embassy situation is done. I can approve at immediately. Although I must ask that any Union educational staff are given full citizenship of their relevant nation-states, should they wish to stay. Any who wish to leave will be given the full capability to do so. Given the events of which we both need not speak the Union is quite happy to keep purely its ambassadorial holds, many of our people are uncertain of having other such facilities at risk of what happened before” The growling voice of the reptilian helped give off an air of control, and he did not move his hands or body at all. Not like Khamir who had been very animated.
“As for protection, I understand and can agree. However, I would ask for trusted security units to be assigned for protection. I do not wish to have Union officials finding bombs planted under their cars in areas of heightened anti colonial tensions.”
“As for economics. The bilateral trade agreements, while it will impact both of our economies I will approve as we speak. We are no longer exporting Ancerium and other materials, given the state of the economic slump and rising fuel prices. It would make sense to help our economic drive for such and your situation. However the Far Reach loan payments may be more problematic, you are aware that our own economy is struggling in this uncertain time. Such payments can of course be made, but further economic changes may very well affect such. If you wish to enact payment of the loan now, then we can also discuss the re-imbursement of the materials and expertise granted to you for the now stalled Chain of Pearls, unless you wish to have that deducted from the loan payment?”
“There will be no boat at all if what we fear comes to pass and Natar breaks out into international violence. I will not allow what I have worked to build for decades now be undone by the shortsighted lusts of democrats and kleptocrats.” The Administrator slammed his fist upon the table resolutely. Pressing an index finger to the desk, the Teliran insisted,
“I will work to ensure the citizenship of any Union educational staff should their host nations choose to continue their employment; I will promise nothing more. Similarly I will, assuming my faction retain governance, ensure that trusted ASN security augments are at the very least complimentary in any Union diplomatic engagements on Natar.”
“As for the debt repayment.” Tetlisun whirled in his chair and tapped down on a nearby pad to open up some presentation files on the Chain of Pearls scheme, “We have lately opted to abandon future development of the megaproject, it cannot be afforded in this current climate and with galactically reduced expendable income so has the profits presented for Qanis expeditioning.”
“No. We will have to insist on urgent repayment of our loans for Far Reach. What you haven’t contributed yet in materials will be cancelled. What has already been contributed will be compensated in a larger percentage of the shares within the Chain of Pearls holdings when it is completed. Is that permissible?”
There didn’t seem to be any immediate change in the reptilian’s outward body language as Tetlisun made his statement and slammed the desk. Only a slightly raised eyebrow. The slight promises about continued employment and security arrangements would have to do for now, there was probably nothing more to gain by pushing that front.
“The arrangement for Union nationals and their support is acceptable.” He finally replied after the outburst.
“As for the loan it will be repaid. However, there is no guarantee for us that the Chain of Pearls will ever be completed. Far Reach is currently online and producing revenue, you have a solid income, benefit, and set payment from us now because of that, we have none from the Chain of Pearls, nor any set foundation that it will ever be completed. Our contributions should be taken off the Far Reach loan payments, and then should the project be re-activated at the appropriate economic time what was taken out will be put back in SIGEC for SIGEC as we promised. It will ensure appropriate economic security. Yes, I am also willing to make that pledge that we will put in exactly what we funded again in the future should the project become viable”
Having put resources, money and equipment into the Chain of Pearls only to have its future uncertain was something the Union was not keen to just leave as wasted resources. Either it should be repurposed back to the Union and then re-pledged when the project became more viable later or repaid entirely.
The Stadtholder seemed to frown at the gridlock that was about to be faced. Shaking his head, Tetlisun responded,
“It is indefensible from a political standpoint, at a time like this, for Natar to be shoveling public funds immediately out of the planet. It would be political cyanide. Whatever compensation you require must come after the crisis has abated. If you have a more surer idea of how to establish that repayment down the line when stronger economic times have returned, then I will welcome your suggestion.”
He placed his fingers together to form a prism as he watched for a response.
"An agreement assured in writing. When Natar is in stronger economic ties it will ensure that if the project is cancelled or changed in a way that cannot ensure our committed resources that they will be paid back in full. However if the project goes on as planned then nothing will need to be recouped and our pledge will continue as normal. It will be a reassurance to my government that the resources we have given will be used to good effect or returned to us should the project not be feasible in better times. I believe this would benefit both our political situations."
The calm response by Garoth sought to break the deadlock on amicable terms.
Tetlisun seemed to consider the proposal for a short moment, ruminating on it. It would certainly give the Union a stronger stake in ensuring the continuation of moderate governance in Natar; it would be a win-win. Returning his gaze to the Union ambassador, the Teliran leaned forward and balled his hands, affirming,
“Yes, yes, I suppose that will work quite well. Very well, so it shall be.”
He nodded,
“Indeed. Now, is there anything you wish to bring to the table before we conclude our affairs? This might possibly be the last dealing your country has with me.” He inquired.
"Excellent. I do not believe there is anything else. It would be rude of me to inquire about political affairs in relation to current events, especially given much of our political ties will be much reduced or ended after today. That and as you say, this may be the last time we have dealings with you and your administration, discussing any affairs due to such may very well be irrelevant."
The Jorgal stood up, offering its large scaly hand.
"Thank you for your time Stadtholder, I wish you luck in the coming times"
This was to be entirely off the books. Ketha was, as far as any officials were concerned, on vacation in Verat to meet family. He, and a clique of like-minded regional military figures had opted to come to this forest to meet with their counterparts: The Orillians. The Free State’s own formal reasonings for their presence were part of an official changing of ambassadors for the local Teliran polity.
Ketha’s motorcade was the first to arrive. Screeching to a halt beside the road at a point devoid of any particular uniqueness, his car door swung open. From his backseat, the general uncoiled from the cardoor. Strutting out onto the road, the officer began to patiently wait. From his shoulder a beetle came crawling. Ketha merely gave a side-eye, flicking it to the floor, the General crushed it under his jackboot.
The General had no time for games nor pests. He was a man of action, and that is exactly what Natar required right now. Tetlisun and his incompetents had not only left the planet devoid of pride, but they had disemboweled the entire planet’s identities, principles and values. Not to mention the vulnerability Natar now found itself in among the galactic tug of war, of which the planet had effectively remained paralysed to declaring a side to.
As the Teliran watched the Orillian delegation rolling towards he and his partners, Relanio gave a sigh; throwing his cigarette aside and standing to attention. These people might be outsiders, but they understood a whole lot more about keeping a community, a nation, a galaxy protected, than Tetlisun’s own government did. This meeting was to establish that understanding of similar minds, and to hammer out a future relationship for Natar with Orillia going forward into Ketha’s grandplan: The rescue of Natar.
Veldathrall watched the sun slowly rise as the Orillian staff car rolled up to the meeting place. It was beautiful here, Natar still had so much natural splendour, and it invoked in him the memories of when he as a child had sat and watched the sun rise over his mothers farm house back on Orillia itself. Before the wars, before the devastation and before its complete destruction of the ecosystem. Veldathrall firmly believed in saving that beauty everywhere they could, a moments hesitation and it would be stolen from a place for a myriad of reasons. All usually to further the colonial cause.
As the small car pulled up with only a small escort of aides and staff Veldathrall exited the car, helped out by an aide the old Orillian was quite unlike the others. He was male of course, and very old. Both of which had diminished his physical stature compared to others like Yrillix. He walked up the steps to the general with a large walking cane and put his hand out to shake his.
“Veldathrall. Pleasure to meet you General, I have to say the sights on the way here were most fulfilling. Brought back all kinds of memories. But that’s for another time, we have diplomatic matters to discuss yes?” He smiled as he gestured with his cane for the general to lead them inside. Natar had a future, and with any luck it would be one beside Orillia as staunch allies.
Ketha with an almost disregarding glance to the handshake offer, Ketha instead chose to give a bow of respect, handshake’s were something more associated with Human influences anyhow,
“Yes, yes… I suppose it is.” The Teliran looked about with somewhat disinterest in his surroundings. This was just as much a foreign place to the Kalethian as it was to the Orillian, but it was still Natar, he supposed. Returning his gaze to the elder foreigner, the Teliran officer nodded,
“I believe we both know what reasons bring us here this evening. The Associated States has, to put it frankly, lost control of our own homeplanet. The present Stadtholder promised that he would unite this planet and strengthen it from foreign conquest. After two terms, he has instead left us no more united or stronger than we were at the time those Royal Federation opportunists attempted to puppeteer our homeland during our time of weakness.”
Ketha seemed to consider something and then briefly chuckle, “Thalerno, Tetlisun, and now this Matras successor fellow Tetlisun is promoting… The promises change but their outcomes are all the same: A bunch of out-of-touch bureaucrats who cheer at improving numbers on yearly reports while ignoring the intuitive degradation outside of their window. We’ve seen the results of Tetlisun’s method of ‘strengthening’ the planet, his rationale made us interdependent on foreign worlds in the name of making us safer from them…”
He paused before shaking his head,
“What a bunch of nonsense that was.” Ketha looked back to Veldathrall, shooting a steely gaze to him,
“Those niggling bureaucrats aren’t even capable of standing up to those imperialists that have embedded their claws already deep into our planet.” He continued to glare at the Orillian, adding, “Natar must be freed, Mr. Veldathrall.”
“With chaos in the streets worldwide, an economy in tatters, a frozen government, something has to be done…” Relanio Ketha stepped away from the cars and towards the brush of the woodland, gesturing for the old Orillian to follow him into the depths of the treeline.
“A sizeable amount of Teliran national militaries, particularly in the developing sectors of Natar, have grown frustrated with the status quo. We need to restore pride and integrity to this planet, or we will crumble from within or from external force… Like an opportunist force like the Singaporean State or whatever they’re calling themselves.” He scowled, turning around,
“These interdimensional empires that have flooded through can be stopped, we have a window to do so… But they already have dominance after 60 years… What will our galaxy look like in two centuries? There are no signs of these incursions stopping… We are on a clock mister Veldathrall… And I do not believe Telirankind ought to sit by and just watch as our galaxy’s one shot at preserving its independence is determined beyond our grasp.”
Finally, he concluded,
“That is why we must force a change of government; oust the Executive Assembly of the Association and establish a Federation of Natar. One capable of effectively handling its worldwide issues and with the martial and executive capacity to get things done, without the likes of Arcamavir and his fellow kleptocrats in the mix. Without a gluttonous elite parasitically consuming the public or with bloodthirsty socialists trying to doom Natar to a substate status under the Union of Worlds. There must be action, Mr. Veldathrall, and we must have your help.”
Veldathrall pulled his hand back in quickly with a nod. It wasnt too careful to try any avenue, one was never too sure on where one stood in the face of true belief.
"Yes indeed. Freedom is the basis of all things. I am very well understanding why we are here. I am also very happy you wish to get straight to business." The Orillian listened to the general intently, walking with him as he gestured towards the forest. His aides came with him, keeping close but not directly helping the old man as he walked with his cane. Veldathrall was old, very old in fact, but he had a sternness about him. Like a man who had seen the wind of change come and go, seen almost too many things and suffered the price of it.
"It is a poor situation you find yourself in. I cant help but be reminded of my people, a long time ago we were starry eyed, watching the interdimensional threat with awe as we pandered to them, traded with them and let them in. In return our worlds burned, our military was shattered and our nation was almost brought to the brink of extinction. Do you know why Orillia fell General? Why we, an economic neutral nation was holocausted? Purely because we were there. We were in the way. The Immortal Empire just wanted to be a bit bigger. Greed, all of it greed. The Union and the then nascent AGA believed they were liberating us, they bombarded the biological weapons burrowed into our crust, and were forced to cause even more devastation in their act of 'kindness'. They wanted us to be their client state, to be rebuilt by their money, as a puppet. We said no. We said no more." He sighed as he hobbled along, reminiscing of the old days.
"With you they have taken the long route, digging in deep. I have no doubt in centuries they will control the whole galaxy, with any native nation swept up as a puppet or stamped out as a threat. We will be toys to them just as my people were. I am fully understanding that Natar must make a stand, if you dont it will be too late."
He stopped next to a large tree and placed his hand onto it, a light early morning mist still filling the forest. Taking a breath he smiled.
"Just like home as it once was."
He looked straight at Ketha with dark and foreboding eyes.
"Natar is a focal point General. It is a beacon. Your freedom from colonial oppression is key to helping nations rise up across the galaxy. Name what you require, you have Orillias full, undivided attention"
A sort of confidence seemed to swell within Ketha at the Orillian’s words. Not that he was a nervous man, if Relanio was known for anything it was for his attitude of steel. Nonetheless, the blank cheque gave the General the surety to lay things out more clearly. Once more the general disregarded the old man’s sentiments and immediately set forth his blueprints for action,
“Stadtholder Tetlisun has built up his faction from opportunists, pragmatists and realists; not from ideologues or fervent loyalists… In this way he is very much a technocrat. He is also a master of building his house of cards and keeping each piece balanced. But one needs nothing more than a bit of brute force to bring it all crumbling down. I have the support of the international military interests.” He surmised.
“All we will have to do is launch an emergency takeover of the government. Once the practical chances of his government, even for a moment, fall out of sway for his administration, every rat of his will jump from his sinking ship since, as we observe, they are not loyalists or ideologues, they have no principles nor values beyond what is practical for them.”
“A situation will be orchestrated utilising the national naval forces from the Kingdom of Nardal… If you’re not aware, that is a Teliran country presently run by the Teliran Capitolitists… Who are willing to assist our bid to establish a more effective authority. Their interstellar forces escalate conflict with the Nebilir Contingent… A Teliran offshoot similar to the Union of Worlds in outlook, nestled between their territory and our own…
The General picked up two rocks and a pebble, placing them before the Orillian to serve as something of a primitive visualisation. Grabbing a branch from among the woodland detritus, the officer honed in on the pebble nestled between the rocks.
“I believe I can manufacture the situation to force Tetlisun’s administration to commit to an invasion of the contingent. He will view the situation as an opportunity to detract public scrutiny away from internal issues and towards an external pride winner… He’ll be forced to, or lose more face than he already has. It is a tactic he’s utilised before...” General Ketha seemed to smile; looking to the old alien, “...I should know, I led the operation he called for.”
Ketha then directed the branch to one of the rocks,
“The proximity, and ideology, however, I believe will at the very least alienate the Union of Worlds from supporting Tetlisun or his successor in a future power play. This is where the first of the Orillian measures comes in.” He returned his attention to Veldrathrall,
“Orillia must make it clear that they would be prepared to escalate the crisis into an international issue should the Union tried to throw its weight around. There must be a deterrence to counterweight the Union getting militarily involved… Orillia must not involve itself either, or the Union’s own hand will be forced to commit… But so long as that risk of a counterweight joining lingers, then this war can be kept to a local issue, and a local issue I can handle.”
“Now.” Ketha continued, “As that war progresses, the socialists and unionists on Natar… Who are already discordant at present, will likely throw even more of a raucous… With no sign of the Tetlisun administration keeping order, the situation will give a ripe opportunity to justify a global military government… Insiders within the assembly will invite me ‘on behalf of the international community’ to establish a temporary international authority to reestablish order and stability to Natar. With some governments already on our side and with, I predict, several dozen more falling to coups by my allies, we will hold the cards overnight and force the assembly to recognize the new government as a ‘fait accompli’ as the outsiders say.”
Throwing the stick aside, Ketha concluded, “All in all, it ought to be a quick and bloodless change of power for Natar, everything will happen before our opponents can react and they will accept a peaceful, and honourable, concession of authority just as they expected of the Thalerno government before them.” He began to smile,
“The most important task I ask of Orillia is that it uses its diplomatic avenues to deter foreign involvement… Both in the contingent war and in the following international putsch on Natar. If that can be done, then planetside opponents will be forced to accept the writing on the wall…” Ketha paused, “...And in the unfortunate instance of a drawn out struggle… Politically or militarily… It will fall upon Orillia to dissuade any opportunistic interventions by any Colonial force for fear of accidentally drawing themselves into a larger galactic war they can ill afford to wage.”
Clasping his hands behind his back, Ketha finished by confirming, “I do not expect Orillia to militarily involve itself in Natar’s own fight… Doing so would simply escalate things… Instead material and financial aid would go a long way in the coming struggle.
Veldathrall listened intently, his stern look ever unchanging as Ketha rolled through his plan. The old man never wavered in his attention as the General slowly constructed a visualisation with the various pieces of the forest around them, he could admire the ease in which he demonstrated such. A military mind was always one on the move, always one acting and thinking.
He also wasn’t surprised at the role he wanted Orillia to perform. Veldathrall wasn’t stupid, he and the rest of the Free State knew that if they intervened directly here on Natar it would galvanise countless factions into taking a unified stand against them, especially the Union of Worlds. It would force them to tip their hand and make a move, simply impossible for them to let a shining jewel like Natar be overrun by the Free State and its supporters. Perhaps it might even start the war early, Veldathrall had been amused when he had read the Jobediea report himself. It was all true of course, even as Ketha reinforced the fact that Natar had refused to take sides and as such was falling the old Orillian knew that the Free State was pushing for conflict. It was inevitable, but it wasn’t perfect right now.
Supporting Natar diplomatically and allowing them to get leverage and make their own moves would be the best and logical decision.
As Ketha finished his fine demonstration and plan Veldathrall stamped his cane once in appreciation.
“A fine line of thinking has gone into this General. Believe me when I say we are pleased to know we are working with someone who knows his detail.” He stepped forward, pointing his cane at different parts of the stick and stone laid plan.
“We can provide exactly what you need. It works to our benefit as well, we need our direct military assets elsewhere. You can expect financial and material aid for your units when the time comes, we can arrange stockpiling so that you already have what you need and are not bottlenecked by our transports when the time comes.” He took a breath.
“As for the Union they will falter the moment we show them force will occur if they get involved. A fine plan, and one we can absolutely be a part of. The Union is already falling at the CGSS and on the political scene, this will just add to that and publicly humiliate them. You have our full co-operation General”
With nought but a nod, the General seemed to be done and satisfied. Despite what was undoubtedly a key assurance and component to ensuring his chances in this plan, Ketha didn’t seem to convey any kind of glee or warmful response. Instead, the Teliran gave a simple, cordial,
“You have my thanks, Mr. Veldathrall. I’m sure in time, Natar will come to repay Orillia’s act of kinship.”
Exhaling slowly, Ketha became a little bit more relaxed now that all was said and done. With nothing else to establish, he looked about, amid the forest that Veldathrall had been admiring. Gazing down to the branch in his hand, the General momentarily seemed to think and then proceeded to cast it aside into the brush.
“...I see little magic in nature that most other people seem to see. People say it makes them feel at ease or at home in a place like this. Being here, I have no clue what they’re talking about.” His face remained in a deadpan, “I’m not a cruel or heartless man, Mr. Veldathrall, no matter what people say about me.”
He turned.
“But I am a man who does what needs to be done.”
Veldathrall nodded at his response.
"Of course. Natar has helped us much and no doubt will do so greatly in the future, perhaps in time we could even be firm friends"
He studied Ketha as he relaxed, the old man seemingly keeping his same composure as the general opened up just a crack. He had respect, his statement was absolutely true from his body language, and he could see in that Teliran the drive to do whatever needed to be done. For a small moment Veldathrall saw the future that Ketha was trying to bring about, of Natar a firm power in the galaxy, just like the Union was now. And he also saw the road to that destiny, paved with blood and the corpses of countless political and ideological opposites. It was a road that Orillia was more than happy to help the ASN walk down.
"I would never dream of accusing you of such general. I never grew up in the forest myself, it always seemed a dangerous fairy tale. By the time I wanted to see one in person my world was gone. I never got to see the magic in nature, but I take a firm grasp in imagining the magic of the future instead" He looked out away into the forest. Seeing the foliage and nature.
"Now that I am here, I wonder if many of my ancestors felt the same way"
“An answer we shall only be able to wonder.” Ketha replied briefly, seemingly done with the conversation now that all utility in the meeting had been concluded. Clutching his hands behind his back, the Teliran officer surmised,
“And so we are agreed. I will leave you to make the appropriate arrangements with your people, farewell, Mr. Veldathrall.” With that, Relanio Ketha turned with a stern expression and marched his way back to the glaring lights of the cars awaiting his return.
Elsewhere, another meeting was transpiring.
The shards of sunlight cracked through the window shutters, nearly blinding Saljir Arcamavir as he tried to gaze outside. Saljir frowned. When he had heard that the one man that he truly despised with all his heart, his boss, Stadtholder Tetlisun, was truly stepping down, he had sensed his opportunity. It was his one chance to finally be freed of the one thing he feared: a greater force breathing down his neck. It was his once chance to prove everyone wrong, to be powerful, to be rich, to be recognized with the love and respect he knew he deserved.
For over a decade, the defamed nation-state minister from the Northern reaches of Natar had been an underling, a crony, to Tetlisun. ‘The snide automaton’, Arcamavir called the Stadtholder, and the Stadtholder knew of Arcamavir’s feelings, both felt no kinship nor loyalty to the other. But for all of Saljir’s contacts, networks, underground connections, and information, there was one thing that trumped it all: Saljir was too predictable for Mose Tetlisun. Amid the infamy and scandal of Arcamavir’s sexual assault allegations in his home country, Tetlisun had practically rescued the man following the lose of his previous ministerial job by employing him into the Associated States.
Arcamavir had originally seen it as the opportunity of a lifetime: Some out-of-touch, cocksure international bureaucrat had employed Arcamavir in the hopes of controlling the man like a dog over the scandal, Arcamavir thought that was all there was to his new employer. But, as it would soon be discovered, Tetlisun was more than an opportunist. Every time Saljir had tried to go behind Mose’s back, every time he had tried to outmanouver or backstab him, Tetlisun had always been one step in curtailing his moves. With each of Tetlisun’s victories in this political game over the years, he gained more and more power over Arcamavir, more and more face in the eyes of the media (Despite having put Saljir in his position of power in the first place), and more control over Saljir’s own political network.
It had become apparent to the corrupt Teliran director what Tetlisun saw in Arcamavir when he had scooped him up now: The face of a lion to which he was the tamer, a man of the establishment from which he could leech with ease, and a man with financial know-how which he could control. To Tetlisun, Arcamavir seemed predictable and thus malleable, and perhaps what annoyed the director most was that, as he had learnt, he evidently was.
For years, Saljir had consistently attempted any move he could make against the Stadtholder whilst Tetlisun was in power. At first, it started as ambitious opportunism fueled by overconfidence, then a case of desperation and fear for his own position and life, and then eventually a tiresome, hopeless game without fear of any stakes, like a hopelessly outmatched chess contest.
But now things were changing. Tetlisun was always solid in his position, in control of the grand scheme of things, so long as every detail was preordained or prepared for by himself. But now the Stadtholder’s grasp was failing. The market crash had shattered the Stadtholder’s grasp of affairs at its most vulnerable time: The shift of power, and had opened a real chance for Arcamavir to lash out.
Saljir winced at the chalice of wine had sipped from, the dark red liquid churned in its bowl as he swirled the cup. There would be blood, of course. Arcamavir only survived his previous regular treacheries because he was too calculable to Tetlisun to be more conveniently dead. Now Saljir was truly a danger, he knew Tetlisun would not hesitate to have him ‘commit suicide’. That’s why the ‘cheshire cat’ had taken flight from the Stadtholder’s centre of power and distanced himself from the frontlines of the political battle.
It was instead here, in his beachside chateau in the clammy, humid climate of the Barcean Federation, a peripheral nation on Natar, that the director orchestrated his candidacy to the members of the Associated States. Here, he was surrounded by people on his payroll, of his choosing, of his strings; not Tetlisun’s.
Saljir Arcamavir turned to look back at his gentleman’s playroom. The place was barely lit; only illuminated by the threads of light that danced with the dust in the air. Strutting over to the coffee table upon which his dossier of his latest operation reports rested upon, the director sighed. Leaning down, he grabbed the documents.
Suddenly the door knocked.
Springing upright, Arcamavir nearly stumbled back over the spine of the sofa behind him. The middle-aged Teliran grunted and gripped his chest, his paranoia taking hold. He could trust nobody. They were all out to get him. He sensed their hate. Even his so-called ‘friends’. But Arcamavir knew his destiny, his right. If a jumped-up nobody like Tetlisun could usurp the throne of Natar’s highest office from the old guard that had clinged onto it for an eternity, then he deserved more than anyone else that seat of office. He needed it, he deserved it.
“...Is it impossible to get just TEN MINUTES of brooding in his household without being interrupted by staff problems?!” The Director growled, bearing his razored teeth to the door like an angered pitbull.
“What is it now?!”
The door opened slowly, as if the man who now stepped inside was trying to be as polite as possible and not break anything he touched. He was not even escorted by any of the chateau staff or security personnel, an alarming fact which belied his friendly smile.
He moved gracefully, like a cat, all movements deliberate and calculated as he placed his hands behind his back and walked very slowly into the room. His head looked around, at the old books, the choice of furniture and the overhead ceiling, examining every facet of the room like it would help him unlock some kind of personal secret in its layout. He was finely dressed though. A lovely black silk suit and purple under shirt dressed him to almost be a clear businessman. But the mans long black hair and somewhat pale complexion mixed with his strange choice of make up picked him out as quite different.
And he had an aura too. One of wrongness, like he was not meant to exist, like he was not as he seemed. The very smooth and calm voice only reinforced that.
Could he be some kind of assassin?
“Saljir Arcamavir? A pleasure to finally meet you. I apologise for the suddenness of my visit, or lack of prior contact. Your staff were most welcoming in helping me find you. I believe that we have a mutual goal in mind, and that we make work out a deal that helps us both tremendously in these rather troubled times” He stepped forward some more and politely bowed.
“My name is Dib, and I represent an interested party in your worlds, and your own, future”
Arcamavir was instantly alarmed by the appearance of the unknown figure; drawing his full attention to the doorway. The Teliran was so alerted by the uninvited visitor that he nearly stumbled back on the couch behind him as he attempted to back away a little.
“...W… What? Who are you…? How did you get in here?!”
As he seemed to calm a little with the stranger’s bow and introduction, the director did nothing to reciprocate friendliness.
“Get out of my house this instant, do you know what forces you’re messing with?!”
Dib stood still when Arcamavir flustered and almost fell backwards. As if letting the man regain some composure and speaking what he had to say.
As he still showed anger and frustration at the sudden entrance, entirely understandable given the circumstances Dib merely smiled politely and gestured with his hand as if for Arcamavir to sit down. While he himself rather fluidly took a seat on one of the lavishly decorate leather sofas. Crossing his legs and leaning back Dib spoke once again, directed at the threat.
"Don't you wish to know what I have to offer you? I come with a rather excellent proposal for you Sajir, myself and my associates are well aware of you and your peoples rather in depth capabilities and your potential. That is indeed why I am here."
He turned his head to stare at the tiny crack in one of the curtains, partially illuminating him as the light moves across his face, throwing strange shadows onto the bookcases and wall which didn't entirely form a human appearance. Dibs faced showed momentary annoyance as he turned back and smiled once more.
"I represent an interested party, we want to extend a hand of help in seeing you become the true ruler of Natar"
Arcamavir glared for a few moments longer for spitting back angrily,
“An interested party like whom?”
The director stomped over to his wine cabinet and took a full body out. With a hollow pop as he opened a bottle and began pouring. He would occasionally look over his shoulder to his uninvited guest, he clearly still wasn’t very trusting of this intruder as he casually reached behind the cabinet for a hidden buzzer.
“And why would anything you have to offer be of value in my own interests…? And what’s in it for you?”
Dib smiled at his choice of Wine.
“Ah the Alluminarian Sweet Berry, properly matured by the looks of things from before the Boreal Jihad, a rare one indeed very good taste” He placed his hands on his lap.
“I will not lie to you Sajir, I know you are looking for power. I know you are looking to undermine and destroy Tetlisun, to take over this administration and to run this planet how you see fit, to see it grow and become what it was truly to be. You see, I represent a group which you have probably heard about, one with a great deal of power and who are able to… Adjust things behind the scenes”
“I am here on behalf of the Ghosts of the Tradex. I don’t think you will find me any more forthcoming regarding that fact.” He then waved a hand in the air at the curtains, which seemed to close fully on their own, getting rid of the light shining onto Dib and putting him back into the relative darkness of the room.
“We wish to see you prosper, Natar is an excellent place for meeting many across the galaxy, just like Lost Star. To ensure our own goals in the wider galaxy we need Natar to continue to be such a melting pot, an avenue for us to gain information. We wish to see It grow more, to become a shining beacon. And we are willing to assist you in helping it become such with all our resources”
The moment it became clear to Arcamavir on what Dib was on mission for, the director shifted his hand back away from behind the cabinet and returned his full attention to the entity. The Teliran now seemed to be entirely relaxed with the circumstance and fully himself. He immediately rolled his eyes as he waltzed over towards his couch,
“Spare me the platitudes and mysterioso. So, you’re an alien from an alien world with alien goals wanting to give me support in exchange for something.” He grunted as he slouched back into the furniture. Swilling the wine loudly in his mouth momentarily with a distracted and thoughtful glare, the Teliran suddenly reached over to a nearby table and scribbled something down on a notepad,
“...A hint… …Of Green Harvest Berry.”
The Teliran seemed almost unphased now by Dibs nature or his motives now that he knew that he wasn’t here on orders to cause harm or on his own volition, but on the command of someone not present.
“Yes yes- I’ll take your support… I’ll… Find- I don’t know- Contact my people. Whatever you want in exchange I'll give once I'm Stadtholder of all Natar.” He waved his hand dismissively to the representative. Of course, if the price tag was too high, Arcamavir thought, he could always renege on his promises later down the line. Whoever these people were, they wouldn’t be a danger once he was the big cat at the top of the tower.
Dib appeared to even raise an eyebrow at the sudden change in demeanour.
“Why yes, I am here on behalf of alien goals and from a far-off alien place.” He smiled.
“So quick to take our support, I can’t complain about such it is very nice to see such enthusiasm when it comes to our backing.” He looked down into the wine glass “We are already in contact with your people, now with your blessing we can begin our full support. We do not want much Sajir, just a place where we can ply our trade and allow you to get on with whatever you wish.” He brushed his coat slightly of dust.
“You can expect we will do our utmost to ensure you are elected of course”
“Then we have a deal.” Saljir grinned with his pearly white teeth; raising his glass as a toast, “To a most welcome agreement.”
A third meeting, between new parties, was soon to transpire elsewhere.
The tone of an entirely different meeting was later to transpire elsewhere on that same planet by very different parties. It had been a long time since the last major meeting of significance between the Union of Worlds and Stadtholder Tetlisun, but now it looked like another such meeting was about to occur.
Things were not looking good for the Stadtholder’s government by this point. The market had crashed, the Kotegaman’s Socialists had declared a crusade against the old systems, the Capitolitists and Militarists had gone rogue, the Yog Narr incident had inflicted a second critical blow upon the world economy, the Thalernoists were taking their stand, Arcamavir had betrayed the Stadtholder, and every loyalist Tetlisun had was now in open rebellion.
Finally, Tetlisun had agreed to go ahead with the ASN elections. The pretense of further delay to allow for a ‘more stable climate to proceed’ had been a complete misjudgement; the situation had only gotten more radical and violent, and less ideal for Tetlisun. Now, the beaten and encircled Stadtholder was stepping down.
The request to meet with the Primary Ambassador to the ASN was thus one of the last moves Tetlisun was to make in office. Far from a move to preserve his own position, Tetlisun had summoned the mission to rally the support of Tetlisun’s most historic foreign supporter to the aid of his groomed successor: Togarn Matras, an uninspired puppet.
Tetlisun waited for the Union's arrival, pacing back and forth among the Palace’s main courtyard. There was no ceremony, no official pomp or symbolism left within the ASN now, just chaotic and to-the-point practicality. There was no time or resources to be afforded for something else. Anybody could mistake the meeting as just the rendezvous between two common people on the street were the courtyard not to reside within the depths of the Association’s old palace.
The Union car pulled up to just outside the courtyard moments later. There was no honour guard or ceremony this time.
The door opened to reveal a large reptilian figure who pulled himself clear of the seat and tightened his suit as he stomped over to the Stadtholder. With Khamir retired after the rather violent events of the riots another had to stand in his place, Ambassador Garoth had taken up the role a few months ago and came forward with a nod of his head.
“I came as soon as I was able. I believe we have a great deal to discuss Stadtholder, things are moving quicker than anyone can anticipate” The guttural grumble of the Jorgals voice betrayed little in the way of his feelings, at least at current.
Truth be told, the Union was in a tough position too. It was losing control, and the entire galaxy was falling apart. Natar had always been a bastion with ties to the Union, a neutral beacon that at least acted like an anchor. With it now falling apart from the inside the chance of it falling to factions who were against the Unions principles was something they could not afford.
Mose to a stern glance up and down at the Jorgal. It was the first time he had met the man in any official capacity. In earnest, Tetlisun would’ve preferred to have dealt with Khamir, rather than an unknown. Khamir was tied to Tetlisun’s administration ever since he had greenlighted the coup against Mose’s predecessor. But now he was having to curry support with someone who had nothing at stake for their reputation.
“Indeed they are.” The Stadtholder conceded grimly, raising a hand to gesture for the pair to head indoors. It was these very halls that Administrator Thalerno had marched down to meet with Khamir in his bid to urge the Union’s reconsideration of support for his ousting.
“The assembly is in total rebellion, the public is… confused and the states are becoming increasingly erratic. It’s getting like to old years.” The Teliran muttered as they strutted down the hallway and into the Stadtholder’s office,
“But I still have confidence that the turbulence will subside with the appointment of my successor. Togarn Matras is a good man and he has modest intentions, he will not rock the boat and he will allow cooler heads to prevail.”
As he reached his desk, the Stadtholder set himself down into his chair, looking to the Jorgal and stating,
“What we need now is the Union to make a series of gestures that will alleviate public pressure on our national and international governments. Our first step would be to return all extraterritorial territories gained over the years through legations and concessions back to their mothercountries, and to limit Union diplomatic territory exclusively to any ambassadorial missions… This includes conceding the universities established in our First Contact Treaty to Natar’s nationstates.” He stopped for a second, reading the Jorgal’s reaction before continuing,
“The next step will be to rescind the Union’s rule of self-security when outside of their embassies. As you might know, your country declared that they would not allow their representatives to be protected by Teliran security and police after a string of terror attack a couple of decades ago… Ending that rule will look like an easing off of Union paternalism and an expansion of trust within Natar.”
“The Union is also expected to pay its full debt from the Far Reach Project Loan within the course of the next five years.” He coldly asserted, “Doing so will not only help to restore Teliran economic health, but it will help to curb Uniphobia on Natar. Finally…” He added, “...The ASN and the Union of Worlds must terminate our bilateral trading agreements. As much as it stands against my general economic outlook, the ASN must begin to shield its members from foreign competition to show it is doing something in the spirit of protecting jobs.”
The Jorgal gave a Stoney look as he was taken inside. This time, not seeming to look around at the intricacies of the Stadholders abode. This place had seen a lot of Union officials come and go over the years but Garoth was not a man of interest or culture, he was a man of official mandates, diplomatic debate and getting results.
“I fear there will not be much a boat for him left to rock Mr. Tetlisun, our reports are rather disturbing given your current national situation. Do you really believe with this election that a single result would so easily calm or fix the problems?” It was a matter-of-fact statement. No doubt with hidden connotations to the Capitol elections of the past years and the hideous failure of the results.
Garoth sat down at the behest of the Stadholder. His expression was unmoving, and surprisingly it did not move that much as Tetlisun outlined his exact demands. If it had been Khamir the man would have likely blanched right now at what was being asked.
“The embassy situation is done. I can approve at immediately. Although I must ask that any Union educational staff are given full citizenship of their relevant nation-states, should they wish to stay. Any who wish to leave will be given the full capability to do so. Given the events of which we both need not speak the Union is quite happy to keep purely its ambassadorial holds, many of our people are uncertain of having other such facilities at risk of what happened before” The growling voice of the reptilian helped give off an air of control, and he did not move his hands or body at all. Not like Khamir who had been very animated.
“As for protection, I understand and can agree. However, I would ask for trusted security units to be assigned for protection. I do not wish to have Union officials finding bombs planted under their cars in areas of heightened anti colonial tensions.”
“As for economics. The bilateral trade agreements, while it will impact both of our economies I will approve as we speak. We are no longer exporting Ancerium and other materials, given the state of the economic slump and rising fuel prices. It would make sense to help our economic drive for such and your situation. However the Far Reach loan payments may be more problematic, you are aware that our own economy is struggling in this uncertain time. Such payments can of course be made, but further economic changes may very well affect such. If you wish to enact payment of the loan now, then we can also discuss the re-imbursement of the materials and expertise granted to you for the now stalled Chain of Pearls, unless you wish to have that deducted from the loan payment?”
“There will be no boat at all if what we fear comes to pass and Natar breaks out into international violence. I will not allow what I have worked to build for decades now be undone by the shortsighted lusts of democrats and kleptocrats.” The Administrator slammed his fist upon the table resolutely. Pressing an index finger to the desk, the Teliran insisted,
“I will work to ensure the citizenship of any Union educational staff should their host nations choose to continue their employment; I will promise nothing more. Similarly I will, assuming my faction retain governance, ensure that trusted ASN security augments are at the very least complimentary in any Union diplomatic engagements on Natar.”
“As for the debt repayment.” Tetlisun whirled in his chair and tapped down on a nearby pad to open up some presentation files on the Chain of Pearls scheme, “We have lately opted to abandon future development of the megaproject, it cannot be afforded in this current climate and with galactically reduced expendable income so has the profits presented for Qanis expeditioning.”
“No. We will have to insist on urgent repayment of our loans for Far Reach. What you haven’t contributed yet in materials will be cancelled. What has already been contributed will be compensated in a larger percentage of the shares within the Chain of Pearls holdings when it is completed. Is that permissible?”
There didn’t seem to be any immediate change in the reptilian’s outward body language as Tetlisun made his statement and slammed the desk. Only a slightly raised eyebrow. The slight promises about continued employment and security arrangements would have to do for now, there was probably nothing more to gain by pushing that front.
“The arrangement for Union nationals and their support is acceptable.” He finally replied after the outburst.
“As for the loan it will be repaid. However, there is no guarantee for us that the Chain of Pearls will ever be completed. Far Reach is currently online and producing revenue, you have a solid income, benefit, and set payment from us now because of that, we have none from the Chain of Pearls, nor any set foundation that it will ever be completed. Our contributions should be taken off the Far Reach loan payments, and then should the project be re-activated at the appropriate economic time what was taken out will be put back in SIGEC for SIGEC as we promised. It will ensure appropriate economic security. Yes, I am also willing to make that pledge that we will put in exactly what we funded again in the future should the project become viable”
Having put resources, money and equipment into the Chain of Pearls only to have its future uncertain was something the Union was not keen to just leave as wasted resources. Either it should be repurposed back to the Union and then re-pledged when the project became more viable later or repaid entirely.
The Stadtholder seemed to frown at the gridlock that was about to be faced. Shaking his head, Tetlisun responded,
“It is indefensible from a political standpoint, at a time like this, for Natar to be shoveling public funds immediately out of the planet. It would be political cyanide. Whatever compensation you require must come after the crisis has abated. If you have a more surer idea of how to establish that repayment down the line when stronger economic times have returned, then I will welcome your suggestion.”
He placed his fingers together to form a prism as he watched for a response.
"An agreement assured in writing. When Natar is in stronger economic ties it will ensure that if the project is cancelled or changed in a way that cannot ensure our committed resources that they will be paid back in full. However if the project goes on as planned then nothing will need to be recouped and our pledge will continue as normal. It will be a reassurance to my government that the resources we have given will be used to good effect or returned to us should the project not be feasible in better times. I believe this would benefit both our political situations."
The calm response by Garoth sought to break the deadlock on amicable terms.
Tetlisun seemed to consider the proposal for a short moment, ruminating on it. It would certainly give the Union a stronger stake in ensuring the continuation of moderate governance in Natar; it would be a win-win. Returning his gaze to the Union ambassador, the Teliran leaned forward and balled his hands, affirming,
“Yes, yes, I suppose that will work quite well. Very well, so it shall be.”
He nodded,
“Indeed. Now, is there anything you wish to bring to the table before we conclude our affairs? This might possibly be the last dealing your country has with me.” He inquired.
"Excellent. I do not believe there is anything else. It would be rude of me to inquire about political affairs in relation to current events, especially given much of our political ties will be much reduced or ended after today. That and as you say, this may be the last time we have dealings with you and your administration, discussing any affairs due to such may very well be irrelevant."
The Jorgal stood up, offering its large scaly hand.
"Thank you for your time Stadtholder, I wish you luck in the coming times"