Post by EmperorMyric on May 12, 2023 8:46:09 GMT
Unknown Location: Freeport 81
"They should be here soon ma'am"
There was no reply from the dimly lit room, the background noise of bustling life and internal support systems echoing even into this backroom area on Freeport 81. It was a storage room for some warehouse but they had quickly and effectively secured it.
Rear Admiral Lumis sat in civilian clothes at a bare metal table, a few chairs placed out in front of it. She flicked through various updates on her PDA, her personal AI blurring any information that was not precisely lined up with her eyes. The Starlit Passage had been opened up fully, casualties to the Ghost Fleet reported, this was no matter. The Starlit gambit had been a stunning success to support the ceasefire, they had known Tarn was going to make it even before the organisation of the meeting, now dubbed by many as the 'Olive Branch Sitting'.
But to Lumis Kamari it was all part of something greater, they were protecting the Union by any means. And in this current age it was beyond crucial.
Hopefully her meeting with the VDL would be according to expectations.
Not much time passed at all before two people were escorted into the storeroom. The first was a tall, stern looking man who wore very simple clothing. He would have blended into the background at the freeport easily, looking like one of the workers off-shift. He was actually Anton Watts, a member of an old Vaplanan noble house with a strong military tradition. His family were nobility no more, the members instead making their living from mercenary work these days.
The other person who entered the room was much more striking. She had silvery-blonde hair and slate-grey eyes. She was clearly much better off than her companion, wearing a pristine burgundy fur coat. She stood out like a sore thumb at the freeport, but she almost revelled in the attention sent her way. Her name was Veria Laskaris, the youngest daughter of Duke Laskaris's youngest brother.
"Good day, Admiral. You have not been waiting on us too long, I hope." Veria took one of the open seats, whereas Anton decided to remain standing for now.
"Not too long. Welcome both of you have a seat"
Lumis leant forward placing her elbows on the table, even now she still wore dark tinted glasses.
"I will keep this brief and up front gentlemen. The Union wishes to see the VDL placed into a position where they can turn Vaplana into a military power. I have but one simple question to ask, what do you need done to see that goal accomplished?"
Lumis did not move as she stared at the two of them waiting for an awnser.
"We have heard on good authority that the good Queen is increasingly unsure of her own ideology these days." Veria waved a hand, not at all pressured into 'keeping it brief'. "And it is, of course something we intend to take full advantage of-"
Her companion placed a hand on her shoulder, cutting her short before she could ramble too much. "Vaplana may soon approach foreign powers, asking for help building a new fleet. If that happens, we need someone trustworthy to help them."
"A fleet building initiative? Interesting, do you have any guarantees that the queen will give her blessing to this endeavour? We of the Union are more than willing to assist in construction of such a fleet and the training of personnel in both crewing and maintaining such."
"I can apply the necessary pressure to help push this direction forward but if I do I want the Union to be the partner in this, I don't expect to aid you all in coming to power if we do not also gain a strong ally which we have a hand in relying on" The woman's demeanour and body language did not change at all.
"We have received intelligence on good authority that the Queen has personally requested her General to write her a report on Vaplana's vulnerability at this time. She has been pondering the results for a while, it is true, but the General heavily recommends at least a small fleet be constructed for now."
"The Queen's indecisiveness will not last for much longer, we can assure you of that." Veria cut back in, rolling her eyes, "Her hand will be forced on the matter, and she will have no choice but to turn to foreign aid in creating such a fleet. Her father saw to it that Vaplana has no capacity to create such an entity alone, and you are the obvious first choice for an ally in this."
"If you help us to make this first fleet a reality, we will ensure our operation infiltrates it to its core. There, we will be in the perfect position to influence what operations it undertakes. If it is a success, there is no doubt the fleet will grow over time, restoring Vaplana as a worthy ally to yourselves."
"That is most assuring" Lumis nodded.
"These are uncertain and chaotic times, having such a fleet available will protect your nation. Given the sad state of our forces after the battle of Aedleshaven and the very real possibility we will ourselves be invaded it only makes sense you should look to your own defence. I will arrange a meeting between our Minister of Defence and the Queen if possible, to try and help push the direction further"
"On another note, I have heard rumours about Vaplanan dealings with End of the Line, the pirate force, is that true?"
"That would be a great help in due course. I do urge you to wait, however, before approaching the Queen. She is a stubborn sort, she needs to feel as if this decision is hers if it is to happen. We will contact you when she is ready to be approached."
At mention of the End of the Line Pirates, Veria's face contorts into a grimace. "Those filthy barbarians have no place on Vaplana! The Queen may think she is being merciful talking to them, but the people will not stand for suck ilk to corrupt and plunder our beautiful planet. She will not be allowed to liaise with them any further!"
Lumis paused before waving her hand "I understand I will await your confirmation when it is time."
"I see. My intelligence reports to me that there is some kind of link between End of the Line and your royalty? No matter the case, you may think they are barbarians, but their military capability and smuggling outreach is legendary. Perhaps, instead of working against such a potential friendship, you should consider the benefits. End of the Line being able to assist Vaplana would render your defensive situation much more effective along with a fleet of your own. The Union has poor relations with such a faction, but you could deal with them on behalf of us, this could potentially be beneficial to all parties"
"There are no conceivable benefits to working with pirates." Veria spat. "With appropriate support the VDL is more than capable of taking care of Vaplana's defence without the aid of sc-"
"Enough, Veria." Anton silenced his partner before she could get more heated.
"I apologise. Such a topic is polarising to our Nobility, as you can see." He glanced at Veria sulking in her seat. "If you can see potential benefits to opening our minds, it is indeed something the VDL must consider. To disregard such wise counsel would be... foolish. We will consider your words carefully, Admiral."
Lumis glanced at Veria for a brief moment before talking to Anton.
"Of course, aligning with such a faction will always be contentious. But you must understand that defensive and economic aid can come from any quarter no matter how supposedly disreputable. That is something that sadly my own people must learn as well. I thank you for considering all the options, just know we act on the behalf of our nations for their future and that of our children. No price is too high for that or for the peace of the galaxy"
"Is there anything more you wished to discuss?"
"I think that covers everything. I thank you for your time and wise council, Admiral." Anton gave a small bow in respect. Veria took the hint immediately and swiftly rose from her seat and swept out of the room in a huff, not even taking a moment to say farewell. Anton sighed, shot the Unioners an apologetic glance, and hurried after her.
"They should be here soon ma'am"
There was no reply from the dimly lit room, the background noise of bustling life and internal support systems echoing even into this backroom area on Freeport 81. It was a storage room for some warehouse but they had quickly and effectively secured it.
Rear Admiral Lumis sat in civilian clothes at a bare metal table, a few chairs placed out in front of it. She flicked through various updates on her PDA, her personal AI blurring any information that was not precisely lined up with her eyes. The Starlit Passage had been opened up fully, casualties to the Ghost Fleet reported, this was no matter. The Starlit gambit had been a stunning success to support the ceasefire, they had known Tarn was going to make it even before the organisation of the meeting, now dubbed by many as the 'Olive Branch Sitting'.
But to Lumis Kamari it was all part of something greater, they were protecting the Union by any means. And in this current age it was beyond crucial.
Hopefully her meeting with the VDL would be according to expectations.
Not much time passed at all before two people were escorted into the storeroom. The first was a tall, stern looking man who wore very simple clothing. He would have blended into the background at the freeport easily, looking like one of the workers off-shift. He was actually Anton Watts, a member of an old Vaplanan noble house with a strong military tradition. His family were nobility no more, the members instead making their living from mercenary work these days.
The other person who entered the room was much more striking. She had silvery-blonde hair and slate-grey eyes. She was clearly much better off than her companion, wearing a pristine burgundy fur coat. She stood out like a sore thumb at the freeport, but she almost revelled in the attention sent her way. Her name was Veria Laskaris, the youngest daughter of Duke Laskaris's youngest brother.
"Good day, Admiral. You have not been waiting on us too long, I hope." Veria took one of the open seats, whereas Anton decided to remain standing for now.
"Not too long. Welcome both of you have a seat"
Lumis leant forward placing her elbows on the table, even now she still wore dark tinted glasses.
"I will keep this brief and up front gentlemen. The Union wishes to see the VDL placed into a position where they can turn Vaplana into a military power. I have but one simple question to ask, what do you need done to see that goal accomplished?"
Lumis did not move as she stared at the two of them waiting for an awnser.
"We have heard on good authority that the good Queen is increasingly unsure of her own ideology these days." Veria waved a hand, not at all pressured into 'keeping it brief'. "And it is, of course something we intend to take full advantage of-"
Her companion placed a hand on her shoulder, cutting her short before she could ramble too much. "Vaplana may soon approach foreign powers, asking for help building a new fleet. If that happens, we need someone trustworthy to help them."
"A fleet building initiative? Interesting, do you have any guarantees that the queen will give her blessing to this endeavour? We of the Union are more than willing to assist in construction of such a fleet and the training of personnel in both crewing and maintaining such."
"I can apply the necessary pressure to help push this direction forward but if I do I want the Union to be the partner in this, I don't expect to aid you all in coming to power if we do not also gain a strong ally which we have a hand in relying on" The woman's demeanour and body language did not change at all.
"We have received intelligence on good authority that the Queen has personally requested her General to write her a report on Vaplana's vulnerability at this time. She has been pondering the results for a while, it is true, but the General heavily recommends at least a small fleet be constructed for now."
"The Queen's indecisiveness will not last for much longer, we can assure you of that." Veria cut back in, rolling her eyes, "Her hand will be forced on the matter, and she will have no choice but to turn to foreign aid in creating such a fleet. Her father saw to it that Vaplana has no capacity to create such an entity alone, and you are the obvious first choice for an ally in this."
"If you help us to make this first fleet a reality, we will ensure our operation infiltrates it to its core. There, we will be in the perfect position to influence what operations it undertakes. If it is a success, there is no doubt the fleet will grow over time, restoring Vaplana as a worthy ally to yourselves."
"That is most assuring" Lumis nodded.
"These are uncertain and chaotic times, having such a fleet available will protect your nation. Given the sad state of our forces after the battle of Aedleshaven and the very real possibility we will ourselves be invaded it only makes sense you should look to your own defence. I will arrange a meeting between our Minister of Defence and the Queen if possible, to try and help push the direction further"
"On another note, I have heard rumours about Vaplanan dealings with End of the Line, the pirate force, is that true?"
"That would be a great help in due course. I do urge you to wait, however, before approaching the Queen. She is a stubborn sort, she needs to feel as if this decision is hers if it is to happen. We will contact you when she is ready to be approached."
At mention of the End of the Line Pirates, Veria's face contorts into a grimace. "Those filthy barbarians have no place on Vaplana! The Queen may think she is being merciful talking to them, but the people will not stand for suck ilk to corrupt and plunder our beautiful planet. She will not be allowed to liaise with them any further!"
Lumis paused before waving her hand "I understand I will await your confirmation when it is time."
"I see. My intelligence reports to me that there is some kind of link between End of the Line and your royalty? No matter the case, you may think they are barbarians, but their military capability and smuggling outreach is legendary. Perhaps, instead of working against such a potential friendship, you should consider the benefits. End of the Line being able to assist Vaplana would render your defensive situation much more effective along with a fleet of your own. The Union has poor relations with such a faction, but you could deal with them on behalf of us, this could potentially be beneficial to all parties"
"There are no conceivable benefits to working with pirates." Veria spat. "With appropriate support the VDL is more than capable of taking care of Vaplana's defence without the aid of sc-"
"Enough, Veria." Anton silenced his partner before she could get more heated.
"I apologise. Such a topic is polarising to our Nobility, as you can see." He glanced at Veria sulking in her seat. "If you can see potential benefits to opening our minds, it is indeed something the VDL must consider. To disregard such wise counsel would be... foolish. We will consider your words carefully, Admiral."
Lumis glanced at Veria for a brief moment before talking to Anton.
"Of course, aligning with such a faction will always be contentious. But you must understand that defensive and economic aid can come from any quarter no matter how supposedly disreputable. That is something that sadly my own people must learn as well. I thank you for considering all the options, just know we act on the behalf of our nations for their future and that of our children. No price is too high for that or for the peace of the galaxy"
"Is there anything more you wished to discuss?"
"I think that covers everything. I thank you for your time and wise council, Admiral." Anton gave a small bow in respect. Veria took the hint immediately and swiftly rose from her seat and swept out of the room in a huff, not even taking a moment to say farewell. Anton sighed, shot the Unioners an apologetic glance, and hurried after her.