STGOD: North Galactic Treaty Organisation

[Noble Ire]

Telos System

With only the slightest of perceptible fluctuations, a point of empty space at the edge of the Telos system filled with a single, angular form. A spare hundred meters long, the vessel was an elongated pentagon of various shades of gray. One flattened end sported a single large subspace drive while the other came together in a muted point. Its surface was unadorned, save for four pronounced blisters that rose in a ring just after of its midsection and a small array of spindly transmitters that jutted the remaining side. The ship bore no obvious identifying marks save one: emblazoned on what could have been its “top” angle, a deep blue circle shown for its dark surface, bisected by horizontal and vertical lines of red.

Swiftly, the ship engaged its main ion pulse drive and cut through the void in-system, scanning the distant planets that were gradually appearing on its scopes vigorously. Finally, it discovered what it was looking for and cruised to a “stop”, its minute forward thrusters mitigating the ship’s momentum. A pulse of data surged from its communications array, straight into the waiting transceivers of the Opomari Geosynchronous hyperwave hub.

“Signatories of the North Galactic Treaty Organization, this is the diplomatic transport ECSP-009. I am carrying the Emissary, Chief Ambassador of the First Expansionary Armada. She bears a message for the delegates and leaders of your alliance, and requests that she be allowed to board a UISC warship for transport to the site of the NGTO conference. I apologize for not notifying you of our arrival in advance, but the information the Emissary bears is urgent, and she wishes to speak with the delegates as soon as possible, especially those from the Kitoter’nah Overflock. I will now power down and await intercept by local forces.”

[Redleader34]

Several members of the TGA fleet were in warp transit, the battleship hunter and the harmony sphere Imac droped from warp. The harmony Sphere started to broadcast to the ship "Diplomat, we will transport you to the confrence, as our ftl drives have been modifed to their limits. We will defend you. Drone 12023 out". The sphere would send over docking co ordinates, and then wait while the battle cruiser was statying still.

[Crossroads Inc.]

============
Main shipyards at "Galacticus" On bored the yet to be completed SuperBattleship Studibaker
============

"Did you hear that? Another one just droped into real space. Its funny, So many races I have never even known existed, all flocking to your peoples conferance.. Ah, forgive, 'our' conferance."

A large Qwintoni nodded, pausing a bit to instruct a just arrived work crew to their new assingments on the massive ship.

"Indeed so, First the "harolds" which seem to either help us or destroy us, and now, this 'First Expansionary Armada' Tell me old friend, what would you say, extra Galactic?" He turned, speaking back to the computer terminal next to him.

"AH, almost certainly... There are many things I know, and it is always jaring to have something whole 'unknown' appear near me... Which reminds me, I shall have to leave you for now, one of my shards are calling to me." The Qwintoni nodded as the screen went blank.

====================
High orbit of Planet Jahlin
====================

Within nanoseconds of the Scoutship entering realspace, automated alerts lit up across the ships of the Telos System Def Fleet. Led by the massive Battleship Tel'Stellos They arived and surrounded the dimunitive ship from the Expansionary Armada. All guns powerd down, nothing hostile, such a show of force was standard for an uninvited guest... Yet the transmission they sent did much to quickly settle the nerves and fears of those onbored the Defence fleet.

On bored the Tel'Stellos A screen flickerd to life next to the captains chair. A message was soon relayed.

"Of course m'lord, We shall do so at once... Helmsmen, single tthe fleet to stand down and order otherships back to defence formation, we are to let a TGA ship escort our new 'friends' to the conferance.

"Aye Aye."

[rhoenix]

One member of the Gliesan contingent stepped forward, her tall, slim form emphasized by the robes she wore. She looked out from the podium to the assembled faces or facsimiles thereof with a quiet gaze for a few moments before speaking.

"Gentlebeings from across this great Milky Way Galaxy, I bid you greetings. To think that scarcely a year ago, my people suspected there might be another race out there, to find so many in so short a time fills us with wonder at the variety within our great galaxy.

Just by all of us assembling here today, this galaxy is shrinking. It is no longer the unknown reaches here, or the 'Here be dragons' there. Thanks to so many peoples who have spread and had history, the map of the galaxy we all share is becoming filled in.

With this comes many obvious questions and concerns, ones I'm sure all of you had. Whom do we trust? If they are like us, then that means they are capable of subterfuge - can we expect companionship, then?

Even though we are newcomers to this alliance, we hope for great things here with our combined efforts. As long as we are clear, direct, and take one another into account when making decisions, then this connection of all our peoples will be stronger than the sum of it's parts, just like any good alloy. However, if we turn toward selfish goals, the alloy isn't strong any longer, but brittle, ready to break at the slightest provocation.

I ask all of you to view what is happening in the Sol sector now, if you haven't already heard. Fear, mistrust, and gambits for power are running rampant there. My people's original homeworld was Earth, and yet we find it difficult to engender kinship toward those that call themselves human now, simply because of their actions, and the place of mind those actions are birthed from.

Though your decision about whether or not my people will assist yours is up to you, and we will peacefully and honorably abide by your decision, I personally implore you to think, just for a moment, about what it would be like to trust the being to your left. To not only be able to trust them, but expect help from them unhesitatingly when you are wounded, because they would get the same treatment from you.

I thank you for your time, honored beings. All of you have my blessings."

With that, she sat down, quietly exhaling from the tension, a soft breeze playing about her hair, face, and robe as she breathed deeply to calm herself. Soon, even the subtle breeze died down.

[Noble Ire]

As the Gliesan diplomat took her seat, the convocation hall's main entrance slid open and a lone figure paced quickly inside, leaving her escort of uniformed UISC security officers at the door. The sapient had a wiry build, slender yet obviously muscular under a formal black and white tunic. Her skin was a deep russet in color and appeared to be completely devoid of hair, and fine indentations sketched lines down her face and neck. The most striking feature of her physical appearance, though, was her eyes. They were pitch black, defined only by a pair of tiny white pupils that rhythmically rotated and swiveled to face new objects of her attention.

After a somewhat flustered-looking secretarial officer introduced her shortly as a “representative of the First Expansionary Armada”, she moved to the center of the chamber and began to speak, her voice faintly tinged by the artificial twang and delay of a translator implant.

“Sapients of the North Galactic Treaty Organization, I am known as the Emissary. I am of the Brimafel, a species which claims a homeworld in a galaxy separated from this one by a mighty expanse of frozen void. My people are but one of hundreds of intelligent races allied within the Preeminence, the body that governs my home galaxy. That realm has been racked with ceaseless war and disaster for nearly ten thousand years, but in recent decades, the Preeminence finally established a peace. However, our galaxy had been left in tatters, barely able to support the populations that had survived the conflict, and host to vast armies and fleets which no longer had a purpose beyond meager peacekeeping tasks.”

“The Memnarch, head of the Preeminence, devised a solution that would alleviate our stained infrastructure and give the military a new role. She formed seven mighty armadas and dispatched them into the intergalactic void, towards new stellar realms, new homes for my people and their allies. Upon arrival, these task forces were to establish a foothold in the new galaxies, and then set about setting up new infrastructure, as well as scout and secure habitable planets for colonization. Several standard years after the arrival of this vanguard fleet, a larger group of civilian colonists from the home galaxy was too follow, and establish themselves on the newly-tamed lands.”

“The First Expansionary Armada, of which I am a part, is one such vanguard fleet. Over the two years since our arrival, we have followed the greater plan, and already more than a half-dozen worlds on the fringe of this galaxy are ready for mass colonization. However, no one could have anticipated how heavily populated and advanced this stellar realm already was. We watched in awe as our first survey drones returned with reams of data on dozens of species and civilizations, many of them as technologically advanced and venerable as our own. At first, Archon Grante, the leader of the FEA, was not disturbed by the prospect of so many established neighbors; most were peaceful enough, and she was certain that more habitable worlds could be claimed through negotiation when the time was right.”

“However, no all of the factions that our drones encountered were so reasonable. We found that we were not the only newcomers to this region of space; we have identified at least three major empires largely unknown to the rest of this galaxy encroaching on the fringes of this galactic district. Their nature and methods are different, but each of them poses a very real threat, both to the established peoples of this area, and to the interests of the Preeminence.”

“Powerful as it is, the FEA is a relatively small force, and is unprepared to combat such a large number of potential adversaries. For this reason, Archon Grante has authorized me to open diplomatic channels with the more peaceable powers of this galaxy. It is her hope that by lending what resources we have to a larger collective, the invaders can be beaten back, and this portion of space will be once again safe for more extensive colonization. I stand here now in the hope that the First Expansionary Armada, and by extension the entire Preeminence, can ally itself with the powers of the NGTO and become a signatory of that pact.”

“This brings me to the two matters that prompted this hastened offer. First, I recently contacted the Kitoter’nah Overflock with a similar offer of alliance, but upon their response, I realized that the gap between our cultures and barriers in language translation our computers have still been unable to fully overcome had lead to a drastic miscommunication. The Brimafel have a strong military tradition, and as such our diplomatic language is typically aggressive in nature; I believe that the Overflock interpreted my message as containing veiled threats against its sovereignty in the event my offer was denied. No such meaning was intended, and if this body still decides to reject my petition, I will leave without complaint, and none of the members of the NGTO will be at risk of any retaliation. We have come to realize that the safety of the multitudes preparing for life in this new realm is worth more than military and political posturing.”

“The second and more urgent matter concerns another power that has recently made contact with this body. Our observation probes sighted a drone constructed by the machine collective that calls itself the Heralds of Xylyx entering UISC space a standard week ago. Our intelligence analysts suspect that it bore an offer of alliance. If that is the case, I urge you, do not accept. Observation of their territory has been difficult, but the FEA has managed to ascertain some data on the composition of their starfleet and armies; they are not forces of defense or exploration, but engines of total war. Their worlds are lifeless factories devoted only to the construction of legions of combat drones. We have little knowledge of their motives and methods, but their can be no objective on their minds save conquest.”

“Undoubtedly, some of you have questions about all I’ve said. Ask them, and I will answer as fully as I am able.”

[Starglider]

"Poor Serenaas. Ah well. They did what they could, but those two on their own will have a hard time convincing Jaar'ethh to stay reasonable. You are ready to depart for the Stellar Dominion?" Avee'kamee seemed her usual cheerful self but Kononaa'iit could tell she was tired. "You realise how important this is, given their galactic position and how beneficial relations with these 'angels' could be to the Contactiphile faction?"

"Yes. The Insight is ready to depart. The Meteor will be here within 512 chronons. Which is fortuitous in any case. Stepping up our presence here a little seems appropriate. I look forward to meeting these 'angels', and if necessary we can continue on to Earth afterwards." i will miss you though

"So what is your final opinion of the newcomers?"

"The Sky Combine have been quite open. They seem sincere. They still make me uneasy. I think it is just that they are all so human-like, and we still do not really understand how their society works. We must keep trying to divine their long term interests and strategy in private meetings. But they are potential members of the xeno flock."

"I do not know what to make of these Brimafel. They are remarkably brash in their declarations. Are they invaders or colonists? I would advise letting the other delegates engage them while we try to find out more. We do not want to start a war with an entire other galaxy. Not if we can help it. But if war is unavoidable perhaps destroying their beachhead now is the only way to win it."

"As for the Heralds, the evidence seems to be overwhelming. They are highly dangerous and hostilities are probably inevitable. I suspect they want to join only in the hope that we will help shield them from the consequences of their attacks on others. Clearly we must not do that. I suggest politely declining, hoping they direct their attention elsewhere and offering the Nephilim any reinforcements they need to secure their far border."

Avee'kamee preened her claws, digesting the advice. "You speak wisely. We will of course stay in comm contact." She looked Kononaa'iit in the eyes. "Fair wings and soar high, Kono."

Kononaa'iit felt like wrapping his wings around her, but it was not appropriate. Instead he nodded, walked to the balcony and leapt into the air. Relay to Insight: displace authorised, personal beacon active. A few climbing strokes later, there was a faint crackle of light followed by a loud pop, and he was gone. Back on the balcony, half way up the thrusting steel-blue accommodation tower anchoring the conference complex, Avee'kamee spent a long moment staring at the now empty sky.

[Redleader34]

The ha-tar woman would rise from her set, and ask the Emissary, " I am Crystal Rieloth, of the Planet Ryanic. I would to formally welcome you to this part of the Milky Way. we only have a few questions for you, and we would hope they are not too intrusive upon you. We would like to know Several things, including how may worlds would you need to colonize your people, and if they would threaten our own space via massive overcrowding of Known Space. We would also request that you would share any collective intelligence of unusual interstellar phenomena that you may have encountered on the long journey from your homeworld to here."

In a private booth, flanked by TGA Guards, the high military commanders 0101 and Regulas Roi would be talking about the new people who had requested to join the TGA. The Collective drone commander would place up a datachart about known sensor scans, and the conclusions that they could make "It is like I was sayying...." the drone would speak from its speaker "They leave us with no choice but to possibly plan on destroying these war machines... They are like the replicators, and they could over run uus... " The dragon, one of the powerful Guard would respond "However, we cannot make the fist strike, let us get these .. Brimafel.. on our side, and then, we can plan for operation... planet cleaning..." The drone would respond shocked ...A Type 1... but thats against Ryand's direct orders..." "Screw Ryand's orders, he's an old man, who has immortality, and he cannot see what he will do to us. His isolationism is useless.. we must strike first! show the galaxy the power of the Co-operative!" The dragon would strike his fist upon the table, causing a loud shocking which would make the guards look at the door with confusion. "As I was saying, we shall work on it.. in secret, and we shall show te galaxy our power.." The drone looked away, and walked out, only saying "I shall talk to yoou againn same time next week." In its mind the drone thought This is dangerous, the isolationists have gained more power than I thought.. this will not bode well for us as it walked out followed by the dragon, to their rooms for sleep.

[Noble Ire]

The ha-tar woman would rise from her set, and ask the Emissary, " I am Crystal Rieloth, of the Planet Ryanic. I would to formally welcome you to this part of the Milky Way. we only have a few questions for you, and we would hope they are not too intrusive upon you. We would like to know Several things, including how may worlds would you need to colonize your people, and if they would threaten our own space via massive overcrowding of Known Space. We would also request that you would share any collective intelligence of unusual interstellar phenomena that you may have encountered on the long journey from your homeworld to here."

"I thank you for your greeting, Crystal Rieloth. As to you first question, the civilian colonial fleet scheduled for arrival in this galaxy will carry some 105 billion sapients. Our models for comfortable and economical planetary colonization indicate that a minimum of 15 habitable worlds is required to accommodate a population of that size, although higher numbers are desirable if they can be located. I should also note that the Preeminence has advanced planetary conversion technology, and would be able to acclimate unlivable worlds to our needs under certain circumstances as well.”

“The FEA’s Navigation Corps would be better suited to answer your second question, and I’m sure many of them would be pleased to if the opportunity arises, but I do know of one particular example. When the Armada moved past the outermost reaches of our home galaxy, the speed of our faster-than-light drives increased significantly, and then decreased again when we entered this galactic disk. Our scientists are still attempting to discern the cause of this phenomenon.”

[Crossroads Inc.]

(OOG) Just as a heads up, since my area of space is getting more and more crowdded, I htought it polite to provide a 'Macro' map of my space

[Starglider]

The huge main room was for once completely silent. The delegates sat, perched or stood motionless, intent on the proceedings. Avee'kamee's melodic voice rang out into the cavernous conference hall.

"Representatives, the time has come to vote on a matter of substance. We have three sovereign governments requesting to join the North Galactic Treaty Organisation; the Golden Sky Combine, the Brimafel Pre-eminence and the Heralds of Xlylx. As you all well know, admission can only be by unanimous consent of all current members. However we would request that all six members vote and provide a few words to explain the logic behind their decision. The Kiroter'nah will speak last, as we are calling the vote."

---

Meanwhile, in a rather smaller and most definitely less public room in the same complex, strategic co-ordinator Taxaani-Rokain#4-Axaa'shan's meeting was just about to finish.

"So it is decided that the next fleet exercise will be in Nephilim space? Excellent, we need to get our joint procedures smoothed out as soon as possible. Be vigilant, gentlemen, I think we can all sense the storm clouds gathering."

[Crossroads Inc.]

"On the matter at hand, I, on hounor of the UISC, have recived the votes from my represenative words and the following has been decided.

On the matter of Admaitance of the Following. The UISC votes,

The Golden Sky Combine, Aye
By reason of satisfactory relations and understanding between civilization and those of the UISC. That peaceful growth is mutual between our two governments.

The Brimafel Pre-eminence, Abstain
<Torthro paused> "And I would stress this is a temporary function. The UISC Governering body abstains, until a personal envoy of UISC diplomats meets with those of the Brimafel in person. This has been voiced to do much to ally some lingering doubts on the matter at hand.

The Heralds of Xlylx, Nay
By Reason of clear points of unsetteling behavior as well as destructive wishes that are clearly at odds with the basic tenants of this council before us."

Torhtro finished before passing his Data pad to a near by Droid.

[A-Wing_Slash]

Ambassador Orvar of the Grand Republic sat motionless in his massive chair as the UISC Delagate spoke. He had sat like that, not saying so much as a single word, for almost the entire session. His mind was examining the proposal put forth by the Kiroter'nah speaker. As the UISC Delagate sat down, he checked the vox implant in his mouth. Normal Bear-speak was unintelligeble to anyone short of a translation computer, yet the Ambassador's implant was designed to recognize his voice patterns and imdeaiatly translate his words into a more common language. Atlast Orvar rose to adress the chamber.

[img=left]http://i45.photobucket.com/albums/f100/ ... 297875.jpg[/img]"My fellow delegates, I am firmly of the opinion that this body should not take the admitance of new nations lightly. The strength of this organization lies with its members, and we must be cautious lest our haste to add new nations weakens this alliance.

These Heralds of Xlylx do not deserve to even stand amongst the ranks of civilized star nations, much less to be members of this organization. The Grand Republic votes Nay.

The Brimafel Pre-Eminence is a trickier question. Their emissary seemed honorable, yet we know too little about her people to pass a judgment at this time. My government must discuss their entry at far greater length, and I am skeptical to admit an armada from a distant galaxy to this organization. As such, the Grand Republic must vote Nay at this time. I am eager, however, to consider Brimafel admitance again, at a later date.

Lastly, as the Golden Sky Combine is known to be an upstanding Star Nation, and has earned a positive reputation amongst my people and our allies, I vote Aye towards their admittance into this organization."

[Darkevilme]

Lelus of house Chel rises to her feet to address those assembled and cast her vote on behalf of the Chamaran kingdom.

"The golden Sky combine is known to us and we know them. With this knowledge of theirr naturre we vote Aye for theirr admittance into the organization."

"The Brrimafel, we do not know you, we cannot cast our trust to one we do not know. Until we know them we must vote nay to their admittance."

"We also vote nay as to the herralds, we do not know them but what we know of them has unsettled us, we do not sharre theirr sense of 'divine purpose' and believe it dangerrous."

[Crossroads Inc.]

(OOG) Bumping becuase we still need other members to Vote on new members.

[Acidburns]

Helios was already standing when it was his turn to speak, so he could not rise. Instead, he thumped his chest with his fist, a metallic clang resounded in the chamber. Eos and Selene observed the scene through his eyes, and both exchanged gestalt tags conveying their amusement at such decidedly gleisner gesture.

"Speaking on behalf of the Nephilim and the Oraphim, we can see no reason not to welcome the Golden Sky Combine into our fold. While our relationship with them has been short, we have been impressed by their conduct, and we trust our allies here to be outstanding judges of character.

The Brrimafel have presented themselves honestly, and with honour. Their words have struck a note with us, and we see little reason to deny them the protection that we can offer.

Finally, we are pleased to see that our companions here have seen through to what we believe to be the true nature of the Heralds of Xylyx. We would like to remind you all that the so called "Emissary" of the Heralds was little more than a powered down war machine. That they were not thrown out for such a crass insult I personally find astounding."

[Redleader34]

[img=left]http://i53.photobucket.com/albums/g62/R ... 976601.jpg[/img]The Ha'atar would rise, and speak into a microphone, the woman's voice starting to resound through the halls. She would look at the crowds with almost a sparkle, as she presented the Co-Operatives opinions on affairs.

"We of the Trans Gentic Cooperative Alliance feel that the Golden Sky Combine are not just brethren of our own quest of enlightenment away from the Earth, but they are of like minds with us. That is why I am pleased to welcome the Golden Sky Collective into our defensive Alliance."

Now on the next issue of the Brrimafel, we feel that their information on the ententes known as the Heralds of Xylyx has changed our opinion on them significantly. As of now, we would eendorse their Entry into the NGTO collective, and put the Heralds on notice, We will not endorse them until they allow full inspection of at least two of their worlds to see if they are truly only capable of making war."

[Starglider]

"...is still coming in but our task force definitely detected two groups of enemy ships, one of which appears to have been responsible for..."

Avee'kamee was vaguely listening to the Qwintoni speaking from the podium, but she was pretty sure she already knew what he was going to say. Most of her attention was focused on communiques which she was having her shell processors analyse. Another one seemed to come in every chronon.

Priority Alert Message : @from K.O.G.C. Meteor command @to Tanah'ki-Orpalo#21-Avee'kamee @alert AVEE THE HERALD PROBE IS ON POWERED TRAJECTORY TO IMPACT THAT BUILDING

She leapt off her perch. A cacophony of alarms and alert tones were going off as the various delegations received signals from their own ships. Audio override, +10 boost, execute.

"Everyone clear the room now! No questions! Move!" The deafening voice startled the throng of delegates into action, and it started to converge on the exists. "Get to the shelters."

not that it will help against star fire @to K.O.G.C. Meteor @text Are we shielded? If not displace as many as you can out now. She lept into the air, flying over the seats.

@to Tanah'ki-Orpalo#21-Avee'kamee @text Confused readings, displacers won't lock, Chamara ship is pursuing... cat ship?

A brilliant flash streamed through the giant windows, disorienting her. She tried to echo-locate and check her speed, but within seconds the light was followed by a tremendous, unthinkably loud BANG. The world spun as the Kiroter'nah tumbled out of the air, oblivious to the windows shattering behind her. Avee'kamee smashed into a seating area and her world went black.

----------

"No, it can wait. No, on the ship, I have to do this now." Her shell had taken serious damage, one wing was completely broken and hung uselessly while her left leg buzzed and jerked, giving her a limping gait. Several strips of fabric had been hastily tied over the larger gashes in her fur, hiding the sparking and smashed crystals as best as possible. The equivalent of red tell-tales danced at the edge of her consciousness, cataloguing the damage. On top of it all she had a nasty headache, but at least the cushioned capsule had saved her from a more serious concussion.

Avee'kamee struggled up to the head of the table in the improvised meeting room in the tower's basement. "Delegates, we would like to confirm that the Herald probe made a rapid, unexpected dive for the planet's surface. Fortunately the Chamara ship was passing very close to it at the time and was able to give pursuit. If it hadn't been for that piece of luck and of course the superb bravery and alertness shown by the Chamara hunters, many lives could have been lost."

"Of course there is much more that needs to be said and decided, urgently, regarding this attack and those on the Nephilim border. A full investigation is already being set up, but I fear it may be overtaken by events."

"For now I would just like to say that the Overflock is pleased that we have such close consensus, and that we too would be happy to admit the Golden Sky Combine to this alliance. With six votes for and none against, formalisation of GSC membership should commence immediately, given the clear threat we face. As for the Heralds of Xylyx, I think they have made their position quite clear. They are a barbaric menace to all civilised beings within their reach and the Brimafel Pre-eminence were quite right to warn us about them. I hope the Pre-eminence will join us in facing down this threat, and that after we have jointly put down this mechanical plauge the NGTO would be honoured to include them in our ranks. Thank you."

A subdued applause filled the room as Avee'kamee walking shakily back to her seat, refusing assistance from her aides. i sound so different now did things really change that fast The NGTO was formed to handle exactly this contingency. but so soon is there no other way Negotiation with the Heralds estimated 64% likely to have superficial success, but 2% likely to prevent further attacks. it would seem not

[rhoenix]

After hearing Avee'kamee, of the Kiroter'nah Overflock's words, particularly after what had happened, Archon Amaya Orgos was not the calm, reserved and smiling delegate she normally was. After what she had learned, old instincts from her days as a Jotun began to surface - her body tensing and relaxing as a coiled spring.

Standing with military precision, her unnaturally blue eyes swept over the room before she spoke. "I thank you, honored delegates of the NGTO, for your kind words - my people and I will do our best to live up to them. I noticed the incident involving the Herald of Xylyx - with the advent of such a thing, with the unexpected attacks of our new brethren's outposts and territories, we have work to do."

Her eyes grew hard as she spoke next, the more sensitive delegates noting a slight increase of ozone in the air. "Rest assured, though these attacks happened prior to our admittance into this august body, we feel the anguish of these attacks as strongly as if they happened to our people. We humbly offer our services, should they be needed, in the removal of such a dire threat of peace."

Her robes swirling around her, she returned to her seat, already using her lightpad.

[Noble Ire]

The make-shift council chamber’s main door slid open and the guard sergeant beyond announced the arrival of the Emissary of the Preeminence. A moment later, she entered and offered a customary bow to the collection of sapients within.

“I am relieved to see that all of the delegates here escaped the attack with their lives,” she began, voice even, with only a hint of practiced passion. “I retired to my transport during the last recess, and I’ve only just been able to pass through the security cordon around this facility. However, I was not completely removed from what transpired.” She passed a small data chip to an attending officer, who inserted it into a multi-configuration port near the table. One of the large wall displays that had been hastily set up on the opposite wall came to life with an low-orbital image of Tajlan’s principle city, dotted with the tiny forms of transient space craft.

“My crew noted the abnormal behavior of the Herald of Xylyx probe, and were able to focus on it just after it began its descent.” Abruptly, the image zoomed in on a particular plot of land, or rather the small object far above it. As the delegates looked on, a Chamara warship dropped into view and began to lob fiery bolts at the small target. The probe dove past them deeper into the planet’s atmosphere, forcing the image to focus in even further. It blurred momentarily as it did so, and just as it resolved fully, a lambent ball of vaporized debris saturated the screen with light, and then rapidly dissipated.

“The probe was intercepted before it reached its target thanks to the quick action of the Chamara, but that target must be obvious to all those here. The Heralds realized that this assembly had seen through their empty offers of mutual prosperity, and spitefully decided to slaughter those who had turned them away, along countless civilians in and around this tower. I have also received word from one of our deep-range scouting vessels that the recent raids on NGTO positions near Herald space occurred almost simultaneously with this attack. These are not the acts of a peace-loving civilization, or even a sane one. They are, quite simply, a declaration of total war.”

“I realize that some in this body still have their doubts about the intentions of the Preeminence and the First Expansionary Armada, and I will understand if the NGTO decides to reject the Preeminence’s petition of membership at this time. However, I ask you all, allow us to aid you in bringing an end to the threat that the Heralds have made manifest. These fell intelligences have demonstrated their distain for peaceful negotiation and settlement, and should the NGTO decide to respond with force, the FEA shall supplement it with all the vessels and soldiers that can be spared. We must stop these warmongers before their fire engulfs this entire region of space.”

[Crossroads Inc.]

=========================
Opomari Tower
Two days after UISC council meeting
Currently engaged in fleet discussion
=========================

The large room of the Opomari Council Chamber was still being cleaned from the unfortunate ‘incident’ when Kentara arrived.

The Speech Krahnos had given to the UISC Council had been flawless and powerful… Even if he was not the one who wrote the speech, it had worked. At least the stubborn members of the UISC had agreed on something, and Kentara was pleased to be the one to speak for not just her people, but all nations within the UISC.

She took her place at the podium as she listened to the representative of the ‘FEA’ speaking. It was a good speech and did much to stir up the many races within the Council chambers.. As she waited she looked at the data pad she would read from, all the time a presence in her mind…
“This is not right, you ask that I go happily to announce my support for our joined nations to go to War! My people are of pure peace, Surely you could have ‘perused’ someone else to do this deed. There was a pause, before a voice responded within her psyche.

“You agreed to be my emissary, I agreed to save your people from the oncoming storm… You cannot back out now.. The voice whispered as Kentara gritted her teeth. She composed herself, reciting several passages of scripture before trying her best to ‘smile’ as her turn was upon her.

People of this great Council.. I have come, after much trial and tribulation, from the councils of the UISC. War may be coming swiftly to our fledgling alliance. Between us, all must stand together, or all shall surely fall!

To this end, it has been decided that all member worlds within the UISC pledges ships. No one world shall give more than the other, and together all shall be equal in this defence force” She spoke, at last pressing a button that downloaded information of the ships sent. From each of the Five home fleets, One Cruiser, Two Destroyers, four Corvettes. When the data was sent, she continue.

“Finally, to lead these forces in battle, it has been decided, through no small amount of strife on the part of our council, that the Battleship “The Massive Protector of the shipyards of Galacticus shall be attached to lead our group, side by side by yours” she spoke softly before retiring to quiet applause…

The voice once more spoke up again…
"You do realize that the moment ‘my’ ship is ready, I will personally be overseeing this invasion"
Kentara retreated into the shadows and spat.
"Good, then perhaps you can leave me in peace"

[Crossroads Inc.]

===================== ======
PRIORITY ONE MESSAGE TO NGTO FORCES.
UISC BATTLESHIP THE MASSIVE DAMAGED
IN ACCIDENT, CANNOT JOIN MAIN GROUP
TILL REPAIRS ARE MADE.
============================

[rhoenix]

With the long strides of one used to walking long distances, Archon Orgos walked to the podium to face the delegates en masse. Her short black hair was hanging freely about her face, her face grim with purpose.

"Due to questions raised regarding evidence used for the planned attack on the Xylyx, as our ship is the flagship of this force, we are officially giving the order to stand down until investigations may be completed. We are not recommending to all of you to have this fleet disperse, however we are forestalling plans to attack pending the results of these investigations."

With that, she strode back to her chair, a soft breeze following her.

[Crossroads Inc.]

======================
MESSAGE TO ALL NGTO MEMBERS

Events within the past month have split and divided the fledgling group that has so recently been founded. After so promising a begging, we cannot allow our group to diminish.

With recent events in the Sol system concerning unknown hostile forces, it is deemed vital that a meeting be held of all NGTO members. That proper representatives from each StarNation be sent and the Council reconviened at Jahlin in the Telos system. Moreso, there are stil unresolved issues creating uneeded and unwanted tension between our members.

A response to this message is desiered within a standard Stellar Cycle

[Darkevilme]

Code: Select all

Communications burst:
Relay 12-14.
Sender: Queen Kara the third of House Chamara, Royal palace, Chamroth city, Jewel of Marass.
Destination: UISC,Jahlin, Telos System.
Message begins.
With times increasingly turbulent I concurr with this decision, the increasing instability of the heralds of Xylyx worries us extensively. The situation has deteriotated to the extent that the kingdom cannot afford to work through an intermediatory, as a result i have arranged to personally come to Jahlin as soon as a date for the meeting can be established though i must urge all due haste.

Signed, Queen Kara the third.

[Crossroads Inc.]

======================
Opomari Tower
Formal Welcoming of Queen Kara
======================

The great tower had not since the first NGTO meeting seen such Activity...

The Arrival of, not just a Chamara delegate, by the Queen herself, had thrown the staff of the Diplomatic Tower into an intense fit of activity. The various workers and attendents had been brushing up on Chamara etiquite and behavior... No one wished to offend the seldom seen race, let along its Queen Matriarch.

The various Anttendant droids ahd all downloaded the most recent protocols on Chamara society as well as they awaited the Queens arrival.

Inside, the few other NGTO Delegates that had arrived we're milling about in the central chamber. Talk of the increasingly violant words from Harold space we're hot on everyones tounges. In the encalve of UISC members, talk was focused as well on threats from Space Monsters it seemed strange, but something about the attack upon Sol had left a lasting fear upon much of the UISC populace. Still, all turned as it wass annouched the Queens shuttle had arrived.