Space STGOD diplomacy thread.(2K9)

[Alyrium Denryle]

The foursome do a nod of polite respect before Kasan speaks “Greetings Insculpta of the Archelonian Union, I am Kasan-Ono of Cyris, representative of Donarra and to my right is Tia-ull of Nerasue, representative of Kitzal.” she says, introducing one of her entourage as the matter will involve Kitzal heavily.

It was always pleasant to have his targets come to him, and if he was capable of smiling through his beaked mouth, he would have. Instead he tilted his head to display the same emotion.

"It is of course a pleasure to meet you Kasan-Ono and Tia-ull. I was just seeking you out in order to formalize trade relations between our governments, I do hope that our interests in this matter coincide"

[White Haven]

The buffoon and his coterie proceed through the reception...although 'proceed' is perhaps a poorer choice of words than 'make a beeline for the refreshments.' Fresh observation, however, indicates that while he may be useless as a diplomat, Ambassador Wainworth is at least observant, if nothing else. His hand reaches out and plucks a glass from the hand of his wife as she passed it over to his secretary, shaking his head and pouring it on the floor discretely. The liquid hisses slightly, and he favors her with a sharp glance before turning away again. The secretary's jaw drops open, and the attache's face takes on a smug 'I told you so' expression both towards the secretary and the ambassador's wife.

Meanwhile, the man in gray slides through the assembled notables with barely a ripple...he can be noticed when he desires, but the way he moves, the neutral shade of his suit, the subdued cut of his clothes, his forgettable face, and his quiet pace all combine to make him nearly invisible in the societal circles that assume the presence of 'less important' individuals at official functions. Blending in with the help can be so very useful...and indeed, here and there he can be spotted liberating a bottle, filling a glass, hovering near tables with half-cleared plates...listening in. 'Listening' in more ways than one, for that matter... Whoever 'Minister <pause> Smith' is, he clearly shuns no modes of communication. EM transmissions? Implanted passive receptors await their touch. Psychic missives? While not betraying the tell-tale mind of a psychic, equally-sensitive implants await the subtle shimmer of telepathic communications. Those are more experimental, but so far, they've picked up snippets here and there. The three-way confrontation between the Ouster, Llaelar, and Kaeleeri ambassadors, particularly, attracts his attention, and he begins cleaning a nearby table, senses natural, artificial, and enhanced tingling at high-gain.

[Thirdfain]

"Yes, of course we've noted the presence of your... limited operations in the systems in question. However, seeing as these systems are not even contiguous with your own borders, any claims you may have to equal interest in this regard is not worth serious consideration. The Hajr has no interest in quelling your economic expansions, but this is a matter of security for both the Hajr and the Kaeleeri kingdom. Bondwoman-Countess, I am offering a sharing of the systems- the inner systems, to you; the outer systems, to the Hajr, with provisions for control of the jump-nodes relating to your world to be garrisoned as you see fit, with similar provisions for the jump nodes of interest to our commerce. Of course, whatever small enclaves of foreigners may exist would go un-harmed. To facilitate this sharing, we would waive transit fees for the usage of Hajr transit nodes in the area, with reduced fees for your trading-ships across the rest of our Diaspora."

[Darkevilme]

It was always pleasant to have his targets come to him, and if he was capable of smiling through his beaked mouth, he would have. Instead he tilted his head to display the same emotion.

"It is of course a pleasure to meet you Kasan-Ono and Tia-ull. I was just seeking you out in order to formalize trade relations between our governments, I do hope that our interests in this matter coincide"

“Likewise a pleasure to make your acquaintance and you are correct. Kitzal has interest in importing Archelonian Biotech and they've made the necessary arrangements with Arnor for Psitech devices to be made available for export in exchange.” Kasan says then ear flicks mildly in amusement “But i'm sure we're both familiar with the specifics, the convoy will be ready to depart as soon as word of our agreement reaches them.”

[Master_Baerne]

"Bondman. You will, of course, appreciate the need for contact with my Queen before any decisions are finalized, I assume? This division of territory seems quite reasonable to me, though Llaelar claims must be respected, and I am quite sure there will be no major objections." Arabella smiled to herself, both at the Hajr Speaker's bluntness and at the ease with which the portions of the systems most valued by Kaeleer had been obtained. Her sister, however, had something to say.

"Lady, Bondman, might I suggest that the Royal Navy survey the systems beforehand? For all we know, there is nothing at all in the inner systems to speak of, and the entire wealth of these territories lie in the outer. I mean no disrespect, Voice of the Speaker," she added hastily, "But caution is always rewarded, while haste can spell doom for a friendship."

"Quite, sister." Turning to the Voice of the Speaker, she said "I will draft a letter to Her Dark Majesty, informing her of your most reasonable offer, and await a response, assuming no objections? Your Excellency, we will of course respect any economic claims your people may have, though they will be subject to Kaeleerian law should they continue to operate within our territory." The last was directed to the Llaelar republic's ambassador. She bowed once from the waist, extending both hands, palms downward, in the Blood version of a handshake.

[Alyrium Denryle]

It was always pleasant to have his targets come to him, and if he was capable of smiling through his beaked mouth, he would have. Instead he tilted his head to display the same emotion.

"It is of course a pleasure to meet you Kasan-Ono and Tia-ull. I was just seeking you out in order to formalize trade relations between our governments, I do hope that our interests in this matter coincide"

“Likewise a pleasure to make your acquaintance and you are correct. Kitzal has interest in importing Archelonian Biotech and they've made the necessary arrangements with Arnor for Psitech devices to be made available for export in exchange.” Kasan says then ear flicks mildly in amusement “But i'm sure we're both familiar with the specifics, the convoy will be ready to depart as soon as word of our agreement reaches them.”

"Well, that concludes that arrangement. Though we will need to obtain permission from the Guymelius to use their space as a shipping lane. Shall we?" he said, motioning with his webbed hands toward Mahal

[Thirdfain]

"But of course, Lady Arabella. Our own survey teams report that the inner segments of both systems include significant resources as well as, ah, accommodations for your form of life. The details about what constitutes the "Inner" and what the "Outer" we can leave to more technically minded individuals."

He made the gesture of respect.

"OH, and one more issue." He faced the Llaelerese. "Similar economic provisions can not be made for your own ships. Should they travel through Hajr space to reach your holdings, they will pay full traffic fees. Unless there is something of worth you could offer us?"

[Ohma]

Mahal fought the urge to switch the new vocoder and translation routines on. Much as he'd like to try them out, it could be considered...showing off at this point in the conversation. In a few seconds he combed through the diplomatic profiles he had on this Sha-Nesa, not much as it turned out, however, Emeria, Arnor...yes that would serve quite well.

He bowed as Sha approached, the dark gray and light blue cloak hinting at the full extent of his augmentations only slightly, as was the intent when he had it made.

“Sha-Nesa of Emeria, most fortuitous that you should be the one sent to speak with me. I am Mahal Debim of the Hallowed Worlds of Guymelus. As you may know, we have developed something of...a knack for designing machines of uniquely high quality. However, even with the protectorate worlds and extensive facilities we've been able to reactivate aboard Guymelus itself, our actual ability to produce many of the components we require for these designs is rather inadequate to say the least.

Arnor is well known for the quality of their merchandise. The High Four have asked me to attempt to negotiate a trade agreement between our two nations. Arnorian machine parts (particularly ones which can function at extremely high energy levels), in exchange for our expertise in building drones and other machines for your nation's use in civilian and military roles.”

He gestured vaguely around the room, the evidence of Guymelusian expertise in nearly any field of mechanical engineering was all around them. They had, after all, been one of the major parties involved in renovating Unity for the new UN.

[Darkevilme]

Sha-Nesa looks around as suggested then looks back to Mahal and nods, ear perking softly “Your offer is most compelling Mahal. I believe we can implement the necessary production expansions easily enough to meet the requirements of this trade and we are most interested in Guymelusian machines.” she considers a moment, head tilting “I can have a projection sent to your quarters after dinner for what components we can create an export surplus of. I look forward to seeing a list of what models the Hallowed Worlds has to offer.”

She pauses as she scents Kasan and the others coming over and turns slipping into Chamaran to talk to her fellow feline “Guymelus has offered a trade of advanced machines for High tech components, the offer is promising to Arnor.” Sha explains and Kasan ear perks “Perfect then they will have no objection to our new proposal.” Kasan says then turns to Mahal slipping back to basic“Greetings and well met Mahal Debim, I am Kasan-Ono of Cyris, representing Clan Donarra. We have recently negotiated a trade arrangement with the Archelonian union and have but the simple request of running the route through the Hallowed worlds. Does Guymelus have any objection?”

It seems one of Kasan's group does have something to interject though as a feline steps forwards with a tail flick in the direction of Sha “Greeting Mahal, I am Ashae-Rus of Meshara, representative of clan Essena. I believe Essena's greater industrial base allows us to contest any exclusive dealings between Guymelus and Arnor.” Ah competition, Clan Essena can probably ramp up production and export more and more sooner though Essena can't hope for exclusivity, the really advanced components Essena doesn't make yet. Arnor's research edge allowing them to keep the cutting edge market of Chamaran export to themselves.

[Ohma]

It reminded him of the old days. Lahir and Human groups arguing at the colonial council over who had more right to what, who would construct this, how to redraw lines on a map, it had all seemed deathly important then. He recalled information on the newcomers. Donarra, the royalty, and Essena, the industrial might.

“Excellent, I believe, Kasan-Ono, that Guymelus would welcome the increased traffic through our space. Obviously I'll have to consult with the honorable ambassador Insculpta as well as ask both you and he to forward details to my quarters for my approval, but I do believe that we can reach a mutually beneficial agreement.”

He had to pause for a moment to remember that it would probably be considered impolite to speak to the representative of Essena without looking at her with his frontal optics.

“Ashae-Rus, I am pleased to hear that there are others in Chamaran space willing to trade with us. I am afraid however that discussion about the specifics of this prospective agreement will have to wait, I have pressing matter that I must attend to at the moment, I will forward a list of goods Guymelus is prepared to trade and what for, to both of your quarters.”

Another bow. “Good evening to you all.”

Mahal turned away from the Chamaran group, now he had to find ambassador Insculpta...that shouldn't be terribly hard, there weren't many places for a giant lizard in the hall.

Out of the corner of one of his rear facing optics, he noticed that man again. In a way, Mahal admired the man's ability to blend in seamlessly...at least to anyone who hadn't spent an inordinate amount of time trying to do just that.

[Alyrium Denryle]

Find a giant turtle who was only a few meters away and heading in your direction was indeed very easy

"Ambassador Mahal, a pleasure" he said as he approached "May I go out on a limb and think that you have agreed to allow ours and chamaran's trading vessels to pass through Guymelius space? We are more than willing to pay any traffic and node fees that you might levy in exchange. Additionally we would be more than willing to open up direct trade relations with Guymelius as well."

[Tanasinn]

The Network drone made no move upon receiving the greeting from the DRAELON drone; to all outside appearances, it seemed to continue unacting.

This was not the case.

A brief contact with the Network at large told the diplomat that information on the DRAELON was mostly useless: they were artificial intelligences, which was obvious, and they didn't like prying eyes, which was understandable. Their politics were unknown. Their motives were unknown. How they thought was unknown. More information would have to be procured. This was a priority, but then, it always was.

The Network and the diplomat responded with typical conservative caution: to the simple greeting, the diplomat supplied one of its own, introducing the Network and the currently-oblivious Ambassador Vel.

[Ohma]

Mahal had become absorbed in cross referencing the man's face with a small catalog of known agents in the service of other governments, and were it not for ambassador Insculpta greeting him, would have run into the giant lizard turtle.

“Ambassador Insculpta, a pleasure as always” bow.

“It is indeed quite fortuitous that both you and the Chamarans wish to deal with us. Guymelus would be quite interested in acquiring Archelonian sensor equipment. Perhaps we have something you would desire in trade as well?”

[Alyrium Denryle]

"Excellent!" Insculpta said "Our files on your principle exported goods are limited. What would you have to offer in return?"

[Alyrium Denryle]

Decius walked around, passively listening to the tendrils of thoughts, the conversations. He marked the arrival of the Ousters and sensed the aura of menace exuded by the Ousters. He smiled and licked his tongue. This was going to be interesting. Decius walked towards Ambassador Insculpta. <<You can hear me, can't you? Ambassador Insculpta.>> Decius looked silently at the Ambassador, to see if the other would respond to his psychic communication. Given the proximity of the Archelonian Union, it was just as well that he started the pleasantries of negotiation.

Insculpta had heard but could not deal with the telepathic missive. He was somewhat distracted with other matters. Now he had the opportunity to respond.

I can hear you. I apologize for the delayed response. I am popular this evening it seems. Not to be trite, but I request that my ability to use telapathy be kept secret. What can I do for you?

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Insculpta had heard but could not deal with the telepathic missive. He was somewhat distracted with other matters. Now he had the opportunity to respond.

I can hear you. I apologize for the delayed response. I am popular this evening it seems. Not to be trite, but I request that my ability to use telapathy be kept secret. What can I do for you?

Decius gestured an aide to send a small note to the Ambassador Ehan Turanat that there were matters of mutual interest to discuss. He then responded to the telepathy communication.

<<I believe we have matters of interest to discuss, but perhaps in a more private setting. Given the proximity of our two states, we have much to discuss, especially with regard to trade. What say we meet in private later?>>

[Alyrium Denryle]

Insculpta had heard but could not deal with the telepathic missive. He was somewhat distracted with other matters. Now he had the opportunity to respond.

I can hear you. I apologize for the delayed response. I am popular this evening it seems. Not to be trite, but I request that my ability to use telapathy be kept secret. What can I do for you?

Decius gestured an aide to send a small note to the Ambassador Ehan Turanat that there were matters of mutual interest to discuss. He then responded to the telepathy communication.

<<I believe we have matters of interest to discuss, but perhaps in a more private setting. Given the proximity of our two states, we have much to discuss, especially with regard to trade. What say we meet in private later?>>

Agreed

[Master_Baerne]

The two women bow again. "I will send this to my Queen, with a recommendation that it be approved. Ardelia, if you would be so kind?" The black-and-white robed woman nods, turns, and leaves the two ambassadors, heading for the nearest transmission station.

[Dahak]

He saw the aide of the Foundation Imperium approach him. He gave a slight bow and handed him a note. He opened it and read it. Well, should be interesting, he thought. His schedule wasn't that busy so far, so he would have time. He smiled and formed a small mental affirmation and sent it telepathically towards the ambassador, easily more powerful than the little converstion he had with that turtle ambassador. Sometimes I like to be a show-off, he chuckled.
He also sent a small mental nod towards the group of Ousters, notifying them that he would like to have a waord, when they had time.

[Darth Raptor]

If Decius was aware of the little bioroid's existence, he didn't show it. Too late, Osser realized the Natural was probably engaged in telepathic conversations with other similarly-gifted guests. Huffing in frustration, he salvaged what grace he could and withdrew to the refreshment table.

Despite tireless centuries of research, the TDI had not once managed to produce a single person capable of psionics. Certainly they were aware of such abilities, but as outside context problems went, magic was particularly maddening. Unable to repeat any of the observed phenomena, Imperial scientists were at a loss to craft even a working hypothesis. Of course they suspected the Weird, but "quantum" was nearly as useless an explanation as "god".

Science, on the other hand, had granted the Tathessi telepathy of a sort. As he made his way to the buffet table, Osser sent a digital greeting to the Draelon, Guymelusian, Kikai and Network ambassadors. Tathessi cybernetics were subtle and unobtrusive; a visible implant was a crude one. There was no love lost between Tathess and the Hallowed Worlds, though civility was generally maintained, and Mahal did not seem to be your run of the factory zealot. Draelon and the Network were terra icognito, and thus fascinating. The Tathessi liked to believe themselves open-minded enough to deal with their kind. Sapient AIs were treated as equals by the TDI, but Imperial AIs were different; biomorphic, and fundamentally alien to so-called "true" AIs like the outsystem examples. And it was no secret that the state was officially scared shitless of the Mahou Kikai.

Apart from himself, the official ambassador from the NCA appeared to be most interested in filling his stomach. Osser quickly recalled what he knew about the dummy state. Not much, he thought glumly. Nevertheless, he put on his best smile and greeted the diplomat warmly.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

"Greetings Ambassador," the bioroid almost sang. "From our Imperium to yours. It is always a pleasure to meet one of your Emperor's servants. His Majesty is such a fascinating man..."

Decius can read the non-psychic Dreinard like an open book, and is surprised to learn that the Emperor of Man is something of a sex symbol in the TDI. Delving a bit deeper, he discovers an interview of retired Archon and Founder Dr. Essany Tathess wherein she describes His Majesty as "a sexy beast" and goes on to reveal that she "would totally marry him if He asked". So far as Decius can tell, the Tathessi do not make such proclamations lightly.

"Forgive me Ambassador, ah.. my mind was a bit away at things." Giving a small smile, Decius pondered what this.. inorganic sought. "What might you wish to know?"

[Darth Raptor]

"Ah!" Ambassador Dreinard jumped. The Exarch had effectively, if not intentionally, surprised him. Osser recovered quickly, offering a most cordial bow to the Imperial psyker. "I was just saying how greatly my people admire the commitment to science of yours. Ah, in the interest of such pursuits, I've been authorized to propose an exchange of certain scientific and technological advances. In particular, we are most interested in people like you; those possessed of your peculiar... talents. I'm certain you understand. The research would be entirely non-invasive, we'd simply like if the Imperium- yours that is- would send any number of psykers to demonstrate their abilities under observation. We are prepared to make very generous offers in compensation. So tell me, what is it your people desire?"

[Thirdfain]

He saw the aide of the Foundation Imperium approach him. He gave a slight bow and handed him a note. He opened it and read it. Well, should be interesting, he thought. His schedule wasn't that busy so far, so he would have time. He smiled and formed a small mental affirmation and sent it telepathically towards the ambassador, easily more powerful than the little converstion he had with that turtle ambassador. Sometimes I like to be a show-off, he chuckled.
He also sent a small mental nod towards the group of Ousters, notifying them that he would like to have a waord, when they had time.

The Voice of the Speaker, Sanje su Akarta, suddenly stiffened, like a man struck. The Laellerese he'd been talking to was thrown for a loop at the sudden rush of emotions which crossed the Ouster's perfectly formed features. Wide-eyed shock was followed almost instantly by sharp anger. He hissed a few phrases in the sibiliant Ouster tongue with the intensity of foul language across the universe. He turned to one of his assistants and rattled off a long command, ignoring the Laellerese ambassador completely.

She took off across the room at an impolite pace, arriving shortly at the cozy corner in which Turanat was holing court.

"Bondman Ambassador, you would do well to keep your mind to yourself. Your impoliteness has been noted. Now, I am the Bondwoman Subvoice Keer su Styrdrighala. What words would have you?"

Her common was not very good, and her body language displayed a bristling, catlike hostility. Apparantly, the Ousters did not care for mental contact.

[Darkevilme]

With matters of politics regarding the Archelonians and Guymelus temporarily cleared from the agenda for later consideration the kitty mob is free to go bother the seemingly rather popular Ehan Turanat. Their ears perk as they pick up the sound of the Ouster aides verbal barrage midway over though, they pause momentarily...ear flick and then continue over, okay maybe he isn't popular in the conventional sense but lo they have potential dealings with him and the Sky Empire....after he's done with the Ousters. The Chamaran delegation linger nearby, watching, waiting and grabbing snacks and drinks off passing staff. They're curious as hell about about the Ousters though, this information being filed for later as the current file on the Ousters says basically 'humanoids, zero g adapted, power estimated, goals and threat level unknown'. Maybe they'll investigate after they're done talking to Ehan.

[Ohma]

"Excellent!" Insculpta said "Our files on your principle exported goods are limited. What would you have to offer in return?"

“There is always the obvious, should your government be in need of specialized drones, or other machines, the products of Guymelus engineering are second only to the three synthetic states.” A slight exaggeration perhaps but...

A chime from somewhere in Mahal's synthetic brain alerted him to a message from the Tathessi representative, Osser Dreinard. The Tathessi, Mahal had never really felt the same way about them that many of the people he represented did. Wildly hedonistic? certainly, apathetic towards the rest of the universe? usually; but did those qualities really make the Tathessi worthy of scorn? At least the Tathessi were honest about themselves.

Mahal sent a reply to Osser.
**Representative Dreinhard, a pleasure to “speak” with you. I wish you luck in your new post aboard Unity, and look forward to working with you here.**