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Thirdfain wrote: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.

He chuckled inwardly at the Ouster reaction and filed it for later. Who knew they were so sensitive? Of course, he read her hostility, but if she was expecting some reaction from him, she was very much mistaken. He didn't even twitch and just stared her down with amity. And, a small voice in his back whispered, if it came to it, he was very much assured of his own capabilities.
He slightly bowed. "Bondwoman," he nodded, "thank you for your immediate reaction. It wasn't that urgent. But on topic, it seems that systems controlled by your realm are at one point only one neutral star system apart from one Imperial system, or so I am told our survey ships assert. As such, it is of course a matter to the Empire, especially since we have no formal contact as of yet. The Empire always wishes to have peaceful relations with neighbours and to have a clear understanding between us. It would be a tragedy if due to a misunderstanding there were incidents. So I would like to discuss our realms future status in more detail, at a time of your choosing".

A Kaeleerian aid approaches the Chamaran delegation, purple cloak swishing as she bows deeply.
"Your Excellency," she says to their leader, "Ambassador Nehele wishes me to extend my Queen's greetings to you, as well as an offer of friendship between our nations. Kaeleer has great respect for Chamaran culture and strength, and Her Dark Majesty would like to see this respect translated to a greater degree of amiable contact."

Darth Raptor wrote:"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?"

Decius thought about it for a while. "Psykers. I'm curious about your interest in the psionic phenomena. Tell me, what do you have to trade for such ... useful information in return?" The Foundation Imperium itself had made substantial research into this area, and while there were ways to simulate psionics, it was neither perfect, nor was it completely successful. Perhaps these creatures might find something that the most vaunted scientists in the Foundation Imperium could not.

Osser nodded, "Our constructs, both mechanical and biological, are quite capable of performing in most industrial and military roles with only minimal supervision. Of course, I know your people have had a rather checkered history with extensive automation and may thus be inclined to eschew foreign-made servitors. The offer is, however, on the table, and as our AIs are hardwired to be biomorphic, they are inherently less..." He casts a sidelong glance at the looming Draelon spider, "independent than standard computers."

"In lieu of that, we could always exchange specialists directly. Our biologists are among the most knowledgeable in the galaxy, and could greatly improve the quality of life in the Foundation Imperium. Disease, aging, hunger and the painful, risky process of childbirth could be eliminated completely and without ceding your identity as human beings. The medical and agricultural applications alone are invaluable, but our elite, fearless bioroid soldiers would made an invaluable addition to your military. Tathessi biologists could show you how to grow your own..."

"Of course," he added, almost as an afterthought. "We would also disclose any and all findings of our research into applied dynamology. Should you provide us with the basis of your own knowledge on the subject."

Darth Raptor wrote:Osser nodded, "Our constructs, both mechanical and biological, are quite capable of performing in most industrial and military roles with only minimal supervision. Of course, I know your people have had a rather checkered history with extensive automation and may thus be inclined to eschew foreign-made servitors. The offer is, however, on the table, and as our AIs are hardwired to be biomorphic, they are inherently less..." He casts a sidelong glance at the looming Draelon spider, "independent than standard computers."

"In lieu of that, we could always exchange specialists directly. Our biologists are among the most knowledgeable in the galaxy, and could greatly improve the quality of life in the Foundation Imperium. Disease, aging, hunger and the painful, risky process of childbirth could be eliminated completely and without ceding your identity as human beings. The medical and agricultural applications alone are invaluable, but our elite, fearless bioroid soldiers would made an invaluable addition to your military. Tathessi biologists could show you how to grow your own..."

"Of course," he added, almost as an afterthought. "We would also disclose any and all findings of our research into applied dynamology. Should you provide us with the basis of your own knowledge on the subject."

"The Foundation Imperium prides itself for its advanced technology. You might notice the cybernetic implants I have on my own hand." Decius raised his hand to reveal the the augmented arm he had, as well as the data port. "We do not match yours in the area of AI and perhaps the related. Perhaps then there is indeed avenues of cooperation possible in those areas. As for the bioroid soldiers, they might be an interesting study to see how they might compare against our own Adeptus Astartes." Or perhaps there isn't much difference. The Adeptus Astartes were a fearsome force and were definitely stronger, but some other race might have been able to duplicate some of our efforts, and their technology might enable us to speed up our abilities to raise more Astartes, mused Decius.

"In any case, I suppose an agreement for scientific collaboration is possible, so long as both sides are willing to share what was discovered, openly. No secrets." Then again, there were bound to be secrets.

Meanwhile, his aide approached the Ouster delegation with a note requesting for a meeting between the Exarch and the Ouster representative.

Nodding emphatically, "Of course, of course. That's well within the limits of what I'm allowed to authorize. Together, I'm sure our scientists will achieve what neither could separately." He bows, excusing himself to 'take a call'.

Ah, Ambassador. I believe we have a certain security agreement to discuss. Osser transmitted an encryption protocol to the Guymelusian representative. Sensitive information, you understand...

This time, when the diplomat drone received a greeting, it was from a slightly more known quantity: the Tathessi ambassador. Its logic core pulled up pertinent information: originally biologicals, heavily enhanced, mostly non-aggressive. They apparently practiced direct democracy; dangerous and inefficient for state coherency and reliable diplomacy. This information was mostly basic, but it was something to go off of. The Network itself had had no real contact with the nation.

The drone responded much in the same way it had to its previous contact, albiet in a manner that made more use of the Network's hard-won knowledge on being "personable." These Tathessi might not have been particularly aggressive, but they were individualists, and it always paid to take their volatility into account. It was called "putting on a good face" among humans. A positive impression on biologicals would be important, both in securing the Network's image as a non-aggressive entity, and in gaining interests such as trade.

Outwardly, Mahal paused for a moment. When he began talking with ambassador Insculpta again, his vocoder switched over to Archelonian. “I'm sorry Insculpta, I'm afraid I have matters that require my immediate attention. I trust you will be available later, we need to speak in a more private setting.”

He turned to leave the hall, pausing near the Ouster delegation to give them a brief welcome to the new UN. While he waited for his escort outside the hall, he transmitted a heavily encrypted data packet to the two representatives he had intended to ask a very important question of. If his sources had been correct, this could all end very badly.

Kasan-Ono turns and nods softly to the Kaeleerian aide “Your offer warms us, Queen Kara-san has great respect for her Dark Majesty and would appreciate greater rapport between us.”

The Empire always wishes to have peaceful relations with neighbours and to have a clear understanding between us. It would be a tragedy if due to a misunderstanding there were incidents. So I would like to discuss our realms future status in more detail, at a time of your choosing".

Subvoice Keer nodded. "This time or place would be of choosing my. System Laellerese lies between borders our. Laellerese are certainly to be interested in their position between nations our- but this is besides point. We would like to make trade with you. We understand your peoples manufacture marvels of luxury. We would send to you manufacturing goods. Zero-g formed materials, foamed steel, shipbuilding equipment. For luxury goods have few we. Your ships transit half price, ships our also transit nodes yours half price?"

***

The Voice, Sanje, approached the Exarch.

"What can I do for you?"

Thirdfain wrote:

The Empire always wishes to have peaceful relations with neighbours and to have a clear understanding between us. It would be a tragedy if due to a misunderstanding there were incidents. So I would like to discuss our realms future status in more detail, at a time of your choosing".

Subvoice Keer nodded. "This time or place would be of choosing my. System Laellerese lies between borders our. Laellerese are certainly to be interested in their position between nations our- but this is besides point. We would like to make trade with you. We understand your peoples manufacture marvels of luxury. We would send to you manufacturing goods. Zero-g formed materials, foamed steel, shipbuilding equipment. For luxury goods have few we. Your ships transit half price, ships our also transit nodes yours half price?"

He was taking a few seconds to parse her standard into a more coherent fashion, and then nodded. "Deal," he simply said. "It is nice to make business with direct people, without too much fuss. I will have my staff send you a list of possible items for trade, and I would like a list of your materials, too. As for the Laellerese, we can discuss this matter at a later, more private time?"

Dahak wrote: He was taking a few seconds to parse her standard into a more coherent fashion, and then nodded. "Deal," he simply said. "It is nice to make business with direct people, without too much fuss. I will have my staff send you a list of possible items for trade, and I would like a list of your materials, too. As for the Laellerese, we can discuss this matter at a later, more private time?"

"Sure I am of no problems being in the way of our free trade from Laellerese. Of course we will talk later. Peace of the Void be with you."

Ohma wrote:Outwardly, Mahal paused for a moment. When he began talking with ambassador Insculpta again, his vocoder switched over to Archelonian. “I'm sorry Insculpta, I'm afraid I have matters that require my immediate attention. I trust you will be available later, we need to speak in a more private setting.”

He turned to leave the hall, pausing near the Ouster delegation to give them a brief welcome to the new UN. While he waited for his escort outside the hall, he transmitted a heavily encrypted data packet to the two representatives he had intended to ask a very important question of. If his sources had been correct, this could all end very badly.

"Naturally" the giant turtle said before Mahal left "There are others I need to speak to" The turtle looked around for Osser, seeing him, he waited until he no longer seemed busy.

The dinner had so far proved interesting. A new branch of the Reavers had appeared, apparently unaware of their reputation having proceeded them. Not entirely surprising, as the Mahou Kikai had eliminated the last infestation, root and branch. Unfortunately that was too late for the Masters. Equally unfortunate was the fact that said reputation hadn't proceeded them to the other nations of Known Space.

The ambassador Guymelus had arrived, looking even stranger than before. The Draelon continued with their lack of tact. The Network had tried harder, though they still didn't actually succeed. The Foundation Imperium's ambassador was communicating psychicaly with multiple others. Helen couldn't pick up what was said, but the magically enhanced circuitry in her brain could at least detect it's presence.

Helen received the greeting from the Draelon, and sent one back, with details on setting up a mutually secure channel, to keep conversations from prying eyes. Being able to communicate with multiple entities at once was no problem, and so she sent another reply to Osser. While doing so, she continued her small talk with the ambassador from a minor nation.

OOC: Due to lightspeed delays, the Mahou Kikai, although technically a singular AI, is effectively fragmented into multiple clusters. Regular syncing prevents clusters from falling out, and becoming a schismatic AI. For convenience, idiosyncratic names have been assigned to various parts. The name of the drone at the reception is Helen.

Having (finally) eaten his fill, and concluding electronic pleasantries with Helen and the Network, Osser makes his way over to the looming alien space turtle. He bows, and in his melodious voice, "Ambassador Insculpta, at last. It's good to see you well, and so popular this evening. While I do so wish this was a purely social function, I am afraid the changing face of the galaxy dictates business before pleasure. However, I'm certain you'd be more comfortable in your own suite. So let's get you back into the water, as we have much to discuss."

"Ah, thank you. You are so very kind." the ambassador replied "It does seem that way. The last assembly meeting was more than slightly useless, even the receptions before and afterward. Today it seems that the galaxy has opened up to swallow our free time, and what has been on my agenda as of late is... well, I will tell you once we are away from everyone's prying ears and telepathy. I can guard my own thoughts, but having to do so constantly is draining"

He turned himself to the side and motioned with a sweeping motion of his claws toward the door.

"Shall we?"

Thirdfain wrote:The Voice, Sanje, approached the Exarch.

"What can I do for you?"

"We would like to inquire on the .. intentions of the Ousters. Your proximity to our territories, and your.. not so friendly declaration of so and so systems are yours, makes me wonder whether you would one day desire our lands."

"Seyr Kaht? I am confused. The Hajr is only concerned with the well-being of our people. We seek only to ensure that lines of supply and communication between our disparate systems are maintained. We have no territorial interests anywhere near your homes. We have been for many generations among the Starless Dark, and need only warm stars and rich comets. Your home-systems offer little in that regard."

Thirdfain wrote:"Seyr Kaht? I am confused. The Hajr is only concerned with the well-being of our people. We seek only to ensure that lines of supply and communication between our disparate systems are maintained. We have no territorial interests anywhere near your homes. We have been for many generations among the Starless Dark, and need only warm stars and rich comets. Your home-systems offer little in that regard."

Decius nearly guffawed but he merely smiled. Anyone one could see that the Ousters were skirting on the periphery of space around the empires neighbouring the Foundation Imperium. What happens when they run out of "warm stars and rich comets"? It in fact looked like an encirclement! "Indeed? You ply on our periphery of the empires next to our space, taking control one world after another as you so please. What happens when you "run out of worlds with warm stars and rich comets"? Where else would you expand? From what I see, you are attempting an encirclement of our lands, and when you are done stripping the resources of the star systems around us, you would then expand inwards."

Thirdfain wrote:"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."

"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?"

The Llaelar Ambassador stood only visibly irritated at the creature's response, shaking his head in any case and waving off such concerns. "We refuse to pay your people taxes merely because you wish it. My Government is more than willing to allow you to conduct whatever activities you wish there, as long as our spacefaring commerce goes undisturbed." he turns his head from the odd creature, leaning to a whispering aide for a moment. However, whatever was mentioned he clearly didn't hear, stunned by the Ouster's sudden and dramatic display of emotion.

"I... will have my aides schedule a meeting later." he said, backing a little away from the bizzare showing. He had a busy night still ahead of him. There were so many new wines to sample, after all...

Fingolfin_Noldor wrote: Decius nearly guffawed but he merely smiled. Anyone one could see that the Ousters were skirting on the periphery of space around the empires neighbouring the Foundation Imperium. What happens when they run out of "warm stars and rich comets"? It in fact looked like an encirclement! "Indeed? You ply on our periphery of the empires next to our space, taking control one world after another as you so please. What happens when you "run out of worlds with warm stars and rich comets"? Where else would you expand? From what I see, you are attempting an encirclement of our lands, and when you are done stripping the resources of the star systems around us, you would then expand inwards."

"We have taken only what we need for sustenance. We are on the Rim because we have come from the outside; and because it is only on the Rim that there are systems unclaimed for our use. Surely, you would not begrudge us what you already have? We have not enjoyed the luxuries of long peace and rich worlds as you have. Why would you be jealous, when you have so much and we so little? I would ask you the same question as you posed to me. When you are done stripping YOUR worlds, what is to stop YOU using your superior position and developed industry to strike your neighbors? Of course, of what little we know of your people, there is no threat of that- so far, you have acted, as we have, with restraint and dignity. Since my own people have shown the same restraint and dignity, I can only wonder why you are attributing such violent motivations to us. Perhaps the Core worlds are too strong for you, and you desire colonies on the Rim? Perhaps by painting us in the worst light, you intend on taking what we have without fear of reprisal? Please, correct me if I am wrong."

Helen noticed the commotion between the Foundation Imperium's ambassador and the thing that the Reavers sent. She made a note to see him before the dinner was over, being unwilling to reveal the capability of psychic communication.

"I am delighted to hear it, You Excellency. Perhaps yourself and Ambassador Nehele would like to discuss the matter further?"

OOC: Sorry this took so long, Darkevilme. I had an 8-hour drive followed by unpacking from a trip.

Thirdfain wrote:"We have taken only what we need for sustenance. We are on the Rim because we have come from the outside; and because it is only on the Rim that there are systems unclaimed for our use. Surely, you would not begrudge us what you already have? We have not enjoyed the luxuries of long peace and rich worlds as you have. Why would you be jealous, when you have so much and we so little? I would ask you the same question as you posed to me. When you are done stripping YOUR worlds, what is to stop YOU using your superior position and developed industry to strike your neighbors? Of course, of what little we know of your people, there is no threat of that- so far, you have acted, as we have, with restraint and dignity. Since my own people have shown the same restraint and dignity, I can only wonder why you are attributing such violent motivations to us. Perhaps the Core worlds are too strong for you, and you desire colonies on the Rim? Perhaps by painting us in the worst light, you intend on taking what we have without fear of reprisal? Please, correct me if I am wrong."

"You remind me of an old tyrant on old Earth. 'We need breathing room!' he said. Seriously now, while you try to paint us as a bunch of self-serving bastards, though I will not even bother to deny it, you have, ever since you arrived in Known Space, vigorously expanded, expelled native inhabitants of worlds and conquered a few others. Who has made the first move? 'We need breathing room!' you say. Luxueries of Long Peace and Rich Worlds? You already have those, yet you still expand. What more do you want?"

The Ouster raised an imperious eyebrow at Decius.

"Whatever further territorial adjustments or colonization we engage in is the business of those rimwards powers whom they might affect, and with whom we would consult- and are certainly no concern of even the most officious group of core-bound reactionaries. This 'conversation' is over."

It seemed the Ousters had enemies even before their arrival.

The Voice turned from the Imperial curtly and headed across the room to where the Network drone was positioned.

"I am Bondman Sanje su Akarta, Voice to the Speaker of the Hajr. I would parley with you."