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The Nebulean Union of Iammelon

Honour guard wrote:Away teams? Sieg thought to herself. The idea wasn't displeasing, it meant that her tactical and combative experience wouldn't be put to test and it will be a good way to exercise other areas seeing as everything and anything can happen on away missions. Though she knew of examples of away teams, she doubted she will get put on security detail to a bunch of eggheads observing anomalies or alien ruins anytime soon with the civil war going on.

Mel listened rather happily to Tamour getting all nostalgic about his times before and after his first time stepping into the great unknown of the cosmos. "It seems no species is quite immune to being starbound, and o be able to be alive before a time your species took to the stars... That can be quite a rare perspective to have. Though I will say you aren't alone in that sir, it's one of the reasons why I am more hopeful about our species future. I have met quite a few people who share a certain starry eyed disposition, people like that are hard to come by these days."

With Sieg more back to normal now, she keeps up her pouty expression as she keeps looking away from Aloni. Her face only seeming to get redder with each bullseye Aloni seems to hit. "W-Well yes, I am very selfless. I have to be if this future is going to pan out for my people." Once they land on the flagship, Sieg would take her out quite quickly to save herself from ALoni's prodding and teasing. Followed by the others soon after, Yajana looking quite confused while Ml was quite aware of what Aloni had been whispering, and quite enjoyed seeing her sister squirm like this. Not that she intended to let Sieg close to Tamour like she was.

Yajana was surprised to hear that they would be attacking Cuthia, she did know some info from her time aboard ship an hearing thigs from other crew members in passing. It was certainly going to be an interesting time.

Mel, after nodding to Tamours order, was quite surprised that they would be deploying to Cuthia. Then again she would be interested to see how her Changeling Cuthian hybrids would fare in the future engagements. "Gladly sir." She says following Tamour to the bridge while Sieg and Yajana also salute along to Tamours orders before the pair of them went along to the barracks. Sieg popped up since she had no idea what a ‘Cuthia’ was. “So what can we expect from this planet’s moon?

Aloni was clearly proud of her grand victory, but she noted Yajana's confusion and gave a quick comment, "Oh don't you worry yourself on that one, Yajana. I'll leave Mierl to teach you the meaning of that one. He'll do it well, I bet. Sieg meanwhile has to wait for the nice big admiral, or perhaps just a large, powerful Taurus. Either seems to suit her tastes. In either case, it's as she says. All for the future of her people. After all, aren't such intimate relations such a good way to integrate?"

On their way to the barracks, Mierl spoke up to answer Sieg's question, "The moon of Cuthia is known as Garden. It is a habitable moon, and so has a large population of Cuthians as well. Distinctly known as Garden Cuthians. They are magic experts, and so in combination to their weapons are very dangerous. It is sensible to take the moon as well as the planet, lest it continue to resist and be a thorn in the side of invasion. Sensible to conquer."
While Mierl gave the factual statement in his manner of fact speech, Aloni then butted in to comment with her more snarky voice, as she had some very interesting information to add, "What Mierl forgot to mention is the type of magic they are experts at! Garden is where Pundramancy was born, and so the place it is most powerful! The magic experts are all seasoned Pundramancers, and the moon itself is covered in puns. Some deadly, some just groan worthy, and others completely nonsensical. Even the residents of Cuthia proper despise the moon for its crazed nature. Not my place of interest. But what about you Sieg, how's your funny bone?" She smirked at Sieg, before then adding, "Don't know if we're assigned to taking the Moon, but if we are... Maybe you can use your charms to get Tamour to reassign you."

Meanwhile, Tamour was walking towards the bridge alongside Melyphis, thinking about his strategy for handling Cuthia. Although then some additional thoughts came to mind. He looked to the Broodmother, interested in her opinion on something, "Melyphis, there is something I am curious about. You are one of the more experienced and elder Broodmothers, so did you know what your previous leader's plan was? For the long term, I mean. I am aware they wanted to of course spread their control and the Swarm as far as possible, but did they have any sort of real purpose in mind beyond that? Did Filia actually have something she wanted? I don't even quite remember what happened with her. Pretty sure she ended up somewhere else."

Honour guard wrote:She did give some thought to that, but surely someone like that wouldn't allude Immelon's gaze for long. A woman capable of making weapons on the go being amongst Apex Pirates? Unless she was being kept close to someone high up enough to make sure she doesn't get the public eye, Piper couldn't figure where she could hide seeing as being a candidate for the Power of Pride would mean she would like her accomplishments being recognised. The beings of Pride were, funnily enough, very proud people, some to an arrogant extent and only one who could properly back up his pride with conviction and strength. "Best case scenario..." She says with a soft coo as she looks down to see his hands at the sides of her rather generous chest, a small smile covering her face as her face brightens just a tint redder. "She's off enjoying the local culture on an agri world and doing some good. Worst case, she's being annoying for some merchants, and my Emperor will have to explain why more sins are running around in Iammelon space if she's caught."

She did enjoy the surprised look on his face after she rolled over, clearly she caught him unawares. Though seeing him catch himself and double down so he couldn't lose was something she liked to see, just made things more interesting. The small smile on her face turned into more of a coy smirk as she catches the double meaning. "Only Thatch is my biological child. I'm always careful to choose my potential partners with care. But, I suppose you can say that I do have... Some experience to pull from. Though not as much as you may think, I won't lay down with just anyone you know~"

Rovin thought about the prospect and found it quite amusing. The idea of some being created by an Empire for a major purpose ending up some simple farm world, using her abilities to handle the local issues. There was something quite enjoyable about the prospect of a woman capable of making weapons simply using them to catch a cow-tipper, or to repair a broken fence. Such things would get recognition and gratitude from locals, but hard to tell if that would be enough. The worse case was pretty plausible as well, of course, although not as amusing, "Let's hope for the best case. A nice life helping out some farm folk sounds better to me than getting caught and starting a minor diplomatic incident. Doubt the Union would like having uncontrolled Sins running around."

His smirk grew as well as she caught the double meaning, quite good as far as he was concerned given that it was a small prod. He rose his eyebrow in an exaggerated way, faking surprise at her words, "Really now? Seems I took you for being much easier than you are. Or am I simply that charming to get so close? After all, you are already laying down in front of me, and I doubt you'd let my hands get so close if I was doing something wrong. Seems I do really still got it. And well, suppose I should add for myself that I am not one to lay down with just anybody either. Part of why I don't have any kids of my own. I'm quite selective, I'll have you know. Haven't really gotten close enough to anybody I like to change that..." He leaned in closer to put his face closer to hers, almost touching, while keeping his hands where they were, "Well, until now, that is."

Honour guard wrote:Getting to see that Uzulmira took her role as head of the family quite seriously, he was confirming something he already knew about her. She was completely committed to her family and how it is viewed, as she should be. He would expect no less from someone related to him. Now he knows it isn't just him. Zether didn't know many broodmothers by name, only a handful that came to defect to his side during the skirmishes he had with the Zerg before the great War of two Blades and then the end conclusion over Duxton, other names he did know was from his time with the Zerg. And most of them were dead for good reason. But Zemia was a name he recognised, she was one that his forces captured and handed over to Iammelon. "I only know her in name but I do remember it. But thank you for believing me." He says lowering his head to her. He knew that he had thrown away much in his quest to understand himself. But as Uzulmira said, it wasn't like he left his family without a large safety net. His daughters and son were well protected by their people and by each other while he was away. It wasn't like he wasn't going to ever see them again.

He figured she would do a background check on him, it only made him all the more comfortable with this seeing as he had nothing to hide on that front. He raised his head and smiled rather happily as his sister apologises for being so intense, which he simply shook his head to. "Oh you have no need for that, I understand why you had to be so intense. This is an interesting situation to be in. If it were anyone else making the things that I have, I would be in the same mind as you. This isn't something that should be taken lightly. And you are quite right, though I had to learn all that from scratch. I'm sure you had some help learning how to hold yourself." He says before his expression changes from his serious one to a much more amused one as she mentions the odd impression it would give if people saw that he had entered her room and stayed any longer. "Ah, yeah I have to admit that this would be a rather difficult situation to keep from spreading. A good thing I am not some random dragon then."

Zether followed her out into the hallway, he had noticed that she still had the gauntlet on as they two of them moved through the halls towards to the place where Uzulmira wanted him to tell his stories. He took in the sights along the way, including the displays of wealth, he had already figured that his sisters family were quite well off but it seems his real understanding of it was still rather shallow compared to the reality of it. This was when he got to see the inner sanctum gates open up in response to the gauntlet. A private place that only the family could access, it reminded him of his vault under the Castameer palace. Though he wondered if his tailguard had such a key, perhaps not yet as Uzulmira just answered for him as the thought popped into his head. Still, he was amazed to see this. A smile plain as day on his face as she mentioned his daughter. "Oh I hope so, Alicia would love to see this place. Though she is on the small side." He says following her inside to get a look at the room within.

Moving inside, his eyes scanned the room to take in every detail. It was certainly a cozy setting, the amount of couches by the fire certainly looked nice. And that had to be the largest display screen he's ever seen outside of a stadium or cinema. Though he supposed that it was decent by dragon standards. When it came to the tune of the music box, he was understandably unfamiliar with it but he became quite fixed on it as he looked to the box. "What song is this..?"

Uzulmira chuckled at Zether's words, giving him a nod, "Oh I did indeed have plenty of time to learn, from mother and father as well as other family friends. We Deinmaar are after all a noble family, we have certain roles and obligations to uphold. It is amusing to me really that you ended up continuing that legacy, albeit in a different fashion. Quite the odd feeling to know my family's name is attached to an entirely different Kingdom, with somebody bearing the name ruling over an entirely different population I know nothing about. I wonder if this is how many members of those wide spread Human dynasties feel? Such strange developments, but not necessarily negative. Still, good to see we have a tradition of leading. Gives me some extra hope for the family staying strong for some time to come, although adapting to the concept of having adopted non-Dragons in the family is an odd one." She then smirked, amused, "You remain some random Dragon until you make a better name for yourself as part of the family. And even then, it is a bit odd for two adult siblings to be in the same bedroom for too long. That means a very different thing in certain other families with different traditions." She left it there, her smile showing that it was in jest. Uzulmira did have a friendly side once her intense leadership visage went down.

The Dragoness was settling herself into one of the larger cars when Zether asked his question. She looked over to the box herself and gave a smile, speaking to Zether in a nostalgic tone, "Oh, that song? It's a little thing left behind by my mother, Wizlcara Deinmaar. She was never any good at signing, but she always had a lovely ability for humming. She made me a music box when I was a young hatchling, when she realized that her humming helped me sleep. The tune isn't anything special, she's just humming a simple lullaby, that being 'The Ballad of Alpohis', a small tale about a Dragon sleeping on the moon. This isn't the original box, I keep that in the family vault, but Azultiri found out how to replicate my mother's box and the recording within. We have a few now, Azultiri keeps one in her room, there's this one here, and Malgkirgor had one made so it could help with his own daughter. Little Bekqura has taken well to it, I heard. My mother is long past, but this little recording she made for me lives on. It's a memory for me, but also a way to ensure that my mother's kindness is felt ever more by the family. I play it in here to help me relax. It gets stressful running a fief, this place lets me remember back to simpler times." She was quiet for a moment, and then smiled softly at Zether, "I think mother would've liked another brother of mine hearing her song. A kinder brother."

She sighed, getting a bit somber as she thought about somebody else, but then shook her head, "Another time. For now, please sit. This is a private place, and I can call Malgkirgor and Azultiri here soon. First, I just want to get made aware of a few things ahead of time. You mentioned having another brother like yourself earlier, you called him Draco. Quite the name for a Dragon, I will say, but I am curious about him. How did the two of you come about? And what is this Draco like?"

Honour guard

The Empire of Bezannia of Triporea

Iammelon wrote:Arriving at Heord, the ship would be able to bear witness to the defensive fleet that surrounded Heord, the mighty Golden Armada of Heord. The mighty battleships, plated with Arcalite from Heord, called Heord Gold by Iammelonians thanks to that origin. They gleamed in the light of Heord's star, an imposing sight for the protectors of the Cradle of Dragons. They didn't make any movements to stop the Queen of Maryburgh however, as they were simply on guard duty and not here to stop it from arriving. It would be the flagship of the Golden Armada however that responded to the communications.
The voice that responded was a gruff, deep one, that of a Dragon, "This is UNV Sun Flame, Admiral Akazari Uzfic speaking. Your representatives should be getting more used to setting up meetings at the Presidential Palace on Javalus now, rather than here. That is the capital now after all and where the Grand Drake, erhm, I mean the President handles most of his business now. But I can confirm that we received your communication, and President Tyfrondor kept himself on Heord so he can hear this urgent business you speak of. Your representatives are cleared to land at the Golden Mountain Palace in a shuttle. Use the uppermost landing pad, your representatives will be escorted to the President upon arrival. I hope your news is indeed important enough. Admiral Uzfic out." The Dragon's voice cut out. Admiral Uzfic wouldn't be a name most would recognize, as he was only a rear admiral during the Civil War, mainly handling work behind the front lines. He did distinguish himself after the war's offical closing however, hunting down various remnant Confederate Fleets which had refused to give up. He was not known for his tact, and he certainly lived up to that.

Regardless, access was granted, and so the Bezi representatives would be allowed to go on down to the Golden Mountain. The Mountain was quite impressive as always, still gleaming. There was still some cleanup in process, as the various elements of the military command center were being moved out, but the place was as vibrant as ever. The landing platform they were indicated towards was a large platform extending out from the mountain, sitting up towards the height of the mountain itself. The landing pad itself was at the end of the platform, and in front of it was a massive gate, an old remnant of the days when this place serviced Dragons only. Standing out in front of the landing platform was a batch of Watrike soldiers, led by one notable Watrike; Charka, the Drake's Executioner and head of his bodyguard. She patiently waited for the Bezi to come down and land so she could greet the imperial representatives.

The HIMY Queen of Maryburgh entered the atmosphere and slowly steamed for the mountain. As it approached closer a large shore boat broke away from the main ship and landed on the platform. The shore boat was quite elegant, made of fine wood and metal. It had an enclosed cabin in the middle a sunken stern with outdoor seating and a flying cockpit. At the helm of the flying cockpit was a sailor in full dress and he piloted the ship to land on the platform. The craft deploying small rails along the keel to touch down. Two marines exited the cabin and opened a small panel door, lowering a staircase. The marines stepped back as the two representatives emerged from the cabin. They both wore grey striped trousers and black double breasted frock coats. Their white shirts had stiff tall collars with no wings and they wore black bowties. Each wore a top hat and white gloves. One carried a leather attaché case. They both stood together and each tipped their hat to Charka.
“Pleasant greetings from Bezannia. I am Sir George Keith and this is my attaché Theodore Moseley. We are agents of Her Imperial Majesty, Shanalotte. And we bring a formal invitation written in the Empress’ own hand to be delivered personally to President Tyfrondor. If her majesty was in good health she would have travelled herself, you see. But I shouldn’t like to waste the president’s time and if he should be occupied with other engagements this letter can simply be passed on and we shall take our leave.” Charka had known this man, recognised him at least. Sir Keith was a representative of Shanalotte in the past. Even before the civil war and had visited Heord many times acting on official business. This other one, the attaché was unknown to her.

The Celestial Imperium of The Alicorns

Iammelon wrote:Masquif laughed out in amusement at Aurea, her confusion and desperation being quite apparent to him. He gave a sadistic smile as the psionic ball he was charging up seemed to reach its peak, and he shouted out, "Just running won't save you! But by all means, keep trying! This is plenty of fun to watch you squirm, ahahaha!" With that, he tossed the psionic orb up into the air, and with a snap of his fingers it broke, causing it to split into a dozen smaller pieces. The pieces of the former orb were jagged bits of energy, and they all suddenly shot out towards Aurea as a burst attack, each acting like a small guided missile. Masquif meanwhile put a finger to his forehead, speaking out, "Let's see how you handle that, and I want a peek." As the psionic missiles flew, Aurea would also feel the Psion reaching out with his mind, attempting to impose upon hers. He was trying to pry into her thoughts, a first step into ripping into her mind properly.

Aurea would, despite the guided nature of Masquif's missiles, do her damndest to dodge, it, several near misses even causing tears in parts of her clothes. The real challenge, she knew on a less than surface level thought, was the whole "having to judo throw a Psion's sheer ego off your damn head." And so, she tried to do that one with the one fact that even she didn't require the briefing to know.

YOU GUYS LOST THE WAR LOL

The Empire of Bezannia of Triporea

L empire wrote:The Musie’s frown continued to grow as he listened to this *extremely* arrogant man speak, his arrogance grinded against his soul, like nails on a chalk board. He pondered briefly, on how could the masterful divine Alohai, which possesses all, and encompasses all. How could it spawn such an arrogant brat. He pondered this as he tried to shuffle that to the back of his mind.

He then heard one of the crew members speak of a city planet, and that immediately caught his interest, though he hid it incredibly well. This Empire must be incredibly advanced, and especially powerful if they could turn an entire planet into a city. It boggled his mind a little bit trying to picture this planet spanning city, he could picture a billion, billion lights blinding you from all directions, it seemed almost maddening trying to picture it. The other worlds interested him too, this empire had many colonies it seemed, with billions dwelling on them.

The Musie, looked back up to Captain Jeyorge. “I see quite an interesting set of worlds you come from. I guess it is time for me to introduce mine. This is Dynar, the homeworld of my race the Dynas, the second children of Gabriel, Alohais will personify. I am Musie Kakesane Ieoloko, victor of the twenty fifth Great Game, slayer of Kata’sad, Conqueror of the villages of Tada’zukee, the annihilator of Nariko’bbun’s Artillery legion. Lighting Lord of the army of the Sandabounduno. I hail from the ethnic clan U-okingu.” he said, as he calmly explained his position and achievements, he had calculated if these foreigners knew of his accomplishments, that would at least raise their respect for him.

“Now to my arrangement, I propose I will grant you exclusive mining rights. If you can exchange with us, firearms and weapons of your Empire.” the Musie said, he expected this to be rejected, but this acted as a test for foreigners, to see how high of bar were they expecting, and how far would he have to negotiate down from.

George raised his eye, “bloody long list of titles, you sound like a proper aristocrat you do.” He chuckled a little, “Isabella, isn’t your uncle a merchant?”
“He is, but I’m a stoker, so don’t ask me. Though you two should get along nicely, heh.” She laughed, “ecker bastard.”
George glared at Isabella, “So you want guns so we can mine? I suppose these are fair terms. But I’m not a merchant or a company man. So I can’t exactly just give you guns I don’t have.”

Saoirse was listening carefully and talking with John. She was being quiet and respectful, but personally she couldn’t stand this musie fellow. He seemed like a proper stuck up bloke who happened to be pious for some damnable god. Whoever this gabriel was, she knew it didn’t bode well for future interactions.

L empire

Triporea wrote:George raised his eye, “bloody long list of titles, you sound like a proper aristocrat you do.” He chuckled a little, “Isabella, isn’t your uncle a merchant?”
“He is, but I’m a stoker, so don’t ask me. Though you two should get along nicely, heh.” She laughed, “ecker bastard.”
George glared at Isabella, “So you want guns so we can mine? I suppose these are fair terms. But I’m not a merchant or a company man. So I can’t exactly just give you guns I don’t have.”

Saoirse was listening carefully and talking with John. She was being quiet and respectful, but personally she couldn’t stand this musie fellow. He seemed like a proper stuck up bloke who happened to be pious for some damnable god. Whoever this gabriel was, she knew it didn’t bode well for future interactions.

The Musie cursed himself, for not considering the fact that they possibly had no weapons at hand. He had to think of something quickly. “I see, that may be an issue. Do you have any way to contact fellowships of your kind, maybe they can send a diplomat and we can have this all formally arranged.” The Musie said calmly, hiding his annoyance at what he felt was disrespect from this Jeorge, comparing him to just an aristocrat.
He had balanced the risk and reward of the situation, yes this could very well put his world in parallel, if he more of these Xenos were not as friendly as this group. But he weighed it against the possibility of gaining superior firearms, giving his people more leverage when the council meeting occurs.

The Empire of Bezannia of Triporea

L empire wrote:The Musie cursed himself, for not considering the fact that they possibly had no weapons at hand. He had to think of something quickly. “I see, that may be an issue. Do you have any way to contact fellowships of your kind, maybe they can send a diplomat and we can have this all formally arranged.” The Musie said calmly, hiding his annoyance at what he felt was disrespect from this Jeorge, comparing him to just an aristocrat.
He had balanced the risk and reward of the situation, yes this could very well put his world in parallel, if he more of these Xenos were not as friendly as this group. But he weighed it against the possibility of gaining superior firearms, giving his people more leverage when the council meeting occurs.

“A diplomat?” George scoffed, “so you want to invite the whole bloody government over here? Ha... heh... that's funny. Don’t know why in the world you’d want to invite the imperial government. You want guns I’ll get you in contact with a company who makes em for exclusive mining rights.” George smiled and stood up, his smile seemed genuine and he raised his eyebrow, “Isabella. Go to Clovis and get your aunt on the long range transmitter. Explain everything to her and see when she can get here.” The creach snorted and spat, walking off and mumbling to herself. Stopping by John and Saoirse to pat John’s shoulder. John followed her and Saoirse joined George. Saoirse looked the Musie over and gave a slight bow of her head.
“Beannachtaí Oisín.” She said to the Dynar leader, “Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir.”



The Celestial Imperium of The Alicorns

A few months after the Civil War's end...
It was a cool autmumn day in New Canterlot, and on the side of its many streets sat a green coated alicorn named Terra. Officially, she represented a host of titles, three of the most important were Empress of the Celestial Imperium, Princess Paramount of Equestria, and High Commander of Tordelia. Terra, one of the East's three last independent imperial monarchs, had been sitting outside a maid cafe for a different reason. Namely, getting ideas for her next... rather "lewd" project. "Hmm... no, I've already done that idea recently, and for this one... nah..." she muttered as she took a hand to grab the cup of steaming coffee besides her.

She looked up from the comm to just take in the autumnal Equestrian street. While Equestria was no famed tourist site yet, she could still hear the chatter of Urvan and Melite Basic among the crowds of human, pony, and anthropoid animal alike. A few years ago, few came except as part of the rebuilding efforts in a freshly born Imperium's attempts at establishing a new capital. Now, while a few storefronts were vacant still, many were now sites of stores of all kinds. She noticed that a few more had placed signs in both Melite Basic, and that there were more stores that proudly advertised Iammelonian imports.

She took a sip and sighed, looking back down at her notes again.

The turmoil in the East had finally been extinguished. For Tordelia's north, the Tavar Union had been dead for years, the communist revolution crumbling under the weight of its tyrrany, and with it the old Talmyrox was fully restored. and according to servants that had been planted (and kept) in the Talmyr's courts, she was implementing a large series of economic and administrative reforms. Some said even some constitutional ones, though how sincere those were with the Zantine influence her husband gave was questionable at best. For its eastern border, Iammelon was firmly under Tyf's benevolent claws. The old corporate order was being washed away by a series of nationalizations, and the draconian president was in the process of setting up the government.

"Hey, sis, got all the stuff," said a familiar voice. Turning her head, Terra saw the sight of her sister, Cynder, with a folder full of papers in hand.

"Thanks, you want anything?" Terra asked as she grabbed the folder and began to look through its contents.

"Ah, the usual. Add a couple of sweets in too," Cynder replied, before she calling for one of the maids indoors.

From what Terra could see, things were looking generally favorable. While Myrafiora was a Talmyr cut from a classical, almost mythical, cloth, ruling as a benevolent and enlightened autocrat. There was a reason why infiltrating her court was so hard, especially with-

"Oy, what are you looking at, [expletive] bull?" shouted Cynder as a minotaur seemed to study her parfait's tower of sweets.

- those guys. The heir, on the other hand, was a more... interesting figure, in both looks and beliefs. Sofya, heir of two empires, was rumored to be more interested in living a more liberal political life. Combined with rumors of the Seyn's ascent as a result of every other revolutionary faction imploding in the Tavar Union's rise. Combined with juicier colonial targets to its west, the Talmyrox was more likely than not to uphold its treaty obligations.

On the Union's side, well, the outcome was almost as certain as Tyfrondor's victory in the war. The new senatorial elections were likely to be carried in a landslide by Tyfrondist and Rasgonite politicians, with a small smattering of regionalist candidates like the now-former Threesisters' Stellar Peoples' Interest Party or that one Anubite party some new noble in the High Lordship was backing heavily. And while they were beginning to crawl out of their cradle, all the intel could gather was interest in Visca, as well as talks around the ports about a great trade expedition to the faraway stars of the West. All in all, Tordelia was unlikely to be next on Tyfrondor's buffet list. For now, anyway.

"Oh, sis, you wanna hear some nice rumors I got around the Admiralty?" asked Cynder, plot now on a bench and making a balancing act of the tower of sweets. "'S bout them Confed folks we helped beat up."

"Really?" asked Terra, now interested. This was a nice break from covering the big players.

"Mhm, yep," answered Cynder between bites, "We got folks scatterin all over the place! 'Pioneers and patriots' are what they're claimin themselves to be. I heard two of them were Zantine projects, one disappeared though. Ran into a freak etherstorm. Nobody's found the wreckage. The other? Basil!"

"Wait, Basil?" asked Terra, "Him? The brother of the new Zantine Emperor? I thought they'd keep him in Instabull as a spare?"

Making a grand swoosh with her spoon, Cynder replied, "Nah, madlad [fornicating] grabbed a fleet and headed northwest. Rumors have it he's going for pussies, in both senses of that term."

"Oooooh, interesting, tell them to keep an eye on him. Anyone else interesting?" asked Terra once more, totally not planning a new issue of something.

"Uh, one more. There's this handsome lad from Tenarcsee, Rios, he's interesting. Some guys from that southern batworld, they say he docked over there and was aimin to grab some land down in the south." The parfait was half gone as Cynder finished the last sentence.

Pulling up a picture, Terra could see why. The man looked quite nice and charismatic, even from a battlefield photo. Two warlords that made good material at once? What interesting times she'd been in. "Anyway, you wanna hear some of the weird reviews I've gotten on my work?" she asked.

Tings coming from a spoon hitting the bottom of the glass, Cynder replied, "Ah, sure, I heard about that one account who kept screeching that this was some filth coming from someone who should be more dignified. Did she post more? I wondering if she..."

Iammelon, Triporea, and Shinboku

L empire

Triporea wrote:“A diplomat?” George scoffed, “so you want to invite the whole bloody government over here? Ha... heh... that's funny. Don’t know why in the world you’d want to invite the imperial government. You want guns I’ll get you in contact with a company who makes em for exclusive mining rights.” George smiled and stood up, his smile seemed genuine and he raised his eyebrow, “Isabella. Go to Clovis and get your aunt on the long range transmitter. Explain everything to her and see when she can get here.” The creach snorted and spat, walking off and mumbling to herself. Stopping by John and Saoirse to pat John’s shoulder. John followed her and Saoirse joined George. Saoirse looked the Musie over and gave a slight bow of her head.
“Beannachtaí Oisín.” She said to the Dynar leader, “Pleased to make your acquaintance, sir.”

The Musie was first slightly insulted by the bombastic, energetic and rowdy behavior of Jeorge and despised what he perceived to be a mocking tone and actions. He then was caught off guard, by him suggesting rather then a meeting between governments, they bring...a merchant to a meeting, and the fact this merchant...had access to some of the best weapons this civilization could give...and produced them privately, for private consumption rather than the heads of state watching over its production to field armies...it was quite interesting, set him into a whir, though he hid it well.

His thoughts were interrupted, as Saoirse spoke up. He assumed the words she spoke was a form of greeting. He gave a little nod, to acknowledge her. This xeno interested him greatly as he looked over to her, her body so similar to the Cypherians, except for the skin color. But so different at the same time, especially the ears., it was truly intriguing to him. “Nie heao xi’aoli jiāney ěrduon Yin.” he said with his nod, he was quite pleased with this one's respectfulness, this xeno understood to respect its superiors, unlike the Captain. “It is quite nice to make your acquaintance as well.”

The Empire of Bezannia of Triporea

L empire wrote:The Musie was first slightly insulted by the bombastic, energetic and rowdy behavior of Jeorge and despised what he perceived to be a mocking tone and actions. He then was caught off guard, by him suggesting rather then a meeting between governments, they bring...a merchant to a meeting, and the fact this merchant...had access to some of the best weapons this civilization could give...and produced them privately, for private consumption rather than the heads of state watching over its production to field armies...it was quite interesting, set him into a whir, though he hid it well.

His thoughts were interrupted, as Saoirse spoke up. He assumed the words she spoke was a form of greeting. He gave a little nod, to acknowledge her. This xeno interested him greatly as he looked over to her, her body so similar to the Cypherians, except for the skin color. But so different at the same time, especially the ears., it was truly intriguing to him. “Nie heao xi’aoli jiāney ěrduon Yin.” he said with his nod, he was quite pleased with this one's respectfulness, this xeno understood to respect its superiors, unlike the Captain. “It is quite nice to make your acquaintance as well.”

George headed off for the ship and ascended the ladder to the deck to join his comrades. Saoirse was left alone down there with the musie. “I suppose tis only fair we greet each other with native tongue, eh? Since you seem to be taoiseach of the people here I want to apologise for my actions towards a man names Juro Benn. Lad was wary of my colleague and I and tried to defend his land. So I defended my colleague with my gun and diffused the situation. I wish I didn’t have to, but as was taught by Oisín, ‘Tá coirníní ag an damh le haghaidh áilleacht agus cogaidh.’ The Stag’s Antlers are not just for beauty.” She smiled, “I suppose I should entertain you with speech while George and Clovis use the machine. I’m from Cepiuadh, or Kepioy in George’s tongue.”
A shout came from the ship, looking up George was standing on the railing, “I say, hello! The honourable Lady Iseabail Mackenzie of Clan Choinnich is on her way here, we’ve passed her our coordinates and she’ll arrive by private ship in three days time! So we’ll have to crack on until she gets here.”

L empire

Triporea wrote:George headed off for the ship and ascended the ladder to the deck to join his comrades. Saoirse was left alone down there with the musie. “I suppose tis only fair we greet each other with native tongue, eh? Since you seem to be taoiseach of the people here I want to apologise for my actions towards a man names Juro Benn. Lad was wary of my colleague and I and tried to defend his land. So I defended my colleague with my gun and diffused the situation. I wish I didn’t have to, but as was taught by Oisín, ‘Tá coirníní ag an damh le haghaidh áilleacht agus cogaidh.’ The Stag’s Antlers are not just for beauty.” She smiled, “I suppose I should entertain you with speech while George and Clovis use the machine. I’m from Cepiuadh, or Kepioy in George’s tongue.”
A shout came from the ship, looking up George was standing on the railing, “I say, hello! The honourable Lady Iseabail Mackenzie of Clan Choinnich is on her way here, we’ve passed her our coordinates and she’ll arrive by private ship in three days time! So we’ll have to crack on until she gets here.”

The Musie’s interest in this cypherian looking women more, trained in combat, but far better more respectable and honorable then her superiors. Yet she was not in command of this crew, it was such an oddity. He was also quite impressed with the idea she was able to defuse a hostile situation all on her own, these Xenos, perplexed him every second, it seemed. “It is alright, I am just glad he was not harmed.” he said with a smile as he looked up to the Captain bombastic shouting, and letting out a little sigh.

“Excellent, I will see you to be provided with accommodations for your brief three day stay.” sad the Musie as he replied.

The Arkanis Combine of The Ebony Republic

L empire wrote:She turned around briefly and looked at them. “Our well leader now, is Gabriels firstborn, Lord Knight 1;1, he was personally raised by Gabriel and served along side him.” she said as she continued to watch and stopped in front of a statue, and kneeled in front of a statue.

As the Captain and Aithanar approached, she could see a massive statue, molded from precious rubies. It depicted a tall man, red robes fluttering with a golden chest piece covering them. Sat on his head was a regal, large headgear which obscured his face. In his right hand was a staff, swirling burning lights covering it. His left hand she saw three children of some unknown alien species reaching out to cling to his fingers.

First was a blue skinned human looking little girl, her face one of curiosity, she wore what looked to be a sun dress as she grasped his thumb. Next her stood an insectoid-like creature, wearing peasant-like rags grasping his ring finger, next to him stood a rat-like creature, adorned in robes of silky black, grasping his middle finger. 14;1 stood after several seconds. “This is Gabriel...and those are his children, the ones we’ve sworn to protect in his absence.” she said as she bowed to the figure and began walking off. “Come Lord Knight, is just this way.” she said as she approached another Hallway, its light gleaming like the sun.

The two followed along, the Captain shielding her eyes from the intense light quietly. Aithanar continued on without much issue to his vision, walking along silently.

The Adjudicator silently continued its orbit, as the Admiral finally exited from the conference room. The CEFV Crowsguard was enroute now, allegedly with the CEFV Basilisk. The ships had just detached from Delmah Shipyard A1-B. The Crownsguard was a newer ship, an Elg'hasek-class Heavy Cruiser whose paint had barely been exposed to stellar hazards. This is why a Bellator-class Destroyer, the Basilisk was dispatched under the head of Grand Admiral Elziavra of the Fifth Fleet. The ships themselves were directly on a pinpoint course towards the system the crash had occured, their sails full power and the onboard AI making subtle adjustments to use the Ether waves in the most efficient way they could calculate.

L empire

The Ebony Republic wrote:The two followed along, the Captain shielding her eyes from the intense light quietly. Aithanar continued on without much issue to his vision, walking along silently.

The Adjudicator silently continued its orbit, as the Admiral finally exited from the conference room. The CEFV Crowsguard was enroute now, allegedly with the CEFV Basilisk. The ships had just detached from Delmah Shipyard A1-B. The Crownsguard was a newer ship, an Elg'hasek-class Heavy Cruiser whose paint had barely been exposed to stellar hazards. This is why a Bellator-class Destroyer, the Basilisk was dispatched under the head of Grand Admiral Elziavra of the Fifth Fleet. The ships themselves were directly on a pinpoint course towards the system the crash had occured, their sails full power and the onboard AI making subtle adjustments to use the Ether waves in the most efficient way they could calculate.

They continued to walk for what felt like weeks, the hallway of light, its beams slowly morphing into shining paintings of ancient battles constructed of pure light, the depictions showed groups of angelic figures battling looming, towering, beings made of colors unknown as behind them stood tall figures, cloaked in ornate robes. Other paintings showed a mystical battle between long tentacled squid looking creatures, and towering humanoid figures made of pure swirling gas, under the two a man in a dark red robe raised his hands, and let out a scream, from his eyes and mouth a blast of power made from the darkest blacks, a black darker than night.

Eventually, the glowing hallway ended, and they stepped out in front of a door, it reached into the heavens, it stretched past scattered clouds which hung above. The door itself was carved from some unknown red substance, it was neither metal, nor wood, solid or liquid. It seemed to ripple, it's carvings constantly shifting, new odd hierlograhics and carvings forming onto its face. On closer inspection, the Captain could see an image of two short individuals, with a mighty giant standing in front of a massive door form onto its surface.

“The Lord Knight is in here.” 14;1 said as she approached the door and put her hand on its surface, she breathed for several seconds, as it began to slide open, bright blue lighting coming in, as the door slowly swung open.

House of vengeance

Iammelon wrote:Ilox looked up at the rather nervous Fraph and she was rather amused by her uncertainty. The OMNI Commander actually got a bit of a smile on her face from it, as she did not at all mind. She wasn't a overly strict person, and she did not blame Fraph for being nervous in regards to meeting a new species and culture filled with people you don't know. She was a leader of soldiers, not a diplomat or explorer, and her troops clearly respected her. That meant she was not weak, simply not in her element. Besides, perfect social skills were hardly a requirement for a tactician. So Ilox had a positive reception to the big, lost Baroness.

She simply decided to shake some of Fraph's fingers, as she couldn't shake the whole hand. The oddly sultry voice got an amused eye raising from Captain Maltoi since he wasn't expecting one larger than a Taurus to have such a voice, getting a small smile from him as well. Ilox responded calmly, not at all minding the delay, "That we are, both pushed into traveling the ether after being pushed from our homes. Your fleet is impressive, I must say. And I commend you for dealing with Apex as well, or at least one batch of them. They're a troublesome bunch, and ones I know all too well. Your subordinates spoke well of you, so it's a pleasure to meet you. As I am sure you can guess, I would like to be on good terms with your House of Vengeance, so I'll follow along with the procedures here. Mithra said I needed to meet with you before we could wander about the fleet, so what sort of things do you need me to do? Oh, and I suppose I should introduce the two with me. This is Marine Captain Maltoi, he is a Taurus and a close quarters combat expert." Maltoi gave a wide smile and a wave with his hand. He stayed silent for now however, even despite a clear wish to talk, since he was not granted permission to do so by the commander. Ilox then gestured to the Ialao, "And this is Captain Sysglow, she's an Ialao and more of a technical person." Sysglow simply gave Fraph a nod, before glancing about again to get more looks at the fighter craft in the hanger she seemed to be curious about.

Fraph's men seemed more at ease now that they could see that their leaders odd behavior would not perturb present company. Mithra especially was pleased that Fraph was easing up in front of Ilox and her team. Fraph took on this praise from the commander rather well, though still baring the Commanders size into consideration as she shook her hand delicately. Though bringing her hand back afterwards as to not make it too long. "Oh I just handle security for the fleet, our overall fleet is managed by Shipmaster Saxim. But I thank you, it is a pleasure to meet you too. I can only wonder what my nephew has told you about me." She says looking back to Mithra, who just seemed to look gleefully up to his superior "Only the best things I can assure you."

"So you are familiar with these Apex scoundrels then? I'm rather glad it was just a batch of them, their weaponry was very effective against most of my counter measures. But I think I did rather well to break their attack wide open." Fraph says as she then hears that Ilox wishes for their two peoples to get along. Something she was more than happy to reciprocate since their people could use more friends out here. On the topic of what Ilox needs to do so she can have a wander around the fleet she does already know the answer to that. Though she keeps it in mind as she looks to the officers Ilox was introducing to her, including the rather tall Taurus. It was strange meeting beings as tall an Eliksni. But still she nodded to them out of respect and noted that they were quite disciplined in seeing that that Taurus wanted to talk but stayed silent since he had not been given permission to speak. This spoke volumes of Ilox's capabilities to command and earn respect. Then she looked to the diminutive officer beside the Commander, the strange xeno that she has never seen before, though it seemed she had quite the mind for mechanics as she took great interest in their fighters. "A pleasure to meet you both, you've already met my officer on the way here."

She then looks back to the Ialao for a moment before looking to Ilox "Getting free reign of our fleet is quite a simple thing. It is what we tell traders that make their way to us from time to time so I see no reason not to give potential friends the same tips. As long as you keep within visual range of our ships and keep comm lies open, at least ask permission from ship captains to get closer looks at specific sites like our mining efforts and if you wish to board one of the live ships then you will may have to be go through a quick scan before docking, just so nothing harmful to our atmosphere comes aboard, then you are more than welcome to wander... Though do bare in mind that not everyone will be thrilled to meet new people so soon, especially live ship inhabitants. People are still grieving what losses we took with Apex's attack... Other that standard laws apply when on the live ship, just like any other station or habitat. Mostly just follow common sense and try not to mind the odd behavior of some once they see someone taller than them that isn't an Eliksni."

With that long winded explanation our of the way she then gets back to her thoughts from before. "If it is alright with you Commander, I can have someone from my engineering team show your curious captain our fighters. And I wouldn't mind seeing what your close quarters specialist has to ask."

Honour guard

Triporea wrote:Doctor Elise kept this in mind as she worked, but after a few minutes, she stepped back. “Well, I believe I’ve done all I can. I do say you are a most interesting race, but alas, it’s been many years since I’ve brushed up on Xenobiology.”
Jazmin’s lip soured as she continued to whisper, “We should confront her about it-“ Jazmin stopped talking as Elise finished her work. “Alright, Elise whoever you are. I want some answers. Why were you down here, and why do you sound like the AI that’s causing all of the problems here!”
Elise was a bit startled by all of the accusations, “I can assure you I’m not here by choice! And if are referring to the artificial intelligence I invented to manage the One Government’s power grid, I haven’t been in contact with it ever since I was imprisoned by those idiots for ‘conspiring against the One World Government!” Jazmin’s expression turned from anger to pure confusion.

-

“We’re in Bezannia, my dear Sephus! All the cafes are good!” She laughed as she popped off the main avenue to the closest streetcafe. Passing a small hedge barrier and entering an outdoor sitting area, Liline grabbed the closest table. A smartly dressed human waiter in a white shirt, black bowtie, black waistcoat, and white apron over his trousers came to the table.
“Sir, Madam.” He nodded his head to each, “may I interest you in a pot of tea, coffee, or chocolate?”
Liline answered before Sephus even could react, “Chocolate. And we’ll have the High Tea service.” The waiter bowed at the neck and briskly walked off. A few minutes later, a young boy came over and set down a small wire frame, he then set a copper kettle on the frame and two thick ceramic mugs on the table. Pouring the first cup of thick and creamy looking hot chocolate for both the lady and gentleman. The boy bowed at the neck and left. Taking in the environment of the street cafe, there were many a finely dressed Creach women sitting around with Fatimazda and Equiaux. Most of the humans here were the waiting staff. Decorative square hedges separated the sitting area from the sidewalk. There were no awnings over the area since they were under a mountain. But there were hanging garden pots from the side of the building that houses the cafe itself, each pot filled with a miniature tree. This sitting area having tables arranged in a circular manner around a large fountain which had a lion in a proud and noble pose on tope of a pedestal. Lion heads on four sides of the pedestal spewing water into the fountain pool. The sound of gentle piano and symphony could be heard over the bustling of the cafe and the street, but the radio’s location could not be identified. Just a calm and relaxed upper cafe in this upper part of the city.

"Oh no we're all of different races. I'm human, well half human for the most part. And my friend here is a Fatimazda hybrid... Normal ones don't look like her though." She says before she looks to Jazmin as she starts whispering about confronting Elise. "Wait is that the best idea when she's right next to Harlock-"

Filia then bore witness the brief argument that followed Jazmins initial interrogation. Though from the sounds of it, the government of this planet were all idiots who locked up anyone with a shred of ambition that didn't fit into their vision. Must be why the AI went crazy, having to deal with so many conflicting idiots all the time. It almost made her wish she was with the Zerg again. At least they followed her and weren't morons most of the time. "So you have no idea that your AI has become the heart of a mutant apocalypse that plunged this planet into the dirt?"

-----

"All the cafe's huh. I suppose with you by my side, that will always be true." He remarks with a smirk as he followed her down the main avenue and then into a quaint streetcafe with a outdoor seating area, taking a seat at the table she grabbed. He was looking forward to some hot chocolate, the cold had gotten him rather harshly on the trip here. So something to warm him up was something he really needed about now.

He watched the boy brew their pot of hot chocolate before looking around, taking in the sights before them with a smile on his face. Taking in the relaxing atmosphere, soaking it all in for a moment before he tucked in to his hot chocolate, feeling the warmth surge through him as he looked far more awake now. "Aaaah~ Perfect. A good view and a pleasant atmosphere really makes this taste better. How are you enjoying it?"

Iammelon wrote:Aloni was clearly proud of her grand victory, but she noted Yajana's confusion and gave a quick comment, "Oh don't you worry yourself on that one, Yajana. I'll leave Mierl to teach you the meaning of that one. He'll do it well, I bet. Sieg meanwhile has to wait for the nice big admiral, or perhaps just a large, powerful Taurus. Either seems to suit her tastes. In either case, it's as she says. All for the future of her people. After all, aren't such intimate relations such a good way to integrate?"

On their way to the barracks, Mierl spoke up to answer Sieg's question, "The moon of Cuthia is known as Garden. It is a habitable moon, and so has a large population of Cuthians as well. Distinctly known as Garden Cuthians. They are magic experts, and so in combination to their weapons are very dangerous. It is sensible to take the moon as well as the planet, lest it continue to resist and be a thorn in the side of invasion. Sensible to conquer."
While Mierl gave the factual statement in his manner of fact speech, Aloni then butted in to comment with her more snarky voice, as she had some very interesting information to add, "What Mierl forgot to mention is the type of magic they are experts at! Garden is where Pundramancy was born, and so the place it is most powerful! The magic experts are all seasoned Pundramancers, and the moon itself is covered in puns. Some deadly, some just groan worthy, and others completely nonsensical. Even the residents of Cuthia proper despise the moon for its crazed nature. Not my place of interest. But what about you Sieg, how's your funny bone?" She smirked at Sieg, before then adding, "Don't know if we're assigned to taking the Moon, but if we are... Maybe you can use your charms to get Tamour to reassign you."

Meanwhile, Tamour was walking towards the bridge alongside Melyphis, thinking about his strategy for handling Cuthia. Although then some additional thoughts came to mind. He looked to the Broodmother, interested in her opinion on something, "Melyphis, there is something I am curious about. You are one of the more experienced and elder Broodmothers, so did you know what your previous leader's plan was? For the long term, I mean. I am aware they wanted to of course spread their control and the Swarm as far as possible, but did they have any sort of real purpose in mind beyond that? Did Filia actually have something she wanted? I don't even quite remember what happened with her. Pretty sure she ended up somewhere else."

Seig turned positively red as Aloni started to spread her blasphemy to her younger sister, so she starts to lightly slap at Aloni to try and get her to cease this totally not true and completely baseless talk "S-Shut! Shut right not stop please no don't tell her these things I am not like this stop right now." She could handle being teased away from family, but right in the face of her sisters was straight torture that was seemingly too much for her powerful heart to handle. Meanwhile Yajana just looked as confused as ever at Sieg's strange behaviour and what Aloni saying not quite making sense to her. Though she did understand that intimate relations are a good way to integrate, she was still experiencing that for herself.

Once Sieg was calming down on the way to the barracks, she listened to Meirls answer to her question about the Cuthian moon of Garden. Slow, condensed dread not entirely her own, as if getting it from some far off mood kindred, started to wash over her as she heard everything being said about these Pundramacers and their complete warp f*ckery of the Moon called Garden... Sieg had seen the newly created Coralians that her sister had made and they were already quite taken with Pundramancy. She started to wish she never asked. And she resenting Aloni for making a pun at a time like this. "Please stop, I do not want to get jinxed and get sent down there. Even if it would get me accolades, I am violently allergic to terrible humour jumping to life right in my face."

Melyphis looked up to Tamour as he addressed her, quite happily smiling as she heeded the words of her superior. "I am quite happy to satiate any curious questions you have sir." She says with a pleased tone, she has gotten quite used to her position at his side. As he asks what the plan of the previous Queen of Blades, that smile does lessen into a sort of puzzled expression that only hangs there momentarily. "Conquest, that was the long term plan. The swarm isn't a society with a good track record for having a stable lifestyle. Back before we started my project they lived, breathed, sweat and bled conquest... Though that conquest was being directed by the monster your people had already staved off once before. Filia's ascension was not a natural one... But I am glad that she is somewhere safe, away from horrors with the Firstborn."

Iammelon wrote:Rovin thought about the prospect and found it quite amusing. The idea of some being created by an Empire for a major purpose ending up some simple farm world, using her abilities to handle the local issues. There was something quite enjoyable about the prospect of a woman capable of making weapons simply using them to catch a cow-tipper, or to repair a broken fence. Such things would get recognition and gratitude from locals, but hard to tell if that would be enough. The worse case was pretty plausible as well, of course, although not as amusing, "Let's hope for the best case. A nice life helping out some farm folk sounds better to me than getting caught and starting a minor diplomatic incident. Doubt the Union would like having uncontrolled Sins running around."

His smirk grew as well as she caught the double meaning, quite good as far as he was concerned given that it was a small prod. He rose his eyebrow in an exaggerated way, faking surprise at her words, "Really now? Seems I took you for being much easier than you are. Or am I simply that charming to get so close? After all, you are already laying down in front of me, and I doubt you'd let my hands get so close if I was doing something wrong. Seems I do really still got it. And well, suppose I should add for myself that I am not one to lay down with just anybody either. Part of why I don't have any kids of my own. I'm quite selective, I'll have you know. Haven't really gotten close enough to anybody I like to change that..." He leaned in closer to put his face closer to hers, almost touching, while keeping his hands where they were, "Well, until now, that is."

Hearing the mock surprise was all well and good, but Rovin would still get whapped by one of her tails at his jokingly saying he thought she would be easier. "I can always roll back over you know~" She says as she decides to tease him about him being 'simply that charming'. Choosing to indulge him as she smirks at him. "Who knows~ Perhaps I'm throwing you a bone for saving my life. Though you are rather strapping, courageous and just that little bit of dumb I've come to adore~ But I should say..." She quiets her tone as she moved his face closer to hers, a lips difference from one another as she whispers "I'm happy to know you're just as selective~" Piper kept her eyes on his, a soft glowing hue of pink mixing in with the orange colour of her eyes while less than pure intentions seemed to fill her thoughts. "So what does the merc intend to do..? How many more hints should I give you?" Piper points out her hardly vailed intentions with a sly smile growing wide across her face.

Iammelon wrote:Uzulmira chuckled at Zether's words, giving him a nod, "Oh I did indeed have plenty of time to learn, from mother and father as well as other family friends. We Deinmaar are after all a noble family, we have certain roles and obligations to uphold. It is amusing to me really that you ended up continuing that legacy, albeit in a different fashion. Quite the odd feeling to know my family's name is attached to an entirely different Kingdom, with somebody bearing the name ruling over an entirely different population I know nothing about. I wonder if this is how many members of those wide spread Human dynasties feel? Such strange developments, but not necessarily negative. Still, good to see we have a tradition of leading. Gives me some extra hope for the family staying strong for some time to come, although adapting to the concept of having adopted non-Dragons in the family is an odd one." She then smirked, amused, "You remain some random Dragon until you make a better name for yourself as part of the family. And even then, it is a bit odd for two adult siblings to be in the same bedroom for too long. That means a very different thing in certain other families with different traditions." She left it there, her smile showing that it was in jest. Uzulmira did have a friendly side once her intense leadership visage went down.

The Dragoness was settling herself into one of the larger cars when Zether asked his question. She looked over to the box herself and gave a smile, speaking to Zether in a nostalgic tone, "Oh, that song? It's a little thing left behind by my mother, Wizlcara Deinmaar. She was never any good at signing, but she always had a lovely ability for humming. She made me a music box when I was a young hatchling, when she realized that her humming helped me sleep. The tune isn't anything special, she's just humming a simple lullaby, that being 'The Ballad of Alpohis', a small tale about a Dragon sleeping on the moon. This isn't the original box, I keep that in the family vault, but Azultiri found out how to replicate my mother's box and the recording within. We have a few now, Azultiri keeps one in her room, there's this one here, and Malgkirgor had one made so it could help with his own daughter. Little Bekqura has taken well to it, I heard. My mother is long past, but this little recording she made for me lives on. It's a memory for me, but also a way to ensure that my mother's kindness is felt ever more by the family. I play it in here to help me relax. It gets stressful running a fief, this place lets me remember back to simpler times." She was quiet for a moment, and then smiled softly at Zether, "I think mother would've liked another brother of mine hearing her song. A kinder brother."

She sighed, getting a bit somber as she thought about somebody else, but then shook her head, "Another time. For now, please sit. This is a private place, and I can call Malgkirgor and Azultiri here soon. First, I just want to get made aware of a few things ahead of time. You mentioned having another brother like yourself earlier, you called him Draco. Quite the name for a Dragon, I will say, but I am curious about him. How did the two of you come about? And what is this Draco like?"

It really was a strange turn of fate that he would take the family legacy to the height of royalty and then onto Imperial royalty given his daughters recent innovations of his budding Kingdom being turned into an Empire. He was rather proud of her for that, letting her ambitions carry her to heights that might impress afew dragons. He shared his sisters views on how their family was part of Dragon nobility and the leadership of an entirely different Empire. "You'll hopefully get used to it in time, I'm still rather blown away with my family being actual nobility. Oh the non-dragons won't be an issue. My three direct children are in some way part dragon. But even then Alicia is by no means lesser to my other children. While she may appear human, she is nowhere close to them. Or I should say that the other way around.." Zether then gets amused slightly by the fact he was still a random dragon in the larger scale of things. He knew he still had much to prove, and he would make good on that in time. He still had much to do. "I believe the softskins have an excuse for this sort of occurrence. Something about being Step-siblings making it okay." He says with a joking tone as he continues to look around the room.

Once she got to explaining about the box and the music within it, his eyes moved back to looking at it. Taking in the melody as a slight smile formed on his face. He then grows a little saddened after hearing all of what Uzulmira had to tell of her mother. He regretted the fact he did not get to meet her, had fate turned out differently and he was brought home alongside their father his fate may have been very different. Still, he would not lament his life for he had brought much good into the world. He had done much to atone for the sins he was dragged into doing before he was awake for the first time. "She sounds like a wonderful mother, I wish I could have met her." He says before hearing her say that her mother would have liked that a kinder brother was listening to her song, something he was curious at, but would not pry since it was far too soon to be asking of such things.

As she asks, he does take a seat on the couch next to hers, settling in as he listened to what she had to say. He had thought she wanted to hear about the contents of his story that he may have to leave out during the little story time session sometime soon, but he was surprised that she would bring up Draco first. Still he more than happily answered her question. "Yes, Draco. The name was given to him by our handler during our upbringing as the only candidate for the Sin of Wrath. Weapons to save the populations of entire worlds from genocide." An interesting way of putting it. 'Candidate'. Not candidates... "We came about just after our father encountered the Athailian people and agreed to help create a weapon to counter a particular cosmic monster that was causing the Empire many problems. Originally we were one being, myself and Draco of one mind and body. I was... Well... As ludicrous as this will sound... His imaginary friend." He grimaced slightly at having to refer to himself like this, something had no pleasure in doing since it made him sound like a crazy person. "I was a separate personality he was creating in order to control himself and the power his young body contained. The entire theory of Antimagic and the means to use it was inside our heads, the weight of that knowledge was simply too much for an infant's mind to hold. So it was shared between us... And for some reason I still don't understand, they tore our psychies apart, splitting the both of us up... For a time we were allowed to stay together but all of a sudden they put me in stasis and cast Draco into a separate dimension until he escaped recently."

He then took a moment to give Uzulmira some time to process the lunacy she had brought upon herself before he assured her that it was all true. "As for what Draco is like... He isn't too different to myself. Abit more rough around the edges and not as fun loving as I am I suppose. But he isn't a stick in the mud... He can be serious, brooding at times, but never suffocatingly so. He has a good moral compass, never cruel and never allows the wrath we were created for get out of control. Until some months ago he was trapped in a separate dimension like I said, though his now Amziel lover helped him get free. So he is never too far from her seeing as she was the only person to free him from his wrongful imprisonment. He is grateful to her. So to some it all up... He's like me, but he lived a very solitary life and was strong willed enough to come out of it sane."

Iammelon, Triporea, and Shinboku

The Empire of Bezannia of Triporea

L empire wrote:The Musie’s interest in this cypherian looking women more, trained in combat, but far better more respectable and honorable then her superiors. Yet she was not in command of this crew, it was such an oddity. He was also quite impressed with the idea she was able to defuse a hostile situation all on her own, these Xenos, perplexed him every second, it seemed. “It is alright, I am just glad he was not harmed.” he said with a smile as he looked up to the Captain bombastic shouting, and letting out a little sigh.

“Excellent, I will see you to be provided with accommodations for your brief three day stay.” sad the Musie as he replied.

She bowed to the musie and nodded, “I’ll have to help carry our provisions and such. If you’ll excuse me.” The woman said as she stepped away from the tall alien. George and the rest of the crew came down from the ship each carrying trunks and such. George approached the Musie and smiled. “Well, as I said, she’ll be here soon. Though, I dare not intrude on your village if it is too much. We could always stay in our tent or on the ship.”
Isabella was standing with her husband and barked at George, “carry on, edjit. I want to eat and rest soon.” The fatimazda’s tail flicked but he kept looking at the musie.



The Empire of Bezannia of Triporea

Honour guard wrote:"Oh no we're all of different races. I'm human, well half human for the most part. And my friend here is a Fatimazda hybrid... Normal ones don't look like her though." She says before she looks to Jazmin as she starts whispering about confronting Elise. "Wait is that the best idea when she's right next to Harlock-"

Filia then bore witness the brief argument that followed Jazmins initial interrogation. Though from the sounds of it, the government of this planet were all idiots who locked up anyone with a shred of ambition that didn't fit into their vision. Must be why the AI went crazy, having to deal with so many conflicting idiots all the time. It almost made her wish she was with the Zerg again. At least they followed her and weren't morons most of the time. "So you have no idea that your AI has become the heart of a mutant apocalypse that plunged this planet into the dirt?"

-----

"All the cafe's huh. I suppose with you by my side, that will always be true." He remarks with a smirk as he followed her down the main avenue and then into a quaint streetcafe with a outdoor seating area, taking a seat at the table she grabbed. He was looking forward to some hot chocolate, the cold had gotten him rather harshly on the trip here. So something to warm him up was something he really needed about now.

He watched the boy brew their pot of hot chocolate before looking around, taking in the sights before them with a smile on his face. Taking in the relaxing atmosphere, soaking it all in for a moment before he tucked in to his hot chocolate, feeling the warmth surge through him as he looked far more awake now. "Aaaah~ Perfect. A good view and a pleasant atmosphere really makes this taste better. How are you enjoying it?"

Jazmin looked at Filia and then back to the doctor, “Oh yea, forgot to mention it’s crazy now!”
The doctor seemed confused, “mutant... apocalypse? What the hell are you talking about? My AI is a power management system! It’s not... that advanced! It can’t be, it was designed to administer... a nuclear power grid not cause the end of the world! And also, why am I being interrogated right now? I should be asking you three what the hell you are all, who you are, and why there’s nobody down here!” The woman stamped her foot and threw her hands to her sides.

-

Liline had rolled her eyes seeming to enjoy his romantic statements. Liline sipped it and nodded, “oh yes. I enjoy it, very much. Hm. Though not as good as the stuff they serve out in Santo Duraco. That’s where the most delicious stuff is served. They have this wonderful little wooden stick to stir hot chocolate and make it froth and light. I believe it’s simply the best way to enjoy such a beverage. Though, not like such a sophisticated place like this would take inspiration from the colonies.” Sephus then noticed, rather... suspiciously a creach woman sitting nearby. It was Marjorie Duncan, the woman from that late night encounter and the train platform. And the way her ears were wiggling it was perhaps a sign to anyone careful enough to observe she was eavesdropping. Now before Sephus could say anything just by looking at Liline he knew she had seen this long before he had. So Liline yawned and snagged an umbrella cane from a nearby table with her arm. Quickly sliding it across the floor and hooking it around the chair of Miss Duncan, Liline yanked the cane and dragged Marjorie from her table to Liline and Sephus’ table.
“Miss Duncan, right? How kind of you to join us. Please, just stay there.”
“What in the pedipl-“
“Hush now, and tell me why you’re here.” Liline’s face grew grim. Even if she wasn’t carrying a weapon, Liline likely could injure the Creach before the smartly dressed woman could even draw a pistol.
“I-I promise, I mean no harm... I’m the sheriff of the Clan Dhonnchaiadh lands! A-and my lady, h-her grace Duchess Elpseth of Berlochshire. me to try and deduce why an ImpSec agent was suddenly in our territory! I-it’s not everyday that an impsec representative shows up unannounced, and we wished to be... careful...”
Liline squinted but seem to accept the answer, “Well I’ll be the first to tell you I’m no longer in service to the Empress.” Marjorie, who had the characteristics and mannerisms of a bureaucrat rather than a spy or a fighter seemed to just have been an innocent attempt to discern some truth. Perhaps in a poorly thought way, but innocent enough.
“I-I see... w-well my lady still... wished to talk to you... E-Even if you aren’t in service of Empress and Country anymore.”
“A duchess calling for me? Well that’s certainly exciting.” Marjorie carefully removed an envelope from her briefcase and placed it on the table.
“A formal invitation from Duchess Elspeth Duncan, Shaighdearan of Clan Dhonnchaidh to Castle Lyall. F-for business and a reception to Tir Creachdair befitting... you.” Liline took the letter, opened it and read it. After reading it she seemed to relax even more.
“I see, well you may inform the duchess we’ll be happy to oblige her request at her convenience. And also relay to her that she really ought to just send a message direct by post rather than use her sheriff to spy on me.”
Marjorie seemed flushed now, “I-I will. B-but she has prepared a time the day after next. Eighteen O’clock imperial time. C-can I go?”
“After apologising for scaring my man and I.”
Marjorie stood and removed her hat, bowing to both. “On behalf of the clan, I apologise for my actions.” She put her hat back on and seemed to awkwardly remove herself from the cafe. Liline smiled and looked back across the table.
“Amateurs.” She chuckled. The boy waiter from before placing a wire rack with three plates in an ascending tower on the table. The bottom plate had a selection of finger sandwiches, the middle scones, cream and jam, and the top tartlets.

Honour guard

Sakiris

Part One:

"Love!" Called the Count's Wife, "For the love of everything you hold sacred! Get on this Sail!" Ibn-Harai wasn't having it, for 13 years he was lord of this castle, Ostan'hallah, the fortress hold of the County of Ostanakar, his noble house. Angrily, he snapped his gaze away from his wife and to the walls and courtyard before him.

Ostan'hallah was built over 1,000 years ago, located in Guk'tar Khur where both day and night ruled the sky, splitting the sky between the east's daylight and the west's dark night. It was here in this thin strip of land circulating the whole of Sakiris that most of the planet's food resources were grown, and it was outside Ostan'hallah's ancient painted walls that a vast field of cacti crops were grown, now plundered by the besieging army of some upstart warlord whose men were rushing through the courtyard and slaughtering his loyal Sakirai and Prawnic warriors. His trance of shock was broken once more by his wife's pleas.

"Harai! As your wife I call upon your honor bound duty to me as a husband to get on this sail and run from this mess! You are better alive than dead here!"

Ibn'Harai snapped, "Like hell I am! There is no honor in abandoning the home of my house!"

"If you leave me to live alone you will have no honor! Please!"

Harai gave her a dark glare, "No." His knights stood before him, where there were once three-hundred, only twenty remained. His most loyal vassals, Sakirai honor bound to fight by his side to the death, they had sworn an oath by blood to do so. Toward them he walked and pointed to the carnage below from up high on their tower.

"Our home has fallen! But we are still standing? To arms great warriors! Invoke R'ho-Ahai and together we shall fall side by side as his servants, for you no longer serve me!"

The knights gave a salute, bringing their right arms to their chests and bowing their head to the Count. At this, the young Ibn-Harai drew his Dynast (a sword made of Dynastar) and led his men to the entrance to the stairs leading to the great battle occurring below, where the bodies of 2,000 enemy troops lie still, trampled over by 7,000 more who rushed over the walls by ladder and tower and down into the courtyard to join in on the slaughter.

Countess Eftalya, wife to Count Ibn'Harai, stood on the wind sail (A craft built to be propelled off of Sakiris' harsh winds), lamenting to see her home burnt, to see her husband whom she truly loved to be so determined to die. She was forced to hunch over at a jolt of pain from her womb, she thought she was with child, but she knew not whether is was true. She'd elected not to tell her husband until she knew for certain... but now was not time to keep to her resolution, she needed her Husband, as did her child. So she stepped down from the Sail with the help of her Sakirai retainer Naa and called out to her husband once more.

"Harai! You idiot! If you die here today, your child will be without his father!" She'd no idea whether or not it was a boy or a girl, but she knew he wanted a son, "Die here today and I become a widow and your son an orphan! You have a duty to us! Honor it!"

At that, Harai halted and turned to see his Countess welling with tears, he looked to his knights, of which one lifted his visor and revealed his face. Otun'hataar, the Baron of Ostan'haktan, a loyal vassal and old warrior of renown. "Young lord, go to your wife. I will lead the army."

Harai stammered, "I- I will n- not let you d- die without my presence! I would bring great shame upon you!"

Otun's face old wrinkled face darkened, "On our honor we swore to protect you and your family. Your wife needs you, she is with child, and you have a duty to serve and defend them both!" He drew his dynast and waved it about in the air, giving his stern gaze to the rest of the knights, "It will be our honor to fight in their names!" The knights drew their Dynasts and shouted, "R'ho Ahai!"

Harai stood shocked, torn between his family and his home. His love and his honors. But he stood too long, for Otun with a dynastar gauntlet struck Harai's face and knocked him out cold, ordering two knights to carry him onto the sail. Otun walked with them, then approaching Eftalya, placed an arm on her shoulder.

"He needs you to be strong, as does your son."

Eftalya wiped away the tears from her face, "I'll miss you, Baron Otun."

Otun smirked, "Formal till the end huh? Come now, I won't leave without a hug."

Eftalya embraced him, her only father figure, fighting away more tears along with a red runny nose, "Please, promise me you won't throw your life away..." She held him tighter.

"Only if you promise to return." He pushed her away from him, holding her by both shoulders and looking her in the eye. "Promise me you will return and my life shall not end this day."

Eftalya's tears returned wailing out in a sob as she struggled to respond, "I... promise."

Otun closed in for another embrace before parting again, handing her his Dynast, Hataaratai, a sword passed down through the twenty generations that were his family. Now Otun was the only one that remained, having nothing more to live for but the chance of his lord and lady's return, a chance to serve honorably to the end. "Here," Otun started, "Now you'll have to return, I can't let you keep my family heirloom." He quipped.

Eftalya fought to smile through her grief and embraced him one last time before kissing both his cheeks and boarding the wind sail. Otun watched as they left swiftly, being shot at from riders on the ground trying to bring the swift ship down, but they'd gotten away. Good.

Part Two:

Harai woke from his involuntary rest, he smelt the smoke rising from the fires in the distant halls of the slave ship. He raised his left arm and felt a jolt of pain shoot throughout his entire body, forcing out a cry of pain. He saw Eftalya's tattered rags from the corner of his eye, then his attention shifted to her. He shifted to his feet as fast as he could, limping to where she lie on her side, clutching Hataaratai. He looked over her, shamed to see where he and she were, though he knew not where exactly he was. They were once the heads of the ancient house of Ostanakar, now they wore rags to blend in with the slaves that surrounded them, eating meagre slave food which consisted little more than a bland cacti paste. Naa lay still beside her, along with Oghuk, her Prawnic servant, along with her retainers. There were seven left... Khotan, Shalor'hadaad, Ystenhidai, Lo'h, Hadan, Atan-Hodrai, and Gehastad-Ibn'Hasaar; all of which he'd personally selected to guard Eftalya with their lives, and even in a starshipwreck, they still lay close.

They'd been close since they left Ostan'hallah, traveling to the city of Tipir (ruled by an enemy lord) where they ditched their noble clothes, stashing their Dynastar armors and weapons in a sack held by Oghuk. He was very useful, and always loyal, never leaving Eftalya's side.

From Tipir they took a paid a slaver to hitch a ride on his starship away from enemy territory, he did not care where... But he did not expect to leave the Sakir system. It was for fifty days and fifty nights, or so he thought, that they were left crammed in the slave quarters, treated alike. At that point he realized the slaver had taken the little money they had left and enslaved him, his wife, and her retainers; but it was not to last.

For on the 51st day in interstellar space, the slave ship had begun evading pursuit from a pirate craft. The chase lasted for four days, in which the slave ship traveled into an unkown star system, hoping to hail for help, whereafter the starship was shot and forced to make an emergency descent and landing on an unknown world.

Harai snapped back to the present and realized again what his situation was. He shook Eftalya and her retainers awake, "The slaver crashed the ship... We have to find a way out of here!"

L empire

Triporea wrote:She bowed to the musie and nodded, “I’ll have to help carry our provisions and such. If you’ll excuse me.” The woman said as she stepped away from the tall alien. George and the rest of the crew came down from the ship each carrying trunks and such. George approached the Musie and smiled. “Well, as I said, she’ll be here soon. Though, I dare not intrude on your village if it is too much. We could always stay in our tent or on the ship.”
Isabella was standing with her husband and barked at George, “carry on, edjit. I want to eat and rest soon.” The fatimazda’s tail flicked but he kept looking at the musie.

The Musie gave the woman a bow back, and let a smile slip on his lips. He was pleasantly surprised to find one of them to be respectful and he had enjoyed his brief conversation with the pointy eared young one. He then heard Jeorge shout down. “Oh no, no I insist, you are a guest, and as your host I insist that we take care of your needs.” he said back up to the giant lizard man in front of him.

The Arkanis Combine of The Ebony Republic

L empire wrote:They continued to walk for what felt like weeks, the hallway of light, its beams slowly morphing into shining paintings of ancient battles constructed of pure light, the depictions showed groups of angelic figures battling looming, towering, beings made of colors unknown as behind them stood tall figures, cloaked in ornate robes. Other paintings showed a mystical battle between long tentacled squid looking creatures, and towering humanoid figures made of pure swirling gas, under the two a man in a dark red robe raised his hands, and let out a scream, from his eyes and mouth a blast of power made from the darkest blacks, a black darker than night.

Eventually, the glowing hallway ended, and they stepped out in front of a door, it reached into the heavens, it stretched past scattered clouds which hung above. The door itself was carved from some unknown red substance, it was neither metal, nor wood, solid or liquid. It seemed to ripple, it's carvings constantly shifting, new odd hierlograhics and carvings forming onto its face. On closer inspection, the Captain could see an image of two short individuals, with a mighty giant standing in front of a massive door form onto its surface.

“The Lord Knight is in here.” 14;1 said as she approached the door and put her hand on its surface, she breathed for several seconds, as it began to slide open, bright blue lighting coming in, as the door slowly swung open.

Aithanar and the Captain moved forward, letting 14;1 lead the way in if she so pleased. The Captain returned to the normal Confederate stance, hands behind the back, back straight, looking ahead. Right hand interlocks the first, walking off the Storm Commando unit's tempo, left, right, left right. Aithanar moved forward without much of a singular word, the Vok utterly silent as he proceeded forward.

The Crownsguard and Basilisk reached the halfway point, where the rest of the Adjudicator's patrol group had been commanded to wait. After linking up and the transfer of chain of command, the rest of the group proceeded along with the Basilisk along the route the beacons had been deployed.



L empire

Sakiris wrote:Part One:

"Love!" Called the Count's Wife, "For the love of everything you hold sacred! Get on this Sail!" Ibn-Harai wasn't having it, for 13 years he was lord of this castle, Ostan'hallah, the fortress hold of the County of Ostanakar, his noble house. Angrily, he snapped his gaze away from his wife and to the walls and courtyard before him.

Ostan'hallah was built over 1,000 years ago, located in Guk'tar Khur where both day and night ruled the sky, splitting the sky between the east's daylight and the west's dark night. It was here in this thin strip of land circulating the whole of Sakiris that most of the planet's food resources were grown, and it was outside Ostan'hallah's ancient painted walls that a vast field of cacti crops were grown, now plundered by the besieging army of some upstart warlord whose men were rushing through the courtyard and slaughtering his loyal Sakirai and Prawnic warriors. His trance of shock was broken once more by his wife's pleas.

"Harai! As your wife I call upon your honor bound duty to me as a husband to get on this sail and run from this mess! You are better alive than dead here!"

Ibn'Harai snapped, "Like hell I am! There is no honor in abandoning the home of my house!"

"If you leave me to live alone you will have no honor! Please!"

Harai gave her a dark glare, "No." His knights stood before him, where there were once three-hundred, only twenty remained. His most loyal vassals, Sakirai honor bound to fight by his side to the death, they had sworn an oath by blood to do so. Toward them he walked and pointed to the carnage below from up high on their tower.

"Our home has fallen! But we are still standing? To arms great warriors! Invoke R'ho-Ahai and together we shall fall side by side as his servants, for you no longer serve me!"

The knights gave a salute, bringing their right arms to their chests and bowing their head to the Count. At this, the young Ibn-Harai drew his Dynast (a sword made of Dynastar) and led his men to the entrance to the stairs leading to the great battle occurring below, where the bodies of 2,000 enemy troops lie still, trampled over by 7,000 more who rushed over the walls by ladder and tower and down into the courtyard to join in on the slaughter.

Countess Eftalya, wife to Count Ibn'Harai, stood on the wind sail (A craft built to be propelled off of Sakiris' harsh winds), lamenting to see her home burnt, to see her husband whom she truly loved to be so determined to die. She was forced to hunch over at a jolt of pain from her womb, she thought she was with child, but she knew not whether is was true. She'd elected not to tell her husband until she knew for certain... but now was not time to keep to her resolution, she needed her Husband, as did her child. So she stepped down from the Sail with the help of her Sakirai retainer Naa and called out to her husband once more.

"Harai! You idiot! If you die here today, your child will be without his father!" She'd no idea whether or not it was a boy or a girl, but she knew he wanted a son, "Die here today and I become a widow and your son an orphan! You have a duty to us! Honor it!"

At that, Harai halted and turned to see his Countess welling with tears, he looked to his knights, of which one lifted his visor and revealed his face. Otun'hataar, the Baron of Ostan'haktan, a loyal vassal and old warrior of renown. "Young lord, go to your wife. I will lead the army."

Harai stammered, "I- I will n- not let you d- die without my presence! I would bring great shame upon you!"

Otun's face old wrinkled face darkened, "On our honor we swore to protect you and your family. Your wife needs you, she is with child, and you have a duty to serve and defend them both!" He drew his dynast and waved it about in the air, giving his stern gaze to the rest of the knights, "It will be our honor to fight in their names!" The knights drew their Dynasts and shouted, "R'ho Ahai!"

Harai stood shocked, torn between his family and his home. His love and his honors. But he stood too long, for Otun with a dynastar gauntlet struck Harai's face and knocked him out cold, ordering two knights to carry him onto the sail. Otun walked with them, then approaching Eftalya, placed an arm on her shoulder.

"He needs you to be strong, as does your son."

Eftalya wiped away the tears from her face, "I'll miss you, Baron Otun."

Otun smirked, "Formal till the end huh? Come now, I won't leave without a hug."

Eftalya embraced him, her only father figure, fighting away more tears along with a red runny nose, "Please, promise me you won't throw your life away..." She held him tighter.

"Only if you promise to return." He pushed her away from him, holding her by both shoulders and looking her in the eye. "Promise me you will return and my life shall not end this day."

Eftalya's tears returned wailing out in a sob as she struggled to respond, "I... promise."

Otun closed in for another embrace before parting again, handing her his Dynast, Hataaratai, a sword passed down through the twenty generations that were his family. Now Otun was the only one that remained, having nothing more to live for but the chance of his lord and lady's return, a chance to serve honorably to the end. "Here," Otun started, "Now you'll have to return, I can't let you keep my family heirloom." He quipped.

Eftalya fought to smile through her grief and embraced him one last time before kissing both his cheeks and boarding the wind sail. Otun watched as they left swiftly, being shot at from riders on the ground trying to bring the swift ship down, but they'd gotten away. Good.

Part Two:

Harai woke from his involuntary rest, he smelt the smoke rising from the fires in the distant halls of the slave ship. He raised his left arm and felt a jolt of pain shoot throughout his entire body, forcing out a cry of pain. He saw Eftalya's tattered rags from the corner of his eye, then his attention shifted to her. He shifted to his feet as fast as he could, limping to where she lie on her side, clutching Hataaratai. He looked over her, shamed to see where he and she were, though he knew not where exactly he was. They were once the heads of the ancient house of Ostanakar, now they wore rags to blend in with the slaves that surrounded them, eating meagre slave food which consisted little more than a bland cacti paste. Naa lay still beside her, along with Oghuk, her Prawnic servant, along with her retainers. There were seven left... Khotan, Shalor'hadaad, Ystenhidai, Lo'h, Hadan, Atan-Hodrai, and Gehastad-Ibn'Hasaar; all of which he'd personally selected to guard Eftalya with their lives, and even in a starshipwreck, they still lay close.

They'd been close since they left Ostan'hallah, traveling to the city of Tipir (ruled by an enemy lord) where they ditched their noble clothes, stashing their Dynastar armors and weapons in a sack held by Oghuk. He was very useful, and always loyal, never leaving Eftalya's side.

From Tipir they took a paid a slaver to hitch a ride on his starship away from enemy territory, he did not care where... But he did not expect to leave the Sakir system. It was for fifty days and fifty nights, or so he thought, that they were left crammed in the slave quarters, treated alike. At that point he realized the slaver had taken the little money they had left and enslaved him, his wife, and her retainers; but it was not to last.

For on the 51st day in interstellar space, the slave ship had begun evading pursuit from a pirate craft. The chase lasted for four days, in which the slave ship traveled into an unkown star system, hoping to hail for help, whereafter the starship was shot and forced to make an emergency descent and landing on an unknown world.

Harai snapped back to the present and realized again what his situation was. He shook Eftalya and her retainers awake, "The slaver crashed the ship... We have to find a way out of here!"

Part One

As the unknown ship spiralled out of control into the system, a long forgotten satellite sprang to life. Well Satellite could honestly not be able to describe accurately the living, breathing being made out of flesh metal, and bone steel, and whose mind has been toned for millenia, to be able to reach out for millions of miles to, accurately analyize a ship to its crew members, to its technological capabilities, to even the subatomic structure it was made out of, though unfortunately many of those features and traits had been lost after eons of sleep.
Its sleep, slowly parted, its long dormant “engines.” if such a mortal word could be used to describe such tools, spun to life as the long forgotten “satellite.” began its assessment of itself. It scanned over millions of problems it identified with its being, billions of small cracks in its dormant psyche. It analyzed each and everyone of its previous abilities and to see if they were still active, recalling memories eons old. It did this all in a single second, determining that it was at 10% capability and would need two thousand years to reconstruct itself to operational status.
It did know it could at least scan the ship roughly to determine its technological ability still, and its crew size. It made a quick scan, its many eye’s extending their vision to the ship itself and its mind raking over every single inch it could. It determined within microseconds the ship was of a primitive design and incredibly damaged and most likely was to crash somewhere on Cypherius with what it determined was its trajectory, so it determined that the ship was far below any serious threat level at least navally.
The amount of people it could roughly estimate between several dozen, to several hundred. Extremely cramped, most likely destitute or worse. It could only identify several minor threats as its mind retreated back to its body, and began compiling all the data it had gathered together into a psychic message, hand crafted for the Lord Knight himself. Its non euclidian bone metal creaked as its “engines.” finished the production of the message and sent it out.

Part Two

Lily, groggily sat up from her bed, letting out a long yawn as she sat up and looked around and sighed to herself. The small gray room she called a flat still sat around her, she could see the bathroom, kitchen and dining room all in front of her. She saw the small stained piece of glass she called a “window.” and could see the light from the surrounding city shining into her bedroom, the smog infested, what seemed to be eternally raining, gloomy factory and skyscraper littered, city named Salinas, the city which she called home.

She slowly got out of bed, her muscles aching and walked over to the stove, putting on some tea as she stripped out of her night gown and threw it into the laundry basket, which sat next to the sink. She then approached the basic tub, which she called a shower and turned it on. Cold water spraying her, she let out a light gasp as she wrapped her arms around herself as she tried to get use to the cold water.
After several minutes, the water covering her body and making her flowing red hair, was now dark and damp and stuck to her, she was able to put her hands to her side, and reach for the soap. She briscally began washing herself, letting the soap stream down her body and rubbing it into her hair. After several brisk moments of washing, she finally was done and turned off the water, stepping out of the tub and grabbing a towel, and went to observe herself in the mirror.

She was about twenty eighth years old, and was luckily blessed by the Gods with a sumptuous form, but that form was meered with strain and scars from her almost four years working at the oil well, five miles off coast. Her hands had various scars, from cuts and burns she had received while working at oil well. Her muscles were broad and well toned, but constantly ached, as she had to pull heavy and hard chains and anchors that attached to the drills, and work the often breaking down engines. She sighed as she dropped the towel and began putting on her work clothes.
A pair of dark green overalls over a plain white shirt and a large blue trench coat and tough brown work boots. She slipped on her work gloves and a flat cap as she approached her bed again, giving her husband a kiss on the head as she walked out, lightly closing the door behind her as she stepped out into the pouring rain, letting out several hacks as the pollutants hit her hard, she walked forward tightening the blue trench coat around her form as she made her way to the bus station, which would take her to the dock, where a ferry would wait to take her to the rig she worked at, it was a very long journey she thought as she sighed to herself.

On the rig

“Lily get your bloody a## over to the engines, one of thems about to burst!” shouted Captain Manford, her voice booming over the dark and swirling clouds. Rain battering her as she shouted. Lily gave a yes mam as she ran like her life depended on it, cause it well kinda did to the engines, sliding down a set of slippery ladders to reach them.

She saw red sputtering engine, its funnels pointing out steam, and a little dial on it turned to the critical. She immediately got to work popping a plate open inside the engine, burning her arm in the process as it briefly touched the scorching hot metal. She winced in pain and let out a scream, as she tried to get back to work, trying her best to ignore the extreme burning sensation going across her arm as she whittled with the various knobs and levers, going fast she jumped up and approached a very large lever, and began pulling it. The Steam continued to pour out of the engine as she struggled to pull the heavy lever. She cursed who ever designed this gods blasted machine, as it slowly creaped forward. She strained and screamed as she tried to pull the lever.
Then suddenly she was shaken, thrown forward as she felt the very rig left from some super wave, as she was launched forward, pulling the lever, which finally cooled down the engine. She fell to the floor and took heavy and deep breaths as she slowly stood up. She saw water pouring from the ladder hatch, and could only wonder how large the wave was, as she climbed up the ladder. She saw the entire crew including the Captain, completely drenched and just staring in awe at something, what she couldn’t tell until she got closer.
Her jaw dropped, as what stood in front of her was a ginormous alien vessel, its origin and design she had never seen before, not in newspaper or television, nor in parades, the ship looked battered and beaten as waves slapped and crashed against it. She immediately snapped out of it as another wave crashed against the rig, and heard the barking of the Captain. “Quickly contact the bloody Navy, Army, the QUEEN IF YOU MUST, AND GET SOMEONE OUT HERE NOW!” she shouted, her old but booming voice echoing across the crashing waves.

Part 3

Queen Suis Boanne smiled, as the warm waves of the bath she sat in lapped around her, her light blue hair, wavey as she lowered deeper into pool. She was currently enjoying the “company.” of two Dynas merchants, and were currently in the process of “negotiations.” of Dynasian Raw materials being delivered to Cypherius. She slipped down further, the joy of the scented candles, the warm water and the presence of the two merchants over whelmed her. Her smile only increased as she felt the jagged but warm hand of one of the merchants slowly rub her shoulders.

Before it got any more intense, a massive crashing noise interrupted her serenity, causing her to shoot up, accidentally smacking one of the merchants in the face with her head, as it seemed he was looking to kiss her. “Oh gosh I am so so sore-” the intruder then made his presence clear. Her informant John Willums, saluted to her. “Bloody hell John cover your eye’s.” was the first thing she shouted at him, as she saw a red flush cover his face, as they quickly covered his eyes.
“Queen its urgent, we must discuss this matter in private.” he said quickly, the flush still burning and continuing to the rest of his face. She sighed and grumbled, looked at both of the merchants and saying sultrily. “I will be back in a few minutes.” as she stepped out on the cold marble floor of the room, shivering slightly as she grabbed a white towel and wrapped it around herself and approached John, taking him by the hand and leading him into the hallway promptly closing the door behind her.
“John, you can uncover your eye’s now.” she said, as John slowly lowered his hand seeing the white towel and letting out a sigh of relief. “Thank you My Queen.” he said quickly, as she sighed. “What did you wish to speak to me about, I was busy...negotiating…” she said quickly as her eyes darted slightly. “Well there are reports that in nearby oil rig...uhm an alien craft has crashed.” she rolled her eyes. “Did you really interrupt me because of some sailor talk?” she said, as John silently gulped.

“I agree...but...they also sent some pictures with the message as well...and their uhhh…shocking…” he says as he hands her the pictures, her eyes go wide in shock and surprise as she see’s the alien vessel which sits in front of her. “Quickly, get three vessels near the ship, I want every one of those manned with women!” she shouted, John quickly saluting and scampering away.

She sighed and quickly opened the door and said back into it. “I am sorry sweeties, but I have to go do something very important, I will be back in a few hours...please dearies wait for me.” she say’s, as she closes the door, and running to her room to get dressed, as the orders were given out, and these ships were soon enroute for the rig, covered with soldiers.

Sakiris

L empire

The Ebony Republic wrote:Aithanar and the Captain moved forward, letting 14;1 lead the way in if she so pleased. The Captain returned to the normal Confederate stance, hands behind the back, back straight, looking ahead. Right hand interlocks the first, walking off the Storm Commando unit's tempo, left, right, left right. Aithanar moved forward without much of a singular word, the Vok utterly silent as he proceeded forward.

The Crownsguard and Basilisk reached the halfway point, where the rest of the Adjudicator's patrol group had been commanded to wait. After linking up and the transfer of chain of command, the rest of the group proceeded along with the Basilisk along the route the beacons had been deployed.

As the massive doors swung open, the small creak of light soon became a wave, a wave of pure holy light washing over them. The light soon dissipated and 14;1 stepped, and the sight before them to be called extraordinary...would just be an understatement, the entire room, if it could be called that, when it more resembled the size of a massive city. Was made entirely of gold and silver, archs and beams covered it, giving it a truly intimidating look. Under closer inspection the gold and silver actually weaved together to create massive tapestries of the creation of the universe.
Then they gazed upon him, their standing at fifthteen feet tall, making even 14;1 look small was Lord Knight 1;1. His hair a flowing white, his body perfectly tan, resembling perfectly chisled and molded clay, no blemishes, scars or imperfections upon his form. Sticking out from his back were seven truly massive white wings which stretched out. He sat on a throne of pure white marble, and wore armor of grey.

What was more impressive, was behind the throne was a massive mural the size of several cities as it stretched into the horizons and into the heavens. The mural was of a red robed figure, face concealed with an odd piece of head ware, in his hand was a massive silver staff and the mural almost seemed to stare at them.
The Lord Knight's eyes were closed as he heard them step in. 14;1 Immediately knelt before him. Lord Knight opened his eye’s, they were completely white as he stood up and approached them, his wings blasted light all around him as he approached. “Hello there, I am Lord Knight 1;1, may I ask what have you come upon our system for?” he asked,

The Empire of Bezannia of Triporea

L empire wrote:The Musie gave the woman a bow back, and let a smile slip on his lips. He was pleasantly surprised to find one of them to be respectful and he had enjoyed his brief conversation with the pointy eared young one. He then heard Jeorge shout down. “Oh no, no I insist, you are a guest, and as your host I insist that we take care of your needs.” he said back up to the giant lizard man in front of him.

George nodded, “very well. I would be honoured as captain of this humble mining vessel to accept your hospitality. Though I am perhaps a little fearful you so not have something that can accommodate a species of my stature. Fatimazda sized creatures are rare in our known galaxy.” The crew of the ship had assembled with bags and cases. All of them ready to follow the Musie.

The Nebulean Union of Iammelon

House of vengeance wrote:Fraph's men seemed more at ease now that they could see that their leaders odd behavior would not perturb present company. Mithra especially was pleased that Fraph was easing up in front of Ilox and her team. Fraph took on this praise from the commander rather well, though still baring the Commanders size into consideration as she shook her hand delicately. Though bringing her hand back afterwards as to not make it too long. "Oh I just handle security for the fleet, our overall fleet is managed by Shipmaster Saxim. But I thank you, it is a pleasure to meet you too. I can only wonder what my nephew has told you about me." She says looking back to Mithra, who just seemed to look gleefully up to his superior "Only the best things I can assure you."

"So you are familiar with these Apex scoundrels then? I'm rather glad it was just a batch of them, their weaponry was very effective against most of my counter measures. But I think I did rather well to break their attack wide open." Fraph says as she then hears that Ilox wishes for their two peoples to get along. Something she was more than happy to reciprocate since their people could use more friends out here. On the topic of what Ilox needs to do so she can have a wander around the fleet she does already know the answer to that. Though she keeps it in mind as she looks to the officers Ilox was introducing to her, including the rather tall Taurus. It was strange meeting beings as tall an Eliksni. But still she nodded to them out of respect and noted that they were quite disciplined in seeing that that Taurus wanted to talk but stayed silent since he had not been given permission to speak. This spoke volumes of Ilox's capabilities to command and earn respect. Then she looked to the diminutive officer beside the Commander, the strange xeno that she has never seen before, though it seemed she had quite the mind for mechanics as she took great interest in their fighters. "A pleasure to meet you both, you've already met my officer on the way here."

She then looks back to the Ialao for a moment before looking to Ilox "Getting free reign of our fleet is quite a simple thing. It is what we tell traders that make their way to us from time to time so I see no reason not to give potential friends the same tips. As long as you keep within visual range of our ships and keep comm lies open, at least ask permission from ship captains to get closer looks at specific sites like our mining efforts and if you wish to board one of the live ships then you will may have to be go through a quick scan before docking, just so nothing harmful to our atmosphere comes aboard, then you are more than welcome to wander... Though do bare in mind that not everyone will be thrilled to meet new people so soon, especially live ship inhabitants. People are still grieving what losses we took with Apex's attack... Other that standard laws apply when on the live ship, just like any other station or habitat. Mostly just follow common sense and try not to mind the odd behavior of some once they see someone taller than them that isn't an Eliksni."

With that long winded explanation our of the way she then gets back to her thoughts from before. "If it is alright with you Commander, I can have someone from my engineering team show your curious captain our fighters. And I wouldn't mind seeing what your close quarters specialist has to ask."

Ilox gave a sigh and then a nod to Fraph as she withdrew her hand, "Yeah, I am quite familiar with them. Spent practically half my career dealing with them. It is unfortunate but I will have to give you fair warning, they'll be back. Apex recovers from losses at an usually quick pace, and they don't let things like grievous losses discourage them from revenge. Especially if you've taken some of their cars. They'll likely mount another attack just for the sake of trying to take those back. Some good news however is that most of them aren't tactically brilliant, so to say. If you figured out how they function, you can rely on those tactics to generally work. Unless they're led by one of their more talented leaders, like that damn Bloodclaws, or even worse Velocity himself. They might employ more unique and deadly tactics. Velocity is the name of their leader, by the way. Fought him once, it was not a pleasant experience. Apex may not be the most cunning, but they're certainly brutal. Not to be underestimated."

She then gave a nod, it was rather simple advice after all, "Sounds quite reasonable. I'll inform the more commercially inclined members of my fleet about the rules, since they might want to act as traders. My fleet isn't currently all too prepared to transition into a nomadic life style yet, we're still built on the model of having a powerful faction to supply us. Main reason we came to Duxton was to try and grab what resources we could, and use the facilities. My fleet is quite powerful and capable, but it's a navy without any state to back it up. And it seems like it'll be staying that way. Which means, we're going to need to learn from you folks. Try and get this whole nomad thing down, as it doesn't seem likely we'll be settling down anywhere in particular soon. So, we will be interacting with you Eliksni plenty more in the coming future. We'll keep it more contained, so we don't accidentally salt the wound of the losses. I am aware that in the end, the species of my fleet's crew and Apex are the same, as we come from the same nation. All Iammelonians in the end, even if they are pirates. But I am sure we can earn the trust of your people with due time. I'll also personally make sure my people follow the rules. If not, I'll punish them myself. I hope it doesn't come to that, but I am quite serious in following my obligations."

Ilox then looked over at Captain Sysglow and then Maltoi, thinking for a moment before looking back to Fraph and nodding, "Very well. I am sure Sysglow would be interested in the fighters, and Maltoi is trustworthy. You two have permission to speak and indulge your curiosities." She then stepped back to let the two Captains speak their minds.

First was Sysglow, with the Ialao brightening up at the prospect of having an engineer show her the fighters. She was somewhat indifferent before, but now she seemed excited, smiling at Fraph, "Thank you very much for the opportunity, Braoness. It is very much appreicated, as I do enjoy myself some new hardware to look over." She would of course first wait for such an engineer to show her over instead of just going over on her own. She was still polite after all.

Maltoi was the second to speak, the Taurus grinning at Fraph, "Mighty kind of ya, baroness! Good on ya for spotting out my little curiosity speck. It's nothing big, in truth, but just a little wonder of mine. Not often I see a batch of folks who size up to a Taurus! So it makes me curious, how do you fight? You use that size and muscles in a scrap? After all, looks to me your type would make good shock troops!"

House of vengeance

The Nebulean Union of Iammelon

Triporea wrote:The HIMY Queen of Maryburgh entered the atmosphere and slowly steamed for the mountain. As it approached closer a large shore boat broke away from the main ship and landed on the platform. The shore boat was quite elegant, made of fine wood and metal. It had an enclosed cabin in the middle a sunken stern with outdoor seating and a flying cockpit. At the helm of the flying cockpit was a sailor in full dress and he piloted the ship to land on the platform. The craft deploying small rails along the keel to touch down. Two marines exited the cabin and opened a small panel door, lowering a staircase. The marines stepped back as the two representatives emerged from the cabin. They both wore grey striped trousers and black double breasted frock coats. Their white shirts had stiff tall collars with no wings and they wore black bowties. Each wore a top hat and white gloves. One carried a leather attaché case. They both stood together and each tipped their hat to Charka.
“Pleasant greetings from Bezannia. I am Sir George Keith and this is my attaché Theodore Moseley. We are agents of Her Imperial Majesty, Shanalotte. And we bring a formal invitation written in the Empress’ own hand to be delivered personally to President Tyfrondor. If her majesty was in good health she would have travelled herself, you see. But I shouldn’t like to waste the president’s time and if he should be occupied with other engagements this letter can simply be passed on and we shall take our leave.” Charka had known this man, recognised him at least. Sir Keith was a representative of Shanalotte in the past. Even before the civil war and had visited Heord many times acting on official business. This other one, the attaché was unknown to her.

Charka of course had her own guards around her, which would be easily recognizable to the diplomats. They were the Golden Guard, Watrike wearing pristine Golden Armor. Combined with the Golden Fleet in Orbit, the Golden Shine of the Mountain itself, and now the Guards, that was certainly quite a lot of Heord Gold on display as a show of power. Which made Charka stand out all the more, as she did not wear Golden Armor. She instead seemed to just wear a more simple set of grey battle armor, her weapons at her hips. And unlike the other guards, she showed her face, with her smooth blue scales and reptilian eyes. As the two representatives tipped their hats, Charka simply gave a wave of her hand in greeting.
She gave a nod to Sir Keith, indeed recognizing him from other visits, "Welcome back to the Mountain, Sir Keith. Theodore here is new, but I am sure you can make sure he follows the protocol here. A shame to hear that your Empress is not in good health however, but if this is important than it is indeed vital to not waste time. As for the President, he has an opening now. Not too long before business takes him again, but should be long enough for you to deliver the letter. Let's not stretch that time thin now, come on. He should be in his private study right now. We can read it out there."
With that, Charka turned herself around and began walking towards the massive gate into the interior of the Golden Mountain. She was followed by two of her guards immediately, but others lagged behind, waiting for Keith and Moseley to go on ahead first before following as a rear guard. A usual procedure as Keith would know, as security here was quite tight, but it would be new to Moseley to be practically surrounded by heavily armed Watrike guards. Regardless, they would begin to be led down the labyrinthine halls of the Mountain Palace.

The Nebulean Union of Iammelon

The Alicorns wrote:Aurea would, despite the guided nature of Masquif's missiles, do her damndest to dodge, it, several near misses even causing tears in parts of her clothes. The real challenge, she knew on a less than surface level thought, was the whole "having to judo throw a Psion's sheer ego off your damn head." And so, she tried to do that one with the one fact that even she didn't require the briefing to know.

YOU GUYS LOST THE WAR LOL

Masquif was sneering at the missiles almost making their mark, near-misses seemed to irritate the Psion more than full misses did. All the same, Aurea was right in guessing that the Psion's mental powers were the true danger here, as it was quite powerful. However that surface thought seemed to give the Psion pause. But after a brief wait, Masquif threw his head back in laughter, a hand coming to his face as he failed to contain his pure malicious amusement at the implication of the thought, "Ahahaha! That's positively hilarious! Are you trying to deceive me with such delusions!? Look around you, this world is conquered! The rest of this Nebula will fall once the rebellion here is quelled, and then we'll follow along those handy little 'ether-lanes' as you call them. Straight to the other slave civilizations! The ones that resemble your kind further west, and the disunited mess that is south. With the slaves and power gathered here, those will fall easily. Victory here is assured, and it will see my glorious ascendance. I was personally interested in setting up my realm a bit south in fact. I think they called the planet Sennoshima? I ripped some memories of it out of some rebels, it looked pleasant. It'll make a grand slave estate. Or perhaps, maybe I'll visit your homeworld instead..." That was when the Ego smashing into her mind tried to pull that particular information. His physical body wasn't inactive either, with his right hand forming another collection of psionic energy, this time into the shape of a whip, which he then lashed out at Aurea with.

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