NationStates Jolt Archive

"In times of trouble, we must reach out to all allies we can," said the short, flame haired Irishman.

"Yes, and you have my blessing on this," replied Kes.

"I don't want your blessing, I want your support. They're different things. I asked Mr van der Hestal, but he doesn't contorl the army, and Frateris will do no good for this."

"Then take some Vulpes. Four...that is all, Mr O'Brien. You may leave."

O'Brien nodded and left.

***

The shuttle rose from Earth's atmospher, heading steadily towards Titan. As it approached the outer defense perimeter, a message is sent.

"Permission to land for a meeting with a representative of the Federated Segments of Scolopendra. Ambassador James O'Brien and four Knights Vulpes, of Milantos."

Executive Apartments
Stonozka, Scolopendra

"Looks like we've got some unexpected company." Advisor Hawke taps the communication line to the Aerospace Directorate closed. "SSC reports the contact on the TDF's LRSes turns out to be a shuttle inbound from Milantos carrying a diplomat wanting to talk about it. TSC is scrambling two fighters to escort them in to Stonozka."

Advisor Kommetrez nods. Play the message for me, Lance.

Hawke nods, still not entirely used to the command staff protocol of being on first-name basis... especially seeing how, until recently, all those who were now his peers outranked him. Tapping another key on his desk, the message plays. Permission to land for a meeting with a representative of the Federated Segments of Scolopendra. Ambassador James O'Brien and four Knights Vulpes, of Milantos.

Okay. Alshai thinks for a moment, then stands up and, walking past the coatrack, snatches up his clearly 'experienced' trenchcoat and fedora. I'll meet them at the 'port and see what they want. I'll grab D.O. Hesche on the way out.

* - * - *

Saturnian Space

Two delta-winged Peregrin Advanced aerospace-superiority fighters from an orbital defense platform slip into formation with the shuttle. Echelon left, shuttle in the middle, fighters to the two-o'clock high and eight-o'clock low, fifty meter spacing.

"Milantos shuttle, this is Captain Richter of Alpha Flight, Squadron Two, Fifteenth Tactical Fighter Wing. We're to escort you to Al Mahdi spaceport just outside Stonozka. Please maintain formation."

Transiting quickly through Saturn's collection of moons, the lead fighter brings the small flight to Titan, dipping into its atmosphere with minimal fuss. "Milantos shuttle, Richter. Al Mahdi ATC reports conditions are light rain, five mile visibility, ceiling of one thousand feet. Hacking you through to ATC signal now; landing clearance has been authorized and awaits your confirm."

As the Milantos shuttle settles down on the pad, two men stand off to the side under the overhang of the pad maintenance building. One, standing at about one-seventy-five centimeters, wears a battered smooth-lined olive trenchcoat and an equally battered grey fedora; his textured but not wrinkled brown face sports a close-kept mustache and goatee under gently-glowing brown eyes. The other, standing ten centimeters taller, looks like some refugee from a 1930s serial with rugged tanned features, neatly-blown-about dark-blonde hair, and a chin that could crush diamonds. His broad smile could arguably be used to light dim harbors or maybe blind adversaries... but, in the light grey of the stratus clouds covering the sky and the softly pattering rain, it doesn't appear overly threatening.

O'Brien pulled the hood of his brown official governmental coat over his head. The four knights had pulled the silver hoods of their robes over their heads, as well. Nodding to the pilot to take a nap, James pressed a button on the Conditions Control Pad. The door slowly whined open.

"This damn thing is nearly dead, I swear," he muttered.

The rain drizzled down gently, damping the woolen shifts the five wore. O'Brien looked to his welcoming party, and made instant mental comparisons to Star Wars. He could just guess the knights were telepathically making the same jokes.

As they reached their hosts, James rasied a hand in greeting.

"We promised we'd come over some time, and today seemed as good a day as any."

He handed over a datapad containing some general details of Milantos's recent sojourn Elsewhere, as well as a general itinerary of subjects that might be discussed.

Subjects for discussion [Meeting #CD#01P19]
1. Treaty and alliance discussions with Scolopendra;
2. Treaty and alliance discussions with Triumvirate of Yut;
3. Discussions about the trip Elsewhere;
4. Discussion on the Melkor issue

"As you can see, it's a relatively general list. You may have heard His Holiness intends to form a counterweight alliance to Melkor on earth; he feels the Triumvirate has abandoned us pathetic Earthlings. However, he has cautiously given his permission for me to make kissykissylovesex with the Triumvirate, because even he can't deny having Scolopendra, Angelus and Menelmacar is a good thing."

He smiled lopsidedly. Yes, laddie, I know well enough you don't give a damn about Milantos or Earth, but I'll be damned before I let you get away with leaving Melkor standing that easy.

***

I find it hard to read their emotions. They are surprised, but...well, I sense apathy, I suppose. pulsed Antonio.

Why should they care about us? We are idiots who haven't realized Earth's worthlessness, as far as they're concerned. replied Giorgio.

Hesche nudges Kommetrez and speaks out the side of his mouth. "Heads up, boss. They've got psions, they're trying to read us, and they're thinking rather loudly about what they think is our apathy concerning Earth and Melkor."

Alshai chuckles. Great. Anyone not a holy crusader is suddenly apathetic. Remind me to thank you OPO guys for your pet project again.

Hesche chuckles softly. "Want me to warn 'em that they aren't the only brainbenders around?"

Do that passive defensive thing you do, Hesche. That should be enough. The two wait idly until the Milantos party comes within earshot, then Kommetrez steps forward, extending a hand. So you did. Sorry we couldn't arrange a brighter day for you. He looks up with a smile at the crowds, a few droplets besmattering his face before he looks back to O'Brien, beads of water dropping from the brim of his hat. Advisor Kommetrez of Scolopendra, International Relations Section.

Accepting the datapad, he leads the party to the overhang. Heh. Nice to know you're so enthusiastic about your mission. My turn to be brutally honest: we still despise Melkor as a threat, but we simply can't go in and beat the living daylights out of him and expect Earth to survive. Doesn't help that due to the unique nature of the multiverse Earth gets a lot more complex each and every day.

He pauses, then smiles sweetly to O'Brien. In fact, our newest Triumvirate members are on Earth, but I wouldn't expect you to know that. Please do not make the mistake of assuming just because we are a few hundred million kilometers away that the cradle of humanity is utterly unimportant to us. He grins sweetly but with just a hint of something he may have learned from Speaker concerning exposed teeth. At least, unlike others we could mention, you are at least up front about the more mercenary motives of your diplomacy. I can respect that.

Hesche nods, then winks at O'Brien. "I've given far more than a damn at times and still do."

Shaking his head with a soft chuckle, he motions cordially with his arms to a waiting groundcar. After you, gentlemen. After they pass, he looks up again at Hesche and then just shakes his head again, following the robed figures. Hesche beams and takes drag.

"I did not say anything about you bombing Melkor," corrected O'Brien mildly.

O'Brien and Giorgio pulled their hoods back, but the remaining knights did not follow suit.

"Do not take our thoughts as an insult, Advisor Kommetrez," said Giorgio in his deep voice, "Perhaps, instead, you should forgive the eternal problem of human ignorance."

"And now, as I have been blunt so far, I shall continue to be blunt," added O'Brien. "As we have mentioned before, an alliance with the Triumvirate would be advantageous to us, and the simple fact of the Triumvirate having another, reasonably large ally is surely part recompense for them. The same applies in miniature to Scolopendra."

He paused for a moment, his eyes blank as they walked.

"As for Melkor, we have experienced first hand, both through the war in Arda and our experiences Elsewhere, that war on Melkor is not feasible, unless it was perfectly done...and perfection is impossible."

He turned to look at Kommetrez.

"Three thousand Milantosi died on the beaches of Arda; thousands of civilians died in Kalessin's raid; and millions died Elsewhere. Forgive me for feeling neglected, and forgive me for trying to build an alliance against Melkor, but I have a personal...that is, we have an interest in the situation more than most."

Kommetrez nods, opening the door to the XML-powered groundcar. As usual, imperfect understanding is mutual, but that is what such meetings are for. Maybe we should learn more about each other before pressing ahead so wildly, for, as you may or may not know, making binding friendships too quickly has been one of our weaknesses.

"We're working on that," Hesche adds in an enthusiastic tone.

Making sure that everyone is comfortably situated inside, Hesche and Kommetrez enter last, Hesche brushing the water droplets off his service coat while Alshai removes his hat. Still, at least we're both willing to be blunt and not take offense at the other's lack of diplomacy. Alshai grins. That makes things much simpler, don't you think?

"Also, seeing how we've both established that we've got psions," Hesche pulls up his left sleeve, showing off the arcane metallic tattoos running up and down his flesh, "we don't have to worry about any sort of mind tricks, either."

I guess it's time for the next stage, Alshai suggests. Your goal is to build an alliance. Ours is undetermined because we have been stabbed in the back before and we need to know if our common goals are conducive towards looking together. That leads naturally to the next question: What are your goals?

"You know enough of Milantos to know treachery is not commonplace. As for our goals, they are simple in form, epic, if not impossible, in scope,"chuckled O'Brien.

He looked across at Giorgio, trying to read the monk's expression. Being non-psychic was something of a disadvantage when his escort were, but they looked more...not imposing, but looked more something than the Frateris would have.

"Our goal is to foil Melkor in nigh on whatever he does, whenever we can. The last Pope died fighting him; of all nations in the Arda war, we came out with most accolades. Our hatred for him then was burning, for in him we see and we know Satan, and we see the evils of the world magnified. But now, after all we have gone through, I cannot describe to you our loathing."

He watched this sink in. He knew he would be coming across as something of a fanatic; that was as it should be.

"But we know mere hatred will not stop him committing evil acts, and thirst for revenge will not defeat him. Making alliances with good, honourable nations and working concertedly, economically and diplomatically, against him are the ways to best stop his evil and gain revenge."

"And so, to summarize what Ambassador O'Brien is saying...we want your help," interrupted Giorgio.

"Thankyou, Knight Commander. Yes, we want your help. We understand that is not a good enough reason for you to agree to a binding treaty, with no bond between us but my word; that is why all we have is offered you and the Triumvirate in return. If ever you need someone to deal with a petty squabble, we are here; if ever you require a proxy, we will provide it," said O'Brien animatedly.

He paused, letting his voice quieten.

"In return, we ask you do something of the same order for us. If we need supplies, you will be there; if we require advice - for, in the tale of years, we are but young - you will dispense it. Whether you agree to be our friend and ally, we will continue on our way; we will not begrudge you your decision. We will pass on to other groups, because good must not be allowed to wither away on earth. Space is but a temporary answer; eventually, He Who Arises In Might, Morgoth, Bauglir...he will come for all of us. Militarily, the Triumvirate may be able to hold off his grand alliance - but he is an immortal God, and he will return, time and again."

Alshai nods quietly. So you're looking for a cold war. Containment. He grins broadly. We have been trying, with varying degrees of success, ever since Nargothrond.

"We need to warn you, though." Hesche looks at Kommetrez and recieves a nod. "Cetaganda we know has a nonagression pact, and we know that the Dominion has... connections of some sort with Morgoth. Angelus hates him, but even Menelmacar has had relations warm somewhat with him in regards to a common foe on Mars... though I think that's dead."

Scolopendra probably will assist you in your cold war, once I talk with Speaker. Alshai grimaces. The Triumvirate as a whole... may be more difficult to argue with, but we will assist you with that as well.

"Thankyou, Advisor. I also have a datapad with what information we have gathered about Elsewhere. If you would like to download the information into your system, here it is."

He proffered the square pad.

Alshai accepts the pad and nods. Thank you for this information. I know it was obtained at great cost.

"If you want to stay for a few days on your travels, we can arrange it for you," Diplomatic Officer Hesche offers, "but if you needs be on your way, we understand that too. Still... looks like we've covered everything. An alliance may be possible between us, maybe less so with the Triumvirate as a whole but still possible... Elsewhere... and we both despise Morgoth. Odd how efficient such things can be when people decide to set aside trivial things."