NationStates Jolt Archive

Wide-beam transmission from Celestial Emperor Abron nul Karhoff, the Celestial Seat, Guanyu Ceta:

The Guanyan Empire, of which some of you have knowledge, has for many centuries maintained a policy of strict isolationism. The time for Our Empire to hide itself from the powers of this galaxy and those beyond is over. From this time forth, Our great Empire shall be open to all. It is Our hope that trade shall flourish between the Guanyan Empire and those lands that lie beyond. In that interest, and the interest of expanding our horizons, We invite any government willing to send a representative to a festival honoring this event in the Celestial Capital on Guanyu Ceta. Coordinates are enclosed within this message.

Any who deign to attend should be aware of a few important facts. Firearms or other ranged weapons of any kind shall not be permitted within the Capital. Bladed weapons such as swords or knives shall be allowed so long as they are worn openly in plain sight and have no technological modifications (for example, a vibrosword or other energy blade would be unacceptable.) As is customary at Guanyan festivals, competitions in both hand-to-hand and blade combat shall be held, and visitors are invited to join in the competitions should they be so inclined.

Transportation can be arranged for any representative without the means for space travel. It is Our hope that this message finds you all in good health, and We extend Our heartfelt hopes that you are able to attend.

The blessings of Ji’lam be upon you.

Abron nul Karhoff,
Lord of the Celestial Seat
Emperor of Guanyu

From: Veers
To:Abron nul Karhoff, Lord of the Celestial Seat Emperor of Guanyu.
Subject: Re: Hello
Message:

I will gladly atend the Festival to discuss things.


-Veers, seccond in command in Danneland.

To Emperor Abron nul Karhoff, Guanyu:
We have a small party of delegates that we request be in attendence at your event. Although we do have space travel, it is of a very primitive and limited variety compared to yours, so we will need a dropship transport to take us to your system. You will find ample room to land such a craft, reguardless of size, on the aux. landing pad at Resi International AeroSpaceport, at [coordinates]. Please dispatch said dropship to arrive at 12 o'clock noon, GMT, on 8/09.

President Dae Narasagi
Resi Corp

"Ah, it's the Guanyans again." Razak looks up from his desk. "I don't really like sending the staff out to the four corners of the multiverse like this, Major. but..."

The Angelan across the large cubicle shrugs with a smile. Not a problem, Julie. When do you want me out there?

"Whenever they want you, Bob." The silver-haired man leans back in his chair, kicking his boots up onto the corner of the desk behind his plastic paperwork inbox. "Might as well reserve a place now."

Got it.

###BEGIN TRANSMISSION###
~>Route: Automata AK1 - Angelus Archailect -
:
{Hello again, Guanyan friends. This is Advisor Kommetrez; you may remember}
{me from your previous steps in opening up from isolationism.}

{I would be honored to attend your festival and look forward to seeing you again.}
:
~>Route closed
###END TRANSMISSION###

---
http://www.weirdozone.0catch.com/projects/nationstates/scolopendra/alshai_kommetrez2.gif (http://www.silentrequiem.net/triumvirate)
Advisor Automata Alshai Kommetrez
International Relations Section
Federation of Scolopendra

Emperor Abron nul Karhoff,

On behalf of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar, allow me to welcome you back to the international stage. I would be pleased to attend in peace and friendship. Please forward coordinates for transit, and I shall endeavor to arrive at a time of your convenience.

~Sincerely,
Lady Sirithil Nalosaurawen Finlaurë Aineldalië Minyavendë nos Fëanor
Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar

As usual, the Lord of the Domain was feverishly at work on varying matters of importance within his nation. With the petition for a Martian colony, massive construction efforts towards expanding the budding space fleet, and controlling the hotheaded people beneath the surface, he had his hands full, and an invitation to the Guanyan Empire, a mighty nation only recently coming out of isolation, would demand his personal attendance (and a good excuse to lay the work on various subordinates). With a small, nigh-inaudible sigh of relief, he carefully writes out a reply in perfect calligraphy, a somewhat lost art in the modern world. Sending it off, he moves out of his 'office' with a swish of his cape, off to Liang's space station and a refreshing break in Guanyu.


Emperor Abron nul Karhoff of Guanyu,

We praise the Guanyans for their step towards interaction with the universe. While previously no contact has been had between our respective states, I sincerely hope I come away from this festival with a warm friendship with your Empire.

~Lord Dao Yorinaga of the Domain

"...where?" General Jeremy Riddell was in his drress uniform looking at the tech weenie reading him the message.
"The Guanyan Empire, General... it's been in isolation for quite some time, we have only very very sketchy history untill now..."
"Aye, so what the fookin heck they want me to go fer?"
"Heck, don't ask me, furthering relations and what not?"
"Aye, aye probably, ah wat thee heck, best get gooin." Jeremy put his hat on and smoothed his uniform, he then saluted and turned to walk towards the shuttle pad.

Most Gracious Guanyan Empire, we are intrested in establishing and furthering relations between our two nations, the ship Fiery Elias will be attending with General Jeremy Riddell and his entourage, they hope they will enjoy their stay on, what has been deemed an important mission by the HAKEO.
With respect, General Horbes, CO of Orda Armed forces.

To: Abron nul Karhoff,
Lord of the Celestial Seat
Emperor of Guanyu

From: The Provisional Government of the WIck

The Provisional Government would love to send a representive to this event.

Direct Beam Transmission: Celestial Emperor Abron nul Karhoff, the Celestial Seat, Guanyu Ceta
Transmission Origin: Vicegral Palace, Deneb System, Associated Systems of Klonor

Hey diddle diddle! Emperor, it has been to long! We've been drifitng apart ever since I was killed and I've always felt that it is a damn shame to lose touch with a good friend. Oh, and I never got around to thanking you for that SpecOps guy you sent to help me kick Lil mis back to their planet. I hope my beating, disarming, and imprisoning him wasn't taken the wrong way.

Anyway, I've heard about your little coming out party and I knew that I couldn't pass up this opportunity. A chance to hob-nob with some of the leaders of the Galaxy, who could pass it up? Unfortunately, I can't go myself, I'm a bit preoccupied at home right now. The little matter of 5 Guanyan citizens being elected to the new Association government.

So, I'm gonna be sending one of the endless number of low-level flunkies out to your party. I hope you don't mind. Have fun!

Transmission closed

OOC: Looking pretty good so far, I'm going to wait a bit more for anyone else who wants to attend. The actual party will start on Tuesday sometime.

"But just look at this! Goo-on-you! That's just so cute!"

"Look, woman, a huge fraction of their GNP is based on weapons trade. They're a police state."

"I don't care, honey! Do you know how many government agents we had to bribe to get more than fifty feet away from Roseway or the Gate?"

"Yes, dear, because I bribed them..."

"I'm walking out!"

"Oh no you aren't!"

"Oh yes I am! If you don't want to go - "

"We're in deep space."

A pretty, ditzy, pretty ditzy woman stopped in mid-sentence. "Oh, duh, blonde moment, I guess I should just push this and this and this and there we go!"

Her husband, a man who was actually very fun to be with when his wife was, stared. "Hey, you've just replotted our course!"

The woman smiled. "Of course," she said. "Now we just need to tell them we're the sovereigns of some ol' country and be sure and bring our bright flowery shirts - usually these backwater police states see those things as marks of royalty - and we're set."

"But-"

She twibbled his lip. "No buts, honey! We're going to Goo-on-you!"

He sighed. She smiled.

transmission to Abron nul Karhof, subtitled "Crown Prince James and Crown Princess Lydia of the United Kingdom of Smynor"
"Hi, I'm Crown Princess Lydia of the United Kingdom of - "
*snicker*
"shutup, I'm Crown Princess Lydia of the United Kingdom of Smyrnor. As a representative of my nation I and my husband, who's a representative of my nation too, want to go to your party festival thingy."
"And we want your - "
"Shutup. Ji'lam's blessings back to you too. Bye-bye."

The technology of the Crown Empire was behind the times, but developments nonetheless in communication technology have allowed the Crown Empire recently to communicate into space and receive transmissions from space. That does not hide the fact that the Crown Empire was below modern technology, however.

The Ministry of Diplomatic Affairs got a communiqué from the Transmissions Department today. Head of such affairs from other worlds was George Melianes. At first, Melianes did not appear as a high-ranking official with his messy mop of brown hair and stained grey suit. Despite these downfalls, he was very intelligent. His blue eyes read the details of the communiqué that arrived in his office and it appears that there had been a recent incoming transmission from an unknown location and nation beyond Earth.

"The Guanyan Empire?" he murmured to himself. He tried to refer to a computer database for any additional information. "Hmm... no information at all."

The Crown Empire had contact with one space nation in previous time: Presgreif. That was decades ago, and that was when the emperor of that era had to use an imported device to transmit and receive messages; the device shorted out within six months of its purchase. Now, the Empire had developed the technology that allowed it to communicate with space nations, although only occasionally did the Transmissions Office ever receive anything other than static.

Emperor Alexander II sat lazily in his garden upon a recliner in his swimwear. The oak tree behind him protected him from the rays of heat of the sun, and if he did ever get hot, there was a pool just a few feet away. Melianes hurriedly walked towards the emperor, communiqué in hand. The important ministries were either located in the Imperial Palace or were located in separate buildings on the upper right-hand corner of the Imperial Estate. Unfortunately for Melianes, the Ministry of Diplomacy was as far as it could be from the gardens.

"My liege," Melianes said approaching, making a sharp halt and performing a sloppy bow before the emperor, "There has been activity reported from the stars in a communiqué: it seems that there was an empire by the name of Guanyu that has recently exited isolationism and now offers a banquet to all that are interested."

The emperor lifted his sunglasses from his eyes. His lips turned up into a smile. "Great! Maybe we should send a delegate!"

The emperor eyed Melianes steadily. Melianes took a hint at what the emperor was thinking.

"Are you suggesting that I should be that delegate?" Melianes stuttered. He did not know what to expect from this space nation, fearing that they may turn him into a pile of cinders or something else widely popularized by the film industry in the country. The emperor only replied to Melianes with a nod and then replaced his shades, silently basking in the sun and his ego.

Thirty minutes later, the Transmissions Office sent out another communiqué in reply to the Guanyan Empire:

To Abron nul Karhoff,

Your plan for a festival has piqued my interest. I intend on sending a delegate to such an event with hopes that diplomatic relations may be established between our two empires. Sadly, my empire's technology is lacking, and we do not have any spacecraft capable of reaching your empire, so I must request that you send a drop ship to pick up the delegate and any guests he would wish to bring. Our delegate shall be waiting at [coordinates] at 3:00 P.M.

Your Peer,
Emperor Alexander II of The Crown Empire of Magnus Valerius

President Edward Grove had been busy with his own preparations of his own banquet, when there was a knock at his office door.

Entering, his personal aid, Peter Smith walked up to the President's desk.

"Sir, I have important news for you. It appears as if while we have been planning our Friendship Banquet, that the Ganyan Empire appears to be coming back onto the world stage."

The President frowned, "I have never heard of these people, what do you know of this Empire?"

Smiling, Peter Smith responded quickly, "Well sir, it appears as if they have been popular amongst a large network of people, including Menelmacar, and Klonor sir. I think this would be a good opportunity to get ourselves known out there, and to build diplomatic relations with nations universally."

President Grove became lost in thought for several moments, leaning back in his chair, before finally coming to a desision.

"Send a message to the esteemed Ganyan Empire. I think this would be a vital opportunity for us to have contact with nations. I cant attend personally, because of the Global Friendship Banquet. But let us send Logan Newport instead. Hopefully our Foriegn Minister will suffice."

Within several minutes, Peter Smith, the Presidential Aide was already working on the message that would be sent to the Ganyan Empire. Working its wording carefully, he sent it, and leaned back into his chair, confident that this would be a positive step for the Republic.

1600 Hours - Wormian Federate Ministry of Foreign Affairs
Phoenixius One - Phoenix II

Wormia's Ministry of Foreign Affairs was a technological wonder. It was not difficult to see why, Wormia had been in a state of isolation two centuries in duration following Wormia's Fifth Global War. There had been no need for such an agency on a world where no countries existed, nor had any knowledge of celestial empires.

This being said, the date the Wormian Imperial Chrome Fleet embarked on it's epic flight from Andromeda to the Milky Way via FTL was the same day the newly christened Ministry of Foreign Affairs was opened for job applicants. Since then, it had become a standing symbol of Wormia's desire to be a positive force in the progress of society and technology.

The building was a standing computer, essentially. Networked mainframes were subnetworked to smaller computers for indivdual operators to monitor incoming transmissions from both Wormian and foreign sources. Each subnetworked unit monitored certain areas of inhabited space. An entire floor was devoted to the Milky Way, another one for Andromeda.

It was not a military building. Approximately twelve hours ago, a signal from a reclusive ESUS member had indicated that the long standing state of isolation was drawing nigh to an abrupt termination. Jerraus Kera'th, friend to George Thomas IV was to be sent to the nation. He was to go and be at the de-isolationist reception... or whatever there was going to be.

He left his train of thoughts to derail, and stepped into the docking tube connecting Phoenix station to the Dominance-class battleship that was to take him to Guanya.

OOC: Some RL things have some up, making it hard for me to post regularly. I WILL be posting, just not as often as I might like to. The party will start later today. (Pacific Time)

First of all, my apologies for not posting the beginning of the party. I tried to write up a post, but because of the RL issue I mentioned (a friend of mine got hit by a car. She's beat up pretty bad.) I can't get it together. I'm putting NS, including this RP, on hold for a few days until a) I know for sure what's going on with her and b) My emotional state is a bit less chaotic. Again, I apologize to everyone. Hopefully this won't have to be cancelled altogether.

Dude, that's a hell of a lot more important than this RP. Take all the time you need.

Don't be sorry at all. This is only a game, like hopscotch but funner (with real scotch).

I'm back, everyone. My friend is out of the hospital and is supposed to recover fully, so I'm considerably less emotionally burdened than I was before. I'll start the thread tommorrow (meaning Tuesday) and hopefully it will still work the way I had it planned a week ago. Thank you all for your patience.

It had taken considerable preparation, but the palace was finally ready for the festival. Since security risks made an outdoor event unwise, the main ballroom had been redesigned to give the impression of a moonlit night on Guanyu Ceta. Three shining orbs of bluish purple light seemed to hang in the night sky, though in reality it was merely a cleverly created technological illusion. Hundreds of artificial stars twinkled above the room. The ballroom itself contained an excellent replica of the Imperial Gardens. Large plants ranging in color from maroon to dazzling turquoise lined the walkways, interspersed with majestic pillars and arches that glowed with a shifting orange light similar to that of the Terran ‘tiger eye’ gem. In the center of the garden stood a large amphitheater covered in Guanyan grass, a velvety silver plant with stalks about three to four inches high. A shimmering pillar sat in the exact center of the amphitheater, bathing everything nearby in a soft greenish-white luminescence.

Celestial Emperor Abron nul Karhoff surveyed the garden with no small measure of satisfaction. He turned to the man at his side, a querying look on his face. The man cleared his throat before speaking.

“The security preparations are complete as well, Sire. Everyone is ready.”

Karhoff inclined his head in a slight nod. “Thank you, my friend. I know you don’t really agree with this whole idea of mine, and your support warms my heart.”

Domin Yabrant, Hostmaster Third Tier and Spymaster-General of Guanyu, gave a quick fist-to-chest salute. “You are my Emperor, and more importantly, my friend. I trust you to do what is best for us all.”

Technically, Karhoff knew, Domin’s words constituted treason. The implication that he placed friendship above duty to his superiors could have gotten him in a lot of trouble with other government leaders, not to mention a military tribunal. Karhoff let it pass. They had been friends for far too long to let such a thing come between them. Domin, he knew, would never betray the Empire. There was no more loyal man in all of Guanyu.

“I suppose I’d better get back to work, Domin. Get them all here for me, old friend, and don’t forget to have a little talk with the ‘Crown Prince and Princess.’” Karhoff smiled dryly. “Oh, and put one of your PPU Agents on Klonor’s representative. Knowing him, he’ll send some recovering alcoholic with telekinetic abilities. Don’t let it get out of hand.”

“Of course, my Emperor.”

---------------------------------------------

OOC: Now would be the time to RP arrivals. Don’t worry about permission to land, just assume everything goes fine and everyone makes it to the ballroom without incident. They can wander throughout the gardens for a few minutes before Karhoff will actually show up.

"Meet Max" Daniels secretary said.
"Hello... Max"
Max nodded and shook Daniels hand, "I am sure that I wont dissapoint you, I've worked for international affairs for a very long time. And before that--"

"I know, you have the job.. go to the party, dont make an ass out of yourselfe. We are allready occupied with one war, we dont have money, time our the manpower to take on anotherone."

"Yes sir" Max replied and bowed, leaving the office he was now promoted. To an representative of Danneland.


Max was a thirty-something, he'd been married twise.. but it didnt work out. He was tall, well built and had black hair and brown eyes.


Few days later

Max got out of the dropship, the same kind of dropship that ha'd been used for years. He waved at the pilot as he lifted of the ground and flew away.
Max stood infront of a grand palace, a grand view indeed. Max figured that the other would arrive by car so he felt somewhat embarraced, this being his first time and he couldnt arrive as any other person.

He smiled at the guards and walked through the entrance. He rectifyed (sp? grammar?) the little card that sat on his breast pocket that said "Representative from Danneland".
As it seemed that he was the first one to arrive he walked around in the garden for a while, putting on his fake nervous smile if someone would see him. Some years later when he was retierd and thought of his first assignment as a national representative, he began to laugh. It must have looked quite funny when he walked around there in the garden all alone with a big, nervous smile on his lipps.

OOC: Recovering alcoholic? Recovering alcoholic? How dare you! My guy is going to be a full blown alcoholic, and you can't do a damn thing to stop it!

IC:

The Assistant Deputy Backup Ambassador to the planet of Tweenis-12 fidgeted in his seat. In his entire time as being employed by the Klonor government he'd never had to actually do anything, the rank of Assistant Deputy Backup Ambassador doesn't exactly come with power and responsibility. Now all of a sudden he was being sent a party with God knows how many Heads of State from around the Universe. If he acted badly the Duke would probably have him drawn, quartered, electrocuted, shot, and then mauled by Penguins. Oh, the stories from the Penguin survivors were horrid indeed.

No matter, he'd just find some small corner of the room and ride out the storm there. He couldn't cause to many problems sitting in a corner, could he? But what if some of the party guests take offence at him ignoring them? Well, then he better go out and mingle. But what if they take offence at him approaching them?

"Oy, I need a drink" he voiced to no one in particular.

Almost as if in response to his plea, the ships intercom began spewing words

"We are in orbit around Guanyu Ceta. The bar is hereby closed. Please make your way to the Elysium transport for shuttle down to the surface. Have a nice day!"

"Well, maybe I can get a drink down on the planet........."

Several minutes later..........

Walter Resp, Assistant Deputy Backup Ambassador to the planet of Tweenis-12 , walked through the garden awed at the beauty and technological prowess being displayed. Klonor might not be the most artistic nation in the Universe, but even the culturally ignorant can recognize beauty when they see it. Of course, that's only a minor distraction.

"Anybody know where the bar is?"

A single Guanyan guard discreetly tailed Max as he walked through the gardens. Resp, however, recieved slightly different treatment. His call for the location of the bar was answered by a looming eight foot figure stepping out of the shadows in front of him. The Guanyan bowed, then spoke.

"Greetings. I am Ran'ji. I will be...assisting you this evening. The bar is closed at the moment, but it will not be long. Please be patient."

"Well, isn't that just perfect. Looks like I'll need to dip into my stash a bit earlier tonight than I'd planned."

At that he reaches into his pocket, brings out a small metal square, then upends the square over a cup, a vaguely bluish liquid spilling out.

"Would you care for a Collostomizer?"

The agent sighed. He had known the man would have his own liquor, but he had hoped he was wrong. I'll let him drink. He'll find a way to get hammered no matter what I do.

Ran'ji chuckled. "You came prepared, I see." Ran'ji slapped the Klonorian on the back in what he hoped was the appropriate friendly human fashion. In so doing, he planted a device on the man. It was both a tracking device and a blood alcohol level monitor. Unfortunately he had misgauged the force of the blow and knocked the man sprawling to the ground. Ran'ji helped him up.

"Sorry about that."

Max was on his third lap around the garden, he had seen bushes, and trees, and birds, and flowers, and grass, and a fountain, and a.. well, just about everything that was needed in a garden. He dindt pay mutch attention to it since he was way to nervous.
He just rouned the corner of the palace and saw two other men that.. well, looked as if they werent guards. One of them might be a servant, be he wasnt sure. Max took a deep breath and put on some extra of that fake smile. Just in case.
I must look so stupid
He walked up to the men and greeted them. "Hello.. I am.." he forgot his name, he could feel the blood stream through his vains at the speed of light. "Max.. Im max.. and Im a representative of.. Danneland..yes.. Danneland" his forehead was filled with swetdropps. His face was red as a tomatoe and his body shivered. "Who.. might..you...be?"

"No problem at all my good man. A simple accident. It could happen to anyone. Think nothing of it."

Walter continues to grin and make small talk, while at the same time he's running mental fingers over the outside of his body. He might be an inexperienced and untested diplomat, but he wasn't a moron. Suddenly, his 'fingers' brush over an obviously planted device.

Did this fool really think that would work? No matter.

A small energy burst and the device, whatever it was, melted into a small ball of metal that was quickly tossed away. Fortunately for Ran'ji, the Danneland representative interrupted the Klonorian before he could exact his revenge.

"Ah, hello Max. I am Walter Resp, Assistant Deputy Backup Ambassador to the planet of Tweenis-12. Here from Deneb, member of the Associated Systems of Klonor. Are.....are you feeling all right? You don't look so good."

Max nodded, "yes.. yes I am. Im quite fine.. just that Im so nervous, this is my first assignment as a national representative. I've been working with international affairs for a long time.. but, not.. this.. officiall.." He smiled again, "Associated Systems of Klonor? I have worked with you guys before.. not mutch though, just the common stuff.."
Max eyes reached Walters cup with something blueish in it. "I hope that is stronger than water? And if it is.. may I try some? I could sure need it.. I hate to think about when more people arrive.. what shall I do? Who should I say hi to and.. well.. all that.. my leader, Daniel, didnt say mutch more than that I got the job... and that I shouldnt make a mess out of it."
He took a deep breath. "woooohshaaaaa"

"First, calm down. Second, drink up."

A second cup joins the first and is quickly offered to the Danneland representative.

Max took the cup in his hand and took a sip of it, he raised his eyebrows.
"Quite good" and then he drank it all. He got all warm inside, a calm could surrounded him.."This..is..realy...strong..." he took a deep breath.
"Well, now Im calm" Max felt so calm, he had nothing to worry about. He would just talk a little, eat a little and dance a little. Then it would all be over.
"thank you for that drink.. I feel fine now. I have no doubt that the rest of the day will go splendid"
He smiled, a natural smile.

OOC: Your guy's still concious? Wow, I'm impressed. I expected that one drink to floor him

OOC: Your guy's still concious? Wow, I'm impressed. I expected that one drink to floor him


OOC: Consider it as pure luck.

OOC: I shall!

Cesare Calabrese strode purposefully towards the entrance, dressed impeccably as ever. He straightened his suit jacket carefully nonetheless, before reaching the guards – assuring himself in the process of the light body armor he wore beneath it all.

Too many unknowns, and damned if I trust these people half as far as I can spit. Pleasant enough, true … but then, so are we. What is that Nathicana has said so often … ‘There are only two kinds of paranoia – Absoulte and insufficient.’ Aye, that’s about the shape of it here.

“Cesare Calabrese, Dominion Chancellor,” he announces to the guards with a diplomatic smile, keeping a respectable distance, his hands at his sides, slightly away from his body. “I am afraid that our acceptance of Emperor Karhoff’s invitation is a bit late in coming, but I hope that I will be allowed to attend nonetheless. Our initial meeting went so well, I have looked forward to the opportunity to meet him again.”

http://home.mchsi.com/~ketri/wsb/links/newcalabrese.jpg

One of the guards immediately turned to the other. "He's clean."

The second guard spoke quietly into his communicator, then listened intently to the response.

"The Emperor greets you and bids be welcome in our capitol, Chancellor. You may enter."

"Molto grazie," the man says with a curt nod of his head. He walks past the guards and enters the grounds with an easy confidence, looking around the unfamiliar garden area with a mix of aesthetic appreciation, and anticipation.

There was no one he recognized as yet, which was both good and bad. There were some that could be on the invitation list that he'd just as soon not be cornered by, after all. Though the openness and lack of a proper escort had his shoulderblades itching something fierce. He felt the stiletto-style switchblades braced along his forearms were reliable yet inadequate protection, should the occasion arise.

How does that woman do it?

Jeremy Riddell Slowly slowly towards the entrance.
Right lad, none of the old tarkin noo, good, clear Crisp proper voice like t' trainin video told ye... hope I can pull it oof, not bloody tarkin like that, soond like a ri' pillock, 'ere goos nuthin....

He aproached the guards, stood to attention, gave a crisp salute and a click of the heels and spoke.

"General Jeremy Riddell, representitive of the Highly Autocratic Empire of Kyzyl Orda, my apologies we are late, we hope this han't caused any problems for your Emperor."

Wonder if that soonded any gud..

The jewel encrusted sword was clearly in view and in it's scabbard, Jeremy had his arms clasped behind his back with his legs and feet together. He looked clearly ahead as if he were blanking them.

OOC: ST would have sent a delegate if it were not for shivans novaing a star, causing me to loose 2 ships.. my whole fleet.

Advisor Kommetrez shows up, looking absolutely made for his blue-and-black Class A's. Hardly ostentatious with its sedate silver-and-black trim, it seems to borrow heavily from many of Scolopendra's cultural influences--Germanic emphasis on a sleek, double-breasted look; vaguely Russian shoulderboards sporting his retired major's insignia, perhaps a bit thinner but just as stiff; an almost French Napoleonic image with its wide felt belt that covers the top of the trousers and the bottom of the short coat almost like a far simpler cummerbund; simple silver-plated devices and segmented utility belt over all. The belt acts as support to one of the universal blocky multipurpose PDA communications devices and nothing else.

Then again, being a career soldier often causes one to look extremely natural in uniform...

Noting the Kyzyl-Ordan's rather... rococo sword with a hint of distaste--needlessly ornate ornamentation is not considered a virtue in the Segments--he thinks of the Cetagandan katana currently resting in a visible place of honor back on Magician. Even if it ended for the wrong reason, I'm certainly glad that phase of my life is over.

"International Relations Advisor Alshai Kommetrez, Federated Segments of Scolopendra." He bows shortly to the guard inevitably checking everyone. No point in pleasantries over what must certainly be a moderately controversial event. "As per the wishes of your government I come unarmed and have no items to declare." Arguably, standard Scolopendran uniform either includes the standard DiploCorps ice needler or the massive standard military-issue 10mm powergun pistol, but the Segments do try to be as open-minded to the wishes of others as is reasonable.

Pomp had never been his style, and as such Lord Yorinaga arrived silently, two smaller, calm looking guards in white garb trailing him. A long, ornately carved and decorated shord sheath was at his side, while smaller, plainer longswords can be seen dangling at his Asiatic guards' sides. Even the briefest acquaintance with a Liangite schoolchild would give the knowledge that the blade is the famed longsword Gûlveig, of which many conflicting legends are told.
As Yorinaga approaches the entrance, he wears the familiar half-smirk that he always seems to carry, as if something mildly funny or witty had just been said and a smile had been given as appreciation. His guards both salute, and one of them introduces him as "Lord Dao Yorinaga, Commander of Liangite Armed Forces and Lord of the Domain." Dao briefly nods to his guards, and awaits a sign that his entrance had been approved, always with the almost-smile that is his signature.

The "guard" at the front waved Riddell and Yorinaga through after a moment. He then turned to face Kommetrez. "Hello, Advisor. Good to see you again."

The man touched something at his belt and the ordinary-looking guard's face was suddenly overlayed with the smooth, intelligent features of Domin Yabrant. Domin's face winked at Kommetrez, then the face returned to its previous bland appearance and he waved the Advisor through.

"Feel free to explore the garden, Sir. The Emperor will be arriving shortly."

Walter Resp knocked back another shot and waved to the new arrivals.

Okay. I can do this. I'm an ambassador. This is my job. I do this every day. Wait........okay, I actually really don't do anything at all, but I watch people do this every day. That's just as good. Right?

Just as good or not, he was there and so were the others. So, he had to play the part. Approaching the newest arrival he entered into the usual introduction spiel.

"Greetings, I am Walter Resp, Assistant Deputy Backup Ambassador to the planet of Tweenis-12. Here from Deneb, member of the Associated Systems of Klonor. I don't believe I have had the honor of your presence before. May I ask which distinguished nation you hail from?"

"Feel free to explore the garden, Sir. The Emperor will be arriving shortly."
Kommetrez returns the wink with a knowing cluck of the tongue. "Thank you. Have a pleasant day."

And explore he does--not as if he gets a chance too often--looking for people to meet and generally enjoying being out of the office. The fresh, different air--he completely ignores the automatic chemical constituent reports his augments provide, although the one portion of his partitioned mind he does keep closer to the Archailect connects the reports to the 'difference' with a quick spot of analysis and finds it interesting in a statistical way--the relaxed atmosphere, and the simple pride in not looking half as important as most of the people here in attire or stature but making up for it in bearing. That, and being just a nice guy... strange, perhaps with his softly glowing brown eyes that looked twice as old as the rest of his body, but a nice guy nonetheless.

"Greetings, I am Walter Resp, Assistant Deputy Backup Ambassador to the planet of Tweenis-12. Here from Deneb, member of the Associated Systems of Klonor. I don't believe I have had the honor of your presence before. May I ask which distinguished nation you hail from?"
And he finds a winner. From the what? Checking the Angelan datacores, he comes up with something that Hesche would probably describe as 'calimari-scent.' Eh, probably harmless. "The Federated Segments of Scolopendra--International Relations Advisor Kommetrez." The dark-skinned man bows shortly to Resp. "The honor is mutual, of course--the honor of any decent being meeting another."

Gauging skin conductivity, perspiration, heart rate... the more-Angelan partition quickly decides based on the evidence that the man is out of his league. The more sociable partition simply intuits it and smiles conspiratorially. "So, how go your duties this fine day?" He has one of those voices and looks that seem to gently pierce, automatically knowing how one feels and so his question is intoned to indicate that complete honesty--or even not--is totally acceptable.

"Oh, they are most wonderful today. This is a beautiful garden and our host has been most gracious. Oh, where are my manners? Would you like a drink?"

He extends the flat square of metal with a third cup.

"I must confess that I feel somewhat outclassed in such exalted surroundings, my position is not very elevated in the Hierarchy of the Association. How are you faring?"

"Oh, they are most wonderful today. This is a beautiful garden and our host has been most gracious. Oh, where are my manners? Would you like a drink?"

He extends the flat square of metal with a third cup.

"I must confess that I feel somewhat outclassed in such exalted surroundings, my position is not very elevated in the Hierarchy of the Association. How are you faring?"
Alshai graciously accepts the cup with a broad, sincere grin and another short bow, surreptitiously slipping the cup past his nose with a smooth motion, looking like a natural extention of doing two things at once, which he was. While it was disconcerting at first, and he still held a mild grudge against the Archailect for peer-pressuring him into it, having two lines of simultaneous thought wasn't so much a bad thing; it was having his cake with his Angelic side--although his original psyche was still strong enough in that side to avoid using the term "Angel" to describe himself--and eating it with his posthuman side. It not only prevents most of the odd sort of conflict that used to make him feel out of place back when his understanding of reality in general was coming to terms with being always connected to a Greater Whole, but it also allows him to do things like this.

His Angelan side quickly takes in the new olfactory data and analyzes them, using the ambient levels from earlier to tare the new results. High concentration of ethyl alcohol. Can easily be decomposed into ethane and diatomic hydrogen on a two to two-one ratio using onboard enzyme stores.

His more human--yet not quite human, as he'd be the first to admit--side takes this information and thinks back to a little party in the Empire of Treznor. Chameleon, after all, was also a nice fellow and extremely helpful to Alshai as he learned to understand and accept his new nature. This side forms a plan of action as he surreptitiously flicks up the fingernail of his left index finger, easily sipping the vile concoction as if it were fine wine. "Yes, the Guanyans are most hospitable, I must admit... and I wouldn't worry about not being a major personage. Underneath, they probably only have one brain like everyone else--without their titles and fancy clothes and bodyguards, they're just people like you and me."

Smiling conspiriatorially again, he takes an easy deep breath, then turns his head to the left as he raises his left hand. Too bad I couldn't turn in the augment... oh well, this setting is mostly harmless. Setting the frequency of the built-in coherent EM projector to one most efficiently absorbed by the local atmosphere, he activates a three-centimeter-long flame of blue plasma, overexcited atoms of nitrogen and oxygen shedding their excess energy in packets of blue photons. He flicks his hand out, similar to activating a pocket firestarter, then exhales easily through pursed lips, the ethane catching easily in the plasma and torching out in a carnival performer's gout of yellow-red flame. Flicking his finger-lighter closed, he grins.

"Just people like you and me, each with our own little tricks."

'Why did I bring these men again?' Dao inwardly sighs, referring to the two obviously overprotective men who seemed to think he needed constant surveilance. 'Thousands of years and they still haven't quite deduced it yet,' he muses. "Shingen! Mitsuyora!" he calls them to attention sharply, while chuckling inside. "Would you be so kind as to return to the ship and bring me some real food?" he inquires, playing upon their natural pride. "We all know that this simply cannot do. Make sure it is done, and done well," he almost-grumbles, waving a hand dismissively towards the door. Saluting and bowing profusely, the men move as fast as politely possible towards the door. That should keep them for quite some time, if he knew his guards.

'Now, as for that Scolopendran man, if indeed he is such. The guard seemed to know him...' A flash to his right alerted his animal-sharp senses, and he barely craned his head towards the direction, in time to discover the Klonorian man watching as a short burst of flame emanates from the ambassador's left hand. 'Amusing...' he broods, 'most....amusing.' Taking a sip of the coarse drink, he glides smoothly over to the spectacle, half-smiling as always as he introduces himself, extending a hand to first the Klonor ambassador, and then, more cautiously, to the Scolopendran envoy. "Lord Dao Yorinaga of the Domain of Northwestern Liang, a...pleasure to meet you, sirs," he offers courteously.

Walter watched the flames with disinterest clearly evident on his face. He might be awed at the power the various personages represented, but the tricks on display were nothing out of the ordinary for him.

"I suppose this is true. With time there are no expanses that can't be breached."

With that his head begins to glow, light eminating from his very skin and raising over his head to form a Halo worthy of Messenger of the Spirit. In fact, his entire body begins to shimmer as if dipped in Pearl Dust. Further demonstrations are interrupted, however, by the arrival of the latest diplomat.

"A pleasure to meet you as well. I am Walter Resp, Assistant Deputy Backup Ambassador to the planet of Tweenis-12. Here from Deneb, member of the Associated Systems of Klonor. It is an honor."

His hand, extended merely half the distance to Lord Dao Yorinaga, glowed more intensely than the rest of his body and began to expand. The field of energy reached the rest of the distance and clasped the wrist of the Northwestern Liangian.

Tricks of light and field effects are nothing new (to the Angelan side at least) but it does firm an idea in one mind. Hm. Hesche's evaluation would make a little more sense now--no matter. Actually, the arrival of Yorinaga is a pleasant thing, a way to conscientiously avoid silly little games of one-upsmanship. The simple point that 'all is not always what it seems' hopefully made--at least to the diplomat from Northwest Liang--he bows shortly as he takes the hand proffered and shakes firmly yet with a mildness intended to indicate caution may not be entirely necessary. "My pardons; just a few parlor tricks and a rash bit of exhibitionism. International Relations Advisor Alshai Kommetrez of the Federated Segments of Scolopendra. The pleasure is indeed mutual, sir."

OOC: Last call for arrivals. Resi is in Vancouver, so his IC late arrival is acceptable. Siri's late arrival actually fits into my plans quite well. For everyone else, the arrival deadline is noon on the 19th. (PST)

Commander Sara Treble arrived at the guard’s position before she would enter the garden. She wore the green over blue dress uniform of the Commonwealth Navy, that contoured her shapely body.

Besides possessing enough political acumen to get her this assignment Treble was a warrior. The uniform she wore was as durable as a Marines skin suit and the long saber fastened along he thigh was not merely ceremonial.

An odd look finds its way to Yorinaga's eye as he shakes firmly. 'What is it about this man?' he queries himself repeatedly. Though no change at all comes over him outwardly, inwardly he had become somewhat troubled, though he banished the concern out of his mind for the time being.
"Oh, that's quite alright," he offers, speaking, in his fashion, somewhat slower than normal. "Not many of us can resist a little show-and-tell, so to speak." The smirk that is his constant expression widens a fraction of an inch, and he rests his arm on his plain sword-hilt. "I must admit, I find myself and my nation at a disadvantage here, having little to no previous contact with the Guanyans. Sometimes one simply needs some time away, and a visit to a vast, emerging empire seemed both constructive and more pleasurable than the alternative: record high amounts of paperwork.” His smile widens a tiny bit more.

Calabrese takes his time considering the other attendees, drawing a simple silver flask from inside his jacket, and sipping briefly. It contained butterscotch schnapps, a liqueur he’d developed a taste for over the past few years. Mild, lower alcohol content so as not to overload too quickly, and a pleasant flavour. Perfect for nursing over an extended period of time.

The displays by Kommetrez and the odd gentleman speaking with him do not go unnoticed, nor does the gentleman seeming to overcompensate and the impressive lord tailed by two of his guards … and at a distance, two Guanyans. In fact, everyone including himself seems to have a pair of shadows casually observing, keeping watch over their guests, save the illusionist, who has but one.

Interesting … not unexpected, but interesting. Well, time to make the rounds and be sociable. Lets see how I’m received by our ally. By all accounts, he is a solid, decent sort, and managing rather well despite having to reconcile two vastly different heritages now. I know Nathicana thinks highly of him. Hmm …

Taking another small sip, he caps the flask, tucks it neatly back inside the jacket of his Versace suit, straightens his tie, and proceeds in his usual confident walk to where the small group is standing.

“Advisor Kommetrez,” he says, extending a hand. “I recognized you from across the way. A pleasure to finally meet you, Signore. Cesare Calabrese of the Dominion. I trust your trip here was a pleasant one?”

To the others he offers a pleasant smile and a respectful nod as well, figuring that introductions would come in short order.

Walter Resp acknowledges the nod with one of his own. Not even sure of own power, he didn't feel it wise to introduce himself to one who clearly wasn't ready to be introduced to him. The time would come. Or not. Walter didn't feel the need to press the issue. Instead he raised the metal square again, pouring himself another glass. That made three Collostomizers in less than an hour. One more and the Guanyan Emperor would need to explain how the Klonor Ambassador had died of alcohol poisoning before the bar was even opened. If it weren't for the Scrubbers he'd have already keeled over.

Well, if I go, at least I go Happy. Well, I'll actually be going Drunk, but what's the difference?

A raised arm later and the Klonorian is walking with a bit of tilt in his step.

Minister George Melianes approached the entrance of the grand palace. It was possible to say that the minister came from a backwater country that many people have never heard about nor really cared about, but he hoped that attending this meeting would change the views of those powers that be beyond the realm of Earth. Perhaps the nations he would meet here would view his nation as a mere unrecognizable blip on a radar; that is why Melianes planned to keep his composure cool, conservative, and most of all, quiet.

The Emperor insisted that George should take a saber, but Melianes refused. Why would he have needed a saber for? It's not like he was going to be attack, and it was likely that a saber from the country will make a difference against possibly more advanced blades of technologically advanced materials. Besides, a bulky sword wouldn't look too good with George's black suit.

George approached the guards in a stately fashion, bowing in respect and introducing himself. "George Melianes of The Crown Empire. I am enthusiastic on accepting the invitation of your emperor, Emperor Karhoff." Melianes stood and waited, assuming that the guards would have to check him for any contraband.

The foremost guard scanned the Wickian and Valerian representatives and waved them in, bidding them spend a few minutes enjoying the gardens as the Emperor would be arriving shortly.

OOC: In case I forgot to mention it, as some of you already know, Guanyans are very tall. They average a bit over seven feet tall.

IC: As the assorted guests mingled in the garden the glowing pillar at the center began to flicker. It then brightened to a blinding level and slowly dimmed to its previous luminosity. As it dimmed, a voice came from within, resounding throughout the garden.

“Please gather at the central pillar. The Emperor is on his way.”

When everyone had congregated around the pillar six Guanyans stepped out of a recess in the north wall in two abreast, three rank formation. The first and last ranks were obviously guards of some kind, with simple but obviously deadly weapons held before them. The two Guanyan in the middle were both peculiar, but in different ways.

The one on the left was nearly ten feet tall and seemed to be a walking armory. Whereas the other guards scattered around the garden carried only one visible weapon, this gargantuan figure carried a weapon in every place he could fit a holster. Everything short of anti-aircraft weaponry was placed somewhere on his person. The trained warriors among the guests could see, however, that the most dangerous thing about this man was not his private arsenal. Everything from the way he walked to the way he held his head practically shouted that this man was a walking weapon, a born killer.

The man at his side could only be the Emperor. He wore a flowing robe of silver and black covered with draconic designs. His eyes glowed green in the dim light of the pillar. His face was open, even friendly. As the procession approached the central amphitheater he spoke in a clear baritone voice. Though his words were not of any language known to the guests, the tone was clearly commanding.

“Nuham, gishak nu’lis. Aken dam sino’lu.”

The giant warrior saluted Karhoff, fist to heart, and motioned the other guards away. He then stood at parade rest, arms behind his back, as Emperor Karhoff continued.

“Welcome to the Celestial Seat, honored guests. Thank you all for coming. The purpose of this event is threefold. First, of course, it is being held to celebrate our emergence into the galactic scene from which we have too long been absent. Second, it is to allow us to become familiar with others we may encounter in our dealings outside our borders, and to allow you in turn to become familiar with us. Third, and perhaps most important, it is a chance for me to show my people that certain misconceptions we have about other races are not truthful, so that we may proceed in our dealings with outsiders without any inhibiting prejudices.”

Karhoff turned to Nuham Relkin, his gigantic chief bodyguard. “Nuham, sin’ak dis!”

At this command, Nuham signaled a guard at the back entrance to the garden, who brought in four Guanyans, three men and a woman. At the same time, the guard who had been scanning the guests at the door entered from the front. He touched something at his waist and his features shifted, becoming more angular.

“You have already met my door guard, Domin Yabrant. In addition to that job, he serves me in the capacity of Director of Intelligence.” Karhoff smiled. “I apologize for the deception. The other four you see here are,” Karhoff pointed to each in turn, “Boris Yeltsin, my Defense Minister; Renik Vash, my Minister of Finance; Riishi Sul, the head engineer for Guanyan Aerospace Technologies, which designs all of the commercial and military vessels for the Empire; and Nok Kirun, the High Priest of the Guanyan Church.”

“Feel free to speak with any of them, whether to ask them questions about their respective fields or simply to get to know them. I, of course, will also be glad to speak with all of you. Later we may have some combat demonstrations by my guards, and any of you or any members of your respective retinues who wish to join in may do so. For now, however, let’s simply talk for a while, and enjoy ourselves. I have made sure that all the Guanyan foods and beverages we are offering are safe for human consumption, so feel free to eat or drink as much as you wish. If you plan to drink a considerable amount, I suggest you take one of the pills next to the bar beforehand. They will prevent you from becoming intoxicated.” He looked directly at the Klonori representative.

As he finished speaking, more guards brought out food and drinks, setting them out throughout the garden on tables made from the same stone as the pillars scattered around the area. When they were finished, the guards left, and Karhoff stepped forward to get a drink.

OOC2: Now would be the time to socialize, meet people, ask questions, etc. Go for it.

Lord Dao Yorinaga turns to look at Calabrese, sizing him up and nodding politely. Any further conversation is brought to a hiatus as they follow Karhoff's invitation.
He follows the procession, bringing up the rear, dwarfed by the Guanyan guards. Yorinaga is on the shorter side of the medium-heighth range, and as such he found himself looking up the impressive Guanyan ranks. Nuham Relkin especially caught his eye, and he flashed a very rare grin, challengingly, to the deadly warrior as the Emperor mentioned martial contests. He was intrigued by the shapeshifting Guanyan device, nodding to himself silently, remarking inwardly that his intuition had once more proven correct. As the Emperor finishes his greeting, Lord Yorinaga drew himself up to his full height (which wasn't saying too much), and proceeded to make his way over to where the monstrous chief bodyguard stood. He reverted back to the half-smirk that was his eternal expression, and extended a hand in welcome, unsure if this was a common custom among Guanyan as well as Earthling. "Pleasant to meet you, sir. Lord Dao Yorinaga of Northwestern Liang," he offers as a greeting.

For a few seconds Nuham merely looked at Yorinaga, obviously sizing the man up (no pun intended). With a slow nod, he extended his arm and gripped Yorinaga's outstretched hand firmly, shaking in the accepted human fashion. "You are a warrior." It was not a question. "Because you are a warrior, I will speak with you. I must remain close to my Emperor as we talk, however. So, Niku Yorinaga, what do you wish of Nuham?"

Seeing the man's confused expression, Nuham explained. "Niku is a Guanyan term. The literal translation would be 'sword-brother.' It is used between warriors as a sign of respect, and is considered more important than civilian titles or titles of nobility. I will use your human title if you prefer, though I find such titles distasteful. I nearly choked when the Emperor commanded me to forgo using it with him and use his civilian title instead."

Dao thinks on this for awhile. Oddly enough, niku was a term relating to swords in his own tongue, and he nods thoughtfully at the Guanyan in front of him.
"Interesting," he muses outloud for a split second. "No, niku will be just fine... Niku Nuham," he offers. "I am indeed a warrior, though more often than not I do not have much time for those affairs in these days. Centuries have passed since I last took the field myself," he adds neutrally, his eyes flashing a deep violet color for an instant. "In any case, that was an added plus on my visit here, as I heard that there would be some martial activities. I am very much interested in those in particular," he adds with a chuckle, "but of course my first obligation is as envoy of my nation."

For the first time since entering the room, Nuham's face broke into a tight smile. "Of course. But as we say in my native province, 'Not even death can steal the spirit of a warrior.' I will look forward to the demonstrations."

And Walter continues to stand there and drink.

OOC: The only reason I am making this God-awful post is because nobody else has posted in more than four hours.

(OOC: Yay, moving. All done now.)
"Oh, that's quite alright," he offers, speaking, in his fashion, somewhat slower than normal. "Not many of us can resist a little show-and-tell, so to speak." The smirk that is his constant expression widens a fraction of an inch, and he rests his arm on his plain sword-hilt. "I must admit, I find myself and my nation at a disadvantage here, having little to no previous contact with the Guanyans. Sometimes one simply needs some time away, and a visit to a vast, emerging empire seemed both constructive and more pleasurable than the alternative: record high amounts of paperwork.” His smile widens a tiny bit more."Paperwork can indeed be quite tiresome," Kommetrez replies, "and the Segments' only contact with Guanyu comes from a previous visit of mine. Thus, I am sort of the unofficial ambassador. They really are quite hospitable once you get to know them... of course, the difficulty always lies in accepting that which is strange and new, no?"
“Advisor Kommetrez,” he says, extending a hand. “I recognized you from across the way. A pleasure to finally meet you, Signore. Cesare Calabrese of the Dominion. I trust your trip here was a pleasant one?”"Pleasant enough, Chancellor Calabrese." Alshai smiles diplomatically. Background check--yes, definitely the ringleader of the recent coup attempt. Chemical breath analysis--also partaking, albeit in much lower quantities. He accepts the hand and shakes firmly, very much like a retired soldier--perhaps just a little too hard. "Just the usual matters of following procedure and keeping myself out of trouble."

Jeremy walked through the entrance and began wandering, admiring the venue.
Bye 'eck this is a bit fancy...
His shoes clicked softly on the floor, seeing some drink he smiled.
Ah, great, something to drink!
He looked at the various glasses and liquids with the slight curiosity of a child, eventually he picked a glass out of the selection with a slight chink and turned back towards the crowd of delagates, he scanned them beifly before taking a sip of his drink and allowing a small sigh to escape his lips his moves to the side and watches.

“Good, good,” he says with a soft chuckle, flexing and stretching his hand slightly as he takes it back. “Though I can’t say as ‘getting into trouble’ springs to mind when I think of you Scolopendrans. More like ‘bailing others out of it’.” He smiles knowingly, then has his attention diverted by the entrance of the Emperor.

“Scuse,” he murmurs, nodding politely as he moves with the rest to the pillar. Ah, Kommetrez … a message? Simply strong? Nothing at all? He’s not one to underestimate by all accounts regardless. And gods, but these people are bloody huge. He listens attentively, stealing glances at those nearby to try and judge their reactions. Domin’s introduction most definitely catches his attention, and he studies the man carefully, then the others in turn, but with a bit less focus, balancing the Dominion Ministers against his first impressions of their counterparts here.

When the Emperor finished and began heading for the refreshments, Calabrese did as well, waiting politely for Karhoff to get his intended drink before speaking, taking quiet note of the conversation between the immense bodyguard and the Lord from Northwestern Liang. He also kept a respectable distance.

Yes, I think that leaving the displays of bravado and martial skill are best left to those better equipped to perform. It would seem that sword is not merely for display. Damned if I’m going to risk an accident in tussling with one of these Guanyan guards in any case. Equally damned if I'll be taking any odd pills here.

“Emperor Karhoff,” Cesare says, smiling pleasantly. “I wished to thank you for your gracious invitation. It is both a pleasure and an honor to be attending. The Lady sends her regards, and her apologies for not being able to attend herself. I hope my poor company will be adequate representation.”

Karhoff smiled broadly, clearly pleased to see Calabrese. "Of course, Chancellor. I'm glad you could come." Karhoff took a sip from his glass.

"As a matter of fact, you're just the sentient I wanted to talk to. I've been effecting some changes in the Empire, and one of them is to greatly reduce the number of ships patrolling our borders. Seeing as the borders are no longer closed, it isn't necessary to have the kind of force out there we had previously, especially considering the maintenance costs. What this means is that I have a something of a surplus of battleships and equipment. I was wondering if you could make use of it."

“Ships, is it?” the dark-haired man says, idly stroking his goatee. “If you can get me the specs, the proposed price, usual projected maintenance costs, and the guarantee of some training on how to run them on purchase, I may just be able to manage something there. If your weapons systems are a proprietary concern, perhaps we could arrange to have them removed and our own put in place, if the systems turn out to be compatible. If not, perhaps we could find some use as transports. It’s something the home office and our military and or trade Ministries would need to go over, but I could make sure the proposal got the attention it deserves.”

He bows politely to Karhoff. “If you have your people get me the information either before I leave, or have it sent to my office, I’ll do just that. Again, grazie – you are a most gracious host.” He waits to see if the Emperor has anything further to discuss however before making a move to leave.

"Boris would be the one to talk to about that. He'll have more up to date figures than I do. If he's occupied, Domin would have the same information, for obvious reasons."

OOC: That's all Karhoff has to say to him.

Having confirmed with Guanyan air traffic control before hand, the Menelmacari gravitic destroyer Gilthoniel passed low over the palace, providing Lady Sirithil a very dramatic entrance.... as the ship rose again to return to orbit, a shuttle launched and landed outside.

Lady Sirithil was dressed in a long white robe, with a hood, though it was also embroidered with elegant and intricate golden trim, with the usual swirling elven traceries following random patterns all over the fabric. She wore a golden circlet, set with jade and a single large ruby formed into the shape of the Menelmacari daggerstar insignia, and as always her longsword Dant'harthad was at her belt. Her crimson eyes shone from beneath the cowl with the light of the long-dead Trees of Valinor, and she wore a hint of a kind, warm smile. Flanked by a pair of her guards in their shimmering black galvorn armor, taken from the ranks of the dreaded Mornahossë, she arrived at the entrance... a little late, yes. But fashionably so.

Karhoff smiled as he watched Lady Sirithil's arrival. Those who were not engrossed with the rather impressive display would have seen Domin Yabrant whispering urgently in his Emperor's ear, and the Emperor speaking in a low but firm voice in what was clearly a negative command of some sort. Karhoff raised his voice and spoke to the new arrival.

"Lady Sirithil, so very glad you could join us." There was dry humor in his voice. "Be welcome in my home. Perhaps you would like refreshments?" He waved his hand toward the tables holding food and drink.

Sirithil gestures to the Mornahossë, and they take positions to one side of the room; they're deadly, but very discreet. If they wanted to, they could activate the active camo in their armor and shimmer away to near-invisibility for absolute discretion, but Sirithil isn't sure whether that would unsettle the Guanyans or not.

As it is, she approaches Karhoff and smiles. "Thank you, Emperor Karhoff; it is not often I get the chance to journey so far from our hearthworld. And for what seems like a wonderful party, too; new friends, new beginnings. Only good can come of this, and so I thank you for the invitation." She dips her head ever so slightly for a moment; this is about as close as the High Queen of the Elves will get to bowing before another, and so it is a gesture of great respect indeed.

Yorinaga turns to face the arrival of Sirithil with decided coolness, his eyes flashing a deep violet color, but otherwise showing no sign of surprise, interest, dislike, nothing. Outwardly, anyways.

Having no previous knowledge of any Guanyan/Elf spats, he has no way of knowing the nature of the refusal Karhoff gives to Yabrant, but he notices it with characteristic attentiveness, making a mental note of it and logging it in the vast depths of his mind. What had the Director of Intelligence wanted so urgently? Had there been previous history with Menelmacar? If so, what had it been? A thousand questions bore into Yorinaga's mind, and he puts them all on hold.

"Quite a flashy entrance here," he mentions, quite casually.

So, this is Sirithil. Funny, she doesn't look a day over five thousand. Karhoff thought wryly. It's hard to believe she's older than I am. I'll have to get used to that with the elves, I suppose. They're even longer lived than we are.

"I could spend the next three hours complimenting every concievable thing about you, dear Lady, but perhaps it would be easier to dispense with the polite social talk for the moment. I can lavish you with praise at some later time, if you'd like." He grinned.

"For now however, I'd like you to meet someone. Nok, come here please."

The Guanyan High Priest approached cautiously. "Sire?"

"I'd like you to tell the Lady Sirithil about our religion. I believe she'll find it to be of interest." Karhoff looked straight into Sirithil's eyes. He said nothing, but his eyes spoke clearly, their message simple. "Run with it, please. I need your help," they said.

Sirithil laughs softly as she takes a glass of wine from the tray of a passing courtier. "I'd like that," she says with a smile as he promises to lavish her with praise. She also smiles a thank-you towards Yorinaga, and makes a point to speak with him further, later on, as well.

When he looks at her, she nods slightly, the message coming through loud and clear. "Er... yes. It's a pleasure to meet you, Nok. I'd be fascinated to hear of your people's religious beliefs."

Shooting a suspicious look at Karhoff that was half humorous, half curious, Nok turned and walked to a bench, gesturing that Sirithil could sit if she wished to.

"Let's see, I may be able to make this easier by providing a common referrence point. I've heard that many outsiders worship a deity by the name of Eru, sometimes also called Illuvatar. We call him Ji'ren, and to put it simply, he's the brother of our God. The relationship is a bit more complex, but that's the simple form."

“It is said that before Time itself there were two brothers who lived in the darkness called Lam, the Void. One of these brothers was our god, Jilam,Lord of the Void, and the other was Ji’ren, Lord of the Eternal Flame. If I'm correct, you would know it better as the Flame Imperishable. When Ji’ren began creating things to fill the Void, Jilam experimented with this idea by creating the first Guanyan. This angered Ji’ren and they parted ways. At that point, just under thirty thousand years ago, the first Guanyan, who happened to be the Emperor's great grandfather, was the leader of the people.”

"After a time, Jilam left us for reasons that were unknown to his followers. He left us a gift, however. In the Jilam'su'gak, the House of the Lord of the Void, there is a room that is bathed in starlight, though it is closed to the sky. Even during the day the Light of Jilam shines there. The High Priest goes there to meditate, and when one is truly in a state of calm, Jilam's voice can be heard. In this way he guides us still. His voice...I cannot possibly describe it. It is filled with compassion, but also with power. It is truly the voice of God."

Nok's voice was filled with awe, and his eyes held a faraway look. When he turned his gaze back on Sirithil, he frowned. "What of your people, Lady? What is their spiritual way?"

Sirithil sits on the bench, holding her glass in one hand. She's a little surprised - okay, floored - at his statement, as he's basically described i Voronë to a T, complete with the right terms - Eru Ilúvatar, the Flame Imperishable, and so forth. She thinks fast, and makes a judgement call; she knows Guanyans have, er, a problem with Elves in general, but how could Nok speak of these things, and perhaps more importantly, why would he, if he did not already know she was an Elf? Logically, Nok must certainly be on the shortlist of people Karhoff has told about her.

"I would be fascinated to see this Jilam'su'gak sometime," she says, sipping from her wineglass. "My people do follow Eru Ilúvatar, for we were created by his hand to fulfil his plans for the world he forged. A bit of that imperishable flame is carried within us all, and though Eru has left the world, we are guided by the Valar, the Powers he left behind to watch over Eä, all that is. We even lived among them, for a time, thousands of years ago, and they taught us the things we would need to know to survive and prosper in the world. They do not demand our worship per se in the traditional sense, though shrines exist; our connection to the Valar is a much more personal one, and our faith requires only that we strive ever to better ourselves and the world around us."

So, it's true. Nok should have been shocked, but nothing his Emperor did shocked him anymore. She responded to the mention of Ji'ren alright, and she's clearly elven. But why? What is Abron doing bringing an elf to this event?

But we'll have to deal with them at some point...perhaps he realized that, and wanted to get the issue out of the way, by showing the people... It hit him like a Grav Torpedo in the stomach. Show us all that they're not all like the Alfrek! That's what bothered me about this Sirithil all along! She's elven, but she displays none of the relevant characteristics of the Alfrek. Abron, you fool, the people aren't ready for this! I'm barely ready for this!

The Emperor calmly watched the emotions play out on his High Priest's face, reading him like an open book. Gently, almost as if addressing a child, he spoke.

"Nok, would you please describe, so that all present can hear you, your opinion of Lady Sirithil?"

Oh no. You can't do this to me, Abron! Nok's mind raced. But if our leader is ready to lay down the ancient hatred...then maybe the spiritual leader should be too. Yes, that's the only way. It's what he was counting on the whole time. He needs my help, if he wants to make the people believe that not all elves are the monsters that we've been taught they are.

His voice barely shook as he spoke loudly, casting his voice out to those in the room. "I've barely spoken with her, Sire, but...she seems to be much like us. Perhaps...perhaps the Guanyan people are not so different from outsiders as we believed." Even these outsiders, he thought.

Karhoff spoke again. "Lady Sirithil, if you would please remove your hood?"

Sirithil nods, and rises proudly to her full height of six feet and seven inches, her shining scarlet eyes gazing about the room as if commanding the attention of every Guanyan present. Raising her elegant, long-fingered hands slowly to the hem of the hood of her robe, she pauses dramatically for just the slightest moment before pulling it back, revealing for all to see, her delicately tapered ears - the visual hallmark of the Elven species.

Well well well … the Elentári herself deigns to grace us with her presence. And among those who judge elves to be their mortal enemies – quite apparent by Domin’s reaction there. Given the mercurial nature of the elves at times, can’t say as I blame the man. Intriguing. I wonder, does the lady have any idea what she’s walked into here? Calabrese ponders, an amused smile finding its way to his lips as he steps quietly aside to observe the exchanges. He quietly takes a small sip from his flask, watching the elven lady and their hosts with a carefully neutral expression.

The comment from the impressive lord from Northwestern Liang catches his attention, however. Without taking his eyes off the elf and whom she’s speaking with, he nods slightly. “It would seem to be her style,” he says in a soft, wry tone. “Subtlety is something I believe our Menelmacari allies rather lack.”

Hearing Karhoff’s rather unexpected request, Cesare’s brows arch up questioningly. “You ah … “ he clears his throat lightly. “This may cause a bit of a disturbance,” he murmurs, backing slowly towards the nearest solid structure he can put his back against, eyes sharp.

Domin was not suprised by this turn of events. Nor were Nuham or Boris. The other Guanyans, however, were not prepared to see an Elf in the Empire, much less in the Celestial Seat itself. There were several quick, indrawn breaths from the shadowy figures of the guards tailing the guests. One guard in particular did more than gasp. As the others stood shocked, a Guanyan guard stepped from behind Chancellor Calabrese toward the Emperor.

"Naka'li! Si'dak nu shata si'u!" His voice was filled with equal parts outrage and anger.

"Jana sik. Munarat." Karhoff's tone was firm, unyeilding.

"Ra lunak nisi'shu!" The guard was shouting this time, not even trying to conceal his anger. It was clearly the wrong thing to say, an insult of some kind. Then he pulled a sidearm from his holster. The Guanyans in the room flinched, and Nuham took an angry step toward the foolish guard. A barked command from Karhoff, however, stopped the giant warrior in his tracks.

Without any fear evident in his face or in his voice, Karhoff advanced on the man. "Du'nek, sigat ro? Nula'shek?" From his tone, it was a challenge of some kind. The gist was obvious. Karhoff was daring the guard to raise his weapon against the Emperor. Karhoff glided forward farther, his stance dangerous, his body tense.

The guard was clearly struggling within. He could not fire upon the Emperor. It was unthinkable. But he could not allow this abomination to continue, either. The solution came to him, as Karhoff had known it would. He began to raise the weapon, turning to face Sirithil. But he had made a mistake. He had let Karhoff get too close.

With a swift jab to the arm that struck a nerve and left the guard's arm without any feeling whatsoever, the Emperor disarmed his bodyguard. He wasn't finished, however. A kick to the solar plexus knocked the wind out of the man, doubling him over, and a two handed blow to the back slammed him to the ground.

Not even bothering to speak High Guanyan, Karhoff spoke, his voice so hard it could have cut diamond. "You disgust me. You not only drew a weapon on one of your Emperor's honored guests, you threatened me directly. You have no honor, no loyalty. I cannot trust a man who has no honor. For disobeying me, you are removed from duty, no longer one of the First File. For attempting to harm the Lady, you are sentenced to death."

His voice softened, just barely. "You have served me loyally for many decades, so I give you a chance to die with your honor intact." Karhoff flipped a wicked looking three bladed knife from his belt, handing it hiltfirst to the guard. "Do what is customary. I will see to it that shame never falls on your family."

Two of the other guards pulled the man from the room, the knife still in his grasp. His face was resolute, though etched with pain. "I will do as my Emperor commands," was all that he said.

The Emperor turned to Sirithil. "I apologize for that unfortunate incident, Dear Lady. Perhaps it will ease some tensions if I do this." He whistled, an oddly human noise, and the guards all filed slowly out of the room. Only Nuham remained, standing by his Emperor as always.

"Now, let us return to the business at hand. I suggest we forget what just happened, as it can bring no good to dwell upon it."

The words from the DLN ambassador register in his mind, and his constant smirk widens a bit. "It would seem so," he offers softly, monitoring the exchange between Lady Sirithil and the Guanyan priest with non-apparent interest, his expression, as always, revealing nothing.

As the Guanyan guard pulls a gun, he tenses up for a second, his eyes narrowing a fraction of an inch, and those who were very observant might have noticed a dim, almost unrecognizable violet aura briefly outline his form, before the disarming and recognization of the authority over his men the Emperor possesses registers and it fades as quickly as it had come.

The command of the Emperor to the Guanyan guard is no surprise to Yorinaga. Ritualistic suicide is a facet of Liangite life as it is Guanyan, and such an exchange between Lord Yorinaga and a deviant guard would not have seemed out of place in his country. As the guard is led out of the room, Dao, completely without a crack in his expression, gently re-focuses his attention to Lady Sirithil and Karhoff, waiting courteously.

Things happen quickly. Sirithil gasps as she sees the weapon come out, but instincts take her and she is already weaving a spell of defense... the Mornahossë advance from their position, moving quickly for a clear shot, and they reach for their plaspistols as well, as the guard points the gun at the Lady... a magical energy shield crackles into place about the Elentári, filling the air around her with a warm golden glow... and Karhoff quite forcibly deals with the situation.

It all passes in a matter of seconds, one, two, three. Maybe four, tops. But the disturbance ends as quickly as it begins, the Menelmacari guards calm down and holster their weapons, and Sirithil, seeing that the danger has passed, dismisses her enchantment. She watches as the fate of her would-be assassin is sealed; she knows from the reports that Guanyans were long-lived, and it surprises her that the guard would have thrown that away so easily by making a move on Sirithil in which he could not have hoped to succeed. The idea of ritual suicide disturbs her as well, but this is an entirely different planet, with different strokes for the local different folks.

"It's... it's nothing, nobody was hurt; that's what matters," she says to Karhoff softly, slightly saddened by the entire incident. "But is it even wise for me to stay? Perhaps the people are not ready; I can understand why that would be so. I have no wish to upset anyone here."

Karhoff shook his head. "There will always be a few who are not ready to face the truth, but none are here. Guanyans are by nature very open with their emotions. If any others had taken issue with your presence, they would have told me. Not necessarily as Yiis did," he was clearly referring to the soon to be ex-guard, "but in some fashion. I dismissed the other guards for your comfort, not theirs. You are welcome here."

He turned his gaze to the six other remaining Guanyans standing in various places around the room. "Is she not?"

Domin merely nodded. Nuham declared that she had the heart of a warrior, and her race was therefore irrelevant. Boris, Nok, Renik and Riishi all voiced their assent.

"I will understand if you wish to leave, Lady Sirithil, but do not ever think yourself unwelcome in my home. If there is one place in the Empire where you are welcomed by all, it is here."

The Dominion Chancellor was quick to put himself firmly out of the way when the commotion started, darting to the side as the tall Guanyan moved past him, and immediately putting his back up against the pillar. The lady … A personal force shield? … guards are moving, guests reacting … He watches the exchange, unblinking, his hands held ready to retrieve the stilettos he had stashed up his sleeves. He tenses when Karhoff attacks the guard, his eyes narrowing slightly, still not daring to blink, making quick glances around to maintain good situational awareness of what others were doing, coming up with a quick escape plan should it be needed.

He doesn’t relax in the least when the guards take the man from the room, nor does the sentence phase him – failure often resulted in death in the Dominion, and few who thought to challenge a superior in so blatant a way were afforded a second chance.

Cesare was a rare exception, and he knew it.

The guards leaving elicits another curious look, as did Karhoff’s words. He planned this. Has to be. Even he was offended at the barest inference that they and elves had more in common than one might think, and yet, here he is … deliberately bringing one here, and one of the most prominent ones to boot … and for what? An object lesson? Does he hope to win the elves’ trust in some way, get close before sliding the knife through the ribs? Is it something else he has in mind? And ought I speak with the lady on my concerns?

That last gives him a slight pause. What benefit for us if I do or not?

He straightens his meticulous suit jacket with a sharp tug, his brow furrowing slightly in irritation. He didn’t like not knowing what was going on entirely. He still didn’t trust Karhoff farther than he could throw the man – which doubtless, wasn’t far at all. He didn’t quite trust the elven queen either, and was more than a little concerned with her role in all of this, knowing or unknowing accomplice. Once he feels the situation has sufficiently calmed to his satisfaction, he takes out the small flask and again sips.

“Let’s hope that that takes care of that,” he mutters under his breath.

Kommetrez watches the show with a stony face, but a quiet internal smile that lightens his eyes a bit. Ah, I've always appreciated good theatre. With that, he wanders about to talk to anyone who looks like they want to talk to him. Primary target is, of course, Karhoff. I must congratulate him on his performance...

Karhoff gestured to Domin, and the Spymaster-General approached quickly. "Su le'rat?" Inquired Domin. From the way his eyes flicked toward Nok, the question likely had to do with funeral services, or the Guanyan equivalent.

Karhoff nodded. For a moment, the pain he felt at losing a trusted guard, and more than that, an old friend, flashed in his eyes. But it was the only way, wasn't it? Sometimes...sometimes sacrifices have to be made for the greater good. My first duty is to the people, to the Empire.

(Translated from Guanyan for plot purposes) : "He was my friend too, Domin. He will have the full rites of passage. Nok will see to it."

Domin's eyes narrowed. "Nok will see to it?" Could he have planned Yiis's death? He stared at his Emperor thoughtfully for a moment. He had known Karhoff for almost a millenium, and knew that the man would do almost anything for the good of the Empire. Almost anything, but not this. He planned for an outburst of some kind, perhaps, but he did not expect things to go so far.

---------------------------------------------

The Emperor saw Kommetrez coming and forced a smile. "Advisor. Domin's report on your meeting was...quite interesting. It is good to meet you in person." Karhoff extended his hand.

Alshai accepts it with a short bow, smiles diplomatically, then lets his face fall to a sort of sympathetic grimness. Emotions are not as difficult to read when one is as... enabled as the posthuman is. It's something Kommetrez is still getting used to, possibly acting on more than is comfortable for everyone else... but if one puts a man who cares about others' feelings into a body hypersensitive to the characteristic indicators of what is being felt...

It is like being telepathic, but not so certainly. "You are a brave one, sir, and you are honored by your deeds. Still..." He frowns slightly, looking older. "One would wish that such things could go a bit more smoothly... true? I know first-hand what it's like to clash with accepted social mores. Then again, one usually doesn't get to choose what species one gets to be." Gentle smile. "If there's anything I can do...?"

Perceptive bastard, isn't he? Rather reminds me of Jolis. Of course, he's of similar nature, being an automata, so that's to be expected. I'll have to introduce them sometime.

Karhoff sighed. "I hadn't expected quite so...rash a reaction. It's not Guanyan nature. But then, Yiis was always a bit odd. I thank you for your kind offer, but it would be wise of you to forget what happened. He atoned for his actions, and therefore by Guanyan tradition it is as if the event never took place."

"Moving on, I have something to ask of you. I'd like to send an ambassador from the Empire to the Segments. It would seem to be wise to have an official conduit for communications between our nations. Would he and his family be welcome to live there?"

Kommetrez nods slowly, face grimly serious. "Then let us never speak of it again."

At the request, the automata immediately brightens. "But of course, sir. I can also assure you that while they may stand above the crowd, they probably will not stand out. We can easily arrange living arrangements in coordination for you, and the Scolopendran tendency towards three-meter-plus ceilings and doorframes will hopefully mean that they do not have to duck overmuch." He chuckles softly. "I can make it an International Relations Section immedately--anything else, or anything in particular you need?"

Karhoff thought about it for a moment. Well, why not? It's as good a time as any. "There is one thing I'm curious about. I will not mind if you prefer not to speak of it. I am not familiar with Scolopendran technology. Tell me, is your body completely mechanical? A robotic shell with the thoughts and memories of a sentient being? Or does it contain nonmechanical parts?"

As the Emperor spoke with Kommetrez, Domin approached Cesare Calabrese. "Chancellor, I'd like to speak with you for a moment. There are a couple of things I believe we can get out of the way here. One: Any information you wanted on the ships you're being offered, I can provide for you. Two: The Empire is interested in establishing an embassy in the Dominion."

"As for the first consideration, if you'll give me a length or a fleet position (OOC: Meaning Dreadnought, Corvette, Carrier, etc.) you had in mind, I'd be able to narrow things down and give you information only on the ships you might be interested in."

"As for the second, it's fairly self explanatory. You can even meet the ambassador now, if you wish."

As the situation calms down, Yorinaga finds himself at a loss. What had happened? In all his time, he had never heard of a Guanyo-Menelmacari war, or any sort of persecution on either side. What had went on? Calabrese and Kommetrez apparently knew what the problem had been, why hadn't he? Deciding to get an answer to his query, at last, he turns once again to Nuham, who towers over him, who seemed to have had warning beforehand.

"What was that about?" he asks, sounding perfectly innocent. His expression changes to one of serious thought, if only because it was the correct response to such a tragedy.

Her conversation partner having left her to think, Sirithil wanders into the crowd to mingle aimlessly, deep in thought.

Karhoff thought about it for a moment. Well, why not? It's as good a time as any. "There is one thing I'm curious about. I will not mind if you prefer not to speak of it. I am not familiar with Scolopendran technology. Tell me, is your body completely mechanical? A robotic shell with the thoughts and memories of a sentient being? Or does it contain nonmechanical parts?"
"Hmmm... actually, I would classify as cyborganic, or perhaps superorganic depending on how one wishes to parse it." Alshai smiles gently. "The body is actually vat-grown; basic structure and musculature is organically grown from inorganic materials with quite a few cybernetic augments an complete replacements such as my heart, lungs... brain..."

The seemingly thirty year old body shrugs. "If one wants to parse it finely, the me that was born seventy-three years ago died when my brain was disassembled into thin slices and patterned into the augment that now serves that purpose... but that's a matter for the metaphysicists. I'm just an old soldier and a part-time statesman." Another gentle smile.

"It's also not Scolopendran technology, it's Ours--Angelan technology. I am constantly linked to the Angelan mainframe; I opted to take the leap from human to... posthuman back when I was Supreme Emperor. My culture has always been... wary around HANS units, which are our closest analog, and the concept that their elected leader was technically the fully-networked citizen of a foriegn nation was simply too much. In hindsight, they were right and it was good that I resigned. Ancient history now." Another slight shrug.

Nuham growled, apparently still a bit on edge. "There's a long standing issue between Guanyans and elves. Though we have never encountered the Menelmacari before, some believe that all elves are evil. The Emperor is trying to show otherwise. Yiis was not ready."

------------------------------

Karhoff chuckled. "You forget with whom you speak, Advisor. It is hardly 'ancient history' to us."

He frowned thoughtfully. "Synthetics, then. Not unlike our own ventures into the field, from your description, though we do not use such creations for sentient habitation. Intriguing."

OOC: If someone - anyone - wants to talk to Siri, feel free. Would like to get back into this thread.

Karhoff chuckled. "You forget with whom you speak, Advisor. It is hardly 'ancient history' to us."

He frowned thoughtfully. "Synthetics, then. Not unlike our own ventures into the field, from your description, though we do not use such creations for sentient habitation. Intriguing."
"Turn of a phrase, sir. It was only about two years ago... and, yes, I suppose 'synthetic' is accurate. For sentient habitation, normally, we don't but We do... hrm. Let me try that again." Wry grin. "Normally, we Scolopendrans don't but We Angelans do. Dual citizenship can be tricky at times. The Scolopendran viewpoint on the matter is that while we're willing to augment ourselves cybernetically we are somewhat leery to pattern our consciousnesses into artificial medium unless we've a very good reason to, like the HANS. It's a metaphysical uncertainty that makes us uncomfortable.

"Angelans, on the other hand, are primarily machine intelligence. Bodies like this act as avatars to act as physical instrumentality and assist in dealing with organics and the like. Being on both sides is actually quite a fascinating experience, really."

Karhoff nodded. "So in a sense, you are something of an interface between the Angelan network and Scolopendran society. Existing in both to facilitate smoother interaction. What a fascinating concept. You serve much the same purpose that our cybernetic constructs do."

He paused for a moment. "I apologize, Advisor. It was rude of me to speak of you as if you were nothing more than a manufactured device."

Kommetrez shrugs. "Why should I be offended when someone tries to make a concept less alien by comparing it to known and well-understood concepts? Everyone suffers from egocentrism, sir, and as long as it's not extreme or not intended to offend there's no point in me or anyone else making much ado about it.

"In a sense, you're correct. It would be more accurate to state that the body I inhabit is. My own being, essence, soul, or what have you is actually both an individual and a part of the gestalt Angelan superorganism. It is the same concept as any other society--all nations, societies, markets act as organisms separate from their cells--except we are more cognizant of the relation. It is like the cell understanding the body and the body understanding the cell. What I can best describe it as is a constant sense of family. Like family, cells disagree. Like close families, it moves as a singular body made of individual parts. Like family, each cell cares about the family and the family cares about each cell. That's the closest analog I can come to based on my previous baseline human life.

"It's also the reason I switched." He shrugs a little.

"I would need to route that through the Lady and our Defense Ministry, I'm afraid, though once the festivities here have finished, I could likely get you answers before I leave. A simple matter of getting their needs and relaying them on to you. I am certain they will appreciate the offer," he says, smiling politely at the tall Guanyan.

"As for the embassy, I could set the wheels in motion on that. There is, after all, quite a bit of paperwork and formalities involved. Credentials must be prepared, a suitable site chosen, along with all the usual precautions observed after a request has been accepted. I would be quite interested in meeting your proposed ambassador, since you've offered."

Cesare takes a quick sip from his flask, then asks in a lower voice, "I understand, to what extent I have been educated at least, your longstanding racial issues with the elves. What is your opinion of them, and the gracious welcome your Emperor has so far offered them? I am curious, you see, given my own views on the race."

Domin's eyes grew thoughtful. "I have no problem with the Elves. Well, that's not entirely true. Let us say instead that I do not have the issues with them that some of my countrymen do. My gut instinct does however lead me to believe that they are not to be trusted." He smiled. "Of course, I get paid not to trust anyone, so it's not suprising I feel the way I do."

"As for the Ambassador, my offer was purely pragmatic in nature. It would be good to know ahead of time if there are any problems with the Emperor's selection of a representative." He tapped his cheek lightly, just above the jawbone, then spoke seemingly to empty air. "Raf? Yes, send in Jill, please. Thank you."

A suprisingly small figure, considering the size of the Guanyans the guests had seen thus far, stepped in through the back entrance a few moments later. When she came close enough to see, her diminutive size was no longer quite so suprising. She appeared to be a human female, just over five and a half feet in height. She was thin, with an athletic build and long flowing blonde hair. Her eyes, however, glowed the same startlingly bright green color as those of the Guanyans. "You called, Domin?"

Domin nodded. "Yes, little one. This is Chancellor Cesare Calabrese of the Dominion."

The woman looked Calabrese up and down, then smiled and extended her right hand. "Chancellor. I'm J.I. Eleven. You can call me Jill. It's a pleasure to meet you."

"Blind trust is a sure way to get one's throat cut. Even among the most civilized of people," Cesare says with a knowing chuckle. "Constant vigilance, after all."

He quietly notes Domin's actions, concluding the use of augmentations of some sort, possible QE communications like their own. All good things for intel to know, especially if an embassy were approved. The level of tech had already been listed as an asset and risk in dealing with Guanyu - something the Dominion was already used to dealing with in other national relationships.

Jill's entrance elicits a somewhat different response. Calabrese straightens his jacket slightly, offering the woman a warm welcoming smile. Noted - more than capable of infiltration, eyes aside. He takes her hand in his, then bows, his eyes never leaving hers, lightly places a kiss atop her knuckles, then steps back slightly, still smiling. He gives her hand a brief squeeze then releases it.

"Il piacere è mine, la mia dolce," he says, studying her thoughtfully. "That is to say, the pleasure is mine. I understand by your designation that you are an electronic lifeform, or something similar? I was not aware Guanyu had such citizens. Fascinating. I'm certain the Lady will be intrigued, given her relationship," perhaps a slight emphasis of the word, "she has with S.H.O.D.A.N.."

Which perhaps is part of the reason for such a choice. Interesting. How much do they know, I wonder? How many do they already have inserted and watching, despite their assurances? None we've turned up yet, that I'm aware of ... not that Pellegrino would necessarily say unless it served his or Nathicana's interests to let me know. And are they playing this card now as a test, hoping to get a reaction? Or is it just an honest attempt to offer someone less 'obvious' as an envoy? Too like ... too like by far for my comfort.

OOC: Sorry if I've been lurking about the thread for too long. It's been pretty hectic for me in the last week or so, so I've had little time to post (as it takes long enough to read everything). I had to settle some financial issues.

IC:

Minister Melianes wandered amongst the crowd, not really joining into all of the conversation that others seemed to have enjoyed the pleasure of doing. He was rather shy; to be in the presence of people from mighty empires whom he'd never would have known to exist before he arrived here. Of course, Magnus Valerius was likewise pretty much unknown to such powers as well, for they were only an empire on Earth. They weren't an empire that spanned planets across great distances in the galaxy... they were just some small nation in comparison whom were nothing. The Emperor back home would have a bad complex if he knew that his empire was nothing at all to these nations.

When the Emperor of The Guanyan Empire welcomed all of the guests, the Minister moved off to a corner of the room and sat down. He enjoyed drinking some champagne for a moment, but he had decided that he should just be a spectator to everything at the moment. The tall, intimidating Guanyans awfully reminded him of his tall leader, but even Alexander did not match the height of the Guanyans. The 5'11" minister felt dwarfed and melted into silence. However, after several idle moments, George picked himself up and finally decided that maybe he should meet some of these powerful people (or representatives of them) in person, just to increase his own knowledge of what lies in space and to whet his appetite; he always desired to meet new people, especially if they were beyond Earth.

As Melianes' green eyes scouted the crowd for someone interesting to talk to, his eyes came across an elven figure. Just moments ago, she had gotten into a scuffle with a possible assassin, causing a stir in the party but receiving little attention from George as he was busy pondering quietly to himself. George arose from his seat and approached the woman (OOC: Siri), wondering where had she had come from. She obviously must have been someone of great power, to have been the target of an attempted assassination. No one would probably even think of assassinating Emperor Alexander II, his leader, because he led an empire that was peanuts in comparison to many of the powers that were in this hall. Maybe it that way because Alexander also ruled an empire that was crumbling at its foundation... there were factions arising under the cover of darkness, and soon, they might strike at the Empire from within the Empire.

George bowed before Sirithil politely and introduced himself accordingly. "Good evening, my lady. May you honor such a humble delegate with your name? I'm Diplomatic Minister George Melianes of The Crown Empire of Magnus Valerius. I'm sure you've never heard of where I hail from, but then again, my nation's still quite a backwater and isolated country." George smiled. His parted brown hair and goatee were immaculate, and he was pretty young for a high minister at 28 years of age.

"I am familiar with mosts forms of human communication, Chancellor. Do not feel obliged to translate for me. As for your query as to my nature, I am an android. My body is a near-exact replica of a human woman's, with synthetic muscles, bones, and organ tissue. My brain is a collection of processors coupled with a wireless uplink to the RIN - That's Robotic Intelligence Network."

Domin broke in. "There are a few thousand androids living throughout the empire. Jill, however, was designed specifically to function as an Imperial Voice, able to act independently yet capable of recieving instructions from the central network almost instantly regardless of her distance from the Celestial Seat. She's something of a prototype; there are only fourteen J.I. models in existance." He looked at Jill. "You'll need to do something about those eyes, little one. They tend to make humans uncomfortable."

Jill closed her eyes. Her eyelids seemed to flutter as if she was processing information. When she opened here eyes about two seconds later, they were a grey-blue color. "Is that better?"

"Perfect, little one. So, Chancellor, are there any problems with our Ambassador?"

Walter Resp continues to simply stand in the corner and drink, his gaze wandering over the grouped diplomats. An empty glass in his hand, a glazed look in his eyes, and it's pretty clear that he's reached his alcohol limit. His limit, as in if he drinks another glass he'll drop to the ground and require a elephant sized stomach pump to keep from passing into the next life. A pity, for a Klonorian who can't drink anymore is a Klonorian who would gladly go to that next life.

However, his mind was still clear as a bell. Scrubbers flowed through his veins and kept his mind as clean as a whistle. A good thing, too, because a drunk Klonor Administrator was usually accompanied by several telepathically mangled corpses. They learned that the hard way. Damn Jimathonians.

Anyway, he began to once more walk amongst the other diplomats. He might be scared shitless, worrying that he'd insult the wrong person and start a Galaxy-wide war, but he was also bored as hell. So, he made the first move.

Walking up to the first un-engaged Ambassador he saw (Anybody who wants to speak to my guy), he began the introductions.

"Greetings most esteemed envoy! I am Walter Resp, Assistant Deputy Backup Ambassador to Tweenis-12. Here from Deneb, member of the Associated Systems of Klonor. May I be so bold as to inquire as to your planet of origin?"

"Bah, my lady," Calabrese says, gently waving a hand in a placating gesture. "Please, do not feel you need change to suit some human ideal with us. Our nation has grown quickly over the past handful of years, and we have become accustomed to seeing new things, new people. In dealing with races not our own, we have almost come to expect such differences. Leave your appearance however suits you, signora. We are not so xenophobic a nation as some might think."

He nods mildly to Domin, not giving anything away in his expression as he ponders the implications. "I've no problem at all with this charming lady, no. Proper procedure will, of course, still need to be followed. We do tend to be sticklers for such things. Laying things out neatly beforehand reduces the chances for possible misunderstandings later. I will admit, Jill here would have a much simpler job of learning our laws and traditions than the usual baseline sentient. A noteable asset."

Aye, and the ability to transmit anything she learns instantly to be used here, for whatever purposes. Nathicana will want to consult S.H.O.D.A.N. no doubt on security countermeasures. I wonder how that request will go over ... that could come across sounding a tad untrusting. Excellent.

OOC: Yikes, look what happens when you forget a thread :S
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The Presidential Aide had arrived at the building slightly late. Handing his security team his coat, he checked himself in the mirror before entering. Representing a nation wasnt particularly an easy task, especially when you werent looking your best.

With a quick comb of his hair, and slight adjustments to his tie, Peter walked up the steps toward the main hall. He was now confident that he could represent the nation substantially, though he had never done it before. President Grove had been a favorite so far with Lady Sirithil of Menelmacar, so hopefully he could score a few points with her. Surely once established with her, the nation's circle of influence would continue to expand.

Walking through the doors, he allowed his eyes to adjust to a room which was filled with some very perculiar looking individuals. Noting that he had never met another race but humans, he entered nervously, and saw recognised immediatly Lady Sirithil of Menelmacar.

She was standing with a man of somesorts (OOC: Magnus), so he made last minute adjustments, and strided confidenty across the floor to greet the two individuals. As he approached them, it seemed they were not too deep in conversation, so he thought to speak up and introduce himself;

"Hello, my name is Peter Smith, however you may call me Mr. Smith should you choose. I am here to represent the Austar Union, which you may be familiar with. I think you have approved some of our later actions which thankfully Grove made when he was voted into office."

He bowed to the Elven queen, and then turned to the man who was standing with her, extending his hand, "And you are sir?"

I'm out. Sorry but I've been off for ten days and I probably won't get to post near as much in the future.

Domin smiled. "Excellent. I hope everything goes well. Give my regards to Signor Pellegrino, would you?"

With that, Domin walked away, got something to drink (non-intoxicating, as he never drank on the job) and returned to the side of the Emperor, briefly informing Karhoff of how the request had gone over.

George bowed before Sirithil politely and introduced himself accordingly. "Good evening, my lady. May you honor such a humble delegate with your name? I'm Diplomatic Minister George Melianes of The Crown Empire of Magnus Valerius. I'm sure you've never heard of where I hail from, but then again, my nation's still quite a backwater and isolated country." George smiled. His parted brown hair and goatee were immaculate, and he was pretty young for a high minister at 28 years of age.Sirithil looked up at the voice of the young man, and smiled, rising to her feet. "Good evening, Minister Melianes," she said with a gentle smile. "I'm Lady Sirithil nos Fëanor, Elentári of the Eternal Noldorin Empire of Menelmacar. I must admit I'm surprised you didn't recognize me, but I suppose it's certainly a refreshing thing. What brings you so far from Sol?"

Melianes returned Sirithil's gentle smile with a kind and warm smile of his own. What had puzzled him a little is that she mentioned that it was odd for him to have had never heard of Sirithil. "Lady Sirithil nos Fëanor... that's a very nice name," Minister Melianes beamed. "I am here mainly for a diplomatic mission to establish relations with empires beyond the bounds of Earth and Sol, but I'm failing at this, I guess. I'm pretty ignorant concerning many of the powers here, and I'm quite intimidated as well. But, I guess I've gotten over that initial intimidation somewhat."

Melianes paused and thought about the nation Lady Sirithil had mentioned she had hailed from. "I assume you're of a very, very great power if you found it odd that I hadn't recognized you... I apologize if I had disrespected you and Menelmacar but, you don't mind sharing some details about Menelmacar, my lady? It'll be nice to know more about the universe from what little we know in Magnus Valerius." Melianes folded his arms behind his back and stood up as straight as he could to be as respectable as possible for the Elven Empress. He thought that even his emperor would feel extremely humble before this woman.

He bowed to the Elven queen, and then turned to the man who was standing with her, extending his hand, "And you are sir?"

Melianes turned to face Peter Smith and extended his hand towards him in greeting. "I am Minister George Melianes of The Crown Empire of Magnus Valerius, on behalf of His Imperial Majesty Emperor Alexander II. It's a pleasure to meet you, sir. I'm not sure if you've heard of us, but I believe there's a file somewhere in the Diplomatic Ministry containing some intelligence history on the Austar Union. Nevertheless, I'm still not familiar with the nation that you hail from, so it would be nice if you where to lift the darkness from my mind."

Peter took the hand of Melianes and held it firmly;

"Ah. Well the Austar Union has a strong history of war and conflict. See, a few hundred years ago, under the Hoffman administration, our nation was once allied to a nation by the name of Credonia. Within our sphere of influence at the time, we were the most powerful duo, and held much political and military power between ourselves.

Of course, I would not rule out that there were nations and duo's which were stronger, it was only within our sphere of influence that we were the most powerful. Anyhow, due to a turn of events, the alliedship between our two nations dissolved, and ever since then we have been quite low on the international scene. It is only today which we are hoping to raise our status, but instead of a war-loving nation, a peaceful nation instead. This is the general want of the new Grove administration."

Nodding to Lady Sirithil, he commented, "Lady Sirithil is quite pleased with the Edward Grove administration ever since it came into existance, so I have been told. I can recall a few comments about his actions that actually shows this as fact."

Turning back to Melianes, he smiled, "I am sure that we have had vauge dealings with your nation before. I think perhaps in a conference named the 'Christian Conference 2004', which we had once hosted. Unfortunately that faded into bickering and we eventually gave up on finding a resolution. There is far too much seperation between Christian denominations to get everyone to agree. Sad really. I myself am from the AOG, or you might be familiar with the term Assemblies of God. Most of our nation is AOG, but we do have our share of religious minorities.

Nevertheless, we all generally live in harmony in the Austar Union, apart from a select few groups. Between you and me, ARM (Austarian Rebellion Movement) activity is on the rise, and the President himself fears open conflict. Actually, we suspect links to the Nationalist Party leader Alan Thompson, but such links are unconfirmed as yet."

Laughing to himself, Peter finished, "I certainly have a reasonable knowledge of our national identity. Perhaps you would like to share a bit about Magnus Valerius with me. I am not too old in this sphere of nations, however I hope to learn much before this party is finished, pehaps even have the privilage of building relations with other nations."

Sirithil smiled at the Austar representative - Peter Smith - was apparently his name, and shook his hand after Melianes did. She nodded in confirmation of his comments about her growing relationship to the Grove administration, and waited politely for him to finish.

"Menelmacar," she explained to Melianes, "in fact is on Earth, and we are indeed a great power." Her tone is not boastful, simply factual, though it would probably be excessive to expect her not to be prideful of this status. "We are an ancient people and an ancient nation, the largest and strongest of the nations of predominantly Elven population. We are now beginning to expand beyond Sol, to build a realm to span the stars.... if you wish more detail, I would gladly provide it."

"We ourselves have not started at looking at pushing our space borders," commented Peter, "We are quite new to this frontier, and our assets are limited."

Continuing, he talked to both people in general;

"Obviously with the growing situation between ourselves and the ARM, we have not the resources to even begin considering gaining assets other than the ones we already have. We own earthly assets of course, our homeland being based there, and we have a medium sized SpaceForce, but we do not have established colonies like Im sure your two nations would have.

Although after this... minor crisis happens, we will be considering gaining assets within Sol, before considering other places. Although I have little knoweledge as to what is left. As far as I know, the Moon and Mars, being our two closest neighbours seem to be taken, and their resources used. Perhaps we can make economic arrangements with others to gain assets, instead of becoming the pioneers which most attempt to be."

OOC:

Sorry for the belated, crappy post. I have been having a bad ache on the left side of my face due to a possible ear infection, which is making it hard for me to concentrate...

IC:

Peter Smith was the first one to respond to Minister Melianes, and he emptied as much information on the minister as he could. Melianes immediately began to make notes in his mind about The Austar Union and made sure he could remember to enter everything he can back at the ministry. Melianes wished that he could somehow make sure that all of the information would not leak from his mind as he got home.

"Interesting... Ah, I believe that His Holiness the Archpatriarch of Valeria had enjoyed the meeting while it lasted. I will gladly tell you and Lady Sirithil here about my homeland as soon as she had divulged some information about Menelmacar," replied the minister.

He turned to Sirithil and nodded his head in response to her offer of giving him a flesh-out background on Menelmacar. "You are on Earth? We must be far too isolated in our own small sphere of influence, it seems. Please, if it were not to trouble you, tell me more about Menelmacar."