NationStates Jolt Archive

It didnt take long for the cruiser to reach the space near Mercury. With the knowledge that the area was extremely hot, the temperature radiated from the nearby sun, the crew were thankful for the inculation which resided deep in the ship's structure. On board was a small military presense, but nothing major. The very idea of having people on board was to explore the tiny planet, not to fight any wars. Nevertheless, with the engines cut, the cruiser slowed as it reached Mercury Orbit.

Strangely enough, Austarian Authorities were unsure what nations had assets on the planet, which was exactly why the cruiser had been sent. They had been sent to explore the planet below, first with the sensors, then if they found it worthy, they would consider actually exploring it in person. Though if there were too many things down on the surface, they would first contact the leadership of the nations which owned assets on the surface of Mercury.

Slowly, the cruiser orbited the tiny planet below, its communication channels open. The Austarians wanted to gain further assets in Sol, perhaps even outside the system. But first they would have to make sure that nothing would be forcefully taken, as to not spark conflict. Switching the sensors on, the crew waited in patience as the computer systems scanned the planet for any signs of life, or unnatural formations. Unsure of what they would find exactly, they hoped the scanners would read accurately.

OOC: Basically I really dont know what people have on Mercury. I am aware that Hack has something on the planet, but as for others im not sure. So really, if you have assets on Mercury (actual RPed ones), then just post below something along the lines of how your sensors are picking up the cruiser, and then do as you wish. If possible, it would be great if you could also provide a link to information relating to your assets, where you RPed thier existance etc. Thanks :)

So far, the sensors didnt seem to detect anything. Perhaps there wasnt really anything to note afterall. To check, the crew continued to scan the planet for signs of life, hoping that perhaps there wasnt anything. Still, some things may not be detected, and would only be realised with some actual in-person exploration.

OOC: Bumpy Bumpy :)

OOC: To the best of my knowledge, the Seraphim Order, the Spacer Guilds, and Hack have stuff on Mercury.

I know nothing about the Seraphim Order, and it's likely they've either died off or migrated to II by now.

The Spacer Guilds were building an equatorial railway for a rail-city, a lá Terminator City in Kim Stanley Robinson's Blue Mars. However, since Spacers can't handle 1/6th Earth gravity (which is what one gets on Luna), I have no idea how they can handle 3/10ths Earth gravity (which is Mercury).

The Caloris Basin is the Hacker colony on Mercury, located in the geographical feature of the same name. It's populated entirely by robots, of course.

If there's anyone else on Mercury, I don't know about them; however, there are at least two nations in the Sun itself, Solar Giants and Absolute Light.

Way back in the dawn of time I considered a Tsarainese colony on Mercury, but I came to the conclusion that what I can get on Mercury (mainly nickel-iron) can be mined more easily from asteroids in the Belt. So I went that way, which is why there is no Tsarainese colony on Mercury.

OOC: To the best of my knowledge, the Seraphim Order, the Spacer Guilds, and Hack have stuff on Mercury.

I know nothing about the Seraphim Order, and it's likely they've either died off or migrated to II by now.

The Spacer Guilds were building an equatorial railway for a rail-city, a lá Terminator City in Kim Stanley Robinson's Blue Mars. However, since Spacers can't handle 1/6th Earth gravity (which is what one gets on Luna), I have no idea how they can handle 3/10ths Earth gravity (which is Mercury).

The Caloris Basin is the Hacker colony on Mercury, located in the geographical feature of the same name. It's populated entirely by robots, of course.

If there's anyone else on Mercury, I don't know about them; however, there are at least two nations in the Sun itself, Solar Giants and Absolute Light.

Way back in the dawn of time I considered a Tsarainese colony on Mercury, but I came to the conclusion that what I can get on Mercury (mainly nickel-iron) can be mined more easily from asteroids in the Belt. So I went that way, which is why there is no Tsarainese colony on Mercury.

OOC: Gee, thank you Tsaraine for your kind words. No, the Order has not died off but we've been fairly busy with our real lives and some have been suffering computer problems.

As well, the lingering issue between Spacer Guilds and the Order is still unresolved. I would really like it if people stop being so presumptuious, such as yourself Tsariane, since it is starting to become annoying.

If you admit that you know "nothing" about the Order, then why do you feel the need to flap your gums?

AU: If you want to work something out, let me know. I'll let the others know about this thread and maybe we can work something out? Gimme a bit of time.

OOC: Thanks for the information. Maybe we can talk about it on IRC Vrak when you're on next.
--------------------------------------

The sensors came alive when it scanned that there were indeed structures down below on the surface of Mercury. Some of it was identified as The Most Glorious Hack assets, and others which were currently unidentified. Reporting the information to the captain of the cruiser, they thought it best that they continue scanning before proceeding, so that contact could be made with those who owned the equipment and assets down below.

OOC: Thanks for the information. Maybe we can talk about it on IRC Vrak when you're on next.
--------------------------------------

The sensors came alive when it scanned that there were indeed structures down below on the surface of Mercury. Some of it was identified as The Most Glorious Hack assets, and others which were currently unidentified. Reporting the information to the captain of the cruiser, they thought it best that they continue scanning before proceeding, so that contact could be made with those who owned the equipment and assets down below.

From below, a message was sent to the Austar Union cruiser:


Unidentified craft. State your identity and intentions else you will automatically be treated as hostile. Unidentified craft...


The message was repeated until an answer was forthcoming. Meanwhile, the presence of the cruiser was relayed to the Seraphim Military.

Finally, there were actual signs of life down on the planet, for they had just recieved a hail. Of course they would respond, for they didnt want to be mistaken, and it was a general code of the Austarian Military anyway to respond to all hails, whether it even be from an enemy. Commander Xiago sent the responding message quickly, directly back to the original source;

"This is the USS Eriddian on mission from the Austar Union. We are here to explore and map the surface of Mercury, to check if there is any sign of life, and to check the exact situation which the planet has when it comes to establishing a possible base. We are non-hostile, and have no intentions to engage any forces."

In the meantime, the weapons bays were readied, in case of hostile ships coming into proximity. They wouldnt attack, nor would they be caught off guard to any hostile race in the area.

Finally, there were actual signs of life down on the planet, for they had just recieved a hail. Of course they would respond, for they didnt want to be mistaken, and it was a general code of the Austarian Military anyway to respond to all hails, whether it even be from an enemy. Commander Xiago sent the responding message quickly, directly back to the original source;

"This is the USS Eriddian on mission from the Austar Union. We are here to explore and map the surface of Mercury, to check if there is any sign of life, and to check the exact situation which the planet has when it comes to establishing a possible base. We are non-hostile, and have no intentions to engage any forces."

In the meantime, the weapons bays were readied, in case of hostile ships coming into proximity. They wouldnt attack, nor would they be caught off guard to any hostile race in the area.


The reply was brief and to the point:


Now that you know there are signs of life, we ask that you vacate the area. We do not want our sensitive military installations to be a part of your "scan."

Thank you for your compliance.

"So, it would not be a breech of protocol?"

"No. Not at that level. They would have scanned as much by now, anyway."

"Very well. I will transmit the data."

Commander Qugel ceased the communication. Then he laughed. "Commo," he said, turning in the swivel chair, "We're going to transmit some data to the Austar Union cruiser. I want you to patch me in to the low encryption radiofrequency system."

A few moments later, and a map of the planet's surface, showing the general areas of the Caloris Basin and the Order-controlled territories spanning much of the rest of the surface, was transmitted to the Eriddian. A few locations were marked as large bases, but clearly it was only a general mapping, and revealed few details.

Qugel felt he was pretty clever.

His ship, an older Firebolt class destroyer named Baby, was paired with her sister ship Salamander. The two were of such vintage that they predated the introduction of impeller drives to the CSF, and were instead pushed by the sheer force of nuclear fusion. For this reason they had not gone, with much of the CSF warships, to make a presence in the Orion Sector, and were left behind to patrol Mercury.

They now broke orbit and approached the Eriddian at 2.5 kps, still several million kilometers distant.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v254/saintmaggot/2destroyers.jpg

As the transmission was recieved, the crew made effort to contact the Captain. He was informed that a full map of the surface of Mercury had been uploaded into their computer systems from a Seraphim source. He had also been informed that they had requested the cruiser's vacation from the area, for there were sensitive information which they didnt want to be recorded into their scanners.

Ordering the immediate shut-down of the ship's scanning equipment, no longer would the planet be searched, for they had already recieved a map of the surface, showing general detail of what was what. Of course, there would be some information missing, but such information would be irrelevant. Being told of two approaching Destroyers, he knew that the Cruiser Erridian most likely would be little match if hostile contact was made, so he decided to send a quick transmission to the lead ship, which was apparently the ship known as Baby.


"As you must understand, we have intentions of having extensive knowledge of the planet surface below us. Those were our orders, however we are unprepared to engage your forces. We have shut-down our scanning operations, so your military secrets will remain safe. We thank you for the map you have transmitted, however we wish to extend our offer that you board our ship.

Again, we dont really want to engage you, so we are offering for you to board our ship, so that we may discuss important matters relating to our future operations on Mercury. Thankyou for your understanding and cooporation."

As a sign of cooporation, the Captain ordered that the weapons bays be shut down to the simple level of Cautious. That would surely read on their sensors, and would hopefully help them understand that there were no exterior motives. In case they didnt understand, he ordered that the engine stations be manned, so they could make a quick getaway.

Commander Qugel frowned, not quite understanding the situation. This was the first time (that he was aware of) that outsiders had sent military craft near Mercury since the Guilds. They wanted to be boarded? His first instinct was that it was some trick.

His second was that it was worse. This was officially a first contact situation, and there would be a boring diplomatic ceremony to be had as the Order ambassadors - who would have to be brought up from underneat Mercury's surface - met the A.U's. There would be dress uniforms, but there would be some wine as well. Maybe it wasn't so bad.

"Commo, relay that message back to the S.O.E again, informing them that we'll be boarding their vessel ... as per their request," he added, not wanting to get mistaken for having started a war and abruptly court-martialed.

"Relaying message datastream, aye sir," Commo replied.

The bridge crew seemed to have relaxed somewhat, and there was an aura of disappointment from some of the younger, untested officers. Qugel admitted he hadn't been looking for war when he awoke this morning.

The Baby and her sister cut engine power, no longer in preparation for a jump to LARV. Two ships drifting forward in space. The maintenance lights on the outer hull remained yellow, signifying wariness, while the weapons module ports glowed red, signifying an armed but not preparing to fire status.

"Acknowledged, Eriddian. We will begin OMS for ship-to-ship docking procedure. Transmitting sequence and initiating in two minutes."

Baby then began to rotate as she drifted - if clipping along faster than any bullet can be said to be 'drifting' - with the two glowing fusion magnetic exhaust chambers pointing forward, but not in the Eriddian's flight path (assuming they followed the orbital maneuvering sequence correctly). Temperatures began to rise as the engines prepared to fire again.

Captain Adam Smith smiled when he was informed that they had recieved confirmation that the Seraphim ships were prepared to dock with the Erridian. Perhaps some headway could be made in the Austarian endeavours, of course after the general diplomatic procedures. Ordering the preparations to be made, he relaxed in his chair with the knowledge that everything would be fine. He would allow the Seraphim ships to take the lead.

OOC: Apoligies for my ignorance and short post. Im kind of new to this tech era, so Im not too familiar with standard docking procedures. I thought I would leave that for you to write; nothing will go wrong unless you write that in yourself, but I have no exterior plans.

A blast best described as "an aimed fusion bomb" ensued, and the Baby seemed to shudder as the explosion once again tested the metals and architectures of the ship's design. A superheated plume of gas preceded the Baby like a reverse wake, extending for hundreds of kilometers in a roughly conical pattern before dissipating.

The ship was decelerating. Computers took the helm here for both the Eriddian and the Baby, accomplishing the necessary precision and calculation with habitual ease. There was no rush here. Both vessels approached each other at moderate speeds, to allow for any official business to be taken care of, and would gently dock at the appropriate airlocks after perhaps five hours.

OOC: Don't worry about it, I dont think there are any standard docking procedures in NS anyway. The SOE will probably take over any diplomatic discussions after my next post, or at least I hope so, since Qugel isn't all that diplomatic.

There was plenty of time it seemed, or so the computers calculated before official dockings would be made. In the meantime, the ship was being readied for boarding, and to greet the alien peoples who would soon be standing on-board. It wouldnt be an official ceremony, for Captain Smith wasnt exactly a diplomat, however at least the situation could be discussed in relevant detail, so that arrangements for future meetings could be arranged.

Still, if the situation required it, a diplomat could always be brought into the 'meeting' via VideoLink, and a full diplomatic meeting could probably be arranged if the alien peoples wanted it, even if it wasnt to be in person. It didnt really matter, for technology didnt exactly require such meetings anymore. Course, it was respect to arrange a proper meeting, and it had been adopted as general manners for the Austarian diplomatic corps to follow.

The Captain could relax now as his crew worked around him. Decorations were being put up around, to welcome the visitors, and at that very time Diplomatic Corps back in the Austar Union were being advised of the situation. This would be the first contact which the nation would be making, from the perspective that the two races seemed to 'bump into each other' unexpectedly. Other meetings had been planned beforehand, so for the Austarians, this was a first. Hopefully success would prevail.

Kril Buy sighed. After dealing with the rather unpleasant Spacer Guilds who insisted on trying to build their equatorial rail transporter/gun whatever (something he really didn’t understand), he now had to make first contact with this cruiser that popped up.

His first message sent was, of course, not exactly friendly. At least he got them to stop scanning. A small grin crept across his face. And certainly two detroyers moving toward the Austar Union ship was another form of diplomacy…

But, he didn’t feel like leaving Mercury – at least physically. He did have quite a bit of work to do in addition to his SOE duties. His own home nation was thinking of establishing a colony on Mercury and Hyperion Transport Systems had their fleet running hard between here and Earth. So, he had to also act as a liaison officer.

Another sigh. Then he punched a button and stated his request. The Seraphim Military were most helpful in launching the diplomatic contact pod at the Eriddian with the help of a massive railgun.

As the basketball sized pod approached, it began to broadcast the following message:


This is SOE DiploPod #45. This pod is not armed. If you wish to establish contact with the SOE, please retrieve this pod and communication protocols will be established. This is SOE…


The message repeated itself, while the pod began to monitor possible transmissions from the Eriddian. As well, a coded burst message was sent to the nearest Seraphim Military ship.


This is SOE DiploPod #45. We will try to establish first contact. Please monitor our progress.


Down below, Kril Buy was busy getting “hooked in”, as it were. That is, he was in front of a video screen while a couple techs were watching the probe’s progress and comm traffic from Commander Qugel.


OOC: Hopefully I understood things correctly. Let me know if I screwed up and I can edit.

[OOC: Fields of Fire and Ice (http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=318301) is, for lack of a better phrase, my "research thread" that details the various things I'm doing on Mercury.]

Ah... those Cupids. Always so... so... rude. Elijah shrugged mildly as he monitered the transmitions while examining some rocks along the mountains that ringed his basin. There wasn't much need for him to do much else, he supposed, but a polite message couldn't hurt, after all.

>Initiate CommandKey \\:\\:extrncomm\\tightbeam:erridian
>Return //://:extrncomm\\tightbeam:erridian Successful

Welcome to Mercury!

I see that you are already dealing with one of the other inhabitants of this lovely planet, so I will leave you to those negotiations. If you wish, once you have completed those talks, I am more than willing to discuss anything on your mind. You'll find an orbiting space station on the 'dark side' of the planet where you can dock, as I assume your ship cannot handle the heat and radiation on the surface. I can provide shuttle transport to the surface so we can meet face to face.

I await your responce,

Elijah

> Initiate CommandKey \\:\\:closeroute
> Return //://:closeroute Successful

OOC: Okay, Im not sure of exactly what happened SOE, but I will roleplay it as best to my understanding.
-------------------------------------------------------

The sensors detected an incoming object, which was immediatly tracked by the extensive system computers. A transmission had been recieved, giving instructions as to what the Seraphim contacts actually wanted, and as the crew were unsure of these strange methods, they followed, trusting the people they had just accidently met.

Activating the tractor, the object was brought inside the ship where it sat in one of the cargo holds, where Austarian crew began to approach it for further inspection.

In the meantime, back in the communications room, it appeared as if another transmission had been just recieved, this time from the surface of Mercury itself. Reading it, they approached the captain for further orders, who simply requested that a standard message be sent to the original source. Any peoples or forces which were willing to make diplomatic contact first were certainly considered friendly, of course unless something went wrong.


---------------------------------------------
<Encrypted Transmission>
TO: Elijah, The Caloris Basin
FROM: Crew and Command of the USS Eriddian
SUBJECT: RE: Diplomatic Contact with the Caloris Basin
---------------------------------------------

We would be more than happy to meet with you Elijah, to discuss matters relating to Mercury holdings and what exactly on Mercury is claimed. We hope that as a result of our current meetings with the Seraphim peoples, and hopefully our anticipated meeting with yourself, that we are able to forge relations with the both of your nations so that our national and allied endeavorments can be further strengthened.

We are a race with a strong belief in teamwork, and we would rather work with others closely rather than work on our own trying to achieve what we want to achieve. Sometimes it can boil down to a case where we can step on somebody's toes because appropriate arrangements havent been made, which is our most avoidable scenario. This is why we would like to meet with you personally.

We will indeed dock with your space-station on the dark-side of Mercury, and we will use your shuttle procedures as offered. Thankyou for your vested interest into our involvements in the area, and we are sure that only positive results can be achieved from this.

Seraphim? Huh... so that's what they're called... Elijah shrugged slightly, Little blighters never did bother to talk to me... wait a bloody minute... Did I just say 'blighters'? Ah, Hell... I'm using that GMC language mod... wonder if I added any superfluous 'u's to my last transmition... He shook his head, chuckling softly to himself, before deciding on his responce. It would be nice to have someone to talk to besides the Overlords. They held up their end of the conversation about as well as the piece of shale in his hand. I really should see about getting some more sentience in this place...

>Initiate CommandKey \\:\\:extrncomm\\tightbeam:erridian
>Return //://:extrncomm\\tightbeam:erridian Successful

Good to hear from a race who values teamwork, especially since I rather depend on it for continued existance. The again, anyone who is occupying a 'harsh' environment requires substantial teamwork, just to survive. However, I fear I seem to be babbling.

At any rate, I wish you a great deal of luck dealing with the 'Seraphim', as I haven't found them to be the friendliest neighbors. If they give you any nonsense about having to leave as soon as your business is conducted, pay them no mind; just tell them that you have business with me. I don't want to sound full of myself, but I don't think they'd much care to antagonize me, nor the Federation.

I'm sure your communications officer(s) will notice this, but my transmition is currently bouncing off one of my Daedalus satellites that is actually not to far from you right now. When you are done with your... negotiations... with the 'Seraphim', feel free to either send a message to that satellite, or just make your way to the station, either will suffice. I'm sure you won't miss the satellite, it's construction is rather... unique. Some friends helped with the construction.

-Elijah

> Initiate CommandKey \\:\\:closeroute
> Return //://:closeroute Successful

Kril Buy smiled as he looked over the latest intercept from the Caloris Basin and thought to himself. Oh yes. The Caloris Basin certainly offered us a hand of friendship when we arrived. He cast his mind back. Stay out of the basin or else. I believe that’s how it went. Such…friendliness. I will have to make a note of them trying to smear our good name in dealings with others. After all, we never said that these Austar Union people couldn’t deal with them. We just don’t want them making a map of our military installation locations. I suppose that simple fact does elude Caloris Basin. Usually the simple things do often escape the arrogant.

A deep sigh. Still, one should perhaps make some kind of effort to contact the Caloris Basin. Even if they haven’t bothered to send one to us first. Later, though.

OOC: Let me know if such an interception is possible. I can edit.

====

The basketball-sized probe now safely inside the AU cruiser cargo hold, floated about a meter from the floor and then a hologram of a middle aged man with silvery hair appeared. It began to speak.

“Greetings! I’m Kril Buy, Seraphim Order Embassy Special Envoy. I’m in charge of first contact relations between the Order of the Seraphim and friendlies in this sector. I aplogize in advance for my earlier terse message, but we don’t take too kindly to folks mapping our sensitive areas. However, you have stopped scanning which demonstrates that you are reasonable.”

“If you would be so kind to take me to your commander, then I’m sure we can begin discussions. As well, don’t be alarmed if you detect signals from the nearby Order vessels. They are merely boosting the signal so I can keep in contact with you since the internal comm on this probe is limited.”

[OOC: Eh. First responce is bristling, but then I realised that Elijah probably isn't encoding his message beyond pretty low levels. It is a tightbeam, but that just means you'd have to be near to intercept, and you do have stuff floating around out there, so... go for it.]

Three ships came to relative rest. After hours of burn the Baby now only had to use maneuvering thrusters to come close to the Eriddian. This was fortunate, as the intense thermal energy of the mains would have an effect on what they hit of anywhere from scorching hull paint to melting the crew.

Eriddian, this is Baby. Stand by to be boarded, over.

Qugel, who had not received any orders to the contrary, busied himself near the airlock while the ship began the docking sequence. The Commo Centurion - what was his name again? - accompanied him on his right, and two enlisted men with sidearms stood at attention.

Of course, the coilgun-fired SOE DiploPod had not gone unnoticed on board the Baby. But such things were just toys to Qugel's way of thinking, not a symbol of power and authority. Of course, it entirely slipped his mind that a mere destroyer captain wasn't much more symbolic, as far as the Order could muster.

Never before had they seen such technology, and the crew thought it was strange. Usually if one wanted to talk via some kind of projection, it would be done using the ship's inbuilt systems. Still, the idea was ingenious, and the strange levitating object was taken to Captain Smith. He had been trained in simple diplomacy, for it was a nessasity in such situations.

Before he spoke with Kril Buy, he ordered full docking procedures to commence. Once the people would come onboard, a full scale meeting could be arranged. He was unsure exactly what was happening, but for now he went along with it. Why, he wondered, Must we have official boardings if this floating object would be suffice.... Still, it was not negative what was happening, and he thought it would only further relations.

Saluting at the hologram, the Captain introduced himself;

"Hello, my name is Captain Adam Smith, and I will be representing the Austar Union in these matters. I am also at the command of this ship, and I assure you I have full training in diplomacy. If you would prefer someone else to represent my nation, please tell me and I can provide you with the appropriate VideoLink.

I am pleased to meet with you and your race. It is something we hoped to achieve on this mission to Mercury."

Whilst all this was happening, the communication officers were chuckling at the message which was sent to them, from this Elijah character. It seemed as if Elijah had a humerous tone, though this may have been accidental. It would surely be put down as something to remember, even if it didnt seem to require any kind of immediate response.

Never before had they seen such technology, and the crew thought it was strange. Usually if one wanted to talk via some kind of projection, it would be done using the ship's inbuilt systems. Still, the idea was ingenious, and the strange levitating object was taken to Captain Smith. He had been trained in simple diplomacy, for it was a nessasity in such situations.

Before he spoke with Kril Buy, he ordered full docking procedures to commence. Once the people would come onboard, a full scale meeting could be arranged. He was unsure exactly what was happening, but for now he went along with it. Why, he wondered, Must we have official boardings if this floating object would be suffice.... Still, it was not negative what was happening, and he thought it would only further relations.

Saluting at the hologram, the Captain introduced himself;

"Hello, my name is Captain Adam Smith, and I will be representing the Austar Union in these matters. I am also at the command of this ship, and I assure you I have full training in diplomacy. If you would prefer someone else to represent my nation, please tell me and I can provide you with the appropriate VideoLink.

I am pleased to meet with you and your race. It is something we hoped to achieve on this mission to Mercury."

Whilst all this was happening, the communication officers were chuckling at the message which was sent to them, from this Elijah character. It seemed as if Elijah had a humerous tone, though this may have been accidental. It would surely be put down as something to remember, even if it didnt seem to require any kind of immediate response.

The hologram smiled back at the Captain while the diploprobe floated serenly.

"Oh, I believe this will be suitable for now, Captain Smith. Since this is a first contact situation, I don't think there is a great need to bring in a whole bureaucracy, do you?"

A small chuckle emitted from one of the probe's hidden speakers, but done in such a way to create the illusion of the sound actually coming from the hologram.

"Anyhow, we are always glad to meet new people, despite the reputation cast upon us by others..."

OOC: Let's assume that the probe will remain with Captain Smith (without getting in the way) until the Seraphim Military board. Then it will float over to be next to Order reps.

Chuckling, Captain Adam Smith responded;

"We are not aware of any reputations cast upon you. Actually, we prefer to see races and nations ourselves before casting judgement. Too often some make the desision to cast judgement on one, without giving them a free and fair trial. All peoples are considered our friends, unless of course they cross us."

He was amazed by the procedures which the Seraphim seemed to be taking. They had not come across such procedures, and to be frank they seemed rather pointless. However he respected the new race and remained polite.

[OOC: Just a quick note, the Seraphim aren't a race. It's an alliance called the Order of the Seraphim, consisting of mostly humans from the member nations.]

The two ships docked, and Commander Qugel cracked his neck joints while the computer environmental controls adjusted for any differences in pressure or atmospheric composition. These were minor, and the whole procedure took just a few seconds.

Qugel followed the young lietenant from where he had been standing at attention just outside the airlock, along the corridors of the cruiser. Commo walked somewhat hesitantly; he was viewing and hearing the DiploPod's output through his eye and ear implants as per Qugel's order.

That output was also being routed directly to JIL bases on the planets surface, where it would be thoroughly analyzed by virtual armies of well-paid brains for anything they could learn about the A.U's society and technology. Numerous, tiny recorders followed with the four JIL visitors as a matter of course; monitoring their biological conditions as well as their immediate environment, embedded in clothing, skin, nearly undetectable.

When he arrived at the cargo bay he found the projection of the SOE rep, who he didn't know, the AU Captain and assorted other attendants gathered around the spherical DiploPod.

"What's our man's name?" Qugel asked, under his breath.

"Buy. Kril Buy," Commo replied.

"Ah! Mister Buy," Qugel exclaimed, striding across the deck. "I see you've already arrived, as it were." He turned to Captain Smith and gave a polite salute - there was no protocol for meeting foreign officers with whom there were no official relations that Qugel was aware.

"Commander Qugel, Squadron M39, captain of the Baby," he declared as the DiploPod hovered toward him. Kril's projection 'stood' casually between the two groups of men.

Chuckling, Captain Adam Smith responded;

"We are not aware of any reputations cast upon you. Actually, we prefer to see races and nations ourselves before casting judgement. Too often some make the desision to cast judgement on one, without giving them a free and fair trial. All peoples are considered our friends, unless of course they cross us."

He was amazed by the procedures which the Seraphim seemed to be taking. They had not come across such procedures, and to be frank they seemed rather pointless. However he respected the new race and remained polite.

Kril Buy made a mental note of the Captain's remark as the DiploPod hovered near Commander Qugel.

"Well, we appreciate your understanding."

The hologram turned and greeted the Seraphim commander.

"Ah, yes. Good day Commander Qugel. We were just talking about how some folks in this grand universe tend to leap to conclusions before trying to understand them."

Kril Buy's projection then turned back to Smith.

"Just out of curiousity, how are your mapping efforts proceeding? You seem like a very inquisitive people."

Captain Smith smiled at the new group of men. He had been informed that these were the men from the Destroyer, Baby. As ordered the security team shut the doors behind the men, and stood at ease in strategic locations across the room. It was standard procedure to remain at ease in diplomatic meetings, unless ordered otherwise. As such, their weapons were away in their hoisters.

"Ah, I am glad you gentlemen could join us," greeted Captain Smith to the groups of me. Motioning with his hand, he continued, "Please, find yourselves a seat, Im sure we have much to discuss."

As he sat down, at one of the chairs, he turned back to the hologram;

"Yes, we are quite a race which is curious. We like to learn about much before making a desision. As an old Austarian proverb goes; 'It is better to make an informed desision, rather than an uninformed desision.'

Im sure you would agree that this has proven quite true over both our history, and yours; based on assumption of course. Our progress is reasonable, we have mapped several un-natural formations, and we have made contact with a being named Elijah from the Caloris Basin. We had also recieved your maps, and we thank you for that. Other than that, we had planned for our people to make a landing on the planet surface; which seems likely considering we have a meeting planned with this Elijah character.

Any information you would like to present to us would be appreciated. We enjoy the cooporation of others, and believe that to co-exist in this universe, we must all work together."

Captian Smith smiled, and pressed a button on his desk. Within moments, a younger girl, around twenty-four years old entered the room with a selection of wines and other assorted drinks. Allowing the guests to make their selection first, the girl walked around the table to Captain Smith, who chose Port, one of the most popular back in the Union.

Kril Buy's hologram surveyed the room - noting with interest the alcohol and young woman. On the surface, Kril suddenly wanted to be on the ship, since alcohol was rationed and in short supply on Mercury.

He addressed the Captain.

"Ah well, what exactly do you have in mind to discuss? To be perfectly blunt, we can't really understand why you would want to come down to the surface since Mercury is, well, rather hot. We can provide you with some rocks and whatnot for your scientists if you wish."

"Actually, we have some interesting plans concerning Mercury," responded the Captain, taking a sip of Port, "One of them being a medium to large sized base on the surface..."

Bringing up a hologram, detailed plans began to float in the middle of the room. Continuing, Captain Smith went on to detail the exact plans for the base;

"As you would understand, we have very limited space in the Earth orbit to actually implement a new base. Such a base away from our own planet's surfuce would not only benefit us in the means of trade and military, but it also gives us great benefit when it comes to building future assets within, and even beyond Sol.

We came to this area to map the planet, to see exactly what areas could be considered as taken or claimed."

The hologram regarded Captain Smith with a neutral expression. On the surface, Kril punched the "auto emotion" button. Basically, the hologram would not transmit Kril Buy's sudden emotional state.

"The hell!" he exclaimed, "More people want to move in."

He punched another button that brought up the Order's official Mercury policy. He zoomed in on the sections pertaining to "new arrivals" and then transmitted that data up to the hologram.

On the ship, the hologram began to speak.

"I'm afraid, Captain Smith, that the Order of the Seraphim does not look favorably towards other nations wishing to build military or other such installations with unknown purposes on the surface or near Mercury proper. Our claim to the planet only recognizes the presence of the Caloris Basin and their territorial limits."

A polite nod, and then the image continued.

"Perhaps, if you wish to expand beyond the Sol system, a base on Earth's moon or the outer planets would be more...beneficial."

Captain Adam Smith frowned, and the woman serving drinks paused. Smith responded when he managed to actually gain control of his disbelief;

"With all due respect sir, we can hardly believe that you have the right to dictate what lifeforms and who can in fact have a role on the Planet Mercury. This planet has been chosen for specific reasons I am unwilling to disclose. We already have a meeting arranged with Elijah of the Caloris Basin concerning our involvement in the area, and I have a strong feeling that he would agree with me."

Scoffing, Captain Smith took a sip of his wine, and placed it gently on the desk in front of him. Clearing his throat, he began to question about the Order itself;

"Please. Considering I know very little of you and the Order, perhaps you are able to provide me with some form of information concerning it. What nations par-take in its organisation, and exactly what is it?"

On the Sun

It was a hot day, on the sun, when he noticed the... growing activity near to that barren, dead rock that, despite all his prejudices, did indeed host some kind of life.

He didn't know what was happening, nor was he especially keen on finding out about it... He would probably ask this Elijah presence about it, some time in the future.

Yet, something inside of him was curious.

Something inside of him wanted to explore the cold, deadly worlds out there. To this barren, lifeless rocks, with their insanely cold temperatures... Temperatures at which Iron freezes.

He shuddered, just thinking about such excessively dangerous conditions, an environment, so ridiculously impossible...

So Cold.

Yet, an idea begun to form... He would have to see, perhaps, just perhaps, it was possible.

Possible to travel to those worlds, to explore them.

Well, later. For now, he was merely observing while feeding upon the insane energies in the sun.

Ought to check who is there... Might be amusing to talk to them.

Perhaps, just perhaps he would do it.

Captain Adam Smith frowned, and the woman serving drinks paused. Smith responded when he managed to actually gain control of his disbelief;

"With all due respect sir, we can hardly believe that you have the right to dictate what lifeforms and who can in fact have a role on the Planet Mercury. This planet has been chosen for specific reasons I am unwilling to disclose. We already have a meeting arranged with Elijah of the Caloris Basin concerning our involvement in the area, and I have a strong feeling that he would agree with me."

Scoffing, Captain Smith took a sip of his wine, and placed it gently on the desk in front of him. Clearing his throat, he began to question about the Order itself;

"Please. Considering I know very little of you and the Order, perhaps you are able to provide me with some form of information concerning it. What nations par-take in its organisation, and exactly what is it?"


The hologram shrugged and then replied in neutral tones.

“Menelmacar has major interests on Venus, and no one complaims. Yut basically claims Saturnian space and no one complains. Melkor claims Io and no one bothers to say anything. Certainly others have laid claims on other worlds. Why should Mercury be any different? Really, do you think that people want a whole bunch of neighbours moving in? You just said that you won’t disclose now your specific reasons for wanting to move here. Do you wonder why we might be suspicious? Have you read up on any history concerning Mars? We would rather not have that happen here, if it’s all the same to you, Captain Smith.”

“As well, we never prevented you from visiting Elijah. Mind you, the Caloris Basin made it quite clear to us to keep out of his territory so, in respect of their wishes, we did so. They leave us alone, and we leave them alone. And as far as claiming the right to dictate…”

A wave of his hand, as if to indicate the war fleets of the Order.

“In the final analysis, might give the right, Captain. Others may dress it up under disguises such as ‘liberation’ and so forth. But don’t be so easily fooled.”

The hologram tilted its head.

“As for who we are and what we are about, well, I hope you don’t mind if I will be as circumspect as yourself. For now, anyways.”

The Captain smiled. As the hologram had been speaking, he had been recieving full intelligence data on the exact information which he, or it, was talking about. Musing, he answered with confidence;

"Actually sir, I believe your information isnt exactly correct. Some may speculate that those are the true facts, but if so it is merely an opinion. We prefer to deal with fact, and only fact. This way disagreements are minimalised, and as long as two sides can agree on fact then most conflict can be avoided. Let me clear up what the true facts are. You will find that this information will be listed in most nation's historical documents.

Melkor does NOT claim Io. He claims a portion of it. The majority actually belongs to the NDA, existing as the Burninatonia Protectorate thereof. Menelmacar also has interests there. Burning Mountain is huge. Der Angst also has a presence there.

Menelmacar has major interests on Venus, yes, but she isn't the only one. Wazzu is huge there. S-14 has a massive interest there - it's their new homeworld. There's an entire list of other nations involved on that particular project, I believe, and Im sure I can find sources to confirm.

The Trium, is a large group of folks who do control Saturnspace, and it would be amusing to watch anyone bully their way into the area, however I do recall space being offered to folks who, at the time, weren't in the alliance itself. So in effect they do not lay claim to the entirity of Saturnspace, but rather regulate it.

In effect sir, your information is not exactly correct. It appears if you somehow think you have the god-given right to Mercury, and as if you have the right to deny everyone because you have the supreme power over it. Granted, you could enforce, and this is enough to deter anyone forcing themselves in, but then, we're not like the Allaneans, and we dont force ourselves upon others around us."

Looking out the large viewing portal, he noted the two battleships nearby. He had specific orders to remain civil and diplomatic, and that he would. Of course, he wouldnt nessasarily just back down when it came to furthering Mercury operations; something he had also been commanded to do.

OOC: I will have to credit that intelligence to a source I will leave un-named, simply because I doubt they would be interested in having their name listed. If they do want their name, I will leave that to them to mention. Rest assured however that its from someone far more than respectable.

The hologram shrugged again.

"How do your nitpicks affect the general thrust of my argument? We have claimed all of Mercury except for the territory of the Caloris Basin. If you decide to test that claim, then by all means, do so. We are a great respector of soveriegnty - so why can't you recognize our claim as it stands in regards to Mercury? Have we ever forced our claims upon any of your territories in the past? Why do you insist upon doing it to us here and now?"


OOC: Well, I'm not going to bother searching hither and yon for the most up to date info regarding Io, ToY, etc... Suffice to say, things change and unless one is more directly involved with those players, then not everyone may know the latest scoop. Besides, intelligence can be a bit out of whack, which is actually more realistic, no? Finally, I could care less about the so called "respectability" of your source.

Captain Smith shrugged and started to chuckle;

"Sir I apoligise if I am appearing to be pushing against your own claims of soverignty. I do not mean to appear as if I am doing so. Actually I am contesting that there is more than enough room for us all to co-exist with assets on this planet.

I have no intention for actual conflict to come about from this, so please, let us leave the entire aspect of war and conflict out of the conversation. We are a peaceful people, but then at the same time our people do have a thirst for blood when we create it. Nevermind that, perhaps a comprimise can be reached. We arent looking for much land or territory in this area, and we are prepared to make a respectable deal with you. I can understand your lack for want of neighbours, but really, who can truly regulate that? I doubt not even the Order can do something like this in the longer aspects of time. People will come, whether you like it or not. Perhaps not today, perhaps not tomorrow, but someday, people will come."

Captain Smith shrugged and started to chuckle;

"Sir I apoligise if I am appearing to be pushing against your own claims of soverignty. I do not mean to appear as if I am doing so. Actually I am contesting that there is more than enough room for us all to co-exist with assets on this planet.

I have no intention for actual conflict to come about from this, so please, let us leave the entire aspect of war and conflict out of the conversation. We are a peaceful people, but then at the same time our people do have a thirst for blood when we create it. Nevermind that, perhaps a comprimise can be reached. We arent looking for much land or territory in this area, and we are prepared to make a respectable deal with you. I can understand your lack for want of neighbours, but really, who can truly regulate that? I doubt not even the Order can do something like this in the longer aspects of time. People will come, whether you like it or not. Perhaps not today, perhaps not tomorrow, but someday, people will come."

"I cannot promise anything," replied Kril Buy's hologram, "But I can forward your information to my superiors. If you would be so kind as to give me the following information:

1) Exact territorial specifications you want to obtain.
2) Exact nature of any and all installations you want to construct.
3) Short and long-term plans regarding Mercury.
4) Your current list of allies and territorial holdings.

There may be additional information required, but that should be a good start for now.

In regards to neighbours, you must understand that we view Mars as, well, a bit of a mess. So many wars over there. Two factions on one rock will most likely not lead to many problems. Start adding more people, with different ambitions and interests, and suddenly war erupts. Despite the best efforts of peacemakers. I believe we do have a solid case for not wanting so many people arriving. And I think you can understand our point of view."

A pause.

"Once you furnish this DiploPod with the necessary information, I shall take my leave of you. It has been a pleasure."

Nodding, Captain Smith looked over to one of his assistants, and smiled, giving him the signal to proceed. As his assistant pulled out a tiny keypad, the Captain went on the explain everything which was happening;

"Dont be alarmed from what is happening. At the moment, we are sending a file with all the relevant information to your databanks. Inside, you will find all the details we are willing to disclose to you for the time being. As for the rest, if it is in fact required, please feel free to contact us. Our calling number is also being transmitted to you. Just dial that number and you will reach my office. From there I can hand you and the matter to my superiors."

Offering his hand of friendship to the men, he smiled at them, and thanked them for their time;

"I hope we have made some progress towards a peaceful existance with the Order. You all seem rather interesting, and I know nothing of you personally. Perhaps after this, future contact can be made so that we may learn more from each other. In the meantime, take care, and my escorts will handle the rest of the situation."

OOC: The exact information transmitted includes detailed plans of a joint mining, research, and military base. It also includes some sketchy information about possible future MercurySpace bases, including some kind of a jump gate which could be used as a portal to distant reaches of space. The current list of allies has been kept basic, with a note attached saying that the exact details are kept confidential, and the territory holdings has been listed as mainly earthly with the occasional minor space asset. None which are solid in space however.

Commander Qugel accepted the man's hand, though he privately held him in disdain. He'd also accepted the wine, but, being on duty, he realized he couldn't drink it. He held it delicately in his right hand, his left hand behind his back, standing rigid but not at attention.

There were regulations he wasn't sure about, and it was better to play it safe with them. Death was not an uncommon punishment, especially if you played it fast and hard with sensitive, hot shot diplomatic things, or were found abusing drugs of any kind.

He also favored the young woman with a more than curious glance, but did and said nothing. That she was a member of the AU crew was likely, but as to her function, Qugel could only guess... and he saw these Unionites increasingly more like pirates than military men.

So, quietly, he took his cue from Mr Buy and the AU captain, and, his face unscrutable, headed back down towards the airlock.

"What did you think, sir?" Commo asked in an aside.

"Scandalous."

"Me too, sir," he replied.

But as they entered the Baby's airlock once more, he secretly wished he'd been able to sample some of the wine... and the woman.

With the necessary information downloaded, the DiploPod followed Commander Qugel back to the ship.

OOC: Okay, AU. We'll try to get back to you shortly. In the meantime, please don't assume that you suddenly have military bases and stuff on Mercury. This is what some others did in regards to Spacer Guilds. That is, if we didn't get back to them (of course they never telegammed us as well) that they suddenly have bases all over the planet.

If we forget, then just drop us a line.

After the vistors had clearly left, Captain Smith turned to the crew presense which were standing in the room with him. Musing, he began to chuckle and tell all about his own attitudes about the guests which he had invited onto his own ship;

"I dont ever want to see a display of arrogence like that from any of my crew members. Some people seem to think that because they do hold a large share of power in an area, that they can treat others who are lesser in strength like crap from a mudhole. Never let this be what the Austar Union is about."

The woman giggled, "That guy was freaky, he kept looking at me for some odd reason."

Smiling, the Captain was quick to tease the woman. He had a good relationship with each of his crew, so he was able to have some kind of personal interaction as well as formal military style, "Someone got an admirer?"

The woman waved him away, keeping a smile hidden, "Please, give me a break..."

Chuckling, the Captain dismissed all the people in the room, and was left alone to think. His next step was to make diplomatic contact with this Elijah character from the Caloris Basin. This character seemed much more friendly from those from the Order, and he looked forward to meeting with him personally. Perhaps he would have better progress with someone who wasnt corrupted by their own power.

Setting the ship on the course toward an orbital body, he would be soon on the way toward the space station which had been mentioned by this Elijah character. Showing up on the sensors, it would take perhaps an hour or two to reach. In the meantime, a message was sent ahead to the Mercury surface.


-----------------------------------------------------
<Encrypted Transmission>
TO: Elijah, Caloris Basin, Mercury Surface
FROM: Captain Adam Smith, AUSS Eriddian, Austarian SpaceNavy
SUBJECT: Meeting with you on the Mercury Surface
----------------------------------------------------

I am finally glad to be finished with the Seraphim Order, so that I can move on to much more important meetings, such as the one with yourself. Thankyou for your invitation to meet with you, and for that I am grateful. In the meantime, please find enclosed with this transmission, details about our course plot and headings. We are currently on the way to the Space Station you mentioned in earlier transcripts, and are making preparations to come down to the planet surface.

I look forward to meeting with you,

Captain Adam Smith
Austarian SpaceNavy

On the surface, Kril Buy played over the recording from the DiploPod. Two sentences particularily stuck out in his mind…

“We are a peaceful people, but then at the same time our people do have a thirst for blood when we create it.”

People will come, whether you like it or not. Perhaps not today, perhaps not tomorrow, but someday, people will come."

There was a certain truth to the last one, mused Buy. Others will come, sooner or later. Certainly the Seraphim Military has plans for that eventuality. He hoped so. The latest interept from the Austar Union ship came across his desk. A smirk came across his face and then he laughed out loud.

Such crybabies. They don’t get what they want right away and so they proceed to besmirch our name. Such a diplomat that fool Captain was! We think there is more that enough room on Mercury! Oh, and I don’t know anything about Mars! More important meeting indeed! He began to laugh uproariously and after about ten minutes, managed to compose himself. Ah well, we will have to keep an eye on these possible “new neighbours”.

He promptly filed the first contact incident and related documents under a certain secure file and then transmitted a brief summary to his superiors at SOE HQ.


OOC: Let me know, AU, if you are okay with us intercepting your latest transmission to the Caloris Basin. I can edit, but I think it would be reasonable to assume that we have been monitoring traffic and could break the encryption sooner or later. Certainly we won’t be able to pick up much if at all once you draw closer to the Basin proper. Otherwise, just ignore Buy's maniacal laughter and private thoughts.

OOC: I dont mind you intercepting my message to the Caloris Basin. Of course, I would rather that you RP it all well, as you expect that I will be not RPing the creation of a colony in one post... Just dont make it all wanky ya know.

And ROFL? He was laughing for ten minutes? AND he lived? lol

>Initiate CommandKey \\:\\:extrncomm\\tightbeam:erridian
>Return //://:extrncomm\\tightbeam:erridian Successful

Come on over, we look forward to your arrival. The Nod Space Station is ready and waiting for you, the primary docking bay has already been prepared. As you near the system will automatically give you all the instructions you need; you already have security clearance.

- Elijah

> Initiate CommandKey \\:\\:closeroute
> Return //://:closeroute Successful



Nod was an impressive construct, hanging high in Mercury's orbit, using the planet to shield itself from the churning furance that was the Sun. While the strange, almost crystaline materials of Nod could more than handle being this close to the Sun it was permanently on the dark side for other nations without the same degree of thermal resistance. Soft lights were scattered about regularly across the pylons, providing much needed light. As the Erridian neared the Nod Station, a brief message was sent with appropriate information for proper angles and speed for docking. The giant doors slowly creeped open, waiting patiently for the Erridian to dock.

OOC: I dont mind you intercepting my message to the Caloris Basin. Of course, I would rather that you RP it all well, as you expect that I will be not RPing the creation of a colony in one post... Just dont make it all wanky ya know.

And ROFL? He was laughing for ten minutes? AND he lived? lol

OOC:

There are strange things done in the Mercurian sun
By the men who moil for iron
The AI s have their secret lies
That would make your blood turn to boron
The dark sides have seen queer sights
But the queerest they ever did see
Was the night on the Basin AU came a’ visitin
To see Elijah drink tea.

Yeah, pretty bad I know. May Robert Service forgive me.

It was a very simple docking procedure, and it was executed to perfection. Much easier than that of which the Order seemed to use; least that was the opinion of the crew and commanders. Just a team of five were ready to enter the space station Nod, which included the Captain and his personal aids, and as the pressures went to matching point, they fingered through any papers at the last minute.

They were unsure exactly what to expect when the airlocks opened, however they were confident of a positive result when they opened discussions with this Elijah character they so longed to meet. And so, since such a good result was expected, they also carried with them gifts of honor, which was generally traditional of the Austarian Diplomatic Corporation. They had not shared with the Order, for they did not want to give a gift of friendship. They only deserved tolerance, and that could be considered as almost fact.

[OOC: To avoid mucking around talking with non-sentient drones, I'm gonna take some liberties and hustle you off to Elijah, assuming that your people will wait on their questions until they meet with Elijah.]

The Union delegates were met by a gunmetal colored, bipedal DiploDrone. It smiled as well as such a thing was able, speaking with a somewhat clipped voice, betraying all the intelligence of a voice-activated phone database system. It had mild intelligence, but no more so than a really slick computer game. "Welcome to Nod Station. If you will follow me, I can take you to the planetary shuttle so that you can meet with Elijah." Turning on its heal, the DiploDrone led the the diplomats through the station to a much smaller bay. "Please board. The trip won't take long."

The shuttle was a rather sleak affair, made of a strange silvery, highly reflective material. On board, the delegation finds the shuttle to be quite comfortable and clearly designed with organic needs and comforts in mind. The door closed noiselessly, warm lighting filled the shuttle, giving it a safe feeling. The most notable thing would probably be the utter lack of windows. The craft suddered slightly, a strange falling sensation could be felt as it cleared Nod Station before firing its thrusters and streaming down to the boiling surface of the planet.

The trip was rather brief, as one might expect, and the delegation soon found itself no longer feeling any momentum as the shuttle had come to a rest. After a few more minutes passed (for temperature normalization, a sign informed them) the door to the shuttle opened just as noiselessly as it had closed.

Standing before them on the floor of the landing bay was a tallish humanoid, his silvery skin having a dull luster at the moment, and he was smiling in a rather friendly manner. "Welcome to the Basin. It's good to finally meet you." He grinned, "I trust your trip wasn't too unpleasant." He paused a moment and blinked as if remembering something, "As you may have guessed, I'm Elijah."

Smiling, Captain Adam Smith was awestruck, and couldnt resist taking his hand and grasping it firmly, "I really really know this is strange, and it is to me, but I am really honored to finally meet you."

Motioning with his hand, he continued, "My name is Captain Adam Smith, and these are my assistants."

The groups of four assistants nodded at Elijah and smiled warmly.

Elijah smiled, chuckling softly, "I wasn't aware that I had obtained celebrity status, but... thank you." He turned towards a large bulkhead door, "Please, come with me. No sense hanging out in the bay. This is a port, after all."

He led them down a couple corridors before walking into a large lounge with a bar, some comfortable chairs and tables. There was an android, much like the one on Nod, dressed as a waiter. Elijah smiled, "Please have a seat. If there's anything you'd like to eat or drink, just ask. I can manage most anything. Also, if you and your crew would like to stay the night, I have living quarters available as well."

He sat down in one of the comfy chairs, looking entirely at ease, "So, tell me... what brings you to the boiling interior of the system?"

The team were amazed as they were led through the corridors on the Mercury Surface. They had come not expecting to find any life at all on the planet, yet here was this amazing and interesting peoples, or person living right there, his life evidently existant.

Taking a seat, the Captain nodded at the rest of the team who also sat down. The chairs were comfortable, and the crew were glad to rest. Still, they were quite aware of what was happening around them, for they had to be. It would be easy for this Elijah character to be the proverbial 'wolf in sheep's clothing', yet they doubted this ver much. Weapons were away in their hoisters.

Smiling, only the Captain was authorised to speak unless he gave any other order which over-ran the protocol. He turned to the android, and spoke clearly to it, making sure it would understand his speech patterns, "Could you please bring a few lemonade refreshments please?'

Smiling as the andriod went to work, he turned to Elijah, who seemed the most interesting character;

"It never ceases to amaze me the technology that people have nowadays. Although I have been born and lived in this time, and although my homeland is rather advanced itself, I can never get used to it. They say, that now the power of the microchip doubles every three weeks. They cant even manufacture goods fast enough now to keep up with the ever increasing technology booms.

This is part of the reason why we are here today."

Pulling out a map of Earth, he opened it on the table and pointed to a point on the map, somewhere within the European Continent;

"This is my nation. As you can see, land is quite limited on our planet surface, and if you know the Austar Union well enough, we are strong supporters of a developed economy. See, our government has decided to do some research and they chose Mercury as a possible destination."

Clicking around on his PDA, Smith brought up several holograms which circled slowly around the room;

"What you are seeing here are undetailed plans for a group of facilities. They include Military, Research, and Industrial Facilities; and whatever you can imagine. My ship, the Eriddian was sent to map the planet surface to see the extent of civilization on the planet. If there was enough room here, then we could easily begin our plans for building structures within Sol, but outside of our own planet."

Chuckling, one of the crew spoke up, "We met those Serephim people. They claimed to be some kind of Order, but they were more arrogent than anything."

Captain Adam Smith just glared over at the crew member. Speaking without permission was way out of line, and at that it was discussing matters irrelevant and not nessasary to be spoken about. Certainly, Smith had plans for reprimands for the rogue crew member.

The android nodded brisquely and walked off, slightly awkwardly, to fetch refreshments, returning rather quickly, placing the glasses of lemonade before each of the crew members, before toddling off to go stand by the bar, ready in case it was to be needed again.

Elijah laughed softly at the microchip comment, "They tell me that chips advance pretty quickly, but I don't much notice up here. I've spent much of my time on projects where computing speed were less necessary." He grined, "And, since I'm self-evolving, I don't really need to worry about manufactoring upgrades."

Elijah glanced at the projection, dimming the lights in the room as he looked them over, "Interesting... very nice archetecture, by the way." He pondered a little as he looked over the hologram, "Hm. I'm curious. Why Mercury?"

ooc: this may or may not interest you. Don't worry, its not aimed at anyone, nor will it hurt anyone, but it is nearby.

http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?p=7106872#post7106872

The android nodded brisquely and walked off, slightly awkwardly, to fetch refreshments, returning rather quickly, placing the glasses of lemonade before each of the crew members, before toddling off to go stand by the bar, ready in case it was to be needed again.

Elijah laughed softly at the microchip comment, "They tell me that chips advance pretty quickly, but I don't much notice up here. I've spent much of my time on projects where computing speed were less necessary." He grined, "And, since I'm self-evolving, I don't really need to worry about manufactoring upgrades."

Elijah glanced at the projection, dimming the lights in the room as he looked them over, "Interesting... very nice archetecture, by the way." He pondered a little as he looked over the hologram, "Hm. I'm curious. Why Mercury?"

Smiling, Smith was quick to answer his question;

"Im not sure how you are familiar with Sol, but as far as our knowledge much of the space is already occupied. Venus is controlled by a group including Menelmacar, our own Lunar object is taken completely, Mars is controlled by groups like Arda, Jupiter is pointless due to its lack of surface, Saturn is controlled by the Trium...

Basically put sir, as far as our intelligence could tell at the time of choosing a suitable location, Mercury seemed like the closest, yet the one with the most available space available. Of course, unfortunatly due to groups like the Order, we may be unable to use land which is already disused. It certainly would be a shame, for their only purpose seems to be for greed itself."

"While I, of course, cannot speak for the Order's... er... obsession with owning every scratch of land on this planet, I personally have no trouble with you setting up shop, as it were. My intel gives me no reason to be concerned about you being here."

He smiled thinly, "What your government chooses to do in regards to the Order is its own business." He grined slightly, "I can still offer you a small amount of land in the form of an embassy." He chuckled softly, "And should you choose to perform a bit of research in your embassy, who am I to complain?"

The captain sat back and sat his hands on his lap. Relaxing in his seat, he breathed deeply;

"Thank you sir, for seeing the facts from a realistic point of view. At the moment, our plans to even establish anything are rather sketchy, however we are glad that at least not everyone has such a blinded point of view. Actually, I dont really believe that the Order would make any moves against us. I mean, who would try to defend an entire planet which isnt even being used? Anyhow, I would make sure that such moves to force ourselves into the area would be as discreet as possible."

Smiling, , he was rather shocked at how simple the meeting had gone, and pondered what else could possibly said. Afterall, he had imagined long discussion, yet it seemed to result only in a twenty minute conversation between two gentlemen.

Elijah nodded simply, the coloration of his skin shifting slightly, moving to a slightly less reflective shade, "My views on the Order aside, I don't want you to do anything rash. And while I personally view the idea of claiming an entire planet laughable, they don't. Please don't make the mistake of assuming that they won't notice, or won't try to defend their claim, as they most certainly will, wisdom be damned."

He smiled a little, "However, feel free to take any and all time you feel is necessary. The DiploBot you met at Nod station has prepared a datapad for you to take with you. It contains a series of codes that may be used for docking at Nod station, allowing you to use the automated system, as opposed to needing to contact me personally. You or other representatives from your nation are welcome to visit." He grinned slightly, "As are any tourists who might be interested in a most... unusal... destination."

Nodding, the Captain was glad of the final result the meeting with Elijah held. Much had been established, and perhaps even the beginnings of a friendship had just been forged. In the meantime, the crew were already ready to leave, and escorted by Elijah, they were soon amongst the stars above, back on the ship they came from. Behind them they had left Elijah a gift of peace and friendship. It was simply one which held a lot of historical status.

A sword gleaming silver, with the blade holding two enscriptions on each side.

On one it read; Austar Union; on the other it read; The Most Glorious Hack. On the handle itself, it read written in a strange mix of Italian, Spanish, and French; Brothers in Arms.

There were no difficulties with the exit of the crew from Austar Union. As promised, the DiploDrone on Nod station handed them a datapad with the required information for automatic docking, before seeing them on their way.

Back down in the Basin, Elijah looked over the sword, the silver of it contrasting with the silver of his own skin. He smiled softly, "That does it. I need to build myself an office..." He grinned, "Or a trophy room..."