NationStates Jolt Archive

OOC: Well, folks. Real life has been working me hard. Most of it is stuff most folks don't give a wipe about, so the boring details will be omitted. However, for purposes of keeping interest in my lizardy folks alive, it is decided that the Sakkrans will be a bit different now. Somehow the 3 billion mark has passed without me even kowing. Ummmm...whoopee?

Reorganization of Imperial Priorities has happened, all holdings are organized under one flag (IE puppets gone, all encompassed in one nation), and so on. Diplomatic relations operate under slightly different protocols now. WHat does this mean? Wouldn't you like to know. Mwah ha ha ha!

IC: Emperor Gorrm sits in his office overlooking the swamp world of Sslaa 5. He's a bit older now, and it shows around his eyes and throat. A slight pattern of grey scales is forming there. He sips on some merlot from a fluted glass, and brushes some chain-link from his eyes dropping from the Imperial Head-dress.

All is now reorganized. That ineffectual bunch of nosey-bodies of the UN have been dispatched from the Imperial holdings. He looks down at his newly-installed trophy case, holding the skulls of his opponents from his victories in the dueling arts, and from failed assassination attempts. Tumultuous times indeed. The Skeen (pronounced Skay-yen) have been given carte-blanche in internal security measures, and it is good to see so many conspirators ferreted out.

He stands with a grunt as he lifts his considerably bulky frame out of his chair, and heads for the outer hall, calling to his aide as he does so.

"Prepare a comm. General frequency. Inform the nations known to us that we have come from our torpor newly organized and efficient. See if interest in establishing contact is there. And inform our allies in the Trium that we would like to hold a summit to address current trade and diplomatic contact in light of our reorganization."

"At once, my liege."

"And contact my sire, Advisor Kraah. I would like to hold a discussion with him."

"Yes, my liege."

As Gorrm heads out for the shuttlepad containing his Imperial Transport, his honor guard falls in step around him. His growth now complete, he stands half a head taller than the power-armor clad troopers. He licks his tongue around his many serrated teeth in thought, as he anticipates a surprise inspection of the Vubz System Defense Coordination Station. Time to make sure our military is kept current, and production is kept up to speed.

OOC (again): Alright, this is where you, the interested individual, receive a comm from the Imperial Seat. What you do with it is up to you.

While the Sakkran had lay in sleep the humans had been busy as was their way. On the neighboring world of Sslaa IV the cell colonies and mushroom colonies of the human nation known as Sunset were now the homes of millions of sentients. It was here that the message was recieved and from here an envoy would be dispatched.

Sitting in his imported Boronian leather chair, Darius Steele sipped from his glass, the dark elixir warming his soul. He smoked solemnly, considering the intel being displayed on one of the twelve monitors in front of him. Punching in the code for deep data retrieval, the big man sat back in his chair waiting for the AI to complete its search. He read the dispatch yet again.

"Mr.Shit, meet Mr.Fan." Steele whispered.

Lord Commander Dante sat upon his throne in his grim, gothic fortress on the blazing desert world of Baal (pronounced bail ) he listend to the transmission with a little interest. He thought for a few moments then shifted his huge, heavily muscled, golden power armor clad body in his chair. He then spoke to the other members of the Adeptes Astartes in the room. "These creatures are of little concern to us, but since it is we who dwell in the outer rim of Segmentum Ultima we will watch these, things, these xenos, I do not believe that they will trouble us or the Imperium, but stay ever vigilant my battle brothers, for the rewards of tolerance are treachery and betrayal."

ooc: moving the develpment bits here forward just a touch before I've played them out due to the horrible slump I've been in ... brief ic bit with something more in-depth to follow.

On Sslaa II as well, the Dominion colony of Nuova Toscana was growing. Far behind many of the neighbors in development, being the newcomer to the region, and with the additional challenge of subterranean living, they nevertheless were progressing. Neither they nor the Lady had forgotten just who was responsible for providing this new desert home, nor indeed who had made the initial builds and excavations possible with domes contstructed before the engineering teams arrived.

The Masters of the Sslaa system had re-emerged, and from their holdings beneath the shifting sands, with the blessing and well-wishes from their sovereign, the Dominion stood ready to answer.

'Initiating docking protocols now, my liege." The pilot of the heavily modified Monitor transport craft spoke out over the PA. Since their insulation. and subsequent hibernation, the organism-based technologies of the Empire had been refined and honed to such a degree you could almost hear a heart pulsing in the ship. The massive, hollow moon housing the Vubz Station encompassed the entire view, with gauss cannons swinging about, microwave emitters holding silent sentry.

The transport docked, and the Emperor of all Sakkra appeared through the hatch; his honor guard in tow. Rear Admiral Keesh stood at attention in front of Gorrm. "My liege, we did not know you would be coming so soon."

"Belay your excuses, Rear Admiral. This station must be at optimal efficiency at all times; inspection or not." Gorrm's eyes glowered everywhere that passed before his eyes. Equipment, personnel, automotons; nothing escaped his eyes. "What's the status of the Corsaire project?"

"On schedule, my liege. The enhanced sentients show amazing adaptation abilities, and abstract thought and reasoning capabilities above the previous generations." Keesh walked two steps behind Gorrm at all times; stopping when he did, turning when needed.

"Good, good. Production facilities seem in order, growth vats look nominal..... what of the new vat-grown in the Kraah belt? How are they faring?"

A datapad is raised and the Rear Admiral reads off specs. "...and it seems they operate as social pack hunters. Coordinating through means unknown to us."

"So they use tactics, subterfuge, and ingenuity. Very good. My inspection here is done; everything appears in order. Have a report filed with my office in two cycles time. I have matters to attend." Gorrm strode back to his ship, and entered while the Rear Admiral dabbed at his eyes, the stress making small droplets appear just below the nostrils.

As the Emperor took his seat in the gel-pack chair, his comm-station swung in from his side and locked into place, where he perused the replies to the Imperial Transmission. The peoples of Sslaa IV and Sslaa II, Sunset and the Dread Dominion respectively, stand poise dto attend. Excellent. A confirmation cue was hit, and automated replies were sent to both places, with landing protocols, anticipated weather conditions on Sslaa V, and hospitality requirements requested.

Sliding the comm station to the side, Gorrm has a snack sent to him as the transport leaves its berth. A large femur bone from one of Sslaa V's predators is produced, and is subsequently crunched down on with a sickening sound, followed by a gulp of wine.

OOC: Sounds like you are breeding attack raptors. Very Lethal and intellient. Very efficient.

OOC: Correction. Basically the entire nation IS attack raptors. Heh heh. The beings described are actually fully sentient organic spacecraft.

"Hrrr. This is welcome news," Speaker-Rrit says quietly as he leans into his chair, stretching out the muscles in his back. The office overlooking topside Stonozka is quiet as it usually is, save for the subdued once-per-second tick of the analog clock behind Speaker's desk.

"Agreed," asserts Razak, the silver-haired man tapping the latest report. "The Sakkrans are one of our closest allies... which worries me a little bit."

The kzin chuckles. "Let me guess. If they are so close to us, then any change must inevitably conflict?"

A curt nod. "Essentially."

"Then we will simply have to adapt along with our allies, hrr? We are not too old yet for summits--no need to worry yet."

"We in the Union have heard of some rumours that you are planning to host a conference, but are rather sketchy of the details. We ask of you, is such an event closed to the Trium only, or is it somewhat public? We are always interested in furthering our diplomatic contact, especially with those within the Trium. Someday, we have plans to have the Austar Union in that alliance, however for now we are choosing to build the nation's reputation first.

Perhaps some kind of special provision can be arranged, and we can send an envoy to the meeting? We believe this meeting would greatly benefit both ourselves, and your nation which we are also interested in building contact with. Your peoples seem interesting to say the least."

President Edward Grove
The Federal Republic of Austar Union

The Imperial Transport lands at Kkessh City, which is a coastal location overlooking the Basklands. The Basklands are basically beach-like, save for a shelf of shale and a 30' drop off a cliff into the ocean. The Imperial Complex is located here, under tight security and interspersed with chameleoned Skeen agents.

Gorrm exits the Monitor transport, and adjusts the Imperial Mantle on his shoulders as he strides towards the Complex, his guard in tow as always. An aide awaits him at the massive Paroo-wood doors.

"My liege, good to have you home." The aide bows his head low, almost touching his blue-scaled chest with his chin.

"Good to be home, Assistant Ggraat." Gorrm bows his head slightly. "I trust that the sauna is in readiness?"

"Of course. A fresh set of casual togs is available for you as well. You did mention once how the Imperial Mantle becomes burdensome after a time, yes?"

"That I did. Figuratively and literally. It will be good to move without this massive .... thing ... on my shoulders all the time. Any messages for me?"

"Aye. Several replies to the summit proposal have been received, and are available for your viewing. One seems to interest the Diplomatic Corp here. It has been shunted to you in an 'Eyes Only' basis. I wouldn't take the liberty ....."

"Not to worry, old friend. I know you hold comms sent to me with utmost privacy. I'll look at these messages before I go into the sauna. What news of the people's morale?"

"My liege, since you have implimented the new policies, a small decline in protests, demonstrations and over-all crime has been noticed. Conspirators, assassins and the like here on the Imperial Seat have also been apprehended with some frequency since you made Director Thress the Planetary Steward."

"Good, good. I attempted to rule as my Sire did. Unfortunately, it was not working well. Speaking of which....." He casts a glance at his aide.

"Ah, yes. Advisor Kraah announced that he would be arriving in four cycles time, pending completion of a major contract. H&K seems to be doing fairly well for itself."

"Good, good. Hold all calls; let the messenger take them. Take the remainder of the day for yourself." Gorrm turned into his chambers and prepared to read his messages.

"Thank you, my liege." Ggraat already began envisioning basking in the Basklands with his mate-to-be, and started to feel a bit giddy, chuffing as he walked.
---------------------------------------------------------------------------
Comm active:
Dir: Pres. Edward Grove
Federal Republic of Austar Union
Subj: Summit attendance

President Grove,

Your interest in my people has been noted, and your interest in the summit as well.
Primarily this summit is for those who we have diplomatic, trade and assorted agreements with.

It seems you are not amongst these groups. And so I say that, while your participation
in this summit is not appropo, you may send someone as an observer.
Afterwards, or beforehand depending on your envoys arrival, discussion can be held
about amending this state of affairs between our nations.

May you walk on warm sands.
Emperor Gorrm
Imperial Seat of Sslaa V

Sitting in his imported Boronian leather chair, Darius Steele sipped from his glass, the dark elixir warming his soul. He smoked solemnly, considering the intel being displayed on one of the twelve monitors in front of him. Punching in the code for deep data retrieval, the big man sat back in his chair waiting for the AI to complete its search. He read the dispatch yet again.

"Mr.Shit, meet Mr.Fan." Steele whispered.

The results were in, and not promising. The Sakkra, a lizard-like homonid, were a formidable race, with a deadly and violent history. They also had strong ties with other nations, nations that were powerful and far-reaching. The Sakkra had gone through a period of isolation, and from all reports, political change. They had now chosen to re-introduce themselves to the universe at large, as well as renew the relationships they had enjoyed in the past....but for what reason? Why had they decided to come out of isolation?

Steele hated mysteries. Activating his comm-link, Darius spoke briefly to his assistant, Rafe.

"Find a way to get my ass invited to this diplomatic mission being held on Sslaa 5, in Kkessh City...beg, borrow or steal me an invite. Something feels...wrong about this."

Steele continued to smoke, bluish clouds whisked away by the efficiant air-circulation system. He continued to read the file, wondering if he was reading the pre-history of the end of the universe.

Steele continued to smoke, bluish clouds whisked away by the efficiant air-circulation system. He continued to read the file, wondering if he was reading the pre-history of the end of the universe.
Meanwhile, probably billions of kilometers away, an Office of Psionic Operations agent slaps the flat of his hand against a wildly wavering needle behind its plastic cover. Damned meter. What's up with it now? "Hey, Telemachus! What the hell is going on with this goram meter?"

Agent Telemachus looks over at the rho-seven subethanet metareality activity monitor--in other words, something that normally would just tick away the background count of the pseudoreality that defines the multiverse. Nothing really important, normally... and still not. "Eh, don't worry about that. It's probably just registering excessive melodrama... it does that sometimes."

* - * - *

"So, what have we got on the Sakkrans?"

Intelligence Advisor Garbo smirks, folding his arms as he sits on the corner of the conference table, elegant in its inexpensive simplicity of heavy wood construction. "Nothing more than the SIGINT we've provided. Lessee... we helped them through the Shyra situation, long past. Peaceful expansion along with the Galactic Exploration Command to their Sslaa. That's now their major center of operations, just like we knew before they got quiet on us. So far, it just looks like a bit of isolationism to work out the kinks in their own culture."

Razak nods, suppressing a wry smirk. "In short--nothing to worry about?"

"Probably not. They're the same great big lizards we've been dealing with for years. I still say we watch 'em."

"You would." The silver-haired man shakes his head, sharing shades with the steel centipede blazoned on one of the short walls of the conference room. "I'd like in on the mission there, having enjoyed a working relationship with them in the past."

Speaker nods, eyes firm and jaw moving with serious certainty. "You are closer to them than I am, admittedly, as is my consort. She has never mentioned anything unusual. They have tightened security. They have become more aggressive in self-policing. Neither of these should be an issue in our relations." The kzin breaks his solemn demeanor with a chuckling whiff of breath from his nostrils. "Besides, it has been forever since I have let you out, Julie. Inform them that you will attend the summit--I do have a nation to lead, and cannot jaunt everywhere on a moment's notice."

"Will do, Speeks." Julius chuckles. "Now we'll just wait and see how long it takes for someone to comment that I'm too old for this..."

A quick message out to the Sakkrans, and all is good.

That Trilarians and Sakkra had been able to coexist in the same system for a single mooachan, much less an undefined period of time and with the humans of Sunset thrown into the mix, was something of a miracle. Of course, with the uncertain state of things within the Sakkran state, the Trilarian colony was largely left to its own devices. Meanwhile, Minister Oraborus’ Extratrilarian Faction had been solidly broken up by Imperial edict, leaving the far-flung colony with little support from home.

Needless to say, the Viceroy of Trilarian Sslaa, Daamii Sanuubat, was more than a little disconcerted by Emperor Gorrm’s message. Certainly, Trilar couldn’t be considered an ally of the Sakkra, even if they had bought settling rights to a planet in the Sakkra’s home system. With a reformed and revitalized lizard empire, and no help forthcoming from home...well, he’d just have to cross those trenches when he came to them.

On an interesting but largely irrelevant side note, the Trilarian colony on Sslaa IV was somewhat unusual in that it used largely non=natural forms of power. Power on Trilar was provided by large geothermal plants arranged around the shallow vents there; on Sslaa IV, the vents were too deep for proper exploitation and alternative methods had to be used.

For the time being, the Viceroy decided to remain largely silent on the matter of the Sakkran message; out of sight, out of mind, no?

Meanwhile, probably billions of kilometers away, an Office of Psionic Operations agent slaps the flat of his hand against a wildly wavering needle behind its plastic cover. Damned meter. What's up with it now? "Hey, Telemachus! What the hell is going on with this goram meter?"

Agent Telemachus looks over at the rho-seven subethanet metareality activity monitor--in other words, something that normally would just tick away the background count of the pseudoreality that defines the multiverse. Nothing really important, normally... and still not. "Eh, don't worry about that. It's probably just registering excessive melodrama... it does that sometimes."

* - * - *


<<OOC: Well, I guess that's better than "shut up, no0b." Thanks for taking the time.>>

A door opens in a sealed room, and a heady jet of steam issues forth, fogging everything in the area. Emperor Gorrm steps out, lacking any covering raiments. "That is fortifying indeed." A cistern of brewed Paroo awaits him in the room, with the appropo goblets. One of these is filled with the pungent black liquid, and sipped quietly while a holo-vid unit is brought online.

Hrrrr...let's see....Ah! Here we are. The replies to the summit invitation were being encrypted and sent in a secure packet to his account. The Sunset colony on Sslaa IV has responded. Intel encryption states they and the Trilarians are faring decently, and even prospering a bit. I'll ask Thress to keep a discreet eye on the Trilarians. Nuova Toscana sends a confirmation, as well as the Scolopendrans. Excellent. The confirmation button is pressed, and sent.

Gorrm dresses in a simple robe, and finishes his Paroo. "Ggraat, make certain accomodations are prepared for our impending guests here. And have the Skeen in residence keep watch on the grounds; I don't want 'uninvited guests' to show and give us an unwelcome surprise."

A voice from outside bellows back. "My liege, you gave Assistant Ggraat the day off, yes? Under-assistant Hheem, at your service. I will make the preparations as requested." The clack clack sound of clawed feet sounding on the floor is heard.

I did, didn't I? Why did I forget that? No mind..... Gorrm steps out of the chamber, and fastens his robe to himself. I better prep a hunt for my sire's arrival. He does love his roast Ghaan.

Smiling, the President read the response which was given promptly. Just in the same manner, he responded quickly, and began to dictate a transmission back to the diplomatic corporation of Sakkra;


-------------------------------------
<Open Transmission>
TO: Sakkra, Diplomatic Corps
FROM: Presidential Office, Anatoba City, Austar Union
SUBJECT: Re: Our Attendance
-------------------------------------

We thankyou for you quick reply, and we also thank you for giving us the opportunity to attend this summit as a neutral observer. We will respect your wishes for us to have little voice at the conference itself, and we also look forward to talking with your leaders and government personnel in person. We have a great vision that this will be the beginning of a prosperous future in co-existance.

Yours Truly,

President Edward Grove
The Federal Republic of Austar Union


Sending the message immediatly, it would within seconds appear in the inbox messages in Sakkra. Of course, preparations would have to be made immediatly, and the President was quick to inform Kayla Rose that she would be attending the conference, and representing the Austar Union as an observer. She would not have an official voice, but still, it was the start of something beyond the President himself.

Gorrm returned form his hunt feeling quite fortified. As a rule, the hunt tends to be done with no weaponry; just the teeth, claws, speed and strength inherent in all Sakkrans. To do otherwise would rob it of the adventure enjoyed by his fore-bears.

The corpse of a fairly large Ghaan, a tall, herbivorous creature akin to a giraffe on Sslaa V, was pulled behind him on a cart by two accompanying Rangers and their Guat mounts. Gorrm turns and addresses the Rangers as they come into the Imperial Grounds. "Have the cook clean, dress and prep that beast for a roast. My sire shall be here soon enough, and we wouldn't want to disappoint, yes?"

The Rangers give a snappy salute, and drive their mounts towards a separate building from the Imperial Hall. In the meanwhile, Hheem appears, bearing a large towel and a pot of sesame-scented oils. "I'm certain my liege would like to cleanse the gore from himself, yes?"

Gorrm casts a sidelong glance at the Under-Assistant, then at the pot. A clawed finger is run across his snout, and pulled away for observation. "Yes, I do appear sullied. Thank you, Under-assistant. I will take these in my chambers." As they walked, Gorrm recalled his favorite part of the hunt.

Chraging at the Ghaan as it tried to run, his long legs splashing in the swampy ground; his tail stock-straight for balance; head hung low and jaws opened wide. A powerful leap placed him on the back of the beast, right behind the neck. A powerful bite down, and a lock of the jaws to hold him in place. Then a swing off the neck that brings the beast down low. A full body twisting later, and the sound of a gruesome crunching could be heard as the vertebrae of the Ghann was severed, and Gorrm arose with a face full of blood and gore.

His reveries end as he opens the door of his chambers and takes the platter with the towel and oils on it. After wiping the mess off himself, he sees the yellow light of his messenger blinking, indicating a received message. Let's see what the magic mirror has for me today. Ah, a response from President Edward Grove.

He voice-typed his response as he finished applying the oil to his scales.

Origin: Emperor Gorrm
DIR: President Edward Grove
Sub: Attendance

Excellent. I will have the diplomatic corp prepare for the arrival of your observer.
If there are specific needs the individual may have, it would be best to let us know in
advance, yes? I know it gets quite hot and humid here by human levels, but we are
quite acclimated to the conditions here. And do have your person bring some tourist
brochures of your regions, yes? It would make for a good overview of the attractions
of your holdings.

Emperor Gorrm
Imperial Seat of Sslaa V.

<<Bump for Great Justice!>>

----------------------------------------
<Open Transmission>
TO: Emperor Gorrm, Sakkra
FROM: Presidential Office, Anatoba City, Austar Union
SUBJECT: Re: Attendance
----------------------------------------

We have asked our diplomat, and her response has been that she does not have any special requirements. She will of course come with information regarding the Union, so that you may gain a better understanding of our people and culture. Our nation whilst not complicated, does have a reasonable background, of which you might find interesting.

Nevertheless, we will not clog up your diplomatic channels with random gibberish, and instead we will send our representative on the next flight to Sakkra. She should be arriving rather shortly.

President Edward Grove
The Federal Republic of Austar Union

OOC: Suppose I will just RP her being arrived when you start the conference, so... (Unless of course you wanted to RP all the beaurocracy.)

OOC: I say BLEAH to beaurocracy. Bleah! We'll assume that people who are going to send an emissary can RP their arrival at the hall. I'll give a description for the sake of giving folks a feeling of the room they're in.

The ongoing color scheme throughout the Imperial Hall is that of violet. Banners hanging from the walls, draperie on the windows, table settings and so on. Silvery threads are interweaved throughout these things. The walls and floor seem to be made of an amber translucent material. Some will know what it is, others will have to guess. Heh heh. Semi=precious stones are set in the material, and points that allow sunlight in have a prismatic light cast off them due to these stones.

From what can be seen, there are no hard edges where floor and ceiling meet wall. Everything is smoothed out and rounded. In the center of the table is a massive covered platter made of platinum. Intricate carvings adorn the cover, as well as the table and chairs. TacSoft-clad guards stand vigil at the three doors that allow entrance to the room, and the three panoramic windows against a wall to the left of the Emperor's seat.

A Servitor (butler to some) stands ready to cater to the needs of the guests as they arrive. His clothing reesembles a simple robe, violet in color with the same silver interweave.

Hopefully this helps give folks a feel for the room.

Jus Saint-Clair entered the room with just a little trepidation. The years as Governor of the Sunset colony had seen him adjust well to the job - the economy was booming, public services were running well, and the bi-weekly security meetings were fairly short. Now he was stepping back into the world he had only briefly touched on when he had run for Governor-Mayor in what seemed to be the distant past. The political event made him nervous indeed.

His own arrival was singularly non-descript and he stood near the door with the admiral - Sara Mclellen - in charge of the battle group assigned to the colony. She had graciously agreed to accompany him. Hopefully she was more charming than he was and he could simply follow her lead...

OOC: Going on honeymoon for a week, so expect responses, if any, to be ponderously slow.

Gorrm arrives in the Imperial Hall, and offers a short nod of his head to the guards in the room. As he walks past the chairs with the visiting emmisaries seated, a short nod is offered to each. His eyes seem somehow narrower; his frame slightly more muscled and toned. He takes his seat at the head of the table.

"There are questions, I am certain. I have prepared a statement that may answer some of them in advance." He clears his throat, shutting his eyes momentarily.

"The Pantheon came to me in a dream. We do not dream, normally, so this was not to be dismissed lightly. I was shown what was transpiring in all the imperial holdings. The crime of the citizenry, the corrupted minds of the regional overseers, political officers with personal agendas that did not have the Empire's well being in mind. Disillusionment and discontent was beginning to spread." His eyes open, the yellow-orange tint of the eyeball swiveling about the room.

"If steps were not taken, a revolution would have been fomented. I was shown the sweep of this possibility. Many planets destroyed. Many bodies staring lifeless into the Void. Many of our charges, the Alpha Minis, the Chiss, the Living Ships; all swept up in the tide of war like seaweed in a hurricane. All destroyed. And why?"

He stands, and walks around his chair, placed his clawed hands on the top of it. "Because our culture had become permeated with foreign ideas. We had lost our identities; our sense of who we are, and where we belong in the Grand Scheme. Personal gain began to overshadow the Societal Good. Greed, and as a result Ambition and Envy, became planted in us like a weed drops a seed on fertile soil."

"I tried to rule as my Sire did, but his touch, his charisma, were not passed down to me. Where he would be able to balance our culture with new ideas, I was not able to. So I have decided on a new way; my way. I have purged the corrupt officers and retired the regional overseers. Elections have been reformed into elections where the candidates are hand-picked by myself and the Imperial Line. Already these beings have been chosen, elected into their positions, and placed in office."

"I have stressed our culture in the Schools and Universities, and tightened security in order to weed out conspirators and terrorists. Trade agreements and diplomatic ties are undergoing review to see if they still merit attention, or should be amended. And this is why I have called you all here."

Servitors enter the room, and place a datapad in front of each guest. "In these pads you will see our best exports. Paroo fruit and wood, raw resin, bio-engineered medicines, several varieties of ores and silicates and of course textiles. Imports are also listed. These are just rough outlines. CEO Kargaah, who is now Trade Minister, will be filling you in on more as you request."

Alessandra Bartolio, representative of the Nuovo Toscana colony on Sslaa II, and official envoy of their homeland, the Dominion, sat quietly, listening to the Emperor's speech with a thoughtful expression.

There were some in the Dominion who felt similarly - too many outlanders, too many new ideas, odd beliefs, strange faces. The leadership of course, was steadfast in their course to guide the nation further, to open its doors to others, encouraging the exchage of both thought and trade.

She was not among them.

Many of the advances they had seen and enjoyed was on account of such allies as this. The entirety of the new colony she was Governor of was due to the graciousness of the Sakkran Emperor and his peoples, their willingness to share in their holdings and assist in the preliminary building of the slowly growing outpost.

As a Dominion native, she could understand the need to keep in touch with ones roots, the pride in ones heritage. These were common enough themes in the often chaotic undercurrents of the sociopolitical scene that she was familiar with. What was more interesting was the firm hand he was now ruling with - something she approved of wholeheartedly, and was all too familiar with. Added to this, the review in trade, which was something that had been in need of better definition for some time.

Alessandra browsed the contents of the datapad handed to her, nodding now and then, her lips moving as she read the words occasionally, working up some quick numbers. At the mention of Kargaah, she arched a brow, looking up expectantly, but unsure of quite how to continue.

(ooc: damned if I'm not going to be out of town for a bit shortly ... want to be sure to post our presence, but not wanting to tie folks up with me til I get back ... sorry 'bout that.)

Gorrm allows time for everyone present to review the info on the datapads before he continues. "That is the listing of present exports as far as I know. As stated, Trade Minister Kargaah has vastly more detailed information on that. In a separate folder is information on resources and materials we seek to import. These include raw minerals such as silicates, ores not found in our holdings, and informational databases." The Emperor takes a short pause as he skims over the datapad himself.

"While strengthening our culture and belief system in our young, we will need educational tools on the cutting edge in order to keep them up to speed with the rest of the known systems. Thus information on biology, ecology and astrology are paramount to our needs. Once more, Kargaah would have more detailed information on this." Gorrm looks up as a servitor enters, and his tympanum just behind his jawline wavers, making Gorrm's tympanum quiver seemingly in response. The servitor then bows, and exits the room.

"I am informed a light meal is ready for your consumption. One more piece of business before a short break would be in order. A third folder on your pads will list off items of which we no longer have need for, have a surplus of, or find are not high on our list of needs. These include historical tomes and texts, entertainment devices, artificial enhancement technologies, tritium, lithium, and textiles. Also, computational equipment is no longer high on our list of needs."

The servitor enters bearing a mag-lev cart upon which a large bowl sits, surrounded by silverware, bowls and dishes. Others enter as well, with roasted meats on trays, loaves of bread, imported olive oil for dipping and several carafes of Dominion burgundy. "As we dine, you can state any questions the you may have on your minds."

As Gorrm prepares to sup on the soup placed in the midst of the table, the servitor that laid the finery out bends and speaks to the Emperor.

"My liege, your sire has arrived, and is within the Imperial Hall." One eye swivels to face the servitor. "It is always thus. I swear my sire can smell a meal from 10 light years out. Very well, show him in." The servitor bows and steps swiftly out of the room. Shortly thereafter, the voluminous girth of Kraah enters clad in an amethyst-toned robe. A short bow is offered to the guests assembled, and a slightly lower bow to the Emperor, who bows much the same in return.

"Sire, it is good to see you have arrived safe and sound." Gorrm's hand extends, indicating the seat opposite him at the end of the table. "Please dine with us. As my advisor, your input is appreciated."

"Excellent. The voyage here was uneventful, for the most part. But I am not eager to repeat it." Kraah takes the seat, and his chair is pushed forward by a servitor as he seats himself. "Ah, now let's see what we have here. A fine consomme, with all the trimmings. Excellent." A jab of a clawed finger spears a piece of meat, which is laid on some bread and dipped into the bowl of consomme which had been ladeled out to the Advisor.

"Tell me, what has transpired here today?" Kraah speaks out between chews of food and sips of wine.

"I am reforming current trade agreements first. We just started not too long ago. Information has been distributed about imports, exports and halted items for trade." Gorrm looks across the table at Kraah expectantly as a datapad is given to the Advisor. A finger cups Kraah's chin as he goes over the data.

"Hrrrmmmm...you know, I have something to bring to the table here, so to speak." Keys are punched in, and information in a separate window comes up in every pad in the room in a separate window.

"As you know, the corporation that H'zta and I are running is ready to export a new product. Reactive cloth. As you can see by the demo on your pads, the cloth requires no power source in order for what it does to be apparent." As he depresses a key on his pad, the cloth demo on the screens change color and pattern in a span of one minute. "This material reacts to chemical agents stored in small packets in the cuffs of whatever outfit is being worn. I'm wearing one right now."

He pinches the cuff of his robe, and the amethyst tone shifts and changes to a crimson color with herringbone patterning. "These might be used in trade as luxury items ,which i'm certain will find quite a market abroad."

Gorrm looks at Kraah's robe appreciatively. "Indeed. I can imagine the usefulness. Very well. H&K's reactive clothing will be added to available exports. Let's field some out and see who bites, yes?"

And so there you have it. The original point of this thread was to let folks know i'm back after lots of hectic RL activity, and will be available for good times and boozing. The Sakkrans are a bit crankier than before, and may seem brusque to those unfamiliar with them. They tend to be short on talk, and long on observation.

ooc: Well curses. I'd hoped to make a note of the Dominion wines and unless I'm mistaken, the oils perhaps and all, being used - apologies for having ran out of time before leaving on this trip and all. Would like to (when I'm at my home comp with all my notes) solidify some trade deals and all, seeing as it seems a shame to have such a well-organized setup as you have, and given Kraah's biz and all, not to have something official on the books. Too much gets taken for granted that way sometimes. At any rate - we're glad to have you back, look forward to the play.

OOC: Not a prob. We can get a thread going later about that. Just right now the responses are slow and all, so I thought i'd get this out of the way until later, when a more organized trade setup can be made.

(OOC: Hokay, man... followin' your lead... *shoots Manor in the face repeatedly*)