NationStates Jolt Archive

Commander Andrew Edwards of the Nanakaland Space Command (NSC), second in command under High Admiral Johnson and a veteran of the Intrepid Incident, prepared to depart in a landmark meeting with Supreme General Richard Ihm of the Associated Systems of Klonor. He took the NSS Empyreal, Nelson Clark's old ship. He took a shuttle from the NSC and entered his ship. Once he cleared the area of Earth's moon, he entered hyperspace.

Eventually, he arrived at his destination, Denab. "This is just like the old days," Edwards said to himself, "when I went on away missions frequently. This is not a mission of war, though. This is a mission of peace."

"Sir," said an officer. "Should we open communications?"

"Of course."

"Prepare to speak, sir."

"I have arrived," said Commander Edwards. "Lead me to where the meeting will be and I will follow."

Supreme General Richard Ihm, Commander of the Klonor Space Corps, sat in his office and moped.

Man, nothing interesting happens anymore. I have command of one of the finest fleets in the Galaxy, almost no governmental oversight, and not one damn enemy nation to squash. Drat.

"Sir, the Nanakans have arrived."

"Thank you Herson, I'll be to the meeting room in a few minutes. Send them a transmission and give them the destination co-ordinates."

"Yes, sir."

With a sigh Richard pulled himself up from his seat and walked to the wall.

A diplomatic meeting, could anything be more boring?

Pressing a sequence of buttons inlaid into the door frame he stepped through the Phase Gate and teleported to the meeting room.

Commander Edwards entered the meeting room soon after. They're reserving me for the diplomatic meetings while the others get to do things more of interest, thought Edwards. He sighed. Ever since I took up this position at the NSC, it's been nothing but boring work, even when I command something. Well, I've made it this far, so I might as well begin talking.

"Hello Supreme General Richard Ihm," Edwards said, taking a seat. "I suppose you have already been informed of the deal. You supply us with the Megingjard ship and certain more ships to help improve our fleets for the upcoming conflict and we will pay in full. In addition, we shall forge an alliance of sorts and give certain territories we gain if we win, in prime areas such as parts of Mars. We need to decimate the enemy forces. Comments?"

"Yes, still to consider is the crewing, arming, and supplying of the vessels. As I'm sure you know the Megingjard launches a missile which costs over five billion Florens to produce, if you wish to use it for anything more than one or two limited engagements the necessary ammuniton will grow quite expensive. You also need to consider the vast crew sizes needed to run each ship, years of training will be required for each crew member. And have you given any thought to how you'll keep the vessels supplied with food, spare parts for repairs, and the latest technologies?"

He leaned forward, a predatory grin on his face.

"There is much that you are unprepared to meet."

"You appear to have underestimated the NSC," Edwards replied with ease. "The NSC has been able to micromanage, pay for, upkeep, and supply every single ship in five fleets, including the United Glory super capital ship, and the one to two hundred 'free ships' unattached to a fleet but NSC authorized and commanded. The NSC is capable of a rapid increase in the size. And, sadly, not all of our ships will last the upcoming War - a fact you well know.

"As for technology and funds, you are probably not in the loop about our new mission. We shall send out a fleet outside of this galaxy to gather new resources and technology. Some planets out there are still unharvested with resources enough to make hundreds of trillions or even quadrillions. We will probably gain much technology and if we don't we can simply purchase it with our gained funds. However, that is long-term.

"Thinking short-term, this funding will not just come from us. Some of our allies would rather support our fleets financially for this upcoming War than build new ships, train officers and crew, create a command center like the NSC and so forth. My allies would be investing money into existing allied fleets in hopes we can win the space fronts while they fight on the ground.

"In fact, if we win the War we shall be gaining prime territory which can be used to Nanakan advantages. Our treasury has enough for the immediate payments and the upkeep can be done by future gains. Even if we lose the War, we probably won't have to wory about upkeep then because our fleets would be significantly smaller."

It was, then, a wise decision, thought Edwards, to practice possible responses on my way to this meeting.

"So, what you're saying is that you'd like us to give you a few specific vessels but that you shall crew, supply, and maintain them yourselves? Very well, but I feel I must advise you that you will probably encounter some severe difficulties if you pursue this specific course. Chiefly among them will be the complete uselessness of the Megingjard after its first few battles.

"The Harbinger Warhead is a Klonor trade secret, nobody outside of our borders has ever constructed one and nobody ever will. We are the only source in the Universe and it is the sole ammunition used by the Megingjard. Do you feel that your Fleet is adequate enough to not only fight the war and keep all your ships supplied, but to also continue to purchase, transport, and install Harbingers from Klonor on a nearly daily basis? Also, have you given thought to the re-arming of the Megingjard in the midst of battle? Klonor ships have been designed to work with other Klonor ships, these simple tasks are often exponentially more complex with alien technology.

"Now, on to the specific ships themselves. You have stated your wish to procure a Megingjard class Heavy Fire Destroyer, one of our most powerful vessels, but you haven't yet given us anything beyond that. We have not yet been informed of the classes and numbers of the other vessels you require, and you will obviously need a great many if this upcoming war will be as large as you fear. We need to know what you'd like before we can begin constructing it.

"Perhaps you misunderstood me," said Edwards. "I myself might have spoken very confusingly. I was merely speaking of the funding aspect, defending the NSC's ability to pay. Of course, this meeting is to get the details worked out. And I will not need it rearmed on a daily basis for the NSC does not seek to be fighting on a daily basis. The ship will be anchored nicely near the NSC unless it is needed in battle. It will probably be given a role of defense unless it is needed in battles, which will be upcoming in the War. However, any help on errors I may be making would be appreciated for I have not had the honor of purchasing Klonor ships before.

"If you fear incompatibility then perhaps I shall make a new, sixth fleet of just Klonor-manufactured ships in anticipation of the conflict. In which case, I would specify which type of ships I would need immediatley and you would come up with suggested ships and the prices so that I may be able to make the fleet for the upcoming War. I hope that the fleet would be able to fight along side Nanakan fleets without problems, of course. I don't want any friendly fire incidents between the sixth fleet and the others. I also hope that the Nanakan unattached ships that are of any manufacturer that the captain bought from - some may be Klonor - would be able to assist and/or dock with any capital or super capital ship we purchase.

"As for the other ships, I'd most likely like two carrier-type capital ships able to hold the lesser ships in the fleet, five average-fighting capital ships to back up the others, several dozen cruisers and corvettes, one dozen freighters, and anywhere up to a hundred fighters. Tell me your recommended ships and prices and I'll modify my list."

"Well, for your additional ships I'd recommend two Hecate class Destroyers, five Orion class Destroyers, fifteen Dreadnought class Corvettes, ten Leviathon class Heavy Cruisers, seven Poseidon Military Freighters, and five Triton Military Freighters. That should give you an adequate blend of firepower, speed, and fighter deployment. I think we can work out the specific fighters through our subordinates, discussing it now would just be tedious.

"I'd also suggest a few Hygeia class Support Ships, they're vital for reducing reloading and repairing times on fighters and bombers. I think when everythings been crewed and prepared you should be able to handle pretty much anything you come up against.

"Now, back to the Meginjard, we still need to know the requisite ammunition. It can only hold 20 Harbingers at a time, how many more Warheads would like to hold in reserve?"

"Hmm... Reserve warheads. Sometime between fourty and sixty I guess. I need to be able to have enough for several significant battles. However, I'm guessing that that ship needs to only see the battlefield a few times to win the space front and gain me space supperiority in the War to come.

"As for your recomendations, they all seem nice. My plans are starting to come together. Now that I've got the basic ideas down, could you give me a pricetag for all of this stuff or do I have to do my own calculations? It'd be really helpful if you answered that."

The Generals brow furrowed, complex equations obviously flowing though his mind.

"Hmmmm, all this is going to be costly. We can cut off some of the extra charges, but we're still taking about an Un-Godly sum of money. I make it around 900 trillion Florens.

"I'll tell you what, since we're nearing a quadrillion Florens I think I can convince the Duke to drop the charges for the fightera and bombers, they'd be inconsequential compared to the rest of this stuff."

"Well," Edwards replied, "I cannot make the payments all at once. It will take several payments to pay it off. I'll have my government wire over 250 trillion now as a down payment and another 250 trillion upon arrival in the NSC area. Then the remaining payment shall be done when the government can afford it.

"I have several questions that need answers. Does this sound like a good deal for you? When will the construction be done? Will you send it to me or do I have to send men over to get the ship from your system?"

"It really depends what you're planning on using this Fleet for. If, for example, you were planning on assaulting a Klonor-held world this would be a horrible deal; the planetary defences would rip these ships, and any others, to shreds. On the other hand, if they are purely meant for deep space combat they'll perform quite exceptionally. Unless you're willing to spend several quadrillion more I doubt it'd be possible to create for you a Fleet that would be wonderful in any situation.

"Construction is already under way and should be completed relatively quickly, but you do have to remember that even a single Orion is over two kilometers long. We're talking about the need to mine, process, and transport several million tons of ore along with the actual construction. It will take time for everything to be brought to combat readiness.

"Once the ships have been completed and activated we will transport them to your nation, it is standard procedure to not allow combat vessels of any significant strength within the borders of Klonor unless under a specific flag of Peace. Is there anything else you wish to know?"

"Not really. You have explained everything pretty clearly. I'll wire the money as soon as these talks are over. It appears as if most details are worked out. And I don't plan on attacking Klonor space. Our enemy for the war will be someone totally different. While I'm here, want to sign some non-agression treaty to ensure that neither of us will attack each other? It'd make it sure that NSC wouldn't attack you."

"Even with such a treaty in place the Association wouldn't permit Nanakan military vessels within our space, permission for such an occurance is given on a case-by-case basis. But a Non-Aggression Treaty is always a good thing to have. Did you have anything specific in mind?"

"I understand that entrance into Klonor space probably won't be allowed all the time. That is not what I am looking for. If I mislead you, I appologize. As for anything specific, basically a treaty saying that if you do not fight me, I do not fight you and vice versa. The details could be drafted in this meeting. Otherwise the meeting would be over with right about now."

"It is? Kickass! Care to go get a drink? I'll buy."

"Sure. Why not? Let's have a little break before signing a treaty."

"Excellent! Come, onward to the Screaming Wookie!"

The General approached the door, pressed a sequence of buttons inlaid againt the frame, and stepped through to one of the many bars strung throughout Klonor territory.

Waiting for the Nanakan ambassador to follow him through the Phase Gate the General eyed up the Wookie, checking to see if it was one of the ones he'd visited recently. Not seeing anybody familiar he approached the bar and slapped his military ID down on the counter (Military members drink for free in Klonor in exchange for nearly non-existant salaries).

"Two Collostomizers."

Commander Edwards stepped into the Phase Gate. Interesting, he thought. NSC has got to get some of these gates. Though that'd probably make the deal more expensive and I'm not sure if they're selling them. Some kind of better transportation technology is needed for the NSC, though. Oh well. That's another story. For now, I shall relax and drink.

"Come, join me and drink!"

Thrusting one of the two glasses at the newly arrived guest the General raised his own and downed it in a single gulp.

"But I warn you, these have a bit of kick (A 'kick' as in what he just drank is usually enough to kill a person from alcohol poisoning)"

After several hours there, which seemed like minutes, Commander Edwards could barely speak. Suddenly, he collapsed of drunkeness on the floor - thus ending the drinking session.

[OOC: Now off to start finishing this short RP.]

OOC: Spoilsport

IC:

The General, looking down at the collapsed form of his drinking partner, snorted in derision.

"Lightweight."

Asking for the assistance of a few other bar patrons he managed to drag Edwards back to the Phase Gate and transported the two of them back to the conference room.

"Well, time to wake up."

He reached into his pockets, pulled out a small package of scrubbers, and place one in the mouth of the unconcious Nanakan delegate. (FYI: Scrubbers purge the blood stream of alcohol, they make you un-drunk a few seconds after swallowing one)

Regaining conciousness, Commander Edwards said, "What? Can't I come back! It has not ended yet!"

[OOC: Change of plans. We can stal some more.]

"Hey, you passed out, not me. If you're upset at the end of drinking you can blame yourself."

"Ahh," Edwards replied. "Well, in that case, let's get ready and sign that treaty. I need that fleet before the War comes."

"Very well."

Reaching into one of his many drawers on his desk he pulled out an extremely thick sheaf of papers covered in miniscule print.

"We have here a copy of the standard Inter-National Alliance Contract used by the Associated Systems of Klonor. In it is contained a standard Non-Aggresion Pact, rendered null and void upon an infraction by either participant, a standard Mutual Defence Treaty, subject to the causes and specifics of each conflict on a case by case basis, and an Economic Freedom Agrement."

He pushed the papers across the table at the Anagonian representative.

"These papers will need to be signed in triplicate by the designated head of the Armed Forces, the Head of State, and whichever governmental representative is in charge of the negotiation and ratification of foreign treaties. We eagerly await the ratification. Oh, before I forget."

He pulled another paper out of the desk and placed it on top.

"This is for the development, construction, and delivery of the ships you've requested."

"Thank you," replied Commander Edwards, taking the papers. "Is that all?"

"Well, the buerocracy has been known to take an extremely long time in getting these things ratified. I think I might be able to speed things up if I had some incentive....."

"Yes," said Edwards. "An incentive. By the way, what is your monthly sallary?"

"Salary? What is this 'salary' that you speak of?"

"Ahh," explained Edwards. "It's a Nanakan cutsom to reward a good host with a gift. However, since I forgot bring a gift with me, I was just going to offer to give twice your month's wages as a gift."

"Well, I'm sure that I could find out what a salary is soon enough. So, just give me whatever it is and I'll figure out what to do with it later."

[OOC: Sorry for the late post but the forums were down yesterday and I was busy over the past week.]

Edwards gave the Klonor officer a monetary gift and then said, "I think that we have spent enough time in this meeting and there are other issues arising. I must get ready to go. Goodbye."

"Ohhhhhh, it's money. Why didn't you just call it a bribe?"

Accepting the gift the General rose from his seat and walked around the table, extending his hand towards the Nanakan delegate.

"Farewell, and have a pleasant journey home. My assisstant will take you back to your ship, she's right outside the door. Just tell her you're leaving and she'll make sure everything is ready."