NationStates Jolt Archive

Jefferson City
Planet Irmansul
Birhat System

A chilly wind blew past the thick window pane, carrying with it the promise of winter. No snowfall could be expected in another two months, but the weather was clearly transforming from it's nine month's long summer state to that of autumn. After which would follow a six month long intense winter period of dense snowfall, far shorter daytime and significant sub-zero temperatures. Nevertheless, the eleven million strong population of Jefferson city went about their efforts with never-ending energy. The city center was filled with enormous towers, that formed the nucleus of the city's financial and political structures. New towers were being erected at a frightening pace, creating housing and work for the relocated people of Clairmont living here.

Admiring the view from his office high up in the upper floors of the Government Tower, Citizen President Judah Alexander could never stop the feeling of wonder he felt when he thought of the hardship the Clairmontian people had gone through and still could continue their efforts to rebuild with such enthusiasm. Tearing his concentration away for a moment from the city that never seemed to sleep, he took note of the chrono superimposed to the right corner of the molycirc contact lenses he wore. The guests would be entering the Birhat System, Capital System of the Freehold, soon. He knew rather well that he would be informed immediately by System Defense Command when the Steel Butterfly and Tappee vessels carrying their envoy's entered the system. Despite that however, he couldn't curb his anxiousness.

Judah Alexander had never directly dealt with the Orion Empire. In fact, even during the War, the Government then known as the Star Protectorate of Clairmont had held very little contact with Steel Butterfly. Judah Alexander wasn't even fully aware of the reasons why the two nations hadn't been in touch for so long, but fortunately the PR event held two and a half Terran month's back and the mouth of one young reporter had opened up the chance to reconnect. Which, ofcourse, was the reason why he was so nervous. He turned his attention back to the city outside the window and tried to relax while waiting for the word of their guests arrival.


Space Force Orbital Station Avalon

Fleet Admiral Alex Rowe tried to force down the fifth cup of coffee with little success. His stomach protested strongly as he downed another sip of the cold sludge and gazed at his wife. Fleet Admiral Honor Harrington chuckled as she noted her husband's look of discomfort.

"It really is no laughing matter you know." He said with as much disdain in his voice as he could.

"Oh yes it is when you try to force that muck down your throat instead of just using a single stim." She replied with a smile.

"Bah, I'll trust coffee any day over that synthetic crap." He said, trying to take another sip of the ink black stuff in the mug.

"Whatever you say. Though don't blame me if your stomach decides to voice it's discomfort right the minute when we are greeting the Tappee and Steel Butterfly envoy's." She retorted, chuckling again at the level of stubborness her husband always succeeded in displaying at the most inconvenient of times.

Admiral Rowe snorted and threw away the rest of the coffee. His wife had the ability to predict the worst outcomes. He could only hope that this time it was her twisted humor at work instead of her skills of premonition. It would hardly be fitting for the officer holding the position of Sky Marshal, High Commander of the Freehold Military Forces, to throw up or crap his/her pants during a reception event of such importance as the one about to come. He should have just taken the damn stim, he thought. Having been awake for the last nineteen hours without rest, going through the massive list of things to do and prepare for the upcoming visitation, had drained his energy reserves. He snorted again and decided to take that stimulant once the Steel Butterfly and Tappee vessels arrived in system and were properly challenged and identified. For now however, he concentrated on the waiting.

Aboard the ISS Apparition en route to Clairmont

“But the Apparition is the finest ship in the Orion Sector,” High General Jack Valkare replied, defending his flagship.

“The finest military ship,” Emperor David Bivens corrected, slouching back in Valkare’s chair in Valkare’s office. “There are no comforts here.”

“Perhaps if he got too comfortable,” Eric Esthar, Director of Public Relations, snickered, “He’d find ways to stay out on the front causing war, simply to sit in the seat.”

“The General is hardly at a lack of conflict,” Emperor Bivens muttered.

“Let’s try to keep that fact to ourselves today,” Valkare replied.

The majority of their trip to the Freehold of Clairmont had been instantaneous, thanks in no small part to the Imperial Subspace Fold Drive vessels used for long-rang travel. However, such travel cannot be near stars, nor planetary bodies, and the rest of the way had to be traversed by standard impulse engines.

“You fought with them,” Eric addressed Valkare, biting into an apple. “What are they like?”

“Nothing out of the ordinary,” Valkare replied, shrugging. “They could have been Imperials had they been born here. There’s not all that much difference.”

“Tappee will be there as well,” Emperor Bivens added.

“So this is somewhat of a reunion for you both,” Eric said. “Its been what…ten years?”

“Nearly eleven,” Valkare replied. “Too long at any rate. These nations were the resistance’s greatest ally.”

“Everyone’s busy, Jack,” Bivens responded. “Too long? Yes. Understandable? Yes as well. We had to rebuild an Empire. I didn’t have the luxury of maintaining any relationship other than with the citizens of the Empire.”

“General,” a lieutenant said as she saluted upon entering the off-bridge office. “We are being hailed by the Clairmontians.” Valkare nodded, saluting back.

“Gentlemen,” the General said to the Emperor and Esthar. “I’ll be returning soon. We are nearly there.” Valkare walked out onto the bridge. The door automatically closed behind him with a slight hiss of the airlock. “On screen,” he told the lieutenant.

“Please halt your engines and state your purpose,” the man on the viewscreen told the General.

“Perhaps you don’t watch the news,” Valkare replied. “Emperor David Bivens of the Orion Star Empire is here to meet with your leaders.”

“In a capital dreadnaught with an extensive military escort?”

“Would your leader travel through the dangers of space unarmed?” Valkare asked. He smiled. “I happen to know your leaders…at least those still around from ten years ago. I can assure you that they would not travel unarmed either.” The border patrol captain still seemed uneasy. “I can assure you, Captain, that had I been invading the Freehold, I would have brought more than one dreadnaught, three destroyers, and six gunships. Scan our vessels. Our weapons are down.”

The Clairmontian border captain nodded, and after ten or so minutes of deep scanning, came back on-screen.

“You are free to pass, General Valkare,” the captain said. A sly smile crept across his lips. “However, more talk of invasion and I’ll be forced to arrest you. Granted you’d be released, but think of the embarrassment.”

“My lips are sealed, Captain,” Valkare said. “You are quite a loyal guard hound. It is commendable.” The captain rolled his eyes and disengaged the comm. Valkare walked back off the bridge and into his office. “We will be arriving soon to our destination.”

“I do hope the Clairmontians allow our formalities,” Emperor Bivens said, nodding towards the Red Guardsmen standing by the door. The Red Guard were the Emperor’s personal service, half secret service, half spec ops. They specifically pledged their lives and duty to the Emperor, not the Empire. It made them rather interesting characters, if you got to know one.

“If they want the meeting they will,” Director Esthar replied, throwing away his apple core. He looked in the mirror on Valkare’s office wall, checking his teeth.

“Smile boys,” Valkare chuckled. “Arrogance won’t get us anywhere.”

http://209.85.48.8/237/117/upload/p698781.png http://209.85.48.8/237/117/upload/p698783.png http://209.85.48.8/237/117/upload/p701764.jpg
Emperor David Bivens - High General Jack Valkare - Director Eric Esthar

Space Force Orbital Station Avalon

As the short communication between the Battlecruiser Unyielding Force and the Apparition was relayed back to the command center of the massive orbital station, Alex Rowe could not help but wince. He had been rather clear that any vessel carrying the Orion Empire's or Tappee's identifier's and matching their signatures, would be challenged but done so with extreme courtesy. Unfortunately, the ship closest to the Steel Butterfly vessels entering the system just had to have been under the command of Senior Captain Dominic Orlund. Having witnessed a Fourth Imperium attack against a picket squadron under his command back in the days of the War. The Imperials had used forged signature's and transponder codes matching those of Clairmont Expeditionary Fleet vessels and succeeded thus in taking the picket squadron completely by surprise. Captain Orlund had been extremely paranoid ever since. Unfortunately, he was also a goddamn fine CO.

Alex forced the stress out of his system. Not the best way to start a visitation of such importance, but he would just have to play the hand he had been dealt. He stole a glance at his wife, she being busy organizing an escort to bring the visitors to the Avalon. Relaying orders through the officers manning the consoles dedicated to handling communications.

The three dimensional representation of huge proportions brought to life in the command center's holotank shifted the icons representing the units closest to the Steel Butterfly vessels. Two superdreadnought's maneuvered discreetly to the flanks of the approaching visitors while a battlecruiser and a pair of destroyer's took positions ahead and behind of the flotilla. Their maneuvering was flawless, each of the escorting vessels settling in a position where they would be ready to react to any external threat instantly, but at the same time being out energy weapons range from the Imperial visitors.

Outside the Avalon, more ships were maneuvering into tightly arranged formations. Two full battlesquadrons created a loose corridor for the Imperials to use during their approach to the Orbital Station.

Alex cleared his throat and worked out his next orders in his best command voice.
"Relay our greetings to our guest's and transmit the approach instructions and vector."

"Should I inform General O'Neal to prepare his detail for the arrival ceremony?"
Honor asked with all the familiarity from her face having disappeared behind the mask she carried whenever duty so required.

"Yes. Although I imagine they have been ready for the last ten hours. Have the General arrange the detail as planned in VIP docking gallery one. Tell him that our guest's from the Orion Empire shall be arriving in a short while. In addition, please remind the General that Emperor Bivens SHALL be allowed to bring his Red Guard and that there will be no incident's with them." Rowe replied after a short moment of thought. It would be the fourth time he pressed the importance of following proper protocol when it came to Steel Butterfly's Emperor. The first time the issue had been presented to the General had been rather disastrous. The Fleet Strike man had exploded in rage over the suggestion that armed foreign operatives would be allowed within arm's length of Citizen President Alexander. The whole affair had devolved into a shouting match between Rowe and O'Neal without a clear winner when O'Neal stormed out of Rowe's office. The second and third time had went a bit better when Rowe had rationalized that if it were him, President Alexander would be accompanied outside the Freehold by similar security measures.

The Admiral sighed wearily and truly hoped that O'Neal had understood and accepted the point, or the visitation to come would end disastrously. He also hoped that someone from the Steel Butterfly envoy would recognize the Fleet Strike General as the man who had commanded the first Clairmontian troops which had entered Emperor Nemerov's palace. Ofcourse, both Rowe and Harrington would be there to personally greet their guests who would propably atleast remember the woman who had commanded the CSN 5th fleet, standing at the side of the rebels during their final assault.

Honor nodded,
"I'll warn the General of the severe repercussions if he start's shooting before asking questions." She somehow managed to say with a face completely devoid of any humour aside from a slight gleam in her eyes.

"You'd better..." Alex murmured and turned back to observe the icons in the holotank, representing their visitors, approach while already wondering when their guests from Tappee would arrive.

There was a crack of energy as the Furious Angel slipped gracefully back into normal space and time. The ship itself was majestic in size, it had been long since decommissioned, replaced by sleeker more advanced ships. However, it had been chosen for this particular envoy because it had at one time stood for much more, it had once stood as the symbol of Tappee’s military strength. During the Duel Wars, of the Orion and Imperium War it had served as the Tappee flagship, fighting in the final battle of both wars. It had been only fitting that it served as the envoys vessel for this occasion.

Approaching Clairmont space in signal was sent requesting an approach vector to planet. While the ships command crew worked with the local authorities to bring the ship in, its arrival held different things to the three individuals observing from the ship observation deck. Jade Allenson, Emily Dodalla, and Adam Jefferys watched the events unfold around them.

Jade Allenson sat as the Chairwoman on Tappee’s tribunal, the countries ruling body. After the events at Brathumal, and the murder for her husband it had been her decision to aid the rebel of the Orion conflict. Catching her reflection in the window she was reminded how much time had passed, the beauty of her youth had passed, a result on the pressure that her position had taken over the years. Though she had helped both countries during the Duel wars, she had never met either of their leaders face to face, this would be a first for her.

Emily Dodalla had once been Admiral Dodalla, Commander of the Tappee Naval Forces. She had served as the Commander of the Tappee forces during the Orion War, seeing the fight through from the opening shots of the war all the war through the battle of Steel Moon were the allied forces made the final push the imperial forces and destroy NiMbus technology. At the end of the Orion war she had named as the Tappee ambassador to government of Steel Butterfly only to be recalled when the relationship between the two nations had dried up.

For General Adams Jeffery’s his return to this planet meant more then the others. He had served as the Field Commander for Tappee’s ground forces in both conflicts fighting in every major engagement of the two campaigns, the last being the fight to take the planet that three were now looking at. After the war he had taking a promotion to the rank of General.

“Is it hard for you to be here?” Asked Jade noting the expression on the General face.

“A lot of good soldiers died taking this piece of real estate” quickly answered Jeffery never turning his gaze from the planet “However, it is nice to know that they did die for nothing. This meeting is proof of that.”

Dodalla quickly added to the conversation “True the price of victory was high. And more for the others then us, time it would seem has now become our biggest advisory. We have all drifted apart each concerned with our own agenda’s. It will be interesting to see what everyone has to say.” Dodalla glanced down at her watch. We should head down to the shuttle bay, we are already late enough as it is."

Aboard the ISS Apparition near the Orbital Station Avalon.

As the Clairmontian ships loomed across the stars, in full view of the advancing Imperial vessels, the three main members of the delegation sat in Valkare’s office. The main view screen’s image, large on the bridge, as also projected in the office.

“You’d think we were going to war,” Emperor Bivens scoffed, nodding towards the screen. “Look at that.”

“They’re in the same position we are,” Eric Esthar replied. “We’re both recovering from huge conflict, them even more so than we are in some aspects.”

“You also have to remember what we’re riding here in,” General Valkare chuckled. “Their response is expected.”

“And Tappee?” Esthar continued.

“Nemerov’s greatest ally,” Emperor Bivens said with disdain. Valkare scoffed.

“The Empire’s greatest ally,” the General corrected. He was the only man in the Empire who dared do so to the Emperor, and the only man Bivens let get away with it. “Or at least they were.” He paused. “Perhaps you forget, David, that we owe our victory to these two nations. Eric you were a boy, but you’re a good student of history so you should know this too. These nations fought well, and many of our allies from ten years ago will be seated across from us today.”

“Well aren’t we excited,” Bivens muttered sarcastically. It had been the Emperor’s policy of isolation that was put into effect a decade prior. It had been Bivens’ choice to not maintain relations. In truth, without military assistance from Tappee and Clairmont, their coup would never have succeeded.

“It presents to us a perfect opportunity, sir,” Eric Esthar said. “We are looking to establish trade relations with foreign nations are we not? Well these two nations went to war for us. I do believe they’d at least do business with us.”

Emperor David Bivens was silent, staring at a wall across the room. He knew what the two men seated beside him wanted, but also, they knew exactly what he didn’t want. These men were important. High General Jack Valkare was the Supreme Commander of the Imperial Armed forces. The only way for Bivens to overturn his rulings were to dismiss him from the position. Eric Esthar was the Director of Public Relations. His word on foreign policy was final, unless dismissed as well. At the moment, Bivens half-jokingly weighed the cost of removing the second and third most influential Imperial citizens from power.

“I don’t want an alliance,” the Emperor said at last. Both Valkare and Esthar frowned. “It’s not something I’m interested in at all.”

“David, you have to think of your people,” Valkare replied. “We have one of, if not the highest per-capita income around, and yet our people barely have money for food after taxes. Our military is in need of an overhaul. We need rebuilt.”

“I agree,” Esthar continued, picking up where the General left off. “Reaching an agreement with these two nations would only improve life within the Orion Sector.”

“And if they go to war?” Emperor Bivens asked, his voice raising. “Or if their corporations drive ours out of business? What then, gentlemen? Who will the people hold responsible?”

“We didn’t come out here on vacation…” Valkare grumbled. “We have far too much space to defend a real invader. The Orion Sector is so vast, and we control over 99% of it. It is nearly impossible to defend at our depleted state. We need assistance.”

“You do what you will,” Emperor Bivens sniped, crossing his arms over his chest. “But you remember who pays your paychecks, and who can easily take them away. I’m not going to surrender to this office-room coup. I am still the Emperor, no matter what powers post-war Orion has afforded you. I am still the law.”

“And we still have jobs to do,” General Valkare replied. Behind him, Eric nodded in agreement.

“We answer to the Empire,” Esthar said.

Orbital Station Avalon

"Looks like we have a full court press..." Alex murmured as the Furious Angel entered Birhat system.

"It also looks like our friends in Tappee selected the ship carrying their envoy brilliantly." Honor replied as the first visual imagery and signature readings were relayed back to the Avalon.

"You could say that. I never imagined seeing that ship after all these years. That's one tough old lady to sink." Alex mused. The moments of the final battle in space to capture the planet they now orbited, were burned to the Fleet Admiral's mind for as long as he lived. He recalled quite well the Tappee flagship that had stood side by side with the flagship Rowe himself had rode at the time.

"Although, I can understand their desire to hold on to that warship. Afterall, it represents a significant part of their own history. Having lead their fleets back in the Orion War and our struggle against the Fourth Imperium." He continued while absent mindedly writing something down on a datapad.

Both the Tappee and Steel Butterfly vessels were by now on a steady approach towards the Avalon, following the vector's sent to them by Perimeter Tracking. The icons representing their ships were forging confidently onwards, their approach under constant guidance and monitoring by the Avalon's SysOps dedicated to controlling the spaceborne military traffic within Birhat system.

As the visitors finally reached the massive corridor in space, created by the two Battlesquadrons of the Freehold Space Forces acting as a honor guard, they began their final approach towards the Orbital Station. Sufficient space had been cleared for the visitors to maneuver their ships safely into parking orbit's near the station. Once the Furious Angel and the Apparition with it's escorts settled into their designated holding positions, the Avalon sent instructions for each to launch their shuttles, directing them to VIP docking bay one, illuminated brightly against the otherwise dark armoured skin of the enormous station.

The docking bay was filled to its light capacity by men and women in uniform. Mainly those personnel were of the Fleet Strike Drop Commando Corps and Special Warfare. They were here to serve both in ceremonial capacity and as a security detachment, which would quarantee that no harm came to pass on either the Tappee or Steel Butterfly envoy's about to step on Clairmontian soil. Drop Commando's in immaculately polished Combat Armor were lined up on either side of the docking hatches that would bring the visitors into the station. Special Warfare Operatives were stationed discreetly so that they would be mostly out of sight but at all times in positions to monitor the visitors and their surroundings.

Three people were waiting within the docking gallery to greet the guests. Fleet Admiral's Harrington and Rowe, as well as Major General Michael O'Neal. No civilian officials were present here for the purpose of this initial reception was to simply welcome the visitor's to the Freehold out of sight of the media and arrange their transportation to Jefferson City where the actual formalities could begin and the media circus could run its course.

Suddenly the docking collar's, that connected incoming shuttles to the pressurized space of the docking gallery, signaled the reception committee with a chime. Docking umbilicals were being connected and secured. Pressure's began to equalize as the automatic docking system's went about the routine tasks required of them whenever a small-craft docked with the Avalon. As the signal light above the airlock door turned green, a slight hiss heralded the heavy doors sliding open. Methodical steps echoed in the docking gallery as the Orion Emperor's Red Guardsmen exited the airlock first, securing the space for their Emperor.

As the cavalcade of Steel Butterfly personnel began to enter the dockin gallery, both Fleet Admiral Harrington and General O'Neal started to see familiar faces. People they hadn't seen for many long years. People who they had fought with in a war that hadn't been their own but one which the two officers had chosen to fight nevertheless. It would be...interesting to reconnect with these people.

As the Emperor and his entourage approached the three Clairmontian officers, the Freeholder's bowed formally and Fleet Admiral, current Sky Marshal, Alex Rowe spoke loudly and ceremoniously.

"Emperor Bivens, it is my honor to welcome you and your entourage to the Birhat System and I hope your trip here was enjoyable." He said, before switching to a more informal tone. "I must apologize for the lack of paper pusher's... erm politicians in this reception. President Alexander agreed with me that this initial welcoming would be done more privately. There is enough time for the citizen's council and the media to badger you later." He said and smiled broadly while a Drop Commando approached to the Fleet Admiral's side, a young woman carrying a lieutenant's rank insignia on her armor. "Lieutenant Cateau and four of our Operatives will be your guides and escort during your trip to the surface. No need to worry gentlemen, these boys and girls are well trained in their manners." He added and a quartet of Operatives approached to flank the party.

The Clairmontian specialists eyed the Red Guardsmen with the trained instinct's of Special Warfare Operatives, analyzing the Emperor's guardians with care. Quite content with the professionalism and skill they observed, the Operatives allowed their postures to relax an iota, confident that their counterparts would be a valuable help if it came to shooting.


Just as the Steel Butterfly entourage was escorted towards their awaiting shuttle that would carry the party to the surface, the airlock hissed again as a new small craft went through final docking procedures outside and a new procession of people entered the docking gallery. Fleet Admiral Harrington's eyes twinkled and a tiny smile lighted up on her face as she recognized the Tappee war hero's who had fought alongside her in two wars. She could sense General O'Neal shifting slightly in his posture as well, the man recognizing the familiar faces quite well. Their Tappee quests walked onwards, and were similarily greeted by the trio of Clairmontian officers formally bowing.

"Chairwoman Allenson, it is an honor to finally meet you personally and I'd like to welcome you and your companions to the Birhat system." Admiral Rowe started before once again taking on a more informal tone "Although Im sure you wont forget this place in a long time, or the lives it cost you to aid us in taking it." the Admiral said, his tone apologizing and thankfull at the same time.

"But now, if you'd follow us, we will be taking a shuttle to the Government Tower where you shall be assailed by an army of media after which you'll have to deal with something much worse than a Fourth Imperium Battle Fleet... our politicians" Rowe said and chuckled.

Emperor Dave Bivens sighed as he stood in waiting just inside the airlock doors aboard the Apparition. On all four sides stood an operative of the Red Guard. In front of them all, High General Jack Valkare and Director Eric Esthar stood, their arms crossed behind their back. It had been over a decade since any Emperor had stepped foot outside of Orion. Bivens, as Emperor, hadn’t done it once. Slowly, the hiss of the airlock doors began to sound, and light crept in through the cracks in the seal.

Agents of the Red Guard funneled out past Valkare and Esthar, making the General oddly uncomfortable. He regarded them as mercenaries, and shook off Bivens’ earlier insult of Valkare simply being upset because they weren’t under his control. The General stepped out of the airlock doors and instantly smiled.

Fleet Admiral Harrington and Major General O’Neal stood before him, two faces he recognized immediately, and the General’s hopes for this voyage quickly became higher. His former allies looked good, he thought to himself, albeit old, and Valkare wondered how much older he looked as well. Within his dress uniform, Valkare flexed his stomach muscles. Still tight, he thought, reassuring himself.

"Emperor Bivens, it is my honor to welcome you and your entourage to the Birhat System and I hope your trip here was enjoyable." A man with high-ranking military insignia announced. "I must apologize for the lack of paper pusher's... erm politicians in this reception. President Alexander agreed with me that this initial welcoming would be done more privately. There is enough time for the citizen's council and the media to badger you later." He said and smiled broadly while a Drop Commando approached to the Fleet Admiral's side, a young woman carrying a lieutenant's rank insignia on her armor. "Lieutenant Cateau and four of our Operatives will be your guides and escort during your trip to the surface. No need to worry gentlemen, these boys and girls are well trained in their manners." He added. A quartet of Operatives approached to flank the party.

For a moment the Operatives and the Red Guard operatives exchanged glances, eying each other up in the way that only elite soldiers did. Soon, though, both groups found themselves at ease, ready to proceed with their individual assignments.

“I look forward to meeting with your…President,” Emperor Bivens replied, amicably, until he uttered the last word. Its meaning put a hint of foul taste in his mouth, and he had the odd urge to spit following saying it.

All this time, Eric Esthar was in relative shock. This was all quite new to him, and although he carried himself quite well, it took all he had to avoid the deer in the headlights look. By instinct, he eyed up the Clairmontian operatives, including their armor and weaponry. The Director of Public Relations decided that he already identified with them far more than with the leadership around him.

“Lieutenant,” General Valkare said, flashing his best smile at the young lady. “Please lead the way. We are lucky to follow behind such a guide.” Surely at fifty he was not that old. Surely he could still woo a woman with his charm. Surely he wasn’t trying too hard just to prove it to himself…

Eric chuckled to himself at the General’s comment and his tensions slowly began to ease. Emperor Bivens began to follow the officer with a look of disinterest on his face. He was already becoming annoyed, his mind on all the things he had to do back home.

“I think I’ll be leaving early,” Emperor Bivens said. “I have many things to do, one of which is appointing these two nations ambassadors. I can’t be making trips like this.”

“David…” Valkare began, but Bivens cut him off.

”Don’t worry, Jack, I won’t be taking your ship,” the Emperor continued. “Besides,” Bivens frowned. “If you two are just going to make a fool of me, going over my head in public, I will not stand here with the look of ‘I’m and ass’ tattooed to my face.”

“Sir,” Eric attempted. “It’s for Orion.”

“Yes, yes,” Bivens muttered. “So I hear.” He paused, coughing. In truth, he felt quite ill, and Clairmont was the last place he wanted to be.“You make your agreements. You sign your pacts. You found your alliances. But I’d like to see you enforce them without me.”

“Are you feeling alright?” Valkare questioned. “You haven’t been yourself lately.”

“I’m fine,” the Emperor replied, unconvincingly at best. Eric and Jack exchanged glances.

There was a moment of silence as the shuttle waited in the docking cue, the three sat there running over every possible scenario of what they might be face during this meeting. Prior to their departure from Tappee the trio had all received endless hours for briefing, of what to expect, and how to handle the unexpected. The three of them sat together whiles their aid, which also served as security personnel worked in the background.

Dodalla and Jeffery’s were reviewing some several last minutes report. Their years of military service had trained them to as always have as much of the information possible checked, then tripled checked.

“What wrong Jade?” she asked noting Jade disinterest in what her and Jefferys were talking about. Thought Jade could hide any expression on her face, Dodalla had know her long enough to know when something was bothering the Chairwoman.

“Why now?” was Jades answer. Everyone else knew to whom she was referring, and her question seemed to catch the two of them by surprise. It was a question that it would appear that no one have ever really asked themselves, that had taken the invitation without question.

Jefferys thought for a moment. “Well we have all seen the new footage from the press conference, the government of Steel Butterfly is looking to open trade ties.”

“Yes, but they had this with us even after the war, we even shared intel with them. We never thought twice about it.” Jade sat back in her chair making her self a bit more comfortable as she stare over at the General. “Then just out of the blue relations just ran dry, the common ground between our two nation seemed lost.”

“We had are own problems to deal with” interjected Dodalla, as the ambassador at the time she had watched everything unfold, and felt that with particular subject matter there was no who knew better. “Firstly, we were fighting the war against the Imperium, a war the government of Steel Butterfly did not, and could not get involved in. Secondly it has been my observation the Emperor Bivens has worked very hard and distancing himself from Nemerov’s legacy, and one of the organization that has been associated with Nemerov was the Order.” Dodalla paused allowing the others a moment to think about what she was trying to say. “Whether or not any other want to admit it, had it not been for NiMbus’ betrayal just before the war we would have back Nemerov, not the resistance, and Biven’s is well aware of that fact. After Biven’s took power we did little to help him and more importantly his people rebuild it.”

“We couldn’t” shot Jefferys with a hint of anger in voice, he was almost insulted that Dodalla insinuation that this was partly their fault. “What did they…”

Enough snapped Jade cutting him off. “There is something else is bothering me.” She directed her attention right to Dodalla. “Something that has always bothered me. James Pierce, here is a man who created the Resistance, served as it leader during the war, and then when everything that he had worked for is at hand, he gives everything over to Bivens and then simply vanishes. No here is this room can tell me why he did that, or what happened him.”

Dodalla changed her demeanour to be a bit more serious. “Your right, now one here can answer that question, what exactly are you trying to say. That like us there is someone pulling the strings from afar.”

There was a brief shutter as the shuttle docked. “We have discovered nothing within the artefacts that we have discovered that would suggest that, but what I am saying that we need to wary of their intentions and we need to be mindful of that.” Said Jade as three of them walked up to the airlock. “However, but time to put our games faces on.”

There was hiss as the airlock slid open revealing some familiar faces. A warm across Dodalla face, seeing these old allies in good health reminded her of all that they have accomplished and gave her hope for the future. Walking out of the airlock they were greeted by Admiral Row.

"Chairwoman Allenson, it is an honor to finally meet you personally and I'd like to welcome you and your companions to the Birhat system." Admiral Rowe started before once again taking on a more informal tone "Although Im sure you wont forget this place in a long time, or the lives it cost you to aid us in taking it." the Admiral said, his tone apologizing and thankfull at the same time.

"But now, if you'd follow us, we will be taking a shuttle to the Government Tower where you shall be assailed by an army of media after which you'll have to deal with something much worse than a Fourth Imperium Battle Fleet... our politicians" Rowe said and chuckled.

“I look forward it” responded General Jefferys. There was little doubt in his mind that the greeting that he was about receive would be far better the reception that he found the first time he came to the planet

Lieutenant Cateau smiled briefly in answer to General Valkare before motioning with her free hand, the other holding on to her rifle "This way gentlemen.". She maintained a silent facade during the short trip to the docking collar that lead to the VIP shuttle, mostly ignoring the conversation that went on between the Emperor, Valkare and Director Esthar, pretending not to hear. It wasn't her business to mind such matters. Once she made sure her charges were seated and comfortable within the passenger compartment of the shuttle, she bode her wishes for a good trip and exited, returning back to the docking gallery to guide the Tappee contignent to the shuttle as well.

Once both the Steel Butterfly and Tappee group were escorted aboard the luxuriously decorated assault shuttle, converted into a Government VIP transport, the flight crew went through their final pre-flight checklist. Nothing could be allowed to go wrong on this flight. The flight crew were one of the finest and most dedicated of the Space Force and thus they triple checked every single instrument before giving the all clear sign to the load master to detach them from the Avalon.

Docking umbilicals were severed, fueling lines detached and finally the tube connecting the passenger compartment to the pressurized docking gallery of the Orbital Station came free. Suddenly the five hundred ton craft floated freely within the vacuum of the docking bay. The pilot swung the craft towards the open bay doors and brought the craft smoothly out of the bay under the power of maneuvering thrusters. Clearing the safety perimeter of the Avalon, he engaged the electromagnetic drive field and commenced their descent towards Jefferson City, the shuttle flanked by a pair of endo-exo athmospheric strike craft that would accompany it all the way to the Government tower from orbit.

The mood inside the passenger compartment was a somber one. There wasn't much talking as everyone seemed to be more or less content on waiting more or less silently for the short final leg of the trip to end. The shuttle vibrated slightly as it hit the upper layers of the atmosphere, steadying on its designated approach vector. Minutes ticked past as the shuttle continued on its descent, breaking through the Thermosphere into the Mesosphere. Not much of the surface could be seen yet as the drivefield of the shuttle glowed and crackled as it absorbed the heat caused by the friction of re-entry.

As the transport broke through the Mesosphere and into the Stratosphere, the vibrations of the hull were reduced. Slowing down slightly and altering the downward angle, the flight crew went about the regular tasks of re-entry. Switching from the electromagnetic drive field propulsion system to the pair of ramjet's that provided small craft with their propelling power in atmosphere. The visual disturbance created by the drive field disappeared and the occupants of the shuttle could now start seeing the first details of the world's surface below them.

As they descended further, altitude dropping steadily, Alex and Honor couldn't resist the urge to admire the planet they had come to call their home. They had seen the sight many times before, but it still continued to fill them with wonder. Before the Clairmontian people's exodus to the region of space formerly held by the Fourth Imperium, they had held just a single relatively small bit of land on Terra. Now, they could call this and the other worlds they had colonized their home's. Even though the black scars, that seemed to spoil the otherwise beautiful lush green of the surface, would remind the people coming here from orbit that not so long ago this planet had been a battlefield, and as a result was the final resting place of countless thousands of people.

Coming down below ten kilometers, the occupants of the shuttle could make out the metropolis that had been built at the coast of Tannerman ocean, on the largest of planet Irmansul's three continent's. From high up in the skies, it was possible to make out the carefully planned transportation infrastructure of the city. Vast networks of roads criss-crossed through the entire city, easing travel from the outer portions of the metropolis still under construction to the enormous towers of the city's core. At the city's edge one could make out an enormous field covered with plascrete. At the field's center and outer edges stood large structures, fueling tanks, docking terminal's, warehouses and still more were being built. Jefferson's spaceport was growing at a steady pace. No one approaching from the skies however could miss the gigantic tower that stood right at the middle of the city, surrounded by a large park and smaller tower's arranged geometrically around the largest. Standing at over 1.3 kilometers in height, the glass and plasteel of the Government Tower gleamed in the sunlight, making it an impressive sight to behold.

Black spots of differing sizes filled the airspace above the city. Air transports all the way from private aircar's to air lorries and cargo transports buzzed in carefully organized flight lanes. The airspace over the Government Tower however was mostly undisturbed. An occasional transport would come and go while four pair's of Vertol attack craft's maintained vigil guard over the Tower's airspace.

The pilot of the shuttle brought the craft around the city in a looping course, allowing the occupants to view the scenery briefly before the craft began its approach towards the roof of Government tower and the expressly designed small landing field placed there, while the fighter escort peeled away. The pilot brought the shuttle to hover above the landing pad designated to it with care, and started reducing power from the regular turbines, bringing the bird down vertically. The landing legs clanged against the plasteel surface of the landing pad and the steady whine of the turbines began to die down as the flight crew started methodically shutting down the shuttle's propulsive systems.

"Time to put our game faces on I guess" Rowe whispered to Honor and General O'Neal before standing up and proceeding to the personnel hatch.

Cracking the seal and opening the hatch, Rowe was greeted by the crisp, cool air of Irmansul, and the cameras of dozens upon dozens of media people. Luckily for him, the press hounds were kept at bay by the straight faced men and women of the Marines, while two rows of Cadre Drop Commando's dressed solely in ceremonial battledress, holding their rifles across their chests, were lined up outside, creating a corridor from the shuttle to the doors leading inside the Tower.

Citizen President Alexander approached the shuttle with steady steps, flanked by a pair of Operatives dressed in plain civil suit's, but carrying carbines. Behind the President came Thomas Caparelli, Citizen Secretary of Defense, the only member of the Citizen's Council who the President had allowed to attend here. The others would get their time later. As they came to stand next to the shuttle, Fleet Admiral's Rowe and Harrington as well as General O'Neal exited as well. The Clairmontians created a line facing the shuttle and prepared to greet their esteemed quests.

As the Tappee and Steel Butterfly envoys stepped down the ladders from the shuttle, the media went up in a frenzy, trying to catch every nanosecond of them on memory stick while futilely some tried to catch them with shouted questions. President Alexander ignored them though and concentrated on greeting their guests, maintaining a straight face of politeness and strength despite the butterflies making havoc of his stomach.

"Emperor Bivens, Chairwoman Allenson, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the soil of Planet Irmansul and to our Capitol. I hope your trip here went well and that we shall be able to bring our three nations more closely together during this extraordinary visit." He said, his voice carrying over the area without difficulty despite the fact that he had abhorred the use of microphones. He had been adamant to bring himself across to these people as a man of strength and dedication, using his own voice would have to do. He extended his hand outwards and wondered who of the guests would be the one to bite it off.

Emperor Bivens stared above the outstretched hand, silently indignant. Democracy to him was nothing more than an experiment, an idealistic utopia that was soon to grow sour. Two-thousand years ago, democracy was taken advantage of in Orion and almost tore the sector apart. Even after two-millennia, the pain had not subsided. It had always been common practice for the Emperor to not embrace an elected leader, and even a businessman like David Bivens stuck to the code.

“All of Orion thanks you for such a welcome,” Director Eric Esthar quietly replied to Alexander, sliding his hand to firmly meet the grip of the Clairmontian president. There was no odd delay because of Emperor Bivens’ silent refusal. Eric had been trained to handle such situations. His smiled beamed, light almost emanating from his grin, as it always seemed to. He turned to the Tappee envoys, who were a few steps behind, before returning his attention to the President and the press.

“It is with great relief that I step foot on Clairmontian soil,” Esthar said to the media, his voice booming amid flashbulbs and recording devices. His perfect smile persisted. “Too long as the Orion Star Empire hid in the shadows. Too long have we tried to press on alone. Today, I am here to tell you that your valiant efforts in securing our homeland more than a decade ago will not be forgotten! Today, I am here to promise that you will not go unrewarded! Today, our anticipation finally comes to an end, and we are proud to be guests in such a magnificent city!”

Valkare smiled from behind the Director. To his surprise, the smile seemed quite real, far from the fake grin he usually wore plastered to his face at these sort of events. Esthar’s youthful exuberance seemed to inspire actual hope, and the General reasoned that this could only be a good thing. Even Bivens, ill, and by the lack of a better description, grumpy, felt a wave of relief fall over him.

“People of the Freehold,” Esthar continued, extending his arms at his side and raising them. “You helped save Orion from the evils of NiMBUS! You helped save humanity from the perils of genetic manipulation! You helped save an Empire that was torn apart by vicious civil war! Your friends, your family, and your leaders fought bravely and passionately for our cause. Today, let us fight for whatever your cause may be. Today, let us help you as much as all of you have helped us!”

The General chuckled to himself. Esthar, he mused, was a natural. Inspiring and theatrical, Esthar even seemed to move his own envoy. How they had found that man where they did is nothing short of unbelievable, Valkare thought. But perhaps he is just what the Empire needs…

[OOC: OBC News Write-Up (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=553477)]

As the three stepped off the transport an untold amount of flashes, and a battery of question from the local media greeted them. It would seem that this would be a much larger media spectacle then any of them had though. It was a stark contrast to the media in Tappee, there was only one agency, and it was control by the tribunal.

However Jade just ignored the whirlwind around her and pushed forward, there were far too many pressing maters at hand to be distracted. She quickly and as subtly as possible took note of the other delegates, checking out their demeanor, posture, and even their breathing rate as much as possible. It was not that she did not trust any of them, but she had once been a spy, and old habits do die hard.

"Emperor Bivens, Chairwoman Allenson, it is my pleasure to welcome you to the soil of Planet Irmansul and to our Capitol. I hope your trip here went well and that we shall be able to bring our three nations more closely together during this extraordinary visit." Said President Alexander. As he spoke Jade quickly went over what she was going to say, she had wanted something short and two the point.

The Next comment came from Eric Esthar, who she believed was the Steel Butterfly’s new PR person. Perhaps he wasn’t knew and was just how out of touch the two nations where. As he finished she understood why he held the position that he did, he had a flair for the ordinary, and he was going to a tough act to follow.

As a sign of respect she lowered her slightly in President Alexanders direction, then again in Emperor Biven’s. “I would like to thank you President Alexander, for such a warm welcome, and too Emperor Biven’s for personally making the journey to meet with us today, I know that a man of your position is really busy with the burden that has been entrusted you.” Jade turned slightly making sure that the both envoy as well as the camera would have a clear view of her. “I remember the day when the cries of war finally became silent, and the joy that we all felt. As We flew over the planet today I was amazed at how far we have all come to get here, and that this event is more the simply conference between nations. It is a symbol of solitary, and what can be accomplished if we all stand together. There is nothing that we THREE nation can not do.”

OOC: Sorry for the delay people, RL issues.

Jefferson city
Government Tower

Judah Alexander smiled corteously as he shook Eric Esthar's firmly. The Emperor and his party might believe that the Clairmontian President hadn't noticed the seemingly insignificant drop in emotional temperature when he had announced himself. He wasn't really surprised or even insulted by the notion that Emperor Bivens might consider him as something less as he was due to what his position suggested. He had studied the intelligence dossiers of the Orion Empire thoroughly, and he knew about their long-standing negative attitudes towards democracy. He almost chuckled at the impending state dinner and talks where he would get the chance to tell these people that their belief's of the Freehold were flat-out false.

He also shook Chairwoman Allenson's hand from Tappee firmly, smiling as he did. He knew that this woman and her party would be pleasant guests. Their joint war against the Fourth Imperium had and before that, standing together as the only foreign nations supporting the Steel Butterfly rebel's, Clairmont and Tappee had forged a friendship that would last for long time to come. Judah's father had held the people of Tappee in high esteem, and the son intended fully to continue his father's legacy in that regard.

He listened to Eric Esthar giving his peptalk to the hungry crowd of media representatives. The Empire couldn't have selected a better public spokesman. Perhaps a bit too theatrical for Judah's sake, who had always tried to represent himself as a straight-to-the-point and no bullshit kind of politician, but regardless, the man knew how to inspire a crowd. Chairwoman Allenson's speech delivered even further flair to the media, although succeeding in being a bit less theatrical. Judah could only imagine the viewer ratings that the news broadcasts delivered through the 'net would be getting today.

As both the Tappee and Steel Butterfly envoy's finished their arrival speeches, Judah spoke to them again in lower tone of voice. The media had heard all they would get to hear for now. On cue, a man clad in the gleaming armor of a Cadre Drop Commando approached the President with five more trooper's similarly dressed. The lead trooper's rank insignia on his right shoulder pegged him as a Major. The part of his armor suit covering his left breast was filled with decorations, medals and campaign ribbons. Service medal's from the 1st Interstellar War and further two campaign's on world's rife with Imperial insurgent activity after the war. Combat Action Badge, Combat Rifleman Badge and Mobile Air Assault Badge would tell anyone who knew about the Freehold military decorations and badges that this man knew his business. However, all of the other decorations paled before the eight pointed golden star being grasped by a dragon's paws that stood on top of all the others. The Star Legion Medal of Honor was the highest award one could earn in the service of the Freehold's Armed Forces. In most cases it was awarded posthumously, this man had managed to live through the experience.

Major Stewart Trent, Freehold Space Forces, Fleet Strike. 1st Drop Commando Regiment, approached his president with confident steps.

"I think we have fed the wolves of the press enough for now. Let us retreat to the lounge and enjoy the view and ofcourse, some refreshment's while we wait for the dinner to be served." President Alexander said and swept his hand towards Major Trent.

"This is Major Stewart Trent. He and his people will be serving as our escort's during your visit. He has been instructed firmly to get along with your own security people, but he has also requested, quite adamantly, that in case of any security threat, his instructions are to be followed precisely." He said, watching for any obvious signs of disagreement. Major Trent stood stoutly in place like a statue without any kind of visible reaction to the discussion at all, waiting for the President to give him to go-ahead.

"Since our guests seem to be content with this arrangement, please lead the way Major." Judah said finally.

The Major took position at the head of the proceeding while the five other Drop Commando's lined up on the rear and side flanks of the group. The Major lead the party to the large elevator that ran through the entire Government Tower from the basement floor's to the roof. Waiting for everyone to settle in comfortably, for the elevator had been designed as sufficiently spacious with such events as this one in mind, the Major pressed the button of the central hall of the 210th floor of the tower, dedicated solely for the President's Office and matters regarding International affairs.

The trip down didn't take long enough for anyone to get truly bored. The maglev style elevator plummeted down at an immense pace that was virtually unnoticeable to anyone riding it. As the carriage announced it's arrival with a musical tone, the doors opened to reveal a palatially decorated huge hall. The walls were made of finely polished dark marble, with stylishly engraved decorations lining them. The ceiling was dome-shaped, and topped out at six meter's height, giving the hall further appereance of space. On the walls were hung dozens of painting's, depicting events and places of significance to Clairmontian history.
The lighting was arranged as to provide comfortable and natural feeling lighting to the entire hall. Several hallways intersected in the hall, connecting the separate portions of the floor together.

Major Trent lead the procession straight through the hall at a comfortable pace to a wide hallway leading towards the eastern edge of the Government Tower. At the end of the hallway was a double set of heavy doors, engraved on which was the emblem from the Freehold's new flag, a dragon grasping at an eight pointed star. The pair of marine guards flanking the doors snapped to parade ground attention and opened the doors.

The presidential lounge continued the architectual styling witnessed on the way here. The floor was fully covered with expensive carpet, and the walls were paneled a meter and a half up from the floor with dark Sifon-wood of Birhat. The eastern wall was dominated by a huge floor to ceiling window, spanning the entire width of the lounge. It provided the occupants of the lounge with a breath-taking sight over the city and of the ocean behind it. A number of comfortable chair's were arranged around a masterfully crafted wooden table.

Judah Alexander motioned his quests to seat themselves comfortably, while their escort checked the lounge and arranged themselves unobtrusively around the room. As they sat, a pair of servant's appeared and listened to the wishes of the guests, departing after hearing what they would like to drink.

Once everyone had settled down, Judah broke the murmured chit chat and half silence.
"Well, now that we are all here and out of the grasp of the hyenas outside, I would be especially interested in hearing your opinions of our new home and any of those possible questions that might be nagging at the back of your minds." He said and smiled the smile of a gentleman instead of the one of a politician. Straight to the point, his wife had always told him that he wasn't the best kind of politician, he was way too honest and didn't know how to spew bullshit. Well, perhaps he would get to know today if that would be the saving or damning trait of his career.

Emperor David Bivens shook his head slightly to escape the grogginess that was quickly overcoming him. Stress, he reasoned, was only building as this gathering continued. There was so much to do and so little time. He wondered how the leaders of Tappee and Clairmont had time for what he considered such trivialities. He wondered if he tried to do too much.

High General Jack Valkare looked on, unnoticed, towards his Emperor, effectively masking whatever looks of concern would have manifested if he had worn his emotions on his sleeve. The Emperor was notorious for getting little sleep and working quite hard. To be fair, Valkare was a main of the same strain and admired these traits, however everyone needed a recharge from time to time. It did not appear that Bivens was getting his.

The elevator ride was smooth, reminiscent of those on the Imperial planet Esthar VIII. Eric chucked at the name of the planet, his family’s one-time claim to fame. Years ago, his great-great-great grandfather, as it were, founded the first colony on the planet, which had up until that point simply been known as a battleground during the Machina War. William Esthar, Eric’s great grandfather, then applied for Imperial dominion for the planet, making it the 8th chief planet of the Orion Empire. Esthar VIII at that point grew exponentially, with its main city becoming the most technologically advanced point in Orion. The lifts, running vertically and horizontally throughout the metropolis, were the subject of legend. The Clairmontian elevator was comparable.

Upon a melodic ringing sound, the elevator doors flew open, revealing a magnificent hallway. Marble spanned the labyrinth, with paintings and other various artworks adorning the walls. Valkare nodded in approval, and Eric Esthar, a lover of history, took time to examine each scene of the past. Emperor Bivens had his usual unimpressed air about him as his Red Guard escorted him out of the elevator and down the hall.

At the end of the hall was a giant door, adorned with an engraving of the new Clairmontian flag. Upon entering, the Steel Butterfly envoy found themselves in a well decorated lounge, filled with plush seating and a breathtaking view. The Red Guard quickly found the Emperor a seat furthest away from the massive window. Valkare and Esthar sat nearby.

“Scotch on the rocks,” General Valkare told a waiter who had asked what he would be drinking.

“Vodka martini,” Eric Esthar replied as well with a smile.

“I’ll just have water,” Emperor Bivens muttered. Alcohol would not make him feel any better in his current condition.

"Well, now that we are all here and out of the grasp of the hyenas outside, I would be especially interested in hearing your opinions of our new home and any of those possible questions that might be nagging at the back of your minds." Judah Alexander told his newfound congregation.

“Splendid view,” Eric commented upon receiving his drink. He sipped at it and it went down smooth, signifying its high quality.

“I understand that all of you here fought hard for such a view,” Valkare, ever the soldier, added.

“I don’t think it’s any secret what we came here to accomplish,” Eric began, sitting his drink down on a coaster at his side and crossing his legs like a gentleman, with his ankle sitting atop his opposite knee. “That being said I just made a lot of promises to your public and intend on carrying them out.” He paused, dropping the air of theatrics. “If I may speak frankly, we want to be on an even playing field before any talks or negotiations begin. As it stands now, we feel we owe both of you somewhat substantially for your contributions. What would it take to bridge the gap? What would you want in order to wipe the slate clean?”

As the elevator began its decent, Jade could feel her self become a little bit lighter. Over in the corner Jeffery’s and Dodalla could be heard talking about view. It was true that the view from the elevator was rather breath taking, but it was a distraction that Jade could ill afford. There was some much going on back in Tappee, things she understood and those that she did not she could not lose her focus at such an important event.

She glanced over a Major Trent, his name seemed somewhat familiar to her. After a moment it came to her, had been the boy who had discovered the Imperium plot at the beginning of the war. If her memory had served her correctly he was but a boy at the time, hardly the man who know stood before her. She could not help but wonder if his appointment to the position had been merely accidental. However, she chose to keep comment to the major to herself.

Coming off of the elevator the envoy found themselves standing before a hall that was equal beauty to the view in the elevator, it was clear that no expensed had been spared in the halls the creation. The group found the decor very patriotic. The three worked to put impressed looks on their faces, it was not that they did find everything impress, it was that Tappee leaders had know for hiding their true emotion.

“I will glass of water” said Dodalla as she took her seat at the table.

“The same for me” inperupted Jeffery’s before the waiter had a chance to leave. Jade was the odd person out choosing not to have sort of beverage.

"Well, now that we are all here and out of the grasp of the hyenas outside, I would be especially interested in hearing your opinions of our new home and any of those possible questions that might be nagging at the back of your minds." Said Alexander as the group took their seats.

“Splendid view,” Mr Esther followed by another comment from General Valkare
“I understand that all of you here fought hard for such a view,”

However, before anyone from Tappee could make their own comment about planet they were surprised by Eric next statement.”


“I don’t think it’s any secret what we came here to accomplish,” Eric began, sitting his drink down on a coaster at his side and crossing his legs like a gentleman, with his ankle sitting atop his opposite knee. “That being said I just made a lot of promises to your public and intend on carrying them out.” He paused, dropping the air of theatrics. “If I may speak frankly, we want to be on an even playing field before any talks or negotiations begin. As it stands now, we feel we owe both of you somewhat substantially for your contributions. What would it take to bridge the gap? What would you want in order to wipe the slate clean?”

Both Dodalla and Jade exchanged glance, before Dodalla answered the question. “Well Officially…” she stopped for a moment to think “There is the usual thing, such working out trade initiatives, the reopening of embassy’s.”

Leaning forward Jade cut in “Unofficially we are going ask for something a little more complex.” Her tone serious, and her eyes looked over the table directly at Bivens.

Both Dodalla and Jeffery had a nervous look come over their faces.

Emperor David Bivens stared back at Jade Allenson with a look of mild contention. His head was aching, his face flush with what seemed to be a fever, and yet she had directed this cliffhanger to him directly, going over the head of his Director of Public Relations. Regardless, Bivens was cordial in his response, knowing very well what was at stake.

“While I await the Freehold’s response,” the Emperor stated. “I feel no reason to hide these complications any longer. We are all men or women of power and influence…so be out with it. What are the unofficial requests?”

The waitresses withdrew to fetch the drinks that the governmental leaders had ordered. If they felt any uneasiness in serving such esteemed guests, they managed superbly not to show it. Once they had left, Judah Alexander directed his full attention to his nation's guests. He smiled thinly at Eric Esthar's comment about the view.

"That it is Director Esthar. It indeed makes me remember the millions that died for us to be here, and honor their memory by trying to make my people the kind of future they have deserved." He said.

Before he could start replying on the Director's next question, the waitresses returned briefly, providing two carafe's of water for the Tappee delegation and for Emperor Bivens, along with marvelously crafted crystal glasses for each. Esthar and Valkare were also given their drinks, chosen from the finest stocks available anywhere within the Freehold. Lastly, President Alexander got the bourbon he had gotten so used to drinking, while Secretary of Defense Caparelli as well as Admiral's Harrington and Rowe received their own glasses. Having served the drinks, the waitresses withred quietly, leaving the people here discuss matters of state.

President Alexander took a taste of the drink he had been served and cleared his throat after Allenson's and Biven's little exchange. He would have his piece of the conversation before he would sidestep and allow the Tappee and Steel Butterfly delegation's settle their own matters.

"If you don't mind Emperor Bivens, Chairwoman Allenson, I'd like to answer the question poised by Director Esthar and hopefully provide a little background to Clairmont's goals during this meeting. It is no secret that the war against the Imperium left Clairmont in a ghastly state. We are still going through the motions of moving most of our population from Sol system to the worlds we captured from the Fourth Imperium. While we have succeeded in migrating roughly over one-point-three billion people by utilizing the majority of our merchant marine and Space Force's troop transports optimized for personnel transport, the situation is still haphazard." He started, speaking frankly and without hiding the problems he knew his nation had.

He sipped his drink again, allowed himself a moment of silence and continued.

"Currently the majority of our problems stem from several fronts. We are still fighting ongoing guerilla war's against remnant Imperial forces and populations on several border systems we annexed and need to expand. Piracy is a major problem thanks to former Imperial Battle Fleet forces that went rogue after their government fell. Our economy is in an immense upswing with jobs and expansion readily available on our colony worlds, nevertheless we still have severe food shortages on border worlds and problems stemming from translating a war time economy to a relative peace time economy. In addition, due to the heavy casualties our Navy took during the war, we are experiencing a severe shortage of ships of all classes, that we would require to properly secure our territory. The same problem extends to personnel." He continued, observing closely the expressions of his nation's quests.

"Then there is the need of expanding our trade networks outside our own territory to provide the boost to the economy that we need to maintain the growth factor required to bring the economy to a level necessary to support our people. I could go on for hours, but you get the drift. The Freehold officially, nor un-officially does not provide favors and help it's friends and later demand something as a payment back. Thats not our policy, but in the light of the situation I have outlined, we are in sore need of economical, military and domestic support to help us get ourselves properly on our feet. " He finished, his expression carved from hard granite. He would wait for the answers and then simply let things run their course.

“I can personally understand the need for trade” answered Jade back in response “Without question trade will be a major issue during this meeting, and something that we are more then willing to open up to both nation. However, with that being said we are looking into developing a side project. AS everyone in this room knows Tappee had created the Sentinel program for the sole purpose of identifying, containing, and eliminating any of the remaining threat from NiMbus after the war, and now with that threat gone it is an organization with out purpose.

We have decided to change their current mandate while maintaining the clandestine nature of the organization. However, we have run into the problem in that they are ill equipped to proceed with their new mandate. In reference to what we are looking for unofficially, we are looking to both purchase and develop a new set of weaponry from outside of Tappee. It is crucial that these arms can not be trace back to either Tappee or the country of origin.” Jade allowed everyone in the room a moment to consider what she was asking.

“We are in no way asking for you to simply give us the weapons, payment will be provided in one way or another. Also we will provide the weapon schematics. It would be a rather lucrative contract, we are looking to purchase enough for at least two full division. But like I said the only people that need to know about this are the people within this room.”

Emperor Bivens and Director Esthar exchanged glances. Bivens almost seemed to visually grumble as he knew this was his specialty.

“Frankly we could help you in one of many ways,” Emperor Bivens began. “Depending on how you want us to proceed. We have a small number of elite corporations, including one that I am the President and CEO of, with government contracts for building military vehicles, starships, and weaponry. They could either build the orders to your specifications or sell you the raw materials necessary to make your own. In addition, trade involving food could be arranged, or perhaps even assist you with transporting the good to the border worlds.”

“As far as a trade agreement goes,” Eric Esthar picked up, “What Emperor Bivens has described would work well. We could even ensure that trade between Orion and the Freehold would be tariff-free, in order to promote better business. In fact, I’d be willing to talk of cooperation between our nations that extends beyond trade. ”

“However,” General Valkare added. “We cannot do two things. First of all, we cannot supply assistance to the Sentinels without at least some knowledge of what they are intended to be used for. Also, we are currently still in the last stages of rebuilding ourselves, and have a rising adversary on our borders in the Dominion of Barheim. I’m afraid that we would be unable to provide either of you with any direct military assistance during peacetime.”

“Of coarse, that is perfectly understandable.” Answer Jade is response to the General last statement. “The Sentinel Program will shift its mandate from NiMbus to dealing with internal threats against the Dominion. After the war, Dylan Phobo and crew have escaped area’s outside our space, the Sentinel will hunt and eliminate their threat. However, since they are outside our territory any operations need to deal cannot be traced back to us very easily. We are more then willing to provide what ever compensation for this that you feel is necessary, food raw material or what ever you want.”

Dodalla perked up and joined the conversation “As for your problem with the Dominion of Barheim, everyone in this room can agree in that stability for all three regions in a priority. Given that Sentinel have worked with your intelligence service in the past perhaps they could help aid in any operations, off the record of course.”

Upon Dodalla’s last words, Emperor Bivens’ head felt like it began to swell. The aching was almost more than he could take and still remain professional, his cough had returned, and there was a distinct ringing in his ears that he could not quite shake.

“Raw food and materials aren’t exactly what we are looking for,” Eric Esthar replied, hesitantly. Valkare glanced over to Bivens, who did not look well at all. “The Dominion of Barheim is not our only concern…”

“Quite frankly, ladies and gentlemen,” General Valkare added. “We have growing sects within the Empire. Every one in this room took part in the Orion Civil War. Many of you participated directly, as did I. I need you to understand that the situation in Orion never fully recovered, and that the process of rebuilding has splintered the Empire…in ways that some feel are irreversible.”

“There are others,” Esthar continued, looking at Bivens, who scoffed at his two closest advisors. “Who do not believe there to be anything wrong, however. You see, Orion is not a place native to political parties and ideological differences. However, what we are facing now is a fundamental difference in the belief of what the state of the Empire truly is.”

“Internal political turmoil can be considered at an all-time high,” Valkare admitted. “Even those who do not believe violence to be on the horizon, such as our Emperor, still understand the need to prepare for the worst. I’m sure you’ve seen the news (http://forums.jolt.co.uk/showpost.php?p=13583959&postcount=2). As it stands now there is an ongoing rogue situation between a planetary governor and the Empire over the issue of planetary sovereignty and the right to individual weaponry. As bad as this situation appears, quite honestly Lord Apakoh is the least of our worries.”

“We are not trying to frighten you away,” Eric spoke up. “No one here wants war. No one here is even ready for such activity. However, in Orion, conflict is a distinct possibility that can not be ignored. Both of you metaphorically went to bat for this regime eleven years ago. You believed in it enough to send soldiers to die in its defense.” Esthar paused, preparing himself. “What we are asking for is a mutual defense pact from both foreign and domestic military conflict. On our end, we would additionally open trade, establish embassies, and create jobs, and assist your nations in any way we can to show our gratitude.”

“In today’s universe I consider ones allies to be numbered,” General Valkare concluded. “The cosmos, for all its technological advances, seems more isolated than ever. As it stands now, you should consider the Orion Star Empire one of your allies. However, if internal struggle or up and coming dominions tear the Empire apart when it is at its weakest, that ally will disappear as the government collapses. We are a proud people, and we don’t do this often, but as it stands now, we are coming with arms open, asking for assistance, and offering everything we can.”

Bivens coughed, feeling the rage growing within him. Valkare and Esthar had embarrassed him, embarrassed the Empire, and yet in the corner of his mind he knew what they spoke of was theoretically true, and it sent a chill running straight down his spine, momentarily clearing his mind of the headache. His anger and embarrassment was making his face turn red, or was that the fever? The Imperial envoy waited with baited breath to hear from those seated around them.

Dodalla’s jaw nearly hit the floor at this newest revelation; Jefferys sat beside her with an almost equally stunned expression. Jade however, had been trained to hide emotions, but was just as surprised as everyone else in the room. For a nation know for both its strength and it pride, to make such an open appeal with almost beyond comprehension.

Jade went to say yes, but before the words left her mouth she hesitated at the last possible moment. She could perfectly understand their political climate and how volatile it was becoming, she was facing similar problem back home. Her Chief political opponent Abigail was mad for power, and was quietly threat to Jade. If Tappee were to be pulled in another conflict it would only weaken Jades position even further, and threat her long-term objectives. On the other side of the equation if Jade did not enter into this alliance then Abigail would and then she would have the government of Steel Butterfly squared away in her corner, and might truly be able to take Jade down. Jade now found herself caught between the lesser to two evils.

Another though entered her mind, some thing more scary then last, she glanced across the table the Steel Butterfly envoy, eyeing them as if searching for some hidden meaning. As quickly as it had entered her mind she pushed it back out.

A plan had formed, she had made decision, even if it could mean that she was damned because of it.

“You can expect the same level of commitment from us as you did during the war” finally answered Jade ending the silence that had came over the room. She looked briefly over at the Clairmont envoy, then drew her attention back to Emperor “Though I can not speak for everyone else in this room, but you have our support. To walk away from you now would do nothing short of dishonor the sacrifice that so many of soldiers made. We will make every effort to provide you with whatever support you feel that you require. However, any Tappee personnel, military or civilian, will not enter Steel Butterfly space unless asked to so. The last thing that we want to give off the appearance that we are interfering with your affairs.”

Neither Judah Alexander nor Thomas Caparelli allowed their emotions to show outwardly as General Valkare made his revelation. President Alexander simply cocked an eyebrow in interest, while Caparelli made a vague mmph sound before taking another swing from the bourbon he was holding. Before he allowed himself to start going through the details and reading between the lines of what Valkare had said, Judah went over the counter proposal the Steel Butterfly envoy had offered as an answer to his opening move of this delicate game of political chess. Outwardly it took mere seconds for him, the time necessary for tasting his drink again, for him to go over the new information and formulate a reply.

"Well, I believe I have outlined the Freehold's current state accurately and I also believe you all understand the difficult position we are in at the moment. Our commitment has to be first and foremost to rebuilding our nation. However, I personally and the Citizen's Council also do recognize the need to maintain strong ties to the nations we can consider as friends and allies. However, you must understand that our commitment to helping those friends will be limited during our period of rebuilding, however we will provide all the help we can. I believe Secretary Caparelli as well as Sky Marshal Rowe and Admiral Harrington can provide a more accurate description of what kind of assistance we can provide, Tom?" Judah said, nodding towards Thomas Caparelli and the two Admiral's present as he mentioned their names.

Thomas Caparelli adjusted his glasses slightly. They were pure antiques, modern medicine or simple molycirc contact lenses could have fixed his eyesight without problems. Old habits however died hard.
"Currently our force projection capability is strictly limited due to the damage we took during the War and the necessity of bringing the insurgencies within our territory to an end. Piracy being another severe problem. However, pirates are a problem best handled with light combatants and fleet elements we use for picketing actions. Insurgencies, while currently eating up a significant portion of our ground forces, still leave us with some troops to throw around. I believe the third Interstellar Battle Group in its current strength could be deployed to assist if need be, if requested to do so by the Imperial Government ofcourse. Sky Marshal Rowe can tell you what kind of support the Battle Group could provide." Caparelli said, his voice a low growl, hoarse from age and stress.

Alexander Rowe straightened in his chair and gathered up the information he remembered of the current state of the 3rd ISBG.
"The third is currently at roughly seventy-five percent optimal strength. Our current organizational chart contains fifteen Interstellar Battle Group's, each geared for force projection both in space and on planetary surfaces. Each Battle Group has a modular organization structure, allowing battlesquadrons and units to be detached and deployed to different systems and operational areas if necessary. Each Battle Group has both a Space Force and Ground Force element, in this case any ground support would be provided by the Third Legion. These forces can be deployed rapidly from the Battle Group's main body and each detached unit has full local autonomy to conduct operations within its rules of engagement. If I remember my figures right, the Third Legion's current strength is around three hundred thousand active duty personnel. Not all of those are combat duty personnel ofcourse. If necessary, the third ISBG could be ready for deployment within a four to eight weeks." He said, maintaining a tone of cool professionalism during the entire time.

Judah Alexander chose the short moment of silence after Rowe's explanation to speak again.
"Ofcourse, we do expect something in return. The Freehold can't afford at this time to be a charity. If it would be possible to create tariff free trade between the Orion Empire and the Freehold, as well as technical assistance in constructing infrastructure on our colony worlds not as far developed as Irmansul, I believe we could reach an agreement which would benefit both our nations." He said.

Truth be told, he wasn't at all eager to provide forces to the Orion sector to fight more battles. He had his own fires to put out, all the while trying to bring his country up from the ashes. He didn't even want to think about the ruckus some people would raise if and when it became necessary to deploy forces to help Steel Butterfly quell their own forest fires. There would be difficult questions from all sides, such as why was the Freehold again helping the Empire despite the fact that the Empire hadn't been seen or heard during Clairmont's time of greatest need. The troops wouldnt be too happy either, having to leave their homes during the time when they felt they had to defend those homes from the troublesome elements of the rebuilding Freehold of Clairmont. Nevertheless, Judah Alexander stood by the reasoning he had provided to the Steel Butterfly delegation. He just hoped, that when push came to shove, his decision would prove to be the right one.

“The Empire could provide both tariff-free trade and technical assistance and do so happily,” Eric Esthar replied to Judah Alexander. He turned to Jade Allenson. “Your support is greatly appreciated as well. I believe that we’d also be interested in discussing unlimited travel for both of your populations to Orion.”

“Quite honestly I hope that nothing does erupt,” General Jack Valkare added. “It is merely a chance that we would need your assistance, and we need all of our bases covered.”

“Think of it this way,” Esthar explained. “What we’re asking for is military defense if something happens, and it may not. What you’re getting is guaranteed economic assistance.”

“What type of ships does the 3rd ISBG have and how many?” General Valkare asked. “And could they possibly be put on standby, so that the deployment time is lessened?”

“In addition,” Esthar continued. “I would think that making this military and economic pact a bit more permanent would help all three of our nations. If we could outline a plan for economic assistance and free trade, while pledging a mutual defense pack, Orion could even give you more assistance. If you needed troops or ships, which you, President Alexander, have claimed that you do, with the presence of such an agreement we would oblige you.”

Esthar looked over at his Emperor, waiting for the ill man to get up and leave as he had promised. He turned, looking at Valkare. The general nodded at him, his eyes fixed, as he took a sip of his scotch. In this foreign room, surrounded by once and potential allies, Eric could feel the old guard of the Empire quickly slipping away. Perhaps that’s why Bivens looked so sickly.

The political climate was changing, and just as globalization had found its way into Earth at the turn of the 21st century, universalization had come to Orion whether the Empire wanted it to or not. Esthar and Valkare were on the forefront of the tides of change, and both men knew it.

“I think what we all have to understand is that all three of our great nations are not in the best condition,” Esthar continued. “All three of us need help. All three of us cannot be giving out favors and handouts for free. However, together, I believe that we can achieve all of these things and more.” Esthar got quieter, turning the President Alexander in specific.

“Unlike some of my colleagues,” he spoke. “I also understand that as an elected leader you have your people to answer to and your job to consider. These are problems that we of Orion do not face, but I understand the importance of gaining the trust and approval of the people of the Freehold, as well as its leaders. What would your people need to trust us? What could we give that would put us in their favor?”

“What type of ships does the 3rd ISBG have and how many?” General Valkare asked. “And could they possibly be put on standby, so that the deployment time is lessened?”

Valkare’s comment alarmed Jeffery’s, “Do we need to have a force on standby?” asked Jeffery’s, they were just told that the need to assistance was only a precaution, then in the next breath they were asking if deployment time could be shortened.

Jade quickly cut in “What General Jeffery is trying to say is that we can re deploy of the 3rd RR Divison to Pax Pacis, a space station on the edge to Tappee space. From there is we would be able to deploy to hot zone within 72hrs. It would be a smaller force that of the Clairmont one, but it would be able to buy some time until a larger task force could be assembled. I do agree in that mutual pact between the three needs to be made more permanent, we all have to face the facts in that the Order no longer exists.” She caught a glance from Dodalla, Jade was making some serious decisions here. Though she had the power to do so, this would not well received by the tribunal, but she did not care. “I do feel that open the border to both trade and travel can be benifical.”

“During the war almost all the civilian damage that we incurred was to out merchant fleet. We made a promise to the all of the merchant corporation, that after the war we would replace any of the ships that they lost, and provide subsidies on the purchase of new ship. However, all of our ship yards a running at full capacity build and repairing our military ships. What I would like to do, if it meets everyone approval, I would like to buy merchant ship built in Steel Butterfly, as well as provide subsidies on all Steel Butterfly ships that the chose to buy. Also any of the old merchant ship that we do replace will be given to Clairmont to help aid in the resettlement. We asking in return from the government of Steel Butterfly that at least some of the raw materials used to build these new ship are purchase from us, that government Clairmont will give some of their rebuilding contracts to Tappee companies.”

Judah Alexander smiled thinly as he was given the chance to deliver a slight smack in the face of the Emperor who had scoffed at the name of the office he held. He knew how the Orion Empire regarded democracy. He didn't blame them, for Clairmont had in the beginning been a constitutional monarchy with the House of Lords along with the Protector making most of the decisions and the House of Commons being the only decision making element to which's structure the people could have any effect on. The Alexander family, like the founders of Clairmont had never truly believed in democracy, which gave the chance for those who knew not how to rule themselves to choose themselves rulers who hadn't proven they could rule. No one in the Freehold was elected to rule. However, he fully intended to allow Sky Marshal Rowe to answer General Valkare's question before replying himself.

Rowe picked up a flexipad from the small end table next to his chair, consulting it for a short moment. Tapping his finger against the screen and looking at different figures before finally laying down the small portable computer and concentrating on General Valkare.

"Currently the Third Battle Group holds within its organizational chart the Third Fleet as the Space Force component and the Third Legion as the Ground Force component. The Third Fleet currently has eighteen Superdreadnoughts, twenty-two Battlecruisers, thirty-four Multimission Heavy Cruisers and forty-eight Destroyers. Further force projection capability is provided with three Carrier Strike Groups containing a total of five Fleet Carriers and ten Escort Carriers. These are the elements which would be directly engaging in combat. In addition, the Third Fleet has a Space Lift squadron providing Interstellar Troop transportation. A Fleet Strike Expeditionary Squadron providing specialized spaceborne heavy strike troops for quick ground assaults and a Naval Special Warfare Group for.. well the name is indicatory of their purpose." Rowe outlined the current structure of the Space Arm of the 3rd ISBG. He consulted the flexipad briefly again before answering Valkare's question regarding the deployment time.

"Well, if we would need to commence the preparations now, we would require a minimum of ten days to get the Battle Group moving. Some of the ships are currently undergoing overhaul, but are close to being finished. Personnel are going through standard leave time after deployment and thus would have to be mustered back. However, if there wouldnt be need for the Battle Group to deploy within that time period, after the remaining ships finish their overhaul we could place the third in permanent standby. This would mean that they could be moving within a day if necessary." Rowe finished and relinquished the turn to speak to his leader.

Judah Alexander nodded slightly to the Sky Marshal before speaking himself.
"I think I can say for the sake of my people, who I chose to govern as a Citizen of the Freehold, that to gain their trust you would need to show to them that the Empire will be a friend who will stand by Clairmont when we need it. In turn, you can expect the Freehold and its people to be loyal to those who have provided us aid when we sorely need it, in such times as these. To further this end, both tariff-free trade and assistance in building homes and infrastructure for the colonists still arriving from Sol system would go a long way to further our people's trust in the Empire." He said, choosing to place his little tidbit of information after the official business.

He calmly tasted his drink again and spoke again at a level tone devoid of humor.
"I would also like to make one thing straight regarding the state of matters in the Freehold as they stand now. We are not a democracy, we have never been a true democracy and we never will be. The rulers of the Freehold are the Citizen's. A name adopted to represent the governors of the people. I am one of them. Citizen President Alexander for the formal title of office. I refuse to tell you all the additional names I was labeled with after the war thanks to my family name, its too grandiose and epic for anything else than huge booze parties." He said and chuckled lightly, he had always thought the lengthy litanies of extra titles were quite ridicolous.

"Anyway, the Citizen's receive their jobs by proving they have the ability to manage economies, to make right decisions and ultimately show that their interests are only in leading justly. To this end, to become a citizen one has to amass a fortune which would by any definition make him or her a truly rich person. One could win a million or two in the lottery, ten times that would be necessary in order for one to become a Citizen. Once the governor-to-be has amassed that fortune, they can either relinquish their money to the government budget and gain immense political power via being granted the title of Citizen, or hold on to their money and choose to abstain from political power. The system offers huge political power, but not economical power to go with it. We Citizen's subsist on a constitutionally mandated income level, meaning we all live by high middle-class standards. Any raises in the salary level have to be decided ultimately by the people. The system has resulted in our people having a saying "You want to be a politician? Sure, give us all your money and knock yourself out". There are constitutionally defined bonuses that one can earn for doing one's job well, the Citizen President's position is also entitled for a bonus. I myself was granted my position through the Citizen's choosing which one would be head of the Council, or the President." He continued, his speech clear and decisive but easy to follow.

"Every single person in the Government who has decision making power is a Citizen. Our offices grant us political power, but we gain that political power by abstaining from true economical power. This way we've tried to ensure that only the people who truly want to lead and know how to manage an entity as vast as a star nation, get the chance to rule."
He finished and swung the glass one last time to empty it. He had rather enjoyed that, but he had also provided that explanation to smoothen the political landscape somewhat. It wouldn't help further relations at all if the nation you wanted to consider your friend would hold you in contempt based just on the mis-understanding that you were a democracy. He couldn't actually blame them for not having done their homework. The Freehold had been quiet on interstellar terms after the war, nobody on the outside before now really knew how the internal politics here worked and Judah Alexander's title had gone against Steel Butterfly's history with democracy. Well, all smoothed out now Judah supposed.

President Alexander smiled warmly at Allenson as she made her proposal.
"I believe substantial construction contracts could be offered to Tappee companies without any ill feelings from our domestic construction corporations. They are currently swamped with work orders and simply lack the capacity to tackle all the massive construction efforts, which need to be completed relatively quickly on several planets the Freehold currently holds. The construction needs aren't limited to planetary surfaces for that matter. Several star systems near Irmansul have vast construction efforts in space in process aimed at providing a necessary space based infrastructure. In addition, I'm certain that our private shipbuilding industry would be extremely interested in sub-contracting component manufacturing to both Tappee and Steel Butterfly in order for our shipping companies to rebuild and overhaul their merchant hulls."

"I would also personally like to second Chairwoman Allenson's query about the need of having forces on standby immediately. This suggests that the gravity of the situation unfolding within the Empire seems to be dire. While the Freehold would be prepared to assist if need be. I believe it would put everyone's minds more at ease if we could get some clarification and information pertaining to the reasons and causes that have lead to a situation where the Empire is in need of such support." He said. While he would go far to receive the aid and support his country needed to bring itself back to the Interstellar playing field as a true super power, he wasn't ready nor willing to take Clairmont into another war.

“General Jeffries, President Alexander, we are merely trying to be prepared,” General Jack Valkare pleaded, sensing the man’s tone. “Response time is and will be a concern of mine. We can promise you the entire world, but if shipyards are destroyed before ships can be built, there will be no merchant ships to give you. The present situation which you have requested is simply unknown. The sides are not drawn. The fronts are not yet realized. Perhaps it is different in your nations, but in Orion we always have a sufficient force on standby.”

“Friendship and loyalty will not be a problem,” Eric Esthar replied. “With a true economic and defense pact in place we could reach the sense of alliance that should have been achieved following the Civil War. In my eyes, we are merely doing now what would have taken place a decade ago, had the Imperium not attacked and had Orion not been home to so much destruction.”

“In truth it upset me deeply that we could not join you both in the war against the Imperium,” Valkare admitted. “But it simply was not feasible. You both fought well, and deserved the same treatment from us.”

“Gentlemen,” Emperor Bivens announced at last, coughing as he slowly rose to his feet. It had been Bivens who had refused Valkare’s notion of sending military aid to Clairmont. It had been Bivens who had instituted a policy of isolation following the Civil War. “On that note I do have to apologize but I must be off. I’m afraid I do not feel well and still have much to attend to back home. My subordinates here, as they’ve readily displayed, are more than capably of striking and justifying any deal that you may broker here today. I will be in touch. Thank you.” With that, the Red Guard surrounded the Emperor, and together the group of men made way to the door with the Clairmontian escort leading the way.

“You’ll have to forgive him,” Eric muttered when the Emperor was out of the room. He half-smiled, shrugging. “He is the one man in Orion who does not stand to gain from these proceedings.”

“He will not stand in the way of progress,” General Valkare assured those in the room, almost menacingly.

“And I do apologize for my ignorance in the way of your governmental process,” Esthar muttered, embarrassed. “I have focused on too many big things to take time for the smaller ones it seems.” He took a deep breath, turning to Jade. “Ships could be built for you using raw materials purchased from you. It would not be a problem, especially considering that they are merchant vessels.”

“Thank you.” Remarked Jade casually. Things were going good, Jade up too this point had gotten every thing that she had set out to get. At the end of the war there were not enough job to go around with the armies return, unemployment went through the roof. With the prospect of getting contract in Clairmont could provide the relief that she needed. Now she would be able to get the merchants fleets every thing that they had been promised, while giving a minor boost to mineral markets. However, all this had not been free, it had come a cost. “I will order the immediate deployment of the 3rd RR Division to Pax Pacis. I hope that meets with your approval.” She quickly added.

“I know that you have said that the line have yet to be determined, but if could provide us with any information on possible threats it would help us develop possible response scenarios.” Asked Dodalla, though she had not been an Admiral since the end of the Orion war, she had never fully lost the mind set.

Ooc: I going away for the weekend, so I will not be able to post until monday

President Alexander listened dispassionately as General Valkare and Director Esthar clarified their Empire's position regarding the discussion at hand. He kept his mind cool, analytical, allowing himself to read between the lines of what the two had said and arrive to his own conclusions. In reality, to him it appeared that the likelyhood, that the Orion Empire would find itself in the midst of another internal conflict very soon, was high. Thus, if he signed his nation into this deal he would also be committing the men and women who had sworn an oath to fight the Freehold's wars into another one.

The lack of in-depth information on the current situation also bothered him. He would need to get the Intelligence services working on building thorough dossiers of the big players and participants of this game to gain a full picture of exactly what was going on. He would not throw his nation blindly into a war.

As Emperor Bivens stood up and bode his farewell, Alexander stood up as well and said his goodbyes. Quite frankly, it had been obvious to anyone except the blind that the man was quite ill and bothered. Whether it was the stress from his duties as the supreme statesman of his nation or simply discomfort from being away from home, Judah didnt know. He simply extended his gratitude for the Emperor for appearing here today and said his farewells. From the remarks provided by Valkare and Esthar after the man had left with his bodyguards, it was also apparent that the three didnt see eye to eye when it came to internal matters of Steel Butterfly. Most interesting.

He cleared his throat lightly and spoke firmly.
"Gentlemen and ladies, I believe we have laid some important initial groundwork here. I also believe that we can arrive to an arrangment, that will benefit all our three nations equally before we have to call this visit to a close. However at this point I would suggest, that we hold a short break and continue our deliberations afterwards. We also have lunch served in the main dining hall of the tower in two hours. "

“Yes,” Eric Esthar replied, nodding to Dodalla. “The issue with Lord Apakoh is that of the power of the federal government versus the planetary governments. In essence, the Emperor versus the governors, of which Apakoh is one. As is typical in Imperial politics, stubbornness is the most prevalent trait.”

“What happened was that during the Orion Civil War, we of the Resistance realized that fighting Imperial ships with Imperial ships gave us a disadvantage,” General Valkare elaborated. “After all, they had the men who actually built the ships. We only built replicas. They had men and women who could refit the ships due to a higher familiarity with the technology. We were just learning. This history books will show that the Resistance won because of planet-fall tactics and mobile infantry. The Empire was far more successful in space.” He paused. “To compensate we developed our own line of starships on Aeisis, even getting so far as to build and test them. However, the war ended before they were used, and above Aeisis they remained.”

“Lusec Apakoh,” Esthar explained. “bought the Aeisian shipyards shortly after the war, upon inheriting his father’s fortune. He claims that the ships are his property, and points to an ancient law stating that the lord families may possess private militaries at their disposal. Emperor Bivens states that the ships are illegal, pointing to a far newer, yet contradictory law stating that no armed vessels may be in the Orion Sector unless Imperial-owned or of a foreign diplomat.”

“The Emperor attempted to force Apakoh to abandon the ships,” Valkare continued. “However these vessels were built with one purpose in mind: destroying Imperial ships. The result was a standoff, with neither side wanting to fire on the other.” He shook his head. “What we have with Apakoh is an illegal cold war. But although the military is directly involved, it is a political issue, and will continue to be addressed as such. Apakoh and Bivens merely think that they are both entirely correct in their stances, and both men are far too stubborn to budge at this point.”

“The Dominion of Barheim, however, is a different story entirely,” Eric said, his voice dropping in tone a bit. “On the borders of the Orion Sector, which, if you were not aware, is a spherical sector of space consisting of the Imperial planets within, there consists of a handful of near-by systems including the Thrakkon system, the Arkan system, and of course, the Dominion of Barheim. Since the Empire is so vast and massive in scale and scope, these governments historically have played nice with their Imperial neighbors, knowing that retribution would be swift if conflict were to arise.”

“Barheim, on the other hand, hasn’t been playing nice as of late,” General Valkare said. “Even before the four years of Civil War and the eleven since, the Dominion of Barheim had been gathering arms and building ships, as reported by former Emperor Nemerov’s intelligence reports. Over the course of the war, and due to Emperor Bivens’ isolationist policies, the Dominion managed to gain a rather noticeable stockpile of advanced weaponry. That, coupled with the Empire’s weakened state following the Orion Civil War, has caused Barheim to become rather sure of themselves.”
“The Dominion, as of six years after the end of the Civil War, and grown to six times its original size,” Esthar said. “Following a number of attacks on merchant ships by ‘unknown’ vessels, the Empire put into place Operation Outreach, sending ships and soldiers in an undeclared war to stop Barheimian expansion. The operation has been nothing but successful, however Barheim has not been quick to supply their frontier soldiers with updated equipment. Intelligence reports on the Dominion have hinted at far stronger weaponry, almost matching that of Orion itself.”

“Naturally,” Valkare explained. “Barheim is far smaller in area and population than Orion is. However, while their ability to win a total war against us is out of the question, their presence and ability to do substantial damage to our infrastructure during these trying times is, in my opinion, cause for at least some alarm.”

“No one knows if they are planning an attack or not,” Eric said, shrugging. “It would be foolish for them to alone. However, they have not been known to make the most rational decisions in the past.”

On that note, a break was suggested, and both Eric and Jack jumped at the occasion. Both were hungry, and the two hours that they would have to wait would surely pass slowly. After the formalities, Esthar and Valkare were escorted by the Red Guard back down the hall.

“Do you think it wise for us to disclose such information?” Eric whispered to Valkare.

“Alliances require trust,” Valkare explained, his whisper harsh from years of screaming commands on the field of battle. “Imperial secrecy and treachery is not going to win us any friends. However, I do believe that our honestly today will bring Orion into a new age of international relations.”

Eric nodded, wondering what the others thought about Imperial politics. He always thought them to be silly, with the idea of Lords and royal families and all. But he knew very well that to men like Apakoh, Valkare, and Bivens, the topic was never taken lightly.

As Jade listened to the Steel Butterfly envoy she began running scenarios through her head, planning, and plotting. It was evidently clear that there would be some sort of conflict arising in the Orion in the near future, but she doubted that it would be anything near that of the civil war. If anything Tappee’s role in this new conflict would be limited to a supportive role, or that of special operations.

She could understand the problem that the Emperor was facing even though Tappee’s government structure was different. While Tappee had an elected Parliament it held no real power, it only existed to over see how the government spent money on social and welfare, and local infrastructure. The Tribunal was left to control matters that affected the Dominion as whole, deciding foreign policy, military matters, and could at any time veto any decision by the parliament, or push through legislation. There were no checks on it power, no limits to what it could do, its rule was absolute. However, it was no more immune to internal struggles then any other nation, the Tribunal power would also prove to be Tappee’s greatness weakness, if someone could control the Tribunal, then in essence one could control Tappee. It was this thought that terrified Jade more then all other.

When the notion of taking a break was mentioned she jumped at the opportunity to have a moment to clear her head. As every broke for lunch she made her way over the window that over looked the city. It truly was a breath taking view, every thing down on the surface seemed so small in comparison, it was an only fitting view for those people within this room. They had all sat here deciding the fates of untold billions of lives. Every promise, every decision had been made with the peoples best interest in mind.

“What are you doing?” asked Dodalla quietly enough so that no one else could hear, as both Jefferys and her joined Jade side. “We all know what the Gnosis project has discovered, and has helped during the last ten years. But we no longer have, and we are walking into the unknown once.”

Jade gave a cold stare, and Dodalla quickly stopped talking. She had crossed a line and knew that Jade was not going to stand for it.

“While we no longer have any new information in regards to the Gnosis project I am not going to sit around and do nothing.” Answered Jade, she had contained the anger in voice, it was clear that she was upset at Dodalla. “We will do as we have done in the millennia that came before. “I believe that every thing that we have done here today will leave us in the best position possible. Both these nations are our friends, and when the time, whenever that may be, they will return the favor.”

“You are going to call her out” said General Jefferys finally breaking his silence. Though he was new to the world of politics but he was ever the tactician. “You will let her make the first move, you are counting on trouble in the Orion sector.” A smile came over his face as the true scope of Jades plan hit him. “And when that does, all of our enemies will spill out into the open. Identify, and eliminate, academy basics.”

Turing her attention away from the window, Jade turned to face the two. “Our problems are just that, ours. However, we are here to be diplomatic, I need both of your support with this. We have gotten everything here that we have set out do, but that does not mean that we do not have work to do. For the time being we should all be rather diplomatic and join the others for lunch, and do our best to let them know that we will do everything that we have promised.”

With that the three of them made their way to get some food.

As the break was called and the group of these three nations' most powerfull people stood up to clear their heads and stretch their feet, President Alexander politely excused himself for a moment and disappeared, flanked by a pair of Operatives in plain suits. With their President away for a while, Thomas Caparelli got the chance to show something to General Valkare and Director Esthar that they hadn't had time to see on their way in. He approached them confidently, confidence created by eighty years of service to his nation, and nodded to both of them before speaking.

"Now that we have time to discuss something else than politics, I've heard that especially you Director Esthar have quite an interest in history. I believe General Valkare as well might find this interesting:" He started and waited to see if the two men were truly the kind of curious souls he had figured them to be.


Major Trent noted with interest, that Chairwoman Allenson, Dodalla and Jefferys remained in the lounge and gazed out of the window. He rekindled his curiousness for a moment and approached the trio. Excusing himself for intruding into what he figured was a private conversation, he spoke firmly.

"I hope I'm not intruding and if I am I apologize. However, my curiousness has gotten the best of me and since the opportunity presented itself, I wanted to ask something I've wondered for a while." He started and cleared his throat.

"During the War, it was my honor to fight alongside an agent of your First-X agency. The man was called Sigmund Xavier and I was wondering if you happen to know anything about his whereabouts or what he has been doing during the years following the War?"


President Alexander strode through the halls of one of the topmost floors of the Government Tower, flanked by the silent pair of guardians he took everywhere with him even when he didn't want to. He approached a non-descript door at the end of a hallway. Withou the pair of heavily armed marines guarding it, anyone not knowing the truth could have mistaken it for the door to the cleaning equipment storage. The pair of marines opened the door without preamble and saluted briskly as the President approached.

Behind the door was a forty square meter room which's walls were covered by computers and in the middle of the room stood a conference. People without uniforms were scattered on the computers while others scripted something on their datapads around the conference table. Judah approached a woman who judging by her looks could have been mistaken for a twenty-eight year old. In truth, Amanda Givens was sixty-eight Earth years old. She nodded quietly at the President and turned to face him attentively.

"I want everything you have gathered on file about the current crisis brewing in Steel Butterfly. Everything from Lusec Apakoh's shoe size to the number of corn fields the Dominion of Barheim has. Everything, and I need it fast." He said, delivering his order for a massive job without ceremony.

The woman simply nodded and spoke in hushed tones.
"No prob, you'll get some hefty bedtime reading today Mr. President."

As the three of the turned they found Major Trent walking up to them. In Truth Jade was not surprised, from what she could gather from Xaviers report the two had become close during the time that they had spent together during the war. Both Dodalla and Jeffery continued to walk past the Major leaving Jade to answer the young mans question.

“No need to apologize” answered Jade “I am sure that we all owe you some thanks for your contribution both before and during the war Major Trent, and it is an honor for me to finally meet you. As for agent Xavier after the war he taught at the academy for a while, but has recently returned back into active duty. I had asked to attend this meeting given his service in the Clairmont core during the war, but was pulled away for personal reasons at the last moment.

When I see him next I will tell him that you appear to be doing well.” She gave the Major a warm smile.

“Did you ever have a chance to this Apakoh fellow?” asked Jeffery as he put some food on to his plate.

Dodalla paused for a moment thinking to herself. “No I do not believe that I did. I heard the odd stories of his victories. He at the time seemed to on the rebel’s side. However, for these lord it seems at times that is more about maintaining their families name and their position then anything else. If Apakoh is challenging the Emperor, there may be more to this then what they are telling us.”

[OOC: Lol, Lusec Apakoh was actually an Imperial Marine Captain during the Civil War. He had a short-lived stint with Sky Marshal Zephyr’s coup at the end, putting him on the side of the Resistance for the last two battles of Steel Butterfly and Steel Moon, but before that he fought the Resistance for three years. If you want any updates to use for “information on him” just click the Shadow of Orion link in my sig. It’s all about the situation my characters have described, although eventually it eclipses this RP in continuity.]

The elderly Thomas Caparelli approached Jack Valkare and Eric Esthar with news of a historical interest. Eric genuinely smiled, instantly intrigued, but while Valkare obliged politely, his mind was decidedly elsewhere.

It wasn’t that he didn’t like history; every military general seemed to, it was more just that the general had far more on his mind regarding the present. Emperor Bivens had made it clear that he wanted no alliance, and yet when they had proposed just that, the Emperor didn’t so much as speak up against it. It was as if the Emperor knew something they didn’t. It was as is the Emperor knew that his opinion wouldn’t matter all that much soon.

The idea was frightening to Valkare, especially given how Orion had changed since the Civil War. Alexander Nemerov, and Kyou Graav before him, were the last of a two-thousand year long line of powerful Emperors. Their word was law, their leadership unquestioned, and it was how it had been since the people gave absolute rule to James Malkin following the great Machina War.

The Orion Civil War, however, changed all of this. The Resistance showed that the people could rise up against the Emperor, and if the people could do that, why couldn’t they speak their mind? If they could choose who they didn’t want to lead them, why couldn’t they choose who they did want?

Emperor Dave Bivens was a business man, and had little care in politics. As a result, he signed into law agreements allowing Imperial citizens to democratically elect their local and regional governments. He signed into law freedom of speech acts, and as long as dissenting opinions weren’t printed or published, they were legal. In turn, Bivens himself planted the seed that would someday destroy his office.

Valkare had seen it at the time, Esthar saw it when he took his post, and now Apakoh had seen it, and unlike anyone else, he acted on it. Apakoh saw the power of the Emperor declining, and he proved it by making a mockery of the man, showing everyone who took notice that the Emperor unable to handle threats within the Sector, let alone outside of it.

Perhaps Bivens knew what he had done as well. Perhaps as the Commander in Chief of his militaries and his Director of Public Relations sat in an international room and overruled his wishes, Bivens finally understood. Looking up, Valkare noticed that Eric was more that eager to see what Thomas Caparelli had to show. Nodding, both men agreed to follow the Clairmontian.

Stewart Trent allowed a tight smile to escape his lips as the Chairwoman told him he would talk to Sigmund. In truth, Stewart was eager to see the man again. During and before the war, they had gone through hell after another together and Agent Xavier had ended up without even knowing it himself, taking the place Stewart's father had left vacant in his life when the Commandos of the Fourth Imperium had taken his life. The memory was like a stab with a dagger colder than liquid helium into his heart. Old, familiar rage threatened to erupt into his mind again before he could quell it. Those men were all dead. There was no one left to kill of the people who were responsible for killing his father, his mother and his two brothers. He stiffened up and spoke to Allenson again.

"There is no need to thank me Chairwoman. I did my duty during the War, and for that I dont ask any thanks. However, I would be extremely gratefull if you could forward my greetings to Agent Xavier, and please give him this." The Major said, handing over a small re-usable memory-plastic disc the size of a calling card. It held Stewart's communications information, how to reach him via mail or phone.


Thomas Caparelli led the two men and their escorts to a small chamber within the northern side of the floor. Guarded by a pair of marines stood a door made of the immensely durable plasteel. The chamber behind the double doors was darkened, lights coming online when the group entered.

The chamber was entirely non-descript, two rows of four chairs each stood at the middle with a small control console in the middle. Caparelli walked to the console, inputting commands and the lights dimmed to envelope the chamber in near total darkness. Few short seconds followed, then hundreds, thousands of small dots of light hung in mid-air within the darkness appeared, illuminating the room eerily. The hologram adjusted, arranging the stars it portrayed into proper order with background starscape being projected "behind" the the stars the system had brought up. To the viewers, it would seem like standing in deep space.

"This is direct data retrieved from an artifact we discovered when our troops were scouring through the Imperial Palace, the seat of power of the Fourth Imperium's Emperor here on Birhat." Caparelli started.

"After extensive analysis into the artifact, we concluded that it must be a part of a computer of some sort, a part we succeeded in determining to be approximately sixteen thousand years old. Not to mention extremely advanced. Over half of the systems in the computer aren't made from solid-state circuits as we know them, but rather energy state circuitry. We have absolutely no idea how this is even possible, suggesting a technological level far in advance of ours." He further elaborated. Observing General Valkare's and Director Esthar's reactions closely.

"From the little data we managed to recover from the extensive information purges, that the remaining Imperial military undertook after their Government was defeated, we concluded that the Endicot Imperium which attacked us was roughly four to five thousand years old. Their internal documents officially called them the "Fourth Imperium of Endicot". We were uncertain as to why they called themselves the "Fourth Imperium" before we retrieved this artifact." He explained, providing background and elaboration into the information he was about to reveal.

"It would appear Gentlemen, that the "Fourth" Imperium was preceded by three other Imperiums. The Third one being the entity overthrown in an internal revolt and ensuing civil war by the elements that ended up forming the "Fourth", approximately five thousand years ago. The artifact predates even the Third Imperium, and from the the little we have been able to decrypt, we have determined that the artifact is a vast repository of astronavigational data There is other information as well, but we have been thus far unable to decrypt it. The astronavigational data we have decrypted has information regarding an immense area of space. Thousands of planets, which the Second Imperium had charted."

"So far we have merely been able to scratch the surface of what the artifact, codenamed "Tacitus" truly contains. The Fourth Imperium was extremely interested in this information as well, but apparently their contempt for their predecessor Imperium's was extreme enough to hinder their research into the artifact." He concluded his initial explanation, keying more commands into the console and suddenly all the stars visible in the current holographic projection, that had been visited by the Second Imperium were surrounded by a blue halo. There were far too many of them to start counting.

Upon entering the room, the lights dimmed, and a multitude of holographic stars scattered among the men standing in the middle. Eric had to keep himself from frowning. He wanted history, not science.

Valkare slowly spun in place, taking in the view. It was a view that he had grown accustomed to over the years, staring out countless windows and viewscreens into the vast regions of space. Space, however, had brought the General no comfort in life. In space he had seen death, destruction, and chaos. There was nothing left of the exploratory young lieutenant who once boarded his first ship, ready to see the stars. Looking around, Valkare saw all of them, and realized that if he never saw one again he would not feel as if much had been lost.

"This is direct data retrieved from an artifact we discovered when our troops were scouring through the Imperial Palace, the seat of power of the Fourth Imperium's Emperor here on Birhat." Thomas Caparelli told them. “After extensive analysis into the artifact, we concluded that it must be a part of a computer of some sort, a part we succeeded in determining to be approximately sixteen thousand years old.”

This announcement instantly peaked Eric’s interest and tore Valkare away from his musing.

“Sixteen thousand?” Eric asked, trying to comprehend the vastness of it all.

What the two Imperial citizens were standing in was not all that much different than a standard Astrometrics lab in Orion. It had all of the holograms, the lighting effects, and everything that an Imperial scientist or military man had come to expect from such a place. However such innovation had just become widely-used in the last century. Valkare blinked. One hundred years.

“How could they have been that advanced sixteen thousand years ago?” Eric asked, his jaw almost on the floor.

Valkare, however, was in awe over something else entirely. His eyes were fixed on three stars in a short line. Lifting his arm just slightly above his head, he pointed to the planets around them. Revolving around the middle star was a planet that had captured the general’s interest. Valkare stared at it, transfixed, until even Eric noticed and approached him.

“Orion’s belt…” Esthar said, almost as dumbstruck as Valkare.

“And there’s Steel Butterfly,” Valkare said, his finger still pointing to the planet revolving around the middle star in the “belt.” He moved it, still pointing. “That’s Bivens, Steel Moon, Steel Isle, Aeisis and Esthar VIII up in the corner. Gest, XIII…they’re all here.”

“Jack…” Eric said. This time he was pointing to the middle star in the “belt,” the one that the planet of Steel Butterfly revolved around. There was a blue halo surrounding it.

“I know…” Valkare nodded. He turned to Thomas. “Is there anyway to get a date as to when they visited?” Valkare looked around the sector. No other star in Orion was visited. Just that one. Just the main one. Just Steel Butterfly.

Caparelli smiled thinly as he succeeded in peaking the interest of the general and the statesman. In truth, he still couldn't fully fathom it all himself. He came here almost every day, and became immersed in the field of stars and in his studies of the data held within the ancient artifact. It was truly something of a mystery, that would undoubtedly go unanswered for centuries to come.

He directed his attention to Eric Esthar and his questons, collecting his thoughts and formulating a reply.
"Sixteen thousand years is the most accurate estimate we could arrive to. How they could have been so advanced back then, we do not know. Our leading researchers in charge of the project have arrived at multiple theories, none of which really convince me. We do know with some level of certainty, that some unknown calamity of immense proportions must have met this Second Imperium and destroyed it nearly completely. From its ashes rose the Third, and the Third then fell approximately five thousand years ago in a Civil War. A civil war so incredibly destructive, that it sent the Fourth Imperium, that was born back into the middle ages. Their core territories were apparently devastated utterly. Only this region of space we today call our Freehold survived thanks to being a distant backwater colony during the time of the Third Imperium and thus being deemed not important enough to warrant the kind of use of force, that was thrown around in the hottest areas of their Civil War." Caparelli said.

He smiled once more as the two men noticed the blue halo around Steel Butterfly. This was one of the reasons Caparelli had asked the two men to accompany him. He had been certain, that Valkare and Esthar would try to find something familiar to them in this field of stars, and when they would find it, they would find something truly puzzling. The Imperium had visited their home thousands of years ago. His fingers danced on the console, inputting commands and Steel Butterfly was suddenly magnified. A stream of data appeared in thin air next to the star. Vast majority of the information was in symbols Caparelli, nor anyone else in Clairmont, had any knowledge of. However, the amount of information regarding the target seemed to be immense.

"Unfortunately, we do not yet know how long ago the Second Imperium visited the Steel Butterfly star system. However, the amount of data gathered and stored about it is significantly higher than the data collected from the majority of other star systems they explored. In fact, there seems to be atleast two hundred times more data about Steel Butterfly than of the surrounding stars they visited. However, that data is still encrypted and our current methods are rather slow of decrypting it." He replied their query. He could understand their interest in the subject, he was quite intriqued himself to learn what exactly had the Second Imperium been doing in Steel Butterfly thousands of years past.

"I did mention you would find this interesting..." He murmured.

“It would be interesting to find,” Eric replied. “At what point in history they visited.” He rubbed his chin with his hand. “Sixteen thousand years ago, they wouldn’t have seen much. Although three thousand…two thousand…they could have been witness to a great mass of things.”

“The very shapings of Empire, to be exact,” Valkare added. He turned to Thomas. “I’m sure there would be many an Imperial scientist who would relish the chance to study this apparatus.” Eric’s stomach rumbled audibly.

“I do believe I’m being told that it’s time for me to eat,” he said, smiling sheepishly. Valkare nodded in agreement.

The men followed Thomas Caparelli out of the room, although far enough behind to be able to talk quietly amongst themselves. Esthar pulled from his pocket a very small PADD, about the size of a “mobile phone” of old.

“Anything from the Emperor?” Valkare asked, peering down at the miniPADD.

“Nothing,” Esthar replied, shaking his head. He smiled half-jokingly. “Watch us be left here.” Valkare rolled his eyes.

Emperor Bivens had retreated to his palace on the planet Bivens by now for sure, and if Valkare had any guess, he would be standing in the back of his office, staring out the window over his dominion. From so high a vantage point, everything in the Empire would look just as it should. There would be no new age approaching from up there, nothing new on the vast horizon.

“Well you have done your duty well Major, it is because of men like you that we won the war. But please accept a compliment for what it is.” Said Jade as she took the data card. “I will personally see that he get this.”

Major Trent reminded her of all the agents in the first X, had Stewart lived in Tappee he would have place in the program when his parents had died. She could understand the young pain, as well as the bond that Sigmund had formed.

“I wish you the best in the future.” She gave him a brief nod of respect and made her way to meet up with the other.

“Where is everyone” Jade had notice went she had walked into the room she could Dodalla and Jefferys talking near the food bar, but the other envoys were noticeably absent.

“Not sure” answered Jefferys looking up from his plate that nearly over flowing with food.

“Perhaps they are working on some back room deal” shrugged Dodalla, she didn’t seem to concerned that they had been excluded. There was another issue her mind “Why do think that Biven’s left?”

There was a obvious answer to Dodalla question, and that it was to the fact the he was visibly ill. However, Jade knew Dodalla well enough to know that she was searching for some deeper meaning. There were many reason shy he had left, and for Jade to list them would take more time then any of them had, but it was the thing she could know that caused her to worry. “I don’t know why he left, but he is talking to us at the moment, though it may not have been his choice to do so.”

As everyone gathered in the fabulously decorated main dining hall and began gathering up lunch from the buffet-style offerings, they found themselves facing an immense variety of foods available. Most notably present were national cuisines favored in the Freehold, cooked by some of the best chefs available among its populace. Also among the offerings were some rarer styles from historic old Earth nations and continents.

President Alexander had returned discreetly from his little meeting with the intelligence people to the dining hall and was loading up heavily on the food. Usually his working days ended up being so busy, that his secretary would somehow get him to eat half a sandwich and some coffee if she got lucky. The situation was a direct result of having to manage a migration of billions of Clairmontians across the gulf of stars to their new homes and somehow having places where to live and work ready for them by the time they arrived. The workload thus could be a little daunting.

He noted Thomas Caparelli entering the dining hall with Eric Esthar and General Valkare. Caparelli and Alexander had discussed showing the Tacitus to the Steel Butterfly delegation due to the fact that it seemed to contain a wealth of information regarding the Empire's capital solar system, dating thousands of years in the past. Undoubtedly, the two men had found the display both unnerving and interesting. Truth to be told, the Tacitus could prove to be the key to unlocking the truly ancient past of Clairmont as well. Thus it had instantly become the key point of interest for the scientific community of the Freehold along with the rare few samples of intact Imperial technology of any significance, that had been salvaged after the War.

The delegates of all three nations gathered together at the massive rectangular dining table, crafted out of oak, over three hundred years ago. It had been donated to the Alexander-family three centuries ago by a then relatively unknown craftsman as a thanks for the family helping him out during the man's time of need. The table had survived wars, accidents and the passing of decades, maintained by the servants of the Royal family with care. Now it stood on the face of a new world entirely.

"I hope you all enjoy the food, our chef's weren't sure about your dining habits and possible restrictions so they chose to prepare a wide range of possibilities to account for the lack of information." He said.

"I warn you though, our eating habits do include generous use of spices and thus visitors unaccustomed to our habits tend to be caught by surprise." The President chuckled.

Taking a bit of her food Jade let in roll around on her tongue taking in its entire flavor, it was a touch spicy for her liking, but it was good nonetheless. Tappee cuisine was defiantly not known for it flavor, nutritional content was often given more importance over taste. However, Jade had spent enough time abroad to become accustom to flavorful taste of international cooking, and found this current dish rather enjoyable.

“It is rather good.” Commented Dodalla before Jade had a chance to say anything.

“Yes” added Jade quickly “It would seem that perhaps we should exchange receipts here as well, but I don’t feel that Tappee cuisine has anything to offer the international community.”