NationStates Jolt Archive

As Santucci's fleet cruised out of the Solar System he knew all hell would break loose apon his return to Largent.

As he entered the deepest state of depression he had seen in a long time a wave of hope hit him.

The first mate of his main ship approached him. "Sir, why not land on Pluto or Charon, its twin planet. They are plenty big."

Santucci didn't see why he hadn't thought of it. They were right in the system and only a short trip from major allies. He decided to have the fleet move into the Kuiper Belt and send a message to the planets to see if the situation was any better than on previous planets. A small scouting party would be sent to each planet to see the situation on each.

The ships slowly approached the belt and found a nice large asteroid to land on for the time being while the scouts and transmissions answer the questions that burned inside Santucci.


To: All inhabitants of Pluto and Charon
From: Admiral Santucci

Greetings. We are a force that was sent by the Largentian government. We are here to find a new colony for Largent. We have decided to request a stay on Pluto.

We come in peace, we are a civilian force. We also sent a scouting party to Pluto and Charon to check for signs of civilization. They are unarmed and are friendly. We hope you treat them accordingly.

If there are nations previously established on both planets we request a delegate exchange so that we may peacfully negotiate or buy land on either planet.

~Admiral Santucci

OOC: Waiting for a response...

"My Emperor? We have a communication inbound."

"Show it to me."

"Right away, my Emperor."
The aide passed Padshah Yang-chen the piece of paper with the message on it, which Yang-chen read and re-read.

"They want to land here?"

"Yes, My Emperor."

"On the capital of the Jordaxian Empire?"

"It would appear so, my Emperor."

"And how have the warrior caste reacted to this?"

"Violently, as usual, My Emperor." The aide responded.

"I needn't have asked. Instruct the religious/bureaucratic caste to send a Nonsequtior out to meet with them. Explain the situation. Don't offend them just yet, we are not as Barbaric as many of our neighbours."

"Yes, my Emperor." With that, the aide left with the order for the caste. A short while later, A single Nonsequitor with an ambassador was on its way to the transmission source, sending out its own messages of greeting, and a desire to negotiate.

OOC: Firstly, where are you located, exactly. And I would also like a thread where you RPed your presance on Pluto/Charon.

IC: Santucci was reading over the two mesages. One stating a desire to negotiate the other from the scouting party saying that some form of warrior greeted them "violently".

Santucci was furious. How could soldiers of any sort feel the need to act hostile towards a civilian scouting party.

He sent a message to Jordaxia demanding an explination for the violet actions even if they had ceased for now. He also requested the names of all other residents on the two planets.

OOC: Has anybody taken Sedna and Quaoar yet?

Get out of here. This is for people on PLUTO or CHARON ONLY!

I've just always played from Pluto/Charon and the rest of the belt. If you mean any thread where I've RPed simply being there, then http://forums2.jolt.co.uk/showthread.php?t=351825&page=1 should do it.
If you mean a thread where I announced a move to pluto, it doesn't exist.

In the Golden Palace, Yang-chen was furious. How could the Warrior Caste have been so stupid as to declare hostile intent on an unknown vessel without any investigation? He supposed it would be what he expected of them, after all, their duty was to ensure the survival of the state at any cost, but a little more tact would not have gone amiss.

"Inform the caste to cease their posturing and stand down. Negotiations with this faction will proceed before we make any attempt to annihilate them." Another aide went running with a message, this time to the warrior caste.

Allowing himself to sink into his neurite net, he roamed about for information, and found another message from himself.

"We have recieved another message from the unknowns, My Emperor. They demand an explanation for an attack on the civilian transport. We didn't order such an attack, though they could be worried by the caste. It is also a possibility of a pirate attack on the ships, after all, an unknown ship will attract that sort of attention. In this case, I would recommend a larger form of armed envoy, to protect them from such unacceptable attack. We also have the unknowns asking for names of every Jordaxian... I don't know why they would need such information."

Concentrating for a moment, he formed his reply in his mind, and sent it out through the neurite link.

"You have permission to issue such commands. Be aboard one of these ships and tell me all that happens. Don't give them our census, just a rough figure, and ask them why they would ask for such information. "

Half an hour later, another 10 Nonsequitors left their bays, and proceeded after the first, beaming out various apologies, and asking for a proper, formal conversation with whoever was in command.

OOC: I wanted the names of other NATIONS located on Pluto/Charon.

IC: Santucci read the message. He decided the hostile actions could be forgiven for now.

Santucci also decided to allow a delegate come aboard the ship. He would meet with them personally.

OOC: I wanted the names of other NATIONS located on Pluto/Charon.

IC: Santucci read the message. He decided the hostile actions could be forgiven for now.

Santucci also decided to allow a delegate come aboard the ship. He would meet with them personally.

As a RL friend of Jordaxia I don’t think he will mind me telling you that he owns Pluto and Charon period. No one else is located on them.

As a RL friend of Jordaxia I don’t think he will mind me telling you that he owns Pluto and Charon period. No one else is located on them.

No other nation has ever RPed living on themm? Okay.

OOC: Okay, Jordaxia, your claim to both entire planets in invalid. I have found many other nations that have laid claim to parts of them. Ex: New York and Jersey, as far as I could find, currently owns Charon.

(OOC:
It doesn't mean anything to me. I wouldn't stop anyone claiming Pluto and Charon after me, and I don't intend to pay any heed to anyone saying that I can't inhabit them. That is, to put it in its bluntest sense. Are you intending to continue this any further?)

ooc: I can vouch for Jordaxia's presance on Pluto. For as long as I've known him in NS he's RP'd that as his capital/home/whatever.

OOC: Interesting... I wonder if I should claim Sarzonia? Or Granzi? And say that they never RPed taking their nations. An interesting theory...

(OOC:
It doesn't mean anything to me. I wouldn't stop anyone claiming Pluto and Charon after me, and I don't intend to pay any heed to anyone saying that I can't inhabit them. That is, to put it in its bluntest sense. Are you intending to continue this any further?)

OOC: Yes, I'm just telling you I will not recognise you as the soul owner of both planets as you indicated you were.

OOC: Interesting... I wonder if I should claim Sarzonia? Or Granzi? And say that they never RPed taking their nations. An interesting theory...

get lost, this is closed.

As the situation on Pluto was settling down Emperor Johnston took some decisive action. The sent the new Largentian Capital Fleet to Cancri, a days travel from the Sol System.

This fleet contained:

EclipseII-Class Super Battleship
Firestrom-Class Command Ship
5 Imperial Destroyers
2 Dreadnought Cruisers
4 Fighter Divisions

They will be on high alert incase the situation by Pluto were to escilate.

(I'm assuming that Santucci would be already there, at wherever my delegate goes. And, I'm assuming it's a hangar bay. I'll edit if needs be.)

As the Jordaxian delegate left his small transport, he strode out into the main hanger bay. A lanky figure, standing at eleven feet three inches tall, elongated limbs and neck moving fluidly in his gait. Strapped to his waist was a bulky, black box, a personal gravity generator, to allow him to survive in such a comparatively high gravity. (I'm assuming you use an Earth standard gravity... too many assumptions, though.)

Seeing who he assumed was whoever was in charge, he proceeded to walk down the access ramp, having an impressive pace. Upon reaching the other person, he extended his hand, and said

"Chen-tao, official emmisary of the Emperor of the Eternal Empire of Jordaxia. We heard your message, but perhaps you would like to clarify yourself?" He smiled warmly at the other, and waited for a response.

Santucci stood next to his body guard as the ship landed in the hanger. He arched an eyebrow as the enormus creature stepped out. He had a good 5 feet on Santucci.

As the man extended his lengthy limb Santucci did the same. "Admiral Santucci, former governor of New Largent. Please come with me."

He lead the man through the large ship into his office. He motioned twards a chair. "Please, sit." He could tell the chair would be far too small but there was really not much he could do unless the man wished to stand.

"Now, I will make this short and sweet. We were sent here by the Emperor Of Largent. Our mission is to establish a Largentian HQ in this system. Pluto or Charon would be almost ideal. We are very willing to do almost anything in return, within reason, if you were to allow us to establish a colony on either planet."

Chen-taos face darkened slightly. He had known that the transmissions were accurate, but having them confirmed did not do his mood any favours.

"A headquarters," he stated. "I take it you mean some kind of military facility? Hmmm... Why do you feel it needs to be placed on pluto or Charon? Our two main cities are there, and it would hardly be in their best interests to have a prominent military position literally right next door. We have extensive maps of the Kuiper Belt and Oort cloud regions, which are far more suitable for such a facility, being more difficult to find, or, alternatively, we may be willing to sell a section of Quaoar, a planetoid near Pluto, provided that we have your word that out people there will be secured. But I must know why such a facility is necessary.

Santucci looked surprised. "Certianly the military would be in the belt. I mean we would have a civilian population on Pluto and/or Charon. Of course we would also have scientific laboratories. This settlement would be scientific and political, not military."

Staring into space for a second, Chen-tao considered how he would continue the negotiation.

"And the prospective size of this settlement? Pluto is a very small planetoid, and we have substantial holdings all over, as well as underneath the surface. You must remember that the technology to keep such settlements in operation is significantly larger than the settlement itself. And again, the entire Jordaxian Empire is present in this area. The arrival of a completely unknown force literally within our borders, on our home world is ludicrous. In fact, the only way I can see this being an entirely acceptable proposal is if you reciprocate, and allow a Jordaxian civilian and military settlement within your home system, and on your home planet. I apologise for having to be, what must seem to you, so stubborn, but this entire proposal does not seem to benefit us in any way, and acts of selfless philanthropy do not keep our nation secure."

get lost, this is closed.
No need to be rude.

Santucci shook his head. "No, no military installations will be allowed in Largent. You may have a civilian populace if you wish but it would only be a financial blunder for you. There are no resources you will have access to and we certainly will not support such a colony. Also, you say we are on your homeworld when in fact we are accepting either residence on Pluto or Charon so I really don't see your dillema. As for benifiting you, the benifits are endless. Lets say we made an alliance to ensure peaceful coexistence. Part of our military is in within the belt and even more is just a day and a half's trip away which will help defend you. Also, we could establish free trade which is the only way you could ever hope to support a colony within our territory because certainly you weren't hoonestly considering your ships just parading through our territory delivering god knows what without our authroization. This is not selfless philanthropy, this is a long term vision with benifits no matter how you look at it."

"So, you would assume that your ships may deliver unknown materials of unknown origin or intent to your facilities within our territory, long since established as Jordaxian land, yet we may not do the same to you. This does not sound like the type of deal which benefits us equally. Many nations have assumed that we are an isolated, backward people. It is not a mistake that you should make. Indeed, it is a wonder that your ships are as fortunate as they were to emerge in this area, as we have minefields positioned along all major non-civilian routes to our homeland.

As for the matter concerning supply ships, even if we considered allowing your ships free access, you would still have the quite definite problem of piracy on your ships. Jordaxian pirates have long since established this area as being highly profitable for trade. After all, Jordaxia is a place which needs many things brought into our territory. Things such as water, many food imports, even air. As for not attempting to establish a territory on our homeworld, whichever way you look at it, this is our homeland. Pluto and Charon are twin planets orbiting one another. it is like claiming a binary star system is in fact two entire distinct star systems, that is, incorrect."

To wit, without a similar level of reciprocation, the most we can offer is a civilian outpost on Quaoar, which we would protect with out own military, which has had years of experience of fighting pirates within the asteroid fields. Other than that, A more involved level of community could only be maintained with you willing to allow Jordaxian military assets within Largent, which we would reciprocate without delay."

Rising from his uncomfortable position in the tiny chair, Chen Tao extended his hand to Santucci, and readied himself to return to his ship.

" Concerning the trade, an alliance of any sort and we would let you transport whatever you like into our territory if you allow some form of an escort once you near civilian areas. Also, we would have no trouble with pirates. We too have experieced their horror and have specialized ships to kill off any one that approaches us. As far as military in our territory, we could compromise here. I wouldn't say you have a snowballs chance in hell of getting military on a Largentian PLANET. However, we do own many synthisised moon. We could put one in orbit near your civilian territory. The only way we would let you put it on the ground is if you let us put our military on a planet rather than in the belt. However, I feel it would work out best if we just stayed near each others planets and no on them...yet. If you agree to our equally balanced terms I can have a draft of some sort of alliance or pact ready by tommorow.

"As for a parting word: this entire meeting has revolved around one fundamental idea; trust. You question if we can be trusted and we do the same towards you. We argue about military and weapons and terms and conditions as though we are already at war. I am a little perplexed as to why. How would either side benifit through war, what is to stop me from having you killed right now, and yet I have been kind towards you. Am I being deceptive? No. The same for you, what was to stop you from shooting my people from the sky? I feel we have both demonstrated we can be trusted, the only question is whether or not you are willing to recognise this and allow us to prove we can live together in peace."

Santucci shakes the oversized hand and watches the man go hoping either that the Jordaxians are rational and kind or that his elders wont be quick to rush forward and take up arms...again.

Upon successful landing on Pluto, Chen-tao was summoned to report before the castes. The heads of the castes were sitting at a semi-circular table, with Yang-chen II sitting at the head. Beginning the meeting, Yang-chen asked:

"What is it that they want?"

"They seek to set up a military and civilian supply post on a Jordaxian planet, my Lord" responded Chen-tao. "I deferred a decision until I had consulted you on it. Such a decision could not be taken myself."

"This is most concerning indeed. We know nearly nothing of them, yet they seem to be perfectly peacable, and they know that they could never attack us should they desire our territory. Furthermore, we have no indication that their intent is anything less than honourable. To treat anyone with the highest suspicion is only prudent, particularly if we know no better of them, but to allow it to interfere with a judgement so much that it actually becomes the soul of the matter is not prudent. It is true that a close trading neighbour would be useful, especially considering hyperdrive unit costs is one of the main reasons that Jordaxian trade is so limited. If we can build a sizeable Sol trade link, then Jordaxian produce might become more profitable."

"We agree with that, your excellency." Said the head of the religious/bureaucratic caste. "And we agree also that excessive suspicion may harm relations with our neighbours. There is nothing that we could do to stop them having any position in this section of space, after all, we could not possibly secure the entire outer-sol system. That would take a fleet beyond count. Should they desire position here, they shall have it. What would be wise would be to keep them well within our sight and grasp. That way, should they become... undesirable, we can deal with their outpost before they can fortify it to an unsatisfactory standard.

The head of the warrior caste was breathing through clenched teeth.

"What are you talking about? You believe it is acceptable to allow military force right next to our homeworld? Have you entirely lost your mind? Perhaps you might consider that the Warrior caste barely has enough resources at its disposal to deal with the pirates on our doorstep, never mind keep a colony in a far off system secure. And then we have to consider an organised enemy as another threat. Granted they speak in civilised tones and respect for our sovereignty. No doubt they will continue their tone as they stab our backs! Are you so naive to believe that they will honour their word? Few nations possess that characteristic. Why should we assume that they are in that minority?"

"Once again your only thought is the jingoistic and narrow view you hold of the universe." Retorted the head of the religious caste. "Surely you must admit that the more people we can bring under the watchful eye of the Emperor, the less there are that can freely plot against him? As I said before, there is little way we can stop them setting up a position in the belt. The most we can do is ensure that we have them where we want them. Thankfully, Chen-tao put up quite the fight against this... Santucci fellow. This is perfect for us. If we give them territory, they will assume that it is some kind of moral victory for them, and they will be less inclined to consider the true reasoning behind it. They accept the terms which put the strongest limiters on their possible power in this area, but their proximity to Jordaxia disguises it as mere caution on our part. Now, with them happily established nearby, they have no reason to move further afield, and if they do, it is our first inkling that they do not intend on the most honourable course of action. Essentially, my pugnacious friend, we are ensuring that we hold all the cards."

Without a leg with which to stand, the head of the warrior caste sat back down, defeated.

Yang-chen, having heard both sides, then made his decision on the matter.

"Chen-tao. Take this message back towards Santucci. Inform him that he may establish a small colony on the Southern tip of Charon. Inform him that such a colony will be protected by the Jordaxian navy as if it was part of the Empire. Proceed to inform Santucci that there is an established military outpost on the old site of the Primary Military Centre, which is quiet nicely out of our way, but yet is close enough to be useful as a military base. it is also of a good size. Such a base likely has many listening devices which we may be able to patch into unawares, in order to better ascertain their intent. I think it would be best if you were frank regarding its previous location. We wouldn't want to offend them if they were to find such devices. Best if they always assumed they were there should they find them. Inform them that we would like to propose a mutual trade and nonaggression pact with their nation, as well as to establish a small trade colony on a Largentian planet. Ask also how many ships we would be allowed to position to guard our colony. Whilst it is of secondary concern to us... that is not something we need to announce."

"At once, My Lord" said Chen Tao, who bowed deeply then left.

Santucci read the message and turned to the Largentian Emperor on the terminal beside him. "What do you think your greatness?"

"Suitable, for now. Tell them we accept their offer and that they may put as many ships in our system as we put in theirs. I don't think it will matter really, their ships are surrounded on all sides. If war were to ever break out they would be in the middle of hell."

"Yes your greatness." Santucci informs them on the number of ships they may put there and that Largent accepts their offer.

ON CHARON

The ships began landing one after the other. Hundreds of thousands of scientists, engineers, and workers poured out. There were robots, construction equiptment, droids and a small force to keep the peace within the colony.

Within hours advanced construction equiptment were able to set up towns and a capital. Santucci was once again governor of New Largent.

Current Satistics:

Largentian Defense:
3 Imperial Destroyers
1 Dreadnought Cruisers
2 Fighter Divisions
2 Bomber Divisions

Cities:
Capital: New Winchia
2 Trade Centers
1 Industrial Centers
2 Resource Centers
3 Research Centers
4 Villages
1 Financial District

Governor: Stephan Santucci


With the newly established colony Largent is clearly displaying its territory with an energy feild that establishes a Largentian perimeter.

The Resource and Trade Centers are establishing secure trade routes while the Financial center is establishing a First National Back of New Largent and a new market.

Scientific centers are working to create new and more efficient equiptment given new conditions. Also, just beyond the asteroid belt, beyond Jordaxian jurisdiction a military research facility and construction center is being made.

Also, a Jordaxian delegate will be expected in Winchia, Largent to discuss terms and conditions for a Jordaxian colony in Largentian territory.

(I'm going to make assumptions here, but nothing major. Feel free to correct/ignore.)

There were two aspects watching the colony, called Largento Nova by the media, and so by the public in general. Firstly, the inevitable media attention that a space fleet landing on the twin home of the Jordaxian people generates. A lot of hostile reaction had to be countered, and there was a sizeable amount of people, mainly those with connections to the religious/bureaucratic caste who looked on this new turn of events with quite a hopeful mindset. After all, the land wasn't being used, but now real revenue can be made from it. The mob in general, however, having no concept of anything past the "now" , could not be described as enthusiastic, but, on the whole, were peaceful regarding the whole affair. The second aspect was the religious/bureaucratic caste, who had taken advantage of its Southern position to use more conventional and undetectable methods of acquiring basic information regarding the colony. Large telescopes barely poked their heads above the surface of the south pole of pluto, staring across space towards Largento Nova. Such primitive technology was not often good for much, but in this instance, it could have its uses. the footage recorded from the telescopes was sorted and filed, and sent to a small facility underneath the Palace for analysis.

Aboard the Nonsequitor sent to Largent to discuss the counter-colony, A replacement envoy from the religious/bureaucratic caste was getting ready to begin negotiations on the new colony. A far more experienced diplomat, and fully entitled to represent the Eternal Empire, more official negotiations could begin. Placing the ceremonial robes on , a rather difficult task without gravity to assist, placing the bulky personal gravity generator on his side, hidden underneath one of the folds as much as it could be. The high pitched whine of the Gridsphere was still something that taken getting used to, something which the emmisary, Setsu, had no intent of allowing to happen. The heavily industrialised ship, cluttered with pipes and wires, was hardly a suitable environment for an official of the Empire. The crew hardly seemed to notice as they glid through the air unimpeded, carrying out their tasks. As Setsu left his chambers, he found that his robes had a tendancy to catch on the handles the crew used to pull themselves along.Upon finally reaching what passed as the bridge, a tight, enclosed area with a few seats. Without looking up from his terminal, the Captain said,

"We should be closing on the Largent system in a few moments. We have sent advanced notification of our arrival in the system, so hopefully we shouldn't be arriving unannounced."

In the Largent system, The Nonsequitor appeared, without flash or show.

"This is Jordaxian envoy "Abrasive Personality" requesting landing information, repeat, requesting landing information, over."

Now all that was left to do was wait for the response.

OOC Tag, Nice stuff, both of you cheak your Telagrams.

As Minister Schelzie waited at in his office in intercom buzzed to life. "Sir, the delegate is arriving."

"Thank you Betty."

A message was sent giving landing instruction to the ship. It was escorted down into the hanger right next to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs where Schelzie waited.

As the man walked into Schelzie's office he extended a hand, "Greetings, I am Minister Schelzie, Minister of Foreign Affairs. We have a larger seat ready for you this time," he motioned to the abnormally large leather seat. "Why don't you get comfortable and tell me what your people had in mind for a colony. I also have been given full authorization to grant you the land we decide on."

(OOC: Apologies for the late reply, I don't even have time at the moment. Still, the hard part's over, I figure that this part isn't quite as urgent. I'll try to have a reply within the next few days, but what with Christmas an' all (can I have a weaker excuse?) I rarely have time.)

No rush.