NationStates Jolt Archive

(Should've mentioned that this is FT.)

DC Headquarters: Saph Prime

"Seems like they've got a new ship up sir."

"Yeah... It seems so. Alright, dispatch a ship to the sector."

"Aye, sir."

A few minutes later...

A small vessel warped into ND space. It's smooth, sleek exterior glistened in the starlight. The underside gently lit by the soft glow of the planet beneath it. It was upside down in relation to the planet, and on its approach, it made a gentle bank to right itself. From the engines came a light, blueish glow. Nothing actually came out of these engines, as the ship utilized an inertial drive. Entering a low orbit around the planet, a small hatch opened from where a small ship resembling a smaller version of the larger vessel, made it's way down to the single largest city on the planet.

(OOC: Only expecting a radio call to the shuttle.)

At the Aerodrome Tower #5, one of the crewmen was in the main hub. It had been a busy, yet mundane day that called for breakneck prevention of things from slamming into each other. So far, he was doing good for an Air Traffic Controller.

Then, the radio picked up the signals. Another alien signal! He went to his headset, and listened in.

He radioed back:

"Unknown aircraft, this is People's Aerodrome Tower #5. Who are you? Respond, over."

Radio Response:

(Static)...ye...e...s...(static clears.) "This is the Sovereign vessel, Ien'iu on a diplomatic mission to this world's capital. As there doesn't seem to be any other major settlement on this world, we assume that this is it."

(Static comes in and fades off again.)

"I am ambassador Tsu'chin of the Eshirian Sovereignty. We've detected numerous other alien signals in your sector. I assume by now you've set up a system for new alien arrivals?"

Radio Response:

(Static)...ye...e...s...(static clears.) "This is the Sovereign vessel, Ien'iu on a diplomatic mission to this world's capital. As there doesn't seem to be any other major settlement on this world, we assume that this is it."

(Static comes in and fades off again.)

"I am ambassador Tsu'chin of the Eshirian Sovereignty. We've detected numerous other alien signals in your sector. I assume by now you've set up a system for new alien arrivals?"

The radioman simply said, "Ambassador, we do. Please land at Hangar 24; we'll send guys to pick you up. Repeat, Hangar 24, over."

He then called for the Commissariat for Foreign Affairs to send an agent down to Hangar 24. Hopefully, this would go well.

On-board the ship:

"Well, it seems they've already developed the technology to interface with our systems. Our language database especially..." spoke the ambassador.

The pilot spoke up, "They say to land at a 'Hanger 24', sir.

"Alright, tap into the translator database. Seems like their speaking some dialect called, Inglick, or something like that."

"Yes, sir, English is the language, the computer says." the pilot looked out at the sprawling complex... The pilot opened a few more commands with the Psi link on-board. The computer brought up a translation of the "English" language. "Looks like that huge symbol over there means '24'..."

"Then that's where we'll land."

Transmission to Tower 5:

"Roger that, ND Control. Where making our approach now."


The ship tapped into the computer networked skyway system of the airport, and waited for the two computer systems to work out an open flight path.

Within a few seconds a course was plotted, and the ship made it's way down.

Ship:

"I find it funny that they assume that we know what their number '24' looks like..." Mentioned Tsu'chin to one of her aids. The aid simply smiled.

Meanwhile, Melinda Linda-chibi was straightening her tie. She was the first Necker, or more politely, gente-gata, worker in the Commissariat for Foreign Affairs for awhile. Her kind were looked down uipon as barbarians, and wily animals, and given the title "Abhuman." She weathered those things; after all, she wasn't ashamed of the cat ears she sported or her tail.

She was smiling, and ready to present the delegation a gift. Some apples, and a bottle of Glenlivet Scotch.

Flanking her were several men, dressed like Soviet troops from WWII, with R-1 Lasguns, standing at attention. A band was also present, ready to play the Soviet National Anthem.

(Unknown terms and other notes are explained in my factbook.)

The vessel made it's way to the pad. Only four meters from the surface, the landing shields opened up and the landing gear extended. A low whine from the ship's hover AG systems could be heard as the main engins throttled down. A small wind came out from under the ship

Within a minute, the vessel had landed, the hatch opened, and a few ESSov Guards stepped out, MP rifles at the ready.

Tsu stepped out last, after her aids had filed in a line on either side of the opened hatch door.

By now, the engines had throttled down to stand-by, and the AG systems took over. The small wind now a breeze.

Tsu looked out at the cat-like humanoid. {Oh, boy...} She thought, as she walked towards her, flanked by her own two ESSov guards. Her aids followed.

(Unknown terms and other notes are explained in my factbook.)

The vessel made it's way to the pad. Only four meters from the surface, the landing shields opened up and the landing gear extended. A low whine from the ship's hover AG systems could be heard as the main engins throttled down. A small wind came out from under the ship

Within a minute, the vessel had landed, the hatch opened, and a few ESSov Guards stepped out, MP rifles at the ready.

Tsu stepped out last, after her aids had filed in a line on either side of the opened hatch door.

By now, the engines had throttled down to stand-by, and the AG systems took over. The small wind now a breeze.

Tsu looked out at the cat-like humanoid. {Oh, boy...} She thought, as she walked towards her, flanked by her own two ESSov guards. Her aids followed.

The band struck up, and began playing the Soviet National Anthem.

Melinda then walked up to Tsu. Smiling, she extended her hand to Tsu and said, "In the name of the Workers' And Peasants of New Dornalia, we welcome you to our land."

{Ugh, What is that music?!} Thought Tsu as she reached out her hand.

"Hello, my name is Tsu'chin, ambassador to this world of the Eshiriran Sovereignty. In reguards to your position in the grand scheme of current Galactic Politics, your system's location, technology level, and current ability to project interstellar military force, I believe that we have much to discuss."

Tsu though for a moment, and asked. "If I may ask, what is that stirring music?" {Stop, stop, stop!} she thought.

{Ugh, What is that music?!} Thought Tsu as she reached out her hand.

"Hello, my name is Tsu'chin, ambassador to this world of the Eshiriran Sovereignty. In reguards to your position in the grand scheme of current Galactic Politics, your system's location, technology level, and current ability to project interstellar military force, I believe that we have much to discuss."

Tsu though for a moment, and asked. "If I may ask, what is that stirring music?" {Stop, stop, stop!}

Melinda said, shaking Tsu's hand, "That is the old Soviet National Anthem, a pre-Apocalypse hymn that is our national hymn."

She motioned for the band to cease. They stopped, and went to attention.

She then presented the apples and whiskey. "We present this gift to you, in a spirit of cooperation."

Melinda continued: "Yes. We do have much in the way of diversity, and developing technologies. We seek to expand contacts with other spacefaring states, and we are honored to have you here. News travels fast-we have heard much about your people."

Tsu accepted the gifts, but slowly gave them to one of her aids to hold as she brought out her own gifts. A small headband that was customary for respected hosts, along with a small smaple of Eshirian food.

"And I present these as a gift to you for the same." {Whew!} Tsu thought when the music stopped.

Melinda spoke and Tsu responded, "Oh?" She said, somewhat surprised. The Eshirian Senate would have to work harder at keeping knowlege of advanced civilizations such as the ES out of the hands of such early spacefairing nations... She continued, "You've heard of our poeple? Good things I hope?"

Tsu accepted the gifts, but slowly gave them to one of her aids to hold as she brought out her own gifts. A small headband that was customary for respected hosts, along with a small smaple of Eshirian food.

"And I present these as a gift to you for the same." {Whew!} tsu thought when the music stopped.

Melinda spoke and Tsu responded, "Oh?" She said, somewhat surprised. The Eshirian Senate would have to work harder at keeping knowlege of advanced civilizations such as the ES out of the hands of such early spacefairing nations... She continued, "You've heard of our poeple? Good things I hope?"

Melinda accepted the gifts, and then resisted the urge to say a number of nasty comments on the atheism of the Eshirian people, and said instead, "We have heard of your native sport of Anti-Gravity Racing, and we have heard of the wise and hard-working nature of your people. You prize knowledge, I admire this. We prize knowledge too, as our Commissariat for Science is evidence of this."

Tsu's somewhat dull Psi senses felt a large rush of anger, but it quickly subsided. Needless to say, it shook Tsu a bit. What could've happened just now? The two ESSov Guards must've felt it too, as they shifted their MERA-19s slightly when the burst of emotion came.

Tsu decided not to pursue it.

"I see. Well, that is good news. I have not yet heard of your Science Commissariat, but it's always nice to see another intelligent nation on the block. We've seen your new vessel, and I must say, we're all very surprised at how well you've integrated such advanced technologies into your lives in such a short period of time. It is this ability I hope to speak more of later. It would in very handy for what we can offer your people."

After a pause, she continued, "Our sport of AG racing is, well..." Tsu sounded a little unsure, but her next comment was confident, "I would be happy to arrange a trip to our homeworlds to see an AG event."

Tsu's somewhat dull Psi senses felt a large rush of anger, but it quickly subsided. Needless to say, it shook Tsu a bit. What could've happened just now? The tow ESSov Guards must've felt it too, as they shifted their MERA-19s slightly when the burst of emotion came.

Tsu decided not to pursue it.

"I see. Well, that is good news. I have not yet heard of your Science Commissariat, but it's always nice to see another intelligent nation on the block. We've seen your new vessel, and I must say, we're all very surprised at how well you've integrated such advanced technologies into your lives in such a short period of time. It is this ability I hope to speak more of later. It would in very handy for what we can offer your people."

After a pause, she continued, "Our sport of AG racing is, well..." Tsu sounded a little unsure, but her next comment was confident, "I would be happy to arrange a trip to our homeworlds to see an AG event."

Melinda then said, "Perhaps we can pursue this at a more comfortable location? A hangar is not a good place to do this."

Melinda then motioned for Tsu and her retinue to enter a limousine motorcade, bedecked in ES and ND flags. Explaining this, Melinda simply said, "News travels."

She got inside, and waited for Tsu and her retinue to enter fully....

Melinda then said, "Perhaps we can pursue this at a more comfortable location? A hangar is not a good place to do this."

Melinda then motioned for Tsu and her retinue to enter a limousine motorcade, bedecked in ES and ND flags. Explaining this, Melinda simply said, "News travels."

She got inside, and waited for Tsu and her retinue to enter fully....

"News travels huh? It's good that we're so popular I'd say!" Tsu said in a joking tone.

Tsu'chin made her way into the limousine, and her aids followed her in. The two ESSovs motioned for their MPH-12's (Hover cycles), which made their way out on autopilot to them. After they mounted, and flanked the Limo, Tsu'chin said, "Alright, I think we're ready."

"News travels huh? It's good that we're so popular I'd say!" Tsu said in a joking tone.

Tsu'chin made her way into the limousine, and her aids followed her in. The two ESSovs motioned for their MPH-12's (Hover cycles), which made their way out on autopilot to them. After they mounted, and flanked the Limo, Tsu'chin said, "Alright, I think we're ready."

Melinda spoke to the driver, another gente-gata, to move, saying: "Vamonos."

The driver nodded, and said, "Hai," before moving out. The motorcade soon drove through the city.

If Tsu looked out the window, she would have seen the multitude of neat, austerely designed apartment buildings, made of concrete and being upgraded with new materials, as well as flashy, steel and glass mega towers for the various state-run corporations now being privatized. She also would have seen Communist propaganda boards, which were flashing random inspirational agitprop to the people, as well as a number of small businesses, factories, small Mexican, gente-gata, and Asian bodegas and street hawkers advertsing their wares, and all kinds of restaurants, as well as the occasional gente-gata and other Abhuman hooker plying her trade. Things were surprisingly clean and orderly; police in uniforms and helmets resembling old East German Army units patrolled the streets with lasguns and stunguns.

As well, she would have seen covered walkways stretching from building to building, aboveground trains, hydrogen cars, and a clean envrionment resembling modern-day Los Angeles, but a modern-day Los Angeles in transition to becoming a futuristic, Communist state.

(OOC: Alright, fine, you got me. What does gente-gata mean? >_>)

OOC: gente-gata is what the catpeople in ND call themselves. From a corruption of the Spanish for "cat people." Many humans call them "neckers" from the corruption of the word "neko," or "abhumans."

Melinda spoke to the driver, another gente-gata, to move, saying: "Vamonos."

The driver nodded, and said, "Hai," before moving out. The motorcade soon drove through the city.

If Tsu looked out the window, she would have seen the multitude of neat, austerely designed apartment buildings, made of concrete and being upgraded with new materials, as well as flashy, steel and glass mega towers for the various state-run corporations now being privatized. She also would have seen Communist propaganda boards, which were flashing random inspirational agitprop to the people, as well as a number of small businesses, factories, small Mexican, gente-gata, and Asian bodegas and street hawkers advertsing their wares, and all kinds of restaurants, as well as the occasional gente-gata and other Abhuman hooker plying her trade. Things were surprisingly clean and orderly; police in uniforms and helmets resembling old East German Army units patrolled the streets with lasguns and stunguns.

As well, she would have seen covered walkways stretching from building to building, aboveground trains, hydrogen cars, and a clean envrionment resembling modern-day Los Angeles, but a modern-day Los Angeles in transition to becoming a futuristic, Communist state.


Tsu took a look outside, and indeed, she saw that, which was promised. It was obviously a time of great awakening for these people.

{Wow. eh, just, wow. A little primitive by our standards, but wow.} Tsu thought to herself.

"So, what are you willing to offer?"

Tsu took a look outside, and indeed, she saw that, which was promised. It was obviously a time of great awakening for these people.

{Wow. eh, just, wow. A little primitive by our standards, but wow.} Tsu thought to herself.

"So, what are you willing to offer?"

Melinda said, "You may have a designated treaty zone, where you may set up shop and deal freely in your wares. Also, you may use the Che Guevara Station freely. As for scientific and biological specimens, we can offer a view into the cultures of Abhumans like myself, and perhaps a lowering of tariffs. Maybe even a full cultural exchange?"

Melinda said, "You may have a designated treaty zone, where you may set up shop and deal freely in your wares. Also, you may use the Che Guevara Station freely. As for scientific and biological specimens, we can offer a view into the cultures of Abhumans like myself, and perhaps a lowering of tariffs. Maybe even a full cultural exchange?"

Tsu's ears pricked up at the mention of lowered tariffs. Eshirians had always been careful with their resources, and money was just another example.
When Melinda spoke of scientific exchanges, Tsu became more excited, although she did not show it.

"Really now?" Tsu thought for a moment. "Actually, we already have some experience with creatures such as yourself." Tsu hesitated for a moment, unsure of how she would be taken with her next move.

"Actually, I happen to have a picture of one such being, similar to yourself, although, not as extreme."

Tsu handed her a holo-padd, which had the image.

http://i7.photobucket.com/albums/y266/kyanges/mc_con28.jpg

Tsu shifted very slightly, and somewhat uncomfortably. "She's actually my... umm, never mind."

There was an awkward silence. "So...you mentioned a treaty zone?"

(OOC: Bump for UX.)

Tsu's ears pricked up at the mention of lowered tariffs. Eshirians had always been careful with their resources, and money was just another example.
When Melinda spoke of scientific exchanges, Tsu became more excited, although she did not show it.

"Really now?" Tsu thought for a moment. "Actually, we already have some experience with creatures such as yourself." Tsu hesitated for a moment, unsure of how she would be taken with her next move.

"Actually, I happen to have a picture of one such being, similar to yourself, although, not as extreme."

Tsu handed her a holo-padd, which had the image.

http://hyung-taekim.org/albums/userpics/10001/mc_con28.jpg

Tsu shifted very slightly, and somewhat uncomfortably. "She's actually my... umm, never mind."

There was an awkward silence. "So...you mentioned a treaty zone?"

Melinda wasn't surprised at the picture. Abhumans such as herself were normally treated as, well, eye candy, and were kinda accustomed to being in all kinds of relationships, not all of them savory, but many seeming to turn out okay.

Melinda said, "Yes, a treaty zone. I think the section of Torrance would be good. We are shifting from Strict Socialism to a freer model, as practiced by the Chinese before the Apocalypse. They were an ideal Socialist state, apparently-they moderated the abuses of Capitalism, yet reaped its rewards. We are learning from them."

She then smiled and said: "As part of this shift, we shall give you a treaty zone. As specified, you may deal in goods freely here, though with a slight tax. It will be small though, infentesmal even. One rule- we police the area ourselves, and you must obey our civil laws. Otherwise, you're free to do as you please, economic restrictions will be relaxed."

(OOC: Heh, saved the pic to photobucket, so after I edit the post, the pic should show up. I know you can see it if you copy the URL, but whatever.)

IC:

Tsu was somewhat relieved, although, she wasn't quite sure just how her little pause would be taken. “Oh, *Slight laugh* no, no. It’s not like that. She’s my daughter… adopted of course. I just wasn’t sure how you would react to that. I know some races aren’t exactly friendly towards people who adopt ones they see as their own. And, well, you know, she’s also a teenager, so she dresses like that.”

Tsu laughed. {I hope she wasn’t thinking of some weirdo relationship, like wives or something… It may be common on our world, but… heh, I’m not so common.} Tsu thought.

“Well, actually, I understand that your race used to be something like, if not exactly like Earth, except without the Apocalyptic War. If that’s true, then you must understand that China in that period still had rampant corruption. Seeing as how you say you're following their model, if we’re to do business here, we'd like to know just how you intend to deal with that issue."

(OOC: Heh, saved the pic to photobucket, so after I edit the post, the pic should show up. I know you can see it if you copy the URL, but whatever.)

IC:

Tsu was somewhat relieved, although, she wasn't quite sure just how her little pause would be taken. “Oh, *Slight laugh* no, no. It’s not like that. She’s my daughter… adopted of course. I just wasn’t sure how you would react to that. I know some races aren’t exactly friendly towards people who adopt ones they see as their own. And, well, you know, she’s also a teenager, so she dresses like that.”

Tsu laughed. {I hope she wasn’t thinking of some weirdo relationship, like wives or something… It may be common on our world, but… heh, I’m not so common.} Tsu thought.

“Well, actually, I understand that your race used to be something like, if not exactly like Earth, except without the Apocalyptic War. If that’s true, then you must understand that China in that period still had rampant corruption. Seeing as how you say you're following their model, if we’re to do business here, we'd like to know just how you intend to deal with that issue."

Melinda then said, "We do have a Domestic Security Group to deal with offenders, and we do have many laws still in place to ensure equity for Workers. So that is not a problem."

She then said, "I did not know she was your daughter...forgive me. I had assuemd otherwise!"

Tsu laughed again. "No, it's alright."

Then she cleared her throat and continued, "I had come here to mention about technology exchange. Anything that you might want to mention before I begin?"

Tsu laughed again. "No, it's alright."

Then she cleared her throat and continued, "I had come here to mention about technology exchange. Anything that you might want to mention before I begin?"

Melinda said, "Well, we do have a non-disclosure agreement on certain types of mecha. That's it. That, and our industrial and research facilities are expanding rapidly, so we can handle pretty much whatever you can offer."

Melinda said, "Well, we do have a non-disclosure agreement on certain types of mecha. That's it. That, and our industrial and research facilities are expanding rapidly, so we can handle pretty much whatever you can offer."

"Quite the industrious people, yes, I see. But I doubt that you'll be able to 'handle pretty much whatever we can offer' with the huge disparity that exists between our two technologies." Your, 'mecha' I believe, are something that we will monitor with some interest. We as a military have taken a largely different, and we believe, superior method of waging a war... from the skies."

She brought out another holo-padd, and handed it to Melinda.

"Here." She began, "It's our latest fighter. (OOC: You know which one.) I think that you'll find that even the standard systems on it demonstrate our technologies to be far ahead of even your most advanced thinking."

http://www.starwars.com/databank/starship/arc170fighter/img/eu_bg.jpg

She paused to let Melinda take the Padd. "Which is part of what we need to discuss. We noticed that your species has a natural way with integrating technologies into your lives even if they are, at first, far ahead of you. Part of my assignment here is to study how that is so. As this ability closely mirrors our own."

"Quite the industrious people, yes, I see. But I doubt that you'll be able to 'handle pretty much whatever we can offer' with the huge disparity that exists between our two technologies." Your, 'mecha' I believe, are something that we will monitor with some interest. We as a military have taken a largely different, and we believe, superior method of waging a war... from the skies."

She brought out another holo-padd, and handed it to Melinda.

"Here." She began, "It's our latest fighter. (OOC: You know which one.) I think that you'll find that even the standard systems on it demonstrate our technologies to be far ahead of even your most advanced thinking."

http://www.starwars.com/databank/starship/arc170fighter/img/eu_bg.jpg

She paused to let Melinda take the Padd. "Which is part of what we need to discuss. We noticed that your species has a natural way with integrating technologies into your lives even if they are, at first, far ahead of you. Part of my assignment here is to study how that is so. As this ability closely mirrors our own."

Melinda said, "Well....we are inclined to go into the future. We want things that are modern. Our government has begun a campaign to subsidize this leap. Part of this is not only desire, but it is fecundity and curiosity. The Workers and Peasants wish to enjoy the same standard of living as other races, and to see the same sights and sounds they do, and will work to do so. That, and we wish to expand our horizons to other worlds and fields. But I welcome you to see what we're about."

Melinda said, "Well....we are inclined to go into the future. We want things that are modern. Our government has begun a campaign to subsidize this leap. Part of this is not only desire, but it is fecundity and curiosity. The Workers and Peasants wish to enjoy the same standard of living as other races, and to see the same sights and sounds they do, and will work to do so. That, and we wish to expand our horizons to other worlds and fields. But I welcome you to see what we're about."

"Yes, I'd very much like to see this."

Tsu looked outside for a moment, taking in the sights.

"Pardon me, but, where are we going?"

"Yes, I'd very much like to see this."

Tsu looked outside for a moment, taking in the sights.

"Pardon me, but, where are we going?"

Melinda said, "To a ranch out in the outskirts of the San Bernardino Mountains, where we can get a more secluded and peaceful place to discuss things."

Melinda said, "To a ranch out in the outskirts of the San Bernardino Mountains, where we can get a more secluded and peaceful place to discuss things."

"Well, we've kinda been out here for a while. Mind if I speed things up a little?"

"Well, we've kinda been out here for a while. Mind if I speed things up a little?"

Melinda's face got a puzzled look on it, and she said, "Well....sure."

Melinda's face got a puzzled look on it, and she said, "Well....sure."

"Thank you."

Tsu touched the side of her throat, just below the chin, and spoke.

"This is Thei su eun, ready for transport."

Within seconds, the entire vehicle was bathed in a bright, blueish light.

"Thank you."

Tsu touched the side of her throat, just below the chin, and spoke.

"This is Thei su eun, ready for transport."

Within seconds, the entire vehicle was bathed in a bright, blueish light.

Melinda couln't believe it herself...the familiarity of downtown LA dissapeared into a swirly pool of light.....

...and she seemed to be one with the ether. Kinda cool, actually.

The light quickly subsided, and the vehicle arrived at it's destination. However, the electrical systems of the limo were unresponsive.

"Oh..." Tsu began, "Ummm, sorry about that... Yeah, you know all those ols alien movies, and how they always seemed to knock out electrical systems? Well, we haven't exactly figured that out yet. For us, it's not that much of a problem with our quantum, and optically based systems. Eh... sorry again."

The light quickly subsided, and the vehicle arrived at it's destination. However, the electrical systems of the limo were unresponsive.

"Oh..." Tsu began, "Ummm, sorry about that... Yeah, you know all those ols alien movies, and how they always seemed to knock out electrical systems? Well, we haven't exactly figured that out yet. For us, it's not that much of a problem with our quantum, and optically based systems. Eh... sorry again."

Melinda said, "Hmm...that would explain the watch. My watch is dead."

She shook her watch up and down, and said, "Friggin' thing is warped!"

She then tried to open the door, and barely succeeded, tumbling out the door and landing on all fours.

"She then got up and said, "Whoo!"

Melinda said, "Hmm...that would explain the watch. My watch is dead."

She shook her watch up and down, and said, "Friggin' thing is warped!"

She then tried to open the door, and barely succeeded, tumbling out the door and landing on all fours.

"She then got up and said, "Whoo!"

Tsu watched all of Melinda's antics from her seat, with some amusement.

"*Slight nervous laugh* Ummm, are you ok?"

Tsu got out and the two ESsov guards which had also been transported, dismounted, and returned to their positions behind her.

"I'm sure we'll have that bug worked out sometime..."

She took a look at the large building before her.

"So, where is this?"

Tsu watched all of Melinda's antics from her seat, with some amusement.

"*Slight nervous laugh* Ummm, are you ok?"

Tsu got out and the two ESsov guards which had also been transported, dismounted, and returned to their positions behind her.

"I'm sure we'll have that bug worked out sometime..."

She took a look at the large building before her.

"So, where is this?"

Sure enough, it was a ranch. With a central farmhouse, barn facilities and a section of range, it was an Old West style cattle ranch. It was being worked on by both free workers and some Abhuman POWs, who were shuffling hay around and feeding the horses. They wore orange and silver jumpsuits, signifying that they had been captured in battle.

Melinda said, "Welcome to the Rancho Caballo. An old institution, predating the Apocalypse to about 1845 A.D. Please, follow me."

She led the Kyangesite delegation to the mess hall, where a table was set up for them. It had plaid tablecloth, and some plates set up.

Melinda said, "Hungry?"

Sure enough, it was a ranch. With a central farmhouse, barn facilities and a section of range, it was an Old West style cattle ranch. It was being worked on by both free workers and some Abhuman POWs, who were shuffling hay around and feeding the horses. They wore orange and silver jumpsuits, signifying that they had been captured in battle.

Melinda said, "Welcome to the Rancho Caballo. An old institution, predating the Apocalypse to about 1845 A.D. Please, follow me."

She led the Kyangesite delegation to the mess hall, where a table was set up for them. It had plaid tablecloth, and some plates set up.

Melinda said, "Hungry?"

(OOC: Eshirian, will suffice.)

IC:

{Slaves?! Surely not... If they are, then we've got some things to talk about...} Thought Tsu.

Tsu had already eaten, but, she knew she couldn't be rude...

"Yes, I am a little." Tsu made her way to the table, following Melinda's lead.

(OOC: Eshirian, will suffice.)

IC:

{Slaves?! Surely not... If they are, then we've got some things to talk about...} Thought Tsu.

Tsu had already eaten, but, she knew she couldn't be rude...

"Yes, I am a little." Tsu made her way to the table, following Melinda's lead.

Melinda pulled out a chair, and motioned for Tsu to sit. She then sat down herself, and her retinue sat down as well. Putting on bibs, the group was presented with a light snack, mostly jalepeno poppers and fried onion blooms.

Melinda, being an Abhuman, soon became an entirely different person when the onion blooms came. She temporarily lost her decorum, and ripped out a clump of onions, dipping them in the horseradish sauce and then gulping them down like a little kid. She then stopped, wiped her mouth, and said, "Excuse me. Sorry....I can't resist a good onion bloom."

"Thank you." Said Tsu after sitting down.

While Melinda performed yet another wild antic, Tsu gingerly poked at the food. But tried to do so in a way that Melinda would not notice.

"Ah, ha ha... ummm, that's fine!"

Tsu poked at her food some more. Then, slowly, forked a bit and slowly placed it into her mouth. {So this is the infamous Earth version of "Fried food"...} Thought Tsu.

The two ESsov guards stood at the ready by the door.

"Thank you." Said Tsu after sitting down.

While Melinda performed yet another wild antic, Tsu gingerly poked at the food. But tried to do so in a way that Melinda would not notice.

"Ah, ha ha... ummm, that's fine!"

Tsu poked at her food some more. Then, slowly, forked a bit and slowly placed it into her mouth. {So this is the infamous Earth version of "Fried food"...} Thought Tsu.

The two ESsov guards stood at the ready by the door.

Melinda didn't notice Tsu poking at the food like it was filled with anthrax. But she did notice the fact that nobody was talking.

So, she said, probably not the must subtle way: "So...what do you guys have for...fine foods?"

Melinda didn't notice Tsu poking at the food like it was filled with anthrax. But she did notice the fact that nobody was talking.

So, she said, probably not the must subtle way: "So...what do you guys have for...fine foods?"

"Eh, well..."

Tsu thought for a moment. Despite her position as a very powerful and respected diplomat, and the fact that class and position had nothing to do with what foods were provided in the E.S., Tsu could have any fine food she wanted to. However, Tsu only ever had time to eat regular fast food. She had to think of something, and fast.

"Well, the Tai Uen, Rei Kei, Eien Yun (OOC:Take the first letter of each) on my world is pretty good!"

In reality, Tsu had only heard that the food was great from a friend, and had never tried it herself. (Cue anime style sweat drop.)

(OOC: Bump for UX.)

"Eh, well..."

Tsu thought for a moment. Despite her position as a very powerful and respected diplomat, and the fact that class and position had nothing to do with what foods were provided in the E.S., Tsu could have any fine food she wanted to. However, Tsu only ever had time to eat regular fast food. She had to think of something, and fast.

"Well, the Tai Uen, Rei Kei, Eien Yun (OOC:Take the first letter of each) on my world is pretty good!"

In reality, Tsu had only heard that the food was great from a friend, and had never tried it herself. (Cue anime style sweat drop.)

Melinda saw that Tsu was nervous, but she said, "Well, those sound yummy...and Korean. Heard of Kim chee at all? It's this most awesome pickled cabbage, spicy and stuff. It'll wake you up."

She then said, after eating some more onions: "Say....I hear you guys really have Star Destroyers. Is that true?"

Melinda saw that Tsu was nervous, but she said, "Well, those sound yummy...and Korean. Heard of Kim chee at all? It's this most awesome pickled cabbage, spicy and stuff. It'll wake you up."

She then said, after eating some more onions: "Say....I hear you guys really have Star Destroyers. Is that true?"

(OOC: From now on, I'm going to try to make this progressively more in character.)

IC:

I was pretty glad to move off the subject. Food never really was my best subject. Let's just say that I slept through foods class...

"Well, to be honest, Star Destroyers are some of the weakest ships that we have in our fleet. Which reminds me, that's part of the reason why we'll give some to you if you so desire." I said.

I knew that these primitives could not resist such an enticing offer. Their most powerful ships did not yet even possess one-quarter of the destructive capability as our weakest ships.

"Will your government accept such an offer?" I asked.

It was a pointless question. I already knew the answer...

(OOC: From now on, I'm going to try to make this progressively more in character.)

IC:

I was pretty glad to move off the subject. Food never really was my best subject. Let's just say that I slept through foods class...

"Well, to be honest, Star Destroyers are some of the weakest ships that we have in our fleet. Which reminds me, that's part of the reason why we'll give some to you if you so desire." I said.

I knew that these primitives could not resist such an enticing offer. Their most powerful ships did not yet even possess one-quarter of the destructive capability as our weakest ships.

"Will your government accept such an offer?" I asked.

It was a pointless question. I already knew the answer...

Melinda said, "Yes. We would like one, if not two."

Melinda said, "Yes. We would like one, if not two."

{Just like I thought they would...} I thought.

"We can negotiate the exact amount later. For now, I think that we should just finish this meal. This actually tastes pretty similar to our own fast foods on Saph Prime."

{Just like I thought they would...} I thought.

"We can negotiate the exact amount later. For now, I think that we should just finish this meal. This actually tastes pretty similar to our own fast foods on Saph Prime."

Melinda said, "Ah yes, this must be your homeworld, no?" She was intrigued by this comment, she had heard of the place, but like Marco Polo's tales of Cathay, it was mostly secondhand info, probably tainted with personal judgments and emotion, good and bad.

Melinda said, "Ah yes, this must be your homeworld, no?" She was intrigued by this comment, she had heard of the place, but like Marco Polo's tales of Cathay, it was mostly secondhand info, probably tainted with personal judgments and emotion, good and bad.

"That's right. But, actually, it's one of our three home worlds."

"That's right. But, actually, it's one of our three home worlds."

Melinda shot Tsu a puzzled look. She said, "Three? Now I've heard everything. We do have three worlds ourselves now, y'know. Ever heard of New Leningrad and New Star City?"

Melinda shot Tsu a puzzled look. She said, "Three? Now I've heard everything. We do have three worlds ourselves now, y'know. Ever heard of New Leningrad and New Star City?"

{Three worlds of your own... Heh, these guys sound like they have almost no idea what their getting into!} I thought.

"Of course we've heard of them. We've been tracking your colonization efforts for some time now. Three worlds is an impressive undertaking for a species as primitive as your own. We our selves have over 9,000 worlds in our claim."

{Three worlds of your own... Heh, these guys sound like they have almost no idea what their getting into!} I thought.

"Of course we've heard of them. We've been tracking your colonization efforts for some time now. Three worlds is an impressive undertaking for a species as primitive as your own. We our selves have over 9,000 worlds in our claim."

Melinda gasped, and proceeded to say, "9,000 worlds!? Golly gee, that's a lot!"

She then said, "How'd you do it?"

Melinda gasped, and proceeded to say, "9,000 worlds!? Golly gee, that's a lot!"

She then said, "How'd you do it?"

{Golly gee?!}

"I guess word doesn't travel that quickly. We Eshirians have been around for a long time. FTL travel has been in our daily lives for over 10,000 of your years. We would have well over 9,000 if it were not for our various wars and catastrophes."

Melinda said, "Now that's imperialism. I wish we could do that. Got anything that could help us in that regard? Our shipmaking tech is nice, but you have Star Destroyers, and awesome fighters. Those SSF-29s of Spartacus Sqaudron, for example. We need to really catch up."

Melinda said, "Now that's imperialism. I wish we could do that. Got anything that could help us in that regard? Our shipmaking tech is nice, but you have Star Destroyers, and awesome fighters. Those SSF-29s of Spartacus Sqaudron, for example. We need to really catch up."

"Well, I wouldn't put it in terms of imperialism... Every world we've colonized was uninhabited, or inhibitable. We have a very robust terraforming program. I think that we can arrange something..."

Melinda perked at the mention of terraforming, shoving some more onion in her mouth and chewing before saying:

"Terraforming, huh? Go on...."

Melinda perked at the mention of terraforming, shoving some more onion in her mouth and chewing before saying:

"Terraforming, huh? Go on...."

{Arck.} I thought when I saw her eat. {She's so easy going...}

"We've got a number of terraforming vessels that take care of the whole process from space. After the terraforming is complete, the ship can then land down on the surface, and be broken down as parts for use in a new colony. To put it, it's like a Mc-colony, with a Mc-fries and a drink."

{Arck.} I thought when I saw her eat. {She's so easy going...}

"We've got a number of terraforming vessels that take care of the whole process from space. After the terraforming is complete, the ship can then land down on the surface, and be broken down as parts for use in a new colony. To put it, it's like a Mc-colony, with a Mc-fries and a drink."

Hearing this, Melinda leaned back, and went, "Hmm...."

She then said, "I love this idea. It's so.....simple, and useful, and efficent....."

She then said, "...how much?"

Hearing this, Melinda leaned back, and went, "Hmm...."

She then said, "I love this idea. It's so.....simple, and useful, and efficent....."

She then said, "...how much?"

"Actually, for nothing at all. We were going to give a few a symbol of your new relation to the Sovereignty as our protectorate."

As soon as I said those words, I knew I shouldn't have. "Wait, I don't mean protectorate. You'll be under our protection for the time being, but you'll still have full autonomy."

"Actually, for nothing at all. We were going to give a few a symbol of your new relation to the Sovereignty as our protectorate."

As soon as I said those words, I knew I shouldn't have. "Wait, I don't mean protectorate. You'll be under our protection for the time being, but you'll still have full autonomy."

Melinda then said, "Good...we don't like imperialists telling us what to do, we'd like to run our own affairs, thank you very much. I realize that may have been a misuse of wording on your end, but....that gave me a scare still."

She then said, in a concilatory tone, "Of course, I will excuse this mistake, and accept the present offer."

Melinda then said, "Good...we don't like imperialists telling us what to do, we'd like to run our own affairs, thank you very much. I realize that may have been a misuse of wording on your end, but....that gave me a scare still."

She then said, in a concilatory tone, "Of course, I will excuse this mistake, and accept the present offer."

"Great! I think that wraps everything up! Here's a form for you. It'll contain all the details of our new relations."

Beep-beep-beep...

"Umm hold on a sec."

I walked away from Melinda. My Psi-commu was sounding.

Tsu: "Yes? What is it?"
Pilot: "Sorry ma'am. We've got a message from SovCom. They've got a new assignment for you... It has something to do with those crazy Neo-Phantoms on the Fringe."
Tsu: "*Sigh* Not again! That's alright pilot, I'm just finishing up here."
Pilot: "Roger that."
Tsu: "Tsu, out."

I walked back over the Melinda. "I'm sorry, but I really must leave. Believe me, I'll put in a good word for your race back at the Diplomatic Corp."

"Here's that Form. It's really more like the few notes I've been taking over the course of this meeting."

Eshirian Sovereignty Diplomatic Meeting End Report:
(New Dornalia)
Agreed state of relations: Protected Ally
Full Rights Protection? Yes
Trade Rights? Yes (Full)

Gifts:
-7 Standard T/C-293's (Colony Ships.)
-1 Eclipse Class Star Destroyer.

Other Notes: Very intelligent race, with great potential as a strong player in the future face of Inter-galactic political affairs. Technological integration ability is similar to our own, if slightly less in terms of original technology. All in all, a fair race with some strong points, but a very, very long way to go.

"Great! I think that wraps everything up! Here's a form for you. It'll contain all the details of our new relations."

Beep-beep-beep...

"Umm hold on a sec."

I walked away from Melinda. My Psi-commu was sounding.

Tsu: "Yes? What is it?"
Pilot: "Sorry ma'am. We've got a message from SovCom. They've got a new assignment for you... It has something to do with those crazy Neo-Phantoms on the Fringe."
Tsu: "*Sigh* Not again! That's alright pilot, I'm just finishing up here."
Pilot: "Roger that."
Tsu: "Tsu, out."

I walked back over the Melinda. "I'm sorry, but I really must leave. Believe me, I'll put in a good word for your race back at the Diplomatic Corp."

"Here's that Form. It's really more like the few notes I've been taking over the course of this meeting."

Eshirian Sovereignty Diplomatic Meeting End Report:
(New Dornalia)
Agreed state of relations: Protected Ally
Full Rights Protection? Yes
Trade Rights? Yes (Full)

Gifts:
-7 Standard T/C-293's (Colony Ships.)
-1 Eclipse Class Star Destroyer.

Other Notes: Very intelligent race, with great potential as a strong player in the future face of Inter-galactic political affairs. Technological integration ability is similar to our own, if slightly less in terms of original technology. All in all, a fair race with some strong points, but a very, very long way to go.

Melinda bowed, and said, "Thanks! It was a pleasure doing business with you."

Melinda bowed, and said, "Thanks! It was a pleasure doing business with you."

"Of course."

Tsu returned a quick bow, and stood straight. A bright light surrounded her and the two ESsov guards. In a flash, they were gone.

Back at the airport, the ship automatically sealed up and returned to the main ship that had been in orbit all this time.

THE END!!!

(OOC: Lol.)