NationStates Jolt Archive

The Chronosian Imperium stretches out, ever expanding, ever hungering for greater conquest and change. Its foremost contributer to aiding the growth and strength of the Imperium, is the Chronosian Diplomatic Corps.

Relying on diplomatic maneuvering and manipulation, this organisation sits with the Order of Assassins, as agents directly loyal to the Daemon Emperor and his goals. They are the mouthpiece of the Imperial Order.

At the border of the Gaian Ascendancy, the warship paused, a sleek and well armored craft, looking to be some great floating cathedral, a place of war and dark devotion. It was aboard this, the Hungering, a Cleanser Class Diplomatic Warship, that Lucian stood, his pestilant body smouldering with foul venoms and ichors, oozing from each pore like tiny rivers of depravity. Nurgle has blessed him; the power within his armor was testament to that, and the Plague Marines who inhabited this charnel house of space knew it also.

They were brothers in arms, and in blood. Cursed...

And so it was, that this foul battleship pondered, waiting, broadcasting its dark message.

"We come in the name of the Daemon Emperor; on the will of our Dark Gods, we would have discourse with you. We are the Imperium. Acknowledge us."

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Four Warrenter Class Destroyers were patroling space, monitoring all communications channels. It was part of there patrol duties to relay messages from possible allies, responding to their Transmissions of Peace many weeks ago. While on patrol they entercepted a differant message not meant for them.

"Sir, we have picked up a transmission from Chronosia!" said the comm officer of one of the ships.

"Tactical, check something for me, I believe that the Chronosians were sending a diplomatic envoy to the Korgarein Empire." said the Captain

"Yes sir, they are, that ship appears the be of the same classification that they are suppose to send." replied the Tac officer.

"Very good, continue our monitoring of the situation. Maintain allert level 1, I do not believe there is danger here. And this could be a good oppertunity to observe the actions of our possible allies befor we agree to anything. Keep me informed if the Ascendancy answers the Chronosian hails." ordered the Captain.

"Sir, should i change coarse?"

"No, Maintain patrol route, this is none of our buisness for the moment."

The four Korgarein ships continued on there coarse patroling the galaxy. They continued to monitor the area keeping close attention to the Chronosian ship.

((OOC: Bumping for a possible Ally.))

two sephrioth raptor fighters drop out of trans warp

two sephrioth raptor fighters drop out of trans warp

OOC: Seph, this doesn't concern you, so I'd appreciate you keeping out of it.

OOC: Tag for intrest.

((OC- Well well, this could be interesting.))
--

*White Diamond/Sapphire; Holy Palace Tree*

"The who now?" Lady Seto looked up. Lady Funaho handed over the data Padd that she just got from Lady Yurika, who was standing behind her with Lord Akito and Lord Azusa in tow.

Lady Seto read the Padd and smiled. "Well. We must be at least annoying enough to garner such attention. Diplomatic no less." Seto then placed the Padd down on her large office table, strewn with many other documents upon Padd format.

The offering of a interstellar 'UN' was something that was giving even Seto fits. Half of her wanted the place to exist as a psuedi-UN, upon a massed interstellar communications network. The other half in some blaise and overly ornate structure either in space, or on a very neutral world, one all parties would attest to as permanently neutral, and with no ability of any civilization to claim it.

The problem was where. Most of known space was unexplored, and the rest was claimed by more nations than could be counted in a cereal box of infinite pieces. (and not all the pieces were sweet to the palate...)

She however had one hell of a radical idea that was just forming in her head, after a short session with Lady Washu and the NAIS Scientific Council. She was just finishing when this hits her plate.

Seto sighs. "Good thing the Excellency is returning to Ascendancy space today. Ensure he get's a copy of this."

"Already done. He put the ball in your court until you arrive.. milday." Funaho puts with a slight wink. Seto just looks dryly back with her curled lips.

"Remind me to put that boy in stasis for awhile and torture his mind for what he did." The others cringe-chuckle a bit. She may not be kidding.

Seto however looks back down at the Padd on her table and muses. "Best not to keep em waiting. I'll have the Abh informed so as to know movements on both sides, and also to allow the vessel to the Homeworld. Even if they make less than idle threats, it'll still be discussion.

But maybe this is part of what we need to get our own idea really going."

Yurika, behind Funaho still asks. "Is that wise? Asking for a favor with little knowledge we might be treated fairly? We do have the reports of the Chronosian invasion of Drathera. We can't simply discount the possibility of likewise."

"True. But until that is established, we will listen. And if we can work it out that gives gain to both sides, even one the Chronosians will abide, then it may be more worth it.

We Guard the Balance, rather than either good over evil." Seto puts with a term Aleaic has used. Azusa next to Akito nods. "I shall inform all defenses to stand down until otherwise informed. They can still be raised within a mere few moments." Yurika looks over at the Strategic Advisor and nods. "The Fleet can be the same. But battle seems not the requirement here today."

Seto nods. "Then we are agreed. We will listen, and then I will offer my own proposal.

..even if Peorth was too farreaching for her own good." Seto says with an annoyed rub of her temple.

Seto then orders verbally a holoscreen that will be transmitted out through an HPG Complex.

--

Vessels and defenses surrounding the Elume II Star System in TCZ-11 / Gold Core Destiny March were ordered at Code Green-V Standby, just as the following message was sent out.

:: ~ Lords and Representatives of The Chronosian Imperium. We stand honored by your presence at our borders, and will welcome you to conduct the discourse you seek.

Your mighty vessel may enter our borders, and follow the following course through the following Systems:

:: Elume II --> Tsunami's World --> Proto Colony --> Rim Mirror --> White Diamond ::

:: M-3R572.12/AS-G11 *Scrambled CodeKey* ::

Your entry with the following codes given with this tansmission will allow your singular vessel passage through our defenses and into the Capital-Node Orbit zone. Once there, you can then declare your intentions, request access to the planet, ect.. ect..

We do not see this chance visit, as any less than a chance to know each of our realms better. Respect will be the key, and we do not see this as either side looking for war. Rather, a chance to carve a unique niche between our two cultures. If both sides can respect this much, I suspect we will conduct matters with the utmost respect.

Do note because of this, knowledge and customs between our two cultures are not neccessarily interchangable, and any mistake that could be misinterpreted as an insult could occur by pure accident. If this is also understood and met with openmindedness and flexibility, then be assured such possible incidents can be rectified swiftly.

I also personally wish to offer a chance request for you to consider, but only the requirement of listening, nothing more.

And, as such, I give permission to cross our borders, and await your arrival.

Welcome to the Ascendancy, Lords of the Imperium.

Honored Regards,

Lady Seto Kamiki
Gaian Foreign Advisor ~ ::

The message jumped the HPG Network to the border in short order to the Imperium Battleship. Two Corvettes were also dispatched to shadow the vessel from about a light-year away once it passed the border, just to be safe. They however gave an active IFF signal to declare their precense.

---

*Sol System; in orbit above Luna*

"You guys ready?"

":: Acknowledged milord. Awaiting your command. ::" ..the Commander of the Angel Galaxy responded back. ":: We're ready too son. ::" ..added the voice of Lord Terrai. Aleiac, at the helm of his XGP, remote ordered from polar orbit of Terra from the moment the Exile began, until it's literal end now, was now occupied by himself, two matromonial souls he knew well, and a 'third' that had gained sudden prominence within the past few days.

Aleaic still wasn't certain about all this, nor how his people 'would' recieve him upon his return. All he knew was that his wives Tsunami and Arashi had, after learning of Lady Jennifer's feelings in that ranch, was invited to come to the Ascendancy and see for herself the realiy of the life that Aleaic and his family now led.

..and decide for herself her future. On many fronts..

Aleaic in the central pilot seat, Tsui in the forward NAV seat, and Arashi and Jennifer in the side (port/starboard) Auxiliary Control seats, all awaited Aleaic's command, as did the McKenna Class Battleship that had brought Aleaic's blood and married family to Terra to ream the exile, and convince him to return.

..nevermind the events with the Hikari Power that conspired far more, as did celestial 'help' to the same.

Aleaic had finally decided to return to his empire of his own dreams and fulfill his obligations to his citizen souls. No matter what the eventual cost.

He would never run away again.

Aleaic then looks down from his holo-displays at the pink eyes looking at him. He smiles simply.

"Let's do it. Fold on my mark please."

A ten second count, and with that, the two vessels collpase into gleaming horizontal lines, into brilliant points of light, and Fold Jump out from Sol Sector, heading home.

The great warship slid forward, its black hull gleaming with corruption and devotion. The Imperial Warship slid along its projected course; its granted course from the Ascendancy as data flooded the Analysis tables and Scanner Displays.

"The culture is far more advanced than we could have discerned from their...Observation of the Dratherian Crusade"

"Aye, My Lord, yet there are many races that are not in themselves war-like, yet which are a threat when provoked."

"Indeed, Brother-Captain. How do we proceed."

"We are making our way through the Ascendancy Space, shall we open communications."

"Yes..."

A flick of switches, an invocation of the sacred God of the Machine, that the communications arrays be aligned and activate in his name.

"Rulers of the Ascendancy. I am Lucian, blessed of Nurgle; chosen of the Plague God, and Primarch son of the Daemon Emperor of Chronosia. I come in his name, in the name of his most benevolent will"

He paused, stepping forward, his putrid armor swarming with flies, oozing with pestilence.

"I come here, to speak with you, as men, lest we die in war as dogs."

He smirked wryly.

"In his name, I shall bring his Word. In accordance with Imperial dictate, you shall not be harmed. When I arrive; we shall speak."

The message was recieved back on Homeworld, about the same time that a certain Fold Jump entered the Homewrolrd System itself.

:: ~ "Rulers of the Ascendancy. I am Lucian, blessed of Nurgle; chosen of the Plague God, and Primarch son of the Daemon Emperor of Chronosia. I come in his name, in the name of his most benevolent will"

He paused, stepping forward, his putrid armor swarming with flies, oozing with pestilence.

"I come here, to speak with you, as men, lest we die in war as dogs."

He smirked wryly.

"In his name, I shall bring his Word. In accordance with Imperial dictate, you shall not be harmed. When I arrive; we shall speak." ~ ::

Lady Seto recieved the message got a copy privately, as did Lady Peorth, still on Clan Home Prime, and other diplomatic advisors in certain areas of the Ascendancy Sphere.

"Well, better not ask them for flower arrangements then." She 'judged' from the transmission, taking in note of more than just words. She was about to consider her response, when...

*Bing* ":: Milday! ::"

Seto looks over at a holopop up of a Comm-Aide from someplace in the Central Palace Command Center. "Aye..."

":: His Excellency and the Excellency Family have just Folded in near Luna-Topaz II! ::"

Seto smiled. "Nice timing. Inform I will recieve him in the main chamber. Inform all the others that need to be."

The Aide nods, and vanishes from view rather hastily.

Seto smiles. "Well then..."

--

:: ~ Lord Lucian, Blessed of Nurgle. Your words from the voice of your Great Father sound of wisdom. We await the closing time when we meet and speak to the effect you are wishing to avoid.

We patiently await for your arrival.

Further Regards,

Lady Seto Kamiki
Gaian Foreign Advisor ~ ::

--

*Luna Topaz-II*

The two expanding horizons of gleaming light are swiftly joined by the IFF codes of the Excellency party, and their return.

IFF Control Sensors in the numerous Stations in the System recieve this code a few moments later, and within 20 minutes, EVERYONE into the Ascendancy Sphere knows.

HPG communications is that good.

As for the XGP and it's crew. "Holy cow... this is where you guys live!?"

Aleaic chuckles. "It's a good place to work and have fun." Aleaic then instinctively looks at the damage from the Dominion ADD weapon. The only traces left of the gray-purple mass that signified the death of 250,000+ plus from the war, was a shadowy effect as some Climatized storm clouds hovered over some parts.

By now the damage was 95% repaired and over 200,000 souls had been successfully 'recovered' and reintegrated into society.

However 10.3% were 'unsalvagable', and could not be saved.

Do the math, still a lot of innocent souls that died during a mistake conducted by another person of another nation that Aleaic had no idea now was effectively neutralized.

Aleaic learned this and many things quickly with the 'reattached' Link with his Hikari Tree, it having held all the knowledge within of the past few weeks.

"I've missed much apparently." ..he then is bonked on the head by a drink cup (not empty..) ..by Tsunami. "And who's thought is that?"

Aleaic drips with a sticky fluid, not water obviously. "Dear. Next time don't throw cola at me please."

Tsui slits her eyes. "You have no idea of the hazing your in store for for the next year buster."

Aleaic eyes Arashi (who is looking in similie with her Sister-Mate.) and then sighs. "Maybe I need to..."

"Quit it.." Tsui/Arashi both say. Aleaic winces, and then opens a channel.. "This is XGP-EX1 requesting permission to land on the Homeworld.

...my Homeworld."

..a somewhat cheery/nervous controller reports back over comm (apparently beating out about thirty others, judging from the beep-clicks in the background...) "Yes.. yes Milord... permission granted. And we.. welcome back home Your Excellency."

Aleaic neutraly just responds back.. "To your job good sir, to you job, such I am now."

Aleaic then plots a course to the Ascendant Dock-Yard to dock the XGP privateer vessel. There he will teleport down to the Palace. And goddesses knows to 'what'.

The time to come will be 'interesting' indeed.

((OC- Thought I'd further move the side story while waiting for Chronosia to reply.))

--

A short docking exercise and a walk to a teleporter brought the Excellency party a short distance to the Holy Palace Tree. Literally as soon as he arrived though..

"Wha......?" ..Al blinks as he sees literally all around/in front of him, adies, servants, maidens, priests, avian lords, angelics, krysallians, literally scores of Gaian souls in front of his view as he stepped from the teleporter. All about they were looking with gleeful reverance.

..made Al a bit squirmy. =^^=;;;

"Gee, ah.."

"HAIL! HAIL THE RETURN OF HIS EXCELLENCY!!" ..came from a elder voice from the far left. Aleaic then reflexively takes a step back when the clustered souls suddenly kneel forth like the reverant before a deity or... well.. you know.

Al sees this, and then 'feels' so many, many more from nearby, and then surrounding that. The Link of the vast Tree Partnerships 'helps' this along and Aleaic feels even more 'wierded' out.

"*meek* ..uh boy."

Thousands... no tens of.... "Nice to have a warm welcome... I guess." Jennifer remarks from Al's rear left. Al just chuckles. "Actually...."

Tsui then pushes Al forward, towards the swiftly parting crowd of greeters. Al just smiles off-key to them as he's prodded forward towards the Council Chamber. As he passes, the numbers of souls kneeling seems unrelenting. When he enters, he sees.

"Huh? I thought I felt yoiu all away from the planet, for the most part." Aleaic reacts, as the 'entire' Council is gathered. Considering where some of them were, it's an interesint mystery.

"Hello to you too." Skuld says with a smirk, and Al just sighs before being prodded further towards a long empty seat. Aleaic just barely manages to endure the semi-pleased smiles that refuse to yield their stares. When Aleaic reaches the seat, Aleaic stands in front of it for a moment, Tsui and Arashi stand in front of their seats, and Jennifer is guestured to a strangely open seat next to Arashi's.

When all is settled in a standing position, Aleaic notes they're waiting for him to sit first. Aleaic however instead, sighs, and then decideson a different act. He bows his head and speaks..

"I am truly sorry for my actions. The person that committed them is no more however. My fears are all addressed, and my doubt in my heart is cleansed. What I left for no longer weighs me down, and thus my Statement of Exile is no more. Isolation is ended, and my Message is in truth as of now.

I will not abandon my citizen souls no longer, nor ever again.

I do not ask for forgiveness, simply understanding. Even a fool such as myself is not infallible, and I have learned. I hope this is furthered to you all and that together the coming eons and existence of this realm gives hope to all. Both for us, and for external realms.

But above all else, it's time to forgo fear of, and instead for trust in the future we make together."

Aleaic then looks up and sees the blunt smiles that he knows very well. He also feels something else through the Link that he 'knew' was coming anyway. But.. official matters first. Aleaic then sits down...

...and hears the tell tale sound of a whoopie-cushion.

This starts a long laugh session within the chamber, with Al at the center of it. "Well... guess I... deserved that..." ...in the modst of the laughing, Tsui leans in. "It gets worse later love."

Al sighs. "I know... I know."

When this finally settles down.. (some ten minutes later...) ..Al is given his first official report Padd back. He notes with assistance from Lady Seto. Aleaic comments.. "Then we welcome them. It's not like threats can affect us. The day we stop trusting is the day we lose a part of our identity. That identity is our own and cannot change."

Then it starts.. "So, found a new one we see." ...Seto quops over, and Aleaic stammers.. "Um.. ah.. well.. you see..."

Jennifer smiles and waves. "Don't mind me ya'll, just taking up an offer as a guest."

"..or more." Arashi quips and Aleaic looks over at her, who only stares back.

The torture has only begun.

The Great Plague Hulk tore through the warp, ripping into material space in the system designated by the Gaians as that which they had to travel to. Its rune etched hull seemed to ripple and heave with the pestilent disease that dwelt within; the twisted blessings of Nurgle evident across the entire vessel; as though it were a living thing, plagued, and not a mere vessel of depravity.

Lucian stood upon the bridge, his eyes closed beneath the great war helmet; his great scythe Manreaper held in one gauntleted hand, its surface swimming with corrupt sigils, a jade light infesting everything about them, coating it in divine filth.

"Lord Lucian, We have arrived in orbit of the Gaian world"

"Excellent, open communications arrays, I will speak with them."

"Your word is his word, Lord. We bow to your will."

"Of course you do...And all shall" Lucian's eyes flared with black power, sorcerous force blazing there; he was a Primarch of the Imperium; he was chosen of the Dark Gods, but he had never forgotten to be cautious.

"People of The Gaian Ascendancy. I have finally arrived, here, on a mission of most assured peace. My Father despairs to see war in the heavens, but does he not despair further to ee insects with the powers of Gods interfering in the affairs of others. That, that is how our paths first crossed. The Dratherian Crusade. We come here to mend wounds that may have appeared. You may know little of us, but I shall enlighten you. I await transit permission to your world; where I will unveil the Glory of the Imperium, and we can speak peace."

Lucian turned softly, hearing a flickering behind him as the holographic image of the Emperor himself appeared. Lucian fell instinctively to one knee.
"Father" He whispered, reverence oozing through his voice.

"My child; my son. Lord of Disease and chosen of Papa Nurgle. How fares your mission?"

"As of now, we have engaged in communication with the Gaians, and have been directed here, to this world. Where they shall greet me."

"Your visage will surely be a...shock to them."

"Indeed Lord, but I hold high hopes that this may work."

"Of course; one must keep his sword sheathed in an olive branch, and hide his teeth behind diplomatic wool. Only then can he befriend the flock. Go with the grace of our Gods, make me proud..."

Where the Chronosians placed darker elements as their theme, apparenty even their jump travel method being destructive in nature, the Gaians were very conscious of their environs, as well as the fact of learning that even space itself was a living thing.

With the Ascendancy allowing the Abh to habitate the vast tracts of space that the Ascendancy controlled, they learned ever more to respect living upon it, as well as their myriad of worlds.

Everywhere the Chronosians looked, life was blossoming with immense effect. Things were both very shiny, and efficently conducted. The Gaians also devoted resources as much to the military, as to the non-military aspects.

The first sections of the Monolith Archive were beginning to be created along the farside of Luna-III, the deep blue atmospheric moon that glistened of large cities upon it.

As the Chronosian Battleship appeared within the Homeworld System, and allowed deep inside the Gate-Shield Grids to White Diamond/Sapphire. Gaian controllers responded.

":: ~ This is Traffic Control 014.5-A. Please hold pattern over the Capital Continent and send one shuttle to the surface. The Council has been informed and will greet you in person.

Welcome to the Homeworld. ~ ::"

They didn't allude to the greeting message the Chronosians sent, rather kept to business.

The ship stopped, idling where they had been told, as Lord Lucian strode from the Bridge towards his shuttlebay. The great shuttle that lay within, gleaming in precious metals, yet marred by a seething and seeping corruption, was readied; and onto it stepped Lucian, lord of Plague and his bodyguards of the Obliterator Cult. Hulking diseased figures, merged with their armor; metal and flesh and weapon as one, stood ready, grunting their servitude to their Master. In one gauntleted hand, he spun the great Manreaper scythe, his decayed visage revealed to all in the absence of his helmet. The hissing flies of the Destroyer Hive circled about him, before crawling back into his armor as by some invisible summons.

The ship shook as the shuttle tore its way free; headed for the indicated Dock.
So it was that Lucian of Nurgle, passed into the realm of the Ascendancy

A laser beacon directed the Chronosian shuttle to head towards the Palace Tree. There, Lord Aleaic, his wives (and 'accompaniment'..) Lady Funaho and Lady Peorth stood to the fore of a small detatchment of guards. The rest of the Council watched from the Council chambers.

The landing starport blinked it's blue strobe lights through the thck green branch canopies.

"I hear they 'love' the vice of power above all else." Lady Seto commented into Al's ear. They all dressed impeccably. Their whites of their robes and gowns, set in the Jurai-Japanese style, shone the sunlight well.

Aleaic omments back. "Then we shall amuse them." ..remembering the flair of the intro message.

The shuttle descended, landing somewhat gracefully amongst the blue lit spaceport of the Ascendancy. For a moment, the ship lay still, idle, as though lifeless, till the doors opened, sliding forward to form a ramp for the Primarch to step forward.

Before him came his guards; their putrid flesh entombed within their decrepit archaic armor. They bore the marks of countless battles, the scars of many wars, and the look of men possessed; as though their eyes cried out while their bodies suffered under the yoke of Nurgle.

The Lord of the PlagueFleets stepped forth, his black armor covered in bile and puss, staining it in green and yellow, smeared across his once regal chestplate.

In his hand he bore a great Scythe, its surface cut with crude runes and marred with the scratches of near constant use. Its edge seemed to flow and drip, both red with blood and green with the seething corruption scarcely bound within.

His face was marred with the ravages of countless diseases, wasted, poc-marked, twisted by the gifts of Nurgle; yet while his demeanor suggested that he was ill; he held strength in wasted sinyew; he bore power inside his plagued shell. For Papa Nurgle brings great power to those who serve him, and his ways...

The Gaians present see this and react with diplomatic calm. Besides, living with many forms of death was another part of the Balance of the Existence to them.

Aleaic himself smirks, then walks up towards the Chronosian Lord. "Welcome to the Ascendancy ambassador. I trust your trip was comfortable of your own designs."

--

Inside, Lady Skuld sees this and quips. "He's breaver than I took him for." From afar, Lady Yurika makes a 'shh' motion with her hand.

They all await.

"Our voyages are never....comfortable" Lucian paused, chuckling wryly as he stepped forward, surveying this land.

"I take it you are the Lord of the Ascendancy, one with power; one with whom I will have discourse and understanding. My father is anxious to conclude these...diplomatic overtures towards your people."

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((OC- I presume you know by now I literally moved the Ascendancy over 700 million light-years to another part of the Universe entirely. Just ensuring this part.. =^^= ))

---

"Our voyages are never....comfortable" Lucian paused, chuckling wryly as he stepped forward, surveying this land.

"I take it you are the Lord of the Ascendancy, one with power; one with whom I will have discourse and understanding. My father is anxious to conclude these...diplomatic overtures towards your people."

Aleaic nods. " I know well your power. The Chronosians are not ones we take lightly. We welcome your show of respect in the regard of diplomacy between our two civilizations. Please..." Aleaic then starts to lead the Lord of the PlagueFleets past his Council members and into the Palace Tree.

"Do you wish nourishment while we discuss matters, Lord Lucian?"

Lucian chuckled softly as he followed. "I require none as of now; Nurgle maintains me. The ichors in my veins and the power within my flesh, is enough for now. Space..." he paused, almost eager to speak, yet vexed. "Seems different, somehow." He turned about. "I feel further from my Father's light"

Aleaic sighed.. "That... is a long story..."

After going in lengthy detail of the Ascendancy attempt to stand against the entire GE and their sheep like following of the attack on the Jedim within the Zetan realm, led by a suddenly 'dark' Zetan leadership, the Aleaic literally, and literally fed up with, moved about ninety-eight percent of the Ascendancy, short of territories in the Aphotic, Sapphire and Talos Galaxies, to the Archonis Supercluster, over 700 Million light-years away from the Milky Way Core Galaxy, and the Virgo Supercluster the Ascendancy originally moved to.

After, the Ascendancy was given full Guardianship over the entire Supercluster, as the Ascendants moved to counter the increasing threat of the Dark Eternals. As a result, the Ascendancy grew into contact with millions of new civilizations, and established such a deep and develpoed trade and defense network with all these millions of varied races, and tillions of souls within, that the Ascendancy was rich and powerful in the realms of light and life, than ever before.

But the Ascendancy was not ego driven with their new 'gift', and rather worked very deeply with the existing civilizations to make the entire Supercluster, and it's thousands of galaxies, of which the Ascendancy laid Guardianship claim of 527 Galaxies, and defense compacts over the rest.

The only things missing was Aleaic's affairs of the heart, and the peace and stability he craved for the Guardianship, over his civilization's original home.

If anything, Aleaic was sad he had to move his people from where they started. One day they would return with friendship, not the sword, as their means to this end.

Aleaic hoped here, knowing the meaning of the Balance in his heart, that the Chronosians would help him build this new time of prosperity, for both good and evil alike.

Aleaic then finished, having escorted the Chronosian Lord through the vast hallways and coridoors of the Palace Tree, to a simple conference room, made to reflect the 'darker' aspects of Gaian art and culture, where the inital talks could take place.

He comments.. "We are very far from the light of our home as well. But together I think our two kins of the stars can find a way to further what we both desire, in a way that benefits all.

I stake my blood on it, if you would like."

His Council members followed close behind, only listening.

"Were it not my father's will that our two cultures should grow to know each other better, I would not be here" he smiled lightly, as he placed a small holographic projection unit upon the desk, and activated it.

"Here, is the entirity of our nations history. Its humble beginnings upon old Earth, and its dominion by dark forces in the middle ages, Necromancers and the like, I am sure you understand" The image of ancient castle and crypt faded to one of a glorious state, modern, equipped with weapons of the 20th century. "The Chronosian Communist state rose and fell, based on mans greed, his vanity; it was replaced by the Emperor; who took us to the stars. He created myself and my brethern, The Primarch's to lead his Space Marine Legions. That was...before the Fall; before we turned to the Chaos Gods." He smiled lightly. "Others know us as dark beings, and would make war on us for little more than that. But in you, we see a strength and a balance. You know that Chaos has its place, as we know Order does. A never ending struggle, that an eternal champion must often fight to attain balance..."

Aleaic nods. "Then your Father is very amicable again in his respect for us. I would like to meet him personally at some point.

As for us, our history and all of us are already laid bare for all to know. ((OC- Just look at our web portal. =^^= )) We also had to accept the order of ying-yang, order and chaos, creation and entropy.

The Balance is where all reside, and it's power and magnificence far outstrip our two 'small nations' in scale and eternal glory. The Universes, external Dimensions and the Existence itself are too big for any one force, being, or any kind of whatever or whomever to call their own.

The Balance is the attempt to lay the obvious in all eyes. You look up at the stars, and you see the vast darkness on the Mortal Plane, specked by points of light, and or life. The Laws of the Existence ensure this, as for one, the sky is not all white and blinding, and impossible to conduct change under..

..and not all dark, where no oppritunioty, no life, and no growth of any kind the Balance sees fit, could occur.

Your Chaos matched our Order well. Yours seems to life with a lawful bent, where our light tends to inherit some disorder to ensure were not stagnant and uninteresting."

Aleaic then guestures to a large seat, well ample in space for Lucian to sit across from Aleaic. The Council members are well of the sight and 'radar' while the two talk.

"So, tell me what your intent of discourse is. Details say much in the end."

"There should be peace between our nations, perhaps even so far as to suggest alliance." His voice clicked, almost dryly, mechanically as though memorised. "We saw you, in the shadows as Dratheria burned, as we waged a war to silence their warmongering tongues, and their ideas of manipulating and distorting what they do not understand. We realised, that you were truly advanced, seperating yourself from such squabbles. And so sought to know more of you. As of late, we have noticed that those who threaten Chronosia would agitate things between you and others also."

Aleaic replies. "To be honest, we nearly attacked as the Dratherans requested our aid. We even had a battle plan worked up.

But then came the Deatharon War, and it took precedence, as at the time we were asked for help in overthrowing the goverment there that was being too harsh for their own people's good.

A lot of good that did. In the end, even after a three week blitzkreig and a year long occupation where we actively tried to assist the Deatharon people out of their original life of oppression, even leaving in the original goverment and most of their military, intact. It all was for naught. Now they are in the Republic, and act as bad as the GE members do.

And all of it as a tiny nation that they think is greater than their egos."

Aleaic leans his head back. "I will not lie, we are in essence no better than any other nation, in our conduct of matters of war and peace. We think we are better, and we know otherwise." ..he looks forward. "The Zetans however.

They are a friend under the influence of an enemy we know too well.

Hiei is driving that nation into the ground, and even 'that' should worry you, Lord Lucian. If it weren't for that, the Zetans and we would still be friends. And by lords all, I intend to restore that.

I must warn you, I am actively planning a personal matter to deal with Hiei, and ask that this be viewed as myself and Hiei, rather than Gaian verses Zetan.

After all, it was Hiei that set forth the Dark Wave fifteen years ago that nearly killed my wife Tsunami. Well.. actually.. former wife.

We're technically divorced at the moment. Still, the affront is too much for me to bear. I am truly sorry, but I cannot." ..Aleaic's voice is somewhere between hate and sorrow.

"You need not explain" Lucian bowed his head almost reverently. "As of recently we have experienced our own hardships. But we endure, great civilisations always do. We seek to learn more of you, to gain from our friendship. we offer our own technology and knowledge in exchange for your own. Our own hand of friendship in anticipation of your own"

Pausing, slightly shifting in his armor, he glanced to the armored Obliterator Guards who had accompanied him.

"You know of our race, of our culture, I assume, how power is our drug, and how far the pursuit of it has taken us. To crusade against the heavens themselves. But we bring civilisation to worlds, we bring the light of the Emperor. We are Chaos, true, but Chaos is not without its love of Order. We offer much, we can grant much. Including our aid, should you require it."

Aleaic nods, then offers. "There is some of our light that needs tempering with darkness in places, to keep us level. You could use a bit of our honor and compassion, to allow your realm to grow stronger from the realm of the free mind.

One we have found that has led to all our advances we can offer. We have an understanding, if we are to enter this alliance, that we ourselves will not enter alliance with the GE 'or' the Republic.

But by individual nation, we can assist the defense of, whether GE or Republic, or any other. We will not attack directly unless done so first. Such is the Clan way. As we have full alliance with the Abh, we would like assistance in extending our influence to the other elder nations you have contact with. Such can extend power for us both. Yours to your own..

...ours to help assist the Dream."

Aleaic then shifts in his seat, sorta feeling like he's making a pact with hell itself, but he already informed th Angelics eventualities like this would occur. He then says it directly.

In return for our technology and the capability to extend your reach over several galaxies, we ask for your help in the expansion of conflicts and events that reside far outside the realm of us mere nations. I have sensed a time when it will take 'all' our combined might to stand against forces that make 'both' the light and dark cringe.

And that also, we ask help when we extend our power past this Supercluster, and even past this Universe and Dimension. We intend one day to have the Guardianship extend over countless galaxies, millions of Universes, and Dimensions beyond description. The Guardianship 'will' extend out beyond this, as is the Existence itself our forthright to herald guardianship over. Both the Light and Dark will be needed in this Dream, and it is a small price of our technology, for the future, one that extends into the infinite, and past the time this Universe finally dies, and another takes it's place.

This is the Dream I became Excellency for, where my blood toils to one day ensure there is no mistake in looking up at the stars, and all know there 'is' a place to place hope, no matter 'what' happens.

This is my Dream." ...he then extends his hand. "..if this is well, then I will take your hand and call you brother and friend."

The Council behind him looks at each other a touch warily.

Lucian leant forward, grinning through rotted teeth as he extended his hand to take Aleaic's hand. He chuckled softly.

"It is with great pleasure that I accept your offer, Excellency. Let our natures temper each other. Let our dual purposes and ideals meet, mix, and form a great whole; a whole more powerful than the sum of its parts. My Father sent me here to conduct diplomacy, and what you offer is far greater than even he could have imagined."

Lucian bowed lightly, allowing himself to recline as he did.

"It would be our honor to take up this dream with you...And to share all we have to offer"

Aleaic nods. "Then let us return the same offered here today. After the royal wedding and after Hiei is dealt with, I wish to personally greet your father. I also offer the previlege to attend the royal wedding, which will happen after Hiei is dead.

..it's something I promised my wives, a special wedding gift. Their and our children's respective security for the long future. I will do 'anything' required to ensure this."

Aleaic then rises. "I will also have copies of several of our technological secrets made available. The Fold Drive, Ascendant Star Maps, genetic replication and refabrication, advanced armor and substructure composites.

A lot of goodies." ..he puts with a smile.

"My father would be honored to attend such an event, and to recieve such gifts. I am sure there is much, in turn, that we could offer you"

He smiles softly, despite his dark and marred countenance.

"I would also ask that I be directed on....how to return to my home system, given that such a tumulous shift in space has occured. I would not even know where I was, once I stepped forth from this place..."

"The maps we will send with you will give your computers something mull on. You'll know by the time you leave. We can also retrofit your warship with a Class-V Fold Drive, one that will include Zero-Point Cores that negate the need for fuel tanks, saving such space for replication material tanks.

It would take a good thirty-six hours to do, if you wish to be patient. However if your presence is dire enough in your realm, then we can simply have your vessel dock in one of our A-SSDs and transport your vessel back within an hour.

The choice is of course yours." Aleaic puts amicably.

Lucian nodded. "Perhaps the latter option is more efficient. I have other duties throughout the Imperium;' duties which require my attention. However, I assure you. My father shall be notified, and this peace shall be ratified. Once you are done with your...problem; you shall contact us." he bowed again, gently.

"I look forward to further relations"

Aleaic acknowledges with... "Then I will have a Unity Class A-SSD deployed to have your vessel dock in. It's only 35 kilometers long, so it will not be as traumatic a display as persay one of our more 'bulky' sister vessels.

Just inform the vessel commander your prefered coordinates and you will be returned in about an hour."

At that, Aleaic guestures for the Lord of the PlagueFleets for Lucian to follw him. He gave instructions to Lady Yurika to deploy the Masterful Warship for the quick 'bus ride' home.

Aleaic then asks of Lucian. "Is there any other concerns you wish to address before you depart, while we walk back to your shuttle?"

Lucian followed; eager to see, in action,. the technology of the Ascendancy.
"I know of none that I hold at this moment. Yet I am sure I shall have more questions once the treaties are ratified." he smiled softly. "I shall be in contact, once I have spoken with my Father; and once the Emperor is made aware of developments throughout the Imperium. There are some who would seek to declare war upon us."

Aleaic nods. "Us likewise. Fear of those that others see as too powerful or meddlesome seem to have only one retort from smaller minded civilizations. But war can be met on levels they cannot understand as easily if needed.

Just ensure that your Father understands the alliance is between the Chronosians and Ascendancy only, and attacks upon Chronosian space will be met by our assistance. We will 'not' be drawn into other alliances due in part of this alliance. If we wish a larger alliance chain, we can offer a 'better' alternative than the GE or Republic (or other such..) can offer.

But that is not our aim here. This is discussion between us alone, and none other that aren't present. Thus the agreements to come will be made in this light."

They pass through the same hallways, towering like ancient white cathedrals extending into the infinite, as they head back to the Palace SpacePort. The group however is intercepted a mere moment before they arrive at the Port, as Lord Ackronus arrives. The eleven foot tall griffon Avian Lord bowing to Lord Lucian, then turning to the Excellency. "~ Pardon my interruption Master, but the reports on Dark Eternal disposition is ready to be reviewed. ~"

Aleaic nods, he then looks at Lucian, and then offers. "Have a copy sent with the Chronosian Lord here, so his forces can see what we're getting ourselves into.

Lord Ackronus cranes his head to the Nurgle Lord and then to Aleaic. "~ Such may indeed be wise. We may need all the allies we can get in this vast endeavor. ~" Aleaic nods. "What think you Lord Lucian?" ..he turns and asks.

"I think it is indeed wise to keep me informed. After all, any way in which the Imperium can aid you; is yet another in which you can aid the Imperium"
he smiled softly, cautiously.

"I feel that the more we cooperate; the more we can achieve; the more we can encompass. The quicker the dream you spoke of, could draw closer to reality..."

Aleaic responds.. "..and the sooner you gain control of several entire galaxies to call your total own. The conduct of the Dark Eternal war may well profit all allies of our cause, since there are entire Superclusters that lean towards the bent of those like us, here in the Archonis Supercluster, and others to your nation's bent.

Do think of it. Vast numbers of galaxies to conduct your very own affairs, and still far more room for everyone elses agendas. There 'are' hundreds of Superclusters in this Universe alone to spread into.

But the Dark Eternals and their selfish ways, far outstripping any others combines, intends nothing less than Universal subjugation. This I refuse to come to pass.

So return to your empire Lord Lucian, and spread the word that a war is begun, one that breaks the bounds of imagination, and more resources to carve from, than can be merely dreamed of.

It is indeed time for the civilizations of the stars to look at the larger view and leave behind mere worries over single planets, for the vast concerns of millions others."

Aleaic then chuckles to himself. "Probably laid that one a bit thick though."

Ackronus blinks for his part.. "~ Actually that sounded far more familiar to me than you would realize. ~"

Aleiac blinks himself. "Indeed?"

"~ Your GrandFather spoke the same once. ~" Aleaic actually looks white for a moment. Then comments.. "A few Eons between similar words then."

A few moments later, the group returns to the Chronosian shuttle. Aleaic extends his hand once more. "I bid thee well travels to your empire, Lord Lucian."

--

Meanwile, the Masterful is slowly pulled out of it's Ascendant Dock Section by a large array of tractor emitters all along it's dock slot. The process is seen well within view of the Chronosian warship, as traffic is diverted away from the Ascendant Docks.