NationStates Jolt Archive

Temara System

The planet Temara, once a planet not unlike Earth, with sprawling cities and vast swathes of native animal and plant life was now nothing like it's former self. The cities had been torn down, concrete reduced to dust, metals broken down by specially engineered bacteria, glass ground into sand and plastics disposed of. At the site of each former city vast pits had been dug into the ground. Inside, day and night, computers, automobiles and a myriad of other mechanical abominations burned brightly the flames fed with new abominations and sacrifices. The native population had all been sacrifices and enslaved. The native wildlife had all been replaced by the native life of Yuuzhan'tar. Nothing remained the same.

High above, in a high orbit, the worldship The Slayer circled above the world, watching over the Vongforming of the world. The worldship's battle group constantly patrolled the system, guarding against the forces once engaged here in defense of the system. Several star destroyer analogs circled the worldship. Heavy and light cruisers came and went every hour, escorted by frigates and corvettes. In addition, hundreds of coralskippers constantly flew combat patrols across the system. Security had been increased greatly for the arrival of the Warmaster.

Arriving aboard his personal cruiser Servant of Yun-Yammka, Tsavong Lah dispensed with pleasantries - normally incredibly short in the first place - and immediately set about preparing a section of the worldship for the Abh delegates and the meeting. The meeting would take place in only a few days and everything had to be purified in advance. This meeting would go well or else countless heads would roll...

The Latchkue came out of Space Time a thousand kilometers away from the worldship. It was accompanied by 5 Guardships that backed away about another hundred kilometers so as to not appear confrontational. Admiral Spoor went down to the shuttle bay along with her Chief of Staff Cufadiss so that he could pilot the shuttle back to the ship so that the technology wouldn't offend the Talaaxians.

Admiral Spoor activated the villip as she walked down towards the shuttle. She waited for the other end to be activated.

Tsavong Lah hung suspended from the ceiling by his wrists, forearms, ankles and calves. The Embrace of Pain, a purification "device" designed to keep it's user at a constant level of pain just below excrutiating, held him in it's grip. The more one struggled, the more pain the device delivered. As the Abh villip began to pulse, Tsavong Lah was struggling in what would be perceived by an outsider as desperately, enjoying every moment of excrutiating pain. After a few seconds' more struggling against the grip of the Embrace, Tsavong Lah released himself and walked across the chamber to activate the villip.

"Admiral Spoor. I take it you have arrived in system. Stay where you are please, I will send a pair of coralskippers to escort you in to the section of the worldship where the meetings will take place. I will meet you once you arrive."

A few minutes later, a pair of X-wing sized chunks of yorik coral seperated from The Slayer and quickly closed the distance between the worldship and the Admiral's ship. The coralskippers circled at what was deemed a non-threatening distance and waited for the Abh delegation's shuttle.

Admiral Spoor coaxed the villip to close as she boarded the communications vessel. It was a small two man ship with no weapons. Cufadiss dropped the ship out of the bay and approached the two coralskippers and awaited for them to guide the duo to the ship.

The two coralskippers took up positions to the port and starboard and slightly forward of the vessel, guiding it to a small port in the "southern hemisphere" of the worldship. In what looked like a medium sized impact crater, several small ships were moored to living cofferdams leading to the interior of the worldship. The Abh ship was guided to an empty spot near the lower left side of the crater.

Once landed, a living cofferdam extended out of the crater wall and merged with the ship's hatch, forming a vacuum seal. Within seconds it was habitable. To a casual observer the inside of the cofferdam resembled the throat of a great beast. Even the "floor" was soft and spongy and there was a slight humidity to it. At the other end of the cofferdam a living door irised open giving access to the world inside the ship.

The Admiral wasn't wearing her fancy dress like she had during their first meeting. Now she was in full Star Forces uniform with her command saber behind her back. If her surroundings bothered her, she didn't show it. She followed the path through the opened corridor while she left Cufadiss in the ship.

The chamber beyond the cofferdam looked to be a reception hall, with high ceilings and rounded walls. That was the only resemblance between it and anything on any Abh world. The walls were made of the same living coral that the outer hull of all ships were made of. Hanging from the walls in vast patches were bioluminescent lichens, each patch giving off the light equivilant of a flourescent light. The floors were composed of a soft spongy material resembling, in both texture and appearance, a carpeted sponge.

Just inside the chamber an honour guard of a half-dozen warriors in full voduun crab armour stood three to each side of the door. Their amphistaffs formed a small corridor leading to a small and mixed delegation. To the far left a high priest of the god Yun-Harla stood facing the Abh delegate, his head wrapped in a ceremonial scarf. On the far right a master shaper stood, glaring past Admiral Spoor at her ship with a look of hate in his eyes. His living headress, resembling a bed of snakes, writhed in hatred.

In the center stood Tsavong Lah, Warmaster of the Talaaxians, highest officer of the Warrior Caste. Over the years his body had been modified extensively with biological enhancements and sacrifices designed to make him look like the God Yun-Yammka. His voduun crab armour was no longer a garment but rather a part of his own flesh, the various scales of armour living in his tattooed and scarred skin. He stood, in all his glory, smiling a sharp-toothed smile at the Abh delegate. He extened his clawed and spiked hand in the infidel gesture of greeting.

"Greetings to you Admiral Spoor. I am Tsavong Lah, Warmaster of the Talaaxians. It is an honour to meet in person with such an honourable warrior as yourself. If you would follow me, I will show you to your quarters. Our meetings will begin tomorrow." The Warmaster gestured to a now vacant spot at his side and turned to lead the way, his living cape billowing behind him.

Spoor took the clawed hand and followed the warmaster through the corriders.

Cufadiss remained in the ship making preparations incase they had to leave sometime soon. The weapon rack was secured and life support was stable. He pulled out his Star Forces coat and made a pillow in the chair and closed his eyes to go to sleep.

Tsavong Lah led the way through long yorik coral corridors. The same bioluminescent lichen hung in patches at intervals along the corridor. At one point the delegation reached what appeared to be a dead end, but rather than stopping the Warmaster walked up to the wall and then up it as if it were just another section of floor. At this particular junction the gravity bending dovin basals onboard bent gravity allowing vertical travel to upper or lower levels of the ship.

After a few minutes of walking through the ship they stopped at a door not far from the Warmaster's own quarters. The Warmaster pressed his palm to a section of wall next to the door and it irised open. The chamber beyond was spartan at best. The bed, made of yorik coral but padded slightly by a soft lichen and covered over with a living blanket. In one corner stood a small statue of Yun-Yammka, his hideous visage staring into the center of the room. In the adjacent corner stood a waist height pedestal containing a villip. In the far corner of the room sat an Embrace of Pain, although no one expected the Admiral to actually use it. In addition a viewport made of a mica-like substance revealed the stars beyond.

The Warmaster entered first, explaining each of the objects in turn. "This is the God of War, Yun-Yammka the Slayer. He is the patron God of the Warrior caste and is highly venerated amongst our people. "This," he said pointing to the villip in the corner, "is a dedicated villip. It is linked with an identical villip in my quarters. Should you require anything, do not hesitate to use it. Finally, this," He pointed to the mass of tentacles in the corner. "is the Embrace of Pain. Our people use it to purify ourselves through pain. I would not recommend you use it without a proper demonstration. Should you wish, I could show you how to use it. In the meantime, I will leave you to prepare yourself for tomorrow's meetings."

Spoor nodded and thanked the warmaster for the room. She walked over to the bed and layed her saber across the head. She looked back over her shoulder at the warmaster, "Perhaps you could show me sometime." She winked as she continued to work the living covers back.

Tsavong Lah simply stared at her for a few seconds before leaving her alone. He left for his quarters to discuss what sort of concessions Talaax was willing to make with the Supreme Overlord. Before doing so, however, he engaged himself in the Embrace of Pain once more and absorbed himself in it's sweet excrutiating grip.

OOC: Pick this up tomorrow night?

OOC: Sounds good

IC: Spoor stripped off her uniform and stood before the God of War statue. She gave the Abh salute before climbing into bed. She knew she would need her strength for tomorrow.

The meeting chamber had been prepared days before. Formerly a high priest's work chamber, the vast room still maintained it's sacrificial pit, which was now the location of the negotiation table. The pit, which was normally used for the ritual sacrifice of captives, sat in the center of the large round chamber and was dug about six feet into the floor. In the center of the pit sat a table, around which six stools had been placed at equal intervals, with a small statue of Yun-Yammka set in the center.

Around the pit in a semi-circle, seemingly watching the proceedings, were statues of the gods. Yun-Harla, the trickster, sat smiling deceptively. The lover gods Yun-Q'aah and Yun-Txiin stood in a passionate embrace. Yun-Ne'Shel, the Goddess of Life and patron god of the Shapers stood off to one side, seeming to give life to the discussions themselves. Yun-Shuno, the Forgiver and patron god of the Shamed Ones, sat rejected in the back of the group with her thousand eyes watching all. Lastly, standing tallest and in the center, stood Yun-Yuuzhan, the Creator and model for all Yuuzhan Vong ( the species of the Talaaxians ). As Yun-Yuuzhan sacrificed parts of himself to create the universe, Yuuzhan Vong sacrifice parts of themselves as veneration of his glory.

To one side a villip choir had been set up, showing in their biological imitation of a hologram the region of space between Talaax and Humankind Abh. "Technicians" stood near this, ready to adjust it in any number of ways.

Standing at the entrance to the pit was the Talaaxian delegation. The High Priest Harrar, Master Shaper Tsup Yem, Prefect Nom Anor, Commander Shimmra - present again at this meeting with the Abh - and Warmaster Tsavong Lah. All castes of society, except of course the Shamed Ones, were represented here. The small delegation stood waiting for Admiral Spoor to arrive with her escort of hand picked warriors as an honour guard. Each of the four warriors had been picked based on their physical size, combat prowess and honour, the last two represented by the vast tattoos and scars on their visible skin.

Admiral Spoor awoke not too long after. She could sense that there were guards awaiting her on the outside. She passed up her clothes that were sitting aside and peaked out the entrance. "I'll only be a minute."

She turned back in and grabbed up her uniform. She slid her clothes on and adjusted her Tiarra. Once her uniform was fully adjusted, she picked up her saber and tucked it in her sash behind her back. She walked over to the entrance and at the guards. "I'm ready now. Lead the way."

The lead warrior, the tallest and most scarred, spoke something in Yuuzhan Vong and began to lead the way. The walk was long, passing through the same living corridors of the worldship. As the Admiral was lead through the ship the warriors, on orders from Tsavong Lah, took her past the yammosk chamber, through a purification chamber where a group of captives were being prepared for sacrifice and finally past a chamber where several warriors were engaged in using the Embrace of Pain. Finally, after almost a quarter hour, she was lead into the main chamber.

The Talaaxian delegation turned, almost as one, to face her as she entered. From left to right the delegation introduced themselves.

"I am Harrar, High Priest of Yun-Harla." The first said. His head was mostly covered by a ritual scarf but his face showed through, heavily tattooed but without the ritual mutilation that characterized most of his species. Without the tattoos he might have resembled an attractive human male.

"I am Tsup Yem, Master Shaper of this worldship." The second said when it was her turn. Both of her hands had long ago been removed, replaced by specially engineered crabs whose legs each had their own purpose. One was a pincer, another a serated edge etc. On her head she wore a living head dress that bore a striking resemblence to the hair of the medusa. Her skin was only moderately tattooed, much less so that any of the others.

"I am called Nom Anor, prefect of this world." The third in line introduced himself with an elaborate bow. This one wore the voduun crab armour of a warrior, but his body size showed that he obviously was not a warrior. His face was heavily scarred and tattooed and his nose had been broken so many times that it was barely present anymore. In place of his left eye was a venom spitting plaeryn bol.

"We have met before, Admiral. Once more, it is an honour to meet with you." This one, Commander Shimmra, the Admiral knew already. He saluted in the traditional Talaaxian fashion then offered a poor imitation of the Abh salute.

Lastly and the most hideously disfigured, was the Warmaster Tsavong Lah. "Admiral, greetings to you. If you would please have a seat we shall begin our discussions of our various spheres of influence. After this we would like to discuss our two cultures and how we may resolve many of the differences between us. Then, if you so desire, you may sit in on a sacrifice in honour of the Gods in order to assure the future friendship of our peoples."

Spoor took her seat and prepared for the delegation. "I am hoping that this does go well. I would like to make sure that everything is mapped out so that there are no more misunderstandings. We were not gifted with organic technology as you have been."

The delegation took their own seats at the table, touching two fingers to their foreheads in a sign of piety while bowing to the statue of Yun-Yammka in the center of the table. The first to speak was the Warmaster.

Gesturing toward the villip choir displaying the border space between Abh and Talaax, he spoke, "As you know, we share very little border at the current time. Currently, just nine of your systems border our own claimed space. However, as you may be aware, we are currently expanding towards the galactic core, skirting your borders. This world was once a neutral planet, but now we control it. This expansion may very well create problems for you as we may cut your trade routes in our expansion. We would be willing to leave open corridors for your trade routes through our space, however, we will not allow mechanical abominations on our worlds." He looked up disapprovingly at Harrar who was nodding most approvingly at his last comment.

"These four worlds" - he pointed out four worlds coreward of Abh space and directly between it and the galactic core - "are currently in our plans for expansion. However, if taking these worlds would create much... difficulty for your people, we would be willing to change our vector prime to suit this."

Spoor looked at the man. "As long as you do not take over a planet that is settled by our people or within our borders, then there is no problem. We only view those as a threat who move to settle across our borders and act aggressively towards us. Other than that, we would have no problem with you settling a planet. As for our trade routes through your system, that won't be necessary to worry about. We use an energy source called Sord Raze that allows us to travel through time itself. As far as we know, no such energy source rests in your nation. However, if we do find need to travel through your system then we will not bring our ships anywhere near your planets. If you like, we can set boundaries so that your people are not offended by our ships."

"Very well, our vector prime will not be changed. As for travelling through our space, we must be notified in advance of any such travel. Your ship or ships will be escorted at all times and, unless expediency is extremely important, your ships will travel at the edges of our space to avoid garnering the displeasure of the gods."

"Regarding your own space, we have no designs on it as well. We are concerned, however, that our expansion may create friction along our border. We are very different from your own people and our presence right next to you and our - unorthodox -, at least in your own minds, way of settling worlds may cause the people of your border regions to attempt to defend the worlds across your border. We would ask that you take precautions against this and warn you that any Abh citizens interfering with our expansion will be dealt with as we would deal with any resistance." For a moment his gaze shifted from the Admiral to a still visible blood stain on the wall of the pit, expressing his point perfectly.

"There is one other problem with our border areas, Great One..." Nom Anor spoke for the first time since his introduction. "This world" - he pointed to a small Class C ice world just across the Abh border - "has been the source of some annoyance for our fleets. It seems a force of infidel" - he paused, gauging the reaction of this word on the Admiral, unsure if it's offensive connotations carried across the language barrier - "pirates have been operating from a base somewhere on the surface. They have been staging cross-border raids on our shipping. We ask that you deal with this force and hand over the survivors to us." He didn't have to explain what would become of any pirates handed over to them, once again the bloodstains present spoke for themselves.

Bump

OOC: Are you really having problems with pirates?

IC: Admiral Spoor crossed her arms and leaned back a little. "We have no problems with these rules to entering your space. I believe that this can be taken care of quite well."

She then rested her elbow on the table and rested her head on her fist. "You do not have to worry about your traditions offending any of our people. We tend not to judge other races by such things. Our borders are defended from invasion. The only time you would have to worry about our defenses is if you decided to invade. Other than that, your coming and going will not be hindered. You are free to come and go as you please unless something appears suspicious."

Spoor shifter her wait in her seat. "Now about these pirates. If you give us more information about their actions, we can destroy their ships and bring every pirate to you. You will be free to avenge however you see fit."

OOC: Small raids on supply lines. Haven't posted it officially yet but look for it in my Expansion thread.

IC:

Nom Anor looked at the Admiral for several long moments before deciding on a response. He chose full disclosure. "The pirates, operating some of your mechanical abominations - corvettes and fighter analogs - have been raiding our supply lines along your border from this world. The come from hyperspace, attack our transports and then run like the dishonourable cowards they are. We managed to track their vessels to this system, although in respect to you have not sent any military vessels across your border. We would appreciate if they were dealt with."

Tsavong Lah spoke up again after Nom Anor had finished. In the most friendly voice a 7 1/2 foot warrior could muster he said, "Now. I'm sure the Abh has concerns and questions of their own. We will give you this opportunity to speak these concerns and ask your questions. We will try to be as honest and forthcoming as possible."

OOC: TG me the thread when it's up and I'll deal with it.

IC: Spoor leaned in and looked at the map. "These pirates are not from our Empire and are not using our ships since we do not use Hyperspace technology. It is possible that this planet is of no use to use and they have settled there since it is no overly monitored. They are rodents that infest a home. We shall deal with them just as viciously. We'll deal with the ships and turn all survivors over to you for punishment. What you do to them... is of no concern to us. I suggest you make an example of what happens to pirates."

Spoor nodded approvingly at the warrior. "Actually I do have a matter to bring up before you. It is a custom of your to allow allies to have stations within our Empire where they can interact with the rest of our people and allies. Since you are not fond of our technology, I am wondering if you would like to setup an organic station where your people can visit our Empire. This is up to you of course."

Tsavong Lah thought for several long moments. Finally, he settled on a decision. "We would be willing to dispatch a worldship to a point of your choosing within your Empire. The ship could act as an embassy and as a military base. This would be perfectly acceptable to our people and to the Gods. Is there anything other than this before we move on to a brief discussion of our two cultures?"

Spoor nodded her head without missing a beat. "Military alliance. This does not mean that you have to come to our aid whenever we are in trouble or are fighting. Whether or not you get involved is totally at your descretion. We usually save such matters for the defense of our own defense. We also would like to know if you would like to form such an alliance where we will aid you if you ever call upon us."

The Talaaxian delegation conferred privately for a moment before turning back to the Abh delegate. Tsavong Lah was the one to speak. "We believe such an arrangement would be acceptable to the Gods and therefore strategically sound. We will agree."

Spoor nodded. "Good. Now, what would you like to discuss about our cultures?"

This time the Shaper Tsup Yem spoke. "We know very little about any of the cultures of this galaxy. Any information you could provide us about your people and their culture would help us to better integrate within this galaxy. Despite what you may seem to see with our movements at the moment, we are only exploring this region of the galaxy."

"Our people do not care how others rule their planets. We believe that they are free to do as they please so long as it is to the benefit of their people. As far as our people are concerned, most Abh live in space. We have orbiting cities and none are bigger than our Capital. We do however rule many planets that are inhabitted by humans. A very few Abh take an interest in the ground world. We are a very business like nation where we do a lot of trade with other nations. Our doors stay open to other nations if they wish to trade within our Empire. Is there anything else you would like to know?"

Tsup Yem shook her head. "No, that will suffice. I believe that concludes what we have come to discuss."

"Then, if you would be so kind, follow us. We must now offer a sacrifice to the Gods to assure our continued friendship." The High Priest spoke this time, standing up and gesturing to a door leading to an adjacent room.

Spoor stood up and moved towards the priest to follow.

Leading all those in the chamber, Tsup Yem stepped into the next room. A large window overlooked what would have passed for a hangar bay. Inside the bay hundreds of frightened humans huddled together in family groups while others were herded into a large container ship. The large box-like yorik coral vessel could hold almost 2,000 humanoids at a time. It's sole purpose was for mass sacrifices.

Slowly but surely the weeping and wailing mass of refugees and survivors of the invasion of Temara were loaded inside the ship. Once all were inside it was sealed shut and the bay cleared.

After another minute the hull began to open the bay to space and the ship drifted out. Controlled remotely through the ship's yammosk, it set a course for the system's primary. The delegation watched solemnly as the ship built up speed on it's suicide run. As it neared the sun the forward edge began to heat up and glow and then even to catch fire. Soon the whole ship was glowing from the heat. Inside the passengers were slowly cooked until the ship's hull could no longer take the heat and broke apart scattering bodies - living and dead - and pieces of the ship into the sun.

"The sacrifice is done. The Gods will surely smile upon our two peoples now." Tsup Yem said piously.

Spoor looked on in quiet amazement not letting her emotions show. She had never seen a sacrifice of this magnitude nor carried out in such a way. She looked back towards the priest. "Is there anything else that needs our attention? I was informed that I could sit in on a purging session...if that is alright."

The priest smiled an almost toothless smile. "If you wish, you could experience the Embrace of Pain yourself. If not, Commander Shimmra would most certainly be willing to demonstrate it to you."

Spoor grinned, "What must I do?"

Tsup Yem's expression changed to a deadly serious one. "If you feel that you are ready, follow the Commander and he will take you to experience the Embrace."

Commander Shimmra saluted the priest, and waiting until Spoor followed, left the room and lead her back to her own quarters where an Embrace of Pain had been provided.

"You are ready?"

Spoor looked at the commander. "What do I need to do?"

"Position yourself infront of the Embrace and stroke the center of the tentacles. It will do the rest."

OOC: Basically the Embrace will wrap itself around the calfs, ankles, forearms and wrists and lift you into the air. It hangs you from the ceiling from these locations. It constantly twists, bends, pulls and stretches the limbs. The more one struggles the more it causes pain. It's designed to keep the user in a constant state of pain, just below the level of excrutiating. For Yuuzhan Vong it's almost enjoyable as they embrace pain religiously. For most humanoids, however, it's torture.

OOC: Ok. Got it

IC: "Do I keep all my clothes on?"

Commander Shimmra looked at her as if she had a third eye. "Of course you do. There is no reason to defile yourself with nudity."

Spoor nodded and walked into the tentacles. She let them wrap around her wrists and calves. As they lefted her up, she could feel the pain but she didn't fight it. She just hung their letting her body soak up the pain and she didn't let the pain show on her face. She took it stoically.

Commander Shimmra watched approvingly. Perhaps these infidels could be worthy adversaries after all. But perhaps not...

"Our people believe pain is the only constant in life. Your own people fear pain and death, we embrace them. They are the only sure things in life. You attempt to put off death for as long as possible. We go willingly to our deaths at the time of our choosing. You stave off pain, pretending it doesn't exist. We embrace pain and do not attempt to hide from it.

If you wish to truly experience the Embrace the way it was meant to be experienced, struggle against it's grip. Do not worry, it cannot seriously injure you. Just as it is designed to inflict pain, it is also designed to stop inflicting pain if more pain would cause injury."

Spoor looked at the Commander with a grin. "We do not fear death either. We just choose not to dwell on it. If we are outnumbered in battle, we will gladly die instead of surrender. We fight to the last. That is the way of the Abh."

And with that Spoor began stretch her body and bend every which way to inflict more pain on herself.

"Perhaps this galaxy is not as doomed as we thought. If all the peoples here can exhibit your strength, honour and worthiness then perhaps it does not need to be purged... You have given us much food for though Admiral Spoor..."

Spoor continued to twist and bend in the Embrace of Pain. "I am honored that you feel that away about the Abh. But I am sorry to disappoint you. Not evert race is like ours. We are quite unique but it is pleasing to see a race such as yours in existance."

"Those worthy of the honour will be our allies. Those weak and unworthy will be crushed beneath our feet. There is no alternative. You may disengage from the Embrace now. You've learned all you can from it I think."

Spoor removed the tentacles from her wrists and ankles and walked to stand by the commander. She rubbed her wrists to help with the pain. "I believe this has been a productive meeting wouldn't you agree?"

"As productive as diplomacy can be. Under most circumstances I would say that diplomacy is for the weak and soft. But perhaps I have been proven wrong."

Spoor smiled. "Trust me. I share your sentiment on diplomacy but I believe that an exception can be made in this case."

She squared her shoulders to the commander. "Is there anything else that I can be of service to or that you wish to discuss?"

"I do not believe so. You may leave if you wish or if there is any more knowledge you wish to seek you may stay. I warn you, however, that since our meetings began several other races have deployed forces to this system. They may be dangerous to you."

Spoor bowed humbly. "I think you for your warnings. I can always call for an escort from the Empire. I appreciate your time and patience through all this. I will leave now and be out of your way. May our relationship continue to grow."

With that Spoor bowed once more and walked to her shuttle where Cufadiss was still asleep waiting for the Admiral to get back. In a few moments, the shuttle was away to her ship.