NationStates Jolt Archive

The Cestus system was a remote solar group on the edge of the Orion Arm, 400 light-years counter-spinward from the Sol system. Consisting of four planets, the closest planet to the sun was a barren wasteland that was continuously scorched by the heat of the star that comprised the axle around which the system rotated. The second planet was cooler, but still maintained an inhospitable heated methane atmosphere that was tormented by constant storms that racked the poisonous seas and eroded the devil-red rocks of the mountains. The fourth planet, orbiting nearly 3 astronomical units from the Cestus star, was a cold and lifeless world, covered with rock-solid ice and subzero waters that maintained their liquid state only by the massive pressures that the ice layers on the oceanic surface exerted on the planetary core.

The third planet was a different matter. Forming at the correct distance and rate of spin for life to develop, the world of Cestus Three was a rich, tropical and temperate world with potential for life to develop during its early stages of life. The human migration ceased that.

As the population on Earth grew, humanity looked to the stars in order to find a solution to their overcrowding problems and the need for greater living space. Colony ships of different sizes and shapes from different nations went forth to create another fragile bubble of human existence in the cosmos along the vast number of chartered habitable star systems seen from Mother Terra.

Cestus Three was once such planet. Several vast ships carrying thousands of Colonists, vast types of equipment and technology, landed on the fertile lands of the planet, whereupon the Commander of the vessel named the area Cestus Landing; an appropriate, if unimaginative name for an area that would eventually become the Capital of the entire planet. The colonists went about developing a home for themselves with the aid of the technology and equipment supplied to them, and therefore reached technological pinnacles such as controlled nuclear fusion in a mere Century, as opposed to the pondersome and tormented struggle for advancement that had plagued mankind from its origins. By this time, the population had reached a new record of five million ‘Cestustians’, as the term was coined.

Such as is the problem of mankind; technology advanced, humanity did not. Although the founding of the Cestus Three colony was based on the principles of communal ownership and direct democracy, the struggles for power between different allegiances of colonists from different origin nations soon erupted into a civil war that nearly devastated the planet before it had a chance to grow. The resulting political landscape eventually agreed upon was the Council of Nationalities, an elected franchise where each of the 15 national groups voted for their own seat, which jointly decided upon and ruled over the citizens of Cestus Three, ensuring that each national identity had a voice in the workings of government.

The representative nature of this body lasted only a short time. The eventual homogenisation of cultures brought forward a new society in Cestus Three that was a mix of many different national cultures, made into something distinctly ‘Cestustian’ in nature. Despite this, the Council remained, ruling over its citizens as a group of national voices even as the nature of those national identities ceased to be an issue. Calls for a change in the structure of government were called for, resulting in several periods of civil unrest during the growth of the nation. The Council, not wanting to give up its elite base of executive and legislative power, invoked harsh military force to quell the violent unrests. After this, the Council declared itself “a vanguard body of the Cestustian people aimed towards the continued preservation of peace and prosperity,” suspending elections in the nation and shortening its name to merely ‘the Council’. Headed by a Chairman elected by the other 14 members of the group, the Council became an oppressive body that continued development of military and civil technology, and has ruled the planet in isolation until this very day…

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The Vanguard Class Solar Cruiser was one of three new vessels constructed by the ever-growing shipyards above the surface of Cestus Three. The newest of the trio, the Cestus Defence Force Vessel ‘Nottingham’ sported the latest technology from the Cestus State Shipyards; bearing two Plasma Turrets on its forward hull, two torpedo tubes on forecastle and sporting a main engine capable of pushing ten gees in acceleration, the 700-metre vessel was a marvel of technology that added one more vessel to the punching power of the CDF Navy.

CDFV ‘Nottingham’ was at that moment orbiting Cestus Four; the outer planet of the system whose orbit was classified as the edge of the Cestus system, and therefore Council jurisdiction. As part of a routine patrol performed by the Vanguard Class, the ‘Nottingham’ would orbit Cestus Four for a total of 450 days before returning to Cestus Three for refuelling, recreation and (if need be) rearming; the total time for Cestus Four to make one orbit of its mother star. The movement of the other two Vanguard Cruisers would be staged so as to maintain a constant roving patrol; with one vessel orbiting each planet bar Cestus One at any time – a fourth vessel was already being laid down to cover that defence blind-spot at that very moment.

The patrol had been, as always, uneventful. The Council continued these patrols in earnest; latest developments in communication receiving equipment and heard the wash of alien communications, suggesting some intelligence out among the stars. Although the total time for these transmissions to reach Cestus Three was often in the number of decades, it still suggested a presence of other technologically advanced species in the galaxy. And the Council wanted to be ready for them.

But the expected alien intervention was yet to come. The Vanguards went out, patrolled, and came back with little more than transcripts of the more intelligible communications; it appeared that English (and several evolutions of the language) was in use outside the boundaries of the Cestus system. As such, the crew of the ‘Nottingham’ was not expecting anything out of the ordinary this time either.

OOC: Open for the first person that wants to jump in, and semi-Open for people after that so long as they clear permission with me first, as I do not wish to have too many people than I can handle. I’m only new, after all. :)

Vanguard Class schematic: http://www.shipschematics.net/yamato/images/edf/cruiser_unknown.jpg

The Commissariat of Science was trained for first contact, and its Anthroplogical-Xenopological Department discovered the work of the Cestusian Council through deep scans and military patrols; after all, ships of unknown make and model exploring the stars did not go unnoticed. Thus, a ship was sent to investigate. A Lomonsonov Science Ship, converted from an ordinary Mao Zedong III type, was sent near the reported origin of the ships, triangulated from their paths. All the while, a message was broadcasted in English, Spanish, Abh, and Binary Code.

"Unknown peoples. In the name of the Workers and Peasants of New Dornalia, we would like to establish communications with your species/people. We mean no harm. We wish for peaceful communications and intercourse."

ooc: I wish to join. I plan to bring a single ship (it will be a large military vessel, as that's all we use to explore) but it will come in peace.

OOC: Yeah Kaz, y'can join. I'll post responses to all this tommorow.

ooc: May I ask if you are a puppet? You seem to be good at RPs despite it being your first few posts. (Not that I mind, I'm quite delighted to see another good RPer here)

Ic: The KNS KieVork flashed into existence in the outer rim of the system, it's sensors actively putting out massive amounts of all kinds of energy. She wouldn't have been hard to see, and that was not her commander's intent. They had detected energy emissions from several sectors away on a mission of exploration- as was their duty during maratime- and had come to investigate.
"Looks like there's defiantly a space fairing culture here, captain."
"Alright, bring us closer to their main world and broadcast the standard hail. Get me a comm to Danelle's quarters."
"Yes sir." Came several responses at once.

"You paged, commander?" Her voice came over the comm.
"Yes, Danelle, we've got what looks like first contact. Your services will be needed within a few hours, I dare say."
"Just for you, Ferzli. And only because I'm getting tired of the same holodeck programs. When are you going to get around to downloading some new ones? Huh? I've been waiting weeks. I'm not alone, you know- the whole crew-"
Commander Ferzli silently motioned for one of the ensigns to get on the issue while he responded. "Shouldn't you be getting ready?"
"Nice diversion technique. You know I just like to mess with you. You're fun to observe." The channel clicked closed as she went to get ready.

A message was broadcast in all known languages, formats, frequencies, and channels: This is the Kazeci vessel KNS KieVork, we are here on a peaceful mission of first contact and exploration. We seek the establishment of relations with your people.

Captain Malcolm Sharpe was asleep in his quarters when the urgent buzzing awoke him from his rest. Muttering in his sleep, he rolled over and attempted to ignore the persistent sound as it attempted to wake him from his reverie, but several moments of continuous sound irritated him to the point of consciousness. Reaching across to his bedside table, he pushed the switch on the lamp, illuminating the room in a deep blue. Sharpe then reached for the switch on the buzzing intercom, silencing the noise and opening the two-way channel. “What?” he said irritably.

The Duty Officer on the graveyard shift was Lieutenant Commander Emmanuel Peterson, a relatively new officer brought onboard during the last stopover. His voice hesitated on the microphone momentarily. “Sorry to wake you sir, but long range radar has picked up two contacts on an intercept course, one smaller vessel and a larger contact that seems to be a warship of some sort. Both are broadcasting messages of peace, but I would advise caution at this time.”

Malcolm thought for a moment, wincing and rubbing his eyes as he assessed the situation. “Okay,” he said a moment later. “Sound General Quarters and man Battle Stations, but do not power the weapons batteries yet. We don’t want to start a war.” Malcolm sat up in bed and reached for his shirt. “Get on the horn to Central Command and tell them the situation. Until then, we’re on our own.”

“Aye, sir.” The channel closed, and presently the lights turned a dull red. Peterson’s voice echoed across the intercom system. “General Quarters, General Quarters, all hands man your Battle Stations.” Malcolm was already halfway out the door, pulling his shirt over his head.

<><><>

GENERAL MESSAGE:

To approaching vessels, this is the Cestus Defence Force Vessel ‘Nottingham’, representing the Dictatorship of Cestus Three. We seek to extend relations with your two governments and request you heave-to alongside in orbit so we may meet.

OOC: I’m not a puppet per-se, but I have done some nations on here in the past. Also, I like writing a lot. Thanks for the compliment, though. :)

The Lomonsonov-class ship, L-243, did as ordered, and moved along the side of the Nottingham, parking in orbit. The AnthroXeno Crew was nervous about who they would meet; their transmission did indicate them as a dictatorship. However, it was not their business to meddle, they were there to establish diplomatic contacts and ensure good relations.

They then sent a signal, saying, "Nottingham, this is the L-243. Requesting further instructions."

ooc: That's more what I meant.

Ic: Nottingham: Do you have landing bays? I'm afraid the logistics of docking our two ships isn't worth the trouble, but we'd be glad to send over a small transport or two.
The Dreadnought class Kazeci Super Cruiser moved into orbit, pulling up along the outside of the Nottingham and waiting for a response. Their bay door slid open just a crack of its total size, but this caused the outline of the bay entrance to become visible- a massive opening it was, capable of allowing many small craft in and out at any one time. The slate grey hull dully reflected the light of the star as they drifted in the empty void. 3 massive turrets were visible on the otherwise smooth and whale shaped hull- the rest of its arsenal retracted beneath the hull plating when not in use.

To: L243 & KNS KieVork

We thank you for following our instructions, and request you send emissaries to our vessel to enact diplomatic relations with our Captain, whom is fully entitled to negotiate ambassadorial duties and first contact situations where professional diplomatic staff are not available. We have landing facilities available via the landing deck through the forecastle entrance.

Captain Sharpe stood at the pressure airlock, tidying his black and gold dress uniform as he waited for the emissaries to arrive. Several Honour Guards stood at stiff attention, their projectile rifles at their sides, barrels pointing upwards. Sharpe cleared his throat as he waited for the arrival. The crew was reasonably nervous as to being flanked by two unidentified vessels, one which seemed to posses several weapons turrets and possibly retracted ordnance. Battle Stations were still manned, but the power systems were still deactivated as of now. The ‘Nottingham’ was ready, but would play this cool.

OOC: Bump

ooc: No need to bump for me, I just search for threads I've posted in (unless the bump had other people in mind...)

Ic: No response was sent- it wasn't deemed necessary- but the response was swift. 3 Bullet Transports shot from the 'slit' between the massive bay doors at extreme speeds. They formed up into a delta, or chevron, matching the lead one's moves perfectly. Several moments went by as the three craft 'played' with each other- performing acrobatic stunts and maneuvers at high speed. It was plain why they deserved the name 'Bullet'. They reduced to half speed (still quite fast) before their final run so as not to frighten the crew of the new ship.

A soft and graceful touchdown was the final step in the intricate flight plan- completing the formal Kazeci arrival. 4 guards marched in unison from the two outside ships, falling into formation with a small display of their formal event training. The two outer most in the line made a single flip of their intricately etched whitesilver staffs, causing them to now reside upside down and perpendicular to the floor. Each of the others did the same, starting at the outside and working in to the small formation's center. The two 'waves' was reversed, 'bouncing' off each other in the center and rippling back toward the outside. Each of the guards now stood still and silent in their earthen dress uniforms, which although dressy were also quite well suited to the quick moves of combat. Danielle stepped from the ramp of the center Bullet, walking forward gracefully and standing in front of the line of guards. Her diplomatic robes were draped in what appeared to be many layers of many tones (mainly shades of olive, beige and brown). She spoke sweet and soft, a comforting and trustworthy voice.
"Hello, and thank you for having me aboard your vessel. I am Danielle Lori, Diplomat of Kazecistan." Her body was framed with deep but natural red hair, which came half way down her back. She held her hands at her waist in front of her and stood in what just appeared to be a polite and respectful position, a slight and warm smile upon her closed lips.

Two of the bullets left the bay and headed home, their job done.

To: L243 & KNS KieVork

We thank you for following our instructions, and request you send emissaries to our vessel to enact diplomatic relations with our Captain, whom is fully entitled to negotiate ambassadorial duties and first contact situations where professional diplomatic staff are not available. We have landing facilities available via the landing deck through the forecastle entrance.

Captain Sharpe stood at the pressure airlock, tidying his black and gold dress uniform as he waited for the emissaries to arrive. Several Honour Guards stood at stiff attention, their projectile rifles at their sides, barrels pointing upwards. Sharpe cleared his throat as he waited for the arrival. The crew was reasonably nervous as to being flanked by two unidentified vessels, one which seemed to posses several weapons turrets and possibly retracted ordnance. Battle Stations were still manned, but the power systems were still deactivated as of now. The ‘Nottingham’ was ready, but would play this cool.

Onboard L243, Dr. Anton Nichayev and his bodyguard boarded a Gagarin class shuttle, exiting their ship and speedily making a trip to the Nottingham. Finding the landing deck, they touched down, and after docking, the anthropologist and his man Friday entered the pressurized airlock.

"Hello, and thank you for having me aboard your vessel. I am Danielle Lori, Diplomat of Kazecistan." Her body was framed with deep but natural red hair, which came half way down her back. She held her hands at her waist in front of her and stood in what just appeared to be a polite and respectful position, a slight and warm smile upon her closed lips.


Captain Sharpe smiled back in a diplomatic fashion. "Captain Malcolm Sharpe, Cestus Defence Force Navy Vessel 'Nottingham'. It's a pleasure to meet you." He then waited until the Dornalian representative was onboard, greeting them in the same fashion

He turned to the Honour Guard. "If you will follow the escort with me, we will continue our talks in the ship's Diplomatic Lounge." He turns, and walks away with them. "So tell me, what would you expect from such relations with Cestus Three?"

ooc: Sorry for the late response, I've been away from the PC for a while.

Ic: Danielle followed, her guards falling into step behind her in two rows. "We hope to see, at the very least, a non-aggression pact and hopefully trade. We feel it might be a bit much to ask to bring you into our Covenant, but the doors remain open. Also on the table is alliance."

Nichayev replied, with his perfect, Cambridge-educated accented English (with a hint of Russian), "We expect mainly peaceful intercourse in terms of trade and diplomatic matters. Like our Kazeci colleagues, we expect a non-aggression pact, at the least, if not an alliance."

Sharpe nodded as they walked along the carpeted corridors of the ‘Nottingham’, officers and crew standing to the sides of the walkway and saluting him and the congregation as they passed. “That seems acceptable,” he said as they turned to a door marked Conference Hall, which slid open to permit them access. “That is also what my government would be working towards gaining themselves, so let’s talk about details.”

The Conference Hall was a large room that took up two decks, permitting a large, high ceiling that contained and impressive top-down mural of Cestus City, the capital of the planet. A large, black oak table stood in the centre of the room with several chairs around it, and was itself surrounded by monuments and objects from Cestustian history and culture.

Sharpe took a seat at the head of the table and motioned the two diplomats to take seats to either side of him. “So,” he said, leaning back. “First things are first; tell me something about your peoples.”

OOC: Mind if one of my D'Kora class cruisers show up? A good Ferengi is always looking for any new place for trade.

Sharpe nodded as they walked along the carpeted corridors of the ‘Nottingham’, officers and crew standing to the sides of the walkway and saluting him and the congregation as they passed. “That seems acceptable,” he said as they turned to a door marked Conference Hall, which slid open to permit them access. “That is also what my government would be working towards gaining themselves, so let’s talk about details.”

The Conference Hall was a large room that took up two decks, permitting a large, high ceiling that contained and impressive top-down mural of Cestus City, the capital of the planet. A large, black oak table stood in the centre of the room with several chairs around it, and was itself surrounded by monuments and objects from Cestustian history and culture.

Sharpe took a seat at the head of the table and motioned the two diplomats to take seats to either side of him. “So,” he said, leaning back. “First things are first; tell me something about your peoples.”

Nichayev said, "We are a diverse people, forged in the fires of Apocalypse on Earth and eventually united under Socialism after being ruled by a corrupt king. Humans, Catgirls, Elves, Kroot, Lizardmen exist in our lands. After years of dictatorial rule, the rise of our Comrade Premier, Robert MacIntyre, led to democratic reform, with open elections for Politburo seats and the guarantee of basic human, er, sentient rights. We are freer than ever before.

Our economy is a mixed one, we do not use inefficent planning, but let medium and small business do what they will, only letting large concerns become dominated by Worker's Committees, made up of representatives of the Employees themselves. Even then, these persons are certified before allowing to become eligible for candidacy, to limit waste and inefficency. We also enforce strict safety regulations and other laws as well."

Danielle waited her turn patiently; then spoke soft and polite. "Kazecistan runs on what could be considered socialism, but differs from direct socialism in several ways. Our government provides its citizens with all they need and in return the vast majority of them work for it. What little private enterprise exists is mostly the services industry. It's participants must pay for use of the government's property (nearly everything from houses to public transportation [the only planetary transportation]). Most of what is done by private business in a capitalist state is done by one of the government's many sub departments. 90% of each of our cities is underground. The environment and it's preservation is a major concern to our government and people, who enjoy it to its fullest in the least intrusive ways.

Not much is known of our history before The Great Wipe, which happened just after a major war which only one faction survived- the one whose descendants make up Kazecistan today. With the exception of technological aspects, not much has changed since our government was founded after the war. The system we find to be ideal has endured so many years.

Perhaps you might be willing to describe your nation to us?"

Her personality, appearances, voice- all were predetermined- part of an act. Having spent years in Kazeci diplomatic school, she was a master at masking and replacing all of her body's signals. At that very moment she was taking in hundreds of tidbits of information form all the many non-verbal channels of each person in the room, paying special attention to the two diplomats before her. Little could slip by her and none slipped out. She read them each like a book. Her act was perfect to all but the most highly trained experts in her field. A true Kazeci diplomat. This did not, however, mean that what she said about Kazecistan’s intent was untrue in the least.

OOC: Mind if one of my D'Kora class cruisers show up? A good Ferengi is always looking for any new place for trade.

Sorry, but I'd like to keep it down to two people at the moment. However, I will get back to you about doing a one-on-one RP after this one is finished.

Sharpe leant back, nodding as he listened to both of the diplomats as they described their worlds to the CDF Captain. Inwardly, he was amazed and curious; this was his first contact with aliens, and learning about their civilisations was indeed interesting for the Starship Captain. As Danielle asked the question in return, Sharpe cleared his throat, thinking for a moment about what to say. Presently, he began.

“Cestus Three is a planet about the size of Earth, but geographically quite different. Most of the surface is barren and lifeless due to the mining activities of our government, with some areas of forestry and wildlife kept in preserved park areas for the enjoyment of our citizens. We have six main cities including Cestus City, our capital. Our nation is controlled by the Council, which is both the Legislative and Executive branches of our State. We were once settlers for Earth from several different nationalities, but now we have developed into a diverse, yet unified culture known as Cestustian. As for our economy, most of the activity is controlled by citizens of the Dictatorship, although the government takes a share of the profits and income. The military-industrial complex is controlled completely by the government, however.”

Sharpe took a breath before continuing. “In the case of contact with other races wishing diplomatic relations, I have been given a basic set of objectives that should be pursued for diplomatic purposes.” As he spoke, Malcolm pushed a button on the table, which opened an internal compartment inside that contained a piece of paper printed with the crest of the Cestustian Dictatorship. Sharpe cleared his throat again. “I believe that they are pretty close to your own ideas; we wish to establish non-aggression pacts, along with a possible exchange of technology and culture to further our mutual development.” Malcolm looked up at the other two. “In particular, we are interested in high-speed transit technologies; our vessels use nuclear fusion rockets to permit travel, however interplanetary transit still takes several weeks at a minimum.”

Sharpe was interrupted by a bleep on the intercom, followed by a loudspeaker message. “Bridge to Captain, incoming transmission from High Command.”

Sharpe looked at the two diplomats. “Excuse me for a moment,” he smiled politely before standing and walking across to a monitor against one of the walls. “Authorisation Sharpe-Alpha-Three.”

The monitor flashed with the message ‘Voice Pattern Recognised’, and then changed to a digital message:

To: CO-NOTTINGHAM
From: HICOMCDF

CDFV ‘Manchester’, ‘Davidson’, and ‘Goldberg’ report contact with unknown forces thought responsible for destruction of mining colony in the Asteroid Belt. You are ordered to stand-by for possible further directives.

Sharpe took a deep breath, before nodding to himself and closing the message, then turning back to the table and taking his seat. “Again, I apologise,” he said with a smile. “Now, what are your opinions on these possible arrangements?”

OOC: Just linking this a little with my other RP to add continuity, if you don't mind.

ooc: The Kazecis would be willing to aid you, if you felt the need.

Ic: Danielle spoke in the soft and trusting voice she had spent so much time perfecting, her deception great, but her words true. "We have many technologies I think you will be interested, all of which are on the table for trade. We have several near-light-speed capable engine designs as well as a very effective faster-than-light system. In return, we seek non-aggression pacts, open boarders, and technology or goods trade. Military technology trade, unfortunately, cannot take place without first having a non-aggression pact, for obvious reasons. An alliance, we feel, takes time to build up the necessary trust, but would be essentially 'free', as both parties would agree to the same terms." She touched a lock of her silky red hair before reaching into her pocket and pulling out a small orb. Laying it on the table, she pressed upon the top and a holographic document appeared before each of the Cestus representatives. It was a standard non-aggression pact. Beneath it (the touch-sensitive hologram functioned like a stack of papers, each having a scroll bar), there was a trade agreement, which had many blanks and a long list of items.

ooc: The Kazecis would be willing to aid you, if you felt the need.

Ic: Danielle spoke in the soft and trusting voice she had spent so much time perfecting, her deception great, but her words true. "We have many technologies I think you will be interested, all of which are on the table for trade. We have several near-light-speed capable engine designs as well as a very effective faster-than-light system. In return, we seek non-aggression pacts, open boarders, and technology or goods trade. Military technology trade, unfortunately, cannot take place without first having a non-aggression pact, for obvious reasons. An alliance, we feel, takes time to build up the necessary trust, but would be essentially 'free', as both parties would agree to the same terms." She touched a lock of her silky red hair before reaching into her pocket and pulling out a small orb. Laying it on the table, she pressed upon the top and a holographic document appeared before each of the Cestus representatives. It was a standard non-aggression pact. Beneath it (the touch-sensitive hologram functioned like a stack of papers, each having a scroll bar), there was a trade agreement, which had many blanks and a long list of items.

Nichayev then said, "We too, have technologies of value. We have singularity drives, FTL drives, and Stargates that are mounted in orbit which can permit quick travel from planet to planet. We also have computers, and replicator technology-a technology that will make your military-industrial complex very efficent. We have military items of value, but like our Kazeci colleagues, there are conditions. We will require a Non-Disclosure Agreement for any transfer of arms to occur."

OOC: I’ll have to ask my opponent whether it would be possible to bring in some support. I am heavily outnumbered seeing as my technology is lower-tech (Plasma Turrets and nuclear torpedoes) and my engine systems took my three vessels 24 weeks to arrive at the destination, meaning that my opponent has most likely fortified their position considerably by now, seeing as they have faster engine technology.

IC:

Sharpe looked at the holographic document with an air of controlled caution, reading the document to its entirety before looking back to Danielle. “This is indeed what my nation would be pursuing with other species, so I do not necessarily see a problem here,” he said. “I know for a fact that trade between nations would be desired by my government, and a non-aggression pact would indeed be a good first step in creating relations between our two species.”

Sharpe looked back at the document. “In particular,” he continued. “We are interested in the possible exchange of engine technologies. Our vessels,” he turned back to Danielle as he spoke. “Our vessels currently operate on an effective but comparatively slow nuclear fusion rocket engine that provides us with interplanetary travel in a matter of months. However, limits in engine size and fuel capacity reduce our maximum potential speed and thus slow us to a standard speed of around 60,000 kilometres per hour as standard. Engine designs that are faster, or indeed,” he added, “Or indeed, capable of faster-than-light transit would be of great value to the Dictatorship.” Sharpe then turned to Nichayev. "We are also particularly interested in this replicator technology that you would be able to provide for our military-industrial complex, and relations in trade and non-aggression would also be desired with your government as well."

Meanwhile, onboard the bridge of the ‘Nottingham’, Duty Officer Lieutenant Commander Emmanuel Peterson was monitoring transmissions between the Asteroid Belt and the High Command. The Vanguard Class vessel was on a state of heightened alert after receiving orders to standby, although Peterson already knew that this was pretty pointless in the grand scheme of things; a full power transitory burn from Cestus Four to the Asteroid Belt would take 17 days, and any battle would be long over by then. The historical comparison seemed here to be related to the Russian Atlantic Fleet engaging the Japanese after sailing around Africa in order to reach the Far East. Still, they were a Cestus Defence Force Vessel, and they would be ready.

Sharpe then turned to Nichayev. "We are also particularly interested in this replicator technology that you would be able to provide for our military-industrial complex, and relations in trade and non-aggression would also be desired with your government as well."

Nichayev then said, "Then we have something to work with. The Workers State will be willing to sell you some examples and plans for the replicator unit, a more energy-efficent model. As for the NAP and the Trade Agreements...."

He then produced a PDA with the necessary documents.

"The documents are there."

Danielle was now in a tricky position, it would normally be rude to do as she was about to, but training had made it so that she could effectively divert attention from the action to the offer without loosing much, if any, of her perceived kindness. "If I am correct about the device to which my counterpart is referring, Kazecistan possesses similar technology. We call them 'partial assembler arrays' and they do indeed come in military industrial grade (by which I mean that they can be shipyards capable of producing a vessel like the one I arrived in a matter of weeks.) They come in all sizes, really, and can make just about any object that they have a scan of (provided that they have adequate materials and energy)." She had just stolen an exclusive trade offer and sweetened the pot, but it was necessary for the maximum benefit of Kazecistan as a whole.

She now moved on, her voice as unchanged and helpful as ever. "As for engines, ours can take us to near light speed. What's more, however, is our FTL capability. Short-range jumps can take us across your solar system in seconds while long range ones can take us between systems in moments. Our weapons tech, assuming we achieve a non-aggression pact, is massively powerful.

"Which brings me to my next point: shall we get the non-aggression pact out of the way before going any further with trade agreements? I think it might make things a bit easier and perhaps assuage any reservations you might have?" So sincere, so honest- one could never have known her to be any thing more than the messenger, ignorant of diplomacy and politics thus totally believing every word she regurgitated to her new friends. She didn't seem stupid or dumb, though, quite competent, just innocent.

Sharpe nodded as he listened. "You are quite right," he acknowledged. "I do agree that we need to get the signing of the Non-Aggression Pacts completed first before we begin the organisation of trade details, and that certainly," he looked from Danielle to Nichayev. "That certainly is something that my government wishes to organise with both of your governments."

Sharpe then proceeded to collect together the correct documents, signing them on behalf of the Cestustian government as was his diplomatic perogative. This would remain legal so long as the Council authorised his actions within 2 weeks of his signing the document. As he looked up, he remmembered one point. "Nichayev," he said. "Whilst it does seem that Danielle is prepared to offer an interesting replicator technology deal, we would possibly be interested in purchasing a communication system from your government that allows us to develop the capability to communicate with other galactic governments in intergalactic politics, as well as increase the speed in which our communications are sent."

Danielle thought for a split second about bringing up Kazecistan's communication technology, but that would seem rude so soon after the last and would also be putting too much pressure and tension into the situation. She let it slide, acting as if she hadn't heard the words and continuing the conversation.

Kazecistan and herself had already singed their documents, which was visible in the holograms, so she pushed for their signature as well as access to the document they provided for signing. "Well, then, shall we get to it?" She reached for the document they provided and continued to speak. "Just touch the document to write."

Danielle thought for a split second about bringing up Kazecistan's communication technology, but that would seem rude so soon after the last and would also be putting too much pressure and tension into the situation. She let it slide, acting as if she hadn't heard the words and continuing the conversation.

Kazecistan and herself had already singed their documents, which was visible in the holograms, so she pushed for their signature as well as access to the document they provided for signing. "Well, then, shall we get to it?" She reached for the document they provided and continued to speak. "Just touch the document to write."

Sharpe proceeded to do so, and then waited for Nichayev to respond.

As he looked up, he remmembered one point. "Nichayev," he said. "Whilst it does seem that Danielle is prepared to offer an interesting replicator technology deal, we would possibly be interested in purchasing a communication system from your government that allows us to develop the capability to communicate with other galactic governments in intergalactic politics, as well as increase the speed in which our communications are sent."

Nichayev then thought for a moment, and said, "We have basic FTL Communications and subspace communications, as well as encryption methods for said systems. But that is the extent of what we can give."

Nichayev then thought for a moment, and said, "We have basic FTL Communications and subspace communications, as well as encryption methods for said systems. But that is the extent of what we can give."

Sharpe considered his position. "That would indeed be suitable for our needs," he said. "My government merely wishes a communication system so as to allow us greater and speedier interaction with the politics of the galaxy." He then proceeded to sign the documents for the Non-Aggression pact with the state of New Dornalia, and stood.

"Well," he said. "It appears our business is concluded. The only thing we need to organise now where and when the transfer of technology will take place. Then, I can send communications to homeworld in order to confirm and express the details of our arrangements."

Danielle sat for a moment, silent, then spoke. "Perhaps I'm just temporarily blanking, but trade arrangements so far have been one way, no? What was it you offered, again?"

Sharpe considered his position. "That would indeed be suitable for our needs," he said. "My government merely wishes a communication system so as to allow us greater and speedier interaction with the politics of the galaxy." He then proceeded to sign the documents for the Non-Aggression pact with the state of New Dornalia, and stood.

"Well," he said. "It appears our business is concluded. The only thing we need to organise now where and when the transfer of technology will take place. Then, I can send communications to homeworld in order to confirm and express the details of our arrangements."

Nichayev then said, "Then, we are finished. Our Commissariat of Trade can send a mission with specialists and examples of the technology to Cestus Three directly, and we can handle things there. Barring that, you can send a delegation to Luxembourgia, one of our major worlds."

Danielle pretended to be embarrassed, although she was verging upon it in reality. "Oh, right. We can conduct trade agreements at another location or under different circumstances, if you so wish."

Danielle pretended to be embarrassed, although she was verging upon it in reality. "Oh, right. We can conduct trade agreements at another location or under different circumstances, if you so wish."

Sharpe nodded. "It would also be a good opportunity for you to see how my nation is governed and the society behind it."

OOC: Okay, starting to try and wrap this up now - if you may be able to give me some information on the technology I am being given here as part of our agreement, I can begin to incorporate it into my fleet.

Sharpe nodded. "It would also be a good opportunity for you to see how my nation is governed and the society behind it."

OOC: Okay, starting to try and wrap this up now - if you may be able to give me some information on the technology I am being given here as part of our agreement, I can begin to incorporate it into my fleet.

OOC: FTL Communication (at least New Dornalia's) bascially uses a modified warp drive that generates a signal in hyperspace to send messages at incredibly fast speeds. It can be blocked by FTL Inhibitor Fields (at least that is the weakness of my systems), but it is very secure otherwise, and can be easily encrypted (again, my systems, not sure about other FTL Comms)-not to mention, it is lightning fast.

Our subspace communicators perform a similar role, but send a varying signal in our dimension at relatively slower speeds than FTL Comms, enabling communication even under FTL Inhibitor lockdown and other situations where standard FTL Comms are useless. Not to mention it is much cheaper (think DSL v. Cable Internet).

However, there is some delay experienced (sometimes, up to a few minutes), and generally, subspace is generally less secure, owing to its slower speeds and the fact the signal is in our dimension, making it easier to crack.

To Be Continued...

ooc: Sub light drives:
High power anti matter reactors emit a stream of highly energized particles. This stream is then directed by several fields in capable of manipulating its thrust anywhere in a hemisphere from its emittion point. small amounts of thrust may also be redirected through 'channels' to other locations on the vessel, mainly to function as thrusters.

FTL drives:
Brilliant flash of light accompanies entry and exit into the fold, travel usually takes only a few seconds to minutes.

In system / emergency FTL:
Can jump short distances in a heart beat, takes energy from other systems (because it isn't charged ahead of time).

Particle assembler arrays:
'spray' molecules into place, 2-3 weeks for full assembly of a large vessel, enable much stronger construction (solid piece instead of many joined together), and totally automated. Smaller versions can make anything from food to clothing to furniture.