NationStates Jolt Archive

There were four of them, one for each of the Nations they were to speak with. Nondescript in their entrance, the vessels that conveyed them, if such was necessary, sent a simple message to each of the national capitols requesting an audience.

In the case of Coreworlds, there was no ship involved, simply a transmission from one side of Jurai to Daniel Masaki.

No indication of subject matter was given. Simply a request for an audience with each of the national leaders of those four allied nations that had assisted the Godulans in the Battle of Terivine.

Immediately upon reception, I sent in an official "Sure, you're always welcome to an audience" reply. Now, it's waiting time.

OOC: For the others, I wanna try resolving each conversation independently. Shouldn't be more'n a few posts for the basic stuff, but in the event the Godulans wish to pursue further lines of talk, it'll be a little longer.

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Shortly after the Coredian approval of the audience request, it showed up.

The Coredian command center was abuzz with activity as news concerning the situation with the ESUS continued to filter in. Word of mobilizations of many ancient nations promising swift death to allied forces kept the command room in a steady state of controlled panic. Though, this state of simmering dread fell to silence as the Godulan ambassador strode, no... floated in.

At least, it seemed like floating. Its movements were too fluid to be something so simple as walking. To all observers, the body itself flowed with each supple movement as if it was not so much making steps as it was attaching itself to the ground at each contact point. A low thrum accompanied each 'step', and its body glowed a sickly green with the energy contained in its body, and an occasional arc of electricity danced across its unnatural flesh.

It was human, for the most part. At least, some of it looked human. It bore the semblance of a human head and torso, complete with proper skin color and pitch black hair. The arms and everything below the waist, however, shifted into the translucent glowing green, and such parts took on a parody of their heritage. The hands ended in wicked claws that seemed to lengthen and shorten with each passing moment, and its legs were longer and more angular than they should have been. Though nothing was quite so striking as the strange wings that flexed and twitched even as they were kept closed at its back. The wings were little more than little more than phalanges, no feathers or membrane between each massive finger, but they did give the image of being usable both for flight and as a second pair of massive arms.

Its eyes were pitch black, and a form of facial decoration displayed two streaks of black something that ran down its face from its eyes and all the way down its body until its flesh turned to the green crystalline substance. Its mouth was open slightly, as if it wanted to scream but had forgotten how, and its general expression was something of a cross between unsurpassed glee, sorrow, and rage, intermixed with an almost mindless upward stare.

Mindless though it might have appeared, the air of singlemindedness was obvious to all, as the strange creature walked right up to Masaki and knealt down. Its mouth did not move, but its entire body reverberated in such a manner as to create the voice it began to speak with:

Greetings, Mister Masaki. We thank you for allowing us to speak with you during such a turbulent time...

I took note of the changes in the Godulan Ambassador, and found it troubling. Sojun's done far worse to the Godulans than I had expected...

But it was time for business. "We are allies, after all. What do you wish to speak with us about?"

What we say here may chill such sentiments, though it is our hope that you will be understanding to the events that have led us to our conclusions and our resulting actions. We hope you will not see us as traitors to the cause, for to us, there never should have been a cause.

The ambassador's wings trembled slightly.

We have taken up arms against our brethren of the Galactic Federation of Free Alliances. Already we have assisted in the establishment of forward bases for the ExtraSolar Union as they seek to commence operations on those we previously knew as allies.

You must have seen it, Mister Masaki, the corruption that has taken hold? The corruption that even now strangles the very alliance we both once fought to protect? Even now the alliance is but a confusing morass of contentious peoples gnashing at each other as even the pettiest issues are discussed. Such is not a sign of strength. Such is not in keeping with the natural order. There is chaos and harmony in the natural order, parallel to each other, stabilizing to each other, and balancing each other. It is this balance that we have seen corrupted in the Galactic Federation. We cannot stand by and allow it to remain.

The alliance is flailing, Mister Masaki. Flailing, and failing. The impending attack by the Extrasolar Union is not an assault but a mercy. A mercifully swift end to what would otherwise go slowly and painfully into the twilight.

The ambassador sighed, its wings flexing once again.

We come here because you have helped us. Time and again. You helped us long ago, when the Archons were thrust from power, by taking our people and treating them as you would your own, even when your own people were undergoing such virulent turmoil. You helped us when we sought to combat the hordes of Sojun as he sought to suppress our very spirit. For this, we will NEVER raise arms against you.

We seek instead to hope that you have seen as we have seen, and that you will join us in our effort to provide merciful conclusion to the cancer-ridden Federation. We do not wish to see you harmed by those who seek to execute the natural will. We wish to help you as you have helped us.

Please, pull your support from the Galactic Federation. Use it to focus your wrath on the Sith murderers who even now besiege this world of yours and ours in their effort to corrupt the natural order that we both hold so precious. We know that this battle is a vendetta, one that only the Masaki clan and its resources must be allowed to win, but even so, you have but to command us and we will dedicate ourselves to driving the Sith criminals into their deserved oblivion.

I took in the Godulan's news with stoic. It was exactly what Uncle Yano, the Coredian delegate to the GFFA, often grumbles about the alliance. "A bunch of bloody whiners with absolutely no direction whatsoever. The only consolation is the few good allies we have, and even then, that's not nearly enough."

"Ambassador, your words trouble me, even as I sense the truth in them." I said quietly. "It is true that the Federation is nothing more than a bunch of squabbling children, or so my advisors tell me. I will take my time to reconsider our alliance to them. For now, I wish to keep my discontent with them quiet. When the time's ripe, I will definitely pull out. Still, there's a few good members that I like to keep contacts with."

The ambassador nodded slightly, and its taloned fingers flexed on the ground.

A few good members remain, we do not challenge such nor is our intent to attempt such. However, the alliance is beset by a few whose will is as strong as their policies are misguided. Those who you would consider your friends are not the perpetrators but the victims. This day we have sent envoys to several others, who have helped us as you have, to beseech them to allow the Federation its rest.

The Kendaryns, Hyrens of Tidan, and the Abh assisted us in our time of need, as you did. And we cannot in good conscience stand against them.

However, we cannot stop you from allowing support in this war. Neither can we stop the Extrasolar union. You cannot fathom how we would mourn the pointless loss of your soldiers should you seek to defend the Federation, to see you subjected to such pain would be for us unbearable.

Please, Mister Masaki. Look to your own fight first, at least assure us of that. The lives of our own, as well as your own brethren rest upon you throwing the Sith back with nothing but tombstones to show for their effort. There is no shame in dedicating yourself to your own defense. There is no cowardice in crushing those who would seek to do you harm. There is no betrayal in mercy.

The Godulans have spoken true, time and time again, and today was no different. I felt torn, torn for an alliance we had helped forge many years before and torn for an ally we have known before even the GFFA was born. At least Abh won't be hit by this betrayal of the GFFA, but what is betrayal anyway?

Perhaps it was time for the alliance to die by other hands. Perhaps it would somehow grow stronger even as the ESUS attacks. Whatever happens, one thing is for certain. The future is always in motion.

Then, a thought began to form inside my mind. A little cloud that would someday become a brainstorm if I could just...hold on to it. The GFFA is sick, dying, even. Although the 'doctors' are doing everything they can to keep it alive, it seems pretty futile. But, perhaps...

If Coreworlds can use it's clout to forge a new alliance out of the ashes of the old, disallowing those members who bicker and threaten to tear it apart from the inside, using powerful legal and political techniques to prevent such things from happening again...

I began to smile. Treason, is, after all, in the eye of the beholder. I only hope that a certain few members outside of Godular's 'protection' would survive. They would be useful, after all...

But for now... "Let Baron Skye know that I will assuredly deal with the Sith first. But also let him know that if those members, Abh (Mental note: Talk with them ASAP), Tidan, Kendari, plus one or two more (Beta, surely.), are attacked by the ESUS, I will have no choice but to respond in kind. Other members (which appear to be holding their own well at the moment) will recieve nonmilitary support only, at least what of that we can manage. Of course, if Godular is spearheading any assaults, I'll make excuses as to why I won't stop you." I said that with a calculating smile.

"However, even that support will decrease over time, using the Sith war as an obvious excuse (if it continues to drag on), until the only support that I will send will be to the aforementioned nations." I assured the Ambassador. "You have my response, friend. May the Force be with you."

Well, that was that.

He is aware, Mister Masaki, friend... replied the ambassador as it stood up, its voice had shifted slightly into a striking resemblance of Baron Skye's own. Its face had shifted slightly to reveal a shade of saddened relief as its wings began to tremble. Though you must understand, we can only stop so many bullets. It may assist to note that Tidanian Hyrens have withdrawn for reasons yet unknown to us. We are not certain how the Abh or Kendaryns will react. At your request we shall send an envoy to the others as well. May you be brought a swift victory over the Sith scum.

Suddenly, its mouth widened and its eyes screwed up in concentration. With a strange *PWUMMM*, it vanished, leaving a pair of sizzling footprints on the ground before Masaki.

*Bumping* For other participants

It had been a busy week for the nation of Beta Aurigae VII, ships from allied nations coming and going unannounced and as war ticked inexorably closer, the defense of the system. Then as had been happening so often lately, a ship dropped out of warp near the edge of the system. It was detected immediatly and the RSS Black Death broke away from its fleet to intercept.

On the Black Death

"We're recieving a communication sir."

"What does it say?"

"It's from Godular, they wish an audience with the High Council."

The captain blinked in suprise before responding, "Transmit that we will honor their request. We will escort them through the defenses."

In his head the captain's mind was in full gear, Why would they call upon us? I wonder if it is about the suspicion in the GFFA about them betraying the alliance? This and many other thoughts riped through his head as they made their was through the first layer of mines.

"Call ahead to the Council and inform them that they will have a visitor."

"Aye sir."

The High Council chamber on Beta Aurigae VII

The council sat in the tense silence that seemed to be the norm these days. Each of them quietly comtemplating the impact this meeting would have should the GFFA find out. Suspicions were already running high and this may push them past the breaking point. Then they recieved a message that the Godulan was ready to enter.

"Send him in," said Kisharn breaking the silence as the two huge doors opened to reveal a figure. "Welcome my friend, please allow us to discuss the matter on your mind."

The creature that thudded its way into the room stood no less than twice the height of a man, closing in on three. It walked as though suggesting that its massive and deformed feet adhered to the floor with each resounding step. Its body bore a semblance of a glowing crystal armored humanoid stout enough to arm wrestle a mountain and emerge victorious. Two pairs of arms swayed back and forth as it strode forward, their massive plated fingers flexing constantly and with the occasional spurt of activity. On its back rested a darker hued crystal shell reminiscent of what would be seen on a scarab. This shell skirted mere inches from the floor as the creature thudded its way to the council.

Its bald head was the only thing bearing semblance of flesh, hidden behind layers of crystalline armor. The small portion that the council could see showed glowing green eyes and twin trails of black something leading from each eye, down the creature's face, and out of sight.

It eventually stopped, and fell to its knees with a resounding crash. It reared up, both arms outspread, and its eyes looked up to the ceiling. The creature froze, holding this position, as the air around it began to vibrate.

We thank you for the opportunity to speak with you at such a turbulent time, came the surprisingly soft and reassuring voice. We sense that you have suspicions regarding the reasoning of our wish to commune. Blessed be the foresight of legion. The suspicions of an eventual betrayal by the Triad Consortium.

The loss of Terivine has changed us, friends. Its scarab wings stretched out and flapped once before settling back down. And we knew that such would bring forth changes on every level. Our new insight shows us much, and we have come to a realization. We would share such insight, should you permit.

Kisharn nodded and gestured for the Godulan to continue.

"Wait," said a voice towards the far side of the Council. "We can't allow this thing to continue with it's treasonous plot. We must remain loyal to the GFFA. We have pledged alliegence to them and we have never broken our word. Do you want the rest of the galaxy to look upon us as traitors and cowards for giving in against a superior foe?"

Kisharn regarded the councilman disdainfully for a moment before saying, "We will here the Godulans out. I for one am fed up with the way the GFFA functions or doesn't function depending on the way you look at it. We have allied with Godular before, they have proven trustworthy, unlike the nations of the GFFA who are driven by suspicion and ruled by power hungry fools. Once before we have gone against the grain for the greater good of the nation, we may find after we here this Godulan that we may need to do so again. I will do what is necessary to survive and if it means breaking from the GFFA, then so be it."

The councilman fell silent and once more Kisharn turned towards the Godulan, "You may continue."

It listened to the comments of both men, remaining as still as a statue in its curious position. There was a slight pause before the Ambassador commenced anew. A slight crackle of electricity coursed across the surface of its body as the air began to vibrate once more.

Then you have seen it as well, the corruption that threatens to choke the alliance from within? Blessed be the providence of legion!

We cannot lie to those we view as friend, a far greater honor than to simply be an ally. We have turned on the Galactic Federation, we have given aid and information to the Extrasolar Union. We do this not because we sought to betray the Galactic Federation, but because the corruption has grown beyond any recognizable capacity to recover. We seek not to destroy. We seek a merciful end. We seek a restoration of the natural order. A restoration of balance.

We would ask of you nothing, or rather to DO nothing. Withhold military and monetary support from the Galactic Federation in the coming conflict and you will emerge unharmed. We do not wish for the pain you will suffer should you wish to fight for the corruption, we do not wish such to befall those we would call friend. We bear the sorrow of one lost world, innocent before the eyes of all. Our sorrow would extend to you as well, and we fear such weight is already heavy on our shoulders.

We seek a swift end to a corrupted ideal that should never have existed. Surely there is no betrayal in standing against the corruption that has taken over? Surely there is no betrayal in upholding your own ideals? Surely there is no betrayal in offering mercy to a dying creature?

"The question you ask of us is an interesting one," said Kisharn. "Do nothing and survive, do something and die. I am a man of action, but that does not mean that I am not open to reason as well. I have taken what you have said and weighed it against what others in the council feel. I have come to the conclusion that it is not only right but necessary that we remove ourselves from this conflict with the Extra Solar Union of Systems. Therefore, I implore the rest of the council to vote with me in this matter."

Looking expectantly around the council chamber, Kisharn's eyes said it all. He was no longer just asking the council, he was pleading with them. This was the only sign of weakness the others had ever seen in him, he was the rock that steadied the council, always emotionless. And to see that rock start to crumble was enough to convince the council that maybe they should do as the Godulan asked. Afterall, they had been in isolation from the universe before and they saw no harm in it again.

"I call for a vote," said one of the councilmen. "Those in favor..."

One by one, hands were raised across the chamber all but one, the councilman that had spoken out before did not raise his hand, but the matter was settled and majority had ruled. For the first time ever, Beta Aurigae VII would back down from a fight, to protect everything that it holds dear.

We thank you, the voice said as the creature broke posture and stood up. It cast a glance towards the lone councilman who had both called it a traitor and refused to vote in the council's motion. Even you. We do not begrudge you your opinion. Dissenting voices are a sign of enlightenment more wondrous than any technology or work of art.

We apologize for forcing such a choice upon you, and thank you for your understanding.

With that, the massive creature looked to the ceiling, its eyes screwing up in concentration, and with a heavy *PWUMMM*, vanished from the chamber. All that remained was a pair of sizzling footprints on the ground which disappeared after a few moments.

OOC: Oh, BA7, check yer TG's whenever.

OOC: Would it be acceptable to let this happen before Garnyn leaves for the meeting in Talaax? Otherwise, he can discuss matters by hyperlink to an audinece chamber in the palace during the trip or sometime. It's quite as secure as meeting in person, and almost as convenient.

IC:
Kendari agreed to the Godulan request for audiance at once, and arranged the meeting as soon as possible. Since there had been no informaton given about the reason for this discussion, every precaution was taken to make sure that no unwanted ears would hear the conversation. Kendari kept few secrets, but gaurded those few well.

When the time came, Garnyn was waiting in a small, well protected audience chamber. He wore his usual deep blue garb, and silver belt and crown, but his jeweled black scepter was leaning casually against the wall beside him. The appearance of the Godulan ambassador ((I assume that he'll be different in detail from the other two, but similarly strange.)) came as a bit of a shock, but the King had seen a few more bizzare looking beings before.

"Welcome! Tell me, what brings you here with such mystery? If secrecy is a concern, you can be sure that none outside this room will hear what you say."
OOC: If he's speaking over hyperlink, I'll edit a bit into his opening statement about that.

OOC: Hard to say, I'll just leave it at what ya put since I'm not sure m'self.

Reserved for a post while I think up a suitable description for the 'Shield' Avatar to complement the 'Agile' and 'Strong' Avatars (and if Abh would post he'd see the 'Stealth' Avatar).

Tagged just so Godular knows I'm paying attention and waiting for the rest to finish.

The creature stood eight feet tall, though the fact that it hovered a foot above the ground made it seem slightly taller. Its appearance was not far from an armor-plated human of typical proportions. Two arms, two legs, and a standard-issue head made the figure not quite as disturbing to look upon as its previously-described brethren were. Black eyes, black streaks, and black hair seemingly crafted of obsidian made the angular face not too disturbing to behold, though such an assessment discounted the strange openmouthed expression.

On each arm and leg, down its back, and even on the back of its hands rested curious disc-like attachments that crackled and sizzled with energy, causing a low thrumming as electricity coursed across the surface of the ambassador's body. The field of energy around it was slightly visible with the aid of the slight discoloration of space forming a disc-like force field around the ambassador. As it moved forward, observers almost instinctively knew that the ambassador was not floating forward, but 'rolling' the shield such that locomotion was achieved.

The creature stopped and momentarily fell forward, then back, as if to bow before Garnyn. Its pose never shifted, arms out, showing it was unarmed, eyes to the ceiling and mouth slightly agape, as it began to vibrate the air around it.

Greetings Garnyn of the Kendaryn, came the surprisingly loud and booming voice. It became swiftly obvious that the shielding was acting as some kind of amplifier.

We thank you for giving us the opportunity to speak with you in such turbulent times. We only wish that we could repay your courtesy and thoughtfulness with good tidings, though we do hope that with what we say and ask here today you will understand our course of action.

First, much though we have dealt with each other, it is realized that your participation in the political meanderings of the Galactic Federation was quite limited. We would wish to ask what your impression is of the current state of affairs.

OOC: Agile, strong, shielded, and sneaky, eh? I was wondering if there was a pattern to 'em. Did you select each one for a particular nation, or just go through them in order? 'Shield' is certainly fitting for Kendari.

IC:
Though Garnyn's only visible sign of surprise was a slight widening of his eyes when the ambassador rolled in, he was paying close attention to the changes.

Rather a spooky expression. I'm sure that means something, but what? Hmm... Energy shielding as a means of transportation. Either an array of small projectors working together to create a highly controlled shield, or a set of elements that somehow combine to form a projector. It can generate sound, as well? Very interesting...

"The isolationist movement has fallen out of power, but the habits of many generations are not swiftly erased. We tend to keep quiet most of the time. We watch, though, and I must admit I'm getting rather concerned about the Federation. It often seems like the Alliance is too tied up in petty bickering to actually get anything done these days. When SeaQuest was removed, I hoped that would change the situation, but I have seen little improvement. Also, I sometimes worry that there may be too much secrecy around - an attitude that plans should be kept hidden unless there is good reason to reveal them, instead of explained unless there is a need for secrecy.

"Tensions are higher than usual with the Empire. I hear there may be trouble of some sort brewing with the ESUS, as well, though I haven't gotten any definite information about that situation yet. In such troubled times as these, we must all set aside our differences and work together if the alliance is to survive, and this is not happening to the extent that it should. At the same time, it is important that keep in mind the freedom that makes us different from the Empire, and it is far from certain that this will be remembered. The Galactic Federation has great potential, but it is not currently living up to this potential, and I fear it may well grow worse.

"That is my impression." Garnyn concluded. "Godular is more deeply involved in Federation politics than my peoplle are; I hope you can tell me that I am wrong."

Bickering. Bickering. There was always the bickering. Removing longstanding members if even the slightest sign of wavering from the party line was noted.

We will not lie to you, the ESUS prepares its forces even now for a strike upon you. Little though you may partake of the Galactic Federation's internal issues, you are a powerful force behind the Federation and the Union feels threatened by such power.

We will not lie to you. We have sensed a growing corruption in the Federation, and have provided aid and forward bases for Extrasolar Union forces preparing to strike out at the rest of the Galactic Federation. This corruption has gone on too long. We too thought it was simply the SeaQuestrians incompetence as well, but it quickly became apparent that they were merely the catalyst.

Whether they acknowledged it or not, we recognized an objective taken up by the GFFA. A goal. Something that a defensive alliance should not have. Actions have been taken in pursuit of this goal that we find unconscionable, and the corruption has taken root too far. Such is not proper. Such is not in line with the natural order. We fear that this will only push the Federation into ruin, and rather than allow a slow and painful demise, we seek a swift execution.

We do not, however, wish to see those who have assisted us, and who remain as yet untainted by this corruption, to suffer alongside the Federation. We seek to free others from the stigma of association. We do not wish to see you fall with them. The Kendaryns have assisted us, and while we forgive no slight, neither do we forget any boon.

We ask of you nothing, or more precise, to do nothing. Wash your hands of the forthcoming conflict. Declare neutrality and withdraw support from the combat. We do not wish you to be harmed in this conflict, and while we cannot stop you from fighting, neither can we stop the Union. We only ask the question and hope that we shall not mourn your losses.

What say you?

Garnyn sighed, resting his forehead wearily on one hand and closing his eyes. This dire news had drained him of energy.

"I wish," he said sadly, "that you had come to us sooner with your case against the Federation. I could have presented your argument to the Legislature, reccomended that we depart the alliance, and been reasonably confident that they would agree. Now, the situation is more complicated.

"Those who do not have to deal with the Federation will find it difficult to understand your course, and few of those who do understand will agree with it. I will do what I can, but I think that they will decide to remain. Breaking off an alliance in times of peace is one thing; forsaking an ally in need of help is another matter, and I doubt my people will allow it for anything sort of a complete betrayal.

"I can say this much for certain, though: against an enemy with the strength of the ESUS, self defence will be our highest priority. I will not weaken my country's protection when we are in such immediate danger. Nor will I support any aggressive action by the Federation in this matter; should we somehow manage to put a stop to the Union's attacks, Kendaryn involvement in the war will end at once.

"Perhaps I will be surprised - if so, our declaration of neutrality will be prompt. If I am not, I hope you will understand why we have chosen this course."

Our request makes no hindrance on defending yourself. We are simply saddened that present circumstances prevent you from removing yourself from the theatre.

It was hoped that we could have a definitive answer, in order to turn the Union from their attack. We cannot in good conscience provide word of your acquiescence. We cannot lie to you, Garnyn. We came here ahead of them... ALL OF THEM. If we depart without telling them that you would step away from the affair... please, do not make us have to do such a thing. We could not bear to know that we have failed you.

"I cannot get you an immediate answer, but I will have the decision made as quickly as possible."

Garnyn activated a communicator and spole into it quickly.

"I'm calling an emergency meeting of the council, and I need it now! Get everyone together ASAP - I don't care what they're doing unless it's a matter of immediate life or death; haul them out of the shower if you have to."

Turning back to the Ambassador, he continued "It will take a few minutes to gather the Senators. The debate will take longer, but I'll cut it as short as I can."

OOC: The big debate scene's going to take a while to write, and I was rather busy today. Apologies for the delay.

OOC: Of course, I kinda mentioned to 'em that ya'd said no, so if yer gonna stick with it I have a response in mind so ya can get to fightin' 'n such. They wouldn't like me giving mixed signals, so don't overstress yourself about the debate.

OOC: In that case, I'll just cut to the "No" and edit in the details later. Don't want to send mixed signals. There's lots of arguing and some shouting, with Garnyn squshing it whenever it gets too far from the point. A substantial majority vote against declaring neutrality, though there's a bit more disagreement than Garnyn was expecting. He does his best to reassure the ambassador that Godular did everything they could, and that he is grateful for that effort. As the curtain drops, preparations are about to begin for the evacuation of as much of the civilian population as can be managed.