NationStates Jolt Archive

While experimentation progressed in the Delmaav system and construction of new vessels continued at the Vobayrunay naval station, it was now time to look elsewhere to aid those in need. The gears of war were now fully turning within the Abh economy as factories and workers kept the flames going around the clock. However, being alone at times like these was never a pleasant position to be in. The idea to give aid accomplished underlying motives that would hopefully have positive consequences.

Third space experimentation was well behind Imperial Admiral Gaf'ton as he returned to the orbiting capitol of Lakfakallae. It was now time to put on the disguise of banevolence instead of a stern war dog. Traffic had practically come to a screeching hault around the city though it was expected to resume in all eventuality. The very pinnacle of the glowing city was completely covered in glass and that was where he chose to conduct his business. A page was brought with him as well as a favorite of his. Admiral Wakapale walked by his side as they entered the grass covered floor. Her main focus was the defense of the Empire's holdings which had gone exceptionally well at this point.

They reached the large table in the center of the room surrounded by small fountains spraying out water into little basins below. "I want your honest opinion, is the idea of devoting a section of Vobayrunay for the use of rebuilding Socialist Republic ships a sound one?"

She hooked the short strands of her light blue hair behind an ear and looked down at the readings of a glass datapad. "From the assesment we've received thus far, our naval station can support the extra burden. Most of our original ships have already been replaced by either mothballed ships or those that have rolled off the assembly line. The human branch of Star Forces is produced in D'Hara and so far we have received few casualties in the war though we still don't know the count from Lord Rahl's invasion on the Maker-Mind. Those reports have to yet to return. All in all I believe that it can be done and in an effecient manner so long as we have some of their cooperation."

The last remark brought a small smirk to the Abriel's face. "That is the trick my dear Sorach. From the records that I have viewed, they can be difficult to get any cooperation out of even if it is in the best interest of efficiency or practicality. But we shall see how they react to our offer."

"As you wish your Highness. Shall I attend to the matter personally?"

"Yes but not alone. I will accompany you should they accept."

"Very well."

Shortly after the brief interlude, a message was prepared for the Socialist Republic of Xanthal. It passed through a number of Sords and relay stations before it could be appropriatly beamed into the appropriate territory. Addressed to the Triumvirate and Senate, it read...

The invasion and destruction at Mirfak has left us all in grief and at a loss, but we of the Abh Empire would like to extend a helping hand to our allies of the Socialist Republic. Our production capabilities and materials have been assessed and we have come to the agreement of allocating a section of the Vobayrunay naval station to your needs for rebuilding a section of your military fleet.

To promote efficiency and maintain a sense of security, we will allocate dock workers to building the basic outlines of your ships and any weapons or defensive systems we have in common. Other systems that are solely yours and you wish to keep confidential will require workers from your own nation. This way, it will require less skilled workers to complete the task. Further, while construction is ongoing in Vobayrunay we will send engineers to Mirfak to asisst in reconstruction of stations and naval yards there.

If this proposal is acceptable to you, then we will be awaiting you on the other end of the Vobayrunay gate (coordinants enclosed with document).

Signed~
Imperial Admiral Abriel Gaf'ton
Co-signed
Head of Defense, Admiral Wakapale

Foundation of the Heavens is not a diplomat. It, who likes to be called 'he' in English, is not a negotiator, and for that matter he doesn't like people in general. He is, however, the chief engineer of the Xanthalian Labule. His duties include certifying and managing the deployment of engineering personnel throughout the space forces and serving on committees to plan new military projects. He is a ruby than, not a silver. He wasn't bred for leadership, and it was purely his planning abilities and his competence as an engineer that got him the position. When he got the news that he was to be shipped off to a diplomatic negotiation, with the Abh no less, he had been obliged to contact the Alphin personally and explain that they'd made a mistake. Unfortunately, they disagreed; and now he's on a Diplomatic Corps-chartered Ministry of Transportation calicke to Vobayrunay.

Naomi Uno learned early on in their joint voyage that it wasn't worth trying to strike up conversation with the blood-red bug creature sitting across from him. It's been a miserable trip, really. Naomi is an easygoing guy for a xanthalian, enjoying conversation and getting to know people, and with a considerably duller sense of superiority over other humanoids than most of his kin. This is his first real diplomatic assignment, and he's eager to put to use the skills he's learned in his many mock sessions. It doesn't occur to him that he was sent because the Alphin thinks the mission isn't important; he simply sees the assignment for what it is. In his mind, he goes over the list of demands he's been given. The Xanthalian government has a notoriously rigid policy about protecting its military technology, and building ships for the Labule outside Republic territory is unprescedented. Accordingly, the list of security concerns is lengthy indeed, and Uno has been told to refuse the Empire's offer unless each and every one of them is satisfied. A daunting task; but Naomi, like most xanthalians, isn't one for flippant displays of emotion.


KKPZ-3350 emerges from planespace into Abh territory without fanfare and heads for the Vobayrunay shipyards, keeping a slow pace while its pilot waits for instructions.

Probes within the Sord had been tracking the approach of the calicke once it was in range. Even though an invitation had been sent out for a meeting between the two governments, Star Forces security was not about to sluff on the job and let a surprise shipment of high powered explosives sneak into a major artery of Star Force production.

Typical warships dotted the area around the massive station. Roil-class attack vessels, Whitestars, Roth-class Patrolships, and a series of null fields were all dwarfed by the moon sized naval yard. After thoroughly checking ship model and markings, military vessels moved aside to allow it to pass. Reports were handed down through channels until both Imperial Admiral Gaf'ton, Admiral Wakapale, and Captain Keirn've were all made aware of impending arrival of foreign diplomats. The control tower was informed to allow them permission to dock where both admirals would be waiting.

Xanthalian Calicke, you are to report to docking bay 10-35-6. Your flight path will be lit for you momentarily. Enjoy your stay.

The Xanthalian ship plows through space at high acceleration once it recieves clearance, trying to make good time. Landing without major incident (the pilot accidentally clips the wall trying to land in the unfamiliar docking bay), the kąleka-type ship settles into its assigned landing space with little more than a scratch dealt or recieved by its clumsy encounter with the bulkhead.

It takes almost a full minute before the rear hatch opens and the ramp extends. Uno is the first one on the deck, walking forward to greet the Abh admirals. He hasn't been briefed on who he might meet on this assignment, presumably because his government didn't have the information, but he instantly recognizes the military uniforms and rank markings. Naomi puts on the friendly, receptive, yet distant smile of greeting that all diplomats must learn to wear and executes a deep bow without missing a beat. "Greetings and thanks from the Republic for your gracious invitation. I am Naomi Uno, an Ambassador of the Triumvirate of the Socialist Republic of Xanthal. This," he steps aside and stretches out an arm towards the than emerging uncomfortably from the shuttle, "is Foundation of the Heavens, head of the Xanthalian Labule's engineering corps. He will be assisting me."

Foundation utters something between a click and a hiss, which somehow manages to sound as ill-tempered and dismissive as he feels. The translator clipped to his belt doesn't offer any explanation, so it's safe to assume there's no denotation behind it. He stands beside Naomi with his... hands folded in front of him.

Both Gaf'ton and Wakapale click the back of their heels together and snap off a quick salute to both Xanthalians. "Greetings Ambassador, Foundation of the Heavens. I am Imperial Admiral Gaf'ton and this is Admiral Wakapale. Thank you for your prompt response time. It will make this matter far more efficient. Now if you will all please follow us, we will escort you to a meeting room in order to discuss this matter further."

Without waiting for further questioning, both Abh spun around throwing their capes up in the air and heading off to a wide turbo lift that would have even been comfortable for a group of thans to stand in.

Naomi follows them. He'd been planning to apologize for the damage, but the admirals seem to be in a hurry and he doesn't feel like pressing the issue. He glances back as he leaves the room and can't see any marks, so he figures it can't be too serious. As they board the lift, Uno keeps his thanic... assistant in view out of the corner of his eye. Naomi is certain he could have memorized the relevant infrastructure and personnel considerations, and both he and Foundation would have been happy for the than's absence from this mission. Naomi allows himself a barely-audible sigh. He hopes the ruby won't make a mess of his first assignment.

Turbo lift doors whisk shut after the Xanthalians have entered and situated themselves. The station is massive but the ride is relativly short taking them to a surveying section within the construction yard. Glass windows were to their right as the two Abh escorted their guests down the hall. Looking down through the glass, a massive destroyer was just finishing upgrades and refitting of weapon systems. It's large engines rumbled the ship through shielded doors and out into the depths of space.

Wakapale and Gaf'ton stopped outside a pressurized door across from one of the thick window panes. A slender delicate hand from Wakapale pressed the glass panel near the doorway causing the door to swoosh open. Inside the room was relativly small. Typically used for supervising ship construction and meeting room for technical crews and engineers. A table and a few chairs were all the furnishing within the room except for the few paintings plastered up around the room.

Imperial Admiral Gaf'ton walked around the table to where a data crystal port was resting. Wakapale bade everyone to sit while the crystal was inserted. The holographic image of the Vobayrunay naval station. One of the the lower most sections of the station was magnified and disected. With Wakapale sitting and Gaf'ton finding his own seating, they dove into the discussion. "As was already mentioned in the transmission to your government, we are willing to designate a section of this naval station to your use for the time being. We will allocate workers to handle the basic construction of ships and any ship systems you deem standard. This way you will require less skilled workers for handling your own ships and the parts of them that are solely yours. Your ships will all have access to the nearby Sord for departures. Ships entering the system must be cleared through whoever is in command of this station."

"The military will not be denied access to a Labule construction facility," Uno replies cordially. "If Xanthalian access to the area is restricted, it could place our technology and workers in jeopardy." It's always tough to start a negotiation off with a challenge, but since there are many conditions to be satisfied, and his hosts seem to be practical people, Naomi decides not to waste time with excessive niceties.

The heir to the Jade Throne folded his hands and propped his elbows up on the table. "And I will not allow wave of foreign military vessels into this sector without proper clearance. Your navy has suffered a heavy blow at Mirfak and securing your territory should be a top priority. I understand your concern but since this is a Star Forces naval installation, we do have it adequatly secure with more than enough ships to repel an invasion."

Admiral Wakapale leaned forward on the table. Perhaps the more calm and practical of the two, but not in charge. "I can assure you that your workers will be taken care of as if they were Imperial citizens. They will have full access to mess halls and bunks during their stay here. As far as your concern for technology, you need not be worry about Star Forces stealing any of it. That security purpose is why we are allocating many of our own dock workers to build the skeletons of your ships and anything you see as appropriate. Whatever jewels of technology you cherish, that will be for your workers alone to install."

"Xanthal certainly has only the utmost respect for the Empire as allies, but security precautions must be taken. If nothing else, the Xanthalian Labule must be granted the right to intervene in the event that the station's security is compromised. Also, Xanthalian military personnel will have to be deployed in Xanthalian sections of Vobayrunay as guards. While the Triumvirate does not question the honor of the Empire, the Labule insists that it have the capacity to protect classified material."

Wakapale looked over at the Imperial Admiral for a brief moment. He didn't have to look her way to know she was looking at him. There was only a momentarily pause before Gaf'ton began again. "Your military ships may be allowed into the system only under the circumstance that this station's security is compromised. As far as guards here, I will only allow a small amount of guards stationed in Vobayrunay. Say, no more than twenty or twenty-five."

"The number of guards required will vary depending on the number of Xanthalian ships being constructed at this facility. I can agree to limit their numbers to six per ship; no less."

While Naomi is busy negotiating Foundation keeps quiet, sitting so motionless he might as well be dead. The than has no interest in these petty political quibbles; he's here to talk about what the Labule requires to make effective use of Vobayrunay from an engineering standpoint. If Uno can't strike a deal to begin construction here, then there's no reason for him to say a word, and until required, he's inclined to spare the effort. Instead, he runs through the current situation in his mind, thinking about what to do should this negotiation fail.

The remark falls on death pointed ears for the most part. Gaf'ton replies with an emotionless expression and a shrug of his shoulders. "Suit yourself. It just reduces the number of ships you will be able to produce here."

He turns his head to Admiral Wakapale for a brief moment. "Inform commander Keirn've that the Labule will be producing five ships here at a time. They will need to be quarters set aside for thirty guards and they should be given a map of only the sector they will borrowing and guarding."

The Abh woman beside him nodded as it wall programmed into her wrist unit. Her Clyuno flashed randomly for a brief moment once it was all inputted. "A fair number I would wager your Highness."

Nodding to his second, Gaf'ton returned his attention Naomi. "Is there anything else the Triumvirate or Labule wishes to bring up?"

Naomi is starting to realize why his superiors might have thought this was a wasted trip for one of their more seasoned diplomats. "If that is all we will be allowed to produce, the venture will not be cost-effective. Xanthal will not be able to accept your offer."

"I see. If Xanthal has nothing more to contribute, then I shall ask my own questions. Depending on how they are answered will determine whether or not I relax the restrictions on this naval base."

A pale hand moved down to his wrist unit as a few commands were computed. The green jewel set ontop of his hand began to glow until a holographic image of Vobayrunay folded open and hovered above the table. A small wedge was highlighted in the bottom most corner. "This is what we had set aside for your government to use for their ship construction. This..."

The wedge highlighted image disappeared leaving only a small dot, compared to the wedge, left. "...is all that would be required to build five ships from scratch. I assure you it does not take thirty security guards to secure that small sector. Any security force worth their metal can secure these passages with half. Vobayrunay was built with strategic corridors so that they can be easily defended. How many ships did the Labule plan on building in Abh territory?"

Naomi looks over at Foundation, who utters his best impression of a sigh and flips his translator back on. "What?"

"How many ships will the Labule build here?"

"Potentially several thousand. It depends on the precise agreement you reach and when the shipbuilding facilities at Arferdal are usable."

"Even if we cut the proposed force in half, by your rules that would allow us only simultaneous construction of ten ships; but that is a moot point. I am not authorized to compromise the security of Xanthalian property in order to secure the use of Vobayrunay. Less than six Labule guards assigned to this station per ship is unacceptable."

"Perhaps I misspoke my question. How many ships do you intend to build here at a time?"

Admiral Wakapale on the other hand made a slight communication to Keirn've cancelling the orders. It was likely that this deal was going to fall through.

Foundation waves its antennae back and forth, seeming to probe the air. "That also depends on the agreement, but I can estimate if you tell me whether this station supports one-site fabrication or assembly line construction."

"Both actually. Smaller ships less than four hundred meters or so are done through an assembly line where the larger ships are built on site using mechanical arms. The smaller components for the on site construction are built on assembly lines and then transferred over to the constuction site."

"Assuming your assembly lines are similar to ours and an optimal balance of Xanthalian and Abh staff, I believe we could conduct simultaneous construction of up to forty vessels."

Naomi is surprised. "That many? I was under the impression nearly all Labule-certified construction engineers were occupied at Xanthalian shipyards."

"We are in a time where building services are in high demand," Foundation replies sharply. "I can draw on retired personnel and students that are able to test out of their training programs if this venture proceeds."

Gaf'ton sighed. "Two hundred and forty guards... I will not allow that many to stay in this naval fascility at one time. The idea is preposterous. However, I will allow thirty guards to live up here at all times while perhaps the rest of the security staff can be given temporary housing on the planet below. Will that suit you?"

"Where they live is of little relevance, so long as no fewer than two are guarding each Xanthalian ship at any one time," Uno replies. "If you want to pay the cost of their daily transportation, that is your decision."

"Then with that part of the negotiations squared away, we should discuss the particulars of what ships you wish to construct in our naval yard. We will also require a notice on arriving materials and how you wish to disperse them. There is also the matter of whether or not you want ship components tested before the finish product departs."

"Gels and hokals will be the initial focus of our efforts at Vobayrunay," Foundation reports. "We can negotiate the construction of additional designs if the need arises."

"Advance notification of materials shipments is standard procedure for Xanthalian facilities. Providing the appropriate information to the Vobayrunay authorities should not pose a problem. Our ships will require operational testing before entering service. This could conceivably be done in Xanthalian space, but it would be significantly more efficient for the Labule to station shakedown crews aboard your facility and conduct the necessary exercises in Imperial territory. I believe that is the best course of action."

"Arrangements for starship crews can be made in time once the lines begin to roll to peak effeciency. Firing ranges, practice dummies, and course lights can all be implaced for your ships to use so that there are no incidents with other Star Forces naval ships. If your crews do wish to test their weapon systems, we can provide a small amount of munitions for their tests."

With the last bit of data being transferred through Admiral Wakapale's clyuno, Gaf'ton eased back into his chair. "Is there anything else you wish to discuss?"

Naomi smiles pleasantly... or is that a hint of sardonicism? Any expression of derision passes before it can register, replaced by the evenly restrained tone of a negotiator. "Much more, Admiral. However, we can take a recess if you wish. I would appreciate the opportunity to see the facilities you are offering for Xanthalian use myself, and I am sure my colleague's plans could be refined from the experience."

"Then if you will follow us, we will show you your new fascilities." Both Admiral Wakapale and Gaf'ton stood up and headed out the door sensing that the two Xanthalians would be behind them.

They lead them down an arcing hallway passing a few guards stationed with various rifles. A security pressurized door was up ahead but quickly opened with voice authorization and wave crest key. Through the glass on the right hand side was a new class of ship being constructed that had not been seen in Star Forces before.

The desired turbo lift was just up ahead that would take them out to the section reserved for the Labule.

Foundation shows interest in the new model, slowing for a few seconds before quickening his pace to catch up. Naomi stays close to their guides. "I appreciate your optimism, but it may be wise to refrain from calling them ours until we reach a final agreement."

"The facilities are yours to borrow ambassador. It only depends on your governments willingness to cooperate and be flexible."

The turbo lift headed down several levels before coming to a brief stop. Energy lines switched tracks and sent the elevator on its way in a horizonatl line out to another extremity of the station.

Their ride was over in a few silent minutes. When the pressurized doors finally opened, they were greeted by yet another Star Forces officer though his attire was slightly different. Instead of the pressurized suits, he wore body armor covering chest, shoulders, and midsection along with armored leggings. A rifle was strapped across his back, rather nasty looking instrument of war. "Your Highness. Admiral Wakapale. Good to see you again."

Gaf'ton looked at the outfit with mild disgust but Wakapale smiled at the young looking Abh pleasantly when he finally stood from his bow. "Hello commander. I see you are back from your mission. From your attire, it looks as if it didn't go so well."

A slight smile crossed a lightly scarred face. "Let's just say my pressence wasn't appreciated, but I did manage to gather the approrpiate intelligence we need. Anyways, I received your message and made the appropriate preparations known to the staff here."

Gaf'ton pushed ahead of them both in order to get back to the original purpose of them coming down here. "Commander, why don't you show our foreign friends the layout that they will be using."

Bowing his head, the officer instructed Naomi and Foundation to follow him down the hall. A window on their left was the only thing separating them from space and the large blue planet below. It was, a majestic scene nonetheless. Up ahead, fissures jutted out away from the station. Apparently where the construction was to be taken place.

Finally stopping at a window. The commander ordered the iron curtains to be raised. Down below, an assembly line was laid out with numerous robotic arms for assembling armor and other external parts of a ship. Further down looked to be a more micromanaging process station for computer systems. "This is one of the main areas for small ship construction. We have lumped computer systems and ship structure together for speedier purposes. We can lay down the internal structure of every ship and integrate computer systems as ship construction progresses. The large robotic arms you see here are for piecing together external armor and engine systems. Engines and weapon systems are constructed in separate sections though."

He points furtherd down the line and also towards the ceiling where a large lifting claw was positioned. "Reactors and engine ports are transported, at a safe distance away from workers, to the contstruction line and fused into the rest of the ship."

While the Chief Engineer takes all this down in his head, Uno continues his discussion with the Admiral. "Such matters are not so simple. Great though our need may be, Xanthal has regulations that must be adhered to, and public opinion that must be addressed. The degree to which I have been authorized to be cooperative and flexible, at least in the sense in which you are speaking, is limited. However, I recognize that this facility could be of great assistance to our country. I can assure you I will concede any points that I am able if required."

"Once engine systems have been properly implemented and the computer systems have adequatly merged together, it has become tradition to take our engine systems through a 'break-in' phase. It's a rough shake down in dry dock to make sure all components run at peak efficiency before they even leave the assembly line."

The Abh commander raised his clyuno and pressed a few buttons below a blue jewel. In the assembly area, armored doors slid open revealing the backdrop of space to flow in. "From there we transport the ships outside to the final stage of assembly which is weapons. To be more precise it would be along the lines of energy weapons. Laser turrets and high energy cannons are implemented by robotic arms on outside structures that will be constructed when this sector is in use. We also utilize small worker drones to help with the assembly and it cuts back on the amount of warm bodies we need on the docks."

Pressing another series of buttons, the armored doors slid closed once again. "Any questions?"

While the Abh officer finished up his presentation, Gaf'ton kept up the conversation with Uno. "I find it slightly arrogant of a government to put stipulations on an ally who is trying to lend a helping hand without asking for anything in return. Protecting technology I could understand if the nation offering assistance was desperate for superior technology. That, we are not. These reserves seem to go a bit beyond that."

Foundation watches the presentation, scrutinizing the details. "How much time will it take for these facilities to be modified to construct Xanthalian vessels, how many stations are there on the assembly line, and how much time do you estimate each ship will spend at each station at normal efficiency?"

Naomi keeps his eyes steadily locked on Gaf'ton, not asking for compromise, but not offering any either. "I regret that our policies can be abraisive, but they have been judged necessary. While the Republic has only the greatest respect for and faith in the Empire, our laws are not optional, and they cannot be suspended in our dealings with the Abh."

"Nor would I ask them to make us any special consention. A government or ruler that won't stick by their own laws should not remain in power. I am simply stating that your laws are abraisive overall. However, there are times during a crisis when standards must be circumvented for the good of the people. Efficiency can sometimes be a greater need than protecting a secret or two."

The commander rubbed the side of his face for a moment while mulling over the questions. "I cannot give you any definite frame time as it largely depends on how advanced your computer systems are, how advanced your core units are, and the overall design of your ships. Standard time for constructing a Star Forces Roil-class Attack Vessel is about twelve hours once computer systems have been merged and the Yuanon reactors are put into place. The number of stations will also largely depend the same things. If we have to construct your drives from scratch, it is going to greatly take longer than what we do. But, you do have approximatly fifty complete circuits at your disposal for ship construction. Our engineers will need slightly more information on what they will be building."

"The greater the crisis, the more damage a breach of security can do." Naomi points out, looking over at the thick metal shutters as if gazing through them at the asembly line now hidden from view to dramatic effect. "The Abh have built a military that is prepared to meet threats at home and abroad. Xanthal has barely enough force to defend what it has against a determined invader. You have earned the right to be confident in your military might, and with it at your disposal you have the luxury of lowering your guard for the sake of convenience and expediency. In weighing the Republic's sincerity, I ask that you attempt to appreciate the perspective of a military who's greatest strength is in its secrets. The preservation of those secrets is essential to our sovereignty."

Foundation, true to form, is concerned with much more concrete matters as he continues his exchange with the Commander in the straightforward, unapologetic manner one would expect from a species that evolved from a hive structure. "I will share the necessary data with the appropriate personnel when and if this deal is approved. I wish to see the component manufacturing facilities."

It was hard to tell, but it was possible that a slight smile crossed the normally serious Abriel's face. "If I may be so bold, that is what allies are for. You need help, you only have to ask."

If the Abh commander was supposed to be offended by the remarks, he never showed any signs of it. Simply, he nodded his head and gestured for the than to follow him. There first stop was the computer systems staging area which was the closest to the main contruction area of the assembly line. "This is where the computer systems are constructed. Here we build computer counsels for engineering, weapons, gunnry officers, supply officers, and the ship's commander. For such a small craft as this, the time to construct a working computer system is considerably much shorter than building systems for say a Roth-class patrolship. Here we all needed systems for the supply officer, commander, linewing aviator, senior aviator, and second aviator. That is just the command deck though. Each command quarter is equipped with its own computer for personal transmissions and business matters. Engineering have their own systems that are put into place once the reactor nears completetion."

Given the extreme lack of automated equipment, it was plain to see that this was a large hands-on area. Building the ship's systems required the most skilled workers and time on the assembly line. In fact, the only thing automated was the floor for moving the hulking frame of the ship back and forth to allow various parts to be put in while the ship's frame was built up. There were a few mechanical arms for lifting heavier equipment once the ship was near completetion but it was still the men and women that drove this construction.

"Why do you use so little automation?" Foundation wonders.

"Ah, good question. The lack of automation is due to the fact that ship computer systems are not built on Vobayrunay. We contract specific computer equipment and counsles to civilian companies and allow them to build the necessary materials on the land worlds. When they arrive here, they are already full assembled and then it only requires us to put them in their proper places. It's the same way with parts of the core reactors only nothing is so big or heavy on this end that requires an automated arm to weld or lift. Most of the assembly can be done by our hands alone. There is also the matter that much of the electrical wiring and equipment is in areas too difficult for automated machinary to get at."

"Will the component assembly lines for Xanthal be seperate?" Uno chimes in.

"I am afraid so unless you wish to educate several human contractors on Mirfak and then give them the criteria for what consists of your computer components. If not, then they will have to be constructed in Xanthal space and shipped here once completed. We can transport the components for you but your people will have to build them. That is unless you would like to have them built here."

"If you are providing the transportation, then I do not believe it matters. However, as you may have surmised, Xanthalian guards must accompany every shipment."

The Abh commander looks at the Imperial Admiral for an answer to the statement. Gaf'ton blatantly could care less about Xanthalian guards aboard ships. "Whatever makes them feel safe. We will need locations for pick-up, standard quantity of cargo that will be ferried at one time per ship, and instructions for workers to put your components together."

"You need not worry about training; any assembly of Xanthalian components on this station will be done by Xanthalian workers. Specifics on loads and pickup times and locations will, of course, be provided once preparations for construction of Xanthalian vessels at Vobayrunay are complete."

Foundation continues to run through his long list of questions. "Is the area designated for ship testing in this star system?"

"Depends on the type of testing. Propulsion and manuevering can be tested anywhere at anytime. For those ships that are space-time capable tend to experience the vast majority of their training within a sord. For those ships that are not capable of travelling in space-time, there are a few uninhabited systems that we test their weapons capabilities. Assuming you do not wish to test the affect of energy weapons entering an atmosphere, your ships can be tested at the edge of this system and far away enough of the inhabitants."

"There are two more issues of importance," Naomi says, shifting his eyes from Foundation to Admiral Gaf'ton. "First, Xanthalian personnel in number the Alphin deems sufficient must be assigned to guard all Xanthalian component assembly on Vobayrunay. Second, the Triumvirate requires that the Judiciary of the Socialist Republic of Xanthal have the exclusive right to investigate, detain, prosecute, convict, and prescribe and apply remedial measures to all Xanthalian citizens involved in this effort, whether they be serving on Vobayrunay, an Imperial vessel, or simply in Imperial space. We will also require that the Xanthalian Judiciary has primary jurisdiction over any disputes that arise over Xanthalian property, and disputes to which a Xanthalian citizen is party."

"Before I can agree to the first I will need to know how many personnel the Socialist Republic deems sufficient. As per the second part, I do not care what the Triumvirate does with its citizens except in the matters of disputes between a Xanthalian citizen and Star Forces personnel. That jurisdiction will fall to us. In the event that property on Vobayrunay is damaged by a Xanthalian citizen for reasons other than a contruction accident, the Triumvirate may pennalize its own citizens but reparations will be expected from the Socialist Republic itself. Now, if something happens among your own citizens, security personnel will break it up and have them shipped back to Xanthal for punishment."

"Likely one guard for every station along the assembly line will suffice; two may be required, but I think it unlikely. Nevertheless, we would like to reserve the right," Naomi explains. "Under normal circumstances the Republic forfeits jurisdiction to the country in which an offense took place, but that will not be the case here; Xanthal will be assigning non-military personnel to the project. Civilians on assignment must be kept under Xanthalian jurisdiction. It can be arranged to give Abh security personnel limited power to detain them, but they will be subject to prosecution and remedy only by Xanthalian courts."

"That is unacceptable. The Empire takes extreme measures in protecting its citizens, especially those working for Star Forces. The Republic is welcome to jurisdiction over its own people when they are infighting but matters fall to us should any Imperial citizen be harmed by one of your own. If it was the either way around and an Imperial citizen harmed one of your own, then you would be allocated jurisdiction without question."

"I appreciate your attempt at equity Admiral, but the Republic is relatively uninterested in claiming jurisdiction in such cases. Our laws do not allow us to re-educate or execute a foreign citizen; if your personnel were to be found guilty of assault, though I feel it is unlikely such an incident will occur, the most our courts could do is reclaim the cost of medical care, likely a negligible amount, and banish that person from Xanthal, a rather pointless gesture since the only reason the person would be in Xanthal to begin with is to stand trial."

Naomi crosses his arms. "I believe the Empire is best equipped to try its own citizens; the only interest Xanthal is likely to have in claiming jurisdiction is reclaiming stolen property or reimbursing the government for exorbitant money damages, demands I think likely the Empire would satisfy of its own accord. In these circumstances, especially in consideration of the differences between the legal systems of the Empire and those of the Republic, Xanthal cannot allow Imperial courts to convict and sentence Xanthalian citizens in the normal sense. If it will be sufficient to guarantee your courts the right to expel and banish our workers from Imperial territory, and demand the return of stolen property, I am willing to grant that concession. However, that is the greatest extent to which I can accommodate you on this issue."

"For damaged property, the point can be conceded to your government. Personal damages or harm to anyworkers on this station, however unlikely that case may be, will have to go through the Abh courts unless it is the case that harm has come to your own citizens."

"You will have to submit a document detailing possible charges, trial procedures, and remedies to the Triumvirate for their approval or rejection. I cannot in good conscience agree to those terms."

"Does that mean our assignment here is complete?" Foundation asks with an anxious edge.

"Not quite," Uno replies. "It would be inefficient to suspend negotiations until a single issue of contention can be resolved." Naomi smiles at the Admiral. "In our hurry to attend to business, I neglected to mention earlier that the Empire will be reimbursed for the damage to its shuttlebay if it wishes to send an invoice to the Triumvirate." He gestures ahead, inviting Gaf'ton to proceed. "There remain many issues to discuss. Shall we?"


OOC: I'm ready to call this done if you are.

"Your government will have the documentation it needs though they may not exactly like it, it will be done."

Admiral Wakapale walked ahead of the group, ladies first afterall. Gaf'ton stopped at the young Abh commander. "By the way, you have a new assignment."

"Oh? Is this for the Information Bureau or the Alliance?"

"Perhaps both. All of the appropriate information has been uplinked to your clyuno."

The commander snapped a quick salute. "Then I shall return control of Vobayrunay back over to Captain Icelas and get underway."

Gaf'ton nodded and then turned his attention back to Uno and Foundation. "Yes. Please follow me."

OOC: I'll consider it done.