NationStates Jolt Archive

ooc: The whole thread's secret in character- sIc. If someone slips up and only types Ic (in character) it is still an sIc post. It's also closed between me and Chronosia, unless he should seek to invite some one in (which I doubt, considering the nature of this meeting) If you aren't one of us, now's the time to find other reading material (unless you just absolutely love our writing...)

sIc: Sean Colton was absolutely and thoroughly giddy to an extent beyond the imagination of a young school girl. "We don't exist! Ha ha!" He nearly screamed it. "Do you realize what this means?! No laws to follow! No taxes to pay! No police to deal with! Free passage throughout the Galaxy! No restrictions! Totally secret people!"
Cynthia Mutua (A.K.A. Sammy- when or how that came about is a mystery to even her) glared sullenly at the figure half walking-half skipping backward in front of her. They were in a long, empty hall connecting a nonexistent station with a similarly designated vessel. It was about the size of a frigate, but carried no crew and all of the most advanced technology Kazecistan could get their hands on. "It means that they can kill us at any time and there'll be no one to care. That's what it means. It also means we're going to the Imperium. Have you seen the records we have on them?!"
Sean was not phased. "So what? They're incomplete. Who knows what they're really like?"
As they neared the end, a huge hatch swung open. "Welcome aboard." The voice startled them both. "I am JEN- the NE's AI. My name stands for-"
"Just Enough Nanods. The programmers who created you thought it funny, considering their motto 'never too many nanods!'" Sammy had gone back to being unimpressed.
"You're killing my buzz, Sammy." Came Jen's voice as they continued through the ship.
"Nanods are silent processors. They don't 'buzz.'" Suddenly Jen's voice took on an eerie tone, stolen directly from a movie the two passengers had watched the night prior.
"Sam, what are you doing, Sam?"
"You had better not turn on us-" she began to warn.

The vessel came to be silently at the designated meeting place within Chronosian space. The vessel was cloaked lightly, so that it could be found only if it was searched for. Now they waited for their welcome party- however un-rosy they would turn out to be.

The fabric of reality seemed to buckle and contract, forcing a raging maelstrom of warp energy upon the materium as the vessel slid from the roiling depths of the Immaterium. Its length seemed to dance and crackle with residual energy, runes blistering its hull with the intensity needed to hold back the power of the Warp. The ship moved slowly, silently, black, unmarked by insignia save the stylised =I= of the Chronosian Inquisition.

"I want full vox faculties available to me, I want all docking bays readied and manned, full Stormtrooper escorts." Inquisitor Cos Eriphas stood at the vast viewscreens, examining the Kazec vessel with gleaming blue eyes. He chuckled lightly. He had hardly expected them to actually come, for new ties to be knotted across the void with a reputation like the Imperium's before them.

He coughed lightly, turnign to examine the bridge. Uniformed Naval officers moved hither and thither, while Mechanicus Adepts attended to the needs of the many servitors hard-wired into the vessels structure. He waved a hand over a holo-viewer and it once again vomitted forth the Chronosian records on the Kazec's. He smiled, dismissing it and beginning to speak, his voice carried across the gulf between the two vessels.

Hail to thee, most noble friends. You have come far, and are doubtlessly tired by such a journey. I invite you to my vessel by the grace of his Divine Majesty's Holy Orders of the Inquisition, by the will of the Gods and their True Servant the Lord Remiel.

We have prepared long for your coming, and have much to discuss. For the Empire shall grow yet, and the Imperium shall reap the spoils of service at the side of the Coruscantian Emperor, Brothers all.

He paused, considering his next words, or if perhaps this was enough.

We await your arrival, and the fruits that such a meeting shall bring. Gods be with you, mortals.

Jen did not decloak. The vessel made no move at all- not to hide itself further or reveal itself completely. She didn't actively scan or transmit anything. It was as though she were in a deep sleep. Her corridors were long, dark, and cold. Even the bridge lights were out.

In true Kazeci style, a bullet exploded fourth from the small ventral bay. Its conventional speed brought it nearly to the edge of tearing the Universal Continuum. As it shrieked through space it executed several seemingly impossible high speed turns before finally slowing.

As the black craft coasted into the larger vessel's bay its hull was illuminated. Two massive, elliptical drives melted into the wings, which looked like thick taffy pulled from the sides of the fuselage. Effortlessly, silently they came to a rest in the bay. The large transport did not open, however.

The two Kazecis beamed out, materializing next to it. Both wore many-layered robes with other fabrics draped about them, all in the traditional Kazeci earthen tones. Each bore a ceremonial staff whose complex etchings glittered in the light. Each was totally solemn- Colton's earlier excitement was replaced now by his sense of duty. Neither looked at the other.
"Do you suppose these men will take us where we need to go?" She asked him under her breath.
"Of course they will."
"Should we ask?"
"No- that's beneath us." he said, reminding her that these people were very arrogant and they should seem respectable.

Each Stormtrooper was clad in black carapace armour, clinging to the contours of their bodies, each grasped a Hellgun closem to their body, and one by one, each went down on their knees as a figure moved into the bay-proper. Cherubs fluttered about him, bearing scrolls noting his deeds in the name of Chaos, the infant servitor-things whispered in hushed prayer through chittering mouths.

As they entered the centre of the room, the cherubs rose, dancing about the sky. Inquisitor Eriphas was dressed all in black. From the long black groxskin of his coat to the black boots, black trousers and black shirt that clung elegantly to his torso. He wore body armour beneath this, and had his power sword and bolt pistol by his side. He seemed to smirk as he beheld his guests, bowing his dark haired head, curls fluttering about his neck and shoulders as he watched them

"Greetings and welcome in the name of the Chronosian Imperium. I am Inquisitor Cos Eriphas, your diplomat for this evening." He chuckled "Usually a more adequate Administratum adept would be appointed, but it was felt that with all the screening you would have to go through, having an inquisitorial presence would be far simpler."

Screening? Both of them had the same thought. "We have confidence in your capabilities as a diplomat." Sammy lead with her right foot and began to slowly and confidently close the gap between them and Inquisitor Eriphas.
Sean was quick to match her step. "Greetings, I am Colton," he paused for Sammy.
"And I am Mutua. We're both graduated diplomats of Kazecistan with full ambassadorial status, and all that that entails-"
"-Which might just qualify us to wish you well." He joked, lightening the formalities. "Perhaps we should get on with this, however. This meeting is, after all, important to the High Council."

"And to the Emperor, beloved by all." Eriphas smiled. "I am pleased to meet you both, and yes we should be getting on with the proceedings, should we not?" He spun on his heel, gesturing for them to follow through the vessels labyrinthian corridors. "This vessel is one of the finest in all the Imperium, the craftsmanship of the Hydran tech priests is evident in every facet of its being, while its luxury is my own taste." He spoke as they stepped into a high ceilinged room, walls etched with classic mosaics. There was the Emperor and his brother-Primarchs bestriding flaming worlds, of Chaos in all its glory.

Those walls not adorned as such were lined with bookcases sporting such notable volumes as Remiel's Chronosian Art of War, the Lamentations, Espistles and Epiphanies of Gabriel as well as the Cathecisms Inquisitorius of his mentor Ezekial and other such esteemed works of the Imperium.

"Welcome to my sanctum"

This certainly was a different sight than they had expected, but it wasn't shocking or awe-inspiring either. Each had held a somewhat more sinister image involving tortured daemons, mass suffering, and fire, though they didn't fully believe it, they couldn't bring themselves to dismiss it- even now. "I must complement your decor- it's warm and inviting yet," he added "powerful." He said the last word slowly, emphasizing it cautiously. He wondered whether his words would have the desired effect.

Sammy pressed on. "Thank you for hosting us." She reached into one of the many folds of her robes and produced a foggy, polished black sphere. "As you know, Kazecistan has reservations about rejoining the Republic." Suddenly the floor was flooded with a holographic image of Taledonian massacre. It had a misty quality, dim and wispy. Slowly it crept upward, until the whole room was filled with the image. Walls and objects were obscured, but visible. One could feel a faint chill. She continued to talk and the orb continued to illustrate. "It would be wise to explore all possibilities and options available to us. The Galactic Empire, represented by the Imperium, represented by you, is such an option. As you know, we're here to explore it. What do you offer?"

"Of course. The Taledonians are deceitful and manipulative beings, no better than the evils that they would presume to fight." He chuckled lightly. "We are strength and power. The Empire is a bastion of strength and possibility. You could gain much influence through their politics and military." He smiled "Though they lack the might of the Immaterium or the support of our Gods, they are resourceful indeed"

He gestured and holographic representations of Chronosian and Imperial campaigns played out across the space between floor and ceiling. The massed might of the Imperial Guard, the gleaming ranks of Space Marines and Stormtroopers. Every warrior from the lowliest serf of Mationbuds to the most well-ordered Federal Union warrior.

"This is the strength and the might that stretches across two galaxies. This is the power that brings unity and purpose to so many lives..."

Her images vanished as the Chronosian's came on. "And your military is no doubt impressive. The thought of being apart of that is alluring. It isn't enough, however, and we have concerns."
Colton took up where she had left off. "The Imperium and at least several other of the Empire's members worship Chaos and the Warp. Kazecistan will have no part in either. Live and let live policies would need to be assured. It is surely understandable that in joining an imperialist alliance we would have reservations regarding our own safety from their imperialism."
"We also need to know what civil benefits are offered. Obviously we seek amenities such as free trade, humanitarian aid, and participation in the governing body."
Sean's flowed right in to Mutua's speech. "What would our position be within the alliance, entry level and potentially with time?"

"We do not force our worship of the true Powers upon those we are sworn to in blood, though it pleases the Imperium when allies such as the Union adapt Chaos cults into the fabric of their being" New images swamped forth, decay sweeping worlds, rivers of blood, realms of pleasures known only to the divine and the unstoppable waves of Change turning whole systems to the worship of the Architect of Fate.

"Those who submit to the Truth, do so willingly and by their own hand...Those who resist who we owe not blood debts to...Are made to submit" He chuckled. "I have personally set countless heretic worlds to the sword and watched others bow before us as conquering Gods."

He gestured again, the Imperial eagle appearing inlaid upon the symbol of the Galactic Empire. "There are many entry conditions, from simple alliance to full Unification. Ultimately what you gain, is subject to what you sacrifice. Would you, for example, recognise the Sith Emperor as your soverign and submit to being rendered a protectorate of the Empire as so many others have done? Or would you stand as an allied state, as we do yet holding the rank of Warmaster" He chuckled. "Revered on a thousand worlds is Lord Remiel, Galactic Warmaster."

"If Kazecistan enters into formal relations with the Galactic Empire, it will not be as a puppet. Your protectorate status is not acceptable to us. That's part of this meeting- we seek to explore the possibility of becoming an 'allied state' as you put it."
"Our basic goals would be to maintain sovereignty yet hold a place within the power structure of the GE, along with receiving its assistance and benefits."
"While offering reciprocity, of course. The idea of such status is very alluring indeed. What we want to know is; what incentives do you offer for membership of this sort? What do we get out of it?"

"Access to Imperial technologies. The support of Imperial military and a say in any military conquests which you support. A place within the Senate which oversees internal matters. A military delegate of your choosing shall aid the Imperium in its overseer role and command position as Galactic Warmaster" He paused, pouring wine from a bottle into a chalice, gesturing to two other cups as he raised his own to his lips, sipping lightly.

"There is much that the might of the Empire can offer to you, much that you could gain as a member of our glorious Empire, even if you do not Unify. We can see to it that all you have to offer, and I would be interested in knowing what you do have to offer, is reciprocated by the Empire in whichever manner might best aid you."

Both made their way toward the wine. Sean took her staff and leaned it up against the book case along with his. They didn't actually touch the shelf or books, nor did they touch the floor. Each seemed to float a short difference away from the surfaces. They slowly rotated and, even in the dimmer light and away from their owners, they glittered.

He handed her a glass and then poured them both wine while he talked. "The SGDK's population, while only something over two-fifths that of the Imperium*, is considerably greater than that of most nations. We certainly have the capacity for significant military contributions to the Empire's campaigns and/or defense should such be needed. Certainly a Mutual Defense Pact of sorts."
"We'd also like to think we could rely on the Empire's help for other military endeavors."
"We have significant territorial holdings, through which free and safe passage can be assured, in addition to extending most any civil or economic courtesy. Much of it comes down to what you would ask of us, situationally. A relationship where both parties could count on the other for pretty much anything is, perhaps, a good summary."
"Through it all, however, we'd like to think of ourselves as an independent nation. We don't want to be tied down, especially with regards to our foreign policy, by regulations. Strong ties to powerful entities are our assurance of that independence and security."
Sean again moved to lighten the conversation. "We want it all, and why not?"

"Of course, by mere alliance you would retain all your rights while not being truly bound in the same manner as a Unified nation. We can, of course, provide you with communication details for the Sith and their slant upon things, but for now I would much rather leave this as an internal affair. They shall be notified when all is said and done and perfected" He smirked slightly,

"You have much to offer, as do we. The might of the Imperium is not merely a military bauble, nor is the combined might of the Empire. We are as potent a political force as we are a force of arms, and we might aid you in many endeavors where the Taledonians would offer only lies and deceits, attempting to exert their heretical will as always..."

He paused, sipping his wine again. "And we cannot have that, now can we?"

Sammy smiled, holding back her amusement at the obvious and blatant bias in the Inquisitor's words. Over the glass and through her smile she managed to say, sarcastically, "No, no we can't have any of that..." Such things were generally pretty humorous to her. She didn't speak any more for a few sips of the wine while she composed herself. Sean filled the gap, also amused. "Perhaps you should get us started with the details you wish to see hashed out?"

"Well, I'm relatively certain that such things would inevitably come down to direct contact with Coruscant and the Emperor who reigns there over the Empire Incarnate, with our blessing you would have far more luck than most in initiating communications and becoming a successful unit of our grand alliance."

He smiled lightly "It really is quite simple, when it comes down to it. After all, the Emperor protects."

Neither said much; both were waiting for the Chronosian to step down a little and return to his former productivity. "And do we have this blessing?"

He smiled "I thought that was clear, that I was extending the blessing of the divine Emperor upon you that you might be received more graciously by the Emperor upon Coruscant." He chuckled lightly. "I would have have thought it perfectly clear, but evidently I am lacking in such that would convince you."

"While we like to cipher words and play games with them, when it comes to these matters we'd rather be blunt and void-clear. Distortion causes misunderstandings, which, in these instances, may lead to the loss of many lives."
"We do know something of Chaos, though we make the best efforts to defy its purpose and organize- make right."
"Obviously a far more basic principal of it than you entertain." Mutua was quick to correct.

"The Gods show us the way that must be taken for the Imperium to remain strong." He smirked as though amused by the turn in conversation. "To serve them is to serve the great scheme of Fate, and through Tzeentch to gain understanding of this universe and its ways. We have endured much to come so far, to understand so much, to comprehend all...

It is only natural that our boundless knowledge should, in some ways, confuse you. But I shall attempt to be as blunt as I can. We shall bring word of all that takes place here to Coruscant, and we can guarantee your acceptance into our ranks...

...We would know, however, what you understand of Chaos...Simply out of curiosity."

Sammy glared at Sean. This was his mess, and she would not dig him out of it unless she had to. Better he look like a fool than she apologetic for one.

"We know what we've observed of its followers. You worship a divine fate, and claim righteousness in conquest of non-believers and those you deem 'lesser' through it. I was drawing a parallel to Mutua's words; she described a seemingly improbable chain of destructive events which is, in fact, very likely and has occurred in the past. Such would seem to fall close to or within your worship scheme." In a further effort of redemption, he ended with a question. "What I do not know, however, is whether you believe that fate can be changed through the will and actions of individuals."

"Divine Fate, almighty Tzeentch, is but one aspect of the singular glory of Chaos. Fate can be undone, of course, but such efforts involve thwarting so much of the Change God's plan is an immense undertaking, one that few can truly commit to" A chuckle broke from his throat. "But, there is so much more to Chaos than merely the power of Tzeentch and the glory of the magicks he represents"

Intriguing as it was, this debate belonged elsewhere. Perhaps it was best left for another venue, after more important things had been finished. Sean's ignorance had been proven and, hopefully, they could move on. Sammy took the initiative. "It is not our way, as you know, yet still we apologize for any disrespect felt on your part. Pray, though, that we might save these intriguing discussions for a date when other matters do not press so hard upon us? You mentioned earlier hashing out other details?"

ooc: I'm in a odd position. Chances are I'll be fading away again soon. I've backed out of a few RPs and will finish a few others, but I won't be joining any more for a long while. I don't know what you wan to do with this one...

OOC: We could always continue

ooc: Then continue we shall...