NationStates Jolt Archive

A letter was drafted to all allied leaders, it was simple yet plain, hand written by Maxwell Odessa himself, and these past ten years have been ones of prosperity.. Max well simply wrote.

to all allies, and to all friendly nations, it has been my pleasure to serve as the representative of the United Terran Federation and its people, but it has come time for me to let the spot light fall upon another one to lead my great nation, as all true leaders of a republic, we must lead by example, and by setting an example of true democracy with in my nation, I set an example to the universe as such. Before I leave office I would like to host a dinner, president elect Mike Logan will be attending as well. All reigns of leader ships must come to an end at some time…

He sat back in his chair, his eyes panning the large holographic mailing device, he placed the old timey message in to it, and it was sent out, now to wait… Maxwell swiveled his chair back and looked out of the massive crystal glass windows over to the ivory metal like and glass towards of Union City, they reached towards the havens, and spread out so far they reached the horizon. His eyes glimmered with sun light as he focused on his massive capital city, the last days of his administration would be spent here, looking out at all the work he’s done..

For now though he had a party to prepare for, several hundred workers, zeppelins and androids began to set up several large wings of the white house, light billowing in from the yellow star of the system in to the well opened rooms, and massive skylight windows over head, massive hovering tables lined the walls of the room with chairs following suit, dinners and food were being prepared… Security was tightened. The white house was connected to a star port facility several Km away, the facility could hold most transports and also held a few beaming pads for those teleporting in to the conference/ dinner party…

The president elect still basking in his victory, sat back on his own chair looking out from the vice presidents wing of the white house, he grinned a bit writing up a speech for the party, just as Maxwell was, they were both ready to make stunning and powerful speeches for everyone to see, it was about time they got a view of the Terran federations ethics. And so they wait, they wait for answers, thoughts running through their wise and hardened minds of what to do now, Most of the senate was also attending, so were some powerful Federation military leaders .

"I think I'll go."

Watcher in the Shadows, once a battleplate, now a distributed intelligence, downloaded a node of himself into a drone. He had not known the president, but, in his retirement, he liked to find new things to do. The fist-sized floating drone quietly distributed itself onto a diplomatic craft, and left Cypria.

It would arrive in a few weeks - days, perhaps, depending on whether he made a single jump, or lingered along the way.

Veliky Kynaz Tarakh Andropov arrived at the appropriate location. He was wearing his typical formal diplomatic robes; long, black and crimson, dancing in the wind, making the golden Imperial Eagle on the back of the cape appear as if flying. At the moment, his eyes were a bold and deep blue, contrasting the darker colours of his attire. The Blade of Ares hung at his side, acting more ceremoniously than anything, but as a Dersconi Prince, he knew how to handle it better than most mortal beings.

His personal secretary stood close by, wearing unassuming black robes, and carrying a briefcase full of various materials, a lightsabre stolen from an assassinated Sith Lord hanging from the belt (while the fabled "Force" was never an accepted art or religious icon in Derscon, the noble families inherited their genetics their supernatural ancestors, enabling their psionic abilities, equating to the Force, and much, much more reliable than a fabled "natural binding).

Tarakh looked around, and explored the structure until someone came and told him where to go.

"Well, I feel like a fish in a barrel..." the Templar sighed as the UTF vessel that had come to escort him and two of his most trusted soldiers to the party was about to reach its destination. It was surprising of course, the Sertians had only just established an unofficial alliance of convenience from the first meeting, now he was going to a party without his armor and only accompanied by his plas-sword - neatly connected to his belt via the magnetic lock it usually rested on.

Other than that, he wore the closest thing he had to civilian clothes, loose fitting golden sheen thread that composed pants that resembled a gee and an open chested robe, leaving his chest bare to show some scars he had earned from his military service, however for the most part his toned chest was still smooth. Luckily though he wasn't entirely defenseless, the gold sheen was a metal fiber that provided minimal protection by even their standards, but it was better than nothing.

"Well... It's important right?" one of the soldiers who accompanied him stated. They bore similar clothing to their Templar, but instead the robes were more like vests with a black-velvet material underneath that to cover their chests. They didn't bare plas-swords like Alexander, instead they were each allowed to bring one SP-9 with a few extra clips of Plas-Cells.

"Yes... Besides, we should enter a formal relationship with the UTF. They seem to be willing to protect our fleets in this area for the moment..." he cut his voice short as his eyes turned to the now visible planet the were coming to. "Let's hope everything goes well."

“Aaren,” came the soft, cooing voice inside her head, “We have work to do.”

“Mph,” she replied, “F-off, I had a big night.”

“I know,” came the mocking reply. “I must say, your endurance is a testament to your species!” the drone’s field flashed brilliantly as a pillow struck it with enough force to rip it.

“You watched!?” Aaren screamed, launching herself at the drone which held her back with its field.

“Watched…recorded, uploaded it onto a private mind-link. I had just as much fun as you did.”

“You bastard!” she screamed. “You inconsiderate pervert, what in gods name made you want to record it?”

“I needed something to get you up,” the drone replied, leaving the room. “Go and get ready, we got work to do.” With that the drone left, leaving Aaren staring furiously back at it before looking for her clothing.

=-=-=

“I checked,” as the small transport began to lift off the surface of the Ring and into space. “You uploaded it onto our mindlink.”

“Of corse,” the drone stated matter of factly. “You thought I would send it to someone else?”

“I dunno,” Aaren said bitterly. “Seems like something you would do.”

“I am offended Aaren.” The drone snapped. “I kill people, I defame them, I cause them horrible physical and emotional pain, but I only ever do that to enemies. You are, if not a friend then at least my charge, I would not do anything to you, or anyone else in the mindlink.”

“Okay Sken, I believe you.” She sighed. “So what are we doing?”

“Cleaning up Watchers mess.” The Sken Asima replied.

“I didn’t think he could make a mess.” Laughed Aaren. “Ever since the Awakening he and the Massacre have been infallible.”

“Oh he can make a mess. Or at least he can make it so we are forced to react.” Sken replied bitterly. “Earlier he uploaded himself into a Drone and wandered off to a diplomatic event. The President of The Federal Union is retiring, or got elected out, and is hosting a dinner. Watcher wanted to get out, so he went. Of corse...”

“If Watcher arrives in an unofficial capacity, and we send no one in an official capacity, then we are going to sour our relations with the Fedrals.” She interrupted him. “But for this to work, wouldn’t we need to arrive at the same time as Watcher?”

“Why do you think we are taking such a small ship that it doesn’t even have its own ship-brain?” replied Sken in a slightly pained expression. “Once we catch up with him, We will displace over to his ship and the shipbrain on that vessel will pilot this ship back home, while I take us the rest of the way.”

“Sure you can handle it?” she mocked.

“I am a little bit more then your standard Combat Drone,” he snapped. “I am a ship-brain in all but name, designed to operate alone in missions outside of the Authority. But I was considered too sadistic for to act alone, so they tagged me as your body guard.”

“You are Sadistic.” She snapped. “Your also not to kill anyone. All your weapons are to not exist, understand?”

“So long as your wearing that pendant I gave you.” He replied. She showed him the pendant. “Good, now buckle up, we’re about to jump.”

With that, the small ship activated its jump drive, hoping to catch up with Watcher before he arrived.

He whistled happily. The air was modulated several hundred thousand times a second to produce a complex melody, which, after close evaluation, happened to be "Greensleeves". He had always liked the song. He didn't really know why. As a battleplate of the Realm, one didn't get much time for introspection. Most of his time had been dedicated to reading over old battle reports, planning hypothetical campaigns, inventing newer and better ways to win wars,.

He had spent fifty years waiting. Watching. Hence his name. He had been the watcher in the shadows, the eternal guardian of his people. For decades, he had waited, quietly prodding so that events remained on track. In a fiery end to that time, he had engaged himself in the Fleetmind War, fighting Kara. She had, he reminded himself, always been his superior. At least in intelligence. Even at the end, he wasn't sure why it worked out as it had.

So, here he was in an unarmed ship.

Well, not technically unarmed, he reminded himself. A simple reorientation of the antimatter engine's thrust through a magnetic deflection field, keeping all the particles in a relatively small area, and he'd have a cutter capable of slicing through almost anything. He had gravitics, basic ones, of course, and his onboard systems were more than capable of manufacturing combat drones.

He wouldn't, of course. But it was nice to think of old times. He'd left rather quietly, attaching most of his consciousness to a rather extensive onboard node. Still, it was an order of magnitude less than what he'd had as a battleplate, even with a mass of linked nodes back home on Cypria. He felt so stupid, and it irritated him.

Inside, his friend, Atren, spoke. "Still want to go back to the war, huh?"

"If I could do it all again, we could've saved the crew. Jettisoned them, maybe."

He grunted. "Now. You have a 'tank aboard?"

"Yes? Why?"

"I want to be taller. While I was a soldier, regulation genetics is one thing. But another foot or so will put me on par with those damned Solarians."

"Fine, old friend. Get into the tank."

"Besides. It'll make me look like an Admiral."

Atren had commanded the Watcher in the Shadows during its long sojourn, and had presided over the greatest loss of personnel it had ever faced. He had retired after the end of the war - the loss of over eighty percent of his crew, including most of his friends, had left him without desire to act as part of the navy.

He stepped into the genetank.

It sealed shut, and thousands of nanites began to act. At that exact moment, the tiny ship on which Aaren and Sken were on settled into space next to them.

Damn.

Watcher read their crew manifesto carefully, using privileges he still had - ones that really should not belong to him any longer, but there were few people who wanted to openly challenge the engineer of their nation.

Oh, hey. Authority finally get around to dispatching its own diplomats? Nice. I might even be able to find a bed for you.

(secure-tightbeam/e3394/ce302)
(s:Sken Asima
Aaren Dimitri)
(r:Watcher in the Shadows)
(link-established)
(Sken: ha-fucking-ha. Don’t have any Fabricators on that piece of junk?)
(Aaren: Ignore him, he is...grumpy. Sorry I wasn’t here earlier, I had a previous engagement…)
(Sken: Of which I have some excellent foo…)
(Aaren: …from which I could not disengage myself from…)
(Sken: The footage pr…)
(sken has been kicked from the link)
(Aaren: As I was saying, I had a previous engagement which couldn’t wait. As it is, we are here now, could you kindly displace us over to your ship.)
(sken has entered the link)
(Sken: How the fuck did you kick me out of my own link?)
(Aaren: Oh just get ready to send the ship back.)
(link-closed)

Moments later, there was a slight pressure on both of them that was released very suddenly, and they where standing on the deck of Watcher’s vessel. As Aaren introduced herself, she was sending a sense of admiration and honour. The very reason she was in this position, the very reason the nation existed at all was because of the AI standing before her. There was something incredible about meeting the very thing responsible for the way you knew the world worked.

“Hello, Watcher, I am Negotiator Aaren Dmitri, and this” she gestured to the Drone “Is Sken Asima. It is our honour to meet you.”

“Blah Blah, lets get going people, the party is otherwise going to start without us.” Sken snapped.

Watcher laughed, his rendition of Greensleeves still sounding in the background, now a resounding orchestra accompanied by a choir.

"Oh, it's fine. It's fine. It must be very gratifying to you that Diplomacy can't even afford a ship of its own for this mission."

A brief pause.

"I'm sorry. I'm not normally so irritable, but.. ah, never mind. Welcome aboard. By the by, I've set up a second bedroom next to the admiral's. He'll be annoyed that he's lost a quarter of his ballroom, but it's not as if he had anyone to dance with, in any case."

With that, they jumped again. Mildly more irritating than displacement, this jump would take them another system across. From there, they'd have a clear path to the Union system they were going to, though nothing more. On the ship, about two seconds passed. In the real world, it was around two days. Of course, they'd need to wait for a few hours here, recharge - ensure that the ship's systems were functioning correctly. Make sure that Atren got his genemods in place before they arrived at the party.

"Now, is there anything I can do for you? Any specific diplomatic equipment or mindlinks you'd like? The Memory of Incandescence is a nice little luxury liner - while she's not Cypria, it's not as if we're out in Kostemetsia, or some other spartan place."

Aaren smiled softly at the joke, moving to the lounge in the room and sitting down with one leg up on it. Sken moved himself over before resting himself at the base of Aarens leg. There was a slight pause before she spoke.

“A pity you had to cut into his ballroom.” She said with a small laugh. “I would not mind to test the Admirals ability to dance before we arrive, but it is of no consequence. Sken, does he need any diplomatic gear?”

“Beyond a quick upload of information? I shouldn’t think so.” Sken said, “But the Admiral will need a full kit. Direct Mindlink primarily, so I can help him as we go.”

“Where exactly is the Admiral anyway?” Aaren asked politely.

"Well", he said.

"The Admiral stands about four feet, eleven inches high. Even among Travellians, he's short. Brilliant commander of course, and no-one's allowed to genealter when they're in the military - standard-issue nanites, and whatnot. So, now he's left, he decided to be a bit taller, get some less-standard genetics. He'll be out of the 'tank in an hour or two."

A brief pause, and a small packet of information was transmitted to both of the diplomats. The layout of the ship - bedrooms, a dining room, a fabricator, a single 'tank, the now-shortened ballroom. It wasn't very big, but the Memory was luxurious.

After that, Watcher spoke. "The admiral is a trained diplomat. He's also a tactician without peer, and, trust me, he's rarely one to make a gaffe. And he's here as a private citizen, not under the eye of the Authority."

His voice went slightly frosty after the last few words.

"Trust me. We're just here to mingle, not to spoil whatever diplomatic webs Diplomacy is deciding to weave."

The Empress Fujiko and leader of the Neo Kirisuban people did accept the invitation rather than sending her Prime Minister on this occasion.

So here she was at the White House with a pair of young female samurai who wore a red kimono and both swords stuck to her.

The Empress wore a formal ivory coloured kimono and was in her mid 30's. Few people seen her but she was still around directing the N-K Federation from behind the scenes.

Making her entrance she looked stunning and looked round for the President.

“Oh I am sure he is…” Sken muttered in a biting voice. “However, Aaren here is a trained diplomat, and I will still be keeping a constant mindlink open with her. So I am sure the Admiral can get himse…”

“Sken, go make sure the bedroom is okay.” Aaren snapped suddenly, kicking him with sufficient force to knock him off the lounge. As he fell he gathered himself and turned.

“Why yo…” he almost screamed, before she made a gesture. Angry, he shot out of the room.

“I apologies for him.” She said, turning to watcher. “Only person in the entire mindlink I have ever met who actually enjoys causing suffering on a grand scale. I got the wonderous job of looking after the bastard. Anyway, you said the Admiral was getting taller. While I am sure you have ways to make the awkwardness of him coming out several feet taller, do you mind if I get him used to it in VR until we arrive? Sken will fume somewhere on the ship, and you can connect into the VR if you get bored.”

Watcher laughed. It was a pleasant, melodious sound. Ever since he'd picked up new voices, he'd enjoyed laughing.

"Please, don't apologise. I like him. Ever since I helped engineer the Awakening, you'd be surprised how many people have decided that I shouldn't be insulted any more."

The 'link on the ship opened itself up to Aaren.

"VR, as you requested. I'll be off entertaining myself."

Another few hours of self-flagellation over the Fleetmind battles. Another few wasted hours, trying to see if he could've changed things, more simulations, new tactics, new ideas that might have saved the lives of his crew. Atren kept telling him it was useless, that it only hurt him in the long run.

He still had to try.



As Aaren awoke from her VR-induced trance, the ship had landed, and they were about to displace nicely into the party at hand.

“We here then? Best get dressed.” She moved to the bedroom, to her surprise it seemed that either Sken or Watcher had decided to tidy her room, and while she thought Watcher was the more likely, there was the few slight signs Sken had been at work which made her feel both a ping of proudness and a desire to retch.

As she moved and grabbed the dress, a knee length black and silken, with flayed edges and a harder material on the outside. Knee high boots where added, and then she finally put on the pendent that Sken had given her, even now not aware of its functions. The entire process had taken about Five minutes, and she assumed that the Admiral would have needed a few minutes to recover from the gene-tweaks.

“I am ready when you are Watcher.” She sent to him. As she was about to be displaced, Sken appeared over her right shoulder. “Thought you where going to miss it.”

“You kidding? I wouldn’t miss this for a world.” He replied as that familiar pressure occurred. And as they appeared in the part, she offered the Admiral her arm. "Shall we Admiral?

The shirt, the pants - they all had slightly too many ruffles on them for his age, and too many embossed buttons. While a dark blue, and hardly garish, his clothes looked millenia out of place. Unlike the suits and weaves of modern society, which allowed maximum mobility, Atren was slightly halting in his movements as he bowed.

After the deep bow, his arm linked with hers. It was peculiar, and, she would notice, he was slightly clumsy, not yet used to a body that was over twice as large as his old one. The hair was still brown, the eyes still a peculiar shade of green. The only thing that had really changed was his frame.

"You are stunning, my dear."

Oh. Watcher. I was listening in, earlier. Please, give the drone a mindlink to me. It's not as if he can really insist with you -or do anything if you refused. But he does have a job on the line here.

Fine.

An almost pettish word came from Watcher, and Sken would find himself able to transmit data to Atren's brain at will.

Besides the two were two drones, one on either side. Identical drones, in fact. It had taken a bit of doing in the little time he had, but Watcher enjoyed tweaking the drone's nose. It looked elegant, in any case. A man and a women, arm-in-arm, flanked by two unobtrusive drones. Small, floating things, but they would be sufficient to provide for their protection.

Both, Watcher imagined, were frantically scanning the area for possible dangers, ensuring that nothing could come near either of the two to harm them.

A mosquito quietly fell the ground as ash.

Atren turned his head slightly, and hissed at Watcher, in a low voice. "Is that really necessary?"

"Could've been an assassin!", Watcher hissed back, sound streaming straight into Atren's ear.

The admiral merely shook his head. The AI was a good friend, but, ever since the losses he had incurred in the Fleetmind War, an ever-so-slightly paranoid one.

"Let's just get this over with quickly."

The Prime Minister strode swiftly away from the sleek, red porsche that had been manufactured for this very specific purpose. It was immediately driven away to be dismantled and destroyed - original concerns expressed had been assauged- "It's no matter," the Prime Minister had stated in a televised interview the previous weekend, the eyes glazed, the familiar smile reaching into the hearts of millions and wooing the nation, softening it up for the sentence to come- "I can always take the bus back to my hotel."

Finding the place littered with men and women of the highest standard and dress, each flanked by security of the most weird and wonderful standard, the Prime Minister of Costello Music looked particularly out of place, accompanied only by Herbert, an aging civil servant wearing a hideously ugly brown velvet suit. But the Prime Minister did not need security. "What need do I have of great lumbering neanderthals, when I'll be the most loved and most beautiful person here?"

And indeed, the Prime Minister did look amazing. The silky blonde hair hung loose around the shoulders, the eyes (doused with contacts) sparkled a brilliant blue. Deep red smoothed over large, lucious lips. And, of course, it was all topped off with the dress, a long, figure hugging black number, showing the briefest glimpse of ankle whenever the head of government took the slightest step. Truly, this was the elegance that many hoped to die for.

The problem was that it was combined with hairy legs, a beard, and an adam's apple the size of- well, an apple.

But Jonathan Kiely (or Chelsea, as he preferred to be known as nowadays) was not in the mood for such elegance at the present time. "You didn't read the whole thing out, Herbert. How many times do I have to tell you? If I had had any idea that dropkick Logan was going, I'd have stayed at home!"

Storming through the building, searching desparately for someone else he knew, Jonathan recounted his memories of Logan. The time he'd opened President Maxwell's office door, only to have a bucket of water fall on his head. "Sorry," Maxwell had expressed with a rueful smile," Mike's really out of it today." Or the memorable occasion when Logan had moved a bill in the UTF's parliament declaring Jonathan to be a "momma's boy," whatever that meant. Or the time when Logan had "accidentally," sent 700 storm troopers to the capital city of Costello Music- well, that hardly needed reminding of.

And now that idiot's the new president, Jonathan thought. What a joke. This had better be a quick one. He was definitely NOT ordering starters.

But of course, he then felt the pat on his back more similar to an anvil being thrown at his spine, and the old, rusty voice. "Hey Kiely, remember that bucket of water prank?"

With a silent groan of dread, Chelsea flicked on that familiar smile, and turned to face the new president of the UTF. "Mike! I've only just heard! Congratulations!"

Templar Alexander seemed, well his mood seemed to lighten after stepping out into the party's room, although the feeling of being surrounded by people who decided to bring more security than a few soldiers armed with side arms troubled him, but the thought of violence here seemed unlikely. The mood he could tell was that of celebration, of things to come and of a previous man's career. This would probably be the last place violence would strike.

The over six foot Templar at first decided to hang back, his amber-hued brown eyes glancing over the party and trying to examine the dynamics of the occasion, seeing who seemed to prefer to talk to who. He had his hair short and trim, sleeked back via an electrostatic comb. To those who had never met a Sertian before, which most likely most of them hadn't, he appeared almost human except for the oval shaped pupils and red stripes around his neck, seeming to flow like a disorganized river and ending at his throat.

Meanwhile, he only had one soldier nearby him. The other one was given permission to explore the room and sample the food, leaving the other cultist to lean against a wall nearby his Templar. He was affected by the mood of the occasion just as his leader, but still kept an examining red-colored eye on anyone or 'thing' that walked nearby.

Logan and Odessa were assigned to the same table sat at the same table, they looked around and awaited the delegates, they were sure they would be here soon, seeing s the star port seemingly had increased activity. As the delegates would step out of the transporter pad or their transport ships, they could see a horizon filled with massive sky scrapers miles upon miles high, the sky filled with clouds slightly as the sun glimmered upon the ivory metal glass structures that had stretched from the long winding river they could see to the horizon.

Marine stood guard, their AR-70’s held in hand, the clips secure, their mask over their human like faces, their BDU’s were all black , with varying rank on the collars of the uniforms, the marine stood like sentinels of protection as they lined the long mag tube that would transport the delegates over to the white house, the ornately decorated tube was lined with flowers, and tropical like trees, as well as vines along the long marble like metal lining the inside of the tube. Holographic consoles and monitors lined the smooth, and sleek looking mag cars, constant news feeds and stock information could be seen in the holo monitors. Mean while the white house was rather well decorated at this point.

Mike looked up to Chelsea, and held out his hand with a smile of his own, it wasn’t so much forced as natural. He was honestly a little distracted as his eyes locked on something seemingly far away and distant, his head and thoughts swimming of other things. His face looked worn and a toned with copious amounts of character, In a good rugged way. Maxwell had prepared a speech, a long speech, it was sure to blow every one away, but not as much as Logan’s speech, it was meant for the Terrans allies, on not only a personal level but also a nationwide and friendship level. For this was the dawn of the golden age of the UTF, a massive techno democratic revolution of epic proportions. Mike was lonely in all reality, he had wanted to find love in his long life, but had failed to do so because of his political career , as a retired officer of the UCPD, and a military man he knew a lot of things. Love wasn’t easy, it did not come easy to express to him at first but in time it would. His past filled with pain and emotional agony had guided him to avoid most commitments because of his fear. At this point though, he was willing to see if any one out of nation might be willing to give this hopeless reserved, and private romantic a chance at love. It was about emotion and feelings, and a true humanistic/ post humanistic experience; he had matured over the few years he has been in politics.


So it was time to test his theories, social attitude and feelings out, what can he do at this point? One my never know until they try…

Mean while the space around New Sol was massively fortified, large star fortresses hung over the jewel of a planet, newly teraformed to be an utter paradise, It was a literal one in the sense of the word in terms of economics, and in terms of politics, and weather, As well as medicine, And other topics. It was the center, the heart of the culturally epic Terran Federation, everyone could be considered rich or very well off in the country, leaving time for culture to develop, and adapt.

Spying the outgoing President the middle aged but stunning Empress gracefully glided over to to him with a glass of fizzy water in her hand.

"Greeting Mr President. I'm the Empress Fujiko of Neo Kirisubo" she said her female samurai giving her a bit of space now there seemed to be no danger.

Atren took Aaren by the hand, leading her up to Logan and Odessa.

He inclined his head.

"Ah, President Odessa, President-Elect Logan. I am Citizen Atren, of Cypria. My charming companion is Negotiator Aaren Dimitri. The two drones are Sken, and Watcher.", gesturing to each drone in turn.

He reached into a pocket, and pulled out a gift - a pen, simple and comfortable, and handed it to Odessa. A second gift materialized from another pocket; a feather.

"For your cap, good Logan. You've earned it."

Aaren had to stifle a laugh, and in diplomatic form merely smiled politely. Her eyes looked at both men as she nodded her head in their direction. Inside her head she could hear Sken muttering softly, but she paid it no heed.

“It is a pleasure to meet you.” She said softly. “I am sorry that we have not made many attempt to contact you since the Awakening but things have been…hectic.” She turned to Max, addressing him directly. “It is a pity you are no longer in the office, although we are blessed you are not being replaced by a madman…” she turned to look at Logan smiling. “…we hope, anyway.”

~Is it just beat on Logan today is it?~ came Sken’s voice into both Atren and Aaren’s minds.

Kynaz Tarakh did not laugh or smile -- it was not his nature. Even at the age of 20, the prince maintained a very solemn look. His eyes, however, had almost a permanent mischievous glimmer in them, indicating there was a playful side buried underneath the royal regalia.

He respectfully nodded (had it been the 17 year old Kynaz Sanin, a dramatic, sweeping bow would have been the greeting) to President and President-Elect, and presented an oak box adorned with gold leaf to Logan. Addressing the President, Tarakh had a very thick Northern Dersconi accent*, as opposed to the typical, softer Imperial Dialect common amongst the nobility.

"President Logan, the Tsar expresses his congratulations on your election, and wishes to present you with this gift. This gift symbolizes the prayers of continuing friendly relations, as well as the Tsar's blessing, and a symbol of great honour for you and your people, that you may walk in the path of righteousness for the duration of your reign."

On the top of the oak box, the Imperial Coat of Arms was carved into the centre, the gap filled with pure gold. Precious gems circled the crest. The inside of the oak box was lined with thick red velvet, and a royal crimson silk cover lay on top of the object inside.

Under the sheet lay a sabre crafted in the Imperial style, studded with gems not found anywhere but the Kaethozsi System. The blade glimmered a radiant silver, made of an unknown metal stored in places uncharted, metal for swords that have survived planetary bombardments.

Some nations pride themselves on their technology as their primary achievement. Some on their paintings, or their transportation. Derscon has prided itself on its weapons craftsmanship, and thus a sword or dagger was a common gift from the Tsar to another head of state.

*OOC: Think a very thick Icelandic mixed with East Prussian and a bit of Muscovite

A stooped old man in a threadbare black suit and battered top hat popped up behind Odesssa and tapped him on the shoulder. Leaning in he said in a reedy voice “So sorry to hear you’re stepping down sonny.”

Turning in his seat and looking up Odesssa smiled and said “It’s been a long couple of years old friend, a long couple of years.” He turned away and looked at his table. “I need a rosy lee, care to have one with me?”

Chuckling the old man replied “What charming colloquialisms you people cultivate these days. No thank you Sir.” Lowering his voice he leaned in further to say “Between you and me, I’ve rather given up the eating and drinking pretense at social functions, it leaves the hands free you know.” Maxwell pushed his chair back and said nonchalantly, “well a spot of tea would do me well about now, I shall inquire about an estate on earth, just outside old London.”

The man raised an eyebrow and looked quizzical for a second before his faced cleared. “Well you can stay at mine, you are going to have some time on your hands after all. Listen here now, I came all the way here to give you a leaving gift, nothing special mind. It’s a ship, not very large, more of a yacht really. Supra light speed capable of course and cloaking in orbit right now, I’ve sent the keys to your secretary. It’s made entirely of materials from Terran Prime, so I thought you’d appreciate it. It’s very old now, so, take good care of it.”

He straightened up, as much as he seemed able, and said “I’d also like to extend to you and offer made to your predecessor a long time ago, we’ll talk about that later. I wish you, good fortune in whatever you chose to do after this.”

Before Odessa had a chance to respond the man had spun round and vanished nimbly into the crowd. Leaving behind him on the table, though Maxwell had no seen him putting in there, a small black card with a silver crescent and omega on it. On the back written, ‘To your successor’ Though he turned it over and over. There appeared to be nothing else on it.

Logan smiled and held his hand out towards every one, his eyes slightly panning over to Aaren’s form, he said with a reserved yet seemingly rugged and tough yet almost flirtatious voice. “Hey there, nice to meet such a fine woman as yourself” A smile came over his face subtly yet visibly.

as soon as he was freed for a second he noticed the dersconi delegate, and then the empress of long time ally Neo Kirisubo, he first responded to the empress, he said with a another smile coming across his rough yet handsome toned face, his blue eyes staring around him slightly.

“Hello there, it’s nice to see you, It’s a pleasure to meet someone so dedicated to the have the UTF as allies as you.”

The then quickly turned to the Dersconi delegation, gently bowing and taking the gift in both of his smooth yet pale hands, a smile came across his face, his hands placed upon the blade and its magnificent craftsmanship, he said with a respectful comment.

“This sword is beautiful, remarkable craftsmanship; it’s an honor to be even In the presence of such a well made weapon”

He said with another slight bow, he waved over a secretary who took the gift, Logan said again holding his hand out stiffly.

“I shall display this pride, at any rate it is good to see all of you here” he said.

Suddenly he noticed the time on a holo projector, he said to himself “crap” he hoped no one could have heard that but it was quiet loud, Maxwell had already been seated by the podium his hands folded in together, it was like everyone was waiting for his speech, this speech was even broadcasted to the lazy allies that didn’t attend, and throughout the nation. Mike started to walk up his hands placed upon the side of his crisp black well pressed suit, it was speech time, and inauguration day, two grandeurs doors opened behind Maxwell and the other delegates, behind all of them, they could see thousands upon thousands of UTF citizens, holding miniature Terran flags, a massive flag pole with the UTF flag swaying and flapping proudly and gently in the wind. Under the flag was a glorious silver and gold statue holding an old style 18th century rifle with 2 cannon on each side glided with platinum like metal.

The Federation National anthem started to play, loud and sung by several choir members.

Oh, we'll rally round the flag, boys, we'll rally once again,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom,
We will rally from the hillside, we'll gather from the plain,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
(Chorus)
The Union forever! Hurrah, boys, hurrah!
Down with the traitor, up with the star;
While we rally round the flag, boys, rally once again,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
We are springing to the call of a million free men more,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
And we'll fill our vacant ranks of our brothers gone before,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
Chorus
We will welcome to our numbers the loyal, true and brave,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
And although he may be poor, not a man shall be a slave,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
Chorus
So we're springing to the call from the East and from the West,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
And we'll hurl the rebel crew from the land we love best,
Shouting the battle cry of freedom!
Chorus

Mike looked around as he stood next to the podium, Maxwell and a man dressed with black robes, ornately decorated with silver and gold lining, Mike coughed slightly. The magistrate of the union, the chief justice of all the court, was on hand, he held a large book, and this book contained the laws and bill of rights of the United Terran Federation. The magistrate said with a rough yet loud voice to mike.

“Put your hand on the book sir”
Mike dose so, his eyes panning the crowd and the party inside, everyone would have been quiet during the playing of the national anthem and even more so now. The judge said his own aged and older eyes panning the younger, professional and stiff looking new leader.

“Repeat after me”

He started to talk again, mike repeating every word after.

“I do solemnly swear, That I Michel Davidson, Logan. Will faithfully and abidingly execute the duties and the office of the President of the United Terran Federation, and with all my heart and being, protect, preserve, the constitution, and the people of this nation. So help me God….” These words rang out, the thousands gathered crying out and cheering, filling the massive metal paved avenues bellow with excitement, it died down…


Mike marched up; he marched up to the large podium, he actually had marched in to a strange booth that was lined with a holographic glass, membranes that made him appear facing the two crowds, before he began to speak.

“I’d like to start my speech with two quotes, from a great leader, in earths old 20th century; these ring true today more than ever, for me, for this nation, and for its people.
A man does what he must - in spite of personal consequences, in spite of obstacles and dangers, and this is the basis of all human morality. This is the case today, because some leaders must often find themselves at odds with not only their closest allies, but their personal friends, and loved ones. As I stand before you, looking at our glorious people and at our glorious nation, I wonder why do our allies in angonia threaten us with blockades, because of a reasonable action towards the steppe empires threat. But I also wonder why people we have perceived to be associated with evil, and immorality, has offered to help us. While our own allies abandoned us, it seems that, shortcomings in the interstellar community have affected our allies well. They have been blinded so much by their hate of action, by the hate of using military might to stop un warranted attacks by imperialist powers that do true evil against the innocent people that live in prosperity and freedom, that they do not see, what is necessary to protect that liberty, and freedom .

And with this I offer my second quote Let every nation know, whether it wishes us well or ill, that we shall Pay any price, bear any burden, meet any hardship, and support any friend, Oppose any foe to assure the survival and the success of liberty. I will do my best, to defend and help the true allies of the Terran Federation, because the ultimate failings of them in any sort of conflict, Might impact the UTF in the same way. We cannot afford to have our allies fall to either their own follies, or the follies of other nations. I promise you on this day, that the UTF has changed for the better; I believe every nation has the right to self governance, and the self administration of whatever their people have chosen to lead them. But I have been given the chance to lead my people, and my nation, we stand today on the edge of a new frontier. The new frontier of which I speak is not a set of promises--it is a set of challenges. Challenges to the freedom of democracy, and the civilized countries In corner of the galaxy. I will make sure that my administration works hard to improve planetary Infrastructure, as we are expanding beyond our current bounds both economically and space wise. We must not only use our military might, but our social and economic might to lead other nations, to lead the people of the outer worlds and to lead civilized society in a direction of achievement and enlightenment. Were ever the strong lay, they must lead the weak. I am personally disturbed by some trends in the galaxy, even the mighty UTF the nation I have been chosen to lead, has many issues unresolved, but such is the grand experiment of a republican democracy .

Democracy might not always be the best form of governance, its lead to the rise of tyrants, to the rise of evil men. But it has also lead rise to many of the universes grate and noble leaders, and should not be shunned by powers who believe other wise. I take a vow of strength here and now, in front of our allies, and the people. That our government, our country will lead the way in preserving freedom and peace through any means necessary. And that we will prevail. We might be seen as cybernetic post human abominations by some. However we are not. We still remember our earthen roots, we came from a destroyed country on the continent of North America, a country destroyed by greed corruption, and attempts to use machines for sentient free labor. This was the pinnacle of immoral acts, yet I see nations committing such heinous atrocities day in and day out, and yet they will believe and continue to believe that no bad will come to them.

A good leader, a wise population knows, constant abuse of its subordinate species, can only lead to one thing, and one thing only. Chastisement, isolation, and mocking, these grand empires, these arrogant persons can only come to that. If they cannot work together with others they view as lesser, to complete goals relevant to the welfare and peaceful running of this galaxy, then by what rights of “god” do they have to exist? They only exist to constantly abuse, misuse, and attempt to subvert good intentioned countries for their own, shallow and pathetic gain? The burdens placed upon me as your new leader, are not the worst, nor are they the lightest. I will do my very best, in any capacity I can, to improve understanding of culture, understanding of other societies, and to make the UTF a beacon of wisdom and enlightenment. And I pledge to help my people through the hellish times, and to guide them through the times of plenty, wealth and dangerous temptations of complacency. This my mission, we must all work together, foreigners and citizens alike, to achieve peace, unified understanding, and general prosperity through the galaxy . With these words, I leave you to decide, what Not I, but what you will do for your nations, and your people, and the community at large.

Mike stepped down, cheers and loud noises; even fireworks could be heard as he stepped back in to the party, he looked almost exhausted, but he pushed himself, he stepped over to a table full of drinks, brushing his well pressed, ironed suit off…. He would wait for responses and whatever comments he would incur.

The Empress watched the change over of power with interest. Although mostly neutral the Neo Kirisubans had been long term allies of the Union.

Every few years or so a new Prime Minister got sworn in like this back home only with less fuss. Fujiko knew her place in the nation as its spiritual and moral head and she'd continue to 'advise' the cabinet as was her right.

Now President Logan would take over the helm and right after a war. The celebrations had already started and she took a glass of champagne letting her guards also enjoy themselves a little as well.

Finding Maxwell again she suggested "If you want to visit my nation anytime feel free. I'd love you as my guest at the Imperial palace."

She did mean this. They hadn't met very often diplomatically but their nations had plenty in common with each other.

She wasn't very noticable, being a short woman, but Ambassador Kaminogi was there, listening to the speech and clapping along with the crowd. She quite heartily agreed with the outgoing President's sentiment, because it was certanly much like her homeland's virtues. Reading between the lines, though, she did note that it's a possible barb against her own monarchial society, but then she's pretty much used to that from other democracies. She wondered about getting an audience with the new President, not only to congratulate him, but also to gauge his power. And of course, there was that mission handed down from the High Council itself...

A lone frigate appeared out of warp above the planet, broadcasting its country of origin and purpose as to not be vaporized. After locking itself in geosynchronous orbit above the planet it launched a single shuttle, flying on a trajectory for the space port located in washington DC.

A single shuttle descended to the spaceport, its sleek black hull bore a black and red flag emblazoned on the side. The Red Talons shuttle reached its pad on autopilot. A single sky car exiting the cargo hold of the shuttle, turning and speeding towards the building.

Sitting in the back seat were two men. One was Admiral 5/4 Tiger Roze. The other was his ambassador Isahil Traekith. 5/4 sat dressed in his usual clothes, a white silk shirt with black fishnet over it and baggy black pants, around his left arm was an arm band with his nations flag. While Isahil wore a billowing Japanese style robe with no specific markings. The car arrived, settling down as the door opened.

First to step out was 5/4. His black and white tiger ears twitching in the breeze, His white hair swaying slightly. He wore no weapons, though he didnt require any. He held out a hand which was clasped by Isahil, as he assisted the other out of the vehicle.

Isahil had long gray hair and dark gray almost black cat ears and tail. On his right hip was a wakazashi and on his left was a katana. Both hilts were wrapped with black material over a red base. His features seemed almost feminine. His overall look seemed like something from a Bishounen artists gallery. He walked with his eyes closed and arms folded into the sleeves of his robes.

The two walked up the steps. 5/4's arms clasped idly behind his back as he walked slightly ahead and to the right of Isahil. The two entering the building, Isahil finally opened his eyes, taking in the various dresses and suits and uniforms. One set of people in the room drew his attention. What looked to be a female samurai. 5/4 looked around, yawning slightly.

"I wonder if we missed the show or not." 5/4 said idly, looking around the room. He looked to be in his early 20's, as did Isahil, who responded in a measured tone. "Shall i find our host Admiral?" he asked, smiling slightly as he looked over. His hair swaying slightly with the motion.

"Yea, do that for me will you? And don't call me Admiral. Call me 5/4 for now." He said, rolling his eyes a bit as he looked around the room. He mused to himself, looking over all the assembled leaders. Noting some of them looked quite attractive in suits.

Isahil nodded and looked around the room, looking for the former president. Wondering if he had been away for too many years as he peered around for a face that he recognized. It was then that the new president began his speech. The two focused their attention on the man speaking. 5/4 smiled slightly, his striped tail flicked lazily from side to side as he listened. Saying in a hushed voice. "He has a few valid points. I wonder if he would be interested in an alliance with us." He looked to Isahil. who simply shrugged slightly, still listening to the speech. "I think he would agree. Though i'm interested to learn of this 'Steppe empire' that he speaks about."

The two made their way to the table of drinks, 5/4 stepped next to the new president, giving a soft smile as he looked over the table, picking out a glass of white wine. as he turned to face the president. Bowing slightly, "Greeting, I am Admiral 5/4 of the Red Talons. and this is my ambassador Isahil traekith." He gestured to Isahil, who bowed in a formal Japanese fashion. "I'm interested to know more about the situation between you and the Steppe Empire." He said, taking a sip from the glass.



Shuttle (http://fc01.deviantart.com/fs11/i/2006/229/e/a/Drop_Ship_Landing_by_Albatross101.jpg)

Skycar (http://fc08.deviantart.com/fs22/f/2008/008/b/8/Hover_Cadi_by_MeckanicalMind.jpg)


Red Talons Flag (http://www.nationstates.net/images/flags/uploads/red_talons__1.jpg)

5/4 (http://groups.msn.com/_Secure/0QADID!0SD2EcFpk8UeNj8JhQqxoRh*o*NPUO9FTdE22egH4hE4ySrQ8HpJ0ssUeBnWs*RzNOjXe0AwiFF!U9lS5HGbAdQPEWAAA AAAAAAAA/justin2.jpg?dc=4675607164777857188)(Pronounced Five four, not Five fourths)

Isahil (http://fc01.deviantart.com/images3/i/2004/141/b/9/Neko__Bishie_.jpg)

Alexander had moved from his wall to get closer to the area where the speech was happening, his trained ear and mind taking note of things he had stated within his speech. Particularity he noted the mentioning of 'God', meaning that at one time this civilization had a religion. He also noted the many references to 'Earth', and from that inferred this nation was most likely a colony of that planet.

He listened, and so did his soldiers even though they were off enjoying the party mainly - but then again everyone was paying attention to the speech. He waited, letting them finish their speeches and for the former president to step down, and specifically positioned himself to introduce himself after the Empress in from of him was finished.

"Greeting from the Sertian Empire former President Maxwell, I believe we haven't had the pleasure of meeting yet given that our Empire has only just now arrived to your galaxy. And I must thank you for giving me quite a tale to tell my soldiers back at our Outpost about your society. And, as a token of our faith in a continued alliance with your people I brought a token of our trust with me for both you and your successor," saying that he reached into the loose golden threaded pants he wore, pulling out two flat, disk shaped devices. "While I'm sure it's not as grandeur a gift as you might have received already, it's what I was thought safe to bring given the circumstances. Consider it a game for you to keep your mind sharp, and something to occupy Logan if he ever has a free moment."

Mike’s comment sparked a blush in Aaren’s features, as she nodded her thanks in his direction. As she considered the comment she felt a sharp jab, and as she turned her head she could see Sken making slight movements towards her.

~What?~ she sent to him annoyed.

~Stop it.~ He sent back. ~I don’t want to have to explain that you fucked the new President of the Union.~

~Oh shut it, I didn’t even say anything.~ she replied, walking ahead with a proud grace.

~You blushed, and lowered your eyes ever so slightly.~ he wailed, following her.

As they sat down at the table Aaren noticed the influx of guests entering. Sken was hovering over her shoulder, scanning them all with a paranoid level of caution. She smiled inwardly, merely content for the moment to browse. She could sense in the air of the waiters a need for people to hurry up and sit down, so she didn’t activally attempt to move, merely sitting with Atren at the table. There was a pause, and finally the national anthem began to play. This was the part of most parties she always felt most uncomfortable. There was none in the Authority, there was something very little need, the endless chorus of voices that was the mindlink removed the need.

Then the speech came. She wasn’t quite sure what she thought of it, the points brought up meant that there where several directions the Union could go from this point onwards. She was unsure how exactly to respond to it.

“Congratulations Mr Logan.” She said to him as he returned to his seat. “I must say you do have a way with the people.”

President Logan smiled, his eyes peered over to Aaren giving a subtle wink, he adjusted himself holding a glass of alcohol, downing it quickly without a flinch , Terran liquor was 99.9% alcohol, and it took them quite a bit to get inebriated, Logan responded and said with a grin coming over his rough face.

“Well I am just doing my job, I’m looking forward to speaking to leaders and or representative’s one on one later if time permits. However I do wish to give you and your delegation a tour of the white house, and city”

He then looked over to the two new comers five four and his cohort, he smiled at them, a thought ran through his mind, it was obviously inappropriate, he held his hand out to the two of them, a smile coming across his toned yet handsome looking face, his eyes peering up at the two a hint of stiff professionalism but an obvious softer inside. He responded with a professional voice, and a smile.

“The situation has been resolved we have achieved victory with no losses to our personnel, and have forced the vial steppe in to isolation, at any rate my name is Mike Logan obviously, it is nice to meet you both”

Coming through the rather large ivory metal doors Vice President Ken Calhoun made his way in to the crowded party room, he was young he looked like he was in his mid twenties. He wore a crisp and well maintained black suit, his hands placed to his side as he wandered in to the crowd starting to greet dignitaries. Mike was obviously busy, he noticed the older leader. He shook his head and smiled to himself, him and mike were very good friends They knew each other for many years, before politics came in to the picture for either of them he knew when mike was trying to get a date, even though it wasn’t obvious to the others.
Mean while Maxwell was swamped, he had taken the gift given to him by the strange old man that had came to visit, he wanted to know more, but took it as a sign that they were being watched over by some sort of benevolent civilization who would want its hands in the politics of the UTF for better or worse. He shook out of his trance smiling towards the empress his eyes peering over her form as his hands curled around his body, he responded to her.

“I would like that very much, It would be enjoyable, I shall take you up on that offer, whenever you are willing to host me”

Maxwell bowed gently, he suddenly looked over to another delegate who had came up to them baring gifts it seemed, he smiled and took them in his hands he nodded again holding one arm out to shake the others hand . He said with a gleeful and rather well mannered British like voice.

“Thank you very much I shall give it to him at the next moment possible, it is a pleasure to meet you in person, Indeed it is ashamed we have not had much during my administration however, Mike Logan is a wonderful man , get to know him well he was my personal choice for leader of our nation.”

Mean while As the yellow star started to move down towards the horizon, blocked by the thousands of white ivory spires and towers that loomed far over head as the eye could see, the large arch dome shaped roof of the party room began to open with a white flash of energy, the failing orange light struck the delegates and the objects in the room reflecting off of copious amounts of glass and sculptures. Several paths on the floor marked suddenly flashed with the same light, they opened up in to streams of pure blue water, shimmering with energy and teaming with blue and white glowing fish.


“Show time” Logan said to himself with a gentle smile, he looked up to the clear sky, thousands upon thousands of glowing bolts began to swarm around a ball filling the room with bright light, almost like they were alive, anyone with an AI interlink or any sort of AI in their head, could hear a song, a special. A slight hymn, a hummm and an angelic melody that put every terran , and would put every AI orientated person in that room in to sheer bliss. The rest of the people heard the melody on a more physical scale, feeling lesser affects of it, the bolts moved around forming objects that each abstractly expressed the desires of every one in that room, the hymn died down and the bolts began to fluctuate in color, rainbows and cornucopias of red blues, yellows and all sorts of colors started to form, in to a massive ball. They split up again crashed in to each other, merging seeming to struggle. It was like an opera, and anyone with an AI link would have felt its affects far and wide, their own feelings influencing the grater show, as mini explosions of data and energy flew from them, arches of lighting lifting up some crystal objects in the room making the twirl around and emanates streams of color through the area.


Suddenly the dramatic thrashing and constant, clam tense moments cased, as the lights formed in to what represented a system, a large moon shape object going towards a rainbow colored home world, with a sudden flash of green light coming from that moon the planet dispersed and went out. But they came back forming in to a vortex of colors once more, the bolts of light each formed in to a group with representation of every nation flag that was attending the party, the Terran flag in the middle. It was quiet as the lights dissipated but… it wasn’t over. Angelically glowing females rose from the streams of glowing blue water, the bolts forming in to them, as each of their wonderfully beautiful faces glowing with a rainbow of colors, male figures followed to, they floated in to the air, their bodies lighting up the room with bluish energetic hues. The spirits of the union… began to sing... a melody and angelic hymn rang out from each of their forms. They began to sing the battle hymn of the republic ….

During the singing a squad of SA-40C’s flew over head, their engines glimmering with a black white and blue stream of particles as they roared over head moving in several odd formations maneuvering, energized smoke pods filling the air with a glowing representation of the UTF Flag.

(ooc: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Az5DBgVzdxc&feature=related)

The Empress certainly was impressed by the show and could hear the battle hymn clearly. She was sure she'd get a chance to see President Logan later as he began his presidency this fine evening.

She had a burst of pride seeing the black, red and yellow flag of the Neo Kirisuban Federation in the display. The Federal Union were their closest neighbour and they could lend them the proverbial cup of rice when they were in need.

Somewhere in Alversia

Drakomis had been engaged in keeping the Galactic Federation from the brink of yet another Civil War. With the rebellion of Chief General Oscar Vladinchi, who had taken a sizable force away to some unknown part of the Galactic Federation, things were starting to look grim for the future of peace and stability. He had been discussing terms of peace and relations with the Alversian Prime Minister for some time now, and had left the situation of the now-classified Imperial Rebellion in the hands of his trusted compatriot. Standing on an open plain to review the building of a foreign Jedi Academy, he had been distracted when a call on his personal PAD came in.

Looking at it, it was one of the Congressmen from the Federation Congress. A message had been left, important, that needed attention. He quickly took his leave of the Prime Minister for a short time, explaining he needed to review the lands for a second or two alone. He walked casually under the Alversian Sun, and started to call the Congressman back.

The Sub-space link came to life, and the face of a young human came to the PAD's screen. Drakomis gave his best smile.

"Congressman Richards, how goes things in politics?" Drakomis wasn't one to interfere in the process of Democracy, and didn't like most of the time to be bugged by Congressmen and women concerning resolutions and the like. But he was the Chief President, and had little choice. The young man on the other end nodded in respect. "Chief President, I have an audio-file you may want to hear."

Drakomis nodded, and part of the speech of the new Terran Federation President was played. At first, it didn't seem much of a problem, then as it went on Drakomis began to see a trend. The events of the Steppe Incident had been an embarrassment to the Office of the Presidency, and Drakomis had constantly cursed himself for not getting involved in time. Evidently the past Chief General had made a mess of things, even went so far as to impostor the Chief President to gain an advantage and steal the Steppe Sovereignty. That had originally been forgiven, up until the open Rebellion of the Danaversian Crises.

After the Audio-file had finished playing, the image of the Congressman appeared again on the PAD. Drakomis looked grim, and didn't enjoy listening to such rubbish. The Congressman shook his head.

"Sir, I think an open response may smooth things over, but then again it may just make things worse."

Drakomis shook his head this time, "No. It is better to let the Terrans vent for a while."

"Sir?" The congressman obviously looked baffled. "But the Federation Congress is ready to respond, ready to clear things up."

Drakomis tilted his head, "And reveal to the entire galaxy that the head of our military might has gone rogue? I think not." He chuckled, "You are but young in these affairs, and perhaps the most experienced, but with due respect Congressman Richards, it has already been decided by Council that no one, outside of our borders, is to know what happened."

"With all due Respect, Chief President, why are not doing anything?"

"Because," Drakomis shrugged, "Because nothing needs to be done. What happened was as much a fault of mine as anyone elses. A mistake to be learned and never repeated. As far as I'm concerned relations between our Federation and theirs can go sour and I still won't care."

Richards gave an angry look, "Are you mad?!"

"No, Richards, I'm just being competent. Who in the hell would poke a stick at a Tavarnian Bearkiller? Why would they entice it to kill them?"

"We cannot loose our allies in the Terran Federation!" Richards seem desperate now.

But Drakomis wouldn't budge, "No, we already have. We don't need to make it worse." He sighed, "As Chief President, I cannot support this, and will not. Make sure the Congress knows."

Richards, defeated, nodded slowly. "Yes Mr. President."

"Have a nice day Richards," Drakomis cut the link and looked up to the sky. Now wasn't the time to worry about politics, or about sayings, or about alliances. It wasn't the time to care. Looking back at the Prime Minister, Drakomis walked himself over, and nodded. The future was brighter here, and the darkness surrounding Anagonia would eventually fall away. But, for now, Drakomis worried less of their past Terran Allies and maintained concerned for their new ones.

Alversia.

"This will be a good place for a Jedi Temple," Drakomis gave a reptilian smile. "I think our two peoples will get along just fine."

5/4 nodded, considering to himself. "Our nation isn't your average nation... You see, We don't have a home planet. Nor do we have a home system. My people have been living in space their entire lives." He gave a slight sigh, his tail flicking from side to side. "to be honest, its not that we cant manage on our own. Its the fact that we have nothing to do..."

Isahil spent his time feeling over the presidents surface thoughts. As well as doing the same to 5/4. Being raised by his peoples telepath guild to be a negotiator and diplomat by nature. He was merely ensuring that both parties were speaking truthfully. Indeed, among his people, many contracts were considered invalid unless they possessed a third signature of that of one of the telepaths guild.

"Frankly, we're a small nation, barely breaking 10 million. We're currently mining asteroids. If we had proper resources to work from, we would be more that happy to assist in any naval engagements. We would also be willing to share technology if anything we have is useful to you." He said, a slight bit of hope masked in his tone. His people badly needed somewhere safe to conduct their build up. Or at least some assistance.

He gave a warm smile as he took a long sip of the alcohol. It took alot to get him intoxicated as well, being his blood he could probably consume every drop at the party and still only be buzzed. "By the way, i have to say that you do look wonderful in that suit." He said with a smile that showed that he knew how cheesy the compliment was after having just asked for a favor, meaning it more as a jest to lighten the mood.

"Charmed.", Atren muttered under his breath as he listened to the speech of the new president.

Another radical. Just what this galaxy needs.

It wasn't that he disliked Logan, per se. Rather, he'd liked Maxwell. Admittedly, he'd been the longest-running president of the Union he'd known, but, considering the fact he'd fought in wars against the Union - millennia ago, Odessa had been a president he'd seen as, if not entirely in line with his own views, at least not in opposition to them.

He took a glass of alcohol, and drank it. He swilled it around in his mouth for some time, and swallowed. Ugh. Military-issue nanites. He thought he'd told Watcher to get rid of those! The alcohol was converted into energy harmlessly, making him feel that much more active, but not any more drunk.

A song rung in his head - it reminded him of the singers of Jeille. Not Jeille as it was, but something in the vein of a boy playing Mozart - he was not Mozart, and the beauty was not the same, but it could be, perhaps.

He shook his head. He didn't really know why he had come. Possibly because Watcher had asked him to. Ever since the end of the Fleetmind War, the AI had been a mess. He could barely cope with a harsh word as it was, despite his endless machinations.

He looked over at Aaren. She was, of course, acting the diplomat, as those in the Corps were wont to do. He had considered joining, but he knew that all of his diplomatic experience previously had been from the bridge of a battleplate. When you had enough firepower to reduce most nations to slag, people tended to take you more seriously than if you just had your own charming personality. A personality, he reflected, he lacked.

He walked over to talk to Maxwell. The man would discover, in time, what the pen was. A communicator, once activated, was capable of contacting Watcher's systems. A tiny quantum-entangled sound-receiver, only capable of speech and hearing, but, he thought, once Maxwell discovered it - well, Watcher said he had an offer he'd like to make to him.

He leant against the wall near Maxwell. "So, Mr. Odessa. It's a pity, this election. I myself still remember your first election - before then, our two nations were regularly at one another's throats. My former nation, that is. The Realm."

After giving the former president the gifts for both of them Alexander returned to the outer edge of the room, seating his considerable frame down into one of the chairs. He was soon joined by the soldier that had formerly explored the room on her own, leaning down to whisper in her Templar's ear, "Quite impressive celebration, don't you think?"

"It's impressive yes, the people obviously have faith in this government. But, it is a bit much. Neither the Emperor or Grand Councilor are given such a ceremony. Then again, I suppose since the people have elected their president, it's more important to them."

"I suppose, but our citizens elect out Grand Councilor?" Lorit the soldier said with a small sigh.

"Our cultures are different Lorit, our people glorify our military and Empire, they glorify their politicians. It could also be we split what they call a President into those two positions..." the Templar, and actor to the position of Grand Admiral stopped speaking when he noticed the two nekos, letting his voice drop like a casual conversation. He could remember a report from a Commander Anathon about these people, apparently they proved helpful.

"If you'll excuse me for a moment Lorit, I need to go an thank some people for helping us retrieve a data bank," bowing his head to his follower he moved himself from the seat, taking the distance between himself and the party with long strides before waiting his turn for an audience, doing his best to make his over six foot tall frame and shimmering gold clothes hidden to not interrupt.

Growing transcendent neo humans Report 001
This is Doctor Richard Gronan , reporting from black nova medical research facility alpha, there has been a recent trend of … incidents with several members undergoing advanced research, this has been growing apparently person after person ,is final achieving the final brake through with their AI machine interface, the results have been extraordinary, one subject has totally converted his body changing from partly human to a machine enclosed total energy entity , his body was more advanced than anything we have seen, we have studied him, he seemed just quiet sitting there enclosed and alone, we managed to make a report about it, his body is composed of strong but super light metal alloys, with crystalline like artificial nerve pathways, utilizing entanglement energy transfer… the raw energy pumping through him was more than anything we have seen, quintillions of bits of data flowing through his brain casing, without consequence to his processing capacitors, which seemed to have turned in advanced nodes of some kind, distributed Throughout his body… this isn’t even half of what we have seen.. this is incredible I’m even stumped at what crated such a thing, attempts to try to communicate has only resulted in flux shifting from the subject. It seems he uses that for communications… we’ll keep an eye on this ….”
He sighed a bit placing his pale hand on a holographic console shutting the recorder off, he stood up walking out of the room.

The party:
--
Mean while Ron wandered up to the odd looking delegate from red talons, the one standing by Logan, as his eyes locked on to him his jaw nearly dropped at the attractiveness of this other being, quickly but surely , he rose his hand up to him and held it out for a shake, a smile came over his young pale face, his suit crisp and ironed, his brown eyes locking on to the other.
“Hey there, my name is Vice president Ron Calhoun, welcome to the Terran Federation.., Might I say you look quiet sunning” he gave another smile almost blushing slightly
Logan responded saying in a slightly distracted voice.
“Well, We would like to propose something to your people, however it will be up to you to take it come by my office later, he handed a card to 5/4
Mean while Logan, nodded again.
“Well excuse me I must part “he said with a diplomatically professional voice, he smiled again wandering over to the other side of the bar, the sky light still open the light failing.
Maxwell still had the keycard, but was too busy to give it to Logan at this point, he smiled, a smile coming over his toned and gracefully aged face.. He responded raising an eyebrow, saying with a diplomatic voice.
“Indeed, it is ashamed, I still remember the data links on that rather odd nation, but alas the past is the past, and President logan knows this, that’s why hes gathered everyone here.”


The dark nova Faclity:
Subject 01, was sitting on the bed his knees curled up to his slender sleek chrome and black chest, crimson markings ran down the rest of his slender metal body, his body wasn’t plated, it was like liquid metal had been poured over him, he spoke to himself a low hum and energy like crackle emanating from him, he was saying..
~I’m alone, the only one of my kind, why or what has done this…. It is time … it feels like its time, time to let the others know, make the others like me, our race, our people.. Beyond humanity, beyond life, we must embrace our enlightenment, we must… grow… we must… grow….~
He stood up, with a sudden bolt of energy running through his sleek body, his markings were glowing as he elevated, suddenly and quickly, bolts of energy and lighting running across the metal panels , wiring and whatever plumbing there was klaxons began to ring out loudly blaring as pure energy fed from his body alone, the entire facility began to glow, a burst of electrical like energy manipulating space time and knocking every one out.., men, women, AI’s and droids fell to the floor thumping, and clattering as they fell, he raised his hand, crackling energy running through his sleek metal body, a beam of white and blue flew though it striking the large door blasting it open the entire door disintegrating. He made his way through the winding flicking lit halls of the place..
The dark nova dreamscape control facility, klaxons rang out, reverberating through the roughly lit research halls of the station, a slight tap were heard, as unconscious bodies littered the floor, and bulkheads, what could have caused this …. Subject 01, the New being as it were, had single handily managed to subdue the entire facility, his slender sleek yet tough looking metal skinned body looked down upon another unconscious guard, a smile came over his face, his metal hand rose over the holographic control panel as he started to manipulate, without even touching anything, his head opened, a massive port over the top of the skull, crackling with energy yet with a clam shimmering orb of consciousness. Streams of data, flew out from the center of the orb latching itself on to the, massive net, lunging in to it data and ultimately energy flying around t, he now had access to the entire dreamscape network .


The party…
Logan clutched his chest slightly in a corner, so did a lot of terrans, they felt something; nearly the entire room of terrans were starting to be distracted by some thing. It was dreamscape, something had entered, the very subroutines it was built on, this alarmed every one and their personal AI’s they looked almost panicky … Dis-stress started to become more prevalent through the terran ranks , everyone was falling on their knees and on the floor, they clutched the ground as their bodies started to shimmer and phase…

01 had begun to pour more energy and more energy through his smooth body in to dreamscape using everything he had, shimmering starting to phase out as his body began to disintegrate from the sheer power passing through him. His thoughts racing his mind becoming absorbed and becoming one with the scape … A final burst of angelically blue energy went through his body shifting and pouring out around the entire federation. He was burn out, his body gone his mind, soul and consciousness absorbed in to the Dreamscape.

At the party:
---
Every Terran In the room, every Terran they could see, flashed with a bright and blue angelic glow over their bodies, Logan, Ron , Maxwell and Bester along with everyone else elevated in to the air as crackling strikes of data and energy engulfed their bodies , running around them through them and around the room, their fists clutched, the energy arching around the room, every one began to convert from humanoid like cyborgs to the same silvery, black metal skinned suit of 01.

“AHAGGAAGAHAHHAHAHAHAHAHAHA!!!!”

every one screamed out clutching their hands to themselves as they morphed visibly, their metal bodies clanked to the floor, thumping and crashing, they lay there , like sleekly armored sentient beings, they lay still for a few moments, the room was quiet , eerily quiet , and dark.

But suddenly, Logan himself, marked with several Terran blue markings, stood up raising his sleek body up with his metal hands, he looked around, a smiling coming across his liquid face, followed by the rest of the Terrans in the room, each one of them stood up, one by one, they looked around at each other and at themselves, what had happened. What in the world had happened to them… they were all different all … strange.
Logan spoke, a loud professionally, yet booming and crackling voice rang out from his mouth, he said.

“,I understand now, Ladies, sentients and gentlemen, what you have witnessed, was the birth, of a new evolution of mankind , the birth of a new species of humanity…. We may change back shortly in to our normal human forms, we are all tired out from this…. Event…”
The new bodies of the Terrans… if they could be called that any more, their biology was no longer biological, though they could still engage in sexual activates, their bodies, were lined inside with artificial crystalline data pathways, and nerves, their minds were merged AI/Human souls, extended in to a miniature hive mind with in each of the individuals, it was pure energy, pure energy that couldn’t be affected.. Encased in a non conductive light, super metals… Nodes in their heads ran quintillions upon quintillions of quantum entangled data packets each Planck level bit containing thousands upon thousands of bits of commands information, and other things. They couldn’t manipulate energy like 01 did, some could but that would be reviled later… they spoke, by sending flux shifted messages in a beam of quantum entangled tachyons …

The marines and soldiers around, stood at attention, decorated with their service colors around their sleek skinned armor, each arm held a 20 mm dark energy pulse cannon hidden within their arms, they had a reaction time fast as lighting, many sensors, anti EMP, and ECM built within them, each had personal force fields , and could link in to squads automatically and take out threats, they could see through walls and see miles away… they had a 360 view without turning their head thanks to the AI merger….
It was time to wait to see what the people in the room thought, what the universe thought as this was broadcasted and seen throughout the world..

The Kirisuban Empress had not expected this to happen at a Presidential swearing in.

She looked calm but her samurai closed round her just in case. The Empress could beam out if needed and her guards would lay down their lives to buy time.

Either way this was a new beginning for the Federal Union.

There had always been infiltrators. Since long before the war with the Republic there had been soldiers, civilians, and officials so well disguised and indoctrinated that they themselves at times had no memory except the life they lived in the UTF. As allies the Imperium had supported the terrans in many of their endeavors. But since their pivotal turn the Imperium had employed more devious methods to collect intelligence. The Callidus temple had been charged with aiding this mission but now another.......being must become involved.

The Agri-tech had been docked for hours at the spaceport and Keniker Tharis had been waiting for them to clear him so that he and his female companion could attend this most fateful of days. Keniker was a delegate from the Trk'Phan System a distant nearly insignificant system from the Centurion Galaxy. It's population had once been apart of the Imperium but had been lost centuries ago during war with the Galactic Empire. He was tall standing about 6'0 with long black hair bound in a tight ponytail. His body was tight with rippling muscle and his eyes were a deep fire red. His clothes were made of a very fine blend of materials forming a beautiful black suit. His companion Tara Reets was 5'6 with long blonde hair flowing freely. She wore a beautiful black dress that was slit to the thigh. Her tight body and well-endowed bosom made her an exotic and attractive sight. The long dangling diamond necklace hung just into her cleavage drawing the eyes immediately to her luscious form. The low cut scant dress left just enough to the imagination to make her completely irresistable and even Keniker fought the urge to approach her sexually. Her black purse was a small bag filled with what seemed to be simple make-ups carried by any number of rich and powerful women. Keniker was the System Lord of Trk'Phan and was here as a delegation of friendship for the sake of an alliance.

Finally they were let through by the guards and had taken the long ride to the Inaugration. When they had finally arrived and were cleared in they were just in time to see the change of the Terrans. Standing there amid the crowd he smiled. He made sure to keep his face obscured using his psyker powers. Regardless of the disguise he had assembled he knew Maxwell Odessa well enough to know that he would easily recognize Keniker for who he truly was. He looked over to Tara and smiled nodding quickly to her. He had come here in the attempt to get answers as to their change. He looked at Logan and flexed his powerful hands. He hoped he wasn't discovered otherwise he'd have a hell of a time getting out alive.

The transformation of the Terrans gave a remarkably exciting feeling to the entire, relatively mundane and artificial ceremony. Tarakh, however, showed no emotion, other than merely a raised eyebrow. It was far from the weirdest thing he's ever seen. After all, Tarakh was known for several year trips into the Tundarian Wastelands.

As for a battle, in case the transformation altered their drives and made them more aggressive, he could hold his own. The psionic abilities of the Andropov bloodline were godlike (after all, the ancestors of the Andropovs are gods), and the sword he carried was made in a spiritual, not physical, realm. But there were quite a lot of them. Quite a lot indeed. Judging by the actions of President Logan, however, he need not worry about his death.

The Veliky Kynaz was immensely thankful for said heritage, as well, as it would have been remarkably unfortunate if the Terrans had the capability of infiltrating his mind (which was near impossible, due to his remarkable bloodline), as the first thought was a plan of engagement. Being part divine also helped him keep his cool.

"How long have you been working on this project?"

Ambassador Kaminogi gasped in shock as the Terrans fell to the ground screaming in what looked like excruciating pain. Then she gasped again as the Terrans transformed into hybrids of AI and human flesh. She spoke to the nearest Terran. "Wh-what happened to you?"

Isahil blushed slightly, able to sense the feelings of Rob as he smiled a bit. "Its a pleasure to meet you too." he said, not clasping the hand but simply touching his fingertips to the mans outstretched hand for a moment. 5/4 took the card and bowed again before shoving it into his pocket and draining what was left in the glass he held.

The instant the terrans began their violent transformation, 5/4 flexed his hands. A white marble of energy appearing in each one before he clenched his fists over the beads of energy. Twin 4 foot long white beams of energy snapping to life as he dropped back into a defensive crouch. His ears layed flat in his white hair, ready for a fight. "What in the nine hells is going on?" He said nervously.

Isahil also reacted instantly. His katana seeming to leap from its sheath of its own accord into his grasping right hand. the katana's blade appeared to be made of some type of crystalline material, though it was completely and utterly black. the light only glinting off of its polished surface. 3 kunai, appearing to be made of the same black crystal, simultaneously slipped out of his robe to float beside his head. His own ears were pressed flat into his light gray hair. "By Varta... I've never seen such a thing." His psi powers now active, he could sense another psi user in the room, he began to wonder why he had not sensed such a power, though he dismissed the thought for the time being.

When the terrans once again stood. Their new bodies gleaming in the light. Both 5/4 and Isahil kept their stances. Their gazes darting around the room at the different terrans. Pausing even after the apparent presidents short speech. 5/4 stood up fully, lowering the energy blades, though not releasing them. Isahil likewise lowered his stance, sheathing his katana as the kunai slipped back into his robe. The two looked at each other, their ears up again and twitching slightly.

Atren laughed. "My, my. Gentlemen, couldn't have you picked a more private occasion to transform? Still, it's nice to see you've finally gotten up to speed. The Union used to be positively provincial."

He walked stepped delicately over a fallen terran, and took his untouched drink. He sipped it.

"Ah, it was a good year for these vineyards."

As Logan stood, and spoke he nodded at him. "While all that's very fascinating, President, I have a more pressing question. This glass of wine is, to put it simply, phantasmagoric, the taste is so grand I can hardly believe it's real. Would you be a kind chap and pull up the vineyard information for me?"

Matching speeds with the nekos the sounds of plas-cells slapping into SP-9s they carried with them. In quick strides they were on either side of their Templar, pistols in their right hands while their left remained open. Of course, they did so for a specific reason as the Acolytes of the Searing Flame manipulated the ability that made them who they were, the air molecules around their palms suddenly being shredded as electrons parted from their nucleus - creating a flame like gauntlet that wrapped around their forearms.

Alexander to, had made steps to defend himself. With a quick swish of air the trained warrior drew his blade faster than his Acolytes, igniting the old fashioned plasma sword and holding it out defensively. He made no manifestations of plasma unlike his quick reflexed Acolytes, but his mind which formerly contained itself within his own skull expanded outward like a bird flicking open its wings. “Stand down, I don’t think this is an attack…” he spoke in a hushed tone, before raising his voice so they could clearly hear over the screams of agony, “Such an attack would require a conscious direction that would be felt across entire planets, this is something coming from within them!” He spoke of course, of perhaps the most widely known ability of a Templar, the ability to sense another’s attack before it came by the very attacker’s mind reaching out towards the target for an attack.

After the transformation the Acolytes remained as they were, and so did Alexander in his same relaxed mood. It was obvious that the soldiers that were defending their Templars weren’t quick to relax their guard despite his words, instead they would remain on edge for a few more minutes until things settled back down.

Alexander, however, was busy drinking in every detail he could for his report. As if the dynamics of the galaxy weren’t hard enough, this had to happen.

The entire room lit up again, the bodies of the terrans engulfed in a bright blue and white light as they turned back in to their human like appearance, their skin and bodies returning to normal like nothing ever happened…. Logan, Max and Ron returned to their conversations.

Logan idly placed his hands in to his pocket as he smiled, looking over the people he was talking to, his eyes were slightly different blue in tint, his skin supple and soft, yet rough and toned like it was before.

Max was sitting at the head of the table looking at every one’s surprise, indeed he himself was surprised at the entire event, but this event had ushered in a brand new golden age for the entire UTF, technologically, economically, and sociologically. Max looked over to miller, who idly looked back as he returned to saying

“Well I hope this event has not.. Crated any animosity from any one, it seems many of you are paranoid of this.”

He said with a grin coming over his face, his hands waving in the air a bit.
Max stood up, he started to speak his voice reverberating around the quiet white house ball room, his hands placed in front of him folded, his eyes panned the room, he noticed the group of delegates, and the ambassador from core worlds standing on edge. He grinned slightly and wisely started to say.

“This is a new age in Federation evolution; we are still human in consciousness, and somewhat in body, but not all the way, I believe our transformation will benefit everyone in this room, I would like to have the AI band perform a few classics from old earth specifically the 70s era, of the 20th century . Some of you might remember the songs.. Others might not Hit it boys!”

He said waving his hand rather harshly towards the AI band in the corner, with that a sudden beat started to emerge, it was reminiscent, of the bee gees staying alive from Saturday night fever , the room filled with the beat, as it became louder, and catchier, max well went over to the floor he looked around the key card still in his pocket, he waved Logan over. He said

“Come with me Mike”

Logan raised an eyebrow as he started to walk behind max in to the next room, Logan asked with a rough and professional voice.

“What’s this about max?”

Max said taking out the Card, digging his hand in to his pocket, and slipping the card out holding it towards Logan

“A gift from a friend, may you cherish it through your presidency…”
Logan smiled a bit and nodded, Maxwell did the same and the two men walked back in to the now discotec like room, a disco ball with flashing rainbow like lights moving across the darkened room

Ron, held his smooth pale hand out of Isahil, he smiled again a look of a stricken young man coming across his pale face. He said with a chuckle and a slight grin, his voice low but loud enough for the other party to hear.

“May I have this dance sir?”

Logan mean while Wandered over to the former realm delegate, Max was trilling behind looking for others to converse with, and some of the politicians in the room senators , secretaries, and HOOP representatives, began dancing, tarring up the floor with disco like movement, testing the limit of their new bodies, they moved quickly in step, in every conceivable way, in sync with the music and others dancing, it looked like things were getting heated, and rather entertaining in the area, as more appetizing drinks began to appear in flashes of bright blue, sweet, and more tolerable liquors, food and other things started to dot the tables again.

The Empress was finally able to relax her guards and she knew she was in no danger and neither were her people.

She didn't recognise the song but plenty of people did. However when in Rome..

She got a drink and after that made her way onto the dance floor without her guards. She rarely got to relax like this as she found the beat and rhythm grooving to the disco classic.

Isahil nodded, taking Robs hand gently his build seemed almost frail for someone who moved so fast before. he recognized the music and knew the dance style, having no trouble keeping up with Rob as he smiled.

5/4 looked around, releasing the blades as they faded from existance. He walked away from the table. deciding to mingle with the other delegates untill the party was over. Deciding to move to the group of Templars. "Hello, i'm Admiral Roze of the red Talons. May i ask who you represent?"

the hammer of the god emperor exited the immaterium opticom call

from the hammer of the god emperor to tfu port controll permisiion to deploy a thunder hawk containing our envoy and his protection detail

It took a while, but eventually the Acolytes dismissed their hold on the plasma round their hands. Placing their pistols back into their 'holsters' they kept the weapons loaded, just in case something did happen. Meanwhile, Alexander took the liberty of turning off his plas-sword, placing it back to it's holding position and turned to the psychic, "Ah, if I remember right you would be Roze, was it? Commander Anathon told me of you in his report."

He then gave a small smile and bowed his head slightly, "Ah forgive me, introductions! My name is Templar Alexander, Grand Admiral of the Sertian expedition to the Milky Way. These are Acolyte Effie and Jordan, some of my most trusted soldiers."

OOC: Isahil is the Psi user, Rose is just a mild empath. he doesnt have any actual psi abilities.

Roze chuckled. "I'm flattered, so would you be the ones i speak to about a trade alliance with the Sertians?" He asked. his tail flicking from side to side, a soft purr coming from him. He looked over the group of templars. Idly wondering what it would be like to spar with one.

The Templar nodded, "Yes, I have the authority to start a trade alliance with whatever we have in this galaxy. In fact, we're planning to colonize a planet soon if you would like to speak there, I'm sure we'd have more resources to trade with."

The Acolytes seemed to disperse lightly, keeping within eye shot of their Templar though. They were a cautious kind, and perhaps still shaken up by the sudden transformation of the Terrans, then back.

Keniker was appalled by some of the xenos he saw there but did not let it show through. The universe was full of humans willing to ally themselves with the alien and for now he would just have to bite it back. As Keniker approached Max he let a smile creep across his face and said, "Mr. Odessa, just the man I was looking for!" He reached out and shook Max's hand enthusiastically. Calling Tara forward he said, "I am Keniker Tharsis Lord of the Trk'Phan system. And this lovely lady is my companion Tara Reets." She gave a sly, seductive smile with a low bow which inevitably allowed any individual to see down her dress. Keniker smiled again and said, "If possible I would wish to speak of you about an alliance. As you probably know my system was left undefended by the Imperium and lost in it's records during the war with the Galactic Empire. So friends are very important to us."

Tarakh glanced again as they transformed back. He kept to the rear, letting the others with agendas carry out their plans. When he had a chance, he came up to Logan and sat down beside him.

"Since you're now...well, half man, half machine, tell me: what affect does EMP have on you folks?"