NationStates Jolt Archive

A somewhat lanky, awkwardly tall figure, more like a stick than a normally-proportioned man entered an elaborate throne room, bowing before the Supreme Leaders Ragoris Sirava and Lagia Sunari - the ruling bodies over the Kharan-Serenno Interplanetary Federation. Once fierce revolutionaries against the Galatic Republic's invasion of their world at the end of the Clone Wars, with the independence of their world officially declared now nearly two decades ago by the New Republic, they had retained a technically peaceful, though relatively strained relationship with the outside galaxy ever since.

"Ragoris-pokon, Lagia-paki'i," the man stated bowing. "Tegh'teyanii a iko ahn'teyanos ahd'vokrik bhu?"
("Lord Ragoris, Lady Lagia. Allow you that I, to you, to speak, exists?*

More contextually in English: "Lord Ragoris, Lady Lagia. May I speak to you?")

"Ika, Mokti-tori." Ragoris spoke with a smile, "Anlokh'tey."
("Yes, my friend Mokti, rise.")

Themselves rising to their feet after their friend, the two Supreme Leaders made their way outside of the Throne Room, accompanied by several Asraka Guards towards a conference chamber. As they arrived within the chamber, the Asraka Guards remained outside.

"My Lord," Mokti began, as they sat down on either side of the elaborate ebony and marble table. "May your dynasty last ten thousand generations. I am almost certain you know of my motivation for having called the two of you here." At their mutual nod, he continued, "As foreign adviser, it is my duty, amongst other matters, to ensure that our world has favorable relations with our allies in the outside galaxy. Now, the Kharan-Serenno Interplanetary Federation is, in itself, a relatively new political entity. We are but one of a few of the original CIS worlds still loyal to the cause of freedom and justice. However, in these trying times, as an old proverb of our people goes - 'A new friend is better than a dead enemy.' The outside galaxy is, for the most part, composed of planets that were once our enemies, or have been conquered by those who were our enemies in recent years. However, it stands to reason that if our world does not forge new relations with the outside galaxy, and quickly, our very hope of existence may disappear.

Now, this matter in particular is brought to my intention by the recent events of your second-born child, Princess Amilyra's eighteenth birthday. Her older brother, Prince-Regent Andoris, was of course married off to a native Kharanai woman to ensure the purity of the family line for generations to come, as he is the heir through whom the dynasty will succeed. In the case of Amilyra, however, the matter is much different. She in herself, while a noble, and member of an illustrious family, will not be on the direct line of descent of your dynasty's future, theoretically at least. Therefore, the blood purity of her husband is not so critical to our future. It is, reasonable, therefore, that we could forge an alliance with another world rather directly by having a member of their ruling class pledge marriage to Lady Amilyra."

"But, Mokti!" Ragoris exclaimed, somewhat visibly appalled by the proposition at hand, "This is absurd! Amilyra may be second-born, but she is still my own daughter. I will not have her married to some..."

"Foreigner?" Lagia asked with a slight smile, "But am I not myself originally a foreigner to your people?"

"That's another matter entirely..." Ragoris argued.

"Is it?" Mokti considered, "In either case, as a result of a wedding between a Kharanai and a foreigner, new relations were forged with a foreign entity for the benefit of our own people."

"But, the Serennoans were our allies throughout the darkest of times!" Ragoris protested, "There are very few foreign worlds that could claim as much. They are an exception, not a rule."

"Ragoris, consider the matter tactically." Mokti advised, "Amilyra is, after all, your daughter. She has clearly inherited your calculating mind; any time she spends in the presence of a young foreigner, so connected to the ruling affairs of his own nation, and so infatuated with her, she will use to collect information that, if nothing else, will be to our benefit. By our own tradition, there is a minimum of one year between the pledging of the Ghastar Vow and performance of the Binding Ritual. We could easily stall this matter further by demanding that her future husband be perfectly fluent in Kharanai and perfectly versed in our traditions before the marriage is to be consummated. Consider what tactical information she could gain upon them in that time, that would give us an infinite advantage over them, perhaps more than the marriage itself would hold."

"Very well," Ragoris said with a begrudging nod, "If you can find a suitable suitor for her, by all means attempt accordingly. I myself will determine when, and if, the Binding Ritual is to be performed. Do you understand me?"

"Yes my Lord." Mokti stated with a nod, "If you wish, I shall send out transmissions to foreign worlds regarding the status of your daughter immediately."

"Oh, very well." Ragoris said with a sigh, "Let us just get this ... foreign, affair over with as soon as possible. And I certainly hope these future 'in-laws' do not prove to be too irritating."

(OOC: Sorry, I'm too lazy to put this whole dialog in Kharanai as the initial part was. I may go back and do so later.)

Diplomatic Transmission of the Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno

TO: All known civilizations.

The Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno proudly announces to the galaxy at large the eighteenth birthday of the second-born daughter of Supreme Leaders Ragoris Sirava and Lagia Sunari. Under Kharanai tradition, Amilyra (http://img352.imageshack.us/img352/151/heyleypiczu3.jpg) is now of marriageable age. Seeking new relations with the galaxy at large, the Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno is open to foreign proposals of marriage being directed towards Lady Amilyra, under some basic conditions:

1. The world represented by such a foreigner recognizes the official, legal status of the Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno's government.

2. That the foreign suitor be of no older age than twenty-five. The Kharanai race, while ultimately descended from humans, is, after all, subject to rather longer lifespans than our human cousins. It would seem likely that Amilyra would likely long outlive a foreigner even of similar age, therefore, and to extend direct diplomatic relations as long as possible, we would prefer that the two enjoy a long, pleasant marriage for as long as possible.

3. That the foreign suitor be willing to fully adopt the language and culture of the Kharanai people for use during his stay on our world.

Regarding Amilyra herself, the Lady is of exceedingly high intelligence, having been trained firsthand by some of the greatest professors in all of the Kharan-Serenno Interplanetary Federation at the High Academy in Palantis, where she graduated the top of her class last year, her royal status having no bearing whatsoever upon such. She has been trained from birth in our native Asraka martial arts, as tradition mandates, and like all Kharanai is Force-Sensitive in nature, and should be expected to live several more centuries provided all is well for her.

All replies and applications therewithin will be examined thoroughly for their respective merit; only those suitors which seem an applicable match for Lady Amilyra will be taken for consideration. Further, Kharanai tradition stipulates that the wedding may occur only after a year has passed from the initial Ghastar Vow.

Any nations wishing to respond to this offer are requested to address their replies to Foreign Minister Mokti of the Interplanetary Federation of Kharan Serenno.

Sincerely,
Foreign Minister Mokti of the Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno.

(OOC: for reference, the "y" in Amilyra's name is pronounced as a full consonant, not semi-vowel.)

Messages buzzed across the stars like flies, and it could be difficult to catch them, especially those most valuable to you. On the great ringworld of Cypria, however, one could find almost anything.

Sixty-two years past, Mallus Exiaonae had been crowned Emperor of the Travellian Realm. Forty-three years ago, the Travellian Realm and Solarii Empire had merged, forming a new society, the populace abandoning the old worlds and moons that had once been their homes, naming themselves Cypria. He was still Emperor, though the title meant as much as the honorific "Citizen" did to other Cyprians.

No, my job is to give foreign nations someone to talk to. It makes them happy to see someone in charge, he mused.

On this day, he walked down to his lake. For a few minutes, he sat beside it, thinking.

A drone hovered nearby. It awaited him every morning, prepared to give him the news on which the galaxy would delight and despair.

"Good morning, Emperor Exiaonae."

He tipped his hat.

"Good morning, Jaerl. How does the day find you?"

"With flowery greetings. Oh no, that's you. I'm sorry. The day finds me just fine. Now, do you want to get on with this, or am I going to need to endure a few more minutes of pleasantries?"

In spite of himself, he chuckled.

"Go on. What's made you so on edge?"

"Friend deployed to Greal. Not sure if shooting is going to break out."

"Ah. Well, then. The news?"

The drone drew itself up, or, rather, hovered six feet off the ground rather than five, and began to speak.

"Executive Council is deliberating Greali war declaration. No conclusion reached. Trade is down through Greali worldgates, as well as Kostemetsian ones. Natural result of war. Deployment costs are way, way up, Veldt Group offering to donate nonsentient wardrones to the effort, as well as funding the military to the tune of six billion Travellian pounds. Though that's only a drop in the ocean, Veldt seems to be getting popular lately."

A pause, waiting for a reaction. The Emperor merely sat, watching water cascade into the lake, an eyebrow slightly raised.

"Not much else today. Your stock is down eight percent. Told you not to invest in exploration in wartime. Your popularity as a public figure remains constant - everyone seems to like you, but not everyone wants you as a figurehead for Cypria. It's the battle between the radicals who want to impose Cypria everywhere, and the quieter groups who want you to make other people more comfortable. Oh, and the Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno's leader's second daughter is seeking a husband."

"Please, Jaerl. I'm already married-"

"No, no. Conditions on suiting her. Gotta learn their language, recognise them as a people, no older than twenty-five."

Mallus smiled.

"You were thinking Lemakt?"

Lemakt was his brother's son. A promising young lad, who presently led a small city-ship out among the stars, exploring the galaxy, rather than remain on the ringworld, boring himself to death.

The drone buzzed excitedly.

"Yes! It's perfect for him! He loves new places, isn't too connected, and we can wangle a new ally out of it as well! We might even be able to fit them in to the Cyprian Circle!"

"Foreign policy is not my purview, Jaerl."

"I know, I know. But it can't hurt, can it?"

Mallus conceded that it could not with a brief nod.

"Wait. Force-sensitive?", the drone said with a brief shrillness in its voice.

"It's fine. He's third generation Cyprian, the old Force-inhibition gene should be latent, if not entirely gone. He didn't want it to impact his meetings with new species, remember?"

"Oh. Right."

A leisurely hour of discussion later, and Mallus left Jaerl, thinking on this new possibility. In the mindlink that connected all Cyprians, he searched his nephew out, connecting with him, communicating words, ideas and images all in a haphazard bundle.

Lemakt. It's Mallus.

I'm fine, uncle. I know father wanted you to call me back to Cypria 'cause of the war. Trust me. City-ship Prometheus can defend itself, or evacuate if it becomes entirely necessary.

No, that's not the issue here. [DATA]

Oh. Ohhhh. You want me to marry this girl?

I think it would be good for you, and also for her.

And good for Cypria.

You're getting quicker.

No, you're just getting slower.

And also ruder. Now, come back to Cypria, and I'll inform them of your desire, and maybe even get you a transport.

What if I don't want to go?

You do. I know you, and nothing makes you feel happier than messing around in the affairs of other people who would probably be just FINE on their own.

::laughter:: Fine. I'll worldgate back. It'll be a challenge, if nothing else.

The city-ship young Lemakt was on contained a gate that could transport him home nigh-instantaneously, and so he returned. The idea fascinated him, after all. For one, this girl, whoever she was, would be un-Cyprian. They wouldn't be able to talk between minds. That alone made her mysterious and desirable.




Lemakt grinned as he stepped off his skimmer next to Mallus's lake. The Emperor was sitting there, waiting for him.

"I've sent the message.", Mallus said, without bothering to turn and face Lemakt.

Lemakt nodded.

"And the transport?"

"Arranged. You'll be taking one of my private liners. Enough to convince your prospective family that your status is real, at least."

Lemakt nodded again.

"When do I leave?"

Mallus grinned.

"Whenever they reply.."




TO: The Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno
FROM: Emperor of Cypria, Mallus Exiaonae

I would like to present my nephew, Lemakt Exiaonae, as a suitor for young Amilyra, being of the royal line of first the Realm of Travellia, and now of the royalty of the Authority of Cypria, the successor state which has incorporated old Travellia into its being. Our line stretches back into antiquity, and our family is still greatly influental.

I can hardly press my nephew's suit for him, so I will address the three issues your government has raised.

Firstly, the Authority of Cypria, being the ruling body of Cypria, recognizes your validity as a nation, stemming from your rule. If you desire to exchange ambassadors, we are more than willing to do so, should it heighten this recognition in the eyes of your government.

Secondly, young Lemakt is only nineteen, but regenerative technology, and the ability to simply upload a mind makes the issue of age somewhat immaterial. He is, when it comes to the ravages of age, effectively immortal, provided he should choose to live.

Thirdly, my nephew has a talent for languages, and an interest in the culture and language of other nations that can be considered sufficient to ensure that he will adopt your ways whilst on your world.

Lemakt is a bright young man, with all the benefits that the Cyprian mindlink provides. While he has been educated mainly by tutor, or through the simple absorption of information via mindlink, as is common, he speaks eight languages, and has been commanding his own starships for two years now.

Whilst relatively untrained in the martial arts, the abilities a Cyprian possesses, primarily in the augmentation via nanites, and his time as a defender of a city-ship have left him a competent warrior.

He, like most Cyprians, possesses absolutely no Force, or Force-related abilities, ranging from magic to psionics, but it should be noted that the traditional genetics that cause many Cyprians to inhibit the use of Force abilities nearby have not been passed on to him, as he chose to forego genetic engineering in order to augment his combat capabilities.

Should he be found suitable by your people, I shall dispatch him at your soonest convenience.

Yours in sincerity,
Mallus Exiaonae
Emperor of Cypria

Sky Marshall Jian sat down next to his godfather, King Lanakan. He watched as a telegram was passed to him. He felt somewhat exicted because Lynion was finally at peace with itself again. No fighting, Jian decided to read the telegram himself. He gave a big smile as King Lanakan looked at him.

"Oh brother," Lanakan started. "Let me guess, you have a love letter?"

Jian stood up in protest and handed him the telegram. He watched as his uncle King Ranakin entered the room.

"By the gods," started Lanakan as he passed it to Ranakin. "Well, I can't let you rot on this forsaken planet. Take the Corinth cruiser and go say hello to the girl. I'll send a telegram you'll be coming,"

Ranakin smiled as he read the telegram as Jian excused himself and left for his room. He felt exicted he was leaving the planet and going somewhere else.

"You think the boy is up for it?" asked Ranakin.

"The boy needs to be independent for once. Besides, a girl will straighten him out," laughed Lanakan.

Telegram

To:The Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno
From: Imperial Lynion Alliance, King Lanakan

My name is King Lanakan of the Imperial Lynion Alliance. I wish to send my godchild Scott J. Jian to The Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno for the chance to win your daughter over.

I know Jian won't be able to understand your language when he arrives but he was given a transaltor to help him. He has a passion for culture and seeing the galaxy.

We recgonise that the The Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno legal status and congulate's you on reaching that level.

Jian will be able to adapt to the language and culture to your home world and home language. He also 19 years old which is under the age limit you have set out.

To give you an outline of what Scott Jian is like, he has being trained in martial arts of the Supernatural Martial Arts Acdemy which is high in our standards. Scott also is an Ace Pilot in our Air Force during the last war we were involved in. He doesn't have the ways in the force, but he is extremely skilled in the arts of a Light Saber. Even though he may seem like a warrior, Scott has a talent for Knowledge, Engineering and Chemistry. He is one of our highest graduating personal of the planet on these subjects. I hope you enjoy his company as much he is a god-son to me.

End of telegram

A simple knock on the girl's door proved sufficient to cause her to rise from her relatively trademark position, lying lengthwise across her bed, her elbows propping her up on either side, a book of literature balanced a foot or so below her face. Getting up abruptly, she lept to her feet, opening the door into her bedroom.

"Oh, Mokti." she said with a smile, "Do come in. I was meaning to thank you for the gift you gave me. I've loved every word of it."

"I'm honored that you think so highly of it, my Lady," Mokti began, bowing as he entered the room, "I have other word to bring you, which I think you might find to be of interest."

"Oh?" Amilyra asked, raising her eyebrow in curiosity as she sat down upon the side of her bed, motioning for Mokti to do the same.

"Well, as we both know, my Lady, you are now a legal adult in all senses of the word." Mokti began.

Amilyra nodded, "It's kind of surreal actually," she said, "To think that theoretically, any time now, I could be granted position of Leader of the Sirava Clan."

"I could think of few better suited for the job." Mokti stated, rather genuinely. "Of course, I'd wager you know the Law of Lotrokis at least as well as myself, and the requirements it places upon all who hold positions of power."

"Oh, right," Amilyra said with a sigh, "I'd have to be married first, to ensure that there's good probability of a heir being produced in case something were to happen to me."

"Have you given any real thought to the matter?" Mokti inquired.

"Not really..." Amilyra considered, "I've only been of full adult status for two and a half Kharanai days, which is equivalent to just shy of three Serennoan days, or slightly under two and two-thirds Republic Standard Days."

"Sharp as ever." Mokti complimented, "But you do wish to hold a position of power one day, do you not?"

"In the long run, yes." she nodded, "I've only been eighteen for a few days, Mokti. I have a whole lifetime ahead of me, there's no real rush."

"I see..." Mokti said, biting his lip, trying to sound tactical, "Well, I for one think you will make a very wise ruler, the kind our people need in these trying times of rebuilding."

"Thank you, Mokti, but really, there's no need to compliment me."

"It's not just a compliment, Amilyra, it's tactical. Objectively speaking, the Sirava Clan would do very well under your leadership, I can see that quite clearly. At the moment its current leader is ... not up to par. The man was a former panderer to the Republic; more critically, however, he has no royal blood, Sirava or otherwise in his veins. Which means..."

"Which means, once I marry someone, I'd replace him near immediately," Amilyra finished, beginning to look somewhat offended "So that's the plan is it, marry me off on a whim the first second it becomes legal just so I can fit as a puppet into your little schemes?"

"Amilyra, please, it's not like that." Mokti consolled.

"Honestly, I think it is." Amilyra accused, "Really, if I were just a commoner, I doubt you'd have ever given me such high praise for my intellect. You're like most of the palace courtyard, just pandering up to me because of my family name. And now you want to use me in one of your little schemes to get rid of an old rival of yours from power, is that it?! So who's this 'lucky man' I'm supposed to marry? What clan is he from, hmm?! A Jantakh maybe?" she nearly spat. The Jantakh were, in modern Kharan, the only clan to be treated with such a level of scorn; the Jantakh clan having actually sided with the Republic during its occupation of Kharan.

"Amilyra..." Mokti said, placing a hand on her shoulder, which she quickly threw away.

"Just leave me alone!" she shouted.

"Amilyra..."

"Get out before I scream for the guards."

"Amilyra, listen to me," Mokti pleaded. "Forget me, forget what I may have done for or against you, and think for a moment, consider just for a second what I have to say, and the implications it may have upon our entire nation."

"Fine..." she responded crossly, "Let's hear your attempt at an explanation for this outrage."

"Amilyra, think about it reasonably." Mokti began, "Our world has been through so much. Up to two decades ago, we weren't even viewed as a legitimate entity by the outside galaxy. Our world was bombed almost beyond recognition during the war, and while environmental restoration units have, under your parents' collective wisdom, greatly restored much of our world's original life and beauty....

Amilyra, the fact still remains that our people aren't in the best of conditions. Our only real strong 'allies' at the moment are the other worlds in the Federation. If we were to be attacked again, who would come to our aid?"

"We were strong enough to defend ourselves against an entity that controlled most of the galaxy." Amilyra mused, "We're strong enough to defend ourselves. Besides, what the hell does this have to do with selling me off to use me to get rid of that idiot in charge of the Sirava right now?"

"Well, there's more, Amilyra," Mokti said with a sigh, "I wanted to break the news to you slowly, to keep you from over-reacting, but it seems that is a lost cause now."

"More?!" Amilyra exclaimed, "Mokti, what the hell is wrong with you? First you come in here completely unannounced and claim that I'm ... I'm getting married to someone I don't even know, just to help you get one of your old rivals out of power - but now there's more?!"

"Amilyra," Mokti continued, "There's really no easy way to say it; and I'd myself have preferred the diplomatic situation be such that we don't have to resort to this, but... well, with your father's approval, I've sent out diplomatic messages to the galaxy at large indicating that you were eligible in marriage to an interested foreign party."

"Mokti, you insolent little scumbag!" Amilyra screamed, "How the hell could you do this to me?! As if it weren't bad enough that you are forcing me into marriage for your own gain, I have to marry a ... a foreigner now?! How utterly disgraceful! I refuse! I won't be a pawn in your stupid little ploys for power, and I most certainly will never pledge the Ghastar Vow to some random foreigner from a world that isn't even one of our historic allies. I don't know how the hell you got my father to agree to this, but you can go back to him and tell him that this little scheme of yours failed. Wait another twelve years for Sairetra to grow up, see if she'll go along with you. I for one refuse!"

"Amilyra, please, it's not really as horrible as you're making it out to be!" Mokti pleaded.

"And just how the hell isn't it?" Amilyra exclaimed exhasperatedly, "Here I get two days, just two days of solace after my eighteenth birthday, and here you're trying to marry me off to some pompous, unrefined, non-Kharanai ... foreigner! Just so you can use me as your own little puppet over the Sirava and maybe weasel out something of a trade agreement to your favor from whoever the hell my husband represents politically. Isn't that about right?"

"We -need- allies, Amilyra, desperately," Mokti stated, "We've already received two favorable letters in response. Won't you at least meet these young men and consider what they have to offer before you pass them off so simply?"

"Why, so you can line that little pocketbook of yours a bit fatter?!"

"Amilyra, your father only agreed to this on the condition that he would personally approve any marriages to be performed. And I'm almost entirely certain that the Ragoris I knew, and grew up with for most of my life, fought with in battle against the Imperialists, would never subject his daughter to something to this scale of magnitude that she would not approve of. You won't have to marry anyone you don't want to. But please, at least give it a chance."

"Fine," Amilyra said bitterly, "But don't get your hopes up very high."

"I'll ... try to write something ... diplomatic both to the two of them." Mokti sighed, "And please, my Lady, for all our sakes, do try to remember that this ... situation isn't the fault of either of the two young gentlemen who have written already. Blame me if you will, but don't do anything ... undiplomatic around them."

"I'm not an idiot, Mokti." Amilyra said gloweringly, "But don't think I will forget this matter any time soon!"

Diplomatic Transmission of the Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno

TO: Emperor of Cypria, Mallus Exiaonae

Thank you very much for your prompt and elegant response to my earlier declaration to the outside galaxy. The current dynasty ruling over our Federation is, in its present form at least a rather new entity, formed through a consolidation of power from all Kharanai clans, as well as the traditional government of the world of Serrenno into a single overseeing family, that while it holds little direct control over the affairs of any particular clan or world, serves as a unifying force to guide and direct our people.

I must state that your nephew seems to be quite the remarkable individual on many accounts, and he seems indeed a worthy suitor to our Lady Amilyra. I must emphasize however, on one account, that the Lady has lived, up until this point a relatively sheltered life in some respects. She has never actually been outside of the Federation itself, and while she has the greatest of intellectual knowledge regarding other cultures that in some ways rivals some of our greatest diplomats, she lacks any real firsthand experience in dealing with members of other cultures. I trust it will not be an incident for such a lovely, refined lady as herself, but wish merely to advise perhaps larger understanding in this matter than may be typically ascribed in such a scenario.

This matter aside, I am certain Amilyra would be delighted to meet your nephew at the soonest time available; perhaps preferably on the world of Serenno, as the palace upon this world has been used historically to house visiting foreign dignitaries. Please respond at your convenience.

Sincerely,
Foreign Minister Mokti of the Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno.

Diplomatic Transmission of the Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno

TO: Imperial Lynion Alliance, King Lanakan

Thank you very much for your prompt and elegant response to my earlier declaration to the outside galaxy. The current dynasty ruling over our Federation is, in its present form at least a rather new entity, formed through a consolidation of power from all Kharanai clans, as well as the traditional government of the world of Serrenno into a single overseeing family, that while it holds little direct control over the affairs of any particular clan or world, serves as a unifying force to guide and direct our people.

I must state that Jian seems to be quite the remarkable individual on many accounts, and he seems indeed a worthy suitor to our Lady Amilyra. I must emphasize however, on one account, that the Lady has lived, up until this point a relatively sheltered life in some respects. She has never actually been outside of the Federation itself, and while she has the greatest of intellectual knowledge regarding other cultures that in some ways rivals some of our greatest diplomats, she lacks any real firsthand experience in dealing with members of other cultures. I trust it will not be an incident for such a lovely, refined lady as herself, but wish merely to advise perhaps larger understanding in this matter than may be typically ascribed in such a scenario.

This matter aside, I am certain Amilyra would be delighted to meet Jian at the soonest time available; perhaps preferably on the world of Serenno, as the palace upon this world has been used historically to house visiting foreign dignitaries. Translators will of course be provided, though Amilyra herself is fluent in a number of the more common languages spoken across the galaxy. Please respond at your convenience.

Sincerely,
Foreign Minister Mokti of the Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno.


(OOC: Sorry they're both basically the same thing; I didn't realize that I'd get two separate requests. xD But it just makes the situation more interesting I suppose.)

To: Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno.


Jian is excited to meet Amilyra and is already inbound to Serenno after we recieved this telegram. He'll be there in a day's time (He'll be there next time you post) on board a Assault Cruiser. He'll be landing on the surface once everything is ready.

Jian is fine with adpating to a new culture and langauge, however, there's some things I must tell you about which I forgot to add in last time. He has a thing for making people around him feel relax and comfortable. I'm not sure how he does it but I thought you might wish to know that.

End of telegram


On board the LynScert

"Field Marshall Jian," said a voice from behind. "We have a planet which we are meant to arrive at. It'll be at least a day before we get there,"

Jian turned around and looked at the man.

"Fair enough Vamp," replied Jian as he turned back to the Ship Master. "So Kennedy, do you think we have time for a game in the hanger?"

Kennedy looked up from the star maps and the holograms as Jian tossed him a football.

"I think we have time for two games," smiled back Kennedy. "Have you heard much about this lady?"

Jian looked up at him as he watched the change of the guards.

"She sounds so wonderful..." started Jian.

"Cough lover boy cough!" coughed Vamp.

Jian threw the ball at him as they raced down the hanger to play a few games of rugby with the pilots and marines.

TO: The Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno
FROM: Emperor of Cypria, Mallus Exiaonae

Lemakt is en-route on my liner, the August Noon. He will be arriving in-system momentarily, at approximately five AU from the world of Serrenno, so as not to intrude on any in-system traffic.

Yours sincerely,
Mallus Exaionae


"Ika"

He repeated the word a few times, setting it in his mind. It would've been easier simply to download the information directly to his mind, but he found that tended to give him a poor ability to use the language, despite the knowledge.

The liner he had been put on, the August Noon, was equipped with a military jumpdrive. It had been powering up almost all afternoon, a single LEU flanking it, the massive capital ship preparing to throw the liner through the fabric of the universe, so that it would arrive in Serenno as quickly as possible.

He looked up from the dictionary, and the world swum for a moment, and he could feel the simulating gravity rolling and shifting, and he knew that he was being thrown around the room, hefted from one place to another-

The feeling subsided, and he was still sitting on the chair. He shivered. He was one of the unlucky few who could sense a jump, and, while it had its uses, it scared the hell out of him.

"Ali. We're in-system?"

The ship's AI spoke, voice slightly gravelly.

"Indeed. Five AU from Serenno. About an hour at two-thirds c, if we're allowed to travel that fast. Maybe three or four hours if we're asked to slow down."

"Good, good. That'll give me time to.. well, sit here. Think, I guess."

"You're not worried?"

"Me? Not really. Uncle convinced me to come out here, but I know he would've pulled a few strings to make me do it if I hadn't agreed. Evacuated my city-ship, destroyed the value of some of my holdings - when I first said I didn't want to be Emperor, but instead wanted to go exploring, he made sure every ship I bought was a lemon, and impoverished me until I agreed to be included in the line of succession. I mean, if this girl doesn't like me, I get out of this marriage. If she does, well, I get to live somewhere new. It's not all bad."

"I.. see. I've relayed a request to land to the Kharan-Serenno. I'll remain in orbit while you go about the courtship business, keeping whatever you might need here."

Lemakt laughed.

"Fair enough. You're only two klicks long, after all. Not as if you'll disturb their night sky, or anything."

"High orbit. Very, very high."

The ship sped up, heading in system. A message had been sent, asking for permission to land, and it would arrive in a few hours. No doubt a little earlier than the Kharan-Serenno had expected, but still plenty of time to prepare for their landing.

Lemakt put his feet up, and closed his eyes. Might as well catch a few hours of rest before they arrived..

Jian came out of the hanger after he heard they were about an hour's flight from the planet's orbit. He played the last bit of rugby in the hanger as he started for the bridge. While on his way to the bridge, he wondered what the princess would be like. He took that thought out of his head as he entered the bridge where he found Vamp and Kennedy looking at the radar.

"You better go put something better on," said Vamp. "We're about an hour's flight from the planet orbit's and you'll be asked to land soon. For the love of the gods, stop being nervous,"

Jian looked at his shaking hand and replied he wasn't nervous but more calm before he left the bridge. He was both exicted and nervous about meeting the princess and prayed he would make a good impression on her.

"What do you think that is?" asked Kennedy to Vamp as he pointed to a dot on the radar map.

"I think it's a yacht of some kind," replied Vamp. "Send a message to the planet and request permission to land,"


Telegram

To: Kharan-Serenno
From: Ship Master Kennedy

We request permission to land Field Marshall Scott Jian on the planet. We also ask where you would like him to land.

"Lady Amilyra was not as cooperative as I would have originally predicted when I gave her news of the word, my Lord." Mokti began.

"Can you really blame her?" Lagia replied, "You gave her no real forewarning of this, nothing, just sprang it upon her. Can you really say, were you in her position you would have reacted any differently?"

"Perhaps not," Mokti admitted, "Perhaps it's not fair to ask this of her; but tactically, she is the only viable candidate to both forge an alliance and get that ... semi-Jantakh off the Sirava Throne that so rightly belongs in your own family!"

"Oh, agreed." Ragoris nodded, "I just want it ensured that my daughter's welfare is looked out for in this matter as much as anyone else's."

"Of course my Lord." Mokti said with a bow, "And I do apologize if I've mishandled the situation thus far." Pausing for a second he continued, "On par with our correspondence with the foreign dignitaries, I believe I shall be accompanying Amilyra on her journey to Serenno today to meet the foreign suitors. We'd be leaving in another hour, to ensure that we arrived before the others did with sufficient time to ensure that all is in proper order."

"I'm sure you have a lot to attend to, Mokti. Dismissed." Ragoris said with a simple wave of the hand as Mokti bowed and left.

"Do you really approve of this?" Ragoris questioned his wife as Lagia left, "She's barely even of legal age, and already we're getting her married off. It took Andoris several years to find a suitable wife, and in that case it was entirely of his own choosing."

"Amilyra won't have to do anything she doesn't want to, Ragoris." Lagia offered with a smile, "Why not at least give it a chance? It's not as if we met under the most favorable circumstances either."

"I suppose..."

* * * * * * * *

(Amilyra's bedchamber)

"This is ridiculous!" Amilyra exclaimed, "I can't even have my hair the way I want it? I've read every sacred text at least a hundred times and there is -nothing- in there about hairstyles!"

"That may be, my Lady, but do you not wish to make a good impression on your future husband?" the maidservant asked, continuing to tie Amilyra's hair upright into an elaborate set of braids.

"Oh, honestly, I haven't pledged anyone the Ghastar Vow yet, and already the entire palace is talking marriage!" Amilyra snapped, "I'm going to meet a few foreign dignitaries of similar age. That is all until -I- choose at my own discretion and will to make anything more of that."

The door creaked open, a familiar figure striding in. "My, my, am I interrupting anything?"

"Oh, ... it's you, Mokti." Amilyra said her voice falling. "So we're leaving then?"

"That's the word from your parents at least. We have a private shuttle standing by in the palace docking bay. The trip through hyperspace shouldn't be more than an hour or so, which should give you just about enough time to get situated in your quarters there before the guests arrive."

"There's multiple of them... arriving at the same time?" she inquired, "Won't that be ... really awkward?"

"Perhaps. We'll just have to make the best of it. We made it clear the message was set out to the galaxy at large. A lady such as yourself would certainly attract more than one young man."

"Great, so we can go now?" she inquired, glad internally that she'd passed the full Asraka Trials so she was allowed to wear simply her pure-white Asraka uniform rather than the exceedingly large, heavy, and downright uncomfortable dress she'd otherwise have to wear.

"Yes, time is of the essence after all." Mokti nodded, leading her out of the bedchamber, to the maidservant's slight complaint.

"I look fine don't I?" Amilyra asked, her face modified only by a pair of hanging jewel ear-rings suspended from the lobe of either one of her ears - the ears themselves being rather elongated and pointed by normal human standards. Her eyes too, green, were somewhat exotic compared to the general human population, containing no visible white; both characteristics the Kharanai race had evolved over time in the isolation of their homeworld. And while Amilyra was only truly half-Kharanai, these traits at least showed rather visibly.

"Excellent, my Lady." Mokti nodded, as the two entered the small shuttle, accompanied by a uniformed pilot. Strapping themselves into their respective seats in the rear chamber, Amilyra watched out of the rear transparisteel window as her familiar homeworld soon appeared before them.

"Mokti, what were my parents like when they first met?" Amilyra asked, breaking the silence. "I've heard stories from either one of their perspectives, but since you were something of a third party back then, I wondered if you could tell me what they were like back then."

"Well," Mokti began, "When they literally first met, I knew neither of them of course. Your father was seven at the time, and your mother six. Sage Andoris had just returned from Serenno of course with your mother, having essentially adopted her after she was orphaned during the Clones' siege of her own homeworld. And Ragoris of course, Andoris had pledged to his own fallen Ghastar that he would watch over him. The first time they met, they were both in Andoris's home, drunken from Okronisangri not knowing what it was in either case. From what I'm told, the two passed out asleep next to one another, and the second they awoke in the morning proceeded to fight.

That fairly much defined their relationship for years to come. When I met them a year or two later, things were little different really. Ragoris seemed something of a bully back then, he expressed quite clearly his dislike for me at the time, and seemed to express the same for Lagia as well. But your mother, she didn't back down to him; and I think you've inherited a lot from that woman, Amilyra - more than just your face. You have your mother's passion to be sure.

Yet, despite their supposed hatred for one another, there were a few times, even back then, when your parents got along well enough. And, whenever Lagia was truly in danger, Ragoris truly did prove he cared for her. I think Andoris always knew the true nature of things... though it eluded me even for quite some times. I was, back then, your mother's best friend after all; and when I heard that she and Ragoris had actually pledged the Ghastar Vow to one another, I nearly fainted from shock. But the news, of course was true. Ragoris's character had certainly improved quite a bit by that time, but even then I was still wary of him.

Of course, as you must certainly know, it wasn't until several years later that the two actually were married. They wanted to wait until the political situation had subsided somewhat first, to ensure that the act of marriage would not place the other in unnecessary danger. Despite my dislike of your father in our youths, I truly then began to deeply respect him, for caring so deeply for such a good friend of mine.

You remind me a lot of your mother at your age, Amilyra," Mokti smiled, "And that is part at least, of why I am so glad to have been able to get to know you."

"Err, thanks." Amilyra smiled, having in the process of Mokti's tale, pulled out every last one of her braids, her hair hanging down simply as it normally did. "Sorry about yesterday... I really over-reacted I think. It just, was a shock, that's all."

"Quite alright, Lagia once screamed at me for over an hour then wouldn't speak to me for more than a week because I sent a transmission incorrectly."

"Really?!" Amilyra blinked with surprise, her pupils widening.

"Yes, well, it's a rather long telling, and I fear some things are better left in the past." Mokti replied.

"Please?" Amilyra asked, looking at him pleadingly, "Hyperspace travel is so boring... There aren't even stars to look at."

"Why not instead consider how you're going to instruct our guests to speak basic Kharanai." Mokti offered.

"I..." Amilyra gasped, "have to do -that- myself? Mokti, I'm a terrible teacher, you know that. Back at the Academy, the younger students assigned to study under me only did so because of who I was; they received significantly lower marks than those assigned under other high students. Learning and teaching are very different things, surely you must understand that."

"Amilyra, they aren't taking the magistrate exam, relax..." Mokti reassured her, "You're a brilliant young lady, I'm sure you can do more than enough to impress the foreigners."

"I sure hope so," Amilyra sighed, propping her chin on either hand, held up by her elbows. "You do realize, that, aside from the time that Corellian diplomat came to visit Father at the palace, this is my first time even seeing someone not from the Federation, and is literally my first time ever actually directly interacting with one. You're sure my Galatic Basic is good enough, right?"

"Amilyra, you got a perfect score on the exams, you could be a language professor on Coruscant if you wanted..."

"Yes, but that might not be the same thing as practical language. You've been offworld a lot, Mokti, is my accent too strong?"

"Amilyra, when you speak Basic, I can hardly even tell you're not from a Core World."

"Well, I hope the guests think the same. I don't want to accidentally offend someone my first time ever meeting foreign dignitaries, especially if one of them could be my future husband."

"You'll be fine, Amilyra, just relax. I could feel your tension a lightyear away right now. Why don't you meditate?"

"Good idea," she said, smiling weakly, closing her eyes and sitting cross-legged.

* * * * * * * * *
(45 minutes later)

"My Lady, I'm terribly sorry to have disturbed you, but we've arrived at our destination." the pilot's voice came over the intercom.

Instantly sitting up alert, Amilyra rose to her feet, ensuring her Asraka robes were perfectly straight before walking down the docking ramp into the docking back of the Serennoan Palatial Estate - the former home palace of her own great-grandfather (Lagia's paternal grandfather), Count Dooku, a man who had defied the Republic and almost successfully liberated half the galaxy from its tyranny. It was an ancestor she took great pride in, along with her more immediate father and mother.

As she made her down towards the docking chamber itself, the ceremonial guards present turned in salute. Feeling absolutely unnerved by all this attention, Amilyra stayed rather close to Mokti, never more than a step or two ahead of him. As she entered the courtyard of the palace itself, several servants bowed approached her.

"I will take care of all the diplomatic details for tonight." Mokti instructed to them, "Please take Amilyra up to her quarters for the moment."

OOC: I'll presume I have permission to land so I'll go ahead

IC:

Jian boarded the drop ship as two Lynion guards joined with him in the hull of the drop ship.

"I'll be alright on my own," said Jian asking them to leave.

"As you wish sir," replied the guards as they left.

Jian looked across to the man sitting beside him in the hooded cloak looked up at him. He watched as he handed hima small device which can be mistaken for a small medallion.

"This can be placed around you neck," he said handing him the necklace.

Jian placed it around his neck as he gazed at the ensigma on the middle part which was the Lynion Military Naval Ensigma. He felt his ears itch as the hooded man said something to him in a language he couldn't understand.

"(Do you understand me?)" said the man.

"I can understand..." Jian looked at the medallion with amazment. "This does work,"

He looked up as the hooded man had sat back into the far corner of the hull. He took off his slouch hat and thumped it to make it the top part more smooth. He was in his Lynion Navy Uniform. The only uniform he had to impress anyone at the moment.

'Remember,' he thought to himself as he touched his lightsaber on his belt. 'This girl is some what attached to the force. She's also a good looking one. Wait did I just thought that to myself?'

"Sir, we're about to land hang tight," said the pilot over the ear piece radio.

'Better land it right,' he thought to himself.

He felt the thump and then a soft landing as the hull door opened. He stepped out as he waved at the pilot for landing him safely at the planet. He turned around as some people came towards him.

"My god, Lemakt! Look at your hair! It's so boring!"

"Thanks.", he replied wryly. "What's so bad about it in any case?"

A thick mop of brown hair sat atop his head, tidily combed as so not to spill over onto his forehead. It wasn't exciting, he knew, but it was better than having no hair.

"What are you wearing?", the AI inquired.

"Ordinary clothes. I was thinking perhaps something traditional - a suit. I could wear some pompous royal suit, but in all honesty, I'd prefer not to try and be ostentatious. Low-powered, obviously."

"Low-powered? Even the weakest skintight power armour is going to pose a risk to them, I'd say."

"How am I going to fly?"

Ali laughed.

"You'll have to use those overdeveloped legs of yours, I suppose. Or pull on your personal power source, but I think you'll want to keep that for your basics."

"Fine. Can I at least bring a powered suit?"

"I see no problem with that. I'll have the drones bring out a wardrobe once you're assigned with a suite. Depends if it'll clear security."

"What about a gun? Or maybe just a slimblade?"

"Well, then. Obviously you're not going to need weapons. Gravshield is a no-no, as are any armaments. I'll set you up with a pair of escort drones. They're nonsentients, but they'll serve amply to defend you from any possible danger."

"Well. I'll maintain my 'link, right? Just in case I need to pull up some information, or submit a problem to the 'mind?"

"Yes, but that's about it. If you want to impress, you're going to have to do it with words and charm, not fancy trinkets."

Lemakt nodded.

"Well, shuttle me down."

"You want a shuttle, or should I just gravy you down?"

"You said I wasn't meant to impress with fancy trinkets!"

"You can't. I'm bored, however."

"Ah, what the heck. Throw me out the airlock, then."

The AI grinned.

"Oh, I will."

Lemakt found himself surrounded by a nigh-impenetrable bubble of air, maintained by both his own personal power, and the liner's gravitics.

He descended into the atmosphere head-first, free of any apparent mechanical aids. The air around him disgorged heat at a tremendous rate in order to ensure that the friction did not so much as muss his hair. It seemed as if he were on fire, the heat around his air shield burning up oxygen at a prodigious rate.

He accelerated faster and faster, and, half a kilometre above the designated landing zone, it seemed as if he would have no choice but to slam into the ground. Instead, he swooped, his velocity changing to an upwards one about fifty metres off the ground, and he slowly alighted on the ground, quietly adjusting his coattails before his feet touched the landing pad.

He looked over - there was another party nearby, leaving a shuttlecraft. Not Kharan-Serenno, by the looks of them. He nodded, and spoke.

"It's a fine afternoon, gentlemen. I'm pleased to meet you."

He looked over, and chuckled. No doubt his welcoming party were expecting a shuttlecraft, or something of a similar nature. It would take them a few moments to reorientate, he expected.

A knock came quickly to the door, startling the now jittery Amilyra. "The foreign dignitary has arrived, milady."

"A-alright." Amilyra said, shaking as she made her way out of the room, breathing heavily. It was such a sudden occurrence, and she hadn't really had time to think about it before, but here in the moment, she was downright ... nervous about it. Please Mokti, be there, she thought desperately.

Following the guard through the palace corridors that seemed so strangely vacant now, she quickly ran into just the man she was thinking of. "Oh, thank Lotrokis you're here." Amilyra whispered, seeing Mokti. "I'd go insane without you in this first meeting."

"Amilyra, listen, we haven't much time." Mokti advised. "This is your first time around not just a foreigner, but a non-Force-sensitive. Unlike anyone you've known before, his thoughts are going to seem a lot more ... open. Please, for the sake of subtlty, do your best to well, I suppose the phrase is, 'keep your mind to its own affairs'."

"Alright, fine." Amilyra nodded, "Have you seen him yet? What's he like? Do you think he'll find me weird?"

"You'll be fine, Amilyra, relax." Mokti advised. "Now, we're going to meet him in the entrance to the docking bay. Stand back at first, let me do the talking."

"Be my guest," Amilyra smiled weakly.

Standing at last before the doors to the docking bay that they'd entered through just under an hour ago, Amilyra held her breath.

"Stand to the side, let me go first," Mokti whispered, Amilyra nodding quickly and running aside, just as the doors swung open.

Stepping through the opening, Mokti walked towards Jian, bowing, then speaking in only the slightest of accent. "Foreign dignitary, it is my pleasure to welcome you to our Federation. We hope your stay here is pleasant. I present to you now, our Federation's own Lady Amilyra."

For a second nothing happened. "Go!" a servant standing just on the opposite side of the doors whispered to the girl, who stood there petrified for a moment.

"Oh, right." she whispered back, laughing nervously. Her face a shade paler than normal, she walked down the stairs to the floor level of the docking bay, nearly stumbling on one step, but catching herself.

Standing a foot or so behind Mokti, she looked towards Jian and smiled nervously. "Uhh, h-hi," she fluttered, almost forgetting her Basic lessons, "I'm Amilrya. But... of course, you already knew that, right?"

Lotrokis, you sound like a bumbling idiot, Amilyra, a voice went off in her head, way to make a first impression on the first foreigner you meet in your adult life.

"And you're... Jin right... No Jian, sorry." she said, quickly correcting herself, shaking her head.

Mokti is going to KILL me later.

(OOC: Sorry, it's a terribly late hour here right now; I'll have to edit this post to include an introduction to BOTH guests later. Sorry. >.< I'm dead exhausted right now. Sorry for any inconvenience)

As Amilyra stepped back from Jian, Jian removed his slouch hat and bowed to Amilyra before rising again.

"Akhan, jut zac la?" he said Amilyra.

'Oh shi...' he thought to himself. 'This person can understand english.

"Sorry, I'm used to speaking my native language," apoligised Jian. "Hello, thank you for having me ma'am. It's an honour to meet you,"

Jian stood up right as his right arm started to shake for a moment. He placed his arms behind his back as his mechincal left gripped it tight. He let it go as he came to the side of Amilyra while trying not to make her feel uncomfortable. He made sure his light sabre wasn't seen as his cloak went out then coming back in.

"It's not often I get to meet ladies like you," Jian finished. "Please, I perfer if you call me Scott which is my first name please,"

Jian looked into the eye of Amilyra before blinking and noticing the other man standing next to Amilyra.

'She's wonderful,' he thought to himself. 'Be calm, steady and be alert she is in contact with the force. Also don't forget to ask her about this strange custom she has,'

Jian hope she just didn't read his mind.

The liner Kren’ra Selma was a four hundred meter spear that came to a point at both ends, and it was far from typical for C’tani vessels, as its design was originated by a species far from human norms, whose dwelling areas were entirely different, and made up only a tenth of the vessel, for their numbers were small compared with their interests. Upon the upper tier of a vast three-floored arena, a man stood, watching the stars. Next to him, hovered a sphere of dull grey metal that glowed with inner heat in some areas, even though it was cool to stand but a few paces away. Upon its casing was projected the image of an evergreen wreath.

“The courtship process is fascinating,” came a voice that sounded perfectly human, too human to be the true voice of whatever creature lived within the sphere.

“Yes,” the man said, adjusting his Imperial Antiquarian evening suit, a black suit of dark material with a Nehru collar, the fabric of which seemed iridescent in places, buckled far over to the man’s right. It was trimmed with a perfect white border in places, and extended down to about his knees, where matching trousers and low shoes were worn. Upon that shoulder, at the top buckle, was the same evergreen wreath symbol, and below the neck of the outfit was a narrow chain, with a blue silver elongated-hexagonal icon that designated his political status. His dark hair was closely cropped, and stood with a tall, confident air, glancing at the orb next to him, “Quite so, captain. My interest is in no small part one of balance.”

“You do not anticipate success Alesk? I am surprised.”

“I don’t intend to be involved for my own ends. I intend to be involved for hers…”

“I am surprised that you can care for one female you have never communicated with.”

“You would not have that,” the man said, pointing, wise enough not to touch, at the icon on the captain’s spherical shell, “if you did not comprehend the concept.”

“I comprehend the concept in general, moral, terms. But the exact emotions involved here are not within my sphere of experience.”

“Then perhaps you can expand the noosphere a touch,” the human said.

“Such thoughts are why I am here,” the sphere replied.

“If you could give me communications access. And look up the right codes to mark the message for the young lady’s eyes only…”

“As you wish… Of course, I doubt an appropriate public encryption key can be found for such a person, and even if it could, that would give us no guarantee.”

“Oh, of course,” the man said, “but still, it would be most discourteous of them to reveal such snooping or suppress the letter…”

Upon the will of the Lord Senator Aleskader Témacari, to Her Highness Princess Amilyra, Greetings

I shall be frank. You do not love me, and I do not love you. To claim otherwise would be almost trivialising the ways of the heart. Such is not a basis for marriage. However, it is my desire to meet with you in any case, as a suitor in name if not heart, for one simple reason, it would be advantageous if through contact, such a state of affairs could change…

Of course, my attendance is purely at your pleasure, and I shall not hold myself wronged if you do not desire it, though perhaps it shall haunt me as a missed path of the future.

There are things that doubtless you would wish to know about me long before such an eventuality, and thus I shall offer those that occur to me:

I hold the office of Senator for an area within the region of Velyshaa upon the Necrontyr capital-world of Duat, and a post as part of the Senatorial Permanent Committee for Organisation, the department of government responsible for oversight of national logistics and infrastructure. This I regard with no small measure of pride, as I am the only human member of that council due to its extremely detailed and complex nature.

I have served prior to this in three lesser government positions, and briefly in the national exploratory authority.

While I am in fact older than the specified twenty five, this is an artefact of a significantly higher Age of Majority among my people, at around fifty standard years; I am only seven years beyond this. Similarly, my life expectancy, thanks to a number of augment techniques, is essentially indefinite.

At present the government of the C’tan has no official opinion upon the legal status of Kharan-Serenno, which is due to lack of contact, rather than disapproval; I am personally empowered to make decisions in such a matter, upon relevant experience, of course. Given the apparently sophisticated nature of your culture from what little we know, this will not be a problem. While I am certainly prepared to adopt foreign cultures as appropriate, I cannot commit to such a thing without more information, I am sure you will understand.

Educationally, I hold a number of academic recognitions and degrees in higher education [translation note: closest IG-standard terminology used] most notably including the right to style myself a Master of Science with regard to Faster-Than-Light Spatial Physics, and a Doctorate in Engineering and Logistics.

Yours,
Lord. Sentr. Aleskader Témacari,

“You realise, of course, we were requested to send such a message to the Foreign Minister…”

The Senator nodded, “Right. Well, let’s change it for him as well…”

Upon the will of the Lord Senator Aleskader Témacari, to Foreign Minister Mokti, Greetings

I am writing in reply to your invitation regarding her Highness Princess Amilyra. I am currently en-route aboard the thermal-ship Kren’ra Selma. There are things that doubtless you would wish to know about me before my arrival, and thus I shall offer those that occur to me:

I hold the office of Senator for an area within the region of Velyshaa upon the Necrontyr capital-world of Duat, and a post as part of the Senatorial Permanent Committee for Organisation, the department of government responsible for oversight of national logistics and infrastructure. This I regard with no small measure of pride, as I am the only human member of that council due to its extremely detailed and complex nature.

I have served prior to this in three lesser government positions, and briefly in the national exploratory authority.

While I am in fact older than the specified twenty five, this is an artefact of a significantly higher Age of Majority among my people, at around fifty standard years; I am only seven years beyond this. Similarly, my life expectancy, thanks to a number of augment techniques, is essentially indefinite.

At present the government of the C’tan has no official opinion upon the legal status of Kharan-Serenno, which is due to lack of contact, rather than disapproval; I am personally empowered to make decisions in such a matter, upon relevant experience, of course. Given the apparently sophisticated nature of your culture from what little we know, this will not be a problem. While I am certainly prepared to adopt foreign cultures as appropriate, I cannot commit to such a thing without more information, I am sure you will understand.

Educationally, I hold a number of academic recognitions and degrees in higher education [translation note: closest IG-standard terminology used] most notably including the right to style myself a Master of Science with regard to Faster-Than-Light Spatial Physics, and a Doctorate in Engineering and Logistics.

Sincerely,
Lord. Sentr. Aleskader Témacari,

“You wish a course change. I assume,” the captain said, with a slight offended tone emanating from the sphere.

“Quite so, if you don’t mind, my friend…”

“Course change implemented. Time to arrival, three hours. Anything else before I dispatch the messages?”

“Humm. Include that ETA. Oh, and append a copy of the letter to Mokti to my letter to the young lady… I wouldn’t want her thinking I had a different tone behind her back.”

“Done. Sent…”

OOC: Hope you don’t mind a late arrival. I’ve been meaning to do something like this for a while.

The news of Princess Amilyra and her family's search for a suitable companion in marriage were transmitted far and wide, reaching even planetary systems that were only recently colonized by new and upstart powers.

One such power had established itself in the Infinitus Tractus cluster, and through traders and travellers in its space ports, the news of Amilyra reached the ears of planetary governors who then transmitted the news to the young nation's capital, on one of the planets that had claimed the moniker 'Earth' or 'Terra' (How such a plethora of planets similar in evolution, cultural development and even basic physical features had appeared at the rim of the galaxy was a question that baffled scientists, philosophers and theologians alike).

In the wintry capital city of Halsanki, the young ruler of the Principality of Northern Rangeria, Mikhail IV Halsanki, studied carefully the missive that was transmitted from Vestal not an hour earlier. The young man rubbed his chin thoughtfully, his grey eyes contemplating the possibilities.

"It is an interesting offer, Savajev", he noted once he paused the message on a projection of Amilyra herself. "But I believe you have been too optimistic in believing she would be a suitable match for me. You do remember I am twenty-six?"

"Of course, Majesty", came the answer from the grey-haired man who stood on the other side of the table. Leo Savajev held no official position within the hierarchy of the Principality, but he was de facto the royal major domo, and his services for House Halsar had secured him the Prince's ear. "You may be disappointed to hear that I did not bring this message to your information because I thought you should propose to her."

A grin rose on Mikhail's lips. "Careful, old man. You are dangerously close to committing a lesé majesté", he said, chuckling at his old friend and mentor's directness. Savajev certainly knew how to ruffle feathers, but the young monarch had grown to learn when the iron-haired aide meant to insult or was just being his no-nonsense self.

"Close is not a crime, Majesty", Savajev answered with a hint of smile before he regained his stern expression. "Yes, the age restriction is lamentable, but we must also remember to take care of our more earth-bound political matters. Besides, according to information received from our ITF partners, the Kharanai tradition seems to be that the suitors spends at least a year in the presence of his intended, and must learn the language of her people. I doubt the people would take kindly to their ruler leaving for such an extended period."

"Hmm, you are correct in that, old friend", Mikhail muttered, tapping his chin. "Who do you have in mind, then?"

"I was thinking Lord Samuel, Your Majesty."

"Samuel? But he has hardly left the Infinitus Tractus ever since his 'training' with the Warhaven."

"Precisely, sir. He has traveled widely in those regions, and of the royal family he is the most experienced in dealing with spaceborn cultures. Not to mention that after the Warhaven mission his... abilities seem to have been booming. The Bovillia shipyards can barely keep up with him."

"And his Kharanai?"

"Improving rapidly, once we sent him some of the documents and novels we procured at Vestal", Savajev answered.

Mikhail's eyebrow rose questioningly. "And does my cousin know what you are suggesting to me?" he asked, shaking his head in amusement at the calculating nature of his aide. Thank God Savajev was not hellbent on conquest... otherwise the Prince himself would be in trouble.

"I believe Lord Samuel is more than capable of putting two and two together by himself, Majesty", Savajev merely answered, bowing politely.

"I see. Well, if cousin Samuel believes he could be of service to the Principality by becoming the husband of this princess... who am I to stop him?"

"Absolutely, sir. I hear he is actually quite taken with her. Beauty and intelligence rarely meet."

"Are you trying to make me jealous?" Mikhail laughed as he took his seat once again.

"Never, Your Majesty. You seem to be quite capable of it just by yourself", Savajev said, walking away before Mikhail could answer back.

+++++

To Foreign Minister Mokti and Her Highness Princess Amilyra of The Interplanetary Federation of Kharan-Serenno,

On behalf of His Majesty Prince Mikhail IV Halsar of the Principality and Her Outlying Regions Both Terrestrial and Planetary, I greet you. I am Leo Savajev, His Majesty's close aide and spokesman.

We have received knowledge of Her Highness the Princess's search for a suitable consort to take her side. And while it is lamentable that His Majesty himself is beyond the expected age limit by a single Terran year, the Principality offers one of its finest men to seek the favour of Her Higness.

Lord Samuel Evert Halsar, His Majesty the Prince's paternal cousin, has expressed his desire to seek the hand of Her Highness in marriage. He is twenty-three years old, and has proven to be a valuable asset to the Principality during our expansion. He currently holds the rank of commander in KATK, the Principality's military and scientific arm in interplanetary matters, and his career is expected to soar. His command over Kharanai and knowledge of the Interplanetary Federation's customs and traditions is growing at a pace that can only be attributed to a true desire to prove worthy in the eyes of Her Highness.

On behalf of both His Majesty and His Excellency Lord Halsar, we request permission to cross Kharanai borders in order for Lord Halsar to express his admiration for Her Highness in person.


Leo Savajev,
aide