NationStates Jolt Archive

The Asha System has ten planets, two of which, the third and fourth, are inhabited. Asha and Dora orbit a yellow sun. There is nothing unique about it physically, but to billions of people it is home; the centuries-old realm of the Kingdom of Teritora. Here are the central command headquarters of the Teritoran Space Navy and the Teritoran Space Police, two great space fortresses located between planets Asha and Dora. Here also today is a decidedly less permanent object: the flagship of the space forces of the Federated Democratic States of Xanthal.

The Alphashra, "Friendship" in the Mirfakan language, is of curious and unique design. A collaborative effort of the Extra Solar Union of Systems commissioned by the then-Socialist Republic of Xanthal, its capabilities far exceed anything else the technologically humble New Xanthal has to offer. It is not well-armed, but its suite of advanced systems present any number of unconventional modes of attack. However, the Alphashra has rarely been in battle, and then only as long as it took to escape. The Triumvirate, the Federation's executive body and seat of military command, considers it too valuable to risk. Instead, its facilities are put to use on select missions of exploration and diplomacy. Today it is on a mission of particular interest to the Triumvirate, and its commander, Commodore Emory Patterson.

Patterson is a human man of Trasnian descent. He's in his late fifties, of average height and weight, with a bony face and peering eyes that seem to curiously assess everything they fall upon. He wears his straight blonde hair down to his shoulders, giving him an odd, almost hippieish appearance. A veteran officer, he is relatively new to this particular command, his predecessor Richard Lowe having retired just two years earlier at the healthy age of ninety. Holding his hands behind his back, he watches Asha on the forward viewscreen, the image being relayed in real time from an extrenal camera. The Alphashra's command center is a spacious, open design characterized by soft blue colors and subtle aesthetics. The Commodore's seat is flanked by four others on a raised platform at the rear. Between him and the forward wall upon which the viewscreen is mounted is the rest of the bridge crew, positioned at stations arranged symmetrically about the room.

Teritora is an old friend and ally of Xanthal. Their relationship goes back to the formative decades of the first Xanthalian state when they, together with several others, formed the International Defense Initiative. Even after the Two Day War between Xanthal and the Kechan Empire, which led to the demise of the centuries-old IDI, Xanthal and Teritora remained close. Then the Abh came, and with the collapse of the Xanthalian order that was their legacy, communications between the ancient nations ceased. That silence has endured now, by Xanthalian reckoning, for over four centuries. Emory is here to break that silence and, hopefully, rekindle a very old flame.

A xanthalian woman breaks the silence on the bridge with the news he has been waiting for. "Commodore, we are being hailed by a Teritoran Space Police vessel. It is approaching from 298 degrees on the ecliptic."

Patterson smiles, unclasping his hands and bringing them to his sides. He responds in typically unassuming fashion. "Put them through, please. Dave, idle the engines, if you would."

The image on the main screen switches abruptly to the bridge of the Teritoran vessel and its officer in charge. Emory bows to his counterpart respectfully, then cordially, but hastily, introduces himself. "I am Commodore Emory Patterson. This ship is the Alphashra. We are on a peaceful mission to establish diplomatic contact with the Kingdom of Teritora on behalf of the Triumvirate of the Federated Democratic States of Xanthal. I request instructions on how to proceed."

Captain Leda Tor Asha looked calmly at the captain of the rather unusual vessel on the central View of the Bridge of the TSP Doran Tor Borl, an Vorl Class Space Police Battle cruiser, an nightmare of space pirates near Teritoran space. It was an sleek, powerful warship build to destroy anything it could catch and outrun anything that could destroy it. Before her the bridge crew sat at their stations which were located before her in an pattern oddly similar to Abh patrol ship's bridge. The Bridge was done in an pattern of darker and lighter shades of blue with seemed to draw the eyes to the captain's chair where Leda sat.


At 6 ft Leda was the average height for an Teritoran woman she also had the firey red hair which was predominate among Teritorans along with her piercing green eyes. She like the rest of the crew of her ship was wearing the armor that her people was so known along with the formal midnight blue surcoats with gold trim that marked them as members of the Teritoran Space Police. Another noted feature was noticable, Leda and everyone of the crew were carrying the traditional swords.


After seeming to study the picture before her Leda spoke "Xanthal? It been an long age since any claimed to be from our ancient ally and friend. I am Princess Leda Tor Asha, Captain of the Doral Torl Borl. I can assume you have the proper documents? If you power down your weapons we will escort you to the orbital Space Port above Dora. I will send word though to the proper channels that an dipomatic mission from Xanthal has arrived in system."

Patterson nods, indicating his general assent. "Greetings Princess Leda Tor Asha. I certainly hope I have the proper documents, though I suppose my definitive answer to that question depends on what exactly those would be. In any case, I will do my best to comply with whatever your requirements dictate. Please feel free to scan this vessel; you will find its offensive systems and active scanners off, and defensive systems at safe minimums. We do our best to be unthreatening when we wander into other people's space."

With a cheery twinkle in his eye, he looks briefly away from the Teritoran to speak to his pilot. "Match course and speed with the Doral Torl Borl please. Maintain whatever separation you feel prudent."

"Lead on, Captain, and thank you very much for your accomodation." Emory sits down, resting his legs for the remainder of the journey. He watches the Princess casually, easing into his natural informal tone while being careful not to appear disrespectful. "I am pleased you still think of us as friends. It bodes well for our mission. Shall I keep this channel active while we are in transit? I can address any initial questions that you or those with which you are communicating have immediately, if you wish."

Leda smiled slightly as she almost relaxed though it would be hard pressed for anyone to say by looking at her. "That would be good. I don't doubt there will be some questions. As I stated we have not heard of Xanthal since the Abh's action against the Aellis system."

As she spoke the Doral Tor Borl began heading towards the Orbital Space Port. The massive Orbital orbited Planet Dora in an high orbit above the planet's equator. As the ships got closer it could be seen to be like some type of giantic futurisic castle in space gleaming an vivid royal blue. It was an port that hundreds of ships entered and left every day. It was also the port of call for all diplomatic missions to Teritora and was accordingly well protected. As they got even closer the station's various defense batteries would clearly be seen as well as what was likely Star fighter hangers could be seen here and there.

Elsewhere down on Dora in the Royal Palace an delgation of the Foreign Minstry prepared to depart to the orbital station to meet with the Xanthalians, there was an feeling of joyful feelings in the air. One of Teritora's most ancient allies and friend still existed and had made contact after so long. This was surely an good sign for the reign of the new king. King Alene Tor Asha would be most pleased at this turn of events.

The Alphashra dutifully matches its guide's moves through the system while the Commodore enjoys some sparse conversation with the Teritoran Captain and a cup of tea fetched for him by the Captain of his own vessel. It is not long before they reach the station. It's an impressive structure, about the same size as the home stations maintained in orbit of key planets in his own country. Of course, both pale in comparison to Lakfakallae, the Abh's spaceborne capital. Emory has found himself there a few times over the years for various reasons, and has never ceased to be impressed that such a massive structure is possible. It's difficult to comprehend how the Abh could go to so much trouble to build cities in space when the multiverse is full of habitable planets, but they were engineered for life in the void, and have come to regard it as their home. Not to disparage the accomplishment; their structures are so gorgeous as to convince nearly anyone that living in space might not be such a bad idea after all. In any case, the Abh are the Abh. Anyone who hopes to interact successfully with people from other cultures must learn not to judge them by his own culture's standards.

"We are receiving docking instructions," the pilot informs him.

"Follow them to the letter, please. There's lots of traffic around here; we shouldn't do anything unexpected." He stands up to bow again to the Princess. "Now I should attend to the task of preparing our delegation. Thank you once again for your assistance, Captain. Sorry for interrupting your patrol. Ending transmission."

Patterson presses a button on a control panel attached to his chair and Leda disappears from the forward screen. "I'd appreciate it if you handled things from here," he addresses the captain; another, slightly younger Trasnian human man, seated in the chair to his right. "Ambassador, if you'll come with me please."

"Yes Sir," the Captain replies dutifully. The ambassador, seated to his left, merely nods his assent and follows the Commodore to the lift.

Emory has great natural diplomatic skill, part of the reason he was selected for his current post. However, for assignments like this one the Triumvirate typically sends an agent from the diplomatic corps to represent it in negotiations. This time it is Bunjiro Komiya, an atypically sturdy-looking xanthalian man with brown skin and stiff black hair, the combination of which make him mistakable at first glance for a human to anyone unfamiliar with his species. Komiya, as his name and species suggest, hails from the state of Mirfak, Xanthal's second largest state by population and the setting of its capital. Trasnia and Mirfak are in many ways quite different, from their demographics to their political climates to their economic systems. Once, the tensions between them defined an often bitterly divided Xanthalian unitary government. Under the Federation, though, the two territories have come to tolerate one another well. Usually, anyway.

Patterson and Komiya disembark together and are led to a meeting room where they await the Teritoran delegation. Both keep their thoughts to themselves; since the xanthalian isn't part of his crew, having been assigned to the Alphashra solely for the present mission, Emory doesn't know him very well, and xanthalians are not known for their fondness of small talk. The Commodore looks out the window, admiring the planet below, and the Ambassador takes a seat at the table, doing some last-minute reading from the datapad he has brought with him.

Planet Dora, the Royal Palace of Castle Dora

King Aloran Tor Asha, King of the Ancient Kingdom of Teritora mused in his study as he studied the papers on his desk. Xanthal, Teritora's ancient ally and friend, it had been long centuries since the name had been used in anything but the past tense. This was an good sign for the Beginning of his reign... Still there was questions but that would hopefully be answered with the renewal of relations... It was to the diplomatics now... at least for now.

Foreign Ministry Meeting Room, Dora Orbital Station.


The Meeting room was done in shades of Grey made look much like stone. In the center there was an massive finely carved wooden table made from Black Oak with legs shaped like fantastic creatures, lining the table was finely carved chairs that seemed to be made from red oak. Tapestries lined the wall opposing the windows, depicting scenes from Teritora's past which showed various scenes and battles from ancient times to the current age.

An Door on the far side opened and the Teritoran Delagation entered and sat down across from the Xanthalians. The first was tall, eldery man. he stood an surpising 7 ft 3 inches tall and though he it was obviously pushing 80 years it didn't show in his manner, wearing his armor like an man many times his junior. His hair had gone white an long time ago so it was impossible tell what his orginal hair color was but he had dark grey almost black eyes. Over his armor he wore an simple royal blue surcoat that appeared to be made of fine silk. at his side an ornate mace hung from his sword belt This was an mace of Vorn, given only to the most trusted diplomats of the Teritoran Diplomatic core, those who had the personal favor of the King and the High Council. This man was none other than Lord Vorn, the chief diplomat of the Foreign Minstry and most second important figure of the minstery.

The second figure was none other than Princess Leda Tor Asha, the Captain of the Doral Torl Borl who as first to be make contact had been roped in to assist in the intial opening of relations.

Lord Vorn paused an moment after sitting down and spoke. "Weclome to Teritora. My name is Lord Vorn, Chief Diplomat of the Teritoran Diplomat Minstery. I am sure you are familiar with the good captain here. We will be handling the intial opening of relations, if this meeting goes well you will likely be meeting with his majasty the king himself." He smiled welcomingly. "Welcome to Teritora. It has been an long age since we have heard news of Xanthal much less had contact, not since the Abh's aggession against the Aellis system."

Taking his cue from the Teritorans, Emory sits down next to Bunjiro, nodding graciously. "I'm honored to meet you, Lord, and pleased to see you again, Princess. I am Commodore Emory Patterson, commander of the Alphashra, flagship of the Federated Democratic States of Xanthal, under the auspices of the Triumvirate."

Patterson looks over at the xanthalian beside him, silently passing the conversation to him. This is his show, after all. Emory expects his role will be to add flavor if necessary to typically bland xanthalian speak. Komiya readily obliges, smiling thinly and nodding an acknowledgement seperately to both the Teritorans. "My name is Ambassador Bunjiro Komiya. I am here to represent the Triumvirate, which is the executive body of the Federated Democratic States of Xanthal. On behalf of the Triumvirate, I formally request the establishment of diplomatic relations between our countries, the specific terms of which I am authorized to negotiate on the Federation's behalf. I am also prepared to address on the Triumvirate's behalf any and all questions and concerns you wish to voice at any time."

Lord Vorn nodded slightly and smiled. "That is good to hear, Xanthal in its various incarnations has always been concidered an friend of Teritora and its oldest ally. Restabishment of relations would be concidered of great importance to Teritora. It is interesting to hear that Xanthal is an federation now. It seems an little decenterized for an Xanthalian government."

Princess Leda continued to smile slightly but inwardly she was bored out of her wits. However she was careful not to show that, no Teritoran expecially an Teritoran noble, expecially an princess of one of the seven Royal houses would never show an negative emotion in public. Such things were simply not done though she would rather be back on her ship, she would never show such feelings.

Emory smiles earnestly at the Lord. "Xanthal also values our nations' shared history. In fact, Old Xanthalian allies, including the Ancient Kingdom, have an almost legendary stature in the minds of many people in the Federation today. We've become so alienated from our own history in many ways that anything associated with Xanthal's distant past has a certain mystique about it."

Komiya nods in passive assent, though nothing about the reaction indicates he really identifies or even fully acknowledges Emory's comments. "The Xanthalian Federation was formed in response to international tensions within Xanthal that made unitary government untenable. The modern Xanthalian state is much more culturally diverse and encompasses more loci of power than its Old Xanthalian predecessors."

Lord Vorn carefully listened and inwardly noted everything and mentally filed it away, it could be helpful later. Inwardly he noted that there was likely an also likely serious resistance to the idea of an overly centerlized government which what happened to the old Xanthalian government and the resulting chaos.


He spoke slightly with an nod after listening to both Emory and Komiya and smiled. "That would make sense. Before we continue would you wish for refreshments? I could send for some tea or wine. We have an fine variety of both."

Emory glances at Bunjiro to gauge his reaction to the offer. Receiving no hints thusly, he simply responds on his own behalf. "A glass of wine would be lovely," he says with a gracious beam.

"A drink is acceptable, so long as it contains no drugs," Komiya replies. An offer from host to guest to share food or drink is a common custom; acceptance is usually the best policy. Rather than attend immediately to its purpose, it is also normal in many cultures to allow a certain period of time to expire in which a meeting's participants can acclimate to one another. Though the xanthalian, like most of his kind, does not have a penchant for arbitrary casual discourse, he has often found it useful to use such interims to gauge the personal characteristics of those with whom he meets. In doing so, it is sometimes possible to refine his negotiating strategy based upon such observations.

Emory clears his throat, paying no heed to his diplomatic partner's android-like tone. "I'm sure my friend here has memorized all the information on the Ancient Kingdom in the public domain, but I being less well-informed, I'm interested to learn about your nation's background." He knows the basics already, of course, but it would be interesting, he thinks, to hear about it firsthand.

Lord Vorn nodded and slowly rose to his and made his way to the door to the conference room and spoke to one of the guards outside the door before returning to his seat. With an slight smile he spoke. "The refrestments should be here soon. Hmm what exactly would you like to know? For starters Teritora is an ancient kingdom, with the start of its history starting with unification around 3200 B.C. by the first king Teritora the great."

Lord Vorn stopped speaking as the door opened and several servants came in carrying finely worked silver platter and placed them in the center of the table.

The first platter the with decanters of various wines and several wine glasses. Several notable ones were Kerani, a pinkish light wine made from the nector of a flower found in Teritora and on Teritoran settled and Terra formed planets, Joeru a blue light wine made from from the Yorat fruit, Vorenaat an red light wine is made from a specially variety of grapes and finally in the center there was the rare Draco thu Throdo, an fine and rare Teritoran wine that generally sold for an prince's ransom. On the second tray was an large selection of fine teas with an pot of hot water and several tea cups.

After waiting an moment Princess Leda took an wine glass and poured some Kerani into the glass and set it in front of her, afterwards Lord Vorn poured some Joeru into an glass and took an sip.

Komiya flips through the selection of teas until he finds one that has been decaffeinated and selects the cup closest to him, placing the teabag in the cup and the cup on the table, then pouring enough hot water into the cup to fill it before replacing the pot on the tray. That accomplished, he waits patiently for the water to cool as he observes the others.

Emory is surprised at the speed of the service. They must have been waiting outside all along for them to arrive so fast. Not knowing anything about Teritoran wines, he had been hoping that their hosts would offer some guidance. Hearing none, he decides to take the initiative and solicit their input.

"Not to change the subject," he says cheerfully, "but before you tell me more about this great Kingdom, perhaps you could help me choose a drink."

Princess Leda smiled slightly sipped her wine and spoke in an soft calm voice. "Well If you prefer an flower wine Kerani would be your best bet.. Vorenaat is an good light red wine or Joeru would be an good if you prefer something more exotic. Draco thu Throdo is an extremely fine but somewhat rare dark red wine, it makes champaine and Marlot taste like bad vinegar."

Lord Vorn calmly sipped his wine while he studied the scene before him.

After a moment's hesitation, Patterson pours himself a glass of Vorenaat, nodding his thanks to the servers. He raises his glass in a toasting motion, then takes a sip of the liquid. "Magnificent," he says with a smile.

"I'm afraid I'm not quite sure what to ask," the commodore continues, stroking his short beard thoughtfully. "Maybe you could tell me about Teritoran culture. I can use all the help not offending people around here that I can get."

Princess Leda spoke with an slight smile. "Well as for taking offense in general here are several things Teritorans take extremely and often deadly seriously, our honor, our faith and our loyalities. If anything could start an fight, questioning any of these would do it. But in general, we are pretty thick skinned people so to speak and you would have to go out of your way offend us. Teritoran society is somewhat hierarchical and is organized into the 8,547 great noble houses, numerious minor noble clans and countless commoner clans. Teritorans of all classes are trained from childhood in swordmanship and the use of daggers both as throwing weapons and for close combat. Furthermore childern from the nobility are given the training that ancient knights received on top of all their other training and education regardless if they are male or female. Of course some of that you likely already know no doubt." She stopped and sipped her wine again before starting again.

"When it comes to sports in Teritora. Dueling, dragon hunting, archery and tournaments are the favored sports in Teritora, though dragon hunting is generally only done by the nobility for whom is an almost an rite of passage." She paused again to see if Emory had any questions.

Emory and Bunjiro both take note of the emphasis placed on competitive sports centered on violence and weapons. It's not at all unusual, but it nevertheless says something about Teritoran culture. That both boys and girls receive training as knights indicates an aspiration to equality, though the fact that the princess specifically mentioned the gender factor might also mean the ideal is not fully realized. Of course, reading too much into a statement can lead to false conclusions, but it helps form general expectations that, at least usually, have some basis in truth, and thus assist in understanding the cultures with whom one is dealing.

The commodore smiles and nods politely, taking another drink from his glass. Ambassador Komiya's tea is still too hot for him to drink, so he simply continues to listen, trying to be inauspicious.

Princess Leda continued. "Other than an a small but sizeable Jewish minority and an few religious deviants, the predominate religion of Teritora is the Teritoran rite of the Catholic Church. As likely noted in any documentation you might about Teritorans being extremely religious devote, this is true and I am afraid that some Teritorans look down on those of other christian faiths as being misguided from the right path and there is an tendency among some as well to hold in disdain those of non judo-christian faiths. Still no Teritoran would show such feelings in front of foreigners or in public period. Teritorans never show negative emotions in public or in front of strangers and it is frowned upon at the very least even among Clan and House. It is simplely not done.

While the population of Teritora is predominately human, there has been nonhuman residents of Teritora time to time and there has been no real strong feelings for or against non-humans. We tend to be rather tolerant unless laws are being broken. There was even an Eldar artist at one time in Teritora.

When it comes to industry and crafts Teritorans greatly prefer quality over quanity. Its preferable to have one or two items that are extremely well made, useful and will last than two or three that are cheaply made, possibly defective and are prone to break. "

Princess Leda stopped and began to sip her wine waiting an moment to see where things would go from here.

Patterson looks over at Komiya, who shifts his own eyes to look back at him with an impassive expression. Emory quickly looks back at the Teritorans. "A sensible choice, if I do say so myself. Do you have any questions for me or the ambassador?"

Lord Vorn set down the glass of Joeru he was sipping and began. "I understand you are here under the authority of the Triumvirate. I gather it is the executive power in the New Xanthal, how does it authority differ from old Xanthal or is it similiar? Another thing is you mentioned that New Xanthal was more culturally diverse and had an more diverse power struture than previous Xanthalian governments. How does that work?"

Princess Leda having finished her wine, sets the glass down and makes an cup of Torsi tea, an variety of green tea popular on the Planet Asha usually bended with flower petals from the Yuki flower for an gentle, light aroma. As she waited for it to cool she spoke to Emory. " Commodore, the ship that you arrived is rather unusual. I can't quite place the class or type of ship it is."

The ambassador takes the initiative in answering Lord Vorn. "The era of Old Xanthal is commonly divided into five periods, each distinguished by a particular sociopolitical organization. Of those, the modern Triumvirate by common measures wields powers most similar to those of the President during the final period of Old Xanthal: the People's Republic. It is the Triumvirate's primary responsibility to conduct Xanthal's foreign affairs through the diplomatic corps and the military. Federal power is divided between the Triumvirate, the Judiciary, which defends the constitution and laws made under it, and the representative legislative bodies of the Federation and of the States. Presently, the Xanthalian Federation encompasses six States: the Xanthalian Socialist Republic of Mirfak, the Xanthalian People's Republic of Nakuju, the Xanthalian Republic of Saeroun Kogu, the Grand Xanthalian Protectorate of Shinra, the Xanthalian Concord of Than, and the Free Xanthalian Territory of Trasnia. The Xanthalian Constitution provides for substantial autonomy of State governments and protects them from involuntary cultural or economic assimilation. It also requires that each State be controlled by a legislature elected by the people of that State. If enough State legislatures oppose a Federal law, they can block or repeal it. States also control their own law enforcement agencies. I can go into greater detail regarding the division of powers between Federal and State governments or the individual character of State politics if you wish, but you will probably find it more efficient to retrieve the information from public databases as necessary."

Emory sips at his drink and smiles politely through all of this, with perhaps just a hint of amusement in his expression. Listening to a xanthalian talk is not unlike listening to an artificial intelligence in the way they approach every topic as a logical progression. If they didn't cut themselves off, he suspects they could build the multiverse areound a single question. When Princess Leda asks him about his ship, he answers cheerfully, and discernably with a substantial measure of pride. "The Alphashra is a unique design. Xanthal commissioned it as a collaborative ESUS project back when it was a member. It's hands-down the most sophisticated ship the star forces has; probably the most advanced in all of Xanthal. A lot of what's under the proverbial hood is classified, but I'd be glad to give you a tour if you want."

Lord Vorn nodded, his face betraying no emotion beyond the slight smile on his face. "That is interesting to know, Thank you" He made an slight effortless bow inspite of the armor he was wearing and more obvious advanced age. "That was most informative. Now I believe you are here to restablish relations between Xanthal and Teritora. As Chief Diplomat of the Foreign Minstry I formally and offically welcome you as an repsentative of the Xanthalian Government on behalf of King Aloran Tor Asha, by the grace of God and the royal Senate, King of Teritora, supreme lord and protector of its people... so on and so on I sure you get the Idea. Let us began the reopening of relations between our two great nations."

Princess Leda nodded to Emory with an sight smile. "That would be interesting, I'd look forward to if we get the chance. It would be refeshing to board an foreign vessel and not be on offical business. You don't generally get much time to enjoy ones surroundings when your being shot at or conducting an search or resue operation."

A small smile graces Komiya's face at the Lord's statement. The chitchat is over. Now it is time for business. "It is with a sense of great honor that I receive the King's welcome. The Triumvirate's first priority is the establishment of regularly-scheduled transport service between Teritora and Xanthal, and the mutual exchange of embassies."

Emory falls silent and watches the exchange. After a quiet trip, he is interested to see Komiya and Vorn negotiate.

Lord Vorn responded simply. "Establishing embassies should be simple enough. As in the old Teritoran homeland on earth, Castle Dora on Planet Dora has an Quarter for the centerlized location of Embassies in Teritora. As for establishment of an transportiation service, that is easy enough to allow, it would of course be have to be subject to the usual checks of course."

Princess Leda quietly sipped her tea as she listened to the two go back and forth. Lord Vorn was in his element. But then the Vorns always seemed to be in their element what ever they went into though the family was more known for its sciencistic geniuses and priests then diplomats.

"Of course; ships on international routes are subject to screening in the Federation as well. Teritora is welcome to take office space in a multinational consulate in Xanthal or establish its embassy in a separate building, whichever its government prefers.

"For expediency, the Triumvirate proposes that World Assembly law apply to all transactions between Teritora and Xanthal. It further proposes that legal jurisdiction in matters concerning both the Teritoran and Xanthalian governments be determined by territorial claim, affiliation of persons and vehicles notwithstanding."

Emory takes another sip of wine. This could take a while.

Lord Vorn sipped his wine before responding. "I would think that an separate building would be preferable for an embassy. World Assembly law. I am afraid I am not famliar with this World Asembly , does it have something to do with the Earth? I am afraid I am not very familiar with Sol international political groups.

"As for Legal jurisdiction in matters concerning both the Teritoran and Xanthalian governments in principle it sounds interesting. Could you expand on what Xanthal intends with this proposal?"

Princess Leda quietly sipped her tea quietly, this would be interesting. She suppected she knew what the last proposal was about but it would be interesting to hear about it from the Xanthalian diplomat.

Patterson appears surprised that Lord Vorn doesn't know about the World Assembly. Was Teritora really so isolated? Komiya is unfazed.

"The World Assembly is an international lawmaking organization in which countries throughout the known universe participate. You may recognize it by its previous name, the United Nations. It has passed twenty-two resolutions to date, the most recent and relevant to this discussion being the Diplomat Protection Act. I can recite the text of that resolution if you wish, or you may find it in written form on any major international information database.

"A standing agreement regarding jurisdiction would be intended to minimize incidences of disputed authority between governments. The Triumvirate's proposal is a possible starting point for the creation of such an agreement."

Both Lord Vorn and inwardly frowned though their expressions didn't change from the slight smile they were wearing, Teritorans didn't have fond memories of the United Nations and had left long before they had departed the earth. The Teritorans of the time had drawn an line at some of the resolutions being made as going to far and left the organization.

Lord Vorn after an pause spoke. "Prehaps if you could go over what would be pertant to an agreement and dealings between our two great nations, I am somewhat familiar with the old United Nations, though from what I understand it collapased some centuries ago Something to do with an distortion of reality. I was not aware that there was an successor organization.

"That matters of legal jurisdiction be dealt with by whose teritory the incident takes place seems reasonable. I assume there will be some protections for those acting in an diplomatic compacity?"

Komiya quotes the text directly. "The resolution in question requires that nations in which diplomats are serving must provide the diplomat with the best medical care on hand in cases of emergency; requires that all diplomats to other nations shall be free from physical harm, execution, sexual assault, enslavement, or use for medical experiments not necessary for medical treatment of the diplomat by the nation in which they are serving; and requires that any diplomat granted diplomatic immunity be free from prosecution for crimes, search and/or seizure of personal belongings and belongings of family members and personal staff, search and/or seizure of family members and personal staff, seizure of pets, and search and/or seizure of private quarters outside any extraterritorial property by the nation in which the diplomat is serving. Under the terms of the resolution, a diplomat may still be tried for crimes by the nation they serve. If suspected of a crime, the nation the diplomat is serving in may present the evidence to the nation the diplomat is from. If diplomatic immunity is revoked, the diplomat remains immune to prosecution for suspected crimes that occurred during the immunity by the nation in which they are serving. A diplomat may be detained for nonmedical reasons for 24 hours in cases where they serve a direct threat to the wellbeing of others, such as driving while intoxicated or other similarly dangerous activities, or longer, with the agreement of the nation they serve. A diplomat may be expelled from the nation in which they are serving for any reason.

"The resolution also requires that property agreed upon as extraterritorial or as diplomatic pouches or bags be immune to search, seizure, customs, taxes, vandalism or arson by military or government officials of the nation in which the diplomat is serving, or military assaults by the nation in which the diplomat is serving and prohibits nations from sending diplomats with the express intent of committing crimes of espionage, sabotage, subversion, causing harm to the civilian population, and other related crimes committed outside of a diplomats duties.

"The Xanthalian Federation will grant diplomatic immunity to foreign officials if requested by their government and approved by Xanthalian investigative services. The Triumvirate does not request diplomatic immunity for its own embassy, though the Ancient Kingdom may extend immunity to Xanthalian officials if it so wishes."

Lord Vorn paused for an moment and then spoke. "That acceptable then, though as Ambassadors any diplomat is concidered an guest of the King and under his personal protection. As such they are expected not to abuse this status and bring dishonor to the country they serve or their host, the King who is responsable for them. Now I gather the Triumvirate has some other priorities as well from your use of the term first priority so shall we continue?"

Princess Leda carefully listened to what was going on, this is where it would likely get interesting. As she did so she prepared an cup of Jasime tea, at the same time she was careful quietly to watch Patterson to gage reactions, though she doubt there would be. He seemed used to such things and likely had devoloped an schooled expression an long time ago.

"Establishing programs to facilitate cultural exchange is another Triumvirate priority. Travelling exhibits, artist tours, and cross-liscensing of literary and performance art are common means by which that is accomplished. Student and employee exchange is also highly desirable. The nature and extent of exchange is almost entirely at the discretion of the Teritoran government and concerned private interests, though the Triumvirate encourages exchange be as open as possible."

Lord Vorn finished his wine set down his glass and fetching a fine hand painted stoneware cup poured a cup of tea that put a light flowery scent with the slight hint of citrus into the air. He inwardly savored the scent before speaking, it reminded him of home and it was always good to take such pauses, it calmed the mind and cultivated the soul. Turning his eyes to the Xanthalians he reponded to their stance.

“Cultural exchanges and student exchanges are of great importance, they promote understanding and trust among respective peoples. Such things are readily acceptable, even desirable; the exchanging of employees now that might be acceptable but it might be somewhat limited at first at.”

Komiya took his first real drink from the teacup in front of him while Vorn replied, it having cooled enough now for him to enjoy.

"I understand," he said, after setting the cup down again. "Do you have any proposals for addition to the initial parameters of our countries' relationship?"

Lord Vorn sipped his tea before responding. "No not at this time, this is quite satisfactory for initialization of relations. It will be needed to be presented to the King to be approved however and as the envoy you will need presented to the King. Its an simply an formality but required by custom and tradition about such matter has taken place practicality on the doorstep of the capital. When could you be ready?"



Under her schooled expression Princess Leda wondered what Lord Vorn was up to, while what he said was true to an point, it was usually applied in matters of Ambassadors and formal delegations. She made an note to her self to make some quiet and distrite inquries.

"I am prepared now," Komiya replied, setting his tea aside to drive the point home.

Emory looked back and forth between the three other people in the room with a smile. "Splendid! While you two are doing that, I can show the Princess around the Alphashra."

Lord Vorn smiled slightly as he slowly rose to his feet. “That is good, we can take an shuttle to Castle Dora Captal port and from there we can take an carrage to the Palace. Feel free to ask any questions about what you see on the way. My shuttle is waiting at shuttle port three.”

Princess Leda rose to her feet and looked at Emory. “That would be most enjoyable and prehaps sometime you can come about Doral Torl Borl.”

Emory left the remainder of his wine on the table and walked back to the Alphashra, side by side with Leda. Patterson was looking forward to showing the Princess around. His ship was an object of personal pride to him; and rightfully so. There was none other like it in the known universe. The Xanthalian captain, not wanting a prolonged silence to muddy the social waters, almost immediately struck up a conversation. "So you being a princess, that makes you the daughter of the king?"

Bunjiro, meanwhile, followed Lord Vorn.

Princess Leda chuckled slightly as she followed Emory before responding. “No, I am a Princess Royal of the Royal house of Asha, that is why I am an Princess. All members of the seven Royal Houses are considered Princes and Princesses. Also outside of the Royal houses, the eldest daughters of the great noble houses and minor noble clans leaders are also considered to be the princesses of their house or clan.”

Lord Vorn quietly led Bunjiro to an hanger in which an standard Teritoran type two diplomatic shuttle, an sleek, metallic blue vessel built to carry diplomats and to and from planets. Departing from the station the shuttle soon descended to the planet and headed for the central spaceport outside of Castle Dora. As the shuttle descended, one could make out great forests intermingled with farm fields and as the scuttle descended further one could make out that there were fortified towns and villages at the center of the fields, there and there great castles rose from clearings in the forests as well as in the various settlements.

Soon in the distance an large city could be seen as the shuttle approached its destination , a massive, 100 foot high, 200 foot thick wall surrounded the city with massive swat towers upon which rested various large scale defensive weaponry, usually used to deal with any large scale flying creatures such as the Teritoran Dragon. The city was further divided by two inner walls, dividing the city into an inner and outer city, with the third wall surrounding the Royal Castle complex at the center of the city. Soon the shuttle came in for a landing at the spaceport which was located four miles outside the city. On the Tarmac outside the shuttle an land car similar to an old earth Limousine pulled up. Lord Vorn turned to Bunjiro and spoke. “I am sorry for this but security protocols doesn’t permit us land at the palace shuttle port. There should be an car waiting outside to take us to the palace.