OOC Note:
Reposting of the original thread from the past forums.
Characters of the Drakari Celestial Imperium have respectively been RP’ed by @taisenbot
Warp Space transit
Imperial 3rd Expeditionary Fleet
Imperator-class Dreadnought Dracon’s Shield
1300 Shipboard Time
12218 Imperial Age
Many people feared gazing out into the void of Warp Space as they traveled between stars. For some, it was a reminder of one’s sheer insignificance in the face of a vast universe, of how small and fleeting one truly was. For others, it was an understandable, almost superstitious fear that the swirling chaos beyond would drive one mad just by looking. While tragic and not without precedent, such incidents were thankfully rare thanks to proper shielding and those who fell victim generally recovered.
For Quintus Tessarian, Lord of Admirals, however, the sight of Warp Space was… oddly calming. Meditative. In the past, he had once said that it was like watching the never-ending creation of cosmic art, a position he continued to stand by to this day.
- “My Lord,” a voice called out, pulling him from his introspection, “might I request a moment of your time?”
Quintus reluctantly turned away from the viewport to face the voice, a rather fresh-faced Human.
- “Of course, Ensign Yisueyga. What seems to be the matter?”
The young officer took a deep breath as she inclined her head up to look her CO in the eye.
- “We… um… detected an anomaly a moment ago on sensors. The only thing that we could possibly describe it as is… a wave in the void, if that makes sense.”
- “I see. Has there been harm to the fleet or the crews?”
- “No, my Lord. It is probably nothing. If anything, it likely accelerated us to our exit point in the Arvala system.”
- “Very good. Have the fleet prepare to open a portal to realspace within the hour.”
Yisueyga nodded before turning back to her station.
- “Aye, my Lord. The Emperor’s will be done.”
- “Indeed, Ensign.” The Drakari smiled softly before lumbering over to his command throne, his talons clicking rhythmically with each step.
Noreiga System,
5 LY from Deep Space Two,
Hyperion Sector,
Stoinian Star Kingdom,
Two months after the Rascal Incident
A small cloud of lightning formed around the local gas giant. It was something unseen to Stoinians, though there wasn’t anyone around at the time to see it. Then the void opened and a small fleet of Drakari ships came out of Warp Space. However the local buoy had picked up the energy spike and transmitted it to Deep Space Two.
The Drakari would find themselves not where they intended and in alien territory. General confusion would take place on the Drakari ships. Where in the Emperor’s name had they arrived. Quintus Tessarian quickly put his analysts to figure out where they are and what had happened in the void.
Deep Space Two,
Hyperion Sector,
Stoinian Star Kingdom
High Admiral Pavel Andreyevich Chekov was drinking his coffee while watching from Central Command. It had been a hefty couple of months. Chekov wasn’t very fond of the Ryccians who had committed a war crime against his nation. Especially against his men and women. Damn them to hell, he thought. But before he could go further with it, a voice spoke up.
- “Admiral, the buoy in the Noreiga system reports unseen energy spikes. It looks like there are multiple ships around the gas giant.”
Chekov stood up from his chair and drank the rest of his coffee in one swift motion. What had he done that God had put him in this misfortune. Had the Ryccians not learned their lesson?
- “Is it the Ryccians again? Can’t the Ryccies get their shit together and program their nav systems correctly?”
- “Sir. The data doesn’t match up with Ryccian energy spikes.”
- “What?!”
He came over to the Ensign and looked at the data. He could not believe his eyes.
- “All right. It looks like we have a second first contact situation. Have Fleet Division 32 report with me. We’re leaving in half an hour. Tell them the Cole Protocol is in effect.”
God Almighty, just what are you getting at? He thought. Nonetheless he returned his cup to his seat and prepared himself on his way to the Azhdaya, his Basilisk-class flagship. He was back to business it seemed.
Noreiga System,
Hyperion Sector,
Stoinian Star Kingdom,
Six hours later
As soon as his Fleet Division (120 ships) arrived half an AU from the local gas giant he proceed with the Cole Protocol.
- “This is High Admiral Pavel Andreyevich Chekov of the Stoinian Star Kingdom. You have entered our territory in the Noreiga System. You are trespassing on our territory. We give you the chance to state your intentions within ten of our minutes. Failure to do so will result in your elimination. We have our experiences with First Contact Wars, do not tempt us.”
With the message his a video tape was also sent with the Stoinians actions against the Mardakii and the Velutarians. As a means of intimidation. Soon these tresspassers would identify themselves and Chekov sure would give them a rant anyhow. And by God if these were Ryccies again …
Unknown territory
Imperial 3rd Expeditionary Fleet
Imperator-class dreadnought Dracon’s Shield
1900 Shipboard Time
- “I do not care for excuses. I want results, so I shall ask again: Where. Are. We?”
- “My Lord, it appears that the anomaly has sent us off course. We may be on the opposite end of the sector for all we know…” One of the officers quickly typed away at his holo-interface.
Before anyone could respond, warning claxons began sounding across every ship in the fleet, sending every officer to their screens and the viewports as dozens of LADAR blips began to appear on sensors.
- “Lord of Admirals, unknown ships zero-point-five Astronomical Units off our bow, bearing 218-mark-093! They outnumber us four to one!”
Quintus glared as he leaned forward in his throne.
- “If they approach with hostile intent, then it is an even battle. Attempt to hail their flagship.”
The comms officers nodded, only to blink in confusion as they looked at their screens.
- “My Lord, the unknowns are sending some sort of data package. Likely audio-visual footage as a warning or first contact protocol.”
- “In that case, put it on-screen. Let us see what they wish to show us…”
The bridge officers nodded, and before long, the viewport was covered by the footage sent to them of the Stoinian wars against the Mardakii and the Velutarians. The majority of the crew, while disgusted at the near-xenocidal acts before them, mostly stared in confusion.
- “Are those… Humans? Odd… I thought the only Human-majority state in the Sector was the Ryccian Empire…”
- “It matters not. Open a hailing frequency to these Humans at once.”
At their Admiral’s command, the comms officers nodded and swiftly carried out their duties, with the Drakari stepping onto a holotank in front of his throne, revealing his immaculately pressed grey-white uniform, white-scaled frame. His piercing blue eyes narrowed sternly as he looked out towards the fleet.
- “Unknown fleet, this is Lord of Admirals Quintus Tessarian of the Drakari Celestial Imperium. We request that you stand down and allow us to explain our… unintentional arrival into this system.”
What is that son of a bitch thinking?! Demanding for them to stand down in their own territory? God, whatever he may be, he had nerves. Nonetheless, they spoke English and in a very quick reaction. Something was not right. As soon as the video of this Quintus showed, Chekov felt an ache in his stomach. What kind of space lizard was this?!
Chekov responded in a more angry manner. It was his territory of his nation and he wouldn’t stand down.
- “This is High Admiral Chekov. You are inside the borders of the Stoinian Star Kingdom, our buoy will confirm this. We will not stand down before you do. I repeat we will not stand down. As a means to show it, we will fire a warning shot 500.000 km to your port. You do not encroach on another’s nation territory unannounced with a military fleet. You have five minutes to state the meaning of you unintentional visit. Chekov out.”
The Azhdaya fired one MAC round to the port of the Drakari Fleet, though it wasn’t at 500.000 km, but 45.000 km instead. A symbol that they shouldn’t mess with the Stoinians and that they had to stand down first.
If the close warning shot provoked any reaction from the hulking alien, neither Quintus or his didn’t let it show
- “With all due respect, High Admiral Chekov, this system was not our intended destination. We were en route to one of our outposts in the Imperium’s sphere of influence when an anomaly within Warp Space sent us off course before we returned to realspace. We were unaware of the existence of the Stoinian Star Kingdom up until your arrival.”
- “I… must admit that is… odd… to see Humans outside of Ryccia or the Terra Nova Enclave within the Imperium.”
What in Terra’s name was that ugly space lizard talking about? Warp Space with anomalies? Surely this meant that they used a different Warp drive, that would be the only explanation. And this Imperium he was talking about, just what … Though they knew the Ryccians. That was a start. Nonetheless … What did he say? An enclave of Humans in the Imperium … Terra Nova.
As soon as Chekov heard this he quickly responded back.
- “Admiral Tessarin, I require you to come aboard my ship immediately. We will send the vectors for you flight. Come in a shuttle and take two guards with you. It seems that in the best interest of Mankind we need to have a conversation in private. See you in five minutes. Chekov out.”
Soon the Azhdaya, escorted by two destroyers, came closer so the Admiral’s shuttle would arrive quicker. Chekov made his way with a Troop of Marines and made an improvised line from where the shuttle would land. Chekov also prepped the sound speakers to play the Stoinian Anthem. After that the Marines would do their typical routine. Hail to Mankind! Hail to the Stoinian Star Kingdom! Hail to the King! Ura! This space lizard had to learn his place while in the Star Kingdom.
As he stepped down the ramp of his shuttle, Quintus and his guards, a pair of Legionnaires and a human-shaped figure in black armor with more knives than seemed necessary, tilted their heads slightly at the display. While they maintained a respectful stance, their body language seemed to indicate that they were… unbothered by the nationalistic display.
- “” one of the Legionnaires muttered over a private channel in their native tongue.
The other grunted softly. “<Indeed. If they think this will intimidate us, they’re wrong.>”
Quintus, on the other hand, kept his gaze fixed on Chekov, standing to his full, imposing height.
- “In the name of His Imperial Majesty, Julianus the VII, I greet on behalf of the Drakari Celestial Imperium.” The Drakari extended a clawed hand to his Human counterpart, a cool smile gracing his reptilian features.
- “I only shake the hand of a Terran or a xeno who has proven useful, like the Cheunh.”
- He then pointed at the reptilian’s claw.
- “You know … Had you been a Mardakii … We would have made a trophy out of that. If you were lucky, it would have become a knife.”
He let it sink for a moment, staring with rage into the lizard’s eyes. Even though Chekov was smaller than most Stoinians, he wasn’t intimidated by the xeno’s enormousness. He waited for a response, just what had this xeno in him?
Quintus didn’t seem bothered by the man’s xenophobic response. If his almost imperceptible smirk was any indication, he was expecting it.
- “My young friend, there is a time and place for petty threats. This, however, is not that time, so I would suggest setting prejudice aside for the moment, no matter how justified it may be.”
The Lord of Admiral’s icy-blue eyes locked with Chekov’s, a faint rumbling emanating from his throat as he slowly pulled his hand back.
- “Besides, it is in the best interests of both our states that we have our mutual concerns addressed and resolved.”
Chekov then pulled out one of the famous Mardakii Claw knife. And showed its finesse the xeno Admiral.
- “Just so you understand … This knife was made out of a Mardakii your size which I personally slayed during our Crusade against them twelve years ago. Perhaps it’s all fine and dandy in your Imperium, but we Stoinians had to overcome things you wouldn’t possibly imagine… Or maybe you could, given that you have the same set of trophy features as a Mardakii. Guess only time will tell.”
He put his Mardakii Claw Knife back in its sleeve.
- “And don’t call me friend, Admiral. It makes you look bad in our eyes.”
He then turned around as two Marines followed him and the Drakari followed them to the conference room which had been set up for them. Though the chairs were far too small for the Drakari to sit in, or so the Stoinians thought. Nevertheless, the room was full of tech which would appear archaic to Drakari who had accustomed to holo technology. Chekov seated himself and began to speak in a more calm tone. His rage had cooled off. For now.
- “Very well Admiral Tessarin. I believe your story that you are lost, the Ryccians had the same problem two months back. They even destroyed one of our ships. So far you are doing better, which is quite a lot to expect from a xeno.”
- “This however is now a first contact situation. So please enlighten us about you Imperium and why you seem to have ancient Terran Latin names.”
- “In regards to my people’s naming conventions, we were unaware of the similarities to Human stylings until we made contact with your species roughly three thousand years ago. We had been using such names since our earliest civilizations on our homeworld countless millennia ago. We were just as confused as you were when we were made aware of this.”
Quintus remained on his feet, opting not to risk damaging the Stoinian’s furniture as he slowly paced back and forth.
- “As for the Ryccians, we have heard of their military’s… proclivity for shooting first and asking questions later. Among the Imperial Navy, it is considered dishonorable to fire upon an unknown vessel, especially without provocation.”
He briefly looked at the terminals, noting their relatively outdated style. Personally, he found it charming.
Three thousand years? That would mean before the great Diaspora from Terra. By a margin of 1400 years according to the Stoinian calendars. Something wasn’t right. Perhaps there was something wrong with the voyage the Stoinians had planned, even the equipment sent earlier had proven to have taken some damage. Though it could as well have been the higher radiation from Stoinia’s star.
- “That makes two of us who aren’t fond of the Ryccies.”
- “These Terrans, did they mention anything about their home world Terra? And the Great Diaspora? You see, we Stoinians, set out from our home world to ensure Mankind’s survival in different states and ways of life. Though we ourselves haven’t forgotten our roots. Like the Ryccies have, from what they proclaimed. These Terrans are ensured rights and are taken care for, right?”
The Admiral leaned forward looking the lizard Admiral in the eyes.
- “They did mention it, though they called it ‘Earth’. The location of the planet has been… difficult to determine. The navigational records on the sleeper ships that arrived within our territory that day were heavily damaged by the… Einstein-Rosen bridge, as your physicists call them, passed through.”
- “What we were able to parse together was a colonization effort after the precursor to some sort of calamity struck the planet. Until the discovery of the Ryccian Empire, we feared that the ten sleeper ships that arrived in our territory were all that remained of Humankind.” The Lord of Admirals shook his head, silently thanking whatever gods were listening that the fears of his forebears were incorrect.
- “And you needn’t worry. The Humans in the Imperium are in no danger. Like all the Protectorate races, they are considered honored citizens of the empire. In addition to having military protection and autonomous rule of their settlements, they are granted full representation in the Imperial Senate and full access to all civil and economic resources.” Quintus gave the man a reassuring smile, hiding the tips of his teeth.
Chekov felt something off when the lizard smiled. His guts told him something wasn’t quite right. And what did he say, calamities back on Terra? What had gone back on Terra all this time? Chekov feared a moment that Terra might have been lost, forever
He shook his head, he wouldn’t fall for xeno plays.
- “Than I am sure we could send a diplomatic envoy to ensure you are correct about the way you treat Terrans. We can of course accept an envoy from you as well. Though I will have to notify my government and superiors about that.”
- “Ten sleeper ships you say … We Stoinians got fine with one. Do tell, what is the current population number of your species and the Terrans.”
- “There are roughly 1.2 trillion Humans living within our territory as of the Emperor’s coronation ten years ago, and approximately thirty-three trillion Drakari. We are hoping to try and uncover the location of the Human homeworld to try and uncover whether the claims of catastrophe were exaggerated or not.” The Lord of Admirals straightened his posture. “As for the sleeper ships, the government of Terra Nova had them moved onto the planet’s surface to serve as museums and research centers. Last I checked, they were open to the general public. Unfortunately, we are currently working with fragments of data, so that has slowed any progress made.”
- “That being said, I am certain the Speaker of the Senate and the Emperor will be glad to welcome an envoy.” He rubbed at the spikes along his jaw as he tried to recall his last visit to that planet.
This xeno certainly wasn’t acting like a Terran Officer would. Perhaps it was a cultural thing. Nonetheless. It seemed like Stoinians really had fixating their mindset on having 6 children or more since the War at Home.
- “I see, we’re around 8 trillion Terrans and 4 trillion Cheunh. Had it not been for the Velutarian War, we could have been at 20 trillion Terrans.”
- "Nonetheless history is past us now. I suggest we reconvene after we have mad contact with our respective governments and address this first contact situation. You may leave towards your ship. Perhaps you will be able to show us how your ships look next time?"dmi