Tragedy strikes! High Lord Araknis has died peacefully in his sleep, leaving the throne empty for the first time in his century-long reign. The duty of ruling over the nation has fallen to his eldest son, Scytheros, and his bold plans for a strong future. For now, however, he must grapple with the loss of his father, the imminent destruction of the planet Araknis’s star, and a coronation like nothing Colonus has seen before…
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The surface of Araknis was cold and dark, a dead memory from a more prosperous era. Once a shining hub of culture and history, the planet, and indeed the entire system, was now devoid of all life, save for four bugs. They were ants compared to the mansion that lay before them, but giants in their own right. Each knelt down to collect their share of dirt. Each gently poured it into a jar, wishing they could feel its grit through the gloves of their suits. It was a while before any of them spoke. But finally, the silence had to be broken.
“Let us be off,” Scytheros whispered. And so they left, climbing into the ship that awaited them. They rose through the sky, leaving their childhood home for the last time.
The system’s star shone weakly behind them.
Several Systems Away…
The Capital Ship sat in orbit of a healthy star, the arrival point given to all expected guests. The ship itself was running on a skeleton crew, but the rest of the Royal Fleet was close enough to provide assistance, should something go catastrophically wrong. There was a moderate guard stationed within the event’s areas of use as well. There’d be more, but Queen Mother Mandabis had seen that as a waste of resources, and until Scytheros was officially coronated, she was in charge.
Officials from several other star nations were to be expected, and at their request several that Scytheros was unfamiliar with were also invited. No matter what his plans were, it didn’t hurt to start his reign with an olive branch.
On Colonus’s end there were representatives from all but one of the territories, notably Governor Lux of the Ark Fragment and Friar Styva of Divinity Fragment. Of course, the Vanti were represented by the four children of the late High Lord, and the Mandi deferred to their beloved “mother”.
All that was left to do was wait for the guests to arrive.
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RNDFV Valiance
Action Information Center
Ms. Tullia Cicero, FLTCMDR Tristie Claire, CMDR Calio “Sparrow” Loom
Composition
Battlecruiser Force
1x Defiance Class Battlecruiser Gen 3
- RNDFV Valiance - HC BCG-023
– Assigned 36th Space Superiority Squadron “Archaic Archers”
– Assigned 88th Space Air Superiority Squadron “Terrestrial Terrors”
– Assigned 2nd Space Ground Transportation Squadron “Transfixed Transporters”
– Assigned Single Element “The Turncoats”
Screening Force
2x Polymer Class Frigates
- Articulated Action - HC FFG-222
- Plunger Tube - HC FFG-223
4x Firelight Corvettes
1x ECV-001 Singularity Class
- Fortissimo Actual - HC FFL-204
Eight sparks ignite twelve hundred Kilometers away from the capital ship. A few seconds later, eight ships lightshear in close proximity to another, before turning off their dark energy shields, and powering on their Phase Shields. In the Action Information Center…
“Helmsmen, bring us in with the pattern, relay via datalink.”
“Bringing her into Pattern, relaying information to others via datalink.”
“COMMO, get me multispec to his royal highness. Oh, also tell Ms Cicero to wake up.”
“Yes Ma’am. I need a courier for Ms Cicero.”
RNDFV Valiance
Officer’s Dorms, Tullia’s Room
Tullia Stirs, her mind pulling out of a dream. It was just days ago that she’d heard about the High Lord’s passing. Relevantly, she’d been assigned this by her mother, having been forced into being the Directorate’s Diplomat. Of course, she was going to be hounded by her mother’s best friend, Tristie, since she also happened to be assigned to this particular ship. She got up and began to dress, for such a nice occasion.
“Hey. Ms Cicero?”
Tullia looks towards the doorway, a young Serniani Officer is standing there, hands behind his back
“For the love of the gates, just call me Tullia. I don’t mind.”
“Afraid our 'Com made it very clear to refer to you as Ms Cicero.”
“Alright… You can tell 'Com I’ll be ready in a moment. Just fixing up my hair. How does the dress look?”
“It’s Class D Formals, Ms Cicero. Same pattern everybody else has. It looks better, probably 'cause your mother custom ordered it for you.”
“Okay, well yeah… Thanks. Go bother Calio. He’s probably not even awake yet.”
RNDFV Valiance
Hempen Launch & Recovery Facility
Calio seemed troubled. First time on official diplomatic business, and he’d heard that TGE was attending. He just hoped he wasn’t recognized by any other diplomats, and could pass as a standard Serniani Diplomat. He saw the young officer approaching his starcraft.
“Hey.”
“Sir, just making sure you’re ready for the day, sir.”
“I’ll be fine, thanks.”
“Ms. Cicero also told me to “Bother Calio. He’s probably not even awake yet,” sir.”
“Crazy lady. I’ll be waiting.”
RNDFV Valiance
Action Information Center
Tristie picks up a microphone in the AiC after she’s given a thumbs up by the COMMO.
“This is the ever lovely and amazing Fleet Commander Tristie Claire to ALCON, our ships are on a diplomatic mission and will be dispatching our diplomats soon. Any Copies?”
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[Welcome to Colonus! This is Hexadecimal, and it seems like you’re clear to dock. In fact, you should be seeing one of the bays opening as we speak. You’re authorized to bring your party on board, as well as any security details you may wish to bring. However, we ask that you keep to just the listed people, and submit to security screenings. Any necessary translations will be offered by Colonus, and we also have accessibility features at the ready to allow for safe breathing for our guests. Have a lovely day!]
On the inside of the ship, another construct of Hexadecimal informed Scytheros of the Rosecordi’s arrival. He nodded to Ishani, who went off to wait for them to land. Vrache and Zelani stood perfectly straight, imitating Scytheros. Where Lux seemed almost eager beneath his breathing mask, Styva was unreadable, standing with a pragmatically calm posture.
“Make sure to get environmental date from everyone. I’d like to maximize the amount of people who can freely breath if possible,” Scytheros ordered. There was really no point being selfish, especially considering some of the involved parties.
(OOC: If anyone wants to skip the space-arrival to get to their people arriving inside the ship, feel free to do so)
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RNDFV Valiance
Hempen Launch & Recovery Facility
Ms. Tullia Cicero, FLTCMDR Tristie Claire, CMDR Calio “Sparrow” Loom
Composition
Battlecruiser Force
1x Defiance Class Battlecruiser Gen 3
- RNDFV Valiance - HC BCG-023
– Assigned 36th Space Superiority Squadron “Archaic Archers”
– Assigned 88th Space Air Superiority Squadron “Terrestrial Terrors”
– Assigned 2nd Space Ground Transportation Squadron “Transfixed Transporters”
– Assigned Single Element “The Turncoats”
Screening Force
2x Polymer Class Frigates
- Articulated Action - HC FFG-222
- Plunger Tube - HC FFG-223
4x Firelight Corvettes
1x ECV-001 Singularity Class
- Fortissimo Actual - HC FFL-204
Tullia arrived in the HLRF, followed by Tristie, followed on by a fireteam of Rosecordi Marines in light battle dress uniform (LBDU).
“Where’s Calio?”
Calio appears as she says this
“Right here, Ms. Cicero.”
“We should get moving.”
“Great… Mom’s here.”
“Permission to speak Freely, Fleet Commander?”
“Granted, Commander Calio.”
“Tristie pulled some crazy shit during the secession crisis. She might be your mom’s best friend, but that doesn’t mean–”
“Permission revoked, Commander.”
“Apologies, Ms. Cicero.”
An automated voice calls out
SGTC-1, callsign Courier One, move to flight deck.
The Hempen is lifted onto the flight deck.
“Courier One, verify and read back.”
“Courier One, verified.”
“Courier One, punch your cards.”
“Courier One, punching our cards.”
The Hempen is shot out of the Launch Deck, following it are two “Balisong” Space Air Superiority fighters.
Araknis’s Capital Ship
Docking Bay
Tullia is first off, and greets Ishani.
“Hey Ishani.”
Tullia then turns to Calio and Tristie.
“This is Commander Calio “Sparrow” Loom.”
“It’s nice to meet you.”
“I’m Fleet Commander Tristie Claire. It’s a pleasure to meet you.”
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Ishani nodded at each of them. “Welcome, and thank you for coming. As Tullia said, I’m Ishani, the youngest of Araknis’s four children. Come, let me take you to the main area while we wait for the other parties to arrive.” They gestured to the door, before turning and exiting into the hallway.
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RNDFV Valiance
Action Information Center
Captain Clovis Articia
Composition
Battlecruiser Force
1x Defiance Class Battlecruiser Gen 3
- RNDFV Valiance - HC BCG-023
– Assigned 36th Space Superiority Squadron “Archaic Archers”
– Assigned 88th Space Air Superiority Squadron “Terrestrial Terrors”
– Assigned 2nd Space Ground Transportation Squadron “Transfixed Transporters”
– Assigned Single Element “The Turncoats”
Screening Force
2x Polymer Class Frigates
- Articulated Action - HC FFG-222
- Plunger Tube - HC FFG-223
4x Firelight Corvettes
1x ECV-001 Singularity Class
- Fortissimo Actual - HC FFL-204
“Board, picture, situation.”
The ships begin listing off the current situation of the ships
Araknis’ Capital Ship
Main Corridor
Ms. Tullia Cicero, FLTCMDR Tristie Claire, CMDR Calio “Sparrow” Loom
“Wow. This is one of the biggest ships I’ve been on.”
“…Reminds me of Eastavilp Spaceport.”
Calio sighs a little bit
“The what?”
“It’s nothing.”
“Will you be fine, Calio?”
“Of course, ma’am. I wouldn’t have taken the job if I couldn’t take it.”
“Well, guess we play the waiting game.”
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Calerost and the Colonus pact waren’t the closest, but Calerost did have good relations with the High divinity which was reason enough to attend, as well as the knowledge of Galactya’s attendance.
Because of the large distance a starbreaker was chosen to act as transport, together with a smaller diplomatic frigate attached to it. Bringing one of the largest warships in the fleet, 15 kilometers long, for a diplomatic mission could have been seen as a show of force, but Calerost explained the situation to the government of Colonus and got it’s approval. The starbreaker would return to mirial space as soon as the diplomatic frigate was off on it’s way.
The diplomat chosen for the mission was a interesting one. Lady Heniril of the imperial house, descendant of the emperor and princess Esgariel’s aunt. The representative of the imperial family in the Bar Arquenië, house of nobles, she’s very influential in calerostan politics. The conservative branch of the house hates her.
A sudden flash lights up the system as the starbreaker exits. A whistle and a well known message scream on all frequencies:
“The Gil-atarnië asserts it’s presence!”
“This is the INS Bragollach carrying the diplomatic frigate “Mellon”. Requesting docking rights for the frigate”
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[Welcome to the Colonus Pact! Docking rights are granted, I’m opening a hangar as we speak! Any accessibility features, such as translations and breathing equipment are available, should they be needed. Feel free to bring a security detail along with your party, but please note that we will be searching everyone regardless. With that said, I hope you enjoy your time here!]
Once again, Hexadecimal notified Scytheros of the guest’s arrival. Friar Styva nodded her respects and left to greet the Edhelrim. She wore the white robes with the rose-gold highlights and mask that had come to be common within the Order of Ousa, one of the higher Gods. As a child she had heard the stories of Friar Johoh and his prophesized first contact with the alien missionaries. It was stories like that that had driven her to achieve theological excellence half a century later.
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Colonus pact and Rehy are rather distant, both diplomatically and physically. However Galactya (who is attending) and Rehy are close allies, and Rehy has interest in furthering diplomatic relations.
The Rehy Civilian Defence send Diplomat Kescy, Defence Defence Syyi Kiki and Ke scrscr class ship Pilot Koodudu. They traveled to the capital ship via ship 1-265.
Ship 1-265 is an official Civilian Defence personelle transport vessel. Measuring 10m long, 10m high, and 5m high, it’s Ke scrscr class. It’s number, Rehy insignia, and a purple stripe signifying it as a non-combat ship, are painted on it’s sides. Like all Rehy ships 1-265 is powered by nuclear fusion and propelled by antimatter propulsion, 1-265 is manoeuvrable because of it’s small size.
Due to Rehy’s distance from Colonus, Kusu Defence Ky scrscr class scrapping ship 1-23 where chosen to accompany 1-265 threw the 24 hour warp trip. It’s piloted by Ku-sysy and co-piloted by Hyku.
As a Ky scrscr class ship, 1-23 is 1km long, 500m high and 700m wide. A scrapping vessel designated to retrieve and/or dispose of military ships, it’s armed with 5 plasma cannons. 1-23 is painted with trippy yellow and purple stripes, number on both sides. It has 30 crew including a Pilot and Co-pilot.
The 2 ships emerge from a warp, stopping side by side each other.
Pilot Koodudu: “Finally! 24 hours in the warp is of finished.”
Kescy and Kiki are relieved.
Syyi Kiki: “Why didn’t the Civilian Defence just put us on 1-23?”
Diplomat Kescy: “Because we’re here for diplomacy, not broken military ships.”
Kiki rattles Syyi’s beak in agreement.
Ship 1-23 checks their communications after warping: [1-265, this is Captain Ku-sysy of 1-23. Akak]
Ship 1-265: [1-23, this is Captain Koodudu of ship 1-265. We will ask for docking approval of Colonus capital ship. Akak.] Captain Koodudu hands communication over to Kescy. [Capital ship, this is ship 1-265 of Rehy. We have arrived. We are accompanied by ship 1-23 as our time spent in the warp was over 24 hours. Requesting permission to doc. Akak.]
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[Welcome! This is Hexadecimal, and Artificial Intelligence of the Colonus Pact. I’m glad to see that you’ve arrived safely, although that trip must have been rough. You should be seeing a hangar opening for you to dock in. Any translation or breathing equipment needed will be provided by Colonus, although it’s not designed to accommodate for beaked individuals. You may bring your party, as well as a security team, but they’ll all need to be searched. Anywho, enjoy your time! Someone will be sent to guide your party to the main area for the event.]
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Ship 1-23
Bridge
Co-pilot Hyku announces over the ship: [All crew to exit ship upon docking. Keep helmets on upon exiting. All tools and weapons into armoury storage now.”]
Pilot Ku-sysy: [Prepare to dock.]
Once 1-23 is docked, Pilot Ku-sysy and Co-pilot Hyku ensure the ships security is functioning, the AI is working perfectly and the ship is running smoothly. They make their way to the cargo hold to exit.
Cargo hold
1-23 has a large cargo hold, in it all 30 crew members gather to exit, doing some final checks before so. The cargo hold has a smaller door which can be opened from the inside, Pilot Ku-sysy stands next to it. “All crew of unarmed?!” Everyone assures they have retuned any weapons to the armoury, so Ku-sysy opens the door, leading the others to exit in single file. Once everyone is off, Co-Pilot Hyku locks the door.
The crews armour is styled like typical scrapper gear but striped and coloured like 1-23. They stand next to the ship in a line, colours morphing into a eye sore.
Ship 1-265
Pilot Koodudu lines up to dock next to 1-23: [Preparing to dock.]
Diplomat Kescy: “I presume non of you are armed.”
The others assure they are unarmed.
1-235 docks in close, its doors open and everyone exists. As a Syyi, Kiki has bang a traditional Syyi uniform, and will change I to it when Syyi knows the air is breathable. For now Syyi Kiki wears Defence Defence armour. Pilot Koodudu suit is plain grey with a Pilots rank on each arm, and as a diplomat Kescy is purple.
Pilot Koodudu locks the ship once they’ve exited, all three wait next their ship.
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A group of two mandi soldiers appear in the doorway. They preform a visual check of each of the new arrivals before determining that they were clean.
[If you’ll please follow the soldiers, they’ll bring you to the ‘lobby’, if you will. Please note that you will be scanned in order to ensure that there are no non-permitted weapons anywhere ok your person. If you are not comfortable with this, you may remain in the hangar. You may also arrange to have any scans deleted after confirmation of safety]
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The Rikeuninerd fall into two lines, guests at the front and security team behind, they follow the mandi soldiers.
Syyi Kiki: “After scans confirm we are of safe, we would like scans to be of deleted.”
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[As you wish. Now, if you’ll proceed through the doorway and follow your guides, you should arrive at the waiting area in no time!]
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A giantic Envari flagship ascended into realspace, much bigger then those seen in combat fleets. It was the first of the new desing, made of shining black metal and incredibely smooty without a single angle in sight. It was the Liberator, the personal flagship of Director Hoxha, made at his personal request. Despite being a diplomatic vessel, it was armed to the teeth, able to take on a small fleet on its own. A small shuttle flew out of the flagship, heading for the Colonian capital ship . It transmitted the following message:
“This is the Liberator, a diplomatic vessel of the Grand Comissariat of Enver, carrying Director Hoxha. We request permission for docking. Hail the Grand Comissar.”
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[Welcome, this is Hexadecimal speaking! Docking permission granted, you should see one of the hangars opening now. Any necessary accessibility features, such as breathing equipment or translation devices can be provided By Colonus. You’ll be allowed to bring a security detail alongside your party, but everyone will be visually searched and then scanned to ensure no non-permitted weaponry or items are on your persons. At your request, these scans will be deleted. After that, myself and the mandi escort that’s arriving at the moment will bring you to the lobby while we await the others. I hope you enjoy your stay!]
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The 100 meters long shuttle landed in the selected hangar. It looked like a smaller version of the Liberator, except that it was unarmed.
Hoxha stood alongside Dornan and their escort of Black Guards.
“Are you ready to start lying?” Asked Dornan.
“I have to be. At least it will be a good practice before Galactya.” Replied Hoxha. There was sadness both in his voice both in his voice and in the air, emanating from both Hoxha and Dornan.
“I hope one day they stop being lies.”
“Me too, Dornan. Me too.”
With these words, Dornan put on his helmet, while Hoxha activated the translation software in his wrist computer. They stepped out of the shuttle, escorted by around thirty Black Guards, ready to greet the Colonian delegation.
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Araknis’ Capital Ship
Main Corridor
Ms. Tullia Cicero, FLTCMDR Tristie Claire, CMDR Calio “Sparrow” Loom
Tullia looks over to see new arrivals
“Those are?”
“Calerostans. Elves. Allies of the Galactyan Empire.”
“Willing to serve alcohol to minors.”
“How would you know that? Wait- Don’t tell me…”
“You ever realize it’s rude to ask a man his age? A married man no less?”
“Well, are you offended?”
“Not really.”
“Then?”
“Nineteen.”
“I’m seven full years older than you?”
“Congratulations.”
“Wait, RDF doctrine states you can only enlist at twenty five… Are you?”
“Federation? Yeah. A little jaded about the whole experience, but yeah.”
“I thought we agreed we wouldn’t talk about this. Not here, not now. And not in front of her.”
“She asked, and you didn’t shut the conversation down. Apologies, ma’am.”
“You? F-Federation?”
“Yeah. Best not to think about it, alright? I got a lot on my plate right now and this ain’t the time, alright Ms. Cicero?”
“Y-Yeah, al-alright…”
Tulia told herself to breathe. Just breathe, you’ll be fine. Following this pattern, Tulia looks around, peering at the Envari delegation
“Who are they?”
“Envari. They are… Intense. But, needed. You understand, realpolitik and all.”
“Okay.”
Tulia scans the room again, this time looking at the Rehy Delegates
“Do you guys recognize them?”
“Nope.”
“Not a clue.”
“I’m going to introduce myself.”
“Don’t-”
“Give’r a shot, besides, the worst that can happen is that we have to profusely apologize on her behalf.”
“Y’know what, place yourself among the stars.”
“Okay!”
Tullia walks over to the Rehy Diplomats, clicking the universal translator on
“Hello. I’m Tullia Cicero, of the Scientific Directorate of Rosecordia. It’s very nice to meet you. If it isn’t much to ask, could I ponder your names, as well as the name of your star nation? I’d be more than happy to talk while we wait for the others to arrive.”
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The Rikeuninerd saw Tullia heading over to them, quickly they form a semi circle behind Syyi Kiki, Pilot Koodudu and diplomat Kescy. This is standard diplomatic procedure.
Diplomat Kescy: “I am diplomat Kescy.” Kescy nods towards Syyi KiKi and Pilot Koodudu respectfully, saying “This is Syyi Kiki and Pilot Koodudu. We come from Rehy. Our species is Rikeuninerd and our home planet is Ruka.”
Syyi KiKi: “For clarification, Syyi is my rank, not a part of my name. We’ve encountered confusion regarding it before.”
Ones of the guards clacks their beak.
Syyi KiKi: “This is a diplomatic situation. You can all speak as you want.”
Pilot Ku-sysy: “I am Pilot Ku-sysy of ship 1-23.”
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