The Galaxy is Ours

Palgzair waited for the Norb representative to finish his speech.

"The Bureaucracy recognizes the right of the inhabitants of Star SC 10776 to participate in trade and acquiring goods and technology towards the ends of improving their conditions and the conditions of their citizens. We do not understand what possible ends it could serve to prolong suffering due to preventable diseases and scarcity when these might easily be assuaged by the action of any individual power on this board."

She paused before continuing;

"We would suggest opening all trade restrictions and placing the planet under the Military protection of the Galatic Nations, unless any particular power or powers wishes to take the duty themselves."

edited 13th Apr '14 3:39:35 PM by Fauxlosophe

With a quick reload, Hrof set in pace behind Erruan and Solaris, staying in armor mode so that the captain would be covered by as many angles by armored bodies as they could manage without hugging her. Still moving, he first quickly swept behind them again, checking for any pursuing hostiles and popping shots towards them in semi auto if there was. Then he'd sweep their sides, doing the same. Fortunately thirty feet really wasn't that far to cover.

While side-stepping to keep moving with the others and checking to one side, Hrof pretty much stepped right around the corner in front of the Bolamean. Glancing down at the alien, he very quickly figured it was one of two things: An agent working for their pursuers, which seemed a bit unlikely since they had all been Human so far; or someone who just happened to be in the wrong place at the wrong time. Bringing them on board the shuttle, either for questioning or to get them to safety, was a quick and easy solution to both possibilities.

Switching to strength mode, Hrof paused his movement briefly to grab the alien by its scruff and toss it into the open door of the shuttle, past Erruan and Solaris. Then he'd switch back to armor and make a break for getting himself in the shuttle.

edited 12th Apr '14 4:04:17 AM by FirockFinion

Tranquility

"The Solar Republic proposes turning the world into a sanctuary with a non-interfearance policy unless such a crisis that would risk exterminating the population occurs or they manage to establish contact with us on their own." Charles proposes when it's his turn

Tranquility

"I compel the remaining members to reconsider; there is no tyranny in trade and the sharing of discoveries. There is tyranny in blockades and purposeless death. In the hoarding of knowledge and ressources while others suffer," Palgzair spoke, "Our... perspective is different from your own and so we have taken our time to join you, many Böläemaid are still wary of this decision. As such, I ask you to explain to me so that I may explain to the Bzöläemaid Niene, what liberty is there in denying them the right to trade for cures to preventable diseases? For technology to lessen the impact of natural disasters? Or knowledge of where our own first steps into space met tragedy?"

Palgzair looked over the board, with measured passion; trying to convey her meaning without being carried away.

"No one has proposed invasioned or particion to our knowledge. Only a beginning of dialogue and exchange. Where is the liberty in preventable suffering? In forcing them to learn for the same costly mistakes that we have? Vote that they may open trade and spend the coming years not relearning lessons which we have already paid the price in time, effort and even blood to win, but rather that they may join us and bring their efforts into advancing the Galaxy's knowledge while alleviating and advancing past the suffering that we have already over come."

Titania

Cwec'hŷr screeched like a crow as he was taken by his bristles and launched into the shuttle from his hiding spot.

"Gworh Ngal ô Nŷr Mâ Pelhocw," He screeched, "Te dû e hâtaff cwâ hucwaff?"

"Gwôrhêgw e sû, â C'hec'hŷr," He drew his pistol and looked around before speaking in a language slightly more common to the region, "What the hell is going on?"

He paused looking for both cover and the someone he could use as leverage if this situation was as fucked up as he suspected.

edited 13th Apr '14 2:24:09 PM by Fauxlosophe

"Giving them advanced technology may cause more problems for them rather than solve them, medicine and agricultural machines could lead to an unsustainable population boom that could quickly lead to heavy drain on resources and as such, war. If we then give them more technology to solve those problemsand then to solve the next ones they could become dependant on us. Their culture simply is not ready!" Charles defends his point

Palgzair awaited the end of Linkolnton's response. She nodded in recognition; this actually meant something rather than the previous drivel of liberty. None the less, she still had her reservations.

"My understanding of the situation is this; they are fully intelligent sentients, capable of understand potential dangers and gains, who have merely not developed means to travel Faster than the speed of Light. This is no commentary on their collective ability to make decisions; I consider myself to be a prudent person not given to poor decisions, yet doubt I could build so much as a glider were I left to my own devices."

"I do not propse that we merely dispatch our goods without explaination, but that we open up the opportunity for them to speak with advisors and they determine what is best for their people," Palgzair continued, "Perhaps, they will decide as you have that, even with the opportunity to speak experienced planners and control how these elements are intregrated, this will lead to difficulties. I propose that we raise our own blockade; not that we ignore protectionist policies which they may institute. I ask only that they are allowed the opportunity; surely they are not so primitive that they cannot understand what is implied in the choice we are giving them; a means to a standard of living beyond their imagining, if applied carefully."

"With proper integration, within a generation, they may advance to the stage we are at now; not one of civil war and ressource shortage but entirely adapted to the demands of our time. Where their population expands, so will their capability to produce food and exploit the ressources of otherworlds within their system. There will be a great deal of transitioning, but it will save lives and allow them to participate more fully in the richness of the galaxy; both in terms of ressources and knowledge."

"Otherwise, when will the time be? When they encounter us, who is to say that they will have developed medicine and other technology to the stage that it is at now? Will we continue our blockade then or will we risk their overpopulation and civilstrife then? It seems an arbitrary line to draw."

edited 14th Apr '14 12:14:46 AM by Fauxlosophe

Titania - Docks

"Shit be fucked! That's what's going on!" The shuttle pilot shouted an answer to Cwec'hŷr.

"Less talking, more flying!" Solaris shouted just before the door frame above her turned back from a beam rifle shot.

Pulling her head back, the captain waited the two horrible, agonizing, slow, seconds it took for Hrof to get aboard with his feathery new friend before slamming her fist down on the shuttle's door keypad. The ramp was swallowed back into the shuttle's underbelly, the inner door sealing before the outer hatched clamped down and shut off the outside world from the shuttle interior.

"Go! Take off!" Solaris ordered.

The shuttle pilot needed no further prompting. Advanced warning had led him to already have the craft powered up when the rest of the Caroline crew arrived. Within seconds the engines were roaring as the ship blasted off, leaving behind the futile fire of the Black Phalanx members trying to stop it and tossing around anyone who was not secure around the holding area. The trip was shorter than if they had been fleeing from an Earth-sized planet and soon they were back in space. The beautiful sight of the Caroline, safe and sound, was upon them. As was the sight of the rest of the departing merchant fleet, all still on course towards the inner system.

"Caroline, this is the captain." Solaris announced over the radio. "We're enroute now!"

"They're FINALLY here!" Jonathan all but whooped for joy at his own words. "Hey, pilot guy, they're alive! We can finally leave!"

On one of the many viewing screens projected on the bridge, there was a camera that indeed showed that the Carolin shuttle had come aboard at last.

The same image was being displayed over in the medical bay, where Yeslah was making an honest effort to keep follow what Bobby was saying, but after 'traditional jurisdiction' had passed out again, leaving him quite unable to alter or update his will or request any last rites. Alive still, but the blood loss was getting severe.

Tranquility

Tebigon listened with an impassive face even as he worked his mind thinking of arguments in favor of initiating contact with the life forms in SC 10776. Verandi had discovered the species during one of the exploratory expeditions and had followed GN protocol in not revealing themselves without alerting the rest if the galaxy, but they were very much in favor of opening trade with the primitives. Over among the Verandi delegates, his replacement looked to be coming up with reasoning if his own.

"I must agree with Bolamea." He began, "The opportunity to open up to these young people the benefits of the galaxy is an opportunity we should not pass up. Indeed, it is our responsibility as civilized nations to shepherd those less advanced than ourselves to a station equal to our own."

He looked over to the Norb, then at Linkolnton. "Ambassador Rufus claims it is immoral to interfere with the natural order of lesser civilizations, and Ambassador Linkolnton claims calamity will only follow our attempt to share the benefits of civilization. But surely it is not immoral to guide a wayward species unto the correct path. What if they were to be united by a madman when they reach the stars? What if in the years from now they become a warmongering society? It is as much for the future of the galaxy as it is for their own good that we should consider Contact, with the aim of educating and influencing them onto the correct path."

From the president's podium, Lord Tebigon smiled in satisfaction.

Caroline — Erruan

Erruan had nearly pointed her own weapon at the frightened Cwec'hŷr out of ingrained instinct, but she fought it off. All it would have done was confirm his fears and create a very difficult situation. Instead, she sat down and secured herself - just in time too, as the shuttle took off at a blistering pace. Even though they were probably safe, the former Powered Infantrywoman had to suppress a grimace. She felt suddenly vulnerable. What if the Black Phalanx had some sort of portable air defence system and tried to shoot them out of the sky?

Pretty much every infiltration and exfiltration she had made during her previous career was done under the presumption of 'pop up' threats to the transport and time being of the essence. It wasn't unusual for her or her squad to be disembarking from the transport before it had fully slowed, the powered armour taking the strain as they fanned out to create an initial perimeter.

This was different, though. The last few remnants of anxiety melted away, though, as the shuttle arrived on board the Caroline. Hopefully mad dashes to the shuttle weren't going to become a permanent fixture of her career.

Tranquility — Azunn

"The Union would also like to state their support for the Bureaucracy's motion. Furthermore, we feel that it is important to safeguard the rights of species such as these, who cannot be reasonably expected to protect themselves from events like those outlined by my fellow Ambassadors." Azunn paused, adjusting his clothing slightly. "To that end, we would like to submit a request that the Union is appointed by the Galactic Nations as this world's protectors. We are very well placed to do so. Only Verandi is as close to the system in question as we are. Furthermore, our military would prove a powerful deterrent to any would-be conquerors thanks to our unparalleled institutional experience and state of the art equipment.

If the Galactic Nations allows it, we could guarantee this world's security and future prosperity under the aegis of the GN. When the world can be reasonably assured of a secure future or if the Galactic Nations later requests it, the Union would gladly withdraw. We have no interest in perpetuating the injustices that have blighted both our own past and in the galaxy at large."

The Sirian fell silent, monitoring the reactions of the other Ambassadors (in particular Palgzair and Lord Tebigon). He genuinely believed that the Union was best placed to help the inhabitants of the fledgling world, but he wasn't entirely convinced that the other delegates would see it his way - or worse, actively attempt to twist his words to fit their own agenda. All he could do now was hope and wait.

edited 18th Apr '14 1:10:28 PM by Flanker66

Tranquility, Galatic Nations

Palgzair nodded. Three votes to two, the voting had shifting in her favour. It would be difficult for the Terrans to detect, but fellow Bolaemids would recognize her relief and happiness at the outcome. A slightly more relaxed posture, a very gentle shift in colour towards her natural natural green colour, though barely visible under the suit and a slightly change in pheromonal scent, virtually undetectable to humans, marked her return to a calmer state.

She did not want to further extend the responsibilities of their rather relatively standing military, but trading and advising opporunities would do them a great deal of good. Even if the planet found themselves allying with the Sirians or Verandi, small gestures now could help form a lasting friendship.

Palgzair spoke up calmly, "If the Empire of Verandi or other parties are interested in contesting this claim, we might adjourn the matter for this meeting and allow you some time to prepare your cases for protectorship. Otherwise, we have no objections to this motion and suggest to the president that the resolution be amended to recognize a sole protector of SC 10776, until just such a time as the inhabitant species is capable of independant defence and alliance."

Titania

Cwec'hŷr saw the lack of arms but before he could do much to react, he felt the sudden take off. He moved quickly to grab a hold of something to make the ride slightly less rough.

Once he had a firm grip, he put away his weapon to show he meant no harm himself.

He looked around awkwardly, still not quite at ease.

"So," He looked around, "What am I doing here?"

Best case scenario, that one guy had wanted to take him out of a gun fight and dropped him on the ship where he knew it was safe. This was a little odd, but the one who had done it likely had not expected the shuttle to take off so quickly. In this case, he could just ask them to let him off at the next port. Maybe some arrangement would have to be made, but he had enough cash to cover food and board if he had to.

Worst case, he was a hostage of some sort. A gun likely wouldn't do much in this case, though it would be wise to keep it on his person. In this scenario, he had a shot at playing reasonable; he had a bit of pay in his pocket left over from the last job and some old Paelaid that he had left over. He likely wasn't the main target and it might buy him a drop off at the next port, if necessary.

edited 18th Apr '14 4:41:18 PM by Fauxlosophe

Space Colony Tranquility, Sol System - Galactic Nations Council Chamber
"Artificial acceleration of technological progress has unforeseeable consequences which cannot be accurately simulated," Rufus replied. "History has proven again and again that whenever intergalactic society interferes with a less developed civilization, no matter how well intentioned that interference may be, the results are disastrous in a statistically significant number of cases."

Whether or not the Technocrat Terrorist Wave was one such incident in history - Tebigon couldn't prove it was what she was talking about, but he was certainly free to make the inference.

"To introduce a society that is at its current level of development to the wider scope of the Galactic Nations has a high probability of leading to cultural domination, forever robbing the universe of a discrete perspective. Additionally, technological differentiation is not possible should the galaxy at large decide to educate S24. Entire fields of study and points of view can be destroyed by never being given the chance to flourish."

"It is an arbitrary distinction that is drawn," Palgzair replied slightly more confident now, "My understanding is that they have already developed spacetravel. The addition of further cultures to the galatic community has only enriched us; our people have in the past made use of Human innovations, amongst others. It has enriched our cultures, not destroyed it. We /did/ address these with our unique cultural perspective, we added to them, built on them and made these innovations our own. What is the difference between our people and theirs? The ability to travel between stars. Is that truly the only point where a culture becomes self-sufficent? Until then we are fledgling primitives unable to trade and think for ourselves the second we are introduced to some mighty external power? Immediately afterwards, we are immunized against it? We do not recommend here military force nor immediate cultural imposition, only allowing them the option to open trade and begin to avail themselves of technology."

edited 18th Apr '14 3:40:06 PM by Fauxlosophe

Tranquility

Tebigon would have made an issue of Verandi being the less developed civilization in Rufus' example, but the generality of the statement made the insinuation go over his head. Azunn's nominating his own nation as S24's protector was also a surprise. Verandi was already present in the area, and had adequate resources to oversee the system. Tebigon thought it was obvious that Verandi would volunteer for the position. Surely the council would agree Verandi had a greater claim to the duty.

"I concur with the Bureaucracy." said Pezron Nook Zelophehad of the Triple Alliance in his usual gruff style. The stout quadruped was the shortest being in the chamber, but had one of the loudest voices. "The Triple Alliance itself stands as an example of what species sharing technology and culture which the other lacks can result in mutual benefits."

"With all due respect to the Alliance," Came the voice of the Levanti delegate. A tall, swarthy-skinned man. "Your combined people were not at technological levels so far out balance with each other when contact was initiated. Any meeting with S24 would from a position of great advantage which, wittingly or not, the initiating nation can exploit to the detriment of the the natives. The Levant is against interference of any kind."

By this point the other ambassadors were getting in on the discussion. Voices began rising, and people standing at their seats to get noticed. The only one who had been silent so far was the He-Tai nation. Tebigon glanced in the direction of Deel-Rye and almost groaned in exasperation. Flanked by two embarrassed subordinates, the old dragon was sleeping.

Palgzair had wanted a recess earlier, Tebigon decided now would be a good time to conduct one. They had accomplished much today, let them have this debate tomorrow when everyone had more energy. He pounded his gavel several times to bring the chamber to order.

"In the interest of time management The Galactic Nation will put this issue on hold for now and resume tomorrow." He declared.

His duties finished, Tebigon left the podium to join the other Verandi and head to their embassy. Then he planned to make a call on the Sirians. They had matters to discuss.

Solaris breathed with ease for the first time since they had arrived in Titania's inner city.

"First things first." Solaris said to the unexpected passenger. "Just who are you? And what do you know about what was happening down there?"

Even as she was talking, Solaris was walking down the shuttle ramp, her destination the bridge. She opened a line to John.

"Pilot, take us to the nearest safe port in the system. Take us to the other side of the sun if you have to. I'll be up there in a minute."

Looking back to Cwec'hŷr she said, "You can tell me everything you know on the way to the bridge. You three come too." That last part directed at the guards, who hopefully would not be needed but their presence was comforting nonetheless.

edited 19th Apr '14 6:01:37 PM by Parable

Tranquility

Still ahead in votes, Palgzair felt relaxed. She had wanted to discuss matters with the Verandi and other possible candidates for protectors, but the Verandi departed too quickly.

As such, she turned towards the Triple Alliance booth,

"Zelophehad?" She said looking towards the stout representative, "I am the new ambassador sent on behalf of the Bureaucracy. I believe it would be in our interest to discuss proposals so that the traditional friendship might be reinforced here."

Caroline

"I assumed they were after you," Cwec'hŷr nodded, following after, "I just got caught in the crossfire. My name is Cwec'hŷr."

edited 20th Apr '14 2:43:06 AM by Fauxlosophe

Once Hrof was aboard, he spun around, gun at the ready in case any of the hostiles on the docks felt like taking parting shots. Thankfully the ramp closed rather promptly, and Hrof moved to one side of the shuttle to grab onto a hand rail for stability. Once they were free of the atmospheric turbulence, he went about doing tactical reloads for both of his guns. He did take note of the view of the fleet of ships heading towards the inner system... Something wasn't right here. Hrof seemed to space out as they docked with the Caroline, idly walking out of the shuttle as he tried to think.

-You three come too."

"Huh? Yes captain" Hrof said, snapping back into focus and following towards the bridge as the alien answered Solaris's question. "They were, but not only us. Others were targeted too; you're safer here than back at the docks" he explained to the bird-like alien.

As they neared the bridge, it started to become clear that there was marks and scars of battle inside the ship. Fresh ones. "We were boarded..." Hrof muttered, that leading him to a realization. "They wanted our ship" he stated, to nobody in particular. Hrof's mind worked quickly; the assailants attacked the group as part of a plan to take their ship, but they weren't the only ones under attack. By that reasoning, their ship wasn't the only one the assailants were trying to take. And now the other ships were all leaving, heading towards the inner system.

Possibilities ran through Hrof's mind; one in particular came to the surface, and stuck out too much for Hrof to ignore. He visibly shuddered for a moment, not in fear, but in anger. "Captain, I need to use the communications equipment" Hrof told Solaris. It wasn't a question or a request.

edited 21st Apr '14 3:34:15 AM by FirockFinion

Tranquility

The Triple Alliance ambassador looked up when Palgzair "Ah, my greetings." Zelophehad said with slight tip of the front of his body. "So nice of the Bureaucracy to finally join us. Yes, let us have a heart-to-heart between just the two of us. My place or yours? Have you even made yourself at home yet?"

"Where were you coming from, what happened to your ship?" Solaris kept pressing Cwec'hŷr. Then turned to look at Hrof in confusion when he demanded the radio out of the blue.

"What? Why? Good God!" Her puzzlement turned to incredulity as they exited the broken elevator that led to the bridge. There were more bodies of Black Phalanx members scattered about the hall. Limbs blown off and blood spilling onto the floor panels added to the decor of destruction already characterized by scorch marks and blown up equipment. The bridge crew were haphazardly trying to get things back in working order. When Johnathan noticed the captain he looked like he was ready to run up and hug her.

"Thank the freaking stars, you're alive!"

Solaris fired off a set of questions. "What happened here. Where is Mister Yeslah? And that one is still alive!" She exclaimed and pointed to the last boarder who had been felled, who was still groaned in a pool of his own blood.

edited 23rd Apr '14 10:34:59 PM by Parable

Tranquility

"An embassy was established sometime ago, though it is a bit out of the way," Palgzair replied, "I hope that with our entrance into the Galatic nations, they might see to somewhere closer. All the same, it would be our honour to host you."

Caroline

"A small trade vessel. The term of my contract was only until they reached port," Cwec'hŷr replied, "As to what happened to the ship; I moved to cover immediately when a fire fight broke out and was ushered on the same escape pod as your crew. I do not know what happened to the vessel."

Tranquility

"Don't rely on the GN to do any heavy lifting for you." Zelophehad said as they left the chamber. "They make a fuss of getting you in here, but once they've got your oath, they throw you to savages."

He jerked his head forward, indicating the savages he had in mind. There were dozens of people besides the ambassadors, their staffs, and other Galactic Nations employees all flocking about the building trying to get the attention of one ambassador or another. Most were humans, but clusters of other species were represented as well, all wanting a piece of the political pie.

"I have seen circuses with more respect for their occupation that these hanger ons do for their dignity. Mark me, they all want to go into S 24's system to see what they can claim before the locals get a chance to."

Tranquility

"Yes, we're wary of them still in many ways but I suspect this path is better than isolationism. Most of the region are members and if conflict breaks out, we would rather not be the only outsiders," Palgzair shrugged, "I am only hoping our membership encourages the Bureaucracy into action and moving for a new embassy would be a part of that."

"Yes," Palgzair thought about the second part, "I've made it clear I don't like the way things used to be done. At least if there's a bidding war and the interest of the GN at sake, then we can try to let them pick and choose and perhaps even take advantage of their 'protectors'. If we wait until lightspeed and call them fair game, they'll be invaded and integrated without much thought, I believe."

Caroline — Erruan

Erruan obediently followed after Solaris, her weapon lowered. She let Hrof and Solaris do the explaining - right now she was more concerned with the mounting evidence that the Caroline had also been targeted by their assailants. Obviously this was a co-ordinated attempt to take the ship and neutralise the crew - but why? Admittedly, she didn't know if the captain had had a run in with the Black Phalanx before (or if there was something she wasn't telling the crew for some reason), but as a general rule you didn't perform an operation like this without having something very desirable at the other end.

Hrof's demand was met with a look of slight bewilderment, not that he would have been able to see it through Erruan's helmet. She was about to ask Hrof about it when the group entered the bridge. The first thing she felt was alarm - their attackers had managed to get this far? It seemed that it had been a very close run thing, to say the least. Stepping over a corpse with surprising care, the Sirian took a moment to get a better look at the scene.

Solaris's last exclaimation got her attention in a hurry, however. Whipping around to face the unfortunate boarder, Erruan moved forward cautiously, weapon raised. Stopping short, she tried to ascertain if he had any weapons or nasty surprises either in easy reach or on his person. Her squad - and every other one, for that matter - had it drilled into their skulls that even a crippled enemy wasn't truly neutralised. However, it seemed that he wasn't in particularly good shape.

Once she was satisfied that he wasn't going to make himself an immediate threat, she moved closer and let her gun fall to her side. The Sirian then began to gently pat him down to confirm her initial impression, watching the boarder intently for any suspicious movements.

Uhuo MEZ – Unneioi

The Alosseil listened to Zalez’s plan with interest, turning it over in her mind and analysing the file that her counterpart sent her. It seemed to be sound enough to her mind – certainly there were no glaring errors that made it an unrealistic proposition. “Very well. Let’s not keep the enemy waiting – we have given them enough time to realise their errors, and I grow tired of this.”

Almost casually, Unneioi relayed the orders to her fleet. Once they entered range, the Sirian capital ships initiated long range bombardment, using ‘flak’ to disable some of the fighters and their heavier ordinance to begin hammering at the larger vessels that made up the picket. Under the combined weight of fire of the Sirian and Verandi fleets, the pickets began to make a hurried withdrawal, only making token efforts to fight back as they slipped into the asteroid field.

Unfortunately, it was still difficult to figure out what the Aggressor fleet beyond the asteroid field was doing, but at this point Unneioi and her subordinates were committed. Whilst half of her ships remained to keep whichever brave (if foolish) pickets fixed, the other half went with their Verandi counterparts to handle the majority of the Aggressors that remained. Hopefully their ECM systems would prove sufficient to minimise damage, particularly as they would have to expose themselves to enemy fire before they could close the distance to actually hit back.

As the attack group made their way forward, they picked up that the Aggressor fleet was retreating, and they were already firing the opening salvos of the second skirmish. It took a moment for Unneioi to figure out what was going on from the rapid flurry of reports, but when she did she found herself grimacing reflexively. She opened a channel to her Verandi counterpart. "Admiral, it appears the Aggressor fleet is retreating and regrouping. We cannot allow them to regain their balance."

Given no initial chance to respond when they came onto the bridge, Hrof at first looked around to find the communications console before it was point out that one of the assailants was still alive.

Like Erruan, Hrof readied his weapon (Specifically his pistol, since he was now aboard the ship.) and approached, but unlike her, he didn't lower it. He looked down at the man, gun aimed squarely at his chest. Hrof waited while Erruan patted him down, wondering just how conscious and coherent the man currently was.

edited 26th Apr '14 2:12:14 AM by FirockFinion

"What is going on?" said Cwec'hŷr looking around at the wounded and dead then Solaris, "I have some medical training but I'm not going to get myself shot for it."

edited 26th Apr '14 3:04:03 PM by Fauxlosophe

[Tranquility]

"Looks like we missed a busy day." Mnhiri said, reading a datapad as she walked through the halls of the G.N. building. She had mostly been talking to herself, though she was followed by a handful of staffers. "Hopefully there's still some business to attend to." She said, skimming through the transcript of what had been said by the various diplomats earlier in the day.

The Izeran ambassador was not at all bothered by her own lateness. Some people were just more important than the G.N. Not many people, but a few. People who happened to be empresses, for example. They were worth missing a few debates for. Not that she'd had any choice in the matter, but either way, Mnhiri took it all in stride.

She looked back at her staffers. "You guys go on ahead and get to the embassy. I think I'll... Stop by a cafe or something." And with that, they parted ways.

Caroline

The man still had a laser pistol at his side and a knife strapped to his leg, Erruan would find. The terrorist himself was actually coming around after Erruan's patting down brought him back to consciousness. Groaning, his eyes flickered open, only to close again when he saw the armored figures inspecting him.

"God, I'm in hell already." He mumbled.

Solaris could not help but look at the man in disgust before turning back to Cwec'hŷr. In a hushed voiced the terrorist could not hear she said, "If you would be so kind as to keep this man alive. We need to question him to find out just what happened back there with all of us." Then in a voice that the terrorist could hear this time she said to the security team, "Take him to the medbay and find out what he knows. Used whatever means you have to."

"Mister Jonathan, contact the authorities. Let them know that there was an attack on Titania."

Tranquility - Outside Galactic Nations Compound

"Agreed." Zelophehad said. "The others are so determined to have their way sometimes it's like the GN is just a formality. Mark me, Palgzair, Verandi was loathe to actually bring this to the council. They wanted, and still want control of the system. It's the Sirians who they're watching out for. They're exploring the same area and Verandi doesn't want to give them an excuse to raise political trouble. In fact, I bet my beak that if the Verandi had not revealed it themselves, the Sirians would have broadcast the discovery to it to every egg and crone in the galaxy."

They exited the building and were once again out in the redirected sunlight. Zelophehad winced a bit as his pupils adjusted to the bright natural light of the sun. The GN building was preceded by a limestone ramp, below which was a walkway for pedestrians and street for vehicles which saw little use since most traffic about Tranquility was done via the maglev system hidden outside the habitable parts of the colony.

Down the steps the Alliance ambassador trotted, past the planted Earth trees and shrubbery decorating the area around the GN complex. "Taste horrible." Zelophehad said, motioned to the plants with his head. "They say they aren't poisonous but they sure as hell almost killed me when I tried them! Don't understand the humans' urge to make their space stations as Earth like as possible. Do you have a transport or should we take a cab?"

Lord Tebigon was about to leave for home when he spotted a human who he knew to be not quite human. Moving at a brisk pace that left his staff and servants scrambling to catch up, he moved in on the Izeran.

"Ambassador Alaura." Tebigon said once he had covered the distance between them. "I did not see you among our members during this day's meeting."