Amelia's, Dama Latvama

Consul Vye smiled softly, his gaze flicking to the inscrutable expression of his bodyguard for a second. "I hadn't thought of it that way, Mr. Leng. You bring up good points; a shame you missed our first session."

His smile faded slightly. "The Fernites, my people, we killed many in the war. I killed many in the war." And they had been glorious kills, but that did not need to be said right now. "We destroyed homes. We razed cities. The Living Saint Tetra rendered the planet of Dovfeki almost entirely uninhabitable, out of sheer spite towards the previous occupiers. The Dagrites have been our servants since as long as we have lived." He looked Leng in the eyes. "Hence why we desire non-aggression pacts but oppose the arsenal limitations. It is true, when you call it a legislated cold war. But what some people would do to us, we would prefer a cold war over a 'hot' one. You make good points, though. I suppose seperate eyes are needed for seperate points. My people's swords will not be ploughshares for a while, I think. Change is slow among Fernites, and the League had been with us for awhile. And I believe the people here will not all get along anytime soon."

"Ahh, but what do I know?" He chuckled quietly, looking out the window. "Before this my job was managing offworld conflicts, quelling Dagrite uprisings, and settling Dagrite hive conflicts. All this, all these people... not my specialty. I've never worked on a scale such as this, with this much diversity. I don't know the minds of these people like I know mine. But, I will try my best." He smiled again.

Aboard the Dawn

"Well..." Den was getting the feeling it was time to change the subject, and quick. He eyed the other groups of nisi in the hold with them. "So, if you're so proud of your nisi ways, how come you're not hanging about with any of them?" He said, then winced. That... might've come out harsher than he intended. He probably just (metaphorically) rubbed her fur the wrong way.

Dama Latvama

"If you've managed an entire species of servants for however long you have then maybe you're just better at managing that low-key tension than the Pact was." Leng replied. He paused for a second. Shit, he could totally, right now, go hard aggro on this dude. Death occupied a great deal of Estanislao's idle thoughts, and right now visions flashed before his eyes of one of the Dagrites finally having a bad day, of a dozen of them having a bad day.

"Now, if you have personal experience with Dagrite uprisings though..." Leng flashed Vye a small glimpse of teeth yet again, because fuck it, "perhaps I ought to hold off on trying to propose the Shrikes hook your people up with my gang's mining and farming tech."

Dinerrsa couldn't hide that the question made her upset, especially with her long ears going down to either side as she averted her gaze and scowled. "... Dinerrsa, family matriarch. Not need other nisi family" Dinerrsa muttered, sounding like she didn't want to talk about it.

"When is stupid ship going already?" Dinerrsa then loudly asked nobody in particular, trying to force a change in subject.

Amelia's, Dama Latvama

"I daresay the Pact was more efficient, as much as it pains me, but handling a single species is much easier." Upon the mention of offering technology, Consul Vye tilted his head quizically. He wasn't quite sure how to take that. He knew a little about the Shrike's 'military' usage of their mechs, so he wasn't sure if it was a joke, an offer, a threat, or what. Perhaps their cultures were simply more different than he had already believed. He opted to treat it as a joke.

"A generous offer," he said, putting just enough humor into it for it to be vaguely not serious without offense. "Speaking of technology, we do look for trade with our fellow powers. As we understand it, our specific use of hard-light technology is rather unique," he said, gesturing towards Dekani and his hard-light weaponry. For whatever reason, Dekani had turned slightly to stare directly at Mr. Leng. Possibly he had caught something about his earlier comment that Vye had missed. Dekani heard everything Vye heard; they shared certain audio feeds due to a special implant. Dekani was hid ultimate mute confidant. "We wish to start small, but we do require friends in this new universe. Do you perhaps know anyone who would be interested in our hard-light technologies?"

Aboard the Dawn

Den winced at the nisi's obvious dislike of his question. He didn't quite believe the answer either, but she clearly didn't want to talk about it.

"Yeah, actually," he said, taking Dinerrsa's side. "This ship is taking forever to do anything besides get us wet. I mean, I understand a little wait, but waiting wet just doesn't seem fair."

Dama Latvama

Looks like the guy traded threats for threats, alright. That was perfectly fair.

"You mean a weightless blade? To be perfectly honest I feel like a lot of Shrikes wouldn't be interested." Estanislao said with a shrug. "Maybe it's a leftover from the riots but I think I agree that you can really only rate a blade by how well it does against armor, and for that you actually need a driving force like an axehead or a pick. And for those, you need weight."

Leng looked up at the bodyguard. "What's your experience with shanking people in your average combat armor, sir? Not to insult your boss or anything but someone who sees regular combat has more use cases to pull from."

Now, this might also give Mr. Leng clues on how well their enemies were equipped—from within and without. Seemed the fuckers were the Pact all over again, and Leng was steadily realizing he might have an enemy here.

Dawn, Sol System

Harr considered the question for a moment. He still wasn’t sure what noodles were—Linda Kesyk and Brenedida’s explanations had been pretty vague. Still, if tours of duty in the Armed Forces had taught him anything it was the ability to tolerate whatever food he was given. Soldiers weren’t given a lot of choice when it came to the meals they ate while out on deployment, after all.

And yet, now that Linda Kesyk had asked him, he found himself craving the familiar tastes of home.

“When I was in training at the Academy, they used to serve us caramel-covered seabirds as desert,” he said. “And krill patties, and candied crustaceans… And there was also kiviak, but that took months to make…” His suction cups quivered at the memory of the taste of fermented avian flesh, and for a moment he was a cadet again, eating in the commissariat with his siblings and pod mates.

He shook off the memory with a shake of his head. “I doubt they have any of those, but if you can find any I’d appreciate it,” he said.

Amelia's, Dama Latvama

Consul Vye smiled thinly. "You'd be surprised how thin a hard-light blade can get. Not even most body armors are invincible."

When Dekani was addressed, he said, in a voice that growled like an animal, "I have thirty-six confirmed kills with my blades alone." After giving a questioning glance towards Vye (returned with a nod) he continued, "Hard-light is used for weaponry, shields, and architecture, among other things. The Establishment has mastered the use and refinement of hard-light, perfecting our blades to make all but the strongest armors penetrable, if the blade has enough force behind it. It makes for glorious kills." He stepped back slightly as he finished talking, though his gaze never left Mr. Leng.

"Mr. Leng, all we wish for is peace," Consul Vye said, spreading his arms wide, though considering Dekani's statement on 'glorious kills' just before it didn't have quite the ring it was intended. "In the old days hard-light would never be shared by our leaders. I proposed differently. We have made progress, and we wish to show others we're not what we used to be." Even if the old habits were always biting at the edges of his mind. "I'm sure there is something we can offer you. I don't know if you have any interest in AI, but we have found that labor AI's vastly aid in the efficiency of Dagrites. Perhaps this will interest you more?"

edited 14th Jul '17 6:57:39 PM by Kepler-7

Amelia's, City of Dama Latvama — Azunn

Azunn glanced in Mr. Leng's direction and offered a brief wave but didn't react beyond that. He wasn't really sure what to think about the Shrike representative, but he could always figure that out later after he got a better grasp of the man's personality. He had Mnhiri's question to deal with first.

"Well, it seems to me that a small craft of some sort is ideal. Perhaps a Thiana class shuttlecraft? It should be challenging without frustrating," explained Azunn. "I believe it's got rather distinctive wings, and it should be relatively easy to find models of varying complexity for it as well. Or - if you don't mind me flogging my home nation's products for a moment - perhaps she might be interested in a model of a demilitarised Peacemaker instead?" He offered a warm smile as he ate another bite of his steak.

Amelia's, City of Dama Latvama — Cinder

"There is no need to apologise, Your Eminence." Cinder said. When Leng entered the restaurant she reacted with wariness, though she kept it hidden from those present. For one thing, gangsters - even ones who had stumbled into control of a polity - weren't known for their dispassionate decision making and gentle natures. Her attention swiftly returned to Kaluu. She returned the Njaryleth's smile. "I'd be delighted to, Your Eminence. Perhaps next time."

It was about this point that her order - some sort of large, vaguely iridescent crustacean - arrived, and she began to eat. With the pleasantries out of the way, it was time for her to discuss the real reason she was here. Although she was not a diplomat herself, she had been empowered by the EKS to perform diplomatic negotiations in Kellsara's interest. And the relationship with the Losshur Federation was beyond a doubt in Kellsara's interest.

Pausing, she said, "Your Eminence Kaluu Nykos, I have a proposition to make regarding more thorough cooperation between Losshur and Kellsara. However, perhaps we should discuss it somewhere more comfortable and secluded." Hopefully Kaluu's interest would be piqued.

Amelia’s, City of Dama Latvama, Ceneceros

Ah, so the Aqossmarokir wanted to get straight down to business. Kaluu nodded in approval, then picked up a napkin and dabbed gingerly at her lips. It wouldn’t do to conduct such important business looking like some brute with no manners.

“Such a proposition would be of great interest to the Federation, Aqossmarokir Cinder,” she said. “I would be most interested to hear it. But while I agree with the need for privacy, there’s no need to let a good meal go to waste.” The Conductor flicked an eye toward Kafre, who nodded and produced a small metal disc—barely wider than his fingertip—from a pocket in his leviskin. The bodyguard pressed this disc to the underside of the table, where it latched on with a set of tiny metal legs. The disc’s exposed surface opened to reveal a red button, which he pressed.

Cinder might experience a brief popping sensation in her ears as the jamming device activated. This would be followed an instant later by the ambient chatter of the restaurant and its patrons growing distinctly muted, drowned out by the subtle but insistent hiss of pink noise.

“A sonic disruptor,” Kaluu explained. “It distorts all incoming and outgoing soundwaves within a specific radius. To anyone outside that radius, our conversation will seem like unintelligible gibberish. It isn’t flawless, of course, but then again nothing is. We can be reasonably sure that we won’t have any eavesdroppers.” She set her cutlery down and folded her hands on the tabletop. “Of course, if you would rather have this conversation away from prying eyes and ears, I would be pleased to accommodate you.”

Dama Latvama

Oh, well, there you had it. Leng raised his eyebrows in surprise for a second.

"I think it would be only be fair for us to share our mech drive tech in exchange for your hard light." Leng said, tenting his fingers. "We often have to armor up the legs on our mechs to make sure they don't get knocked over, and a hard light field over it would certainly free up weight at the potential cost of energy efficiency. And like, mech drives are really versatile. Sometimes you get problems if you try to run a tank through a residential zone or a mountain range, but you won't have that problem with a mech." Estanislao then brought his hands back down. "Labor AI maybe not; we have automation down, that much is certain. Expanding automation and labor assistance is sort of what gave rise to the Shrikes in the first place, anyway, were you aware? I'm not sure how wide-spread our story is."

Aboard the Dawn

Erruan might notice Krat-Zlak-Pol standing near her at the moment, trying his hardest to take not so much space away in this crowd.

Amelia's, Dama Latvama

Consul Vye smiled, more genuine somehow than his previous ones. Now here was the progress he had been looking for.

"I am vaguely, if not very well, educated on the Shrike's past." A truth. He was aware of their industrial capabilities, at the least. "I would gladly share our hard-light in return for your mech drive technology." A lie, but barely. In fact he was rather reluctant to share it, but some sacrifices were needed to make friends in this new galaxy. Not to mention sharing their technology showed a more open, less xenophobic approach than their previous, more bloodthirsty regime. "I wasn't quite sure on the labor AI; they're more foremen and supervisors than actual laborers. I did bring one of our AI's as part of my staff, by the name of Emissary-7. Though I've adapted him for diplomatic work, he was previously a Dagrite supervisor. I'm sure he'd love to talk to you on matters regarding industry."

"If it doesn't bother you, I'd like to hear more on the capabilities of your mechs," he continued. "I assume they can be adapted for both industry and military use, versatile as they are. I'm especially interested in adapting them as shells for our AI's or possibly even Dagrite use. Dagrite rights have become quite the popular topic, and I'm sure allowing them use of labor mechs would be seen as quite a step forward."

edited 17th Jul '17 5:29:58 AM by Kepler-7

Dama Latvama

Greg just texted Estanislao the word Dagrights!!!!! followed by 4 flame emojis and the OK Hand. Estanislao grabbed the phone when it buzzed, a chunky gray monster of a thing, only to sigh and stick his tongue out at the snickering gangers before putting it away and continuing.

"When large-scale automation was introduced to Escuridao, it was not in our hands." Mr. Leng began, turning back to Vye. "Lowered required personnel meant higher profits, and higher unemployment on Escuridao. And unemployment led to the formation of the Shrikes. Years later and my people are still extremely wary of automation. We certainly use it to do jobs people don't want to do, you know, but AI I think wouldn't be a good move." He frowned. "Building an AI of dubious personhood and sentience would set people on edge if it's not given that full freedom. What are yours used for anyway? You said something about Dagrite use, and I'm led to believe... handlers, perhaps? Some sort of command position? I'm curious."

Fucking shit, Leng was realizing he turned down an opening. He could have been the one to drive the Dagrites to revolt by driving them out of their jobs! That was accelerationist bullshit though; no telling whether or not the Dagrites could get the same results as them given that much wide-scale suffering. They might also not have the edge the local folk of Escuridao would in weaponizing the mechs before the rulers. He made a note to keep it in mind.

edited 20th Jul '17 3:53:46 PM by Taco

Dawn, Ceres — Erruan

Erruan's ear tilted slightly as she picked up the sound of the newcomer. Turning, she gave the mantis-like alien a quick look over. Satisfied that he seemed more afraid of her than anything else, she said, "You seem tense."

Amelia's, City of Dama Latvama — Cinder

Cinder watched Kafre produce the device and secure it to the table with detached interest. Behind her mask she winced slightly as her ears popped, the sensation not dissimilar to what happened during a rapid shuttle descent. Thankfully it was only brief. Kaluu's explanation of what the sonic disruptor did was met with a nod. In retrospect it made perfect sense for a Njaryleth ambassador and her staff to have access to such technology, particularly considering their natural aptitude with aural devices.

"This is fine, Your Eminence. I am sure that if others become too... interested in our conversation we can take it elsewhere," she replied. Still, it was prudent to avoid speaking too loudly just in case. "My proposal is simple: establishing a formal alliance between Kellsara and the Losshur Federation, as well as any other interested parties that share a close relationship with the sea. Our nations have long enjoyed a strong bond, and this would strengthen those ties still further. Of course, Uabarr would also be included - as an attack on any member would be deemed an attack on all of us, their presence would be a significant deterrent."

It was a simple pitch. But simplicity had a beauty of its own, and there was no point getting into the nitty gritty until she knew for certain that Kaluu was interested in taking it further.

edited 22nd Jul '17 8:32:21 AM by Flanker66

Dawn

Krat-Zlak-Pol nodded, his mandibles fidgeting around nervously "Yess, ssorry. I'm jusst rather nervouss with sso many people around." His voice seemingly was a mix of sharp clicks and hisses, but that was normal for a Rak-Girz. "I jusst have to be sso careful to not ssmash ssomeone." He looked around nervously, checking that no one was under him or between him and a wall.

Amelia's, Dama Latvama

Consul Vye frowned slightly. "I'm sorry to hear that your people have such a poor experience with AI. Mine have had quite the opposite." His voice took on a reverential tone, and Dekani stood a little straighter. "It's said the Man of Crosses -" he made a small gesture over his heart "-revolutionized AI in the process of hunting down our predators on Fernes. AI lets us gather information and spread it at speeds no Fernite could. Crosses, we can't even sense as much as our constructs can. We build them sensory organs more refined than ours. They can take in a thousand more details than us in an instant and share it with every other AI connected to it."

His voice took on a more normal tone. "Yes, our AI are industry leaders. They collaborate with Fernite foremen to organize Dagrite labor most efficiently. We also use them for military use, primarily to aid marksmanship and gather data. They also help keep the traffic flowing in large cities. Really, there are many uses. Tell me, would you have any interest in an AI advisor? I can arrange for one, of you like." An offer he fully expected to be turned down, even though he could actually arrange it should it need to be done. Seeing how one of the AI of Fernes would adapt to the Shrike culture and industry.

"Now please, I would like to hear more about your mechs." Indeed, he had some interesting ideas about combinations of the mechs with various other techs, including hard-light, AI control, and similar. "For instance, I'm interested in issues like zero-G use, versatility as industry and military craft, and adaption to AI, hard-light, and Dagrite usage."

Dawn, Ceres

The Dawn's speakers blared to life without any fanfare. One second there was just the bustle of the refugees and then the voice of a woman filled the room.

"This is Deputy Captain Sukhoi speaking." the voice introduced itself. "The ship is now engaging in final departure procedures. We will be leaving shortly." A collective sigh of relief filled the cargo hold, which the deputy captain seemed to have anticipated because she paused for a few moments while everyone got it out of their systems before continuing. "As most of you already know, we'll be leaving through the gate from Sol to the Moreno System. From there we will be making our way through the nearby inhabited systems for people to disembark. After that we'll be taking the gate in the Xiao Xiao System to Lsaanles and we'll cross the Blight Zone to League - I mean, to the territory beyond. We'll discuss plans after that when we get there.

"Hold on to your belongings, the Dawn is not responsible for lost or misplaced items. We reserve the right to kick off anyone for any reason. Lights out at 9 PM Standard Time. Sukhoi out." With those last three sentences sounding like she read them off a card, the deputy captain ended the announcement.

There was something of a quiet moment as the new arrivals digested the information. Then someone shouted, "Ramen! PB&J's! Granola bars! Come get 'em before we run out!" and the sounds of life returned.

A few minutes later, the refugees could feel the rumble of the ship as it pushed out of the harbor. Those near the tiny viewscreens on the walls could see Ceres growing smaller. The asteroid became a marble, then a pinprick on the black canvass of space but by then anyone watching had long since lost interest.

The latest arrivals of refugees set up their belongings, a few making deals with neighbors to watch their stuff while others used tape or laser markers to border their sleeping spaces. Those who checked the time noticed that that there was only an hour before lights out.

"Better get that food before we can't see what we're eating." Said Brenedida before zipping towards the food seller.

"Wonder if they be havin' peanuts." Shasta the dotur wondered before hopping off in the same direction.

edited 22nd Jul '17 6:52:27 PM by Parable

Blech. All this hierarchy and deferment and management. How'd they even get anything done if they were like this?

"Pablo and Greg there are the only people who work for me at all." Estanislao said. "I don't want anyone working for me. I'm Mister Leng at this conference, not Doctor or Ambassador because the Shrikes don't want a hierarchy. Closest we have are the clerks that tell people who needs what. AI creates hierarchy. We have automation, but that's all we want. Now, about the mechs."

Leng took a deep breath. He was starting to realize he was getting a little lecturey, and brought it down a notch. He smiled and held up a clenched fist, opened it, and closed it. "With some models of mech I just gave you a demonstration of their versatility. Chickenwalkers like the one outside take a little bit of unscrewing and rescrewing, but the full Morcegoide machines we use in a lot of places have hands so they can refit by literally walking across the street to the arms depot. Those arms are good in zero-G too. If you've ever seen a momentum wheel or an astronaut in EVA you know how a limb can swivel you around your center of gravity with just a little, you know..." Leng flung one huge arm out to one side and swept it back into his lap. "So we didn't have very much trouble navigating Casa Esplendorosa because we could easily spin around and reorient to dodge or even clamber onto asteroids. Hazards of space and mines also mean it'd be stupid to strip the armor off a nonmilitary mech, so really the only difference is what tool the mech is using. Now, if you used hard-light you'd probably be able to remove that armor, but any juice freed up by needing to carry less mass would have to get redirected into the hard-light, maybe more on top of that, so I'm not certain how down for that people might be. If you know hard-light contractors or engineering firms or other entrepreneurs that might be interested, they should visit Escuridao, that's where most R&D takes place."

Estanislao didn't mention that the Shrikes might not be down for hard-light armor for other reasons. Needing to turn on your armor, you know, that probably wouldn't sit right with them.

[Aboard the Dawn]

"Krill, crustaceans, kiviak," Linda said with a grin. "I'll keep an eye out!" and with that, she dashed off after Brenedida.

"Man, that Sukhoi person sounds like a real stick-in-the-mud," she said, following close behind her fairy friend. "What the heck's a 'deputy captain', anyway? Isn't that just a commander?" She paused, then added. "Oh! Did that guy say ramen? That'd be great! Let's check his place out!"

[Amelia's]

'Ah, interesting suggestions! A Thiana-class sounds ideal. How did I know you'd be so helpful?" Mnhiri chuckled and took another bite of her extra-extra-spicy wings. "I recall having to deal with a few back in the Space Force. I've always found them to be funny-looking things, personally, but the rich and famous all seem to adore the things. They are quite distinctive-looking, though, I suppose..."

She cast a brief but nonetheless scathing glance over in the direction of the Shrike and Fernite representatives. "Say, ambassador," she said to Azunn, now looking down at her plate. "If I may be so bold... the Galactic Congress is a new and somewhat chaotically-organized institution, which I feel reflects the fragile and... malleable nature of the galaxy's current state of affairs. There are a wide variety of differing ideologies and viewpoints out there, all competing for space, whether they know it or not." Finally, she looked up at him, a measuring look in her eyes. "A venerable state such as the Sirian Union is surely committed to the values of liberty and democracy, correct?"

Dawn, Ceres

When the announcement crackled to life over the PA system, Harr snapped to attention by reflex. It was an old habit, instinctual almost, ingrained in him by years of taking orders from his superiors. He lifted himself off his bedroll, standing on his hands and flukes, and watched the nearest speaker as he took in the broadcast. Only when the deputy captain had fallen silent did he allow himself to settle back down, just in time for the din of the cargo hold to resume.

He made a brief wave toward Linda Kesyk’s retreating back, then shut his eyes and tried to rest for a bit. Unfortunately, that brief lull in the ambient noise brought on by Deputy Captain Sukhoi’s announcement served to make its reappearance all the more noticeable. The sudden and unmistakable rumble of the Dawn’s engines powering up, while familiar, did not help.

He winced. The scar over his left eye was throbbing again. He wouldn’t be getting any rest any time soon.

You shouldn’t even be thinking about rest, he reminded himself. You’re on guard duty, soldier.

Exhaling, Harr opened his eyes and looked around. The crowds nearby had thinned out slightly as people went to get food, but several of the beings who had settled in adjacent spots were still around. That Fernite was still there, trying to strike up a conversation with a Nisi. That Sirian was still present as well, and she was talking to a large insectoid whose species Harr didn’t immediately recognize.

Frowning, he thought back to the tactical profiles that he’d been required to memorize during his academy days. Comparatively large size... Six limbs, quadruped gait… A single large talon on each hand, suitable for capturing prey… All the signs pointed to it being a Rak-Girz. A Pact species.

But even as he realized this, he heard it express its concerns—and the scowl he felt spreading across his face softened. “I can commiserate,” he said, shifting on his bedroll. “It’s not easy sharing a cramped space with so many other people, especially when a lot of them are smaller than you.” To emphasize his point, Harr lifted his tail and brought it down on the bedroll, his flukes making a loud slap on impact. The mattress rippled beneath him.

Kaluu kept her expression carefully neutral, but internally she couldn’t believe her luck. Her chief goal in attending this conference had been to reaffirm and secure diplomatic ties with the Sirian Union, and now their ambassador’s chief of staff was practically offering up everything she sought on a crystal platter! The Conductor was honestly somewhat taken aback at how smoothly this was going.

Still, she wasn’t about to let this opportunity go to waste. As the metallurgists would say, strike while the iron was hot.

“Quite so, Aqossmarokir Cinder,” she said. “The njalryeth have long cherished and appreciated the friendship of the kellsaran people, and that of the Sirians. The close ties between our species and nations have been nothing if not mutually beneficial, and we have no intention of letting them lapse.” Kaluu leaned forward slightly, lifting her head in a sign of respect. “This is an uncertain time for the galaxy, and in such times those who swim together swim safest. The Losshur Federation is deeply intrigued by your proposal, Aqossmarokir Cinder, and we would love nothing more than to swim toward the future alongside our most trusted interstellar neighbours.”

Leaning back, she smiled apologetically. “Of course, I cannot officially agree to anything until we have discussed the terms of this alliance. Given our experiences with the Great Interstellar League, the Losshur Federation does not wish to rush into anything that may prove less than mutually beneficial to all parties involved.”

Particularly in regards to the Federation itself, but then that went without saying. Every ambassador on Ceneceros was there to ensure the prosperity of their respective nations first and foremost, regardless of their personal agendas. Kaluu was no exception.

Amelia's, Dama Latvama

Consul Vye was smiling faintly, but it was more confused than anything else. From the context, it seemed hierarchy was something not established among the Shrikes. He tried to imagine a life of social equality, a life where people like the Living Saints were considered equal to the everyday people. He almost laughed. Crosses, what a bizarre fantasy, to be be considered the equal of someone like the Living Saint Doulsiff. No, some people belonged in a higher station than the rest. And Vye knew his place. He wondered if the ambassador across from him knew his.

"Hmm," he said under his breathe, then, "I'm sure our hard-light manufacturer would be very interested in Escuridao. We haven't had much chance to expand out of our own systems-" in ways besides militarily, he said in his head "- so a breathe of fresh air for our industries would be much appreciated. I'm sure we could both benefit from a bit of trade." Vye nodded towards Dekani, specifically his hard-light swords. "We've made some interesting advances in hard-light in recent years. As I remember, Vitro Deck has been looking into hard-light holograms, which we've been interested in for the use of training simulations and similar. And that's not all, of course. But, I confess, business tires me. I believe we were here for food?" Of course, there was more to discuss, but still, food looked good around now.

Oh shit, these guys were really hard on their hierarchy. Leng knew that smile anywhere—the guy at the town hall meeting saying that you'd be "just like them" if you threw a brick at a cop, the guy going "eeeehhhhh..." if you tried to suggest you put together a rally. Greg texted again, this time just the word YUH! You know, the noise a guillotine makes.

Leng reached out one gigantic arm and tapped a waiter on the shoulder, finally getting his order through: a steak, rare, made of whatever Dama Latvama made for meat. The universe was too vast for Estanislao to give a shit about what the meat was, Morcego digestion was hardy enough to stand it, and he really just wanted to cronch right now.

"We've got projects to get better communications out of Casa Esplendorosa, so I'll just let people know the potential gains from good comms out of CE." Leng pulled out his phone and started texting His People—actually just a dude named Celso who ran a launch yard for satellites. Prioritize that comm station folks want put up on the edge of CE. Got a tech company that might be into working with mech tech.

Among the sea of refugees, packed in like a sardine, was a pale Ashkathi who looked rather uncomfortable. This was Maros, and he had been one of the last to get on the ship, which was frustrating given the lack of accommodations. The whole thing looked rather Spartan, which was fine given the general Ashkathi construction style, but there was little to no bodies of water for him to swim in. He had been standing around on dry land for hours and he was already starting to get some mild pain.

When the call for food (various types he didn't recognize) came up, the Ashkathi started to move towards the stall but was pushed aside by a couple other refugees. The veritable tide of people kept pushing him away when he tried to get edgewise. Instead, he just curled up in one of the corners, laying down. He was already starting to miss Larine.

At the same time, Koruuna walked up to one of the nearby tables. Approaching a Sirian and a Theran sitting at a table chatting, Koruuna walked to the edge of the table, bowed slightly and looked at the Sirian and Theran ambassador with a blank expression. Which was about the only type of expression an Ashkathi could make, really, given they had barely any facial expressions anyway.

"Pardon me," Koruuna told Azunn and Mnhiri, "I don't believe we've met yet. I am Koruuna-met-Alaar, ambassador from the Ashkathi Union," Koruuna replied. "My delegation got delayed. I apologize for not showing up for the meeting."

edited 28th Jul '17 4:38:52 PM by AllHailThrall

Dinerrsa remained sitting and grumpy until the intercom finally came on with the captain's voice, at which point she looked up. "Why stupid shower! Dinerrsa demand answers!" Dinerrsa shouted at the ceiling, as if the captain would somehow be able to hear her, despite the obvious.

Dinerrsa then looked prepared to go back to being grumpy, but paused as she heard some of the other shouting in the cargo bay. "... No meat?" Dinerrsa muttered, though awkwardly remembered that she had basically no money to spend at the moment; having to buy a second set of short-notice travel tickets with no refund for the first would do that. She hadn't really packed much in the way of food either. There was the other nisi on board, but...

Well, surely something would be done. The people running the ship wouldn't leave a member of a carnivorous species with no option but to try eating another passenger.

... Right?

"... How long is trip again?" Dinerrsa wondered out loud, sounding just a tad nervous.

Pursia figured there was little else to be done but head back now. She could try talking with some of her fellow ambassadors outside of the congress, but, something told her she'd probably just get someone talking down to her about the pirate situation, again. Her attention was pulled aside as she heard one of her Deathpanther bodyguards mutter, "damn coward swimmer..."

Pursia looked over and found herself thankful for her mask for what felt like the hundredth time that day, as she couldn't help a small frown at the sight of the ashkathi sitting down at a table inside the diner they were walking by. She was even more thankful for her bodyguards' masks, as she figured their expressions were probably far more hostile than her own. Much as Pursia was an atypical nisi and understood the values of diplomacy, she was still a nisi in some respects, and given that she'd just about grown up under the direct guidance of nomads, she still didn't think highly of those who had turned their backs on the nomads.

Oh, goodness, speaking of which who else was at that very same table but the ambassadors of the Dominion of Sakta and the Sirian Union. Well, the Dominion of Sakta were not the worst offenders on the table there, but still it represented a trifecta of ungrateful, former members of the League.

... There were rather a lot of those, come to think of it.

Pursia had entertained the hypothetical before: What if the Savages were wrong and the others really were right to see the nomads as oppressive? But, it never made sense to her. Without the nomads the nisi might still be living as tribal hunters; to say the least of the unfortunate gleep, whom the nisi would surely still be hunting as prey, unaware and uncaring of their similar sapience. And she shuddered to think what might have become of the nisi and gleep had some other space-faring race happened upon them instead of the League. Perhaps the nomads were a bit overbearing, but when it came to Jotun, it could not be said that they were malicious.

"I don't think we'd be very welcome in this establishment" Pursia said, by way of indicating to her bodyguards to start to follow her in moving away from the diner.

Dawn — Erruan

"Well, you're going to make everyone else jumpy," said Erruan flippantly. "Just sit back, relax, and enjoy the ride. It's not like we've got anything else to do until we make planetfall." Erruan shared in the crowd's relief; she had started to wonder if a technical issue had prevented the Dawn from taking off, or if they would be needed to disembark. Whilst others made for the food stalls, Erruan pulled out a large packet of spiced zatru jerky from her bag. She'd never tire of the stuff. Pausing for a moment, she then held out the packet to Krat. "You want some? The stalls will probably be mobbed."

Harr's interjection into their conversation came as a surprise; she had thought the man was only capable of quiet belligerence (though in the interests of not starting yet another fight she wouldn't dream of saying it to his face). "You can say that again."

At first the hum of the engines had been rather loud to Erruan, but it wasn't long before her modified biology kicked in and their noise faded into the background. That was one of the advantages of being soldier caste, she supposed.

Amelia's, City of Dama Latvama — Azunn

Azunn had known one or two of the well-to-do back in the SU who had purchased Thiana class shuttles. For some it was genuinely the best choice for their needs, whilst for others it was driven by a desire to stand out and show how different they were. The Berreil family had, for their part, always plumped for domestic models, partly out of a desire to support Sirian industry. Mnhiri's next question was a loaded one. Just what are you planning...?

"The Union is fully committed to democracy and liberty, yes," said Azunn. Of course, not everyone saw it that way: a highly militarised nation like the Union was not, after all, the first thing that most would think of when asked to name a state that espoused democracy and freedom. And for his part, he was keenly aware that his motherland had a long way to go in certain areas before it could truly be considered free. "Why do you ask?"

It was at roughly this moment that Koruuna turned up. Immediately turning on his Smooth Diplomat Mode^TM, he said, "Don't worry about it. It seems like you're not the only ones that ended up a bit late. It's a pleasure to make your acquaintence."

Amelia's, City of Dama Latvama — Cinder

Cinder returned the smile, this one pleasant. She had expected the Losshur ambassador to react like this. The Kellsaran hadn't given her much to go on, and no competent diplomat was going to just dive into an agreement without the foggiest idea of what it entailed. "We were hoping to establish an economic and military alliance, Your Eminence. For example, we could lower trade barriers between our nations, or make it easier to export our respective specialties - medicine and medical technology in the case of Kellsara, for example. It would also be a simple matter to enact collective self-defence. As I mentioned previously, Uabarr would have significant deterrence value towards any would-be aggressor. There would be no need to harmonise our politics unless that is what was desired by our respective peoples, Your Eminence Kaluu Nykos."

edited 13th Aug '17 11:34:06 AM by Flanker66