ic Revanche: At the Point of a Sword (IC)

[Blue Rose]

"Of course, Imperatrix."  As the rest of the team assembles to greet the ambassador, Tatiana assumes the role of overwatch.  Her abilities would be useful at the reception, sure, but she is also uniquely suited to this task.  Maintaining the balance between caution and peacemaking.  Too aggressive, too inclined to believe the worst in their guests, and it will be a misstep.  An insult.  An act of aggression.  A spark and an 'incident.'

 

Best to avoid such things.

 

But monitoring is still wise; while keeping the display of the meeting on screen, Tatiana extends the range of the station's drone network, focusing not on the Khanate ship itself, but rather on anything they may be there to distract from.  Lead with the fist, follow with the dagger.

[Thevshi]

GM 

The hanger 

If Ambassador Raal was bothered by Mater Vyrdna's not-so-veiled threat, he did not show any indication of it, instead focusing his attention on Corona.  "The Stellar Khanate is grateful for the Republic's willingness to offer assistance in these difficult times."  He replied to the Lor officer with a small nod. 

"But perhaps it would be best to discuss this further with the Republic ambassador and other Coalition representatives in a more private setting."  The ambassador then commented looking over to Paradigm. 

"Of course ambassador."  The Praetorian Imperatrix replied.  "If you would be so kind as to follow us, we will take you to the meeting chambers immediately."   

Paradigm gestured toward the main exit of the hanger, and then started in that direction, as the ambassador moved up near her.  Lady Tal'gar followed after, moving next to Corona.  Justicar Vor walked between Mater Vyrdna and Galvanic.  Ten of the Khanate troopers followed after the main group, along with some of the station Peacekeepers who were present. 

The passages leading from the hanger were empty of any other station inhabitants, the Peacekeepers having cleared them prior to the shuttle's arrival.  Once the group reached the main plaza, the larger open section of the station that housed the embassies and other governmental buildings that had been established, the group passed by crowds of station inhabitants, the majority of who stopped to regard the group as it moved by. 

Praetorian Command Center 

Adjusting the sensors of the drone network, Tatiana began scanning the space beyond the Khanate ship.  The initial readings did not pick up anything save the normal space traffic the busy station normally experienced. 

[Raveled]

Corona watched the gawking crowds, keeping tabs on the Khanate noblewoman with her peripheral vision. It would only take one reactionary, one mad bomber, one idiot with a grudge, to start the war all over again. To start it in the halls of this space station.

 

"I apologize for the crowds," she said dryly to Lady Tal'gar. "If you had let us know of this visit beforehand, we could have cleared the promenade for you. I'm sure a march past serried ranks of servants is more your style, anyway."

[Thevshi]

GM 

Lady Tal'gar had been studying the members of the crowed as they passed with a steady gaze.  When Corona spoke, the noblewoman turned toward the Lor officer.  "Is it customary to insult diplomatic guests while escorting them through the station?" She asked with a cool tone.  "Should we expect similar discourtesy along with any assistance the Republic might choose to provide?" 

If he heard the exchange between the Tal'gar and Corona, Ambassador Raal did not acknowledge it, instead casualty studying the various buildings erected around the main plaza and the man inhabitants crowding this section of the station.  "The Coalition has indeed transformed this once terrible place into a grand symbol of unity and cooperation."  He commented to Paradigm.   

Nearby, Justicar Vor followed after the ambassador and the Praetorians' Imperatrix, the armored figure methodically scanning the crowds around the group, clearly watching for any possible threat.  The Khanate soldiers with the group also kept a cautious eye on the crowds, although their weapons were holstered. 

[Raveled]

"I was never much one for diplomacy, your Majesty," Corona replied, her tone tight and harsh. "My time tends to be spent more on the front lines. In fact, the last time I was in the presence of Khanate soldiers, they were Communion drones using wave tactics to overwhelm defenses." She glanced at Tal'gar. "Defenses of a civilian housing project. If the Praetorians hadn't arrived in time, there would have been dozens more of the creatures to destroy. So you'll have to excuse me if I'm less than diplomatic towards your... bodyguards, Lady."

[Ecalsneerg]

Galvanic hovered a foot or so off the floor, keeping pace with everyone's walking speed. She stayed rather impassive, knowing she wasn't directly involved in this, and not wanting to let down Paradigm after she'd so kindly asked for her help. But Corona was looking to be starting something, and with the delicate situation...

 

She floated in between the Lady Tal'gar and Corona, hands held up placatingly. Her eyes darted between the two. "What thinkknow she means, if actually diplomacy, then perhaps should accept some will have less goodwill for priorpast crimes." Galvanic shrugged. "Hmm?" 

[Vahnyu]

Vyrdnaya ignored Corona and Lady Tal'gar's exchange; as far as she was concerned, as long as the Khanates did not pose any immediate danger, then whatever grieviances they might have incured upon others was none of her concern. Especially if said grieviances were conducted while the Khanates had been under the influence of the Communion. Doubly so if it meant that she'd stay away from Galvanic's dangerous EMP field!!!

 

No, if anything, the fact that the Khanates had been acting under the Communion's control, earned Vyrdnaya's sympathy; during the old war, Vyrdnaya had witnessed plenty alies fall under the thrall of the Communion hive-mind, she had seen Delaztri ships swallowed whole and converted into Communion drones, while aiding the cause in the frontlines. Tales of comrades turned to the enemy side were not uncommon, and the Delaztri often had to resort to killing their brothers and sisters in arms. Such was the reality of war. Doubly so, for a war that wasn't being conducted for honor, prestige, or some other <lofty> purpose, but a war for survival, a war against total eradication/assimilation.

 

Now, though? Now, the war was over. The Communion threat was no more. And the rest of the world had to move on, rebuild what had been lost. And if that meant that former sworn enemies would have to set aside their grudges? Then so be it! The safety of those who live weights heavier still than the regrets of those who have died. Of those who were left behind...

 

That last thought had lingered in Vyrdnaya's mind far more than she'd be comfortable with. So, instead, she focused her attention on Ambassador Raal. "Transformed? Hardly, your honour. What you see is not the end result, but merely a work in progress. Which is all the more reason why we are sincerely elated that you've graced us with your presence. Should your intentions prove honest, ambassador, it would greatly help in further promoting peace, stability, and understanding, throughout the four corners of the universe. And that is why we Praetorians intend to see the talks transpire smoothly, and with no incident." She might have been laying it a bit thick there with the formal speech, but Vyrdnaya spoke her mind, and spoke it trully she did.

Edited January 30, 2017 by Vahnyu

[Gizmo]

The council chambers of CoVic Station were neither as large nor opulent as the senate of late Lor-Van but an arched ceiling so high it made the average sentient dizzy to look upon lent them a certain grandeur. Accommodating the aesthetics of every group that had some sort of diplomatic presence on the station had been an exercise in frustration and eventually the workers clearing out that portion of what had been the Communion mothership had settled on a rather spartan look. Great round disks of burnished metal were laid into the curving walls, each broad enough for a half dozen humanoids to stand on with room left to move about. The platforms were layered in several rows moving up the walls, spaced so as to afford each of them a view of the empty space in the middle of the chamber. Audio equipment and info screens built into guard rails added a semblance of familiarity to the room but the alien geometries and asynchronous lights pulsing in the walls made it impossible to forget where they were all standing.

 

And an interesting group it was who watched the Khanate delegation arrive. While none of the platforms were explicitly reserved for any one group, now as more often than not the disk immediately facing the entrance way was occupied by Ambassador Th'emme and her bodyguard. Two their left three representatives of the Grue Individuality whispered hurriedly amongst themselves, necks moving bonelessly to turn their eyes toward the new arrivals. Representatives of every former Khanate world with enough pull to have a representative were present, even those who normally focused their energies far more on lobbying with more powerful groups than participating directly. Mostly Zultasians, their expressions ranged from curiosity to barely contained agitation and it was difficult to miss that not one of them had arrived without a guard of their own. Further up the walls were others still, hurriedly gathering notes and pulling up intelligence reports on their screens. Toothy Jereid and tentacled Illthusians, merchants and military advisors. It was both an impressive tapestry of cooperation and a clear indication of just how many vying interests were pulling and prodding at the direction the station would take.

 

As they entered Th'emme locked eyes with not Ambassador Raal but Lady Tal'gar; some habits of a noblewoman died hard. Still, as the murmuring in the great chamber died down the Lor ambassador said nothing in greeting, waiting instead with a thin smile for the Khanate delegation to set the tone.

[Thevshi]

GM

On ‎1‎/‎28‎/‎2017 at 2:05 PM, Ecalsneerg said:

She floated in between the Lady Tal'gar and Corona, hands held up placatingly. Her eyes darted between the two. "What thinkknow she means, if actually diplomacy, then perhaps should accept some will have less goodwill for priorpast crimes." Galvanic shrugged. "Hmm?" 

 

As the group had approached the council chambers, Lady Tal'gar had looked over at Galvanic as the Tempestian attempted to smooth over the discussion the Zultasian noblewoman was having with Corona.  "I can certainly accept that may be the case,"
she replied with a cool tone, "but if we are going to be judging each other for past crimes they should at least be crimes that were not done by those who had fallen victim to the Communion.  After all, I understand a good number of Lor soldiers were converted to drones as well, as were Grue and many other races."

On ‎1‎/‎30‎/‎2017 at 9:07 AM, Vahnyu said:

That last thought had lingered in Vyrdnaya's mind far more than she'd be comfortable with. So, instead, she focused her attention on Ambassador Raal. "Transformed? Hardly, your honour. What you see is not the end result, but merely a work in progress. Which is all the more reason why we are sincerely elated that you've graced us with your presence. Should your intentions prove honest, ambassador, it would greatly help in further promoting peace, stability, and understanding, throughout the four corners of the universe. And that is why we Praetorians intend to see the talks transpire smoothly, and with no incident." She might have been laying it a bit thick there with the formal speech, but Vyrdnaya spoke her mind, and spoke it trully she did.

 

Ambassador Raal gave Mater a small nod at her response.  "Well spoken Mater Vyrdna, although I would still consider the changes before me a transformation, even if it is yet incomplete.  I certainly look forward to what it is yet to be."  He replied with a small smile as the group approached the council chambers at the end of the main plaza. 

Once the group made its way into the main council chambers, Paradigm, Galvanic and the other Praetorians stood alongside the entrance along with the Khanate guards and the station peackeepers that had been part of the procession.  Justicar Vor stood a short distance from the entrance as well. 

Ambassador Raal moved forward toward the center of the large room, Lady Tal'gar following a short distance behind.  The Zultasian noblewoman unflinchingly met Th’emme’s steely gaze, fixing her eyes on the Lor noblewoman as well.  Tal'gar's lavender eyes seemed to burn with great intensity as the two focused on each other a few moments, but then the eye contact was broken, as Ambassador Raal began to speak. 

"Members of the Coalition Council, I am most honored by your hospitality and on behalf of Kinan Khan, congratulate you all on the many accomplishments you have achieved since the end of the Incursion."  The ambassador began, giving a small bow to the gathered dignitaries.  Straightening himself back upright, Raal began to look about the chamber at the various individuals standing on the many platforms.  "As you all know, the Stellar Khanate was the Communion’s first target when they began their advance.  Caught off guard, many of our forces were quickly consumed and turned into more fodder for the Communion.  Even the great Kinan Khan himself fell victim to the Communion's control, little more than a mouthpiece.  Following the Communion's defeat, the Khanate continued to suffer, having been severely weakened by the Communion.  But now, that is at an end."

[Thevshi]

GM 

Meanwhile, inside the hanger where the Khanate shuttle had docked… 

After the Khanate ambassador and his escorts have left the hanger, the remaining station Peacekeepers and Khanate soldiers had stood together in their own groups, keeping a wary eye on each other but otherwise just waiting until the meeting with the Coalition Counsel was over.  After some time had passed, one of the Khanate soldiers moved away from his companions and walked toward the Peacekeepers.   

The movement drew the attention of the Peacekeepers, who all turned to face the Khanate soldier, but otherwise made no hostile moves.  The Khanate soldier stopped only a short distance from the lead Peacekeeper, giving a small smile.  "Say friends, I was wondering…" 

But the soldier did not finish his statement, as two figures seemed to materialize out of thin air behind the group of Peacekeepers.  One was a Hassan, a snake like species with long snake tails instead of legs, but with humanoid torsos.  The Hassan wielded a pair of curved blades, which it quickly lashed out with, dropping two of the Peacekeepers before they could register its presence. 

The other figure was a tall, lean Shoon, a four-armed humanoid female in a black reinforced bodysuit.  She held a long staff in two of her hands, which became a blur as it struck two more of the Peacekeepers, dropping them to the ground as well. 

The remaining Peacekeepers began to react, reaching for their weapons as they turned to face the new threats.  The one nearest the Khanate solider that approached felt a shock before dropping to the ground as well, the Khanate soldier standing there with an outstretched electrified glove.  The others fared no better, as they were quickly hit by multiple energy blasts, as the other Khanate soldiers had dropped to one knee and quickly taken aim with their weapons. 

As quickly as it had begun, the fighting was over, and Khanate soldiers began dragging the downed Peacekeepers off to one side.  Several more Khanate soldiers, all dressed in black and heavily armed emerged from the ambassador’s shuttle.  In the midst of them was a tall, lean figured dressed in a white jumpsuit with a long coat over it.  He had dark orange skin and short black hair mixed with dark red.   

His dark yellow eyes fixed on the Shoon and Hassan as he and the Khanate commandos with him moved forward.  "We must move quickly.  Our diversion will only last for so long."

[Gizmo]

The council chambers erupted in voices as Raal finished his opening statements, some of the delegations shouting down the floor while most hurriedly discussed amongst themselves. While her bodyguard's eyes flicked warily across the Khanate party, Th'emme noticeable remained silent and simply folded her arms and glanced expectantly upward to the other platform disks. One by one the other delegations seemed to take notice and like a school teacher quieting her class with body language alone the hubbub dwindled to a low murmur.

 

A soft tone accompanied an orange light illuminating on the front of the railing surrounding the platform belonging to the Grue Individuality party, drawing the attention of the rest of the chamber. It wasn't unusual for the Individuality speak first during meetings; even if they were no longer parts of a larger hive mind they remained eager to achieve consensus. As shapeshifters and telepaths they were well acquainted with subterfuge but on the whole seemed to have developed a distaste anything that obstructed clear communication, lending them a certain directness.

 

"These ones would like to know the state of the one 'Kinan Khan'," the willowy, russet-hued humanoid at the front of the delegation spoke, chest visibly flexing as xe rearranged internal organs for better projection. Xe was wearing a white suit of breathable looking fabric in a minimalist cut, though it was always a little difficult to tell when a Grue was wearing actual clothing or merely affecting them to put solid forms more at ease. "There have been no confirmed sightings since the ship transporting him was waylaid. Please clarify, is the Ambassador claiming the Kinan Khan is alive and cogent or are these statements referencing a spiritual belief in posthumous approval?" After a beat the Grue tilted xir head to one side slightly, mimicking quizzical body language.

[Thevshi]

GM 

When the light indicating a member of the council wished to be heard, Ambassador Raal turned in the general direction of the representatives of the Grue Individuality to focus on their question.  "A very direct question honored representative."  Raal replied with a slight bow.  "One to which I am happy to provide a direct answer." 

"The great Kinan Khan was grievously injured by the partial cyberzation process the Communion performed on him.  But the intervening cycles have allowed him to recover and return to his former strength and stamina.  At the same time he has been consolidating his loyal forces, strengthening them and preparing."  As he spoke the ambassador’s tone became firm. 

"Now he is ready to strike back against those who treacherously sought to seize control of the Khanate for themselves.  He will defeat the renegade Boran prince Dovax, who stylizes himself as 'Sovereign' and take back the territory the pirate has seized." 

Raal then looked out over the gathered council members, focusing it seemed on those from independent Khanate worlds.  "To those Khanate worlds that choose to forge their own paths, the great Kinan Khan respects your refusal to join the traitors who sought to seize control of the Khanate and for not allowing yourself to fall to brigands such as Sovereign.  Now that he has returned to full strength, the great Kinan Khan offers you a chance to return to the glorious Stellar Khanate without any repercussions."

[Thevshi]

Paradigm 

Paradigm remained mainly impassive as Ambassador Raal began addressing the council.  The initial wave of discontent that swept over many in the council was not particularly unexpected.  It had been Paradigm's experience that council meetings could get rather contentious at times, at least initially.  The current reactions might be more pronounced that was typical, but then again there were many present that had reason to distrust and even hate the Stellar Khanate.   

While she should have been at least a bit surprised by the announcement that Kinan Khan had somehow regained his health, the return of such a dangerous foe should not be completely unexpected.  That was of course if it was true.  So far all they had to go on was Ambassador Raal’s statements.   

She felt herself tense slightly as Raal’s comments became a bit more aggressive.  If Star Khan was indeed restored, he appeared to be wasting little time in trying to regain what he had lost in the time since the Incursion. 

But her thoughts were interrupted by a faint chirp of her communicator.  "Paradigm, I am sorry to bother you."  Came Magnetar's voice.  "But there is a disturbance in the Spinal Core.  Some unknown parties are in the middle of a firefight and a number of Peacekeepers are already down." 

The Imperatrix frowned slightly at the news, the last thing they needed right now was to divide their focus away from the Khanate forces that were present on the station or in the nearby flagship.  But she also could not ignore a situation where the station Peacekeepers were unable to handle it.  

"Take a couple of Praetorians to the Core and see if you can bring the disturbance to an end."  She responded. 

"Of course Paradigm."  Magnetar replied before the line went silent once more.

[Raveled]

"The Khan is returning?" Aya hadn't intended to blurt out her reaction like that, but she could feel the chamber's attention turning to her. "That's what you're saying, isn't it? The Star Khan is returning to restart his old empire." She shook her head angrily. "Is supposed to be a declaration of war, then, Ambassador? Many of the formerly Khanate territories you're ready to 'welcome back' to your empire remember all too well what serving under the Khan got them last time -- damnation and enslavement to the Communion. What if they choose to remain free and independent states -- what will the Khan do in that situation?"

[Vahnyu]

"What of it, Corona?" Vyrdnaya simply scoffed at her teammate's obviously sentimentally charged comments, as she bore witness to the proceedings with the rest of the Praetorians at hand. "The independent states that wish to remain allied with the Coalition would still enjoy our protection. Attacking or otherwise harassing them would constitute a declaration of war, just the same as attacking any other Coalition-affiliated or member state. I highly doubt that Kinan Khan would thoughtlessly choose to fight a war on two fronts if he can help it. Not when he has to deal with an usurper in his former territory."

 

"And as for the rest of the unafiliated states, well... You said it yourself; free and independent. If those states choose to remain independent from the Khanate, they've obviously considered the pros and cons for doing so, and as such, should be held accountable to their decision." She had no nice words of compassion to speak for those she didn't know or trust. "The fact is, even if they claim independence, they'd still qualify as internal conflict of the Khanate Empire. Unless they'd be willing to join the Coalition or officially seek our protection as well, I don't see how they should be our concern."

 

Folding her arms at chest level, she voiced her own concerns. "Rather than that, the threat of the so called Sovereign is a real one. We did have an encounter with his forces in the Galor system, some time after the Incursion. We were dispatched on a simple scouting mission, and found his forces reigning down fire on the nearest inhabited planet, Galor III."

 

Running through her memory, Vyrdnaya recounted the events that took part there with machine-like accuracy.

 

"The pirate vessel acting under the authority of Dovox not only proved thoroughly uncooperative in any attempt at ceasefire, it opened fire against us while repeatedly ignoring warnings to the contrawise, resulting in us taking hostile action as a countermeasure. While it is true that he poses an immediate threat to the Khan's rule, Dovox has proven himself an enemy to the Coalition itself, and we would be fools to ignore that. We should seek stability over needless confrontation. If the Khan is truthfully willing to, if not join the Coalition, then at the very least forge an understanding with it, then it is my opinion that it is in our best interest to aid him in dealing with the Pirate who would be Sovereign."

Edited March 3, 2017 by Vahnyu

[Thevshi]

GM

 

In another section of the Main Plaza…

 

While the tense discussions took place within the council chambers at one end of the plaza, the other inhabitants of CoVic Station went about their normal routines, even if many were still unsettled by the presence of the Khanate battle cruiser near the station.  Among those going about their business were two Praetorians that had been away from headquarters when the Khanate ship had arrived but after the general alarm was cancelled, had remained away while continuing to monitor the situation as best they could.

 

One was one of the newest members to the group, Maybelle McQueen, also known as Queenie.  Since her first encounter with some of the Praetorians in her home system, she had been involved in a few missions.  This was her first real opportunity to see some of the interior of CoVic Station beyond the Praetorians' headquarters. 

 

The Main Plaza was a large and wide open area with low buildings that generally reminded Queenie of the area around the National Mall in Washington DC, just a number of times as large.  Large sections of the ceiling high above had been replaced with plexisteel, providing stunning views of the nearby nebula and neutron star that were the aftermath of an ancient supernova.

 

Accompanying Queenie, as both a guide and translator, was Liora Sylestrin, also known as Spectra.

[GranspearZX]

Spectra's first reaction when she spotted the massive cruiser on the way in was a simple one: she was glad it wasn't her in there.

 

The entire situation with the Khanate was somehow both complex and deceptively simple at the same time. Still, she wasn't sure how to feel about it or the Star Khan. She understood all too well what a commodity sovereignty was, and after so many people had fought and died to pick up the pieces of their lives, for anyone to come through and tell them that it was all for nothing... It wasn't a great feeling. She didn't like it. Never mind the dubious nature of the claim that anyone was speaking on the Star Khan's behalf...

 

She wasn't in the room, but it was hard not to think about. Nevertheless, she found Queenie to be a welcome distraction. "I wonder what this 'ambassador' could possibly need to discuss. And in such an ostentatious way, at that..."

[Gizmo]

"Praetorians." Th'emme's voice was measured but some trick of acoustics allowed it to instantly cut through the rising din of interjections. "While your unique perspectives are appreciated I would remind you that you are here in a security capacity are neither elected representatives nor recognized ambassadors to this Senate. I would invite you to communicate your concerns through the appropriate channels, as is the right of all Coalition citizens." The diamond hard look she gave Corona and Vyrdnaya in turn made the lack of wisdom in speaking further out of turn abundantly clear.

 

That same sense quieted the rest of the chambers as the Lor woman turned her attention back to their visitors. "Forgive the interruption, Ambassador Raal. The Station has a far more egalitarian culture than the Khanate. We have also developed a culture of forthrightness as you yourself perceptively remarked upon. In that spirit, please allow me to be perfectly clear." Despite her already immaculate posture Th'emme somehow managed to stand just a little bit straighter, shoulders just a little more square. "Dovax is indeed a subject of mutual concern and this Coalition was forged by the need for all conscionable sentients to stand united in the face of threats to their liberty and well-being. As such, should any world, government or collective in our esteemed membership find itself the target of would-be conquerors or petty dictators, it would not be they would should anticipate repercussions."

 

At her side Jilinson-08's communicator offered a subtle vibration in warning. A moment later information feeds from the Spinal Core began to stream across the screens before Th'emme, hidden from the Khanate delegation. If she noticed she certainly showed no signs of distraction, locking eyes unnervingly with Raal.

[EternalPhoenix]

Queenie only shrugged. The politics of her own country left her baffled sometimes, let alone those of her whole planet. And this was on a far larger scale than even that. “I’m just enjoying the view, sunshine. They’ll tell us if they need us.” Or, she felt she didn’t have to say, it’d be obvious. Like if that ship opened fire on the station as dropships and fighters swarmed out of it. Or any one of a thousand other things that merited superheroic response. Queenie wasn’t lying, though. The view of the nebula was breathtaking. She didn’t know if she’d ever tire of it.

[Thevshi]

GM

 

Her attention not now diverted by Magnatar's message, Paradigm added her own glare at Corona and Mater Vyrdna for their outbursts.  Of course the Praetorian Imperatrix remained silent, so she did not interrupt Senator Th’emme, instead she simply signaled for the two Praetorians to step further off to the side in the chamber, to leave the focus on the senate and Ambassador Raal.

 

The Khanate ambassador meanwhile gave a slight bow at Th'emme's apologizes for the interruption, and then focused back on the senator as she made the position of the council abundantly clear. 

 

"So, I see that the Lor Republic has been able to return to its former size and, through the guise of this 'Coalition,' add numerous new client states."  Ambassador Raal began, his gaze focused initial on Th'emme before slowly looking out over more of the assembly.  "But the Khanate will not be afforded the opportunity to return to its former size.  Instead it must accept the independence of worlds that have been part of it for decades.  Tell me, has this council imposed similar conditions on the Grue Unity following the defeat of the Communion?" 

[GranspearZX]

"They might. They might not." Liora smiled. It was the kind of smile that only someone certain of fate's general trajectory could make. "But I suppose worrying about it now is something of a wasted effort."

 

Liora clasped both her hands behind her back, moving beside Queenie to enjoy the view. She started to speak again, switching to English "I apologize. I sometimes forget how often I take these sights for granted. Sometimes I struggle to remember what they looked like on Tetragenesis III..." She paused, quietly considering the fact that she really wasn't sure how she felt about her homeworld not existing anymore. It wasn't exactly a sad story and she'd had so much time to come to terms with it--especially since she'd seen it long before it happened--she couldn't even be sure if her reactions were really appropriate.

[Gizmo]

The visiting ambassador’s sneering comments raised a rolling wave of angry muttering, in contrast to the earlier shouting. There were plenty of representatives present who didn’t appreciate being called vassals of the Lor and just as many who objected to any comparison between the Republic and the Khanate but they were not a united front on the subject.

 

A reptilian representative about halfway up the left side of the chamber called for the floor and rose from his seat. The coppery scales of Hak’tuk’s face had lost their sheen with age and his movements were slow but the majority of the assembly quieted immediately at his request. ‘Long lived and with a longer memory,’ was the common joke about the archivist turned radical turned statesman; long enough to remember the whole of his planet’s occupation as part of the Khanate.

 

“Forgive me, ambassador but it sounds as though you’ve spent too much time talking with your own propaganda writers,” Hak’tuk began in a vacuum dry drawl, eliciting a few muffled chuckles throughout the chamber and a rippling across the flat faces of the Grue that amounted to the same. “No one here is foolish enough to confuse collaboration with conquering. The Khanate has an opportunity to leave behind the leadership of a maniac and hatch something better.” He blinked slowly with both sets of eyelids. “I’m sad to hear you failed to rise to the occasion.”

[Thevshi]

GM

 

Ambassador Raal had turned to face the reptilian Hak'tuk when he had been granted the floor, listening to the aged ambassador's words.  "A maniac?"  He finally replied.  "Forgive me ambassador, but there would be no Khanate if not for the great Kinan Khan!  He forged a collection of minor systems into a fearsome empire.  He very nearly conquered the Republic."

 

He paused and gave a small bow of his head to Lady Th'mme.  "But that of course was some time ago, and has caused a great deal of bad will.  Since that time and until the Incursion the Khanate and the Republic have co-existed peacefully.  The great Star Khan merely wishes to return to that status quo."

 

Out on the Main Plaza

 

As Queenie and Spectra were continuing to take in the sights of CoVic Station’s central plaza, Spectra's communicator activated.  "Spectra," came Elite's voice over the comm. "we have received a transmission from High Prophet Arolla-Nor of the Sacred Assembly of the Prophets, who’s ship has just arrived in system.  She claims that Khanate forces are or will be attacking the Sacred Assembly's tower on CoVic Station, located at the far end of the Main Plaza.  We have not heard any reports of any such attack, but with the situation in the Spinal Core and the meeting taking place in the Council Chambers, I would like you and Queenie to go ensure everything is as it should be."

[EternalPhoenix]

Queenie shrugged. “Okay, I guess we’re on it.” Her pulse hadn’t so much as twitched higher at Elite’s words. Potential trouble wasn’t actual trouble. Her feet floated off the ground. She’d fly there, but not anywhere near fast let alone at top speed. “Spectra? You would know the way better than I would.” That, and it was probably a bad idea to split up if something actually was wrong.

[GranspearZX]

Spectra frowned. 'Potential' trouble meant something completely different to her, but she resigned herself to not overthinking the situation. Still, with what was potentially going on behind closed doors and this... Something was definitely converging.

 

"We're on our way," she replied. She gave Queenie an acknowledging nod, othr things clearly on the mentalist's mind as she started walking. It took her a moment before she noticed Queenie was in flight--something she wasn't particularly good at. "Oh! I'm sorry. I really should pay more attention. Her eyes--all three of them--glowed with a soft violet light and space seemed to warp behind her. Light gathered and then expanded forming a purple-bordered gateway.

 

"Here we go!"