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Post by killer spork on Jul 28, 2015 16:59:04 GMT -6
The science vessel UAN Firebrand struck its way silently through the inky black void of space. Sensors hummed, continuing their quest in the dark for signs of life. Lieutenant Commander Kagiso leaned forward from his perch on the bridge, intently studying the array of auspex screens that were laid out before him. The Firebrand was approaching the Hades Cluster, a place that was scarcely known to the Union's navigators.
In Asteron's history, it had only brief encounters with the race known as the Denovans. They were known as being intensely reclusive and past encounters had consisted of brief standoffs in the mineral rich asteroid fields around the planet before they had retreated. Now with Asteron united under the revolution, the Chairman and the Revolutionary Council had become intensely interested in seeing what exactly neighbored its borders.
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Post by ravigen on Jul 28, 2015 20:26:49 GMT -6
The Firebrand's journey was unnaturally quiet, the star system the Denovans resided in was a quiet place, few ships were seen and for all intents and purposes it seemed there might be no one there.
Then they were surrounded, small patrol vessels had emerged from the gloom of space as the Firebrand neared New Denova, six patrol ships in all, completely blocking off the path of the Firebrand. For a moment, all was quiet until a single transmission was sent to the Asteronian ship.
"Foreign vessel, state your business in Denovan territory." A simple one sentence transmission but it said enough.
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Post by killer spork on Jul 29, 2015 12:12:26 GMT -6
'' Sir, we are surrounded. '' Lieutenant Grom said, his eyes glued to the vessels shield levels. The Firebrand was only a research vessel, it wasn't designed for war. Though seeing as the reception they had received, it might've been smarter for command to dispatch a battleship for some gunboat diplomacy with these people.
'' We're being hailed. ''
'' Route the message to my console. '' Kasigo said, inspecting the content for any overt signs of hostility. The Firebrand was quiet for several long minutes before the Denovan's received a reply.
'' This is the UAN Firebrand, representing the Union of Asteron. We are seeking contact with representatives of the Denovan government. '' Short and sweet, now would the Firebrand be blown to spacedust was the question?
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Post by ravigen on Jul 29, 2015 18:22:50 GMT -6
There was a long pause before slowly the patrol boats began to disperse and navigate away from the Firebrand, save for one.
"UAN Firebrand, it has been a long time since we've had emissaries of foreign powers, I am Captain Ros, commander of the outer patrol scout division and for the moment your 'contact' for the Admiralty, speak and let your intentions in our system be known."
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Post by killer spork on Jul 30, 2015 9:27:50 GMT -6
The Lieutenant Commander kept one eye on the auspex screen as the vessels slowly began to drift away from the Firebrand. Nothing more than patrol ships but they would've been more than enough to give the Firebrand a run for her money should she have had to fight her way out. '' The Union of Asteron is opening it's borders, seeking trading partners for its goods, and looking to export its many raw materials. I have been dispatched as an emissary to make such arrangements. I would prefer such negotiations be done in person. If we cannot conduct them planetside due to political circumstances, I am more than willing to allow you to board my vessel, or I can come aboard yours. '' The voice on the comms crackled back.
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Post by ravigen on Jul 30, 2015 11:11:18 GMT -6
The remaining patrol vessel turned to show it's docking cable to the other ship.
"Outsiders are forbidden from landing on Denova we can dock and speak in person."
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Post by killer spork on Jul 30, 2015 11:21:01 GMT -6
Well, that was certainly going to make trading difficult. The Lieutenant Commander terminated the comm link and began barking orders as the Firebrand linked itself with its counterpart via docking cable. Kasigo came aboard, trailed by a half dozen Asteran Naval Officers and squad of Asteran marines. They were fully armed with a complement of body armor and shotguns for the tight confines that boarding actions often brought.
'' Captain Ros, I assume? '' Kasigo said with an arched eyebrow. Kasigo himself was a short man (like most Asteran's), standing a little over five foot eight. If one was to look into those pale blue eyes and a face lined with age, they would guess in their mid fifties. It was however difficult to tell a true Asteran's age, especially an officer. Unlike the regular citizenry, they had access to regular rejuvenation treatments.
'' I bring greetings from the Union of Asteron and Chairmain Galieani. '' His deep voice echoing throughout the chamber, as he stepped closer, a hand extended in a typical Asteran greeting. The Denovan's looked human...except for their horns.
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Post by ravigen on Jul 30, 2015 11:49:42 GMT -6
Captain Ros was something of a sight to see, towering over Kasigo at a height of nearly seven feet bright green eyes and short, regulated brown hair with numerous small horns poking through the top, he wore an adorned naval uniform, his posture was regimented and he gave off the appearance of a career military man, like many of his peers, behind him stood a squad of his own marines, body armor and quick burst rifles, they were different from the normal marines of the Admiralty's army, better trained, equipped and a more prestigious occupation than the army which was for those without the talent for a naval career.
Ros extended his own hand and shook Kasigo's, his grip neither too firm or too loose.
"Your greetings are welcome even if your presence is worrisome, we are not accustomed to outsiders nor have we ever been fond of outside affiliations but the Admiralty agrees that trade would be beneficial to both parties. A spaceport is being constructed over Denova as we speak when it is finished we will be open to such trade with Asteron.
With the ban on foreigners landing on Denova the spaceport was expected to become the hub for foreign diplomacy, little as it may be.
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Post by killer spork on Jul 31, 2015 16:36:45 GMT -6
'' Likewise, our own spaceport is currently under construction. I'm afraid at the moment we will be unable to accommodate any traffic until another two galactic cycles (two turns). '' The Denovan's xenophobia was worrisome. Asteron, like the Denovan's, was home to its own brand of those whom sought racial purity. Yet unlike the Admirality, the Asteran's had a rich history and extensive contacts with other alien cultures. The most notably being that of the Ayar. The naval officer bit down on the questions that were burning inside of him. What was Denova like? Had its Workers experienced the guiding principles of the Revolution as preached by Comrade Leneru?
''I would however like to leave here with an agreement in place, one our individual ports are complete, it will go into effect. In addition, I would request that Asteron be allowed to open a consular office on this spaceport. Not only to represent Asteron's interests but those of its merchants and traders whom will be visiting this sector. Naturally, you would be afforded the same on Asteron. '' Though Denova's diplomats would not be confined to a spaceport but allowed to roam the plaet itself... Though some would no doubt prefer the vacuum of space to Asteron's scarred surface that had been ruined by war, nuclear winter, and industry.
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Post by ravigen on Jul 31, 2015 18:59:37 GMT -6
Captain Ros's facial features did not change but it was obvious the way his eyes focused on Kasigo searching for any hidden plots or loopholes in the bargain before eventually deciding it would be fine. He gave a short nod and extended his hand to shake.
"Agreeable terms, but as a condition Asteron will give respect to Denovan sovereignty in our own borders, we have no interest in the political machinations of the outside galaxy, we wish for nothing less than being left to our own business."
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Post by killer spork on Aug 1, 2015 6:32:20 GMT -6
'' Of course. '' Kasigo said without missing a beat. He could clearly hear the undertone in the man's words. Spreading the tenants of Leneru would be difficult here and in the interest of trade and Asteron's ambitions, such enlightenment could wait. Though the decision did leave him with a sense of guilt for the plight of Denova's Workers.
'' We will dispatch a consul and a delegation of trade officials within the next cycle to lay the groundwork. I hope this is the start of a mutually beneficial agreement. '' The Lieutenant Commander said, shaking his counterparts hand, offering a salute, and then did a prompt about face to retreat back to his own ship. Within a matter of hours, the Firebrand would be charting a course back to its own system to bring the news to the Chairman and the Revolutionary Council.
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Post by killer spork on Aug 30, 2015 19:37:27 GMT -6
Lieutenant Commander Kasigo cursed his luck. For over a year, he had been stranded in Denovan space. The war back home had meant that the Firebrand had quickly had to turn back and wait for the invasion to play itself out. Thankfully, Asteron's allies had arrived and through bloody combat had managed to turn the tide against the bugs. The planet however was devastated, millions were dead, and the economy had slowed to a crawl. Not to mention, the political situation of Asteron's main ally, the RWU was in doubt. If anti-Asteran politicians won, then Asteron would truly be facing a crisis. In an effort to diversify the Union's reach, Kaisgo had at last received a new mission from home. It had taken painstakingly long for the communication to reach him but now as Asteron's official ambassador (at least for the moment), he had a mission. A communication had been sent to Captain Ros, requesting a meeting with him and Denovan government officials aboard the newly constructed spaceport.
While the port itself was large, the traffic flowing from it was little more than a trickle. The capitalists were not making a profit and in turn, much needed income from abroad was not flowing into Asteron's war ravaged economy. Something had to be done and the Chairman had a project in mind.
'' Neither Asteron or Denova stand to benefit from this current quagmire. '' Kasigo explained to the assembled representatives. '' The Asteran Government has had to abandon its plans for an orbital spaceport. There will be none until the war is over. However, that doesn't mean the idea for a port has to be quashed entirely. The Torgau Sector was utterly destroyed by the Hive invasion but now can be redeveloped now that the enemy has been defeated. While the Asteron government can cover the bulk of the costs for the project, in order to have a mutually beneficial relationship, the Chairman has requested me to ask for up to ten million man hours from Denova and its engineers, in addition to one trillion credits to cover existing costs. '' (10 Industry, 1 Credits)
'' It would not only boost Denova's economy but our own. ''
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Post by ravigen on Aug 30, 2015 19:47:15 GMT -6
The assembled representatives stared for a moment before conversing between themselves quietly for a few minutes, each of them was a former military officer, all relatively old, by Denova's standards, and if nothing else prideful of their military service.
"If that is what has to be done, then I believe we can convince the Admiralty board to approve of this agreement."
Denova gives 1 credit and 10 industry to Asteron
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Post by ravigen on Sept 16, 2015 21:01:46 GMT -6
The Asteronian embassy at the spaceport was partitioned away from the normal traffic of workers going through the docks but still within easy reaching distance of anyone wanting to seek out the embassy. Lieutenant Commander Alrin Drav had been given an assignment by the Admiralty, a new regime meant new opportunities and the board hoped to capitalize on this newfound regime's break with the RWU.
His white uniform was crisp and clean, he was tall and fit, hair trimmed to standard and horns covered by his formal hat, he'd done his duty to look his part, if all went well a promotion might be in order and would bring even more industry and prestige to Denova.
With this thought in mind he entered the embassy with a request to see the ambassador.
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Post by killer spork on Sept 17, 2015 17:50:38 GMT -6
Captain Vorchek stood to greet the arrival with a salute and a firm handshake. The embassy in Denova was noticeably beginning to feel less like a military barracks as the new civilian government rotated in fresh '' civvies ''. '' Commander Drav. '' Vorchek said, his voice heavy with an Ezrian drawl. '' I am pleased to welcome you to Asteran soil. '' It was a half hearted joke, '' asteran soil '' consisted of a few buildings that would've made up a very small hab block back on Vorcia.
'' How may I assist you? '' Vorchek said, ushering the Commander into his office and motioning for him to sit.
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