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Post by Admin on Sept 8, 2015 17:35:49 GMT -6
The Retaren Empire... in many ways it resembled Kwazan. Both had pulled themselves up to the galactic level using the technology of others. Both emphasized industry and prosperity over petty political concerns. But how much the Retaren shared these views was a mystery. They had been content to build up on their homeworld for years, with little to no contact with outsiders.
And so it was the Kwazan Conglomerate that came to them, seeking allies and partners in an increasingly chaotic galaxy. A full-fledged warship could not be spared for the duty - the diplomatic cruiser Ghati's Kraal had made the trip instead. They approached openly, requesting permission to land as a diplomatic envoy.
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Post by I Like Turtles on Sept 18, 2015 21:31:46 GMT -6
The physical mismatch between the Kwazan and the Retaren was easy to see, and if the well trained Retaren Defense Force had instead been replaced by younger soldiers there may have been snickering and laughter. Not today. These were some of the most well trained, most loyal, and fiercest soldiers Odune had to offer. They had helped Druden Larn overthrow the rest of the planet, and payed respects to these new, if strange, visitors.
Druden Larn watched from his tower as his men greeted the Kwazan. Exposing himself to a strange race wasn't first on his list of things to do, but if they continued in their diplomatic ways then he would listen to what they had to say. He turned to the only human in the room, Simon Fowler, who once wore rags and was now in a very fine suit.
"Those scanners better work," Druden said. Though he didn't mean it as a threat, as a Retaren it naturally sounded like one.
"They should detect any weapons or explosives," Simon Fowler stated in his broken Retaren tongue. "That is, of course, assuming their technology is on par with ours."
Druden sighed. He was used to dealing with other Retaren. He knew of the Kwazan but had never dealt with them in person. What is it they want, he wondered. What is it they have to offer?
At the landing pad the leader of this contingent of the Retaren Defense Force, Doluna Tarsuk, was the first to greet the Kwazan entourage as some of her men used their wrist mounted scanners. Harmless and quick, the scans would reveal any weapons or explosives.
"Just a precaution," Doluna stated. "Assuming everything goes well we will escort you to Emperor Larn's local office."
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Post by Admin on Sept 24, 2015 10:39:06 GMT -6
"Of course." Mma tatswani Ghata replied, allowing herself to be scanned with steady grace. If it would make the Retaren more comfortable she would accept their precautions, her private interest at their intense paranoia well concealed behind her calm expression. Who ever heard of sending a diplomat to assassinate a stranger? Retribution would be swift and the benefits nonexistent, as it would the other way around. That was why she carried no weapons herself (unless they thought she would stab the empress with a hairpin) and calmly faced down these veteran soldiers with a wry smile.
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Post by I Like Turtles on Sept 24, 2015 20:25:10 GMT -6
Finally the escort arrived at the emperor's office. Inside the spacious and decorative room was sturdy desk and chairs. On either side of the furniture were a few more gaurds, one well dressed Retaren in front of the desk, and another Retaren and a human behind the desk to the side. The well dressed Retaren waited until the escort had covered most of the distance from the door to the desk and then stepped forward.
"I am Emperor Druden Larn," he said, extending his massive, clawed hand. As it is with the Retaren, it was difficult to determine whether this was a greeting gesture or a threat. Though his stance was passive, his keen eyes seemed to watch in paranoid anticipation.
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Post by Admin on Sept 24, 2015 21:38:37 GMT -6
"Mma tatswani Ghata" The Kwazan ambassador replied, bowing at the waist in respect. "Ambassador for the Kwazan Conglomerate." Her eyes flickered around the room, taking in the scene before her while her expression remained unchanged.
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Post by I Like Turtles on Sept 25, 2015 10:05:50 GMT -6
The Emperor did not bow, but after lowering his arm he did nod deeply. He gestured towards the chairs and said "please be seated" as he walked around his desk, sitting at an ornate chair. His advisors, the human male and another Retaren, inched closer to him as he leaned forward, elbows on the desk with his clawed fingers intertwined.
He noticed Mma tatswani Ghata eyeing the soldiers and sizing up the room. "You must forgive the high level of security. We do not get many visitors, and have just recently won a unification war. It is difficult to lose the," the Emperor searched for a word other than paranoid, "attentiveness that constant attacks force upon us."
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Post by Admin on Sept 25, 2015 10:41:18 GMT -6
"I quite understand" she replied, her voice embittered with a twinge of distaste. "There are always those who refuse to recognize the authority of others and seek to tear down what we have built. They have no qualms about turning our own citizens into tools of their meddling and throwing fits like an adolescent child when they do not get their way." She used the terms "we" and "our" consciously, quick to suggest a common grievance between the Kwazan and the Retaren, and perhaps a common enemy.
"Such people are part of the reason I am here, notwithstanding our desire to make contact with your empire of course."
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Post by I Like Turtles on Sept 25, 2015 13:46:11 GMT -6
"Of course" the Emperor said with a grin. Was it sincere? Was it sinister? With Retaren it is difficult to be sure. "Our Empire is expanding every day, but even in a galaxy as vast as ours enemies do crop up. It is good to have allies."
Then the Retaren Advisor tapped the Emperor on the shoulder. He leaned back and listened as the Advisor spoke softly into his ear. When finished he nodded and leaned forward, addressing his guest.
"The Retaren Empire is interested in opening trade agreements with the Kwazan Conglomerate. We can hammer out the details now if you'd like, but if you'd like a tour of our city or some refreshments then, by all means, let me know." The Emperor smiled another broad, sharp toothed smile.
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Post by Admin on Sept 25, 2015 17:03:47 GMT -6
"Trade would be an excellent start to what we hope will be, eventually, a firmly beneficial relationship for us both." Mma Tatswani took a seat, leaning back in a somewhat leisurely form. She could appreciate the subtle game of intimidation and body language, even across species. The Retarens were clearly no strangers to dealing with others. That was why she kept the same calm, almost leisurely demeanor even when faced with subtle threats. Calm in the face of danger (or the presentation of it) was another way to demonstrate strength.
"In all honestly we seek more than trade - we seek allies in a galaxy that is proving more and more hostile to nations like yours and mine. There are many who would see us subjected to their rule, or our governments thrown down in the name of our own people, as if they know what is better for us than we do. It is premature to propose a binding treaty of any kind, but I do hope that if the Empire finds that it needs friends in the future you remember that our hand is open.
"For now, we offer you trade, as well as free passage through Kwazan territory for any Retaren warships or trade vessels."
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Post by I Like Turtles on Sept 29, 2015 8:54:58 GMT -6
"Certainly," the Emperor said, "should our relationship prove to be a beneficial one then any enemies of yours would be enemies of ours, and the same the other way around."
Once again the Retaren advisor tapped the Emperor on the shoulder and whispered to him. The Emperor nodded and fixed his gaze upon his guest. His demeanor dropped to be less "light and accepting" and more dour, down to business.
"Or were you, perhaps, speaking of a more immediate enemy?"
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Post by Admin on Sept 30, 2015 15:33:55 GMT -6
Tatswani smiled. "It is no secret that the Kwazan Conglomerate and the Revolutionary Worker's Union have been at each other's throats lately. The RWU has very close-minded and particular ideas of justice, and no qualms about forcing those ideals on other nations or peoples." Her fingers tangled together. "It would be remiss of us to demand your aid at our first meeting, but my government would certainly look favorably upon any alliances that helped curb the RWU's influence."
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Post by I Like Turtles on Oct 2, 2015 21:40:29 GMT -6
"Indeed," the Emperor agreed. "At this point establishing trade will be a priority and, once established, we will be allies. Should the RWU, or anyone for that matter, seek to threaten either of us then they threaten the alliance as a whole. Should it come to that, aid would be swift and efficient."
The Emperor leaned back, smiling, apparently proud at how well these talks seemed to be going. Or maybe he was bearing his sharp teeth and powerful jaw. No, that couldn't be it.
"In fact," the Emperor continued, "we have just started construction on a Spaceport. What better use than to establish this route?"
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Post by Admin on Oct 13, 2015 16:18:03 GMT -6
"Excellent news." Tatswani agreed. "If your government is interested, the Conglomerate is planning to host a conference in the hope of founding a formal trade union in the near future. A representative from the Reteran Empire would be most welcome.
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Post by I Like Turtles on Oct 14, 2015 9:39:34 GMT -6
"Thank you for your invitation," the Emperor said with a terrifying grin and a slight nod of the head, "the Retaren Empire will definitely have a presence at this conference."
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