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Post by killer spork on Sept 15, 2015 7:26:56 GMT -6
The eternal quest to map the galaxy had lead Lieutenant Commander to the edges of Denovan space, until at last the Firebrand had left the Frontier behind and was heading into the unknown. Humanity had been scattered amongst the stars, existing in pockets here and there. While Asteron had known about the existence of the USDFL, it had little to no contact with thanks to the tumultuous last few days. The Union had been battling with its own domestic politics but now with a new Administration in power, there was a thirst for knowledge and new contact from beyond the stars.
It wasn't long before the UAN Firebrand was picking up signs of life on its auspex. The unmistakable signature of ships out there within the darkness and a planet below. The Firebrand waited, monitoring the communications of those below, before at last opening a communications on a general channel so that the authorities could hear him.
'' C> This is the UAN Firebrand, representing the Union of Asteron. We are carrying diplomats aboard and are requesting a meeting with USDFL officials. ''
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Post by blarflesnarflo on Sept 25, 2015 3:23:47 GMT -6
Jirum Axis' metallic body spurted to life. Axis himself, in his personal quarters, viewed the news of outsiders requesting contact from his ActiveChair. In the command room of the ship, Axis' metal body began speaking and making gestures, as naturally as any human would do, the result of years of training Axis had logged onto his ActiveChair.
"Open a channel," Axis commanded to a worker in the ship, also a metal frame, its controller somewhere else.
"UAN Firebrand, this is the USDFLSS GreatGame. My name is Jirum Axis, head diplomat for the United States of Dalaarian Freedom and Liberty. Diplomatic communications would be welcome, but before they can commence, please send a dossier of information detailing the government, economy, and social structures for thee Union of Asteron. Once we have received this, we will send you one of our own. This is, of course, to prevent unfortunate slip-ups on either party's side during this no doubt momentous contact. Once dossiers have been traded, I will gladly board your ship myself in a show of good faith."
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Post by killer spork on Sept 25, 2015 7:41:00 GMT -6
There was a long moment of silence from the bridge of the Firebrand as her officers debated what exactly should be transmitted. After all, the country had just undergone a swift and difficult political transition. Yet this was key in establishing dialogue and trust. A dossier was transmitted to the USDFL representative, touching on everything from Asteron's place in the galaxy, to becoming a new democracy under President Jacobus Sidow, and the recent invasion by the Hive that had left so much of the planet devastated and population killed.
'' C> Data has been transmitted. You are welcome to board the Firebrand. '' Lieutenant Commander Kagiso would be waiting near the airlock with his officers and a handful of Asteran scientists whom would no doubt be eager to see other human faces and how the environmental conditions had changed them.
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Post by blarflesnarflo on Sept 25, 2015 17:29:01 GMT -6
"My thanks," Axis responded. "We will now send our own files. Please give us time to review the files you have sent, and then I will board my transport and dock on your ship."
Back in his quarters, the real Jirum Axis shifted positions in his ActiveChair as word and pictures appeared on the screen in front of him. While the Asteran language was alien, a universal translator had been provided. While it would take Axis a good deal of time to fully learn the strange words in order to carry a conversation, a simple upload to his ActiveChair would automatically translate what his Homunculus said and heard, expediting the whole process.
The metallic Axis boarded the transport ship. USDFL transport ships were highly efficient, as the metallic nature of their Homunculus passengers made it unnecessary for life-sustaining systems. As the transport headed towards the Firebrand, the Homunculus tapped its fingers in anticipation, a quirk that showed how experienced Axis was with the interface. The transport docked, and Axis stepped out of the ship. The Homunculus' large frame towered over normal human heights at 7'6", and it embodied the ideal human that Dalaarians had long ago given up - lean, broad chested, muscular. Overall, the humanoid figure had a metallic sheen to it, with lines of blue and red running across its body.
As Axis looked around the room through the Homunculus' eyes, he spoke. "Thank you for you kind hospitality. Now, what would you like to discuss? Or shall we perhaps move somewhere more comfortable for you first?"
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Post by killer spork on Sept 25, 2015 19:42:27 GMT -6
To say that Kagiso was dumbstruck by what was standing infront of him was an understatement. The short Asteran was dwarfed by the massive metal homunculus that seemed to fill his entire world. He was nearly a foot and a half taller than the naval commander but behind its metallic eyes, a strange sort of intelligence lurked. It reminded Kagiso of the '' super humans '' that were pictured so long ago in Asteran history books. Yet, no master race existed. The thing that was in front of him looked human, it had a human shape, but metal could never replace warm flesh. Nonetheless, the commander recovered quickly. '' Please follow me, we should not conduct diplomacy in an airlock. '' Kagiso said with a nervous chuckle, a guiding hand directing them towards a small conference room. It was a spartan ship, the Asteran's were a people that thrived on the most basic necessities but it would have to do. The homonculi would have to duck as it came through the doorway and Kagiso fretted that the creaking metal chair that held its stout frame might collapse underneath the weight. Thankfully, it seemed to be holding the line.
'' I thank you for accepting my invitation. On behalf of the Union of Asteron and President Sidow, I greet you. I have been dispatched on a mission by my government to establish diplomatic relations with our neighbors. Even our lesser known ones. '' The officer said with a half smile, it was difficult to read the body language of this creature, and the soldier was careful to choose his words. '' As you may have gathered from the data file that we sent you, Asteron is under threat from the Hive menace. We have lost millions of people and our industry has been devastated by the war. It is why I have been sent to negotiate for skilled foreign engineers and labor to help Asteron rebuild its battered economy. We would like to negotiate for aid. The Asteran government can offer credits or the research of its scientists as compensation. ''
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Post by blarflesnarflo on Sept 27, 2015 3:02:42 GMT -6
"This is quite an intriguing offer," Axis answered. "I'm sure we can find a suitable arrangement that would benefit the both of our great nations. Tell me, what do you have in mind for rebuilding your economy, specifically? I'm sure we will do everything in our power that you ask of us."
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Post by killer spork on Sept 29, 2015 13:19:13 GMT -6
'' If the USDFL was willing to contribute twenty million man hours (20 Industry) to the Asteran economy through its scientists and engineers, we would be willing to compensate you with five billion Asteran credits. Or we could send over our latest scientific data in exchange in addition to monies. In addition, we would like to reach a memorandum of understanding towards achieving a trade deal. At the moment, we do not have the facilities, but we do plan to put an orbital port into service within the next two cycles. If trade could start immediately, it would be a boon to our economies. Naturally, if you have another offer, I am willing to consider it. ''
Asteron offers 5 credits for 20 Industry or 3 Credits and 2 Science for 20 industry
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Post by blarflesnarflo on Sept 30, 2015 18:41:17 GMT -6
Jirum raised an eyebrow, which on the face of his Homunculus manifested itself in a slight wrinkling of its metallic overcoat. "While I myself do not have the authority to send our workers, I'm sure our Presidents and CEO's would be glad to exchange the labor for the credits. If I may ask first, however, what would our manpower help accomplish? Are you preparing more military bases, or creating buildings of commerce? Of course, I only ask because it is our citizens providing the manual labor.
"In terms of trade, that is a very difficult issue to parse immediately, as tariffs, currency conversions, and the like could take quite a while to deal with. However, I'm sure we could work with you or whoever you feel would be most qualified to discuss these matters, and I have no doubt that commerce will flow shortly between our planets."
Axis considered for a moment, before continuing, "In fact, on that trade issue, we have recently begun building orbital facilities capable of handling trade with other planets. Perhaps if you could point us in the direction of like-minded civilizations also looking for boosts to their economy? In fact, I'm sure that if you introduced us formally to other nations, and advocated for us to have a role in trade and other relations, we would willingly give you our labor for free. What say you?"
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Post by killer spork on Sept 30, 2015 20:12:15 GMT -6
'' These workers and engineers would be contributing to boosting Asteron's manufacturing output. Our industrial base has been greatly devastated by the war and new orbital factories will aid in the creation of millions of jobs for the Asteran economy. A healthy economy benefits everyone, yes? '' Kagiso said with a firm nod, this knowledge was indisputable. '' Due to our unique position in the galaxy and as a focal point in the fight against the Hive Unity, we have unique contacts among the galaxy. Whether its the Viscarri Empire, the Denovan Admiralty, or the Kwazan Conglomerate. Each is seeking to boost their own trading contacts I imagine, especially the Kwazan. I can prepare a dossier on each of you and leave a diplomatic attache behind to make proper introductions, if this satisfies you? While we haggle over the details of trade, would you consent to Asteron opening a consulate on your planet? It would make the facilitation of talks easier. ''
Asteron accepts USDFL offer
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Post by blarflesnarflo on Oct 1, 2015 14:01:40 GMT -6
"Very well," Axis replied. "I hope the relative culture shock does not prove too great an issue for your diplomats to handle. Hopefully as building progresses on your planet, we may too open a consulate. In regards to foreign powers, I am sure that having your good word will prove a boon for us in any negotiations. I thank you on behalf of Axis Banking and all the other free corporations of Dalaaria."
He continued, "You've mentioned the Hive Unity. Are they still a threat to the galaxy at large? Should war preparations be made? It seems as if this "Unity" is a threat to every species it comes across, if the reports you've sent to us are true. My deepest condolences for the lives your people have lost. If necessary, we could begin raising our Hands of Justice brand fleets, although such preparations would take substantial time and money."
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Post by killer spork on Oct 10, 2015 7:08:36 GMT -6
'' The Hive Unity always remains a threat. We've recently been seeing fleeing refugees from the system of Nas. Evidently, the Hive struck there as well but unlike on Asteron, they were unable to repulse them. The Hive are a force that will have to be dealt with but so will the internal divisions that grip the powers that border the Unity. The Revolutionary Workers Union is incessantly attempting to mobilize the masses on our own planets, making a coalition difficult to muster. The Wuxian, Asteran's, Denovans, Viscarri, and the RWU have all pledged forces but for the moment it has been for naught. Which is why Asteron is looking beyond its current neighbors for help. Alliances and ships are needed to patrol the frontier and trade agreements to pay for soldiers. As I stated earlier, Asteron is extremely interested in developing trade links with the free corporations of Dalaaria. If a conference could be arranged with the Kwazan's, would Daalaria send representatives to hear proposals? ''
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Post by blarflesnarflo on Oct 10, 2015 23:18:55 GMT -6
Jirum, and by extension, his Homunculus, smiled. "We would be honored by such an invitation. In fact, I believe as chief diplomat for Axis Banking, I will personally take part. I eagerly await meeting these new peoples and constructing the kind of strong bonds that will bring prosperity to all."
Axis' Homunculus rose. "Well, I expect long talks between our representatives before our agreed upon trade, but it seems that we have broached a large amount of ground today. I shall bring this information to the CEO's at once, unless there is anything else you would like to discuss? If not, I thank you for your hospitality and generosity."
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Post by killer spork on Oct 13, 2015 13:44:52 GMT -6
'' That will be all. '' The Lieutenant Commander said with a smile, but that wouldn't be the end of Asteran involvement. Within one standard month, the USDFL would receive an invitation to attend a major trading summit to be held inside the Kwazan Conglomerate.
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