Z
Zack
ON> Starsystem 188604
There wasn't a lot of high-technology in this star system... no subspace signals being sent out, no aether reactors being used heavily... but there was one thing to detect if the I'ee had the patience to do so. On one of the planets in the system was filled with humans, and occasionally a star ship would travel to and from.
That star ship was the Queen's Slave, a freighter that was running Cargo for Uso and Ragnarock, with only one soldier being tasked with watching the ship's deep space radar for any visitors.
Sammy had needed to personally board the Utility Vessel this time in order to argue with Gut-Stripe over their latest discovery. Despite primarily being aimed towards recovering technology for the I'ee engineers to tear apart and study, the Joint Technology Expedition also had star-charting high on its priority list; a detail which Gut-Stripe, the de-facto commander, seemed to forget all too often.
"Our people cannot defend ourselves with lifeless rocks, Ee'ith!", the Thi-thi warrior had hissed to Sammy as he desperately tried to soothe her hot-headed nature. "We must search for metal and energy, not dirt and stone!"
It was only after Sammy pointed out the possibility of life existing on the planet, coupled with the likelihood of there being an alien research team to study said life, that Gut-Stripe had begrudgingly conceded to change their course. Fortune further aided Sammy's cause when the Utility Vessel's sensors picked up what might have been a space craft in the vicinity of the planet. Now, finally, after a few days of travel, Sammy got to hear the low hum of the Alcubierre drive winding down as they left FTL speed.
The JTE appeared in 188604's orbit, signified by a pair of bright, sunflower yellow flashes of light on the far side of its moon; the FTL drives releasing motes of deadly particles in all directions as their travel 'bubbles' dispersed. Already prepared for flight, the four gunships in the Utility Craft's docking bay flew out, assuming a rough delta formation as they moved to escort the Treasury Vessel positioned behind their mother ship
At the same time, the Dragoon corvette, moored with the Utility Craft, disconnected and flew away from the rest of the fleet, moving to position itself in orbit around 188604's moon; above its northern pole. Travel time would take roughly an hour, after which the Dragoon powered its systems down, remaining motionless and discreet until it was needed.
As for the rest of the small, I'ee fleet, they flew onwards towards the planet, moving into high orbit. Gut-Stripe brooded upon the Utility Craft's bridge, watching as her crew began scanning the planet's surface using the craft's powerful sensor array. She tapped a claw on the hilt of her rapier impatiently, the light from the planet reflecting impassively off her chitin and compound eyes.
In complete contrast, Sammy and the Ee'ith crew of the Treasury Vessel were practically dancing with excitement, chattering and squeaking to one another about the beautiful looking planet below. Each hoped they would meet a new alien species, perhaps even an intelligent, civilized one, but simply finding a new alien world was an amazing experience for the naive, little ambassadors.
The lone soldier watching the radar was Corgan Garret, and he was not paying attention when the I'ee ships arrived. Instead he was playing a game of Agitated Avians on his DataJockey and listening to Aethersperm's Greatest Hits. "Damn boars!" He yelled, nearly ready to fling the device across the room. He sighed and pulled off his headphones. That's when he heard an alarm going off. Corgan frowned. Uso wasn't expecting any ships, he thought as he sat up. He watched the radar as four smaller blips separated from a larger one. "That definitely ain't good.." He muttered, looking to see where the ships were headed. The current trajectory seemed to indicate a high orbit. "Guess I need to call the Cat Queen.." He said in an annoyed tone.
He reached over and grabbed his communicator, then stuck it in his ear and called Uso. "Uso, do you hear me? We have company. Looks like a small fleet but I don't think it's Yamatai or Nepleslia. The ships aren't moving like theirs. What do you want me to do here?" Corgan asked, not really sure what he could do from here.
"Hanako's Hips!" Uso shouted, her audio being cut off by a loud blast as she kicked her power armor's rockets on and shot off back towards the ship, "Start pre-flight, get us in the air. I'll be there shortly. Have everyone else get ready to bail on Small's ship... "
The systems of the Queen's Slave began humming, the reactor pumping out more energy, the engines firing up, the craft's shield contracting to a nice tight bubble as it began to lift off... without the majority of the crew. Whomever was already on the ship was going to be the crew for the duration, Uso only just barely making it as she rocketed up onto the top of the craft and used Hellcat's pilot's hatch to board the ship,
"You know who these guys are? ... I mean, obviously you don't," Uso said over the intercom as she struggled with getting her helmet off, "Get them on Comm's, give them a 'Hi, how're you, lets be friends' message. If they give you shit then... shit... you any good at poker?" Uso asked.
As the Queen's slave started to take off, the atmosphere of the planet started to change, the exotic particles from the I'ee ships were slamming against the planet's atmosphere, triggering an aurora borealus like effect, treating the entire planet to a green and blue light show of epic proportions.
Cyrus feel out of his bed. "What the hell was that?" He yelled as he jumped up and ran towards his makeshift command center in the palace. As he entered he shooed the common staff and several technicians came running in to take up their places around the room.
Cyrus opened his comms. "All companies on high alert. Defcon 1. Repeat we are at Defcon 1. Scramble all units for emergency operations" He said as he plugged his eye into the holoboard.
"Talk to me Corgan!" Cyrus called over his comms as the warning sirens blared all across Ragna-City.
Corgan was expecting a boring, quiet evening, so all the activity was a welcome change. "I guess we'll find out. Hope we got some weapons on this thing though." He replied to Uso before switching frequencies. He tried to send a message to the incoming ships on as many frequencies as possible. "Thi is the.. Queen's Guard, hailing the ships that just arrived in orbit. If your intentions are friendly, we welcome you. Please send one ship to negotiate with us. Do not approach the surface. If you're here to cause trouble be advised. We have enough firepower to turn you into dust. Turn around and go home."
He was afraid that maybe he came across too harsh, but she did basically say to bluff. Cyruses voice on comms made him jump. He quickly switched to a direct line with Cyrus to report in. "Sir, we have a small fleet entering high orbit. I count.. seven ships maybe. Three larger ones, four small craft. I'm no expert, but the odd thing is the shape of them. One is asymmetrical, not anything like Yamatai's ships."
Cyrus crossed his arms as he looked at the preliminary data of the ships on his holoboard. "Roger that Corgan. All Companies have been scrambled, and I have the city being evacuated. Keep me updated. Command out." He said terminating the link.
Gut-Stripe let out a snort when the alien voice trickled in through the speakers on the bridge of the Utility Craft, already feeling more invested in exploring the planet below. "Re-route the message to the Treasury Vessel.", she ordered her communications attendant, who silently went to work. "Ee'ith, tell me what they are saying." She directed the second order to the Treasury Vessel itself, where Sammy and his siblings listened intently.
"The message is in Trade speak.", one of Sammy's sisters reported almost immediately, as every one of the Ee'ith on board had memorized the language thoroughly. "They are hailing us, and wish to know of our intentions. They request that only one ship be used for negotiations and warn not to approach the planet's surface. In addition, they indicate that their weapons are capable of turning us into dust."
Aboard the Utility Vessel, Gut-stripe mused to herself, still tapping a claw upon the hilt of her blade. If the aliens did possess weapons capable of turning their ships to dust, then perhaps it would simply be best to avoid contact at all. On the other hand, she had heard that aliens possessed dishonesty to the point of falsely proclaiming things that were not true. Truly baffling, but it was a possibility.
"Sammy.", she addressed the Ee'ith leader directly over the comms, which caused the poor male to scramble for the nearest microphone. "Send a reply to the aliens. Tell them that we will send your vessel to parley with them. Tell them that our intentions are not hostile, unless we are given cause. Then introduce ourselves to them."
"Y-yes, of course.", Sammy squeaked, tapping a few buttons so as to broadcast using the same array of frequencies that the planet had used to speak to them.
On the surface, Corgan would hear a male voice speaking to him over the comms, sounding oddly artificial and distorted, as if it were speaking over an archaic telephone. At the same time, the Utility Vessel and the gunship escorts turned to move away from the planet, while the Treasury Vessel remained in place. The long-range Dragoon corvette remained parked silently above 188604's moon, powered down and inert until it was called upon.
"Greetings.", Sammy spoke, broadcasting to the planet below. "Do not be alarmed by our presence, for we do not come with hostile intentions. We are the Joint Technology Expedition of the I'ee Families, seeking new technologies for our people to make use of. If it interests you, we are willing to trade with you in return for pieces of technology for our engineers to study. Otherwise, we shall prepare to leave once our drives have recharged."
The half ID-SOL relaxed visibly when he heard the response, although the voice was strange. Probably some sort of android, he thought. He switched to Uso's frequency. "Got a reply, boss. They identified themselves as the Joint Technology Expedition of the I'ee Families They want to trade with us in exchange for some of our tech. If not they will leave as soon as possible." Corgan said, looking at the radar. "They did what I asked and sent all but one of their vessels away. I think we can trust them. What do you want me to say?"
Ace walked in."If they are looking for tech I could probably keep them occupied." Aries entered behind him. "I would agree with Ace's plan as I am detecting that our visitors have much more advanced scanners than we do and will probably find the archaic facilities before us. We would lose profit that way."
Uso slumped against the side of the entry way, "Alright... fantastic..." She tried to clip the helmet to the side of her waist... but there didn't see to be a way to do that with this armor, "Alright Corgi, Tell them we're going to meet them and be polite about it. We have tech.... we have FABULOUS tech, and we'll give it to them in exchange for that sweet, sweet, infrastructure. Look, tell them whatever, you're our head ambassador now. Just make em happy and get them ready for an in person meeting..."
Uso stripped down out of her power armor as she made her way toward the cockpit, the huge metal thing clunking to the ground as she hopped out of it and dashed towards the pilot's seat, dodging around Ace and jumping over the back of the seat to get her hands on the controls.
"Ace, Find me something I can trade them. We've got aether reactors in the power armors... I'd like you to remove one and have it ready for trading. Uh..... I got no idea what else is on here, but have a look around."
As she spoke, her hands would fly over the console, pointing the ship in the general direction of the I'ee and taking them up!
Ace looked over at the power armors "Can we afford to do that I mean these reactors are expensive and the suits can't move without them." Ace moved back towards the door. "I could try and show em some of my gadgets I can assure you that they have probably never seen anything like them I made em all myself" Aries moved behind Uso. "There is also me...just sayin AI is kinda hard to come by."
Did she just call me a small dog? Corgan thought to himself, a little annoyed. Oh well, she's the boss. Wait.. Ambassador? Me? That is not good. He sighed and switched back to the frequency he had used to contact the I'ee. It took him a moment to figure out what to say. Well, time to act like I know what I'm doing. "We would enjoy the opportunity to trade some of our technologies with your expedition. I apologize for the threat I issued. We weren't sure if you were peaceful. I'm sure you understand." He said in his most friendly voice.
"I'm sure we have some technology that your people will find most interesting. Our queen Uso would like to meet you in person to discuss the trade, you should be honored. My name is Corgan. What do we call your leader?" He asked, trying to keep the conversation going.
Ace walked over to Corgan. "Hey give em a heads up that I'll be there you know since I'm the tech specialist and all."
Sammy squeaked with delight, a sound that could be heard over the comms. "It is lovely to meet you, Corgan, and we would be delighted to meet your queen Uso as well!", he paused, tilting his head to one side as he wondered whom to name as their leader; technically, they didn't have one. "Uhm... our leader...?"
Gut-Stripe's voice cut in over Sammy's, her artificial voice speaking in a drab, near-monotone. "I am the leader. You can call me Gut-Stripe. We would be eager to see what technology you have to offer us."
The Ee'ith all cringed as one upon the bridge of the Treasury Vessel, chattering and grumbling to one another in irritation and disappointment; how unprofessional of the Thi-Thi!
Ace cut into the channel. "Hello there gents and ladies of our visitors I am Ace the technical specialist on this planet I'll meet you on the ground along with my employer and AI Aries. Looking forward to doing business with you."
Gut-Stripe's voice responded with a slight, sibilant hiss sounding behind each word, her hands working at the control console to block out-bound communications from the Treasury Vessel; effectively silencing Sammy and his crew. "I look forward to dealing with you, Ace.", she replied, tapping her claws on the metal of the comms console.
Satisfied with the response Ace left the ship. "We'll s you on the ground." Ace followed by his Aries operated suit left the Queen's Slave which was still several miles up.
Aries pipped in. "Does it not worry you that a jammer was put in place." Ace looked over a his electronic companion. "I heard clacking so they must be a bug like species must have a monarchy kind of thing so the monarch cut off its communications vessel so that they could speak to us uninterrupted by the...drone? I guess?"
Sammy and his siblings were fuming angrily on the bridge of the Treasury Vessel, chattering and grumbling to each other while Gut-Stripe sent them a one-way command. "They wish to meet on the planet's surface, Ee'ith. Prepare your craft for an atmospheric landing; I shall join you shortly."
One of Sammy's sisters whined mournfully. "An atmospheric landing? I thought they were coming to meet us!", she lamented with irritation, while Sammy simply shook his head.
"We can't say anything to her while she has us jammed. The only thing we can do is refuse to move our vessel until she deigns to let us speak our mind, as is our right.", he huffed, to which his sibling squeaked in agreement.
Aries grumbled about how Ace was a retarded detective before finally giving in. "OK fine but I'm gonna open a channel to that blocked ship." Ace smirked. "You know me oh so well." Ace waited for Aries to confirm that she had a channel open. "Hi I thought that I'd want to talk directly to those I was going to be meeting . This is a closed channel so feel free to speak your mind no one else can hear." The two impacted on the surface leaving two small craters and scareing off a flock of sheep.
"H-hello?!", a feminine voice replied with an audible squeak of surprise, followed by a rapid, excited chattering that sounded like a roomful of excited, talkative budgies. Finally, a male voice spoke over the line as Sammy replied. "Greetings. We thank you for being considerate. Our joint expedition is composed of many families with differing goals, and our... 'leader', Gut-stripe, is horribly... unprofessional!"
He seemed quite upset, though his artificial voice did not directly betray any of it; instead being indicated by the low, grumbling chatter of his natural voice.
Ace jumped at the dialects he heard. "I could tell. So the I'ee I'm guessing are some sort of insectiods bees or ants cause there is obviously a monarchy going on. You people sound much more professional to say the least. Now I may look like the soldier outa hell but I'm actually probably one of the smartest people on this rock. I make and repair almost all of the equipment here. I'm an inventor to boot so I can assure you that I have things that you have never seen before."
"Well, that sounds lovely!", a different, female voice replied, though it was just as artificial as Sammy's. "Our cousins of the Ithee and Ithit families would love to see what you have to offer us!" Again, there was the excited chatter of insectoid voices before the female spoke again. "Thank you, by the way, for the compliment. I am glad we make a good impression!"
"No bigee. Oh I can tell that this is not your natural voice or language. If you would be so kind as too allow me access to your data banks I could speak your native language in ten seconds tops."
There was a brief pause. "I'm afraid that the majority of our information database is located on Gut-Stripe's command vessel. We cannot access it as of yet.", Sammy answered. "In any case, we would prefer to speak to you in your language. It is our family's aspiration to facilitate diplomacy, after all."
"I'm all about learning and diplomacy as well...if I'm not ripping someone's head off. I can still learn it if I can just hear a bit of it." Ace looked over to Aries to make sure that she was up to it before continuing. "Either way I'd like to keep my employer Uso outa the loop otherwise she might swindle you."
"What does 'swindle' mean?", a multitude of artificial voices, female and male, spoke up at once; all asking the same question. Upon the bridge of the Treasury Vessel, the Ee'ith were clustered around their comms console like curious school children, ignoring the messages coming in from the Utility Vessel.
Oh great now I get to play teacher Ace thought to himself. "Swindle means that some lies so that they get a better deal. Like if I were somehow able to get you to give me ten apples if I give you one."
"What's an apple?", Sammy replied, rapt with curiosity It seemed obvious that this childish curiosity would be a recurring theme with the I'ee.
'I should just shut up.' "An apple is an item of food belonging to the fruits group it grows on apple trees which can be grow if you plant and cultivate apple seeds which you can get from an apple."
"Ooh! Fruit!", a female voice squeaked, followed by excited chattering and squeaking. "We like fruit! Do you grow fruit on this pla-" Her voice was cut off by Sammy's, speaking over her.
"Thank you again for speaking to us. Will we meet with your leader, Uso, before we land on the surface?", he asked.
"First off yes we grow fruit here. Apples, pears, oranges, bananas...you name it. Second Uso is not my leader she is my employer she pays me so I work for her I'm a freelancer I work for cash you pay me more and I'll work for you. Also I don't know if you'll meet here en transit and I don't care personally I hate her guts."
"What's an or-", the female voice was again cut off by Sammy. "I see. We shall await further direction from our command vessel before proceeding further; our sensors are picking up a craft leaving the atmosphere. I hope to meet you soon.", he stated professionally, before flicking on Gut-Stripe's messages.
"Ee'ith...", she fumed over the comms, hissing quietly. "Do not say a word. Get into formation with the utility vessel immediately and await further orders. I am detecting an approaching craft from the planet." As ordered, Sammy said nothing, switching off the feed and turning to his crew to relay the orders.
Up in space, the Treasury Vessel turned ponderously away from the planet, its golden hull glimmering, and moved back towards the Utility Vessel and its gunship escorts.
"To state everything that I stated orange, pear, and banana was all fruits. Second I fucked up I went to the surface by exiting the craft while it was moving towards you since all my work is down here. I'll grab some stuff than link up to my craft if I can't get it to come to the surface." Ace then switched to the Queen's Slave's channel. "Aries round up some crap." As Aries went off Ace spoke to Uso. "Hey Uso could you land on the surface all of our bargaining chips are down here. If not I can grab some shit stuff it in the Ragnachopper then link up with you before you leave the atmosphere."
Uso took a firm hold of her helmet, and opened up a private channel to Cyrus,
"Cyrus, Get your fucking house in order. If I see Ace or Aries, I will kill them."
She then shut off Ace and Aries' communication links to the ship, cutting them off from the I'ee craft.
"Corgan.... get the I'ee on the comms and sort this out... Figure out which of their ships we're meeting, and make sure we meet them IN SPACE." Heavy emphasis was placed on what she wanted, and Corgan could certainly hear Uso's death threats earlier, the rage in her voice making her words tremble just a bit.
"Uso...ugh...look these I'ee are insectiods they are into fruit and by the looks of it they haven't figured out how to grow plants on their ships. I could teach them aquiponics and get us a butt load of cash more than we could get from anything aboard that cramped craft."
"ACE, Shut the fuck up. I asked you to look around for shit on the ship, not run off on your own. You're fucking DONE here." Uso snapped.
"OK good luck getting any business without anything to sell I took the aether reactors."
Uso turned the ship around, and accelerated back towards the surface, grabbing her helmet,
"CORGAN FLY THE FUCKING SHIP!" She shouted, the range palpable in her voice as she headed towards the lower door, putting her helmet back on and then grabbing one of the spare armors, dragging it along with her and tossing it out the back with her.
Aries turned to Ace. "You do realize she'll probably kill us." Ace just chuckled. "That's why I have protective measures." Ace placed some devices on the ground. "There now she'll kill herself trying to get to us. Ah claymore deep scanners the things I make."
As Uso fell, she grabbed the second armor and pulled it close, linking the computers remotely, her shoulder growing some additional connective tissue to send signals to the armor... setting it up for remote control. Then she'd turn both her armors toward Ace and Aries.... sending the lock down command to their armors shortly after. The Neko turned a few moments before impact, the second armor following her mirroring those moves exactly. She angled herself feet first towards ace, the second armor aiming towards Aries, the rockets firing to slow them down just enough to not crush her own legs.
*BOOM*
Even before the dust had settled, Uso was perched on top of the prone Ace, using her first to repeatedly smash against the neck-section.
"What the fuck..." Cyrus mumbled as he semi listened in. He was busy calling off the evacuation when all hell broke loose. "FUCK ME!" He yelled loudly ad he hopped in his armor and sprinted after Uso and Ace. Once he finally reached the pair he elbowed Uso off of Ace. Then Cyrus grabbed Ace by the throat and threw him.
"What the FUCKING HELL are you doing Ace?" Cyrus asked menacingly' as he walked up to him and dropped an armored leg on the small of his back.
Ace coughed. "Being business like. I mean I'm good but I can't turn profit outa what we have on the freighter."
"BULLSHIT!!!" He yelled angrily. "What you did was disobey a direct order. Am I fucking understood!" Cyrus had finally had it. He was exhausted, irritated, and above all, pissed the hell off.
"I DON'T TAKE ORDERS FROM HER SHE'S NOT THE ONE FUCKING PAYING ME YOU ARE!!!!!!!" Ace was clearly pissed.
Cyrus slapped Ace across his armored helmet. "No you fucking idiot! She pays me and I pay you. THUS SHE IS YOUR GOD DAMN BOSS! NOW GET THE FUCK IN LINE OR I WILL SPACE YOU! AM. I. UNDERSTOOD!!!" HE yelled in his face.
"FUCK!!!!! YOU!!!!"
Cyrus picked Ace up again and threw him down again, and again, and again...
Aries jerked. "Stop Ace's life signs are dropping this means one of two things either your killing him or he is gonna slip back into his killer personality."
Cyrus threw him down and Cyrus stood. He turned to Uso. " Get to your damn meeting. I will deal with him." He said as he began walking towards where he threw Ace's body.
"Shall I accompany you?" Aries was now laying still. "You do need someone who will be able to get you profit."
Uso's response was to have the second armor sit on Aries' chest, remaining immobile as she returned to the ship.
As Cyrus walked, alpha company stormed up to Cyrus. The Captain saluted Cyrus. "Sir." He said dropping the salute.
Cyrus looked to Ace and Aries. "Get these two in the brig now. 24/7 guard. Let him think on what he has done..." He said disinterested. Turning and following Uso.
The Alpha company commander nodded and several soldiers lifted Ace up by the shoulders and hauled him off to the palace while several more handled Aries.
Cyrus stormed off. "Beta company, secure the ships and Gamma guard the palace."He said walking after Uso.
Ace regained consciousness just long enough to yell a couple of carefully chosen curses at Uso and Cyrus. "You will regret this!!!"
Cyrus stopped for a moment. "No Ace. You have made a grave mistake." He said walking away.
"No I was just trying to do my job I'm a freelancer not a slave as long as I get a job done I get paid! The only reason I'm still here is cause I never got paid the job was help conquer a planet and I did I'm not obligated to do any more!"
"Once your payment is in you won't be obligated to stay anymore. Until then shut up and keep your head down." He said as he continued to follow Uso.
"I need to find a new employer and the I'ee seem like they would fit the bit. I'll contact them somehow you know I can."
----
Meanwhile, back on the ship>
"Corgan..." Uso's voice clearly quite unhappy, "Please reach out to the I'ee and unfuck this situation. We need to meet in space, away from the planet as planned. I'll be back on board in a moment but for the time being you're now Pilot and Head Ambassador."
Corgan was quite annoyed at this point because of Ace's actions. He could be almost done with the ordeal by now. Instead he was given even more responsibilities. Not to mention he didn't know anything about piloting or being an ambassador. He could fake the ambassador role but not flying a ship.
Cyrus stormed up the ramp with Uso shucking his armor and walked into the cockpit. He sat down and began pre-flight He jacked his eye into the computer and began readying for takeoff. "Mind taking the Co-pilot seat Corgan?" Cy asked tiredly. The man looked exhausted to say the least.
Relieved that Cyrus appeared, Corgan jumped up. "Yes, sir!" He shouted as he moved to the co-pilot's seat and sat down. Then he patched himself in to the I'ee again on the comms. "Forgive me, one of my uh, colleagues had a difference of opinion with our dear leader. We will proceed with the original plan and meet in space. The other man you spoke to was not authorized to make decisions. Please allow us to approach your vessel to further discuss the trade." He said to whoever was listening on the I'ee ship. He muted his voice and turned to Cyrus. "What the hell happened down there?"
Cyrus rolled his eye. "Someone got to big for their breeches." He said dryly as the engines whined. "Control, Queen's Slave departing." He said into his comm set as the ship lifted up and rocketed into space. Cyrus sighed. "Bet you a bottle of whiskey I get chewed out for this..." He said as he continued the climb upwards.
Corgan laughed. "Ace can get like that sometimes, can't he? I only hope he doesn't take things too far this time. He may be annoying but I don't want us to have to really hurt him." He grinned. "I will take that bet. Glad I'm not in your position, boss." He thought for a moment. "Hey, where did your pilot girlfriend get to? Haven't seen her around lately."
"She is taking a few personal days." He said looking over at him. "I might have given her some money to go shopping while she had her craft get worked on." He said with a shrug as they entered space. "Contact your friends and tell them we are nearing the meet up point." He said as they leveled out and entered space.
Answering Cyrus with a nod, Corgan sent another message to the I'ee. "We're approaching the rendezvous point now. Do we have permission to dock with your ship?"
The voice that answered Corgan was Gut-Stripe's, now broadcasting from the golden Ee'ith Treasury Vessel. "Greetings, alien craft.", her voice spoke in its usual monotone. "You may dock with our treasury vessel. Look to the cargo pods attached to the underside." At her words, the Treasury Vessel turned on its running lights; a light cyan colour at each corner of its hull, and a light green on the port cargo pod, guiding the eye to look at its modified hangar bay. The hangar bay entrance had been modified to become a port for a docking umbilical to allow for larger ships. "We look forward to seeing you aboard."
The recently appointed ambassador was relieved they still wanted to meet after all that. He was a little embarrassed. Since Arccos talked to him about their image, he'd been very careful about acting professional. He was afraid Ace might have hurt their image. "Thank you. Again, I apologize for the mix-up. That kind of thing doesn't usually happen around here. We look forward to meeting you in person." Corgan replied to Gut-Stripe. He turned to Cyrus again. "Everything sounds good. I think I was talking to a different one this time, though. Much more formal. Could be the leader."
Cyrus nodded. "Agreed." He said as he slowed the ship. He slowly pulled the ship alongside the Treasury vessel. The Queen's Slave stopped and signaled the the umbilical. The tube extended and secured itself to the airlock. The ship pinged that there was a hard seal. "We have hard contact, locking everything down. Get to your armor and get ready. use your helmet, never know what might happen when you are in one of those things." He said looking to Corgan.
"Our ship confirms a secure seal. I will meet you in the cargo pod.", Gut-Stripe said, then left the bridge. With her, she brought Sammy and a small entourage of assorted engineers and scientists from the Ithee and Ithit families; about twenty members from each. The I'ee were mostly naked as they gathered upon the deck of the converted hangar bay; the engineers had all brought assorted tool belts with them, slung upon their bodies in a haphazard, Rambo-style arrangement. Sammy bore nothing save his implants, speaker system, and a small, LED screen strapped to his face.
Gut-Stripe, in comparison, was dressed at her best. Besides her usual blood red war paint which coated every yellow marking upon her body, she also wore a full set of rather archaic-looking armour: Solid, metal plate armour made from a vaguely bluish-steel coloured metal. She wore a small belt around her waist, kept from sliding off by her abdomen, to which was attached both her rapier and a large, two-handed machine gun of some kind. Her helmet was quite ornate, bearing polarized glass visors over each compound eye and a vaguely centurion-style crest of razor-sharp spines, each painted red.
The I'ee awaited their guests upon the deck of the converted cargo pod, with Gut-stripe at the fore and Sammy just behind her. The sizable chamber was decorated with ornate, copper sheets with murals carved into them; most depicting sytlised images of stars, space-craft, and the I'ee themselves.
Now this is much more my speed, Corgan thought to himself. "Roger that, boss man. Although if this doesn't go well, I'm not sure we could fight our way out." He said to Cyrus while he stood up and stretched. He headed to the makeshift power armor bay and stepped into his armor, putting his helmet on as well. Considering the mission he didn't want to appear too threatening, but he still needed some firepower. He decided to bring his HHG and ta a couple speedloaders. "Okay, I've got my gear. Are we going in first to make sure it's safe, or wait for Uso to get ready?" He asked Cyrus as he headed to the airlock.
"WAITING ON ME!" Uso shouted angrily from somewhere inside of the ship. She had stripped off her power armor and quickly rinsed off in the shower. She had replaced the green armor with her bodysuit, a datapad clipped to one side of her hips, and a power armor reactor clipped to the other. She marched up to the hatch as if on the warpath, brushing her hair with overly strong strokes, finishing by adding a hair tie to put her hair into a high ponytail then finishing brushing out her heart shaped bangs.
She stood there for a moment, and just exhaled,
"Alright Corgi!" Uso said, her voice instantly cheery, her body weight shifting so that her heels were just a bit off the ground, making her look much more bouncy and bubbly than before, "Lets do this!"
She'd tap on the hatch to open it up, and let herself into the I'ee's waiting area.
"Thank you for your patience, I do appreciate you taking the time to MEET,"
Uso sharply turned around to face her own people, spinning on her heel and looking Corgan in the eyes.... quietly whispering to him,
"ohfuck... space bees... " Uso was clenching her jaw tightly her eyes wide, ".... What do we know about bees? They communicate by dance right? Love pollen? flowers? Is one of them covered in blood?" She was mentally kicking herself for not staying in her power armor so they could have this conversation privately. She glanced over her shoulder for a moment at the I'ee... and then turned back around.
"to meet us here." She continued, instantly returning to the bright and bubbly tone as soon as she faced the I'ee. "I think we both know that space fairing races can be quite dangerous, and it is always a pleasure to meet one that understands the value of a good chat. My Head Ambassador Corgan is to my left, he has been the one you have talked to thus far. I would also like to introduce Lead Administrator Cyrus who has been handling personnel for me.
Our operation is just getting underway, so we are very interested in acquiring infrastructure for the planet. From what I understand you are looking for technology. I am certain we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement!"
Cyrus had moved and put on his armor. He stood on the opposite side of the airlock when Uso walked up. "God woman you scare me..." He teased as he followed her. When they rived in the hanger Cyrus flanked Uso. When Uso introduced him he removed his helmet, his eye glowing brightly. He took a step forward "A pleasure to meet you, My name is Cyrus Marshal, Lead Administrator of this world." He said as he crossed an arm over his chest and bowed slightly.
The I'ee were silent as Uso and the other two emerged and began introducing themselves; the small crowd of engineers were almost completely motionless. Sammy tapped the tips of his claws nervously together in a surprisingly human gesture, while Gut-Stripe similarly tapped a claw upon the hilt of her blade; looking quite tense.
"I take it this one is your leader?", Gut-Stripe butted in as Cyrus finished speaking, a hairs-breadth from cutting him off mid-sentence, raising a claw to gesture at Uso. "From what I understand of your people, her mental state appears to be defective. I recommend app-"
With a terrified squeak, Sammy gently batted at Gut-Stripe's abdomen from behind, silencing the Thi-Thi warrior and leaving her confused as he took over the introductions. "E-excuse me! I am sorry!", he squeaked, the LED display attached to his face lighting up with a red smiley face. "It is a pleasure to meet all three of you. My name is Sammy, and I am an ambassador for our people."
Gut-Stripe fumed to herself, grasping the hilt of her blade tight, but let Sammy handle things; especially since this was his field.
After having caught his breath and calmed down a little, Sammy tilted his head to one side. "If I may ask, are you Yamataian? I recognize your body-type.", he pointed to Uso. "But, your mannerisms are far removed from what I have trained for. Forgive me if I seem a little out of my element..." He cast a nervous glance back at Gut-Stripe, and the rest of the I'ee on deck, who all stood silently.
Uso smiled at the I'ee, her head tilting slightly as Gut-Stripe began questioning her mental state, an aggressive smile then as the LED lit up.
"Well... that's adorable..." She said aloud before letting them finish up.
"We are a multinational crew. Though I was once affiliated with Yamatai, I suppose I never lived there nor was I born there. I'm a NH-7y4, originally sold on the open market before going independent. Cyrus is an Nepleslian, and Corgan there is a Nepleslian as well I think...
I take it you are already familiar with some of the big players around here? Sounds like you've already had your first contact with Yamatai?"
Cyrus stood again, not visibly showing any emotion. His face was cold and static. On the inside however, the man was fuming. If it was possible there would have been steam billowing from his ears. But he knew that there was a time and a place to work off his aggravation. So Cyrus steeped back into position and stayed quiet, unless he was directly spoken to.
Following Uso and Cyrus, Corgan walked onto the I'ee ship and silently stood behind Uso on her left. He followed Cyruses example and removed his helmet to introduce himself. "Corgan Garret, our new ambassador. We spoke earlier. Forgive me, I'm new at this. It's nice to finally meet you." He said calmly. Inside however he was freaking out. Holy shit, they're giant bugs! We have to get out of here! He thought. Why bugs? The universe hates me.
"I see!", Sammy said, the smiling face on his LED mask briefly changing to an open-mouthed expression of surprise before reverting back again. "And yes, my family has already met with Yamatai before. I was present, though I did not take direct part."
At the sight of Corgan, and upon hearing his introduction, Sammy let out a little squeak and stepped over to greet him, glad to meet a fellow 'ambassador'. "Hello, Corgan!", he greeted, blissfully unaware of Garret's inner terror. "I am Sammy. It's a pleasure to meet you in person!"
Gut-Stripe, meanwhile, upon seeing Sammy distracted, stepped closer to Uso, studying her impassively with her featureless eyes hidden behind her helmet. "Well, I suppose I am no ambassador.", she said coolly, tapping her claws on her rapier again. "Shall I lead you to the treasury, so that you may see what we have to offer you?" She turned upon her heel (or would have if she had one), then glanced over her shoulder at Uso. "I trust that you have brought your own bargains to the table, correct?"
"I'm sure Corgi will be happy to get all the details from you Sammy," Uso said as she watched Gut-Stripe move up closer to her. Uso planting her feet, looking the creature right in the eye.... or at least trying to. She focused on the head first, then switching between the left and right eye-areas of the Helmet
She decided to go for the right eye, keeping focused on it while Gut-stripe tapped the Rapier, easily ignoring the thread and keeping that smile front and center.
Up this close it was a bit easier to see what made Uso different than the others. her bodysuit was clinging to her body tightly, the slight indentions in her shoulders showing off hemosynth ports, and there was a slight increase in heat around her upper arms and thighs where her inbuilt radiators were. Other than the bulky disk, and smooth datapad, clipped to her hips, there really wasn't a place for her to store a weapon.
"I've got QUITE the bargain if I do say so myself!" Uso said, "Will I be negotiating with you? Or are you just the muscle?"
Gut-Stripe visibly stiffened, gripping the hilt of her blade tighter before answering Uso. "I am the leader of this expedition.", she answered, tilting her head ever-so-slightly to one side. "Whether or not we negotiate directly, all decisions are ultimately mine to make." The I'ee warrior snorted, loosening her grasp on her weapon
Corgan reached out to shake hands and realized they didn't really have hands. Instead he awkwardly turned the handshake into a wave. "Nice to meet you, Sammy.." He noticed the other I'ee didn't introduce itself. By its mannerisms and armaments he assumed it was a military leader, probably the one that was called Gut-Stripe. His eyes followed the warrior's "hands". Well the others aren't much of a threat, but there's no telling how many more warriors might be on the ship. He thought, turning his eyes back towards Uso. "Do you want me to come with you, your highness?" It felt odd calling her that with no sarcasm in his voice.
"Sure, bring your new wing'd friend too. I'm sure we've got plenty to discuss!" Uso called out over her shoulder before returning her vision to the I'ee warrior in front of her, again stopping herself from looking at the weapon. She decided to focus on the left eye-bit this time, keeping her eyes on hers, "Don't be..."
Uso stopped talking for a moment... she was going to say 'Mad', but then she realized she was talking with a very alien alien. There was really no telling what emotions it was feeling... though she recognized the way it carried itself. It stunk of a green warrior just itching to prove themselves in a fight.
"You know, there isn't much fighting out here. At least not of the big-space-gun-pew-pew variety." Uso started, "A few skirmishes with the locals from time to time. They've really taken a liking to us... but WOW they would have flipped to see your kind. I bet you inspire terror in all the little ones huh?"
The Thi-Thi commander let out a derisive snort at Uso's suggestion. "Do not patronize me, unhinged.", she retorted, her monotone voice still somehow managing to sound haughty. "I am fully aware of the capabilities of our stellar neighbors There is not a single alien species that the I'ee are aware of that we could win a war against. That is why we are here to trade."
Meanwhile, Sammy seemed to have picked up on Corgan's attempt to shake his 'hand', and reached out to take his hand, giving it a little shake with his clawed forelimb. Then he returned to Gut-Stripe's side, a frown displayed on his LED mask. "We are also present to trade for other technologies as well, mind you.", he added, to which Gut-stripe turned her head to face him silently, though the Ee'ith would not be cowed by the display. "And we have a variety of pieces to give in return. There will be no need for violence of any sort."
He glanced between Gut-Stripe and Uso, clasping his forelimbs together and changing the frown on his mask to a smile. "Shall I lead the way?"
"Well don't act like you got stuck with the worst job in the space-bug empire coming out here to talk with strangers!" Uso said, crossing her arms across her chest, "Getting my hands on things... things like weapons... is what I excel at. Normally I just move things in small volumes for big spenders so I can go relax but you just so happen to have caught me at a time when I need a little extra scratch... well... a LOT of extra scratch. This is basically the best possible thing that could happen to someone in your position.
You wanna go back home the conquering hero right? Tell me what you need to make that happen. Weapons that blow apart stars? Armor? Power-plants? Soldiers? Drones? Lets find a way to make some trades!"
Surprised the I'ee returned the gesture, Corgan took an involuntary step back when Sammy moved. Damn it, stop acting like a baby! They're just people, right? He told himself. With that little LED mask they are kind of cute. Just ignore the wings, mandibles, six legs, and stinger thing. He gently shook Sammy's hand, then followed Uso. Her conversation nearly caused him to burst out laughing, but he held it in. That was the first time he had seen anyone talk to Uso like that. He thought it was funny because she couldn't really do much about it right now.
Cyrus just watched on as Uso walked off with the lead I'ee and Corgan attempting to get over his fear of bugs. Cyrus mentally locked down the ship allowing only himself access to the ship's systems. He sighed inwardly as he followed after Uso and Corgan. His face remained cold and stoic as he followed the pair through the alien ship.
"I am actually quite pleased to have received this assignment.", Gut-Stripe replied, turning and waving an arm to the engineers behind her, who all scampered off; chattering and squeaking to one another. "Please follow myself and Sammy."
Without another word, she turned about and began walking to an empty cargo lift, whose track ascended upwards into and beyond the cargo pod's ceiling. Sammy beckoned to the three, still displaying a happy smile, then followed after the Thi-Thi warrior.
Once everyone was upon the lift, Gut-Stripe operated a lever, and it whirred into motion and began ascending at a steady rate. "The I'ee do not use the monetary economy that your people likely do.", Sammy spoke up along the way, focusing more upon Corgan than Uso; having taken a liking to the former. "So, I'm afraid we cannot pay in a more direct fashion. Hence the need for this Treasury Vessel that you now stand in. Above us is a repository of some of our most valuable technological, biological and artistic items. I know little of how your 'money' works, but I am sure we will have something valuable for you."
Gut-Stripe didn't say a word as the lift ascended upwards, still eyeing Uso coolly with one hand resting upon the lever and the other upon the hilt of her blade.
When finally, the lift reached its destination and halted, the group had arrived in a cavernous room. It looked like a warehouse, but far larger and built from a drab brown and tan metal, lit by countless fluorescent lights which lit the room up brightly, but left the ceiling obscured by darkness. The engineers from before were scattered across the vast floor of the room, dashing to and fro from one item to another, checking and cleaning each one. It looked almost like a museum: Roughly square dias' of varying size were arrayed across the floor of the room in a rough grid, each perching an item upon it.
The largest of these 'exhibits' were easily the most eye-catching: A functioning I'ee particle core sat upon a taller dias than the others, with pipes and wires snaking away from it and surrounded by a fence covered with warning signs, which depicted a bright, sun-flower yellow symbol. The core looked like a dirty, metal cylinder, about three meters tall and one meter in diameter. Around its circumference were small view-ports to the interior, each lit up with a bright, yellow glow; the same colour as that on the signs, flickering in time with the machine's low hum of electricity.
Another, slightly smaller piece was an odd air or space craft of some kind, distinctly different from I'ee designs. It possessed a delicate frame made from a blue metal alloy, with 'fins' of metal forming sheets of armour. At the aft end of the vehicle was what must have been the engine once; now a scorched, blasted stump. The wings had what looked like weapon mounts, which had long since been removed, and the centre of the craft had a hollow, circular space that looked to have contained some kind of independent component at some point, also removed.
Even in its damaged state, the craft was interesting: Apparently a drone vehicle of some sort.
Other pieces included exhibits of I'ee art, with the most dominant category being murals carved upon sheets of metal, usually copper. Some were weapons designed by the I'ee, all fairly archaic compared to the kind Uso was used to. Off in one corner of the vast room was a buzzing refrigeration unit, with specially designed signs telling the guests that the chamber within contained biological items such as fruit, meat and even whole, frozen animal specimens. Another area of the room was dedicated to mineral samples, and another seemed to possess Yamataian data units, though what they contained was as of yet unknown.
"Feel free to look around!", Sammy waved a hand at the collection as he stepped off the lift with Gut-Stripe, who nodded her head formally.
"Indeed.", she agreed. "You may peruse the treasury at your leisure."
Cyrus stood still as he looked around the room. Once his eye had scanned the room he returned to standing still and watching the others.
Following Uso and the rest onto the lift and then the large room, Corgan listened to Sammy talk about their economy. He noted Sammy didn't seem fond of Uso, not that he could blame him. To think the I'ee ambassador doesn't like her now, imagine if he saw Uso in her normal attitude. He thought. "That happens to be a good thing, this time. We have more raw resources and technology than money at the moment." He said in response. The large open space in a ship wasn't something he was used to. As he looked around the room, he only saw a few things that interested him. The drone vehicle and the weapons. He feigned interest in the art, since that's what he figured an ambassador would do. "Interesting art style you have. Very.. unique." That was all he could think of to say about it.
"Well, this is all pretty nice... you certainly have a flair for the metallic... but I was wondering about... welll... less your treasure. More your infrastructure." Uso said, as she slowly wandered about, making a wide circle around the particle core... then taking a glance inside the fridge for a moment before returning her attention to Gut-Stripe.
"You guys feel free to let me know if you like something ok? Maybe Cyrus would like one of those paintings for Errowyn's bedroom?"
Uso would toy with her own people for just a moment, before returning her attention tot he I'ee named Gut-stripe. "We have metals... but they are locked in the ground. We have tons of food, but we are having a hard time packaging it for transport."
Uso then tapped the cylinder on her hip,
"This thing puts out enough power to run a small star ship Sure it wears out in a few months but the output is basically all you'd ever need. It also makes a fine bomb, and can pump out a ton of heat.... Looks like you guys also like fruits and meat? I'm sure we can provide that in abundance.... and well... star ships.. we can provide you a good hard look at what technology your stellar neighbors have."
Gut-Stripe listened to Uso with genuine interest, looking more relaxed now that business was being discussed. "My interest is as much in technology as it is with abstract concepts. I will pay you if you can give me information on warfare, particularly.", she stated. "Our experience with stellar combat is limited, and we have never once fought a planetary battle. Our terrestrial armies are non-existent, beyond my family's... marines, I think you would call them. I want examples of weaponry, vehicles and tactics. Not just written, I want physical copies for my engineers to take apart and study as well."
The Thi-Thi warrior peered up at Uso, leaning slightly closer. "You would understand by now why I am so adamant that I succeed in my task. Already, I have entrusted you with enough information to fuel a successful invasion of our territories.", she muttered. "But I cannot help my people without opening ourselves up to yours for help, as much as I would prefer otherwise."
Meanwhile, Sammy was tottering along after Corgan, shadowing him anxiously and letting out pleased squeaks whenever the 'ambassador' commented positively on a piece of artwork; some of which were made by Sammy himself. "Thank you!", he squeaked. "These ones were all made by my family." He gestured to a set of copper murals, depicting abstract imagery of stars, planets, humanoid and insectoid figures; generally in postures suggesting peaceful interaction.
The I'ee's squeaks gave him the feeling he had chosen conversation topics wisely. The murals also had the effect of making Corgan relax. H just realized he had been sweating profusely the entire time. He actually smiled at Sammy. His enthusiasm reminded Corgan of a puppy or a child. "Your family? How many uh.. relatives do you have? I am also curious how your government works. Do you have a queen or something like that?" He asked, genuinely interested this time.
"Well if it makes you feel any better, I've got my hands full with one planet. I can't imagine trying to take over a bunch of.... your people." Uso said, casually looking around and pointing at one of the copper murals,
"What do you think Corgi? That'd look great on the ship? Maybe hang it up in the main room?"
She'd then turn her attention back to Gut-Stripe,
"You want some nation-state level stuff. I can get that for you, but I certainly don't just have it laying around... I'm going to need some time to get it together. What I want is help with Infrastructure. Looks like your people can build things. Roads, farming equipment... I am sure you can provide that kind of kit right?... Of course, the fastest way to establish trust is to give it. Are your people familiar with the Prisoner's Delima?..."
Uso would unclip the small reactor from her hip, and hold it out for Gut-Stripe,
"Consider this one free of charge. I can walk you through the basics of how it works, and help you take it apart for study... but right now the inner workings are something you'll have to understand on your own."
Cyrus silently walked along. Stopping at certain pieces of art longer than others. He never said anything. Just silently observing everyone as the side conversation took place. As Uso and Corgan moved along. Cyrus was only a few paces behind them.
Gut-Stripe tilted her head to one side as she listened to Uso, seeming quite interested at the thought of building infrastructure. "I have not heard of that Dilemma, no.", she stated, though she did not sound particularly curious about finding out what it is. "But it is... somewhat amusing to me that you would request help with infrastructure from us. I have studied our history in detail, and our earliest recorded families worked with factories, farming, and other such fields. I am sure the engineers from the Ithee and Ithit families will be able to help you; those two families are some of our oldest surviving ones."
The Thi-Thi commander accepted the offered Aether reactor, peering at it curiously before giving Uso a polite, little bow. "I thank you for returning my gesture of faith. The engineers will be eager to look at this device.
The little Ee'ith male seemed happy to see Corgan smile at him, briefly changing the LED display to show a wider, ecstatic grin. "My family?", Sammy laughed; an odd, snorting sound that resembled a small dog sneezing rapidly. "I do not know an exact number, unfortunately, but last I recall, our census numbered us in the thousands. And as for our government, I can explain that to you in detail!"
Sammy was hopping restlessly from one foot to another like an excited child, evidently enjoying his conversation with Corgan immensely. "We do not have a monarchy, no. I would not say that we have a true government as such, either. We all aspire to what our mother wishes to accomplish. For my mother, Ee'ith, she wanted peace and friendship with aliens, and that is what my family does.", he explained. "Our species numbers in the billions, but there are only about ten major families in existence. Gut-Stripe belongs to the Thi-Thi family, one of the older and the larger ones. In comparison, ours is only a century old; a century in Yamataian years, to be exact."
"Because of this, our families have long been independent of one another: We have always held a loose sense of kinship and loyalty, but our families' needs always come first. This Joint Technology Expedition that I am a part of is a wholly new idea, because as we become more known to aliens such as yourself, we must be united, or we will risk death.", Sammy paused for a moment, seeming to wonder if he had missed anything, then nodded his head, clasping his forelimbs beneath his chin. "The Thi-Thi want to improve our defensive capabilities in the face of war. The Ithee want to improve our star ships and technology. The Ithit wish to improve our weapons. My family wants to avoid war if possible, and make friendships instead. Oo'tut, my mother's parent family... are content to watch."
He paused, seeming to be disapproving of Oo'tut in some way, before continuing. "Eethie are determined to keep our species together; they are our logistics. And as for smaller families like mine, Ioth; our sister family, pursue medical studies, Thoot mine raw materials for our factories and...", he trailed away, thinking a moment, then chuckling. "That's all, I think... I do not know how your people keep track of all your families!"
Uso's ears had swiveled over to Sammy, listening intently while she kept her 'attention' on the Thi-Thi in front of her... not being nearly as subtle as she liked to think she was.
"I'm a pretty AMAZING piece of technology... stealth, flight, self-replication... all in a package you'd find quite attractive if you were Nepleslian... I've got a ship that can cross the void between planets, and I've got power armor that'll let me take on a whole legion of primitives.. but I can't move 40 tons of fruits and vegetables a half mile from a warehouse to some hungry people in a reasonable amount of time.
You have the backing of an entire civilization behind you. No doubt you've got all this base logistics figured out. You have workers, artisans, and clearly some clever scientists if you've put together FTL travel... you're just worried that your not as Amazing as everyone else.
We both have what the other wants in abundance. I think it makes perfect sense for us to work together."
Uso would turn her attention to Sammy for a moment... the way they talked about 'friendships' instead of cutting deals or making agreements was absolutely adorable...
"So how about we talk specifics? We could start with something small, perhaps your people could start building some foundations for us to stack cargo containers on? Fairly straightforward.... fairly cheap for you. In exchange I'll start getting together what I know about your local rivals. Maybe create a nice class for you on the history of power armored warfare? As we build trust, I'll start providing you with more examples of tech, more physical devices to study, and you can provide us with more infrastructure?"
Although Corgan was actually interested in learning about their society, he had ulterior motives in mind as well. He was trying to determine what sort of society they were and how best to manipulate them. Not for any nefarious purpose, just to ensure relations stayed positive. "It would indeed, ma'am." He replied to Uso before turning to Cyrus. "Cyrus, what do you think about the vehicle over there? I think we could use something like that."
Sammy's laughter startled the new Ambassador. Hanako's hips, what the hell was that? Was that how they laugh? If Arccos were here she would laugh her ass off at me for being afraid of these guys. He thought as Sammy continued. His description of a I'ee family was close to what Corgan expected, considering the insects they resemble. While he despised insects, he was fairly knowledgeable about them. Mostly how to exterminate them, but also how they function as a group. The lack of individuality frightened him as a freedom loving Nepleslian.
He smiled again noticing Sammy dancing back and forth. The I'ee's naivete worried him. Because of Sammy he was becoming fond of these small wasp people. He would hate to see them get destroyed because they knew so little about the universe. "Among my people there were once different factions, much like your families although only connected by shared ideas. Unlike your people we were unable to unite. We fought amongst ourselves. In the end, only one faction remains after all our fighting. " Corgan said, referring to the conflict with the Reds. He got closer to Sammy and spoke softly. "You say your people met Yamatai? I would be wary of them. They have a history of doing the wrong thing and making it seem right. If your people ever need help, look to Nepleslia." Corgan moved back again. "I would like to know about your females. What are they like?"
As Cyrus walked he was stirred from thought by Corgan. He looked over to the vehicle, then back to Corgan. "One of those vehicles would be fun to play around with." The Neppie finally said after his long silence. He kept following along just looking around.
"You are artificial?", Gut-Stripe asked, appearing to examine Uso's body with curiosity before replying. "Workers and artisans we do have, but our technology is stagnant. Most of the technology we use today has been around as long as our people have recorded our history. Even what we have scavenged and reverse engineered from wrecks such as that," The warrior pointed to the blue-coloured drone sitting nearby. "have been around since before we can remember."
She then turned back to face Uso, resting one hand upon the hilt of her blade, though her posture was relaxed. "If you are willing to help me better prepare our people for a potential war against an entity with the strength of Yamatai or Nepleslia, I will provide you with whatever assistance you would ask of me."
Sammy, meanwhile, let out a mournful whine upon hearing Corgan speaking of war between Nepleslian factions. "That is sad.", he said, the volume of his voice lowered to emulate a softer tone. "And yes, my people have met Yamatai, but..." He trailed away, giving Corgan's words some thought, before being distracted by his next question. "Our females? I'm not sure how to answer that. You have seen a lot of them already.", the Ee'ith ambassador waved an arm around the room, at Gut-Stripe and the engineers checking each item. "I am the only male in this room, though among my siblings; who are currently above us on the bridge, I do have a few brothers accompanying us."
Corgan's eyes followed his wave at the engineers and Gut-Stripe. He tried hard to discern any differences between the two genders besides their size with little success before returning his gaze to Sammy. Better make my interest seem like curiosity about I'ee relationships. "I am curious about how your people um.. decide who to reproduce with. It would be very difficult for my species to end up with thousands of relatives. We usually only have one child at a time naturally. Yamatai usually just makes more people." He said to Sammy, trying to move on from the subject of the female I'ee. Clearly diplomacy with this species would not involve any intimate action.
"Artificial? I think that's more a question for philosophers." Uso said dismissively, "... and I suppose that means this ship isn't yours? I mean, not REALLY yours. You learned to make the parts and pieces from somewhere else? ... Though I suppose that isn't too important. Nepleslia and Yamatai have a lot of ships... that isn't an order I can fill in a day, but believe me I will fill it... I take it we have an accord?" She asked.
Cyrus rolled his eye as Corgan began to speak about mating within the I'ee. He walked faster and moved a few paces behind Uso, and several paces in front of Corgan.
"I am afraid I do not know.", Sammy said, shrugging in an exaggerated, palms-upward gesture thanks to his lack of shoulders. "From what I understand, your people are more sexually active than mine. Courtship is something that has been moved to one side over the centuries. Males like myself donate their semen when they come of age, for use when a mother sires fertile daughters."
In the meantime, Gut-Stripe was chortling at Uso's words; the same, sneezing-dog laugh that Sammy had shown earlier. "Do not speak such things too loudly. You might offend the Ithee engineers.", she waved an arm at a few of the engineers nearby; most of whom were now relaxing and chattering amongst themselves in an alien language. "Though this craft is indeed of our design. Some of the components used in its construction, such as the engines, have been around as long as we can remember, but the craft was designed solely by us."
She turned back to face Uso. "But, to the matter at hand: I see promise in a working relationship between the two of us. You seem...", the Thi-Thi paused, searching for the right word. "Independent. Unconstrained. I would much prefer to work with you than the authorities of Yamatai or Nepleslia. I think we would have more freedom. So, yes, I accept your offer."
Uso grinned ear to ear, "So do your people shake on it? Or have some other official 'we made a deal' gesture?" She held out her hand, wondering just how the space-bug would react, "Because now we've got an official unconstrained and independent as fuck partnership!"
Sammy's description of I'ee sexuality horrified Corgan. He would probably shoot himself if it worked that way for Nepleslians. "Yes, my people are much more active than that. We have sex for reasons other than reproduction. It gives us pleasure." He explained to Sammy.
Gut-Stripe seemed a little surprised by the wide grin and the utterance of 'fuck', craning her antennae downward at Uso's hand cautiously before replying. "Shake on what?", she asked, then snorted. "Oh, I see. I apologize" The warrior held out her own 'hand'; the upper right forelimb, and clasped Uso's hand gently. The I'ee had only two digits on the end of her limb, with a small, soft pad for gripping situated between them. Then she shook rather tentatively before releasing Uso's hand again. "My ambassador taught me such things on our voyage, but I admit, it is not my passion to memorize them.", she admitted. "So, our agreement is official now? This gesture has sealed it?"
Sammy meanwhile listened with curiosity to Corgan's description of sex for pleasure, letting out a squeak before replying. "How interesting. I presume it must be a recreational activity amongst your people, then?", he asked, though he didn't give Corgan an opportunity to reply, chattering on heedlessly. "I know that your people appreciate physical embrace, am I correct? We also enjoy such physical contact. My siblings and I sleep in a communal bed together, for warmth and for comfort. To be alone is... it's..." The ambassador trailed off, his LED mask flickering between a sad frown and an animated, crying face as he seemed lost in some unpleasant memory.
A shrill, keening sound from Gut-Stripe distracted Sammy from his conversation with Corgan, practically scrambling past him and dashing to meet with the Thi-Thi commander. The engineers from the Ithit and Ithee families were similarly running to join Uso and Gut-Stripe, who turned to face the crowd of I'ee.
"I will inform them of our deal. These engineers cannot comprehend your language.", she said over her shoulder to Uso, before beginning a lengthy dialogue with the I'ee engineers; a rapid exchange of squeaks, harsh chatterings and even the occasional honk.
Sammy stood quietly off to one side, beckoning Corgan and Cyrus closer with an arm before addressing the two of them. "Our commander and your leader have come to an agreement.", he explained to them both. "She is informing the engineers of their plans, which is to assist in building infrastructure upon the planet below us. If you excuse me, I will head upwards to the bridge and inform my siblings." The ambassador then tottered away at full speed, heading to what might have been mistaken for some form of wall decoration, and began ascending it rapidly using all six limbs; clearly a form of I'ee 'ladder', before disappearing into the darkness near the ceiling.
There wasn't a lot of high-technology in this star system... no subspace signals being sent out, no aether reactors being used heavily... but there was one thing to detect if the I'ee had the patience to do so. On one of the planets in the system was filled with humans, and occasionally a star ship would travel to and from.
That star ship was the Queen's Slave, a freighter that was running Cargo for Uso and Ragnarock, with only one soldier being tasked with watching the ship's deep space radar for any visitors.
Sammy had needed to personally board the Utility Vessel this time in order to argue with Gut-Stripe over their latest discovery. Despite primarily being aimed towards recovering technology for the I'ee engineers to tear apart and study, the Joint Technology Expedition also had star-charting high on its priority list; a detail which Gut-Stripe, the de-facto commander, seemed to forget all too often.
"Our people cannot defend ourselves with lifeless rocks, Ee'ith!", the Thi-thi warrior had hissed to Sammy as he desperately tried to soothe her hot-headed nature. "We must search for metal and energy, not dirt and stone!"
It was only after Sammy pointed out the possibility of life existing on the planet, coupled with the likelihood of there being an alien research team to study said life, that Gut-Stripe had begrudgingly conceded to change their course. Fortune further aided Sammy's cause when the Utility Vessel's sensors picked up what might have been a space craft in the vicinity of the planet. Now, finally, after a few days of travel, Sammy got to hear the low hum of the Alcubierre drive winding down as they left FTL speed.
The JTE appeared in 188604's orbit, signified by a pair of bright, sunflower yellow flashes of light on the far side of its moon; the FTL drives releasing motes of deadly particles in all directions as their travel 'bubbles' dispersed. Already prepared for flight, the four gunships in the Utility Craft's docking bay flew out, assuming a rough delta formation as they moved to escort the Treasury Vessel positioned behind their mother ship
At the same time, the Dragoon corvette, moored with the Utility Craft, disconnected and flew away from the rest of the fleet, moving to position itself in orbit around 188604's moon; above its northern pole. Travel time would take roughly an hour, after which the Dragoon powered its systems down, remaining motionless and discreet until it was needed.
As for the rest of the small, I'ee fleet, they flew onwards towards the planet, moving into high orbit. Gut-Stripe brooded upon the Utility Craft's bridge, watching as her crew began scanning the planet's surface using the craft's powerful sensor array. She tapped a claw on the hilt of her rapier impatiently, the light from the planet reflecting impassively off her chitin and compound eyes.
In complete contrast, Sammy and the Ee'ith crew of the Treasury Vessel were practically dancing with excitement, chattering and squeaking to one another about the beautiful looking planet below. Each hoped they would meet a new alien species, perhaps even an intelligent, civilized one, but simply finding a new alien world was an amazing experience for the naive, little ambassadors.
The lone soldier watching the radar was Corgan Garret, and he was not paying attention when the I'ee ships arrived. Instead he was playing a game of Agitated Avians on his DataJockey and listening to Aethersperm's Greatest Hits. "Damn boars!" He yelled, nearly ready to fling the device across the room. He sighed and pulled off his headphones. That's when he heard an alarm going off. Corgan frowned. Uso wasn't expecting any ships, he thought as he sat up. He watched the radar as four smaller blips separated from a larger one. "That definitely ain't good.." He muttered, looking to see where the ships were headed. The current trajectory seemed to indicate a high orbit. "Guess I need to call the Cat Queen.." He said in an annoyed tone.
He reached over and grabbed his communicator, then stuck it in his ear and called Uso. "Uso, do you hear me? We have company. Looks like a small fleet but I don't think it's Yamatai or Nepleslia. The ships aren't moving like theirs. What do you want me to do here?" Corgan asked, not really sure what he could do from here.
"Hanako's Hips!" Uso shouted, her audio being cut off by a loud blast as she kicked her power armor's rockets on and shot off back towards the ship, "Start pre-flight, get us in the air. I'll be there shortly. Have everyone else get ready to bail on Small's ship... "
The systems of the Queen's Slave began humming, the reactor pumping out more energy, the engines firing up, the craft's shield contracting to a nice tight bubble as it began to lift off... without the majority of the crew. Whomever was already on the ship was going to be the crew for the duration, Uso only just barely making it as she rocketed up onto the top of the craft and used Hellcat's pilot's hatch to board the ship,
"You know who these guys are? ... I mean, obviously you don't," Uso said over the intercom as she struggled with getting her helmet off, "Get them on Comm's, give them a 'Hi, how're you, lets be friends' message. If they give you shit then... shit... you any good at poker?" Uso asked.
As the Queen's slave started to take off, the atmosphere of the planet started to change, the exotic particles from the I'ee ships were slamming against the planet's atmosphere, triggering an aurora borealus like effect, treating the entire planet to a green and blue light show of epic proportions.
Cyrus feel out of his bed. "What the hell was that?" He yelled as he jumped up and ran towards his makeshift command center in the palace. As he entered he shooed the common staff and several technicians came running in to take up their places around the room.
Cyrus opened his comms. "All companies on high alert. Defcon 1. Repeat we are at Defcon 1. Scramble all units for emergency operations" He said as he plugged his eye into the holoboard.
"Talk to me Corgan!" Cyrus called over his comms as the warning sirens blared all across Ragna-City.
Corgan was expecting a boring, quiet evening, so all the activity was a welcome change. "I guess we'll find out. Hope we got some weapons on this thing though." He replied to Uso before switching frequencies. He tried to send a message to the incoming ships on as many frequencies as possible. "Thi is the.. Queen's Guard, hailing the ships that just arrived in orbit. If your intentions are friendly, we welcome you. Please send one ship to negotiate with us. Do not approach the surface. If you're here to cause trouble be advised. We have enough firepower to turn you into dust. Turn around and go home."
He was afraid that maybe he came across too harsh, but she did basically say to bluff. Cyruses voice on comms made him jump. He quickly switched to a direct line with Cyrus to report in. "Sir, we have a small fleet entering high orbit. I count.. seven ships maybe. Three larger ones, four small craft. I'm no expert, but the odd thing is the shape of them. One is asymmetrical, not anything like Yamatai's ships."
Cyrus crossed his arms as he looked at the preliminary data of the ships on his holoboard. "Roger that Corgan. All Companies have been scrambled, and I have the city being evacuated. Keep me updated. Command out." He said terminating the link.
Gut-Stripe let out a snort when the alien voice trickled in through the speakers on the bridge of the Utility Craft, already feeling more invested in exploring the planet below. "Re-route the message to the Treasury Vessel.", she ordered her communications attendant, who silently went to work. "Ee'ith, tell me what they are saying." She directed the second order to the Treasury Vessel itself, where Sammy and his siblings listened intently.
"The message is in Trade speak.", one of Sammy's sisters reported almost immediately, as every one of the Ee'ith on board had memorized the language thoroughly. "They are hailing us, and wish to know of our intentions. They request that only one ship be used for negotiations and warn not to approach the planet's surface. In addition, they indicate that their weapons are capable of turning us into dust."
Aboard the Utility Vessel, Gut-stripe mused to herself, still tapping a claw upon the hilt of her blade. If the aliens did possess weapons capable of turning their ships to dust, then perhaps it would simply be best to avoid contact at all. On the other hand, she had heard that aliens possessed dishonesty to the point of falsely proclaiming things that were not true. Truly baffling, but it was a possibility.
"Sammy.", she addressed the Ee'ith leader directly over the comms, which caused the poor male to scramble for the nearest microphone. "Send a reply to the aliens. Tell them that we will send your vessel to parley with them. Tell them that our intentions are not hostile, unless we are given cause. Then introduce ourselves to them."
"Y-yes, of course.", Sammy squeaked, tapping a few buttons so as to broadcast using the same array of frequencies that the planet had used to speak to them.
On the surface, Corgan would hear a male voice speaking to him over the comms, sounding oddly artificial and distorted, as if it were speaking over an archaic telephone. At the same time, the Utility Vessel and the gunship escorts turned to move away from the planet, while the Treasury Vessel remained in place. The long-range Dragoon corvette remained parked silently above 188604's moon, powered down and inert until it was called upon.
"Greetings.", Sammy spoke, broadcasting to the planet below. "Do not be alarmed by our presence, for we do not come with hostile intentions. We are the Joint Technology Expedition of the I'ee Families, seeking new technologies for our people to make use of. If it interests you, we are willing to trade with you in return for pieces of technology for our engineers to study. Otherwise, we shall prepare to leave once our drives have recharged."
The half ID-SOL relaxed visibly when he heard the response, although the voice was strange. Probably some sort of android, he thought. He switched to Uso's frequency. "Got a reply, boss. They identified themselves as the Joint Technology Expedition of the I'ee Families They want to trade with us in exchange for some of our tech. If not they will leave as soon as possible." Corgan said, looking at the radar. "They did what I asked and sent all but one of their vessels away. I think we can trust them. What do you want me to say?"
Ace walked in."If they are looking for tech I could probably keep them occupied." Aries entered behind him. "I would agree with Ace's plan as I am detecting that our visitors have much more advanced scanners than we do and will probably find the archaic facilities before us. We would lose profit that way."
Uso slumped against the side of the entry way, "Alright... fantastic..." She tried to clip the helmet to the side of her waist... but there didn't see to be a way to do that with this armor, "Alright Corgi, Tell them we're going to meet them and be polite about it. We have tech.... we have FABULOUS tech, and we'll give it to them in exchange for that sweet, sweet, infrastructure. Look, tell them whatever, you're our head ambassador now. Just make em happy and get them ready for an in person meeting..."
Uso stripped down out of her power armor as she made her way toward the cockpit, the huge metal thing clunking to the ground as she hopped out of it and dashed towards the pilot's seat, dodging around Ace and jumping over the back of the seat to get her hands on the controls.
"Ace, Find me something I can trade them. We've got aether reactors in the power armors... I'd like you to remove one and have it ready for trading. Uh..... I got no idea what else is on here, but have a look around."
As she spoke, her hands would fly over the console, pointing the ship in the general direction of the I'ee and taking them up!
Ace looked over at the power armors "Can we afford to do that I mean these reactors are expensive and the suits can't move without them." Ace moved back towards the door. "I could try and show em some of my gadgets I can assure you that they have probably never seen anything like them I made em all myself" Aries moved behind Uso. "There is also me...just sayin AI is kinda hard to come by."
Did she just call me a small dog? Corgan thought to himself, a little annoyed. Oh well, she's the boss. Wait.. Ambassador? Me? That is not good. He sighed and switched back to the frequency he had used to contact the I'ee. It took him a moment to figure out what to say. Well, time to act like I know what I'm doing. "We would enjoy the opportunity to trade some of our technologies with your expedition. I apologize for the threat I issued. We weren't sure if you were peaceful. I'm sure you understand." He said in his most friendly voice.
"I'm sure we have some technology that your people will find most interesting. Our queen Uso would like to meet you in person to discuss the trade, you should be honored. My name is Corgan. What do we call your leader?" He asked, trying to keep the conversation going.
Ace walked over to Corgan. "Hey give em a heads up that I'll be there you know since I'm the tech specialist and all."
Sammy squeaked with delight, a sound that could be heard over the comms. "It is lovely to meet you, Corgan, and we would be delighted to meet your queen Uso as well!", he paused, tilting his head to one side as he wondered whom to name as their leader; technically, they didn't have one. "Uhm... our leader...?"
Gut-Stripe's voice cut in over Sammy's, her artificial voice speaking in a drab, near-monotone. "I am the leader. You can call me Gut-Stripe. We would be eager to see what technology you have to offer us."
The Ee'ith all cringed as one upon the bridge of the Treasury Vessel, chattering and grumbling to one another in irritation and disappointment; how unprofessional of the Thi-Thi!
Ace cut into the channel. "Hello there gents and ladies of our visitors I am Ace the technical specialist on this planet I'll meet you on the ground along with my employer and AI Aries. Looking forward to doing business with you."
Gut-Stripe's voice responded with a slight, sibilant hiss sounding behind each word, her hands working at the control console to block out-bound communications from the Treasury Vessel; effectively silencing Sammy and his crew. "I look forward to dealing with you, Ace.", she replied, tapping her claws on the metal of the comms console.
Satisfied with the response Ace left the ship. "We'll s you on the ground." Ace followed by his Aries operated suit left the Queen's Slave which was still several miles up.
Aries pipped in. "Does it not worry you that a jammer was put in place." Ace looked over a his electronic companion. "I heard clacking so they must be a bug like species must have a monarchy kind of thing so the monarch cut off its communications vessel so that they could speak to us uninterrupted by the...drone? I guess?"
Sammy and his siblings were fuming angrily on the bridge of the Treasury Vessel, chattering and grumbling to each other while Gut-Stripe sent them a one-way command. "They wish to meet on the planet's surface, Ee'ith. Prepare your craft for an atmospheric landing; I shall join you shortly."
One of Sammy's sisters whined mournfully. "An atmospheric landing? I thought they were coming to meet us!", she lamented with irritation, while Sammy simply shook his head.
"We can't say anything to her while she has us jammed. The only thing we can do is refuse to move our vessel until she deigns to let us speak our mind, as is our right.", he huffed, to which his sibling squeaked in agreement.
Aries grumbled about how Ace was a retarded detective before finally giving in. "OK fine but I'm gonna open a channel to that blocked ship." Ace smirked. "You know me oh so well." Ace waited for Aries to confirm that she had a channel open. "Hi I thought that I'd want to talk directly to those I was going to be meeting . This is a closed channel so feel free to speak your mind no one else can hear." The two impacted on the surface leaving two small craters and scareing off a flock of sheep.
"H-hello?!", a feminine voice replied with an audible squeak of surprise, followed by a rapid, excited chattering that sounded like a roomful of excited, talkative budgies. Finally, a male voice spoke over the line as Sammy replied. "Greetings. We thank you for being considerate. Our joint expedition is composed of many families with differing goals, and our... 'leader', Gut-stripe, is horribly... unprofessional!"
He seemed quite upset, though his artificial voice did not directly betray any of it; instead being indicated by the low, grumbling chatter of his natural voice.
Ace jumped at the dialects he heard. "I could tell. So the I'ee I'm guessing are some sort of insectiods bees or ants cause there is obviously a monarchy going on. You people sound much more professional to say the least. Now I may look like the soldier outa hell but I'm actually probably one of the smartest people on this rock. I make and repair almost all of the equipment here. I'm an inventor to boot so I can assure you that I have things that you have never seen before."
"Well, that sounds lovely!", a different, female voice replied, though it was just as artificial as Sammy's. "Our cousins of the Ithee and Ithit families would love to see what you have to offer us!" Again, there was the excited chatter of insectoid voices before the female spoke again. "Thank you, by the way, for the compliment. I am glad we make a good impression!"
"No bigee. Oh I can tell that this is not your natural voice or language. If you would be so kind as too allow me access to your data banks I could speak your native language in ten seconds tops."
There was a brief pause. "I'm afraid that the majority of our information database is located on Gut-Stripe's command vessel. We cannot access it as of yet.", Sammy answered. "In any case, we would prefer to speak to you in your language. It is our family's aspiration to facilitate diplomacy, after all."
"I'm all about learning and diplomacy as well...if I'm not ripping someone's head off. I can still learn it if I can just hear a bit of it." Ace looked over to Aries to make sure that she was up to it before continuing. "Either way I'd like to keep my employer Uso outa the loop otherwise she might swindle you."
"What does 'swindle' mean?", a multitude of artificial voices, female and male, spoke up at once; all asking the same question. Upon the bridge of the Treasury Vessel, the Ee'ith were clustered around their comms console like curious school children, ignoring the messages coming in from the Utility Vessel.
Oh great now I get to play teacher Ace thought to himself. "Swindle means that some lies so that they get a better deal. Like if I were somehow able to get you to give me ten apples if I give you one."
"What's an apple?", Sammy replied, rapt with curiosity It seemed obvious that this childish curiosity would be a recurring theme with the I'ee.
'I should just shut up.' "An apple is an item of food belonging to the fruits group it grows on apple trees which can be grow if you plant and cultivate apple seeds which you can get from an apple."
"Ooh! Fruit!", a female voice squeaked, followed by excited chattering and squeaking. "We like fruit! Do you grow fruit on this pla-" Her voice was cut off by Sammy's, speaking over her.
"Thank you again for speaking to us. Will we meet with your leader, Uso, before we land on the surface?", he asked.
"First off yes we grow fruit here. Apples, pears, oranges, bananas...you name it. Second Uso is not my leader she is my employer she pays me so I work for her I'm a freelancer I work for cash you pay me more and I'll work for you. Also I don't know if you'll meet here en transit and I don't care personally I hate her guts."
"What's an or-", the female voice was again cut off by Sammy. "I see. We shall await further direction from our command vessel before proceeding further; our sensors are picking up a craft leaving the atmosphere. I hope to meet you soon.", he stated professionally, before flicking on Gut-Stripe's messages.
"Ee'ith...", she fumed over the comms, hissing quietly. "Do not say a word. Get into formation with the utility vessel immediately and await further orders. I am detecting an approaching craft from the planet." As ordered, Sammy said nothing, switching off the feed and turning to his crew to relay the orders.
Up in space, the Treasury Vessel turned ponderously away from the planet, its golden hull glimmering, and moved back towards the Utility Vessel and its gunship escorts.
"To state everything that I stated orange, pear, and banana was all fruits. Second I fucked up I went to the surface by exiting the craft while it was moving towards you since all my work is down here. I'll grab some stuff than link up to my craft if I can't get it to come to the surface." Ace then switched to the Queen's Slave's channel. "Aries round up some crap." As Aries went off Ace spoke to Uso. "Hey Uso could you land on the surface all of our bargaining chips are down here. If not I can grab some shit stuff it in the Ragnachopper then link up with you before you leave the atmosphere."
Uso took a firm hold of her helmet, and opened up a private channel to Cyrus,
"Cyrus, Get your fucking house in order. If I see Ace or Aries, I will kill them."
She then shut off Ace and Aries' communication links to the ship, cutting them off from the I'ee craft.
"Corgan.... get the I'ee on the comms and sort this out... Figure out which of their ships we're meeting, and make sure we meet them IN SPACE." Heavy emphasis was placed on what she wanted, and Corgan could certainly hear Uso's death threats earlier, the rage in her voice making her words tremble just a bit.
"Uso...ugh...look these I'ee are insectiods they are into fruit and by the looks of it they haven't figured out how to grow plants on their ships. I could teach them aquiponics and get us a butt load of cash more than we could get from anything aboard that cramped craft."
"ACE, Shut the fuck up. I asked you to look around for shit on the ship, not run off on your own. You're fucking DONE here." Uso snapped.
"OK good luck getting any business without anything to sell I took the aether reactors."
Uso turned the ship around, and accelerated back towards the surface, grabbing her helmet,
"CORGAN FLY THE FUCKING SHIP!" She shouted, the range palpable in her voice as she headed towards the lower door, putting her helmet back on and then grabbing one of the spare armors, dragging it along with her and tossing it out the back with her.
Aries turned to Ace. "You do realize she'll probably kill us." Ace just chuckled. "That's why I have protective measures." Ace placed some devices on the ground. "There now she'll kill herself trying to get to us. Ah claymore deep scanners the things I make."
As Uso fell, she grabbed the second armor and pulled it close, linking the computers remotely, her shoulder growing some additional connective tissue to send signals to the armor... setting it up for remote control. Then she'd turn both her armors toward Ace and Aries.... sending the lock down command to their armors shortly after. The Neko turned a few moments before impact, the second armor following her mirroring those moves exactly. She angled herself feet first towards ace, the second armor aiming towards Aries, the rockets firing to slow them down just enough to not crush her own legs.
*BOOM*
Even before the dust had settled, Uso was perched on top of the prone Ace, using her first to repeatedly smash against the neck-section.
"What the fuck..." Cyrus mumbled as he semi listened in. He was busy calling off the evacuation when all hell broke loose. "FUCK ME!" He yelled loudly ad he hopped in his armor and sprinted after Uso and Ace. Once he finally reached the pair he elbowed Uso off of Ace. Then Cyrus grabbed Ace by the throat and threw him.
"What the FUCKING HELL are you doing Ace?" Cyrus asked menacingly' as he walked up to him and dropped an armored leg on the small of his back.
Ace coughed. "Being business like. I mean I'm good but I can't turn profit outa what we have on the freighter."
"BULLSHIT!!!" He yelled angrily. "What you did was disobey a direct order. Am I fucking understood!" Cyrus had finally had it. He was exhausted, irritated, and above all, pissed the hell off.
"I DON'T TAKE ORDERS FROM HER SHE'S NOT THE ONE FUCKING PAYING ME YOU ARE!!!!!!!" Ace was clearly pissed.
Cyrus slapped Ace across his armored helmet. "No you fucking idiot! She pays me and I pay you. THUS SHE IS YOUR GOD DAMN BOSS! NOW GET THE FUCK IN LINE OR I WILL SPACE YOU! AM. I. UNDERSTOOD!!!" HE yelled in his face.
"FUCK!!!!! YOU!!!!"
Cyrus picked Ace up again and threw him down again, and again, and again...
Aries jerked. "Stop Ace's life signs are dropping this means one of two things either your killing him or he is gonna slip back into his killer personality."
Cyrus threw him down and Cyrus stood. He turned to Uso. " Get to your damn meeting. I will deal with him." He said as he began walking towards where he threw Ace's body.
"Shall I accompany you?" Aries was now laying still. "You do need someone who will be able to get you profit."
Uso's response was to have the second armor sit on Aries' chest, remaining immobile as she returned to the ship.
As Cyrus walked, alpha company stormed up to Cyrus. The Captain saluted Cyrus. "Sir." He said dropping the salute.
Cyrus looked to Ace and Aries. "Get these two in the brig now. 24/7 guard. Let him think on what he has done..." He said disinterested. Turning and following Uso.
The Alpha company commander nodded and several soldiers lifted Ace up by the shoulders and hauled him off to the palace while several more handled Aries.
Cyrus stormed off. "Beta company, secure the ships and Gamma guard the palace."He said walking after Uso.
Ace regained consciousness just long enough to yell a couple of carefully chosen curses at Uso and Cyrus. "You will regret this!!!"
Cyrus stopped for a moment. "No Ace. You have made a grave mistake." He said walking away.
"No I was just trying to do my job I'm a freelancer not a slave as long as I get a job done I get paid! The only reason I'm still here is cause I never got paid the job was help conquer a planet and I did I'm not obligated to do any more!"
"Once your payment is in you won't be obligated to stay anymore. Until then shut up and keep your head down." He said as he continued to follow Uso.
"I need to find a new employer and the I'ee seem like they would fit the bit. I'll contact them somehow you know I can."
----
Meanwhile, back on the ship>
"Corgan..." Uso's voice clearly quite unhappy, "Please reach out to the I'ee and unfuck this situation. We need to meet in space, away from the planet as planned. I'll be back on board in a moment but for the time being you're now Pilot and Head Ambassador."
Corgan was quite annoyed at this point because of Ace's actions. He could be almost done with the ordeal by now. Instead he was given even more responsibilities. Not to mention he didn't know anything about piloting or being an ambassador. He could fake the ambassador role but not flying a ship.
Cyrus stormed up the ramp with Uso shucking his armor and walked into the cockpit. He sat down and began pre-flight He jacked his eye into the computer and began readying for takeoff. "Mind taking the Co-pilot seat Corgan?" Cy asked tiredly. The man looked exhausted to say the least.
Relieved that Cyrus appeared, Corgan jumped up. "Yes, sir!" He shouted as he moved to the co-pilot's seat and sat down. Then he patched himself in to the I'ee again on the comms. "Forgive me, one of my uh, colleagues had a difference of opinion with our dear leader. We will proceed with the original plan and meet in space. The other man you spoke to was not authorized to make decisions. Please allow us to approach your vessel to further discuss the trade." He said to whoever was listening on the I'ee ship. He muted his voice and turned to Cyrus. "What the hell happened down there?"
Cyrus rolled his eye. "Someone got to big for their breeches." He said dryly as the engines whined. "Control, Queen's Slave departing." He said into his comm set as the ship lifted up and rocketed into space. Cyrus sighed. "Bet you a bottle of whiskey I get chewed out for this..." He said as he continued the climb upwards.
Corgan laughed. "Ace can get like that sometimes, can't he? I only hope he doesn't take things too far this time. He may be annoying but I don't want us to have to really hurt him." He grinned. "I will take that bet. Glad I'm not in your position, boss." He thought for a moment. "Hey, where did your pilot girlfriend get to? Haven't seen her around lately."
"She is taking a few personal days." He said looking over at him. "I might have given her some money to go shopping while she had her craft get worked on." He said with a shrug as they entered space. "Contact your friends and tell them we are nearing the meet up point." He said as they leveled out and entered space.
Answering Cyrus with a nod, Corgan sent another message to the I'ee. "We're approaching the rendezvous point now. Do we have permission to dock with your ship?"
The voice that answered Corgan was Gut-Stripe's, now broadcasting from the golden Ee'ith Treasury Vessel. "Greetings, alien craft.", her voice spoke in its usual monotone. "You may dock with our treasury vessel. Look to the cargo pods attached to the underside." At her words, the Treasury Vessel turned on its running lights; a light cyan colour at each corner of its hull, and a light green on the port cargo pod, guiding the eye to look at its modified hangar bay. The hangar bay entrance had been modified to become a port for a docking umbilical to allow for larger ships. "We look forward to seeing you aboard."
The recently appointed ambassador was relieved they still wanted to meet after all that. He was a little embarrassed. Since Arccos talked to him about their image, he'd been very careful about acting professional. He was afraid Ace might have hurt their image. "Thank you. Again, I apologize for the mix-up. That kind of thing doesn't usually happen around here. We look forward to meeting you in person." Corgan replied to Gut-Stripe. He turned to Cyrus again. "Everything sounds good. I think I was talking to a different one this time, though. Much more formal. Could be the leader."
Cyrus nodded. "Agreed." He said as he slowed the ship. He slowly pulled the ship alongside the Treasury vessel. The Queen's Slave stopped and signaled the the umbilical. The tube extended and secured itself to the airlock. The ship pinged that there was a hard seal. "We have hard contact, locking everything down. Get to your armor and get ready. use your helmet, never know what might happen when you are in one of those things." He said looking to Corgan.
"Our ship confirms a secure seal. I will meet you in the cargo pod.", Gut-Stripe said, then left the bridge. With her, she brought Sammy and a small entourage of assorted engineers and scientists from the Ithee and Ithit families; about twenty members from each. The I'ee were mostly naked as they gathered upon the deck of the converted hangar bay; the engineers had all brought assorted tool belts with them, slung upon their bodies in a haphazard, Rambo-style arrangement. Sammy bore nothing save his implants, speaker system, and a small, LED screen strapped to his face.
Gut-Stripe, in comparison, was dressed at her best. Besides her usual blood red war paint which coated every yellow marking upon her body, she also wore a full set of rather archaic-looking armour: Solid, metal plate armour made from a vaguely bluish-steel coloured metal. She wore a small belt around her waist, kept from sliding off by her abdomen, to which was attached both her rapier and a large, two-handed machine gun of some kind. Her helmet was quite ornate, bearing polarized glass visors over each compound eye and a vaguely centurion-style crest of razor-sharp spines, each painted red.
The I'ee awaited their guests upon the deck of the converted cargo pod, with Gut-stripe at the fore and Sammy just behind her. The sizable chamber was decorated with ornate, copper sheets with murals carved into them; most depicting sytlised images of stars, space-craft, and the I'ee themselves.
Now this is much more my speed, Corgan thought to himself. "Roger that, boss man. Although if this doesn't go well, I'm not sure we could fight our way out." He said to Cyrus while he stood up and stretched. He headed to the makeshift power armor bay and stepped into his armor, putting his helmet on as well. Considering the mission he didn't want to appear too threatening, but he still needed some firepower. He decided to bring his HHG and ta a couple speedloaders. "Okay, I've got my gear. Are we going in first to make sure it's safe, or wait for Uso to get ready?" He asked Cyrus as he headed to the airlock.
"WAITING ON ME!" Uso shouted angrily from somewhere inside of the ship. She had stripped off her power armor and quickly rinsed off in the shower. She had replaced the green armor with her bodysuit, a datapad clipped to one side of her hips, and a power armor reactor clipped to the other. She marched up to the hatch as if on the warpath, brushing her hair with overly strong strokes, finishing by adding a hair tie to put her hair into a high ponytail then finishing brushing out her heart shaped bangs.
She stood there for a moment, and just exhaled,
"Alright Corgi!" Uso said, her voice instantly cheery, her body weight shifting so that her heels were just a bit off the ground, making her look much more bouncy and bubbly than before, "Lets do this!"
She'd tap on the hatch to open it up, and let herself into the I'ee's waiting area.
"Thank you for your patience, I do appreciate you taking the time to MEET,"
Uso sharply turned around to face her own people, spinning on her heel and looking Corgan in the eyes.... quietly whispering to him,
"ohfuck... space bees... " Uso was clenching her jaw tightly her eyes wide, ".... What do we know about bees? They communicate by dance right? Love pollen? flowers? Is one of them covered in blood?" She was mentally kicking herself for not staying in her power armor so they could have this conversation privately. She glanced over her shoulder for a moment at the I'ee... and then turned back around.
"to meet us here." She continued, instantly returning to the bright and bubbly tone as soon as she faced the I'ee. "I think we both know that space fairing races can be quite dangerous, and it is always a pleasure to meet one that understands the value of a good chat. My Head Ambassador Corgan is to my left, he has been the one you have talked to thus far. I would also like to introduce Lead Administrator Cyrus who has been handling personnel for me.
Our operation is just getting underway, so we are very interested in acquiring infrastructure for the planet. From what I understand you are looking for technology. I am certain we can come to a mutually beneficial arrangement!"
Cyrus had moved and put on his armor. He stood on the opposite side of the airlock when Uso walked up. "God woman you scare me..." He teased as he followed her. When they rived in the hanger Cyrus flanked Uso. When Uso introduced him he removed his helmet, his eye glowing brightly. He took a step forward "A pleasure to meet you, My name is Cyrus Marshal, Lead Administrator of this world." He said as he crossed an arm over his chest and bowed slightly.
The I'ee were silent as Uso and the other two emerged and began introducing themselves; the small crowd of engineers were almost completely motionless. Sammy tapped the tips of his claws nervously together in a surprisingly human gesture, while Gut-Stripe similarly tapped a claw upon the hilt of her blade; looking quite tense.
"I take it this one is your leader?", Gut-Stripe butted in as Cyrus finished speaking, a hairs-breadth from cutting him off mid-sentence, raising a claw to gesture at Uso. "From what I understand of your people, her mental state appears to be defective. I recommend app-"
With a terrified squeak, Sammy gently batted at Gut-Stripe's abdomen from behind, silencing the Thi-Thi warrior and leaving her confused as he took over the introductions. "E-excuse me! I am sorry!", he squeaked, the LED display attached to his face lighting up with a red smiley face. "It is a pleasure to meet all three of you. My name is Sammy, and I am an ambassador for our people."
Gut-Stripe fumed to herself, grasping the hilt of her blade tight, but let Sammy handle things; especially since this was his field.
After having caught his breath and calmed down a little, Sammy tilted his head to one side. "If I may ask, are you Yamataian? I recognize your body-type.", he pointed to Uso. "But, your mannerisms are far removed from what I have trained for. Forgive me if I seem a little out of my element..." He cast a nervous glance back at Gut-Stripe, and the rest of the I'ee on deck, who all stood silently.
Uso smiled at the I'ee, her head tilting slightly as Gut-Stripe began questioning her mental state, an aggressive smile then as the LED lit up.
"Well... that's adorable..." She said aloud before letting them finish up.
"We are a multinational crew. Though I was once affiliated with Yamatai, I suppose I never lived there nor was I born there. I'm a NH-7y4, originally sold on the open market before going independent. Cyrus is an Nepleslian, and Corgan there is a Nepleslian as well I think...
I take it you are already familiar with some of the big players around here? Sounds like you've already had your first contact with Yamatai?"
Cyrus stood again, not visibly showing any emotion. His face was cold and static. On the inside however, the man was fuming. If it was possible there would have been steam billowing from his ears. But he knew that there was a time and a place to work off his aggravation. So Cyrus steeped back into position and stayed quiet, unless he was directly spoken to.
Following Uso and Cyrus, Corgan walked onto the I'ee ship and silently stood behind Uso on her left. He followed Cyruses example and removed his helmet to introduce himself. "Corgan Garret, our new ambassador. We spoke earlier. Forgive me, I'm new at this. It's nice to finally meet you." He said calmly. Inside however he was freaking out. Holy shit, they're giant bugs! We have to get out of here! He thought. Why bugs? The universe hates me.
"I see!", Sammy said, the smiling face on his LED mask briefly changing to an open-mouthed expression of surprise before reverting back again. "And yes, my family has already met with Yamatai before. I was present, though I did not take direct part."
At the sight of Corgan, and upon hearing his introduction, Sammy let out a little squeak and stepped over to greet him, glad to meet a fellow 'ambassador'. "Hello, Corgan!", he greeted, blissfully unaware of Garret's inner terror. "I am Sammy. It's a pleasure to meet you in person!"
Gut-Stripe, meanwhile, upon seeing Sammy distracted, stepped closer to Uso, studying her impassively with her featureless eyes hidden behind her helmet. "Well, I suppose I am no ambassador.", she said coolly, tapping her claws on her rapier again. "Shall I lead you to the treasury, so that you may see what we have to offer you?" She turned upon her heel (or would have if she had one), then glanced over her shoulder at Uso. "I trust that you have brought your own bargains to the table, correct?"
"I'm sure Corgi will be happy to get all the details from you Sammy," Uso said as she watched Gut-Stripe move up closer to her. Uso planting her feet, looking the creature right in the eye.... or at least trying to. She focused on the head first, then switching between the left and right eye-areas of the Helmet
She decided to go for the right eye, keeping focused on it while Gut-stripe tapped the Rapier, easily ignoring the thread and keeping that smile front and center.
Up this close it was a bit easier to see what made Uso different than the others. her bodysuit was clinging to her body tightly, the slight indentions in her shoulders showing off hemosynth ports, and there was a slight increase in heat around her upper arms and thighs where her inbuilt radiators were. Other than the bulky disk, and smooth datapad, clipped to her hips, there really wasn't a place for her to store a weapon.
"I've got QUITE the bargain if I do say so myself!" Uso said, "Will I be negotiating with you? Or are you just the muscle?"
Gut-Stripe visibly stiffened, gripping the hilt of her blade tighter before answering Uso. "I am the leader of this expedition.", she answered, tilting her head ever-so-slightly to one side. "Whether or not we negotiate directly, all decisions are ultimately mine to make." The I'ee warrior snorted, loosening her grasp on her weapon
Corgan reached out to shake hands and realized they didn't really have hands. Instead he awkwardly turned the handshake into a wave. "Nice to meet you, Sammy.." He noticed the other I'ee didn't introduce itself. By its mannerisms and armaments he assumed it was a military leader, probably the one that was called Gut-Stripe. His eyes followed the warrior's "hands". Well the others aren't much of a threat, but there's no telling how many more warriors might be on the ship. He thought, turning his eyes back towards Uso. "Do you want me to come with you, your highness?" It felt odd calling her that with no sarcasm in his voice.
"Sure, bring your new wing'd friend too. I'm sure we've got plenty to discuss!" Uso called out over her shoulder before returning her vision to the I'ee warrior in front of her, again stopping herself from looking at the weapon. She decided to focus on the left eye-bit this time, keeping her eyes on hers, "Don't be..."
Uso stopped talking for a moment... she was going to say 'Mad', but then she realized she was talking with a very alien alien. There was really no telling what emotions it was feeling... though she recognized the way it carried itself. It stunk of a green warrior just itching to prove themselves in a fight.
"You know, there isn't much fighting out here. At least not of the big-space-gun-pew-pew variety." Uso started, "A few skirmishes with the locals from time to time. They've really taken a liking to us... but WOW they would have flipped to see your kind. I bet you inspire terror in all the little ones huh?"
The Thi-Thi commander let out a derisive snort at Uso's suggestion. "Do not patronize me, unhinged.", she retorted, her monotone voice still somehow managing to sound haughty. "I am fully aware of the capabilities of our stellar neighbors There is not a single alien species that the I'ee are aware of that we could win a war against. That is why we are here to trade."
Meanwhile, Sammy seemed to have picked up on Corgan's attempt to shake his 'hand', and reached out to take his hand, giving it a little shake with his clawed forelimb. Then he returned to Gut-Stripe's side, a frown displayed on his LED mask. "We are also present to trade for other technologies as well, mind you.", he added, to which Gut-stripe turned her head to face him silently, though the Ee'ith would not be cowed by the display. "And we have a variety of pieces to give in return. There will be no need for violence of any sort."
He glanced between Gut-Stripe and Uso, clasping his forelimbs together and changing the frown on his mask to a smile. "Shall I lead the way?"
"Well don't act like you got stuck with the worst job in the space-bug empire coming out here to talk with strangers!" Uso said, crossing her arms across her chest, "Getting my hands on things... things like weapons... is what I excel at. Normally I just move things in small volumes for big spenders so I can go relax but you just so happen to have caught me at a time when I need a little extra scratch... well... a LOT of extra scratch. This is basically the best possible thing that could happen to someone in your position.
You wanna go back home the conquering hero right? Tell me what you need to make that happen. Weapons that blow apart stars? Armor? Power-plants? Soldiers? Drones? Lets find a way to make some trades!"
Surprised the I'ee returned the gesture, Corgan took an involuntary step back when Sammy moved. Damn it, stop acting like a baby! They're just people, right? He told himself. With that little LED mask they are kind of cute. Just ignore the wings, mandibles, six legs, and stinger thing. He gently shook Sammy's hand, then followed Uso. Her conversation nearly caused him to burst out laughing, but he held it in. That was the first time he had seen anyone talk to Uso like that. He thought it was funny because she couldn't really do much about it right now.
Cyrus just watched on as Uso walked off with the lead I'ee and Corgan attempting to get over his fear of bugs. Cyrus mentally locked down the ship allowing only himself access to the ship's systems. He sighed inwardly as he followed after Uso and Corgan. His face remained cold and stoic as he followed the pair through the alien ship.
"I am actually quite pleased to have received this assignment.", Gut-Stripe replied, turning and waving an arm to the engineers behind her, who all scampered off; chattering and squeaking to one another. "Please follow myself and Sammy."
Without another word, she turned about and began walking to an empty cargo lift, whose track ascended upwards into and beyond the cargo pod's ceiling. Sammy beckoned to the three, still displaying a happy smile, then followed after the Thi-Thi warrior.
Once everyone was upon the lift, Gut-Stripe operated a lever, and it whirred into motion and began ascending at a steady rate. "The I'ee do not use the monetary economy that your people likely do.", Sammy spoke up along the way, focusing more upon Corgan than Uso; having taken a liking to the former. "So, I'm afraid we cannot pay in a more direct fashion. Hence the need for this Treasury Vessel that you now stand in. Above us is a repository of some of our most valuable technological, biological and artistic items. I know little of how your 'money' works, but I am sure we will have something valuable for you."
Gut-Stripe didn't say a word as the lift ascended upwards, still eyeing Uso coolly with one hand resting upon the lever and the other upon the hilt of her blade.
When finally, the lift reached its destination and halted, the group had arrived in a cavernous room. It looked like a warehouse, but far larger and built from a drab brown and tan metal, lit by countless fluorescent lights which lit the room up brightly, but left the ceiling obscured by darkness. The engineers from before were scattered across the vast floor of the room, dashing to and fro from one item to another, checking and cleaning each one. It looked almost like a museum: Roughly square dias' of varying size were arrayed across the floor of the room in a rough grid, each perching an item upon it.
The largest of these 'exhibits' were easily the most eye-catching: A functioning I'ee particle core sat upon a taller dias than the others, with pipes and wires snaking away from it and surrounded by a fence covered with warning signs, which depicted a bright, sun-flower yellow symbol. The core looked like a dirty, metal cylinder, about three meters tall and one meter in diameter. Around its circumference were small view-ports to the interior, each lit up with a bright, yellow glow; the same colour as that on the signs, flickering in time with the machine's low hum of electricity.
Another, slightly smaller piece was an odd air or space craft of some kind, distinctly different from I'ee designs. It possessed a delicate frame made from a blue metal alloy, with 'fins' of metal forming sheets of armour. At the aft end of the vehicle was what must have been the engine once; now a scorched, blasted stump. The wings had what looked like weapon mounts, which had long since been removed, and the centre of the craft had a hollow, circular space that looked to have contained some kind of independent component at some point, also removed.
Even in its damaged state, the craft was interesting: Apparently a drone vehicle of some sort.
Other pieces included exhibits of I'ee art, with the most dominant category being murals carved upon sheets of metal, usually copper. Some were weapons designed by the I'ee, all fairly archaic compared to the kind Uso was used to. Off in one corner of the vast room was a buzzing refrigeration unit, with specially designed signs telling the guests that the chamber within contained biological items such as fruit, meat and even whole, frozen animal specimens. Another area of the room was dedicated to mineral samples, and another seemed to possess Yamataian data units, though what they contained was as of yet unknown.
"Feel free to look around!", Sammy waved a hand at the collection as he stepped off the lift with Gut-Stripe, who nodded her head formally.
"Indeed.", she agreed. "You may peruse the treasury at your leisure."
Cyrus stood still as he looked around the room. Once his eye had scanned the room he returned to standing still and watching the others.
Following Uso and the rest onto the lift and then the large room, Corgan listened to Sammy talk about their economy. He noted Sammy didn't seem fond of Uso, not that he could blame him. To think the I'ee ambassador doesn't like her now, imagine if he saw Uso in her normal attitude. He thought. "That happens to be a good thing, this time. We have more raw resources and technology than money at the moment." He said in response. The large open space in a ship wasn't something he was used to. As he looked around the room, he only saw a few things that interested him. The drone vehicle and the weapons. He feigned interest in the art, since that's what he figured an ambassador would do. "Interesting art style you have. Very.. unique." That was all he could think of to say about it.
"Well, this is all pretty nice... you certainly have a flair for the metallic... but I was wondering about... welll... less your treasure. More your infrastructure." Uso said, as she slowly wandered about, making a wide circle around the particle core... then taking a glance inside the fridge for a moment before returning her attention to Gut-Stripe.
"You guys feel free to let me know if you like something ok? Maybe Cyrus would like one of those paintings for Errowyn's bedroom?"
Uso would toy with her own people for just a moment, before returning her attention tot he I'ee named Gut-stripe. "We have metals... but they are locked in the ground. We have tons of food, but we are having a hard time packaging it for transport."
Uso then tapped the cylinder on her hip,
"This thing puts out enough power to run a small star ship Sure it wears out in a few months but the output is basically all you'd ever need. It also makes a fine bomb, and can pump out a ton of heat.... Looks like you guys also like fruits and meat? I'm sure we can provide that in abundance.... and well... star ships.. we can provide you a good hard look at what technology your stellar neighbors have."
Gut-Stripe listened to Uso with genuine interest, looking more relaxed now that business was being discussed. "My interest is as much in technology as it is with abstract concepts. I will pay you if you can give me information on warfare, particularly.", she stated. "Our experience with stellar combat is limited, and we have never once fought a planetary battle. Our terrestrial armies are non-existent, beyond my family's... marines, I think you would call them. I want examples of weaponry, vehicles and tactics. Not just written, I want physical copies for my engineers to take apart and study as well."
The Thi-Thi warrior peered up at Uso, leaning slightly closer. "You would understand by now why I am so adamant that I succeed in my task. Already, I have entrusted you with enough information to fuel a successful invasion of our territories.", she muttered. "But I cannot help my people without opening ourselves up to yours for help, as much as I would prefer otherwise."
Meanwhile, Sammy was tottering along after Corgan, shadowing him anxiously and letting out pleased squeaks whenever the 'ambassador' commented positively on a piece of artwork; some of which were made by Sammy himself. "Thank you!", he squeaked. "These ones were all made by my family." He gestured to a set of copper murals, depicting abstract imagery of stars, planets, humanoid and insectoid figures; generally in postures suggesting peaceful interaction.
The I'ee's squeaks gave him the feeling he had chosen conversation topics wisely. The murals also had the effect of making Corgan relax. H just realized he had been sweating profusely the entire time. He actually smiled at Sammy. His enthusiasm reminded Corgan of a puppy or a child. "Your family? How many uh.. relatives do you have? I am also curious how your government works. Do you have a queen or something like that?" He asked, genuinely interested this time.
"Well if it makes you feel any better, I've got my hands full with one planet. I can't imagine trying to take over a bunch of.... your people." Uso said, casually looking around and pointing at one of the copper murals,
"What do you think Corgi? That'd look great on the ship? Maybe hang it up in the main room?"
She'd then turn her attention back to Gut-Stripe,
"You want some nation-state level stuff. I can get that for you, but I certainly don't just have it laying around... I'm going to need some time to get it together. What I want is help with Infrastructure. Looks like your people can build things. Roads, farming equipment... I am sure you can provide that kind of kit right?... Of course, the fastest way to establish trust is to give it. Are your people familiar with the Prisoner's Delima?..."
Uso would unclip the small reactor from her hip, and hold it out for Gut-Stripe,
"Consider this one free of charge. I can walk you through the basics of how it works, and help you take it apart for study... but right now the inner workings are something you'll have to understand on your own."
Cyrus silently walked along. Stopping at certain pieces of art longer than others. He never said anything. Just silently observing everyone as the side conversation took place. As Uso and Corgan moved along. Cyrus was only a few paces behind them.
Gut-Stripe tilted her head to one side as she listened to Uso, seeming quite interested at the thought of building infrastructure. "I have not heard of that Dilemma, no.", she stated, though she did not sound particularly curious about finding out what it is. "But it is... somewhat amusing to me that you would request help with infrastructure from us. I have studied our history in detail, and our earliest recorded families worked with factories, farming, and other such fields. I am sure the engineers from the Ithee and Ithit families will be able to help you; those two families are some of our oldest surviving ones."
The Thi-Thi commander accepted the offered Aether reactor, peering at it curiously before giving Uso a polite, little bow. "I thank you for returning my gesture of faith. The engineers will be eager to look at this device.
The little Ee'ith male seemed happy to see Corgan smile at him, briefly changing the LED display to show a wider, ecstatic grin. "My family?", Sammy laughed; an odd, snorting sound that resembled a small dog sneezing rapidly. "I do not know an exact number, unfortunately, but last I recall, our census numbered us in the thousands. And as for our government, I can explain that to you in detail!"
Sammy was hopping restlessly from one foot to another like an excited child, evidently enjoying his conversation with Corgan immensely. "We do not have a monarchy, no. I would not say that we have a true government as such, either. We all aspire to what our mother wishes to accomplish. For my mother, Ee'ith, she wanted peace and friendship with aliens, and that is what my family does.", he explained. "Our species numbers in the billions, but there are only about ten major families in existence. Gut-Stripe belongs to the Thi-Thi family, one of the older and the larger ones. In comparison, ours is only a century old; a century in Yamataian years, to be exact."
"Because of this, our families have long been independent of one another: We have always held a loose sense of kinship and loyalty, but our families' needs always come first. This Joint Technology Expedition that I am a part of is a wholly new idea, because as we become more known to aliens such as yourself, we must be united, or we will risk death.", Sammy paused for a moment, seeming to wonder if he had missed anything, then nodded his head, clasping his forelimbs beneath his chin. "The Thi-Thi want to improve our defensive capabilities in the face of war. The Ithee want to improve our star ships and technology. The Ithit wish to improve our weapons. My family wants to avoid war if possible, and make friendships instead. Oo'tut, my mother's parent family... are content to watch."
He paused, seeming to be disapproving of Oo'tut in some way, before continuing. "Eethie are determined to keep our species together; they are our logistics. And as for smaller families like mine, Ioth; our sister family, pursue medical studies, Thoot mine raw materials for our factories and...", he trailed away, thinking a moment, then chuckling. "That's all, I think... I do not know how your people keep track of all your families!"
Uso's ears had swiveled over to Sammy, listening intently while she kept her 'attention' on the Thi-Thi in front of her... not being nearly as subtle as she liked to think she was.
"I'm a pretty AMAZING piece of technology... stealth, flight, self-replication... all in a package you'd find quite attractive if you were Nepleslian... I've got a ship that can cross the void between planets, and I've got power armor that'll let me take on a whole legion of primitives.. but I can't move 40 tons of fruits and vegetables a half mile from a warehouse to some hungry people in a reasonable amount of time.
You have the backing of an entire civilization behind you. No doubt you've got all this base logistics figured out. You have workers, artisans, and clearly some clever scientists if you've put together FTL travel... you're just worried that your not as Amazing as everyone else.
We both have what the other wants in abundance. I think it makes perfect sense for us to work together."
Uso would turn her attention to Sammy for a moment... the way they talked about 'friendships' instead of cutting deals or making agreements was absolutely adorable...
"So how about we talk specifics? We could start with something small, perhaps your people could start building some foundations for us to stack cargo containers on? Fairly straightforward.... fairly cheap for you. In exchange I'll start getting together what I know about your local rivals. Maybe create a nice class for you on the history of power armored warfare? As we build trust, I'll start providing you with more examples of tech, more physical devices to study, and you can provide us with more infrastructure?"
Although Corgan was actually interested in learning about their society, he had ulterior motives in mind as well. He was trying to determine what sort of society they were and how best to manipulate them. Not for any nefarious purpose, just to ensure relations stayed positive. "It would indeed, ma'am." He replied to Uso before turning to Cyrus. "Cyrus, what do you think about the vehicle over there? I think we could use something like that."
Sammy's laughter startled the new Ambassador. Hanako's hips, what the hell was that? Was that how they laugh? If Arccos were here she would laugh her ass off at me for being afraid of these guys. He thought as Sammy continued. His description of a I'ee family was close to what Corgan expected, considering the insects they resemble. While he despised insects, he was fairly knowledgeable about them. Mostly how to exterminate them, but also how they function as a group. The lack of individuality frightened him as a freedom loving Nepleslian.
He smiled again noticing Sammy dancing back and forth. The I'ee's naivete worried him. Because of Sammy he was becoming fond of these small wasp people. He would hate to see them get destroyed because they knew so little about the universe. "Among my people there were once different factions, much like your families although only connected by shared ideas. Unlike your people we were unable to unite. We fought amongst ourselves. In the end, only one faction remains after all our fighting. " Corgan said, referring to the conflict with the Reds. He got closer to Sammy and spoke softly. "You say your people met Yamatai? I would be wary of them. They have a history of doing the wrong thing and making it seem right. If your people ever need help, look to Nepleslia." Corgan moved back again. "I would like to know about your females. What are they like?"
As Cyrus walked he was stirred from thought by Corgan. He looked over to the vehicle, then back to Corgan. "One of those vehicles would be fun to play around with." The Neppie finally said after his long silence. He kept following along just looking around.
"You are artificial?", Gut-Stripe asked, appearing to examine Uso's body with curiosity before replying. "Workers and artisans we do have, but our technology is stagnant. Most of the technology we use today has been around as long as our people have recorded our history. Even what we have scavenged and reverse engineered from wrecks such as that," The warrior pointed to the blue-coloured drone sitting nearby. "have been around since before we can remember."
She then turned back to face Uso, resting one hand upon the hilt of her blade, though her posture was relaxed. "If you are willing to help me better prepare our people for a potential war against an entity with the strength of Yamatai or Nepleslia, I will provide you with whatever assistance you would ask of me."
Sammy, meanwhile, let out a mournful whine upon hearing Corgan speaking of war between Nepleslian factions. "That is sad.", he said, the volume of his voice lowered to emulate a softer tone. "And yes, my people have met Yamatai, but..." He trailed away, giving Corgan's words some thought, before being distracted by his next question. "Our females? I'm not sure how to answer that. You have seen a lot of them already.", the Ee'ith ambassador waved an arm around the room, at Gut-Stripe and the engineers checking each item. "I am the only male in this room, though among my siblings; who are currently above us on the bridge, I do have a few brothers accompanying us."
Corgan's eyes followed his wave at the engineers and Gut-Stripe. He tried hard to discern any differences between the two genders besides their size with little success before returning his gaze to Sammy. Better make my interest seem like curiosity about I'ee relationships. "I am curious about how your people um.. decide who to reproduce with. It would be very difficult for my species to end up with thousands of relatives. We usually only have one child at a time naturally. Yamatai usually just makes more people." He said to Sammy, trying to move on from the subject of the female I'ee. Clearly diplomacy with this species would not involve any intimate action.
"Artificial? I think that's more a question for philosophers." Uso said dismissively, "... and I suppose that means this ship isn't yours? I mean, not REALLY yours. You learned to make the parts and pieces from somewhere else? ... Though I suppose that isn't too important. Nepleslia and Yamatai have a lot of ships... that isn't an order I can fill in a day, but believe me I will fill it... I take it we have an accord?" She asked.
Cyrus rolled his eye as Corgan began to speak about mating within the I'ee. He walked faster and moved a few paces behind Uso, and several paces in front of Corgan.
"I am afraid I do not know.", Sammy said, shrugging in an exaggerated, palms-upward gesture thanks to his lack of shoulders. "From what I understand, your people are more sexually active than mine. Courtship is something that has been moved to one side over the centuries. Males like myself donate their semen when they come of age, for use when a mother sires fertile daughters."
In the meantime, Gut-Stripe was chortling at Uso's words; the same, sneezing-dog laugh that Sammy had shown earlier. "Do not speak such things too loudly. You might offend the Ithee engineers.", she waved an arm at a few of the engineers nearby; most of whom were now relaxing and chattering amongst themselves in an alien language. "Though this craft is indeed of our design. Some of the components used in its construction, such as the engines, have been around as long as we can remember, but the craft was designed solely by us."
She turned back to face Uso. "But, to the matter at hand: I see promise in a working relationship between the two of us. You seem...", the Thi-Thi paused, searching for the right word. "Independent. Unconstrained. I would much prefer to work with you than the authorities of Yamatai or Nepleslia. I think we would have more freedom. So, yes, I accept your offer."
Uso grinned ear to ear, "So do your people shake on it? Or have some other official 'we made a deal' gesture?" She held out her hand, wondering just how the space-bug would react, "Because now we've got an official unconstrained and independent as fuck partnership!"
Sammy's description of I'ee sexuality horrified Corgan. He would probably shoot himself if it worked that way for Nepleslians. "Yes, my people are much more active than that. We have sex for reasons other than reproduction. It gives us pleasure." He explained to Sammy.
Gut-Stripe seemed a little surprised by the wide grin and the utterance of 'fuck', craning her antennae downward at Uso's hand cautiously before replying. "Shake on what?", she asked, then snorted. "Oh, I see. I apologize" The warrior held out her own 'hand'; the upper right forelimb, and clasped Uso's hand gently. The I'ee had only two digits on the end of her limb, with a small, soft pad for gripping situated between them. Then she shook rather tentatively before releasing Uso's hand again. "My ambassador taught me such things on our voyage, but I admit, it is not my passion to memorize them.", she admitted. "So, our agreement is official now? This gesture has sealed it?"
Sammy meanwhile listened with curiosity to Corgan's description of sex for pleasure, letting out a squeak before replying. "How interesting. I presume it must be a recreational activity amongst your people, then?", he asked, though he didn't give Corgan an opportunity to reply, chattering on heedlessly. "I know that your people appreciate physical embrace, am I correct? We also enjoy such physical contact. My siblings and I sleep in a communal bed together, for warmth and for comfort. To be alone is... it's..." The ambassador trailed off, his LED mask flickering between a sad frown and an animated, crying face as he seemed lost in some unpleasant memory.
A shrill, keening sound from Gut-Stripe distracted Sammy from his conversation with Corgan, practically scrambling past him and dashing to meet with the Thi-Thi commander. The engineers from the Ithit and Ithee families were similarly running to join Uso and Gut-Stripe, who turned to face the crowd of I'ee.
"I will inform them of our deal. These engineers cannot comprehend your language.", she said over her shoulder to Uso, before beginning a lengthy dialogue with the I'ee engineers; a rapid exchange of squeaks, harsh chatterings and even the occasional honk.
Sammy stood quietly off to one side, beckoning Corgan and Cyrus closer with an arm before addressing the two of them. "Our commander and your leader have come to an agreement.", he explained to them both. "She is informing the engineers of their plans, which is to assist in building infrastructure upon the planet below us. If you excuse me, I will head upwards to the bridge and inform my siblings." The ambassador then tottered away at full speed, heading to what might have been mistaken for some form of wall decoration, and began ascending it rapidly using all six limbs; clearly a form of I'ee 'ladder', before disappearing into the darkness near the ceiling.
