[Azorea] Continued Contact

"I had wished I found you sooner...I found a planet much like your own, able to sustain life, but Yamatai holds ownership of it now...however, it is only one of many. There ARE worlds much like your own in space to expand to, and ones more alien than you can possibly imagine...if your wish is to enter space to expand to these worlds, then you're almost certain to succeed, once you obtain faster-than-light technology and standard sensor capabilities.

Such technology is common in space. I am a civilian, for example, and have five ships capable of traveling at such speeds. Since the technology IS available to civilians...it may be possible for you to obtain it...but I advise caution."

He moved from his message of hope to a warning.

"As of the moment this society became aware of life beyond this world, your planet's history and possible role in the universe have been forever changed. There are dangers involved in moving to a space-faring society. Belief structures being called into question due to the massive influx of new data. Technologies falling into the hands of those not able to use them properly or safely. Lust for power. All these negative things can occur if the government of the new world is not vigilant. You must pace yourselves. Learn before acting. Shield your civilians and yourselves from premature exposure to technology and ideals which may impact your society negatively. Ease yourself into any transition you elect to make."

He clears his throat, after speaking for a time.

"I suggest that you establish a sort of opinion polling system among your people. Try to determine at what level of preparedness they are, covertly determine how they'd react to certain events, technologies, ideals...things such as this."

The message of both hope and warning stayed in the minds of the judges as Raytim replied, "Any help would be greatly appreciated, but I hope to seek the stars in our own time. I suggest that we take our time, and if Master Toshiro's people decide to give us technology, then we should pace ourselves to fully understand it before allowing the public to become aware of or even use it. I will instruct that a poll be created to find the views of the public on this matter. Now, on to the matter of the traitors..."

The viceroy paused for a breif moment before continuing, "They are just the kind of people that Master Toshiro has warned us about. Their lust for power could've spelled the end of our civilization as we know it. Never again will I allow anyone to attempt such an atrocity." He gave each and every judge a stern look to show his sincerity.

Relgemal almost lost his calm demeanor, when one of the judges said

"They are just the kind of people that Master Toshiro has warned us about. Their lust for power could've spelled the end of our civilization as we know it. Never again will I allow anyone to attempt such an atrocity."

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He allowed himself to drift slowly away from the window where the aliens were talking with the commonwealth council. "Fine I will leave with the aliens, then I will destroy their impudent rule. Father will be so proud." He thought as he returned to the window to continue watching.

Toshiro paused a moment, before speaking again.

"You'll find the civilian sector quite diverse in space. Already there is a manufacturer interested in helping make colony ships for you, in an effort to establish you as a possible client for their company. Things move at the speed of thought at times."

He said, finding it almost comical.

"I've never done business with this group myself, though. I can't advise on them...but you have options."

Despite several judges exclaiming how they liked/disliked that idea, Raytim calmed everyone down by saying, "That is an offer that will require much more deliberation. We cannot instantly accept such a deal... but we also cannot decline it without thinking about it. The day has been long.. we shall recess until tomorrow. Fair tidings, brothers and sisters." As if like a cult, every single judge, guard, and bystander replied, "Fair tidings, brother."

As the halls began to empty, Raytim swam down to where Alraniss, Toshiro, and Lyshana were waiting. "Alraniss, I will escort our guests back to the surface. Please take the rest of the night off," the viceroy commanded with a smile. Alraniss was tempted to argue, but she didn't. After the female Azorean had left their presence, Raytim turned to the remaining aliens, "Shall we then?" He waved his hand, awaiting their reaction.

"It is not such a good idea...we lack weapons, and you've already been nearly killed once today...you don't need to personally see to that. A guard will do, if you don't feel we should be unattended. If anything, you need more protection than I do right now."

Toshiro said, wary of leaving Raytim without protection.

Raytim thought about this for a moment before nodding, "I will dispatch a small group of holy warriors to go with you. I have a few things to deal with in the meantime anyway. Fair tidings, Master Toshiro, Son of Yuki." The viceroy bowed his head in respect to the commodore. "I hope that we may meet again sometime soon."

Relgemal saw that the meeting had ended, as he hurried towards the aliens, groping for painful memories. As he hurried trying not to fear the group of holy warriors, as he waited for the right moment to show himself.

"Thank you. Take care, Viceroy...and be very careful. Your planet needs as much political stability as can be maintained right now...and you seem to hold some station here. Don't let this become a power struggle...Nice meeting you!"

Toshiro warned, as he said goodbye. He was as of yet unaware of the Azorean lurking around, and his questionable motives...

Raytim nodded, "Thank you as well, Master Toshiro. I will be sure to keep my people from making any hasty decisions. That I will promise you." His stern and determined look would hopefully bring Toshiro's worries to ease. The viceroy then swam off to see to other matters.

A moment after the viceroy's departure, a band of four holy warriors, two males and two females, swam past the lurking, bulky Azorean in silence to meet with the two aliens. The larger male with a scar across the bridge of his nose bowed his head in respect before saying, "We will be your escort. Please, follow us." All four of the warriors were armed with swords of intrecate design, each being uniquely crafted for each warrior.

"I don't stand a chance." Relgemal thought as he stayed a good distance away, Holy Warriors were the most feared of all commonwealth in the Forgotten eyes. Relgemal shivered with fear, as he shifted position more to the right of the group.

"I-i miss home, I can't go back. I tried to be a part of this life, they don't trust me." He said aloud, as he stood away but close enough for them to here him. His voice filled with his sorrow, as he shook in fear from the fact he could easily die without even a reason.

"I want to leave-" He pleaded as he forgot all about his previously formulated plan, just now filled with the possibility of escape from a world where he is nothing more than an outsider. He floated closer, "P-please don't attack me most honored warriors..." He couldn't hide his fear and shame, as he looked forward to the metal man, and strange white finned looking creature.

"Thank you, Holy Warriors. We are appreciative--..Hnn?"

He noticed Relgemal approaching...

"...Who might you be, and where is this home?"

Toshiro asked the Azorean, puzzled by the comment...he'd suspected someone might show up, wanting to leave...there was always that possibility. Still, he stayed behind the Holy Warriors...

"I don't belong to either side, my people banished me. The Forgotton a group of heretic ideals who only want harm upon everything, they are my family no more nor can I return to my birth place without being slaughtered." Relgemal stayed away from the warriors, as he could feel his hope slipping.

"I just want to leave, I don't want to be hated, I don't want to be feared or mistrusted. But, I here they don't trust me I look so different from the rest and I am so different." Relgemal paused his heart filled with bitter anguish.

"I am alone here, my scars show exactly what happened to me. I just ask this out of desperation." He gathered his courage, as he thought of many reasons to leave.

"Take me away, I am no more Commonwealth as I am Forgotten. I am neither, I am alone. I beg of you great being take me away!" He begged, as he approached very little. His fear of the Holy Warriors making him cringe in even more doubt.

Lyshana had sat through the discussion, trying not to interfear, watching them and their biology, trying to learn as much as she could about it without intrusive scans. She was fairly bored by the politics, but she let the firey toshiro do his thing. She was certain he was a good public speaker, and she figured he knew what he was doing. The biological reality of the Azoreans was more important to her anyway.

As they left, the... outcast? Had approached. She noted the scars with detachment, then he spoke, and she felt a twinge of sympathy

"He seems to be showing genuine distress" She told Toshiro "At the very least he would be useful for my research" her wings flapped slowl, and despite her... cool assessment it was clear she empathized a great deal with him from her expressions. She too had been an outsider.

"Anyway, our entire crew's made of people who don't fit in elsewhere."

"...If you can clear it with your government, and promise not to 'destroy everything', as you say these Forgotten do, then I'll permit you to come along...but I'm no 'Great Being'. This form you see is a mechanical construct which allows me to survive in your oceans...I'm an ordinary citizen where I come from, who just happens to hold command of a small fleet of salvage ships. I'm in no way divine or even superior to you, save in my knowledge of technology and the realm of space beyond this world's atmosphere."

He realized the armor might seem imposing, but he didn't expect to be regarded as a 'Great Being'.

"I-i just joined the Commonwealth, in the hopes I could leave in the exploration of the nothing abyss- uerm space." He smiled as he looked around for Raytime. "How would I meet you, when or even if they allow me to leave-" He trailed off as he felt a pang of worry, his face flinched in uncertainty.

The Holy Warriors seemed to ignore the unusally bulky Azorean for the most part. They were silent and patient as the aliens conversed with it. It was also apparent that they were slightly uncomfortable around Relgemal. Finally, the scarred leader stated, "We must be going. I personnally will inform Lord Raytim of this... person's request upon our return. On my honor." The Holy Warrior may not like it, but if he promises something on his honor, then he will fulfill that promise.. or die in the attempt.

Meanwhile, Raytim was in his 'office', which actually was just a moderately-sized room in another section of the spire. We was going through a few reports that were sent to him through the network. He was slightly busy, but he did take the time to munch on a little from his kelp salad.

"Understood. Yggdrasill will wait for a response before leaving. If the response is for permission, then we will allow him to come along. Sorry for holding you up, Holy Warriors. Hopefully we will see you soon."

This last part was to Relgemel, as Toshiro began to ascend.

All Relgemal could do was, nod and smile as he went back to where the Holy Warriors would return to meet with Raytime. He waited as he felt an emotion he really hated most, appreciation. After all he was a perfect agent for the Forgotten and they cast him out, sorrow filled him with a pang of hope. "Maybe I can change, who needs honor anyway." He mumbled as he waited, he would wait there forever if he had to, after all he didn't have a dwelling.

Lyshana muttered to herself on the way up, oddly withdrawn. Something about honor, hypocrisy, and the meaning of words. "Fah." She burst out suddenly "I will not disparage the culture here, but that sort of rigidity.... reminds me unpleasantly of what I know of Elysia." she shook her head "I would like be away from here, Mr. Yuki. Next planetary excursion in this place I think I'm staying on the ship. I do not enjoy being reminded of a place where I would be a slave. I will talk to the open minded ones, but... I am not cut out for talking to the rest. I would likely reflect poorly on you." Then she sighed, muttering to herself again.