Toshiro
Inactive Member
The SRSS Yggdrasill traveled due Galactic East from Azorea, moving around the edge of occupied space in an effort to get an idea on sensors what was to the immediate Galactic North. Her Commodore's true destination was northeast, but he was cautious. On one hand, Toshiro wanted to go further north and move his mining base and shipyard operations away from regular space to evade NMX assault. On the other, he wanted to be amply sure that the NMX didn't have any secret surprises up here, too. Sensors and communications were up, poised to detect anything that seemed to have an intelligent source as the ship crossed into uncharted space.
The past few months for the Union had gone well. The Gartagen race as a whole was in the beginnings of a space aged renaissance that could perhaps turn into another golden age for the species. Colony ships were fully stocked with their precious cargo of cryo-pods, loaded with Gartagen civilians. The Solar Navy patrolled the system and ran war games scenarios in the event they encountered hostile aliens.
In the Shara system a convoy of five Guardian class Cruisers moved on patrol. Their destination was to the edge of the system so they could plot a hyper-jump to the neighboring system, and begin colonizing. In one of the private cabins, a female Gartagen stood looking at her self in a mirror. She was not particularly old, and was of the age to select a mate. How ever her task denied her such luxuries, and she stood meticulously putting on her Naval Uniform.
"Father, I am detecting power spikes consistent with possible Faster-Than-Light drives, but are not matching anything in our database. It does not appear to be Yamataian, Nepleslian, or Mishhuvurthyar in design." The Yggdrasill's computer said, the fully sentient and sapient Sourcian AI loaded into the Yggdrasill by the Maras still operating smoothly and cleanly over the years since its installation. "Should we change course to observe?"
"Hrm...Yeah, show down and change course toward that star system to take a look...but be ready to jump back to FTL the moment there's trouble if they're hostile." Toshiro said, his curiosity piqued. He also detected energy from one of the planets, indicating that something was going on there, perhaps a base or a population center. The Yggdrasill changed course, slowing as it approached the star system and quite possibly showing on Gartagen sensors.
The Gartagen convoy maintained its course. The mood on the ships was enthusiastic. The respective crews were bustling, and chattering about the excitement of actually visiting another star system. There was talk of the ship’s officers of getting land grants from the System’s life bearing world, provided it was suitable for Gartagen Colonization.
The Female Gartagen had put her uniform on, and reported to the bridge. When she stepped, the bridge crew all shouted “Hail.” and did swift bows with their heads. Her rank pin was that of a Solar Commander. She was in charge of this expedition.
“Engineering, what is the status of the battle groups hyper-fold engines.” She called down to her subordinates, which sat in a trench around the bridge stage. “CORE, is the jump plotted into the nav-computer?”
The Core responded. “Aye Solar Commander. The jump is plotted, but I recommend we shut the hyper-fold cores off. The Solar Commander let out a loud snarl. “Why is that?”
“We have an incoming energy signature…unidentified. Moving to current position. The speed of the craft is…intimidating, yet it is slowing down.”
The Yggdrasill's speed was slightly higher than the Gartagen ships' maximum, roughly a match for their escort ships, but it was indeed slowing. Soon enough, the green and white ship was visible, though it stayed outside the edge of the star system. It was holding a minimum distance of 5 AU from the outermost world, and seemed to be alone. Before long, the Yggdrasill confirmed that the other ships were not of Mishhu design, and started sending messages to attempt contact...though Toshiro was speaking in his native tongue as he transmitted.
"Hello, this is Commodore Yuki Toshiro of the SRSS Yggdrasill...who am I addressing?"
As Yggdrasill winked into existence, it began transmitting to the convoy. The Language itself was difficult to translate, but the CORE identified that it was indeed a communication signal. The tactical officer spoke up. “The ship is armed, but the weapons are not powered up.”
The Solar Commander turned and looked at the holographic podium that was projecting a detailed image of the Yggdrasill. “Impressive design…communications, notify fleet Command, we have encountered an Alien star ship, and we are moving in to intercept. “
“We are moving in to Greet, Solar Commander, we are going to greet these visitors.” came a very assured voice over the Bridge PA.”
“This is Agent Tarsk, I and several of your RRF garrison are waiting in the hanger bay at shuttle 2, with a prototype communication software. Send a message to the alien ship using binary code. “Tell them, welcome to Shara, and we will be sending a delegation over to their ship immediately.”
The Convoy approached at its top STL speed, they did not power their weapons, but they did have a defensive formation as the five cruisers closed in on the Yggdrasill.
A simple transmission came in text. Binary code. The characters and coding was different then anything the Yamataians may be using, but their advanced computing systems should be able to decipher it. The transmission stated “Welcome to the Shara System. We represent the Gartagen Union. We will be sending a diplomatic envoy to meet you on your vessel if you wish.”
Toshiro pondered for the moment...he wasn't exactly in a place where he could quickly get aid from the Star Army, but they didn't seem hostile, and he was the one new to this space. The Yggdrasill did not move to advance or flee, but it did open one of its shuttle bays.
In response to the communication, the ship sent back along the same binary system: This is Commodore Yuki Toshiro, of the SRSS Yggdrasill. Meeting aboard my ship is acceptable. Is this your first contact, or are your vessels omitted from the Empire or Imperium databases for some other reason?"
The Solar Commander moved as quickly as she could to get to the hanger deck. It would take several minutes, and as she did this the Yggdrasill would immediately receive another communication.
“This is first contact for our race.” With that came an image file detailing both sexes of the Gartagen biology, with some standard information for any science staff to analyze.
The Cruisers closed to a distance of 100,000 km, and a single shuttle with an escort of 7 Sun Dancers left the central craft in the five ship convoy. It began closing in on the Yggdrasill’s docking bay, and after several moments of travel the craft was hovering in the docking bay, and had landed. It powered its engines down.
Toshiro was surprised at the speed they'd arrived at his ship, and went to greet the seemingly excited people while viewing the information sent via his mind. He'd gotten good at telepathically networking with his ship, as he used the data to ensure that the air was breathable for them before proceeding. Soon, he was ready to greet them.
While he did so, he had the Yggdrasill send another communication, both asking for data on their language so he could speak with the personnel and translate a first contact-specific document which law stated he offer their government.
The Ship’s core operated quickly at Toshiro’s requests. She was beginning to like this alien based on his speaking to her. Almost immediately, Toshiro would receive the information on several Gartagen languages, including the official language of the union. It was all in binary code of course, to ease the transition of the differing computer systems, and written language characters.
The Pilots of the shuttle would scan the atmosphere of the craft. They determined that it was safe for a Gartagen to breathe the air, though it was a bit cold. Moments later, the shuttle’s hatch would open. Toshiro would see five armored creatures standing with rifles held in their three fingered hands. Their digit grade feet had them walking with a jerking, hop like gait, and they were using their tails to balance. The weapons did not snap up at the sight of any of the alien personnel on the hanger deck of this ship. Following them was the Solar Commander. Her peach colored skin could be seen on her bare hands, and face. Her body was covered in the thick blue naval jacket that displayed her rank, and at her hip was a holster Suleo XRASER pistol. Her hair was thick limp tentacles, and she had them neatly pulled back so that her ears were visible. The ears were little more then holes on the sides of her head. Her eyes were gold, and had slits like a cat’s eyes. A small pair of white fangs could be seen barely sticking out of her mouth. To the eyes of a Nepleslian, Her facial features were some what flat, and very girlish looking. Aside from the obvious alien biology, she was regarded as a rather attractive Female.
Behind her stood Agent Tarsk stood. He was male, and was rather plump. His pale green skin and dark green eyes were off set by the grey coat he wore. At his back was what appeared to be some kind of sword, and he wore his tentacle like hair cut short, and tied into a topknot. Tarsk’s facial features were ruggedly handsome at best. He did not seem particularly aged, but he was clearly had body fat, and a thicker build then his more militaristic kin. He would hold position at the Solar Commander’s side, his green eyes examining the vessel in great detail. "Congratulations Solar Commander Di. You have made history."
Toshiro smiled, quickly translating the Rights of Early Contact into the primary language given to him, and it was transmitted to the other ships. The data-pad Toshiro held was also loaded with the translated Rights, as he approached the shuttle, and spoke based on the downloaded language...he hadn't mastered it, since he had just been given the data, but having a digital brain allowed for some interesting tricks.
"Hello. Your ship has provided language data, so I think I can manage well enough for verbal communication. Welcome to the Yggdrasill, I am Commodore Toshiro Yuki."
The RRF guards gave Toshiro a wide birth, and Tarsk stepped forward. He bowed, and crossed his hands across his chest. “Greetings Commodore Toshiroyuki, I am Agent Tarsk and I will be the diplomatic Liaison representing the Gartagen Union on be half of my Government, and my Leader.”
Tarsk then turned to Solar Commander Di “This is Solar Commander Di of the Union Solar Navy, and she will be standing in on all proceedings as a witness to the events. I’d like to apologize for the presence of the armed guards…” Tarsk said motioning to the RRF troopers. “They are a precaution…I hope you and your people do not take offense.”
Tarsk would then took the Data-pad and begin diligently reading the document in detail.
Solar Commander Di would then approach Toshiro. “Is this…a military vessel?” She said her voice a mix of fear and wonder. The Union had some impressive ships, but nothing this…beautiful. The lighting was a bit bright for her, and the temperature was cold, but she was managing. “Are you from a nation, Commodore Toshiroyuki?
"Ah, I am a civilian and this is a civilian vessel, but this particular civilian vessel has been upgraded to military specifications to combat pirates and to survive combat if needed. I'm a salvager, though I also own a fleet of mining ships and a shipyard...and about my name, Commodore is a term used like rank indicating that I command several ships, Toshiro is my personal name, and Yuki is a surname -- a family name passed through the lineage."
"I'm not offended by the armed guard, and fully understand the precaution. I'm actually obligated to inform my government as well so that they can send a representative, though I can make some information known to you before that takes place. I am a citizen of the Yamatai Star Empire, one of several nations to the Galactic South spanning multiple star systems. I found you by chance while looking for a safer place to relocate my shipyard."
Tarsk read the information on the data pad intently, and looked up at Toshiro, as he conversed with Solar Commander Di.
“Civilian…” Di said as she continued looking about.
Tarsk interrupted Di, and spoke intently. “As a representative of the Gartagen Union, we find the stipulations of this document agreeable, and accept it.” “May I keep this pad…after you have copied the data regarding the official acceptance?” He said tilting his head slightly. As part of acceptance we do request the data promised in the treaty, as well as the trade of our own information.” Tarsk began examining the territorial map and found Shara to be, a great distance from the actual Empire Toshiro hailed from.
“For Gartagen Colonial interests, we would like to reserve the unexplored territory of your star map for our exploration and colonial efforts.”
Tarsk’s intent was not for technological reasons, but merely to present it as a gift to the Leader…a memento of the encounter.
Di paused at the mention of a ship yard. Tarsk had taken note of it and decided to press the issue further. “A ship yard? Why are you searching for a new location for your ship yard?
"I don't have the authority of my people to guarantee that space, though my government has already signed this agreement, as have several other nations...and you'll certainly be able to contact them." Toshiro said, making the copy of the signed treaty and informing the ship that it had been signed and accepted...as well as giving the information required for limited civilian-level PANTHEON access.
As for the reason why I seek to move my shipyard, there's a major war going on in the area to the Galactic South where I am from, and I want to move it to a more stable area. A race of beings called Mishhuvurthyar is attacking various nations, and they are a danger to civilians and unaffiliated people as well. I don't want to sound like some propagandist or anything, but they are considered quite malicious and have a tendency to consume the prisoners they capture when they conquer a world. They are not bound by the Rights you're holding there.
Tarsk and Di both took the information regarding the Mishhu in. “We would seek to stay out of any conflict…our world can defend it self, but at present we would be unable to fight a war against a technologically superior race. “ Tarsk said in a solemn tone. “Like many other governments, and worlds, we have our own problems at the moment; however, as an act of good will, we will allow your ship yard to sit in this system.”
Di tensed at the arrangement’s mention. She had her set of objections, especially with word that a war was occurring with a xenophobic alien race. “Agent Tarsk is that wise? Perhaps a neighboring system is a better idea.”
Tarsk shifted a glare at the Solar Commander. “That is Commodore Toshiro’s choice.”
"I am thankful, though I don't know how much authority you possess. Is that not the sort of thing that your government should be consulted upon? Unless your particular government gives you that kind of power...as for the war, I don't ask you to be involved, merely to keep your colonization efforts out of this area and warn you that they are a danger to be aware of.
At some point soon, I will have to contact my home government so that they send a ship out to meet with your government as well. The same ships that do combat do diplomacy, so it will certainly be armed...ah, and I wouldn't like this repeated, but if the person sent is a woman by the name of Ketsurui Hanako, who is a Taisa and member of the Ketsurui clan, appears, please be patient and careful. She's not a bad person, but she's...excitable. I've been involved in First Contacts before, and there have been some interesting experiences had when she's been the responder.”
Di looked at Tarsk and then at Toshiro. “Agent Tarsk’s authority can only be over ridden by the word of the Leader.” She said bowing softly. “He has supreme authority in such matters…and the Leader is confident in the abilities of his agents.”
Tarsk merely smiled at Di’s response to Toshiro’s question. “I do indeed Commodore…but your objection is right…but if what you say about these creatures is the truth, then they would try to slaughter us regardless of your presence.” Tarsk said.
“We could of course aid you in finding a more distant location for your Ship Yard.”
Tarsk then smiled “We have our own hot heads as well, but we will indeed be careful in our dealings if this Hanako appears before us.”
"Good to know...she is a Princess with authority, but has more experience as a soldier than a diplomat. She might not be the one who comes though, given that the war seems to be keeping her to the distant South. I merely deal with her the most often for these things.
