[[Gartagens/Yggdrasill]] First Contact

The trio soon passed through the ship, and exited. When Toshiro's foot hit the stone landing pad he officially made history. He was the first alien to ever step foot onto Gartaga, and this occasion was not ignored.

He would see a massive crowd of Gartagens standing before him, and they all began cheering. Many of them wore clothing similar to Tarsk and DI. The majority however were clearly civilians. The ones wearing more ornate robeings were clearly government officials, the rest were the Palace's attendants.

The path to the Palace's landing entrance was left clear, and several more guards approached and linked up with Toshiro and his entourage. They spoke in their native tongue.

"We have been ordered to escort you directly to the Leader's audience chamber."

Tarsk nodded. "If you will follow me Commodore."

The walk to the chamber was rather lengthy. It was a maze of narrow corridors that were adorned with ancient paintings, weapons and statues. All of these items were of significance to Gartaga's past. Tarsk halted when they entered what appeared to be a waiting room. The stone walls, and hard stone floors indicated this palace was ancient. There was no temperature control, or even high technology. It was simply hot and dry in the room. The one exception were the models of Gartagen Star Ships that sat in display cases that lined up to the door.

Tarsk spoke softly. "I must make you aware of one thing. The current leader is a very young man, so if he is over excited please excuse him." Tarsk then held the door open for Toshiro to enter. "We must wait out here."

The door to the audience chamber opened. It was an area designed for comfort. Their was a large bathing fountain in the center of the room. Next to it was a very finely curved marble dining set, with intricate sculptures chiseled into the material. To the right was a lounge area which was stocked with books, scrolls, and data pads, and a ornate large red stripe patterned rug thrown on the floor and a massive hill of pillows. The books were organized into make shift stacks, so it was clear the Leader spent a lot of time educating him self.

Toshiro would then here very silky and excited voice. "Welcome to my home Commodore Toshiro!" The would appear from behind the fountain. His blue skin clashed with the gold colored robes he wore over his body. A confident smile and intelligent eyes soon fell on Toshiro. " I am Aliksha, Leader of the Gartagen Union. It is a great honor that you accepted my invitation."

Toshiro smiled kindly at the people who assembled, regarding them in the simplest way possible. he didn't want to wave, as it might look silly and they might not comprehend the gesture in the way it was intended. He and Yggdrasill, who followed the entourage in the Ironman, followed their escorts through the halls, noting and observing the various statues and paintings as carefully as could be permitted by their pace.

When they arrived in the room, Toshiro and Yggdrasill looked around, impressed. Toshiro noticed Aliksha, and smiled...

"It is nice to meet you, and I'm pleased that you invited me. Some worlds are not as excited about First Contact as fearful. Your people seem to have the sensible balance of optimism and guardedness about it though...ah, this is Yggdrasill. More specifically, my ship's Intelligence is named Yggdrasill, she is merely controlling this empty salvaging Power Armor so as to be present for the occasion."

Yggdrasill was not capable of facial expressions in her current form, now gave a nod. "I'm also pleased to be here...though I can understand that my current shell may be intimidating. Should I stay outside with our escorts while you and Father speak?"

Aliksha gave a curt bow as Yggdrasill was introduced. “Do not be silly, you are a guest just like your father.” He said slowing down to emphasis the father part. “Plus it gives me a chance to see examples of your technology with my own eyes.”

Aliksha prowled around the pair inspecting them with his blue eyes. “Yours is a fascinating species, and that is an understatement. The optimism of my people is nothing new. For years I studied the ancient cultures and religions of my people, and it is interesting to note the most popular ones as made it quite clear that we are not alone in the universe. My people were psychologically ready to meet people from other worlds. We are by nature territorial, and to be honest, we had no idea what to expect if we did meet aliens such as your self.”

“But forgive me, I am being very rude, would you like food and drink Commodore Toshiro? I assume Yggdrasill does not require such things.”

Aliksha would await a response to his inquiry, and depending on the response, he would summon servants with traditional food and drink for his guests.

Aliksha soon decided to move onto business.

“As I understand my Operative offered to make a purchase and other business arrangements with you. Another thing that interested me was your request to help another alien race…the Azoreans?”

"Food and Drink will be very interesting to sample. I just have to ask Yggdrasill to scan the food and drink for me when it comes. There may be plants or foods on your world toxic to me, and it is best to take that measure..." Toshiro said, as Yggdrasill nodded.

"I will scan them for incompatibilities with the Yamataian digestive system, and I do not require food or drink." Yggdrasill responded afterward, Toshiro addressed the Leader's comments.

"The offer to purchase ships and make business arrangements is something I would be very willing to discuss...but I should advise caution. Your people seem quick to grasp for that which suddenly becomes available thus far, such as my shipyard being near or technology I have to provide.

You will be meeting with expansion-based nations much sooner than later, who will offer world-changing things to you. Very tempting things, in exchange for joining them and giving up sovereignty...the benefits, I will not lie, are real. Some nations can offer practical elimination of sickness and poverty, things which make what you want from me seem small. I want to make sure any discussion of business we have doesn't...change the direction of the first contact discussions to follow. I don't wish to change your mood from one of first contact and diplomacy to one of business. I'd feel guilt if you lost or traded away something in this process.

In regard to the Azoreans, they are another race with whom I initiated First Contact...far less advanced technologically, only lately starting to explore space in any capacity. They seek a new world to populate and I had simply wished to ask, if you were expanding anyway, if you would note any aquatic worlds which may suit their needs if they weren't useful to you. Nothing would be contingent on your agreement to that, of course, and it may not be possible for you depending on how your expansion territory discussions with the Abwehrans develop...your needs certainly supersede the request."

The leader raised his right arm, and the cuff of his robe fell back revealing a well groomed three fingered hand with razor sharp claws on the tips of each digit. He waved his hand at a room scantly clad female room attendant who quickly hustled out of the chamber. "It would be wise to do so, we do not know how incompatible our biologies truly are. Something that should be remedied in the future." Aliksha then turned his head to the iron man suit. "Commodore, you are very lucky to have something that cares for you so. I wonder if she is programmed to do it...or if i t is genuine. Considering your level of technology I suspect it is not the former."

At the mention of the purchasing of ships Aliksha smiled and laughed. 'I apologize, I know it appears to be opportunism. The quickness is actually the result of my instruction. You see we have been preparing for this moment for a rather long time. My species is patient, but you have arrived at a time where we will need every resource we can find."

"Under a normal circumstance I would be too proud to use anything that was not of Gartagen origin. But with this promised colony drive, we need anything we can find to aid in it."

Aliksha sat down by the fountain, and looked up to Toshiro and Yggdrasill "In one day we have been exposed to the galaxy, putting us in a very delicate situation. We Are suddenly in the expansion zone of an alien empire, who fortunately is reasonable. How ever as a result their is a war going on, a war we currently could not survive with out help. The Nepleslian negotiations have gone well, and I will not lie or make it secret that we have signed a mutual defense treaty with them. They asked us to join their empire, but we can not. Gartagens should have a Gartagen leader, and no other alien should dominate another. With that said there is no reason not to make friends."

Aliksha fidgeted slightly. "Of course there are tensions between your people and the Nepleslians. I have told them we will not snub the Yamatians, they deserve fair treatment as they have done us no wrong, and so here I am speaking to you Commodore. It may seem like a rush to you, but to use the speed with which we are moving is to better secure a future...what ever future that may be. But rest assured we have no intention of handing our sovereignty over to any race, no matter the price, nor do I have any intention of directing my people to dominating another. In order to survive we should treat our neighbors with the respect they deserve. It reminds me of a quote I heard from an old dead Sermac: Politics is business."


He sat up as the chamber door opened. Several servants came in with carts of food. "It is a generous offering, and one I know would be better put to use feeding the poor, but being in my position has its perks. But let us talk over a feast."

Aliksha would move over to the table, which had no chairs, merely a thick carpet under it for comfort. Aliksha sat down on his knees, and loomed over the table as the servants set up a large plethora of Gartagen dishes and drinks for Toshiro to sample.

"The Azoreans are another matter entirely. The Colony effort has taken a lot from my race. Fortunately we are in a position to aid them if they so wish it, we have a sizable freighter fleet that can be fitted to transport them if necessary. The venture will be expensive, but the rewards for helping them are much more valuable. I do not know the whole situation, but I will have to send a team with you to speak to the Azoreans first chance we get. Exploring the systems of the expanse is one of our top priorities, and finding a world suitable for their biology is not out of the question."

Toshiro blinked. A treaty signed with the Nepleslians already? This race moved quickly! Toshiro also looked over the food that came out, and looked back at the leader, smiling.

"I will have to ask you to be understanding if my table manners turn out to be inadequate for your race. Many races eat in different ways, with different utensils and different concepts of what is appropriate. Even such small differences can be an interesting concept of study...and are also be an element of your culture your race should be careful to preserve. You'll be exposed to many ways of thinking and doing things, but it's important to maintain a cultural identity by keeping traditions like those alive."

"I do not detect anything toxic to Yamataian biology, Father." Yggdrasill said, before replying to Aliksha. "I am not an example of Yamataian technology...at least my essence is not. Father, who constructed my body and is raising me, initiated First Contact with my Mother, a bioship whom implanted my body with my consciousness. I believe she was thankful that he acted as an advocate for her rights as a sentient being by mediating the contact between her and two other races, and saw him fit to raise me."

Toshiro couldn't help but smile, recalling that situation. "Yes, that was during the first time I initiated a First Contact...I was fortunate to have Yggdrasill. While it is possible and actually common to create sentience, that is usually reserved for creating new members of the warrior race in my culture. The computers in use by Yamatai's military are usually the highest level of non-sentience, out of safety's sake rather than by technological limitation. I believe Nepleslia uses sentient machines, but Yggdrasill was born of a bioship's consciousness. It is hard to define her as artificial intelligence since she was a base template sent over via a biological entity.

In regard to the ships...." Toshiro pulled out another datapad and brought up data on the Packrat.

"Here we go...this is the ship in question. I designed and built her, and she's fairly cheap to produce for a spacecraft...most ships don't have grappler arms like that -- they're more or less unique to my designs. If you decide to transport the Azoreans to a new world, I may have to design and construct some ships geared toward that as well. I've been collecting raw materials for three years now, and my shipyard is fairly well stockpiled."

Toshiro sampled some of the food, trying to eat politely, though he had no idea of what the Gartagens considered polite. "This dish is very nice...what is it called?"

"The dish you have tasted Inish Dischili. A commoner's dish, but it is my personnel favorite."

On eating it, Toshiro would find the food wiggled in his mouth, but tasted very similar to seasoned fish smothered in oils.

(For more information see: https://wiki.stararmy.com/doku.php?id=gartagens:cuisine)

"I mean talks with the Nepleslians are still on going, but an agreement on mutual defense is a wise move considering the war that is waging and the fact that the NMX are probably aware of our existence."

Aliksha nodded. "We use CORES as our computer systems, the information on them is classified, but I can say the intelligence they possess is not artificial. I find it interesting, because your ship's intelligence is a real one as well."

"Pack Rat, how quaint." Aliksha said as he began casually reading and skimming the data for a few moments. This craft would be very well used by our builders, and could greatly aid our colonization efforts. I would be interested in setting up a demonstration before a deal is finalized. I am also curious about this armor Yggdrasill is in possession of. It looks of a utilitarian nature as well..."

"Well, you should be aware that the Nepleslians have already been attacked in their capital city. A precision assault on the news outlets and government, as well as other parts of their infrastructure. A fair fraction of their Senators have been killed in that attack...if you are obligated to come to their aid, you may well be forced into the war directly...I regret that you didn't wait to discuss that a little more with people aside from them before making the agreement. I'd have preferred you to be spared from that conflict...though it's not an easy decision, I admit. I worry you were pressured to sign before any of the other races could meet you in an official capacity. For people who refused to sign the Rights of Early Contact, they certainly are taking advantage of the benefits it provides..."

Toshiro gave a sigh, and though he was inwardly a bit put off by the fact the food was live, he consumed it and liked the taste well enough...he seemed careful to eat them quick and thoroughly, so as not to let the things suffer, whatever they were.

"If you wish for a demonstration of the Packrat, that's easy enough to arrange. As for the armor that Yggdrasill is using, it is a salvage and light repair armor. It's a bit uncommon, since most models are combat oriented, but not unheard of as of late. It was designed specifically for my ship's compliment before she became sentient."

"The Aid who tended to the negotiations with the Nepleslians halted their request for us to join their empire. I suspect they have alterior motives so we will handle them carefully. The truth is that if we do not help or a peace is not reach, these NMX may bring us into the war...and it is a war we can not hope to win. The only way we will survive is by forming treaties and forging bonds. "

The look on Toshiro's face gave the fact that the food was a little strange. Aliksha smiled, but was not condescending. "Is that strange for your people?"

"The armor could make a single man or women a salvaging or constructing machine...it moves like an organism. Such a tool could be used to improve the lives of my people."

"Ah, I was trying not to let it be known...food isn't usually served...live. It is typically more thoroughly cooked, and I was surprised, though I would not want to disrespect your culture." Toshiro said, having hoped his surprise and slight distaste wasn't noticed.

"As for the Ironman, it is a useful machine. They need ships to operate out of, though. Such a machine would also need a notable redesign for your physiology. It was mentioned that it looks similar to something your military was developing. Perhaps if they participated in the design process, there could be some parts commonality to streamline costs. Their research in Gartagen physiology and assistance in developing the software component would also be helpful and ensure compatibility with your existing systems, such as the Cores."

Aliksha held his hands up defensively. "Oh, Commodore there is no need to worry, you are an outsider so you do have some liberties. Live food is common among my people...but let us try something a little more...cooked." Aliksha offered up a small plate with five rolls sitting on the plate. They were warm, and it was clearly some form of meet wrapped in a leaf. The leaf was giving of a powerful mint like aroma.

"I can very easily get some technicians to work on helping preform the necessary modifications to the iron man. Most armors we posses of this nature are of military use. I considered making a civilian model but I waved the though until I met you on this day."

"Very nice food..." Toshiro said after taking a bite. "Such modifications would be..." Something distracted Toshiro. He looked to Yggdrasill with a look of worry, before he spoke again.

"I've been trying to be covert about this first contact, but the Nepleslians have heralded your existence to their civilians AND said they hope you'll be of use defending their nation...I wanted to avoid something like this. Leader, it is generally not a good idea to sign the first treaty presented to you, regardless of the impatience...now you'll in all likelihood be a target of the NMX.

I think the Nepleslians have acted rather poorly and with horrible judgment in this matter."

The leader raised a brow at this. He understood Toshiro was merely trying to advise, but things were much more complicated.

"The Nepleslians are at war with the NMX. As are your people. If the Nepleslians were to fall, then that would free up resources for the NMX to attack your people. If your people fall, there will be nobody to stop the NMX and their domination of this sector."

"The treaty we signed was one born out of necessity. Though I have seen the irony in one thing. The Nepleslians think the same way you do about the."

"I have the feeling that your race has been at war for so long, that you have been betrayed time and time again, it is all you see." Aklisha said as he hooked a piece of meat with one of his claws.

"If we are to survive we need to make allies, and your two empires need to start trust each other. If the Nepleslian clearly had bad intentions we would have turned them away."

"...Both sides have done ill in the past. I wrote the Rights of Early Contact and submitted them to become law because I found the process of first contact in general wanting...and my own race's haste at the Azorean first contact as well as the Nepleslians' was inexcusable. My concern is for the well being of the races I introduce to society -- the other races have enough advocates pandering to their interests."

Toshiro took another bite, and seemed to honestly enjoy the food at the very least.

"Yes, a treaty may have been essential, but by rushing to have you sign theirs first, whatever options the other races may present could be limited by it -- even if they are were advantageous to you than the Nepleslian option. If the Nepleslian option is truly best out of all of them, that is absolutely fine. My concern is the haste, where it was signed before the other races could even voice their alternatives. If it were my own people doing such an action, I would also criticize them, because it could easily put you at a deadly disadvantage."

'As part of the stipulations in the treaty, we may pursue trade, and other diplomatic relations with any other government we see fit, provided aforementioned government is not plotting to blow up our allies."

"Contrary to that, we may decline a conflict if we so wish. AN example would be if Nepleslia and Yamatai went to war over something frivolous, and we form a trade treaty with the Yamatai, and our own defense treaty with the Nepleslian. This situation would be a conflict of interest for us of course, and we would have to simply not take sides in any such conflict."

"As for haste, The NMX do not seem content to take their time in blowing up the sector...do they?"

"I see...well, hopefully it works out well for you. The NNN news segment isn't specific. They simply say you will be hopefully be helping to defend them, which made me quite concerned. It is a civilian outlet though." Toshiro finished the food and drink in front of him, obviously pleased. he seemed a bit more relaxed, partially satisfied that the people hadn't been taken advantage of.

"That was good food...perhaps I should bring Nepleslian or Yamataian food at some point for you to sample."

"I would absolutely love to try some of your cuisine." He said as he put some-more of his food in his mouth. "We have an old proverb that states "If you wish to know somebody, try their food."

Aliksha drew silent as if wishing to choose his words very carefully. He then looked at Toshiro. "I appreciate your concern...for my people I mean. I know it is not something you are obligated to do, but it does set a fine example of you..and your people."

Aliksha was being genuine. Toshiro did not need to be concerned but he was. "I would like to defer to you for advice in the future...I too am wry of the Nepleslians...and the Yamatians. The treaty was not done on a whim, but rather in the face of several irrefutable facts. The fact is the NMX and any other race is going to eventually find us. That I think is inevitable."

"But tell me Toshiro are you interested in staying for the Arrival of your people? Once you get some rest perhaps we can make the arrangements for a demonstration of your wares...and possibly an introduction to your friends the Azoreans?"

Toshiro didn't have to spend too much time to ponder the matter.

"I would most certainly like to be on hand. If Ketsurui Hanako-hime is coming like she usually does, I'd prefer to be there just in case she gets a little ahead of herself. She means well though. Also, I've never seen a Abwehran before...as for my wares, I can have a Packrat sent over promptly enough."

Aliksha nodded. "They are your people my good Toshiro...I was hoping you would be able to aid my people in handling her."

"If you wish I can have you housed in the palace for the evening? I would enjoy your company for the evening. We could try various forms of recreation our peoples share. I mean unless of course you wish to rest in your ship."

If Toshiro accepts the offer, he would rest in the palace for the evening, and experience various forms of Gartagen recreation.

*Thread Continued in the Eucharis plot ship.*