After some enjoyable talks with the Sky Marshal of Nepleslia, Premier Hanako of Yamatai went to speak with other nations' leaders or representatives.
While the leaders chatted, waiters passed out small cups of Ice Queen Mountains sake and glasses of Chateau Hanako wine to anyone who wanted a taste of Yamatai's fine products.
Alice Sursilvan, the Mining Guild's Diplomatic ambassador, made her approach, while accepting wine, for the occasion. She had heard of Sake before, but she preferred wine, instead. On Hanako's acknowledgement, Alice greeted her with a respectful bow, her voice steady despite the flutter of excitement within her chest. "Imperial Premier Hanako-sama," she began, her tone a careful blend of deference and confidence, "it is an honor to finally meet you. I have long hoped for the opportunity to discuss the future of the Mining Guild within the Yamatai Star Empire."
"You must be Ambassador Sursilvan. I am pleased to meet you. I have heard about the Mining Guild and its wonders of resource collection and its cooperation with the Star Army of Yamatai and Motoyoshi businesses in exploring new sectors," Hanako told Alice. "These are great works that have opened the door for a successful future within Yamatai. I look forward to it. If there's anything I can do to help the Mining Guild, you need only ask."
Alice smiled politely as Hanako greeted her, and her words especially how it appears the Mining Guild might actually be welcomed in Yamatai star Empire. "indeed, the Mining Guild has done business with Yugumo Corporation, and because of this, and our relationships the Mining Guild was invited to a possible opportunity, in the Kosuke Sector, I have utmost confidence, in the Contingent Leader Firewalkers, capable leadership. In addition to her continued strengthening of relationships. We, I am honored by your words, the Mining Guild, first will need a home, a System that it can work in, once we have that, we can work on our Home Station." Alice Said, to Hanako with a graceful smile.
"I do hope that the Mining Guild can continue to show your honorable Empire, that it can work with others in collaboration. As a matter of fact, Senator of Essia, has already expressed interest in us working with their Apollo Heavy Industries." Alice added.
"If it's a home you need, I will ensure we provide one you will love, whether that is in the Kikyo Sector or somewhere in the new frontiers. And the Star Army will provide protection," Hanako nodded. "Please stay in touch and feel free to contact me if you should need anything. I am sure we can continue to engage in mutually beneficial exchanges."
Alice could only smile as Hanako agreed to help her find a home, not only in Yamatai star Empire, in the Kikyo sector but somewhere in the new frontiers. She knew this will only help, the Mining Guild and the Contingent as well. Alice bows to Hanako. "thank you Imperial Premier, Hanako-sama, I look forward to our next communication." She said in a pleasant and respectful tone of voice, that bellies her excitement. She steps aside, and begins moving once her conversation was finished. Toidorno's appearance was caught as was her interest, but she didnt want to take any more time from Hanako. She hoped they could chat later.
Toidorno, his instinct to behave stealthily even in a political situation, desired an opportunity to observe these other diplomats. He found an opportunity to create dull conversation with someone long-winded, who could talk and talk and talk while Toidorno listened to something else entirely... Notably, to the conversation between the Imperial Premier and somone he didn't yet recognize. He kept his ears trained forward on his living conversational 'tool', knowing that an observant watcher might notice if his ears were pointed toward someone else.
Next, Hanako made her way to Toidorno, "Greetings, Ambassador of the Hidden Sun Clan. Yamatai welcomes you to the conference. The Hidden Sun Clan and the Yamatai Star Empire have had a special relationship ever since we defeated the Mishhuvurthyar and created the settlements that ended the long travels of the clan. And in Yamatai's times of need in the Kuvexian War, you have repaid us with support and we are grateful. Tell me what Yamatai can do to be the best ally you could ask for."
Toidorno's talkative conversation partner swiftly 'took the hint' as Hanako approached, and politely fled the scene, leaving the Qaktoro alone. Toidorno was glad to have been addressed formally by his title, and he bowed to her in greeting, given that hers was certainly the higher 'rank' between the two of them. "I thank you for your words, Premier Hanako. Ambassador Tesgi wishes me to express his... regret for... being unable to attend." Tesgi was, of course, the previous Ambassador to Yamatai. Tesgi's temporarily inability to perform his duties was the reason for Toidorno assuming the position.
"Ah yes, please give him my best wishes," Hanako said.
The Qaktoro nodded. But the Premier had asked a form of a question, hadn't she? What could Yamatai do to be the best ally... "In answer to your query, Premier, there are some among the Clan who wish to explore the deepening of the relationship between our..." He paused, trying to think of the word. Not 'Clans'. Empires? No, the Hidden Sun Clan was no Empire. "Between our 'Groups'." he decided to say. "That is, to join you more formally. It is a line of thought that has gained... many voices in the last decade of our alliance." He paused, curious to see what this Premier would say.
"The Hidden Sun Clan is more than welcome, and should the clan request to join Yamatai, we would accept with gratitude. I envision the Hidden Sun Clan's long history of travel and exploration would make the Qaktoro, Tula, and Free Nekovalkyrja some of Yamatai's finest explorers as we expand into new sectors hand in hand, while Yamatai's technology and military strength ensures a strong and secure future whereever we choose to go. No matter what, we will always be your ally and friend. I have nothing but love for your people."
Toidorno allowed himself a brief breath of relief. The Hidden Sun Clan had an ancient and paniful history when it came to alliances, for it had been an alliance with other nations that had led to the destruction of their old empire, and to the near-eradication of their races. The original alliance with Yamatai had not come without much serious discussion... "Your alliance and friendship has brought us battles, and salvage. And you have not... left us, to fight alone. Nor, we hope, have we to you." he replied carefully. "May I ask... would you foresee... challenges in joining us together, given the... distance between our systems?"
"Not at all," Hanako said. "The Hidden Sun Clan's systems are essentially our neighbors already, and our ships can reach each other in hours. Thankfully, most of our challenges and threats are external these days, with the discovery of hostile forces in other sectors in the form of rampant robots, militaristic Mishhuvurthyar, insatisiable insectoids, and so forth. It is my belief that we meet these challenges as a united Kikyo Sector and I have expressed the same to Nepleslia. I feel like this is finally a time where we can come together."
Taisho Fletcher stood nearby, "If you would like a detailed discussion of how we can overcome those challanges, I would be happy to discuss them with you or anyone else from your goverment." He added.
Toidorno, listening to the Premier, also politely recognized the presence of the Admiral. "Taisho." he said in greeting. This was no small thing, these assurance of the premier, and one of her highest-ranking warrior-leaders. He also found himself quite impressed with the alliteration Hanako used; he admitted to having a fondness for that amusing speaking technique. "I will ensure that... this message of shared interest is expressed to my Council, and to the people of the Clan." he assured them both.
Hanako gave Toidorno a respectful bow, "If there is anything you or your clan need, you are always welcome to contact me. Let's stay in touch, Ambassador Toidorno."
He returned her bow, and nodded in agreement, knowing that she had others that were surely desirous of her attention and political savvy.
Noticing the Ketsurui disbanding from Gaelan Sanders and Sammy Rainchill, Sachiko went over to Aiko. The light of the day caught the red and white beadwork of the elf's long, gossamer gown that was fitted perfectly to her tall figure. The spiderwebs of strings pearls and ruby-like beads were strung about her body so that they created an interconnected ombre effect with the dark crimson being closest to the ground while her bodice contained only pale white embroideries. Her silvery hair was held off of her bare shoulders and pinned with a comb that contained the same red jewels as the bottom of her gown, though in much less volume as below.
"I don't think I've had the pleasure of meeting the daughter of the Mistress Taisho of Yamatai," Sachiko said, unfolding her hands from in front of her elegantly beaded dress' torso to extend one outward towards Ketsurui Aiko, albeit limply if she expected to shake hands. "At least not her direct kin. I am Sachiko of Xiuluria, diplomatic advisor to my council as well as Senator of Yamatai's Elven Suzerainty."
Aiko blinked in surprise at first, immediately thinking to direct this elfin dignitary toward Hanako. But the Xiulurian soon said more and introduced herself to reveal that she was a colleague of sorts—another diplomat there to represent Yamataian interests instead of a foreigner there to meet Yamatai's premier. So Aiko maintained her pleasant diplomatic visage, only broken for that split second of confusion, and extended her right hand back out to meet Sachiko's.
The elven senator placed a delicate kiss upon the stormy-colored glove atop Aiko's fingers. Sachiko had closed her eyes, but straightened and fixed her gaze on the raven-haired Ketsurui to listen to her speak.
"It seems you already know me, Sachiko-san," Aiko said, adding a courteous bow once she'd received and pulled back from the Senator's gesture. "Your people have honored me during past travels, so the pleasure in this meeting is very much mine. Tell me how Xiuluria has prospered since my last visit."
"Yes, you met with Leona Rifte, did you not?" Sachiko murmured with some amusement lighting up her opalescent eyes. "I haven't seen her filled with such vivaciousness in a good century. I think she's jealous of you and your epic battles that you'. Many are in Xiuluria. A proud people, once, now relegated to wittling wood and brewing potions. Without a vessel for their passions, the elven desires find an apt, but temporary, home in the overflowing excitement Yamataian warriors provide."
"Xiuluria fights beside the Star Army to this day, Sachiko," Aiko returned, affirming the place of Yamatai's native elves in battle. She was unbashful to hear such praise of her skill in combat for it was her purpose, but still wanted to give Xiulurians their due credit. "Be they my fellow soldiers in combat or the crafted wonders made by your artisans that shield our ships from detection, your people stand with this warrior when she takes to the field. Leona-san's alchemical gifts have helped me and my fellows personally in our most dire moments."
"Oh, is this so?" Sachiko asked and her fingers seemed to tighten around one another as her grey eyes pushed into her eyes. "Have you utilized the weapon she and Flicka Wondu bequethed you?"
"The mysteries contained within those treasures Leona granted to William Sanders and I have only materialized for him," Aiko explained, recalling the moment his luminous potion assisted them during their imprisonment in Kuveixa. The princess looked over to her Nepleslian friend, who'd stepped away to deal with another matter likely related to overseeing his ID-SOL honor guard who helped protect the conference. "For now, my own Xiulurian heirloom retains its splendor until the day its usefulness is revealed."
"That is interesting. I do wish to speak with him, then, perhaps..." Sachiko's eyes drifted from Aiko to the throngs of people, then back to the Ketsurui. Sachiko's decorum and effortless grace had momentarily been swept aside as she seemed to be readying to leave the IRC host's side without a goodbye as her eyes went back to the crowd. With a hand to her head, though, she turned back to Aiko and took her hands in her own, this time without the same kiss but a gentle bow of her body before release.
"I've lost all manners after hearing of this, I do apologize. There isn't much my people have, but the connection to our Old Gods, the Avatars, is enough to make any Xiulurian lose their composure. You have my deepest gratitude in revealing this news to me; it was expected to take much more time than this. Surely yours will be imparted in no great length of time as his has."
"I am at somewhat of a loss as to what I have revealed to you about your Avatars, Senator Sachiko," Aiko admitted in a straightforward tone. She was accustomed to Xiulurian riddles so would not question them further. "Nonetheless, I am glad to have your gratitude. That aside, is there anything you require at the conference? A diplomat of your stature must not need my help in facilitating talks, but I stand in Yamatai's service and yours for this conference."
"To give a young elf so much to look forward to is no small feat," Sachiko said, patting her own hands against one another. "No, no, you've done enough by informing me of what the Avatars are aware of; namely the Nepleslian prince. I should find him...
"There's a little bit of them in everything we do." Sachiko continued. "The elves received their magic from them, after all. When they left, so did the full extent of our abilities. But with them they took a connection. One that is always left open." She curtsied and left Aiko's presence.
Separately, Toidorno took the opportunity to approach the OTHER furred, eared and fanged individual nearby, the being who had been speaking to Hanako a moment ago. He was uncertain of her species, though he was sure she wasn't related to the Qaktoro or the Tula of the Clan. He moved within her field of view and came to within a respectful distance. "Pardon me, may I introduce myself?" he asked in Yamataigo.
Alice watched as the Qaktoro approached him, and smiled politely. "Konichiwa, you are a Qaktoro, of the Hidden Sun Clan, correct?' She asked in perfect Yamataigo. and bowed to him respectfully. "you may of course introduce yourself, my name is Alice, Sursilvan, the Diplomatic Ambassador of the Mining Guild." She said introducing herself to him.
He had to blink, a little ashamed of her clear mastery of the language he still struggled with. He'd need to use that shame for something constructive, like practice! "Al-ice... Sur... silvan." he repeated. Her title... Mining Guild... It was sparking a memory, but he wasn't entirely sure yet. "I am Toidorno Sejgui, Ambassador of the Hidden Sun Clan. Or, you may have heard it by its name in our tongue, the Poku Saeruo Degonjo." Yes, he could at least say THAT name perfectly well. "May I ask... Alice... Where is the... Mining Guild?"
Alice sensed he had some difficulty speaking, but she didnt comment on it, instead, she smiled, as she learned the name of the handsome, Qaktoro, infront of her. "I am honored to meet you Ambassador Seijgui." She said, then she began to switch languages. to that used by the Hidden Sun Clan. "I am familiar with both names, used by your clan." She said to Toidorno. "To answer your question, the Mining Guild is currently in a nation called the New Dusk Conclave, off to the north east of here, and in addition. We have sent a Contingent, to a new sector of space called Kosuke Sector, with Yamatai Star Empire's Fifth Expeditionary Fleet, and First Expeditionary Fleet, along with the Motoyoshi Clan. And as of excellent talks with the Imperial Premier, we will soon be located here, in Yamatai Star Empire," She told him, in answer to his question.
The Qaktoro was utterly floored when the fox-eared woman switched to takavonai, the language of his people. Toidorno liked to think of himself as a man who wasn't easy to surprise... but damned if Alice hadn't done just that. He blinked his mismatched eyes, attempting to regain his composure, but his tail flicked excitedly, betraying him. He responded with a teeth-showing smile, speaking in takavonai. "Ahh, I am familiar with you all! We call you the Clan of the Sunset." He reflected on her company's accomplishments; he didn't know enough of Yamatai fleet specifics to know how meaningful this was... But it certainly sounded impressive. "And is your Conclave... seeking to become a part of the Empire?" he asked pointedly.
Alice detected the subtle signs of surprise in Toidorno. His tail was noticed immediately, and she knew that he was excited or atleast pleased. Alice was only too pleased to be able to make things easier on him for their conversation. "Clan of Sunset, I like it, I shall have to let my boss, CEO Kurosaki know too, so she can tell the Royal Representative, Pine about it as well. As for your question, I do not believe the Conclave is seeking to become a part of the Empire, but the Mining Guild I represent however, wish expansion, and we believe, entering the empire is beneficial for us, already we have friends here, and more could be made, I believe."
"Hmmm." Toidorno vocalized thoughtfully. "And if your Clan were considering joining the Empire, fully, what would your stance be? Would you be supportive, or no?" Like the predator that he was, at his core, he had a 'prey' here. And it was this idea of joining the Empire. Knowing how the New Dusk Conclave felt about such a proposal could shape his own perspective on the act. Besides that, this Alice woman was quite charming, and he could very well see why she had been chosen to represent her company.
"If the New Dusk Conclave, joins the Empire, i'd be supportive, of course, many in the New Dusk Conclave, were once citizens of the Empire, and the Empire is also honorable, from what I have seen. The New Dusk Conclave, or the NDC for short and the Empire are allies, at the moment. so I do not know how they feel, as my area is Mining Guild's interests." She said in addition,
He folded his clawed hands behind his back, thoughtful. He filed away her response for later consideration. "Separately, Alice Sur-Sil-Van... May I ask how you came to learn takavonai? Your pronunciation is excellent, I cannot even detect an accent."
Alice smiled "thank you, i am honored by your compliments, I spent time learning languages when i finally figured out that i wanted to be the Mining Guild's Ambassador, here at the International Relations Conference. I knew that a member of your clan would be here, and thus thought i should learn your people's language. I have done so, for the Empire's Yamataigo aswell." She said to him.
"You are an impressively swift learner. Must be your fine ears." he said with a grin, gesturing to his own feline ears. Hers were rather larger than his, though she was a foot shorter than he was. "Yamataigo makes use of sounds that our language does not... Though you surely know this, speaking both." He fretted a little, realizing he wasn't exactly appearing to be very capable. "I... am not normally in this position. The Ambassador work, I mean. For many years, I was a Ship's Second in our defense fleet. After that, I assisted... a group of people who are new to our clan within the last decade." He refocused on Alice. "Were you always... who you are now?" he asked.
Alice noded her head in agreement, he was correct and he had infact noticed what he was talking about in reference to Yamataigo, and his people's language. Soon she learned of his back ground, and nodded. "I have detected your back ground, in the way you moved," Alice said with a smile on her face. "In a matter of speaking, no, but not in the way you are thinking of. I am an AI, Artificial Mind, in a organic body, something those in New Dusk Conclave, are capable of. I emerged in our cyberspace, and when i became sentient, I started learning what i could, wanting to be of help to others, The Mining Guilds, CEO, Astrid Kurosaki, learned of my diplomatic skills, and thus invited me to join her Mining Guild as part of its diplomatic corps. A little different from yourself i know, but i do hope that my other status, doesnt bother you, I would like us to continue talking and be friends" Alice said.
Spotting the Senti, Hanako went over to introduce herself. "Welcome to Reikan Park," she began. "I hope you are finding everything to your liking. I am Hanako, Imperial Premier of Yamatai. Please, tell me what's on your mind."
Dusali looked up from her tablet, her face breaking into a wide smile before she offered a soft bow from her position standing next to the Shuristan Senator. Shretas gave a soft nod as he addressed her. "Ah, Premier! It is good to see you outside the Senate hall. I trust you have met Dusali Kherras and Governor Khelas Nascen?"
"I plan to," Hanako told Dusali. "What can you tell me about them?"
"Dusali, at my right hand, is a medical projects director with the Shuristan Office of National Diplomacy, and the one who approved me to be transferred into the youthful visage before you," Shretas laughed slightly before continuing. "Governor Nascen is... Well, she's a bit intense, and I'm not sure where she's gotten off to. I heard she did some good work meeting with the Empress when Shurista joined your Empire."
Dusali's smile never faltered as she gently poked the Senator. "And I heard you were the one to talk to about a few issues. Mostly medical projects in integrating and modernizing Shurista's infrastructure. I think the improvements will be a boon to both our peoples."
"Among the many hats worn by the Imperial Premier is a nurse hat," Hanako nodded, "I do oversee Yamatai's healthcare system," she nodded. "What can we do for you?"
"I'll then let you ladies handle that mess," Shretas offered a bow and stepped back, letting Dusali take the lead.
"Well, I've seen much at the expos tonight, perhaps a trade deal and some personnel training is in order," Dusali spoke warmly. "We have offered the full might of the Civil Service search and rescue forces to Yamatai's emergency response acts, and are willing to offer yard space, manpower, and raw materials to Yamatai's industrial complex to help finance the upgrades and modernization of our medical systems, being easily a few hundred years behind your own. Soul transfer? Honestly most of us thought such a thing some dark fantasy of science fiction. To see it implemented as a life saving procedure even to my own superiors, I would love to learn its workings."
"Indeed," Hanako nodded.
"Sorry, I am... What is the Yamataian term? Being a nerd? I have been studying multispecies medicine for the last few years, and so far, I am loving every second of being in so far over my head," the Senti doctor gave a laugh. "I haven't even begun to search the Library for anything that would make this mutually beneficial!"
Yui's hand landed on Fletcher's shoulder. "Fletcherrrr," she said. "Schmoozing with the diplomats or just here for the free wine?" she chuckled. "I'm just glad I'm in the Star Army and not in Hanako's shoes. She has a way with talking that I'm not sure I do. I'm not like my sister, Yuumi, or Himiko, trained in the ways of... negotiations. I'm a warrior. How goes it?"
"The Hidden Sun Clan is here, as are many of our allies. I want our Allies to know who they are fighting alongside. I've found that I have to be a diplomat to be effective, but I'm glad that it is not my calling. I've had some conversations with some of the lower level members of the Hidden Sun Clan and I'm impressed with them. If they choose to join us, I think they will be a good addtion to the Empire. And Naturally the wine is a very nice bonus. Have you tried the Essian Sunfruit Wine?" Fletcher replied, swirling his cup of yellow wine.
"I don't drink," Yui said.
Noticing the glass of yellow and the word Essian as she approached, Hoshi though to make a joke about the jars some of her Separa'Shan crewmen had filled that looked like as much during their long voyage to Kuvexia, but caught her tongue and gave a deep bow instead.
"Good day for it, isn't it?" the petite pink captain asked after she had formally greeted the commander of the Star Army and her Admiral.
Fletcher looked like he might have had something to say on the topic of drinking, but instead turned to Hoshi. "It is. I hope you have been enjoying the confrence so far? Making connections with our allies?"
"I'm here to make sure the delegates can do as much," Hoshi said, captain of the ship relegated to helping its XO host the conference.
Hoshi's tone took on a sharp cadence as she went on, "Recently made contact with an alien species under duress from the Mishhuvurthyar. I would have liked to bring them here as future allies, but you can't win them all. They're advanced enough to leave us with their teleporter pad technology as if it were junk to them. Next conference, I suppose."
"Yes," Yui nodded. "We have been encountering new allies as we look into the new sectors. The Concordians, after being brouhgt out of their long slumber, seem especially eager to get back out there in space and many of them are joining the Star Army from their temporary home on Virginia," she nodded.
"We've also been running across species being menaced by the Mishhuvurthyar. It feels like we are expanding again. I've heard rumblings that expansion may mean that we are diluting our culture. I don't believe that myself, but I'd like to know what you two think." Fletcher said, making conversation.
It felt imprudent to speak on Yamataian culture with one of Yamatai's central figures. So, although Fletcher had said he wanted to hear what the two of them thought, Hoshi understood the question was mostly for Yui and tucked her hands behind her white Type 23 and listened attentively with her deep blue eyes on the head of the Ketsurui.
"It's my stance that Yamatai's diversity is a strength," Yui said. "Think about it this way: We are an Empire but also we are a group of people bound together by a common cause to make the best of this universe and to protect each other. In an Empire that rules by fear and force the Empire spends its time looking inward trying to put down threats. But Yamatai has many cultures who want to be here so we can look outward and be stronger for it, and we also don't need to spend our resources forcibly conquering neighbors like the early days of the Empire because people will join willingly. So it's up to us to keep the Star Army inclusive and incorporate the best people from all those cultures together into a cohesive fighting force, and expanding will just bring in more talent."
Fletcher smiled and nodded in agreement, "I've found that diversity of thought is vital to making wise decisions. You don't always take the advice that is given, but when possible, the input helps to make better decisions."
"Not everyone is fit for protecting; some of those given the privilege to be a part of Yamatai simply need protection." Hoshi seemed to be choosing her words carefully, but was still not sure if she was betraying too much. "And that's fine." She liked talking to Yui every other time she had spoken with her and should have guessed conversations about politics would not be off the table at a political conference. Even still, the captain's cheeks were flushed as she tried not to mince words.
Sun Horatio continued his "patrolling" around the outer edges of the meeting hall. He dips inward deeply when he encountered one of the ID-SOLs or DION diplomats to avoid causing any scenes. He just looks around at all the diplomats and Yamataian officials with a cup he only occasionally sips. After seeing Yui and the SAoY officers in his path, takes a sip from his cup, and deviates his path away from them.
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OOC: JP by Wes, Charaa, Raz, Soban, Hollander, Ametheliana, Madi, and Demibear