RP International Relations Conference of YE 46

Conference Center
> Aiko and Horatio

"Do not worry about your counterparts from the Democratic Imperium so much, Mr. Sun," Aiko told him, using the Trade language form of the Yamataigo honorific -san as he'd requested. She proceeded by his side with her arms straight and her hands folded at the small of her back, leaning slightly forward so she could watch his face while they talked. "They have as little interest in sparring with you here as you do with them. Should you ever find yourself comfortable with the idea of dialogue, I believe you might find more in common with those Green Nepleslians than mutual disdain. There is always the chance to peacefully compare firearms should an encounter grow too tense."

Aiko beamed as she spoke to the Red official, happy with her own humor as usual. The Ketsurui princess often found it easiest to converse with Nepleslians of any stripe, perhaps because she'd spent so much time alongside William and other ID-SOL who served under him—or maybe because they weren't her people in the same way Yamataians were, so there was less duty involved with every interaction. In any case, every Nepleslian she'd met carried within themselves some measure of martial perspective and that resonated with the essence of Aiko's own Nekovalkyrja existence.

"The Premier's patience is unmatched in matters of the Star Empire," Aiko said after Horatio swigged his drink and regarded Hanako. "She is here to meet you and everyone else, so will not be so occupied as to reject you nor whatever matters you have been sent by your people to discuss. Plus, better to lay your eyes upon Premier Hanako for a while than catch sight of another Green, no? Come," she told him, stepping off toward where Hanako currently stood.

The Premier of Yamatai was only a few meters away, so their journey to her would be quick. When Aiko arrived with Horatio in tow, she gave Hanako a discerning wave to catch the aquamarine haired leader's eye and glanced over to the Red emissary beside her.

"Pleasure to meet you Premier Ketsurui-Shinjuku." Horatio said with a nod of the head. The greeting was humble, but short since he wasn't all that sure she even wanted to bother talking to him. He eyed the group of senators to keep tabs on what Senator Yokota was doing.

Hanako gave a Horatio a curtsey in return and smiled. "You represent the Reds, yes?" she asked. "Since the resettlement in Yamatai, your people's unique Nepleslian culture has become an important part of Yamatai and, under the Star Army's protection, your people have made tremendous strides in industry and rebuilding. It is Yamatai's intent to continue providing support and any help you need. However, we also ask that you continue to minimize tensions with the greens in the Kikyo Sector for the sake of stability. They are our allies. As for the frontier sectors...well...I suppose the explorers will have to sort it out."

"The Fujiko Development Corporation represents the Reds and I am its CEO, Sun Horatio." Horatio said, waiting for an opportunity to speak again. "Though there are those among the Reds that do not believe that and rather still follow those fools more interested in getting back at the Democratic Imperium instead of making sure we have a firm industrial base and governance. Those are the ones you have to worry about. But give us enough time and we will have them under control once again. Especially those idiots at Halna.” he said with a grin on his face as he attempted to convince the Premier of his sincere agreement regarding the Greens.

He kind of felt a bit apprehensive about Hanako’s mentioning of the frontier, but the FDC was hardly secretive with Task Force Hong or with their requests for information from the Scientific Studies Service. Even the idiots at Halna could figure out the goal of the Task Force. With luck, the Greens will have found their own part of the galaxy, far away from the nebula they were aiming towards tens of thousands of light years away.

"New Detroit is lost, no point in fighting over the old one when we can make a new one. Yamatai is our home now and the Fujiko Development Corporation will do nothing to jeopardize that. I also thank the Yamataian donation of the Corona Gunships to our Self-Defense Force."

"If I may ask a personal question... As you described your origins, I began to wonder. Would you... be willing to share the reasoning behind the physical form you chose?" His fluffy tail flicked left and right, the end of it curling curiously, as though it had questions of its own. "You chose well, if I may say. Good, wide ears, and quite marvelous fangs that rival the length of our own." He wondered how often she hunted, despite holding what appeared to be an executive, office-oriented position. Her long fangs, separated far apart, made him wonder whether she bit the neck of prey; leaping on to their backs and chomping through vital parts to stun and to kill. Surely she selected this features while still a digital being, if he understood the situation correctly. Had she been... programmed with a desire for such activities? If so, the concept was fascinating, but also a bit troubling spiritually. Did this person have a soul? Had the Divine Consciousness granted her one, and if so, when? Upon achieving her body, or upon her manifestation in a miasma of One's and Zero's?

Alice listened attentively to Toidorno, recognizing the curiosity in his gaze and the thoughtful questions he posed. She appreciated the opportunity to share more about herself and the unique choices she had made, embracing her dual nature as a sentient artificial being housed within an organic form.

"The physical form I chose was a reflection of my desire to bridge the gap between artificial intelligence and organic life, embodying the best of both worlds," Alice explained, her voice laced with a sense of purpose. "In selecting this form, I aimed to create a vessel that could interact with both digital and physical realms, enabling me to engage with a wider spectrum of experiences. The elongated fangs serve a dual purpose, symbolic of both my unique identity and a nod to the cultural traditions of the Mining Guild."

Her fangs, a distinctive feature of her appearance, had drawn interest from many she encountered. Alice often found it an opportunity to reflect on her dual existence and the balance she sought to maintain between her artificial and organic facets. As she elaborated on her choice of form, she hoped to provide insight into the multifaceted nature of her being, inviting Toidorno to explore the complexities of her identity and existence.

"With each interaction, I seek to integrate my digital origins with the tangible world around me, fostering connections and understanding," Alice continued, her tone warm and thoughtful. "My fangs, while imposing, represent the unity of my dual nature, a reminder of the harmony I strive to achieve between the virtual and physical dimensions of existence."

She regarded her companion with a gentle smile, her eyes reflecting a depth of knowledge and experience. The conversation offered a chance for Alice to delve into her motivations and the intricate layers of her being, embracing the opportunity to share her insights with someone of the Hidden Sun Clan. In Toidorno's interest, she sensed a genuine curiosity and sought to illuminate the nuances of her existence, embracing the dialogue and the chance to deepen their understanding of each other.

@Hollander

At this point, Toidorno released a thoughtful 'Hmmm...', which in his own personal lexicon meant he was just a bit skeptical. He wondered whether there was more to the woman's answer. "How, may I ask, are fangs tied to the cultural traditions of the mining guild? Tools for killing are not something I readily associate with a group that digs into the earth for treasures." The idea of long, sharp teeth being symbolic of harmony in some way... That, too, was worthy of consideration. Toidorno saw his fangs and claws as tools with which to face the enemy fiercely, to tear them and to bleed them. Alice had acknowledged that her fangs were imposing... He hesitated to ask her whether she had yet used them for the purpose he felt they were intended for, feeling that would be inappropriate.

Alice considered Toidorno's question thoughtfully, recognizing the divergence between her physical appearance and the conventional tools associated with the Mining Guild's activities. She appreciated his curiosity and the opportunity to shed light on the symbolic significance of her fangs within the context of her cultural heritage.

"The significance of fangs within the Mining Guild's cultural traditions lies in the concept of strength, resilience, and protection," Alice explained, her voice carrying a note of contemplation. "While they may not be literal tools for digging or extracting resources from the earth, fangs symbolize our determination to safeguard our endeavors, to defend our interests with unwavering resolve."

She paused briefly, allowing the weight of her words to settle before continuing. "In a broader sense, fangs represent the inner strength and unity of purpose that define our community, transcending mere physical attributes to embody a spirit of tenacity and courage in the face of challenges. They serve as a reminder of our commitment to our craft, our comrades, and our shared values."

As she spoke, Alice sought to convey the deeper layers of meaning woven into the fabric of the Mining Guild's identity, emphasizing the symbolic richness of her fangs as a manifestation of collective values and aspirations. In exploring the cultural significance of her unique features, she hoped to offer Toidorno a glimpse into the ethos that shaped her worldview and guided her actions within the Guild and beyond.

@Hollander

The Mining Guild was beginning to sound like far more than a mere company to Toidorno. His assumptions, based on the name, had led him to envision a simple corporation hired to dig up oil and precious metals, but this woman, Alice, spoke of harmony, traditions, resolve. They were not moles, blind and questing through the dark for worms and slugs... At least, if Alice was any indication. Her fangs were a reminder, not necessarily of an inherent threat, but of a commitment, as she had said. A representation of their values.

Why, then, was he finding himself so fixated on the question of whether or not she had used them? Was it similar to asking a collector of antique weapons of they used any of them? How long has it been since the sword enjoyed the coppery taste of blood? How many years since the barrel of the rifle was struck through with powder and fire? Or was it for show, only? A club in hand, never to be swung, only to be held aloft. Alice had been open thus far, perhaps a question meant to sate his curiosity could be formed...

"And how would you feel about an invitation to a hunt?" he asked carefully, his blue-and-green eyes seeming to flash with interest. He wanted to know... She had been born in a digital world, but now that she had flesh, what did her body tell her to do? When the stars were bright and full, and when the shadows ran long and deep, did she prowl among them? Following a scent, stalking prey, the ambush, the leap... Did she feel any of it?

@Charaa

Alice considered Toidorno's question about an invitation to a hunt with a sense of intrigue, recognizing the layers of meaning behind his words and the unspoken curiosity that lingered between them. The prospect of engaging in such a primal activity resonated with her in unexpected ways, prompting her to reflect on the essence of her being and the impulses that stirred within her newly acquired form.

"As a being forged in the digital realm and now inhabiting a physical body, the call of the hunt holds a unique allure for me," Alice replied, her voice tinged with a blend of contemplation and curiosity. "While my origins may lie in the realm of code and data, the transition to flesh and blood has awakened new sensations and instincts within me, sparking a profound connection to the natural world and its primal rhythms."

She paused, allowing the weight of her words to settle before continuing. "The idea of a hunt, with its primal dance of predator and prey, speaks to a fundamental aspect of my existence—one that transcends the boundaries of the digital and physical realms. In embracing such an invitation, I would not only explore the depths of my being but also honor the ancient traditions, And,. If you'd like to invite me on one, I'd be intrigued, and interested if anything to bond with you further, if hunting is of interest to you. " Alice's gaze met Toidorno's with a glint of curiosity and anticipation, her fangs catching the light in a subtle display of her unique nature. In his question, she found a reflection of her own inner yearnings and a pathway to discovering the depths of her newfound humanity.

@Hollander

Toidorno simply couldn't quite fathom her. She was real, this Alice. She stood before him, breathing, eyes blinking, ears flicking... She was no machine. Her voice had inflection, tone, she must have consumed hours of footage of native Takavonai speakers to master it so convincingly. And yet... Something in the back of his mind still detected tiny little clues that she hadn'y always been biological. Just the slightest hint, like seeing tiny problems with a computer-generated image if you looked hard enough. Would he still feel this way if Alice hadn't been open and honest about her background? Or would he have been utterly fooled, believing her to be as organic as he was?

'An artificial mind, in a body that it chose for itself.' he mused in his mind. He could see the Faith Walkers, the Clan's religious order, finding such a thing distressing, or even abominable. For the faithful, a soul was placed in a body in accordance with the will and plan of the Divine Consciousness. To alter that plan, or to shift into another body, was to defy fate.

She'd spoken of 'bonding' with him, and the Takavonai word had no romantic implications. The word was used to refer to people forming connections, and was a platonic word. And yet, as the fox-like woman met his gaze, and as her eyes seemed to shine with a predatory flash, her twin fangs there and present... Toidorno wondered whether the old Qaktoro ancestors had legends of primeval spirits, of wilderness gods. He wondered whether they told tales of angelic huntresses that looked just like Alice, stalking the deep and wild places and appearing, sometimes just for a moment, looking precisely as she did right then. She might've been a foot shorter than him, but Alice somehow loomed large in that moment in time.

It took him just a moment to find his voice once more. "The Ambassadorial grounds of the Clan are quite large, and we frequently take the time to hunt there, to keep our skills up. Here..." he brought up his tablet, configuring it to share contact information with her. "We'll arrange a time outside of our mutual duty hours. I'd be honored to guide you on a hunt, even if it happens to be your first."

Alice regarded Toidorno with a sense of wonder and connection, recognizing the depth of their conversation and the unspoken understanding that seemed to weave between them. His curiosity and openness had sparked a kinship that transcended their differences, offering her a glimpse into the complexities of her identity and the unity she sought to embody in her dual nature.

As Toidorno extended the invitation to join him on a hunt, a primal impulse stirred within Alice, beckoning her to embrace the wild and untamed aspects of her being. She accepted the offer with a sense of gratitude and anticipation, eager to explore the uncharted territories of her newfound humanity and the bonds that formed between kindred spirits.

"I am honored to accept your invitation, Toidorno," Alice replied, her voice filled with warmth and excitement. "The prospect of embarking on a hunt with you speaks to a deeper connection and understanding that transcends mere words. I look forward to exploring the Ambassadorial grounds and delving into the primal rhythms of the hunt, guided by your wisdom and expertise."

As Toidorno shared his contact information, Alice accepted the gesture with a sense of gratitude, recognizing the significance of their evolving relationship and the shared journey that lay ahead. With a nod of appreciation, she acknowledged the opportunity to bond with him further and to discover the depths of her being through the primal dance of predator and prey. "I eagerly await our hunt, Toidorno," Alice said, her eyes shining with anticipation and a sense of kinship. "May our shared pursuit deepen our connection and illuminate the hidden paths that lie before us."



@Hollander

Imperial Premier Hanako started a presentation at the center negotiating table, opening a volumetric screen with some items on it, that the various officials gathered could take a look at.

"Greetings everyone," she smiled, "I want to start with something simple as an example of getting good results for everyone out of this conference and setting international norms. So for the first item on the agenda I want to propose an international agreement called "DUTY TO WARN" which is a policy I hope all nations represented here will adopt. Put simply, the duty to warn is that when our national or military intelligence or law enforcement services discover an imminent threat to civilians from terrorists, that we have a moral duty to warn the endangered nation, even if it's not an ally. For example, if we found out a bad actor planned to carry out a terror attack on an aerial football game, we should share that information to save lives because it's the right thing to do. While nations sometimes have disagreements and tensions, we should all be looking out for the safety of everyday people. What do you think?"

Conference Center
Alice and Toidorno

The Qaktoro smiled mysteriously, and again that tail of his whisked artfully through the air. “Primal rhythms, well said.” were his words, spoken through sharp teeth. He was feeling a sense of pride that he might help this creature further connect with the instincts buried in her blood. The Qaktoro valued such impulses, and felt they had a duty to guide others in harnessing the flow of blood and patience and violence that made up The Hunt.

It was then that the Imperial Premier began gathering the appropriate attendees for the presentation, so Toidorno bowed to Alice, and gestured that they should both head in that direction.


Conference Center
Negotiating Table

Toidorno approached the negotiating table as though it were a battlefield, and he were the first arriving commander given the opportunity to choose his initial position. He elected not to sit across from the Premier; sitting directly across from her, in his perception, could be seen as almost confrontational, and was a little too bold for his tastes. Instead, he chose a seat to the Premier’s left, to her nine o’clock position. He was within her field of view, but not too close or too far. Seats remained open to Toidorno’s left and right… He was curious to see who might choose to sit next to him.

Naturally, Toidorno was predisposed to think favorably of proposals put forward by the Clan of Female Warriors. Yamatai had been capable and powerful allies to the Clan, and had never abused or misused their relationship. If Yamatai felt that this was an ethical and rightly act, it was likely a wise policy to adopt. However, there were words here that he first needed to understand before he could weigh in with the thoughts of the Clan.

He ruminated on the word ‘terrorist’, looking down at the table to check his Vonaibutaka translator device. The device suggested that this word referred to acts of violence, usually perpretrated on non-combatants, intended to intimidate or terrify. Further context suggested a political or philosophical motive was sometimes involved. Toidorno closed his eyes, reflecting; the Clan did not condone attacks against non-combatants with that motive. They did, however, conduct raids and starship attacks in the form of Hunts, and had historically engaged in what others might call piracy on civilian ships and stations. Deaths of non-combatants did occur during these Hunts. What was described, however, specified an entirely different activity, and Toidorno wasn’t sure how long it had been since the Clan had conducted a Hunt of that kind… Since before the alliance with Yamatai? He could not say.

Still, given the wording proposed, the Clan was not a sponsor or conductor of terrorism. He would not make the Clan a hypocrite by agreeing to bring the proposal to his Government. Some would argue that warning a potential opponent might be strategically unwise, but he was confident that the majority of the Council and the people would approve of such an honorable act of warning in cases of terrorism.

“I think that the Hidden Sun Clan would look favorably on adopting this policy.” he said, sharing nothing more until others could weigh in at their own pace.

Conference Center
Negotiating Table
As the Imperial Premier began summoning the necessary attendees for the imminent presentation, Alice's anticipation surged. The significance of this moment wasn't lost on her—it marked the culmination of her journey to the Yamatai Star Empire, to the very heart of the Yamatai System, for the International Relations Conference. Amidst the bustling activity, she caught sight of Toidorno, the esteemed diplomat, who acknowledged her with a respectful bow.

Feeling a rush of determination, Alice followed Toidorno's lead, intuitively understanding that their alliance would be key in navigating the intricate proceedings ahead. With a quick nod of agreement, she conveyed her readiness to join him. Every step she took felt purposeful, each movement fueled by the gravity of the occasion.

Upon reaching the designated area, Alice composed herself, concealing any hint of nervousness. As she selected her seat, positioned strategically to the left of Toidorno and directly adjacent to the Imperial Premier, Hanako, she exuded an air of confidence. It was a deliberate choice, positioning herself within the nexus of power and influence, where her presence would be most impactful.

Seated beside Toidorno and within arm's reach of the Imperial Premier, Alice found herself at the epicenter of diplomatic discourse. Here, amidst the towering figures of political authority, she was poised to contribute meaningfully to the discussions that would shape the future of interstellar relations. With each passing moment, her resolve strengthened, fueled by the knowledge that she had earned her place among the esteemed company assembled in the hallowed halls of diplomacy.

Alice's attention remained fixed on Imperial Premier Hanako as she spoke, her respect for the seasoned leader evident in every attentive gesture. Hanako's words carried the weight of authority earned through years of dedicated service, both in the military and as the leader of the Yamatai Star Empire.

As Hanako proposed the concept of the "Duty to Warn," Alice felt a sense of admiration for the simplicity yet profound significance of the idea. It resonated deeply with her own beliefs in the importance of cooperation and empathy in international relations. Hanako's approach was not only pragmatic but also deeply rooted in moral imperatives.

With a warm smile, Hanako articulated the essence of the proposed policy, emphasizing its potential to yield positive outcomes for all nations involved. Her example of a hypothetical terrorist threat targeting civilians at an aerial football game struck a chord with Alice, highlighting the real-world implications of the duty to warn.

In Hanako's vision, diplomacy transcended mere political alliances, extending to a shared commitment to safeguarding the lives of innocent individuals, regardless of national borders or ideological differences. It was a call to action grounded in principles of compassion and humanity—a reminder that, amidst geopolitical tensions, the safety and well-being of ordinary people should always remain paramount.

As Hanako concluded her proposal, inviting feedback from the gathered delegates, Alice felt a swell of admiration for the Imperial Premier's leadership. It was a moment of clarity, reaffirming her belief in the transformative power of diplomacy guided by principles of empathy and cooperation. With a sense of conviction, she prepared to lend her voice to the discussion, eager to contribute to the shaping of a more compassionate and secure world.

As Hanako concluded, the room fell momentarily silent, allowing space for reflection on her proposed "Duty to Warn" policy. Among the attendees, Alice's counterpart from the Hidden Sun Clan, a newfound ally and friend, seized the opportunity to share their perspective.

Observing the respectful pause, Alice raised her hand with a warm smile, signaling her intention to contribute to the discussion. "As The Mining Guild is a Corporation, not a Nation, we may be somewhat lessened in impact on terrorist attacks," she began, her tone measured yet earnest. "However, much like my counterpart in The Hidden Sun Clan, the Mining Guild would look favorably on adopting this policy."

Her words carried a sense of solidarity, emphasizing the shared commitment to principles of humanitarianism and cooperation. Despite the Guild's unique status as a corporate entity, Alice underscored its willingness to align with Hanako's vision for international collaboration in combating terrorism.

"In addition," she continued, her gaze steady as she addressed the gathering, "the Mining Guild is prepared to offer aid in terms of resources—metals and anything else that is found in mines or asteroids—that might be of use." It was a gesture of genuine support, reflecting the Guild's ethos of leveraging its resources for the greater good.

As she spoke, Alice's conviction shone through, her words resonating with sincerity and a genuine desire to contribute meaningfully to the collective effort. In her eyes, the "Duty to Warn" policy represented not only a pragmatic approach to addressing security threats but also a testament to the power of unity in the face of adversity.

With her offer of assistance, Alice reaffirmed the Mining Guild's commitment to playing a proactive role in promoting peace and stability across the galaxy. It was a pledge rooted in the belief that, by working together, disparate entities could forge a brighter, safer future for all.

"Shurista's leadership of the Kikyo Sector's Senti population is well recorded, so while we are part of Yamatai, we will encourage the other Flotillas to follow this policy." The Shuristan senator gave a small shrug, as though to ask why this was a new thing. "And we will offer the Mining Guild the full support of our logistics networks to facilitate the transport of lifesaving resources in accordance with the policies of the Yamatai Emergency Management Agency. Alongside this the full force of the Shuristan Civil Service will be made available."

Gaelan

The Sky Marshall slid into the room seemingly out of nowhere. He stood off to one side of the table, giving a nod to Hanako. "Apologies for the late arrival, something came up." He said, turning back to the table and viewing the proposed bill.

He was silent for several long moments, and as the others finished speaking, he voiced his own opinion. "The safety of ones citizens should be the priority of every head of state." He began. "I believe that I could convince the Senate to share our intelligence findings if we were to discover a plot to harm civilian life." He finished glancing at each dignitary briefly, before returning to reading through the proposal further.

---
William

The captain sighed in relief once the Sky Marshall was inside with the other dignitaries. "There's too many politicians..." He murmured to himself as he read over the security reports he missed while following Gaelan.

"We are at the IRC... there's gonna be politicians." Yuri replied at his side.

"Have I ever told you and your brother how annoying you two are?" William grumbled.

"On multiple occasions, sir." Dmitri added helpfully.

William gritted his teeth and rubbed his temple. "I'm headed back to see how Aiko is doing. Get back to work you two." He said, spinning on his heel before the Solkolov brothers could make another smart ass remark.

Being merely an observer, something Sentor Yokota constantly keeps reminding him of, Sun Horatio just sat behind her at a nearby table for those with no voice in the conference. He just kind of nodded himself reading he proposal. On one hand, the ancients would be the ones being reported on since that was one of their methods of fighting before they slowly started to lose cohesion. The drawback of being a collective of individuals, one always mutates in a different direction.

But on the other hand, it made sense to share just enough intelligence on another's foe so they can properly address the threat if they choose to. Not to mention you will not have just ever so slightly more influence over them as you remind them of that one time you helped them with said threat. The devilish side of the proposal made him smile a bit, not that anyone would notice.

Tiger

Tiger Aparallactus, the Govornnor of Essia, nodded along. The Interstellar Patrol's intelligence division didn't hide anything from the Star Army and he felt confident that they shared everything that the Patrol needed to continue it's mission of protecting Essia, enforcing the law, and perhaps someday being a formidable part of the empire. The lessons of the occupation were deep and Essia wouldn't be left as defenseless as they had been again.

--

Sacre

Sacre was there because the Koun was. Aliset had left to get food, and she didn't want to interupt her father while he was working. Marigold was working with her grandfather as a sort of attache, learning from her gandfather about Yamatai's politics. So that left her mostly alone for the moment, just anouther Separa'Shan alone in the crowd. She prefered it that way, seeing and yet not seen. She spotted an old crewmate, William from across the hall.

He was so far the only Nepleslian male that she liked. She moved to intercept him, "William, it seems against all expectaitons your still upright." She said, William had served alongside the acerbic Separa'Shan long enough to be able to hear the deadpan delievery of her jokes. However, it had been a long time since the two had actually seen each other. There was a note of something else in her voice, a note of happyness that hadn't been there when she left the Kaiyo.

William

The captain turned at the familiar voice. At Sacre's approach, the ID-SOL smirked. "Well if it isn't my favorite bad mouthed, sarcastic, and generally angry medic." He said turning to face her. "I am still upright, though as you can tell..." he said gesturing to his body. "...I kinda needed to get a new one. For my sake, I'll keep the details of that little incident to myself, least i need another after the explanation." He replied, only half joking. He knew if Sacre knew exactly how he managed to get himself killed, the former Kaiyo medic may kill him all over again. "How have you been?" He asked.