[Meltra III] Waltz of Golden Sails

Re: [Meltra 3] Waltz of Golden Sails

Hilda seemed amazed that Nadir's introduction. A democratic coalition? This was an interesting concept for a woman born of a people believing in strong central governments. The comment about space nomads also caught her attention. "Were these nomads calling themselves Freespacers or are they of your species?" she asked curiously but decided to continue after she heard his answer.

"The Abwehran Star Empire is ruled the Imperial Family, with Empress Bertina Rosenthal acting as the executive of our government and Emperor Eckert Rosenthal I acting as the civilian head of our military. They are only the Executive power of our government however and have no legislative or Judicial authority. The legislature is the Imperial Parliament, which is a bi-cameral organization divided into the House of Representatives, a group of popularly elected legislators, and the House of Nobles, a group of land owners and provincial governors. The House of Representatives is consider the Upper House and thus in control of the Legislative Branch of our government. Judicially, the Abwehran Star Empire is run by the Imperial High Court," she explained.

Re: [Meltra 3] Waltz of Golden Sails

"... it was the Freespacers, yes. They provided us with starmaps and some basic information on settled space as an act of goodwill... but diplomatic proceedings have been rather slow with them." Nadir answered cautiously, not wishing to say too much. The truth was a little more unpleasant, that a number of Freespacers had died during a terror attack by the rebels and put any diplomatic talks into permanent hiatus. A total disaster. But it was hardly the sort of thing that he'd want to remind himself of regularly, much less something he'd want to tell some foreigners who might pounce on the opportunity.

"Our Commonwealth is a decentralized, multi-tiered democracy which effects a standard upon individual colonies but affords them great independance in exchange for contributing wealth and manpower to our system government. It is a sort of hybridized combination of the Representative Democracy, where citizens of an electoral district are permitted to scrutinize the policies of their representatives and potentially veto them, but where the major legislative power remains in the hands of those elected officials." The diplomat explained in turn, gesturing to a small chart on his dataslate. "Our Conclave is the executive branch of the government, comprised of a cabinet selected by our legislative body and a figurehead with veto power. The Makuzhar is elected for life, and is meant to represent the collected will of our people during a given era."

Hilda could only listen to the explanation with a slow nod. The theory of the system made sense to her and it seemed to work for their Commonwealth, but the poor Administrator couldn't imagine living under such a government. It sounded overly complicated, though that could just be bias interfering with her thoughts. "It's definitely a system that gives the people plenty of power," she replied before frowning. "The Abwehran people can vote for or against laws and elect Representatives and Judges, but that's only on the homeworld at this time. Our colonies haven't fully established themselves at the moment, so they do not have any political structure other than Administrators and their councils." the brunette explained.

"Ah. I suppose that your people originated in this region of space, then?" Nadir asked politely, nodding to the civilian representative as she spoke. He'd remembered that although the core presence in this sector effectively descended from Nepleslian colonists, many races traced their origins to the diverse biospheres that seemed to exist in the many planets of the greater cluster. If they were native to this area of space, it might explain the difficulties in establishing a colonial government that better fit the patterns of their society. "My own people are descended from settlers... that you might describe as being genetically similar to the Colonials."

He caught himself on the slip up in terminology, and cleared his throat. "Ah... forgive my strange terminology. The Nepleslians, I meant."

"Yes, we originated from this sector of space," Hilda replied with a smile. "I had heard that many of the species in the area were from distant stars, but are all of you," she began before clearing her throat. "Pardon me, but is everyone descended from the same originating species? It'd be quite strange for everyone to be similar, but not related distantly." the Administrator mumbled before chuckling. "Ah, no matter. Our xenobiologists have concluded that while Abwehrans and many of the 'humanoids' of this sector of space may look similar in nature, the genetic structure of the Abwehran differs significantly from others."

Re: [Meltra 3] Waltz of Golden Sails

"Quite frankly... I do not know. To our knowledge, much of history has been lost to war or blanketed by the self-serving obscurantism of a select few." Nadir said with a slightly wistful expression, clearly slightly bothered by the notion. His people believed in their cultural heritage and traditions, and were bound by a deep-seeded debt to their past. To lie or willfully destroy that was like desecrating the remains of beloved ancestors. His expression sombered a little for the seconds after he spoke, but he immediately regained his composure when he realized how it might have looked to the two women.

"I am sorry. My people prides itself in its past and traditions. Unlike some, we have accurate historical records stretching back to the founding of our society." The Envoy explained carefully, interlocking his fingers and resting his chin across his gloved knuckles. "But even then, we are not aware of if or where our past might intersect with that of those peoples that we resemble."

Re: [Meltra 3] Waltz of Golden Sails

Hilda frowned thoughtfully and nodded. "Well, it seems like we are similar in a way," she replied calmly. "We also keep accurate records of our past, though it is mostly fear of repeating such tragedies that drives us rather than pride. We have a long history of war on our world, which started when two kingdoms rose up and conquered all in their path. It is because of them that we don't know anything about those who came before, but that was thousands of years in our past," she explained before shaking her head. "But enough of the bad. Our meeting here should be about the good. After all, two strangers from distant lands meeting one another in peace is always a good thing. These situations tend to lead towards friendships."

Pausing for a moment to collect herself, the Surfacer smiled at the Envoy as she seemed more relaxed than she had been before. "Herr Akkad, what brings you out beyond your home systems? And would your people be interested in trade?"

Re: [Meltra 3] Waltz of Golden Sails

Nadir brought up a small, black cartridge, perhaps the size of his fist and placed it in the center of the table, clasping his hands as he resumed. "Developing a friendship was the original purpose of this meeting, for my government. Our people is self-reliant as a consequence of our long-term isolation, so trade was a secondary concern. However." The envoy took a short pause and gave a polite and reserved smile. The Abwehran delegation were remarkably friendly and genuine, but he limited his own expression so as to seem well in control of himself and set a positive image.

"Although I would like to discuss with you more, I'd like to move to my official duties first. This data cartridge is of foreign make, but compatible with a number of operating systems. It stores basic linguistic and cultural information, and is being offered as a gift, without any requirements."

"My second duty is to request that our two nations agree to pacts of non-aggression and agree to further relations in the future. If you lack the authority to do so immediately, I will gladly wait under escort until that time." Nadir spoke with a tone of sincerity. Carefully measuring each word that came out, he wished to convey his people's earnest desire for peace, rather than showing it more as a necessity. If it seemed that they needed a peace treaty immediately, it might make them appear desperate, or seem as if they could not afford to make new enemies for any number of reasons.

"In the meantime, I will be available to discuss so long as a delegation is willing to remain aboard the vessel."

Re: [Meltra 3] Waltz of Golden Sails

Both Abwehran women glanced at the black cartridge in a bit of confusion as he began to explain his people's purpose. "Of course," Hilde responded as she frowned for a moment. Why hadn't she thought of anything like this!? She felt supremely embarrassed about it all before deciding that the next best thing would have to do. "Ah, our holocubes aren't very compatible with other operating systems," the blonde civilian admitted before she pulled out her palm computer and tapped it a bit. "My Palm Computer does have basic linguistics and some cultural information though." she explained as she slid the device forward. "I would only be fair to give something like your gift in return."

"We are authorized to do both, Herr Akkad," the Commodore spoke after being silent for most of the meeting. "Since we're out in the colonial region, we've been given a fair amount of leeway on what we can do and Non-Aggression Pacts are one of those." the black-haired woman explained as she adjusted her goggles a bit.

"Anything more though would have to be dealt with by a representative of the Imperial Government and someone way over my pay grade," Hilde joked with a grin. "In the meantime, you are free to enter the Meltra System as guests. I would suggest limiting contact with our people however," the civilian suggested. "Previous encounters with a few species have left us with painful lessons. One of them is that our ecology breeds rather powerful microbes. Because of that, we have to go through very thorough decontamination and vaccinations before meeting with many species. It would be best that if you do contact other Abwehrans that you take necessary medical precautions." the Administrator explained.

Re: [Meltra 3] Waltz of Golden Sails

"That is more than I could ask for, but thank you." Nadir replied with a soft nod, taking the device in hand. He would have to look at the device at a later date, but that they were offering something in exchange as a show of goodwill was a pleasant sign. "We would be most honored to visit your world. Perhaps we could formally sign the agreement as a public event when we make this visit?"

"If it does not offend your people's sensibilities, of course." The diplomat seemed fairly confident in his offer, There were a number of civilian correspondents on the ship who might be eager to participate in the ceremony, and it would certainly be a boon to the mission if they had positive results to demonstrate to the Conclave. "We have a few liaisons to my country's media outlets on one of the other vessels who would very much like to report on this meeting, and televising the event as we propose would be a great opportunity to soothe the nerves of my people in regards to foreigners."

"I am sure you have something to gain as well, from doing this."

Re: [Meltra 3] Waltz of Golden Sails

"That would be perfect!" Hilde replied with excitement. "First Contact with new species concluding with a signing of a Non-Aggression Pact on our first colony world. This would be a public relations coup! I could see colonization rates climbing exponentially over..." she continued only for the Kommodore to cough in interruption. "Ah...sorry," the blonde Surfacer replied with a blush of embarrassment.

"Anyway, I believe what Fraulein Fokker is trying to say, is that we'd be delighted to have you as guests," the Kommodore replied in a more calm fashion.

Re: [Meltra 3] Waltz of Golden Sails

"Ah, fantastic! I will be sure to inform my home government of the event." Nadir said with a pleased nod, looking over the two women one last time. The resemblance was still a little startling, but he decided to make the best of it. Just as he had lowered his guard just a little for aliens that seemed to resemble his own kind, they seemed to react positive to his own appearance.

Even if it was a slightly shallow basis, at least they'd be able to interact positively for the moment. "I imagine you'll want to prepare for the diplomatic meeting, so our ships will remain at these coordinates or at any location you'd prefer until then."

"I for one would like to learn a bit more about you before then, but we're willing to wait if it offends. My people are patient."