Re: [Mission 1] The Nepleslian Job
Wazu would abruptly close down the displays in front of him as he headed for the door, a shuttle waiting for him outside. As he passed by Harm, with Phaedra in hand, he would let her know,
"You are in charge here for the time being. Get the rest of the marines back up to speed with the medical Junkers." He would then pass by her, looking over to Laura on his way out.
"Medic, you're new here but you are one of the few that is up for moving about. You will be coming with me." He explained as the garage doors to the apartment complex opened up. Outside was a T2 Shuttle craft that had landed on the muddy road ways just outside of the safehouse, its engines idling loudly as its door slid open to accept passengers.
Laura saluted wearily. The work she'd just performed on the recently- arrived Marine team had been exhausting and stressful. "Sir, permission to get out of this pressure suit? Should I bring ... heavier weapons?" she replied.
"Unnecessary, this one is diplomatic." Wazu replied as he climbed up onto the wing of the shuttle and then into the interior where chairs were waiting, "And it is something we need to knock out quickly, preferably before the marines are back up and running, I already have a task for them to handle that will require delicate hands."
He paused for a moment, reading through some information on his datapad before continuing,
"...Permission granted to ditch the suit, We will need to do something to ensure Cedric and Harm are clear of infection but currently they are isolated downstairs. Now hurry, we're on the clock."
It took some effort but she managed to get out of the suit. A quick check of her uniform showed that it seemed presentable and her side arm was present. If you say so, sir. Nonetheless, Laura prepared herself mentally for an attack.
"We will be meeting with a race called the Gartagans." Wazu explained, "And I need you to help make sure I don't do anything too offensive to them." He would then return to his datapad for a moment as the shuttle doors closed, the entire vehicle tilting up towards the sky before blasting off for the ship in orbit. "Drei has all the data we have on them ready to view so I suggest you try and familiarize yourself with it a little before we arrive. It should only take a few minutes to reach orbit and dock with the Hornet. Their delegation has already been picked up and should be waiting for us."
"Sir, I hope you realize that I'm trained in human and near-human physiology. If they're totally alien, I might not be able to understand the difference between posturing and actual offence," Laura said, taking the datapad. The information was helpful - these Gartagans were humanoid and rather militant. How that would affect their negotiations, though, Laura was not able to discern from the data. Did they have some ritual combat to establish dominance in negotiations or treat the other party as an equal? Hopefully not.
"I tend to focus more on the details of the negotiation rather than the people I am negotiating with. While I have had some success with this It has been said that I tend to overlook personal elements so I would prefer to have someone more... " Wazu paused for a moment, trying to think of the word to use. "... I prefer to have someone with me to discuss the situation. It worked out well with the freespacers and I believe that person was a medic as well."
If he thought she was good enough, Laura was not going to question her superior's judgment. He knew she was only a year out from the cloning tubes. Looking at the data, it seemed that an unyielding manner was necessary. Predatory animals tended to be less aggressive when faced with an opponent able to meet them blow for blow. But she was getting ahead of herself, these things would need to be evaluated first to see if relations with them had anything to offer the Imperium.
They would travel in silence as the shuttle took them up to the NSS Hornet, a C3E class starship with the standard layout. As the shuttle was being pulled into the docking bay by an exterior arm, Wazu would speak up, "Um, Is there something wrong? Normally marines are more talkative."
"Oh, I thought we were observing the 'Don't speak unless spoken to' rule, sir. That's what my instructors taught me. Um... Should I be more talkative?" she replied, flustered at the mistake.
"Ah," Wazu said, "I need you here for analysis, helping decide what I should do and how we should go into the discussions. A good first impression, or a solid defeat of their ideals, could mean the difference between opening trade relations and their species going extinct in the next few months. We are dealing with small things here, but there will be repercussions. Are you familiar with what happened with the 'spacers?"
"No sir. Diplomatic relations weren't something I was educated in. Mostly battlefield skills and Nepleslian history. If... um, you want, I do have couple thoughts on these ... aliens," Laura said hesitantly.
"Speak your mind Marine," Wazu said.
"Sir, these Garta... gens. They're a predatory species, hunters. We should probably be unyielding until we know exactly what points they are focusing on. But don't be unreasonable about it. Predators also tend to make their first strike the killing one so I expect them to be aggressive in the beginning and more conciliatory as we progress. I have to say - if you feel otherwise during the negotiations, you're the boss, sir. I'm just making an educated guess based on the way non-sentient predators behave." Laura really hoped she wasn't off the mark with her assessment.
"I see," Wazu said, checking his datapad, "... and it looks like they are armed as well, with bladed weapons, how cute." He said with a smile, "You should be armed as well, we don't want to look unimposing in front of our guests. I'll have Drei open up the ship's armory for you. You should grab a service axe and whatever ranged weapon you feel most comfortable with.
---
Elsewhere...
The NSS Hornet had begun its hyperspace jump nearly an hour ago, and for most of that time the Gartagen Delegation had to wait onboard the ship's bridge, a rectangular table surrounded by chairs and various displays showing the image of the ship they were on floating above the center of the table and a view of the expanse of space around them on the walls. When the door finally opened again, they would get a chance to see a humanoid that represented Nepleslia for the first time.
"My name is Drei, and I apologize for keeping you waiting." She said honestly. She was wearing a typical naval uniform and hat, with the blue colors slightly grayed out. The young looking woman had fair skin, black hair, and a soft voice that continued explaining the situation, "... But I did not want to initiate first contact without someone present to represent the interests of Nepleslia. This ship will be arriving at its home world soon where I will be taking onboard a team to open negotiations with your people."
Operative Gian stepped through the door, and inspected the room for a moment before eagerly advancing on the table. Her green skin, and brown hair appeared well groomed and clean, but the musky scent that followed the Gartagens still persisted. As Drei greeted her Gian’s mouth contorted into that of a smile, and presented a set of small but sharp fangs in her mouth. Gian’s body and curves were well concealed by what appeared to be a thickly padded robe that covered every thing from her hands to her feet. Behind her shoulders could be the hilt of what was probably a sword. Chances are Gian also had a pistol under her robe but she had no intention of reaching for it.
Behind Gian came a pair of Guards, both holding Suleo XRASER rifles, blades at their backs, and they were in full battle armor.
Gian sat at the table and gave Drei a quick respectful bow. “I am Operative Gian, and it is a pleasure to meet you and your people. No apologies are needed, but I should apologize for being so heavily armed, and with an escort, but it is a precaution only.”
“I have been groomed to represent my race in these negotiations since my child hood. So I have the authority to broker any treaty or deal your people may wish to discuss.” Gian then paused and sniffed the air. She then pulled up to the table much more eagerly. “I find it interesting…” She said looking up to the Larger Nepeleslian woman. “You Nepeleslian resemble your Yamataian cousins…yet…from the reports I reviewed about the Yamatians..you actually have a scent.
"I'm built a bit differently than a PANTHEON system." Drei explained, unconcerned with the presence of their weapons onboard the ship. Blades and rifles were the least of her concerns "And Nepleslians tend to be grown rather than manufactured. The Yamatains do sometimes express discomfort with loss of dead skin cells from Nepleslians, but that is a topic for another time.
Is there anything I can get you while we wait? This ship is capable of producing a wide range of items for consumption."
“I would be interested in trying out the Nepeleslian cuisine..” She said leaning back. “We have a saying on my world…To know a person, try their cooking.”
“But I have little interest in the Yamatians. I have spent the past few days studying the information you provided me with, so it is a pleasure to actually meet a true sentient race…not artificial constructs who are pretending to be alive.” She said with a bit of a disgusted snarl.
A menu of food that the ship could prepare was displayed on the table in front of the gartagan delegation.
"If there is something you would like, please make a selection." Drei said, as the images and descriptions of the food came into being. "I will have one of the junker drones prepare it for you. There is still enough time to try a few bites before my negotiatiors arrive."
Gian looked over the menu of food with slow patients. They were in no hurry, but being the first Gartagen to ever meet a Nepeleslian face to face was a historic event. So she opted to select a delicacy. “Hamburger and fries….” She said looking up at Drei and waving the menu away.
She nodded. “It is custom to eat during negotiations, but if your people consider it rude….”
"We can be accommodating. Nepleslia is home to more alien species than any other planet that we are currently aware of. Dealing with different customs will likely be a lot easier for us than it will be for you." Drei explained as the order was logged, Junker drones on the lower levels of the ship springing into action, donning Chief's hats and aprons for the upcoming burger cooking operation.
Gian sat patiently and silently waiting on her food. "Drei...do you know what I can expect from the negotiators who are coming to meet me?"
"Heram J. Wazu and Laura Romero make up the Nepleslian Delegation. I have minimal data on Laura, but Heram is fairly straight forward. If you are honest and upfront with him about what you intend to achive with these negotiations you will likely reach a better result faster." She explained. She was instructed to be as accommodating as possible, even if it meant giving a slight advantage in the negotiations to the Garts. Wazu was still uncomfortable letting Drei negotiate with anything she was not allowed to destroy should things go wrong.
“I will keep that in mind. I was actually assigned to this mission because of my up front personality. The Yamataian negations are actually being handled by my mate. Something I think that was arranged on purpose by the leader when he learned of your people’s existence. My mate is a bit softer spoken then I am, but he is clever.”
“As far as negotiations go. We are looking for peaceful relations. Your race is looking out for its own interests, and with my people expanding into space for the first time…we could prove to be an ally in the future.” She said nodding. “You also have a war going on. As I understand it from the basic data we have had access to, your alliance is being pushed back.”
Gian looked to her guards. “But I will discuss this more when the negotiators arrive.”
"Very well." Drei responded, pausing for a moment to step out of the way of the doors as they opened again, a spherical Junker drone wearing a tall white hat walked in carrying a large silver platter, a trio of hamburgers complete with a large pile of fries in the center was brought forth and sat down on the center of the table. The drone them produced a set of glasses from inside its body, "WHAT WOULD..." The drone was abruptly silenced, and Drei would then speak up, "What would you like to drink?"
"H2O" Gian said softly.
The junker extended one of its tendrils, using it as a drink dispenser to pour water into each glass before setting them down in front of the Garts. "I will take my leave now, and the others will be with you shortly."
---
A few minutes later...
A junker drone was standing outside the door to the bridge, holding an IAW rifle, a service Axe, and a standard service knife with Drei standing nearby.
Laura took the weapons. An axe and the M1 knife. A deadly combination. One of her instructors had drilled her in using the two in tandem. The knife, with its handguard, was a good defensive weapon while the axe provided raw offensive power. On the other hand, this was a new rifle. Laura holstered the two weapons and picked up the rifle. The junker still held the sole magazine. She held the rifle, aimed down the sight and tapped the floor with it. "Seems like we got a solid service rifle at last," she said, impressed by the weapon. Laura took the magazine and in a fluid move, inserted it into the magazine well and charged the weapon. "Armed and ready, sir."
Wazu smiled, "Good to hear it," He then turned to Drei
"Negotiators?" Wazu asked before opening the quick lock to the bridge.
"I detected normal levels of radiation and metals within their bodies. It is extremely unlikely that they are carrying nukes." Drei would be silent for a moment before adding, "And they don't like artificials, but they can't tell the difference between my body and a Nepleslian."
Wazu nodded, "Alright," He then turned to Laura, "I will take your advice, try and look imposing and feel free to respond on your own. I have a feeling they will trust the aggressive warrior woman more than the pencil pushing bureaucrat so to speak. A well timed and seemingly unwelcome outburst from you could go a long way."
"Sir. The Marine Corps is always ready to be at the forefront of aggressive negotiations," she grinned. This would be extremely interesting.
Wazu then turned to the door and had it open for him, walking onto the bridge where the Garts were eating.
"I appologise for the wait, but it was unavoidable." Wazu said, "My name is Heram J. Wazu and I will be handling negotiations for the Democratic Imperium of Nepleslia."
Laura saluted crisply. "Private Third Class Laura Romero, Fourth Fleet Marines."
“I am Operative Gian.” The green Gartagen Female said as she stood bowed to Wazu Laura. “It is a pleasure to finally meet you both.” Gian said smiling warmly.
She remained standing until the pair decided to take a seat. “I must say this is a very exciting time for my race. I am so far impressed with your race in particular. Your food…these burgers and fries are delicious. Your appearance is also impressive. I had no clue you grew to such sizes on Nepeleslia.”
"I assure you, we are the small ones." Wazu said with a smile as he walked up to Gian, "Nepleslian Cuisine is certainly something we can discuss, but it shall have to wait. You are new to space and there are certain dangers that you should be aware of. From what I understand you've already met the Yamatai Government, but there is also a group we call the NMX that round out the major powers in this area of space. Neither have a great track record with other races and you should strongly consider accepting a close agreement with our government as a way of protecting yourself against outside threats and influences."
"Well that is part of the reason I am here. I have examined the Yamataian history thoroughly, and while we have signed their treaty of first contact. It stipulates we are not violating that treaty by speaking to you. Our Leader however is not so stupid, and knows that in order for our world to survive, we need to make friends, and not anger the Yamatians."
"The Yamataians possess the largest military force and their skill is renowned amongst the powers here. Our forces are, however, individually tougher than the Yamataians. Any conflict between our empires would be long and bloody and not to the Yamataian advantage." Laura felt the need to speak up. This was the Nepleslian military, the best one in the galaxy. Not the squids, not the Yammies, none of them compared to the Marine Corps.
Gian took a sip of her water. "Another reason I am her is a result of the NMX. Our space fleet is stronger then ever, but the reports we have been able to access do not bode well. Our strategists have projected that unless a decisive victory occurs on all fronts, The Alliance you have forged will have fallen to them in a span of five years. At that point our world will have fallen to the invaders. The only feasible conclusion is to quietly arm our selfs, and eventually aid your people in this fight."
"I have been sent to allow an embassy to be built on our world, negotiate a non-aggression pact, and set up trade routes, and if needed purchase advance equipment. We have impressive technology on certain levels. But on others my race is lacking."
"Then it sounds like our goals are in alignment. We view a high level of trade and co-operation between military organizations as key to preserving peace for obvious strategic reasons and less obvious economic incentives. The Yamatain economy is almost entirely dependent on a constant war state so defeat of the NMX would not necessarily provide a level of security for your people. They have broken treaties with our government in the past and carried out hostile actions."
Wazu would move to sit down at the head of the table and then continue talking,
"Our goals are to establish an embassy on your world as well, establish an intimate relationship between our militaries, and arrange for a level of integration of our technology and equipment into your military. We would also love to allow for free travel between our worlds, with appropriate restrictions on entering each others space for security reasons. I can proudly say that past experience has indicated that the presence of Nepleslian starships is one of the greatest deterrents to aggressive action that exists."
"Our forces have, historically, been able to resoundly defeat NMX forces despite being greatly outnumbered. The battle of Artume was won without a single casualty, between five of our vessels and five of theirs," Laura added evenly.
“The Yamatians have their hands full, and officially have done nothing wrong. Toshiro, the man we have encountered is a friendly enough Yamataian. But for now we should focus on the threat in front of us, and worry about other threats as they appear.”
“An embassy on our world is a brilliant idea, and on I have already discussed with our Leader would one be on yours. We are more then willing to grant you the land, and allow your people to inhabit it as “Nepeleslian soil” as a gesture of good will. As far as a military force presence. Consultants, and garrison forces would be allowed, and we could do the same in your system as well. Large military forces on the other hand may draw NMX attention, and remove us prematurely.
“As far as advanced technology, we merely wish to defend our selves from this NMX threat, and any others that may appear. I suggest a free trade agreement, and a non-aggression pact be written up.”
She looked to Laura. “Fascinating. I think this could be a very beneficial relationship.”
"What are your race's overall military strength? Overall? Can anything you provide be considered to be a significant augmentation to our standing defences? Without knowing your capabilities, this would be a rather one-sided deal." Laura saw that this wasn't turning out to be, militarily, in the Imperium's favour. The vast Nepleslian war machine would hardly notice a handful of alien warships. Anything provided would have to be the equivalent of a small assault fleet to have any noticeable impact.
Wazu remained silent, waiting to see how the Garts would respond to Laura's commentary. He figured that they were a lot like the spacers at this particular moment and wouldn't quite understand what Nepleslia was offering. After all, if they believed that they could provide a real benefit against the NMX or Yamatai, given what Wazu knew of their ships, they would be in for a harsh awakening very soon.
The Guards fidgeted and grunted, but held their tongues. Gian shifted them glares. “It appears that you have offended my guards with your remarks.” Gian stood up. “It is fortunate you can not anger me, but I must say those remarks would have offended any military commander.”
Gian stood up. “Perhaps I can satisfy both…my warriors, and your questions with a small demonstration.” Next to Laura appeared to be a child ready standing next to an adult. “You are right in your assumption that your forces are larger then our own, and your technologies are far more advanced on so many levels.” With that Gian drew her sword. The blade was a simple single edged weapon. But that the pattern of the metal was nothing the Yamatians or the Nepeleslian could make. “The Gartagen race as a whole has a warrior ethos. A creed if you will; one based on honor, sacrifice and selflessness. The battle is used as a metaphor for every thing from negotiation, to cooking. The lowliest derelict in the streets knows this, to the finest General. You Nepeleslians have many soldiers but few warriors.”
“So show me then, show me the might of the Nepeleslian Military.”
Laura looked to her superior for orders. This had escalated a little further than she had anticipated. Was this posturing or did this alien want to have a fight? An ID-Sol would have been better here. The Marine Corps had been offended, the Navy had been offended, hell, every Nepleslian who had died for Nepleslia as offended - would he allow this?
"This ship carries enough firepower to destroy a planet several times..." Wazu then looked over to Laura, realizing that a technical readout of this starship's capabilities wasn't what the Gart was asking for. A win here would be a nice demonstration of soft power, intelligence and creativity over 'warrior sprit' a concept Wazu never held in high regard.
"...Or, we could have this out, to the blood. I do not want to presume that your race can be as easily put back together as Laura could."
"Sir, they won't get the chance."
"Very well, Laura, please provide our guests with the demonstration they request."
"What are the parameters, sir? Armed, non-lethal combat?" Laura asked, placing the IAW against a bulkhead. Then she unbuckled her pistol holster.
As Laura spoke, Wazu idly tapped his fingers on the datapad built into the chair arm, making sure some precautions were in place with Drei before hand.
“You should presume nothing sir.” Gian said in a rather respectful tone. “If what you say is true then you will know that Starships, and guns, and fire power are all manipulated by your fingers; all of these things would be worthless if I were to chop those fingers off.”
Gian did not speak in a way to imply threat. She was simply explaining that wars are won by more then just warships. They were won by the people who used them.
“This blade is a very primitive weapon. It is the weapon my ancestors used to kill each other. It is a heritage we have strived to remember. Yet at this close of a range, it is just as deadly as any gun. Like the gun it is simply a tool. Circumstance, opportunity, and the mind will always prevail over any piece of technology.”
"As for the parameters of combat. I suggest we do this in the style of my people, for the demonstration. To the death."
Gian Smirked "I am only kidding, first blood is acceptable."
"Sir, for the honor of the Corps, I won't let you down," Laura saluted then drew her axe and service knife. In her right hand, she held the M1 knife, blade facing downwards, whilst she carried the axe in her left.
Laura dropped into a fighting stance. The sword had reach so that meant hers would have be a counter-attack. She waited, preparing for either a slash or thrust attack.
“Politicians gave me this blade…civilians crafted it…all do their part to win a war. But here we are…warriors of our people.”
Gian’s feet spread, and she held the blade with her right hand. The tip pointed at Laura, and like a striking snake she stabbed the sword forward into the woman’s breast. This move denoted Gian expected a counter attack.
Laura sidestepped to her right, barely avoiding the blade. The Gartagen was fast. But Laura was a Marine and it would much more than that to beat a Marine. Immediately, she lunged forward. Instead of using either of her weapons, Laura threw a hard side-kick at the alien dignitary with her right leg.
That right leg came flying into Gian’s reach, and with a snap, Gian’s left hand caught Laura’s ankle. Gian’s claw immediately sank her claws into the young woman’s flesh. As a way to finish the event Gian brought the flat edge of sword down into the Nepeleslian woman’s knee cap, in an attempt to light up the nerve cluster like a Christmas tree.
Disregarding the pain and awkwardness of her position, Laura hooked her axe head into the sword, pulling it down and away. Just as quickly, she shifted her weight launching herself fowards, pivoting inwards to swing her knife at Gian's neck. That should force the Gart to extricate her claws and defend herself. The sword was too long for such a close defense. And if she used it, then Laura would bring the axe down on the arm.
It was an admirable counter attack. The Girl refused to yield, but at least she did not give up her leg. When that axe came down on to Gian’s blade, it touched the edge. With a flick of her wrist, Gian send the blade up into the axe. The edge of the mono sword sliced through the shaft of the blade and sent it tumbling harmlessly away.
Gian finishing the motion would send the bladed edge of her Sheska down into the wrist of Laura's right hand, interrupting the incoming attack hopefully by severing the wrist. The force used how ever would send the pair tumbling to the ground. Gian halted the attack enough that only a flesh wound would be inflicted.
"That is good enough," Wazu said, standing up from his chair, "Hand to hand fights are quaint, but a bit off topic. Your race seems to pride itself on combat but I assume your analysts have told you what I am about to.
The NMX hold multiple planets, and can field fleets of starships. At best all your warriors can hope to do is destroy them. There will always be more ships, more enemies, and more unwinnable fights. Even if we were to win against the NMX, Yamatai would then be freed up to resume its expansion..."
"Unless you Nepeleslians help us in preventing that." Gian said bluntly. "We have no desire to war with any of our neighbors, but we are interested in keeping our sovereignty. We will defend ourselves if needed, but one of the reasons I am here is the acquisition of superior military assets. Arming and training our forces, and strategic military treaties."
"Sir, they have yet to answer the question of military assets. Deflecting it with this combat," Laura hissed angrily. Her adrenaline and endorphins were pounded, demanding more action.
"Our current combat fleet stands at just over two hundred warships, with many more being constructed. We are preparing for colonization of new worlds, and to have the ability to defend them.
"... which brings me to the point I am trying to get across." Wazu said, "You seem to view the universe as an equation for the application of military force when there are lots of other effective methods. I can defend your worlds more effectively with a speech and a broadcast than with a hundred starships, being included within the boundries of the D-I-Oh-N can keep the worst of the universe from moving in and exploiting your people.
It cost the freespacers millions of lives to learn this lesson and I do not wish the lesson to be as costly for you."
"As I have stated, I am to secure our sovereignty. Joining the Dion is not our intention. Living, peacefully as neighbors is our intention. Close diplomatic relations between our people is possible, and wanted after this encounter." Gian said looking at Laura and flashing a smile. "You fight well."
"You could also let me go...unless this is also your idea of close diplomatic relations," Laura replied.
Gian released Laura, and stood up "I could get used to it...". An out stretched hand would reach down to help the female marine off the floor. Gian would then offer her sword to Laura. "Take it, as a memento of this day."
The female Marine looked at the hand and for a moment, wondered whether to take it. She had lost and let down the Corps. But it would be shallow to blame the alien, she - Laura - simply wasn't as good a fighter. She took the hand. "I lost. Why should I get a prize for a poor performance?" she asked the alien dignitary. And the comment on getting used to that kind of close contact...
"Because you stood against a foe with honor."
Laura sighed, "I accept it. As a reminder of this loss. I will train with it and one day, I will come to you for a rematch. She ended her reply with defiance in her voice.
"I would hope so." Gian said bowing to Laura.
The Marine saluted her opponent. Then she turned to pick up and holster her weapons.
Wazu would wait until the two women were finished before continuing. "Lets start with what we can do to provide protection to your worlds." Wazu said, "I think the exchange of space for embassies is already agreed to by both parties but quite frankly we need to have Nepleslian interests in your area of space to ensure protection. Establishment of a star base in your star system would be optimal.
Allowing Garts to join the DIoN and SMoDIN would also be appriciated.
Finally, we could help you outfit your forces with gear produced by NAM or other companies from Nepleslia. Drei could oversee integration of technologies, In exchange we would want to be able to call on your forces as needed. We may have some, odd, requests but I would hope that you understand they are in both of our nation's best interests."
"Many warriors would flock to the call of your banner. My Government has expressed interest in a foreign service force to do such a thing when we became aware of your existence."
"A star base in our system would be allowed, provided the Nepeleslians respect and honor their agreements. We have no intentions of becoming a vassal state to a super power. As a friend and ally of DION, we would honor such an arrangement. If you requested our forces in battle. we would answer."
"We would also expect to be consulted on operations
that are conducted outside of Gart-e-gain territory of course. If you are intending to venture out beyond your home system a certain amount of caution must be taken and we are in a unique position to advise you in that regard."
"The sharing of information is paramount to any military or social success, provided said information. Any advise on our expansion would naturally be appreciated. Consultants could be sent, as well as the setting up of a cultural exchange program. We are not greedy, and would aid any Nepeleslian Colony efforts into this uncharted expanse of space."
"There are some complications in that regard, but I can explain those later. I would like to discuss the military relationship we have planned. Namely if we are going to help develop your military we would like assurances that it will not be used aggressively against Yamatai or its allies. Naturally we would assist in defensive operations but for the time being a joint task force between our nations would be our best opportunity to work with and improve your forces."
"Our official stand is that Yamatai is not our enemy and has done us no wrong. As with any other nation, including yours we will treat you with respect and civility until we are activly threatnined."
" "What is the nature of the joint task force?" Gian said thinking with caution.
So it is agreed then, a Joint task force between our militarys. Would you like this documented in writing?"
"Drei is keeping track of this, we will provide you with a completed document once we have finished discussing the terms." Wazu said, "... which for the time being I think we have done?"
"What is the nature of the joint task force?"
There are some items that we can sell or provide to your government with little or no restrictions like construction and transport ships. High grade military tech, however, has certain strings attached from both an internal and an international law standpoint. The joint task force would be our way or keeping tabs on this gear, and would serve as an elite unit that participates in operations with the Nepleslian 4th fleet. The ships in the joint task force from the Gartagans would use a Drei computer system so she can oversee operations and would actively participate in both establishing the peace and dealing with the NMX."
"And keep use from using your own weapons against you. That does seem fair to me however."
"However, I don't see these weapons being used against Nepleslia as much of a threat." Wazu cut in, "What we are trying to keep from happening is the same mistake that the freespacers made. They waded into the international scene thinking the vastness of space could protect them.
I fear the same outcome for your people, only with your warrior's pride acting as a false shield."
"You are perhaps right. You have more experience then we do, and I will bring these concearns to our leader. We will not attack any other nations unless attacked first. With any action we take in space, we will defer to your nation, and seek your advice."
"I will send my government a recording of this event. Lets us...move on to more recreational topics." Gian said flashing a seductive look to the alien woman infront of her.
"Ma'am?" Laura asked, wondering what the dignitary was referring to.
"My people are curious about alien mating rituals and our compatibility with them." Gian said bluntly. "My own mate in particular."
Comprehension dawned on Laura. A sly grin spread across her face. "Sir? Permission for Round Two?" she asked, playfully.
