DocTomoe
Well-Known Member
Nyli III - New Royal Palace
"Agh! Goddess damn this contraption!" Velor audibly grumbled as he slammed his fist down upon the side of a box, which then flickered and glowed to life, creating a volumetric projection in the middle of the throne room. "Ah, there we go sister, the projector is ready, and it is connected to the communication array, we can now hold a proper conference with Saito, despite her being away." Velor explained as he smoothed out his robes and made his way to his chair which was placed beside his sister, and the ornately decorated carriage which was being used to transport the Xiaah's clutch of eggs.
Harr'Ikke was half paying attention to her brother, giving him a small "Mmmm..." She made a small petting motion over her eggs, dragging her nails softly over the hard shell.
Velor let out a disgruntled sigh, it had been many weeks since the arrival of the eggs, and despite his great love for his new offspring, he did want his sister back to reality some time soon. "We'll open up the communication line, sister, please pay mind to Saito more than before. She is leading the 5th XF now after all." With that, the High Priest made a silent command to the new palace's computer, resulting in a request for communications to be sent to the 5th, and eventually to Saito.
The projector soon flickered on, and Saito's image appeared. She bowed toward the High Priest and the Queen....
"Hello, honored High Priest, your Highness, your...Graces and Excellencies." She said, apparently trying to find words to regard the eggs with respect. "I hope you will find dealing with me as beneficial as with my predecessor..."
"Mmm... it should be quite easy, considering that we are already familiar, it would have been far more difficult if your superiors would have assigned someone from the outside." Tomoe placed an emphasis on his utterance of 'outside', referring to those outside of the Yugumo Cluster. "We call to continue our relations with our dear neighbors, and to discuss current events, and plans."
"If your predecessor and our recent dealings are any indication, I feel we will be just fine." Harr'Ikke nodded, adding in with her brother while a small smile, now focusing on the view screen, though her hand still rubbing the eggs.
"Of course." Saito said, seating herself in a chair on screen. "So, where to begin...are there any concerns you possess?"
"Yes, we hear news from our senator and one of our ships, that there have been some troubles in dealing with the Mishhu interpreter, Melisson. We understand she has given the Empire an ultimatum, we would like to know how it will be handled, and if there is any way we can assist our neighbors." Tomoe stated as he clasped his hands together upon his lap.
"We are...more suspicious of Melisson's comments than our counterparts. I can only say that I have never heard of Melisson bluffing...there is always SOME truth in her comments and warnings. As such, I am keeping the 5th XF in a battle ready position and continue to pursue combat R&D in my fleet. I recommend that you maintain a level or perpetual alert." Saito said, looking QUITE focused.
"Mm, then we will continue to be as we have been since the very first days of us joining the Empire." Tomoe replied with a soft smile on the matter. "Speaking of R&D, my people have completed research in regard to a number of new technologies, which we would gladly like to share with our neighbors. Small arms, fighter craft, power armor, even a new shipyard design which we are in the process of constructing... a manifest will be provided if you are interested."
"I am...one good thing that has come from our growth and self sufficiency is that we continue to have such things come in from innovative parties. I know not what Melisson is planning...but I wish to be ready." Saito said, with a curt nod.
"Mmm, we feel the same way. Back on the matter of that conference... we understand our senator was mildly disruptive, I hope she was not too rash? We understand she had some quarrels with the 'Princess'." When Tomoe spoke the word 'Princess' there was such an audible disdain, it would easily be thought that he was speaking of some sort of insect, or a scandalous taboo.
"...from what I have heard, your senator was not the only one to have issues with her. I am not a senator, nor did I observe, but from what I've heard, it may have been...justified." She said, careful not to criticize Hanako TOO much.
Tomoe gave a soft smile and a nod. "Understood, then I will take it as our neighbors not being offended too greatly by her actions? I would feel terrible if our senator brought negative attention to our little corner of the universe."
"...Let's just say...that I understand that a War Heroine is not a good diplomat by default." Saito said in a calculated way.
"Hanako-Taisa has strength, but it is not always equal in all avenues...at the very least some good came from it. I pray nothing like Lor or Azorea happens again."
"Azorea? Would you be kind enough to forward the information on that incident? I am unfamiliar with the term." Tomoe inquired as he allocated a section of computer space for the transmission.
Saito sent the data on Azorea...from its discovery by the Yggdrasil and the Eucharis, to Hanako's actions, to the resulting writing of the Rights of Early Contact. She also sent the communications codec.
"...Just the newest in a line of less-than-optimal scenarios, and hopefully the last with the new legislation in place as a result."
"Mm, our senator sent word of this legislation, we were glad to authorize her to vote positively for it, despite the sadness we felt that it came too late for our own benefit." Tomoe stated with the slightest hint of a frown upon his lips. "Speaking of legislation, have you heard any word from the Empress? We are curious about how she has been since her ascension to the throne." Tomoe gave a look to Destiny to speak up on the matter, he felt as if he were speaking far too much.
"She is...very busy with matters. Furthermore a lover she lost years ago has recently been resurrected, so she is...quite occupied. She has not forgotten us, though." Saito said, smiling. "Still, I believe she expects us to maintain our autonomy rather than waiting on her praise."
"As would any strong leader. While we look to them for direction in dire times, we must rely on ourselves for the day to day direction and self sustainment." Destiny said with a small nod, still petting and watching her eggs. She had been listening to the conversation, remembering the report she had received from Aegis.
Tomoe gave a nod to his sister. "Well, since things are fine on your home front, we would like to make you aware that we are beginning some work on our own home front. We will be trying to establish a trade and supply line between our settlements and Lor. Since the SMX have apparently disappeared, we would like to begin the healing process. Along with that, we are planning to begin resettlement operations in the Hici'emi system, where we will be placing the Helashio refugees."
Saito nodded.
"As for us, we plan to take the opportunity to expand and grow, though carefully...we have a nice natural wall on two sides, and I have plans to fortify our territory. Asamoya is assisting us in that regard, as will Yugumo II once the crew I have selected will arrive."
"...And I agree, though I have something else to speak to you with...I want to send a ship to Lor...to check on your warriors...but such a thing is for you to decide upon."
"Send a ship, but only with an escort of one of our own... I do not wish for any misunderstandings. I assume that our warriors on the front may be a bit on edge, not much help has been sent there since the evacuation, and we have not received word that anyone from the 1st XF has even bothered to check on them." Tomoe stated as he gave a soft nod. "On the note of territorial expansion, we will be selecting members of the LSDF and assigning ships to begin long-range reconnaissance and settlement operations, if our neighbors would not mind?"
Saito thought a moment. "Well...perhaps expansion should be a unified effort instead? Unless you have something specific in mind."
She said, making notes in her mind of which ship she should send with the Lorath.
"The Xiaah and I desire to give our children something for their future... something that they can call their own, if you understand my meaning." Tomoe stated as he looked to the eggs which contained his offspring. "We want them to have better than what we ourselves have, and we want to make sure that such a gift is available to them for when they're ready."
"In that case, I understand...perhaps we can arrange something. After all, we require a solution fair for both of our races. the 5th is growing as well."
"That is indeed true... for now though, our eyes are set on some star systems which we have detected to the 'north', as your charts have marked it. The systems on the tip of the nebula which borders our northern area. We have unfortunately not had the opportunity to chart and mark the systems to our south however... for now, we'll leave them to you as fair game, until we can send ships south to investigate. As for the west, we should combine our efforts, since those systems are a bridge to the center of the Empire." Tomoe recalled the astronomical chart in his mind which was a combination of his people's research, and some of the Yamataian information.
"That is entirely acceptable." Saito nodded, beaming.
"Excellent, and when we are able to help you with the southern colonization efforts, we will gladly work hand-in-hand with our neighbors to make the process as easy and safe as possible. Just as we'll do for any other efforts which you may need or want us to assist with." Tomoe beamed as well, he felt like this talk was going far better than most he had carried out previously.
Saito nodded, smiling. "In other news...how are your children?"
Tomoe gave a look to Destiny, he wanted her to field the question, since they have been her preoccupation for the last month and some weeks.
"My children are doing wonderful Saito-Taisho, Thank you very much for asking. They should be hatching any time now." Destiny smiled, her eyes absolutely shining as she jerked her hand back a little. "Ohhh one just kicked the shell. I think she wants out." She was all smiles.
"Really? That's excellent!" Saito seemed honestly happy. "I AM suspicious of Melisson...but I am glad they are about to be born into a more peaceful period."
"Children should always be born into a period of peace. Those born into war and death beget nothing but it..." Destiny said aloud, her eyes seeming to water a little. Both her brother and herself had been born into such a period, and she had always felt a tinge of blood lust to her mind.
"Mmm, peace which we and our neighbors shall stand vigil over, and fight for with tooth, claw, and planet destroying beam weaponry if the need arises." Tomoe stated through a somber smile. "We'll keep our ears open for any troubles afar which we may learn of, and we'll also watch over our area of the universe, and we'll gladly be available to help our dearest neighbors in maintaining the Empress' pride and legacy."
Saito nodded, smiling. "We thank you, and wholeheartedly agree."
"Mm, on that note, I would like to conclude our conversation. Despite how lovely it has been, I feel that this distraction may be taxing to the Xiaah's instinctive patience... we tend to focus on our young very much. Also, I do miss your company here at the palace, it was good to have a liaison officer here to make these talks all the more easier to conduct." Tomoe stated as he glanced to the eggs, smiling at the one which received a little less attention than the sibling beside it.
"Very well. I will see who I can find...our Admiralty is quite busy with these changes, however, so please do not feel disrespected if they are less than Shosho in rank..."
"Mmm, just be sure to assign someone with manners, we're quite glad to have put our previous tragic dealings behind us, and we don't want any future incidents." Tomoe scowled lightly at the thought, but banished it with a shake of his head. "Also, please send word to the Empress that she should be expecting a gift to be given to the 5th XF some time soon, we have been preparing a surprise for her and her legacy as a gift for her ascension. Other than that, I think that concludes our fine talk today."
Saito nodded, waving.
"Very well. Thank you very much, and I will relay the message. I wish you and your children health and peace."
"We wish our neighbors good luck and Goddess' blessings. May you serve the Empress well." Tomoe amended a Lorath farewell of 'Serve the Goddess' well, in light of the nationality and methods of the Yamataians. "Farewell, I hope to speak again with you soon."
Tomoe gave his sister the opportunity to speak her farewell before he would terminate the communication line.
"I pray the Goddess shines her light upon yourself and the new empress, that she may guide us all into a lasting period of peace." Destiny said, bowing her head as for the first time, she took her hand from the eggs for only a moment.
Saito bowed as well, before the connection faded.
With that, Tomoe terminated the communication line. "Well, that handles that... shows that dirty Occhestian rat, I told him I'd be able to get that volumetric projector working." the High Priest laughed before getting up from his seat, and showing his sister the way to their chambers where they had been residing for most of the days which had passed since Harr'ikke laid her clutch.
"Agh! Goddess damn this contraption!" Velor audibly grumbled as he slammed his fist down upon the side of a box, which then flickered and glowed to life, creating a volumetric projection in the middle of the throne room. "Ah, there we go sister, the projector is ready, and it is connected to the communication array, we can now hold a proper conference with Saito, despite her being away." Velor explained as he smoothed out his robes and made his way to his chair which was placed beside his sister, and the ornately decorated carriage which was being used to transport the Xiaah's clutch of eggs.
Harr'Ikke was half paying attention to her brother, giving him a small "Mmmm..." She made a small petting motion over her eggs, dragging her nails softly over the hard shell.
Velor let out a disgruntled sigh, it had been many weeks since the arrival of the eggs, and despite his great love for his new offspring, he did want his sister back to reality some time soon. "We'll open up the communication line, sister, please pay mind to Saito more than before. She is leading the 5th XF now after all." With that, the High Priest made a silent command to the new palace's computer, resulting in a request for communications to be sent to the 5th, and eventually to Saito.
The projector soon flickered on, and Saito's image appeared. She bowed toward the High Priest and the Queen....
"Hello, honored High Priest, your Highness, your...Graces and Excellencies." She said, apparently trying to find words to regard the eggs with respect. "I hope you will find dealing with me as beneficial as with my predecessor..."
"Mmm... it should be quite easy, considering that we are already familiar, it would have been far more difficult if your superiors would have assigned someone from the outside." Tomoe placed an emphasis on his utterance of 'outside', referring to those outside of the Yugumo Cluster. "We call to continue our relations with our dear neighbors, and to discuss current events, and plans."
"If your predecessor and our recent dealings are any indication, I feel we will be just fine." Harr'Ikke nodded, adding in with her brother while a small smile, now focusing on the view screen, though her hand still rubbing the eggs.
"Of course." Saito said, seating herself in a chair on screen. "So, where to begin...are there any concerns you possess?"
"Yes, we hear news from our senator and one of our ships, that there have been some troubles in dealing with the Mishhu interpreter, Melisson. We understand she has given the Empire an ultimatum, we would like to know how it will be handled, and if there is any way we can assist our neighbors." Tomoe stated as he clasped his hands together upon his lap.
"We are...more suspicious of Melisson's comments than our counterparts. I can only say that I have never heard of Melisson bluffing...there is always SOME truth in her comments and warnings. As such, I am keeping the 5th XF in a battle ready position and continue to pursue combat R&D in my fleet. I recommend that you maintain a level or perpetual alert." Saito said, looking QUITE focused.
"Mm, then we will continue to be as we have been since the very first days of us joining the Empire." Tomoe replied with a soft smile on the matter. "Speaking of R&D, my people have completed research in regard to a number of new technologies, which we would gladly like to share with our neighbors. Small arms, fighter craft, power armor, even a new shipyard design which we are in the process of constructing... a manifest will be provided if you are interested."
"I am...one good thing that has come from our growth and self sufficiency is that we continue to have such things come in from innovative parties. I know not what Melisson is planning...but I wish to be ready." Saito said, with a curt nod.
"Mmm, we feel the same way. Back on the matter of that conference... we understand our senator was mildly disruptive, I hope she was not too rash? We understand she had some quarrels with the 'Princess'." When Tomoe spoke the word 'Princess' there was such an audible disdain, it would easily be thought that he was speaking of some sort of insect, or a scandalous taboo.
"...from what I have heard, your senator was not the only one to have issues with her. I am not a senator, nor did I observe, but from what I've heard, it may have been...justified." She said, careful not to criticize Hanako TOO much.
Tomoe gave a soft smile and a nod. "Understood, then I will take it as our neighbors not being offended too greatly by her actions? I would feel terrible if our senator brought negative attention to our little corner of the universe."
"...Let's just say...that I understand that a War Heroine is not a good diplomat by default." Saito said in a calculated way.
"Hanako-Taisa has strength, but it is not always equal in all avenues...at the very least some good came from it. I pray nothing like Lor or Azorea happens again."
"Azorea? Would you be kind enough to forward the information on that incident? I am unfamiliar with the term." Tomoe inquired as he allocated a section of computer space for the transmission.
Saito sent the data on Azorea...from its discovery by the Yggdrasil and the Eucharis, to Hanako's actions, to the resulting writing of the Rights of Early Contact. She also sent the communications codec.
"...Just the newest in a line of less-than-optimal scenarios, and hopefully the last with the new legislation in place as a result."
"Mm, our senator sent word of this legislation, we were glad to authorize her to vote positively for it, despite the sadness we felt that it came too late for our own benefit." Tomoe stated with the slightest hint of a frown upon his lips. "Speaking of legislation, have you heard any word from the Empress? We are curious about how she has been since her ascension to the throne." Tomoe gave a look to Destiny to speak up on the matter, he felt as if he were speaking far too much.
"She is...very busy with matters. Furthermore a lover she lost years ago has recently been resurrected, so she is...quite occupied. She has not forgotten us, though." Saito said, smiling. "Still, I believe she expects us to maintain our autonomy rather than waiting on her praise."
"As would any strong leader. While we look to them for direction in dire times, we must rely on ourselves for the day to day direction and self sustainment." Destiny said with a small nod, still petting and watching her eggs. She had been listening to the conversation, remembering the report she had received from Aegis.
Tomoe gave a nod to his sister. "Well, since things are fine on your home front, we would like to make you aware that we are beginning some work on our own home front. We will be trying to establish a trade and supply line between our settlements and Lor. Since the SMX have apparently disappeared, we would like to begin the healing process. Along with that, we are planning to begin resettlement operations in the Hici'emi system, where we will be placing the Helashio refugees."
Saito nodded.
"As for us, we plan to take the opportunity to expand and grow, though carefully...we have a nice natural wall on two sides, and I have plans to fortify our territory. Asamoya is assisting us in that regard, as will Yugumo II once the crew I have selected will arrive."
"...And I agree, though I have something else to speak to you with...I want to send a ship to Lor...to check on your warriors...but such a thing is for you to decide upon."
"Send a ship, but only with an escort of one of our own... I do not wish for any misunderstandings. I assume that our warriors on the front may be a bit on edge, not much help has been sent there since the evacuation, and we have not received word that anyone from the 1st XF has even bothered to check on them." Tomoe stated as he gave a soft nod. "On the note of territorial expansion, we will be selecting members of the LSDF and assigning ships to begin long-range reconnaissance and settlement operations, if our neighbors would not mind?"
Saito thought a moment. "Well...perhaps expansion should be a unified effort instead? Unless you have something specific in mind."
She said, making notes in her mind of which ship she should send with the Lorath.
"The Xiaah and I desire to give our children something for their future... something that they can call their own, if you understand my meaning." Tomoe stated as he looked to the eggs which contained his offspring. "We want them to have better than what we ourselves have, and we want to make sure that such a gift is available to them for when they're ready."
"In that case, I understand...perhaps we can arrange something. After all, we require a solution fair for both of our races. the 5th is growing as well."
"That is indeed true... for now though, our eyes are set on some star systems which we have detected to the 'north', as your charts have marked it. The systems on the tip of the nebula which borders our northern area. We have unfortunately not had the opportunity to chart and mark the systems to our south however... for now, we'll leave them to you as fair game, until we can send ships south to investigate. As for the west, we should combine our efforts, since those systems are a bridge to the center of the Empire." Tomoe recalled the astronomical chart in his mind which was a combination of his people's research, and some of the Yamataian information.
"That is entirely acceptable." Saito nodded, beaming.
"Excellent, and when we are able to help you with the southern colonization efforts, we will gladly work hand-in-hand with our neighbors to make the process as easy and safe as possible. Just as we'll do for any other efforts which you may need or want us to assist with." Tomoe beamed as well, he felt like this talk was going far better than most he had carried out previously.
Saito nodded, smiling. "In other news...how are your children?"
Tomoe gave a look to Destiny, he wanted her to field the question, since they have been her preoccupation for the last month and some weeks.
"My children are doing wonderful Saito-Taisho, Thank you very much for asking. They should be hatching any time now." Destiny smiled, her eyes absolutely shining as she jerked her hand back a little. "Ohhh one just kicked the shell. I think she wants out." She was all smiles.
"Really? That's excellent!" Saito seemed honestly happy. "I AM suspicious of Melisson...but I am glad they are about to be born into a more peaceful period."
"Children should always be born into a period of peace. Those born into war and death beget nothing but it..." Destiny said aloud, her eyes seeming to water a little. Both her brother and herself had been born into such a period, and she had always felt a tinge of blood lust to her mind.
"Mmm, peace which we and our neighbors shall stand vigil over, and fight for with tooth, claw, and planet destroying beam weaponry if the need arises." Tomoe stated through a somber smile. "We'll keep our ears open for any troubles afar which we may learn of, and we'll also watch over our area of the universe, and we'll gladly be available to help our dearest neighbors in maintaining the Empress' pride and legacy."
Saito nodded, smiling. "We thank you, and wholeheartedly agree."
"Mm, on that note, I would like to conclude our conversation. Despite how lovely it has been, I feel that this distraction may be taxing to the Xiaah's instinctive patience... we tend to focus on our young very much. Also, I do miss your company here at the palace, it was good to have a liaison officer here to make these talks all the more easier to conduct." Tomoe stated as he glanced to the eggs, smiling at the one which received a little less attention than the sibling beside it.
"Very well. I will see who I can find...our Admiralty is quite busy with these changes, however, so please do not feel disrespected if they are less than Shosho in rank..."
"Mmm, just be sure to assign someone with manners, we're quite glad to have put our previous tragic dealings behind us, and we don't want any future incidents." Tomoe scowled lightly at the thought, but banished it with a shake of his head. "Also, please send word to the Empress that she should be expecting a gift to be given to the 5th XF some time soon, we have been preparing a surprise for her and her legacy as a gift for her ascension. Other than that, I think that concludes our fine talk today."
Saito nodded, waving.
"Very well. Thank you very much, and I will relay the message. I wish you and your children health and peace."
"We wish our neighbors good luck and Goddess' blessings. May you serve the Empress well." Tomoe amended a Lorath farewell of 'Serve the Goddess' well, in light of the nationality and methods of the Yamataians. "Farewell, I hope to speak again with you soon."
Tomoe gave his sister the opportunity to speak her farewell before he would terminate the communication line.
"I pray the Goddess shines her light upon yourself and the new empress, that she may guide us all into a lasting period of peace." Destiny said, bowing her head as for the first time, she took her hand from the eggs for only a moment.
Saito bowed as well, before the connection faded.
With that, Tomoe terminated the communication line. "Well, that handles that... shows that dirty Occhestian rat, I told him I'd be able to get that volumetric projector working." the High Priest laughed before getting up from his seat, and showing his sister the way to their chambers where they had been residing for most of the days which had passed since Harr'ikke laid her clutch.
