RP Session 1: War

The Freespacer seemed almost to go into a trance as the more animated at the table went back and forth with offers, counter-offers, and arguments.

It had been settled by the Envoy that the attendee would not behave the same as when the Freespacer had played host for the Yamataian premier at the Lighthouse. There had been both time for pleasantries and a sense of mutual respect (between the Envoy and the Premier, if not the people they represented) that allowed for being animated and warm toward each other despite the subject discussed. Here, everyone appeared on guard, there were no pleasantries, and very little respect. Each tested the defenses and reactions of the others, looking for their "in".

In addition, the Free State had nothing to contribute except opinions and advice, and now did not seem the time to voice any of them. Indeed, it didn't appear that anyone was in a mood to listen; the speeches went long and fast between the other delegates. So the Freespacer had been left open for the Polysentience to watch through open eyes, seeing what was there to see and hearing what was there to hear. With at least one cybernetic eye, the Polysentience was not reliant on the attendee focusing on anything, the entire table was within their field-of-view.

And so the Polysentience buzzed with debate, commentary, and art both satirical and sincere as the Envoy watched through blue eyes.

When the recess was announced, the Freespacer attendee waited for the other nations first, then got out of the chair slowly and headed toward the Lorath representative's holoprojector. When the 'Spacer spoke, it was with a voice that was simple and straightforward, but also surprisingly formal in tone for a member of the Free State.

"You are the head of the Lorath Matriarchy?"

While Yuumi seized on the oppertunity to relsh her momentary advantage, and the others filed out to begin their review of events and to refresh themselves, the Lorath representatives remained huddled at their table as the projection of the High Priest remained active, at least for long enough to see the approach of the Freespacer envoy, which gave Velor enough time to catch the communications technician before the projector would be turned off. "Hold on." Velor whispered to the technician, before he put his gaze back onto the Freespacer.

"Yes, I am High Priest and current leader of the Lorath Matriarchy." Velor spoke, nodding softly to the Envoy. "And you would be the representative which I have had the pleasure of conducting correspondence with some months ago?" he asked, as the projected image of the High Priest reached 'off camera' for a moment, before the projection gained a large wine glass, which he put to his lips after speaking, sipping the contents as he looked upon the Freespacer, with a smile upon his lips before the glass went back 'off camera'. "I am glad to see that they invited you this time, the Yamataians have a poor track record in regard to acknowledging your people, I am pleased to see a change."

As Velor spoke to the Freespacer, Aegis and Dico looked to each-other, before they used their cybernetic implants to let the High Priest know that they'd return, and that they were going to go to recess. As Dico stepped away, he turned over feed control to the High Priest. As the Fyunnen and New Tur'listian representatives strode out, they began to discuss a combination of lunch plans and a game plan, there was work to do, work which the High Priest set into motion for them.

DocTomoe said:

"Yes, I am High Priest and current leader of the Lorath Matriarchy." Velor spoke, nodding softly to the Envoy. "And you would be the representative which I have had the pleasure of conducting correspondence with some months ago? [...] I am glad to see that they invited you this time, the Yamataians have a poor track record in regard to acknowledging your people, I am pleased to see a change."

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The Freespacer smiled, but with a headshake.

"That was not me, though I was present for the delivery. Speaking on the behalf of the Free State, I want to thank you face-to-face for your people's gift. They mean more to us than you may realize.

"We don't have much to offer, but we are in your debt," the 'Spacer finished, with a brief, shallow bow.

"I am glad the gift was well received." Velor spoke, as he returned the bow with a nod of his head. "My people have lived hardship, and with our knowledge of what suffering is, to help your people was simply the right thing to do, for certain." Velor spoke with a kind tone, as he smiled softly. "I am sure, if the situation were reversed, a majority of your people would behave the same, and do not worry about a debt, it was a gift from my people to your own, and there is no obligation to be had, and the most we could possibly ask is friendship, and that our peoples both welcome each other fondly. I'll forego seeking a formal proclamation of such friendship, since I know each one of your people is their own."

"Yuumi!" chimed Pyros rather cheerfully as he caught up with the Yamataian Premier. His cane tapped with a certain liveliness on the floor. There was a certain spring in his step with the separation from the much too official events. Despite Yuumi's esteemed status, the Sky Marshall approached her rather casually, but at least stowed away the flask as he made his way over.

Sheva was apparently trying to usher out the massive Fleet Admiral Vanderhuge, effectively separating the two Nepleslian power players.

"Glad that pompous garbage is over with. I've gotta' a hankerin' for somethin' tender and medium-rare." laughed Pyros as he tossed a mild salute at Yuumi's aide, "But I'd figure I'd throw a little offer your way while I'm away from most of the prying eyes."

The Premier pushed some escaped hair back behind her left ear. "Pyros, I'd love to, but can I meet you back in your quarters later to hear it? I need to sit down with Vishta. Shouldn't be more than an hour. Don't be too drunk when I see you next."

She tipped her head in a bow, but then ducked away, leaving him facing Miki.

DocTomoe said:

"I am glad the gift was well received." Velor spoke, as he returned the bow with a nod of his head. "My people have lived hardship, and with our knowledge of what suffering is, to help your people was simply the right thing to do, for certain." Velor spoke with a kind tone, as he smiled softly. "I am sure, if the situation were reversed, a majority of your people would behave the same, and do not worry about a debt, it was a gift from my people to your own, and there is no obligation to be had, and the most we could possibly ask is friendship, and that our peoples both welcome each other fondly. I'll forego seeking a formal proclamation of such friendship, since I know each one of your people is their own."

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The Lorath leader didn't know it, but his last phrase sent up a clamor over the Polysentience discussion. Finally, someone who understood! There were, of course, dissenters who claimed he knew what he was saying and that Velor had calculated the response, but after trying to help Yamatai's government, or at least one person in that government, understand the concept of what the Free State truly was...Velor's comment was worth celebrating.

"Then may the Maker smile on this friendship and keep its elements strong," responded the Freespacer representative with no indication of the excitement in the Polysentience, save for a smile that grew a slight bit happier, a tone of voice that hinted of relief, and another bow of the head. "We should meet in person sometime, if the future allows."

"For your people, we keep the front and back doors open." Velor spoke, with a kindness to his tone, and a smile upon his lips, a sincere smile. He felt for the Free State, he felt for them, and knew that they had suffered more in the last few years than his people had, even with the moon dropped upon the Lorath homeworld. "May our Makers indeed watch over us and our future." After a bowing nod of his head, Velor raised his hand and gave a light hearted wave. "We'll speak again, hopefully a social call." With that, Velor took a moment, before he would turn off the communication feed, unless there was more from the Free State Envoy, after all, he did not want to keep her away from a recess, since no doubt there was much for her to discuss with an entire society rattling around in her head.

The Freespacer then turned to locate the Nepleslian Sky Marshall and found him near the assistant to the Premier. Since they were facing each other, the 'Spacer assumed they were talking and waited just off to one side until they were finished.

Seeing as how Miki seemed to have little for the Premier in comparison to Yuumi, Pyros big her adieu, and then walked back towards his delegation. The Sky Marshall seemed to miss the small delegate completely as he sauntered.

"Sky Marshall, a moment of your time?" There was a change in the Freespacer's tone from the one used with Velor, and even from how the representative had spoken with Yuumi. Direct, strong, matching the shift in posture that accompanied it, the 'Spacer looked up...and up...and up yet again. A flicker of fractured light momentarily appeared around the rep, like an unformed hologram that was abandoned before it even started to solidify, and the 'Spacer merely made do meeting Pyros' eyes at current height instead of trying to match the Sky Marshall with a likely-to-be-misinterpreted attempt.

Even before the attempt, though, some in the Polysentience had waxed philosophical on the possible symbolism of such an act, which ultimately canceled the choice. The act had been considered as a way to show courtesy to Pyros and a way to establish a sense camaraderie with the Nepleslian, but probably might have been seen as "puffing oneself up", either a false attempt to appear as equals or an act of aggression. The effect desired would need to be somehow attained through behavior and bearing, not physical presence, it seemed.

Meanwhile, the Freespacer remained in place, waiting for the Nepleslian to show he had heard or respond before walking over to him.

Pyros looked over his shoulder at the small Freespacer, his blood-red eyes staring down at the Envoy. The Sky Marshall could've said a lot of things in that moment, but he didn't. All of these little nations weaker, and less powerful than Nepleslia always wanted a little of his time. That, or they tried to appeal to him. That was as it was with politics. What did this little envoy think, approaching a powerful leader like him? A pacifist making such assumptions of time on a war-like man like Sky Marshall Westwood? Even if they were allies, would a small, bruised nation like the Free State deserve the chance to speak to such a man?

The answer was yes.

"Eh heh heh heh." chuckled Pyros, turning around and bending over his knees. "I've always got time for the Spacers."

The Premier of the Democratic Imperium extended his hand to shake the Envoy's hand.

"But I don't think we've been introduced personally. Pyros Thrull Westwood. You can call me Pyros." greeted the man, still holding out his hand, "Do you have a name and serial? Or do you just go by your operating designation?"

The Freespacer glanced at the Sky Marshall's hand, then extended the cybernetic right hand to shake it. Unfortunately, due to significant size differences, the Freespacer's hand was completely engulfed in Pyros' grip, like a newborn's hand in an adult's. The Nepleslian would notice, though, whatever the hand was made of, it wasn't anything easily crushed. In fact, there was a slight tingle where he held it that disappeared when he let go.

"You are speaking to the Envoy, but also to the Free State," said the diminutive representative. "On their behalf, I would like to personally extend our gratitude for everything your country has done. I believe this may be the first time we have ever been in any position to say 'thank you' with any sense of formality...but believe me, no measure of formality would make this thanks any less heartfelt." Unlike the greeting to Yuumi, the Freespacer's expression was stoic and as direct as the little one could manage, with only a hint of a grateful smile.

Pyros came down a little more, bending his knees so that he could speak more eye-level with the up-front Envoy. He balanced on his toes and and cane a bit, but found a comfortable squatting point as he patted the Freespacer delegate on the shoulder. The Nepleslian Premier seemed awfully primed by the the thank you, and even better mood than before. Most noticeable, his red eyes glowed even brighter.

"Well, listen up, En." said Pyros, saying only the first syllable of the diplomat's name, resulting in something that sounded more like Ahn. "I respect anyone that sticks to their values and their guns. The Spacers, though pacifistic by lifestyle, have been staunch allies in helping Nepleslia spread across the galaxy. Your people have contributed to us in technology, manpower, and well-being."

Pyros rose a finger, in between their faces, looking at the smaller delegate more directly.

"The Democratic Imperium won't forget who fought with us at Kennewes to end our civil war, and who bolstered our technologies with their own." The Premier tapped his cane once on the floor, "Nepleslia doesn't forget their friends. So, let your people know that they will always find safe-haven in our civilian space, and that if somebody fucks with your people, they're going to have to fuck with all of us."

Again, the Envoy noted mixed reactions from the Polysentience. Overall, though, the feeling seemed positive, though questioning.

"And we will continue to do what we can, in return for your continuing generosity," said the Freespacer representative. Pyros probably didn't notice that the hand he rested on the 'Spacer's shoulder was giving the same tingle that the handshake did, but it was there. "Maker's blessing on you and your people, Sky Marshall." The Freespacer nodded briefly.