08N - Serpent's Lair

New Terran Imperial Palace
Naval Military Canton, Imperial Admiralty Building

"We've got a whole more more than leads, Ambassador." Aslambek began, he was a very small man compared to the other humans in the room but he spoke melodiously,

"Planetary coordinates, resource extraction zones, fleet positions, suspected fleet positions, technological analysis, military capabilities and readiness speculation, economic analysis, cultural and political analysis and compiled information, media sources, military overviews, historical references, tactical analysis and information, weapons capabilities, sensitive intelligence documentation, planetary defen-"

"He means to say our intelligence regarding your new-found enemy is quite exceptional, and we are indeed willing to share it, but not in the capacity you've described." Talbot's interruption was followed by a brief pause as he kept his momentum and barreled into an improvised speech.

"We understand your caution, after all we once held the same views in regards to the Galactic Community, but this is being increasingly exposed as an era where neutrality and caution simply means divide and conquer in the eyes of these hostile groups intoxicated by power and who's greedy expansion has claimed the lives of millions with seemingly nothing capable of ending their ceaseless slaughter and plunder.

Whilst there is indeed a hub for dialogue between nations it has no real power to put a stop to such acts of imperialism and is more often than not filled with empty words rather than powerful resolutions. The only way to disrupt the hegemony and exploitation of these 'Alpha Quadrant Powers' and to assert our continued independence is to band together as our own force so that we can negotiate on an equal level."

Talbot paused for a moment allowing the Kal'Bavakorians and even some of this own staff to interpret where the discussion was headed. Two of the civilian officials began hurriedly whispering to each other whilst the military men kept natural indicating they were no doubt already informed and had expected the upcoming proposal. The same couldn't be said for their non-uniformed counterparts.

"We propose a sort of 'Galactic Cooperative Prosperity Initiative' entailing the protection of the mutual interests of our two peoples including those who may join us in this hypothetical organization at a later date. This would entail basic to moderate cooperation on behalf of our two Governments and is certainly not lacking in ambition but the rewards far outweigh any interstellar political concerns. This would not only be a historic achievement involving the first major display of cooperation between Humans and a non-Human race but it would finally preserve a stable balance of power within the Galactic Community.

This would not only allow us to shake off the pressures of external powers it would also enable your people to enter the galactic stage as a force to be reckoned with. With this display of unity we would help to create a new precedent for interstellar cooperation in the interests of preserving peaceful economic and social development without the threat of a conflict for the foreseeable future. This would also have the added benefit of allowing you to gradually reveal yourselves to the Galaxy at your own leisure. The alternative, however, would result in a potentially devastating war between yourself and the USC which would culminate in your diplomatic alienation."

It was a supremely optimistic and ambitious proposal which some could even classify as naive but his words held some weight, the vast majority of Galactic Powers were predominantly made up of Human nations who would no doubt view a supposed attack on Tefeull, for some nations their only source of power, by a hostile Alien force to be a significant threat and what might even be observed as a prelude to increased expansionism by a hostile Alien force. Through this fear alone the USC had the potential to diplomatically isolate the Kal'Bavakorians, but if New Terra were to exercise some of it's diplomatic maneuverability in favor of it's proposed Allies it might just draw some of the ire which would result from the upcoming battle and would allow the establishment of Kal'Bavakorian representation on Armistice Station to be done with little interruption.

Strategically the Kal'Bavakorians and New Terrans stood to gain significantly from such an agreement as the economic potential of trade and financial development between the two nations would enable them to oversee a period of extensive growth whilst militarily the industrial output of New Terra could allow the two nations to occupy a strategically important position for years to come, provided mutual distrust didn't disrupt the procedures.

"No doubt you will wish to contact your Government, I'm sure we can allow a quick recess to that effect, otherwise we would be elated to hear your thoughts."

His proposal was out and there was no reeling it in, if the Kal'Bavakorians were to decline the initial proposal he was prepared to scale it back significantly so long as it retained the same effect but if they declined that as well he would have to consider other options, some of which were non-beneficial to his supposed 'non-Human friends'.

New Terran Imperial Palace
Naval Military Canton, Imperial Admiralty Building

The Marshal smiled, the agreement may very well have just made both himself and the Autocrat of Kal'Bavakor the most powerful people in the Galaxy, not counting any potential dissemination of power in Kal'Bavakor of course.

"I'm happy you find it agreeable, you'll have no issues on our end for the bureaucratic necessities you may not understand this yet but we are a nation of almost forty billion souls and bureaucracy has become our specialty. As for your intelligence worries, is there anything we can give them Lasalle?" he looked to the black uniformed man who promptly gave his input.

"Well, the USC has a very sophisticated intelligence network almost nearing our levels of effectiveness which means it's extremely difficult to pin down some of their more sensitive facilities and their movements are usually well-concealed. We've monitored the vessels used to extract your dead as well as the prisoners but we've been unable to track them down in their own territory, if I had to speculate I'd say they're being held at a facility somewhere in deep space which could be anywhere, theoretically you could jump recon ships around their territories to try and locate it but that would be an arduous task unless you had one impressive sensory system, and that's assuming the base is even anywhere near their home territory.

It's possible to try and pinpoint the location through their intelligence networks, but those are under extremely heavy security in both a physical and metaphysical sense and a breaching attempt could put our entire operation at risk. For all intent and purposes, Ambassador, you should consider them to be already dead as well as the potential for some of your own intelligence to be compromised, all you can hope for now is to return the favor." he shrugged off the torture and death of the captured Kal'Bavakorians callously, his nature and experiences as an intelligence officer tempered any optimism he may have had.

New Terran Imperial Palace
Naval Military Canton, Imperial Admiralty Building

The Lord General would stiffen somewhat at the words of the human Lasalle; his thick, three-fingered hands clenching up. He pauses not a moment to a allow the Ambassador to speak, instead replying quite hastily,"..No, I do not believe we will consider them dead. Until we have physical proof of their loss, we will continue a search. The Kal'Bavakorians do not forget those we have lost; especially when they have laid their own lives down for the greater good of the many."

Almost immediately, the Lady Ambassador turns in her seat to eye the Lord General; speaking in a calming tone,"Relax, my Lord General; the human did not mean it in such a way.." The Lord General does not reply, and instead places his hands behind his back and moves into a 'parade rest' position. Turning to the human delegation, the Ambassador clasps her hands together upon the table and bows her head somewhat.

"Apologies, dear Humans, the General mean't nothing rude by his remarks, as I am sure you did not either. The battle brothers and sisters of Turra feel a strong connection to one another; stronger than that of Kals of other nations. As for intelligence gathering, if you would please forward any of this information to our craft in orbit, that would be most helpful. We shall have our own intelligence division begin searching as soon as possib-.."

Suddenly, the Lady Ambassadors aide steps back into the room after a good few minutes or so. With his hands clasped behind his back, the aide marches back towards his chair and slides into his seat; speaking at the same time in a rather joyful tone,"I have brought good news from Her Highness!"

The Lady Ambassador glances over at the aide as he takes his seat,"Speak, Buch Ca'Xon; we are eager to hear."

He nods his helmeted head once,"The Empress has agreed to the proposal. She has forwarded to me basic information regarding an alliance between our nations. It is quite long, though, so the humans.."

He motions to the Marshall and his delegate across the table.

"...May wish to bring it to their scribes for further set up. The Empress requests that, once your people finish the basic processing information, that you come to our colony world of Nathari. There are developments for a trade station and an area set for a small human embassy on the planet. The coordinates shall be given at a later time."

"This is excellent news," The Lady Ambassador exclaims with a soft hoot; excited, but not rudely so,"These are wonderful developments."

New Terran Imperial Palace
Naval Military Canton, Imperial Admiralty Building

Lasalle shook his head at the emotional response from the 'Lord General' and the Marshal understood that some of his delegates would harbor thoughts on what they perceived to be naivety on behalf of the Kal'Bavakorian military leadership. In such a populated society where the common individual was nearly worthless and had to struggle to rise beyond obscurity it was not surprising that pragmatism had became the underlying current of New Terran culture especially in regards to stately functions.

He was about to reply to the Ambassadors request for information when her aide interrupted the discussion with the news from their leader, after which he gave a another reply.

"Indeed. These discussions have been most productive, as I've said you'll have no issues on our end for bureaucratic needs we'll be creating a new office which will provide you with at least ten thousand officials to aid with the diplomatic necessities, and that's only the beginning."he smiled and continued into the next topic.

"Now, I would like to discuss Tefeull, with conflicts flaring up throughout the region I feel it's become necessary to enforce the zones 'historic neutrality' to put an end to these resource struggles, or at least that's our cover. We've had a fleet available in that region for years, originally to seize control of the zone for ourselves, but priorities have changed and increased resource exploitation in one of our other sectors has left us with significant energy independence for the time being.

What I propose is military intervention in the Tefeull Zone in your favor under the guise of promoting the areas neutrality under observation of Armistice Protocols, we have almost two hundred ships capable of intervening immediately with the potential to increase that to nearly three hundred and fifty in the coming days." he paused allowing the Kal'Bavakorians to digest the information and to fully understand just how dedicated their new allies were.

"What do you say to that?"

Talbot leaned back in his chair, already knowing the Ambassadors answer.

---

Normally the entrances to the Imperial Palace would be protected by lower ranking members of the Imperial Guard but they were now guarded by ISF Marines, another slight change of many which had come about in the 'Appointment Wars' between the Military and the Imperial Guard in which both forces contended to usurp the most menial of postings in a petty attempt to outplay the other.

Sergeant Geert had command of the watch. He looked with relative interest at the busyness across the street caused by the various tourists and other civilians. He didn't mind the foreigners much which was a token to having only briefly guarded the Southern Gates whereas the previous Guardsmen probably jumped for joy at being relieved from the task, staring down and dealing with the same dumb tourists day after day would have it's toll on anyone after awhile. His men didn't seem to mind either he noticed as two of the four men in his squad were chatting up a group of young foreign girls who giggled and flirted as they enjoyed his comrade's accented English.

New Terran's usually viewed foreign women as exotic and independent and therefore quite attractive, there was many a businessman who married a foreign trophy wife much to the chagrin of reactionaries throughout the nation but with the decline of many old traditions in the wake of the revolution such things carried less of a stigma.

Geert was humming along to a militarist tune playing on the radio in his Guards Hut when the middle-aged woman approached him asking a question which caused him to raise an eyebrow.

"What do you mean...let you inside?" he was confused, behind him stood the city that was the massive Imperial Palace Complex which was divided up into several Cantons, the one which was behind his gate in particular was the 'Hall of Heroes' which was a universal memorial to soldiers who died under the Imperial Banner.

As he spoke the song hit it's chorus:


He looked over to the Guard Hut and shouted to his subordinate inside,

"Ils ont besoin d'un droit de passage?"

"Ehhhh... Oui, oui ils le font." a voice replied from the building.

He looked back to the woman, "You need a tourist pass to visit the Hall."

(( Apologies for the inconvenience but I feel there might be a bit of a misunderstanding of the exact size and dimensions of the Imperial Palace, as specified in my initial post the Palace Complex is a huge area of land encompassing around 80 square kilometers.

To give a reference, the Forbidden City in Beijing is only 1 square kilometer, this is 80.

Another reference, using yet another Asian City, urban Pyongyang discounting the size of the province itself and focusing on the city alone is only about 100 square kilometers so when I describe it as being the size of a small city its quite accurate.

I apologize if my initial post wasn't exactly spot on with it's description and this lead to confusion. Also I should be able to reply tomorrow provided there isn't a nuclear exchange within the next 12 hours or so. ))

(( I meant my soldiers were outside the admiralty building, and I assume Alien meant the same. I'll edit tomorrow ))

(( Yeah that post is just to clarify everything, I tried to address it more accurately with my reply to Alien but I didn't really do a good job of it so once again sorry if my poor descriptions blew that initial scenario you had in mind with me and Alien. ))

(( The Alliance soldiers are right outside the admiralty building. The scenario still works lol ))

(( I was under the impression Alien positioned his characters outside of the Palace entirely, this is what I meant when I said I blew it since I've described the Admiralty building as being within the complex itself, which means Alien's characters would be at one of the entrances of the Palace which may very well be several miles from the Admiralty.

Alternatively if Alien wants we can just say his characters are part of a group of tourists who were allowed to enter the NMC for whatever reason and that would preserve it quite nicely, unless that's what he had in mind the whole time in which case keep rolling with it. ))

((I am fine with either way, to be honest the thing I had in mind was what you described, they were outside the palace grounds and saw the ship land earlier. But your idea also works, yeah!))

(( Great, in that case just assume that all those interactions have occurred outside the building, edit your posts if you want. I'll be back momentarily to post.))

New Terran Imperial Palace
Naval Military Canton, Imperial Admiralty Building

The Terrans were far from blind, in fact they understood all too well. Their reliance on pragmatism was more a result of extreme caution rather than one of malevolence and greed, too many good-natured plans had backfired and caused more harm than good for them to hold the same optimism in the intentions of the common individual as the Kal'Bavakorians did. They didn't have the luxury of advanced technologies or a manageable population as the Kal'Bavakorians had, instead all they began with was nothing more than a unified and proud people and with that every major problem which had presented itself had since been overcome of course only to be replaced with yet another issue but that was the nature of governance.

The early Kobrynska Dynasty was the first to espouse the idea of meritocratic leadership and just rule which would become the defining basis for the 'ideal ruler' of New Terra, one that would be competent and adhering to common sense. Under such inspirations the food shortages were resolved during the reign of the three Leopolds and it was under Daeso II when large-scale education reform policies were instituted basing educational advancement entirely on academic ability rather than wealth or privilege. This meeting itself was a testament to these reforms, of the eleven people sitting for the Imperial Delegation only three were of the nobility with the rest coming from humble backgrounds having proven their worth long before their current appointments had come.

The New Terran leadership understood that with their positions of great power came even greater responsibility. In the past there had never been a tyrannical Ruler capable of absolute control without threat of overthrow and the recent events involving the coup had only been another repeat of a long series of historical events in which Emperors and officials who's loss of the 'Peoples Mandate' lead to their downfall. Talbot was no different, he understood the values necessary to lead his people and as a result he had assembled one the most effective ruling cabinets in New Terran history. There was a reason they sang 'Maréchal, nous voilà!' in the streets as Marshal Talbot had utilized his immense power and influence as head of the Military to push forward a series of reforms from the abolition of the Imperial system of 'Pseudo-Feudalism' to affordable housing projects and massive anti-corruption campaigns which, alongside his widespread usage of populist rhetoric, catapulted him into a position of extreme popularity with the people, especially of the lower and middle classes.

But now his attempts to strengthen the New Terran strategic position had become hindered due to disagreements with their allies, an errant thought entered his mind and he was prepared to withdraw completely from the discussion when Lasalle offered a solution to the issue,


"If I may interject," he looked around and, seeing no opposition, he kept on. "It would indeed be wise for us to project the view of the prisoners being held within our custody, but this isn't necessarily an absolute requirement." he leaned back in his chair.

"Sure, they would be held by us, but that doesn't mean we can't mutually cooperate with their interrogation, there are many discreet facilities we can use where an extra ship or two wouldn't be noticed and this could allow us a great opportunity to set a precedent of cooperation between both of our intelligence-gathering entities therefore allowing us to establish a working relationship with which we might be able to greatly increase mutual effectiveness." he peered down to his console and began inputting information as he continued to speak,

"What I propose is that the political and diplomatic fallout be masked by an 'official' handing over of prisoners to our custody as a form of 'goodwill' on your behalf awarding both of us a brief propaganda advantage whilst behind the scenes our two agencies will cooperate with the interrogation of the prisoners, we understand much of USC protocols and we can offer some stimulating insight when it comes to these matters this way both our Governments can be satisfied with the result, what do you think so far General, Ambassador?" he looked up and gave a half smile, his words betrayed that he may very well not have been the completely callous bastard he originally seemed, in fact he appeared quite reasonable and as if having a good amount of insight into the matter.

---

(( Lightning round! Also I'll reply to the second portion after Alien has a chance to reply.))

((Ya, give me a bit of time to sort some stuff out with my grades and paperwork!))

Geert took his time viewing the documents he was given, flipping through the various photos and papers at random trying to seem more like he knew what he was doing rather than actually verifying the documents, it was only his second day of guarding the Admiralty and he still knew very little of the actual protocols behind the station.

He was about to give up and walk over to the Guard Station when the combined efforts of the Kal'Bavakorian hand on his shoulder and the startled reaction of the tourists caused him to nearly jump in the air, he quickly stepped back and put a free hand on the slung SMG by his hip, seemingly by instinct.

"This is..." he was about to answer the Womans question first but he stopped himself midway and instead spoke to the Alien,

"Aye they are," he remembered her question, "They're tourists." he paused for a moment before speaking again.

"I don't think you're supposed to be out here."

He wasn't the sharpest tool in the shed.

New Terran Imperial Palace
Naval Military Canton, Imperial Admiralty Building

This sudden interjection by Lasalle was one that was graciously welcomed by the Alliance delegate; clear by the sudden relaxation in both the Lady Ambassador and her fellow diplomats, as well as the Lord General himself. It seems the Alliance, and the New Terrans, would have their wishes filled within' these negotiations if such a plan was put into place.

Lady Ambassador Halla'Za would turn to the Lord General after a moment of silent thought. With a gentle 'honk' in his direction, she seems to ask him a question of some sort. A small conversation follows in their odd, animal-like language; clicks, hoots, and other odd noises followed by a few spoken 'words'.

"Shaaaaa'sksbaaaa ke-ke-ke..?" She asks, her helmet's mouthpiece lighting up with each word.

"Skhaaa nus'akbna. Astuuuuu'kenuaaaoi hootas hotsnaaaa ke-ke na." He replies in his normal monotone, gruff voice. The accent is gone, with his tone fitting the odd language quite perfectly.

"Hsbaaaki dk'lakjaiu." With that last bit of mind-numbing language, the Lady Ambassador turns back to the assembly. Placing her hands gingerly upon the table, the Lady Ambassador would nod softly in the Marshall's direction. With a happier sound to her voice, she returns to English.

"I must say, your subordinate has put a very good idea up in these negotiations. As long as we can properly work out a plan that allows us both equal access to these prisoners, then the Alliance agrees wholeheartedly to this plan."

A pause as she then gazes over at the human Lasalle, extending a hand in his direction.

"Thank you, sir."

She then looks back to the Marshall.

"I am eager to hear your thoughts."

---

The Lady Sergeant was almost baffled into silence by the outburst of the human female. You'd think a sentient race would have learned some semblance of what respect was in their hatchling years! Gazing upwards at the two taller human tourists, the Lady Sergeant immediately spots the camera device; taking her attention away from replying to the woman, and the Terran Marine beside her. Of course, it was alien in nature, but it doesn't take a scientist to figure out what a camera looked like..

And she was not about to break protocol, and let some human post her picture in a government data-base or online site.

Without pause, one of her armored, three-fingered hands would snap upwards; her hand immediately pressing against the cameras lens. She keeps her hand there and, in quite sketchy, accented English, the female Kal'Bavakorian speaks. Her words are somewhat synthetic sounding due to her helmet, although the frustration in it could be easily recognized.

"One, if you try take photo, I break or take camera. Two.."

She snaps her gaze over to the human female and, with a series of angry sounding clicking noises, mutters.

"I am not thing. Then again, I could ask you same question."

She then turns her focus onto the Marine.

"Yes, I am allowed here, and you know why. For reason such, I ask you not allow tourist inside. I know this is your home, your rules, but I am soldier, and I must guard my people. No tourist until they leave, please."

New Terran Imperial Palace
Naval Military Canton, Imperial Admiralty Building

Talbot nodded along with Lasalles suggestion for compromise and while the Kal'Bavakorians spoke amongst themselves he was quick to note the side conversation taking place between members of his own side through whispers. Lasalle nodded humbly to the Lady Ambassadors words of gratitude and endorsement of his plan and once-more the attentions of the table shifted back to the Marshal.

"I must admit I have to show similar gratitude and respects to my 'subordinates' good judgement and I will also support this plan." he said, smiling.

He was about to speak further when the door at the other side of the room slid open and in walked the same bearded man wearing a blue uniform as before who wasted little time speaking up,

"Mot de la flotte,"his attentions were on the half of the table sitting closest to him. "Ils sont prêts à commencer engagement avec la flotte ennemie."

Three men looked back to the Marshal who only gave them a nod and they quickly stood in unison, the men who had previously labeled themselves as the 1st Fleet Commander, the 3rd Army Group Commander and the Commander of the Special Operations Group had all stood up and bowed to the Marshal before quickly departing for the open door.

The last man to leave was the bearded man who both saluted and bowed before also leaving through the same door, Talbot looked back to the Kal'Bavakorians,

"Looks like it's time for our our own little dance to begin, we Terrans have an old saying for situations like this," he focused his attention on the Lady Ambassador.

"Alea iacta est - the die is cast."

Caring little for the internal conflicts of either of the two individuals and ignorant of the potential ramifications Geert ignored the Lady Sergeant at first and instead called to the couple as they started backwards,

"Don't forget your documents!" he said as he held out the papers.

That moment the central gates to the Admiralty swung open and an armored vehicle powered through the entrance at a high speed followed by a black staff car, the small flags on it's hood signaled it as belonging to a Fleet Admiral and on closer inspection one was able to see three men sitting in the rear seats. Shortly afterwards the gates swung closed again.

After handing over the papers, Geert would look back to the Lady Sergeant,

"Well looks like you scared them off, no tourists, no problems." he said, smiling.