The black limousine rolled to a stop in front of the rather conservative, but still aristocratic, embassy, the one friendly place that they knew of here on Terra. From an untrained observer's eye, it would seem simply that a business associate, judging by the woman's dress, had just emerged from the vehicle. However the two flanking guards that accompanied her, both clad in wool uniforms of the darkest jet, proved the point to otherwise be moot. Of note was the woman on her right, having an aguilette of gold droop from her right shoulder board along with several decorations, the Lord Commandant Redwing herself, proving to be a bodyguard.

The group, once assembled, strode to the doors, entering at the behest of the doorman, several other guards emerging from the vehicle to secure the front entrance as they disappeared inside. In time they were redirected by secretaries and orderlies to the office of the diplomat Bamboo, with whom Redwing had met on her last occasion here. Entering the room with caution, Laura glanced curiously at the woman she found within.

Laura Rosalind began to bow for a moment before she caught herself, remembering her recent teaching in regards to diplomacy. Smiling, likely a more genuine one than any that Redwing had ever sported, Laura looked to the woman, or at least it appeared a woman, "Madam Bamboo, yes? I was quite intrigued when I received news of the trade agreement that my patron's people and yours have concluded upon."

"I feel that we have much to discuss."

Laura Rosalind accepted the seat quickly, eager to begin talks with the Erutin emissary, who's first question was in regards to her rightful territory, if by the decree of the Emperor. "That it is. Or, rather, will be. The Aschen people have lost their greatness, placing their trust in those elected not by merit or valor but... popularity and opulence." Leaning forward on the table, she smiled, brushing a strand of hair behind her left ear, "Our talks regard the situation, but also my hosts," she indicated with a nod to the two on either of her flanks, "the Hegemony."

Laura Rosalind nodded sincerely, having been briefed on the situation beforehand by Redwing, even raising her hands slightly, motioning them in a calming manner, "You need not worry, madam diplomat, for even though the matter which we bring forth regards the looming conflict here in the Milky Way, we dare not ask that your people join us in such a terrible undertaking." Lowering her hands so that they rested in her lap, Laura shifted in her seat, pondering on how best to word it. "Rather, only that we might both benefit from a Hegemony victory."

Smiling, Laura crossed her legs underneath the table, "The eventual arrival of the Hegemony is one sure to cause... shock, if nothing else. We are sure that our intentions in regards to the war criminals who have branded themselves the Coalition will not garner us many allies... in point of fact, it pains me to say that many will likely declare war on us." Pausing for a moment, one could see a wave momentarily come over her face, though the upset look was soon gone, "My people included. But, while all eyes are on the Hegemony, a people with advantages such as your own might stand to profit a great deal in, if not directly assisting, but passively resisting the aggression of the more oppressive nations that inhabit the galaxy."

"Put simply, yes." Laura responded as the diplomat took her pause, waiting for the Erutin to consider the position, giving her time to reflect upon things... especially her role as an Aschen. It was, after all, her born duty to bring honor, happiness and prosperity to her people - her race - and was she not doing such? Though millions, if not billions, might die in the coming conflict, does the end not justify the means? A glorious, united and proud Aschen state would prove to be a reckoning force in the galaxy - one both respected and feared - no longer hindered by the concepts of ethics or democracy. However, Laura was soon reminded of her duty to her lord as the diplomat spoke once more, yet another people having been offended by the corrupt regime that proclaimed itself rightful. "So they have proven to not only threaten us, but insult those who have proven to be proper and level-headed in these dark times? Such a revelation brings me much shame, please accept my condolences, madam, and pass them to Her Highness."

"And such a matter is not an issue, Bamboo, the Coalition is our own... cross to bear?" She was unsure how to use the ancient christian idiom, a religion both alien and strange to her. "Regardless, the Coalition is our phantom, and we shall deal with them ourselves. I find myself, and surely my company, further indebted to you, madam, for your diligent efforts of negotiation with Her Esteemed Majesty. The consideration of this offer excites us, and I'm sure His Imperial Majesty will be quite pleased with your consideration. Perhaps a visit might be in order?"

Nodded her head in thanks, Laura considered how best to respond to the speculation, finding the right words as she went along. "You truly flatter me, madam, with the suggestion that Her Majesty might meet with a lowly steward such as myself, however, I meant that His Majesty, the Emperor of the Hegemony and Führer of the Belkan people might visit the Empire, on a trip of good will." The talk of unprovoked hostile relations interested Laura, though, as such would mean that the Erutin's had already attempted efforts at infiltration, or some other method of subtle attack. "However, on the matter of the Aschen, just how have your people and the Confederation disagreed?"

Hearing that the visit would be welcomed pleased the Archduchess, and even hearing about the threatened flagship encouraged her to an extent, though she wouldn't dare show it. "Such a horrid incident, typical from what we've seen of their people. When we ourselves approached with intent of nothing but peace they threatened us with war. Their actions will come to haunt them, some day."

And on the matter of colonization, Laura understood their logic behind such, a course of action that they themselves had to consider with the transfer over into the Milky Way. "As we know ourselves, we've been searching for likely candidates for the establishment of our own outposts here in the Milky Way."

"Of course, there are several that are habitable and quite capable of sustaining our presence, the one challenge being the establishment of a colony. The transfer of material, capital, machinery and manpower, not to mention the time needed to do such, might prove costly. Too costly."

"Though it pains us to consider it, we might find ourselves having to take planets. Perhaps, at times, we might be able to lease land on several worlds."

"I greatly appreciate them, and we would wish your people the best in their endeavors, and that you never have to experience the horrors that keep us from colonization."

"War is something none should have to experience, but is all too common."

Laura Rosalind strode down the magnificent hallways, ones that were, for the most part, much more gaudy and bright than any she had seen on Tannhäuser, accompanied only by the ever-present Redwing and a bodyguard, the latter bearing a lower rank than Redwing's uniform. Eventually the noble-in-exile arrived in the throne room, guided by royal guards of the Erutin Empress, and upon approaching within twenty paces, bowed. Redwing indulged in the motion, though the guard did not, standing behind the two observing the situation. All three of them wore the flattering uniforms of the Landwächter, black wool tunics and trousers, accented with jackboots, peaked caps and white Same Brown belts. Laura was the first to speak, her head still bowed, "Your Majesty, it truly is an honor to be in your presence."

Both Laura and Liese responded in thanks, Laura soon addressing the matter regarding Emperor Blade. "Not to worry your majesty, we certainly understand the needs of operating a nation and the attention it requires. I feel that our two nations will surely-"

Laura Rosalind smirked at the thought, a swell of feeling deep within her bosom aching at the thought. But... such would be the efforts of an enslaved Aschen. A sad compromise. Speaking out of turn, she commented on the matter, ignoring Redwing's attempts to speak,

"A very intriguing offer, but what is your price?"

Laura looked to Redwing, who, though with a hard stare, silently gave Laura her consent to speak. With Redwing's thoughts occupied more with the water than the matters at hand, Rosalind took to the discussion. "Ah, a businessman. And Coalition tyranny? Perhaps we might see more eye-to-eye than previously thought." Pausing, she shifting in her seat, pondering on how to state her nature. "Mr. Hagen, President Roslin is, for all intents and purposes, my biological mother, however I've been blessed by his Imperial Majesty with certain... attributes that she lacks. But the closest thing I have to a mother is here," she indicated with a slight nod of her head to Redwing, and the Azrican soon killed off the action with another glare. Was fairly obvious she didn't much care for Laura, but she recognized her importance.

"In a sense, and from what I've been able to observe, the Belkan people, not only in race but mind, are a fickle and resourceful sort. They explore every possible avenue to victory... and I am just one of those paths." Being the dominant Hegemony administrator in the Milky Way, Laura was the one with the immediate decision on the matter at hand. Thinking, she furrowed her brow whilst looking over Miles. An intriguing man, handsome in his own way, but he was still a slave.

"Mr. Hagen... I believe that I can protect the independence of the Aschen sphere of influence, our Lord will understand the need for such an agreement. As for Terra, we have no designs on the planet whatsoever, save that the international quarter is left untouched. We would not take kindly to the destruction of our allies' embassies."

Laura Rosalind nodded in response to Mile's words, as his caution was quite understandable. However, the destruction of such a sound and strong potential opponent would be a wise move. "I understand, Mr. Hagen. You need not explain further. But, I am confused, has the Confederacy declared war on the Hegemony?"

"Also, please, do not let anything unfortunate befall Roslin. I would be... upset."

Laura enjoyed the thought of such, her thoughts trailing off into her own mind as the idea floated about. However, it was soon interrupted with the arrival of the Taiyou, individuals who Redwing, Rosalind, and the guard(believe it or not), had been very eager to meet. "Wonderful. I do look forward to meeting with them. What is their current state of affairs? Is the junta still in power?"

Both Rosalind and Redwing offered a bowed head in return, Redwing still allowed Laura free reign in the situation to negotiate. "I greatly appreciate your words, Admiral, both on behalf of the Hegemony and myself. The Hegemony is fascinated with the Taiyou, and it's a shame that we haven't been able to communicate as much as we should."

"... it'd take a lot of liquor sales to pay for some of this." A distinctly feminine, though swarthy voice observed. The place looked expensive enough to maintain when it wasn't being veritably torn apart. Gambit's was, in short, a warzone. Oh, no doubt an excellent place to train, especially in regards to flexibility and reacting to new stimuli, but...

The mere thought of how... free these people were to be able to engage in such foolishness.

Perhaps the domestic dissent in the Hegemony really wasn't as bad as they made it out to be, what with the Volk movement and the narcotics trade... even if it was all state funded. That just meant it was controlled in the strictest sense. But this? There was no control, no way to decide its course or now what it might do or destroy. Such was the very essence of the representative state's inferiority.

Laura sighed, reassured as she glanced back to the table rather than the din, glad that she was who she was and educated where she was, returning to her drink. "I hope you're taking note, Laura." A brief nod at that, the woman providing an odd glance to her flank as proof of such. Note, yeah, whatever.

All the problems that plagued this establishment, and by extension the world, could be easily solved with a liberal dose of high-yield thermobarics, and perhaps some thorough clean-up thereafter. "I am, my liege. I... well..."

"Just drink your cosmo and pay attention." Came the reply, followed with a sigh.