Casper Lessard's Story

"Avantia speaks much to my own views," Kaida noted as the Volarian monarch finished speaking. "Whilst I have no intention of garrisoning my land with masses of foreign troops, even allied troops, I would hope that you make no claims to having any right to 'have a problem', as you put it, with my doing so. The disapproval of the TNG on such a matter would be expected, of course, in light of your past relations with the Taiyou Empire, but disapproval would, I should hope, be the limit of it in much the same manner as we disapprove of the Invictus' operations."

The Empress held up a hand to stem further replies. "But, let us hold. Thus far much of this discussion has degenerated to arguing points backwards and forwards, coupled with conjecture and anecdotes. I advise that we take a recess to regather our thoughts and discuss on a more informal level some of the smaller or more specific points that have been brought up."

Kaida rose from her chair, and as she did the rest of the assembled ministers and royalty rose with her. "We shall reconvene in the morning."

The AXIS delegation, the Taiyou prime minister, and the Argosian delegation slowly rose with the Empress and her assembled ministers. Kayabuki quickly moved to Livia, and the pair spoke in a hushed tone.

The late arrival had finally himself managed to arrive at the delegations. Identifying himself to the Losenji guards as the Taiyou Prince, Shimizu would likely get a quick pass to join the meetings, though they had already ended.

It was then the Prince elected to introduce himself to the Empress, and the young Aschen-Taiyou hybrid approached with a slow and respectful bow to Kaida.

"It is an honor to finally meet you in person, forgive my Tardiness, some things kept my attention elsewhere, but I wanted to personally introduce myself to you and your cabinet, Your imminence." He said, exchanging formalities. "I am Crown Prince Shimizu Takayama, Crown Prince of the Taiyou Empire." The man seemed to be quite tall for a Taiyou, standing at a staggering six feet in height and towering over everyone save for maybe the Avorians and the Argosians.

"I look forward to hearing your decision." He said with another respectful bow before he made his way to Kayabuki.

"Prime Minister, I need to talk to you about a few things regarding the Sato Shogunate, and possible hostilities with the Invictus." He said, and the pair moved off to a secluded portion of the room to discuss military aid for the Sato shogunate.

Livia was the last person to really rise from her seat and make any moves. She first went to Casper, shooting him a glare that would make anyone wet themselves. She slowly walked past him with methodical and well placed steps, heading out to find some refreshments.

"I could not agree more," Casper nodded, hiding his weariness, "thank you again for hearing me." He rose and gathered his things, pausing only to return Livia's intimidating glare with indiscernible coldness.

He left the throne room.

Casper Lessard was putting his best smiles as the negotiations came to a close for the day and the delegates convened in the royal hall. Outwardly he was kind, warm, receptive and informative. Inside he was seething. The debates certainly weren't going his way... every little thing he said seemed to be taken at its worst face value. It was like most of these people were already determined to join AXIS and the discussion was just a formality. Casper felt much like a house pet or a clown... allowed to have his say only for the sake of respect and tradition... not actually taken seriously.

Out of the corner of his eye, he caught the glittering visage of Avantia. It wasn't hard to spot the Volarian Matriarch; her glittering wings were easy to distinguish among the not-so-imposing Taiyou and Losenji delegates. Casper knew it wouldn't be good etiquette to ignore the Volarian leader for the rest of the night. He made his apologies to those immediately around him and made his way towards the matriarch.

"Matriarch," he smiled once he was close enough, speaking in fluent Taiyou, "I would like to thank you again for honoring my involvement in this debate."

"I believe a debate wasn't entirely our intention," Avantia replied. She relaxed though as Casper chose to converse with her in a familiar language. "There's a great deal to be done to ensure that your nation and ours can co-exist peacefully in the days to come. Matters of boundaries and treaties..." she sighed and for a moment a touch of weariness crept into her eyes. "I fear we made no headway in this regard. I believe you had some questions for me personally though?" she asked as she gestured towards the open doors of the palace that led out to the palace grounds, an invitation to walk with her.

"Perhaps not the intention of the court, Matriarch," Casper admitted, "but I felt it important to explicitly delineate the TNG's stance on this alliance before getting too involved in the logistical and economic ramifications." He smiled. "But yes. I did have a few questions, if you can spare the time." He fell into stride alongside Avantia as they began their walk out into the palace grounds.

"To begin with," Casper started as they strode out into the courtyards, the cool, spacious night air a refreshing change from the crowded Losenji throne room, "I would like to know what the Volarians plan to do with its newfound AXIS support. The discussion today has been primarily focused on the Imperium, so I refrained from asking openly about the Matriarchy."

"Much as we have always done," Avantia replied. "I don't anticipate any great changes or political upheavals within Volaria from the AXIS. Over the years we have maintained our independence from the Taiyou Shogunate, and though their presence has proven a great economical asset over the years, as you can see there remains a strong division between our cultures."

"The AXIS delegates seem intent on establishing strong economic ties between the Andromedan industries and Shintenchi," Casper nodded, "I have no doubt of Volaria's ability to support itself... but it seem as if your new allies are eager to bolster your economic condition as much as they can. Do you expect foreign industry to take a larger role in the Matriarchy?"

"The Sato Shogunate in Shintenchi has proven a strong asset to Volarian economy in the years past," Avantia replied. "I imagine it will continue to do so, but much of that comes through trade. There are no Taiyou industries to be found within Volaria."

"Ah, I'm pleased to hear it," Casper nodded, "I know I said it earlier, but I'm mistrustful of AXIS' corporate capabilities. They have quite the monopoly over their own galaxy. I would hate to see the same thing happen to Terra." He pushed his glasses back up the narrow ridge of his nose. "...but about my earlier question... I'm afraid I must know the answer. WHY would you join AXIS? After years of isolation and seclusion, why is the first organization that you have chosen to definitively ally yourself with THIS one?"

"You are mistaken," Avantia replied. "Volaria first sought to reach out to the other lands of Terra, as did the Sato Shogunate, but we were met with hostility and aggression simply for our association with the Taiyou race, and there are those among your people who would see the Taiyou removed from Shintenchi. You have to understand that we have lived alongside these people for all of our lives. We call them friend, and for some, family."

She shook her head.

"The TNG may respect that, and even differentiate them from the Imperial Taiyou of the Andromeda Galaxy, but there are others among you who do not. These people, and these Invictus that you continue to speak well of have already sought to disband your government and instate one of their own. Furthermore they are unyielding and intolerant of anyone who does not stand with them. My decision for Volaria to join with the AXIS stems from the same reason that the Sato Shogunate rejoined with the Taiyou Empire."

"It is your belief that the threats to Terra have become pacified, that peace and reason can now rise from the ashes of war - but you are mistaken. Things are worse than ever, and what you see now is only the calm before the storm. And when that storm comes, should the TNG falter, who will be there to keep old promises. Should the TNG fall into civil war, and the people of Aslund and the Invictus turn their eyes to Shintenchi for the Taiyou who live here, it is with the AXIS that we will find friends."

"I understand your concerns," Casper nodded, "but I will maintain that the Invictus are, at the end of the day, soldiers. Romantics, even. Filled with high-minded ideals about how Terra SHOULD be but with only the barrel of a gun to make those dreams reality." His hands clasped behind his back as they walked. "...to be frank with you, Matriarch, they are useful to us. I wouldn't call them 'tools' but they are certainly a potent military ally in a world where chaos and disorder is the norm. Though I disagree with their rampant sense of nationalism, I am appreciative of the services they have rendered this planet. Without the Invictus, the TNG may very well have died off long ago. When we first re-assumed control of the greater Terran continents after the Imperial Wars, we were in the absolute weakest state in our history. It was the Invictus that gave us the means to keep order in our society when all other measures failed."

He cleared his throat. They were leaving the courtyards now and were atop one of the palace walls. The vast Losenji capital twinkled serenely beneath them.

"...but as I said, I understand your concerns," Casper continued, "and I assure you that the Invictus will be watched and given no exception in the matter of law and justice." He voice hardened. "...but for however mistrustful YOU are of the Invictus, Matriarch, let me assure you that I am TWICE as uncertain of these AXIS powers." He looked away. "It is poor etiquette to speak so frankly, but it's true. I do not believe they have Shintenchi's best interest at heart. I do not know what greater plans they have for those planet, but I do not suppose they are beneficial for our nations at large." He drew deep of the chilly night wind. "I fear for the future of Losenji. I fear for the future of Volaria."

"It is not simply a matter of concern for us," Avantia replied. "You forget that it was the Invictus who rejected us, not we them," she reminded him. "They are your allies, but not ours, and they have openly made their feelings known on the nations of Shintenchi. You say you fear for our nations, but support those that openly threaten it, those who not months ago sought to overthrow the TNG and instate a government of their own." She sighed. "It is not my intent to forsake diplomatic relations with the TNG, and it is in fact my hope that we might maintain peaceful relations with one another despite our respective allies, but I need to protect my people."

She shook her head. "My decision on this matter is already made. I can assure you though that I would be happy to address and discuss any concerns the TNG have for AXIS operations within Shintenchi. The nations of Shintenchi have been at peace for generations - surely the TNG has no thoughts that we have decided to change our minds on that matter. As long as the TNG continues to respect our borders, I assure you we have full intentions to do the same. Any concerns you might have that Shintenchi will become a spring board for AXIS movements is unfounded. The members of the AXIS are even more bound than the TNG in respecting our sovereignty, our laws, and our borders. The only AXIS you will find in Volaria, or Losenji, are those that we allow. The only military support you will find within Shintenchi is that which is required to protect our lands in the event that the TNG is mistaken in its faith in the Invictus. I imagine I need not remind you that though you name the Invictus as allies, they broadcasted their intentions of replacing the TNG with a new regime all over national television. I will say though that it is my belief that you would be unwise to think they have simply given up on their intentions."

"The Taiyou Empire was much the same," Casper replied, "they came closer than the Invictus ever did to conquoring the planet and overthrowing its governments. Yet here you are, joining an alliance in which they are a prime benefactor." He smiled. "...it would seem that befriending formerly hostile powers is a trait both our nations share."

"Still, I am pleased to know that relations between Volaria and the TNG can continue after this," Casper nodded, "and my confidence in Terra's future is strengthened now that I am aware of your intentions to limit AXIS' involvement in Shintenchi's military and economic capabilities."

Avantia was standing on a balcony overlooking the city below with her hands on the railing. Kamil had approached her from behind, but she didn't speak to him yet. He wouldn't speak up until she addressed him, and so she simply enjoyed the quiet company for a time. There was a chill to the air as the wind tugged at her clothes, but she found the cool air refreshing against her skin.

"What is it?" she finally asked.

"The TNG diplomat has arrived," Kamil explained.

She pursed her lips lightly. The TNG hadn't made the best of impressions upon her in the past several months, never mind Shanthi's disappearance from Wing City. Still, she had obliged Casper's request to meet with her again.

"I'll see him out here," she told Kamil.

"As you wish," he replied with a bow of his head before he went back inside to have Casper brought up to see Avantia.

Casper stood at the balcony terrace, his hands clasped calmly behind his back. "Matriarch," he greeted her, "I am honored to be permitted an audience with you once more." He walked slowly towards Avantia. The crystalline city of Volaria glimmered beneath them, a treasure of diamonds in an otherwise bleak and craggy mountain range.

"I am... sorry to hear that the investigation into Ms. Hakkar's disappearance is, as of yet, fruitless," he cleared his throat, "I've been assured that the NPA is doing absolutely everything in its power to ensure her swift return."

Avantia looked to the side as Casper entered.

"Yes, they have been keeping me informed on the progress of their investigation. I understand they have some suspects in their custody?" she asked.

She paused and shook her head. "Though I imagine you didn't come all the way here to discuss the progress in their case. What brings you all the way back to Volaria?"

"They do," Casper nodded, "if anything is gleamed, you'll be the first to be informed." He walked slowly around the balcony, resting his hand against the rail to Avantia's right.

"But you are quite correct, Matriarch," the vampire nodded, "I fear my visitations this evening are for more..." he smiled, "...political, in nature. Elections are upon the Terran National Government, the first elections in nearly a decade. Democracy has returned to the TNG, and with it comes abler authority and power. She will be stronger than ever before by winter's end." His eyes moved from the city to the side of Avantia's face. "I am here to solidify the Terran National Government's diplomatic ties to Volaria, to ensure that our nations will remain in steadfast peace, regardless of whatever economic or military expansion the TNG engages in."

"Yes, I heard that the TNG has proposed intentions towards expansion off planet as well," Avantia replied. "As I'm sure you're aware, we have a growing situation here in Shintenchi. Resources are growing depleted and our cities are suffering from overpopulation. I trust that the Shintenchi nations will be afforded an equal opportunity in these proposed future expansions within the local region."

The avorians had long claimed the skies, but soon they would call the stars their own as well. The construction of Volaria's first space port was only the first step towards grander designs for the Volarian people.

"If your people seek to expand themselves across the stars, then the Terran National Government has no right to deny you," Casper affirmed calmly, "though mere equality, I fear, is not a strong enough bond to ensure the mutual kinship of our nations. I've been encouraged to try and affirm a more lasting means of diplomatic relations. The people of the TNG need to be shown that Volaria is a neighbor, not some alien planet on the other side of the ocean. To this purpose, I intend to submit a series of proposals to our soon-to-be-active Parliament. I hope to create a series of national holidays; celebrations and festivals that can be partaken in by both of our peoples."

"I'm listening," Avantia replied.

She had expected talk of military matters, or complaints regarding the recent trafficking of Imperial Taiyou vessels to Shintenchi - many carrying more than rations to be distributed among the populations. Discussions of holidays and festivals hadn't been what she had expected, and it piqued her curiosity enough that the edge of haughtiness diminished ever so slightly.

"A celebration, matriarch," Casper explained calmly, "many, if we can manage them, though I'm sure that the Terran National Government would only sanction one such event before approving more. A trial, if you will. I've proposed an annual 'Unity Festival' to be held in Asteria City on the eastern seaboard, a festival to celebrate the diversity of Terran culture." He looked at her unblinkingly. "ALL of Terra. It would go on for about a week. The various races and provinces of the world would come together for this time, celebrating their planet's cultural identity through a series of games, competitions, feasts and parties. Activities would range from athletic events to culinary advents and everything in between. Volary's participation could do wonders for her standing with TNG diplomacy."

Avantia thought over the matter a time. She was well aware that there was a strong ethnic population of Shintenchi immigrants within Asteria, and of all the cities that Casper could have chosen, it was one that would likely be receptive of their Shintenchi neighbors across the ocean.

"Like the Olympics of Greek mythology?" she inquired.

There was a time when she had often poured over knowledge of ancient civilizations and religions. A time when she was substantially less busy and more able to pursue personal interests. It had been a while since she had cracked open the old tomes that littered the Volarian library, but Casper's proposal held rather obvious similarities to the competitions once held between the Greek city-states as a time of peace in which even regions at war could lay down arms to partake in the festivities and competitions without fear of discrimination or attack.

Admittedly Avantia's interest in Greek mythology held some sway over her reception to Casper's proposal, but there was also the matter of recent tensions. An outlet for the nations of Shintenchi and Terra to diffuse some of that wasn't a terrible idea.

"Precisely," Casper nodded, "though not quite as athletically oriented. Games would be designed to appeal to all aspects of Terran culture." His gaze wandered back out towards the city. "Naturally, all Terran nations would be invited to the games. I've debated about even allowing foreign powers to take part in the celebration." A slight smile quirked his stone face. "No doubt the Aschen would jump on the chance to try and prove their superiority over us. Still, I don't think that would sit well with Parliament. As it is now, this 'Unity Festival' is a time for the nations of Terra to come together as one people; to celebrate the very thing that makes our world and global society so beautiful: its differences and individualism." He looked back to Avantia. "We would, of course, be honored if Volaria took part in the festivities. While the ordeal would be officially sponsored by the TNG, I see no issue with collaboration between the Shintenchi powers in establishing and ordaining this event."

Avantia listened thoughtfully.

"You have my ear," she told him as she gestured towards the extravagant double doors that led back inside. "Come, we'll discuss it further inside," she invited as she led them back into the palace to discuss the matter in more depth.

In the skies above the district, a single Sudden Transport made it's way through the buildings, and the skyline. Bobbing and weaving until it ultimately came to touch down in a space cleared in the market square. As the door to the transport opened, four Shogunate Warriors emerged in lock step, their rifles shouldered.

The four men spread out in a guarding formation, providing a corridor in which the prisoner would be delivered.

Sato, and four Shogunate guard, along with Haruo Arakawa in tow moved through the formation, Josh would have a black bag placed over his head and escorted towards the central staging area.

Josh hadn't been told the real reason he was being taken here, but the sounds of the crowds, and the engines of the Taiyou transport likely played in his ears as they moved.

As Sato, with Josh in tow moved up the steps, the four guards move the broken man towards the place where he was to be executed. There Josh would be forced to kneel, his hands unbound from his back, and rebound to his front, As he was forced to kneel, a broomstick was placed in his knee joints.

Prior to his transfer here, Josh had been fed a meal consisting of rice and a few slices of fish to bring his energy back up, along with water to quench his thirst. Josh had also been given an opportunity to be bathed, and he was dressed in a grey yukata. This was probably the cleanest he had been in weeks since his capture.

The delegation from the AXIS also silently watched the spectacle as it unfolded, seated in front to provide the best view of the execution.

The TNG Delegate, Casper Lessard had also been invited to witness the execution, of course. He had not been told the true nature of the event.

Sato stepped forward another step, approaching Avantia while Josh was being prepared for execution.

Sato looked the Matriarch in the eyes, before she unsheathed her Katana and held it outstretched to her right, and then she pulled it to her shoulder. It was then she held it up straight and inspected the sword up and down, and then she sheathed the ornate Katana, before taking the scabbard and blade, and holding it horizontal out towards the Matriarch, offering a bow as her hands remained outstretched.