The Multiverse

Lord Counsel Synjyn Drake looked around the docking station; he had been to these events before. Some grand gathering of diplomats, a few words of goodwill exchanged but in the end a multitude of differing opinions and often times an active inability to listen led to the collapse of the talks. Allowing the great skeletal beast to dissipate, the equally skeletal Xindhi adjusted his royal purple cloak around his armored form. The massive footman’s mace ominous in its baldric stretched out above him. Allowing the computers to do their scans before allowing him to pass into the massive building where the congress held sway.

After cleared he moved with determination to the great hall. The stilted gasps and awkward stares rolled off him, after all it was not often one of the Xindhi visited the flesh worlds, at least not openly. The sight of so many of the Trantor faction stirred uneasiness in him. They were a highly aggressive people, expanding and trading with everything and everyone. Their military strong and well suited for their expansive drive. If the Lord Counsel could smile he would have, perhaps he would meet again with their, what was it? Their magically adept, it never ceased to amaze the Xindhi that many of the younger races assumed that the Xindhi mastered magic of some nature. They had not, but the mystique is what kept the skeletal beings safe from many needless wars.

Reaching the Grand Hall, he heard the words of the representative of the Council of Guilds, more merchants and from what he understood a people who eschewed military action for peaceful trade. After she finished a spattering of applause filled the room from those within. Seeing the opportunity to speak next, he took it seeing his appearance would cause some to instantly decry him as evil or daemonic. The sound of his plate armor clacked as he walked, the swish of his heavy cloak filled the area as people took notice of the Xindhi walking forward. Stepping upon the stage he moved with practiced ease to the podium and peered out at the crowd. Dimming the Aesr that swirled from his eyes to simple dots of pale blue light in the dark eye sockets, before flaring them brilliantly, allowing the energy to bath everyone in the first few rows.

“I am Lord Counsel Synjyn Drake, I am Xindhi and I represent the Dreaming Queen in these matters.” He said evenly, the Aesr thrummed to allow the sonic vibrations to levels loud enough to be heard clearly in all corners of the hall. “We are known to the Trantor and some of the other civilizations and peoples in this congress. We seek to be accepted as equals in this august body.” Pausing as he let the Aesr dim again to less brilliant levels, the skeletal features backlit by the blue energies. “We are not traders, we have one planet we secret because we have been mistaken to be apparitions, haunts and horrors by some. We share a planet with the Hoop-Kah whom we have pledged protection to. We are explores and seekers of knowledge and understanding.”

Staring at the assembled body a moment before stepping down and taking an indicated seat he unhooked his mace and leaned it against his chair. Sitting down he patiently waited for others to speak. This would prove to be an interesting experiment, to see how many of these other races would accept the skeletal Xindhi as equals.

The large Flagship of the Aqu'ell'sh, the Sk'cean'y, would dock in the docking station. The ship itself seemed to be made completely of "Bubbles" as the Humans called it. The "Bubbles" would shift a bit, creating an entryway to and from the ship. Down the ramp came one of the most extravagant Jellyfish-like creatures one could set eyes upon, inside of a smaller portable "Bubble" that it floated in. Following closely the Flagship was a small ship in Brown and Red, with the logo of the Qqoa Mercenary Gang. Out of that ship, two Qqoa members would go and follow the Serene One closely. Hued in the brilliant Colors of the Rainbow, the Serene One would make her way to the hall. She would speak to her bodyguards in her unique and calming voice. "It seems that there are lots of others here...be on the lookout...I forsee trouble in the near future."

Her bodyguards would nod and move a bit closer to her. She was surrounded by two others, both Human. The two were wearing sinister Red and Brown Colored Armor and were apparently hired from the local Mercenary Group. They both were equipped with several weapons and gadgets they could use as needed.

She would take special care to find her way to the hall and keep her "Bubble". Unlike most of the others here, she would formally address the entire crowd, and save the embassies and representatives for after the fact. However, it was a risky trip, her brilliant colors made her an excellent target. She would go through any necessary scans, and gain entry. Once she was safely inside, the bodyguards would cloak themselves and head on into the assembly, unseen. They'd stand near the back of the area, behind the lectern, ready to strike those who would harm the Serene One.

The mere presence of the Xindhi, a race her kind had never encountered before, made her mind uneasy. They resembled the pictures of "Skeletons" and "Death" shown to them so often by others (mostly Humans), and she could see him in the room before she even entered. However, it was a lone one, probably no real threat. The 3'11" Jellyfish-like creature would make her way up to the lectern and prepare her speech. Her mind went through all the outcomes, too many to sort through. The path would be unclear for a while. Her special Gems would start glowing, translating speech to and from those around her.

"Ara'gi'shi, other beings. The fates have brought me here to give this very speech concerning the Aqu'ell'sh's joining of the ICW. For the time being, through all outcomes I have seen, our paths must cross. There are those out there who seek to destroy the very paradise we all inhabit, you and us. I also come to improve our relations with those who we have and have not met."

Everyone was focused intently on her it seemed. Many of them probably never met a Aqu'ell'sh, but then again, the Aqu'ell'sh are still new to the scene, only having joined when they figured out how to use a HydroDrive to get themselves great distances.[/i]

"I am the Serene One, Glai'ais'a. I represent the Aqu'ell'sh here in this gathering. For those of you who never met us before, we are a group of sentient beings who prefer peace over strife. We are mostly new to your Galaxy and your ways, and we hope to get around differences we may have through...'connections' with others in this gathering of Government. I am sure we shall all get along, for we must, the fates have it written. I come to request for the Aqu'ell'sh's entry to the ICW, where we hope to help improve your and our standings in the Galaxy."

Surprisingly, she thought she did okay with her speech. Aqu'ell'sh couldn't do big speeches as a default. They lack the capabilities for such a thing, however wise they might be. She would make her way down towards a wall in the big gathering area and float there, awaiting any other races petitioning for entry. Other than some confused glances from other beings, she was mostly accepted. The Xindhi still generated an intense feeling of dread in her. Beings that resembled what Humans, whom she's had more contact with and trusts on a higher level, called "Death" was unnerving. She was unsure if they'd be able to get along...she'd have to see, the many probabilities swirling through her mind, the many possible outcomes, futures.

Several AI had decided to bring their own bodies, the ships in space actually their massive brains, but to not incontinence the others, they used remote bodies, something which in all actuality was not uncommon. The bodies appeared to a normal person as a couple, fairly young in age, but their hair color was not normal, the female having bright blue in her hair while her male counterpart


It had begun, and after the most recent speech, Trantor’s representative finally stood up, the man simply saying, “We of Trantor support open and peaceful talks to all parties. We wish to discuss free and open trade routes, and talk about ways to deal with common foes, space pirates, and terrorists who wish to bring about an Endless Frontier of warfare..” The man then stopped, and left.

As the ICW representative council welcomed the newcomers, a woman wearing mostly white, with a veil over her face to symbolize neutrality, would stand up, “I fully support these factions, welcome to the ICW!” The other council members clapped, as the woman would wait.

“For the first issue, there is the standard galactic anti-piracy act. Member nations, do you support this act, proposed by Trantor, have comments, or questions about this act?”

Of all the members of the Diplomatic team dispatched by the Coalition, Jacob Archimedes was by far the most ambitious. Stepping through the small hallway that lead from the UCON barracks to the main speaking and seating arrangements for the bulk of the eighty diplomats that had arrived nearly eight months ago. Walking down the hallway, he was passed on his left by several dignitaries wearing the dark drab clothing of diplomatic attaches, the two women whispered to one another as they passed by Archimedes. He gave them a slight wink, noticing the pleasant and inviting figures of them. Oriyak women had always pleased the Soruk to an astonishing degree, crystalline pale eyes held in a beautifying face complete with sleek locks of dark, raven hair.

"Ahhhh -- Archimedes, how nice of you to finally join us." Was the only response he was given as he entered the antechamber leading to the UCON delegation seat in the Congress; waiting for him was the remainder of the figurehead of the diplomatic team. Standing with his arms cross, Marine Sergeant Jason Delico wore the the parade fatigues, Archimedes could tell that the Sergeant would much rather be planet-side along other men and women of the Armed Forces than playing babysitter for this diplomatic association.To Delico's right stood Kendal Ryans, the bridge of his nose covered by a pair of bifocals the thirty-two year old had been wearing since his young age; having rejected corrective surgey a total or twenty eight times now.
"Jesus, ten minutes before we go on he gets here -- yeah." Kendal protested before another, older man stepped forward offering Archimedes a data pad displaying several important documents.
"He always shows up with style" Said Karl Felderness, the oldest member of the diplomatic assembly.
"Yeah yeah -- alright, what do we have?" Archimedes inquired quickly, reaching forward and taking the data pad.
"Great you asked -- The Coalition Navy just killed several hundred Aschen servicemen and women outside of Terra. Used Stealth Corvettes, didn't even know what hit 'em. Barely fifty ships got out alive."


Archimedes cursed beneath his breath, the oversteps and warmongering of the Coalition would always make a diplomatic job into a nightmare. Even if the Confederation did respond to UCON through the Congress, Archimedes would still be one metaphorical head atop the hydra of Scatterran imperialism.
"Jesus Christ. They did this with one Stealth Corvettes?" He questioned, slightly awed by the data that was being fed to him. Far head of the Aschen fleet, maintaining a warped orbit above a psuedo-Terra in Slipspace, only one of the eight Stealth Corvettes present had fired their FENRIR torpedos, creating a combined blast that had boiled away an upper portion of the Terran atmosphere and showered the entire fleet in an envelope of boiling energies released from the confines of Slipspace.
"There'll be Hell to pay for this, and it's you who'll have to explain it, Archimedes." Retorted Felderness, the old man slowly hobbling his way up the steps leading to the UCON assembly area.
"God knows what the Technocrats will think of this -- or even the Xindhi for that matter." He responded, pushing one aging arm forward and opening the doorway that lead to the large conglomeration of seats belonging to the Coalition team. Archimedes huffed before passing one glance toward Delico, the tanned olive face of the Marine flashing him a wild grin.






"Members of the Congress, barely forty-eight hours ago, advanced units of the UCON Navy fired on and destroyed vessels belonging to the Aschen Confederation ... " His first statement boomed through the hall, his voice carried by an amplified speaker system that broadcasted his message both through throughout the halls and across a myriad of networks. Jacob's stoic features would be broadcasted throughout the galaxy, even the multiverse as a whole. His stone cold visage, fragmented astute points of his brown hair encroaching his broad forehead as his sage optics pierced through the Congress hall.
"Admiral Savage of the 6th Fleet has confirmed Aschen deaths at the direct hands of Coalition Captains and crews, yet it goes without saying that all present regret the escalation to violence ... " Archimedes wagered, his visage removing its typical demeanor of indifference, the corners of his mouth turning slightly as he spoke.
"The tragedies of combat lay heavy on the hearts of all involved in the conflict, but -- " Archimedes suddenly returned to his standard stone cold demeanor.
"Eighteen hours and twenty-four minutes before first contact between the SC Arsovi and the Aschen fleet, Admiral Savage himself had authorized the broadcast of a message instructing any Aschen vessels to remove themselves from the Sol system post-haste, or suffer the consequences of a full-strength Coalition response ... " Archimedes revelealed a calm smirk as the message was displayed on a large airscreen for the entire Congress to behold, several smaller conversations quickly spreading through the other delegates as they disseminated the tall Archimedes standing in front of them, speaking.

"Disregarding this warning, the Coalition crews made calculated decisions and confirmed with Admiral Savage the use of four Stealth Corvettes attached to the 6th Fleet, which quickly moved to the rear of the Aschen fleet and effectively engaged them in orbit above Terra." Archimedes reported as another image sprang to life from the airscreen, revealing a high-resolution image of the Terran orbit, the massive scar of boiling amber slicing through the highest reaches of the Terran atmosphere where it would remain for several hours more before finally evaporating.
" -- Military actions aside, it is my duty to announce that the Coalition will persue no further engagements with the Aschen Confederation on the grounds of maintaining peace throughout this realm and beyond. From the deepest reserves of Scatter, we are filled with sorrow at the casualties inflicted in this engagement." He finished on a relatively peaceful note; that was, of course, before he shot one final glance toward Karl Felderness. The old man sat with his arms cemented to his lap, staring to Archimedes with grayed eyes before he nodded swiftly. Fixing his gaze onto the Confederation assembly, Archimedes reached down to the small datapad nestled near his lap and probing one finger into a small key.




The massive airscreen sprang to live, suddenly revealing the gleaming facade of Prime Minister Ludvik Regievko. For many, this would be the first time any of them would lay eyes on an image of the elusive snake head of the Coalition. The man was tall, this much could be seen, without a clear image of his body. His visage was framed with youthful vigor, yet educated age as well. Piercing, almost javelin-esque eyes washed over the assembly of worlds, his gaze alone enough to disconcert even the sturdiest of resolve.
"Greetings ... Congress. Let me extend my introductions to all present -- Trantor, Technocrats, the fledgling Ri -- the Confederation -- " His face morphed to slight discontent, the fabricated, holographic eyes flashing toward the Aschen assembly that sat relatively opposite their Coalition counterparts.
" -- And to the Exhalted Xindhi, I am honored to be viewed in your presence, all of you." He signified this with a curt, rapid smile.
"I express my condolences to those that lost their lives in the Terran engagement -- Aschen, Scatterran, or Terran in nationality." He resounded, his chin tilting upwards lightly as he spoke. His eyes still remained fixed to the focal of the camera that recorded him.
"A terrible conflict that, in all reality, was no more necessary than throwing a stone through the window of a glass house." His voice suddenly took a brutal facade.
"I advocate the point that the only reason any Coalition vessels were pressed into action was on the ground that both the Technocracy and Trantor proper had invested their own forces, servicemen and women that I was not going to allow to war without their comrades and allies -- the Coalition -- standing beside them." He offered homage to the shakey alliance between Trantor and her UCON sister-state; his voice sturdying at the mention of the Technocracy, however.

"The Aschen Confederation has been under Coalition scrutiny for a considerable time, and let me be frank in stating that the Aschen standing with UCON is nothing but a quagmire as is -- " His eyes flashed a hint of arrogance, his lips curling slightly about his features to reveal a row of whitened teeth before disappearing between down-turned lips.
"This is not a declaration of war -- this is not an act of hatred -- this is not a vendetta. Let me be the first to warn any Aschen who would wage war against the Coalition. We are far from your enemies, do not make us one."

The Trantor representative stood up, as the woman simply looked around. “We have acquired strange intelligence, “she said, “Proving that as of this moment, a machine based life form declared war on all organic beings. I propose that we here denounce this act of terrorism and bias against organic life, and for the point made by the Coalition representative, I feel that war, may be unavoidable. The Aschen ideals of Aschen supremacy is unlike any most of us have seen since the old days of the Zeon Space Movements. Their lack of respect for other races, lack of control over their factions and at moments..” she pulled out a document, “Support for racist, terrorist factions,” the woman nodded, “Is downright immoral! However, we can understand, what happens, when races cannot understand one another,”

To prove her point, she would tap her Database implant, an apparent hearing aid, as she went on, “And we would like to also end hostilities at this current action. As of this moment, the Trantor have fully retreated from Aschen space, and Trantor also will be ending hostilities with the Aschen. The actions of the past will not be the basis of future interaction, and in fact, we wish to star anew, an era of peace and openness with all involved in Open Space.

The Aschen representative, an older man clad in a grayish purple outfit would stand amongst his delegation, which included Admirals Nagala, Corman, and Admiral Gant, to further represent the Confederation would stand one of their Sires, Sire Gaius Baltar, a scrawny man who had oily long hair and thin rimmed glasses. Clearing his throat he would rise to his feet and speak up.

"We accept the condolences that the Coalition provided us... however that doesn't excuse the fact they destroyed a fleet that was preparing themselves to comply with Admiral Savage's orders, the destruction under that regards is unacceptable, ten thousand people lost their lives in this small engagement. To compound this, not only did one of our key Admirals barely escape, but our Chairman too barely escaped with her life. This was an atrocity that could have been avoided, there is massive public pressure on our government to seek revenge for the attacks. Revenge would be very uncivil, and we are a civil people, despite others making us out not to be." Baltar stated plainly as he turned to Admiral Corman, whom was an older man. His attire consisted of an Aschen Duty Blue uniform, and several decorations adorned his figure.

"The Aschen Confederations requests a formal apology for the losses incurred, an apology directed at the peoples of Langara, though you expressed your condolences here, the People of Langara are not convinced. Furthermore the Aschen Confederation, feeling wrongfully attacked in this matter requests compensation of some form, not less then, but equal or greater too the loss we incurred while pulling our forces away from Terra." Corman said as his face was magnified on the screen for all to see.

"We are not out to rule the galaxy, we have no supremacy, the actions of few should not reflect the many, we desire peace and order in this galaxy as much as the Coalition and the Trantor... and are willing to go with the Trantor and offer our hands in a clean slate. We have no interest in controlling or subjugating Terra, and will leave it in the Coalition's capable hands." Corman continued, pausing and sitting to let Admiral Nagala stand up.

Nagala was a dark haired woman, her outfit matching Corman's. However her uniform slightly differed from that of Admiral Corman's as it was not as well decorated as the other Admirals. Nagala was a Tauran woman, she had an olive complexion and dark hair, she was a tactical and strategic genius but she was also a shrewd diplomat. her hair was done up in a ponytail as she looked to the Coalition speakers. Her eyes were scanning each and every one of them. Surprised how quickly an entire fleet headed by two Aschen admirals was anhiliated. of course when her turn came, she would rise to her feet and address the congress.

"it goes without saying, and I will re-iterate the gravity of this situation that the United Coalition of Nations has placed itself in. This is thinly veiled imperialism and an unprovoked attack on another sovereign nation. You will answer for this, one hundred ships were destroyed in what our forces report two weapon discharges. What frightens me is what is to stop the United Coalition of nations from destroying the Aschen Civilization at a whim? With weapons like these it goes without saying that the Coalition would have a decided advantage even in Aschen space and this is something that is absolutely unacceptable."

Nagala would pause a moment to regain her composure. Data had been disseminated and the Aschen people had learned of the attack and the mainstream media. Scatterans and the Coalition as a whole was viewed as child murdering barbarians, and it was evident on Aschen media that they were seen merely as demons.

"Admiral Savage should have taken note of spooling FTL Drives and allowed the Aschen fleet to comply with his orders, this tehchnical limitation essentially justified this Admiral to cart blanche open fire on a retreating Aschen force. We at the Aschen Confederation demand that Admiral Savage be immediately removed from duty and face Court Martial for his actions. Or we will take further steps to ensure that Admiral Savage faces justice, up to but not limited to escalation to war."

Baltar would incline his head and then face the Prime Minister of UCON. He steeled himself for his next statement. "We are not out to make you our enemies, however this blatant show of military muscle and blatant imperialism will not be tolerated. I have to agree with Admiral Nagala on the matters that Admiral Savage is to face court martial. Your actions against the fleet in Terra are essentially an act of war, and will be construed as such by Parliament until such time as the problem is dealt with accordingly. I am willing to vote in the Aschen Parliament on the use of strategic and high-level weapons against the Coalition if this situation is not dealt with, furthermore the aschen Confederation demands the equivalent of.. Fifteen Trillion Aschen Confederation Cubits in either raw goods or precious metals as compensation for the undue stress the Families have endured, furthermore to pay for the reconstruction of several vessels lost, to replenish our lost forces due to Admiral Savage's recklessness."

With that Baltar would sit down, his face stern as Admiral Corman spoke.

"Well played, Dr. Baltar."

And with that he sat down, awaiting the response of the others.

Archimedes had long ago taken a seat, allowing instead Karl to take his place. The decrepit speaker hobbled his way slowly to the helm of the UCON delegation; a slight roll of murmurs and whispers following him as he first approached the podium and then spoke to the Congress directly. Standing just under 6'2 in his age, his face was sullen with his years and his eyes were drawn back into the confines of his skull; piercing gray eyes clouded from hours and hours of conflict and political mish-mash were flooding across the delegation while his inanely powerful voice boomed overhead through the speaker system.

"Your grievances are felt throughout the Coalition -- from the deserts of Regali and the Rim to AlncFord itself on Scatter. I'm well aware of the trials the Aschen have faced, some of which have been absolutely disregarded by other nations of this realm ... " He continued on, one hand raising to wash over his jowls as he willed his old body to continue on. Somewhere behind him, Archimedes sat alongside Master Sergeant Delico, who still regarded the Aschen delegation with a hard eye and s resentful stare as Felderness continued to speak.

"Their demands are blasphemous, ignorant, if you ask me." Delico relayed; his voice was silent to the others outside of the UCON delegation -- still few even heard him, save for Archimedes himself. He responded with a curt nod in agreement; the evidence against the Aschen was astounding, and how they could demand any sort of retribution for this event was a clear display of their infantile mindset in the universe of politics. A soft grin went across his face slightly, his cognitive mind formulating dozens of his own depictions of the events above Terra. In his minds eye, he could see the dual hammers of the Coalition fleet approaching from opposite, flanking planes on Terra. He was unaware of the procession from the issue of the No-Fly-Zone to the final, climactic end that took so many lives away in a split second. War was not on the UCON agenda, it was hardly on any agenda other than weapons manufacturers and the far right that demanded blood for even a single death.

"My two cents -- they should button up and take their loss, because we could bloody their nose a lot worse if we wanted to." He murmured to him again, the tanned skin of the Zhakistow was contrast to the light olive of Archimedes himself. Having grown up to relatively religious Soruk parents on the temperate plains of Kelga, capital body of the Arhm System, Archimedes was in stark contrast to the Marine beside him.
"I'm sure part of these Aschen's problems is their inability to understand when they're out gunned." Archimedes spat in return, in tune with the reversal of Karl Felderness' speech at a time that could only be explained by Scatterran rationality.

" -- Your request and demands of ... compensation in the face of conflict will most undoubtedly be met with laughs. You fail to recognize that, disregarding the Aschen retreat or not, the fleet was permitted eighteen hours to leave the area of operation. Scrutiny of Aschen FTL technologies put them able to respond to Admiral Savage's mandate in minutes, not hours. " He returned; his aged physique taking on a far more dangerous image as he leaned farther up the podium.
"The losses are regrettable, yet I have to remind you and your commanders that it was you who placed the fleet in orbit above Terra. It was your administration that placed servicemen and women in harms way, with which they paid the ultimate price to your nation for." He placed one defiant hand into the air, the palm outstretched before he resumed.
"Your talk of imperialism is conveniently placed on the Coalition disregarding the Confederate presence that was felt for years on Terra before any Coalition feet ever set down on the neutral planet." He responded harshly, speaking in contrast with the Aschen, and later Tech Con, occupations of Terra on the basis of "national security" before the Coalition had ever became inserted into the fray.
"No disrespect, but it would be wise to stay a tongue that had spoken both truth and lies."

"Honestly, I don't know what they think they've got on us -- or any of us. Ancients only know what the Xindhi think of this whole debacle." The Master Sergeant replied, nodding his head toward the ethereal and exalted Xindhi observing from their own bastion throughout the counsel. Archimedes followed his allies gaze toward those skeletal monstrosities within the Congress.
"No one knows what they think. You know how they are, they sit with their little notepads and jot down the time of day, what they see and what not." He said formerly, averting his gaze back to the speech of Karl Felderness, whom had now taken on a much harsher tone.

"Tempers can rage and flare in this hall, but I for one shall respect it -- your hypocrisy aside, I advise that a vote be cast throughout the entire Congress on regards to UCON compensation for deaths inflicted at the hands of the 6th Fleet and their heroic defense of both Terran and Coalition assets." Karl finished before withdrawing himself from the podium, a roar of claps and cheers following him from the UCON delegation, and several from other counsel members throughout the Congress. Few would realize that he had hardly even addressed the possibility of the well-known Admiral Savage being court-martialed, an insult to some.

Admiral Nagala was offended by this, she considered the UCON Display of arrogance and hubris astounding and offensive, she would stand up, being the tactical genius behind Chairman Cain and the military muscle of the Aschen Confederation. She would turn to Corman whom had rubbed his chin in response to the mentioning of the word Heroic.

"Admiral Nagala I don't know what's heroic about shooting fish in a barrel and using vastly superior firepower to annihilate a retreating fleet, in my mind that's cowardly." Corman said as he straightened his uniform and remained seated, Nagala nodding and replying to Corman's words. "They are trying to justify murder, throw around their military weight like it's nothing, like they could get away with it."

Baltar would then put his two cents in.

"There's a military gearup going on back on Confederation worlds. Though most of our assets are agricultural and technological, our assets are rapidly expanding in the Pegasus Galaxy, since the Tau'ri abandoned Atlantis we have claimed it, with use of Genii manufacturing facilities we will be able to construct a large force by the end of the Decon." Baltar explained going over the files. "Parliament has also passed the Defense Breeding initiative, all families will be offered a 10,000 yahrenly cubit stipend for every child submitted to the Aschen Military for training and conscription." Baltar added. "Furthermore a clone army is being grown on several worlds in Pegasus, and research has delved into Zero-Point Technology as well as improvements to current Naquadria weapons."

Nagala was surprised by this, as was Corman, as since the attacks several initiatives were passed to completely strengthen Aschen assets and military capabilities. Baltar then continued.

"We're looking for Scatteran genetic samples for Potentia archive... Parliament is voting to relocate the Potentia Station to Sol System for a purge of Coalition assets on Terra, however I will not condone a course of action that could lead us to total war, so that is a moot point seeing that Potentia use is a last resort and requires a unanimous vote in Parliament, of course unless Coalition ships were actively bombarding Aschen core worlds." Baltar added.

Nagala then slowly stood up and would rebuke Archmides claims and statements. She was going to take it a step further.

"Such disrespect and contempt you Coalition people have for our civilization." Nagala said as she approached the podium.

"If we will not be compensated then so be it, I'm going to be fourthcoming and blunt, the Coalition is to stay the frak away from Aschen space, any unauthorized Coalition incursion will be intercepted and destroyed using any method we have at our disposal." Nagala said sternly.

"We will take these losses and leave, but we will recover from this, I like how every nation in this hall criminalizes a victimized nation.. We're tired of this oppression, the Aschen people have suffered hundreds of years of Goa'uld enslavement.. and we continue to be oppressed at the hands of the other nations in this hall.. no we will no longer be the underdog.. we will demand respect. As of this moment, any and all Coalition vessels are forbidden to come within five Solar Units of Aschen space. We have rights to Terra too.. as Terra is the bastion of Aschen heritage, the thirteenth colony of Kobol." Nagala explained before sitting and awaiting a response.

“The Trantor representative would then stand up, and respond simply. “I am old. Very old. I am most likely one of the oldest beings in this sector, and then some,” the man said, “This is my.. 100th body replacement, and yet I still have to be amazed in the lack of foresight the Aschen are showing. By demanding a removal of an officer and fees of that height, that is an act which cannot be allowed. Rearming will just bring us back to this situation! And for your point about retreating ships is invalid. In Wars on the Homeworld, retreat offered no protection against military vessels., and we know that old religious claims should not be the driving point of national policy! That lead to the fall of the Holy Civilization on Homeworld..” The man seemed to nod at the wisdom of his on statement

The android body went on, his speech plain as he said,
“Survival?” Why should you be worried? My people are less than one weeks train trip from the UCON, if anything, we would be the first target of any warfare. Threatening weapons with weapons is what lead to the Homeworld’s destruction in atomic fire, so we would request you do not act in a manner which is unfit for a peaceful civilization. I would like to eventually produce an Act regulating these machines, but that is for a later time!”

The man then went on, “HOWEVER, we will compromise by sending over 50 frame equivalent vessels , as well as a Type Global SDF and fighter fleet as a payment. According to our Standard Model, they are triple what you asked for, and the technology transfer is more than fair, and the UCON will also receive a transfer of technology equivalent to this one. We must settle down, and be calm beings, as we all at the end of the day, rational sentient beings!”

In a back room, the orders were sent. “Frame, go out, and find that Aschen threat, you are no longer needed in the defense of Terra. We shall assign you another partner on the way,”, the black ops not confident in the diplomatic action. “May the Trade Force Fly with you.”

Who was this strange woman, with snow white hair ordering the Orbital Frame to retreat. Why did she appear, almost like a shroud of light, as she would walk away from the conference center, heading to one of the many Galaxy Rail Shuttles to points beyond.

Synjyn Drake sat impassively during the discussions between the younger races. Each word, each action noted in the holon memory, recorded for the eternal dreamers. This incident, this attack that caused the death of many seemed to be a wanton act, a desperate act but why? Casting whorls of energy from his form, easily detected by all advance circuitry, the energy thrum of galdhr washed through out the chamber feeding back information and understanding to the Xindhi diplomat.

Feeling a slight disturbance along the thrums of energy, Synjyn felt a slight warping of space-time behind him as a shimmering of energy occurred behind him, the clop-clop of hooves echoed around him as two skeletal animals and riders stepped through the void space. Without turning the Lord Counsel knew that two of the explorers had come to sit with him, from the energy surge he could tell it was a Cughtagh and an Aeryn. “Sit.” He rasped as he cast a glance towards the security officials in the chamber, raising his mailed hand he waved them away and refocused his energy on the events before him.

Skume the Cughtagh and Aenhold the Aeryn both dismounted, dismissing their beasts with a simple touch of their amulets. White and orange energies flittered and flared as both Xindhi assumed the seats provided for them. Leaning forward Skume rasped, “We were delayed by the incident between the Aschen and the Coalition. The events have been recorded for further review if you desire.”

Synjyn nodded not saying a word as the discussion between the younger races prattled onward, there seemed to be a debate on the merits of the attack, or slaughter depending on the view point. Thrumming the galdhr again, Synjyn flicked a portion of his energy towards the recorded event regarding the slaughter of the Aschen fleet. As he observed and noted the events while they played out there seemed to be something missing, stroking his bone white chin he dimmed the energies to mere specks in his eye sockets. These two people trembled at the bit to wage war, a war that would be the detriment to the multiverse as it would seem to draw in others, races and people who would rather not fight.

At least the Trantorian had not launched into one of their reactively violent shows of strength; it seems that they wanted peace as well. Flaring the blue energies brightly in a swirl of chaotic display, Synjyn turned and faced the Coalition delegates, scanning each of them he recorded their features, those that he could see from their separate boxes, the multiverse seemed to be heading slowly towards a conflict. Prime Minister Ludvik Regievko appeared to be the power of the Coalition it would be his representatives here that would be the bearers of fate.

Even as the Lord Counsel pondered this the Aschen delegates spoke;
"The Aschen Confederations requests a formal apology for the losses incurred, an apology directed at the peoples of Langara, though you expressed your condolences here, the People of Langara are not convinced. Furthermore the Aschen Confederation, feeling wrongfully attacked in this matter requests compensation of some form, not less then, but equal or greater too the loss we incurred while pulling our forces away from Terra."

"We are not out to rule the galaxy, we have no supremacy, the actions of few should not reflect the many, we desire peace and order in this galaxy as much as the Coalition and the Trantor... and are willing to go with the Trantor and offer our hands in a clean slate. We have no interest in controlling or subjugating Terra, and will leave it in the Coalition's capable hands."

Staring at Aschen, the same recording and memorization was conducted; it seemed that while both sides spoke of peace there appeared to be an underlying threat, carefully veiled in the words of diplomacy. The Dreaming Queen would be interested in the political maneuverings that should play out. Settling back into his chair, Lord Counsel rasped to the others, “Slumber…”

Both Skume and Aenhold nodded slowly their Aesr dimmed to crackling energies that flickered between their eye sockets as they allowed the galdhr to wash around them in a soft wave, feeding them information while the dangerous seidhr vibrated and roiled, contained and waiting to be unleashed if needed.

Stracken walks into his new office. With the huge Imperial Skull and wings. Coming about 3 or 4 cm out of the wall. The size of the thing to the wall did not really matter to him at the moment but sometimes this could make all the difference as Stracken sits down the last of his Command staff walk into the room. The youngest was at the age of 49. All had over 45 medals on their chests and at the lowest rank of Commander. As Stracken looks at the command staff as they take a seat. The main table was long and wide. Which desk as the table had reports and computers at it. As Stracken was the leading planner and the commander of all the forces in the Imperium, it was no wonder that he had the staff.
"Have we got everything?" He asks to the Command staff. There was about ten or so but Stracken needed them.
"No sir. The reports for Cadia and Chatachan have still to come in." The youngest says looking at one of the generals who nods at this.
"Sir that is true. The forces on these planets are not able to report due to the fact that they have not made the landing yet. The last report we got was that the landings were about to happen today. This reports were over a week ago and we can not made contact thanks to the fact that there is a huge storm in the warp. "
"Right that makes fact. What is all this shit about the Return of the Imperium? We have it? And all the planets near it. Send a report to the Tau and the UEF to thank them for this wonderful success on the Empire returning." Stracken says as he looks outside to the grounds outside where there was a ton of Imperial Guardsmen and a few Leman Russes. Stracken takes a drink of his cup of tea and then looks at his case of his XN-673. "This is not a front for warfare. This is a peace treaty. Understand?"
"Yes, Sir." Most of the them say while two for uncivil worlds say, "Aye."

As the Members of the high Command staff wall out one of the higher generals stay behind. She had to speak to Stracken on a one to one chat which was rare nowadays thanks to the commands and orders being handed to the regiment that were under the Imperial Command. "Sir, Are you should we should be here as you know...Are not from the same galaxy as the people here? All they talk about is wars and stuff like that. "
Stracken looks at her then to a report on his desk, "You really believe we are here for that reason? To help the people here? No. The hunt is on for that Captain Merciegh and her regiment, General. I am sure you will agree that the main reason we are so far away for our home in the 11th galaxy is to help people? In a way yes you are right but we are helping them get the threat of Captain Merciegh off their backs. The UEF are in the hunt as well as trying to get a place here. Things are hard for everyone right now thanks to the war that those confeds started a month ago." Stracken opens the report and looks up. He was in no mood for crap nor was he in a mood for people commenting on this mission at hand. Getting the mission done was the aim as the Imperium needed the point on the whole intergalactic congress. This could take Terran Years or months but it was the price to pay for a mission at this scale.
"Yes, sir. Oh and while I see you on the matter at hand, there is group of the command staff who want to kill you and have not sent the orders to the other regiments."