Salma Y. H. Khayyam's Story

Never had Salma Khayyam expected to receive an official invitation for a state visit from the Aschen Empire. Since the end of the Tripartite Occupation and Terra's liberation, Terran-Aschen relations had been strained when at their best, and utterly lost to open warfare when at their worst, including through a second occupation early in the TNG's founding era.

The Council had been divided as to whether Khayyam should accept the invitation, but in the end, she took Božidar Dvořák's advice to go. The journey to Langara had taken several days, even at FTL aboard Naval Command One, and Khayyam had busied herself all the while with updated briefings from Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Intelligence about relevant cultural, linguistic, and strategic considerations to bear in mind for the days she would spend with the Aschen's outgoing and incoming Emperors and those who would greet them.

The Terran Prime Minister cut a striking figure -- tall, athletic, and self-assured in her stride, wearing a stylish maroon pantsuit with low heels, her dark hair tied back in a severe look framing aristocratic features in her bronzed complexion. Every step exuded confidence and power -- things the TNG of previous years had not always possessed. At her side were Božidar, a broad-shouldered man who stood a few inches above Khayyam's head, dressed in a neatly pressed suit and somber tie, and Khayyam's wife, Foluyinka Olugbemi. Foluyinka stood several inches shorter than the Prime Minister, and wore her hair in a short, neat afro dyed brownish-orange, dressed in a straight-cut suit and bowtie.

The retinue included Khayyam's chief of staff, Tawara Nelson; her senior policy adviser, Pamela Chen Bonardi; and Admiral Sumeet Das, who commanded the Terran Armed Forces flagship; among others. One of the diplomats was from the Terran Intelligence Bureau, but of course, this would be politely unacknowledged, as was customary in any state visit between sovereign powers. Foluyinka hadn't been entirely sure whether to accompany her wife, but Khayyam had insisted the journey would not be complete without her, and Foluyinka could postpone further surgical dates for a couple of weeks, and so, the good doctor had joined her wife, despite a general desire to stay away from politics and the spotlight.

Once the delegation arrived in the Imperial Palace's grand hall after the parade, Khayyam greeted the assembled Aschen leaders with an inclination of her head and hand over her heart, a small but respectful bow, her retinue following suit. "On behalf of the Terran people, we thank the Aschen Empire for this gracious invitation, and are pleased to join you on Langara," said Khayyam, taking her seat at the table. Her fellow Terrans followed suit. "Langara is a magnificent world, and we are glad for the opportunity to experience it firsthand." She smiled warmly.

The Aschen delegation all reciprocated the warm greetings, while the media assembled in the far side of the room. Representatives from the Ministries of Information, Public Affairs, and Social Harmony, and Communication.

Between the clack, and chime of camera shutters, and the soft background music, it was all around a rather warm, and inviting atmosphere all things considered.

"With the transition of our new government, I'm pleased to announce that the Quorum has decided that it will hear a re negotiation to all in force treaties between the United Aschen Empire, and the Terran National Government; thus we've called you all here to discuss new treaty provisions in earnest, so that they may benefit both Terran, and Aschen as they seek their destinies out amongst the stars." Emperor Prince said, in his opening statement.

"The Eyes of the Empire are upon us today, and I'd like to introduce the delegation whom will be representing the Empire in these proceedings."

Prince slowly gestured to Miles Hagan. "This is Miles Hagan, President, and CEO of Tech Con group; the Quorum has chosen that he serve as Emperor in my stead." The Emperor proclaimed.

"This is Minister Chaska, our Minister of Defense, Chairman of the Military, Gina Inviere, and Claire Hanley, supreme commander of the Imperial Defense Force."

While Prince, and Hagan were imposing in both stature, and gravitas, Admiral Hanley, a face that wasn't involved in any occupations of Terra, was a relatively demure, but intelligent woman.

Chaska and Inviere too were relatively imposing, but their own names bore it's own form of gravitas.

Khayyam, Božidar, Admiral Das, and the others listened carefully until Prince had completed his statement and introductions. Once invited to offer her opening, Khayyam began in like fashion, spreading her hands widely to indicate openness. "The people of Terra gladly join this table and accept the Aschen offering of peace. We seek to achieve mutual prosperity as separate nations comprised of resilient, innovative peoples, and to establish treaties that will benefit both your Empire's many worlds and our own home on Terra, as we continue our journeys among the stars for whatever destinies may be fated for us."

Beside Khayyam, Foluyinka watched patiently, with hands folded neatly, unfamiliar with the dealings of interstellar politics and intrigue.

"With me I am pleased to be joined by Minister Božidar Dvořák of Foreign Affairs, Admiral Sumeet Das of the Terran fleet, my chief of staff Tawara Nelson, my senior adviser Dr. Pamela Chen Bonardi, and my dear wife Dr. Foluyinka Olugbemi." Khayyam gestured to each member of the Terran delegation in turn, and as each was introduced, they again offered a respectful inclination of the head. "We have also traveled with the Intelligence Bureau's Director Arianne Drulović, although she is currently aboard Naval Command One in orbit. We are glad to begin these discussions in earnest, and thank you for your hospitality."

Prince calmly cleared his throat, and gestured to an adjutant, whom passed out some paperwork out to each of the Terran, and Aschen delegations. As the transition of power hadn't occurred quite yet, Prince was still technically Emperor, and would make his first proposal.

"The United Aschen Empire is prepared to grant tourism privileges to citizens of the TNG, without fear of needless detention of penalty." Prince proposed. "In exchange, we would like exclusive mining rights to the continent of Arteghia, and would of course, compensate you for your efforts." Prince said.

Khayyam's practiced eye skillfully caught the most important parts of the documents handed to the Terrans, mentally compartmentalizing the portions requiring attention and negotiation into one category, and placing aside those that were essentially bureaucratic filler language, unnecessary to the core terms the Aschen were proposing. Božidar, Tawara, and Pamela sketched careful notes in the margins, but of course, the proposals before them were not entirely new or unexpected. No such summit took place without advance preparation between all of the parties.

For her part, Foluyinka skimmed the pages politely, but unlike her counterparts in the official delegation, the neurosurgeon was neither a diplomat nor policymaker. It wasn't often that the good doctor found herself outranked by nearly an entire room, not now that she was chief of the renowned neurosurgery department at her hospital.

"We are willing to consider a grant of mining rights, and appreciate the guarantee of compensation in exchange for a transfer of rights," Khayyam said, catching an unreadable glance from Pamela as she spoke. The Terran Prime Minister spoke not merely with the authority of the head of state and head of government in one, but also with the confidence of years of experience as lead negotiating attorney responsible for spearheading numerous interstellar mergers and acquisitions, and several multi-trillion credit contracts offworld. "But Terra would need not only compensation for ceding mining rights, but also compensation of at least 40% of the net profits of any raw material, and 20% of the net profits of any processed or refined material. Additionally, TNG officials must retain inspection and monitoring capacity over site surveying, development, construction, operations, and waste management at any proposed mining sites."

It was more than a fair deal, Božidar thought, though he let Khayyam speak for them both. The Aschen were asking for mining and natural resources rights in perpetuity to an entire continent, and for his part, he thought that Khayyam should have asked for over 50% of all profits of any material.

"Terra appreciates the Empire's willingness to consider open tourism, and repudiate the practice of arbitrary detention of foreign nationals; however, we note that open tourism and refrain from arbitrary detention are also intergalactic norms," Khayyam continued, her tone entirely professional, "and that we would require good faith assurance while considering any transfer of mining rights."

Miles Hagan silently considered their proposal, afterall, a businessman of his stature wasn't successful if they didn't consider all the operating angles. Isambard Prince too silently considered the angles, but he found himself unqualified to make negotiations of this magnitude.

There was a simple exchange between Miles Hagan, and Isambard Prince in Anquietas, before Hagan cleared his throat, and took a glass of water.

"Respectfully, Minister..." Hagan said, leaning forward, and splaying his hands across the table, before folding them neatly, letting them come to rest on the folded paperwork in front of him.

It was a dominant pose taken by a practiced executive. "Fourty percent, is steep... especially when you factor in the twenty five percent tax that Tech Con already has to pay to the Aschen Government, it also costs a great deal to provide security, and logistics for the facilities we're already operating... if we're paying fourty percent net profits, our mining rights must be exclusive, no other entity should be permitted by your government to mine in areas contractually outlined to corporations belonging to the United Aschen Empire. Twenty percent, plus access to Aschen markets with a twenty year exemption to import/export tariffs imposed by this government."

Hagan cleared his throat once more, seemingly trying to dislodge some kind of bug in his throat, before taking another glass of water.

"I'm not talking about the free movement of beans across interstellar borders... I'm talking about the TNG Contracting Aschen companies to use Aschen technology, and resources to build warships, weapons, and goods for the people of Terra... Utilizing the vast manufacturing capabilities of the Aschen Empire; Tax free." Miles explained, garnering suspicious looks from the other Aschen seated in the room. "Not only would we be granting your government access to the minerals we're mining from Terra, but minerals, both raw, and refined from across the Galaxy."

"Tech Con already owns vast tracts of land in Hafirjan, through shell corporations; we employ millions of peasents who would otherwise live in hovels, and mud huts.. bringing them to our standard of living. Their credits contribute to your economy... all we're asking for is your blessing... to extract a few valuable rocks."

"That's my counteroffer, Honorable Prime Minister."

Both Inviere, and Hanley quietly paused, before Hanley stood up, and inclined her head.

"My Lords... Honorable TNG Delegates... an individual known as Thrawn has just arrived... apparently to negotiate permission to construct some sort of defense force, May I be excused so I may greet him?"

Inviere offered her own nod, scratching some notations in Anquietas.

"Yes... he's apparently made quite a few waves among Aschen intelligence circles... but... Acting in this manner... is that not beyond his station? With respect... Ministers." The Military Chairman inquired.

It had been some time since the inspection of the Rebirth as the first in her class of Terran Defense Destroyers. Evidently the Aschen didnt find anything overtly wrong with it, and their inspection went well. Thrawn's inspection, likewise, went well. It was with this in mind, that Thrawn sent a communicae to the Prime Minister of the Terran National Government.

TO: Prime Minister Khayyam, Defense Minister Varona.

FROM: Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo, Terran Defense Fleet.

SUBJECT: Fleet Expansion.

I write to you in confidence about the new addition I wish to include within our Defense Fleet, the Rebirth Class of Planetary Defense Destroyers. Attatched to this letter is a description of the Rebirth's abilities and the resources needed to field such a ship. The cost is included as well.

It has performed admirably in static combat tests used on Dummy Targets, and proven able to take a substantial amount of punishment before the shields are depleted, and moreso before the hull shows damage. The weapons used include projectile and energy weapons.

Furthermore, the Rebirth has passed inspections from not only myself, but also the Aschen. It meets the criteria set forth by agreement I came to with the Aschen while negotiating for the expansion of our Military. It's strength will rely on numbers and coordination.

I welcone further inspection as well as questions if you have any.

Sincerely,

Mitth'raw'nuruodo.

Sending the message off, Thrawn waited a moment fir confirmation of its sending via the appropriate encrypted channel before returning to his meditations, studying the art of the various peoples of this galaxy.

It had been some time since the inspection of the Rebirth as the first in her class of Terran Defense Destroyers. Evidently the Aschen didnt find anything overtly wrong with it, and their inspection went well. Thrawn's inspection, likewise, went well. It was with this in mind, that Thrawn sent a communicae to the Prime Minister of the Terran National Government.

TO: Prime Minister Khayyam, Defense Minister Varona.

FROM: Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo, Terran Defense Fleet.

SUBJECT: Fleet Expansion.

I write to you in confidence about the new addition I wish to include within our Defense Fleet, the Rebirth Class of Planetary Defense Destroyers. Attatched to this letter is a description of the Rebirth's abilities and the resources needed to field such a ship. The cost is included as well.

It has performed admirably in static combat tests used on Dummy Targets, and proven able to take a substantial amount of punishment before the shields are depleted, and moreso before the hull shows damage. The weapons used include projectile and energy weapons.

Furthermore, the Rebirth has passed inspections from not only myself, but also the Aschen. It meets the criteria set forth by agreement I came to with the Aschen while negotiating for the expansion of our Military. It's strength will rely on numbers and coordination.

I welcone further inspection as well as questions if you have any.

Sincerely,

Mitth'raw'nuruodo.

Sending the message off, Thrawn waited a moment fir confirmation of its sending via the appropriate encrypted channel before returning to his meditations, studying the art of the various peoples of this galaxy.

The reply, when Thrawn received it about two standard hours later, was curt and pointed, signed first by Defense Minister Varona, and second by Foreign Affairs Minister Dvořák.

The seal at the top of the communique, provided on holographic facsimile of the old world style parchment, was that of the Defense Ministry. Prime Minister Khayyam's seal was absent.

Admiral Mitth'raw'nuruodo, you are to return to Wing City at once to explain your extracurricular activities with the Aschen Empire. The Ministry will take no further action regarding the proposed Rebirth class planetary destroyer until disposing of this matter of utmost importance. Court martial remains an option.

The message would hover on the Chimera's screen for as long as Thrawn permitted, gracing the Chiss with its cold contempt.

Thrawn expected his activities to be called into question. But the threat of Court Martial was not what he expected. He sent a simple message of acknowledgement and closed the message. He stood, and made his way to the hangar. His Lambda class shuttle awaited him, as did his guards. He took his seat, and the shuttle took off.

It was time to face the consequences of his actions.

Thrawn expected his activities to be called into question. But the threat of Court Martial was not what he expected. He sent a simple message of acknowledgement and closed the message. He stood, and made his way to the hangar. His Lambda class shuttle awaited him, as did his guards. He took his seat, and the shuttle took off.

It was time to face the consequences of his actions.

A single Lambda Shuttle arced its way through the atmosphere and over the skyline of Wing City. Under orders from the higher powers within the government, Admiral Thrawn returned to the city for questioning. The shuttle's wings lifted and the landing legs extended as it hovered over the landing pad. The faint triangle of the Chimaera loomed over the planet near the Moon.

The shuttle landed, the ramp dropped, and Thrawn's guards marched down in a double file line, relaxed but alert. Thrawn exited the shuttle in the center of the formation. His blue skin, and blue black hair a sharp contrast to his glowing red eyes and sharply pressed white Grand Admiral's uniform. Might as well dress his best for this meeting.

The armor of Thrawn's Personal Guard of Kinara clones likewise looked its best. Freshly polished and maintained to look brand new. The blue and black designs seeming to shift in the day light, the dark red visors seeming to glow dimly as they took in the world around them. Their rifles were set on safe.

At the edge of the landing pad a Sergeant stood, waitimg for Thawn, who stopped in front of the non-commissioned officer.

"Good Afternoon, Sergeant." the chiss greeted. "I assume you are here to escort me to the meeting? If so, lead the way." Thrawn's tone was nothing but polite, but regardless carried the Authority of his rank.

Sergeant Matthias Hartblay had been enjoying his morning, the day thus far demarcated by his usual ten kilometer run at dawn, a thoroughly unremarkable breakfast in the mess on base, and the generally quite uneventful slog of interior guard duty by the suborbital/atmospheric space/aircraft landing pad and hangar. The afternoon, Hartblay suspected, would not give him the courtesy of remaining as pleasant as the earlier part of the day.

Hartblay had been briefed on Admiral Thrawn's imminent arrival, potentially to face court-martial, if not a more thorough dressing-down from Defense Minister Varona himself. That latter possibility, Hartblay had deduced from the Minister's motorcade arriving about an hour before the Lambda shuttle touched down. How he would hate to be in the admiral's shoes today.

He and his fellow soldiers sharing guard duty saluted, as was proper, when Thrawn disembarked, and he had to take a moment to steel himself as he found himself face-to-face with the famed Chiss.

"Good afternoon, sir," Hartblay responded, meeting Thrawn's eyes and betraying no outward reaction of his own. "If you'll follow me, right this way." He turned to lead the admiral toward the base's main administrative building, an imposing structure of concrete and steel with sparse decorative motifs along the eaves, engraved with the seals of the Terran National Government and the Terran Armed Forces Central Command. As they walked, Hartblay snuck a glimpse at Thrawn's figure, never having had the chance to lay eyes on the Chiss before.

Their destination was neither the warren of security posts by the main entrance, nor the grander halls reserved for the generals pondering war and defensive postures, but rather a small, disappointing conference room with simple furniture and walls without adornment save for a ticking clock and a framed portrait of Minister Varona. The stately portrait, done with the Terran flag as backdrop, was no match for the man himself, seated at the head of the table, his hand resting thoughtfully on his chin, eyes raking Thrawn as the Chiss entered.

Hartblay felt a sudden, overwhelming urge to flee immediately, but instead saluted Varona, waiting for his dismissal.

That's when he noticed that Minister Varona was not alone. Standing against the wall, behind Varona, was the Foreign Affairs Minister, a wider, fatter man than Varona's muscular and lanky form. Where Varona's dark, tightly curled hair fell about his chin shoulders, framing a neatly trimmed mustache and beard, Minister Dvořák's greying dark hair had grown out wildly, his beard full and untamed. What both men shared though, was their unforgiving stare, resting on Thrawn.

When Varona spoke, his voice cut.

"Sit."

Thrawn returned the Salute as needed, and nodded, following the man as directed. His Guard likewise followed, maintaining their formation around them. Thrawn's glowing red eyes hold a steely expression, and his face was unnervingly neutral. The Chiss' stature was very similar to a human's, however he held himself with confidence and strength. The door to the chamber opened, and the Sergeant salutes to the people inside.

There is a strong distaste for the situation in the Sergeant's body language. His muscles stiffen. Minister Varona's expression is stern and unyeilding, as is the other man, who Thrawn is not familiar with. Thrawn sits as instructed, and his guards stand at parade rest with their rifles outside the chamber door as the door closes.

The situation is tense.

Thrawn takes a moment after he sits to smooth his uniform, then turns his Glowing Red Eyes to the ministers before him.

"Good Afternoon." he greeted cordially.

Hartblay's undress grays contrasted noticeably with Thrawn's dress whites, with Varona's combat blacks, and Božidar's civilian suit and tie. (A necktie that Božidar seemed only to tolerate minimally.) It was an odd sight, the mismatched uniforms with the lone civilian holdout, though Božidar knew Varona ​― technically a civilian now that he was Defense Minister and not Grand Admiral, the rank that only Fātiḥ Sayılgan had ever held in the Terran Armed Forces ​― had chosen uniform to send a not so subtle message about his position today. It occurred to ​Božidar that Grand Admiral Sayılgan's absence from the meeting might also serve as some message to the insubordinate Chiss. After all, Thrawn fell under Sayılgan's command, and Sayılgan under Varona and then Prime Minister Khayyam.

Varona struck an imposing figure, his long curls suggesting a bit of rebelliousness not typical of a career soldier, the sleek black metal of his wheelchair suggesting what sacrifices he'd made through his service, his combat blacks suggesting he had no time for nonsense, frivolity, or the shenanigans of recalcitrant upstarts and miscreants. With the sterile air of the base's conference room and the faint hum of the HVAC system churning in the background, the setup laid bare the lines of power. No need for such ostentatious shows and crass dick-measuring contests, as the intelligence director would often say. Varona tilted his chin back ever so slightly, dismissing the old crone's voice from his head.

There were about a half dozen things Varona could say, and he'd run through each of them before Thrawn's shuttle had even landed. Most of the scenarios he'd envisioned ended with him throttling or impaling the Chiss to great satisfaction. But out of respect (however little) to his colleague, Varona instead chose to keep it simple and at least physically nonviolent.

"What the ever-loving fuck do you think you've been doing out there, admiral?"

And only from Varona, and perhaps one or two other people at most ― the intelligence director among them, could the rank of "admiral" come out sounding like the most foul and degrading insult.

As if in afterthought, Varona dismissed Hartblay, who all but fled the room, the door shutting noiselessly behind him.

Thrawn was eerily quiet for a moment. His expression and eyes likewise eerily calm. They blinked slowly, before focusing on Varona.

"An Attempt to bolster our military, which I have found to be severely lacking in strength against significant threats." he answered honestly. His smooth voice continued the trend of eerie calm. "That is the first answer, and only one that covers the rest of my intentions.

"In truth, i was gaining intel on our enemies. To defeat your enemy you must know them. Beyond their military might." he continued. "I have been able to observe Aschen and Taiyou Culture, as well as acquire some pieces of Art for study. In doing so, I am beginning to paint a picture on how to properly defend against them, as well as destroy them." he finished. He fell quiet after that. Best to get this disciplinary action done before doing anything regarding the new ships, as well as the other plans for the new Defense Fleet he wants to build for Terra.

Hopefully this wouldn't turn into anything more than one hell of a slap on the wrist.

Varona considered Thrawn in front of him. Though he was noticeably below Thrawn's eye level when both were sitting, and to the uninitiated observer physically disadvantaged in comparison by far, Varona's presence was vast.

"We are all familiar with basic strategy, admiral." His tone was flat and unimpressed. "Political and cultural analysis belong to Foreign Affairs and Intelligence, which I might add, have both developed substantial expertise on the Taiyou and Aschen, without your unsolicited 'help.' Or have you somehow managed to advance this far without even the smallest modicum of intelligence necessary to minimally grasp your particular and limited role in our defense infrastructure?"

Well said, Božidar seemed to say with his eyes, burning fiercely.

"I'm going to put it more plainly," the enormous, bearded Foreign Affairs Minister said, speaking for the first time since Thrawn had arrived. "You think you've been helping, but you've gone and fucked up a shitton of sensitive operations in not just my department, but for the fucking TIB too. You've done the exact opposite of help. You've made things actively worse. So thank you for all the fucking help."

Thrawn's eyes blinked and his eyebrows raised. Now he began to understand his transgressions. He let each of his current opponents talk, and then blinked again, his face still unnervingly calm. His voice was chilled to match. "I apologize if I have caused any irreversible issues. That was not my intent. I also now understand that I do not have the same power and authority to do as I see fit, in the name of the greater good, as I did before coming to this Galaxy." he said.

"If it will help my case, I will gladly share all the information I have gleaned. Perhaps I have found something that you have not." Thrawn's glowing red eyes turned to Božidar, and narrowed slightly.

As Grand Admiral of the Empire, Thrawn was allowed a very lengthy Leash to do as he pleased on the border region of the Galactic Empire and the Unknown Regions of the Galaxy. He knew what was out there, and was able to do what he thought was needed without question from his crew. There were very few at or above his level who would, or could stop him. He had the Emperor's Blessing. But this was not the Galactic Empire. This was the Terran National Government. He was not a Grand Admiral, just a regular Admiral. Perhaps he could work his way back up to a similar Rank.

"Try me, then," Božidar said, having adopted a wide stance, shoulders back, one arm akimbo, the other resting, for now. His tone was thoroughly uninviting.

Varona leaned back slightly, not ceding anything so much as widening the space between where he and Božidar were in the room and where Thrawn now sat, the object of their collective fury.

"And you should know," Varona added with contempt, "I've already ordered the Legal Corps to draw up papers for your court martial, and I'm very keen to file."

At the news for the imminent Court Martial, Thrawn's face goes grim, and the usual stoic visage gives way to one that hints at worry and stress. Swallowing hard, Thrawn's glowing red eyes move to Božidar once more, and he begins to speak. First he explains that approximately eighty percent of what he was about to explain came from his study of the Aschen and Taiyou pieces of Art that he'd acquired through his travels. He didn't say how he got them. After his brief explanation, Thrawn would go on to give out every piece of information that he had, including cultural, spiritual, and war-faring details. He went over in great detail strategies that he believed would work extremely well against both factions - strategies and theories that could be run in simulations in secret to see if they were accurate. They would be entirely accurate. Past that, he went into more detail about the cultural reasons as to why these strategies would work so well, but was also quick to concede that they would only work a handful of times against the Aschen, with their advanced AI, EVE, watching over everything.

Of all the information he shared, only half was brand new to the TNG. That being said, however, the sheer amount of information that he'd gleamed in such a short time from so little exposure to either culture through actually being there or through their art was astonishing. He'd gleamed a similar amount of information as the past three years of espionage put together. And half of it was brand new information that would help in every aspect in the event that war broke out.

He went on to further explain, if allowed, that the new classes of Ships he wished to build for the TNG's fleet would be able to perfectly pull off the strategies needed to swiftly win the first few decisive battles, if the need arose.