Taiyou Imperial Palace

Kendra took a small sip of the green tea she had been poured, as she considered the words. "A peaceful resolution when the majority of the noble houses within your government support war?" Kendra asked, placing the small cup of tea on a wooden tray.

"Ultimately, the decision to get involved is not up to me." Kendra admitted. "The Aschen are a capable, and resourceful people, I have full confidence they can defend themselves."

Kendra picked up the tea, and took another sip, watching Dorsun carefully.

"If you intend to stave off conflict, then I applaud you, but if your plan fails. The Taiyou Empire will be poised to strike, quickly, and without hesitation." The Empress Dowager warned. "Ultimately, any military decisions are up to the Emperor, I will bring this matter before the Cabinet, and the Imperial General Headquarters, with reservations of course."

William sighs, then looks up at Kendra with tired eyes. "Tell me... Have you or your aides ever heard of something known as the Tyranid Race? What about the Zerg? Perhaps you may know of the Anthiron or the Stratos?"

"To make an overly long explanation short, each of these species can be considered a plague, much like some verminide species of insect, locusts for example. Each of these creatures have a number of advantages that allows them to defeat any adversary they come across, but with all of them the first thing most any civilization notices is the sheer numbers they bring to bear."

"Now... each of these species also has a weakness that can and is often exploited for the purpose of defeating and turning them back, however they cannot be entirely destroyed simply because of their nature. They survive almost anything that does not immediately kill them. In some cases, total annihilation of all life in a sector is the only means of ensuring their destruction."

William shook his head. "I bring them up because Asylia is very similar to them in a number of ways. We are very, very, very numerous. Our kind has always been quite comfortable with procreation, to the point that it is not uncommon for most Asylian Women in their later cycles to give rise to upwards of fourteen children or more. Unlike many other civilizations we don't practice any form of population control. You may think such things may lead to our worlds becoming overpopulated and subsequently destroyed, but we've long since mastered the ability of creating space where none is to be had."

"However, there is one distinct difference between us and any standard swarm. And that is that nothing you can do will stop the first assault."

"I do not mean that as a threat, merely as a statement of fact. Your Aschen Allies are strong, of that there is no doubt, but they do not have our numbers, they do not have our technology. The attacks they have recently weathered are not a true invasion, but rather small scale skirmishes, intended not to have any lasting impact, but to study, and learn, from their efforts. "In short, if the full might of Asylia's military force is brought to bear, the Aschen will fall. They may hold out for a few months, but they will fall, in the same way that a barricade cannot hope to hold back a tide of magma from a volcano forever. With that same analogy, the only way to stop this from happening is to cool the forces arrayed against them, to prevent the surge from being unleashed before it can sweep them away."

Dorsun's Guardian chuckles quietly to himself, shaking his head at his charges efforts. William himself scowled at the man before turning back to Kendra. "I understand if you do not believe me, or if you hold faith in your allies. I'm certain your history has given you very good reasons to believe that the Aschen will never fall. And in all normal circumstances you would be correct... However... Asylia is very much like the Aschen in a number of ways. We rose up from dark beginnings, we conquered our own demons, and proceeded to fight each other for supremacy. The main difference between the Aschen Empire, and the Asylian one, is that ours has simply been around for longer." He said with a shake of his head. "The experience the Aschen Empire has in warfare can never compare to Asylia, which has been fighting since the stars your world orbits were young and yet to burn"

"I'm familiar with the hive races." Kendra replied. "And I'm no stranger to overwhelming numbers. The Taiyou Empire fields the largest army I have ever seen, We have trillions of people across billions of planets, with a unified shogunate, we can field endless numbers. For every Taiyou soldier that dies, ten thousand take his place, such are our numbers." Kendra explained, shifting her weight on the cushion.

"One of the reasons the Aschen have never challenged us. And You're correct, the Aschen Empire couldn't hope to defend themselves against the sheer numbers brought to bear, while they will be able to put up quite the fight, they would inevitably fall through sheer attrition alone." Kendra admitted.

"The Problem lies in the sheer logistical impossibility of exterminating another space-faring, sapient species." She added. "We have interests in the Galaxy, and we would act to defend those interests, irrespective to the goals of the Aschen." Kendra explained, taking another sip of her tea.

A look of confidence crossed her face, and she leaned forward just slightly. "While your forces are numerous, and without end, the Aschen would fall against their sheer number..."

Kendra's expression darkened considerably.

"But when the Aschen Empire falls, and they will undoubtedly fall against an overwhelming onslaught." Kendra leaned forward, and placed the teacup down.

"The Aschen as a people will have dispersed out among the intergalactic void, and every single Asylian that crosses the threshold into the Milky Way Galaxy will simply cease to exist."

Kendra picked up her teacup, and took another sip.

"This is an inalienable fact, and the precise reason why it would be in the best interest to all involved, that all notions of this genocide be dismissed, and a peaceful solution be found. The supporters of this unfounded genocide need to be found, and silenced." Kendra said flatly.

"The Taiyou Empire will do it's part, but if the voices that would doom us all become too loud, the Taiyou Empire will have no choice but to act."

William Dorsun frowned as he listened. This had not at all gone the way it had looked to him, and he looked up at the woman as she finished. A question leapt to the tip of his tongue, but he mentally shook his head and bowed to her. "I thank you for your understanding, and would like your permission to explain the other reason why I have been sent here. Specifically, the reason given to me by her highness Princess Halena Auroran Vassari Asylia" He said, filing away the womans words away for future contemplation. While he might not be able to understand why this Kendra was so willing to change her mind when it seemed all but impossible, he knew very well that her highness would be able to utilize the information and dig out the secrets hidden within them.

Kendra steeled her gaze for a moment, and then inclined her head.

"Speak." She replied.

William bowed once more and then began his script, endeavoring to explain his ladies plan as best as possible.

"Asylian royal Politics essentially boil down to a contest to gain the Kings favor in an attempt to convince him to decide something beneficial to ones plans. However, all of the power lays solely within the Kings hands, and his word is absolute law."

"The King is an incredibly wise, kind, and compassionate man. War is NOT his desire, and he only agreed to have Gianoa Orta engage the Aschen because he was convinced that they are an irredeemably corrupt nation that would only spread destruction and devastation to the universe."

"However, her highness the princess has determined that this is not the case, and that the Aschen are at the very least certainly redeemable. She endeavors to prove this by bringing her father, and the Aschen Emperor, in direct contact with each other. By allowing the two monarchs to meet, His majesty can be convinced of the truth, and with that, he can be convinced to end the war immediately, thereby sparing the Aschen and ending the needless bloodshed and destruction."

"To this end, I am charged by My Lady to convince your empire to facilitate the meeting between The King and the Aschen Emperor, and hide the fact under the guise of the Taiyou meeting with His majesty to facilitate a ceasefire agreement, as was my original purpose."

Kendra rubbed her chin slightly, and nodded. "Ambitious." She said. "Bringing the Asylian king to meet with the Aschen Emperor under false pretenses." She stroked her chin some more, and rested her hands in her lap, interlacing her fingers.

"Royal politics are always the same, the Princess' plan is solid, but there is more." Kendra said, frowning. "If someone in Asylian society is championing for war, then the King putting a stop to hostilities is only a temporary measure. The Aschen are above all else, isolationist, I'm somewhat surprised he agreed without all of the facts. It doesn't paint Asylian society in a very good light, but I suppose what's what the Princess is trying to stop."

"Very well, I'll contact the Aschen, and arrange for the Emperor to meet with me under the pretext of coordinating our efforts against the Asylians, and the King will come under the pretext of a ceasefire. We'll get the two of them into the same room, and let the games begin."

Kendra chuckled. The Irony wasn't lost on her.

Once more William bowed and gave thanks to her. He then added "With your permission ma'am, I would like to reach out to my contacts to inform them of my successful endeavors, and begin relaying the news that the Taiyou wish to speak with His majesty in regards to the ceasefire."

Dorsun's guardian had a wide eyed and impressed look on his face, like someone who had just witnessed a man do something nigh on impossible.

Kendra inclined her head, and then slowly stood up. "I have a few of my own calls to make." She regarded William for a moment with another respectful nod.

She began to walk out of the room, a renewed sense of purpose crossing her face.

Some time Later...

As the sun slowly began to rise over Niihama City, Emperor Takayama once again took his throne, deep within the secure confines of the Imperial Palace of the Taiyou Empire.

He opened up his agenda, and turned the page. An Ambassador from a nation that called itself Asylia had paid them a visit, and apparently something called the Kroniktan Alliance laid claim over Gaia. Shimizu frowned, and furrowed his brow as he studied the information in front of him.

"So the Savages committed mass suicide, they have no honor, and they died like cowards." The Emperor said to himself.

"It's not enough that they committed suicide... we should burn all evidence of their civilization, and erase them from the tides of history." Shimizu said to himself once more.

"No Yukiko, I will not yield to these Kroniktans, they deny us rightful vengeance. Send them a diplomatic invitation. I wish to hear their claims, and challenge them!" The Emperor instructed, before he turned to one of his adjutants.

"Find Mr. Dorsun if he's still here, and send him to me."

A scroll materialized before Emperor Takayama. It appeared with a puff of smoke and fire, and it bore a seal of red and gold with the emblem of a lion. Strange foreign script surrounded the seal, but within was a flowing script that would be legible in the Emperor's native language.

---

From the desk of Priest-King Neodin Shadowslayer the Great, Lord of the Twelve Houses, King of Arydia, High Chancellor of the Khroniktan Alliance, High Priest of The Way of the Flame, and Prophet of Ha’Ari.

Blessings and wisdom to His Excellency, Emperor Takayama of Greater Niihama;

My prayers are lifted up on your behalf, Emperor Takayama, for your health and for the well-being of your sister. I sympathize with your outrage at the dishonorable conduct you and your people suffered at the hands of your pagan hosts, and my heart aches for the lives lost. Rest assured, however, that those responsible have joined their ancestors in the dust and await their judgment in the End Days. They are dead and replaced by a new generation that I hope will be more malleable and receptive to wisdom.

It is my hope that this unfortunate incident can be set aside in favor of a mutually beneficial future of cooperation. The Khroniktan Alliance has a vested interest in the planet of Gaia, and we have claimed a sliver of it according to divine providence. Thus, any military action by you or any other galactic power on the world may put my own citizens at risk. I am sure you understand why I would want to avoid such a thing, as well as avoid making an enemy out of a potential friend in these dark times.

I would wish to meet face to face at your convenience to discuss these matters as one sovereign to another.

Blessings and health in the name of Ha’Ari.

Sincerely,

Priest-King Neodin Shadowslayer, High Chancellor of the Khroniktan Alliance

William Dorsun and his Guardian had taken up a temporary residence in an inn, or at least that was the mindset they took. The truth was they had been directed to this place to stay until another meeting could be made with the emperor, or his aide.

William himself was, as ever, busy with multiple documents, paperwork, scanning reports, and all other sorts of things. His Guardian was cooking breakfast on a small portable device that unfolded into a functional galley. Thanks to the use of a number of spells, a small, multi sectioned backpack contained a large array of ingredients and supplies, all kept at perfect temperature.

The Portable Restaurant was a standard for all Asylian Ambassadors, as one could never trust that foreign food would be edible to Asylian Physiology, or that if it was it would not cause complications to digestion. Ambassadors had to represent their country, and so it was paramount that they be able to function in public at all times. Thus being able to supply their own food at all times was a necessity.

Of course, being offered a meal was another matter, and for that, preparation would be taken in the form of pharmaceuticals that would protect against ill effect of food and the like, as well as poison.

Regardless, the meal being prepared was eggs benedict, with a rasher of bacon and a glass of Guiro Juice. Two trays of the meal were readied, and the Guardian placed William's down before him, as he himself took a seat off to one side and began enjoying is breakfast.

In all likelihood, Dorsun would not eat, and The Guardian would end up having two meals, so he had made both small enough to compensate.

Seated in his throne room, Shimizu began going over several documents. He had been recovered from the brutal attack he had suffered, and he was eager to get back to ruling his Empire. Placed in front of him was a tray with hot, jasmine green tea, and a few small, shallow cups with which to enjoy the tea. Shimizu took a sip of the tea thoughtfully, as he awaited for his adjutant to fetch Dorsun.

---

William Dorsun and his guardian were kept in a special wing of the Imperial Palace where diplomats were permitted to stay, that way they could have quick access to the diplomatic staff, and the Emperor to discuss any vital diplomatic details. The room was luxurious, with hardwood floors, traditional Taiyou artwork, and an assortment of newspapers, magazines, and a television if they chose to partake in the study of Taiyou culture.

There were three knocks at the door, a young Adjutant standing outside, when someone came to answer the door the adjutant would offer a deep, polite bow.

"Sumimasen." He said aloud. "The Emperor will see you now."

William returned the bow and stood, leaving his guardian to follow behind. As was expected, William had not eaten his breakfast, and the Guardian had cleaned both plates of the small meals. The portable restaurant was packed away and left behind in the room, and the two of them left to meet with the emperor.

"So... this mean they decided to listen to us?" The Guardian whispered to Dorsun as they walked.

"Not easy to say. Let's not speculate until we know for certain." He replied.

"heh, you always say that. Never act until you've gone over everything at least five times, and even then only the smallest of corrections." Was the Guardian's response.

The two followed the Adjutant to the emperor.

The Adjutant lead them through several corridors to the main Imperial throne room. The room itself was grand, with stained hardwood flooring, which gave way to a recessed area that was paved with Tatami mats, and a small table with cushions situated around it.

There was a long red carpet that was flanked by two statues that looked like cobras, their eyes were open, and their fangs were bared, it was a new addition that had been requested by the Emperor to complement his tastes. Each cobra had green gems for eyes, that seemed to shimmer in the soft orange light.

Shimizu himself was wearing his formal kimono, which consisted of a black fabric that bore subdued designs much like the statues in the throne room, subdued matte patterns of cobras with their fangs bared. This was so Shimizu would send a specific message without outright sending it. He remained seated, with two young women on either side of him, his two sisters, Princess Yukiko, and Princess Sakura, both in their formal Kimono attire, Yukiko chose a light floral pattern, with stylized cranes, and flowers adorning the garment, with a contrasting gold Obi, while Sakura wore a red Kimono, with the yellow chrysanthemum emblem emblazoned on the fabric.

Standing directly behind Shimizu, behind his throne were two men wearing formal attire, carrying ornate wooden rods that seemed to pulse, and shimmer with strange cosmic energy, they were rods crafted from the wood of the Royal Tree Tenju, and crystallized with it's sap, both were artifacts of great power.

Tucked in Shimizu'z Obi was a similar looking wooden sword hilt, Tenchi Ken, and it too seemed to pulse, and radiate with immense hyper-dimensional power that was unique in the universe.

Shimizu quietly watched as the Adjutant escorted William and his Guardian closer to the throne room, past the serpentine statues that seemed to watch as they passed by, or was it just the way the light reflected in the gemstone eyes.

Shimizu kept his hands folded in his lap, seated on an ornately carved wooden throne, as the Adjutant bowed deeply.

"Tennoheika." He said, before turning to leave.

Shimizu slowly brought his eyes up to William, whispering to one of the guardians behind him.

"Ambassador Dorsun, welcome to Niihama. I apologize for the delay in meeting with you, but I was otherwise preoccupied." The Emperor said, snapping his fingers, two young maidens approached, setting plush pillow in front of both William, and his Guardian.

"Please." Shimizu said, gesturing to the cushions.

"I understand you wish for the Taiyou Empire to refrain from assisting our august allies, the Aschen Empire." Shimizu said aloud. "You have shared much with my mother, and the Aschen have shared some intelligence that I find quite disturbing. The Aschen are a peaceful people, and yet, your government finds it necessary to cross swords." The Emperor added.

"It is reasonable to say then; that is why you are here."

William took his seat upon the cushion, the guardian however stood.

William took a moment, and a slight bow to the emperor, to explain. "I apologise for any appearance of disrespect to you on my Guardians behalf, but the Guardians hold to a strict set of rules that cannot be broken, less they forfeit their very souls. As such, he shall not take rest until this meeting of ours is adjourned."

Continuing, William addressed the emperors words indirectly. "The Aschen may indeed be a peaceful people, and outwardly so all signs say such, but their history paints a very different picture. And it is that history that concerns the leaders of my people, the Knadan specifically. For among our kind there stands a logic that has held true for generations immemorial, that evil must be destroyed utterly, lest it be allowed to grow again from the roots."

"The Kingdom of Asylia holds that the Aschen, though now peaceful, engaged in acts of war across the universe, and likewise enacted depraved stratagems of cruelty and abuse. By the Knadan of Orta, such an evil must be wholly vanquished in entirety, lest it return to power."

"His majesty the King has given leave to the Knadan to enact this campaign, and as such it will not be contested, nor will any other stand in his way. But you yourself, and your people, are of a noble heritage. The Knadan shall suffer no allies of the Aschen to impede his crusade, and any who set themselves in his path shall be destroyed utterly."

"I Mean this not as a threat, but as a dire warning, though your people are strong, the Knadan is beyond you, the forces he holds are beyond you, and if you engage him, you shall be swept away as weeds on the path of a mighty storm."

"But this does not need to be your fate. His Majesty the King is benevolent and kind, and would welcome your people as allies, if you find it fitting to leave the Aschen to their fate, and join yours with Asylia. I know such an action may be seen as dishonorable, but in history many terrible sins have been committed by those who could have been stopped, if their advisors and allies had just been willing to stand for justice. Asylia does not ask that you betray the Aschen, nor that you risk your own forces in a conflict not of your making. We ask only that you refrain from taking part of this war."

The Guardian stood silently during this, his body as still that it might be a statue all it's own, the armor gleaming and glowing softly in the shallow darkness of this place.

Shimizu quietly listened to William as he tried to justify the actions of the Knadan, and the actions of his people, he listened to them intently, committing every word to memory, every motion, every syllable. His keen eyes watched the guardian, in his statuesque stillness, and they watched his surroundings.

Shimizu didn’t seem to react, he merely listened, and contemplated his response.

It was the perfect poker face, the only giveaway was his eyes, they watched William like a predator waiting for his moment to strike.

Shimizu parted his lips to speak, his voice sharp, his words clear as they echoed through the halls of the Imperial Palace.

“Your Knadan is as ignorant, as he is foolish.” Shimizu commented, shifting his weight to lean slightly to the left, his slender fingertips wrapping around a cup of hot tea. You might be able to destroy the Aschen state, topple their institutions, overthrow their government, cleanse their worlds. Such things are certainly feasible to someone so powerful. But if your Knadan wishes to utterly destroy the Aschen, then we are already enemies, and your visit here is a fool’s errand. Mr. Dorsun.”

Shimizu took a sip, there was something odd about the way he sat there, a strange lack of substance, an ethereal state of his physical presence, subtle artifacts in his appearance. A keen eye would note that Shimizu wasn't actually there, but was broadcasting from aboard the Soja some sort of lifelike, three-dimensional holographic projection. He had refused to leave the relative safe confines of the Soja since the Vikings attacked him, and his guardians.

“We are treaty bound to protect the Aschen, we are treaty bound to ensure their continued prosperity. Your wars of aggression will be met with the full fighting force of every space-faring civilization in two galaxies." Shimizu said, his tone cold.

"United, we will face you, and we will prevail." Shimizu said, his tone resolute, unwavering. "You'll have to kills us all, and any notion of justice will evaporate, as more, and more civilizations rise up to challenge your unrepentant aggression."

Shimizu leaned back into the throne, which flickered subtly.

"Your king will live long enough, just to see himself become the villain."

To this William nodded and said. "You were correct in your regard of the Knadan, he is and has behaved foolishly. His nature is that of a reckless warlord who believes his might to be inconquerable."

"However, that is where the extent of things ends." William added, raising a finger to punctuate his statement. "As is a requirement of diplomats, regardless of their origin, I have taken the liberty of studying and coming to understand your culture and governmental structure."

"In any other circumstance, I would never have come here, because you are very much right. My presence is a fools errand, to convince one noble and just kingdom to turn on it's allies, to abandon all notions of honor and integrity." William issued his statements with a clean, crisp voice brooking no interruption. "However, Your nation and my own are very similar. Your kingdom spans across a great deal of territory, and in order to maintain control of that territory, you have a system of lesser rulers designated to maintain your order. This is a similar state of affairs to Asylia, for the Knadan are a group of five individuals, each of which commanding the unyielding might of Asylia's military. However, the Knadan themselves answer to the King."

"The Knadan of Orta is the one in command of this campaign against the Aschen, and his force is the largest. With your permission, I would share with you the full scope and strength of the forces he commands. I would do this freely, so that you would understand two things. The first being the full breadth of what is arrayed against the Aschen, and the second my own honor and desire to prevent the destruction of your own people."

"You say that my king would find himself the villain, but what you fail to understand is that my king would find no qualms with this. The whole of the universe could come crashing down, but he is the mountain. No matter how the wind howls, it will never bring him down."


With this said, William snapped his fingers, and his Guardian stepped forward and placed a small silver disc upon the floor directly before William, before returning to his position.

William paused a moment, then continued "This device is known as a Dream Mirror among our people, it is designed to allow one to see places beyond ones own reckoning. With this, I would show you our forces as they come. Will you permit it?"

William would wait only a moment for the emperor to give his permission, before proceeding to activate the device. Shortly after, a display would form over the mirror, expanding outward to give a view of a galaxy, with all its myriad lights and stars.

And here, William grew very grim, he slowly expanded the image of the supposed galaxy, zooming in closer and closer to an individual light, getting closer and closer until finally, the image rendered an object. A small crystalline vessel, surrounded by the flowing lines and symbols indicative of sigil craft and driven by a number of relatively small flames, projected from arcane circles erected around the vertices of the crystalline structure.

William then began to zoom out again, until once more the image appeared that of a galaxy equal in size to that of this one. William was silent during this entire display, but the implication was all over his face. Only after he had returned to the original image encompassing the whole of the invasion force, did he speak. "As I stated previously, your majesty, Knadan Orta may seem foolish to you, but when one possesses power equal to this, one may be afforded such an image."

"And I am afraid that this is not the extent of his force, but merely a preliminary assault force. Ortaen doctrine follows a very cautious pattern, that leaves many of it's soldiers alive far longer than they might have any right to. First they will introduce an probing team consisting of a handful of strike carriers, whose purpose is only to gauge reactions and adaptation. Then, a preliminary invasion force is sent to judge the ability of an enemy to withstand all out assault."

William then expanded the image out yet further, revealing a curious, galactic cloud behind the original, as if several hundred galaxies were overlapping and conjoining with each other. "...It is not inaccurate to say, your majesty, that to fight Asylia is to make enemies of all the stars in the sky."