View Topic

Residence of the First Consul
Vivaldi, Clausius, Empire of Science
Sector (-12, 24)
William Xavier was taking a short break at his desk, anonymously browsing the nets as an ordinary citizen while munching on an Aesir cookie, when Minister Baker walked into the room with an urgent look on her face. He offered her one, but she refused. Well, this must be important, if Helia's rejecting this absolute delicacy, Xavier thought.

"The diplomatic convoy from the Aesir had been making contact with us at regular intervals, but we have recently lost contact," Baker told him. "We have received communications from the Aesir that they have also experienced a similar loss of contact."

Oh, brilliant, thought Xavier. "Send some of our faster ships out there to see what's happening," he finally told Baker. "We might not arrive in time, but we must show solidarity with the Aesir.

"Also send a few of our faster ships as an escort for our diplomatic convoy, just to be safe," he continued after some thought. "You may divert several ships from the military at your best judgment."
Science Diplomatic Convoy to Aesir
Science-Aesir trade route, Wild Space
Sector (-15, 19)
The diplomatic convoy was only two sectors out from the Democratic Empire's territories when the newly added escort ships caught up to them. Now consisting of three cruisers and twelve corvettes, the convoy continued on one of the many rugged hyperspace trade routes between Aesir and Science.

Hopefully, the trip would pass without incident. If not, at least they would be slightly more prepared.
Special Task Force of the Scientific Exploration Fleet
Near territories of the Allied States of Lernaea
Sector (-15, 6)
"Our sensors detect two ships, each at about a kilometer in length, dropping out of hyperspace," a bridge officer told Bailey.

"Ah, it seems that someone has received our message," Bailey remarked, mostly to himself.

"They are hailing us," the officer stated. Immediately afterward, an alien of species unknown to the Democratic Empire appeared on the screen facing Bailey, as per standard Exploration Fleet first contact protocol.

"Greetings," Bailey said. "I am Director-General Kenne Bailey of the Scientific Exploration Fleet, exploring the galaxy on behalf of the Democratic Empire of Rationalist Science. We picked up some signs of a strong civilization south of the Aesir Empire and decided to take a look."

In Orbit Of Toobek

As Romulan Diplomatic Temporary Task Force 12 entered the orbit of Toobek, the Caelum was hailed by the Aeterna Venatora on an encrypted channel. 

"Admiral Pistrix!  I formally request permission to join Task Force 12 for the duration of this mission."  Major Telsnen stated officially.

"Granted.  You may remain in your position, and we will join you momentarily.  We are preparing the embassy construction materials and transport tugs.  This operation should not take too long, I hope.  I must get back to Romulus for... urgent business."  Admiral Pistrix replied, rather vaguely on arriving on his reason for leaving.  Clearly he's plotting something then, Major Telsnen thought.  The empire would function much more effectively if people like him weren't constantly playing politics within the military meritocracy. 

"Very well, Admiral.  Would you like to hail the planet?"

"I will immediately.  Pistrix out.  Comm, hail the planet Toobek!  Greetings!  This is the Romulan Diplomatic Task Force sent by the Emperor of Romulus to establish official diplomatic communications with the people of New Witchmond on behalf of the People and Senate of our Empire.  I am Admiral Pistrix.  May I have permission to send down Ambassador Zentren and the rest of our diplomatic personnel?" 

Many looked up, both terrified and amazed, at the diplomatic fleet. Ben Danation received the hail and responded "Yes, Romulans, you may land."

After the militarization policy was enacted, the Royal Duma took charge of the military. They started electing more high command and organizing the ranking system. They also added a database for all troops. The Duma decided that they would expand towards the Wintrean Remnants, for the Core Worlds are of strategic importance. Slowly the fleets made their way towards the center, expanding across systems unlike before. However, Acaria lacked diplomats in many civilizations that were supposedly in the Galaxy. The only contacts they currently had was the Remnant, the Romulan Star Empire, and New Witchmond. They decided to send a diplomatic fleet to some of the closest civilizations which were the Allied States of Learnaea and the United Kevarian Chain. The United Kevarian Chain was rumored to be somewhere in the northeast on Acarian Galactic Maps. They seemed to be a shady kind. People spoke of pirates or shady deals being made in the area. They decided to send a Drakonian Mercanary first under the name of Irlih'k to gain trust. On the other hand, Learnaea was relatively unknown by anyone in the Empire. Few came from that region of space. They decided to send a Diplomatic Fleet there under Ambassador Katarina Marianne.

The Government also decided to expand Acaria's interstellar communication network to the outer systems. They set up a broadcast signal as well to alert other civilizations who didn't know about the empire of its existence.

Captain Reyalt Krisen
Sector (-17, 17)

The frigates were caught vulnerable by the incoming torpedoes. They had been preoccupied with launching the boarding pods, and were unable to move in time to avoid the projectiles.

Krisen could do nothing but utter an oath under his breath as the weapons made their impact. He was thrown backward several feet, his head violently banging into the floor. After blacking out for several seconds, he forced himself up to assess the damage.
It was bad; according to the status map, the hull had sustained several critical breaches. The weapons systems were down as well. Now, the Zephyr was essentially a sitting duck.

The captain took a moment to look out of the cockpit before addressing the situation. The other frigate had it even worse – it had been completely ripped apart. The only intact pirate ships left were the two Xebecs, still dutifully firing off railgun rounds and jamming nearby signals (in what limited capacity they were able to). Several more boarding pods had been blown apart by incoming torpedoes; now only a select few had continued their journey, rapidly approaching the enemy frigates.

“Where is the nearest planet we can safely land?” Krisen asked, turning back around to face the pilots.

“There’s one in this system. We’re still in dire danger of being fired upon, but we probably have enough fuel… I would recommend surrender, sir.”

“Shut up,” the captain said gruffly. “I didn’t come halfway across the galaxy to surrender. Better dead than a prisoner of the Aesir. Set a course immediately.”

“…Yes sir. And what will become of our sailors in the boarding pods?”

“They’ll contact us, surely. If this ship doesn’t survive, we can send out a signal when we’ve ascertained their victory.”

Pirate Boarding Pod
Sector (-17, 17)

It was a violent journey, but the crew was still in one piece (which was more than could be said for many pods). With a final bang they tore through the underside of one of the enemy frigates.

The cramped, anxious soldiers had no sight of the ship itself, still inside their pod. They were, however, greeted by a cacophony of alarm sounds and other successful pods crashing through. After a few moments of relative silence (plenty of alarms, but no other crashing sounds), the order came for them to climb out. A door opened on one side and the soldiers poured out. Plenty more came from the other pods.

Almost immediately came the gunfire from waiting enemies. Within moments both sides were engaged in a massive shootout, railgun rounds ripping through the air and screams piercing above the alarm sounds.

 Ithyr Osman Lyech
Vysenn, Koria System, Capital Sector

“Reports of a skirmish involving Kevarian pirates are coming in from the second quadrant, sir,” reported Firthis Aum, Alcar of Foreign Affairs.

“And? The business of pirates is no concern of mine,” the Ithyr replied from his seat. “Let Kagar take care of her rabble-rousers, and I’ll take care of my own.”

“It’s different this time. They’ve made an attack on an Aesir diplomatic convoy. We’re lacking further information at the moment, but this could reflect very badly on us.”

“We shall see how the Aesir react. Once this has passed, we make a formal apology for the actions of criminals.”

“The Aesir are not a forgiving people, sir. In all likelihood their anger will be directed towards us. Such a statement will do little to lessen that anger.”

“Damn it, you’re not wrong. I swear on all that I hold dear, if our beloved Pirate-Captain keeps getting us into trouble, we may finally have to bring the hammer down on her. We can’t yet, though, but soon… I’ve never been fond of her kind.

“But I’m rambling. Should it be necessary, be prepared to send diplomatic convoys to the following: the United Acarian Empires, the Romulans, and New Witchmond. I’ve marked them down for potential allies.”

“Yes, sir. We have received notification that the Acarians are already sending their own diplomatic convoy to us. That fleet will not be necessary.”

“Ah… yes. I was informed of that. Must be my old age getting to my memory. When they arrive, greet them with open arms. As much as it pains me to say it, I suspect eventually we’re going to need all the friends we can get.”

Aesir Diplomatic Convoy
Sector (-17, 17)

"Direct hits on both pirate frigates!" declared the tactical officer. "One enemy frigate destroyed, the other disabled! The remaining pirate frigate is trying to escape!"

"Comm, isolate the frequency used by the pirates to hail us! Pilot, bring us beside the remaining pirate frigate! Tactical, aim the lancer battery right at their reactor!"

The engineering officer spoke up. "Ma'am, our generator has vented enough energy to raise shields for a bit. We can deflect a few volleys from the smaller ships with it before having to vent again."

"Do it!"

The AFS Hrothgarr came up beside the pirate frigate and aimed her lancer battery at the pirate reactor. Shields went back up.

"I've isolated their frequency!"

"Open a channel with them."

The comm officer pressed some buttons. "Channel open"

"This is Captain Borghildr. Most of your ships are destroyed or disabled. I have a target lock on your reactor. Call your men off or die."

Aboard the frigates, Drekrekkr moved to cover the key areas; bridge, shield generator, plasma and hyperspace drives, reactor, and the landing bay. Most went to the corridors leading to the bridge and engine rooms to set up traps and ambushes. About 100 Drekrekkr aboard each frigate went to lock down the landing bays. They didn't have much time to dig themselves in before the pods breached the bay doors.

"Seal the bulkheads and depressurize the bay!" ordered the Sergeant.

The emergency bulkheads quickly moved into place and the air got sucked out of the bay. Then the pods opened up and poured out their soldiers.

"Guns hot!"

The Drekrekkr in the landing bays opened up with their autorails, gunning down all that they could. The pirates fired back, their railguns easily penetrating the Huskarl armor of the Aesir. The Drekrekkr were taking heavy losses and soon were all but wiped out in the landing bays.

Irlih'k arrived in the White Jewel, an AC-57d, accompanied by a ICC-31 on the outer fringes of the United Kevarian Chain.

"Open communications to their HQ." Irlih'k said to a nearby officer.

"Communications opened!"

"Hail Kevarians! This is Irlih'k speaking, a diplomat from the United Acarian Empires. We are here to establish diplomatic relations with your kind. Awaiting permission to head further."

Zephyr
Sector (-17, 17)

The Captain watched as the enemy transmission flared on a screen. The demand: that he give in now or die.

“Aesir scum,” he snarled at the onscreen figure. He took a moment to spit at the ground before continuing. “Both I and all my soldiers would rather die than submit to the likes of-“

A whizzing sound filled the room for a brief moment. Before Krisen could finish his sentence, he fell to the ground. Blood poured out of his mouth as he lay his head to the side. In the back of his head was a single hole, through which a bullet had gone. The room was utterly silent.

From the back of the room, a crew member proceeded forward. It was none other than the second-in-command of the ship, Loras Elich. In his right hand rested the gun that had killed the Captain.

“Stay where you are,” he commanded the crew as he continued to walk. “I command this ship now. Anyone who resists this change in command will be shot. I’ve taken one life and spared all of yours in exchange.”

No one protested. In the front of the room, the screen still showed the enemy Captain. Krisen was still breathing, although only in shorts gasps. Elich stepped in front of his dying body without so much as a glance towards it. He addressed the figure, staring emotionlessly back at him.

“I am Loras Elich, former second-in-command and now Captain of this ship. I apologize for my predecessor’s stubborn defiance; I will call off all soldiers immediately.”

Capitol Tower, Second Floor
Vysenn, Koria System, Capital Sector

The Acarian greeting flashed on a secretary’s screen, requesting permission to enter Kevarian territory.

“A diplomatic escort is being sent to greet you from a nearby sector. It should arrive within a few minutes. When it arrives, you may proceed further. We look forward to making your acquaintance,” came his reply, and he shut off the screen and attended to other work.

Pirate-Chief Esa Kagar
Onium, Kresov System, Sector (25, -3)

The planet of Onium was really a beautiful place to those accustomed to it. Dunes swept endlessly into the red horizon, and to foreigners, it looked almost uninhabited. That was, of course, not the case. Here the Sevett Pirate Guild had its headquarters, dug out far below the ground. Thousands lived in these underground areas, while above ground were only sparse mining colonies.

In these underground headquarters was Esa Kagar, a notorious figure through Kevarus and beyond for her role as head of the Guild. Rumors told of her vast mountains of wealth built on theft, black market deals, and murder. Those who knew her always treaded with caution; those who ran afoul of her were often never heard from again.

Today was not a good day for her, as one of her upper staff brought her grim news.

“Chief Kagar, one of our piracy missions has gone awry,” he solemnly reported. “Details are sketchy right now, but we know those involved. Captain Reyalt Krisen and his fleet encountered an Aesir fleet that quickly overpowered his own. The fleet was a diplomatic convoy, and I fear they will not react kindly.”

Her eyes flared. “That fucking imbecile! I don’t know who thought it was a good idea to appoint him to any mission of importance… why the hell would he go after a diplomatic convoy? If he survives this, I ought to skin him myself when he returns. I expect you’ll report to me immediately when you have any updates on the situation. How many ships were in his fleet again?”

“Five, chief. Two frigates and three xebecs. One xebec was lost, but we don’t have any further information at the moment. There is more news.”

“Of course there’s more news… always more fucking news. Go on.”

“Nothing is certain as of yet. But this situation has led to worrying statements from the Ithyr. He’s said nothing that indicates any action yet, but he’s expressed a desire to bring the fight to our Guild. Again, nothing is certain, but depending on how other nations react to this incident, this could spell very bad things for us.”

Kagar’s voice calmed, but the flare in her eyes grew angrier. This was somehow scarier than her previous manner of speaking. “The crew that sparked this disaster is going to have hell to pay if they ever make it back. As for the Ithyr… I knew this was coming eventually. He’s a senile old man, of course he doesn’t like us. I’ve had plans to address him for some time now, and soon they may finally come into action.”

Surface of Toobek

The Romulan Warbird Provincia Imperatora entered the atmosphere and deployed the Diplomatic Envoy Vessel, flanked by four LAAT/G Escort Gunships.  Upon landing, Ambassador Zentren disembarked, flanked by no less than six Senatorial Guards. 

"Greetings!  I am Ambassador Zentren, may I receive directions to the closest major Government Complex?  Diplomatic talks between our peoples should commence immediately.  For now, my new friends, take these—gifts from your new friends the Romulan Star Empire.  Complements of the Emperor himself."  The famous Ambassador said, while a few of his diplomatic party began handing out fine linens and the finest jewellery of the empire to the rapidly growing crowd surrounding his vessel. 
Secret Transmission to the Acarian Empire

"The Imperial High Command of the Armed Forces of the Romulan Star Empire wishes to inform you that it will not hesitate to supply its staunch allies in the Acarian Empire with whatever need is deemed necessary, military or humanitarian, to increase the position of the South-eastern Civilisations of the Wintrean Galaxy.

Sincerely,

Fleet Praetor Demera, Consul of the Imperial High Command, Armed Forces Romulan Star Empire, on behalf of the entirety of the Imperial High Command." 
Excerpt From Romulan Military Grand Strategy

"Apart from the Imperial directive to control information about the Empire's capabilities under the highest secrecy, the position of the Romulan Military is that all civilisations in the South-eastern Quadrant of the Wintrean Galaxy be supplied with whatever support is necessary to protect the integrity of their borders.  This has been deemed vitally important for the survival of the Empire as we know it by the Romulan Imperial High Command.  Any Romulan vessels within range of any major engagement involving vessels of an ally in the South-eastern Quadrant of the Galaxy are hereby issued standing orders to aid allied fleets in any case deemed necessary by either the captain of the vessel or the Imperial Star Navy Chain of Command."

Diplomatic Journey to the United Kevarian Chain

Irlih'k saw the escort arrive.

"Turn on engines."

The ships started moving towards the capital.

Response to Secret Transmission

Thank you for your aid. Acaria will help you in any endeavor in the future.

Sincerely, Grand Admiral of the Fleet Aedyn Zaegun.

Zuophus

The annual festivities were soon ending. Everything was being cleaned and packed up from the exciting week. Also, the new ship blueprints were coming in and being ordered for construction. 200 ships were planned to be built, and over 2000 fighters and bombers as well. Training began in the military with ships being populated. Emperor Zemas had also received information that the Aetherius was half completed.

Aesir Diplomatic Convoy
Sector (-17, 17)

Captain Borghildr saw the pirate captain fall to his first mate and heard the new captain surrender. She cursed under her breath. I was hoping to kill them all...

"The two smaller pirate ships have ceased fire," tactical reported.

"Communications are back up. All frigates are reporting casualties. Pirate boarders are standing down." Comm put a hand to his ear as he listened to an incoming message. "Floti Kommand has been trying to reach us. They've sent two cruisers to our last jump exit to find us."

Borghildr took off her helmet and took a deep breath to calm herself. The battle left her with a beaten up ship and three frigates with shot up Valkyries. She won the battle, but the cost was too high for her liking.

"Comm, send Floti Kommand our current position so those cruisers can take these filth off of our hands."

Aboard the frigates, Drekrekkr disarmed the pirates and herded them into a corner of the landing bays. Guards stood watch with orders to gun down any pirates who resist.

Hours later, a large hole in space opened and spat out two Aesir cruisers. The lead captain hailed the AFS Hrothgarr.

"What happened here?"

Borghildr stood straight and kept a strong composure. "We were ambushed by five "Sevett Guild" pirate ships; two frigates and three jammers."

"I only see one frigate and two jammers," the other captain stated, crossing his arms.

"Run your scans again," ordered Borghildr. "You'll see debris from a jammer and a frigate in our trail."

The other captain nodded his head to someone offscreen then looked back a moment later with an impressed expression on his face. "One little destroyer held her own against five ships? I'm sure Floti Kommand will want to award you another medal for your collection."

"I'm sure the Jarl will want to present it himself..."

"What's your current situation?"

"Our shields are barely operable, and we have boarders being held aboard each frigate. We'll transport the prisoners to your ship with the Valkyries that are still operational."

The other captain shook his head. "I am to escort the convoy the rest of the way. You are to return to the Svartalfheim shipyards for repairing and rearming. You'll receive further instructions afterwards."

"Aye, sir. Have fun with escort duty," she said before ending transmissions. "Pilot, set a course for Svartalfheim and engage the hyperdrive."

The pilot brought the destroyer around towards the Empire and fired up the hyperdrive. A hole opened up and swallowed them into hyperspace.

Once the AFS Hrothgarr was gone, the captain hailed the frigates. "Kill the prisoners. Leave none standing."

The Drekrekkr put the pirates in lines to execute whole groups with just one round each to conserve ammo. With each shot from the autorails, an entire line fell. Each frigate soon had all prisoners dead.

"Tactical, aim the lancer batteries at the two jammers and destroy them."

The cruisers' lancer batteries turned and blasted apart the jammers with one volley.

"Comm, open a channel with the pirate frigate."

"Channel open, sir"

"This is Captain Fånnr of the Aesir Cruiser AFS Hel. You should have noticed we destroyed your means of jamming communications. You should also know that I had all of your men aboard my frigates shot. Your last ship is disabled and running a skeleton crew. And now you're facing the same fate as the rest of your men. Tell me where we can find this Sevett Guild and you will live as prisoners of the Empire. Refuse and you will live as prisoners in the afterlife. Decide now."

Capital Building, Industries Spirit, Avon, Avonite Enclave

Kir Darkcloak sat in the Council room considering. The reports were interesting, so far almost all of their neighbors had tried peaceful contact. It was definitely time for the Enclave to do something. At that moment, the rest of the council came in. She did not think much of most of them. Lightbringer, the over-eager beaver, ready to kill anything in sight. Marshwalker, incapable of seeing the world as anything more than a battlefield. Skyflyer, everyone's favorite stepford smiler. Flowchaser... now he was interesting. Darkcloak never would have imagined it, but he was the only one she really thought much of at all. At least he was genuine.  The rest took their seats and the meeting began.

Jan Lightbringer spoke first. "So, we watched. We spied. We compiled reports. All this... "useful" information. So far, all of our neighbors seem to be alright. But I suggest we start simple, try sending out no more than 3 diplomats. Just to see how they react." Skyflyer stood up to speak next. " For once, I agree with Jan. To much, and we might seem desperate. I suggest we send 1 diplomatic ship each to the Laurentian Empire, the United Kevarian Chain and the Aesir Empire. We need friends, and this is how we get them." Marshwalker shook his head, scrapping his talons as he did so. "No. 1 diplomatic ship? Absolutely not. Thats a wonderful way to lose 3 good ships. We need everything and everyone we have. Even with Darkcloak's new ships.." Darkcloak interjected with "And at a great discount, to!" Flowchaser laughed and Marshwalker bared his sharpened teeth but bit back his response and continued ".. even with her new ships, our fleet is stretched thin and we are having trouble finding sailors for our ships. We cant afford to lose anyone and the UKC is notorious for its use of state sanctioned piracy. Do we really want them as friends?" Flowchaser stood up and spoke. "I find that unfair. The state itself does not sanction piracy. Yes, piracy is such a big part of their lives but we should at least make a peaceful overture. I vote that we follow Des's suggestion." Skyflyer nodded in agreement, Darkcloak smiled like a movie villain and voted yes as well. Marshwalker and Lightbringer gritted their fangs but nodded as well. It was decided that Skyflyer would handle diplomatic negotiations.

In orbit around Avon, Pendelton-class Cruiser AES Murphy

Admiral Fir Hanover stared at his orders in frustration. Sure, just take 3 of my escorts, remove most of their weapons and send them off to foreign space, why not?, he thought to himself. By the power of Spode, if they got their ships back in one peace he would be surprised. He chose the AES Redoubt, Conservator and The Sum Of All Zeros, captained by Kli Waverider, Gar Galvinson and Crk Bridgeman to the Aesir Empire, Laurentian Empire and the Kevarian Chain respectively. All ships had a message by Des Skyflyer on board and sat at their respective borders, broadcasting on all hailing frequencies. The diplomatic ships sat and waited...

Toobek Space Docks

Ben Danation, accompanied by Al Ser, looked up upon the convoy. As he walked toward the diplomats, the people around him made a path for him. "Ah hello, Romulans. Welcome to Toobek, more specifically, the city of Gypite. We all hope that you enjoy your stay." Ben announced halfway through the crowd. "Come, our diplomatic sector is this way." He made a gesture for the diplomats to follow him.

Scout outside of Lernaean borders

The scout found itself near borders of an unkown empire. It attempted to send a message, "Hello, we are Witchian scouts exploring the galaxy, what glorious empire have we ran into?"

Reconnoitre Admiral Victus

"Aye, we do hail from Lernaea. And you are from the Aesir Empire, correct? I believe it is time to reestablish communication and trade between our two empires and restore it to what it once was. How shall we proceed?"


Diplomatic Convoy to Science

"Director-General Kenne Bailey, I am Charles Garriot, Director of Space Activities for Lernaea. It seems that our ships arrived faster than scheduled. Thus, I will turn you over to Chet Donovan," replied Garriot. He then transferred the comms to the diplomat and sighed in relief. The diplomatic work would be left up to the expert now.

"Greetings! I am Mr. Donovan. I am sure that you know that we are approaching your ships. Requesting permission to dock."


ISA Headquarters

Just as Garriot turned away from the comms, his right hand man turned and whispered into his ear. A couple seconds later, he turned to Morrow. "Sir, incoming transmission. They claim to be Witchians. I'll send a convoy immediately. Is there anything else to keep in mind besides Keep the peace?"

"You summed it up," responded Morrow.

"Ok, they'll arrive shortly," stated Garriot.

Special Task Force of the Scientific Exploration Fleet
Sector (-15, 6)

Ah, so they have already sent out a shuttle, Bailey thought. He preferred to send a shuttle out himself, but both had happened before in his career.

"We will send your shuttle the docking information immediately, Your Excellency," Bailey transmitted to Donovan. He then told the others on the bridge, "Prepare Docking Bay 2 for the arrival of this Lernaean diplomat and send their shuttle relevant docking instructions."
Scientific Imperial Fleet Observation Task Force
Sector (-17, 18)

The Observation Task Force was close to where the Aesir convoy was last spotted when they received new information from the High Command that the convoy had been attacked by pirates. They had since decimated the pirates and were continuing on their way with reinforcements. The Task Force was to wait for them to arrive and to offer any assistance (though High Command doubted they would need any).

After a few hours waiting in a desolate system, the task force observed a convoy of starships dropped out of hyperspace, which was identified as the Aesir diplomatic convoy.

Captain Tobo Mott began broadcasting to the diplomatic convoy, "Hello, Aesir friends. This is Captain Mott of the Scientific Imperial Fleet. Your government graciously allowed us to send an observation force after we lost contact with your convoy. Although we have obviously arrived rather late, we offer any assistance you may require."
Science Diplomatic Convoy to Laurentian Empire
Sector (-1, 20)

After a considerable time of travel in the rugged hyperspace routes between Science and Laurentus (though fortunately, no pirates), the Science diplomatic convoy arrived at the Laurentian Empire's borders. The Science ambassador, Robert Forrester, opened communications with a nearby border control station, asking the Laurentians for further instructions.
Science Diplomatic Convoy to Aesir Empire
Sector (-15, 17)

Similarly, the convoy to the Aesir Empire was nearing its destination. As it approached Aesir territory, the Science ambassador, Morris Glass, sent a message to the Aesir announcing their arrival.