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The scout, never being fond of diplomatic actions, entered the room. "Wow, this place is wonderful. Your architecture is truly incredible." He paused for a moment then responded, "Although our people once lived in their lands, ever since we left they denied access from our people, including tourists and historians, to see our ancestor's war memorials, from when Witchmond was part of the Wintreath. These actions has lead our rulers to despise the empire, and hopefully, we could someday raid them, possibly destroy the empire even further, and come back with many of these memorials and other riches for our republic. That, my friend, would be a glorious day for us." The scout sat back in his seat. "So, is there anything that you would like to discuss such as trade, relations, or just of our knowledge of the galaxy?"

Stortingsbygningen, Frostlake City
Frosthold Planet, Frozen Realm of Wintreath
(-3, 3)
Excerpt from address by Monarch Wintermoot XCVIII to a joint session of the Storting

Times change, and so should our nation.

The Frozen Realm has stood since antiquity, for millennia untold. Yet, the past few centuries have been a trying a difficult time. Now, in this new age, we must strive forward to create a new era of peace.

I ask you all, is mindless war truly the best option? For the past few centuries, we have hidden from this question, much as we have hidden ourselves in the Core regions. It has been our policy, since the end of the Third Galactic Civil War, to refuse to recognize those who seceded from us or expanded into our past territories. But now, we truly are reaching out to the greater galaxy once more, and so our policies must change.

If we truly wish to return greater glory to the Frozen Realm, we cannot mindlessly wage war against all those we come across. It would only bring ruin, as the so-called "rebels" unite against us. No, we must recognize that these are true nations that have risen in our absence. We welcome them to join us, but if they refuse, there is no point is declaring them as traitors.

Times are changing, and we should be embracing the future, not wistfully gazing at the past. Thus, I urge the Storting to repeal the Rightful Claims Act.
Excerpt from speech by Speaker Villemo Leirvik of the 2,074th Underhusen

His Most Royal Majesty asks us to embrace these traitors as friends. Is that truly what we want?

Wintreath has stood for countless ages, and we do not bow down to secessionist scum. Our Realm has been in countless situations like this before. We recovered from the century of chaos in the Second Galactic Civil War, and we shall do so again.

Our Monarch believes that suppressing these rebels once and for all would bring ruin upon us. This is utter nonsense. Since our rise as a galactic power, Wintreath has had the most powerful military in the galaxy. This has not changed. We need merely to reach out and crush these traitors.

His Majesty wants to forge a new peace. Let it be one where we lead the way, rather than one where we bow down to those who betrayed us.
Meeting of the Riksråd, Frosthold Castle
Frostlake City, Frosthold Planet
(-3, 3)

"As you all know, I have reestablished the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, in light of recent events," Wintermoot told the Riskråd. "Let us welcome the newly-appointed Jarl Henrik Jensen."

Jarl Jensen stood and began to speak. "Thank you, Your Most Royal Majesty. As most of you are aware, the conservatives have defeated the repeal bill. Consequently we cannot legally establish relations with other galactic powers. However, we have a way around that.

"We have already established the Frosthold Representative Institute, a non-profit private organization. With support from the Foreign Affairs Ministry, it will establish Frosthold Representative Offices in other nations to represent the Monarchy's cultural and economic interests." Jensen concluded, "We expect to begin exchanging de facto embassies with other nations within the next few months."

"Thank you, Jarl," Wintermoot said. "It is unfortunate that the Underhusen is now representing the most extremist of citizens. As for avoiding war with other nations, the Underhusen can demand that we send military forces, but any such acts will be easily defeated in the Overhusen.  Furthermore, as both Commander-in-Chief and Monarch, I will not authorize any military actions against potential allies."
Northeastern border of Wintreath
(6, 5)

The Wintreath Border Guard lieutenant picked up the broadcast from the "Avonite Enclave." Unsure of what to do, he contacted his superiors. Several hours later, a response arrived, telling him to make peaceful contact and await the arrival of a State Ministry official. The lieutenant began broadcasting a response, stating, "This is the Wintreath Border Guard. Welcome to the Frozen Realm. A representative of the Monarch is currently en route, and should arrive shortly."
Northwestern border of Wintreath
(-7, 6)

On the other side of the Frozen Realm, another Border Guard lieutenant experienced a similar event. After receiving broadcasts from the "Democratic Empire of Rationalist Science," she was given instructions to contact them peacefully. She responded to the broadcast, also stating, "This is the Wintreath Border Guard. Welcome to the Frozen Realm. A representative of the Monarch is currently en route, and should arrive shortly."

Diplomatic Complex
City of Gypite
Toobek, New Witchmond

"Certainly!" replied the Ambassador.  He then continued, "We could allow open borders for tourism and to facilitate greater economic cooperation.  I am certain that both of our business communities would enjoy the addition of more persons to their respective spheres of operations!" 

Zentren lowered his voice, "We also have received authorisation from the Tal Shiar allowing us to conduct more... secretive negotiations, if you are open to the idea.  Intelligence sharing would benefit the security of us both, I believe." 
Combined Romulan-Acarian Fleet
North of Acarian Empire
(en route to Wintreath Remnant Space)

Fleet Praetor Relatrex looked out across the massive Armada moving toward the galactic core.  The journey was mostly uneventful, but the invasion techniques devised by the Imperial Commission on Assault Strategy and Subjugation Tactics were working quite well.  The Romulan contingent of the fleet were quite helpful in aiding the Acarian invasions of inhabited systems along the way, and casualties, thanks to the frequent supply convoys from Romulus and the Acarian Empire, were very low.  This might change though, as we invade the Remnant and finish the oppressive scum for the last time, though. he thought to himself as he continued to survey the impressive armada through the bridge windows. 

He turned to his comms station, "Contact the Commander of the Combined Fleet and extend an invitation for him to come to a dinner hosted in honour of our imminent invasion of Wintreath and the end of their unacceptable millennia of oppression." 

After that, he stormed off of the bridge, flanked by four Tal Shiar Command Officers, going to inspect the troopers returning from the most recent planetary invasion...
Excerpt from Strategic Report
Romulan High Command
Capitoline Hill, Romulus
Romulan Star Empire

PRELIMINARY REPORT INVASION OF WINTREATH REMNANT
------------------------------------------------------------------

Fleets Assigned to Initial Invasion:  Full Armada of Acaria and Romulan 2nd Fleet

Fleets Assigned to Reinforce Initial Invasion Force: Romulan 4th and 5th Fleets

Fleets Activated to Strategic Ready Reserve: 6th, 7th and 8th Fleets.

Note:  Currently not considered active Romulan Star Navy Fleets

Projected Romulan Casualties from Initial Assault:
Approximately 7,250,000,000 Clone Troopers
Approximately 4,333,220,000 Romulan Soldiers
Approximately 466,599,500,000 Imperial Battle Droids
Approximately 2,880 Romulan Capital Ships
Approximately....

"Ah, yes. Intellegence networks and security is still vital, even in blossoming times of the republic," Ben responded in a hushed tone. "I feel that we haven't gotten to know each other long enough to set up a full-fledged security intelligence network between our empires. Perhaps we could just start with a simple agreement to inform each other of plots that other empires have formed against us. Possibly even join together on some plots against enemies, such as the Wintrean Remnant." Ben offered.

Northeastern border of Wintreath
(6, 5)

Soon, Representative Madelene Olsson arrived at the border. "I would like to welcome you again to Wintreath," she broadcast to the Avonites. "I am Representative Olsson of the Frosthold Representative Institute. We would be honored if you could follow us to Frosthold Planet to conduct discussions."
Northwestern border of Wintreath
(-7, 6)

Similarly, Representative Alve Blomqvist arrived at the western border. "This is Representative Blomqvist of the Frosthold Representative Institute," he broadcast. "As the Border Guard has already said, welcome to Wintreath. Please follow us, and we will arrive at Frosthold Planet very soon. There we can begin negotiations."
Headquarters of the Frosthold Representative Institute
Frostlake City, Frosthold Planet
(-3, 3)

Tor Björk, formerly Thane of Foreign Affairs, had "resigned" his position to become Director-General of the Frosthold Representative Institute. Already, the Institute had sent two representatives to negotiate with Avon and Science. They would be arriving at Frosthold shortly.

Björk, with instructions from Jarl Jensen, authorized the sending of six diplomatic convoys, to Lernaea, the Aesir, Laurentus, Kevarus, Acaria, and New Witchmond. Within the day, these convoys, carrying Institute representatives and staff (reallocated from the Foreign Affairs Ministry), along with military escort, began their journeys outward. If Science and the Avonites agreed to an exchange of de facto embassies, two more diplomatic convoys would likely soon follow.

Scientific Imperial Fleet Observation Task Force
Sector (-17, 18)

"Thank you, Captain Vogđ," Mott said, closing the connection.

A while later, he, some officers, and a fleet guard attaché boarded a Feynmann-class shuttle. Soon, they approached the Aesir frigate, and began docking.
Science Diplomatic Convoy to Aesir Empire
Sector (-15, 16)

"Yes, that is perfectly acceptable," Glass responded to the Aesir captain. "I will be glad to meet Jarl Aragonn."

After receiving directions from the Aesir battlecruiser, the Science convoy started following the Aesir ship. Together, they jumped into hyperspace, en route to the Aesir fleet.
Aboard the SES Actualization
Special Task Force of the Scientific Exploration Fleet
Sector (-15, 6)

"Very well then," Bailey told the Lernaeaen diplomat. "First off, we will of course recognize your nation as a sovereign state and begin an exchange of embassies. If you would like, we can also negotiate some open trade or tourism agreements."
Northwestern border of Wintrean Remnant
(-7, 6)

"Thank you, Representative Blomqvist," Ambassador Murphy told the Wintrean representative. "We will be glad to follow you to your capital."

Frosthold Representative Institute?  he thought as they jumped into hyperspace as per instructions given by the Wintreans. And Representative? Interesting name choices.

Combined Romulan-Acarian Fleet
Enroute to Wintreath Remnant Space

Aedyn received a transmission from one of the Romulan vessels. He was invited to dinner with Fleet Praetor Relatrex. He wholeheartedly agreed to the dinner. Meanwhile, he decided to create a meeting with his sub-commanders and advisors on the invasion until he got a call back.

Acarian Diplomatic Fleet
Allied States of Lernaea Border

Katarina was sent to expand relations with the Allied States of Lernaea. Not too many fancy dealings would be made though was the plan. When they entered the border systems, she was notified of ship detection.

"Looks like the welcoming party. Open up communications."

Soon, a communication link was established.

"Hello Lernaea, my name is Katarina Marianne. I am here to conduct peaceful deals with your nation. Acaria has decided that we can be friends and improve our relations, especially with those closer to the unknown regions to Acaria."

AES Strawberry Swing, Northeastern border of Wintreath
(-7, 6)

Admiral Innsmouth breathed out in relief. He told the Comms Officer to send the stand down message to the reinforcements waiting further back, just in case, then to reply to the Wintreath Diplomat.

"Thank you, Representative Olsson. I am Admiral Ark Innsmouth, in charge of the 3rd Foreign Fleet of the Avonite Enclave and captain of this ship, the AES Strawberry Swing. The honour would be mine. May the wisdom of Spode guide us on this journey."

They followed them back to Frosthold, where they sat and waited for the Remnant to make the first move......

Unregistered Pirate ship Interdiction, unclaimed space north of the Kevarian Chain

Ryy Sharptalon watched as the Avonite convoy burned. The first convoy trading goods between the Enclave and the Chain was in total ruins, the goods were being taken by smaller assault ships and the escorts had been decimated. Sharptalon turned to his transmitter. The councilor who hired him had given him a code, a very special code... one that would connect to all escape pods and cut their life support. He entered the phrase and executed the command, turning back to watch the chaos...

Ruins of the AES Yellow, unclaimed space north of the Kevarian Chain

Hlt Milesight awoke. He was floating in the middle of a room. Spode, did his head hurt. He remembered the attack, the chaos that followed, the mad dash to the escape pods. He remembered how he thought he was dead when all the pods launched without him. How had he survived, anyway? He looked around and realized he was in the 3rd Armory. Yes, he remembered now, the armory blast doors were rated high enough to withstand a space vacuum, thats why he fled here. Secondary Life Support was also still active. He laughed and thanked Spode for high build standards. Hlt just hoped someone would come soon....

Aesir Diplomatic Convoy
Sector (-17, 18)

The AFS Draþor was unable to open the landing bay doors due to the damage caused by the boarding pods, so they were blown off by the Drekrekkr to allow the shuttle access. The damage was noncritical and could easily be repaired at a craft world shipyard. After the bay doors had been blown off successfully, the blast doors were readied to close in their place and allow the bay to be pressurized again.
Aesir Longboat AFS Jörmungandr
Sector (-16, 14)

"Sir, the Science diplomatic ship just arrived with the AFS Þur," reported tactical.

"Comm, hail them."

"Channel open, sir."

"This is Jarl Aragonn. Welcome to the Aesir Empire, and I hope you have a comfortable stay. I made sure to get a shipment of our cookies for your enjoyment.

"You have permission to come aboard. And don't take too long because those cookies won't stay fresh forever."

The tactical officer spoke up again. "The Avonite diplomatic ship has arrived."

"Comm, open a channel with the Avonite ship."

The comm officer indicated the channel was open.

"What a surprise it was when I found out this empire was being visited by a diplomat from a nation we didn't even know existed. Tell me, how did you know about us and where our claimed border lies?"
Captain Bogdr
AFS Ratatoskr

"You should let your people know that a convoy is being sent carrying a diplomat and resources for constructing an embassy. They will need to be guided to the location you designate for them.

"You should also know that any diplomats sent to us should wait at our border until an escort comes to bring them to our Jarl. Any questions?"
Space Station Folkvang
Sector (-16, 12)

A transmission from the diplomatic convoy from the Frosthold Representative Institute to the Aesir Empire was picked up by an unmanned outpost and relayed here. The comm officer on that shift reported it immediately. The CO was baffled by the Wintrean arrogance.

"Order two battlecruisers to their position to assess the enemy. Tell them to make sure they honor our code."

The comm officer quickly sent the orders out to the AFS Odin and the AFS Heimdallr.

Capital Building, Industries Spirit, Avon, Avonite Enclave

"I dont know, sir." Admiral Fir Hanover said to the Council. "We lost all contact with the convoy and cannot reestablish contact. No distress call was sent, nothing received, they just vanished, sir." Councilor Art Marshwalker slammed this desk in frustration. He should have never allowed the others to send a convoy to that pirate infested hovel. If they had done anything to the convoy, Kevarus would burn, he thought to himself. " Spode judge them! This is typical with their MO! Damn pirates, the government of the Chain is nothing more than a sham! Find the convoy, Admiral, now! I dont care if it takes every single ship in your fleet, find them!" Marshwalker turned to the other councilors and continued "We should have never trusted those damn brigands! Now look at what you've done!" Kir Darkcloak stood up and shouted "WE ALL CAN SHOUT TO, ART!" she calmed herself and spoke "What do we know? Nothing! We cant jump the gun and pass judgement yet! And if it was pirates, its going to be quite a leap to assume the Chain had a direct hand! So lets. All. Calm. Down." She turned to the nervous admiral. "Go, Hanover. Find the convoy. And what ships were attached to the convoy?" Admiral Hanover consulted his notes and replied "The AES Illustrious, Kaga, Enterprise, Ozzel and Pillar of Salt. Oh, and the AES Yellow, ma'm...."

AES Redoubt, Sector (-16, 14)

Captain Waverider was surprised by the Jarl's response. Clearly, they were not as advanced as they thought if they did not know the Enclave was. He filed that for later. " Greetings, and may the wisdom of Spode be with you. We knew of your borders from a long time ago, before we were the Enclave, before The Endless War. You might remember us as either the Conclave Of The People or The Shepard's Church. The war ended 20 years ago and we became the Avonite Enclave."

Diplomatic Convoy to Witchians
Orbiting Protheus

"I'm down for discussing those. Let's start with trade. What do your people have to offer and what do they need?" replied Ambassador Jones.

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

"Open trade will be delightful!" exclaimed Donovan. "And tourism would do a great deal for our economy."

Diplomatic Convoy to Acarian Fleet
Allied States of Lernaea Border

"It's a pleasure to meet you, Your Excellency. I am Rananyus Nosus. We, too, hope that we can become friends and improve relations. Now, shall we discuss business on my ship, or yours?"

ISA Headquarters

"The reception is prepared," stated Garriott.
"Good. The Aesir are approaching," replied Morrow.

Surface of Protheus

Wallace White took a deep breath. He would be among the first to meet ones from another civilization in centuries. He walked up to the landing bay along with a small honor guard, and prepared for the Aesir to arrive.

Withian Scout,
In orbit of Protheus

"Toobek, our capital, has some great wildlife, and we have many great cooks who could make fantastic meals, something along those lines we could trade you, but possibly even some weaponry." The scout paused. "My people aren't in the need for any single recourse currently, but they always love different luxuries. Perhaps you have something that my nation would want, want to give an offer?"

New Witchmond's Northern Border

New Witchmond had always been prideful for their strength and conquests. Their culture is mostly made up of tales of Witchian battles and their greatest generals. Leaving the Wintrean Remnant took those tales and wonders away from them. The Wintreans held a grudge against the citizens who left, at least against the Witchians, as of New Witchmond had no idea of Wintreath's relations. This grudge led the Wintreath rejecting all access from Witchians, giving a hostile relation between the two empires. When a patrolling border guard spotted a Wintrean convoy he was suspicious, especially seeing the mass amount of military around it. He readied the newest prototype of the still-in-development plasma beam and opened a communication link with the envoy. "What do YOU want from us this time, Wintreans?" He asked in a harsh tone.

Wintrean diplomatic convoy to New Witchmond
Sector (-9, -13)

The Wintrean diplomatic convoy (technically, "Frosthold representative convoy") dropped out of hyperspace as it approached the border of New Witchmond. Representative Felix Magnusson began preparing to broadcast his contact signal, but before they could do that, a Witchian border guard opened communications with them.

"What do you want from us this time, Wintreans?" he asked in a harsh tone.

Magnusson quickly responded. "I am Representative Magnusson of the Frosthold Representative Institute. We seek to establish diplomatic relations with New Witchmond, so that we can better facilitate cultural and economic ties between our two nations."
Wintrean diplomatic convoy to the Aesir Empire
Sector (-13, 10)

The diplomatic convoy exited hyperspace near the Aesir Empire's borders. Representative Blenda Lundgren and her diplomatic staff began broadcasting their diplomatic message. "This is Representative Blenda Lundgren of the Frosthold Representative Institute, representing the Monarch of Wintreath. We seek to again establish peaceful relations with the Aesir Empire."

The convoy's transceiver continued broadcasting, but received no response. Suddenly, a bridge officer reported, "two battlecruisers have dropped out of hyperspace! They appear to be of Aesir origin, and are approximately the same size as our cruisers."

"Hail them," Lundgren commanded. If all went well, this situation could be resolved peacefully.
Frosthold Planet Main Orbital Traffic Control Center
Frosthold City, Frosthold Planet
Sector (-3, 3)

Orbital Traffic Control had received briefings about the two diplomatic convoys set to arrive later that day. Soon, the Science convoy exited hyperspace. An orbital traffic controller cleared them for landing and told them, "Welcome to Frosthold Planet, formerly known as Wintreath. You have been cleared to land at one of the Monarch's private spaceports, located on the shores of Frostlake. There, you will journey to Frostlake City to meet and negotiate with Monarch Wintermoot."

A few hours later, the Avonite convoy arrived. Traffic Control cleared them for landing on the shores of Frostlake as well, though at a different spaceport.
Wintrean Diplomatic Convoys
Near Lernaean Border, Sector (-14, 1)
Near Laurentian Border, Sector (-1, 14)
Near Acarian Border, Sector (-1, -14)
Near Kevarian Border, Sector (22, 3)

The other four diplomatic convoys also reached their destinations on schedule. Exiting hyperspace, they broadcast similar messages of peace and a desire to establish diplomatic relations.

Diplomatic Complex
City of Gypite
Toobek, New Witchmond

After hearing the response of the New Witchmond delegation, the ambassador smiled.  New Witchmond will be a great ally in the coming invasion of the Remnant, then.  The combined might of Acaria and Romulus is one thing, but to add a third member to their coalition all but sealed the fate of the backstabbing aristocrats on Frosthold. Zentren thought.  He then spoke, "Certainly!  Tal Shiar representatives will commence intelligence sharing operations immediately with members of your intelligence service, then... perhaps even to discuss retribution against what seems to be our greatest common enemy: Frosthold and the Remnants of Wintreath."   

He paused for a bit, and then added, "On a more civilian topic again, what would you say to database exchanges and research cooperation?  I'm sure that, together, we could improve the lives of our citizenries greatly." 
Combined Romulan-Acarian Fleet
North of Acarian Empire
(en route to Wintreath Remnant Space)

Fleet Praetor Relatrex received the reply of Admiral Aedyn and ordered his ship's culinary staff to commence preparations of a traditional pre-battle Romulan feast immediately.  He also re-hailed the Flagship and requested the number of persons that would be attending from the Acarian half of the fleet. 

New Witchmond's Northern Border

The guard disabled to prototype plasma beam and spoke in an suspicious tone, "Very well then, perhaps if you are looking for an offer, I shall contact the head security tower and see what they think of it."

Head Security Tower
Gypite, Toobek
Al Ser had returned to the head security tower to check everywhere else. Soon after, a transmission from a border guard containing of, "I just ran into a Wintrean diplomatic convoy, they seek to improve diplomatic relations with us." Al followed up with a quick response. "Keep them where they are. I shall contact Ben Danation and see what we should do, as of diplomatic relations with our enemies is a matter that only the president should deal with. Al Ser then turned on his earpiece and contacted Ben.

Diplomatic Complex
Gypite, Toobek

"A research agreement sounds fantastic, may our empires prosper in these times," Ben agreed. He then received a message from his earpiece, "Ben, come quick, Wintreans are at our northern border, apparently trying to improve diplomatic relations." He got up quickly and responded to a confused looking Zentren. "Wintreans have been spotted by our border, apparently looking to improve our relations. Come follow me, I'd rather not just abandon this meeting." He hurriedly made his way to the head security tower with Zentren not to far behind him.