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Lernaean Border

"We shall discuss on your ship, as you are the host nation." responded Katarina.

Acarian Communications Network
Sector (-1,-14)

The diplomatic convoys were a big surprise to the Acarian tasked at the station. He had no idea how to respond. He wrote a message to wait patiently to the convoy. Meanwhile, a flurry of messages was sent from and to Zuophus. This was an unexpected event in Acaria, and the Government knew that they can't make the Wintreath suspicious of their invasion. The Consul wrote a message to the station to let the Wintreans know they are 'Welcome'.

"Hello, this is the Acarian Communications Network speaking. You are in Acarian territory, flying under diplomatic purposes. We accept you convoy, you may proceed to the capital" the Communicator said as he gave them the coordinates of Zuophus."

Combined Romulan-Acarian Fleet

Grand Admiral Aedyn soon received Fleet Praetor Relatrex's hail. He took note of how many of high command wanted to feast, which was 12 of the 37 officers. He responded with the number of guests and awaited a response while observing supply line statuses.

Industries Spirit, Avon, Avonite Enclave

"No, no, a thousand times no! I will not let you co-opt my android program!" Kir Darkcloak looked pissed. Oh well, thought Councilor Art Marshwalker, she will just have to get over it. "It makes perfect sense, Kir. I need people who can infiltrate the Kevarian Chain. I doubt they would allow Avonites in if hostilities break out and any one we send in before a formal declaration of war would not fare well. I don't trust mercs to carry out espionage, even if I did I would never use those scum. So how will we carry out espionage without spies? Your android program is the perfect solution." If the Kevarians wanted war, they would get it, Art thought. "Dammit, Art, we don't even know what happened! You can't just lock and load on a suspicion! Anyway, the androids are not ready, so its a moot point. Find someone else to do your dirty work." Kir got up to leave, turning at the door to say one last thing. " I don't appreciate all of the council treating my science projects like their own personal treasure trove. Skyflyer, Lightbringer, now you, next thing I know Flowchaser will want the code for our special weapons programs. I actually need my science team. " and with that, she left. Art scratched his talons. By Spode, did that woman make his job hard...

AES Murphy, near the ruins of Enclave Trading Convoy GK-21-b, Unclaimed Space North of the Kevarian Chain

So there it was. The convoy was gone, Admiral Fir Hanover thought to himself. He ordered his Vice Admiral to search for evidence of the attack and recover life pods. When he was told that everyone on the life pods were dead, his blood boiled. Whoever did this had better hope that he never found them. An Ensign came running up to the Admiral with a message. " Sir, Vice Admiral Blower reports that he found a survivor, onboard the AES Yellow, sir. A Sgt Hlt Milesight,sir."

AFS Odin and AFS Heimdallr
Sector (-13, 10)

Both ships dropped out of hyperspace in front of the Wintreath convoy, weapons charged. The AFS Odin received a hail from the Wintreans.

Captain Dagfinn stood and ordered, "Fire the lancers between their ships. Be careful not to hit anything."

The two battlecruisers fired their lancers between the Wintrean ships, the two streams of searing plasma coming dangerously close to the diplomatic ship.

"Answer the hail," he ordered.

The comm officer nodded to sign it was done.

"Your arrogance precedes you. What makes you think we'll come running into your 'warm embrace' after the War?

"During the War, you spread us way too thin and tried to supplement us with inferior soldiers and war machines. Not once did your people trust our tactical advice, and we got decimated because of it.

"What was once an empire that spanned almost an entire quadrant now barely occupies one fourth of its territory. Entire family lines have been wiped from existence. Critical craft worlds are demolished and overrun by Nature's hand. The keys to our technological marvels have been lost. Our people now hunt for survival instead of sport.

"And despite all of this, here you are extending the hand of friendship once more. What makes you think we won't bite it off?"
Aesir Diplomatic Convoy to Lernaea
Protheus

Ambassador Herjall, dressed in her huskarl armor and sporting a power ax, boarded a Valkyrie. A squad of five Drekrekkr, one being a sergeant with a power ulfberht and all of their armor painted urban camo, boarded the Valkyrie after her. Two squads each boarded two more Valkyries, and the bay was prepped for launching.

The pilots checked their systems then fired up their engines. As soon as the bay doors opened, the Valkyries launched out and set a course for the landing pad on the surface.

From the surface, the Valkyries appeared as three streaks in the sky as they entered the atmosphere, but they soon came into visual range and landed on the pad softly.

Upon landing, the Valkyrie bay doors lowered to become ramps and the Drekrekkr squads hopped out, weapons in hand. Following them was Herjall, standing as tall as she could to stand out from the Drekrekkr.

She walked forward and said, "With whom will I be dealing?"
AFS Jörmungandr
Sector (-16, 14)

"Conclave Of The People...Yes, that does sound familiar." He quickly performed a search for them on the small console beside him. "Your people reside in the northeastern part of the galaxy, near the Laurentian Empire.

"That answers who you are, but not how you knew where our claimed border lies. Our borders have been constantly changing since the beginning of the War, and you happen to know exactly where to stop before trespassing. Have you informers within our Empire?"

Aesir Longboat AFS Jörmungandr
Main Aesir Fleet
Sector (-16, 14)

"Thank you in advance for the cookies," Glass responded to Jarl Aragonn. "I had the privilege to try one when meeting with the First Consul, and I must say that they are excellent."

He and the rest of the diplomatic mission boarded a Feynmann-class shuttle. Soon, they docked with the Aesir longboat.

When they came aboard, Glass and his entourage were guided to the promised cookies. He tried one. It's even better than I remembered, Glass thought to himself. Must be its freshness.
Monarch's spaceport
Frosthold Planet
Sector (-3, 3)

Led by Ambassador Murphy, the diplomatic mission flew a Rationality-class shuttle down to the surface of the Wintrean capital. The somewhat large landing craft touched down by the shores of the picturesque Frostlake.

From there, Murphy and his advisers were guided onto a rather luxurious airspeeder, which took them across the waters of the lake and into the city. They soon arrived at Frosthold Castle. Murphy braced himself for the meeting with the Monarch and entered.
Aboard the SES Actualization
Special Task Force of the Scientific Exploration Fleet
Sector (-15, 6)

"Agreed," replied Bailey.

After a little more negotiation, a few more details were worked out.

"I will contact our government as soon as possible," Bailey told the Lernaeans. "Once they approve, we will immediately send a diplomatic convoy to your territories to set up a permanent embassy. Is that satisfactory?"

AES Redoubt, sector -16,14

Captain Waverider sighed and leaned back into his chair. This 20 questions routine was pissing him off. He had no desire to be here, why the Admiral had picked him for diplomatic duty was beyond him. He thought about his response.

" As much as I would love to tell you all of the Enclaves secrets that information is classified. " Captain Waverider had no desire to tell him about the spies that the Enclave had in all of the Empires posing as idle mercs. " I can assure you that we have not been spying on your government." Just your people, thought Waverider.

AES Strawberry Swing, Frosthold Planet

Admiral Innsmoth boarded the shuttle to the planet. While he did he went over the orders from the Council. A bit weird, but he would oblige. He also looked at the updated emergency orders list as well. Best remember them while he could. Aw well, he thought, unless something drastic changed his days of being an Admiral were over. He reached the landing bay and followed the reception committee...

AES Sum Of All Zeros, in orbit around Kevarus, Kevarian Chain

Captain Bridgeman stormed through his ship, heading to the quarters of the Kevarian Representative. The report from Admiral Hanover was in, Convoy GK-21-b was gone. All signs pointed towards pirates. Everyone but one man dead. He burst into the Kevarians room. " I presume you heard?" He help up a copy of the report, then tossed it on his bed. " What's this?" At least Hlt Milesight was safe on the Murphy....

AES Murphy, en route to Avon, quarters of Hlt Milesight

Ryy Sharptalon stood over the body of Hlt Milesight, the look of surprise still on his face. Ryy wiped the knife off at the  handle then dropped it. He exited the room, adjusting  the uniform of the Enclave National Police. So kind of the Councilor to provide the uniform and ID.....

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

The diplomatic mission complied with New Witchmond's request to remain where they were. As a security precaution, though, the ships were readied for fighting and/or escape in anticipation of the situation potentially turning hostile.
Wintrean Diplomatic Convoy to the Acarian Empire
Sector (-1, -14)

Representative Adrian Bergli breathed a sigh of relief. "Thank you," he responded.

The diplomatic convoy jumped into hyperspace, en route to Zuophus.
Wintrean diplomatic convoy to the Aesir Empire
Sector (-13, 10)

The plasma beams flew dangerously close to the ships, mildly damaging the shields. The crews, already readying weapons and engines systems for a potential negative outcome, intensified their efforts. As Lundgren listened to the Aesir transmission, her suspicions of a modified form of gunboat diplomacy were essentially confirmed.

Nevertheless, Lundgren took a moment to compose herself, and then responded. "What makes you think the Aesir suffered any different from any other parts of the galaxy? It was not the Aesir military that was spread too thin, but rather the forces of the entire galaxy. After millenia of peace, none of us were prepared for the terrors to follow.

"The War was devastating to all of us. Countless lives, technologies, and infrastructure were destroyed, and that destruction was not limited to only the Aesir. On Frosthold Planet itself, thousands of skyscrapers were destroyed or abandoned, often killing billions in a matter of seconds, and the once-great biological diversity of the planet has been replaced with ice and snow from pole to pole. Nobody, not even the most peaceful of cultures, was spared from the terrible consequences of the War, of the terrible rebellions.

"Historians and military analysts in what remains of Wintreath have spent centuries discussing the terrible outcome of the war, and we have found that the poor military leadership at the onset of the War caused losses of needless lives. But we now know our mistakes, and can learn from them. Even in the later stages of the War, many Aesir rose to powerful leadership positions in the Hvitt Ridderal and Ministry of Defence before circumstances forced them to return to their homelands. Furthermore, we aren't asking the Aesir to join us in any form of alliance, but simply to open up to peaceful relations.

"As one people, we fought to preserve the stability of the galaxy, and as one people, we failed. Vengeance against a nonexistent wrongdoing won't solve anything. At best, all it means is the needless deaths of even more Aesir and Wintreans, and at worst, it could mean the destruction of both of our civilizations. Let us work together and rebuild in peace, instead. Let us share our technologies for the mutual improvement of our societies, rather than destroying them in an unnecessary war. Let us open trade between our nations, instead of demolishing our industries through pointless fighting.

"We're not asking you to become best friends with us again or to join us in a glorious war. We're just asking for you to give peace between us a chance."
Monarch's Office
Frosthold Castle
Sector (-3, 3)

Monarch Wintermoot XCVIII had eschewed the formality of the throne room in favor of a smaller office. He welcomed the Science delegation in.

"Welcome," the Monarch said. "Please, sit. Here is some tea of you would like." He took a sip out of his own teacup.

"I take it that Science is a relatively younger nation?" he asked. "We have no records of your existence before the War."
Wintrean reception committee for Avonite Enclave
Monarch's spaceport, Frosthold Planet
Sector (-3, 3)

Henrik Jensen led the reception as he walked up to the Avonite delegation, accompanied by Tor Björk. "Welcome to Frostlake," he said. "I am Jarl Jensen of State, and this is Director-General Björk of the Frosthold Representative Institute. We will be travelling to Frosthold Castle, the primary residence of the Monarch."

Jensen paused for a moment. "Coincidentally, a diplomatic mission from the Democratic Empire of Science just arrived a few hours ago, so I apologize for any wait you may have. You are free to discuss anything with me as well, of course."

Ben and Zentren finally arrived at the security tower and Ben established a communication link. "Alright, I want this quick and simple, what do you want?"

Diplomatic Complex: Security Tower
City of Gypite
Toobek, New Witchmond

Ambassador Zentren turned to the Witchean leader, visibly unsettled and confused.  "Why would the Remnant be attempting to make diplomatic contact now?  Their policy still considers all states in the galaxy as rebellions that need to be quelled, according to the latest Tal Shiar reports, which are issued biweekly,"  he paused again, thinking. 

"Let's hear what they have to say, I'm quite curious, and of course, if nothing comes of it, we could always board and capture the ship and interrogate the crew to be sure that there isn't a deception..." 
Combined Romulan-Acarian Fleet
4 Days from the Wintreath Border

"Yes, Praetor.  The Grand Admiral will be bringing 12 members of the command staff with him to the dinner.  We have made the necessary accommodations, and will receive the Acarians tomorrow at 1700."

"Wonderful!  I want everything to be perfect here, no problems.  Also, double the Tal Shiar guard presence on the vessel.  I want any Wintrean sympathizers or subversives promptly apprehended, found guilty, court-marshaled and executed.  We cannot allow anyone to alert the Remnant the surprise attack.  Is that clear!?" Praetor Relatrex paused.

"Yes m'lord.  By your command.  Colonel D'mela out." 

Frosthold Planet

" Thank you, I am Admiral Ark Innsmoth, in charge of the AES Strawberry Swing, as well as the Foreign Fleet. " He took a moment to consider his next words. " Though not for much longer, I'm afraid." He rubbed what was left of his left hand, 1 of the 3 fingers having been blown off a long time ago in battle with the Conclave. That and the massive scars on his face and the missing teeth stood as reminders of the Endless War. "The Empire of Rationalist Science? I was not aware they came out this far. And have no fear, I understand. May I ask you something? Do you know of the Endless War? And if so, what do you think of it?"

Capital Building, Industries Spirit, Avon, Avonite Enclave

"What the heck is going on?" Irk Flowchaser said exasperatedly to Kir Darkcloak and Des Skyflyer. " How could someone possibly kill the sole survivor of GK-21-b onboard the Murphy and get away undetected? " Kir nodded and spoke "By right, they shouldn't. By right GK-21-B should have been safe. Kevarian pirates don't operate like that and last I checked Kevarian pirates don't have access to our emergency override codes. Something else is at play here, which is why I asked you both here. Des, I don't think you could ever do something like that, plus you gain nothing from it." Kir turned to Irk "and I trust you implicitly, Irk." They looked at each other for a second, then Kir continued " Art is jumping at the chance for war and Lightbringer isn't far behind. We can't trust them to keep a clear head so we have to find who did this. The ENP investigators should be in contact soon.... "

Ruins of the AES Ozzel, Ruins of Enclave Convoy GK-21-b, North of the Kevarian Chain

Of all the ships destroyed, the Ozzel had the most intact computers. All the other ships could record that an emergency override code was used to kill the life support and the crew but not which code. Hopefully the Ozzel held some answers. Enclave National Police Chief Investigator Han Watchtower looked through the records hoping for an answer. After much time, he had it. The code used was..... wait, that can't be right. Code number 1? That's... That's the code for....  a Councilor's use. Han Watchtower started in disbelief, unable to accept what was right in front of him. One of the Council was responsible....

Computer Conversation Records
IRW Venator Stellarum
Romulan Orbit at Starbase Romula

"Commander Gela, we have received our commands from the Tal Shiar.  We've been ordered to make contact with what a scout ship has reported as another civilisation north of the Kervian Chain.  We will also be escorting a trade convoy of ICC vessels to the Kervian chain on our way as well.  They're carrying quite valuable cargo, according to the Continuum President."

"Thank you Centurion Darak.  Begin launch pre-ignition sequences.  Although I can't stand that we're simply being used by the Continuum as an escort.  I wonder how much they paid some Admiral at Headquarters to assign a warship as an escort.  Ugh.  Weapons department?  This is Commander Gela.  Begin full battle drills coinciding with departure of Romula.  The ICC has requested an escort, and if that is the case than we know there must be a reason.  Keep prepared and maintain a constant comm link open to Fleet Headquarters." 

Zuophus
Sector (5,-9)

With recent news of Wintreath Diplomatic Convoy, Emperor Zemas XVIII decided to hold a feast with his guests as tradition. Of course this is all a ruse, being nice to the Wintreans, but traditions must be upheld. Due to security reasons, the diplomat would land in the Private Imperial Airport, which was near the palace. They would be then escorted by the Palace Guards to the Palace for the feast and then discuss diplomatic terms with one who has high knowledge of diplomacy.

Combined Romulan-Acarian Fleet
3 Days from Wintrean Border

12 of Acarian High Command boarded their shuttles to fly to the Romulan Vessel. They sent out a communication saying they were arriving.

Diplomatic Convoy to Witchians
Orbiting Protheus

"Well, under luxuries, we do have jewels and gold," said Ambassador Jones. "Also, we do offer civilian ships, such as the Royalish-class yacht, designed for, well, luxurious travels. Weaponry does sound interesting. Different technologies could give us an upper hand."

ISA Headquarters

"Sir, we're receiving a diplomatic message from... the Wintreans!" shouted Garriott.
"The Wintreans?" asked Morrow. "We haven't had any contact with them... ever. Be cautious."
"Yes sir!" replied Garriott. "I'm sending over a convoy now."

Wintrean Diplomatic Convoy
Near Lernaean Border, Sector (-14, 1)

The Wintrean ships slowly came into view as they approached. David Barron took in a huge breath. He was one of the few people that even knew that a war had happened. He spent most of his life devoted to studying the Wintreans. I finally get to meet them! he thought. And as an ambassador to Lernaea! He alerted the honor guard to be ready, and opened a channel for communication. "Hello! I am David Barron, representing the Allied States of Lernaea. It seems that you have stumbled across our borders into a truly wonderful place."

Diplomatic Convoy to Acarian Fleet
Allied States of Lernaea Border

"Very well. I'm transmitting the docking procedures now. I look forward to seeing you in person," responded Rananyus Nosus.

She alerted her honor guard to meet her at the docking bay, and walked there as quickly as possible, and waited for the Acarian's arrival.

Aesir Diplomatic Convoy to Lernaea
Protheus

Wallace stepped forward. "That would be me, Ambassador," he stated. "I am Mr. White. Welcome to Lernaea, and more importantly, Protheus, our capital. I do hope that you enjoy your stay. Now right this way," he said. "Oh, and I don't believe I caught your name."

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

"Yes it is," replied Donovan. "I will do the same. It's been a pleasure, and I look forward to seeing more of Science."

Emperor Laurentus had been putting out one fire after another, so the last thing he wanted to hear was that the Vashoth were headed to the capital planet. This news had made his Asari ambassador's severely uncomfortable, and they were threatening trade sanctions if any sort of deal were made with the oxmen.

But they still made up a significant percentage of the empire's population, and what was more, they contributed the most military might to the Imperial Fleet. He would need to be both a skilled diplomat and hardened soldier to keep his alliance with both the Asari and Vashoth.
_____________________________
(Listen to this in a loop while reading this segment)
 
The Gaatlok, prince Henrik's flagship, was steadily headed out of the New Hatfield territories, and crossing into Laurentus States. The Qunari was in a bad mood, as he always was when being forced to deal with Asari. He did not relish meeting them later.

It was therefore all the more reason for the crew to be on their best behaviour, as Henrik had violent outbursts when faced with the smallest level of incompetence, and he very much regarded this catastrophe as incompetence.

The 2.3 metre tall Qunari was standing behind the communications operator, himself a slightly smaller Qunari, and instructed him to place him in contact with the Chief Engineer. "Chief Engineer Victus, I require your presence in the command center. Now. Over." Henrik cut him off without waiting for an answer. The Turian would have to come quickly, if he knew what was good for him. He did not. When he finally did arrive, he was was met with an entire room full of operators, with their backs turned firmly away from him, and the prince's hard, unflinching gaze.

"Clearly you don't understand the meaning of the word 'now.' Shall I explain it to you?" Henrik was livid, but didn't show any outward signs of it.

"I apologise, your excellency. My duties have kept me busy these past few days."

"Yes, your duties. I understand," the Qunari was saying with a pleasant inflection, and began walking to one of the monitors displaying the shield generator. The Turian followed, quite relieved.

"Tell me, Chief Engineer, what would you say that is coming out of our shield generator?" Henrik maintained his pleasant voice.

The Turian looked closely at the live image in front of him, and felt his blood turn to ice as he recognised the small cloud rising out of the generator: smoke. That could mean only one thing: he had botched his analysis of the ship's systems 48 hours earlier. "I... Your Excellency... I don't know how I missed that. I'm sorry. I shall go make repairs immediately."

"No, no, stay. You've been working so hard. I think that's why you missed it." Henrik was sounding more pleasant than ever, but Victus realised that the other operators were hunched over their desks, as though bracing themselves for an horrific attack.

"Are... Are you certain, your Excellency?"

"Indeed. Here, why don't I pour you some of that Turian beverage you can't seem to get enough of?" Henrik took the glass right in front of him and began pouring quite a large dose of the drink, all the while projecting a relaxed, friendly demeanour.

The Turian was very uncomfortable, but couldn't very well refuse the prince's offer. "I thank you for the drink, your Excellency. Did your Excellency have it ordered up from the lounge?" Victus knew it was a stupid question, but he was getting more and more nervous, and didn't know what else to say.

"Indeed I did. Only the finest will do for my most hard working engineer. Now. Tell me, would you join me for a round of cards?"

Victus didn't know what was happening, but he was certain it was something bad. "If your Excellency so desires, but would it not be better for me to get back to my duties? I would not want to keep your Excellency from your Excellency's own."

"Ah. Such a pity. I do so enjoy a good game of cards. Especially when I'm supposed to be on duty. Wouldn't you say that is the best time to indulge in it?"

Victus suddenly knew what this was all about, but before he could get a word out, Henrik had picked him up violently with one hand, and began smashing his head against the monitor with a force that no human could ever hope to match. The first smash cracked the protective layer, the second smash completely shattered it, and by the third smash, Victus was nothing but a crushed and bloody corpse.

The operators had closed their eyes and recoiled with each unholy crack, and were still too afraid to open their eyes now.

Henrik never raised his voice. He simply said: "Back to your duties, and somebody clean up this mess and replace this monitor," to the room at large before storming out of the command center to his private room.
________________________________

Imperial Prince Marinia was staring at his guests intently. He had been made the Minister of Foreign Affairs by the emperor, and had swiftly gotten back to all the foreign dignitaries that had been piling up under his predecessor. "I am sorry for the delay you all experienced. The previous minister's health failed him, and we've been scrambling to find a suitable replacement ever since. I welcome you to our empire, and hope you find us worthy of an alliance."

AFS Odin
Sector (-13, 10)

Dagfinn stood there listening to the Wintrean speak. He put serious thought into what she had to say, and determined that she had spoken the truth. But there was still one thing puzzling him.

"I commend you on your courage to come to us. You didn't cower behind soldiers, you didn't lie, you didn't tell us what you thought we wanted to hear. You told us what we needed to hear; the truth. For this, I welcome you to the Empire.

"However, there is one question I have for you. Why come to us now?"
AFS Jörmungandr
Sector  (-16, 14)

Aragonn narrowed his eyes a bit. He didn't like this pest's tone. But for the sake of diplomacy, he would let it go.

"You stated you have no spies within our government, which is true unless you somehow managed to sway an Aesir to your side, but you said nothing about spying on my people. You're lucky I don't feel like going on a witch hunt right now.

"You're also lucky this is a diplomatic scenario because you just underestimated us. Had this been a combat situation, you would be dead right now.

"But alas, here we are. Come aboard my ship, the AFS Jörmungandr. We shall discuss diplomatic terms here."

He ended communications and got up from his seat. He needed to address the Science ambassador.

"Lieutenant Kommander, you have the bridge."

The Lieutenant Kommander took the Captain's chair as Aragonn walked off the bridge. As the Jarl made his way to the makeshift conference room, he did a breathing exercise to calm himself. The Science ambassador was called to the conference room upon Aragonn's entrance with instructions to bring cookies with him from the galley.
Aesir Diplomat Herjall
Protheus

The ambassador looked him up and down to size him up. The brain with no brawn type... she thought in disappointment.

She made a series of clicks to the Drekrekkr sergeant, and his squad took the rear. All the other Drekrekkr stood with the Valkyries.

"My name is Herjall. It is an honor to meet you. Take us to our destination.

"But before you do, are there any security concerns we should be aware of? Criminal activity or rogue factions?"
Aesir Diplomat to Laurentian Empire
Sector (5, 18)

Ambassador Dersyr listened to Marinia's apology and grunted. This wait had better be worth it...

Diplomatic convoy to Learnaea
"I can let the traders of New Witchmond know about this trade route that we have accomplished. So, what shall we discuss next?" The scout replied.