| [IC] The Joint Inspection |
"The Great Stewardship can best be described as both a set of ethical guidelines and a quasi-religious moral imperative held firm since our first forays into the void. While there have been many ways to interpret and apply it, the general gist of the Great Stewardship can be summarized as such: sentient life is a sacred gift upon the galaxy, and as such must be guarded as best as possible to ensure that it can bloom and flourish. With some interpreting it as calling for severe punishment for those who cruelly exploit younger civilizations."
The Emperor motioned for his guests to follow him as he spoke, his robe shimmering slightly in the hangar's rather luxurious lighting. "As for your question regarding the Protectorate Races, in most human tongues it can translated as an 'umbrella term' for a number of younger space-faring species that, due to having a relatively smaller military and colonial presence, we offer steadfast military protection, guaranteed autonomy, lucrative trade, exploration data, and representation on the Imperial Senate. In essence, it serves as a network of trade routes, multilateral peacekeeping initiatives, as well as mutual defense and aid. The most prominent and widespread of the Protectorate Races are the Sosa Republics, Yapatha High Kingdom, Carsicoid Hives, and of course the Terra Nova Enclave." "To answer a fairly common question, if the species in question asks us to withdraw or desires to stand on their own, we will honor their request, with no strings attached. To behave so... duplicitously..." the young Drakari grimaced as if the very notion of it made him sick to his stomach, his posture all but screaming of untested idealism, "towards those we considered as brothers amongst the stars would be a source of grave national and personal dishonor."
This Great Stewardship isn't quite unlike the Stoinian way of natural order.. Of course no Stoinian would ever claim that all life is sacred. The Mardakii had proven that if anything. Perhaps this Emperor should learn more about Stoinian history before making such claims. However the Emperor had perhaps made a mistake. He is honest, but he had just revealed an exploitable element. If Stoinians wanted to stir up troubles in the Imperium, they could implant elements to the Terra Nova Enclave. Likely they would be resistant, but perhaps other species would be more susceptible to such plans. An exploit perhaps of use for ONI when the time comes.
Vujić couldn't help but analyse this potential to destabilize the Imperium. Whether or not this plan was fruitful would be reviewed after this mission. Nonetheless, perhaps a first stepping stone, but he would focus on the more friendly alternatives from now. Berrocal continued the conversation as Vujić took more mental notes. "I see your Majesty. That must be quite an achievement to keep all those species together. Let alone the entire dynamics between all these races, to us it seems an achievement in itself. I assume this took centuries to realise?" Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
"One could argue that the initials generations of some species were understandably cautious... in regards to alien life. But, as the brief years go by, the shared dream of adventure and knowledge, prosperity and comfort, historically tends to win out over short-lived xenophobia."
The Emperor smiled as he led his guests through the comfortable, yet lavishly decorated spaceport toward his personal vehicle, moving at a slow pace to keep alongside the smaller sentients, his tail lightly swishing and his talons clicking against the floor with a faint, happy rhythm. "One thing that certainly helps with interspecies bonding is one thing that transcends cultures: a love of sharing a warm meal and cool drinks. Speaking of which, I do hope you would be willing to share one with me after the initial talks. I would be remiss if I did not give guests of the state the finest cuisine after a long voyage across the stars."
The Stoinians were still very sceptical about the xenophile approach, but those frustrations might come out during the talks. They glazed over the many ornate decorations in the space station as they followed the Drakari Emperor.
Perhaps they might be more open to commerce than the Ryccians. An endeavour worth exploring. Berrocal thought to himself, but continued the conversation. "Even we Stoinians have to agree on the last part. I at least am quite curious about your cuisine. Though I don't expect to eat hunted game, unless you also value sapient life over non-sapient? Or would that go against your Great Stewardship?" Berrocal was testing to see a reaction from the Drakari if their Great Stewardship can be ridiculed in the slightest. Soon enough he would have his answer. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
"The Great Stewardship is a call to shield and protect sentient races due to their relative rarity among the stars, not a ban on the hunting of game. Some in the Imperium, notably small nonprofits amongst Human and Yapatha, have expanded it to include animal life on a case by case basis, primarily for species that are discovered to be endangered during planetary surveys. That said, I can understand any source of confusion on the matter. Especially in regards to spaceborne organisms. I remember watching a species of gas-feeding cosmozoans passing by one of the outer planets of the home system as a hatchling. They were lovely to watch as they dove and danced amongst the outer clouds."
If he was insulted or offended, the young Emperor and his retinue did not show it. If anything, Julianus seemed more than happy to assuage any concerns of his Stoinian guests. Along the hallways, a number of glittering statues and bas-relief carvings of several species looked down upon the group, alternating between welcoming smiles and gazing towards the heavens.
"That is good to hear. It is quite a relief to meet another species that doesn't hunt other sapients, but can appreciate the art within the act."
Berrocal looked at the carvings. There was something sinister about it. The Admiral felt the same way, the change in moods of the statues was odd. Berrocal decided to investigate it. "Your Majesty, I can't help but notice. These carving are quite similar to some of our own, but I am afraid I do not posses the knowledge to fully understand the changes in moods. Perhaps you can enlighten us?" Berrocal believed art styles said a lot about people. He saw it first hand when he visited the Ryccians to address the King's state visit. Even though he was in the outer fringes, their decadent core culture was omnipresent it seemed. He was curious into gaining an insight of the Drakari. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
"These are carvings of philosophers, artists, diplomats, military heroes, and iconic religious leaders from several cultures. I personally think that the sculptors who made these centuries prior went a little overboard in making them come across as euphoric, welcoming, and transcendent, but I will give credit where it is due."
He chuckled sheepishly. "Personally, I prefer landscapes and handwoven tapestries such as those that adorn the throne room. There is a subtle beauty to the time and care put in to each interlocking thread. Art is a wondrous way to bear one's heart and soul to the world, after all."
Berrocal was stunned by the Emperor's openness about art. Certainly more similarities could be drawn with the Stoinians' own monarch. Berrocal figured they could make the Drakari working partners eventually. Though he would need to be careful about not revealing too much potential controversial facts. The Stoinians had learned from their mistakes with the Ryccians, though the Drakari seemed to have more in common with them on a cultural level.
"I'm afraid the feeling is mutual. We Stoinians in fact like to brag about our artisanship from our many ethnicities. Perhaps an interesting aspect for future commerce." Vujić didn't quite know what to think of it. Berrocal was going a bit fast for his taste, but then again he was the newly appointed Legate. The King had spoken personally with him on his part of the mission. Right now he could only hope Berrocal knows what he is doing. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
"Indeed! Perhaps we could prepare a joint art festival as well as educational exchanges, but one thing at a time of course. I can practically feel my chamberlain preparing to chide me for getting ahead of myself all the way from the palace," Julianus couldn't help but let loose a hearty chuckle as he rounded a corner to the hangar where his transport awaited.
"Your Imperial Majesty," an insectoid creature happily chirped as they bowed deeply to the crimson-scaled behemoth, "the shuttle is prepped and ready for planetfall at your command." "You have my thanks, Krrzek. You honor your Hive through your diligent work." Julianus smiled warmly at the creature as he bowed in turn. "You flatter us, Emperor. We are but a humble pilot and navigator." "One who deserves all praise, friend."
"Let's not call those shots at this stage your Majesty."
The Stoinians both shown visible disgust as the insectoid appeared. They had seen the Treecuu Teetac, but they hadn't yet accustomed to insectoid lifeforms. They couldn't help but feeling their stomachs turn around at the sights of these bugs. Berrocal couldn't help but think. This Emperor is perhaps too enthusiastic. None the less something that can be used if he is indeed part of the talks. I'll have to smoothen out this one. The King had instructed him on using subtle means to manipulate the xenos. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
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