Stoinian Star Kingdom,
Kuatis Drive Yards
8/05/1620
 

The Joint Command Staff of the Joint Stoinian-Treecuu Exploratory Fleet held a press conference regarding the recent activities and the future of the Joint Fleet. The conference was held in the ring of Kuatis' military segment where the Joint Fleet’s shipyards and headquarters were located. Many rumours suggested that it was to be dissolved as the Treecuu and Stoinians had clashed over matters on both management and protocols. However, the room full of journalists from multiple star nations were astonished to see the Joint Command Staff come on stage with new uniforms. All of them followed the same pattern. Some of the Drakari journalists smiled and saw this as a new beginning for both xenophobic nations. On the other hand, some of the nationalistic Ryccians were losing their minds and couldn’t understand how these barbarians were working together despite their xenophobia. As the five officers stood behind the large desk, a music tune became to play and as it started two flags on each side opened from the roof synchronous with the music. The music seemed to be some sort of anthem of the Joint Fleet and the Joint Staff stood proudly as their anthem played the uplifting tunes.
 

At the end of the anthem they took their place behind their desk and the Chief of Staff, Admiral Garibaldi spoke up into the microphone. “Welcome everyone from all corners of the sector to the press conference of the Joint Stoinian-Treecuu Exploratory Fleet. What you just heard is our new official anthem composed and played by members from both our star nations. The uniforms as well reveal that our governments have come to an agreement to solidify the cooperation we have with this project. But for those new with the project let us first introduce ourselves.”

“I’m Admiral Graciano Marino Garibaldi, Chief of Staff of the Joint Exploratory Fleet. On my right-hand side are Vice Admiral Thaam, Commanding Officer of the 1st Fleet Division, Vice Admiral Cristina Lupei of the 4th Division and Rear Admiral Icit’t, Chief of Intelligence and Security. On my left we have Vice Admiral Ratko Vujić of the 2nd Division and Vice Admiral Thool of the 3rd. Together we have been tasked with the management of a Joint Fleet tasked with the exploration of the sector. The initial fleet has been composed of scrambled ships from both parties and has conducted a successful mission to the Drakari Celestial Imperium. During that mission it became clear that more nations are out there and the exploration of the sector must be continued to assess any sort of threats and potential commerce partners. To reach that goal our governments have agreed to streamline the Joint Fleet, through uniforms as well as ships.” Vice Admiral Thaam than took over from the Admiral. “For the past months engineers have worked together to assemble a new generation of exploration vessels. Technology from both sides has been merged together to form strong sturdy ships dedicated to long range exploration.”

Thaam then clicked on a button from his controls and three holograms appeared above them. To the Stoinians this was relatively new and they had expected to see pictures on the screen next to the Officials. The Ryccians and Drakari were surprised to see such technology within Stoinian borders, though with the cooperation with the Treecuu, this was to be expected. Vujić continued.

“These new vessels are a synthesis of both our nations and as such will represent both our governments when contacting new star nations. Next to exploration the Joint Fleet will also work together with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Ministry of Foreign Relations. The Joint Fleet will assist in diplomatic missions in which both parties are interested. Since the initial visit to the Drakari was successful, our governments feel that we should continue our joint diplomatic efforts as well. To ensure that, the new starships will have a mixed crew from both our nations.”

Vice Admiral Lupei then took over from Thaam.

“As stated before, the Joint Exploratory Fleet will focus on the exploration. To that end we will allow a limited amount of crew dedicated to science per ship. Meaning that civilians can join the Fleet as well and use their expertise to further our understanding of the sector. One such mission is towards the Badlands on the Stoinian border and asses their true nature. If you wish to apply for a job in the Joint Exploratory Fleet, you can ask for the requirements near your nearest recruitment office. Within a week, relations will also be in place at planetary universities and the science community.”

Admiral Garibaldi then took charge again.

“With this project, our governments have a clear statement towards the sector. The Joint Fleet is but the beginning of further cooperation as well on a military as a civilian level. With this, we hope to spread out the message of scientific advancement and prosperity to all star nations out there. The final frontier will know a new era of exploration. To seek out new lifeforms and civilizations and above all else… To boldly go where no Stoinian or Treecuu has gone before.”

The large crowd applauded Admiral’s last words. It truly felt that a new era for exploration of science was coming to the sector and at its helm would be the Stoinians and Treecuu. Of course, their true mission was to assess the strength and commerce potential of other star nations for their ultimate quest to spread out order and domination. But for now, they would first need to explore the sector fully. “The Joint Command Staff will now take your questions.” 

Many journalists sparkled full of life at those words. Just waiting to get their chance to ask the questions for their news agency. A special appointer was designated to point out which journalist could ask their question.

"Yuuv from the the Treecuu Well: What were the main challenges in this endeavour? Was it hard combining the two cultures?"

Vice Admiral Thaam: "Not hard at all. Our nations have emerged from similar hardship; we both now how to work hard and best spend our efforts. Besides both cultures have grown to work in a similar manner, on the military aspect that is. The main challenge, I would say, was to divide authority equally, but I believe we have a robust system that guarantees both parties an equal say and influence on decision making. Admiral Garibaldi was selected for his experience in exploration and first contacts while Rear Admiral Icit't was selected for her experience in the field and the Star Empire's longer experience on astropolitics. We try to take advantage of what each nation does best to ensure maximal efficiency while maintaining a certain balance of power in decision making."

"Herbet MacKenzie from Stoinia Firma: How come that the governments have agreed to work together? It's not a secret that Stoinia's previous engagements with xenos have ended in spilled Stoinian blood, why should we accept cooperation with another xeno nation? Our technology shouldn't be shared to untrusted governments."

Vice Admiral Lupei: "The Treecuu have proven to be good and reliable allies. It was them that ultimately captured the Vortex Corsairs and have since respected our agreements. Working together we can overcome discrepancies while doing this work alone. If one would know of a hostile nation who defends its territories fiercely and alert the other, lives could be save which otherwise would have been wasted. From all the star nations the most trusted are the Treecuu. As an agreement for cooperation both parties have shared technologies to the joint effort. As you have seen the Treecuu have shared holographic technology and have agreed to license this technology for commercial use as well. This further proves the bond of trust between our nations which both governments want to solidify further."

"Aurelia Numonis, Imperial News Net. Many in the Imperium are quite curious as to what the extent of this new endeavour shall be. Would the Joint Command Staff be open to joint operations with the Imperial Corps of Exploration?"

Admiral Garibaldi: "We've found a good working balance and don't wish to overcomplicate matters in this early stage. However cooperation can happen through exchange of data and the use of observers from the Imperial Corps of Exploration. Any information on other species, be they barbaric, sapient or civilized, can be shared with us. Any further physical operations will have to wait as we wish to see the results from our new generation of starships first. In due time I'm sure the possibility of a third party involved can be discussed."

Vice Admiral Thool: "On another note, while we want even more cooperation with other star nations, the current logistical situation and the enormous distances do not allow for extensive cooperation as of now."

"Noxka Vuohotso here from the Central Imperial News Agency: What guarantee is there that the Joint Exploratory Fleet won't be used as military component for both nations? Is there any sort of document to prove the exploration mission or do we just have to accept your words for it?"

Rear Admiral Icit't: "A mission statement with the defined jurisdictions for the Joint Exploratory Fleet will be released tomorrow. There's no reason for concern on that subject as the statement will consist of the same mission we have declared here today. If any breaches should be found on it, you can relay them to me through your local embassies of the Treecuu Star Empire or Stoinian Star Kingdom."

The many journalists would continue to ask questions for the next hour. It became clear that the Joint Exploratory Fleet was becoming a beacon of hope within the sector. One which would hope to be a sign of peace... Or preparation to war.