| The Rascal Incident |
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High Admiral Chekov let it sink in for a moment, he still was furious. He calmed himself down and turned towards the Admiral.
"Very well Admiral. I understand your situation. However this has quickly spiralled out of control, so much that the King Himself has intervened." He laid a datapad on the table after he tapped some more words on it. "Given that you are fellow Terrans, the King has overruled standard protocol regarding First Contact. Instead of a war between us, he has requested that I be put in charge of further negotiations. These are my terms, accept them and we won't have any more Terran blood on our hands." He then looked around the room spotting some more xenos. "Now I would also like an explanation for the presence of these xenos." Datapad: Terms for Forgiveness:
Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
Gesitis System
Stoinian Star Kingdom? "Well, I was going to retire in 5 years, but I guess this came early", Kavle thought. The Admiral found these terms to be acceptable. Besides, the building of a new Resurgent-class would help boost military spending and modernize his cherished navy. If he was going to retire, it might as well be adding strength to the navy. But...human-exclusive? That would not do. "...I find these terms to be agreeable, except one that I shall touch on shortly. But I am not the official designated for these matters. The Ryccian Senate and Congress shall need to call an emergency session to approve them" "Now, regarding the Human-exclusive crew requirement of a new Star Destroyer...that would never pass one of the two legislative chambers, perhaps it could not even be brought to vote. We used to be like you, the Stoinians, for thousands of years, but a millenia ago, the Democratic Revolution happened, a war that profoundly and eternally altered Ryccian values. The high level of humanocentric racism the Empire had was replaced with the belief that races, no matter their origin, were equal under the law, and that we need to judge every single rational being by their actions and character, not their species. That is a belief so widespread that racism is a microscopic, if not non-existant ideology anymore, and thus why even aliens serve as equals in my crew" "I am no expert on politics, but I believe no Ryccian politician would never, ever vote for such a demand. It would simply be both political and character suicide for anyone. If we desire to avoid war, I do hope you understand my predicament"
Deputy Regional Minister of the Planning and Development Agency(March 8-May 19, 2014)
Local Council Member(April 24-August 11) Court Justice of TSP(August 15-December 7)
"What do you mean all xenos equal under law? That is simply impossible!"
He smacked his fist unto table, revealing a small crack. "Where you there when our first colonists were eaten and ripped apart by the Mardakii?! Do you know what it is when your species is being eaten by monstrosities? We were shaped by these war against xeno scum, it made us stronger and what we are. We are Stoinians, meaning those of a courageous heart and stoic in nature! Not all xenos can be put under the same law. And before you give me another one of those extremely progressive speeches, let me tell you that we value honour and discipline. We have another species within our nation, the Cheunh. They helped us in purging the Mardakii in a recent campaign. We know who we can trust and who not! We live be the old Darwinian rule called survival of the fittest, have you forgotten these rules for Terra's sake?!" He let out a sigh and calmed himself. He regained his composure. "Given that you are the first Terran star nation we have encountered, we will overlook what you just said. Very well, I drop the terms for a Terran-exclusive ship. Honouring our fallen is a great enough task for your misguided kind. Let it be a sign of good will that we have dropped the original term. Inform your government of the new terms" "Now where exactly is your Ryccian Empire? How did our Terran brethren end up there?" Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
Gesitis System
Stoinian Star Kingdom? The Admiral was bewildered and confused. What is he talking about? "Thank you. We shall send the terms shortly" "Also, what in the stars are you talking about? Do you seriously do not know where the Ryccian Empire is? We never sanctioned colonists to this area in our history. Are you not one of those dissident escapees who fled Ryccian territory thousands of years ago? And why do you call Humans 'Terran'?" "Anyway, hand him a star-map"
Deputy Regional Minister of the Planning and Development Agency(March 8-May 19, 2014)
Local Council Member(April 24-August 11) Court Justice of TSP(August 15-December 7)
He looked at the star-map and pin pointed the Star Kingdom's location. He was baffled, he remembered a small section in a report from the Treecuu. He started to remember things about it.
"That malfunction of yours sure was something." "Since you have no idea what I am talking, let me give you a brief history of our star nation. We landed roughly 400 T-years ago on our capital world of Stoinia, from Terra itself. Though Terra would most likely be called Earth by your standards. Terra is the home world of Mankind or humanity as you would call it. Our journey had been longer than anticipated, we suspect it was due to some sort of anomaly. Ten years passed since we first set foot on Stoina and some marauding xenos invaded our planet and a cruel four year war followed with crimes against Mankind done by the Mardakii. Less than half of our initial population survived and we reformed from an oligarchy into a monarchy with the leader of our colonial program becoming the monarch. We started to claim new systems and stellar colonization began." "That peace would however be disrupted, roughly thirty years ago, by the Velutarians who killed our previous King, Alexandru III. A fourteen year long war was fought, because of our technological discrepancy we were forced to fight them on the ground. Reports showed that in a lot of instances the Velutarians used Stoinian POW's as experiments. The Velutarian War costed us 3 trillion of our souls. So forgive us if we don't seem keen with xenos. I'm sure all the graphic details were sent together with my first initial message." "Now if you still don't understand our terminology. We both are Terrans or humans by species, but we are Stoinian by nationality. We call ourselves Terran since it has a connotation of pride and we have proven to be Terran above all else! We come directly from our homeworld and we sure as hell aren't some refugees from you section of this sector. We never even reached that part of it." After his monologue he began to smile. "It's good to see our kind has spread itself this well, it makes the survival of Mankind a lot easier. I hope my explanation was satisfactory. Perhaps you could enlighten us on the origins of the Ryccian "Humans"." Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
Gesitis System
Stoinian Star Kingdom? No. That had to be impossible. What in the stars is Earth? "We have never, ever heard of a planet called Earth. The planet where humans originate is Daonlathas, our capital. We also had a similar history. Humans lived in Daonlathas, but an ancient and now forgotten alien species enslaved humanity more than 6,000 years ago. After the first Emperor, whose name is now forgotten but is referred to as "Imperial", freed humans from oppression and committed genocide against those aliens, the Ryccian Empire was founded. It was an ultramilitaristic, expansionist, totalitarian and humanocentric power, conquering all those who opposed it. However, as I mentioned previously, the Democratic Revolution occurred, thus transforming the Empire into a tolerant and multispecies democracy" "I truly have no idea to what you refer to as 'Earth'. Perhaps some ancient Ryccian colonists corrupted that word? I am clueless, High Admiral"
Deputy Regional Minister of the Planning and Development Agency(March 8-May 19, 2014)
Local Council Member(April 24-August 11) Court Justice of TSP(August 15-December 7)
The Ryccian really was getting on his nerves. How could they forget their origin? A kind who forgot their origin was no kind at all.
"Perhaps this discussion is best left for our archaeologists. It seems you have a gap in your history." He let out a heavy sigh. "Admiral, we have been distracted a bit. But since we have come to a compromise and I suspect your government will now accept the terms I have given. It is only a matter of time now." He handed out his hand. "At least tell me you haven't forgotten to shake a fellow human's hand. In name of the Stoinian Star Kingdom and its people, I welcome you, our lost brethren, in our realm. May you learn from today's mistake and find common ground. Though our diplomats will be extatic when they hear about you, I suspect the King Himself will want to come visit you Ryccian Empire. Would this a wise choice given the current situation, Admiral?" Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
The Admiral mistrusted Chekov. It was his fault his men died the way they did, but the Stoinians' barbaric (i.e. non-democratic and xenophobic) attitude was appalling, to say the least. Moreover, Kavle actually came from the Wild North, one of the few regions in the Empire that saw handshakes negatively, both due to the mistrusting culture forged due to its pirate past and the phobia of spreading illnesses, which was a danger in its poverty-stricken past. Still, for the sake of diplomacy, he would. He shook the High Admiral's hand.
"Perhaps our Emperor would be interested in meeting your King. However, for such a visit to be official, it would need to be discussed with the Government, and I fear that you may detest this idea, as both our Chancellor and our Foreign Minister are aliens" Star Destroyer Sword of Justice Communications Room Kaminoan Vice Admiral Gan Chiet began to explain what happened and relay the terms to the government in Kavle's stead. The Vice Admiral had opened a link to Naval High Command, where Grand Admiral Rae Sloane was available to attend the matter. "You did what?!" said a horrified Grand Admiral Rae Sloane. "Grand Admiral, that is the tale. Admiral Kavle is currently talking with the enemy High Admiral. Please, send these terms to the government immediately" "I'll do you one better. You'll speak to the Chancellor now" The Chancellor? Gan Chiet was high up in the chain of command, but he had never interacted with top civilian officials. He hoped to make a good impression. There he was, the fox-like Ferul Blesform in hologram. "Your Excellency, it is an honour to be in your pres-" "Spare me the pleasantries, Vice Admiral. This is a matter of urgency, so I request that you get to the point" "Certainly, Your Excellency" Vice Admiral Gan Chiet sent him the terms. As the Chancellor read them, he sighed. "...So our opposition in the Military Committee years ago was correct. The computer systems were faulty. Thank you, Vice Admiral Chiet. I shall see that these terms pass. We cannot have war with these barbarians, so, please, avoid antagonizing them any further" "Yes, Your Excellency" As the two officials spoke in the meeting room, the Imperial Congress was already being assembled for an emergency session. They would debate and vote today, and then the Imperial Senate would do so tomorrow.
Deputy Regional Minister of the Planning and Development Agency(March 8-May 19, 2014)
Local Council Member(April 24-August 11) Court Justice of TSP(August 15-December 7)
Chekov's stomach began to ache. Xenos were within the high tiers of the government? It truly began to baffle him more and more. Although the Star Kingdom had the Cheunh, they showed respect for Stoinian prowess. No Cheunh had achieved the rank of Chancellor or any major function within the government. Chekov pondered for a few seconds, it wouldn't be long before they themselves would have a xeno within their government. Realising that Stoinians would have to face it too, he decided to be more diplomatic. He glanced at the table which he had damaged and then turned towards the Ryccian Admiral.
"Very well then. The King will take it into consideration. While I detest such foul ideas, the King may feel otherwise. He makes the final call ultimately. I will depart at once and inform the King about an official visit. I will leave one of our squadron lead by Commodore Szewe to keep an eye on you and await your government's official response." He nodded at the Ryccian Admiral and proceeded to leave the room. He glanced a final time at the Ryccian Admiral. "Before I forget, send the bill for my damages to your table with your government's answer. The government will pay the bill from my pension as compensation. May your government make the right choice. Farewell, Mr. Sanross. Let's hope your retirement is less eventful." Moments later the shuttle departed and returned to its ship. All but 34 ships left the system. They maintained their formation approximately a quarter AU from the Ryccian vessel awaiting their response. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
Imperial Congress of the Ryccian Empire
Anobel, Ryccian Empire Emergency Session The matter was of upmost importance. Many Congressmen, unable to attend in person, were actually being displayed in holograms, viewing the proceedings. The debate began. "The Speaker recognizes Congressman Paul Lavenyonne of the Pacifist Coalition" Paul Lavenyonne was a native of the Two Frontiers world of Faldert. He was the only Human legislator from that region, as Two Frontiers is dominated by Vurbentans and Vonmisians, who have called that area home for thousands of years. His family, in comparison, had only migrated there 500 years ago. He was one of the examples of the effects of Ryccian Empire's diversity and equality: he did not even speak English as his native tounge, but instead he spoke the local dialect of Vurbentan and, culturally, he was almost indistinguishable from the alien population, save for some Human aspects his family retained. This encounter had reminded him of what he would have been thousands of years before: a racist barbarian, completely unable to fit in with the world he was born in. The peace deal was a sure pass, but Paul took the time, as he was certain many legislators would anyway, to score political points. "Thank you, Ms. Speaker" "My fellow Ryccians, this incident has been an unfortunate blunder. Our brave Ryccians serving in our ilustrious navy were forced into an international catastrophy by a computer error. We must answer for the accidents of our Ryccian Empire, and we shall do it, rightfully so. After all, I do not doubt that, even if the adversary was a barbarous rabble, every single Ryccian with a heart feels sorrow for the accidental and preventable deaths of the crew of the Stoinians' Little Rascal" "The Sword of Justice was a ship rushed into production for the sake of military pride. Those who authorized the Star Destroyer's rapid construction must answer for their failure. The Resurgent line has proven its shortcomings. By building such a gargantuan vessel in such a short amount of time, we have allowed this to happen. I do wonder if the previous government would have been more cautious if they knew that we would clash with a foreign power? Our security threatened? I leave you with that thought to ponder" The Congressmen from National Voice and the Imperial Party were outraged. They booed Lavenyonne, as he was attacking their coalition government in the past. On the other hand, Congressmen from Paul's governing party did cheer this statement. They were the opposition in that time, and they fiercely opposed the Resurgent line, as military spending would increase due to these enormous vessels. "The Speaker recognizes Congresswoman Riked Nantek of National Voice" Riked Nantek was a Vonmisian from the Vonmisian Rim world of Keina. She was an influential member of the main opposition party, National Voice, in the Imperial Congress. Not only this was political, it was personal. She had a brother serving in the Sword of Justice as a Commander, and when she heard of the incident, Riked got nervous. Thankfully, he survived. The jab at her party's military spending only made it worse, as her family, the Nantek, were a naval dynasty in their homeworld, providing the Empire with career officers for generations. She was personally furious, but to allow that to show would be counterproductive. "Thank you, Ms. Speaker" "Members of the Imperial Congress, and all those citizens watching us on the various Holovision networks, I salute you. I also salute our courageous Ryccian troops and officers of our grand Imperial Navy. You are one of our role models, keeping our country safe and prosperous. In addition, if the Stoinians are observing this, I speak for many in our nation that we apologize for the incident, and we stand with you in your grief of your brave warriors that had the unfortunate fate of falling in the Little Rascal" "Our Star Destroyer, the Sword of Justice, fought valiantly, demonstrating its valour in defeating what it erroneously thought was a pirate ship. It was unfortunate, but our Imperial Navy showed its strength. Imagine if that was an actual enemy. The previous government was correct in keeping our country safe. No person is perfect, and no government shall ever be perfect. We may have been wrong on certain aspects, especially when our opponents were obstructing us at every turn when we proposed the necessity that was Resurgent line, but we knew what was the best for the country. And we still do. Our military needs sufficient funding to keep our Empire secure. This government keeps betraying the people by cutting military spending, cancelling projects we desperately require to modernize our armed forces so our troops can have the best gear to efficiently serve, protect and survive in the heat of battle, and introducing designs that are not needed. We need a stronger military, now more than ever. As we continue to meet other civilizations, our safety must be assured! Our light of liberty and equality must keep burning!" The National Voice and Imperial Party delegations cheered. Parties like the Pacifist Coalition began to scream "warmongerer" and "reckless" at Riked. But she did not care. She smiled sarcastically at her opposition, looking at them with mocking eyes. "Worry not, when our party returns into government, we will continue the work you have purposefully left unfinished!" "Order! We shall have order! The debate must proceed!" "The Speaker recognizes Congressman Louis Arzixite of the Imperial Party" Louis Virtus Honorius Arzixite Bluerose, Count of Dalphint, was a member of the Core nobility, and a staunch believer of an autocratic regime. Certainly not like the Old Empire, no. That era that ended a thousand years ago must never be repeated. This New Empire the Imperial Party proposed would fix the mistakes of its ideological predecesor and bring forth a just rule for all, human or alien. A New Empire, honouring the Ryccian Creed that promotes unity in diversity, whilst getting rid of that inefficient democracy. "Thank you, Ms. Speaker" "First of all, I must express my condolences for the people of the Stoinian Star Kingdom. Their warriors, albeit barbaric in nature, shall always be remembered in perpetuity for their courage and honourable defense of their nation. I must salute our fearless Ryccian Imperial Navy for their conduct in battle despite their circumstances. Your valour inspires us all" "There can be only one conclusion that can be drawn from this incident: the inefficiencies of the democratic incompetence are showing, clearer than ever. Due to the disorder we permit to continue, our security was in jeopardy. It is all thanks to this chaotic system! These politicians are only looking after their interests, all in a vain and corrupt attempt to get re-elected. Our military, our brave Ryccians who serve to protect us, are continually hampered by the pugnacious treachery of the democratic system's caducity, easily bent by these liars and tricksters! Traitors, the lot of you!" Virtually every party but the Imperial delegation began to heckle and scream at Louis. This was routine. The autocrats were always seen as a fringe in Ryccian politics. They always called the political establishment "traitors", "liars", "corrupt", whatever you can imagine. It had grown old very fast years ago, but the autocrats always said what was on their minds: to them, the entire political establishment only divides the Empire and weakens it, thus making these democrats traitors. "Oh, but it is certainly a fact now, one that you are unable to deny! Your pathetic incompetence almost led us to war against a foreign power! The light of liberty you so cherish and always defend...it could have been vanquished! You must admit that!" "You only want to return to an era of brutality and barbarism!" That was a Velpan Congressman, Focanin Teupaifun. He was from the Pacifist Coalition. Many aliens saw the Imperial Party as absolute scum, as the scar of the Old Empire was eternally marked in Ryccia. A majority of the autocratic support came from Humans as a result, but their aformentioned majority has gotten smaller over the centuries, as some aliens are warming up to the possibility of this "New Empire": an united, diverse and strong entity to bring order and prosperity to their country. "The rotten state of this failed system is your cruel brutality being inflicted on the Ryccian people! We can never be safe with your constant and malignant failure and deceit! All you desire are soundbites for the media in order to fool the populace!" "That is enough, the Honourable Congressman must continue! I call for order in the chamber!" The chamber took some time to quiet down. Louis then proceeded with his speech. "The Old Empire, albeit it had severe flaws that we have corrected, would have never allowed this to happen. The constant political fighting and degeneracy has only hampered our people. Ryccia must be united! We call for unity in diversity! A New Empire, reforged and perfected from trial and error! Perhaps that shall keep us secure from the savages in our midst, and the savages in this chamber. Democracy failed us in the Rascal Incident, and it shall continue to betray us when an actual danger to our state emerges!" Again, every party disapproved of the Imperial delegation. And, like always, this outrage was routine. “The Speaker recognizes Congresswoman Lixk Maikgran of the Freedom Party” Lixk Maikgran was a Vurbentan from the libertarian Freedom Party. She was from the heart of Vurbentan space, Vurbenta itself. Like Daonlathas, Vurbenta is an ecumenopolis as a result of being the core of the Vurbentan race, so she was not immensely surprised by Daonlathas. In fact, she found this world, Anobel, to be underwhelming. The Freedom Party was anti-military. They were even more pacifist than the Pacifist Coalition, as they considered that the Navy needed to be reduced, and that its main emphasis should be to defend Ryccia’s borders and nothing more. They were one of the most vocal adversaries of the Resurgent line, as they considered it to be an unnecessary excess of military might. “Thank you, Ms. Speaker” “Fellow Congressmen, we are united today in the sorrows of another. We have engaged in a brutal act of aggression against a barbarous nation. Despite their uncivilized system, their warriors fought valiantly. We, as the civilized people in this incident, must apologize for our error, and we shall” “Now, who is truly to blame? The excesses of the Imperial Navy, caused in part by this very Congress, have been finally laid bare. Those who have provoked this irresponsible militarization must answer for not only endangering the Ryccian people, but killing innocent servicemen in a nation we have no interest in fighting! Why were we in peril of facing savages in the middle of nowhere? I shall tell you who” In a dramatic fashion, Lixk lifted her hand and pointed at the National Voice and Imperial delegations. Some laughed, others were angry. One objected. The National Voice Congressman Violeten Forverhar of the Eastern Region world of Vus. He was a Human. “You only obstructed us at every turn! You are at fault!” “Yes, you are! Why do we require such a large force with these technological terrors? The Resurgent line was always a futile endeavour that we opposed! I recall the National Voice spokesperson telling us that, when they return to power, they shall finish their work. Do not finish your disaster! Lift the burden on the people, cut the military taxes and bring forth the relief of security and their personal finances! Your greed has taken their money, and now, it has consumed savages! Their brethren could have attacked our planets and exterminate their populations!” “I do presume everyone has watched the insulting videos these brutes have sent as intimidation. That is what they would have done to our non-Human subjects. To people like me. To people just like you. What uncivilized rabble would know of the Ryccian Creed if they do such cruel crimes of war? Answer for your deceit! You are the real traitors here!” Naturally, the National Voice and Imperial delegations objected to this statement. The heated debate would continue, but it was not focused on peace. The objective appeared to be to fight politically. The vote was overwhelmingly in favour, with only some isolated ultra-nationalist radicals countering to some or all of the terms. And with the political tit-for-tat, that was the end of it. Now, it passed to the Senate.
Deputy Regional Minister of the Planning and Development Agency(March 8-May 19, 2014)
Local Council Member(April 24-August 11) Court Justice of TSP(August 15-December 7) |
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