"And the warp is through. Fuel levels: 10%. Energy: 32%. Commencing fuel-saving settings in T-5 minutes. Location: unknown."

The ship's advanced computer read off logs as per usual after a warp, giving the captain a peace of mind that everything was functional after venturing through the wormhole generated by the ship. Warping was tricky business, and consumed a lot of fuel, but captain Raran was experienced in warp travel, hence why he was selected as captain of the ship. They did their best to select non-avianoids due to the harsh nature of warp, but 2 Shuinau engineers were unavoidable at the time. Raran quickly signalled for one of the humans to ensure that the Empress and Shuinaus were fine, then turned back to his control panel, flicking his tail excitedly when he noticed the hailing frequency pop through.

"This is captain Raran of Serre's Pride, piloting Dargana's Hope for a meeting."

Raran relaxed his body a bit when the human came back and confirmed that the avianoids were unharmed.
He dismissed the human, preparing to recieve the message from the Drakari, had the warp been successful.

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Ladon System
Pax Dracon, High Orbit
Drakari Celestial Imperium

"Captain Raran, this is Captain Caelia Artori representing the Throne Fleet of His Majesty's Imperial Navy.  It is good to have guests come to our sacred homeworld."

The Captain's saurian features formed into an eager grin as her image came on to the Fynixian viewscreen.

"Furthermore, it is my immense privilege to inform you that His Majesty the Emperor awaits you on the surface at Ajakis Memorial Starport.  I shall relay the coordinates to you posthaste."  She motioned to someone offscreen, her gaze not leaving the newcomers.  "If you desire, we are more than willing to provide an escort of fighters and corvettes as an honorguard."

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"Thank you, Captain. Your kindness is much appreciated. The Empress wishes her kindest regards."

Raran prepares to follow the Empyre's newfound friends to the coordinates. Inside, the Empress is busy grooming her plumage, ensuring that no feather is out of place. She had enlisted the help of one of the humans on board to ensure that no crest or tail feather is out of place. Meanwhile, Growan had raided the fridge, helping himself to a large portion of choice Vihaniase Salad and ensuring that his teeth looked clean afterwards. Leaf had positioned themselves on the exit pointe of the ship, waiting patiently for their arrival.

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As the Fynixian ship came to a landing, Emperor Julianus motioned for his guards to hold position as he strode forward halfway towards it.  Like with many formal events, he stode tall and regal as required for the responsibilities of his office, clad in a robe of black and silver thread, his talons, horns, and even his tail adorned with rings of gold and precious stones.

Despite his excitement, he hid his needle-sharp teeth from view, hoping beyond hope to avoid frightening his guests.  "Hail and well met, friends from afar.  On behalf of all the peoples of the Imperium, I, Julianus the Seventh of the House of Io, bid you welcome."

The Emperor extended a crimson-scaled hand towards them, as if to beckon them forward with a gentle smile.

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The Empress, sitting on top of Growan's head, tweeted a few shrill notes of greeting to the Emperor.
She spread her wings, then folded them back up. Growan dipped his head respectfully, though maintaining enough height above the ground as to not dirty the Empress' tail feathers. He stepped forward, attempting to make his massive frame small compared to the Drakari Emperor.

"Hiya Emperor Julianus the seventh! I'm Empress Alari of Empyre Finixis, and I'm just gonna say, y'all Drakari are shorter than I thought."

"It is a fine pleasure to meet you, Emperor Julianus the seventh. I am Minister Growan." Growan winced, slightly embarrassed, but refusing to say anything regarding the Empress' slip-up.

"Oh wait, I shouldn't have said that. Sorry!"

Leaf drooped their leaves to the ground in an attempt to bow respectfully, though their stalk didn't give much room for flexible movement. They lifted one of their roots from the floor, imitating a bow.

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Julianus, despite being taken aback briefly by the avian's lack of formality, couldn't help but chuckle as he adjusted his hand slightly, offering one of his talons as an impromptu roost for Alari should she choose to take flight.

"There is no need for apologies, Your Majesty.  I will admit that it is... an unusual change of pace, but a welcome surprise nonetheless."

While the Emperor was tall be the standards of many species, including his own, even he would later admit surprise at just how massive Minister Growan was.  "A pleasure to meet each and every one of you.  How fared your voyage to our throneworld?"

(This post was last modified: 02-04-2020, 12:57 AM by Pax Dracon.)

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"The flight was smooth, no living things were harmed during transport, which is what is important." Growan smiled, hardly noticing when the Empress leaped from his head into the outstretched talon of the Emperor, taking care not to allow her talons to cause him any pain. "Again, we are very thankful that you would host us."

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Julianus' thick hide seemed unbothered as he brought the small alien to eye level, smiling just enough to reveal the tips of his teeth in as warm and inviting enough way as he could.

"And I am honored to welcome you to my home.  I suspect you have many questions, and I am ready to provide what ever answers you may seek in this meeting between our peoples."  He motioned his free hand towards his guards, who briefly slammed their ornate, seemingly ceremonial polearms on the deck plating and parted in a parade stance.

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"I must say, I am very curious as to the origin of your species. Am I correct in assuming that this planet is your homeworld?" Growan gently padded up closer to Julianus, lightly flicking his tail for the large plant to follow. "I am our newly appointed minister for interspecies affairs, as my office seems to be renamed every other hour, on the Empress' whims."

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Blinking in utter bewilderment at that last piece of information, Julianus briefly looked between Alari and Growan, raising a scaly brow for a moment before chuckling.

"Considering the ever-shifting nature of interstellar politics, I can't say that I blame her for doing so.  But to answer your question, Minister, yes.  This is the homeworld of the Drakari species, and the jewel of the Ladon System.  If you desire, I can have all records of our species' evolution sent to your quarters."

"And what of you, if may be so bold?  From what worlds do you hail from?"  Julianus took a moment to indicate every member of the Fynixian entourage, from the plant-like creature to the diminutive avian monarch that rested on his talon.

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