| [IC] The Joint Inspection |
"Not really. We treated it as an internal matter of their Clan Assembly, deigning instead to observe and watch the situation unfold. At least two of the smaller isolationist clans were folded into the more influential ones through trade, defense pacts, and marriages. Most of the remaining isolationist chieftains were eventually supplanted by less xenophobic warriors through a challenge that literally translates to 'Duel of Honor'."
He leaned back, resting some of his weight on the armrests of his seat. "It comes as no surprise that such a challenge is not issued lightly--" He looked over towards a viewport, grinning at the familiar sight nestled atop the rolling foothills and mountainous terrain beyond. "Aaaah, at last... welcome, gentlemen, to the Silver City, capital of the Imperium."
Well, that's not quite how the Progressive Xeno Party would be characterised. However they wouldn't have the guts for it. Besides, this would border to civil war. Something that won't happen in Stoinian society.
Vujić looked down on the xenos. Surely Stoinians were better than petty squabbling amongst one another. Berrocal however saw this perhaps as a dangerous foreshadowing. He had noticed the steady progression of the Traditional Party for Colonial Empowerment and their leader, Grand Duke of Tozoria, Lord Thorne growing bolder by each day. A sudden fear struck Berrocal, but it quickly faded away as he saw the Drakari city. As the city came into sight, the Stoinians were surprised. It was magnificent. Their near medieval towers packed next to each other formed a beautiful construct. Their structures looked quite similar to what they might find on Paragon. The similarities were stunning, but... How? "Well, your Majesty. I must say your city is quite elegant. I can only wonder where the similarities between our architecture comes from." Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
"You'd have to ask those who are more knowledgeable of anthropological nuances than I, but I'm sure there's a rational explanation for some of the odd similarities that happen between cultures now and then. And thank you. I hope that you will come to enjoy all that our hospitality has to offer during your visit to the capital."
The Emperor smiled as the Stoinians took in the sight of the city, the shuttle comfortably fitting into the air traffic as the flight went on. Amidst the towering skyscrapers and statuary, the occasional advertisements for various businesses, civic service opportunities, and even the odd holovid and theater performances zipped by. "You're just in time for the start of this parictular continent's autumn festival, as well. Should we have the time later on, I'd be happy to show you around."
Vujić replied to the Emperor's invitation.
"I would have to decline. I am here to coordinate the fleet and manage the many reports. From what I have seen I don't see a reason to fear their results. I am sure our Legate would be more than interested in attending your events." Vujić waved his hands towards the Legate. Berrocal replied. "Well... It would give me a better understanding of your culture. So sign me up." Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
"Fair enough. Once we get settled in, I will see to it that you are undisturbed as you collate your data. I can imagine that you are feeling a little peckish after your voyage here."
The shuttle would gently lower to the ground not far from the palace, the ramp opening to reveal the towering statues on either side of the avenue leading up to the gate, each depicting a number of Drakari. Some were shown bearing arms and armor, others clad in rather simple looking robes and possessing a rather... scholarly air to them. At the ground level, though, stood a number of the Emperor's guards from several species, ranging from Drakari, to Carsicoid, Humans, and a rather furry alien race that could only be described as ursine yet strangely simian in appearance, all clad in the same resplendent armor and energy pole arms as the guards that accompanied the Emperor to the spaceport.
Emissary Teemas enjoyed the ride quite much. The scenery was beautiful, but it was also great fun watching the two humans react to the Emperor, the xenos and the alien culture. Their cultures were different in many ways, but ancient-style or flamboyant military seemed equally important to both the Drakari and the Stoinians. She would make a note of discussing introducing some Treecuu military guard units with old-style equipment, should members of these cultures visit Ecteen some day.
As they approached it had struck them. How? How in God's name was this possible? Did the Mardakii come from the Drakari Imperium? The bastards! They will pay for it. Vujić drew out his sword and instinctively, Berrocal leaned his back on Vujić's. They were going in for their last stand if they need be. For they wouldn't allow to share the same fate as the first Stoinian generation. Standing in mere seconds within a defensive posture in the middle of the walkway to the palace, Berrocal didn't hesitate. Berrocal clicked on his comm and alerted the Vindicator.
''Legate Berrocal to Vindicator, we have Mardakii elements on the ground. I repeat we have Mardakii elements on the ground.'' "Copy that Sir, dispatching Pelicans to your location now. Give them hell." Vujić stared at the Drakari guards as they moved into position surrounding them as there was no need for such a provocation. Confused, but determined the guards did their duty and if need be they would kill the Stoinians. Berrocal then turned to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, you better have a good explanation for why you have Mardakii in your ranks." Then he saw the Carsicoid pilots again. No... it couldn't be. Were they Qoxex? What madness is this Imperium? Berrocal then changed his gaze towards the pilots, looking intimidating at them. "While we are on the subject... Your Carsicoid aren't Qoxex by any chance?" It had slipped through the Stoinian radars that the Carsicoid had a striking resemblance to the Qoxex. Xenos from a more forgotten war. Since these xenos had been named differently, it had gone under their radar and rolled with it. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
Within seconds of the Vice Admiral drawing his sword, the knights closed rank with an almost mechanical precision. Energy shields blared to life upon their left forearms as their weapons were trained on the suddenly aggressive Humans, ready to defend their liege with their lives of need be.
"KNIGHTS, STAND DOWN," Julianus bellowed with an as of yet unseen edge to his voice before he turned towards the Stoinian delegation. "I don't know what the customs of your nation are, but threatening my citizens with false accusations of their species will NOT be tolerated in my domain. Those are the Sosa I had mentioned in the shuttle, not 'Mardakii', whatever in the Burning Hells those are... and... begging your pardon, but what is a... 'Qoxex'?" Krrzek, meanwhile, seemed completely unbothered by the attempt at intimidation. Whether due to being in their own little world or nerves of steel, the cheerful Carsicoid simply waved at Berrocal. One of the two guards accompanying the Emperor simply pressed the side of his helm. "Planetary command, keep the Silver City legions on standby. The Emperor is working to defuse this... misunderstanding..."
"Gentlemen Stoinians" began Teemas calmly, "these beings serve the Emperor. Related to your Markadii or not, it is my firm conviction they will honour His Majesty's promise of peaceful negotiations. He is a man of his word and would not lead you into a trap like this."
Vujić didn't falter if anything he was ready to strike at any moment. But he knew he was outnumbered and wouldn't stand a chance. He just needed to hold long enough until the Pelicans arrived. And they were still on their way, regardless if they were going to be stopped by the Drakari.
So, the Emperor is showing his true face now. Perhaps Chekov was right. Berrocal turned to the Emperor. "Your Majesty, the Mardakii attacked our first generation of colonists, killed, slaughtered, tortured and even ate our people. To this day we hunt them down for their crimes committed in those years. We cannot allow such beasts to live on and do their horrors upon other species. The Qoxex murdered our people without provocation and were perished in one of our crusades." Berrocal pondered for a moment, the Cheunh and Chiss were nearly the same, but that didn't necessarily mean this was a galactic trend. Perhaps this was possible. "Can we get a file on the biology of your Sosa and Carsicoid? Just to be sure we are on the same page. As a show of good faith I will recall our ships and the Vice Admiral will lower his sword." Berrocal switched his stance and looked at the Vice Admiral. He nodded at him and the Vice Admiral reluctantly lowered and sheathed his sword. The tension was still in the air, but Berrocal had no wish to further escalate the situation. Pacifica: Myria, Sallodesia, Stoinia • A1-0: Stoinian Star Kingdom • Aurora: Kingdom of Threnebor
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