[center]Agartha Orbit[/center]


Commander John stood alone in his ready room aboard the [i]Relentless Intent[/i], as the Sicarius class ship drifted quietly above the capital. Sighing the commander looked out across the gulf of stars that filled his view, though he would admit it to no-one he much preferred the quiet of space to the noise and bustle of the city. With a sigh he turned away from the view and concentrated on the tasks at hand, namely the multiple reports that littered the floating screen above his desk, all were from different scouting groups, most contained nothing of value and would be discarded with a wave of his hand. But one report stood out from the rest, it was an update added to a long string of reports that had been filtering in, all were from various ships and sensor nodes tracking the movement of a Dominion ship that had entered Varangian space some time ago. Normally it would be little cause for alarm if a single ship entered into their space, but this ship was one of their Titan Class and warranted more attention. The most current report filed a day ago stated that the ship's arrival in system was "Within a day or two, depending on route taken" 

John furrowed his brow and was about to begin an inquiry of the various outer sensors when klaxons began to blare all across the [i]Relentless[/i]. With the clam demeanor of someone who has heard the warning sounds far too many times, John left his ready room behind and quickly strode into the C.I.C that it shared a door with. "Status report if you would Mr.Gaeta" The Commander ordered with an even tone as the klaxons lessened their intensity, becoming more of a background noise. 

The younger XO nodded as he walked around the central terminal, his hand dancing along various displays "Something tripped the systems outer sensors sir, something big bearing the transponder signal of a dominion ship. All current information from the sensor web put its heading as straight for Agartha." 

"Right on time." The Commander muttered to himself as he watched the real time sensor updates "Order the defense fleet to ready up, and get the hunters into the void. What of the Sat defenses and the [i]Midnight Sun[/i]?"

Gaeta flicked a couple of more displays with his finger "All stations are online, multiple Aegis station banks, as well as Testudo stations 5-7 will be in range to support if need be. As for the [i]Midnight Sun[/i], she and her fleet are already underway and will meet us at the designated area." 

John scratched his chin lightly "Good, good. Well lets not keep them waiting, all ahead full."


As the [i]Relentless[/i] reached the area where the Dominion Titan would exit FTL, she would find she wasn't alone. As arrayed out in-front of the planet the bulk of the Agartha defense fleet stood, its own numbers bolstered by that of the companion fleet of the [i]Midnight Sun[/i], which itself took point in the center of the fleet, its size dwarfing everything around it, including the already impressive bulk of the [i]Relentless[/i] and the other two Sicarius that flanked it. As the last ships entered into position a warning light flashed on the CIC's central display, drawing the eye of John who noted it with a grim smile. The Sun had powered up her interdiction field, as evident by the warning and the small prickle that danced along John's skin for a moment. The titan would find her exit a bit early, how she would respond was up to her.

As the Titan would exit a message would immediately be transmitted to her "Power down all weapons and shields and state your business and intent." 

As the Titan exited James smiled "At least they provided a welcoming party. Captain, do as they say and get me an open comms channel with their leader so we may inform them of my intent." James said as we walked closer to see out into the vast space which was now full of various ships.

Gaeta look to John "They are hailing us sir. Shall I put it through to you?" With a nod John touched a small ear peice that was implanted just behind his ear. "This is Commander John Lanna, you may speak " He said after a moment

"This is Executis James Conrad of the Dominion, I am here on the behalf of Arachon Faust to speak with your Dominus about a future together." James said while looking over a file on John as well as the Dominus. 

John stopped for a moment, multiple thoughts rolling about in his head "Well met Executis. You say you've come to speak with the Dominus then?" He cast a side look to Gaeta, who upon catching the glance began to work quickly on side channels 

"Indeed I have commander, with your permission I'd love to take a shuttle down to the planet, with an escort if possible. Then the Dominus and myself may speak." James said as he returned to the captain's chair and sat down.

John set his mouth and once more glanced at Gaeta who after a moment looked him in the eyes and nodded, nodding back John continued "It seems your in luck then, you have been cleared for you shuttle and an escort of two. You will be given you landing instructions in atmosphere, and Commander Selik will meet you upon landing and lead you to the Dominus." John was about to cut the transmition before he came back to add simply "Also Executis, I certainly hope you dont mind the rain."

With the transmission cut James told the captain to be prepared for anything and with that he bored his shuttle and with two fighter escorts they headed down to the planet below. The pilot followed the instructions and landed upon one of the numerous platforms with a small team already waiting for them. James smiled as he strode off his ships and put his hand out to shake the supposed Commander Selik "Greetings Commander, I am under your care I believe now." as he looked around the massive city.

The dark grey sheet of clouds that sat over the city, their form blurred as a thin sheet of rain fell from them. On the landing platform waited Selik and a small squad of 6 Legios, all seemed unaffected by the water as it rolled off their armor. Selik himself had donned a special suit of armor, it was like normal Tor battle armor save it didn't have a shield and attached cannon, instead his hands were covered in thick gauntlets. As the Dominion's Executius landed Selik followed his movements until he put out his hand. The Tor shook it very carefully, obviously not trying to cause the man any discomfort. "Greetings to you as well Executius James. Follow closely if you would, let us not keep the dominus waiting." Turning he moved his large frame down the ramp connecting the landing platform to the main governmental building, the 6 Legios turning silently to march alongside James and Selik. It was a relatively short walk, ending at a large stone door covered in decorative reliefs. 

Reaching out Selik pressed one armored hand against it, triggering something within it the door quietly slid away opening the way. Leading the way inside Selik maneuvered the large corridors with practiced ease, he walked in relative silence as the waited for any comments or questions from James. As they walked they would pass a large relief set into the wall depicting a large battle between soldiers in antiquated legios armor and antiquated imperial armor, the sweet smell of a couple of sticks on incense burning at the base of the carving filling the air. At this point Selik turned to face a large corridor that stretched off opposite of the carving, death guard lining its sides at a patterned interval. 

As James admired the place as they walked about he said nothing waiting only to meet with the Dominus. Before long they reached a side pathway in which James assumed the Dominius waited "I take it he's down there?" James said waiting for the alien commander's response.

Selik chuckled slightly as he walked with James down the corridor, the Legios turning to wait at the mouth of the passage. At the end their was another door of stone, only this one more plain than the others "You could say that." Selik said as he stood to one side of the door that opened almost noiselessly. 

Inside sat the office of the Dominus, various carpets covering the floor in a tasteful way. Along the sides were bookshelves piled high, and a small wooden shrine set into the wall, a statue of two entwined robed figures set inside. In the center of the room however, outlined on the large window (or holo desplay it would be hard to tell) that showed the skyline, was a large wooden desk. Its corners were carved into the figures mythical beasts that were supporting the top, its wood stained dark. Several chairs sat in front of it, all seemingly comfortable. But behind the desk sat the figure of Dominus Aventus who was currently reading something on a sheet of paper of all things, but as the door opened he slowly put down the paper and slowly rose, his face impassive before a slight half grin begain on his face "Come in Executius, I hear you've been looking for me."   

James nodded "Indeed Dominus. I've traveled far on behalf of Faust to meet with you and form a truce of sorts. If that is something you or your people would be interested in." James then walked closer to the desk before taking a seat across from the dominius.

Aventus continued his half grin as he retook his seat "I see, is that so?" Aventus paused as he sized James up, careful not to betray anything, "You say a truce of sorts, what kind of sorts are we talking about?" 

James smiled "I'm glad you asked. The legios used to serve as elite guards to the Emperors of the former Imperium and while the Imperium maybe gone the blood of the Emperor is not. Faust would like to offer an alliance between our two nations. To deal with the threat caused by the Alorian Empire. In return for our help in anything you may need Faust would be honored to have elite legios from your great nation serve him as guards just as in the days some 200 years ago and these would hopefully only be the first of many." he looked the dominus in the eyes trying to figure him out. 

Aventus shifted slightly in his seat as James spoke, the small half grin fading slowly as he adopted once more a impassive look "I hope you forgive me if I say i need a moment to digest what you have proposed. As you see for us it is both the simplest thing and the most complex thing in the universe to agree what you've asked. But before we get into the mirelurk that is why, I must ask one thing. You say Faust would be honored to have Legios guardians, but he does know we count the Tor and Sia amongst our numbers. They are Legios as much as any human to us and given your recent... actions, how would they be viewed?" 

James nodded and took a moment. "Well, personally I feel no ill will to the Tor or Sia, however. Faust and many humans within the Dominion see the aliens as the reason for the collapse of the Imperium in the first place. They were the first to revolt and planets with higher alien populations revolted before human ones. Now, Faust understands that aliens were useful in the past and after having spoken to him he will soon announce that certain aliens that have been terranized like the Tor or Sia or those within the 2nd Imperium would be allowed the same system in which the Imperium used so long ago. But if you were to accept our deal I would request purely humans until the announcement was made as it may frighten the populace or they maybe treated with disgust."

Aventus nodded slowly "I see. I see." He tapped one of his fingers against the arm of his chair in thought "This is a large decision to make I am sure you quite well aware. But I can say with some certainty, you can return to honorable Faust with this message, we will stand with him if it comes to war with the Alorians, that much is certain. If he still wishes a Legios guard I can have one dispatched relatively quickly, a sign of good faith. In terms of a permanent alliance, I suppose it is up to him and time to prove himself a worthy heir to the Concord." Aventus sighed as he stood and crossed the room, grabbing a pitcher of clear water, pouring himself a glass "I mean no disrespect of course, tis only our tradition." He took a sip before turning to James "Water?" he offered 

James shook his head no before saying "I'm sure Faust would be honored if you sent a Legios to Faust. However, I'm afraid I must stay and work instead of Faust as he is currently leading the Assault on Earth personally before his own coronation. I'd love to stay as your guest and would love to meet with the council and speak to them on behalf of the Dominion. But I can't leave without a full backing apologies." James said as he stood up.

"No apologies necessary my friend, tis only politics. If you wish to speak to the council, I can convene a full session so you may speak your mind to them. If you wish you can stay here on the planet, no need to worry about the trip from here to your ship and back. Your ship of course will also be welcome to use one of the gantries in orbit if it has need of it." Aventus took another sip of the water "But in any case Im sure you have much to report, and we are both busy men are we not?" he said with a slight smile. He paused before a thought struck him "Ah and if I were to send a guard for dear Faust, I must ask where he would like them."  

"Well it would depend on how many you were to send. Though I suppose they should be sent to Earth and await for his orders. I can report to my crew from one of the rooms I assume and whenever the council is called I'd be honored to join you. Though I believe we are done for now, unless you have something else?" James then looked around and just smiled taking in the room. 

Aventus shook his head "No I believe we are done here for now. The council will convene in a day or two. If you wish Selik can show you around the city until then. If you need for anything just ask and it will be provided." The Dominus set his glass down and moved towards James, extending his hand "But I will say good day for now, it has been a pleasure Executis James."

James nodded and shook the Dominus hand "Indeed it has been a good day and I look forward to meeting the council. I'd also love to see the city if Selik would love to show me around." With that James stood up and began heading for the door.

[hr]

As soon as the door closed and James and Selik were well away Aventus sat back down in his chair, as the figure of Commander Lorili seemed to melt from the shadows. Without even turning Aventus addressed her "Do you trust him?"

She pursed her lips and thought only a moment before answering "Long answer? About as much as I trust a Sia to use a Tor's cannon without ripping their arm off. Short answer, no." 

Aventus nodded "Thought as much, have a couple Skulks follow him during his tenure here and have John task a couple of ships to observe that Titan."

Lorili nodded "And what of the forces you are sending to Earth?"

"Plant Skulks in them as well, if possible also send more to Earth. I want eyes during this entire operation." Aventus ansered as he shuffled a few papers "We will give him a few Legios, though they will be under orders not to fire upon unarmed civilains if they can help it. Earth once was the forge from which conquors and rulers of great mettle and honor were cast. Perhaps our estranged mother may yet produce another."