[center][h2][color=yellow]The Imperium[/color][/h2][/center]

-Aboard the IWS Orion, high above Astrion

	Unlike the Dominion’s ornate halls and grandiose rooms, The core Imperium was gritty, Dull and gunmetal grey. This ship was the testiment to a  seemingly desperate failed system, ship halls with exposed wiring and some corridors with flickering lights. Take this decrepit situation not at face value though, as The Imperium was far from weak. Uther tapped into this, knowing that practicality was key and with the new arrival of Musashi’s Young Empress-to-be, Yuki, Things could be looking up for this seemingly doomed nation.

	Inside the command center of the Orion, an offshoot room held a small table. It had a simple computer monitor, uncomfortable metal chairs and a hastily placed potted fern. Uther was standing at the door as armed guards escorted the Princess through the dark halls of his war ship, of his home.

	As she approached, Uther held out his hand in friendship. “Welcome to my ship, Princess. I would be honored to have you join me in my office.” 

	“The honor is mine Uther-sama” Yuki said as she grasped the offered hand, having had enough previous interaction with foreigners to know what he wanted. “I thank you for meeting with me on such short notice.”
	
	With both parties seated, Uther gave a stern look and spoke very clearly, “Princess Yuki. my apologies for not knowing your customs. I require no titles here and I will from here keep our names simple. I would like to just get to the brass tacks.” He said, clearing his throat. “So, Yuki, What have you called this meeting for.”

	“War I’m afraid.” Yuki said as she removed her mask, her tone and expression grim. “The situation in the Second Imperium has reached a point that my father, the Emperor, finds intolerable. It is thus that I have come to you seeking your understanding and blessing in our future conflict. And I would also like to set our sights towards the future as well. Once we have stabilized the Second Imperium we will have to deal with the root of the problem. The xeno barbarians.”

	“Blessing.” he said with a chuckle. “The Second imperium does not need stabilization. “ He shook his head, “While we have barbarians battering our borders, you talk of attacking the imperium itself. Why not just try and align with them and work together to smash this horde.”

	“As much as I would like to” Yuki answered “the Second Imperium has been completely unwilling to work with us to resolve what has become a refugee crisis. Their government’s ability to maintain control over its own territory is crumbling even as the barbarians push against their borders. And forces from within the Second Imperium are just as likely to tear it apart as the external threat of the barbarians. What would happen if we sent our fleets and armies to combat the barbarians, only to have the Second Imperium fracture into a thousand individual warring states?” Yuki slowly shook her head. “We can not risk a conflict with the barbarians until our supply lines are secure.”

	Uther leaned back in his chair and began strumming his fingers on the table. “So you’re saying that Regent Lawrence has been completely ineffective? A man whom I spoke with just three days ago after the Dominion sent its puppet to try and stay my hand at earth.. A man that has kept the second Imperium together through this whole ordeal? You are going to sit here and tell me you offered him aid and he refused?” He took a deep breath, “Honestly? Has this been done? And be truthful because I am going to ask him.”

	“Fifteen years ago my father offered the aid of an expeditionary force if the Second Imperium funded it from their own offers. They decided it wasn’t worth the cost.” Yuki said as she leveled a gaze at Uther. “Ten years ago that very same offer was renewed, to the same effect. Five years ago I, on my own initiative, sent representatives to the Second Imperium, offering to provide military aid once again if they would pay for just half of the expenses and vowed to end the stream of refugees and take back any that had crossed into Musashi.” Yuki shook his head. “My representatives were told that that was simply not possible.”

	“So go ahead, ask him all you want.” Yuki continued. “Ask him why his government was unable or unwilling to accept Musashi’s aid when offered so long before. Ask him why he allowed things to reach this point. And there’s something I want you to remember when you ask him these questions. We came to you to discuss our plans for the future out of respect for you and your nation. And we are willing and able to work alongside you to end the threat caused by these barbarians once and for all. Once matters in the Second Imperium are concluded.” She took a deep breath, closing her eyes for a moment. “Please excuse me Uther-sama” She said as she opened her eyes. “I allowed myself to get a little hot headed. It is not often that someone brings into question my integrity.”

	A small grin ran across Uther’s lips. “I admire your honesty here. Sometimes prodding someone is the only way to get a real answer. So many are too proper and are just hollow words behind hollow lips.” He leaned forward. “Alright, so lets say I believe you. What would you do with the Second Imperium should you succeed? Who all is involved?”

	“First allow me to get this out in the open: the Dominion of Man has promised to support our invasion of the Second Imperium” Yuki held up a hand to forestall anything Uther might say. “I am aware that relations between your two countries are less than stellar. And I am also aware that to intervene directly the Dominion would have to move through your territory. I will not ask that you grant their military access to your country. All I ask is that you allow civilian and military shipping to flow from the Dominion and through your country to Musashi. If need be I am more than prepared to negotiate terms.”

“As for the Second Imperium’s fate after the war” Yuki continued. “As of this moment there are three lines of thought, but very likely only two of those will actually be implemented. We do not seek to outright annex the territory of the Second Imperium. If you know anything about our country, it is that we are very particular about our culture and do not wish to see it be diluted by others. No instead we will replace the overarching administration of the Second Imperium with our own while allowing the individual planets a wide degree of autonomy. Once the situation is stabilized we will be able to reassess the situation and decide from there what our next course of action would be, with the hope that that will involve a scaling back of Musashi control in the region.”

“Hmm.. So tell me this. How does this major change in culture help my situation? This entire revolution would completely change the dynamic. Beating them militarily will not be easy whatsoever. So you destroy the second imperium’s fleets at the cost of your own. Who stands in the path of this newly risen ‘God King’ in the horde. Long has the second Imperium defended your freedom.”

Uther rubbed his chin. “And it’s amusing that you would Invite the Dominion to help “Liberate” the second Imperium. All those refugees from their oppression now flows into yours, and my lands. I’ll make you a counter offer. You aid the second Imperium in defeating this Horde. If you choose that path, I myself will pledge military and logistical support. The Horde is the real enemy here.”

He looked to Yuki, staring her in the eyes, “Would that be acceptable? Gaining yet another ally in this cause. And I would do my best to keep any new refugees in the Imperium, both the second and my own.”

	Yuki closed her eyes and took a deep breath. She knew that what she said now would have a ripple effect for possibly decades to come. But she also knew that one way or another her fate would be sealed. Her father had sent her with very explicit orders to keep Uther’s Imperial Remnants out of the coming war. Failure was not an option and neither was insubordination. And yet she found herself wedged between those two very things, failure to keep the Remnants out of the war or insubordination in agreeing to prevent the war from occurring in the first place. Even if she simply kept Uther out of the war, if he disallowed the Dominion access to the Second Imperium she would still be seen as a failure. Even if she was spared an execution or jail, she would never sit on the throne.

	“Very well Uther-sama.” Yuki said after several minutes of silence. “I shall accept your terms with the condition that you grant Musashi the right to move military assets through your territory to and from the Dominion and that you freely allow our merchant ships to traverse your territory.”

	Uther never broke eye contact the entire time but rather leaned forward even more, resting his elbows upon his table. “I will allow merchants but not military assets from the Dominion within my borders. I cannot afford Faust and his Childish fantasy of creating a second true imperium come to fruition. Not him. However, I will pledge my support to help the sovereign Musashi Assist the second Imperium to defend its borders and as you say, stabilize the region.” nodded and leaned back, “Lord knows Lawrence could use the help.”

“Would you allow me to travel through your territory with just a handful of warships?” Yuki asked after a moment.

	Uther nodded once more, “Who would I be to Deny a princess passage through my humble nation, We are now, after all, friends. I would ask that you respect our space lanes and a word of advice. Earth may not be a good place to stop and visit on your travels.” 

-Hours later,
	After casually walking through the Orion’s halls and some reflecting on his most recent diplomatic victory over Faust, though at a decent cost. It had been over ten years since the Imperium had mobilized its mighty forces in an offensive war. Uther however knew that the times were changing and not always in his favor. Calculations of costs went through his head, knowing that he had already dashed the young princesses dreams, he had to at least make her not regret taking his offer, albeit it was the only one really available.


He grinned again, thinking of how he had completely ceased another attempt by Faust to use his nation as a playground. This thought was paused when a voice came over the ship's intercom, announcing that a shuttle had docked. Uther returned to his little room after getting word that his guest from the Confederacy arrived. It was true that he had already favored them due to an already long standing and fruitful relationship. He stood at the doorway as with Yuki and outstretched his hand as Anastasia Kozlovskaya was led through the bridge. 

	“Welcome aboard my ship Ms. Kozlovskaya. I am Uther. As I am a simple man, I’d prefer if we kept our talks on a first name basis.” 

Anastasia nodded and took his hand, for a moment letting out the grin she’d tried to suppress all day, “As you wish Uther.  It’s an honor to meet you, though I do feel this talk will have been a long time coming.”

	As the two took their seats, Uther nodded, “Well, Anastasia. Hopefully your travels weren’t too uncomfortable but let us get down to business.” he said, without any change in tone. “I am curious as to why my friends in the Confederacy went through the trouble of sending an actual representative to me.”

“Simply put?”  Anastasia folded her hands on the table, “Things in the Confederation have changed significantly since the short lived war with Musashi.  That reality along with news of you permitting Faust to act upon Earth and the Dominion moving to establish its network of alliances across space has finally spurred those within my government to action.  I’m here to negotiate a new era in our relationship, or that’s what they’ll say back home at least.”

	“Well, sadly what they say is true. I indeed gave Faust a shot at earth.” He then leaned back further in his chair. “A new era in our relationship you say. That is indeed a very important reason to come here.”
Uther took a deep breath, “So, Anastasia, what would you like to discuss?”

“An offer Uther, or more accurately a great number of them.  My government is concerned about the deal you made with Faust, whatever it was, and we’re more than willing to do what it takes to make you reconsider.  That said, I’m not so certain their anxiety is entirely justified, after all I have serious doubts you’re bowing to that genocidal child.”  Anastasia looked at Uther closely to judge his reaction to the statement, “No, I think you have a reason, and I’d be very interested in seeing how what I have to offer can play into it.”

Uther smiled, “Well, I suppose I could let you in on my secret but assure me that it will not get out. Even if that matters.” He leaned forward, “Earth honestly doesn’t mean anything to me. It’s time as a symbol has long passed. I’m merely keeping Faust occupied.“ He sighed, “While I build my forces for the inevitable confrontation between he and I. Let him waste men and materials... “

Having listened intently Anastasia leaned back and bit her lip, ‘It would be a solid plan Uther, against a rational enemy.  That said, I’ve heard some rather worrying news from our ambassador to Musashi that points to the Dominion being anything but.  Tell me, would you be surprised to learn the Executus James Conrad, Faust’s second, strolled into our Embassy and offered us a continent?  From what I hear the fool even implied he’d made similar offers to the other nations the Dominion has been stringing along.  You may have less time before that confrontation than you think.”

“It will likely surprise you that I am not entirely angry about this as it was suspected and in all honesty, expected. However, the agreement between Faust and I was rather loose for that reason. Now that you’ve given some absolution regarding it, I will be even happier when I will thank Faust for his help in retaking earth. Then declaring his claim invalid, as he violated our agreement.” He sighed once more, “You see, I had two options, I could either let him think he is having his way while I prepared for the horde and him, or just deny him access to earth and have him and the horde hit from both sides. The Imperium couldn’t survive such an event.”

“These days are all about risks, luckily Faust is very easy to predict. Keep him busy and he will focus everything on it. Just like his desire to help Musashi with removing the second Imperium. Tell me, Have you learned of that little plan?”

“I’ve heard of it, yes.”  Anastasia almost scowled at that and pinched her brow, “My government has decided to stay out of the affair for much the same reason as you thought to let Faust concern himself with Earth.  They think the Dominion will waste its troops there and Muashi will weaken itself enough for neither to remain a threat.  I’m not quite as confident, still that does bring me to the next concern my government had.  How did Musashi convince you to let the Dominion pass your territory?”

Uther gave a puzzled look, “Pass my territory? No such arrangements have been made. Rather, very recently a request for such an act was denied with no shame. There is no Dominion operating within my borders without my explicit knowledge. Only a while ago one single Dominion ship was granted passage due to a high level distress call. It headed to a moon, picked up a small team and left as quick as it came.” He shook his head, “What else would you be referring to?”

Anastasia chuckled, “Then it seems the Dominion has been negotiating with what it doesn’t have.  So far as anyone in the Confederation was aware this Dominion-Musashi joint invasion of the Second Imperium was already agreed upon, and we were merely being informed of it after the fact.  Still, in both this and the case of Earth it’s reassuring to know my government's support for you isn’t coming too late.”

“It is Faust's method, well.. Rather his ignorant lackey, ‘James Conrad’, to make these false promises. But if you are indeed offering support in blocking Faust's obvious desire to entrap my Imperium and slowly devour it, I am more than humbled. The true threat though is not Faust in his obvious and predictable methods, not even his second in command but a force from within the Horde. A force that with my help, Musashi will likely engage. My hopes are that Musashi and the Second Imperium can take the blunt of this attack. I find myself rambling, my apologies. I now am wondering what this ‘support’ entails?”

“As I said Uther,” Anastasia smiled enthusiastically, “I come with a number of offers.  Recent events have forced the Confederation to [i]finally[/i] realize how vital your Imperium has been in providing it the century of peace it’s enjoyed, and now we come to repay the favour.  To begin with, we are proposing a military alliance.  Such an alliance would of course include defensive assurances to guard us both against the inevitable aggression of Faust and this Horde, but it is my hope we could make it something deeper.  If you are willing the Confederation would like to include additional provisions concerning the cooperative development of new technologies and elimination of international military export restrictions for private entities between our nations.”

Uther began gently rubbing his chin, “That’s a very bold offer.” There was a few moments of silence as he began rocking gently in his chair. “So let us talk about how the other nations will perceive this. As I am personally happy with your terms, I’d like to discuss how this would affect the dynamic in this galaxy. Currently I am preparing to assist young Yuki of the Musashi in aiding Lawrence in halting the Horde and bringing peace to the region.” He smiled, “Then to deal with the Dominion.” He then leaned forward and stared into Anastasia’s eyes, “Can I count on the Confederacy to aid in this conflict?”

“When the time comes for the Dominion to answer for what it’s done Uther, I guarantee you that I and my government will be standing beside you.”  Bringing a hand to scratch her head as she leaned back she went on, “Having said that, I cannot promise aid beyond your own border with the Barbarians.  Not yet at least.  If you truly have convinced the Empire of Musashi and Princess Yuki to stay their hand and work with the Second Imperium I feel they’d welcome the Confederations help, but…”  Anastasia sighed, “So long as my government's agreement with Musashi stands we cannot interfere with their actions in the Second Imperium without their consent.  If we did it would reduce our word to nothing, and even this agreement would be at risk.”

“Then we truly have an issue. My brothers, the second Imperium have long been the only gates against the various floods that have came to ravage the free nations of the south. If I were to abandon the second Imperium in the wake of this coming storm, who would I be? I will agree to some of the terms you offer, The defense against the Dominion and Horde would be acceptable but sadly they’re intertwined in this upcoming war. This Inevitable war. Working together to advance our technologies is acceptable as is any removal of any trade restrictions. It would seem our pact is more so economic than military. As this military pact would hinge on what happens in the second Imperium.”  He sighed, “And I would be displeased to force the confederacy into choosing between Musashi or The Imperium.”

Anastasia looked down for a moment as if unsure, and quickly calmed a clenched fist, “As if that were really a choice Uther.  Or at least, in a proper world.  Musashi has already shown it cares little for peace and stability, but I fear my government is dead set upon changing that aging Emperor's mind.  I digress though.  If you won’t accept a military pact limited to infringement upon your own nation's borders Uther, perhaps the Confederation could offer something simpler in the hopes that one day we may revisit this.  A single fleet, ostensibly to gather information and advise on strategy as part of a greater partnership.  It may not be much, but perhaps it could free your forces to deal with events in the Second Imperium.”

There wasn’t any change in his posture as she spoke. “I will allow Observers.” He said then cracked a smile, “And perhaps one day a greater partnership can be attained. It is greatly desired but this day and age is so chaotic. I am happy to see there is still some semblance of Civility left in this galaxy.”