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

[b]Second Imperium capital world, Carina Prime[/b]

	High above the world of Carina, Civilian and Military ships alike had gathered for not only the Funeral of the beloved Regent Lawrence, but the ascension of Uther of the now united Core and Second Imperium. It was a mixture of tension from the revelation and joy from the prospect of unity as some civilian ships utilized their defensive weapons to shoot off fireworks, with warships automated defenses frantically and futilely tracking the high volume of shells. Unknown to the majority of the gathering in orbit was the arrival of one of the Confederations largest warships to date. 

	With little to no announcement beyond private diplomatic communications SSCSS Article XVI dropped out of warp above the planet alongside its escorts, quickly coming to dominate the space above the world.  The Sixteen was a ship built nearly a century ago, but its current appearance belied that purported age.  Bristling with weapons and hangar bays the vessel was tremendously vast, a monolithic example of an asset that had simply been too useful to throw away.  Quickly broadcasting its intent to observe the festivities the Sixteen settled into a high orbit above most of the civilian vessels, its escorts looking like insects buzzing around their queen.

	Then again, as she’d be quick to say herself, Anastasia Kozlovskaya may as well have been the formations queen.  That same queen of an Admiral had made her way onto one of the destroyers in her flotilla and was enroute to the planet nearly from the moment their orbit had been established.  Watching an external screen idly as the destroyers atmospheric wings  unfolded and the atmosphere buffeted the vessel Anastasia reflected with a satisfied grin on how conveniently things had worked out.  She wasn’t uncouth enough to celebrate the Regent's death but…  Well, it was better this way than if he’d ended up as dust on the vanguard of the defense against Musashi.

	The beauty of the city ahead was marred only by the dull gray tones of the darkening skies above. The overcast setting had played on many people’s spirits as they rushed to cover from the small drops of water, knowing the rush that was to follow. All across the destroyer this was evident but still ahead was lights that tore through smoke and fog on a whim, the docking lights that had drew vessels in time and time again. 

	Carina Vestov United Spaceport was one of the Second Imperiums largest surface docks ever built and seeing it from above would be a clear testament to a builders resolve. On the surface were rows of military ships and one vacant spot that Admiral Anastasia's vessel was destined to park. There were open air ramps on both sides of the dock as well as ports for enclosed walkways. Standing at the leading open air ramp was a small shuttle and four military officers awaiting patiently for the Confederacy’s envoy.

	As the ship gently took its place alongside the throng and the ramps extended Anastasia stood and yawned.  Taking a second to ensure the condition of her dress whites in a nearby digital mirror she donned her cap and made her way to the docking ramp before descending it with a smile and an amiable wave.

	The trip to the Imperial palace was peaceful and upon arriving, She was welcomed graciously by dignitaries and civilians alike, all knew of the Confederacy and its, albeit subtle, assistance to the Core Imperium, assistance that they hoped and prayed would be received to them as well. Hope was hard to come by in this day and age.

	“Ah, My Anastasia.” A voice called from the opening door of the Palace. Uther had arrived personally to greet his acquaintance from the Confederacy. “It is a pleasure to meet you once again Admiral. This is indeed a strange time for you to arrive, no? I however am assuming your visit is not about the festivities.”

	“You’re right to assume, Uther.”  Taking her cap off and holding it under her left arm Anastasia extended a hand and smiled genuinely, “Though I’m sure I and my men will enjoy them to their fullest while we’re guests on your world.”

	Uther nodded, “Indeed they will.” He motioned towards a smaller door at the side of a set of grand stairs. It was an unassuming one that was shaded by a single white tree. Inside the door was another simple hallway that ended with a small, simple room. Adorned with various pictures and weapons along the walls. It was Lawrence’s private room in life, “Cozy in here, reminiscent of our first meeting in my flagship. Wouldn’t you agree? I suppose we should get to the nature of your visit.”

	He motioned to a seat for the Confederacy Admiral before seating himself. As he placed his now clasped hands upon the table, he rose a brow, “What is it you wished to discuss.”

	Anastasia glanced around the homely room before fixing on Uther, “Nothing less than the very thing we’ve already discussed.  The unity of the Imperiums under your person has all but ended any debate as to whether Musashi has legal cause to condemn our association and cooperation.  I am again offering you a formal alliance Uther, for it seems that no matter how regrettably it has come about, our ‘one day’ has already arrived.”

	Uther nodded again and withdrew his hands from the table. “An Alliance.” he said. “I will pose a similar question this time then, if you do not mind.” He strummed his fingers on the table for a moment, “As of now I have no formal agreement with Musashi and their aspirations of ‘invading’ the second imperium are still fresh in my mind. If war were to occur between my nation, and Musashi, what side would you choose?”

	Her smile grew almost wicked, “Why Uther, formal or not the Princess Yuki gave you certain assurances did she not?  Perhaps the Emperor can disavow her and claim she never acted in his name, but it cannot be refuted that in your meeting she acted with equal authority to when she signed a peace treaty with my nation.  Second Imperium or just Imperium, she promised you aid and peace, and if the Emperor disregards that he breaks the same word that once ended the Laioning crises.”  Leaning closer Anastasia grinned and took care to articulate every word clearly, “My government cannot trust a man that breaks the word of his representatives, and we cannot abide unwarranted aggression from our neighbours.  Should Yamamoto Ryu act so incautiously as to declare war upon you, for the first time in his pampered life he will learn the consequences of one’s actions.”


	Uther slowly pinched his nose, “You see, back during your conflict, you had not only Yuki’s blessing but also the Emperor’s. In this case, who is more powerful? The deposed princess that controls little or the Emperor who controls the military.” He lowered his hand and leaned back. “By technicality, he never broke his word as by sending Yuki away made any pact null. The reason I continue to bring this point up is that I need allies that will legitimately support me in times of war, not be torn between two nations.” He sighed, “I understand politics in your nation is difficult due to the democratic process but I need an absolute. With Barbarians on one hand, A Psychopath on the other, I have to have solidarity in any decision or pact made.”

	“Obviously there are extreme circumstances that if I were in your shoes I’d break a pact, things like Genocide. But I must ask again, If there is a war between the Imperium and Musashi, Who will the Confederacy side with.”


	Anastasia met Uthers gaze and spoke calmly, but with conviction, “If there can be no peace, then the Confederation will fight with those who have not shed the blood of its children.  My government was clear on this, if it comes to open conflict you will have the full might of the Sovereign Confederate Armed Forces behind you.  I can assure you of that.  We have a man in Musashi who will try and talk them off doing something as foolish as you propose, but should war come and your Imperium fall it will mean nothing less than the beginning of the end for the Confederation.  First Chancellor Sevaren sees this for what it is, and it is on her orders I am here today.”

	There was no emotion on Uthers’ face as he pondered this thought. “Let us discuss the terms of said Alliance, seeing as we have come to an understanding. What of trade tarrifs, what of shared embargos against universal failures like Faust for example. How committed is this Alliance in regards to economic sanctions.”

	 Laying her folded hands in her lap and leaning back a tad Anastasia looked as if she’d been freed of some great stress, “Tariffs will be lowered, across the board, save for specific luxury goods in some of the Confederations  member states, but those are of little concern. As for embargoes, my government sees Faust’s actions over the past decade as an atrocity beyond comprehension, in his case and in regard to all who would follow his footsteps we are totally committed to sanctions.”

	Uther smiled genuine, something he hadn’t himself done in a long time. “I see these terms as acceptable. Far greater than I had initially imagined they would be. I will claim this not to be as they say, brown nosing, however, I am, and have been very thankful for your nations assistance over the years. God knows these second Imperium folks need the help.”

	He sighed, “There is one last thing I would request of my future ally. If it is not too much to ask. My second Imperium allies possesses many powerful weapons that have saved their lives time and time again, however with the movements of the horde now unchecked through the northern borders, they find themselves desperately outnumbered and overwhelmed. Honest, they are drawing their very reserves.. Ships from before the imperium fell.. Would the Confederacy supply arms and ships to the beleaguered men and women of those areas?”

	Anastasia raised a brow and rested her chin on an open palm, “Do recall Uther, we previously agreed to eliminate the restrictions on your Imperium buying arms…  That said,” she grinned again, “I’m quite certain my government would be more than willing to offer you as much as we we can spare on loan, interest free given our new relationship.  The Barbarians are a problem we need to address as urgently as Faust, after all for years we have ended up receiving the bulk of those refugees Musashi took in from the conflict.”

	“You bring a fair point. Seeing as I’ve yet to see much in regards to the imperium arms deal accomplished so far. To be honest, It is mostly my fault as other things had preoccupied my time.. The death of my dear friend being the front and foremost.” He shook his head and gazed about the room. Pictures not only of military nature but also what would be obviously Lawrence’s family seemed to draw Uther in. “It’s amazing how short of a life we all truly have. But enough sentimentality, was there any other good news you wished to bestow upon me today?”

	Her smile fell for a moment and Anastasia looked vacantly to the rooms ceiling, “That was all I was sent to ask of you today Uther and perhaps in time we’ll meet again, but for now I imagine you wish to mourn and prepare.  As you once said, what’s coming is inevitable, but I don’t see a reason for us to fret over it relentlessly until it happens.”  Looking back to Uther she beamed warmly,  “Once the celebration of your ascension wraps up I’ll make my departure, but it was good to meet with you, especially to realize what our last encounter had failed to accomplish.”

	“Indeed. I wasn’t quite confident that meeting you would accomplish anything, as was the outcome before. Though now I feel as if we found our common ground. Not leader to leader but soldier to soldier.” He outreached his hand, “It has been a pleasure, Now go enjoy the festivities. I fear that this may be among the last we are privileged to.”

	She took his hand and stood, “And I fear you may be right.”