[b]IMPERIAL CAPITOL COMPLEX
TIIR
0907 HRS 08.18.3152[/b]
Amara and Rose were already having a back & forth over the day’s itinerary. The rowsing speech yesterday afternoon created as much of a stir as expected in domestic politics. The international regime had remained strangely quiet. Evidently the nations of the galaxy were unmoved by a veritable declaration of crusade and intended to withhold judgement until action was presented. “I’ve been trying to acknowledge every MP personally but that’s not even possible anymore. Your office is up to two dozen requests about military action plans, and the primarch has even said that he’s interested in scheduling a vote of confidence on armed deployment by the end of the week if we get the documentation out in time.”
“I need you for the marathon Rose, not the sprint. Don’t overwork yourself just yet,” Her Excellency retorted, “And fantastic work as always. Harvy how fast can you get together an action report for parliament?”
“I already talked to the joint chiefs Madame and we can have it on your desk for review by this afternoon and in the hands of the ministers by tomorrow. Are we waiting for confidence before we pull the trigger?”
“Not on something this time sensitive. We pull the trigger as soon as I can give it a once-over.”

The ensemble stepped away into Rose’ oversized office. “Hey how come my office isn’t this nice?” Harvy’s envy radiating across the space.
“Because yours is issued by military personnel office and mine comes from Madame Empress here,” Rose teased him.
“Guys ...” Madame Lisett restored the collective focus, “Harvy is the [i]Himmenez[/i] still here at home?
“No Ma’am I dispatched it late last night with news the Eighth Fleet Expeditionary Corps was incoming.”
“That it?” She suspected there was more attached, seeing as Harvy was a bit of an overzealous go-getter.
“I told Captain Kennedy he was green to make an incursion onto the planetary surface ahead of reinforcements arriving if he saw an opportunity. He knows how long he’s waiting and I trust he won’t make a poor decision on the matter.”
“Is he aware of how large his landing site needs to be to support the incoming ground forces?”
“Yes Ma’am. I included what details had been finalized regarding 8th Expeditionary’s force composition. [i]Himmenez[/i] dispatched out of Gate 4 at Centaurus Beta around 1am capital time.”

“Madame we should evaluate our diplomatic options prior to the arrival of a battlefleet. The ambassadorial corps has been pretty silent so far but I doubt that’ll persist once there’s battlecruisers in play.”
Rose ... always the diplomat, and the optimist. Madame Lisett gnawed at her finger, lost in thought. She had doubts that diplomacy could pave a path that avoided carnage. She looked over and gave Rose a nod. “Yeah, walk me through that.”
“Well your office is still blocking the diplomatic credential applications from the Asrians and the Jalaryians-”
“Cancel the Asrian application outright. The Jalaryians should rescind theirs once we start turning them to slag over Agemmar.”
Harvy cringed slightly at the continual mispronunciation while Rose carried on, “Will do. I suspected that was inevitable. Of the nations who have ambassadorial delegations, pretty much everyone isn’t super likely to have a problem with us ripping into the ascendancies but everyone’s a wildcard if we start trying to be possessive over the contents of that Ashtar installation. I get that we’d rather not share powerful weapons but we’re gonna run out of friends real quick if we don’t.”
Madame Lisett huffed. “We’ll cross that bridge when we come to it. In other news, who can we count on as viable alliances?”
“We know the Utopians are with us through hell and high water when it comes to putting the boot to the necks of the ascendancies. The Valerius Federation I think would be receptive, but I’m not too sure about the military capabilities. Harvy would know more.”
“Suboptimal. Not useful for conquesting.”

At least Harvy was straight to the point about it. “Ma’am we’ve failed to consider several key players because of a lack of existing diplomacy channels.”
The Empress gave him the room. “Okay go.”
“The Rolvians control a world with Ashtar ruins. It was conquered and held by the Asrians in the war. There’s a grudge there that can be exploited, and more importantly a strategic asset that needs to be managed.”
“With the right voices in their ear and powerful fleets at their back, they could be brought to bear against the Ashtar worshipers,” Rose obligatorily explored the peaceful option.
“I was going to advise triple-zeroing the dig site but that could work too.”
“Harvy are you seriously going to recommend dropping nukes on a still-neutral party? If they haven’t buried the hatchet with the Asrians yet they sure as hell will after!” Rose spat back.
“We can handle that problem after we handle asset denial. Their force is-”
“It doesn’t need to be a problem at all. This isn’t a dick measuring contest over who’s big gun is bigger-”

“GUYS! Cut it out!” Madame Lisett momentarily lost her temper in the presence of close allies, “Rose is right to not lead with thermonuclear ordnance. I’ll keep asset denial in the back of my mind on that but I won’t jump straight to it. Harvy, anything else? Preferably with less nukes.”
“While I, and most of the joint chiefs for that matter, hate the idea or working with insects ... the Lokoids have come up in discussion.”
“Yeah I already hate this too. Military capability?”
“Naval: garbage. We would have to do the heavy lifting there, not that we can’t. Infantry: promising. Now they fared worse than we during the cult uprising. Local law enforcement handled it for us but they required military deployment. My reports say they’re already on thin ice with the Jalaryians. They could be a decisive player in a ground campaign on Agdemnar.”

Madame Lisett thought long and hard over the collective Alduuri history with insectoid races. “Just to confirm, no relation to-”
“Negative, not a chance. I wouldn’t have said anything otherwise.”
She slowly began to nod approvingly, the ramifications coming clear. “Rose our day just got busier. Can you work on putting together an ambassadorial delegation to send to the Lokoids? I’ve got to work on communiques to the Lokoids, Rolvians, and the Commonwealth.”
“The Commonwealth?”
“They’re far enough away, and their ships tend to broadside enough, that betraying them later is always a viable option. They have a sizable fleet in system already, and they’re already scrapping with the Jalaryians. That’s useful to us.”

[b]COVWAR THIRD RECONNAISSANCE UNIT
AGDEMNAR SYSTEM
1629 HOURS 08.18.3152[/b]
The shimmering light racing towards the star flashed into a ship in an instant. [i]AMS Himmenez[/i] lit up its drives in the fringes of the system, making a slow cruise inward.
“[i]Orion[/i], [i]Himmenez[/i]. Come in [i]Orion[/i].”
“[i]Orion[/i], [i]Himmenez[/i]. Please respond.”
Even with light lag, the [i]Orion[/i] was slow to acknowledge. “[i]Himmenez[/i], [i]Orion[/i]. Welcome back [i]Himmenez[/i]. You got news for us?”
Boy did the [i]Himmenez[/i] have news. The [i]Orion[/i] was clear to attempt a planetary landing if the opportunity presented itself, and the Eighth Fleet Expeditionary Corps was inbound in 48 hours to reinforce. “Good to hear [i]Himmenez[/i]. We’ve got an unidentified contact pressing for landing we’ve wanted to get in closer for.”

The [i]Orion[/i]’s messages were just coming from an enlisted comms officer. Captain Kennedy was still pouring over the data from the incoming object. Its form had to be highly geometric because the radar signature was near nonexistent. They’d even risked shining a tight-beam radar at it to confirm. It’s trajectory put it on a landing course for a slightly aggressive location, while the area behind it was quite devoid. Kennedy was disappointed that he would not be able to recommend that 8th Expeditionary land in a position to crush either the Asrians or the Jalaryians at the outset, but the overall strategic value of such a potentially costly action at the outset was still questionable. It would have no doubt been incredibly satisfying though. “Nav, can we go for landing in sector 512? I want eyes on the anomaly and to secure an LZ for 8th Expeditionary.”
“Yessir. There’s two spots with enough flat ground for the main landing force in that sector. What is your preference?”

He brought the map back up to reanalyze the terrain. Site Bravo was a bit more defensible, but was farther back. Site Alpha provided more potential as a combat base but was a higher risk to hold with so few forces. They would be running the gauntlet until 8th Expeditionary arrived to reinforce. But it also gave better vantage on the unidentified object attempting landing. “Nav, go for Site Alpha. Take us in. Comms, call our forces into escort formation to cover our descent.”

The ships jumped into formation on the far side of Agdemnar, where the subspace disruptions from the facility were dampened and sublight reloc into lower orbit was possible. Engine plumes lit up in all directions, stabilizing the formation from whatever latent velocity the vessels held from previous trajectories, eventually converging into a retrograde burn. The formation whizzed around the planet, skimming the atmosphere over the enormous shield, and the [i]Orion[/i] fired her reverse engines on landing approach. “Shields to full power, weapons prep for atmospheric combat, prime lift engines.”
“Sir, fire condition?”
“Ignore non-contact incoming,” Kennedy ordered, confusing his officers.
“Uhh...”
“Ignore warning fire. If it actually strikes the hull, shoot back.”
“Yes sir, understood.”

The spaceframe shuddered from the turbulence of reentry. The full reverse burn was maintained to escape the plasma shell as quick as possible. The lack of aerodynamic prowess of a tactical cruiser made the deceleration a swift process. The warship’s six main lift engines ignited to abate the freefall and gently cruise to the LZ. The [i]Orion[/i] was now on fuel clock: the amount of time a warship could maintain flight in an atmosphere before needing to land or boost back to vacuum. Exceeding the fuel clock risked stranding the craft on the surface, where refuelling was extremely difficult.

Its heavy-duty landing struts extended from the hull as terrain approached. By no shortage of luck, there was no orbit-to-surface fire that came in. Captain Kennedy’s veterancy told him that no such luck would befall the 8th Fleet’s landing forces. They were merely investigators. The larger transports were an invasion. The tumultuous vibrations from the lift engines came to a halt, the spaceframe settling heavily against the soil and stone beneath it. The lift platform in the center of the cargo hold descended on its cables, armored vehicles and marines in full power suits riding to the surface. The blast doors of the flight deck sluggishly heaved open, revealing more crane arms and more forces lined up to be unloaded.

“Cerberus Squad, take a ‘dillo and head southeast towards unknown’s LZ. Investigate and report, do not engage,” the marine commander’s voice came over the radio with orders.
A squad of marines loaded into a lightweight 4x4 and drove off towards the site an unknown obelisk had set down at.

[b]IMPERIAL CAPITOL COMPLEX
TIIR
1648 HRS 08.18.3152[/b]
Rose and Madame Lisett were shuffling over drafts of diplomatic communications to be sent out, piecing together a final copy from bits and bobs from their own separate revisions. Harvy was somewhere in the military wing putting together envoy divisions for departure. “I think this draft is ready to go for Rolvius. How goes it on the piece for Lokoid?” Rose looked up from her plex, staring at Madame Lisett still feverishly scribbling away.
“Uuhhh, read it to me real quick.”
Rose cleared her throat and started at the top.

[indent]To the Lady Vannifar, Prime Minister to the Star Republic of Rolvius,

I extend my salutations on behalf of all citizens of the Empire of Alduur for your time, and my personal thanks for taking time from your day to entertain this missive. I understand that reconstruction efforts on your world of Manir have proven insufficient thus far. As you may know, the industrial complex of our empire is second to none, having restored the Imperial Navy to a premier fighting force in less than thirty years. I am prepared to offer our assistance in the reconstruction of your world as a gesture of good faith.

Further, I have reason to suspect that the Asrian Ascendancy may seek to regain access to the Ashtar archaeological site on the planet. They, and the similar Jalaryian Ascendancy, have thrown themselves head first into the fray at Agdenmar, based on the intelligence provided by our reconnaissance forces in the system. The relationship between those two is, at present, unknown. We have a vested interest in preventing the Asrians from laying hands on whatever Ashtar technologies and artifacts may remain in the archaeology site, and you have a vested interest in avoiding further ground warfare on the planet. In addition to reconstruction efforts, we are prepared to bring the force of the Imperial Navy to bear in defense of Manir, should you desire such.

My thanks again for your time, Lady Vannifar. I hope we may speak again soon.
Her Excellency Amara Lisett, Throne Emperor of Alduur[/indent]
“I don’t normally use the title of ‘throne emperor’ but otherwise I like it. Very formal, but I suppose that is what it needs to be right now.”
“Throne Emperor is the most formal title held by the sitting emperor and is only used in formal diplomacy. The gendered form is accepted domestic,” Rose bragged.
“Well in that case, I like it. Save that for sending.”
“Will do Madame, now what have you got for Lokoid?”

[indent]Supreme Hierarch Araq,

We have not been properly acquainted since confirmation to my office. I am Amara Lisett, Empress of Alduur. Our nation has kept their distance in the past, seeing little in common and preferring to take care of ourselves rather than rely on external imports. I regret that we have previously passed by the opportunity that presents itself yet again. I am aware that you have experienced altercations with the Jalaryian Ascendancy. You have my sincere condolences for any losses experienced. We have witnessed their belligerence on Agdemnar through our reconnaissance forces. At this time, we do not believe that amicable relations between Jalaryian and Alduuri forces in the system will be possible. It is my concern that this will be the case for your relations with the Jalaryians as well.

It is my understanding that your naval capabilities are currently limited, and that this is a limiting factor on your military options. The Imperial Navy is a premier fighting force, bringing to bear some of the most technologically advanced warships in the galaxy. We expect we will be required to demonstrate its capability to repel aggression in short order in orbit of Adgemnar. It is also my understanding that your land forces are impressive. I believe we can enable your military options in your dealings with the Jalaryian Ascendancy.

This message comes aboard a diplomatic envoy craft and escort. Also aboard are scientific and ambassadorial delegations, sent on behalf of my government as a gesture of goodwill to the Hierarchy. It is my personal pleasure to be Empress for this historic moment. May the future hold much prosperity for us both,
Her Excellency Amara Lisett, Throne Emperor of Alduur[/indent]
“Also very good. No revisions from me so if you like it, pack and send it.”
“Thanks Rose, now .... Commonwealth ...”
“I actually took a peek at that while you were reading if you don’t mind ...” she admitted sheepishly.
“No not at all. And ... I know, its rough.”
“Yeah, yeah it is. But I think I can fix it. Give me just a moment.”

[indent]Esteemed Lord Chancellor Metternich,
Your Imperial Majesty Catherine,

I realize we are hardly the most likely of allies. We both fight for supremacy. To simply ask us not to destroy each other over whatever may lie under that infernal dome shield is no small request, where it only us in the arena of battle around Agdemnar. It is my strong suspicion that the Jalaryians will take exactly as unkindly to us entering the system as your “rogue force” will. I believe we can be honest with each other and call a disavowed military operation what it is. The Jalaryians are beyond reason, and doing battle with them simply to hold our place on the world is inevitable. However, you are not beyond reason. It is my belief that it is in both our interests to see to an assured victory against the Jalaryian forces, and then roll the dice engaging with one another afterwards. While I suspect it is inevitable that our forces shall engage with one another on the battlefield in time, I see no reason we must do so immediately when there are others around who may prey on our preoccupation.

We may not be the right material to ally with one another, but perhaps a common adversary can provide us enough common ground to get something done before we turn our guns back to one another. I thank you for your time and your consideration,
Her Excellency Amara Lisett, Throne Emperor of Alduur[/indent]
Rose had a shred of a grimace when Madame Lisett went to critique it. “Well ... its certainly candid.”
“You hate it ... don’t you?”
“I sure as hell wasn’t doing any better,” Amara conceded, “and candor might open a door for us that schmoozing doesn’t. I think we should send it.”
“If you’re okay with it I’ll have it packed and sent out, standard diplomatic ciphers.”
The Empress gave a nod, “I’m just worried that yesterday’s speech makes any attempt at negotiating with the Commonwealth dead on arrival. If their intelligence network is remotely decent, they’ve heard it already.”
“Maybe, but I don’t think that message will make things worse, even if it’s laughed at.”
“If you’re so confident then let’s go ahead and package it all.”
Rose gave  a thumbs up, and headed off to have the communiques dispatched accordingly: beamed over PsiNet to the Commonwealth and to Rolvius, and sent up to an envoy ship ready for dispatch to the Hierarchy.