[hr] [b]EN-ROUTE TO KADATHI EMBASSY TAKAR MOON SAYTAK SYSTEM[/b] [hr] Takar was a jungle-based world, half of it was converted into a food production sector, the other half was left to grow unfettered. Takar was also a birthing world. Young nymphs would be tested here, some may never reach adulthood. This was considered barbaric, but to the Lokoid it is a way to control the growing population and ensure that only the strongest and the fittest survive. Those that do not, are simply not worth the space, nor the time. Most of the habitation is underneath the surface, only a few structures rise above all the farms and food processing plants to see the lush jungles of Takar. The Kadathi Embassy on Takar was one of the few along with the rest of the foreign diplomatic structures. Comparatively, Saytak looked quite different and could be seen clearly from Takar. Saytak is a world full of swirling noxious gasses and abandoned structures that can no longer be used for normal habitation. From Takar, Saytak looked like a brown gas giant, one could hardly see the surface, irreversible pollution. It would take a substantial amount of effort to return Saytak to how it once looked. Zasz and Kaloth gazed upon their ruined world through their compound eyes – a world ruined years before they were even conceived. They’ve no connection to it, yet the image of a once lush, green world that was the home of the first Lokoid stings their mind with regret. “We are now more careful than we were before, are we not Zasz?” “It is a trend with all races that, I believe the human expression captures best. ‘Hindsight is 20/20’.” “20/20?” “It is their measurement for vision. The expression refers to the feeling of knowing what to do after the need for action has long passed.” “It is not often that we experience such reactions.” “Enough of this. We must be prepared to meet the Kadathi soon. We must focus on our present concerns. Araq has assigned Daggoth and Gorn to respond to the Conflux accordingly.” “Indeed, the timing of the Conflux’s missive and their abrupt change of stance towards the treaty of Detente could not have come at a worse time. We are open to all alliances, that is for certain, however, the Taulron have called for a cessation of trade with the Conflux over slavery. In time, further scrutiny will reveal our connection to them and their less acceptable dietary habits. Such things are enough justification for a nations people to go to war.” “Soon, more nations will abrogate the treaty out of fear of conflict. The tenuous peace that we are so desperately trying to prolong until we can attain non-aggression pacts and military agreements is crumbling quickly. Kaloth, be prepared to organize all Lokoid-based operations by importance. Daggoth may need a list soon to prioritize a defensive.” “While we are discussing the matter of Lokoid-based operations. We should consider the Urdji in our planning. They lack the proper foundations for planetary operations, however, considering our dealings with them in the past, their navy holds promise.” “I shall discuss the proposition to Araq after our talk with the baronetess Lady Elia.” [hr] [b]MISSIVE[/b] [hr] "Supreme Hierarch, the task of which you have assigned to Gorn and I is complete." Araq read the missive and clicked with satisfaction, "This is enough, though I feel we are too straight forward." "Gorn determined that it would be best that way and I as the Hierarch of war agree. Transparency and clarity is needed to form any sort of working military alliance. Though this may possibly wound them, they have dealt with us several times in the past. This sort of tone should be considered normal." "Very well, though I wonder whether cutting trade for the sake of our own objectives was wise?" "Gorn determined that a small gift may convince them of our intentions." "The usual then, Daggoth?" "The usual." With that Araq afixed the usual signature at the bottom and had it encrypted into a data chip that would immediately delete the missive if it were to be tampered with by unauthorized personnel. It was then handed off to a courier and sent on its way. [hider= The Response To The Conflux] [@Oraculum] The Hierarchs extends their regards to the most respectable Commission for Beneficent Symbiosis. We of the Ruling Caste have been discussing your proposition at length. We are currently hesitant because of a number of factors. The death of an Asraian official caused by Conflux rogue forces on Agdemnar and the Taulron’s recent proclamation to cease trade with the Conflux. The Taulron proclamation may indicate that the Conflux's actions may be under scrutiny. The actions of other nations have made it clear that the Hierarchy must review the possible outcomes of its future actions with scrutiny. While the Hierarchy is eager to form a military alliance, it is also reluctant to engage in open conflict if it can be avoided. Before entering this pact, the objectives of the Hierarchy must be made clear. At the moment, the objective of the Hierarchy is to reduce the number of potential enemies by negotiating non-aggression pacts and military agreements. These actions will ensure that if conflict does occur, the number of fronts that have to be fought will be minimized. Additionally, the Hierarchy is utilizing the residual peace that the treaty once provided to identify and assess threats and to outline objective priorities. It is, therefore, needless to say that an agreement such as this between the Conflux and the Hierarchy would need to be discreet for the time being. This may require some sacrifices for the sake of keeping up an image. Thus, it has been determined that the Hierarchy will temporarily cease trade with the Conflux until it is determined that it is no longer necessary to keep up appearances. It is of great concern that the Conflux is currently unpopular with the other denizens of the galaxy which may jeopardize the primary objectives of the Hierarchy. It is feared that it may later compromise any friendly relationships the Hierarchy may have been able to form. However, after a strategic assessment, the Hierarchy’s Ruling Caste determined that a military alliance with the Conflux would be highly beneficial – far outweighing the possible consequence. We of the Ruling Caste are confident in our combined martial strength. -Supreme Hierarch, Araq of the Lokoid Hierarchy and its Ruling Caste [/hider] The missive was sent as part of the final shipment of Lokoid goods, including an abnormally large shipment of [i]'delicacies'[/i] that would be live Lokoid as a sign of good-will. Lokoid that are traded to the Conflux are Lokoid who are deemed unfit or nonconforming to the rule of the Hierarchy. Usually, these types of undesirables are killed, processed, and turned into nutrients for future brood or for severe food shortage. These sources of meat and nutrients are usually avoided in exports, except when it comes to the Skirol. The missive would be decrypted upon contact with Skirol authorities and as per usual, the convoy of freighters would leave after dropping their cargo. Now it was time to address the Taulron. [Hider= Mediation] [@grimely] Honorable Taulron Emperor Salos IV, We the Lokoid would appreciate any mediation you can help provide between the Jalaryians and our own representatives in Rolvius space. The nature of the discussion between the Jalaryians and our own representatives may escalate towards hostility. The discussion between the Hierarchy and the Star Republic's delegates is working towards better friendly relations between the Hierarchy and the Star Republic. This particular matter may not need mediation unless it is deemed necessary. The Hierarchy appreciates any assistance the Taulron can provide. -Supreme Hierarch, Araq of the Lokoid Hierarchy and its Ruling Caste [/hider] The missive was given a proper reply. The Taulron can indeed assist in mediation. The Rolvians do seem to need assistance in keeping the peace. [hr] [b]ROLVIUS III ROLVIUS SYSTEM STAR REPUBLIC OF ROLVIUS[/b] [hr] Nok took stock of all that had happened during his stay at the Rolvian lodging. Spending his day partaking in ‘berry picking’, a human activity that interested the rather curious Lokoid. Usually, Nok would be buried in research and documents regarding Manir and Rolvian industrial operations. He’s a lower hierarch, tasked with overseeing operations in Rolvius space. Particularly, Nok is a member of the Academic Caste currently studying foreign cultures and technologies. He noted the death of the Asrian prince, the nearby FedNat military exercises, and the number of nations that have repealed the treaty of Detente. The situation was developing unfavorably, numerous parties are rumored to join the summit discussions. The Jalaryians have confirmed that they were to going to move forward with the inquiry. Nok has determined that perhaps the Taulron and the Rolvians would be more than sufficient in mediating between the two parties. Nok and his team were confident in both defending the position of the Hierarchy and forming counter-arguments against anything the Jalaryians were going to throw at them. Speaking of the Rolvians, Nok noted that the Rolvian minister was quite avoidant of a clear definite answer towards the offer of the Lokoid. Perhaps, the Rolvians still wanted to weigh their options or, even more likely, they wanted to avoid forming a pact right away in order to perserve the peace. Either of those options seem possible. However, within the confines of one of the lodging’s rooms, Nok conversed and played against his MK2 Automaton escort in a game of [i]‘ASSERT DOMINANCE’[/i], programmed by a Lokoid who determined that simple games could be used to enhance performance. The game was simple resource management and military strategy. Assert Dominance was a game intended for release all over the galaxy. It was one of the few games that displayed itself through holographic projection. There were two different types of boards, the private board which showed all the player’s pieces, and the Public board, which showed what everyone could see. It is noted that the game, without the developer knowing, worked similarly to iterations of the human game Kriegspiel. “Another one of your frigates Mir?” There was a pregnant pause before the Mir, the Mk2, could answer properly. The public board state was a mess with holographic projections of missiles and hulking wrecks. The exchange within the game has been going on for at least two hours. Nok was at an advantage. Finally, after a few more ships materialized in the space between them, Mir replied, “A distraction, sir.” Cruisers and destroyers have emerged towards the flanks of Nok’s formation, however, the formation was easily split and engaged the enemy cautiously. Nok was used to fighting Mir who was, by this point, one of the most experienced computerized opponents to have ever played the game. Mir was a learning A.I. one of the many MK2 that turned sapient as a result of A.I. research in the joint development program with the Kadathi. Granted, the MK2 wasn’t as sophisticated as its distant Kadathi cousins, but it was still very effective at many of the roles it filled. As the game progressed, the Lower Hierarch buzzed inquisitively. The game felt like a four-dimensional, simultaneous movement chess game. The two played mind games with each other. Small battlegroups arranged to faint larger formations, attacking from awkward angles, evading only to be intercepted by missiles. The game was entertaining for Nok, for Mir it was simply routine. Mir was Running algorithms and determining the best case scenarios and strategies while simultaneously micromanaging several different engagements. “Soon, sights like these will be more than just holograms all over the galaxy.” “That outcome seems likely, sir.” As Mir spoke, several ships are effectively knocked out of action. Nok had clearly won but at a cost. “You still lack the creativity to outpace my own abilities. However, you’ve become quite the opponent. I was struggling to keep up with your efficiency.” “We’ve played four games today, it is currently two-two, there is only one match left to determine the victor, sir.” “Victors don’t exist in a real war. If I were to carry on fighting with what I have at the end of our match – if the game was somehow built that way – it would perfectly simulate the struggle against attrition.” “Sir, are you perhaps worried about the outcome of this Summit?” “No Mir, it is the feeling of inevitability. Despite a favorable result at the summit, there is the inevitability that greed and personal ambition will overcome our future allies. Instead of us benefiting from an alliance, we may end up being used in an alliance. It is my opinion that the council is too confident over the effectiveness of this course of action.” “A fair analysis, sir. However, I must beg to differ. The Hierarchy is better suited to heavier combat situations. The high birth-rate of Lokoid and the rather fast maturity period allows for quick replenishment of troops. Further, the Hierarchy is an industrial powerhouse that can produce high-quality robotics that can be deemed replaceable.” “But for how long Mir? Our games must have taught you something.” Mir perused the files that contained the outcome of every Assert Dominance match that Mir and Nok have ever had. There were several times where Mir determined it had the advantage and was utterly crushed. There were other moments where even with a numerical advantage, Nok had stronger, more efficient units. Of course, there was the recent match where Nok had mentioned attrition. “You mean to say, despite our advantage, despite our precautions, despite our planning we may still lose?” “Correct, if for example, we were to end up fighting several enemy nations at once, would we not be overwhelmed at some point? Would there not be a large decisive battle were we could potentially lose everything?” “It is a plausible outcome.” “Indeed, a very plausible outcome. Therefore, the need properly react and respond to different unexpected situations is necessary.” “Some information gathering will be key then, sir.” “Indeed, I will be relying on your data stores once again. Record everything that is deemed relevant to a possible conflict.” "Yes sir." The two entered another match, concluding their discussion to properly prepare for their next game. Together, the two engaged in yet another match of Assert Dominance as they awaited the start of the Rolvian summit.