[center]| In collaboration with [@Sigma] |[/center]

Ambassador Ghask extended his hand back to Alfonso as they shook hands, both he and the Matuvistans processing to stroll down the corridors leading away from the docking ports as they entered the central parts of the Meeting Place. “Forgive me, I am Vixril Ghask.” Ghask introduced himself. “Representative of the United Columbian Republic in the Meeting Place. Allow me to once again, welcome you to Earth.”

"Representative Ghask." Nodded Alfonso. "As I declared earlier, I am Alfonso Leoncio Alvarez De Caravajal, rightful heir by blood to the Duchy of Veragua..." He turned to look out of a porthole, down towards the planet below, and its solemn, slow rotation. "Or, what is left of Veragua, I suppose." He sighed heavily. "What folly we hath wrought upon our cradle... What ruin we have brought to our home. It is enough to bring an honourable man to tears." It wasn't clear as if the hand that came up to swipe beneath his eyes was merely to exaggerate his point, or to actually wipe away tears.

"I am sure Her demise shall spur centuries of art and effort on Matuvista. Perhaps, one day, our descendants shall land on her surface once more, and witness her azure skies and crystal seas." His hand idly rested on the hilt of his sword as he walked.

"But enough of Her. What of you and yours? The United Columbian Republic has the ring to it of a righteous nation, much like our own." He gestured somewhat flamboyantly towards his chest

Ghask was taken aback by Alfonso’s rather dramatic displays, not often you see a diplomat act like a stage performer, no doubt a common trait among his people. “Compared to all you humans, I’ve only come to call Columbia home very recently, she is a very vibrant world, very similar to your Earth from the historical archives.” He paused as the group took a stop at the central presidium. “You could say the URC is of the righteous sort, although imperfect upon closer inspection, it is the better alternative to what my people knew.”

"And what did your people know?"

“We were once nothing more than slave soldiers for another race, the Yulzan. They saw us as nothing more than tools to fit their ends. They forced us to fight their wars, the humans of Columbia being among their latest targets. The humans proved to be more...persistent and resourceful. Our old masters fled after years of conflict, leaving many of us at the human’s mercy. Many still resent us, although I don’t blame them. Others have come to accept us as brothers and moved on from the past.”

Alfonso froze in place, and his grip tightened on his blade. Behind him, his entourage also seemed to tense, hands sliding to rifles. "Yulzan... Or Yyasum? The latter are base dogs, fit for nothing but scorn, to be put to the sword and removed from where their fiendish ways can interfere with the lives of right-minded individuals, and your description of the former matches the latter too close for mere coincidence."

Ghask was rather perplexed. “I’m afraid I’ve never heard of the Yyasum.” He answered. ”Although I wouldn’t put past the Yulzan deceiving us…I don’t know for sure, and may never know the truth of it, they could have been one in the same. Perhaps reports and files can be exchanged one day?”

"Perhaps, perhaps. Know though, that if your words speak true, then our people have more in common than mere names. The Senate will need to be informed."

“I’ll echo your sentiment.” Ghask said. “Our own senate will find this revelation very intriguing and worrying.” Ghask paused as the gaze of his eyes were drawn to the ashen remains of Earth from the viewing port. “Do pray tell, when did these so called “Yyasum” visit your world?”

"First Yyasum colonisation ship arrived approximately..." The man paused, and one of his underlings stepped up. 

"Forty-ninth day, fourth quarter, 103 years after colonisation. First engagement one week later." 

"Yes, very good. Approximately 200 years ago now, and we still fight their remnants to this day."

Ghask was rather surprised by the response. “This…was way beyond my lifetime, and predates the war with the Columbians. Our conflict was over three decades ago. This was even before the Yulzan conquered my people.”

"They used slower than light travel. Colony ships, we believe." Alfonso picked up the pace. "Generations of xenos, breeding in the vacuum of space, indoctrinating offspring into the vile messages of their forebearers, preparing for the day they could plunge a dagger into the hearts of honest men." He scowled.

"But they did not succeed. Our sons and daughters bled, the senate wept, but they were overcome, and now we hunt them, like the vermin they are, sweeping them from our planets and putting torch to their schemes." He turned to smile at Ghask. "I myself have had this honour first-hand." He gestured towards the appropriate medals. "Wounded in action," he gestured to one, "valour in combat," he gestured to another. 

Ghask smiled with a chuckle. “All the more reason to perhaps visit your world personally, to confirm my suspicions of course.” Before long, the group arrives to the URC Embassy, the Matuvistans met with a holo-announcer introducing new guests to the URC, large screens cycling through images of important moments of Columbian history, most notable of all being the Yulzan War. Soon they finally arrive to Ghask’s office. “Please, make yourselves comfortable.”

Alfonso looked up at the screens as they cycled through the different situations. He looked at the images of the Yulzan war with fascination. "There are some similarities... Yet many differences. I wonder if the slower-than-light-travel lead to divergences..." He paused, then followed Ghask in to his office, his man waiting outside. Taking his seat, he adjusted his sword a little, then leaned forwards.

"We have much to discuss I imagine... Where shall we begin?"

Ghask took his own seat, leaning forward on his desk with clasped hands. “Well, to start with.” Ghask said. “Perhaps we can arrange a proper conference between our governments? No doubt we will have much to share in resources, goods, and ideas. And your little Yyasum problem will be of great interest to countless parties back on Columbia.”

Alfonso stepped out for a moment, then returned, trailed by a soldier who seemed higher ranked than the others, judging by the embellishments on his uniform. "Relay this message back to La Introducción, to be sent to Matuvista. "Made contact with other civilised colonies. International meeting place over Earth. Earth has been destroyed. A nation called 'The United Republic of Columbia' has recently dealt with an invasion of aliens similar to the Yyassum, and are requesting a conference. I suggest we meet with them formally right away." He turned and nodded at the soldier. "Highest priority. I want Condel Julianus to be reading this over his morning coffee, understand?" 

The soldier snapped off a salute, then left the room. Nodding towards Ghask, clearly pleased, Alfonso settled down into his chair. "I am sure we will find many commonalities between us. Twin republics, scattered throughout space, yet united in spirit! It is a good message, no? Dare I say, an [i]inspiring[/i] message."

[i]Condel? Another strange human title.[/i] Ghask thought to himself, he could barely keep up with human terms all these years later, too damn confusing. Regardless, Ghask leaned back in satisfaction. “Oh, I very much agree, it’ll dominate the news cycle for a quite some time, it’ll be the Xandalians all over again. “He paused as he snapped back to his usual sitting position, grabbing a hold of his PDA. “Apologies, one moment please.” Ghask said as his lanky fingers tapped down on the pad, making his report back Columbia. After a few minutes he placed down the pad. “I’ve made my report and we can soon arrange a conference between our leaders, and hopefully, foster a beautiful partnership.”