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Aculia, for her part, remained largely silent during the negotiations, preferring to simply observe Rex Valhoun
in his element as the “King” of the Empire, along with the Eternal Empire’s forces. It was clear from the maneuvering of the assorted bodyguard forces that this was anything but a warm reception, no matter what words might be spoken between the parties. The Eternal Empress’s absence was something to note as well-she did not seem to consider Rex as an equal, and had trundled out a baron and baroness to meet him instead. Still, as long as everyone kept their temper and a compromise of some kind was hammered out, she was not particularly concerned.
After all, this planet is rather far away from our core interests, Rex’s friendship with the local monarch notwithstanding. Or is it “friendship”? After all, it had been quite some time since he had been married to Loreena Arenais-Valhoun
and there was still no official heir to the throne…
She almost choked on the small flask of Corellian firebrandy she had brought with her during the negotiations when Rex mentioned the Empire being a beacon of liberty for the galaxy, and she had to quite unceremoniously swallow what she had in her mouth to avoid choking.
Really? After what happened on Nejidi and Lionus, Rex?
It was true that they had “liberated” the planets, but neither operation had gone particularly smoothly…or without large amounts of civilian casualties. Still, even if he was being a truly massive hypocrite, she could respect him trying to negotiate this time instead of seeking glory at the cost of his soldiers and the lives of countless civilians.
She found herself, as the negotiations continued, being drawn more and more to the blue…midget woman Ivixa Nera'kas
that called herself a baroness, since she had seemed to be engaging more than the other attendees, especially when she seemed to glance over at her and mention her carrier groups. She smiled warmly back at the pygmy noble, though her azure eyes were significantly cooler than her lips.
Speaking for the first time and offering a slight perfunctory bow, she nodded affirmatively at Rex’s statement.
“My battlegroup was in the area to do some routine exercises, astronavigational updates to our star charts, and to remind a few of the local ‘privateers’ that the claws of the Lion extend further than they might otherwise think should they get some ideas about our merchant fleet. I simply responded to his Majesty’s request.”
And to make sure he can cash whatever checks he writes here.
The Overseer grinned as she saw Aculia Voland
almost spit up her drink at the comments from her 'King'. There was a phrase she had heard used "Show, don't tell" his repeated insistence of his monarchy having a reputation as a beacon of freedom? "Surely it is for others to determine what your reputation is and not yourself?" she scoffed slightly mockingly. The Elysium Empire reminded her of story's of old Kings from when she was studying, no different to political dictators, but blinded by their "divine countenance" into thinking they were better and the right person to rule. There were certainly aspects of the Empire that Trinity felt could become more democratic, but they were honest about what they were and the Imperial citizens lived safe, healthy and prosperous lives.
"There is no precedent for mass emigration from world's that have been brought into the Imperial fold" she had MEIPOC do an analysis for her and other than a few outliers and brief surges, net migration to imperial worlds was stable, if anything, the prospect of living on stable worlds was a drawing factor for many in the space around the Empire. "If you are expecting millions of citizens to leave, is this due to an offer you have made? Or has there been seeds of mistrust sewn within the populous?"
Watching the discussion between the Baroness and the Elysium representatives made her feel the Elysiums would tell you what they thought you needed to hear, but she didnt get a feeling of honesty from them. Of course this was just a gut instinct, she may be entirely wrong.
"Your explanation makes sense, but I would like to point out from a diplomatic perspective, if only to avoid further misunderstandings, there is a tradition of informing other nations if you intend to perform large scale military exercises on their borders, i would happily direct you to the correct department. It's a small point, but one that does wonders for avoiding unnecessary conflict." Trinity's tone was respectful in this, and it was a genuine recommendation, the apparent exercises were happening within a few dozen light years of Imperial space and the smallest spark could ignite a war in the wrong situation.
He very nearly interrupted the woman, but chose the politically correct path, keeping his mouth tightly shut apart from a sip of water as the woman tried to dismantle the undeniable fact that The Empire is a beacon of Freedom. She hadn't done her research. Sure, The Empire was an Empire, but it was perhaps the most libertarian, decentralized Empire the galaxy had ever seen...and sure, Rex was King, but there was also a Senate, a Council, and something research wouldn't show: Plans to create a "governor" system on planets under Imperial control, further decentralizing The Empire.
But again, her concerns were legitimate, for someone who hadn't done proper research before meeting a King. Rex had many times considered a change of public relations before. Perhaps they could drop their claim to be the successors to The Galactic Empire....
"I would say that the massive immigration into The Empire, combined with my skyrocketing public approval from all blocs of The Empire" except The Imperial Bloc "...are a testament to just how happy our citizens are. If you have done any research you can see that since I took the throne, prosperity in The Empire has done nothing but rise. This Empire has managed to combine the security and strength The First Galactic Empire provided, without the strict anti-capitalism, xenophobic policies, and general tyranny that most if not any Empires have practiced. Internationally we have typically been isolated apart from our participation in key fights such as Sev Tok and Tython....again, quite a contrast to other Empires.
That of course, includes your Empire, which has stripped voter rights from non-military citizens, effectively formed a caste system that puts the average citizen at the bottom, gotten into many entanglements across the galaxy, and ruled with an iron fist."
This was about to turn into a debate over the politics of the dueling Empires rather than a negotiation over the fate of Belsavis....
"We can handle it, no problem." He was very, very uncertain about that statement, but a glance to the gang showed that they were ready to try anything. "We're ready now...just lead the way." He stretched, took a deep breath, and recited the race one more time in his head. This was going to be a mess. A very thrilling, action-packed mess.
"I don't guess we should let you win, huh?" He smirked, trying to crack a joke....
For a few moments, the diminutive Asa’nyx listened in relative silence as the Fleet Admiral and Science Overseer spoke. She did not miss the sudden disturbance that crossed the Admiral’s pale features when the King proclaimed that his Empire was a grand beacon of liberty, to which Ivixa herself only barely managed to suppress a snicker. Nevertheless, the Baroness quickly straightened herself out, before catching Aculia’s smile not long after, though the expression was not necessarily a sign of friendliness, but rather agreement.
“Regardless of much ‘freedom’ or ‘liberty’ you think the citizens of your Empire possess, the Eternal Empire will not allow her citizens to be kidnapped or otherwise coerced by those who would seek to exploit them under the pretense of liberation.” Ivixa answered calmly, though her tone was laced with icy threat. “You would do well to remember that the Eternal Empire protects her citizens.” The Asa’nyx continued.
“Do not let your arrogance pull your fledgling nation into a war it would not survive, King.”
"The Empire is not kidnapping your citizens. The people of Belsavis are not yours. They are independent, for now, and my forces are here to help fortify their independence. If we can't stop The Eternal Empire from invading the planet, and we can't take down the corporate dictatorship, then we will offer these people a way out of the planet. This in non-negotiable, and it will take nothing short of the word of The Imperator herself to change this. I don't think that your people or my own would want to be drawn into a war that will be very long and very bloody, over something as trivial as emigration. I urge you to think strongly before mentioning the word 'war' again."
Rex then looked to The Baron, hoping he would settle this debate before it could escalate further...though he doubted that this blue midget woman would have authority to declare war, or cause much damage apart from insulting The Empire time and time again.
Lori smirked. Of course she expected Jason Arnett to joke around. That was just the way that he was; something that they both shared as far as personality traits goes. But now she needed to be the one to lead them to racing victory.
Hopefully.
She got to her feet, taking out some credits from her pocket to cover the bill. "We're flying dangerously low over an unpredictable ocean. Not only do you have to watch the course and other flyers, but you've got to watch the waves as well." Lori started to move out of the restaurant and then paused as something else came to mind. "And there are underwater volcanos as well. If one of those blows during the race, then that'll really mess things up for all of us. Rember, this isn't so simple as flying in space, but I know we can do it. As long as one of us makes it into the top three, we're golden." And it would give her enough of an edge in negotiations which was what she hoped for.
"Alright. Waves, invisible volcanos. Got it. Let's go."
He picked up his helmet, placing it on his head and dropping the purple-tinted visor. It was a bit loose on him, and really restricted his vision, but as he understood it was a law to wear one when flying. Maybe he'd take it off when he got in his ship though...because it was very annoying. It moved around with every step he made, and it made his head shift a bit due to its' weight. At least he didn't need to wear one of those ugly orange suits Rebel Pilots wear in all the holofilms. Except 3000, where they are exaggerated heavily.
The man was being petulant in assuming her questioning his self-proclaimed reputation to be purely through lack of research. Honestly, if you had to research that hard to find an external actor that supported your reputation, then your reputation might not be a solid as you beleive.
"I assure you I have done my research, i was not questioning your prosperity at home, we have similar growth in prosperity in the Eternal Empire, nor was i questioning the happiness of your citizens, i have no reason to believe they are any less happy than our own by and large. I also do not challenge the effectiveness of your political model, a ruling Emperor, Council and Senate model is very effective and serves the Eternal Empire and Ashlan Crusade among others very well, albeit with different titles for the roles in each." She stopped as far as pointing out the equivalent roles of her and Baron Reinhardt Ström
being part of the ruling council and Ivixa Nera'kas
functionally being a senator for her world. The model in question harked back for thousands of years over many different empires, on all sides of the political spectrum.
"What I was simply suggesting is that you were putting a self-awarded reputation up as a counter to our own reputation, for better or worse." Her tone was cool and correcting, as opposed to being outwardly hostile. Trinity wouldn't have words put in her mouth and she wouldn't have someone assume that just because she wasn't fawning over his every word, she was uninformed. She supposed it was a purely a symptom upbringing within a monarchy, you spend your life being told you are better than everyone else, you begin to believe it. He absolutely wasn't the first emperor to fall into that trap and her wouldn't be the last. But she was going off topic, there was no reason to debate styles of leadership, every Empire believed they were the empire of goodness and rarely were any of them wholey correct in that. The simple fact he would use the First Galactic Empire as a positive comparison marked him as someone with biased views.
She listened to the short back and forth between the Baroness and the King and suppressed slight mirth, now that Baroness was certainly someone who didn't need to tell you their reputation, she was a passionate and forceful woman, perhaps a little hot headed sometimes but it did her well and Trinity was happy to have her on the same side of the table.
"You are correct that neither side wishes to be drawn into a war, but the Baroness mentioning it does not suddenly bring it to the table as if it wasn't already a risk. You speak as if you are the only person in the room wishing to avoid war, but do you think your fleet travelling a quarter way across the galaxy to interfere in the transition of power here makes war more likely or less likely?"
She liked that Ivixa said what she thought, there was risk of war the moment the Elysium Empire arrived and declared their support for the incumbent government, for him to attempt to chastise her for mentioning what every person in the room with their eyes open already knew was pointless.
"I feel we aren't going to leave here as best friends, so let's work at limiting the number of victims of two empires falling out.
This planet is becoming part of the Empire, that is happening, if you choose to try and prevent this, it is clearly be a hostile action and their will be conflict. From your stance I am going to assume you wish to avoid armed conflict today, yes? so shall we move past that point of order? And on to what happens after we take control?" she paused for a moment and would continue momentarily unless he decided to interject with a sudden declaration of war.
"So, there is a new government in place, or to be honest, an existing administration overseen by the Eternal Empire, whichever our government deems will be more stable. You have a choice, to respect, or work against this new leadership.
If you respect it, the Imperial Government will have no reason not to allow continued civilian and economic relations between your worlds and Belsavis as a neutral foreign power, if your beliefs are true, then this will over time facilitate safe emmigration, we don't forbid foreign travel of out citizens after all.
The alternative choice would be for you to not respect this new leadership and work against it to actively remove citizens, yours will be treated as a hostile foreign power and whilst war is far from inevitable, this will make free movement of people much more difficult."
She wasn't asking him to move on his non-negotiable term, and she wasn't moving on theirs, she hoped this would be acceptable to both sides, natural movement of people was inevitable, her being an immigrant herself, the Elysium Empire would be in a vastly better position to help those it felt needed it if it was in a place of neutrality, rather than being in a place of hostility and tied down by potential sanctions, trade embargoes and the mess that came with that.
Lori wasn't so sure if Jason Arnett 'got it', but having him there would at least pose a possible hindrence on the other pilots, which would give her an edge.
She walked with him out of the restaurant and down to the barge at the docks where the racers ships were parked. Large crowds of people started to fill the stands on the rocky shore, while others took to other boats and barges along the course's outskirts. Some even took to the air in hovercraft and blimps for the perfect arial view.
Loudspeakers were turned on as music played and the announcers began their broadcast; "Welcome ladies and gentlemen to the Lion's Cup!"
"Yes racing season is over, but this is a bonus race!"
"Pamarthens are the best pilots, aren't they?"
"Why yes they are! And there are times like today where it needs to be refreshed in the outworlder's minds."
"I hear that we have some of them flying with us in today's race?"
"Yes we do! A Queen, a brat and a stooge!"
"Here they all are now, arriving to their ships."
Lori ignored the announcer's banter as she waved to the crowds before climbing into The Lioness. It wasn't important. All that she had on her mind was keeping the other pilots on her six. She hoped that Jason was of the same mind.
It was a strange feeling, getting into a ship while a crowd cheered, or jeered and boo'd, depending on their bets. Meanwhile two announcers put on a show of commentary for at-home viewers. A queen, a brat, and a stooge. Very funny.He thought as he gave a quick wave to the crowd. Then he almost tripped as he climbed into his racer, which made the crowd burst into laughter. Of course. I'm starting to think I'm the comic relief.
He took a seat in the ship...an X-Class Fighter-disarmed, of course-supplied by The Empire.
A week of pilot training, a standard ship, and a huge crowd watching the race. No pressure....
He looked over to The Queen in her special ship, giving a nod. Of course his stupid helmet shifted with this nod and he had to readjust it.....
Lori caught Jason Arnett 's nod and gave him a salute before putting on her helmet. She fired up the Lioness' engines, hitting the switches and checking the overall readouts of the vessel. The engine purred as it was brought to life, already wanting to spring into action and take to the air.
But it wasn't time yet. They were still moments away from the start, and even she was anxious with anticipation.
The starting line had three rows of four, with Jason and Lori at the back of the pack. In her mind that gave them a bit of an edge, for they could tail the others until they got comfortable with the course and their competition.
That was Lori's plan anyways.
Her eyes turned to the clock as the seconds ticked downwards. Her hands gripped the controls as the first signal was given. Lori brought the Lioness up to a hover 10 feet above the barge as the other pilots did.
Rex Valhoun
in his element as the “King” of the Empire, along with the Eternal Empire’s forces. It was clear from the maneuvering of the assorted bodyguard forces that this was anything but a warm reception, no matter what words might be spoken between the parties. The Eternal Empress’s absence was something to note as well-she did not seem to consider Rex as an equal, and had trundled out a baron and baroness to meet him instead. Still, as long as everyone kept their temper and a compromise of some kind was hammered out, she was not particularly concerned.
Loreena Arenais-Valhoun
and there was still no official heir to the throne…
Ivixa Nera'kas
that called herself a baroness, since she had seemed to be engaging more than the other attendees, especially when she seemed to glance over at her and mention her carrier groups. She smiled warmly back at the pygmy noble, though her azure eyes were significantly cooler than her lips.
