Planet Nouvelle, Frontier Regions, Northern Hemisphere
Aboard the PNSS Might of a Thousand Suns
Captain Reynald was deeply honored by the thanks from his most gracious host. He smiled, bowing deeply before her. “It is my honor to host your fine comrades in arms to earn some rest and relaxation from the daily grind High Marshal. No doubt they will enjoy the local sights and perhaps even the coming change of seasons. But, I digress. As to contacting my superiors, I have no way of doing so from here. Our communications systems are mostly telegraph and telegram. Well, they are one in the same. The scientists have cooked up something called radio, but, it is still being tested before it will be fully implemented. Upon my return to my station, I will have my signal man send ahead of your imminent arrival.” He smiled, happy to be facilitating this interaction with such beings.
“Thank you High Marshal Surek’sum, I appreciate the time you took to converse with me. Best of luck to you.” He rendered a proper salute, before being escorted off. He looked about, still enamored by the sights of the ship itself, and all the technology the reptilian beings possessed. He made himself at ease within the officer’s lounge, finding a comfortable spot to sit and lounge about as he waited for whatever was to come next.
"Captain Reynald, you will be escorted shortly. I have to speak with the captain of that ship." Marshal Surek'sum declared, before moving to her position on the bridge and having Reynald escorted by her marines to the Officer's Lounge aboard the ship.
Skies above Hollie, Capital of Nouvelle, Upper Atmosphere
Far above the world orbited many ships of the reptilian beings. Their metal craft occasionally refracting the sunlight from the system’s sun, Temp’lar. To the citizens in the cities and towns below, these ships in orbit were little more the twinkling lights in the afternoon sky, more angles in a sky that now had so many. It was then that two specs broke off from the cluster, their metal hulls glinting brightly in the sunlight before glowing brightly as they came down to the world below, making a bee line for the capital. Citizens looked up pointing and spreading the word amongst one another, more angels were coming from the heavens, to speak with the children of Temp’lar.
These two ships broke through the sporadic clouds, finding themselves over a vast and sprawling early 20th century metropolis. A city that covered the same size as Paris, but cleaner, nicer, and more organized. Numerous large areas that housed parks, squares, or parade grounds dotted the city. Without a doubt, the reptilian beings would be able to notice the ships of the races that had already made contact with the Nouvellians, all of the ships have landed within a relative close distance to the Royal Palace. The main parade ground in front of the palace looked exspansive enough to hold probably another three or four ships like the PNSS Might of a Thousand Suns.
At its center sat the Eternal Union craft, barricaded off by local police and military forces, whom had formed a cordon at all the entrances to the parade ground. The skies around the palace itself were patrolled by slow flying biplanes and airships. The biplanes took notice of the massive vessels, taking care to fly towards them, but, not in a manner that was threatening. The pilots waved at the massive vessels, trying to indicate to them that they could land within the parade ground, or, off in the distance, an airfield the housed the bulk of Nouvelle’s air forces. The choice was ultimately up to the Sazkarjhian pilots where they wished to land.
Nouvelle, Hollie. Royal Palace, Throne Room
Queen Sabine Addressing the Eternal Union. 5:00 P.M.
Queen Sabine nodded to Archmage Cavenus as he spoke. She listened to him graciously accept her offer of diplomatic relations and an embassy for the Eternal Union peoples. She looked at him closely as he spoke of this Immortal Aaliyah, and how this individual was overseeing the peace negotiations with the Terrans. She leaned forward, even more curious as to whom this individual was. She let Archmage Cavenus finish, taking in all he said about their unique ability to manipulate things in a way she never could understand, at least perhaps for now. She sat back in her throne as he finished, thinking deeply upon what the Eternal Union ambassador had said.
She allowed a few moments to pass before asking her more pertinent questions. “Archmage Cavenus, I know that we have no doubt pestered you with these questions, but, for the sake of peace, for my people and their freedom, I must ensure that all my questions are answered before anything else proceeds. I ask because of my own people’s history, and the knowledge that tyrants have members that are most loyal to them to the point of fanaticism. You say that the tyrants whom were in charge, that ordered the acts of violence against the Terrans have been deposed, taken into custody, I would assume, or, if fate favors the past, they are on the run within their own bastions of power. These tyrants, who were they? Are they gifted as you are, or, are they more powerful? If you possess the power to manipulate the mind telepathically, who is to say that they can’t do the same either? You make it sound as though they gave up without a fight, which, and I mean no disrespect in this, I find unbelievable. The Terrans have had no word of cessation of hostilities, and, while it could be a simple lack of communication, I wish to err on the side of caution. So, Archmage Cavenus, of the Eternal Union, please, explain to me, and all of us here upon the peaceful world of Nouvelle, what is the current state of affairs for your people? We need to know if the Eternal Union is stable… that you are not experiencing a civil war as my people have, so many, many years ago.” She found herself standing now, looking gravely at Archmage Cavenus.
“I want to trust you, I truly do. You have shown no signs of aggression nor reason for me to think otherwise. But, I must ensure that for all our sakes, that your tyrants are not a threat any longer. I ask you, as a Queen, as a fellow living being, as a friend perhaps, to be as concise as possible. I need details, Archmage. I need you to explain in length who these tyrants were, and who now leads your people. I would hate to see your people consumed by a war that pits brothers against one another, father against son. A war that would destroy the unity of a people completely in two. A war that could threaten the stability of all those around it, nations like my own, or the Terrans, or even the Valkians. So, Archmage Cavenus, please, I beg of you, to explain to us the nature of your situation.”
Queen Sabine would allow the Archmage to explain himself and the situation of his people. She listened politely, perhaps asking a few questions when she needed to. Her attitude would change in accordance to Cavenus’s answers and explanations, hopefully for the better. She would sit upright, showing that she was listening closely to all the Eternal Union representative had to say. At long last he finished, and Queen Sabine quickly addressed his later inquiries from earlier. “Archmage, I thank you for explaining yourself to me. I truly appreciate it. As to your telepathic abilities, for now, I will ask that you refrain from using them on the people of Nouvelle. I will allow you to use what you need to in order to continue your life as normal. In due time, I would be honored to see more of the gifts your people can use. Archmage Cavenus, I will see to it that a time is set aside so we can meet more personably and discuss your people’s great ability. I truly hope that our futures together will be bright and prosperous.” With that, Sabine smiled, finishing with Eternal Union members for the time being.
Nouvelle, Hollie. Royal Palace, Throne Room
Queen Sabine Addressing the Valkians
Having finished talking to the Eternal Union, she turned to look at Lord Tinkerer, bowing her head to him, and allowing him to speak. She watched how her words had sunk deeply into him. He took his time to think, which was nice to see, a mind that took all that was said to it, all that it heard, and formulated their response. She let him take his time, sitting idly upon her throne as she wondered whether or not Lord Tinkerer would accept her request for formal diplomatic relations. She did not have to wait much longer for his answer.
Lord Tinkerer would stand, stepping from his table to better address Queen Sabine. He first asked to send news to his comrades aboard the shuttle that he had come down to the planet on. He explained that in doing so, his comrades would be able to contact their orbiting ships, and hence, be able to contact their home world, and their leaders there. This would allow for a fleet of Valkian ships to eventually orbit the planet, providing a permanent defending force for Nouvelle. Queen Sabine sat back, taking in what the ramifications of this could very well mean.
But, the fleet would only be but the beginning of what Lord Tinkerer had to offer. He went further in offering the possibility of groundside defenses. He wanted to ensure that the Nouvellians were just as protected as his own people were, to ensure that no enemy, large or small, would dare attack the peaceful people of Nouvelle without facing stiff resistance. These defenses would be small and discreet, blending in with the city itself rather than standing out. The defenses would be there to protect the people, not to keep them in. To give the Nouvellians peace of mind and security from outside threats.
The next part of Lord Tinkerer’s offer came in the proposition of technological development for Nouvelle, or rather, to help speed up the process at which the Nouvellians had been finding out newer technologies for themselves. Though, he was unsure of how to properly address that option, which Sabine took as it would have to be discussed in further detail in a more personal setting. She continued to listen to the Valkian speak, happy that such progress was being made between the two races.
She nodded at Lord Tinkerer as he continued with his offer to the Nouvellian people. They would not only protect the planet of Nouvelle itself, but the system in which Nouvelle was a part of, or, at the very least, the gas giant which Nouvelle orbited around, and the other moons that orbited the planet. This was offered in conjunction with the possibility of setting up mining operations amongst the other celestial bodies within the system too. The Valkians in a sense offered to open up the skies to the Nouvellian people, to help uplift them into the new age where they too could join the other space faring races. Lord Tinkerer had offered this, and to Queen Sabine, was asking for so little in return, only the need to use resources for repairs, and if the need arose, to use the gas giant for emergency refuels. Queen Sabine thought on this greatly, formulating a proper response once Lord Tinkerer had finished speaking.
She watched as he quickly addressed the Eternal Union and Terran diplomats, speaking more cordially toward the Terrans in particular. He soon redirected his attention back to Sabine, offering explanation as to why he wished to ensure that the planet was safe for not only the Nouvellians, but also the Valkians as well. He made sure to ensure that he meant no offense, and that his thoughts and words were for the sake of both people. Sabine found Lord Tinkerer to not only be intelligent, but thorough as well, not leaving anything out for uncertainties. He even offered to help train the local Nouvellian forces to man the defensive weapons, and to better the relations of their two peoples. It was here, that Sabine could make out what she interpreted as a smile.
The Valkians cared deeply for life as it would seem, and their drive to create a lasting relationship between themselves and the Nouvellians was commendable. They wanted to help, without hampering the ingenuity of the Nouvellians. Lord Tinkerer put the mind of Queen Sabine at ease, letting her know that as long as she and the Valkians were friends, their futures would be intertwined, and peace and prosperity were paramount. She smiled at the Valkian, bowing her head in thanks to all his kindness and generosity. His words help paint a bright picture of the future wherein both peoples would work closely together to achieve more than they could alone. Allies… he used the word, it sounded so… enticing.
Lord Tinkerer ended with a show of remorse, of how quickly violence can get the better of any person, any race. He showed that his people’s history made them who they are today, and that while they wish that the past could have been different, in the regards of exterminating an entire race, they were deeply influenced by that event, in a way that profoundly made the Valkians who they are today. She felt deeply for the pain that Lord Tinkerer must have felt, sitting back upon her throne as she let him finish.
She pondered what he said, taking the few extra moments to really think about what she wished to say before speaking out to Lord Tinkerer. “Lord Tinkerer, your people continue to show everlasting generosity and a deeply seeded sense of duty, to protect and defend the innocent in a sense. I speak for all the people of Nouvelle, that on this day, we graciously accept your offer of protection and diplomacy. We all look forward to the honor, happiness, and prosperity that this relationship will bring us both. You make not only the people of Nouvelle eternally grateful, but myself as well. You have my most express thanks, and I find myself indebted to the kindness and generosity of your great people Lord Tinkerer. I must repay you in due time, and I will not take no for an answer.” Sabine smiled, standing again as she addressed the Valkians.
“You offer us more than just mere protection and safety. You offer us freedom from tyranny and injustice, be it from the stars above, to the great darkness beyond. We will do all that we can to work towards creating a lasting and meaningful relationship with your people, Lord Tinkerer, in order to help begin to repay all that we find ourselves now owing to you. Our technology may not be as advanced nor impacting as your own, but you will find the heart and minds of Nouvellian people more than enough to help compensate for that. It would be not only our honor, but also a matter of duty and pride to undertake the task to learn, and help man the defenses you propose to build to defend our peaceful planet.” She moved to stand level with the Valkians.
“Your ships may come and go as they please. Our skies are open to those that are peaceful and friendly, even more so to those that we can perhaps call ally as well, as you put it. Our system, with the planetary bodies and the like, would no doubt benefit from being developed and grown to one day support my people’s future, and the futures of all races tied to Nouvelle, friend or foe. You are the expert here, and I leave it to your discretion as how to best proceed with all that you have offered. Lord Tinkerer, now, more than ever, is a time of renaissance, of new ideas and meetings, of numerous people coming together to create a future that is bright and shining against the darkness that resides in not only space, but within the hearts of evil men and beings. Nouvelle finds itself not only wanting your help, but perhaps, in a greater part, needing your help.”
“I truly do wish to soar among the stars as you do, as all of you do here. But, I want the Nouvellian people to be the driving force beyond that endeavor. Yes, we lack the technology to do such, and, at your discretion, perhaps you could teach our scientists and inventors the gifts that you have, and thus, would allow them to think and create those ideas, inventions, and technologies in their own way, with proper respect paid to you, of course, for helping to uplift us as a people and culture. Lord Tinkerer, when time permits, I will discuss with you in more detail your offer, but for now, know that we accept it whole heartedly. I find that you leave nothing to hide, and while you may have been but a stranger not so long ago, I now count you among my people’s greatest friends. Thank you for your kindness.”
She smiled, looking at Lord Tinkerer intently. He was far different on the outside, and yet, his character, his inner self, shown brightly as the character of Sabine did, or, at least she hoped her character did. She curtsied before the Valkian, a deep sign of respect, especially from a queen no doubt. She finally stood up, and bowing her head once more, made her way to retake her seat upon her throne.
Nouvelle, Hollie. Royal Palace, Throne Room
Queen Sabine Addressing the Terrans
The Terrans accepted her offer of an embassy, wishing to communicate with their command in order to relay the new events that had unfolded. The did show concern with the conflict with the Eternal Union, stating that they had yet to learn of the first battle’s outcome, let alone if a ceasefire or peace had been brokered. Captain Lovisa turned, speaking to the Valkians for a moment, to perhaps not only emboldened her position, but, to sympathize with these new beings as well. Her message was clear from her words, no one is beyond redemption, and that to quest for it is a noble and honorable goal. She looked back at Sabine, and paused, clearly thinking about something.
As she spoke, she too pledged to help protect and defend the Nouvellian people. While she explained her people may not be as powerful and able as the Valkians, they would still do everything they could to help out a future friend, and perhaps, an ally. Captain Lovisa was clear in her message, the Terrans had inner problems, and while those problems could easily be solved by a greater people, she pointed out that for the Terrans to solve these problems, it would be an act of redemption on their part for all the people on their world. In a sense, they could surprise even themselves at times. It was here, that Captain Lovisa asked a simple question, one that made Sabine smile greatly. “What do your people do for entertainment?”
Sabine stood, smiling broadly at Captain Lovisa. “Entertainment you ask? Why, we have much to offer in the way of entertainment, though, my personal favorite is theatre, and, while I can not prove this claim, we have the best theatre performances I’ve ever seen. We would be honored to have a performance set up for all of you here in attendance. Though if theatrics is not your forte, perhaps we could interest you in some sports, or even some melee combat amongst the guards. We have much to offer, and all you need to do is ask. It is an honor to host you, honored guests.” Sabine returned to her seat, and eased herself to recline in it.
“I guess that opens the floor to all of you. Do any of you have questions? Anything at all?”
Nouvelle, Hollie. Trade District, Café Dae’leeone, 5:15 P.M.
It was time the man noticed. He had looked at his watch ever so often, while he waited to undertake his mission. His coffee had been finished quickly, and he stood up, heading towards the water closet. His brief case in tow, he darted inside, and locked the door. He moved quickly, setting the case behind the toilet, opening it, and meddling with something inside, before hurrying out. He moved his way through the café, to the outside, where he quickly knelt beside the wall of the building itself, stenciling something upon it. As he rose, he checked his watch once more, noting the time, before running off at break neck speed.
The clock struck 5:18 when a low rumble could be heard throughout the city. It was though the very earth shook for a split second, to be replaced by a loud and resounding boom. Where the café once stood was now a raging inferno. The shop and those surrounding it were engulfed in flames and wreckage. People ran and screamed, trying to escape the devastation. Sirens sounded as the local fire crews rushed to combat the flames and save lives. Police and military forces rushed to cordon off the area, and protect the populace from getting too close. The flames licked and lapped at the wreckage. The wood and other flammables fueling the fire, while the water from the fire crews fought to extinguish it.