M Eye of the Storm (joint diplomacy)

[Jack Pine]

Medusa Subsector - Somewhere in the Eastward stretch of the Scarlet Maze Nebula
Iron Company territory - Main Starbase

“Have they arrived yet?” Inquired a harsh mechanical voice; the Yeoman at the console winced. He’d very nearly fallen asleep at his station-they’d been on high alert for the last thirty-six hours. Apparently, a couple of big shots were inbound, and the Grandmaster wanted security tight enough to make a king jealous.

“Negative, they’re still at least a couple hours out according to our scouts.” He replied-desperately wishing for a swig of the old ale. And remembered that like the old ale was more likely than not the old Cesspit Drought-maybe he’d swing by the Nymph’ later and his musing was interrupted by the Grandmaster’s reply. “Inform me once they arrive.” Right. “Yes sir.” Grandmaster Albert Steiner “crossed” his arms as he watched his feed. The wait was getting tiresome; he’d sent an invitation to discuss the overreaching concern of those Ancestor’s Damned gates; he wasn’t keen on dealing with the Archduke having taken great pains of not dealing with him directly-unfortunately the mechanoid would likely have to operate in the open far more than he would like to.

Which of course meant politics; something he despised utterly. Still, given the circumstances, it was a necessary evil…now the Archduke just needed to get his sorry arse in gear.

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NDV-Kingsglaive (enroute to Iron Company central station)

“Sir, course is still underway, and while we are projecting a few more hours of transit, we are on schedule for arrival”, came the yeoman’s announcement from the ship board intercom. Meanwhile, the archduke was currently sitting in the mess, finishing a meal in preparation for their arrival. He had opted to eat a normal meal like anyone else, having grown tired of the formal pampering his retainers, oh so tried to constantly keep consistent. In truth, it was tiring, irritating, and more then he cared to endure even as he was required to for appearances. So it was the rare trips like this, in which he could tell them to fuck off so he can have some normal in his day for once.

Further to distance himself from his own position and title, was dressed in fatigue pants, and muscle shirt. It was clothing he was more used to, disappointingly unable to get a full uniform on short notice, but it would do. With him were his brother and sister in law, who he had invited to join him for the meal, “So any questions before we arrive in a couple hours? I think I covered everything, but a final check never hurt.”

Zhang would still be somewhat moody as she sat there. She ate a lot, but then again she wasn't really feeding herself more like feeding just a complete clutch perhaps. Admittedly she's been fairly moody ever since the pregnancy fully kicked in. Dressed in a fairly decent maternity dress one for formal occasions. Considering their talk earlier for the most part the whole backstory thing has been covered already so now might as well bring up some of the stuff being made. "...." She would give Jack the mile long stare for a moment. "So what exactly do you have currently in mind regarding this R&D stuff." She would say as she would put her hands to rest on her womb. "I hope this isn't going to cause unnecessary rapid remilitarization."

“If anything, and depending on how the Republic handles the deployment of the equipment. It should lessen their needs for additional troops in the future, by improving the capabilities of current deployed assets.” At least it wasn’t gawking, or staring at him in awe because he was essentially a king, so even if a bit terse he appreciated the candor. “Currently the arrangement of things I plan to offer given the short notice of this meeting is armor, some small arms designs, and improved models of previously used tank designs”, Jack answered before setting his empty tray aside for the moment, noticing his brother in law was a bit quiet. Raising an eyebrow at the other man, simply offered in a query, “Matthew, you good?”

“Hm? I’m fine, just this is more for you two then me, I’m no diplomat just an IT guy. Besides, I just wanted to make sure she was okay while traveling, especially with the kids on the way”, the wolf mod offered, a bit shy as such topics were far out of his depth. Also he didn’t really want to agitate his wife any, by butting into her matters with the Archduke. “Anything I could offer, would have to be regarding Q-tech, and the requirements of adopting such a system.”

Zhang would just sigh for a moment as she would just think about all of this. Comprehending the republic's reaction, aware of their hesitancy but also dire need to keep up with things after all. "Yeah yeah….I can imagine it as such…." She would look down for a moment. "Can't believe I got dragged into ambassador duty after how many years again. I haven't done this since the war or something like that." She would then look at Matt "Sweetie…don't need to pressure yourself too much, surely something might get brought up. Plus I don't mind you being around for me and the kids. Not to mention you did kinda put yourself in this position taking me in." She would say with even a bit sense of a "heh" in what she was saying. "Honestly Jack…I must say I'm surprised you didn't bother to drag my sister who is dating your head knight over me. Though admittedly we do have a more….I guess share history than her since she managed to keep out of things."

“You have a military background which relates more to what this discussion is going to be around to some extent, so it was a simple matter of going off what information I had, and choosing who was the most fitting. As for your sister, well she seems to want to keep a peaceful life, and I will not be one to get in the way of such a wish. Matt was also partly a factor, as he’s a valued expert in his field, otherwise I might have dragged the head of my R&D out of her hidey hole of a lab for once”, the archduke said before giving a chuckle, enjoying the sweet spouse interactions. He would have brought his own wife, if she were actually important to such a meeting, but he preferred keeping her safe at home. Besides, she would have found such things dull and unassuming if he was honest.

“That being said, rarely do we get thrust into such positions of our choosing, but we make the most”, Jack added with a small smile.

Zhang would just look at Jack with minor disdain at that statement well aware Jack knows the grievances of Zhang and his father considering they had to be the ones to deal with a lot of the "we didn't want to be here" situation. ".... That's fair…I guess granted would've been nice to see whatever my ice cold sister had in mind. Though admittedly she's trying to just become a businesswoman here and at home in the republic. Go figure she's got her own thing now." Zhang would look at Matt again. "Just like I have my own thing, though…admittedly it also still interlops with my duty and what I owe to my father. I must admit, looking at things where they stand, if some how we could manage to do the whole batshit idea of stuffing a quantum computer small enough into a suit and figure out what to do from there with a modular suit thing. That would be interesting though what key purpose other than being basis is going to be fun to figure out." She would take a sip of what was a smoothie and finish it up. "I will say tho, this isn't your worse idea considering it's not giving me a heart attack again Jack."

Jack wasn’t exactly fond of the whole situation that pushed them into needing these talks in the first place. It all felt like more unknowns then he as a leader could ever be comfortable with, as well as the risk to not only the NDC but Republic and Iron Company equally. “Given the end goal of all of this, and today’s talks. A joint effort in securing security for all groups in the region, especially with the Gate between us all. That will require a data network that can keep up with such an effort, and help coordinate it effectively to counteract possible threats that emerge from this coming event the Baron proposed.”

“So what, you plan to propose a joint communications network using q-tech like we do? Even with the time lag, it would only be a couple days between nations, so it could work. But the facilities and power requirements, even with the technology offered, would take some time to build the infrastructure for”, Matt interjected for once, wondering how that particular hurdle would be overcome given it was the largest currently they were aware of.

The Archduke grinned as he had been waiting for such an answer. “Easy, we bring in a third party to help with all the aspects, in a neutral standing position that can operate in each nation on permission from the nation they set up for. Nexus Private Security, has the technology closest to current standards and sophistication as the NDC. With their efforts, all of the build up can be expedited to completion within a year, meanwhile the NDC does so for the Iron Company.”

"Yeah no, it does make sense to use a third party a lot for these. Luckily we just don't have to deal with the secret clause issue too much since no one in the neighborhood has been actively acting hostile on a large enough concerning scale." Zhang would sigh. "Must say though my thoughts on neutral third parties are mixed but that might be my old man screaming at me again about how to never trust the intent of truly "neutral" actors to a degree. Then again he basically survived the whole damn thing so I barely can hold a candle to him. Either way with mass production of things and technology exchange it would be a general great help. Admittedly I could imagine the republic installing their own software just to be safe and also probably having hardware encoded stuff and what not." After a bit she would rest her head on the table clearing up the food stuff in front of her. “...I must admit this deal is going to likely be something to affect my kids as well down the lines so might as well play things right.”

"Some days as parents, it's all we can do. And I try to do right for their future as any parent should, whether they're blood or adopted family. That extends to you now as well, and I only wish the best for you and my brother in-law." There was a brief nod from the ruler, not even trying to sound sagely, but uttering a tiring truth that came with becoming a guardian. Some might think it a burden, but above all else, it made him happy.

Getting up, Jack collected his tray and anything else. "I must go prepare, you should rest before we arrive", the archduke said simply as he did, before taking his leave to do as he mentioned.

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A few hours later………..

The Kingsglaive made its final approach to the station under escort, before sending the shuttle of dignitaries away from its hangar. The cruiser, unable to dock due to size, and difference in airlock connectors, trusted its charges to the smaller craft. Guided to the bay assigned for their arrival, the shuttle touched down before lowering its off ramp. There Jack, Zhang, Matt, and their guard departed the craft with brisk steps to greet the awaiting security escort.

If there was one thing that, for all their faults, the Iron Company did well-it was make sure that even if they failed to protect you, the person would be sent to personally apologize to you after being sent to a sudden and very violent end. As they stepped down, they were greeted by the sight of a heavily fortified checkpoint-large numbers of infantry “dug” in with barriers and barbed wire set up with overlapping fields of f ire, man-portable heavy weapons set at regular intervals-one of these being a large, towed field gun, and even a couple of power armors with smoke pouring out of its exhaust pipe carrying large bore autocannons and heft bar maces at their side. Unbeknownst to the Archduke and his entourage a quartet of large, invisible figures also moved to flank them, serving as both guards and potential assassins should hostile action be taken on their part.

A man in his early 50’s, with a scarred pockmarked face and hard, if somewhat faded green eyes stepped forward. The gold trim on the shoulder plate of armor was an indication of his rank. “Archduke Pine,” He said, his tone stern and authoritative. “I am Knight Captain Pascal, and I welcome you and your entourage on behalf of the Company to Orion Station.” He gave a slight bow before straightening, “Please follow me, the Grandmaster is waiting for you.” Turning on his heel, he made a motion for them to follow as he walked away, a pair of yeomen flanking him…

—-

“So the Duskers arrived huh?” Dimitri took a long pull on his cigar-Steiner cocked ‘his’ head in acknowledgment. “So it would seem.” He watched the man disembark; in another universe, it had been an Archduchess he had negotiated with for the Archduke had been slain at the hands of an assassin. “What are you thinking old man?” At this inquiry, Steiner snorted. “Wondering if he will prove as reasonable as she was.” At that, the young man let out a chuckle before blowing a smoke ring at his head.. “I don’t think you have anything to worry about-he agreed to your meeting didn’t he?” At that, the mechanoid let out a harsh, barking laugh. “He is a nobleman, Dimitri; I figured you would’ve learned by now.”

“Just sayin' boss; he always seemed pretty reasonable.” His fellow Sentinel’s response was understandable, “Never struck me as one of those types.” Steiner didn’t bother glancing downwards; using an auxiliary camera instead to look at him. “He is a nobleman Dimitri and a ruler at that-that is not a position achieved through simple reasoning alone.”

The younger man ‘hmm’d’ before returning to his cigar as Steiner monitored their guests' progress. If anything, he has one thing to look forward to; the look on their faces when they finally meet face to face for the first time…

—--

Back at the entourage Zhang would just be looking about. She was just wondering at this point about the whole function of this place. Her mind basically still somewhat in awe over the matter of space stations and the likes still. But that was because she spent a good portion in ice for a time. That and the whole development of military technology still fascinated her from time to time despite being a specialist who isn’t in the technological field. Though admittedly this wasn’t the only thing keeping her mind busy.

Though she was here on business and such, she was already months in pregnant, and as such go figure, someone with that many kids inside her would have a definite hard time as they walked. Though her loose and comfy modern oriental maternity dress would be able to accommodate for her over all movement. She was admittedly struggling to move about. Trying to keep an upright position to walk, however she was somewhat stressed with the distance they were going. Puffing and breathing heavily from time to time especially when it came to stairs. At times grabbing Matt to assist her.

Matthew couldn’t really watch her struggling like that, the stress on her being a risk for the children as well. “Okay, we’re doing this the other way then, so up you go”, he said before scooping up Zhang with surprising ease. “I’m carrying you the rest of the way, so rest, you’ll need it for the meeting.” It was times like these that his physique, despite seemingly average in being toned, was belying the actual strength such genetically tailored musculature actually had. He did this without wasting a step in their journey, keeping up with the Archduke and his guard, as not to be an inconvenience to either of them.

Jack himself on the other hand was silent as they followed their guide, only taking in all these sights, and the almost paranoid levels of security they had erected for this meeting. It was as if they were expecting a massive assault of a siege on the station, just because some officials were meeting here. The diligence was appreciated, but felt much too unnecessary, however he would not voice that thought out of respect to their wishes of wanting to be prepared.

Zhang would sigh as she got carried. The half Ahasapa just rolls up her tail onto her body as she is carried. Looking a bit disappointed but not because of anything here making her unpleasant but rather just having to be carried. "...Sorry if you had to do this." She would say to Matt as she would finally take a breather to some extent as she was carried while they were walking about. Finally being able to put her whole body at ease in Matt's arms.

—--

“So, how we doing this boss?” Dimitri asked, watching as Pascal led them to the gantry they were currently residing in. “Preferably? Not at all.” Came his boss’s robotic voice-at this statement he rolled his eyes; they both knew he despised dealing with the nobility. “I will be in the hangar; you are to greet them once they arrive-the table has already been prepared.” He indicated a long table carved of some unidentifiable wood with a meal consisting of various meats, loaves of bread, and strange vegetables and fruits, “Ensure they are seated, I will make presences known once they have been settled in.” At this statement, the man cocked an eyebrow. “So I get to play Grandmaster then?” Dimitri sat at the head of the table, putting his feet up and placing the cigar in his mouth-if it was possible the mechanoid would scowl.

Instead, he simply settled on chastising his subordinate. “Show some decorum; you are a sentinel, not a common yeoman.” At this, his fellow Sentinel rolled his eyes. “Yeah, I get it boss; be polite, be efficient, and have a plan to kill anyone you meet.” Steiner simply shook his ‘head’ and settled in. “Do not embarrass the Company Dimitri.” He was met with a laugh. “Don’t worry boss, I’ll make the entertainment are only the finest of strippers.” The man replied with a salute.

Why in the Ancestor’s name had he saved this man again? He powered his reactor down to the minimum requirements to keep his systems operational without killing him and waited.

—--

Pascal led the group past an ever-increasing amount of security checkpoints-their path eventually leading to a single, massive blast door. “I do apologize to all of you for the increased security,” He said as he nodded to one of the guards, “But the grandmaster was very insistent on doubling it given your presence here-he’s just past these doors.” The guard he nodded to did…something to a panel; alarms sounded as it slowly lifted, revealing the gantry-a large, blocky humanoid dark green and gray mech sitting in a hangar and a long table with a meal that had clearly been prepared for them. Pascal gestured for them to step in-or would have if the individual at the table hadn’t opened his mouth.

“Ey! Archduke!” Dimitri called, waving them over as the door cleared, “How’s it going? Been awhile huh?” Steiner almost-almost-powered up to smack the man for his complete disregard for diplomatic protocol but decided against it. Pascal glared daggers at the man looking as if ready to strangle him, but simply nodded to the group, and with one final glance at the man and the mech, he took his leave.

This was already off to such a wonderful start…

“I’m sorry? Have we met before?” Clearly the Archduke was as confused as he looked, with a strong sense that this man was not who he had been expecting at all. Surely this wasn’t the man called Steiner who had sent him the invite, as the tone of that letter, and that of this man were completely different. If anything, they screamed the dumbassery of a FNG, who was a fool for shits and giggles from their comrades.

“Yep, I’m Sentinel Dimitri Valinski,” Taking his feet off the table, he stood abruptly as he plucked the cigar out of his mouth and gave an exaggerated bow, before rising and placing the stogie back in his mouth, “We’ve spoken a couple of times in relation to contracts.” Gesturing to the table, he continued, “Grandmaster wanted me to get you and yours settled in till he gets here-had something come up-so pull up a chair and grab a bite.” As he sat black down, he continued, raising his voice, “As I’m sure he’ll be along very shortly.”

Steiner was considering shoving the man out of an airlock, but quashed the thoughts-for all his faults Dimitri was a capable soldier; all he needed was to learn a bit of decorum. He began to steadily increase power on his systems, waiting for the moment they were all seated before making himself known…

Taking the invitation nonetheless, waved for his guard to wait outside, and only the ISD members to follow as far as the inner side of the door where they waited. Taking a moment, the Archduke would pull out a chair, not for himself but for Zhang as Matt brought her to the table with him. Once he had, he would withdraw his own seat before taking it as Matt gently sat Zhang down, then taking a seat himself. The wolf genemod was trying very hard to not let his tail wag currently, as the amount of meat before them was delicious to his more carnivorous nature.

As Zhang was placed down on her chair she would just take a bit of a sigh. She didn’t know what to say after all what just happened at this point. She was practically being treated special only because she had kids in her. It was something she had to get used to, something someone like her probably will never. Either way as she sat she just relaxed for a moment before trying to look a bit more formal despite her pregnancy somewhat hindering that. She would then take a look at Matt for a moment just realizing he was trying to control himself, at least some things don't change in these places.

As they settled in, Dimitri helped himself to a hunk of meat, pinkish hue in color with a light crust, slapped on a hunk of dark bread and cheese, and took a bite. Hmm…old fucker, judging by the taste-tough, gamey though the seasoning helped offset that-guess the cooks must’ve thought they could pretty it up. Swallowing, he noticed the genemod’s tail wagging-the gears of his mind began to turn even as he began to make small talk.

“Security aside, how’s the station treating you all so far?” He inquired, waiting to see how long it would take for the critter to take a bite.

As he watched, Steiner heard a faint pattering on the outside of his hull-checking one of the auxiliary cameras, he thought he saw a small form pass over it-a small, plump, leathery hide creature. Resisting the urge to sigh, he instead waited for the damned creature to slip up so he caught the damned thing…

Matt had taken that as a hint that they were free to partake, and with as much modesty he could muster, took some chunks of meat onto his plate. Making sure to also take some of the equally strange bread and cheese as well, and not seem like they were focusing on their mainly carnivorous cravings.

“It's been nothing but security and we’ve only just arrived, so a bit early to say much. Though I’m more interested in meeting with the one who requested I come, as all those present have an important set of conversations ahead of us. After all, recent events have charted a new path, one our respective states and nations need to be prepared for.” Jack couldn’t say he was annoyed, but he felt like he was being offered a show, instead of actually being brought in for what mattered. He was not a man who enjoyed games, or being led around, instead of getting down to brass tacks with what their purpose being here truly was.

Steiner spotted his quarry-the thing was nosing around one of his lower leg actuators-likely looking for a power cable to chew on. Not on his watch. With a swiftness that belied his form, he quickly snatched the little pest-ugly as sin, with a broad, triangular snout and beady, bulging eyes. An ancestor’s damned scritter. Deciding now would be as good a time as ever to make himself known, he raised his vocoder and spoke. “Indeed Archduke,” Came a deep grating voice, almost monotone in nature as he trundled forward, his form moving far too quietly for something that large, “There are a great many things we need to discuss.”

Dimitri looked up, grinning. “Got your business taken care of boss?” He decided to hold off on his joke for now. Steiner nodded. “Scritter infestation,” he explained, holding up the strange creature between the oversized fingers of his left hand, before suddenly shifting his grip and crushing the thing-resulting a high pitched-squeak-bang! and the cackle of electricity as it sent small arcs out with flash-smoking, charred meat falling from his grip as he idly tossed the crushed remnants to the side, “Ancestors damned things have been wreaking havoc on the power grid.” Using his nanolathe to clean the remnants off his hand, he looked down at the group. “Now, as to why I called you here-the gates. I am sure you are aware of the implications once they have been activated.”

“Painfully so indeed, it’s something that is posed to be a great danger to all of us here if we do not prepare. The gates are seen as a tool of travel, and to try and assume control is beyond any of us, but regulation on our own terms might be. With the gate in our local space, anyone anywhere in the gate network has a door here. We’ll see them coming, but they’ll be so close that adequate time to adjust and shift formations to deal with emergent threats… will be narrow to nil at best”, the Archduke replied, the final part of his foreword to the topic carrying a sigh. “Suffice it to say, we are at a severe disadvantage.”

The topic even though he had been kind of aware of it coming over, still caused Matt to freeze in his eating, the wolf man a bit surprised at only now hearing about such a thing. There was an audible gulp as he swallowed, before putting the meat down with a steady yet somewhat trembling hand. “W-wait, when did these activate, and what’s a gate?” Matt couldn’t stop himself from asking, his own concern still managing to creep into his tone as he asked the question.

“You did not inform your citizenry yet?” Steiner inquired, not quite believing his ‘ears’ as he heard the question. He looked from the archduke to the wolfman, and sighed. “The gate system is an intergalactic system of gateways spanning this universe. Our ancestors created such a system spanning our own home-they were more trouble than they were worth.”

“Yeah, considering the ugly bastards that come slithering their way out if you booted up the wrong one,” Dimitri piped in, grabbing a mug and filling it full of ale, “Hell, swore one of em’ looked like Morris’s mother.” Taking a pull, he sighed. “How many of them things did we blow?” Steiner shrugged. “At least two.” Looking back to the Archduke, he continued. “I have already spoken with the Senti beforehand, and as we speak we are preparing to train and equip a number of them for the inevitability of war…”

He left out the intelligence If’ni had given him-at the moment they were still sifting through it, and likely would still be doing so once even after the meeting.

Zhang would just listen to the conversion silently. She knew some of the things being mentioned here like the gates and the issue that it would cause. Other than that, hearing the scritter, sounded like a convenient infrastructure terror. One of these days maybe we should take them to Everan see how it will go against the robots we are fighting there. The last part was the Senti, admittedly she didn’t know anything about them other than being mentioned here and there by republic intel but so far no one in the Republic has even met one.

A brief moment of silence was waited for before she would ask the question. “May I ask who the Senti are? I’ve only heard it mentioned here and there but not even Republic intel has any idea who they are really.” At last she finally spoke in the meeting.

“We have one for a sister in law actually dear, she’s married to the other Archduke. Aliset might have been a good idea to invite her to this, even if not as a Senti representative”, Matt answered, taking the question gladly to help steer his mind away from the recent revelation presented to him. “I guess the only reason we haven’t yet, is for the fact that they’re nomadic, and not actually based on any home system in the area?”

“Correct, and yes it may have been, but I also wanted to test the validity of this meeting, and how far it could potentially go in forming solutions as a group. So far my hopes are high. That being said, no we haven’t, as we want to bring solutions up with said news so that it’s just all bad news to cause potential panic.” Archduke Pine rubbed his temple a little, as he realized how much of a headache said event would be regardless. He had no plans to sugar coat the reveal, but if he could bring some even grain of real sugar to help it go down, it would benefit public stability far more. “It’s good to hear that you’ve started to make some preparations, and that saves me some time, and tells me my coming suggestion has good grounds for being acceptable. I’ve already spoken with Representative Zhang here on it, but I would like to propose the possibility of us here today, forming an economic and defense pact in this region we inhabit surrounding the local gate.”

“Then perhaps…” He responded, producing a small golden coin from somewhere on his massive form and suppressing his anti-magic field, “It would be best if we involved our third party.” Holding it up, he focused his optics on it and spoke. “If you are done skulking about, it would be best to make your presence known, If’ni.” Dimitri snorted-only the boss would think of saying something like that to a literal eldritch being that could turn him into so much scrap metal.

"Oh, we were just listening. Your voices and your mistranslations are quite entertaining." From nowhere and everywhere at once the voices came, leaking as a pressure in the mind and flowing shadows swirled into her manifest form. The nude figure of averages planted her hands on the table, infinite smiles plastered on her face as history flowed to weave into a gown of memory and knowledge. "We are interested. Many of our living dwell in this area. And we smite Steiner with the curse of life."

Zhang would just look at the whole room with all the sorts of people in here. Talk about wacky wasteland still being in effect here even after the war and exodus. She would soon enough just take a sigh before thinking of a reply. “Okay thank you for giving me some idea about it. I guess I will just have to talk to our eavesdropping friend here later. Especially in regards of the Republic having any sort of an idea about the Senti. Any how yes, the economic and defense pact is something that will most certainly be accepted by the Republic considering the situation. Though as for anything else to be talked about from my end, it will just have to be brought up on occasion especially since well, I’m basically out of the loop to some degree. Especially since I’m working with information weeks old.” Before just ending her talk with a sigh and show of facial displeasure.

“I do apologize for that, it was my mistake to neglect information on the senti during our discussion on the way over. I was not expecting to involve them so quickly”, Jack apologized sincerely to Zhang before leaning back in his chair. He remembered his brief meeting with the being who now joined them, “Pleasure to remake your acquaintance If’ni.” This was going to be a long talk, so the man began to withdraw his materials he had been carrying under his arm on the way in. Two datapads were set on the table, and a roll out display mat. “Matt, if you would please handle cycling displays and so on for me? I would like my hands free for the discussion”, he asked as he handed access to the genemod, then passing the two pads to Zhang and Dimitri for Steiner.

“Currently as stands, we are at two sides of the current area, but in an awkward arrangement to say the least. You have the NDC and Iron Company here on the galactic westward side of the gate, and the Republic to the South-Eastward side of it. With the Hadal Chasm to the North-Eastward, we naturally box it in thankfully, but ideally we may wish to still fill said opening regardless at some point. I believe our first two objectives should be forming an arrangement of standardized equipment for a mutual defense force, and secondly a unified line of response and defense.” The archduke laid out the outline to his proposal as Matt went about popping up markers and lines as he spoke to offer visible notation of the outline.

“With the senti becoming involved, they will be best at filling the gaps in between our two groups of territories, as well as being an additional line of patrols within a certain radius of the gate area. We don’t want to be too close, but neither too far. Too close and whatever comes through is immediately on top of us, or unexpectedly taking it as a sign of aggression, then there are the gatekeepers we’ve been told about who we have no idea will react to militant presence hanging to close outside the gate. Currently our strategist believes a DMZ and buffer zone of one square on the map from our borders should do for now, and will offer boundaries to better focus our efforts”, he continued, circles showing up on the display map, as well as long range images of the gate and said entities known as the gatekeepers.

Steiner was considering having a ‘conversation’ with whoever this strategist was as he listened; a DMZ was all well and good until someone came looking for free real-estate. All it would take is one precise strike-pick a point, punch through-send the first wave in and then follow through while the defenses were disoriented and hold the corridor with a stationary fleet.

“A fine plan, Archduke,” His monotone voice hid his sarcasm well-which was probably a good thing, “But a determined enemy could simply throw their weight at a particular point and create a gap to exploit-even if you were to reinforce it you would risk weakening the defense in other parts of the line for follow up attacks take advantage of their vulnerability and force us to divert additional resources to trying to plug the gaps-opening up for further skirmishing units.”

“I would instead recommend forward observation posts in the form of a picket line with intermittent patrols serving as a secondary measure with patrols set at random to make gauging their timing a near impossibility; firepower and tactics are what win engagements.”

"If we remember from the Duskerian few Senti who have died, that is precisely how the Duskerian Storm Rifle works. Precision penetration for pilot neutralization by the destruction of a soft target through armor. We are also Skydas, so allow us to make a quick point, here." Looking to the table, the Eldritch amalgamate threw her hands wide, casting a projection of herself in the space above the meeting. "Your peoples are not the only nativities, but we will assume them out of this, for now. Each of those red pricks is a Flotilla, a shard of myself. As you see, we are legion between the stars. We recommend a scientific vessel with diplomats and xenolinguistics among every patrol group. Aside that, the listening posts should be unmanned and gather power from the local area, capable of detection and databurst only. They detect, image, and relay to the nearest patrol. And that is all. But these provisions balance Val-- Iron Company warfighting with Duskerian peacekeeping. Thus keeping this reality from becoming a Place We Do Not Go, and allowing Steiner the thought of 'I am home.' We will now cede to the Republic for further comment."

Zhang would just think about what to even bring up at the moment as she would hear this. “Admittedly…the Republic has experience in both peace and war. Right now as it stands there is a current deployment on a system called Everan. There is a planet over there that has some supposedly automaton or something like that we are currently heading off to fight against. Aside from this we have known how to keep order mostly because of our own people being a bit rebellious. Either way I do feel like we can fill in the gaps in where it needs to be. Even with our strong non-involvement stance regarding things that aren’t ours.” A pause would take place as she would think about things further. “Admittedly the Republic’s industrial power has been growing substantially which means we can also apply what we have to logistics for people here. Especially thanks to Relevement’s resources and Esperar’s industrial focus. That and our position makes it optimal to provide where other parties may lack. However with that being said, with a war being currently fought. We can focus mostly on support for the most part, meaning we will need both other parties here to cooperate.” Finally finishing up and looking at both Steiner and Jack.

“The major flaw with that Steiner, is the assumption this is our main line defense, but it is only the first. This is to buy the time needed for actual forces to shift into formation, and bring a legitimate offense if need be. Basically how you’ve described it, is already the plan. As for If’ni’s suggestion, I am for this to a degree, especially on the listening posts.” Jack would then turn to Zhang, to more directly reply to what the Republic representative had said.

Quickly a list of proposed technologies was brought up for review on the following topic. “Industrial is fine to an extent, but that brings about the other objective I mentioned. This joint force requires a level of standardization we do not currently have, therefore we need to not only increase your industrial capacities, but modernize them to the current level of development. For this, we have a third party in mind who can set up said facilities, and kickstart production of the equipment without delay. However, will forfeit said facilities to the host nation at the understanding they shall handle a percentage of production on commission.”

“As for things becoming a line of do not cross, that is not the intention, and anyone seeking territory at our border when space is open is likely not here to make friends. Diplomacy is preferred, but we need these measures for when it’s not even accepted. By and large, the area between our front, and that of the Republics will still be easily passable, said area would only monitor traffic to guard against feints and stealth flanking.” Jack wanted to make things particularly clear, as to clear up what felt like stacking misunderstandings. But also the fact that their defense line would suffer without each side coming to a common ground of utilizing a shared technology pool, for the function of keeping the line consistently combat effective.

Matt raised his hand briefly, before gaining the gazes of having drawn attention. “I noticed Q-tech is on the list? Do we have a specialist in mind, given there are only so many who know the field of this technology?” A shiver of goosebumps ran down his spine however as the Archduke simply grinned at the second question. “Why thank you for so kindly volunteering in that case Mr. Woods”, the Duskarian lord said with a small chuckle. Fuck, I jebaited myself!

The goddess in the room let out a small chuckle at the glowing one's comment to his man. Funny. One Eldritch touched mortal, a descendant of and avatar of some minor deity, a Null that could force her to corporeality, and something glowing too brightly for her to identify. In a room with an amalgamate of post end of death. These mortals and reincarnating creatures were very interesting indeed.

Zhang would just have a slight light hearted hmpf in reaction of seeing how Matt just placed him up to join this mess. She would soon enough just go ahead and pat and reach out to the wolf mod’s ears rubbing it just to comfort him a bit. Even though it was a bit of a struggle of doing so seated and being her height. While she did that she would think of what else that would cross her mind.

Realizing it for a moment she would soon mention something. “Right, well considering our whole situation then Archduke, I would agree in regards of your plan. Alongside the need to provide technology sharing to standardize some of our material in regards of this.” Admittedly in her mind, she also knew the Republic wouldn’t mind getting some of these things but they would also still consistently be working on their own versions of things similar. Mostly just to have a backup plan in case war between the parties here ever becomes a reality. “I am sure that once the agreement is fully set, we can start production on Relevement specifically. Once there it really should just be a matter of who and where is who manning the posts and what not.” Finishing her statement with nothing else as she would think of what else to do not to mention the future schedule of things.

“Quiet you.” Steiner growled as Dimitri snorted, a battlefist clenching briefly-he’d worked hard to keep their home universe on this side of the Veil, and he’d be damned if he’d let the slagger spill the ale-a blow to the head may suffice to silence her, “I would not consider this ‘home.” He looked back at Jack.

“Boss is gonna slap her.” He muttered into his ale before taking a swig, “Either that or fuck her-if he could.” He was glad the mechanoid didn’t hear him-he’d likely get a week in the stocks for that one.

“I would make no such assumption Archduke,” Steiner replied if the archduke couldn’t see dregs for the wine so to speak, “Additional lines of defense of course would be necessary. For that, I would actually consider an elastic defense, but we also would have the issue of those who may decide that conventional travel is a far more appealing and far quieter-method-pop in at a gate that we do not monitor, and then use either short FTL jumps or sub-light travel.” He explained, indicating the projection If’Ni had created,
“A foe using such a method, combined with a good asymmetrical hit-and-fade doctrine would play havoc within, possibly opening up for additional assaults from the gate; and given the vast distances between worlds responding to these attacks would be difficult even under the best circumstances-let alone detecting them.” This was standard doctrine for most Valhallans: Simple, effective, and if properly done would make things extremely difficult-disrupting supply lines, hitting vital worlds before the defenders could react, and covert resupply of blockaded worlds. It boiled down to who could utilize their warships most efficiently, given their value even smaller vessels had-and should fighting break out between them it was a game of “Scritter Hunt”-the first to detect the other usually won the day.

“A standardized technology base cannot hurt-as you are probably fully aware while we are not the majority, the Iron Company does supply a significant amount of the both arms and heavy machinery industries.” Steiner fabricated a holoprojector and activated it, showing their recent sale data, “We could supply the necessary equipment from a manufacturing standpoint-even increase our own to match if need be.” Their systems were beyond efficient.

“Basically what the boss is saying is that we could pretty much dump truck equipment into most situations,” The younger man ‘helpfully’ supplied, “As long as we can keep it moving, that is.” Steiner rolled his eyes in his tank-thank you Knight-Captain Obvious. “As my subordinate stated; logistics will not be an issue as long as we can keep the trade lanes open.”

“I am not such a short sighted man, honored battlemaster, but that is a costly and unlikely tactic, and those that are within reach we do have solutions for. But keeping in with the current topic of the very gate we surround, while yes multiple lines would be effective, I think you are missing some key points here. First off, how are we going to man so many lines in a circular radius, that would literally almost be years of travel to travel its edge.” The Archduke wasn’t going to make assumptions that this Steiner was a foolish man, but he was throwing around tactics like they weren’t trying to strategize across hundreds of lightyears.

He went on to refocus the display to the heart of the mapped area they surrounded with the gate at the sensor. “First off, the gate itself from all scans and study, uses massive amounts of energy to operate. An activation and subsequent use, would be telegraphing to the whole sector that someone has arrived, as long as those in the area are watching. Any force using a more distant gate might have to deal with natural barriers like the nebulae, or distance itself, which bring their own logistical problems of time and use of resources”, he added in emphasis to where he was leading with this.

“Anything smaller then a full military fleet deployment with the logistical fleet to support it, would be hard pressed to make such a long trip even more so with the extended journey of running dark. The third party we previously mentioned is in a prime position with their HQ, to watch the gates in the northern subsector, as well as anyone attempting to navigate the crimson nebula or around it. The gate further south-eastward, or more direct eastward, would have to be within watch of the Republic as both are passed their corner of the defense line.” The Archduke sat back for a moment to take a breath before composing his next train of thought on this topic for a moment. “I am not against a layered defense if it is even possible, but to pull of such a tactic would take time, and require a large fleet of automated gunboats that don’t require crews to man them”, Jack admitted, not entirely not seeing the merit of it.

“The problem with it by and large, is time, resources to build it, and the comm infrastructure to support remote communication. Now that I’m thinking about it more, stations and bases for those vessels to resupply munitions and fuel from as well even for the proposed primary line. Relying on supply convoys alone would be asking for failure, with stations providing secure stops that double as stationary points of security along the way.” Yeah this was starting to become a bigger headache then intended, and would take some time even with the combined three of them. And that would be after they standardized enough to make a unified line work, “The only ones of us who can even pull off a second line, is the senti as they are already self-sufficient flotillas. They’ll have to be the stop-gap in the meantime until we can get all of it in place.”

"Senti communications use what you call quantum entanglement to pass signals. This makes our navigation beacons undetectable, unlimited in range, and passive, with no perceptible latency. We can have Shurista repurpose some of these beacons into communications arrays to pass the data along through ourself. We are an Eldritch being by nature, but due to our being as the manifestation of a post end of death society, we can pass along a signal though the interconnectedness of all burial steel to you. This will allow close in early warning by unmanned, inexpensive probes no larger than a standard FTL torpedo. This should buy the time needed to move appropriate fleets into position, assuming the manufacturing capabilities of the associated parties are capable of bringing that many drone vessels online, as populations grow so much slower. Moreover, if necessary, the NDC's mining guild is more than familiar with Shurista's capability as miners and resource suppliers."

If'Ni looked to Jack, offering a soft smile. "We understand that time is a factor, and that such movements would impose a burden on people and on logistics. However, there comes another problem. The Drhuvian quarantine has failed. Katamura has fallen."

Zhang would finally speak once a very short moment of silence would occur. She had thought about it carefully and pretty much realized the plan to be used in some capacity. That and remembering what the contingency plans that were written up all those years ago, she would have something to base of her ideas.

“What if…rather than defensive lines because I do believe we all know space isn’t two dimensional or limited unless it’s a narrow path in a nebula. We focus on observation posts around the main gate we have, encircling it with a series of probes and stations. These stations becoming key to supply patrols that would go around the gate in order to keep a good eye on it. Maybe the Sentis can help as well with such a plan as well acting perhaps as a more first line capable patrol.” then she would go silent again momentarily.

“Republic Aerospace personnel alongside the government back then wrote up a series of contingency plans. I’m essentially just restating what someone said and mentioned in regards of what was written as “something that cannot necessarily be quarantined nor under our control completely.” Half of the Aerospace Force as we speak is actually dedicated in tasks of navigational patrols and task force strike force doctrine. Mostly due to the fact they recognized fairly early on they needed to start exploring but also have the strike capability on standby if things go bad during a first encounter. With the Republic essentially at the doorstep of two gates. Our resources are already divided with patrolling and a war we have to assist in, you could see why we aren’t sticking to our original policy of non-intervention too much.”

“With that being said though, I think you can see why I wanted to hear things first and was silent for a while. Especially since…well the Republic had this sort of meeting before internally years ago when they started sending out ships and probes for patrol around our area. That and our continued silence in foreign relations and listening in transmissions.” She would have a look that was serious and was contending if anyone here was truly going to be a friend of the nation or not. The Republic didn’t want war but it sure as hell didn’t know if it can trust others due to their previous history back on their homeland.

Jack wasn’t going to deny any of that, but there were even further things to consider, and even more limitations they were stuck working within. “There’s another constriction with that, which limits how close we can keep any assets towards the gates. The entities referenced as the gatekeepers from the event that brought this matter to the universe’s attention. Have promptly destroyed anything left stationary, or lingering too long within a certain span of light hours from the gate. Even stealth craft which they’ve seen through shockingly easily.”

Most of these limitations have been set by the gate and its infrastructure itself, the very advanced and alien nature of its existence, but also by the very nature of the void of space. All of this was simplified, but it had always been in the mind of being applied three dimensionally. “The plan is good, but it risks angering the gatekeepers, and with what partially has been gleaned…. Well I have no doubt they could simply erase any one of us from the map entirely. I personally believe that yes a bubble of observation is needed, however it will need to be far larger and further back, for the sake of avoiding unintentional aggravation.” The archduke rubbed his temple for a moment as he sat back, the headache of the situation proving harder to ignore at this point, “As a group, we can come up with a solution to ease the burden of security on you, as any compromise has the potential to sink any group here.”

‘It’s Grandmaster you twit.’

Steiner kept that comment to himself, instead thought about what all three parties had said; the archduke was correct of course it was a massive battlespace and none of them had the numbers save the Senti to consider covering it-not unless they wanted to either start building automatons or begin cloning troops to help bolster their numbers.

He repressed a shudder at the latter-those synthetics were a bunch of Profligates, the lot of them.

The Republic's situation would need to be dealt with, and quickly: the fact they were already stretched between patrols and an ongoing war did not bode well. Then there was the issue with the gatekeepers destroying anything that remained in too close of a proximity to them. Problem after problem piling on and seemingly no end in sight. “Perhaps automated drones may be a good interim solution,” He said, holding up his left arm and fabricating a relatively small one in his hand for good measure, before allowing it to take off, “Use them to test the limits so to speak-see how long takes for them to destroy it and then plan patrols around it.” The drone made a lap around the gantry before landing back in Steiner’s outstretched palm and was quickly dismantled, broken down back into its base atomic components before returning to his own nanite reserves.

The news of the Katamran’s demise was not surprising-more likely than not they’d run afoul of some foe that finally had enough of their nonsense. ‘And good riddance.’ He didn’t voice that thought either.

"In any case, no matter the tightness of your security, our logistics network will not be slowing. We will happily ferry resources, parts, personnel, and supplies to and from the observational zone. And our mining cruisers, even the Company knows better than to shoot at." If'Ni offered a diplomatic smile.

"Though knowing Rustybe as part of us do, she will want to make a military of Shurista and smite the Drhuvs. So we may be… involved. Unless the Key finds its way to Skydas before Rustybe does."

“Great, one more clusterfuck waiting to happen. Them getting bold and wiping out Katamura, was bad enough, and we’re struggling to get this together already. Then with the alliance, we might have to send foreign legions to offer reinforcement to the Republic for this campaign to aid the… Neldans was it? And you’re being very cryptic here If’Ni, not even having explained what this key is.” The Archduke was running out of patience, seeming to find more problems then they were aware of, or any of them prepared for.

It was a rude awakening for how important this meeting was, but far more then anticipated. Everything was going from bad, to dogpiling of worse. “Okay, I feel like most of us are in agreement on the layout for things so far, so shall we move on to the technology sharing details to get those ironed out? The after we can ratify this alliance, and whatnot, unless If’Ni wants to add anything else that would be a pretty important bombshell to drop in the middle of a meeting, instead of you know… leading with that point”, Jack added with audible, but slight sigh of frustration.

“So uh… Not to interrupt or anything, but what about embassies? Given the topic of an alliance has been brought up?” Matt had been quiet as a mouse for a good while now after his accidental volunteering. However, he felt like he needed to break his own silence at this point, even if somewhat inappropriate in timing, or in his place of attendance. “I do apologize as someone not technically serving here as representative, but I thought it important to ask.”

“Well….I did bring it up that the Federal Republic will most likely begin to try and start embassies soon enough. Especially with the NDC. But as for the rest, the question is how do you want to deal with foreign relations with us." Zhang would clearly state it out.

"Since we are in an alliance to keep eyes on a gate in some capacity then surely enough we should probably be able to maintain some diplomatic relations that would be relatively cordial. As such embassies should be able to keep that into check and allow all parties here to communicate on a more regular basis rather than special meetings like this."

"Agreed. Embassies and emissaries will be necessary. We as a literal Eldritch goddess cannot be relied on in such matters, especially not in matters of living affairs. The Duskerians have several Shuristans in their population centers, and we are sure the living will be willing to open emissary sectors for representative use. Whether the people of the hosting nation will enjoy Senti among them is another matter." Another shrug from If'Ni as she looked to the duke, her eyes scanning his neckline. "The key is a crystal dating back to the last war. It has been carried by the descendants of Rustybe and Shurista from daughter to daughter."

“Okay… So do you know who the current key bearer is? As for embassy offices, yeah we’re already pretty active in dealing with the senti, and those who’ve been among us have never been a problem. We can set up a lower gravity lunar office, and an embassy in the government district or green zone for the Republic.” At least progress was being made again, at that he could at least relax some again, before eventually turning to Steiner. “What about you Grandmaster, how would you like us to arrange one for the Iron company? I’m sure everyone else here can decide as such for their own territories how they wish to most ideally handle the embassies from us”, the archduke added, addressing Steiner directly so he could send back the details to get preparations underway.

Ignoring If’Ni’s pointed jab-she was forgetting those exchanges were far from one-sided. “We can establish direct lines of communication with Orion-” Steiner was interrupted by a coughing fit as Dimitri hit his chest, attempting to dislodge a chunk of whatever food he’d bitten into before taking a swallow of ale to wash it down. “Something wrong?” The Grandmaster inquired-knowing full well where this was going, after clearing his throat the younger man shrugged. “Nothing boss, just thinking.” Right…Steiner was certain he’d likely have some sort of smart-ass comment-but likely knew better than to speak.

“A dangerous pastime, anyways,” Disregarding his subordinates' musings, he continued, “We can establish lines of communication between Orion Station and both the Conclave and Republic.” Sparing a glance at If’Ni through an auxiliary camera, he continued. “As stated communications will not be an issue with the senti, and I believe as it stands we already send someone out every three months or so in regards to the NDC to discuss contracts.” He looked at the republic representative. “We can do the same for you as well-I would rather refrain from establishing embassies aboard the station if just to avoid any unfortunate incidents.” The last thing he needed was some Ancestor’s-damned fool getting themselves hurt because they gave some insult out of ignorance, or the yeomen decided to take them down a peg.

There was a reason they didn’t spend much time off station-as the Archduke fully well knew.

“There are also several other matters of import; your war and these…Druhvians.” The species was unfamiliar to him as he crossed his arms, “The war, if the Republic is willing to share intelligence and permits our participation we could take some of the pressure off of your own forces.” Not to mention making a healthy profit in the process, but that could wait. “The latter is an unknown quantity to us-though I suspect we will know of them soon enough.”

“The other factor at play-a group calling themselves the Chorus of the Dying God,” Steiner shifted, before beginning to pace, the footfalls of his massive form echoing around the hall as he continued, “Unfortunately we have limited intelligence on them save for they seem to be gathering souls possibly to feed their…patron.”

“Then there is the Legion of the Forgotten-we initially believed them to be Tech-Thralls,” Steiner brought up a pict detailing the strange cyborg, “However beyond a few after action reports and information provided by our eldritch guest he-” He indicated If’Ni, “-we know even less than we do about the Chorus presently, save for they may or may not have been covertly making headway into NDC territory.”

‘And likely will result in the inevitable cries of “Why would you withhold vital information?’ Steiner thought they'd crack that planet when they got to it…

“File 2-5 Gamma please”, the archduke would lean over to Matt and say, before sitting up to say something as the file was displayed. “So on that note, I remember a person fitting that vocalized affiliation at the gala in passing. Some of the symbology they wore, also appeared among some of the members of the cult you helped my niece deal with not long ago. That being said, they were also in possession of foreign technology that BRRF has deemed too hazardous for research. Your boys didn’t leave much, but the minute amount recovered, was agreed upon that it was the right call, that it wasn’t left intact.”

On the file were images of the remains of some of said members of this group, referring to the cult that had referred to themselves as the Dirges back on Andraeste. “We don’t have much in the way of intel on the group, with the chorus only being a brief mention. We don’t believe all of them were eliminated either, but their numbers were definitely severely culled. If you have anything additional on either aspect, it would be appreciated.” The Archduke couldn’t say he was expecting much, but perhaps they had seen something during the engagement, that the after investigation hadn’t been there to see.

Zhang would finally break silence again deciding to discuss about the ongoing war the Republic was dealing with. “Well…as it stands the intel I have is limited as I can only get reports every week or two thanks to limits on outside contact, mostly due to the distance of the Republic to the NDC. What I’ve gotten from my colleagues was that they were being deployed already on the Neldan homeworld of Everan. A fair distance away from the Republic and here. Now…let me present some things if you don’t mind.” She would soon take out what would seem like an old smartphone styled thing. Placing it on the table.

Soon taking out another item, one that looked like the translator that she was using when initially interacting with Matt. Plugging it in, it would soon become a holoprojector, she would present a map of what the Federal Republic already had written down and pinpoint the location where the war is ongoing.

“That is the system Everan, from here it would probably take a year or so. From our place, roughly 6 months more or less. Communication is easier due to satellites and the likes with a delay from our end of roughly from hours to a week back in our end. What is being essentially done in our campaign there is, well, officially we call it People's Protracted Warfare. In the most simplest way, it's guerrilla warfare incorporating liberated zones and the likes. The enemy has been named A.M.T, Autonomous Machine Threat. That's what the folks in the Military Universities are calling it at least. Right now the element on the ground and air consists of mostly special forces. Most of them are capable of doing what I just mentioned. In our point of view, it's really a matter of increasing survival odds at this point before we can muster the rest of the nation to arms."

She would soon show the A.M.T. on the projector. "This is what an A.M.T looks like, we aren't really sure what they are fully capable of other than they remind us a lot like or just are like the works of fictions we've turned into reality. Some collective hive mind like entities only set on destroying essentially anything sentient enough to be seen as a threat. Now you may ask, why the hell didn't we just drop bombs and railgun them to oblivion. Environmental limitations due to the Neldans being connected to nature that and it would only do so much when the enemy has built underground as well." She would soon present what the Aerospace Force found when trying to bombard them.

"Say the least…we are at this point waiting to see if we can mobilize a quarter of a million to arms once we found out. Another limitation is the fact that they are essentially a protectorate not even part of the nation. But with a threat like this you could imagine why we don't want to make this go unmonitored and controlled." She would finally take a sigh. "Well…any questions and things to point out. I take it that what you encountered…this legion of the forgotten…is what we are currently dealing with..ay?" She would ask at last, ending her presentation.

“Those bastards.” Dimtri did a double take when he heard the barely audible curse from Steiner, but at the same time he didn’t blame him-those fuckers hadn’t exactly been easy to take down either, “Unfortunately the answer to yor question is yes; if you would excuse me for a moment please-Dimitri, if you could?” He subordinate nodded as the Mechanoid’s form seemed to still for a moment. “Alright-these Legion assholes?” He swirled his ale for a moment before continuing, “So first things first-know why we mistook them for them Tech-Thralls?” The younger man looked around for a moment, before continuing on without waiting for an answer, “The guys who make 'em’ basically do the same thing-take bits and pieces of guys leftover from battles, rig' em’ to cybernetics and send ‘em into battle.”

He paused for a moment as he took a swig before continuing, “Dickheads can take a lot of punishment before they go down.” Steiner stirred suddenly, causing him to look up. “Indeed.” Steiner raised a hand, once again activating his Nanofabricator and a stream of silver flowed out, forming a frame and steadily filling out-a brief orange/yellow glow before forming a holoprojector on the floor in front of the group. The lights dimmed, and it hummed to life.

“This is footage from our engagement with the aforementioned cult utilizing this legion’s technology’.” The projector showed what appeared to be the interior of some kind of warehouse-as it did so Dimitri muttered “Hope you have a strong stomach”-weapons fire was being poured into what seemed to be some kind large, decaying monstrosity as it layed down fire with a number of mounted machine guns, “This is what we considered to be the cult’s basic combat model.” A shout followed by a beam of blue-white briefly illuminating the interior forcing the yeoman to raise a shield before glancing over it-more gunfire rang out forcing him to duck behind the shield-the brief glance revealed the horror being half-slagged; a mix of ruptured flesh and metal-still being remaining combat effective.

More returning fire followed up by two more bolts forcing the creature back-yet it continued to fire-though part of its weaponry was disabled. “As you can see, it took multiple hits from anti-vehicle plasma weaponry and large caliber weapons fire to render it even partially combat ineffective-this was not the only one we encountered.” The yeoman in the footage threw something, and ducked down-this was followed by an explosion and more weapons fire. What was left was nothing more than slag and organic residue, Steiner crossed his arms, and shook his ‘head’, “But from what we can tell aside from a few models they seemed to be nigh unstoppable even with the use of heavy ordinance-though we do not know whether or not they were able to utilize their technology to the fullest.”

"It acts like the Cancer. Old Skydas War era weapon that went rogue. We will provide what data we have on it. But there are places the Senti do not go. Your AMT and our Cancer, is the primary reason why. As difficult as it may be to believe, modern Senti have regressed to an embarrassingly primitive degree. They do not have artificial intelligence or any real technology of their own. They repair and repair, understanding their findings to a degree, but Skydas War era Khurati like Rustybe would know the lost technology better than even ourself. Much of Senti history happened after the war. We can build beam cutters and we can know how space and time work well enough to fold it like so much paper. It will be difficult to remember." If'Ni gave a soft gesture, approximate to a shrug, despite the crackle around her, an ancient hatred and corruption that had twisted her so long ago.

Slowly, the Eldritch goddess considered and continued. "Until recently, we had not been aware of its nature or survival. It was so rare and space is vast. Now the Cancer grows bold. There may be some ancient enemy that it has detected. It is, after all, a weapon. A nanomachine virus designed to bind machine and flesh, stripping away the Scourge and corruption. However, in understanding it to burn it, the Cancer fell to it, and we lost control. It was part of the reason Skydas became a war of annihilation. But there was a Precursor at the Gala. She claimed she slept somewhere. She will have more information on the times that gave rise to that abomination. Also. We do not like the Chorus. We are not optional, but we do not erase those added to us. We preserve and cherish. We do not know this dying god, though we never did learn its name. We have struck down several Consumers in our time."

Zhang would momentarily think about the information given by the two. The Federal Republic's contingency plans were written up in case of various issues. But she didn't think that the Republic's plans were almost on the note in countering such a threat. Scary to think that some people's imaginations running wild would end up proving the Bureau of Quarantine and the Department of Foreign Affairs right about the isolationism and the protocols to take place. She would sigh as she would look back at the information presented by the Iron Company and think back at what the goddess said. Yeah no we are absolutely in this for the long haul and another period of isolationism and no help will likely spell the end of the Republic even with its survivalist mentalities.

"Right then… well…" she was moderately speechless. "I guess I'll take the offer you guys have regarding help and any more would be greatly appreciated especially as they are encroaching in this area soon. I will….have to present this to the Federal Council and the Senate Committees soon. Thank you for the information, honestly. We went into this war with old contingencies that apparently proved it's worth and now, well I guess now we are just going to have to figure out how to save a bloody planet if we can. If not well…I can imagine the headache we are all going to deal with especially with the refugee and holding back the AMT….Legion…whatever in space. Which on itself might be hell alone."

She was certainly worried over the fact that the Republic's military might not be able to appropriately in the long term deal with this threat. She would just sit down soon after. It wasn't the images the Iron Company presented, nor was it the goddess's explanation. It was rather the fact that at the end of it all, deep down both sides were essentially waging the same tactics, a prolonged Protracted war of attrition and to see who lasts the longest. She looked very stressed, to imagine her trip to leave the Republic would end up being another thing that might save it.

“Then clearly this is an enemy that must be cut with extreme prejudice. One that would have been far too much for one of us alone.” Jack stood to adjust the display before taking up his pad once more, “I will commit the first and second legions, a contingent of our frame lances, and a detachment of the BRRF to do studies and quarantine development. They will be carried by the third and fourth fleets, accompanied by dreadnought class carrier Aquila’s Bastion.” The list of forces were displayed for all to see, and a rather large force indeed, as well as one that would need to be mobilized very soon at this rate.

“My friends, and newly allied comrades, today we have been presented with a common crisis as well as the stepping stones to a more secure space for our peoples. It is my humble request, that everyone participate, and ready foreign legions to aid in this conflict to avoid these monsters further encroachment on that security. We stop them at the line, push them back and make it hurt, as well as learn from this on how to better organize joint mobilizations in the future.” The time for headaches was over, and fretting over the stacking odds, for those odds would not improve alone or simply commiserating over these matters.

They had not so much as named this pact, or even finished the details of its organization, and yet here they were. All had seen signs of a larger enemy, and were now presented with an opportunity to align their spears so to speak, while possibly engaging to learn more for future engagements. “With this, I have given my stance and said my peace. I hope you will also do the same, for the sake of the Republic”, Jack added finally to finish off his addressing of the situation from an official capacity.

"Turassieli and Shuristan Civil Service will be en route on the morrow. Their beam cutters and medical supplies and expertise are at your disposal, Representative of the Republic. They will assist the BRRF and Duskerian disaster relief," If'Ni's brow furrowed. "We will discuss the matter of Shurista's heir in private with your brother, Archduke. No need to find a piece of the steel. He already wears one."

‘Way to state the obvious.’ The grandmaster didn’t say it, as much as he wanted to, ’Why don’t you just say that water is wet on top of that?’ Instead, he contemplated exactly what they would send; he really couldn’t care less about this Republic-or the NDC for that matter. Governments rose and fell all the time, and chaos as much as peace would be good for their own growth-though he didn't like the idea of leaving innocent people to suffer either. Finally, after a moment of internal debate, and the others having said their piece, he spoke.

“The Company will commit a full 20 legions, including mechanized and orbital elements to assist with the annihilation of this threat.” He uncrossed his arms and continued, “Along with additional forces to be brought up to further reinforce these units as needed.” Moving that many men and their supplies would not be easy, but it was a welcome challenge. Not to mention this could serve to earn them future contracts-be it military or otherwise…

Good, this was going well, and it was a good sign that everyone was ready to answer the call to action. The archduke was starting to have more hope for this alliance, even with the rocky nature of the topics that had been brought up so far. Though the talk of a private conversation with his brother, and co-ruler, rubbed the man wrong to a degree.

“I think with that, the next order of business should be to discuss the outline and tenants to this alliance of ours. As well as a name or label, for simplicity sake of any paperwork involved. Then with that out of the way, we can discuss the technology trade agreement attached to this, and it will free up the list of discussion so that we can all finish deployment preparations after the meeting”, Jack stated, wanting to get things rolling along so they could put those pledges into action. In a way, he was chomping at the bit to a degree for a new opportunity to give the NDC forces their first major test run as an armed forces.

“Why not Iris Pact? Since the map for patrols and such, looks like a massive eye with how it's laid out?” The suggestion came from Matt, a little embarrassed to have interrupted, but at least wanting to contribute more then just being a lurker in such an important meeting. Surely his word had to mean something here right, since he was brought to something so important? He hoped so at least, otherwise he was expecting to be chastised for the interruption, which he couldn’t argue against it being owed for such an interjection.

Zhang would just nod at that name. It was a fitting name due to how all came around the same gate that they all got stuck here for. Considering they are essentially a circle around a center that could be considered the eye of a potential storm. The Iris Pact would be the way the members of this Pact would control the storm that could harm them.

"Hm yeah that's a fitting name dear. Especially since we do essentially act like a control to the potential eye of a storm that would harm us all if we do not keep a good eye on it. It works well for us, especially in our situation." Zhang would mention as she would bring up the map marking how it felt like they were the force to well not really contain or control to be fair but more so regulate it in their favor.

"While it is important to note that the Senti came from that gate when it was last open, we understand we are a best case scenario for what is to come. We agree with the name Iris pact. Thank you for speaking your mind, young mortal. We know how intimidating the presence of such things as us all can be. You are bold. We like you." If'Ni offered Matt a smile from across the table, folding her hands under her chin.

Steiner nodded-while he did have some reservations entering a formal compact with not one but two major powers, the issue at hand was a far more pressing concern. This had been what encouraged his decision to train and arm the Senti. “Very well.” Uncrossing his arms, he produced from somewhere an inkwell and parchment, placing them on a clear section of the table. A pen-fountain, made of crystal, worn with age but well cared for-a gift from his long-departed mentor. Dipping it into the inkwell with a surprising deftness that one would think him incapable of, and drew ink from it. “If all present are in agreement, we can begin a formal draft of the pact.”

“I do so agree, both to the proposed name, and beginning the draft”, the archduke replied, a small smile on his face at the progress being made today. In all honesty, as the first major political talks to have been had since their last couple of first contacts. Those had paled in comparison to how nervous and underprepared he had initially felt for this meeting, even more so with all that had been shared on their new common enemy. But now as ink was being put to parchment, he saw and felt hope, something that he hoped his people would likewise feel as he addressed the nation later on today’s events.

Despite every downfall and disaster, there was always something indomitable about finding the most unexpected sources of hope. Something that had begun to peter out to mundanity in the current age, but perhaps it was a new one yet again approaching them now. Despite having to be professional, the archangel felt a deep sense of excitement, showing in the crack of a smile he had begun to allow himself to display.

Matt on the other hand felt relieved, and only reduced in how nervous he still felt. The man was just a very educated tech, and not at all expecting to speak with supernatural beings, for the second time! First it was the elder one Maria, and now a Senti death goddess, which begged the question. Why the fuck did he have the dumb luck to keep meeting such supreme being, and that wasn’t denying his wife present beside him, and her demigod genes. Why couldn’t his life at least a little semblance of normal please.

"While Our old friend drafts this agreement, we feel it important to describe what we all are, knowing that no one in this room is the standard representation of our respective peoples. From the trapped soul in a juggernaut that is Steiner, to what he describes as… what was it, an Eldritch death goddess? Or the Archduke who so blinds us and makes it difficult to see the others for who they are," If'Ni smirked, her facial features still not sitting still in the constantly changing averages of her species. She flipped her skirt over to cross her legs and reveal that every thread was made up of near infinite perspective, history, and knowledge, every fiber of a lifetime. "We, as in the being sitting here now and representing the Tsulrati and not just the Senti, are an amalgamated entity made up of the infinitely interconnected intact souls and memories of our species's dead. Senti are post end of death, and the burial steel is all the power of our history and culture. We are, simply, the burial steel. Not actually a goddess, contrary to popular belief."

Zhang would momentarily just stay silent especially since she knew exactly where If'Ni was going about. It was mainly directed at the two who were not entirely familiar with these things. While Zhang may have the potential for statesmanship and diplomacy. She was more of a military intelligence to special forces type of person. She also momentarily looked at Matt, just aware of the mess he got dragged into. She would like to comfort him but…as it stands considering she's essentially the face of an entire nation right now, that will have to wait. It would take only a bit to formulate what identity she was going to give out.

"...Well I do not necessarily represent the Congress of the Federal Republic nor the Executive branch. I am a member of the military, admittedly I'm not active. However I will say that I am sure my nephew who is the current sitting Senate President and other relatives will be able to make do with what we are currently dealing with. As for what I am, well…similar to my husband over here, bio engineered to fight a war but eventually grew out of needing to serve said purpose." Admittedly, she was saying a half truth. Matt and Jack knew what exactly the hell she was, it was only a question if If'Ni could tell there was more to her. Especially since it seems the only one who can really challenge if it came to it in the room would possibly be the demigod.

‘Wonder if I should call in a drudge squad?’ Steiner thought after hearing the woman’s comment, and decided against it-they needed this station in one piece. Shunting the though aside, he spoke. “Very well then,” Steiner began writing-his script tight and controlled, “Commencing draft.”

Dimitri on the hand simply smiled and addressed Matt directly. “So watch’a think of the food?” He asked, slapping a particularly jucy piece of meat on to a slab of bread and cheese. Steiner upon hearing these words rolled his eyes internally but gave no indication he’d heard-he had a feeling he knew where this was going.

"Oh boy, asking for our secrets are we? My my If'Ni, bold and to the point." There was a slight smile there, but subdued as the question didn't entertain him. "Fine, I'll bite. I am human born, but I am not human, even what some may even still hold as some form of divine. Like you If'Ni, I have carried many names and faces, many lives as I've been forced to live new cycle after cycle."

He allowed the smile to broaden just a bit before finishing as Steiner wrote up the document. "The only name for what I am, that I have ever known, is an Archangel", he said simply in clarification.

Matt, before having answered Dimitri, was given another reason to drop his jaw in awe today. What the fucking hells, why was no one here completely mortal, or any semblance of normal?! "I uh… dunno how to follow those kinds of answers honestly. I'm me, a 2nd gen genemod unfortunate in having been born to a specialized breeding line of genemod. I was also touched by an Eldritch being now living in a spire outside Obsidian City", the man finally answered, just to get it out there and over with.

Finally he mustered the courage to speak again, so that he could answer Dimitri. "On a less awkward note… yes sir, I do, I tend to have a high protein diet from my canine template. So meat is naturally a favorite for me."

"Secrets will only weaken the bonds of trust our peoples will build, young flickerlife. For one so nearly bright as the Duskerian, we understand, and will elect to discuss that in a less formal setting. When we can all relax." She chose to ignore the sandwich as she responded to Zhang, no matter how the smells touched even a shared hallucination as her manifestation. The way a purely natural psychic phenomenon had to rely on the senses of others made her uncomfortable, but it couldn't be helped. She could at least perceive her own sense of space with what little power she could spare, and that allowed her to toss a sly smirk to the Archduke. "We find it very difficult to manifest in the presence of the Company. His people have a hardness to the reality around them that makes our powers weak, separates us from the steel most of the time. It takes effort and focus to appear to you in even this near incorporeality. So we apologize if we are not in the full… majesty of our capabilities. Fortunate that this does not pull the abilities away from our living. But the young divinity that so lessens himself would bring us envy in the ease of his being here. Not to worry. There is plenty of steel and far softer reality in his home."

‘Oh you poor baby.’ Steiner thought as he wrote, ‘Unable to come into full power-what ever will we do without such a spectacle.’ However, the Archduke’s own admittance and If’ni’s comment towards the woman got his attention-not one but three unknowns. A problem for later. “The draft of the treaty is complete, including all provisions mentioned.” He reported, sliding it forward for all to read, “If there are any amendments to be made, please state so now.”

Dimitri cracked a grin. “So you’re enjoying the Wolf Roast then?” Steiner looked at him for a moment, resisting the urge to sigh, then looked to Matt as if to say ‘Answer at your peril.’ Hopefully this little stunt didn’t do TOO much damage.

The only response given was a rash spout of coughing as the current mouthful was currently caught in their throat from the shock of the statement. Violently, he attempted to choke out the lodged chunk before the scrape of a chair signaled the Archduke’s rise from said chair. There was a swift and harsh smack to the back of the wolfmod, enough to thankfully clear his airway again.

“Perhaps it would have been better to advise of any dietary concerns, instead of making a joke out of them”, the Archduke said pointedly to the man grinning. “Even if you’re making it up for your own entertainment, taunting civilians is far more then in bad taste… no pun intended.” He was rather clear in his tone that he was not pleased, for the very reason he had to get up, and one that only careless people made. In the case of someone being an attendant of a professional meeting, he expected more then careless.

If'Ni's image seemed to split, a mass of limbs between stoic professionalism, raucous laughter, and polite tittering making a sound like rushing static and burbling waves or water. It took a bare few moments to regain her composure before touching the paper. Golden metal condensed, bubbling ink threatening to wash over the page like a tidal wave of signatures, but drew itself back, a simple golden bar in one of the signature slots, like a plate of rich Damascus steel. "We apologize, young Matt. Dmitri's comedic timing has always been a great delight to us. Even at the expense of others. Though we are surprised at the lack of… printer noises, we believe they are called."

“If you wanna get technical about it Archduke-PMC’s by and large are a bunch of civvies with guns,” Dimitri countered, taking another swig of his ale, “As for-”

“Sentinel Dimitri!”

Steiner interrupted-he was stock still-never a good sign as his gaze bore into his subordinate-the monotone voice of his synthesizer barely betraying only a hint of anger. “There is a time and place for such nonsense, this is neither. When the meeting has concluded you will receive 20 lashes, a fine of 200 marks, and half alcohol rations for the next six months.” He turned up his internal transceivers just in time to pick up Dimitri’s muttered: “Worth it.”

“Really Dimitri? Six months extra duty at half pay.” Steiner snapped-he really didn’t like doling out such excessive punishment-but this was a special case-he subordinate in spite of being red around ears was doing his best to hold his laughter in-bastard was enjoying this, “You are a Sentinel of the Iron Company-meant to represent the best of us-start acting like it.” This would damage his efforts here, possibly irreparably. “My apologies Archduke-my subordinate’s mouth oft runs ahead of his brain.” He gave a slight bow, before pointing towards If’ni.

“And you-do not encourage him.” Steiner growled-he did not make printer noises, before turning back towards Matt. “I extend those apologies towards you as well; It is not a roast from a…wolf-” If it wasn’t for the fact he’d seen one-he’d still be convinced cows didn’t exist, “But rather a creature known as a Thurok-we use them as war beasts and pack animals where mechanized armor is unfeasible.” He paused for a moment, then continued, “You will likely see them at some point should you remain among us long enough.”

"Oh, come now, Steiner, nothing wrong with some harmless fun. Someone would have told him. Besides, Thuroks are as cute in life as divine smelling in a sandwich. A little bit of harmless jabbing at each other breaks up the cold monotony of such diplomatic talks, especially among the mortal attaches of such beings as all of us. I have every confidence that Matt will get Dimitri back for his little joke."

As they bantered, Jack simply walked around to the document and withdrew a pen from his suit. It was designed like that of a fountain pen in appearance, but the ink was actually a mixture of his own blood and nanomachines with thickeners. Puting the writing instrument to parchment, signed his name and affiliation on the signature line provided. The odd device was meant to offer a second means of identifying the signature as authentic. “And with that, I have signed our bond to this, may it prove prosperous for us all going forward as allies and hopefully friends”, he said courteously with a small bow of respect to the other members.

Zhang would momentarily just sigh as she would just come back to If’Ni with a well thought response of: “Well if you wish to meet with me properly, we can do it after this. That and well…I still need someone from your people to be introduced to the Department of Foreign Affairs. So how bout that?” She would respond as she would get up and head to where the document was, reading it and just looking for a pen. “Can someone hand me a pen? Also, I’m only going to sign what is essentially observer/witness thing until I get back to the Republic and have them sign the real thing.” she would remark.

Steiner added additional ink to his pen before handing to her. “Understood.” Steiner replied, “I believe with your signature that our business is concluded, unless any parties here wish to add anything?”