They had just arrived out of hyperspace, and the ships hummed as they slowly made their approach towards the crystal station and "Meeting Moon". Rune stood on the bridge, rubbing his chin as he stared out towards the crystalline station. This whole situation was... Unprecedented. A Xenos race had contacted them and offered to engage in talks regarding a primitive human civilization that lay within their space, while it wasn't unheard of discovering primitive humans or even lost colonies, the fact that a Xenos had *contacted them* about it was.
"Sir, all ships accounted for. Proceeding with caution." Meredith spoke, breaking the silence. Meredith, like all Glaciens, would have a thick germanic accent, some found this attractive, others found it annoying. "All hands stand by, and be on alert... We have no idea what these Xenos are, or if they're genuine with their intentions. Be ready for anything. We are not here to start a war, but be ready in case they are." Rune said, his voice reaching all on the bridge who hurried to their stations. The Glacien fleet was the closest to the frontier due to their assignments of protecting frontier worlds from potential invasion, so they were acting as a part of the diplomatic envoy to meet the Star Elves. Much to the disapproval of Rune, he and his staff were acting as the envoys on orders from the Terran Council.
Rune stared out, seemingly lost in thought. He had limited encounters with Xenos, and he wasn't sure of what to expect, and it was that uncertainty that made him anxious. The young commander would look over to the Lieutenant who was looking at the various data that kept pouring onto her screen. "A very strong crystalline structure, sir... I would wager it would be resistant to our laser weapons. Mass drivers would likely be more effective." She'd say, looking up to him as he nodded. Her superior was able to hide his anxiety, unlike her... The look in her eyes was all Rune needed to see as he look into them. He would lay a hand on her shoulder. "You're doing well, Lieutenant. Just focus. I'm sure we can all walk away from this without harm." He said, she would sigh, nodding. "Yes sir... I'm just--... Nervous. The thought of entering combat is still-" She started, but was cut off by Rune. "We all are, Meredith. You are still green compared to most of my crew, but I wouldn't have had you transferred to my fleet if I didn't see potential in you." He said, attempting to firmly reassure her. "Now... All vessels, slow your speeds. Lieutenant Aaberg, open all channels and attempt to hail the station." Rune ordered.
Meredith quickly nodded, her amethyst eyes quickly scanning over her monitor as she typed and opened all available channels on their ship. "Channels open, sir. Attempting to hail. Sir... I-"
Rune would soften his stern gaze for a moment. "Be easy, Mere... Remember your training." He said, reassuringly before looking ahead at the blank screen, and waited.
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The Hopeful Home hung in it's new spot above the Evergreen Moon. It even a new home like this, only a thousand years old, the station was out of place... it had been meant to appear on the borders of their empire... a greeting of splendor to the small, barbaric races of the outer stars.
Now it was deep within the space of the Astella Unum, and Telluria Melbareth stood on one of the few viewing balconies of the station... her eyes fixed on the approaching grey dots in the blackness.
"For a knight in training, it's good you remember how to slip away quietly. You still have to work on actually hiding though."
A more grizzled elf in a dark cloak seemed to fade into existence behind Telluria, who glances at him, one eyebrow raising in surprise. "Byron... forgive my lapse. I merely needed to gaze upon them myself."
The older elf idly scratches his beard, only recently trimmed. "It would be easier with the scrying screens. But I understand the need to get away from the city Elders in this kind of situation. The Sage will keep them in line, though."
"Yes... she is a far more equipped to handle a gathering like this..." Telluria murmured... finding her eyes drawn back to the stars and the approaching ships. "I worry that I am not. The guards are stronger warriors than I, the Sage a better speaker with a fairer voice, and my Weaving is-"
"You are still the best Blade Weaver of your generation, Telluria... and do you really seek to compare yourself to your Elders? You are wise enough to know that is foolishness. But let an old hunter share you a different reassurance, young one:" Byron patted the elf girl on the shoulder. "This entire situation is new... and it may be that younger eyes may see things a weathered eye will pass over. Take faith in that... and that your strength is not just in your blade, but your kindness. Telluria has proven quite popular to those under Astellan rule. The Tabun and the Floran like you well enough."
"The Tabun have been under our rule for millenia, and the Floran only accept me because of my strength! The humans are far more intelligent and passionate in their fury..." Telluria shakes her head again. "I am frightened of this, Byron... if things should go wrong... I fear the consequences will be monstrous."
"Such is the way of all things that could go wrong. We will do the best we can." Byron rubs her shoulder again. "Have faith. Now come. They will be greeting us soon. The Sage wishes for you to be there."
Telluria
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The Viewscreen of the "Heaven's Wrath" would begin to flicker for a moment. glowing gold with light... that would slowly form into an image of what seems like an entry hall... one made out of marble and lined with gold. Standing in rows are an assemblage of beautiful, humanoid aliens... and they are beautiful. Whether with delicate curves or strong angles, each of them seems perfectly shaped... imperial and aloof, in a way, even though the styles of their clothing varies greatly.
Of note is a few figures standing in the center of the varied assemblages. These figures wear the same outfit... billowing white robes that are remarkably plain and whose hoods cover their faces. Save for the largest figure, in the very center.
Her hood is thrown back, revealing a fine face with long, pointed ears and a jewel... one shaped much like the station itself, affixed to her forehead.
"Greetings, newcomers. I am Alliana Eiwa, Sage and the Master of this Home. I offer all who come here hospitality and shelter in my own name... and it is under my watch that all official talks between the Astella Unum and the Confederation shall take place. However, it is tradition that arrivals to such meetings take rest from their travels and enjoy the hospitality of their hosts. A meal and entertainment has been prepared for all who wish to enter the Hopeful Home... I shall greet those who come personally, and allow our two peoples to mingle. If you wish to make your own camp, an area has been selected on the moon below, for your troops to make camp and explore to their hearts content. Our people shall guide and protect you wherever you choose to go."
There are many elves looking at the bridge crew now... Meredith would get a sinking feeling that it wasn't only crew and guards at the screen. Some of them are dressed so differently, they must be factional representatives! (An elf in a slinky white dress with a silver sword might catch her eyes...)
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Rune was stone-faced as he was greeted with the sight of these regal humanoids. In honesty, he was deeply surprised at just how... Civilized they looked. The crew on the bridge of the Heaven's Wrath stared at the screen with awe and intent. Meredith was standing next to Rune, and she was visibly in awe at how majestic these beings looked.
Rune appeared as a young man, standing proudly on the bridge with his hands folded behind his back. His short white hair was pulled back with a lock of bangs drooping near his right eye. He and many of his crew had amethyst colored eyes that was uncharacteristic of most humans, though some of his crew had blue eyes. He had a single scar that crossed from his left brow, and nicking the lower bridge of his nose and cutting his right cheek slightly. Aside from this blemish, his face was fair and handsome. He wore a white officer's uniform with blue trim, and a gray mantle that draped over the back of his shoulders.
The woman next to him wore a similar yet less extravagant uniform, but was beautiful. Her supple form with subtle curves was a steep contrast to Rune's strong and somewhat brutish figure. Her platinum blonde hair was dressed in a twisted side braid. Her eyes glimmered like gemstones as she scanned the screen in front of her with her commander, her eyes locking onto the Elf wearing a white dress with an ornate silver sword at her side. Meredith's freckled cheeks would become a faint pink as she quickly averted her eyes to compose herself.
When Rune spoke, he spoke with a voice of authority, but respect. "Greetings, Sage-Master Alliana. I am Sky-Captain Rune von Rhennvarr, commander of the Glacien 13th Fleet, of the Terran Navy. On behalf of the entire Terran Confederation, I express sincere gratitude to your people's hospitality and generosity. We hope that this meeting will be the beginning of friendly relations between Terra and the Astella Unum. Myself and my staff will be coming personally to introduce ourselves and speak with you. My second, Lieutenant Meredith Aaberg, will also be accompanying me."
The woman next to him stepped forward slightly, and bowed humbly. "I look forward to this meeting and the blossoming of mutual friendships." She would say with a thick but adorable accent. Her words sounded a bit forced through her anxiety, and she would quickly gulp as she stepped back to allow for Rune to continue.
"We will be docking shortly. The majority of my crew will stay on board their ships, but I believe my Sergeant Major has expressed a desire to allow some of the cadets and marines for fresh air and drills if you wouldn't mind." He'd say, "We will be ending our transmission as we prepare to dock. Again, I express gratitude to you and your people for allowing the meeting to take place." He'd say, giving a short informal bow before the feed would end.
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"They looked so... Elegant." Meredith would mutter, as she walked alongside Rune to the hangar. "I am as surprised as you are. Usually when they speak of Xenos, they are ugly, scaled, and vile beings... But these-- Dare I say that they are beautiful?" Rune would say, seemingly questioning the thought. "Our species and theirs certainly share similar traits, perhaps there are similar goals, as well?" Mere asked, looking up to him as they boarded a shuttle.
"Perhaps." He said simply, as the shuttle began to leave the ship, beginning it's final approach to the meeting place.
(REPOST COMPLETE)