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(new backwater planet its called urf have fun https://cdn.discordapp.com/attachments/325321600901709825/634764666874232832/europe3.jpg)
Litikual Hall, Capitol Complex, Celtania
It had been decades since all the nobles gathered in Celtania. The family heads of all the former noble families sat at tables in front of a collective of the Parliamentary Committee of Finances, the Ministry of Finance, the Ministry of Defense, and the Queen herself. The entirety of the Ministries didn't sit though, only the Ministers and a few top aides. Altogether, it was roughly 75 people who sat in the benches in front of the nobles. The Queen sat in the highest point in the room, the lights seemingly focused on her while also illuminating everyone else in the room. She wore a beautiful outfit with a black suit and white flower in her hair, done up with a wonderful braid coming down her left side.
"You've certainly been quite up to something successful. Our files show quite an impressive rebound since that unfortunate incident years ago. I am impressed." The Minister of Finance was the first to speak. Their tone was kind, nonabrasive, and seemingly congratulatory. The words were met with faces of resentment from the panel in front of the committee. They didn't take kindly to the mentioning of the incident. Hurriedly attempting to change the subject, a member of the Parliamentary Committee spoke next. "All of us here are sure your conduct is savory, however there's always a chance it's not. We simply want to ask... what are you doing?"
Breana nearly groaned in disappointment. They just threw their hands open. That MP just revealed their strategy without knowing the cards behind the backs of the former nobility. She simply kept watching, waiting for any queue to tell her to speak up. This time, it was the House Erana who spoke first. Carmen Erana, grandson of Miegon, former Crown Prince of the country. Before Lyri of course. "If you were assured our conduct is savory, you wouldn't invite us here. You appear to think you know exactly what you're doing, and what we're doing as well. What do you think we're doing?" His tone sounded accusatory. A result of that blasted MP. Breana would consider the idea of talking to the head of the committee and getting them removed.
It was the Queen who spoke next, deciding to rein in the conversation and hopefully put everyone back on track. "It is not assurance or there would be no doubts. If your conduct was not seemingly suspicious we wouldn't have made a fuss about it. You know exactly what we think and why we think it. Let's pull down that barrier while we're at it and get somewhere with this." She put it bluntly hoping that they would reciprocate. They did not. Rebecca Ainvam quickly retorted, "Is gaining wealth suddenly suspicious? It couldn't be, or we wouldn't be the first ones she's called in." Another, Patricia Trenaas, followed Ainvam with, "She thinks we're trying to overthrow her, and we think she's becoming more like her sister!" Suddenly, the hall erupted with aggravation and insults flying across the chamber. The ministries and committee attacking each other, the former nobility attacking each other, and the two parties insulting each other. Breana then commanded, "Silence!" It took seconds, but it became silent.
"Arrogance will get us nowhere. Trenaas speaks for all of you when she says that you think I'm becoming more like my sister and that I think you are trying to overthrow me?" Most nodded, some didn't move. "Then let's put each other's intentions out in the open. To start, my intention in the future is to simply not allow the Parliament of the people to be corrupted by bribery, senses of higher position, or by family politicking. What are your future intentions. I'm sure you're displeased with mine and I'm anticipating I won't be fond of yours." Xander Harpana somewhat confidently but wavering replied, "We intend to regain our status, having had it stolen by your sister and her minions."
The word minions was the most upsetting to Breana, but she allowed her committee to continue for her. An aide to the Minister of Defense said, "That'd be ridiculous. We can't give you your status back, it'd be an insult to an idea of Celtanisian equality! It would also be an insult to the progress we've made without people making Parliament a problem!" Erana snapped, "Parliament was never the only problem, it was one of many and while we were in charge it never was! Once Lyri took the throne she upset years of delicate balance between my forefathers and this government!"
Soon, the beginnings of another eruption of madness was becoming apparent, and Breana stopped it before it could occur. "Have you no decency, any of you? Cease this incessant screaming and let's actually get something done!" Silence immediately fell over the room. The Minister of Finance broke the silence with, "The chaos that would ensue if you all bought your way into Parliament could potentially derail hundreds of projects currently underway! If you took the seats, no doubt that you'd change half the laws enacted to ensure proper government funding and you'd reclaim what you insist we stole despite having no evidence to prove it!" The former nobility simultaneously let out a quiet yet frustrated sigh. Tanahi Ilajin contended, "You're sure we'd do that how, exactly?"
The members of the committee looked at each other and then back at Ilajin, with the Minister of Finance saying, "It is the most likely possibility we can think of, though I see your point we aren't entirely 100% sure. I will say this though, Her Majesty has stated she has no intention of giving you your titles back and you all appear to have consensus that you will contend for them." It was immediately met with hesitance and concerned tones from the former nobles. "Now now, we're not going to fight, civil war is NOT our goal here. It is obvious who would win. We'd simply like back what was stolen from us, that's all. Our position, our titles, no more and no less." Relief swept over everyone in the room, glad that actual conflict was almost certainly off the table. That didn't ease their concern that there would be tension between these families and Parliament and the Queen.
"I won't give those to you. Those were stolen for a reason, and it appears to be working. I can't negotiate any of the above, as I'm not going to put you in your position with a concession of title as that is the job of the people to vote without bribery. I'm not going to give you a title with a concession of position as that would cause hierarchy to form which nobody needs right now, nobody wants right now, and certainly would serve only to divide Celtanis in a way that we don't have the capacity to deal with right now." Breana firmly stated, making a final decision. "You can keep your money, but I refuse to create a noble class again. If you want a seat in Parliament, earn it."
Nearly a minute of silence fell on the room. Nobody could argue against her, or if they were capable nobody dared speak up. The Queen looked around the room, saw nobody would add or detract, and finished by saying, "I'm adjourning this meeting. Thank you for your attendance." Everyone stood as she walked out of the room first, followed by everyone else behind her. She went up to her office while everyone else took the exit on their way home. It looked to her as if there wouldn't be actual warlike conflict, but there would almost certainly be an issue with them in the future. "How unfortunate," she thought to herself, before looking down at a new issue on her desk. It can be dealt with as it comes up.
The screen first showed static, eventually tuning into pitch black. Text appeared within the most widespread language of Motomo -
People of the MSC, do not be alarmed. Our intentions are peaceful. We propose contact between our civilizations. As this is with no doubt monumental to you, we only ask that you keep it a secret for now, lest we are forced to abandon your system. We also understand if you refuse to enter in contact with us. We only need your response: Do you wish to open yourself to the galaxy?
After all of the 5 community leaders of the MSC read the text in Esonian presented on the large screen before them, there was silence. All 5 comprehending that they are now in contact with what was questioning them, an alien race. Finally coming into contact with Motomo, with them. All turned back, glancing at each other preparing for discussing this event that will go down in Motomo's history. One of the most historic events to ever occur.
All agreed in the conversation that this is best kept a secret from the world's desperate eyes, for now. And listen to what this alien race demands or says if contact is agreed. All understanding that there is no way they will let go of this opportunity. Ledevik gave a vote to the group if they all agreed to make contact with the alien race, and comply with their demands. All hands were raised up. The group agreed to create contact, and typed a message on the screen -
We comply with the request to initiate contact. And we also comply with the requirement to keep this confidential only among the highest officials of the MSC, and anyone who goes against this will be swiftly dealt with. The MSC is highly interested in opening Motomo's eyes to the wider universe around us.
The text disappeared and was quickly replaced by another.
Our civilization is named the Ka'lu'umil - Imperial Federation. It spans dozens of galactic metropoles, hundreds upon hundreds of colonies, millions of stars, and a population of over twenty billion consisting of several races and cultures. We have freed ourselves from the yoke of dictatorship and now prosper under a democratic government presided over by His Imperial Majesty Alexandros I, Most Serene Emperor of the Lygians and headed by Chancellor Dermot Gallagher.
It is because your civilization displays traits we consider a boon to the galaxy that we decided to contact you. To do so, we suggest a personal meeting.
After all 5 read the new text appearing on the screen, all took another minute to comprehend the information presented. The Ka'lu'umil everyone took note of this civilisation. Sanomi quickly was ordered to start noting all this down to file. They group decided to respond with greeting the Ka'lu'umil; describing the MSC, Motomo; and agree that a personal meeting between the alien race and the MSC would possibly solidify trust between the two, if the Ka'lu'umil truly come with no hostile intention.
We welcome the Imperial Federation of the Ka'lu'umil to our local solar system and the MSC are greatly thankful that your civilisation deemed Motomo qualified for the wider galactic stage. We are the Motomo Scientific Community, we are an independent non-governmental scientific institution, but also a neutral political body that gathers the many nations and people of Motomo to discuss issues, politics and other important events on our world. Motomo is populated by 67 independent sovereign states hosting a population of 9.5 billion made up of 3 races.
The MSC would be highly interested in meeting people sent by the Ka'lu'umil to not only initiate further contact. But also to solidify trust between our two civilisations as a sign of no hostile actions being posed by the Ka'lu'umil against the independence of Motomo's nations and peoples. And also to learn more about each others civilisations.
CSS Windchime, Uncharted Space
(
Sakoor)
Another member of the Celtanisian Contact Fleet, the Windchime was set to search another region of the galaxy for sentient life of any sort. It was quite dull on occasion. Nobody aboard to talk to and eventually, everyone had heard all the interesting parts of each others' lives. It wasn't hard for boredom to set in. However, they were consistent in doing their jobs. They had nothing better to do. Their search was currently set to abnormalities in the sector. It was while searching that finally something interesting came up. Unfortunately, something interesting this time was an unmarked flotilla belonging to a nation Celtanis hadn't met or heard of before.
It was in the best interests of the Windchime to remain silent, cloak themselves and keep moving. However, they decided that contact was what they were being paid to do, so contact is what they would do.
"This is the CSS Windchime of Celtanis. We have no intent to initiate conflicts, merely to make contact with whoever this fleet belongs to. Please identify yourselves." They kept it brief so as not to create any potential of misunderstanding with the fleet in front of them.
This particular flotilla consisted of about two dozen ships, mostly skiffs and ketches with two tactical carriers and a Scimitar leading the fleet. All of the ships were silver colored with blue linings. Eventually, a hail was sent back from the scimitar, which was most likely the flagship. "CSS Windchime, you are in the path of Residential Flotilla Gamma-23 of the Alak-Hul Fleet. We welcome you to our home. Please do state your intentions before we proceed."
"We intend to establish contact and perhaps relations with you and your people." Keeping it simple, for the fact that though they didn't want to be misinterpreted.
"Very well. Would you like to come aboard to discuss these terms? We are more than welcome to allow visitors on our ships."
"Sure." The captain of the Windchimes told Officer Wats Faller to prepare to board the ship they would designate.
The coordinates were pointed at the massive Scimitar, which was ready and waiting to see their new arrivals.
Officer Faller's small pod would board the Scimitar and dock where told.
As soon as it was hooked to the docking tube, a detachment of 8 armor clad Fleet Marines awaited him inside.
Taking note of the force, seemingly meant to intimidate him, he followed them to the meeting place.
They lead him into a meeting room, with the captain sitting at one chair and a woman in heavy robes standing next to her.
"Greetings. I am Officer Wats Faller of the CSS Windchimes, who might you be?" He said as he took a seat (if there were any).
"I am Captain Titania Reeves. This here is my colleague, High Chaplain Taltha." Taltha bows her head respectfully. "May the Nine bless you, Officer."
"Thank you Captain Reeves, and High Chaplain Taltha. I appreciate your kindness. To get to the business as to why I contacted you, who are you people? You don't seem like any of the others we have recorded in our records or databases."
"We are a collective of beings from the moons of a gas giant called Sakoor Prime. I am a Skyrian, and my colleague here is a Cyrani, two of the many races in the Sakoorans."
"Wonderful. Do all of your people live on ships or do you have a planet and/or moon to call home?"
"Our home moons were ravaged long ago. No one has set foot on them until then."
"Quite unfortunate. Is there anything you want to know about our people?"
"Why yes. As a matter of fact, who exactly are you?"
"I am Officer Wats Faller from Celtanis, an officer in the navy. Our ship is one of the Celtanisian Contact Fleet, whose job is to find life or other sentience in the galaxy. Thus, I am here. Is there anything specific you desire to know?"
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