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Post by miokalia on Apr 20, 2007 20:41:12 GMT -5
"oh", said Phong, trying to find a way to explain 36. "Well, I can hardly explain #36's feelings. We don't share that kind of thing.
I suppose he was looking for something.
I guess he didn't find whatever it was.".
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Post by Kingdoms of Cal on Apr 21, 2007 17:02:35 GMT -5
Angle 2-04 suffered a engine failure over Morskoj, it lost it's stealth capabilities and became visible to radar as it's engines disintegrated.
It's pilots ejected over the sea and a Calie hunter killer sub quickly picked them up, but not before they fired a torpedo into the remains of the air craft utterly destroying it. This unfortunate turn of events made it clear that Cal still had reconnaissance aircraft in the region and had quite possibly for some time. The question was clear, would they be asked and would they pass the information they no doubt had.
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Post by The Union of Tinis on Apr 21, 2007 18:32:04 GMT -5
Once the wraith had gone, Krel nodded to Salato. "I'll relay your offer to the right people. I do not have authority to commence deals. Thank you for this hospitality but I must be returning to the diplomatic side of our group soon. Thank you."
And Krel exited the aircraft as well.
-----
Waldo reached out and touched the crystals, first testing their solidity by tapping his claws on them, and then letting the pads of his paws come to rest on their surface.
"Feels familiar, but... I don't know. Different. Crystal smooth but almost slippery," the raccoon said.
His body guard tilted his head. "I wonder if its a quasicrystal."
The other two Tinisians looked at the military fur.
"What?" he asked. "I saw a program on it the other day. Ordered structures, but not repetitious. Strang properties."
Multek laughed. "So Onyx," he asked the overseer. "Are these actually quasicrystals?"
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Post by Erenmor on Apr 23, 2007 17:18:18 GMT -5
"If I may, perhaps he simply didn't look far enough," Onyx commented on Phong's reply. "We all look for something in life... barely scratching the surface hardly seems like a reason to give up the search," he shrugged, before turning to the Tinisians again with a smile.
"In the sense that they possess some very strange properties, they most certainly are," he answered. "I believe a documentary on them was actuall shown at the recent film festival? Anyway... while here we carefully monitor their growth, in their natural environment and growing free, these crystals can be quite hazardous... they shape their colonies in such a way as to catch the vibrations of, say, footsteps and turn them into a crushing sound wave as a defense mechanism. Curious, wouldn't you agree? We've since learned to shape them in such a way as to provide the effects we desire... be it a high-strenght focused sound pulse, or mimicking other sounds at a non-threatening level..."
"Well, the bottom line is, they most likely would get classified as quasicrystals," Onyx caught himself rambling on a bit and cut the rant short, smiling again.
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Post by miokalia on Apr 25, 2007 21:52:14 GMT -5
"Pardon my delegation's thinning-out", said Phong, "But, you see with what's going on to your north right now... Well, you see, one of the things that happens when you are elected or a functionary of an elected official is: you can loose your job from just the silliest of things. Right now, what's going on up here is fairly unpopular in the news. News that people back home see and then project on to us. I can be here without much repercussion because back home people are also educated enough to get that diplomacy is diplomacy. But the others... there is the whole matter of the war and policy... but also, if there are too many of us here, the media will say we endorse the war completely, and right now...
Well the Calie media just seems to be searching for anything possible to point a finger at us and label us a police state.
When you're elected, you have to take even some totally absurd things said by particularly visible people very seriously."
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Post by Erenmor on Apr 27, 2007 17:29:07 GMT -5
"I suppose it'd be too much to wish for, to be able to hold their media accountable for any lies they perpetuate..." Onyx sighed, shaking his head. "This has been a long day, perhaps you'd like to return to the guild hall and your quarters? We can continue the tour tomorrow. I was going to suggest a visit to Soulforge, if travelling further north will not be a problem with you..."
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Post by Erenmor on May 3, 2007 19:25:20 GMT -5
From the alien garden the tour eventually found its way to the Jewelers' Guild house. A certain change in the ambiance of the corridors became apparent as they walked. The daylight-yellow glow that seemed present everywhere faded slowly through sunset orange and into a blue-gray of clear moonlight. The crowds seemed to thin out as well, there were less people walking now, though that was counterbalanced by the noise of busy pubs every time the visitors passed one. Lively conversation, even the occasional song breaking out once in a while... apparently the art of partying wasn't at at all unknown in Erenmor.
The guild hall was a lot more lively than during their morning visit. The rather empty room was occupied by a number of long tables, occupied by the various guild members absorbed by their conversations. From the images showing on the large displayer at the back of the hall, it could be safely guessed that everyone was discussing the fighting earlier in the day. Oddly, perhaps, the mood was not at all tense, but instead excited. There were even a few cheers when the displayer showed the railgun volley that took out the Morskoj artillery.
"I will be leaving you in the care of guild master Nebri for the rest of the night," Onyx explained with a slow bow. "I will come by after breakfast so we can continue the tour. If you've anything you'd like to see in particular, of course, feel free to suggest them then," the Overseer smiled, backing away slightly as Nebri approached.
"Well, I'm certain I recall more people coming by here in the morning," the lady badger observed, then shrugged. "But I suppose that's worldly politics, always rushing off somewhere or other," she smiled broadly. Onyx took the opportunity to remove himself from the scene.
"Well! Is there anything you'll be needing, or would you rather we just show you your quarters? Don't worry about the crowd... they're excited about that last victory, but the noise won't penetrate to the living section," Nebri added with a reassuring smile.
As far as the crowd went, it was a colourful bunch to be sure. The only constant seemed to be the jumpsuits that everyone wore, and the use of finely crafted, subtle jewelry - ear studs, rings, bracelets, the occasional clasp of a robe or buttons on the additional clothes worn over the jumpsuits. Humans and furs mixed in the bunch so much that it was hard to tell who was the majority, or any other judgements on the bunch. In plain jumpsuits or with additional clothes - sometimes just a scarf or a vest, other times large robes (as was the case with Nebri), mostly in a single colour each, but the colours themselves ranged far, from the calm blacks, greys and whites to more lively shades of reds, greens and the like.
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Post by The Union of Tinis on May 4, 2007 0:51:52 GMT -5
"Actually, I'd love to meet some of the folks here," explained Multek.
Waldo had been watching the screens for a few minutes quietly. He turned to the host and said, translated by Multek, "I think I'll be ready for my personal quarters." His tone seemed quiet and somber.
Multek took a seat at one of the tables while the others decided their plans.
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Post by Erenmor on May 9, 2007 17:51:32 GMT -5
The table of Multek's choice was, like most of the others really, busy discussing the fighting. The furs gathered around it moved over to make room at the table without giving it much thought, not interrupting their discussion.
"I still say we haven't heard the last of it," argued a goat next to Multek, shaking his head. "Eh, Arend, you need to cheer up! I reckon the bloody nose we gave them ought to discourage any further mischief from them," a lynx responded from across the table. "We've been giving them bloody noses for the last few centuries, though," someone else pointed out. "And anyway, what's this rot about us firing first? There's something up with that," the goat didn't let up. "Well, obviously, if it was us shooting first they'd not have an army to attack with," someone chimed in with a chuckle. "The betting pool ought to be interesting this time around, though," the lynx pointed out. "I'm betting they won't be trying again any time soon, though. Eh, what do you think?" the lynx then asked, turning to look at Multek, as if only now noticing he wasn't from around here.
***
While Multek was socialising, Nebri led Waldo through to the back of the main hall and into a smaller corridor opening in the corner of the room. A short walk along the hallway, each side lined with similar doors, then one flight of stairs lower, Nebri stopped outside of one of the doors. Like the others, it resembled an old-fashioned door put together from boards of dark wood set into the wall. A small panel next to the door displayed the number 21.
"These'll be your suite, then," Nebri explained, demonstrating how to operate the door panel. The door itself slid into the wall, rather than swinging open
The interior was a mix of modesty and subtle elegance. The quarters themselves weren't large - enough room for two single beds in the corners of the room closer to the door, a small round table by the wall opposite of the door, some clear space in between, some shelves and night stands, two chests of drawers. The furniture generally had a slightly rounded look to it, few rough angles, made of dark wood the same colour as the door. Occasionally small light-blue crystals could be seen adding an extra touch of decoration - on the drawer handles, headboards of the beds, the back rests of the chairs. A more modern touch in the form of an information and communications terminal was set into the wall near the table. Nebri also pointed out the door to the bathroom, positioned across the room from the table. That too was furnished enough to provide plenty of comfort without looking too extravagant. Waldo and Multek's luggage was already here, set down neatly next to the beds.
"Feel free to let us know if there's anything you'll be needing," Nebri said with a broad smile, giving a quick bow of her head before stepping out of the room. "Oh yes... breakfast is between 9 and 11, served up in the main hall upstairs," she adds, waiting patiently to see if there was anything else.
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Post by The Union of Tinis on May 11, 2007 0:28:20 GMT -5
Multek paused for a moment, surprised by the sudden inclusion in the conversation, but kind of glad for it. "Well, lets look at it logically. If it was your side that fired first, why fire so lightly on the first volley? Unless there is a serious muck up in your chain of command somewhere, such a mistake doesn't seem to fit with your organization of things. On the other hand, why would the otherside fire at their own side? Perhaps they are surpemely incompetant, or perhaps were trying to motivate their side to enter the grinder. But if what I hear of these opponents of yours, wasting their lives seems incredibly unproductive. Better to have more to fight their enemies who out number and out class them, then to waste even one to inspire fury. So, perhaps a third party. If that's the case, who?
"Cal may have ships in the area but I'm doubtful they could of gotten from where I was informed they were when I left home to the scene of the fighting in time to do it. Vorxla is always possible but then again, they rarely interact with anyone ever, including fighting. So the isolationists there are an unlikely suspect. Darastrata has been trying to recoup their government and though they are semi-local, they probably wouldn't have to might or desire to start this.
"So I think it was probably a non-government group. Someone who wants to play both sides off each other for some reason."
It was about this point when Krel finally returned from his side meeting with the others. With a nod to Multek he came over and took a seat.
"I'm Multek, and this is Krel," said Multek to the lynx. "We're visiting dignitaries."
----
Waldo looked over to the body guard. "I think I'll be fine. You can share a room with Krel."
"Thanks..."
With a laugh, Waldo said to Nebri, "I think I can only ask that you show my compatriot here to his room. Else I'll be good for the evening."
Nebri nodded and escorted the military fur to the other room set aside for this delegation.
Now alone, Waldo flopped onto the bed. It was a little firmer than he was used to. Probably newer as well than his bed at home.
"What a day," he said to himself quietly.
The raccoon began to form the basics of the report he'd be writting when he got home. The hosts are very curteous and seem eager to please, he thought. The amount of uniformity in certain aspects of the society is a little disturbing, but then again they might say the same about Tinis. The emphasis on protection is a little obsessive at times and seems to be a prime motivator of not just the population, but also the overmind structure. Difficult to read higher ups and suspect suspicious mannerisms to us may have many meanings to them and they the same to us. Would recommend caution in negotiations as mutual fear of betrayal may appear independant of actual intentions because of this body language problem. As far as trade or long term non-federation relations, would recommend a cautious attitude but an open hand. See very little as far as needed industry or material trade potential but technology and mineral weath might be an advantage to interactions. As a strong level four civilization, most technological insights we may be able to offer would not be useful, however E and G system equation catagory uses might be worth the investment as would shared intelligence networking. They dislike SOL and affilliates and thus could be convinced to crack down on PED and related groups whom have some associations.
Waldo was getting tired by this point and began to get ready for bed.
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Post by Erenmor on May 16, 2007 18:02:44 GMT -5
"It all does sound like some kind of big conspiracy theory, though," the lynx points out to Multek, shaking his head. "Besides, who'd have anything to gain from us flattening those crazies?" he laughed.
"You'll have to excuse my friends," the goat said with a polite smile. "I'm Arend van de Mara, senior engraver," he introduced himself, "and he's Alexei Korenchkin, apprentice gemcutter, one of the new additions to our guild house," he proceeded to introduce the lynx.
"Let's pursue the conspiracy theory for a bit, then," Arend continued, dismissing any protests from Alexei. "If it was some non-goverment group, who *would* have anything to gain from provoking another raid? As you might have noticed this one so far has gone like all the ones before it... really, nothing's changed thus far, as far as we can tell."
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Post by The Union of Tinis on May 18, 2007 23:02:34 GMT -5
Multek nodded. "I'm Multek by the way, a visitor from Tinis. I have a few names that I could try to assign to this conspiracy but either they wouldn't fit right or not names I'm cleared to hand out. But the why could be semi-obvious. I and several others from other federation members are visiting today and the next few days. What better way to get anyone to care about what goes up here, and I'm speaking frankly, than if some dignitaries and the like find themselves in the middle of a fight? Alot of nations in the federation keep to themselves and care little for the internal affairs of member nations or how they deal with minor non-federation states, being more concerned with the bigger threats from across the sea. But what better to make those governments care than to have media tie the ambassadors to the conflict, and thus their governments? I have no clue about how this is playing back home but with the right phrasing, it could be used as a wedge to shape public opinion.
"Its... its sort of like an incident that happened in the land of my ancestors a few hundred years ago. King Grash of Pargalo was seen as unassailable. A tyrannt who knew how to play the people into loving him. Everything seemed good for the common fur, and his enemies died quickly at the same time. Grash sent his second son, Prince Vrash to a country in what now belongs to Shikeishuu, I believe its pronounced here as Poraxian Bordello, maybe... Anyway, the Poraxians had long had a fued with Shikeishuu ever since the anchient empire decided to expand south. But there wasn't a war at the time and Grash thought it might be ideal to have the prince go to them and marry one of their leaders.
"At the same time, enemies of King Grash saw what was going on and decided to make the people of Pargalo doubt the king's intentions. They instigated riots and fights along the boarder between Shikeishuu and Poraxian to make it look like war might be starting. The people of Pargalo really didn't care before of anything that far south. But it gave several nobels the leeway to go to the people and claim that allies of Poraxian would feel the wrath of Shikeishuu. As rumors of this truth spread, people began to doubt the king's efforts to marry off the prince to a Poraxian. If the next queen of Pargalo was to be a Poraxian, Shikeishuu would see the two nations as dangerously close. Shikeishuu at the time wasn't powerful enough to crush the Poraxians, it would be many years before that. But they were strong enough to crush Pargalo at that point if they were able to move the troops up north.
"The people began to doubt the king and pretty soon his enemies were able to attack him publicly without being mobbed by the people. A few years latter the king died, supposedly in his sleep, despite only being middle aged and in good health.
"So, it could be a similar scenario. Attach nations like Cal and Tinis to Erenmor. Make Erenmor look like the bad guys with this incident. You easily win but your reputation and the reputation of Tinis, Cal, and the others is tarnished and the leadership is called into question. Doubt is prevelant and the opposition is then allowed to move to gain power."
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Post by Kingdoms of Cal on May 19, 2007 13:45:34 GMT -5
The 'Bird' leaves Erenmor with Salato and Leck on board. Once out of territorial waters it is quickly joined by two Celt fighters to act as escort and the Calie naval vessels are stood down.
Salato says to herself "That could have gone better".
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Post by Erenmor on May 27, 2007 21:07:10 GMT -5
"So, if you'll allow me to streamline the theory somewhat," Arend said, "this particular outbreak of fighting has been caused in order to undermine the trust of foreign citizens in us and in those of their leaders who would seek to ally with us... perhaps in order to draw more support to those leaders who would better serve the manipulator's ends? A bold theory," the goat chuckled, shaking his head. "Almost straight out of the old Servants of Light methods of operation."
"The SoL got slaughtered centuries ago, though. Even the kids in school know that," the lynx interrupted.
"Maybe it'll be time to revise that particular chapter of history, then," Arend replied with a shrug. "But there's little choice here that I can see, friend Multek. If you'll allow to play the conspiracy theory along more... a cease-fire would only save the positions of the current governments of your countries. And even then only until the next outbreak. I sincerely doubt the Morskoj would have kept coming back without incentive, and so long as someone keeps giving them that incentive, they'll keep coming before Erenmor guns, to the joy of the manipulators. They've worked against Erenmor for so long... I do not imagine they would stop any time soon on their own. To weed out their supporters abroad, to eradicate their structure in what we can only assume to be their homeland... that may take more determination and a greater credit of public trust than your governments may have," the goat explained patiently, obviously finding some enjoyment in this speculation. The rest of the table though apparently lost interest in playing "conspiracy theorist" and moved on again to loose betting on how the conflict will resolve.
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Post by The Union of Tinis on May 29, 2007 22:32:16 GMT -5
Multek nodded. "Well obviously the Morskoj would have their own agenda in all this. And more particularly their leadership. Greedy furs who don't have to fire guns don't always lead their followers rightly. Perhaps the leaders of the Morskoj are in the pocket of someone. Or perhaps they fear assination by unsavory types if they don't push their people to this violent ferver. Or perhaps their motivation is independant of any rousing game of cloak and dagger that may be manipulating the situation and they just want to remain in power. And the way they do that is to have an enemy. Someone they can fight forever and whom will never tire of the battle or be destroyed. Someone like your nation. The differences in capability are staggering. And since the overseer has not decided to whip the Morskoj off the map yet may make the current generation of Morskoj leaders believe a final blow will never come. They can't win but believe they are safe all the same. So they rally their people against the 'enemy' every few years to make them look like the underdog heros. So corrupt and evil people remain in power up north and their people die to keep them in power. Kind of sad really."
Multek checked his watch. "Yeah, I should head to bed. It was nice talking with you."
With a nod and a good bye Multek headed off to his designated room.
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