The Grand Council

[Megagun]

Androsynths... oh.. sorry for calling you simply "androsynths", i do not know your names.
Well, WHY should we intercept the Orz? What have they done to your species? And why? You must know that i, and probably many others, will not attack a former ally without knowing why we should. You know, we already HAD a war, and we, the Yehat Nation, would NOT like another one. We will NOT tolerate any attacks without a good reason, and if we detect any gunfights without such reason, we will stand ready to stop it, and if neccecary with force.
Let's keep this quadrant peaceful for a while...

[fluffy_banana]

The Utwig Proctorate does NOT endorse using force against the Orz.  I would like to have reason WHY we should attack them before doing so.

I also ask why the Earthling Ambassador has not arrived yet? What has kept him?

[Lukipela]

The Glorious Shofixti Empire recognizes the presence of the Androsynth delegates. However, we would like to remind said ambassadors that regardless of their whereabouts the last few years, our last registered contact where during the Ur-Quan war. During this time you acted, more or less willingly, under the direct command of the heinious Ur-Quan. You worked towards the stated goal of enslaving all free sentient beings.

And you dare talk about honour in front of us? Honour is earned, through battle or wisdom. And even though your battle prowess is well known, we have seen very little wisdom so far. As a former thrall, a would-be opressor you should thread lightly in these halls. These is where those who fought and died for freedom speak.

As for the Ur-Quan, we in no way aim to vanquish them or eradicate them. But we do not fel they have a palce at this table. Let them grow and learn, and leave their dishonourable past behind them. and then, when they have become born anew, we will have no objection to their membership in the Alliance.

However, we recognize the Androsynthetic Nations claim to the  Vulpeculae  systems. Even this is not where you stem from, we understand that you made it your home. Birthright is to be respected. Though we are sympathetic towards you, the Orz now inhabit these systems. It is our understanding that they took them through honourable battle, as no other evidence has been laid forth. A Warriors Right must also be respected. Perhaps a compromise would be in order. The Shofixti Empire would be willing to be involved in brokering a agreement between your two nations.

Regarding the Thrall status, we would like this to be described in more detail. What would the purpose of this "Axiom" be? It seems as if it would only divide the strength of the Quadrant into two sides, instead of bringing us together in glorious unity, as is the purpose of these negotiations.

The Shofixti Empire fully support the Androsynthetic Nations demand that the goals of the Alliance be stated clearly, albeit not for the same reasons.

Regarding the escalating situation at the Utwig border, we stand ready to offer what assistance we can, but we will not endorse a initiation of conflict before the Orz have made an actual physical attack upon Utwig ships or worlds.

[Sedodes]

If it is the only way to make my fellow species realize the impending disaster that is the Orz, then I shall share such information.  Please bear in mind that there will be terms I will use that your translation devices will only find a "best fit" for, as they are unrecognized in this *space*.  Also, the Androsynthetic Nation demands to be SOLELY in charge of all observation and prevention of future Orz hostilities.

I will start from the beginning, to clear up some misinformation with the glorious Shofixti people.  After our first contact with the Ur-Quan, we fought intensely to protect our new home.  We had very few ships capable of actual combat at this time, and after a few weeks of intense interplanetary conflict, we stood before the oncoming force with not a single warship left.  With our battle force depleted, and fear that the still-free Earthlings were pursuing us, our only choice was to become a Thrall race.  Unlike the rest of the races here today, we hadn't inhabited our systems long enough to support ourselves under a slave shield.  The Ur-Quan provided us an industrial base and the ability to defend ourselves should the Earthlings pursue us.

As some of you may have noticed, as the war carried on our ships appeared in decreasing numbers.  This is because we were dedicating resources to our research in interdimensional fatigue, in order to evacuate peoples from the slave shielded planets to the numerous "spare" planets in the Velpeculae system.  About this time, we learned from the Melnorme of the Kohr-ah, and that they would very soon be upon our sector.  It was then that we decided to use the Dimensional Render device as a weapon before we concentrated on rescuing the other races.  We picked a particularly nasty place to put the Kohr-ah, in the Orz home dimension, set the device as a bomb on one of our stripped ships (in quite the same fashion as the Vindicator), and set it on its way toward the Sa-Matra.

As fate would have it, this floating bomb was detonated just outside our home system when a Slylandro Probe destroyed the stripped ship.  All of our ships and citizens in the Velpeculae systems disappeared from this *space* and were locked *below* where we were heavily assaulted by the Orz fleet.  Though we'd lost millions of friends and family to the coldness of space, we had no time to mourn, as we had to flee again as we had from the Humans.  Eventually we were rescued by the Arilou and brought back *above*.  We can only assume that the Orz were able to stablize and reverse the effects of our Dimensional Render to travel to our space.

[Sedodes]

Upon returning to our dimension, the Arilou, Umgah, and us Androsynth foud we had much to share technology-wise, so we formed our alliance on the condition that we remain secreted from the Humans who might again attempt to enslave us.  With the new technological might of our small conglomoration, we analyzed the data we'd collected on the Orz and found out that they're actually merely smaller parts of a larger, more terrible whole.  The Orz seem to leech the bioelectrical field produced by all living things in their immediate vicinity, and although unintentional, is still a dangerous effect.  They're not "sentient" or "friendly" as we see them, it's merely an illusion -- an adaptation used to bring other organisms close.  The Orz is driven only by instinct, and is quite possibly the most dangerous predator knows to all life in the universe.  It is being drawn to Utwig space by the unique energy frequency produced by their shielding system.

We have no wish to erradicate the Orz, merely to be in charge of their monitoring as we'd stated earlier.  We also seek no repirations from the Humans for the injustices we'd suffered.  We Androsynthetics realize that we have a bad reputation as we were a thrall race, but we feel that if our aims were better understood it would help the peace process greatly.  Had we the success that our Earthling cousins had in their battle against the Ur-Quan, perhaps we'd be more warmly welcomed.  We have much to offer our neighbors, and wish only to help advance all aspects of racial development and diplomacy.

Shofixti Empire, our interests were decidedly NOT to serve the Ur-Quan, but to fight against them using stealth and coercion after our brute-force defence failed.  I would like to bring to light that after your defeat you had no further plans to combat the Ur-Quan.  You ask how we dare speak of honor?  I ask how you can dare question ours.  You seem to forget that even the Yehat had become a Thrall race.  The Ur-Quan have as much right to be here as any race, indeed, as much right as the Yehat.  We agree that the Ur-Quan should indeed be born anew, but as some of the most honorable warriors known, would not the Shofixti people be the best guides in the ways of honor for the Ur-Quan, rather than condemning them?

In regards to the Axiom, the aim of this organization is to become a complimentary body to the Alliance.  If the Alliance's purpose is the protection of races from outside threats, then the Axiom's goals would be something such as the search for new races.  This is merely an example, mind you, but we also believe the Axiom would serve a more important purpose.  We would keep the Alliance "in check" as would the Alliance the Axiom.  If there is only a single powerful body, it is too easy for it to become corrupt and force its will upon others.  If there are two such organizations, while it may provide for a bit more difficulty when it comes to passing law over the sector, it helps to ensure that no races will suffer oppression such as that by the Ur-Quan.

[Sage]

Though we are both former Battle Thralls and Alliance members, each due to the trickery of the Umgah and Captain Zelnick, respectively, the Androsynth's proposal is a problematic one. Separating power amongst two groups may only lead to another war. Perhaps not now, but eventually both parties will disagree on some issue or another and come to blows as a result. Plus this would put many of the participants in the Slave Revolts in a position to choose sides, which seems a bit pointless. However I am still interested in hearing more about the Androsynth proposal. Perhaps with some amending this plan may bear fruit.

We also wish to make it clear that we do not approve of the Orz's actions in recent years. Especially not this sudden movement toward the Utwig.

...

What? Nope, that's it. We don't approve. What did you expect us to do, just jump up and volunteer to attack? How silly.

[fluffy_banana]

We agree to the Androsynth proposal. We should attack this threat before it strikes us. Should we send our newly designed and manufactured Speeder starships to help, if force is neccesary?

I hope that the there will be no hostilities between you, the Androsynth, and the Earthlings. What is your position wth them?

[Sedodes]

We are fully prepared to defend ourselves against any attack force the Earthlings could prepare, however, would still seek the approval and assistance of the Alliance, Axiom, and Independant races before engaging in even a defensive battle.

We bear no grudge against the Earthlings, as we believe that their subjugation by the Ur-Quan has shown them what it was like for our people under the yolk of Earthling slavery.

We believe that the Orz should NOT be engaged in battle if it is at all possible.  Our fleet is prepared to mobilize and arrive in Uwig space almost instantly, so attempting to deter the Orz via diplomacy should be exercized to the latest possible moment.

Utwig delegate, please rest asured that we are able to handle the Orz force without any assistance if you would prefer to concerve your ships.  We consider it a gesture of peace between our nations.  However, if you would still care to lend ships to to bolster our ranks should negotiations with the Orz fail, we are now sending you the coordinates at which our fleet would emerge from the Quasi-Space portal.

[Rider]

*coughs*

Excuse my rudeness, But I feel that not all races are aware of the term "Quasispace" and that you should explain this term to prevent further confusion. Take the Ur-quan for example. We have been fighting the Kohr-ah, indeed, protecting every single race represented here today, for the entire flow of events, and are a little cut off of the facts of this event.

Wich brings me to another point.

Shofixti ambassador, your doubts on our honour are understandable, for we have enslaved many races in this quadrant. But your near extinction can not be blamed on us. Our initial intentions where to slave shield your homeworld, like any other species, but after we saw your fleets in combat, we realised that your ships could have been that what could stop the Kohr-ah's death march! Let me explain.

The Kohr-ah know of no fear, but the fear to be enslaved again. Much like with us, Kzer-za. And their ship is designed from many different components stolen from races that they had elliminated. Leaving them with only a partial understanding of their own ships. Fortunatly, we had been researching their ships during battle, and we found that the powerful Kohr-ah ships had a weakness. This weakness was not visible to the naked eye, but once noticed, it could not be ignored.

I hope you don't mind if I explain a bit further to as why we needed the shofixti.

*pulls out detailed information on the Kohr-ah ship*

Now, as you can clearly see here, and here, lead the pipes that provide fuel to the FRIED and the Blade launcher. What you can't see very clearly, is that here, is a vent. Meant for cooling the pipes. Now the vent itself is too small for anykind of weapon to penetrate, without hitting the surrounding hull. Not even the Yehat. However, the shofixti scout's front weapon IS small enough to penetrate the vent, thus breaking one of the pipes, wich would lead to a chainreaction, blowing up the core.

[Rider]

Somehow we where unable to find a weapon that was small enough, but at the same time, would radiate enough heat to break the pipes. Until we met with Shofixti scouts.

And then you blew up your own starsystem. Now what is done, cannot be undone, and the flow of events has proven to be worthy enough to bring peace to the Quadrant, and even peace to our species. But it did make you shofixti hate us. And we never intended for this to happen.

We also wonder why the Chmmr have not joined us yet.
I hope, ambassador, that you can understand and forgive us now. At least for the length of this meeting.

I also feel that it is my duty now, to tell you that the Ur-quan, both Kohr-ah and Kzer-za have intended to stay in this Quadrant. We will position ourselves over the Camelopardalis system where we have sufficient space from all current species. I hope that all species will agree with this, and if not, then let them speak now, or forever hold their peace.

[Sage]

WE ARE KZZTRMN, REPRESENTATIVE OF THE CHENJESU/MMRNMHRM HYBRID, OTHERWISE KNOWN AS THE CHMMR. THOUGH WE HAVE ONLY JUST ARRIVED, WE HAVE BEEN INFORMED OF THE EVENTS THAT HAVE TRANSPIRED THUS FAR, AND WISH TO COMMENT ON A FEW OF THESE ISSUES:

FIRSTLY, THE ANDROSYNTH ACCOUNT SEEMS ENTIRELY ONE-SIDED. AFTER SPEAKING WITH SEVERAL EARTH STARBASE PERSONELL, INCLUDING THE HUMAN CAPTAIN, IT IS SAFE TO ASSUME THAT IT MAY BE DIFFICULT TO EXTRACT SPECIFIC INFORMATION FROM THE ORZ ABOUT THEMSELVES, OR THE EXACT NATURE OF THE ANDROSYNTH'S ABSENSE. BEARING THIS IN MIND THERE IS LITTLE CHOICE BUT TO ACCEPT THE ANDROSYNTH ACCOUNT AS TRUTH UNTIL OTHER EVIDENCE IS BROUGHT FORTH. WE WISH TO LEARN MORE OF YOUR EXPERIENCES *BELOW* SO THAT WE CAN GLEAN MORE INFORMATION ABOUT THESE NEWCOMERS.

THOUGH THE ORZ HAVE BEEN SHOWN TO BE OF A MALACIOUS NATURE, IF THEY HAVE NOT ATTACKED OR MADE ANY HOSTILE MOVES TOWARD THE UTWIG PROCTORATE WE SEE NO NEED FOR A PREEMPTIVE STRIKE AGAINST THEM. MORE INFORMATION IS NEEDED BEFORE ANY COMMITMENT AGAINST THE ORZ CAN BE MADE.

SECONDLY, AFTER STUDYING DATA FROM VARIOUS SOURCES, INCLUDING MELNORME DATABASES AND RECORDED ENCOUNTERS WITH THE KZER-ZA AND KOHR-AH, WE HAVE LEARNED MORE OF THE UR-QUAN'S ANCIENT PLIGHT. WE EXTEND OUR SYMPATHY. THOUGH YOUR INTENTIONS WERE INDEED NOBLE, YOUR METHODS WERE UNJUSTIFIABLE, AS THE KZER-ZA WERE NOT FORTHCOMING WITH THEIR TRUE PURPOSE. PERHAPS HAD THERE BEEN SOME CHANGES TO YOUR METHODS, YOU WOULD HAVE FOUND OVERWHELMING SUPPORT FROM THIS SECTOR. HOWEVER, THIS IS IN THE PAST, AND CANNOT BE CHANGED.

ALSO, I MUST AGREE WITH THE SPATHI DELEGATE THAT MORE DETAIL AND PLANNING IS REQUIRED BEFORE WE CONSIDER THIS NEW POWER STRUCTURE THE ANDROSYNTH PROPOSE. IT IS AN INTERESTING AND UNIQUE APPROACH TO WHAT WE HAVE BEEN ATTEMPTING FOR SOME TIME NOW.

FINALLY, IF THE UR-QUAN DELEGATE DOES NOT MIND, WE WISH TO HEAR MORE ABOUT THE ANCIENT MILIEU. IF LEGEND AND COLLECTED DATA HOLDS TRUE, WHATEVER SYSTEM THEY ONCE HAD MAY BE USEFUL TO US AS WE PLAN OUR MUTUAL EXISTANCE. WE MAY ALSO COME UP WITH CONTINGENT PLANS AND TECHNOLOGIES TO COUNTERACT THREATS SIMILAR TO OR WORSE THAN THE DYNARRI, SUCH AS THE ORZ ARE REPORTED TO BE.

[Lukipela]

The Shofixti Empire extends a warm greeting to the Chmmr, and recognizes Ambassador KZZTRMN as their voice in the council.

<Ambassador Ichiban rises in his chair, visibly shaking with rage, his whiskers quivering ominiously. He turns to face the Androsynth Emissaries>

Androsynth delegates, know that if these proceedings were not undertaken in such grave times, and with the blessings of the noble human Commander, I would have slain you all for the insult you just offered. By simply uttering the words:

I would like to bring to light that after your defeat you had no further plans to combat the Ur-Quan.  You ask how we dare speak of honor?  I ask how you can dare question ours.  You seem to forget that even the Yehat had become a Thrall race.

You have proven yourself arrogant and foolish. Combat the Ur-Quan after our defeat? Our entire race, save for two crippled ships and some frozen females hidden in enemy territory, was wiped out! What would you have had us strike back with? Ghosts and spectres, flying through the interstellar void. Bear in mind that every member of the Shofixti race alive today has been born after the rebirth of our species. We honour our ancestors and their sacrifice, and your suggestion that they could have fought back after perishing is laughable.

And since when do the Yehat carry our honour? What they did, they must live with. They make what amends they can, but rest assured that every one of them has fallen in our eyes, and that they are but slowly regaining what little dignity they can. They however, understand this, and work well towards their goal. They show shame, and strive to put their dishonour in the past. But whatever they do, it does not effect the honour of the Shofixti Empire.

Concerning the Orz, the Shofixti Empire concurs with the Chmmr. We have heard one side of the tale. We would like to hear the other before committing ourselves to this plan. If the Orz delegate would be so kind as to clarify the situation?

In regards to the Axiom, we feel that it is foolhardy to split the unity of the Quadrant like this. However, we recognize that each race has a sovereign rioght to join any and all organizations they wish to be a part of, and we will in no way oppose the formation of this organization.

Taking into consideration the newfound strenght of the Androsynthetic Nation, we propose that the Axiom be made into a non-military organization. Clearly, it would be foolish to split the military power ofthis Quadrant into two separate bodies. Surely one unified organization would be more efficent? In the interest of balance, we suggest that the Alliance be de-militarized, and that a new military body consisting of the armed forces of ALL races and under the command of a unified council be created. This would serve as both "sword" and "shield".

<Ichiban, turns towards the Ur-Quan delegate, and visibly calms himself.>

The glorious Shofixti Empire still recognizes the presence of the lowly Ur-Quan. While we still feel that you have no place on this council, we nonetheless recognize that there is honour in your words. Your tales may or may not be true, but for the moment we are content. We will listen to what you have to say, and consider it. This is all we will do for now.

The Shofixti Empire extends its humblest thanks to both Utwig and Yehat nations. Our infrastructure is slowly being rebuilt, and Scouts once again patrol the blessed lands of the Empire.

[Sedodes]

<rising and speaking directly at the Shofixti delegate>

Only so many transgressions can be tolerated, and you've exceeded the alloted amount.  Your ranting proves the childish nature of your people, kicking and screaming, throwing a tantrum before you even understand what was said.  Your "honor" is merely arrogance.  When you are willing to calm yourselves and listen to a voice other than your own, we may look upon you as equals.

<sitting, and turning to the rest of the table>

Ur-Quan delegate, please forgive your former and still allied Androsynthetic neighbors, but the terms of our alliance with the Arilou prevent us from sharing any specific information regarding quasispace.  All I am able to say is that it is a a pocket dimension where the space is *crumpled*, causing corresponding points in *real* space to be much closer in quasispace.  Travel time is therefore cut to a mere fraction of what it would be otherwise.  We hope this information suffices.

Chmmr delegate, I suggested not a preemptive srike, but a decisive defensive strike.  As is plainly evident, the Orz have not responded to ANYTHING said here today, aside from their initial greeting.  The confusion created by this is an INSTINCTIVE tactic to get closer to their food source while a decision is fumbled about as is being done now.  When the Arilou and Umgah arrive they will support this, but please realize that with every minute that passes the Utwig are getting that much closer to their fate.

Our research on the Orz was gathered in rather... deplorable ways, sadly, but we had no other choice at the time.  Had there been another option we'd have exercized it, however, there were none.  We realize that our account may seem a bit biased, and that can only be expected after nearly being wiped out by the *creature*, but every word is the truth.  We refuse to share the resonance frequency of *below* to avoid any other races intentionally seeking it.  If, however, another race does have dimensional fatigue technology of any type we Androsynthetics STRONGLY encourage you to contact us so we may give you precautionary advice should you accidentally encounter them.

What you all fail to understand is that the Axiom is not a proposed body, it is already formed of the Androsynthetics, Arilou, Umgah, and Slylandro.  We do not intend for the Axiom and Alliance to be mutually exclusive -- in fact, we encourage races to join both.  The Axiom is merely an alternative.  We expected this idea to appeal especially to the Spathi, who may wish to participate more in the diplomacy among races and avoid physical conflict to protect races from threats -- two of the various tasks which could be delegated to the two seperate bodies.  The Axiom merely seeks recognition, not approval, and for the Alliance to refuse either would be quite detrimental to the peace process.

Further information regarding the proposed dual ruling body system are being sent as we speak to all races right now.  Please review them to better understand this proposition.  <check the OOC thread>

[fluffy_banana]

I still stand by my decision to not to attack the Orz unless it is absolutely neccesary. I was simply planning in the case that it IS neccesary. I agree we should get more information before we actually do anything. But I think we should plan ahead, so if there is a attack by the Orz, we will be ready.

[Sedodes]

Our many thanks to the Utwig Proctorate for supporting this course of action.  This is all we request.  Hostility at this point is detrimental to the well-being of our sector, even if directed at such a dangerous *creature* in a purely defensive manner.  We, too, wish to avoid a conflict, however, will stop at nothing to defend a fellow member of our home quadrant against this threat.

I am glad to see that our ships have arrived safely in your space and that your fine vessels have taken up positions to bolster our ranks.  While we still wish for a peaceful resolution, but if a battle must occour we wish for it to incur as few friendly losses as possible.  Our fleet has been given orders to escort and protect the Utwig craft at all costs.  As such we now predict less than 2% losses to the Androsynth fleet and less than 1% to the Utwig forces.