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Post by Theopolis on Jul 1, 2012 14:29:40 GMT -5
Republic of Eshara Space[/color]
" This is ADS Trio, is anyone reading us? This is the ADS Trio. "
The call went out for days on end. They had entered the Graal Nebula but because of it's size, had not been able to get a match on any civilizations for several months. They had come relatively close to the Eshara System and they're call would inevitably be picked up by the Esharans.
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Post by Empire of Ezria on Jul 2, 2012 20:57:26 GMT -5
The Esharan exploration ship, known as the REN Tarentum had been listening to the broadcast for several hours. Lurking closer and closer before the science ship eventually returned the hail. A lone rail cannon coming to lock the ship within it's sights, but clearly the vessel wasn't designed as a warship. She was a so called 'planetcracker'. Scanning asteroids and planets for resources, and making contact with distant and inferior races. It wasn't long before the Esharan's had transferred over a data package containing the basics of 'Galactic' (the standard trading language of the Graal nebula and most of beyond).
'' This is the REN Tarentum. We are reading you. Please state your intentions. ''
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Post by Theopolis on Jul 3, 2012 11:40:01 GMT -5
" Incoming data final, sir. "
"Excellent. Send the Ashigaru Planetary Files. "
" [COM] This is the ADS Trio of the Ashigaru Empire. We have, with the reinstating of a new Prime Minister ended our isolationism and our seeking new trade partners in the galaxy. You may have seen our Gravball team at Natchika, but since 2999 we have not allowed foreigners into the Traverse. We request permission to land to begin immediate negotiations. "
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Post by Empire of Ezria on Jul 3, 2012 13:43:42 GMT -5
'' Agreed, standby for coordinates. '' A shuttle would take the Ashigaru to a nearby skyport in the city of Pretoria. The massive city hub oozed around them, sky tram's stuffed full of passengers went about their business, while trawlers and skiff's fought their way through the dense fog of traffic.
When the Ashigaru stepped off their craft, they would be greeted by a strange sight. Graal troopers in Esharan uniforms, thick burly muscles rippling beneath their combat suits. Gnarled fingers toying over assault rifles as the slave soldiers cast a beady eye on the Ashigaru. A strange collar was mounted on their necks, obviously some means to control their captives by their Esharan handlers. Slave troops in the professional army were not the norm, it had begun as a test project on captured Graal prisoners of war to test how these brutes would fair under civilized leadership. Thus far, the Esharan's had not been dissapointed.
Past the ranks of the Graal, a different sort of entourage came onto the walkway. The black uniforms of the Consular Legion, with Senator Drussus stalking in their midst.
'' I am Senator Drussus. '' He bowing (attempting to mimick in the Ashigaru fashion). '' I welcome you to our fair city of Pretoria. Come this way. '' He lead the Ashigaru represenative through the twisting spires of the Senate House, past hundreds of flunkies and toadies. It was a sea of organized chaos, one that the Senator knew how to function in quite well. The office he lead them to was spacious and wide, according to the Ashigaru planetary files the Esharan Diplomatic Corp had tried to find something to make the Ashigaru feel comfortable. Drussus had kicked off his shoes in exchange for wooden slippers as had grudgingly most of his entourage had as well.
A second flunkie approached bearing a gift for the Ashigaru, an Elysium Heartfruit. Chosen for it's well rounded shape and lack of imperfections, apparently it was considered rude to not exchange gifts with visitors. Drussus obviously was in no mood to offend potential trading partners.
'' Now, your message..spoke of the possibility of trade?'' The Senator said with a raised eyebrow now that the pleasentries were out of the way.
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Post by Theopolis on Jul 3, 2012 13:48:34 GMT -5
The Ashigaru entourage found the Esharans extremely accommodating, but their attempts to mimic their civilization were lackluster at best. Several of the Ashigaru diplomats gave no small awe at the Graal slaves -- identured servitude was commonplace in the Traverse as well, and the slave trade between planets was booming. The Ashigaru followed the Senator until they were well met his spacious office. The Heartfruit was taken and carefully placed within a sealed container. They took a seat at the edge of the table.
" Indeed! I am Kisoku Vroshka of the Ashigaru Exploration Corps, I have been empowered by my government to begin negotiations with all friendly civilizations we have come into contact with since the end of our isolation. We appreciate your hospitality. We have noticed that you employ indentured servants? The Ashigaru also engage in the trade of non-civilized creatures and we would be willing to trade them with the Esharan government as well. What is the current status of your trade infrastructure, Senator Drussus?"
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Post by Empire of Ezria on Jul 3, 2012 13:54:35 GMT -5
'' Indeed. We have found that species such as the Graal, while lacking in brain power. '' A wry chuckle went up from the Esharan's '' are more than capable of doing what their designed to do genetically. Which is to kill. '' When the prospect came to Eshara's current trading infrastructure, his expression darkened. Graal pirate raids and the instability of the cluster had meant that Esharan's once booming merchant fleet had been devastated, with many firms deciding to lay their ships up into dead fleets until stability returned and markets improved. '' At the moment, our merchant fleets are limited. Our main trading port is undergoing major expansion and will be unable to handle new shipments until the new galactic year I am afraid. However, we fully expect to have both our fleet and port up and running by then, with rapid expansions to follow after that. Can I ask the same of the Ashigaru? Would you have the freighters needed to transport goods between our empires? ''
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Post by Theopolis on Jul 3, 2012 13:59:07 GMT -5
" Ah, yes! Mr. Kosu? " The Ashigaru have turned and raised it's two left arms and waved the diminutive sized Ashigaru forward. He slipped into the seat next to Vroshka. " This is Mr. Kosu of the Xeno Branch of the Sroshka Financial Firm. On Ashigaru, we believe business is a mutual concept and the Sroshka Financial Firm would be willing to pay the cost of 20,000,000,000 galactic credits to fund the laying down of an Esharan owned vessel with an Sroshka-based design. The Sroshka vessels can carry 30% more liquidated assets per journey. The only stipulation is that they will only run on Ashigaru approved trade lanes, of which one could certainly be the Graal Nebula-Ashigaru Lane. We also have two freighters capable of carrying cargo to and from the galaxy. "
Mr. Kosu sat, somewhat timidly while Vroshka spoke. " Would this idea entice you? "
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Post by Empire of Ezria on Jul 3, 2012 17:14:04 GMT -5
Drussus hesitated, on the one hand it was a free freighter in which to commence trade. On the other of course, it would look rather odd for the Esharan's to accept the offer and look weak. In the end, Drussus decided to go with boosting trade revenues over other perceptions. Besides, the new Esharan merchant fleet would be up soon.
'' This arrangement would be acceptable and beneficial. '' Drussus said with a nod of his head to the delegation. '' When the time comes, I would also propose expanding embassies to one another's planets, and an official exchange of ambassadors. ''
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Post by Theopolis on Jul 3, 2012 17:17:44 GMT -5
" Alas, a fine offer! The Republic of Eshara would have to front the cost of the other 20,000,000,000 credits for the vessel's crew, protection and training. We have the paperwork if you would be prepared to sign. " Mr. Kosu pulled several holoflimsies from his pack.
" We would also be interested in constructing an Ashigaru Embassy here. Would it be acceptable for us to begin construction within this galactic cycle?"
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Post by Empire of Ezria on Jul 3, 2012 17:45:36 GMT -5
'' On the behalf of the Republic I am more than pleased to agree. Let us hope that this is a firm foundation for our future ties and relationship. '' He said with a bow of his head, before calling for a round of Nicopolian wines to be passed around. Whether the Ashigaru could tolerate the stuff was unknown to him but he hoped the gesture of 'sealing the bargain' would be appreciated nonetheless.
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Post by Theopolis on Jul 3, 2012 18:54:12 GMT -5
" We will now depart, but construction on the Ashigaru Embassy has begun and we will leave Chief Diplomat Sasko Kirojiwa as your ambassador. We would implore you find the plans to construct an Embassy on Saskia, our homeplanet as soon as possible. Good day! "
The crew of the ADS Trio departed. Their vessel determined to explore the rest of the galaxy while several Ashigaru remained behind to wait for the arrival of the construction workers to complete their Embassy.
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Post by Empire of Ezria on Jul 3, 2012 19:28:53 GMT -5
The Ashigaru would no doubt witness the instability as chaos reigned on the streets for several weeks. The Army was on the move, rounding up dissidents, shooting and killing pockets of Republican resistance that had sprung up. The resistance groups were always short lived, within a few short weeks the bureaucracy of the Esharan State was under the control of the Emperor and he used those resources ruthlessly to crush any hint of rebellion while working to centralize the powers of the government. But in the interim, the Ashigaru had largely been left to themselves in government supplied temporary shelters while construction was underway in their embassy. It was in one of those grainy days that a high ranking army officer had requested a meeting with the Ashigaru. His chest bristling with medals for his bravery on Sorguth Prime, his peaked cap and black boots shined to perfection. General Diocletian was a man new to the upper ranks, he had made his name commanding Legio Victrix in it's advance on Primerus and then later protecting Vespasian by a short lived counterattack by the Consular Legion.
'' Sirs. '' He said with a bow before rising to his full and powerful height. '' I come today on behalf of my Emperor. I would request that the Ashigaru bless us with the official recognition of the rightful government of the Eshara. We realize that you made a deal with the former regime, we would see that reputation blossom and continue. ''
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Post by Theopolis on Jul 3, 2012 19:35:34 GMT -5
The Ashigaru Embassy welcome General Diocletian in with all the usual social embraces that they had used with Senator Drussus. They took his coat (if allowed), offered him Saskian Tea (chilled with a variety of leaves that soothed one's insides) and asked him how his day was. Chief Ambassador Kirojiwa met with General Diocletian after some twenty odd minutes of the usual pleasantries.
" Ah yes. We will indeed recognize the powerful Dominion of Eshara as the rightful government and are excited to continue relations with.. " Kirojiwa's antennae darted to and fro, as if sizing Diocletian up, " .. the Esharan people! My leaders in the Traverse have indicated that you may need some security or labor forces. We currently have two million Ancien slaves awaiting assignment. Much like the Graal, the Ancien are powerful workers and capable soldiers but require substantially less uptake. My superiors have told me they are currently going for a premium and will sell them at 33,333 credits a head. We can have one million sent to you for 30 billion credits. Within two years they will become a wise financial investment as well as aiding you in the continued rebuilding of your infrastructure!"
1 Million Anciens = 30 Industry. (Can be converted to Slaves (15 Industry/Turn, Soldiers, 1 Million = 200,000 soldiers, Servants, 20 Influence a turn or Experiments 1 time 30 Science).
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Post by Empire of Ezria on Jul 3, 2012 19:52:10 GMT -5
General Diocletian accepted the Ashigaru's hospitality while he considered there offer. The Imperial Armies had been ravaged by the cut backs of the Great Solar War and there had been a purge within the ranks to crush Kommenous loyalists. It was clear that fresh Esharan troops wouldn't be able to be fielded for at least a year. In the interim, they needed the troops. Even if they were low quality, they were fresh bodies to put into the field while the Esharan Army rebuilt itself. The disaster at the Ayar embassy had come brought tensions to a head. War was in the air.
'' I accept, on behalf of the Emperor.''
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Post by Theopolis on Jul 3, 2012 20:45:22 GMT -5
Negotiations had actually went better, as the Esharans (and potentially the rest of the galaxy would find out), the Ashigaru were savvy merchants. For two million Anciens, the Esharans would pay 45,000,000,000 credits. The order went out to have them shipped out on the Ashigaru Sroshka Financial Firm vessels before 3131.
" We will have them shipped to you in the next galactic month. Thank you for your time, General Diocletian! If you have any further requests, the Ashigaru Empire would be more than willing to accept. The Esharan News Network has reported some victories over some RWU terrorists? It is delightful to see such a thing! The Ashigaru Empire will accommodate any loans you wish to make, or any additional requests you might have! "
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