[SEMI-OPEN] First(ish) Contact

[Drakorphobia]

NortNaeram Outpost, Drathian Border Territories


The planet of NortNaeram couldn't officially be called "inhabited" by Fylkirate standards, given that its population was yet to exceed one hundred thousand. Yet, the astral sphere was still fully capable of supporting life. With two continents, the larger of which was dominated by flat topped mountains and large fields of pale grass, the planet wasn't particularly rich in arable land, given the second continent was mostly frozen over in the southern hemisphere. Perhaps this is why the Fylkirate was so slow in developing it. Nonetheless, there were still settlers scattered around in farms throughout the surface. A single destroyer, the DSV Howler, orbited the planet and acted as a garrison. Any full scaled invasion of the planet would crush any sort of local resistance, for sure. But with most of their fleet in repairs or under construction after the events of the Civil War, the Drathian Fylkirate was in no position to heavily guard its less profitable territories. As such, only about 10,000 troops were present both upon the Howler and NortNaeram's surface.

Captain Amaranta 'Fire-Eyes' was in charge of protecting the planet, "sentenced" to guard duty over NortNaeram for her regular outbursts of impassioned shouting, and inappropriate comments during meetings, as well as her general disrespect towards those who didn't sit well with her. Regardless of whether or not they were the Naval Chief of Staff. Luckily for her, it was a low maintenance job, and though the lack of action bored her to death, there was little for her to get wrong. As many in the Fylkirate Navy liked to say; "If it needs breaking, give it to Amaranta".

The orange skinned Drathian with blood red hair tied into a ponytail resembling that of the late war hero Rayga 'Knife-Eye', sat in her captain's chair, with legs kicked up on the command console. Her left arm and eye had been taken from her during the Civil War, and so a patch of metal fibre was situated above her blind eye, and her arm was replaced with a cybernatic. Of course, Drathian cybernetics meant something roughly organic shaped, with artificial blood vessels and nerve endings to bring sensation back to the mising limb. The benthite metal used for such replacements, was a very dark bluish purple, nearly black in colour. In her lax position, a freshly warmed up roll of meat stuffed bread on a paper plate lay in her lap. By the Mind Flower, did she love human snacks. "Anything new?"  She called down to the rest of the bridge, most of whom were napping in their lul of inactivity.


"No, captain. Business as us-.. Hold on, I'm getting some contacts jumping into the system. Unknown entities, captain. They don't match any ship model we've seen before."


Amaranta stared down at him, her chewing coming to a slow stop. She remained with the chunk of food in her mouth, before gulping it down and hurrying to sit straight up. "Alright! All hands on deck! Battlestatio-" She turned on the intercom. "All hands on deck! Battlestations! We have a series of unknown contacts. I repeat, battlestations!" Damn damn damn. Could it be a return of the Invaders? Why would they attack such a small little outpost. And, more importantly, why would they attack such a small little outpost that she was meant to be guarding? It wasn't even fair.

The following transmission would be sent to the incoming ships, should they have a holocommunicator, they'd be able to see Amaranta as she spoke. Otherwise, it'd come in only as audio.
 

Unknown Vessels,

This is Captain Amaranta 'Fire-Eyes' of the DSV Howler. You are entering the sovereign space the Drathian Fylkirate. Identify yourself immediately or we'll blow your asses from here to Vishi-.. Ow! What do you mean that's unprofessional? Oh yeah? Why don't you take over then? That's what I thought you pansy! Back to your station with you!

... Or we will be forced to open fire.

 

[RIPSaidCone]

Unknown Outer Colony, Recorded Drathian Territory
AXF Perseverance, Clearance-class Research ship
Dr. Tami D'yseus
Fetra 24-6.1, 3507AF
​

​

The AXF Perseverance jumped out of lightspeed, arriving near the planet that's coordinates had been specified by their probe. Four "small" corvettes arriving just behind it, and small was in quotations due to how large they actually were in comparison to many other ships, it was primarily the Zakari that thought of them as small due to how disturbingly large the ships they produced could get. The Perseverance was a science vessel primarily that spanned around 15 kilometres long, it was completely unarmed and as such was required an escort of four Paladin-class Corvettes, these spanned around 30km in total and were lightly armed in comparison to other ADF vessels but still heavily armed for the situation, needless to say the Axani research team didn't approve of this escort as this was supposed to be a peaceful encounter. The ADF high command didn't share their optimism as was clear by the very presence of the escort craft, however Dr. Dyseus still had blue skies ahead as she begun tapping in her Doctor's Log.

/>"Doctor's Log, we have just arrived in what is known to be 'Drathian' territory. However the situation may have changed from when we last scanned this region, I certainly hope it hasn't as that will complicate the situation to an extent I am not comfortable with. The Overseeing Archon was most insistant on sending a military force with us on our journey to the Drathians, even if only a small one. I appreciate his concern for our safety but I am most certain we will be safe, if our research is anything to go from the Drathians are more pro-alien than many other civilizations we have recorded. I take solace in knowing this, from what we know the planet we have arrived near is a small colony of sorts and as such a perfect place to make first physical contact..."</

/>"It appears I am needed on the bridge, the Drathians have sent us a message. I am keen to study them closer and I pray to Clearance that they will be as keen on me as I am on them. Log over."</

Dr. D'yseus got up from her chair as she hit enter on the hologram, her log being saved and stashed in her folder as she left her office/dormitory. Making a rather enthusiastic jog to the bridge of the large research ship, first communications with the Drathians would be most interesting indeed and she would certainly not be one to miss this. Arriving on the bridge she was met with many faces, most of them being those of her Axani comrades in science. However there was one intimidating figure on the bridge awaiting her arrival, Vice Archon. Patrus Varmius, he was a Zakari naval commander and one of the most skilled at that for his age. He had insisted on joining the research team for their first contact encounter with the Drathians and Dr. D'yseus did believe him in that, both the Zakari and Masni-Axani were highly protective of the feminine figures around, yet the presence of such a pro-military and headstrong figure such as himself would put both Dr. Dyseus and her colleagues on edge. The Zakari weren't known for their patience with foreigners.

"Ah, Dr. D'yseus I was wondering when you would finally decide to arrive." The Vice Archon spoke up with his very noticeable Zakari accent. Arms folded as he jerked his head towards one of Holograms on the bridge, it showing a woman of sorts in a uniform. Dr. D'yseus turned to the Vice Archon, "We've made the assumption that this is the Drathian ship's captain. I would've made a counter-threat but your colleagues didn't seem so happy about that, so I shall leave it to you, Doctor." He stepped aside, Dr. D'yseus nodding as she stepped onto their own Holopad. Her body being visible on the Drathian ship now in response.
​

"This is Dr. Tami D'yseus of the AXF Perseverance, we are a research vessel escorted by four armed corvettes of the Axani Defense Force. I represent the Axani Federation on a strictly peaceful and diplomatic encounter to meet with your civilization, the Drathian Fyilkirate. Again, this is a well-intentioned, diplomatic encounter. However if you do fire upon us we will not hesitate to return fire. I sincerely hope that is not the case and that we can proceed with further, more positive communications. Thank you for your time."​

 

[Drakorphobia]

"Captain, they're not hostile!"  Said Commander Ryker 'Water-Holder' in a rather strained tone as he held the captain by the waist, and kept her outstretched arms just out reach of the button that would send the ship into red alert, and tell the crew to begin deploying fighters and firing the ship's weapons. The rest of the crew on the bridge stared at the scuffle between the two with blank expressions. Of course, the sight was common onboard the Howler, as Ryker's levelheadedness often lead him to be the one to calm down the captain. It was how he earned his last name.


"That is exactly what they want you to think! Commander! They're probably Invaders in disguise! Or worse! Keltakens! Look at them! No species looks that trustworthy!" The entire display was in full view of the Dr. D'yseus and her compatriots, since Amaranta hadn't had the idea to turn off communications before wrestling with a member of her crew. The woman must have had some military mind, otherwise there was no way she'd be allowed control of her own ship, a destroyer, no less. Eventually, as she began to lose ground, Amaranta stopped her pointless struggle, and was released. "Fine. If you want to be like that, we can do things your way. But don't come crying to me when I'm right and you're wrong, commander."

Greetings, and well met, Doctor. As your crew has been informed, I am Captain Amaranta 'Fire-Eyes' of the DSV Howler. We-Ow! I aplogize for my hostilies. At this time, there are no diplomats within the system, but you and your crew are more than welcome to board. There is also a spaceport upon the planet surface, should you wish to meet there instead. I am sending you the coordinates to the planetside landing pad, in the case that the second option is more preferable.
 
​

 

[RIPSaidCone]

Dr. D'yseus noticed when Vice Archon Varmius' mandibles lifted up in tension, just like she noticed the similar tension plaguing some of her colleagues as they awaited a response from the other ship. The rest of the team were desperate to be able to research a civilized alien species for once rather than the dozens of primitive or bacterial ones they researched regularly and if this didn't go as planned then they wouldn't get that chance, at least not in the way they hoped to. Her hands held neatly behind her back in a more formal, professional manner as she awaited the response. Smiling pleasantly as she saw the hologram return with a more positive look about her and an even more positive message to deliver. Nodding before replying.​

"Likewise, Captain. Your hostility was a perfectly understandable reaction, and I greatly appreciate your willingness to accomodate me and my team. I believe my colleagues would be better suited to the planet surface, they are very eager to learn what they can about newly discovered planets. Me and my colleagues shall take a shuttle down to the given coordinates, I thank you for your hospitality."​

She then stepped off the Holopad, the rest of her team fanning out to grab their suits and equipment and with Dr. D'yseus ready to join them before the Vice Archon extended his powerful, armored arm out in-front of her. The Doctor stopping abruptly and looking up at him, "Yes, Vice Archon?" She asked curiously, a brow raising. "A security detail will be accompanying you no doubt?" He questioned her, seeming as if he already knew the answer in his tone however. "No, I do not believe that will be necessar--" "But I do, Doctor. With all due respect, my job is to ensure your safety and so there will be security accompanying you." D'yseus sighed but nodded regardless, "Fine. However they shall be Axani guards, the last thing we need for an introduction is a group of intimidating Zakari standing behind us." Varmius' eyes narrowed but he nodded despite clear reservations. "That seems acceptable, as long as they are powerful psionics." D'yseus nodded again, stepping under his arm as she continued towards the locker rooms where her team was suiting up.

The Axani researchers equipped their Xytak Extrohazard Suits, they were slim form-fitting spacesuits designed for maximum mobility, comfort and durability. They may have looked thin but they were fitted with reinforced Kolium plating, thin strands of armor that binded the suit together whilst providing the wearer with effective armor plating. A large multitude of sensors, recording equipment and Datapads were also taken with the team as they boarded the shuttle. A small security team of 4 armored Axani soldiers boarding with them, the shuttle departed from the Perserverance escorted by two fighter aircraft. Upon entering the planet's atmosphere the two fighters departed back to the Corvette they left from.

The shuttle arrived on the Spaceport landing pad, the side door shifting open as the soldiers stepped out first. Rifles at hand as they nodded to Dr. D'yseus to show that it was safe to come out, the doctor nodding as she hopped out with the rest of her nine woman team. Waiting for the Drathians to show up.
​

 

[Drakorphobia]

A single shuttle, carrying the Captain, Commander, as well as six guards, was dispatched from the Howler. However, it'd have probably arrived a few minutes after Dr. D'yseus and her crew. The good doctor had some time to observe her surroundings, which, by Drathian standards, were rather drab in comparison to the glory of the capital.


As an outpost, the space port lacked the many flashing banners and kiosks typical of Drathian civilian centers. Instead, it was a single three story building surrounded on five of its six sides with a landing pad large enough to accommodate five or so shuttles each. Given that only two platforms were occupied by a few fighters each, the Axani had the freedom to park their ship wherever they'd like. The sixth side of the hexagonal base of the building sported a road that trailed on towards a nearby town, likely the largest settlement on the planet. A bridge connected the pad to the station proper, with two guards stationed at the sliding doorway. Immediately leaving the shuttle, the Axani could feel the general chill that soaked the air, as no trees or massive structures were present in order to keep the cool breeze from rolling over the vast plains of the continent. The sky held a dull blue colour, though perhaps the general lack of vibrancy in it was due to the sheet of grey clouds that blocked some of the light cast by the planet's sun. One thing that dominated the landscape was the silence of it. Save for the gentle blow of the wind and bending of the pale grass to its will, there was not a sound. If they were by the coast, then they could at least take comfort in the crashing of waves against the rocky, birdless beaches. Alas, they were too far inland for such pleasures.

Luckily for the Axani, they didn't need to wait long for the Drathian shuttle to arrive. There was a slight oppression of wind as it landed, which came to a quick halt once the engines were turned off, and the Captain's party was free to exit from the ramp in the shuttle's side. It could be noted that the guards that accompanied Captain Amaranta wore the same suit of armour, and wielded the same rifles that those at the station sported. Perhaps because the settlement was so small, the Drathian's hadn't bothered to set up a civilian defense force. Also possible, was that they did not distinguish between civilian and military law enforcement, as so many younger nations did. Regardless of whether or not the Fylkirate enforced a marshal law, Captain Amaranta walked towards the Axani in her uniform and with open arms.

"Welcome! Welcome! I apologize again for my outbursts. It's so rare that we get company here on this backwater prison." Said she with the brightest of smiles. "Shall we proceed inside?"

 

[RIPSaidCone]

Almost immediately upon exiting the shuttle, a few of the team members had gotten out their datapads and begun typing down observations on what they saw. This was far from the first new planet they'd been on but that didn't stop them from being greatly interested in it, the others who weren't writing down their observations on the shade of the sky or the features of the local fauna were taking out their sensors and telling those with datapads out what they were reading, many of the gadgets that Dr. D'yseus and her team had brought measured things such as wind speed, temperature, water vapor in the air. The amount of oxygen and other gases in the air itself, the gravity of the planet and various other things. Pictures were taken of the surrounding landscape and architecture of the Spaceport, there was no doubt that this would all be added to the Andromeda Archives later after further study. One of the soldiers tapping the Doctor on the shoulder and pointing out the approaching Drathian shuttle as it landed.

For their conversation the Omnilaters for the team had managed to pick up a good amount of translation after accessing information from the Archives. During the 2900s the Axani had made attempts at translation of other discovered languages for future first contact scenarios, by accessing civilian communications from their planets. Drathian had been one of those languages, and it was now clearly coming in handy as the Omnilater was able to work for the Doctor in terms of translating from Axani Standard to Drathian. Smiling with a nod as the Captain approached.

"Yes, we noticed that this planet does appear to be an outer colony of sorts. And that would be most convienent." The Doctor nodded again as the group of Drathians and Axani begun making their way towards the Spaceport entrance.
​

 

[Drakorphobia]

It wasn't particularly large, with a room that could fit perhaps six hundred people. Between the doors at each wall was a collection of market stalls, selling snacks, local farmed produce, or trinkets. Some had a few farming tools for those at the town, and others had a collection of fine jewelry, crafted from stones mined in the tunnels of NortNaeram's flat topped mountains. Drathians, in their wide variety of colours and hues, strolled about in civilian clothing, examining the wares on display, and, to a large extent, the Axani delegation. They'd never seen such aliens before, and, were naturally excited that the Fylkirate had seemingly made contact with a new species. While many stared, none approached the Doctor, in fear of drawing the ire of her, or the captain's guards.


A glass tube elevator lay in the middle of the room, surrounded by some potted foliage and ascending to the two upper levels that were inaccessible to civilians. The offices and barracks on the second floor, and the communications center on the top level. Captain Amaranta strode up to the elevator, and brought her face to a camera mounted upon a number pad by the elevator door. It scanned her features with a flat fan of blue light, before the doors slid open. "There will be plenty of time to go shopping later. For now, though, please, step in. We'll be going to my office on the second level." She pursed her lips, and tapped a finger on her chin. She had forgotten to account for the guards. There were quite a few. She could always take multiple trips up and down with the lift, but that perhaps would have been more awkward that simply squeezing in everyone together. "The trip may be a bit cramped, however. I hope you don't mind."

 

[RIPSaidCone]

Dr. D'yseus couldn't help herself as she instinctively began looking over everything there was to see. This wasn't exactly the pinnacle of Drathian culture as it was just a simple marketplace but even that was enough to peek her interest, and the interest of her team as they began taking Vids and photos of everything they could. Recording all that they saw and typing down their observations once again, they looked over the food and trinkets. One could tell a lot about a civilization just from the items they could deem high value such as jewelry or attractive clothing. The Axani spoke among themselves as they made their observations on the Spaceport and the Drathians inhabiting it, clearly excited over what they were being able to see and study. The sensors begun scanning the room temperature of the Spaceport, determining what temperature the Drathians were most comfortable at and the design of the room was photographed for future reference, to see if all Drathian architecture shared the same traits.

From what the Axani team had seen so far, the Drathians did possess some form of technological prowess, for being a younger nation than most at least. And that was to be admired of them, although in-order to make any form of estimation to their tech level itself further study would be required, Dr. D'yseus watched with great curiosity as the camera scanned the Captain's face with a pan of blue light. And she smiled, remembering the times of when the Axani had still used that kind of facial recognition technology, when she was a young girl on Kalreea, one of the Axani's inner planets. "Understood. You all heard the Captain, team. We shall observe this further at another time." The Doctor called to her colleagues, the rest of the team pulling themselves away from whatever they were looking at or inspecting and returning to their team leader. The team and their accompanying guards awkwardly got into the elevator with the Captain and her own.
​

 

[Drakorphobia]

The elevator silently ascended the next level, until it finally came to a gliding halt at the second floor, whereupon the glass doors slid open, and Amaranta stepped out. The center chamber of the second level was much smaller than that of the first, perhaps only a quarter of the size. The hexagonal walls seemed to be shifted inwards, with doors upon each that led to a series of offices, corridors, and other miscellaneous facilities. It was the door to the eastern most wall that Amaranta approached, and signed into with the facial recognition scanner. There was an audible click as the door unlocked, and, in similar fashion to the one upon the lift, slid open. The Captain waved to her commander and guards, as a signal for them to remain outside of the office whilst she stepped in. Casting a glance to Doctor D'yseus, it seemed that she was expected to do the same.

The interior of the office was cozy enough. Two more doors on either side of the room likely led to some other sections, perhaps a restroom or corridor leading to other parts of the level. With a soft carpet floor, and a wooden desk whose top was adorned with plenty of miscellaneous items, as well as a porous purple fungus of sorts in the corner, the office was a rather cozy. Amaranta strode behind her desk, and sat in the swiveling chair situated behind it. She swiped her hand across the surface of the piece of furniture to clear a spot within the mess of writing utensils, a datapad, and some personal knickknacks ranging from a collection of old tribal stones frozen in a rectangular prism of crystal, to a small holographic memento of Amaranta's two sisters. That last item was careful placed to the side, rather than being swept along with the others. She said nothing for a few moments, and only typed some message on her datapad, before setting it too aside.


"So." She began, motioning to the free seat at the other end of the desk, before bridging her fingers atop the wooden surface. Assuming, of course, that the good doctor had followed her in. "I've told the higher ups about your arrival, meaning we'll have some actual diplomats arriving sometime.. soon. I hope. In the meantime, I'd love to hear more about you and your mission here."

 

[RIPSaidCone]

The Axani stepped out of the elevator upon its doors opening. Doing as they did always and taking the opportunity to look around the interior of the building, this floor was much smaller in size than the one they'd just arrived from that much was clear upon first inspection. The way the Drathians styled their offices and walls was interesting to the researchers, who yet again began speaking with one another and tapping away at their datapads at what they thought of the sense of style that the Drathians had in the way their buildings looked. Again they approached one of those facial recognition devices that the Drathians appeared to be fond of. The group now standing outside the office and Dr. D'yseus picking up on the hint and gesturing for her team and guards to stay outside with the other Drathians before following Captain Amaranta into the office.

The Doctor held her hands behind her back in the professional way that she did, taking small and soft steps across the carpeted floor below as she looked around, ever the curious one. It had been the purple fungus on the desk that had caught her eye however, the use of wood also grabbed her attention. Ticking that off mentally as something that she had expected to see, the material was certainly common throughout the galaxy it seemed excluding the minor variations and differences that some planets' wood sources had with one another. She would have to get her hands on some of these materials for further study sometime later on. It did interest her that the Drathians still used writing utensils, the Axani had phased out pens and pencils some millennia ago, however they are still used even today. Primarily for formalities like religious signings and political treaties and such, just symbolism really. It had been the numerous items on the Captain's desk that had peeked the Doctor's interest however, the tribal stones and the holographic memento of sorts especially.

D'yseus nodded, sitting down delicately on the seat that had been offered to her. Patting down her Scientist's uniform before doing so. "That is most excellent, I thank you for your help." She replied with another polite nod. "Well I am here on behalf of the Axani Federation, I am the leader of Team Aeyrnia, a research group dispatched by the Axani Explorational Command to make first contact with the Drathian people and begin Developed Study on you and your way of life. We wish to learn more of our neighbors in the galaxy and beyond so we may understand you better and ensure peaceful relations with all who live near us. and those who do not."
​

 

[Drakorphobia]

"Mmh." The Captain nodded, and took note with a quick scrawling upon her datapad by using the touch activated utensil. Amaranta  had taken the liberty of tying the utensil to her pad, given that she was prone to losing it. There were a few more moments of silence, and she finally looked up. "Righty then. I've been cleared for negotiation until I'm not. The Fylkirate is always looking for new friends in the Galaxy. Now with the collapse of the Keltaken Empire, we don't need to cower in fear of an invasion at every move we make."


She folded her hands on the desk, the wood being a cyan colour, with darker streaks of purple in the grain. "Given you've managed to translate our language well enough, I'm just going to assume you've heard of their lot before. Anyway, yes. Friends! Good things to have, indeed indeed. We'd be willing to enact a series of trade deals with the Federation, though I won't say anything about military cooperation until my superiors arrive."


Amaranta opened a drawer in her side of the desk, and produced some pebble sized yellow orbs, two of which she popped into her mouth. Sweets, apparantely. "Though if it is knowledge you're after, the Fylkirate is always willing to share data from our cultural archives. Mmh! Want some?" She held out an open palm, where two of the sweets remained.

 

[RIPSaidCone]

Dr. D'yseus took this time to look around the office some more. Nodding intently at what the Captain was saying, pleased to hear that the Fylkriate was looking for friends, even though that wasn't what the Doctor or her team was there for. It was still pleasant to hear, word of the Keltakens didn't surprise her. It made sense that the Drathians would know of their existence, their Empire had been incredibly large at its peak and with their imperialism it would make sense for a new nation such as the Fylkirate to be worried over their presence. "I am very glad to hear that, I still remember when the Keltaken Empire was at the peak of their power. Needless to say my government was pleased to hear of their collapse due to their imperialist tendencies." It was true, the Axani Federation had never been one for outside contact, and finding out about a nation thats goal was to seemingly take over everything in sight was much of a displeasure to the Council.

"We have indeed managed to translate your language for the most part. Prior to this contact we conducted surveys of your civilization to ensure that revealing our presence to you would not backfire. I am happy to see that you are a friendly people however, as for trade deals or military cooperation I would need to get into contact with my superiors before saying anything further on those matters." The Doctor folded her arms and watched as the Captain took the small yellow orbs from her desk, they appeared to be food of some description. Smiling at what the Captain continued with saying, "That is most pleasing to hear, my primary mission is to study your people and civilization in greater detail. We are always curious to learn more about our galaxy and those residing within it." Shaking her head with a polite dismissive wave to the offer of sweets. "It is against my protocol to consume foreign matter until tested unfortunately."
​

 

[Drakorphobia]

"Shame. They're rather tasty." Amaranta popped the last of the candies in her mouth. "In any case, anything you want to know about our people, before I send the archives to your ship, you are free to ask. Though I'm sure you're already aware of the culture shock as a result of the Keltaken invasion of our homeworld, that ripped us from feuding tribal societies into the space age, there is still oh so much to know!"  She watched the good doctor with increasing interest. Testing things before they ate them? Sending doctors and scientists down to make first contact with an alien race? Clearly a species founded on the principles of exploration and science, rather than the glory of war and bloodshed. That rung well with her, and she was increasingly willing to loosen her lips whilst they conversed.


"You seem like a sciency person, I like that. Means you're more interested in civil discourse than waving your, err.." Amaranta looked over Dr. D'yseus for a moment with a somewhat awkward expression. "Genitalia, around. Makes more pleasant company indeed. Our kind has tried in the past to be more diplomatic in the way that we handle things on a galactic scale. Unfortunately, whenever we do, other powers see it as a sign of weakness, and try to exploit us. Many times, the Drathians have been forced to pick up our weapons and beat off invaders. Quite literally, Invaders." The Captain chuckled to herself, perhaps she thought she was funny. Perhaps she was right! Perhaps I'm adding this bit in here to make my post seem a bit more fleshed out. "I think you'll find that is often reflected in everyday life, here. Sure, we put on a show of bio-engineering new ways to grow our populations and save the environment, or acting as mediators whenever the Colonials and another race want to go at it. Yet, many of our citizens own a weapon. Our police are our soldiers." She frowned, popping another candy into her mouth. "I suppose you get used to it, after a time."


"A lot of us wish that we had at least some more time before the Keltakens decided to take us from Drathia."  Amaranta waved at the collection of tribal stones, with their unique runes. "Maybe then we'd have more identity to ourselves."

 

[RIPSaidCone]

"I'm most certain they are. I will make sure to try them once we test them for uncooperative chemicals." Dr. D'yseus pleasantly responded with, she had only ever been able to try truly foreign food on a few rare occasions, it wasn't often that she was sent on contact missions with advanced and more importantly cooperative civilizations. Nodding in reference to the Keltaken invasion of Drathia, "Yes, I recall watching some of the footage our probes captured during the initial invasion of your homeworld; Drathia. It was terribly unfortunate for that to happen to your people at such an early stage in their development." The Keltaken invasion of Drathia had been a large talking point in the Council when it had happened, it was the Axani belief that no exterior force should interfiere with the development of a species and its society unless they were threatened and of course an invasion was even worse than just intruding on them with scientific devices and such.

"You would be correct in your assumption, Captain. I have devoted most of my life to my profession and yes, I am more interested in engaging in talking than fighting." A slim smile appeared at the awkward mention of genitalia, even an adult-like species such as the Axani could find the humor in such awkward sexual mentions. "We are aware of this, which is one of many reasons the Federation has chosen to remain isolated in the past. Unfortunately some of the nations of the known universe are more focused on preserving their battle reputations than exploring diplomacy from what we have seen. I was allowed to make contact with the Drathian people as my government determined that the Fylkirate had the highest chance of a peaceful encounter and follow up discussion out of all the nations in Andromeda." She checked over her datapad at mention of 'Invaders' nodding as the translation came through, the Omnilater couldn't translate everything after all.

"Yes, the Invaders. My people called them the Visakavi and they invaded many of our worlds as well. My mother even fought them during our first encounter with their fleets. We appreciate a people who seek peace but will not hesitate to defend themselves if needed, you are very similar to us in that regard and there is little doubt that history and culture are one of society's most important elements, it pains me to know that the Keltakens denied your people the opportunity to enrich their traditions and heritage. National identity is immensely important to any civilization after all, I certainly hope your people were able to make up for it in the end."
​

 

[Drakorphobia]

"I'd hope so." There were a few more moments, as Amaranta fell silent whilst she typed a few things upon her datapad. "I'm uploading the archives to your ship's computer. You should have access to them without much trouble, unless the file formatting proves incompatible. That should hardly be an issue, though. I'm almost positive that both of our computers can reconfigure it into something transferable." The captain set her pad down, and, like the many other things on her desk, slid it aside. She fingers began to absentmindedly trace the shape of the runes carved within her polished collection, against he crystal prism they were sealed within. "I'm sorry that your mother had to endure through such a horrid experience. I would never wish even my bitterest of rivals an encounter with the.. Visakavi, as you call them. We're honoured, though, that the Federation would come to us first, in search of friendly relations. It truly is flattering that at least one civilization in the cosmos has decided that we're worth more than invasion trophies." To that, the captain offered a warm smile towards Dr. D'yseus. Her triangular teeth were thus made fully observable, perfect for cutting fruit. Or flesh.


Amarant fell silent yet again, and then coughed, not because she was ill or anything of the sort. Rather, she was simply trying to make some noise in a desperate attempt at keeping the conversation alive. "I suppose that unless you have any other questions about our people, or perhaps just myself." She winked. "That our meeting has come to a close. Feel free, though, to stay around and purchase some goods for study. Or, alternatively, stay around for the company. I'm sure it must be nice to be on solid ground after travelling in a ship for such a long time."

 

[RIPSaidCone]

The Doctor smiled with a nod, looking down at her datapad as she recieved the confirmation from Alis, her ship's AI that the Drathian archives had been sent to the ship. Alis requested permission to go through them to which D'yseus quickly declined. Such a major discovery was something that she and her team needed to look through themselves, and she was already growing immeasurably excited at the thought of being able to learn about an entirely new culture and history. Science and research wasn't just a job for her after all but a hobby, she loved it more than anything and gaining access to such a wealth of information was something she couldn't wait to go through with. "Yes, although she took an oath to defend her people and she carried out that oath. I am proud of her to this day." She spoke fondly of her mother and for good reason. "The whole concept of seeking other civilizations out simply to invade them baffles my people, it is terribly uncivilized and a complete opposite to our own goals--" D'yseus seemed to have been caught up in something, a smile spreading over her features as she thought over her new observation for a few moments. How had she not noticed those teeth before?

"I do have a question. About your teeth, Captain. I hope it is not inappropriate or rude in anyway but may I see them again? They appeared to be very sharp and hold some resemblance to sharp weaponry." The Drathians must have evolved from some form of predator, whether it be an apex predator or simply the dominant one in its immediate region was still unknown to the Doctor. Although it intrigued her greatly when compared to her own people, whom evolved to use their brains rather than brawn, with advanced weapons and tools and even their psionic abilities, and Amaranta appeared to sport them rather charmingly if she had to make a more..unprofessional observation. "My journey actually wasn't that long, less than a week from what I last heard. Although I do enjoy feeling a proper surface beneath my feet...Perhaps we could discuss one another's civilizations in more detail?" She proposed curiously.
​

 

[Drakorphobia]

"But of course, my friend, of course. I promise, I don't bite." Amaranta offered the good doctor yet another smile. Leaning over her desk, the Drathian woman opened her mouth, and curled her lips back to put on display her triangular teeth. Drathians were certainly primarily carnivorous, given by the way her chompers held serrated edges. However, with plenty of farms on the planet, it seemed as though that the species was fully capable of consuming and digesting plant matter. Amaranta tilted her head just slightly to the right, and then the left, to allow D'yseus the same view at a different angle. Maybe she'd notice just how pretty Amaranta was as well. Or at least, how pretty Amaranta liked to believe she was. Were one to ask the woman, she'd declare herself a goddess among mortals. "All good?" Asked she, her consonants soft and faded, as her mouth was still open whilst she spoke, and thus, Amaranta was unable to move her lips in the way proper speech demanded.

She leaned back. "I hope the view was to your liking?" The captain inquired with an eyebrow raised in curiosity. Perhaps it was because she grew up around others of her kind, but no one aside from a dentist had asked to see her teeth. She found it almost flattering. Then again, mostly anything that drew (positive) attention to herself was flattering in her eyes. "Now then, discussion of civilization. I have plenty information to offer you. Though there is too much to tell in a simple summary. A few guiding questions would be nice."

 

[RIPSaidCone]

D'yseus smiled in reply, more than happy to be able to get a closer look at those rather magnificant looking teeth. The Axani leaned in closer as well, inspecting them like a dentist would funnily enough. Though she was a scientist and this was some very interesting research, she couldn't wait to get back to the ship so her and the rest of the team could rummage through the historical and cultural files that the Drathians had sent. The Axani appreciated the gesture from Amaranta as the other woman turned to the right and to the left, and though the teeth were interesting. The Doctor couldn't help but get an eyeful of the rest of the Drathian woman's face as well, and there was no shame on the Doctor's part to admit that she did find the Drathian woman rather appealing to the eye but she had always been the observational type and belonging to a species comprised entirely of what other species would dub 'females' certainly made it easier to admire the feminine qualities of other species though the Axani themselves had only ever had the concept of gender from the many animals on their homeworld. "Yes, more than good actually." D'yseus replied.

A soft shade of blue hit the Doctor's normally green cheeks at that remark. Though she quickly dismissed the brief warmth and carried on, cursing her green skin tone mentally. The other Axani had it a lot easier when it came to blushing, given their already blue or purple skin tones, "It was, your people's teeth are very interesting to note. And yes, civilization. I was actually wondering if you could show me around this port? Perhaps introduce me to a few everyday things your people use or see?" She questioned curiously. Studying a people was like learning a language, sure one could read books and have a tutor but actually being or living there and going about your everyday business there is quite different and D'yseus wished to walk amongst the Drathians even if it was only for a little bit and this wasn't their greatest colony to see.
​

 

[Drakorphobia]

"A trip around the port? I'd love to. I'm sure a walk together would be far more fulfilling than sitting here and talking about idle things."  Amaranta had noted the tint in D'yseus' cheeks, and that alone incited a grin from herself. It may have been her goal to begin with, or perhaps a pleasant surprise. Aside from Amaranta's smile, though, she made no outwards indication that she acknowledged or even noticed the doctor's blush. A follow up to impress her further would be rather difficult, however, given that the planet had very little out of the ways of farms and small frontier towns.


"I'm aware that your people are not allowed to consume anything without chemical analysis first, so I suppose an outing to eat is out of the question. Still, there is plenty to see."  The captain paused. There indeed wasn't plenty to see, but she didn't care for boring her esteemed guest with pale fields and salty rock formations. There was, however, the matter of the botanical gardens of the upper levels and a few shrines that could be places of interest in the eyes of the Axani. She'd take Doctor D'yseus to the gardens first, and then lead her to the nearby port town to show her a few things about average life in the colony. Hopefully it was a good plan, thought Amaranta as she stood. Striding to the other side of the desk, the captain offered her organic hand out to D'yseus with yet another prize winning smile. "Come. I'll give you a tour. I hope you have no pollen allergies?"

 

[RIPSaidCone]

D'yseus was glad to hear that Amaranta was happy to go no doubt. She saw the grin on the other woman's face and thought it charmingly suited her, though that thought had essentially come out of nowhere which wasn't exactly something that happened to her often. She shrugged it off however and went back to focusing on the task at hand, learning more about the Drathians. "I agree, I think it would prove very beneficial for my research if I got to see everything first hand." She mentioned with a nod, thinking back to her comparison to learning a language. One had to be there to become fluent.

"It's protocol. Can't be digesting anything potentially dangerous, although its not a very necessary one since our immune systems can handle nearly anything. But rules are rules I suppose, perhaps once we've examined your food closer we will be able to go out for something to eat." The Doctor was actually looking forward to tasting some Drathian cousine, she still remembered when she'd had her first Zakari meal. Kallisinious it was called and it had been more than delicious, since then foreign foods and ingredients had always been a keen interest of hers. She smiled and took the Drathian woman's hand, the woman's smile was infectious to say the least. "I don't have any pollen allergies no, though I will do a quick scan before we encounter them just in-case." She said casually. "Lead the way."
​

 

[Drakorphobia]

The two were lead out of the office, and towards the lift situated in the centre of the chamber of the second floor. Once more, Amaranta scanned herself in to open the doors, and promptly took a step to the side to allow D'yseus through first. If any of the contingents she had brought along with her wanted to tag along, they were certainly welcome. However, once her guards attempted to step through, Amaranta waved them off. She didn't want any more guns than were necessary by herself and the doctor, nor within the gardens. Besides, she trusted the Axani not to make an attempt at her life.

Once everyone was on board, the elevator began its ascent to the third and final floor of the spaceport, where it once more came to a gliding halt, and its glass doors slid open. A hexagonal platform, wrapping around the base of the elevator and complete with metal railings, greeted them. From each of the faces within the hexagon, a long metal plank stretched across to the far walls. In the centre of each walkway branched another, connecting the six main planks to one another. Between each was a series of evidently tropical plants which were not native to the planet. Instead, they had been brought to NortNaeram from Drathia to grow, as the indigenous life wasn't very fit for agricultural ventures. At least not until it had been sufficiently modified. Still, this garden was more for aesthetic than anything, as was notable by the lack of means to traverse the plant life itself for harvest. Instead, they grew upon rods of biomatter, which leached nutrients into the wrapping roots of the organisms. Beneath the series of rods was a floor of thick glass panes that stretched beneath the walkways and gave a clear view of the floors below to those who could see through the vegetation.

Amaranta didn't point most of this out. Instead, she stood upon the centre platform, and turned to D'yseus, with her back against the railing. "Make your scans, if you'd like. We don't grow any poisonous plants here, but, I don't know your species' chemistry enough to say whether or not it's poisonous to you."

 

[RIPSaidCone]

The four guards following D'yseus broke off not long after the Drathian guards had departed, it was typical of the Axani to follow suite in deescalation of any situation. Most importantly ones that involved weapons such as this one, even if peaceful for the most part, the presence of weapons made it less so for the Axani, with a lack of armed guards around it was now possible for the Axani and her Drathian counterpart to continue in their diplomatic conversation however casual it may have seemed. For D'yseus this would only make future interactions with the Drathians easier now that they had already moved onto a more friendly and nonchalant basis, at least between the two of them right now. A bridge was all the Axani needed to begin real progress towards a species wide friendship.​

Giving a polite smile and nod to the Drathian woman, D'yseus stepped into the elevator first. Stepping aside to give Amaranta more room to step in, despite the comfortable size of the elevator it was Axani social custom to be as polite as possible to those that you just met, this rule also applied for other species that deserved it, such as the Drathians. Looking outside as their elevator went upwards, the Doctor was intrigued more than anything else she had been intrigued in in her comparatively long life in the Drathians, they were such an interesting people and she hadn't even scratched the surface of the surface of how deep their culture and history went. She knew that her social life would disappear as soon as she got back home, that would give her time to dive right into all the information they had been given about the Drathians. Her intelligent and forever curious mind could hardly wait.​

Stepping out of the elevator alongside Amaranta, the Doctor took in the decorative looking display of Drathian flora in-front of her and all around her, the plants certainly were beautiful. Though from visual assessment alone, she could tell that many of them weren't local to the planet they were currently on. Imported from other Drathian colonies or perhaps the Drathian homeworld itself she assumed, it was common practice for many spacefaring species to bring their homeworld's plant life to newly discovered planets and established colonies, so she wasn't surprised to see that the Drathians had done the same. Nodding towards Amaranta with a smile, D'yseus lifted up her arm as a cyan blue light shot out of a small bracelet looking device around her wrist. Scanning the surrounding flora as it pinged in a positive sounding manner. "It appears that this flora is non-toxic to my people. A positive no doubt. These plants are very beautiful as well I must say, seeing all of this new flora reminds me of when I set foot on my first recently Xanaformed world. Seeing all of the newly developed plant life and fauna, it's stunning to say the least. Your people have some very pretty plant life."​

 

[Drakorphobia]

Amaranta chuckled at that, a well meaning snicker, more like, as she swept her gaze around the plantlife before resting her eyes upon D'yseus' face. "Thank you kindly. A lot of species went extinct after the Keltaken bombardment of our home world. Whatever things we had left, we've made sure to preserve. Luckily, advances in genetics have allowed us to revive a few species of both flora and fauna, but some have simply been lost forever." The Drathian woman sighed, leaning forward upon the railing and crossing one arm over the other, allowing her hands to dangle loose off the side. "It's a wonder that we didn't go with them. With the stories I've been told, Drathia was nearly destroyed in its entirety." She swerved around, now leaning her back against the metal railing, and arching it just slightly to let a backwards hanging head stare D'yseus in the eyes. "It's a fun fact that most Drathians, including myself, were born artificially, after that event. Otherwise I daresay there'd only be perhaps a few million or so of us."

Amaranta reached behind herself, taking hold of a juicy looking orange fruit, and twisting it ever so slightly so that with a quiet snap, it came free from the branch that held it. She brought it to her mouth, and, still staring D'yseus in the eyes, took a bite. Clear fluid dribbled down her lips and chin, which she was keen to clean with a swipe of her tongue. "How are the Axani made?"