Hrrilissa-Sesti, Celestial Ambassador to the Pit of Himar, was an imposing woman. Dark orange with golden stripes, the female Naga was easily larger than both Councilman Sssistho-Sephra and Dr. Drasskessa'tek combined. Her badge of office was an obsidian pendant with the Spiral Coil of the Celestial Empire embedded in gold, and worn around her neck on a heavy gold chain. She had a surprisingly soft voice however, with none of the hissing, slurring or odd emphasis of most Nagas when speaking in Standard.
The dinner itself was interesting, if short on the part of Tasha and Gabriel's hosts. There was a blessing (translated for the guests) to the Great Serpent and the Emperor (whom none of them had ever seen, as he resides on the home world, Nakh - the Abaddonian Celestials never appointed an Emperor of their own). The meal consisted of strange four-legged creatures that resembled incredibly wrinkled pink pigs, bound and gagged for the Naga and spit-roasted for the Karnor and Vartan, which the Ambassador also blessed as sacrifices who would have the honor of nourishing the Great Serpent with their spirits as their flesh nourished His mortal children.
It soon became clear that a lot of the ritual was simply to prolong the meal long enough for Tasha and Gabriel to actually have a chance to finish, since it was over in a single gulp for their hosts. And despite being bred for their texture, the animals had a pleasing flavor when cooked - something close to ham or bacon with just a hint of fish, somehow.
Conversation was reserved for after-dinner drinks, since the Naga couldn't very well talk while trying to swallow the piglets (which took some minutes, disturbingly). Once their guests had finished, they all retired to a more informal study for aperitifs.
As Tasha settles in beside her Captain (whom she has been mostly formal with given the political situation), she crosses her legs beneath her and settles her hands in her lap. "This is a beautiful room. As an explorer, I find myself drawn to the starmap depicted on the ceiling, and I have to ask -- is that an accurate depiction of the planets and travel corridors of the Celestial Empire's original holdings?" she offers both to make small talk and get the ball rolling towards bigger issues.
"I have no idea as to its accuracy," the Ambassador says apologetically. "It is a fairly common artistic representation though. Would you like some fruit brandy, mulled wine, tea or coffee?"
"I find coffee after a meal to be very pleasant," Gabriel says, smiling.
"Brandy would be lovely, thank you." Lovely? Oi. "It may be possible for us to verify the accuracy of that starmap, although as an abstract representation, it's accuracy is in the menaing rather than the literal." Tasha turns and smiles at Gabriel as he replies, before turning back and mentioning, "In my travels before I joined the JEF, I had the opportunity to see many the planet Sinai's cities and cultures, including Imperial City, the seat of the nation that grew from what we have reason to believe was the Mothership Gerondisanakh."
"We have heard much about the Nagai Empire of Sinai," the Ambassador says, pulling a sash to summon an attendant. "And fairly recently obtained much useful information from the Sutaranakh itself, on Ashtoreth. The in-depth study of it was interrupted by the.. disruption.. at the Life Dome, however. And some of the Nagai subjects have found their way to us here on Abaddon - although most of them appear to be alien reptiles."
"I would hazard a guess that some are the products of either uplifting from the Ark's genetic database, or else produced by Gerondisanakh for whatever reason. Our forbearers appeared to believe that in order to tame the planet they had been stranded on, they needed personnel, and rapidly. Further, to meet the demands of various roles, climates, et cetera, they adapted the non-sentient creatures within their files to match their needs and to act with sentience," Tasha explains, unfolding her hands to help add emphasis to her lecture. She pauses to glance at Gabriel, then says, "We knew the Sutaranakh was on Ashtoreth and that independent investigations were being performed on that and a few other planets. We're even thinking of launching our own investigation -- with Coucnil approval, of course."
"What ssssort of invesstigation?" Sssistho asks, and Kessa looks curious as well.
Reaching over and pulling her datapad out, Tasha settles it in her lap as she explains, "Through recovered records, shared insight, and a few tips, we now have a fairly extensive list of where the Fleet ended up after planetfall. We have reason to believe that at least some of these vessels may have intact technology and other items of interest to both the JEF and the people of Abaddon. In addition, we'd like to make contact with Rephidim Temple to see if we can gain access to their records, perhaps even their approval, which would be of great assistance in further exploration of Sinai. This overarching goal aside, as something of a scholar on Expedition-era events, I would also like to ascertain the true reasons behind the Expedition's failure and, if possible, locate artifacts to that effect."
"Artifacts that caused the Stranding?" Hrrilissa asks in surprise, just before an attendant arrives and takes their drink orders (supposedly, as it's all in Imperial).
Tasha waits until the orders are placed, then replies, "Not caused, but perhaps related to. It's all rather a mystery beyond Henry Canaan's sabotauge, and I would like to shed some light on the truth, if possible, both for history's sake, and to ensure we don't repeat the mistakes of the past." After glancing at Gabriel again, Tasha adds, "It's just a tengential part of the overall mission, anyway -- I'm uncertain what we'll find, exactly, save a few scant details. That aside, I've also been investigating the role of the Khattan Trade Coalition and its place within the Fleet, and would liek to recover any artifacts related to them, as well. As you may know, my Titan is also Khattan, and ever since I found it I've been curious about them."
"Khattan artifacts are rare, at least on Abaddon," Kessa notes. "Technology especially, since it was often made to stop functioning when removed from Khattan ships. I doubt that anyone outside of the Titanians is likely to possess working Khattan devices."
"That would explain their fear of Titanian raiders," Gabriel comments.
"Oh, I don't know about that. After all, I'm a working Khattan device." Tasha says with a grin, reaching up to tap her head. "Khattans bult their machines to last; they were the best that money could buy, even during the era of the Fleet. You could say, as someone who works and lives with their technology, that I have faith in its durability." She pauses to listen to Gabriel, nodding. "The Khattans feared several things, including the Titanians, and, curious enough, a Vartan-Titanian alliance. Of course, who wouldn't fear a Vartan-Titanian alliance in that day and age? Space's greatest mercenaries paired with its most robust technicians! All that aside, I don't see any reason not to look as we progress, if we're approved to do so. Anything of interest we'll bring back, of coure -- although it will undoubtedly take some time to analyze."
"I admit to being more curiousss about the resultsss of your resssource scans," Sssistho hisses. "They will go a long way towardss procuring any official ssupport from the Empire."
The young woman nods, then leans forward. "Then let me give you a little preview: the scans were successful. We've detected a number of ground water hotspots and Dr. Zerachiel is in the process of producing a summary as we speak. You should have your drilling spots when next we stand before the Council. In addition, we should also have ground layer analysis non-water related digging."
"If they prove accurate and useful, then we can petition the Treaty governmentss for extra JEF support in exchange for such assays," the Ambassador claims. The attendant returns with a variety of drinks - a glass of brandy for Tasha, a mug of coffee for Gabriel, and what is probably mulled wine for the Nagas. "Perhaps a toast is in order: To more easily accessed prosperity in the future," the big serpent says, lifting her glass.
Tasha accepts her glass and holds it in the palm of her hand, as she's seen others do with brandy, raising it in toast. "To prosperity!"
"Hear hear," Gabriel agrees, adding his mug to the toast. The Council members raise their wine as well.
Tasha smiles. This is what it's all about, after all: prosperity. It's not enoug that the JEF alone prospers, she decides, prosperity must be shared with all. The Empress taught her that prosperity by force only leads in increased tension and conflict, Gabriel taught her that sometimes the best way to govern something is to do so as little as possible and trust people to know what's best for them, and High Priestess Nista showed her that as a leader she should always keep an eye on the big picture. Yes, this is what it's all about.
Lowering her glass, Tasha says, "If you wouldn't mind, and if you know, would you mind helping me figure something out?"
"Of course, if it is within my ability," the Ambassador says.
"Thank you, Ambassador." Glancing down at her datapad, Tasha reaches for it, and soon her face is illuminated by the soft blue glow of its backlight. "In planning our journey, I know the location of most of the mothership-class vessels, but the location of the escort vessels has eluded me. As inheritors closest to the Celestial Fleets, I don't suppose you know the whereabouts or have the coordinates of the downed escorts? Emergency beacon telemetry, broadcasts during planetfall, anything at all? Given the bredth of a ship's descent, they could well be anywhere, I'd I'd prefer to not waste any more resouces than necessary tracking them down."
"I do not know if we possesss that information," the Ambassador admits, looking thoughtful. She glances to Kessa, the resident scholar, who looks uncertain. "It seemsss unlikely," the smaller Naga admits. "The Colony ships landed to essscape the fighting, and may have been actively blocking such sssignals."
"The original flight plansss may be on file sssomewhere," Sssistho offers.
"I can't blame them. With so many lives at stake, I probably wouldn't have taken that risk, either. It'll make them harder to find, but we'll find them -- you can be sure about that." Smiling, Tasha looks down at her datapad again, shifting through menus before looking up. "I admit, I had only recently heard of Henry Canaan and the infighting. It's quite puzzling, isn't it? That a man and those under him would throw away their ability to return home, kill their fellows, all out of a phantom fear? I've been thinking that perhaps this fear was instigated by an outside source, may have arise from missinterpretation, or been influenced by several undercurrents in the Fleet. In particular, there seemed to have been at least two possible camps of Progenitor Cultists at work, and there's always the theory that coming here somehow endangers our homeworld. I'd like to ascertain the truth of this." Tasha then nods. "I'll look in to those, and I would appreciate any records you have, if you feel you wish to share
them."
"The Progenitor Cult had little successs within the Empire," Kessa claims, soaking one tine of her forked tongue in her wine afterwards. "It wass outlawed, I believe."
"I am not familiar with it myself," the Ambassador notes. "I have only been concerned with the existing governments."
"It bringsss sssomething to mind, however," Sssistho notes. "Your sssuggestion that mossst of the Sinai races are engineered isss likely correct, Cadet Tasha - however, not all of them were. Sssome were already there when the Expedition arrived."
"I had heard the Progenitor Cults had been outlawed by many nations -- the Star Empire and the Khattan Trade Coalition being two of the others. The Terrans, of course, had the Teutons back on Fafnir -- you probably know their descendents much better, as the Kampfengruppe." Tasha pauses to listen, eyes widening. "Is that so? Do you know which ones?"
"Sssome of the more exotic reptiles, certainly," the Councilman notes. "And I have heard of sapient insects on Sinai. There were also remains of unknown humanoids discovered in the mountainous region of the Pit."
"Are you suggesting that some of these races may have their own records of legends regarding the Landing?" Gabriel asks.
"I would think ssso," Sssistho says, bobbing his head. "It would have been a memorable event."
"'Unknown humanoids?' Do you mean the Lapi victims -- the rabbit-people? The Zelaks -- the insectoid people -- I had thought were a offshoot of Confederate automated technologies, essentially biological robots that evolved, but that they're not ... Hrrm. And the repties ... They can't all be Exiles, and come to think of it, Exiles themselves are likely extradimensional or extraplanetary imports via Forbidden Zone rifts ... " Tasha scratches her muzzle a moment, laying her datapad aside. "It's intriguing. Now that I think about it, I'm also unaware of why Vartans loathe magic so much on Sinai. Not just individually, but as a culture with only a few exceptions. There's also the Zelaks -- they've been around forever and I know very little about them. I'm not sure anyone I knew, knew much about them. And on top of this, we may have species that are Sifran space natives, or were desposited her ein a similiar fashion our races were ... I need to write this down." She grabs her datapad and begins typing!
"Sinai has First Ones ruins on it," Kessa notes. "Post-Sifras, that is. We are not the first Expedition to these worlds. They may have left remnant populations or.. pets."
"The remainsss that were found did not match any known race," Sssistho claims. "They ssseemed to have committed ritual sssuicide, deliberately mutilating themselves with fire."
"That's right, the First Ones and the Sifras are different species. It's somewhat ominous that so many leftovers end up on these worlds, and I can begin to see why Canaan might have thought these worlds were dangerous. I don't recall a record of contact with any First Ones species, but, of course, they could have destroyed themselves or approached the Sinai Systemthrough methods that do not lend themselves to contact outside of it." Again pausing to listen, Tasha lays her hears back at the mention of ritual suicide. "That's ... disturbing. How old do you think these remains were? We could probably analyze them -- Dr. Caravelli is here in town."
"I am unsure asss to who took custody," Sssistho says, and rubs his chin. "Perhapss the Knights Templar? They were deemed to have been alive at the time of the Boomer incident which created the Pit. They were very isolated, and only discovered by huntersss tracking down Rotbiters, which may have been following the ssscent of decay."
"Did you see them? If you could describe their general appearance I may be able to attach it to the Sinaian species I'm familiar with," Tasha offers.
"I only heard about them afterwardsss," Sssistho notes. "It was one item on a list of mysteries, easily forgotten. We were more concerned with the surviving population in the city.."
"I'm sorry, I didn't mean to sound insensitive. As an explorer, I'm irresitably drawn to mysteries -- but that doesn't mean I forget people." Glancing at her datapad, Tasha says, "Lets see ... This is probably enough to start on. The Silent-Ones may have more to contribute, as well. You'll also be pleased to know we intend to travel light, with minimal personnel. I have enough contacts locally to ensure trustworthy transportation if I can reach certain people. That said, is there anything the Empire is interested in, in particular? Either for the trip, or in general?"
"I cannot speak for the Empire on this matter as of yet," the Ambassador notes. "I suspect it will be some time before the fruits of your assay efforts are proven viable. After that.. it will depend on your organization's continued allegiance with the Treaty Organization, and what limits or requirements it puts forth."
"Please don't think I'm asking for an immediate judgement; I'm not here to pressure anyone or to make any firm decisions. Consider this a friendly chat about the future. As for our alligiance, we hope for a continued path of mutual prosperity and benefit. Isn't that right ..," Tasha glances over to Gabriel, smiling, "Captain?"
"Of course," Gabriel notes. "Once we are out of our.. organizational phase.. we will likely have a revised charter available."
"Personally, I'm looking forward to seeing our roster grow. The organization feels a bit lonely as it is, and as a Cadet, I'll be glad to hand off my leadership power to those more experienced in the fields and duties I have taken up by necessity," the young woman admits.
"I am sure we will be able to recommend qualified candidates, once you have positions posted," the Ambassador notes, quite seriously.
"Of that, I have no doubt. The Expedition attracted many volunteers from throughout space, and I have high hopes its second coming will, as well. I guess after that, you might not see me very much, if we get an official ambassador!" The young woman barks a laugh, then grins at Gabriel. "Or will you continue to work me to the bone, Captain?"
"Are you asking for a vacation already?" Gabriel asks, smirking.
Tasha holds up her hands in defense! "Of course not! I'm sure there's still many dangers I haven't yet explored fully, and I still have all my body parts."
"What ssort of information do you hope to acquire from the Sssilent-Ones?" Sssistho asks, likely out of professional interest.
Looking back, Tasha replies, "The same kind of information I asked here: do you know the location of the ships that made planetfall, are you interested in their partial recovery, do you know anything about the history of the Expedition and it's subgroups -- that sort of thing. We'll be conducting our recovery effort not just with Imperial craft, but also Silent-One craft if permitted, and craft of the other groups as possible and poltically safe. I'm even thinking about approaching the Kampfengruppe, but as they're outside the current treaty charter, it will largely regard mutual assistance."
"They may not welcome asssisstance," Sssistho notes, flicking his tongue in warning.
"You have a good point. If that's the case, then I would reduce our efforts to recovering that which is outside Silent-One claim: artifacts of permissing nations and Khattan artifacts. Due to matters I'll discuss before the Council, I believe I have a certain claim to Khattan artifice and, also by way of something I will discuss in the next session, sufficent rank derived from that claim to be considered acting on the Khattan's behalf. Among the JEF, I typically handle Khattan technologies." Tasha glances to Gabriel, thinking he's probably not going to like the hard edge, but also that it can't be helped. "However, I believe Archon Strength-of-Stones to be a man of vision and accomodation, and he may be supportive if others are not. There may also be a certain leeway granted me, personally, as an outsider honored with a name among the People."
"There is no Khattan presence on Abaddon, so it isn't that grand a claim," Gabriel notes, sipping his coffee. "On Sinai.. there is the Emir."
"That's true. I'm uncertain just how Khattan the Emirate is, however. The Khattan people were all of a similiar body structure, while the Khattan Emirate I know is highly mixed, and may be as much Terran as Khattan in origin. It's a question of if they're just the appearance of being Khattan -- just a name -- or continuations of the original nation. After all, if we grant anyone with even the loosest association a claim, it would be chaos and undermine the legitimacy of the core nation," Tasha suggests to Gabriel, waggling a hand here and there for emphasis. "I'm also quite puzzled by the Emirate's alliance with the Kampfengruppe, which further suggests that one party is using the other, or both are. It's something I'll need to ascertain myself, but I'm concerned about getting involved in the Emirate's business schemes. It's one thing to argue national claim, another to push it simply for profit."
"The Silent-Ones are known to sssend missionaries to Sinai," Sssistho points out. "It isss possible some of them may have uncovered evidence of Expedition craft."
Looking back, Tasha nods. "A friend of mine had mentioned just such a thing, and I intend to follow up that lead."
"That Khattans have always been about profit though," Kessa claims.
Tasha flicks an ear, but nods. "Yes ... It's really a fine point. Are we supporting the end result of Khattan social evolution, a copy government, or something without any ties to the past? And if they're aware of the past and are the Khattans of old beneath the surface, I'll have to ask just what that means for me. I can't very well surrender the technologies I control, in part because they're literally part of me. It's a really tricky question."
"Since they would not function on Sinai, and the Khattan government is based on Sinai, I do not see an issue," the Ambassador claims. "Why would they claim technology they cannot use or even transport?"
"For sale as artifacts, I imagine. Cultural and religious reasons, as well. It may be enough that we grant them their tribute and be on their way, if they've lost interest in technology. However ... " Taking a breath, Tasha looks skyward a moment and says, "Their allies, the Kampfengruppe, may be problematic if they desire that technology. We would end up in a tug of war with the Khattans seeing how best to profit from it."
"It would seem the best way to approach the Kampfengruppe is through the Khattan Emirate, however," the Ambassador points out. "It will behoove you to make a good impression upon the Emir."
"I'll have to consider bringing gifts, then. Thankfully, I also have several contacts in that area who can supply good advice on how to approach the Emirate properly, so that shouldn't be an issue," Tasha agrees. "I'm still uncertain about the Kampfengruppe. On the surface they seem to be at odds with our purpose of mutual benefit, but I also don't know a great deal about them, and it may just be a misguided first impression. However, I'm aaware of this issue and have also brought along a expert to help remedy the situation."
"I don't think we can offer more," the Ambassador notes. "Our relations with the Kampfengruppe have been minimal. They are well outside of our territories, and do not seek out relations."
"That's about the extent of our contact with them, as well. My expert has informed me of their history, but that's as far as I know about their organization. We may have other things in common that we can utilize, but we won't know until we speak with them. They're really quite a mystery, and all the more so given that they decided to ally with the Emirate and control the Gateway," the young woman says.
"That at least was a matter of necessity," the Ambassador claims. "The Emirate controls the Sinai Gateway location, and all commerce through it. The Kampfengruppe control the Abaddon Gateway."
"How did that come to be, anyway?" tasha asks, leaning forward.
"The territories were set before the discovery of the Gateways," Hrrilissa-Sesti claims. "It is as simple as that."
"Interesting. I suppose it can't be helped. Of course, there is their 'Offworld Legion' to consider. The Kampfengruppe is not only interacting, but expanding and exploring. It's quite a change of pace, and perhaps one we share a similiar interest in. I'm looking forward to meeting their representative, whatever the case may be," says Tasha.
"Their reasons are no mystery," Kessa claims. "They have the poorest territory in terms of resources. They need footholds on the other worlds to supply themselves."
"That makes sense. I guess they're not so mysterious, when you get down to it. Origins aside, they may be interested in survival and betterment of their people, no different from everyone else -- and we can certainly help with that if the PHTO agrees and they're interested," Tasha says, nodding.
"They would demand a lead position, I imagine," the Ambassador says, flicking her tongue in.. amusement?
Tasha lifts her brows. "Due to the inherenet superiority of humans, as determined by the words of Eve and the Origin Marker of Humanity?"
"I do not the origins of their notions," the large Naga claims, raising her chin. After all.. the Imperials are also known for such claims. "Only that they are uncompromising in them, at least as far as Abaddon goes. Perhaps they tolerate their multi-racial organization because it operates on other worlds instead of where their people can see it."
"It's rather sad to think our creators tolerate us so little, that is, the creators of the Karnor species. It's quite peculiar, too, given the apparent insistence on superiority by creation, and yet the near abandonment of their creation in their organization. I suppose the arguement is, it's a matter of time and the quality of creating rather than the quality of care given by the creators, but, that paints a rather grim picture of whomever their creators may be," Tasha observes, grinning wryly.
"They were not involved in the creation of the Karnors," Kessa notes. "I believe they had split off from Terra before that."
"It is more that the Karnors would not tolerate being subservient to the Kampfengruppe mentality," Hrrilissa-Sesti suggests.
"Is that so? My source didn't mention that -- that's 'good' to know. I suppose I feel a bit better," Tasha says with a smile, resting a hand over her heart. At the mention of subservience, she barks a laugh. "Oh, is that it? Well, you can't blame us for wanted to be treated equally, and frankly, I know I wouldn't have appreciated it. It's rare I can flat out say 'I don't agree with this policy', but treating others as inferior because of the fateof their birth isn't in the JEF charter, and it's not in me."
"She has to settle for being subservient to me," Gabriel claims, with a big grin.
At that, Tasha laughs even harder. "It's true! You know, I use to be the leader of the JEF? I don't mind, though."
"Why did you give up your position at the top?" Kessa asks. If it was a double-entendre, it's impossible to tell from the inscrutable reptilian face.
Tasha glances at Gabriel for an over-long moment, then explains, "It's really simple: at the time, I wasn't qualifified to lead the JEF. That's still true -- I'm just a Cadet. In terms of experience and knowledge, Gabriel eclipses me, as do the other Karnor Elite. Now, I'm not saying I don't have any skills, and that I can't lead some things, but a multinational organizations developement and maintenence aren't skillsets I had then or now, and frankly, I didn't have the maturity either. Oh, I felt the alure of power, but I've had enough experience to know that power for its own sake is shallow and even dangerous. It's not really a matter of personal power, either -- it's the wisdom to know who's right for the job."
"I would not want to face you in a job interview," Kessa claims.
Tasha inclines her head. "I'll take that as a compliment. Ultimately I serve the JEF, the people of these worlds, and the mysteries of Sinai. Now matter how much power I acquire, that will always be true."