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The Ballad of Inverness (Invite only) - Vendetta - 03-11-2017
Inverness sat still and silent. The Eidolon Wraith drifted quietly through open space, a good distance between Planet Cannich and the Eastern Avlemore Nebula. The darkened hull of the Battlecruiser was surrounded by several fighter escorts which circled the perimeter, their pilots scanning the distance for movement or the slightest hint of danger. The Wraith - minus the escorts - was accompanied by the familiar silhouette of an Osiris - The Andraste.
Radio chatter between the fighters would pick up as they'd move to intercept an incoming shuttle. The Marlins would take up a position on either side of the small transport craft and guide it towards the Eidolon Wraith, which prepped its hangar for some additional traffic. One by one, the three expected vessels would be guided to the Battlecruiser's hangar. With the final vessel - a Combat Service Freighter being led towards the Battlecruiser, they were given codes to dock as space had previously been made for their arrival. The automated internal security system was given exceptions for the newcomers.
The interior of the relatively small hangar was occupied by several fighter craft - Most notably ones which have seen extensive modification. Several well armed and armed individuals were dotted around the hangar in sentry positions, carefully observing each ship as they entered the hangar and touched down. A single person stood out in a black set of custom body armor, wearing a mirrored helmet that reflected what the wearer was seeing. He awaited the three delegates by the only exit from the small hangar, arms crossed behind his back and a pistol in his holster. As the delegates from Bretonia, The Commonwealth and The Junker's Congress approached, he spoke:
"Welcome aboard the Eidolon. I'm Sentinel Marshal. For security purposes, I advise you leave any firearms you may have with their safety enabled. If you'd please follow me, I'll take you to the Keeper's Chamber." He'd raise a hand and gesture for the group to follow as he spun to face the door.
Marshal would guide the trio into the dark halls of the Battlecruiser. The connecting hallways saw little traffic, save security personnel and drones going about their day to day activities. They'd stay straight for some time, ascending a staircase to another level. Some radio chatter could be heard from the guide's helmet as he notified the security checkpoint ahead to stand down. The group would round a corner to the right and pass through a well guarded entryway, which seemed to have deactivated its defenses in preparation for their arrival so they could pass with ease.
Finally, they'd reach a large door, protected by two turrets which hung from the ceiling and two large drones on either side, which scanned the crowd with their illuminated cameras. Marshal stepped to the side of the door, which opened slowly to reveal a large table, surrounded by chairs - a meeting room. To the left was a row of windows that faced out to the Eastern Nebula. At the furthest head of the table, sat in what appeared to be an overcompensating chair, Keeper Sapphire Raven was waiting. To her left stood the hooded, masked and armored figure of Keeper Leviathan. As they entered the room, Raven would speak to the trio.
"On behalf of the people of Auxo and the Inner Phalanx, we warmly welcome you to our ship, the Eidolon Wraith. It's a pleasure to meet you all. If you require anything during your stay, please, do not be afraid to ask. " She'd point to the chairs around the table with a gloved hand which complimented her extravagant robe, inviting them to sit. The table had several glasses, pitchers of water and snacks decorating the center.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable." Raven joined her hands together and leaned forward on the table. "As you can see, our people are working very hard to ensure that we all have a safe time together, worry not about the outlaw activity within the region, it is contained." As she spoke, a patrol of four Marlins and a single Sturgeon-Class Gunship would pass by in the distance, visible from the window. It was obvious to anyone that they had invested a lot in security. The Keeper would wait for the esteemed guests to take their seats and introduce themselves before continuing.
Radio chatter between the fighters would pick up as they'd move to intercept an incoming shuttle. The Marlins would take up a position on either side of the small transport craft and guide it towards the Eidolon Wraith, which prepped its hangar for some additional traffic. One by one, the three expected vessels would be guided to the Battlecruiser's hangar. With the final vessel - a Combat Service Freighter being led towards the Battlecruiser, they were given codes to dock as space had previously been made for their arrival. The automated internal security system was given exceptions for the newcomers.
The interior of the relatively small hangar was occupied by several fighter craft - Most notably ones which have seen extensive modification. Several well armed and armed individuals were dotted around the hangar in sentry positions, carefully observing each ship as they entered the hangar and touched down. A single person stood out in a black set of custom body armor, wearing a mirrored helmet that reflected what the wearer was seeing. He awaited the three delegates by the only exit from the small hangar, arms crossed behind his back and a pistol in his holster. As the delegates from Bretonia, The Commonwealth and The Junker's Congress approached, he spoke:
"Welcome aboard the Eidolon. I'm Sentinel Marshal. For security purposes, I advise you leave any firearms you may have with their safety enabled. If you'd please follow me, I'll take you to the Keeper's Chamber." He'd raise a hand and gesture for the group to follow as he spun to face the door.
Marshal would guide the trio into the dark halls of the Battlecruiser. The connecting hallways saw little traffic, save security personnel and drones going about their day to day activities. They'd stay straight for some time, ascending a staircase to another level. Some radio chatter could be heard from the guide's helmet as he notified the security checkpoint ahead to stand down. The group would round a corner to the right and pass through a well guarded entryway, which seemed to have deactivated its defenses in preparation for their arrival so they could pass with ease.
Finally, they'd reach a large door, protected by two turrets which hung from the ceiling and two large drones on either side, which scanned the crowd with their illuminated cameras. Marshal stepped to the side of the door, which opened slowly to reveal a large table, surrounded by chairs - a meeting room. To the left was a row of windows that faced out to the Eastern Nebula. At the furthest head of the table, sat in what appeared to be an overcompensating chair, Keeper Sapphire Raven was waiting. To her left stood the hooded, masked and armored figure of Keeper Leviathan. As they entered the room, Raven would speak to the trio.
"On behalf of the people of Auxo and the Inner Phalanx, we warmly welcome you to our ship, the Eidolon Wraith. It's a pleasure to meet you all. If you require anything during your stay, please, do not be afraid to ask. " She'd point to the chairs around the table with a gloved hand which complimented her extravagant robe, inviting them to sit. The table had several glasses, pitchers of water and snacks decorating the center.
"Please, make yourselves comfortable." Raven joined her hands together and leaned forward on the table. "As you can see, our people are working very hard to ensure that we all have a safe time together, worry not about the outlaw activity within the region, it is contained." As she spoke, a patrol of four Marlins and a single Sturgeon-Class Gunship would pass by in the distance, visible from the window. It was obvious to anyone that they had invested a lot in security. The Keeper would wait for the esteemed guests to take their seats and introduce themselves before continuing.
RE: The Ballad of Inverness (Invite only) - AlphaWolf215 - 04-04-2017
A Clydesdale, flanked by two Templars approached The Eidolon Wraith, pinging them as they drew near.
Eidolon Wraith, this is Merchant Navy craft Diligence, transporting Her Majesty's representative. We convey Her Royal Highnesses apologies that she could not personally attend. Requesting permission to dock.
A pause before they received the green light, the on-board computer displaying the flight pattern for them to follow in.
The three ships touched down in the hangar, the Clydesdale's ramp lowering to allow 4 marines, in full combat dress, to disembark. However, not one of them appeared to be an ambassador of any sort. It wasn't until one of the Templar pilots, who had climbed from his fighter and made his way to the crew, removed his helmet that all became clear.
May I formally introduce Prince James Frederick Albert William, Crown Prince of House Bretonia, and representative of the Bretonian Crown.
James stepped forward to the man in the mirrored helmet
Sorry for the secrecy. This is a delicate matter and Bretonia cannot be shown to be involved with the Commonwealth. I, no, we would appreciate your discretion in these matters, Sentinel Marshall. Thank you.
James and his security detail would follow the Sentinel into the ship, finally reaching the conference room holding their talks
Keeper Raven! A pleasure as always
He took her hand, kissing it gently on top
I apologise for the secrecy. I wish it wasn't required, but we have to tread carefully. I'd also like to pass on Her Majesty's apology that she could not attend herself. I hope my attendance is acceptable?
RE: The Ballad of Inverness (Invite only) - Stoner_Steve - 04-14-2017
A Junker Combat Service Freighter entered radar range of The Eidolon Wraith. "Eidolon Wraith, Jolly Green, requesting to Dock" The freighter was granted permission and found itself next to the other ships present in the hanger. A lone man exited the ship, turned on his heel once as if looking around before spotting someone in uniform. ”Hey dude, so like I uh need to meet with Raven...” Steve trailed off for a moment before picking back up again "She, uh invited me.". The uniformed man didn't respond, but merely raised his hand pointing towards a corridor exiting the flight deck, Steve smiled slightly, "Thanks"
Steve arrived outside the conference room, he fidgeted slightly before entering, finding Keeper Raven and a few others already present "Raven, uh, everyone else." He glanced around, not recognizing much about the others beyond their dress. "Hello, you are?"
RE: The Ballad of Inverness (Invite only) - Commonwealth of House Liberty - 04-14-2017
One of the delegates flanking Steve looked over and sized him up with his steely blue eyes. He looked frazzled in spite of his fine suit adorned with a Commonwealth pin on the lapel. "Elton McKenna, Commonwealth Secretary of Foreign Affairs. You are the.. Junker's representative, I presume?" He asked, forcing a smile and straightening his suit.
Elton held his tongue in spite of the attack on the Amerigo One en route to the Eidolon. If progress was to be made he'd have to set aside his differences. After all, the alternative to diplomacy was letting the Legion's war hawks burn Invergordon spaceport to the ground, and that would invalidate everything he had worked for over the past year.
RE: The Ballad of Inverness (Invite only) - Stoner_Steve - 04-14-2017
Steve smiled at Elton, you could see that a few of his teeth were missing "Steve Squigs, Adjudicator to Invergordon Space Port, so yes the Junker's representative." He nervously glanced around the room before focusing on Elton again. ”I'm honestly surprised that you agreed to a meeting; the Legion hasn't been the most....friendly in the past.” Steve again glanced around wondering if there were any more that would be joining them "Maybe its best to sit down before we get started."
RE: The Ballad of Inverness (Invite only) - Kauket - 04-14-2017
"Prince James, of course! I hope all was well with your travels. Your cautions are understood and noted, we all hope to converse here quietly today. " She took a pause - a smile was already formed, she gestured with her hand, "Please, take a seat. "
She patiently awaited the arrival for the last member of the meeting, shortly noticing him stumbling in an anxious manner. Noticing how timid he was, she let out a small chuckle, "Hello, Steve. "
Awaiting for him to sit down, "Allow me to say what an honor it is to have you all here today in this room as we begin to process the outcome of this sector, Inverness. To my right, we have Prince James William, Crown Prince of House Bretonia, representing them, ahead of me, is Steve Squiggs, Adjudicator of the Junkers Congress - representing them, to my left, is Elton McKenna, Commonwealth Secretary of Foreign Affairs. The man to my direct left is Keeper Leviathan, who shall also partake within these talks. "
Everything seemed fine so far, she carefully chose her words and pressed on, highly disinterested in lingering in rhetorics, keeping a calm face. It felt weird to her to not wear her mask, but these were people she knew that she could trust. She would hope that they would recogniese that she was honoring their presence by allowing them to see her face, making the conversation more personal.
"Let us begin the discussion; Each of you represent your respected nations and groups, who all have a vested interest - and in the case of the Bretonians - legitimate claim on the system. Some of you have had your differences, and we hope that through these talks here, we may all part ways amicably. Auxesia has wandered a very long time with... Well, no static home. We've set our sights on solidifying ourselves here, and have worked tirelessly to ensure that the threats of the area are kept to levels of nonexistance. For example, in collaboration with the Commonwealth's military, the Hellfire Legion, a sizeable Gaian Outpost and waystation was destroyed here. The minor nuisance of The Order has been subdued, and any form illicit trafficking, such as slavery, Cardamine and the Artifact markets in the region have slowly but surely been nullified."
Taking a minor pause before continuing, she glared from guest to guest briefly.
"We have worked and assisted each party here on every front as we regained our strength, and naturally friendships such as these are difficult to break. You've all been invited out of respect and right to this system, to discuss its future. For us, we seek to claim it as sovereign territory, to continue to build ourselves up independently - a place for us to call home, a place where we can peacefully continue our beliefs, research and society."
"With the system bordering Commonwealth space and their actions in removing the Gaian outpost, the presence of the Junkers in the system at Invergordon, and the Bretonian's claim dating back the furthest, we ask that each party share their desires, expectations and plans for the future of Inverness, so we may find a means of co-existence, together, as friends."
RE: The Ballad of Inverness (Invite only) - AlphaWolf215 - 04-14-2017
James listened carefully. This was an important and interesting meeting, and deserved to be treated delicately. Still, James wasn't quite sure how he'd do in these talks. He trained in the army, not to be a royal
If I may...
He stood, preferring the freedom of movement
First, thank you Keepers Raven and Leviathan, and thank you to Adjudicator Squiggs and Secretary McKenna. I'm glad we can meet to discuss the future of the Inverness system. I'd also like to thank you for subduing various criminal elements in the system.
As the Bretonian Crown has the longest legitimate claim on the system, I feel I should represent our stance first. This matter has been discussed between myself, Her Majesty, Queen Carina the first, and Her Majesty's royal advisors, and the conclusion we have reached is that Her Majesty is not going to relinquish Her claim on the Inverness system at this time, however with the stellar shift of the Inverness sector, and surrounding sectors, it has made it more difficult to appropriately enforce such claim. We would like to propose that an agreement of sorts be arranged where a third party would work with the House of Bretonia to enact a set of laws specific to the system, and would continue to operate in the system, this time as an enforcement agency of the Crown.
We know that Inverness has long been a point of discussion between some of the involved parties, and we thank you for your respect of our claim thus far. It is my, and Her Majesty's, hope that this will continue to be the case.
James stopped pacing, and returned to stand at his chair. He took a moment for all he'd said to sink in, before sitting to show he'd finished
RE: The Ballad of Inverness (Invite only) - Stoner_Steve - 04-15-2017
Steve watched as James paced the room speaking. Once he had halted at his chair Steve spoke up "Invergordon has prospered under Bretonian rule and more importantly under Bretonian Regulation. Over the past two and a half decades the station has grown from a small outpost to a bustling shipyard." He nervously glanced at Elton. ”We have have followed Bretonian House Law that entire time, which has granted us certain freedoms. From travel and trade, to certain drug possession and use. I would want assurances that this third party” Steve hazy red eyes met with Ravens ”wouldn't create laws to the determent of what has been built here.”
RE: The Ballad of Inverness (Invite only) - Commonwealth of House Liberty - 04-23-2017
McKnenna took his eyes from the Junker, trying to not make his looks seem hostile to the best of his ability. He straigtened his suit and cleared his throat.
He gave a sign to one of the delegates, who activated a projection of the map of Inverness, split in three with the sun as center of the three parts.
![[Image: mOClqeF.png]](https://preview.ibb.co/gZkvfk/mOClqeF.png)
"This is, in essence, the Commonwealths proposal for the future of the inverness system. The colored parts each represent the sphere of influence of the Kingdom of Bretonia, Auxesia and the Commonwealth respectively."
He stood up, pointing at the part wich included Invergordon space port.
"The spaceport would stay under Auxesian jurisdiction, able to continue as before for the most part. The red sector would become territory of the Commonwealth, along with all responsibilites. The grey area would stay under direct Bretonian rule.
The sectors would be patroled by the groups whos jurisdiction they are under. A more detailed plan can be worked out if this proposal sounds appealing to you"
McKenna sat down again, waiting for reactions of the present parties he let his view wander through the round.
RE: The Ballad of Inverness (Invite only) - Vendetta - 04-23-2017
Leviathan had been content to remain silent throughout the beginning of the meeting, giving only a brief bow when he was introduced to the delegates that sat before him. As each representative made their statements on the matter, the conflicting interests in the system began to rise one by one. Leviathan let out a quiet sigh. "Each party here has interests in the region that conflict with one another." He said, following the Commonwealth representative's proposal. "While your proposal Secretary McKenna is an equal share of the system itself, there are several flaws in the proposed territory split that would leave questions in regards to movement. For one, the access point to Cortez space would be under our jurisdiction, but would require the Bretonians to fly through said jurisdiction to reach their claim in the area, and while we'd have no issues with our friends making use of any sort of territory we claim, this would be a hindrance in due time."
Leviathan paced around to the side of the table, observing the delegates and the holographic map that had been displayed over the group. "With the Bretonians seeking to retain their rightful claim on the area and looking for a third party to enforce a sub-section of laws on the Crown's behalf, this would also interfere with several ongoing operations that the Commonwealth or ourselves may have, as well as the Junkers who would like to remain unhindered by an overbearing rule that would affect their business in the area. This proposal of a territorial split would in turn split the enforcing of laws and regulations throughout the system in three, and definitive border lines in such an open space are difficult to draw." Leviathan had made his way around the table, returning to his standing position by Raven's side. "With this in mind, while a split may seem logical now, it does not benefit the interests of all present parties. Our interests - as Keeper Raven had explained - are somewhat colonial in nature, as we have our sights set on Elgin. We wish to establish ourselves here, independently. The Commonwealth seeks to expand and secure its borders, while the Bretonians wish to retain their entire claim."
Leviathan paused for a moment, ensuring everyone was following along. "Now, the corridor between Cortez and Vespucci remains a vital point in the system, as it provides many benefits and one insignificant hurdle for the larger groups in these discussions. One such benefit is a potential trade artery between the Commonwealth and Bretonia. As the Secretary knows, the Commonwealth is rather rich in mineral resources, and Bretonia faces a time of war where such resources can prove invaluable in a functioning war machine. What I propose is that this highway be under both the Commonwealth and Bretonia's direct influence, barring the East Avlemore Nebula which would fall under definitive control of the Commonwealth of House Liberty, and the Moray Ice field under the definitive control of Bretonia, to serve as the primary borders of both nations in the system. This in turn would open up an avenue of support against the Royalists, which we know the Legion has faced in Magellan and are fully aware of the dangers the Gallics pose to Liberty's independence and integrity." He'd type into the console built into the table near Raven's chair. Another map would display, showcasing the suggested modifications to the territory split proposition that McKenna had made.
![[Image: MV6iiIp.png]](http://i.imgur.com/MV6iiIp.png)
"At this point, it would look somewhat like this. Of course, this is subject to further discussion, but it is a rough modification to the proposed territorial split." Leviathan leaned forward on his armored hands, placing them on the table. "As I had mentioned earlier, there is one hurdle in the region that we've been content to deal with in its fullest - The Order's presence in the system and independent region surrounding it, which Bretonia is fully aware of. To avoid any direct interference by them, we'd ask to be granted leeway in continuing our operations in removing the Order, in spite of the Crayterian Republic harboring a majority of their assets close by." Leviathan would add, hoping to catch the attention of the Bretonian delegate. "And lastly, to alleviate the concerns of the Congress representative, we'd propose that Invergordon remain under Bretonian law and control. All we'd ask is for Elgin and the West Avlemore Nebula to be considered sovereign Auxesia territory." Leviathan finished. He stood upright and waited to hear from the others.
Leviathan paced around to the side of the table, observing the delegates and the holographic map that had been displayed over the group. "With the Bretonians seeking to retain their rightful claim on the area and looking for a third party to enforce a sub-section of laws on the Crown's behalf, this would also interfere with several ongoing operations that the Commonwealth or ourselves may have, as well as the Junkers who would like to remain unhindered by an overbearing rule that would affect their business in the area. This proposal of a territorial split would in turn split the enforcing of laws and regulations throughout the system in three, and definitive border lines in such an open space are difficult to draw." Leviathan had made his way around the table, returning to his standing position by Raven's side. "With this in mind, while a split may seem logical now, it does not benefit the interests of all present parties. Our interests - as Keeper Raven had explained - are somewhat colonial in nature, as we have our sights set on Elgin. We wish to establish ourselves here, independently. The Commonwealth seeks to expand and secure its borders, while the Bretonians wish to retain their entire claim."
Leviathan paused for a moment, ensuring everyone was following along. "Now, the corridor between Cortez and Vespucci remains a vital point in the system, as it provides many benefits and one insignificant hurdle for the larger groups in these discussions. One such benefit is a potential trade artery between the Commonwealth and Bretonia. As the Secretary knows, the Commonwealth is rather rich in mineral resources, and Bretonia faces a time of war where such resources can prove invaluable in a functioning war machine. What I propose is that this highway be under both the Commonwealth and Bretonia's direct influence, barring the East Avlemore Nebula which would fall under definitive control of the Commonwealth of House Liberty, and the Moray Ice field under the definitive control of Bretonia, to serve as the primary borders of both nations in the system. This in turn would open up an avenue of support against the Royalists, which we know the Legion has faced in Magellan and are fully aware of the dangers the Gallics pose to Liberty's independence and integrity." He'd type into the console built into the table near Raven's chair. Another map would display, showcasing the suggested modifications to the territory split proposition that McKenna had made.
"At this point, it would look somewhat like this. Of course, this is subject to further discussion, but it is a rough modification to the proposed territorial split." Leviathan leaned forward on his armored hands, placing them on the table. "As I had mentioned earlier, there is one hurdle in the region that we've been content to deal with in its fullest - The Order's presence in the system and independent region surrounding it, which Bretonia is fully aware of. To avoid any direct interference by them, we'd ask to be granted leeway in continuing our operations in removing the Order, in spite of the Crayterian Republic harboring a majority of their assets close by." Leviathan would add, hoping to catch the attention of the Bretonian delegate. "And lastly, to alleviate the concerns of the Congress representative, we'd propose that Invergordon remain under Bretonian law and control. All we'd ask is for Elgin and the West Avlemore Nebula to be considered sovereign Auxesia territory." Leviathan finished. He stood upright and waited to hear from the others.