(@Defaox)

A small fleet drifted through the western reaches of the Outer Worlds, heading towards coordinates given to them by wandering traders coming out of Allui Station. They said something of another faction being prominent in the galactic west, but the General did not listen much. Instead, they had almost immediately ransacked the traders who had trespassed Reich territory, before letting them flee.

The General, a one-star general named Grenwind, headed the group on a weaponless cruiser, the same kind that was being used as a laboratory above Thenna to combat the arachnids. This one, however, was fitted with many more engines, allowing it to be more of an exploration ship, keeping up with the pack of Corvettes that had been assigned to protect the ship. Quickly, they headed for the west, unaware of whose territory they were soon entering.

General Grenwind was uneasy about this; he was unsure why the Grand Inquisitors had chosen him of all people. Why not choose the adventurous Admiral Lon Mar, He thought, Or even the Grand Inquisitor Mordeci himself?! The low-ranking general quickly shook off these thoughts, thinking he was too nervous about this mission. He dialed up the corvettes surrounding his cruiser, telling them to spread out and be alert, using Lon Mar's tactic of acting as if any uncharted zone is a potential war zone waiting to happen. The ships radioed back with approval, moving away from the cruiser a few more kilometers, scanning as much area as possible.

They had been watching this fleet that had been getting close to the borders. The probes, hidden within the darkness of space had been keeping an eye on them. The robotic eye zoomed in on the small fleet and they soon registered the ships within their data base. There is a total of 10 probes that had been scanning the ship. Amongst the Reich ships, static filled their sensors. The listening sensors on the ships had been filled with static.

“ Scanning ships… ://: Reich ships detected. Small fleet ://: Fleet crossed the territory lines. Begin Warning messages”

The probes then began to hack the ships message systems. All the screens of every ship instantly turned to static. The screens shuffled for a bit and finally a message popped up on every screen of every ship within the small fleet. “Turn around now. You’re not welcome. Turn around now!” the message would only repeat in a mechanical voice. It wouldn’t respond to anything and only repeat. A Galactic map then appeared on the main screen of the ship. Showing the territory line, it had crossed and a “new Course” plotted for them to turn around. An open channel had been made for communication if the warnings were not taken seriously.

Very quickly, the General, easily angered, began to speak on the line. "This is General Grenwind of the Vigilance Expedition Craft 9018. You have thirty seconds to explain why your messages have appeared on our ships. Any latency or lack of reply will result in retaliation when found. Please respond in an orderly fashion as soon as possible, unidentified signal."

Grenwind put down the array, ordering for his Corvettes to scan the area, make sure that no ships come close to the cruiser, and destroy anything that even looks vaguely like a starship. The General did not want to make any problems worse if they had to enter combat. He wanted to make it seem like he was a competent leader, who deserves more than one measly star. He would show the Grand Inquisitors that he deserved to be leading the forces of the Reich into glorious combat, until his death would he not part.

The message would continue to repeat on all the screens. It stopped once the Admiral said something on the open frequency. The static stopped and the messages stopped, everything had become oddly quiet. It felt like hours until a response had been given. “You’re within Nypherian Empire territory. Your unlawful encroachment within our borders is considered an act of war. You have 30 seconds to identify your reason to be here.” A voice came through in response to the Admiral. The probes continued to watch the small fleet as they registered scans that were trying to pick up any other ships. The scans would find no ships, only the probes that were far enough away from their guns.

“We have contact” “Who are they?” “Possibly the Reich?” “Hmm, let the situation role for now. Prepare a fleet for my arrival”

Within the system of Saskarth, a Nypherian fleet had slowly began to drift away from the main defenses. 40 ships soon had gathered and waited for their orders to move out. Captain Aersilix, she stood within the command section of their second largest ship. She waited for her orders from Rear Admiral Mel's Akeim to move out.

The General then realized they were in no position to fight. They had seven ships, one completely unarmed. But if he were to just flee, he would surely face the judgement of the Inquisitors, lest the Grand Inquisitors themselves place execution upon him. He reached for his comms slowly, ordering the smaller ships to lower weapons and turn off scans, before replying to the Nypherian line.

"We come in peace, and heard of another empire in the western galaxy. We came to investigate these claims. We intend zero aggression with our travels, and apologize if we have interrupted any current situation that you may have been dealing with." He lowered his array, backing from the communications part of the bridge. "Slow to a halt, pilots. We are not to encroach any further into occupied territory."

Slowly, the engines of the Vigilance cruiser dimmed to black, and it began to use smaller thrusters on its front to slow itself to a halt. The corvettes, their weapons disengaged, followed suit, slowing and braking in place. General Grenwind nervously awaited the Nypherians' reply.

The channel had closed, the long-distance server had vanished. The Reich had been met with silence for a few minutes. Their scanners soon detected ships warping in front of them. Forty Nypherian ships warped in front of them. There were many types of ships that “greeted” them for their illegal crossing of their borders. The MC2B23 (2,000 meter ship), the Assault Cruiser MC 3B10 (2,000 meter ship), the lead ship MC 401S Elite Assault Cruiser (2,500 meter ship), and the AC B12C Cruiser Class Frigate (800 Meter Ship). The fleet spread out and all their weapons had been charged to fire and were waiting orders. The Nypherian fleet hailed the Reich fleet for direct communications. Once the screen had opened within the Generals screen, he saw a cybernetic female that seemed human.
 

“My name is Captain Aersilix, I am the leading officer within this district of the Nypherian Empire. Forgive me if I am so bold, but why should we respect the words of a “General” if he ignored our message to go away? We know of your Reich, we have been watching you. Listening to the communications within the Northern Galaxy, we have eyes and ears, everywhere. “

The General jumped back at the sight of a small Nypherian fleet consisting of such massive weapons and ships. He was then slightly bemused by the fact that these ships were manned by humans, albeit heavily modified, as shown by the face that had appeared before him on his console. He motioned for another crewman to allow his face to be seen by the Nypherian Captain.

"I formally apologize for the rude intrusions of my crew and I. Our assumptions were that these signals hailed from an empire that we now realize to be your Nypherian Empire. I am not authorized to make diplomatic conversations much further, but if you would allow us, may we bring someone who is able? We have much to discuss. If you allow us to do this, I can swear that we will stay out of your territory and not unlawfully enter it once more."

She narrowed her eyes at the words of the General. How, they didn’t have someone who could discuss diplomatic agreements with them and they are traveling to a place where other life could exist. The ignorance of the man infuriated her greatly, but she didn’t have the order to push him away if they requested discuss things on the topic of diplomatic reasons. She sat up in her chair, “Very well, send someone over to the largest ship. One you’re close enough; the systems will be guided by our on board AI. Don’t bring your weapons when you’re on board.” She said as she closed the channel. She got up and walked over to the adjacent screen. She opened coms and Grand Admiral Malik appeared, “Report Captain.” She saluted the Grand Admiral. “Sir, the Reich have requested a diplomatic discussion. They have stated that they don’t have that person who can discuss relations with them now but, they will call for that person to show up soon.” She dropped her saluted and went into attention. “Interesting, remember Captain, we must have patience with these exchanges. Yet, we must be resilient in these transactions.”

Almost immediately, Grenwind hailed for a diplomatic party to arrive. It would take several long, silent minutes, before a Cruiser, the Epion, emerged from the dark recesses of space, several Frigates following its steel mass. On board was the leader of the Reich's ground forces, Grand Inquisitor Krieg. Krieg began to broadcast a message from the Epion to both fleets before his.

"This is Grand Inquisitor Krieg of the Inquisitorial Reich, reporting from the Epion. I have come to resolve this aggressive situation with diplomacy. If I am allowed, I will come to a certain waypoint made by the Nypherians. I will bring with me only myself, leaving my sword and gun behind, as well as all my personnel but my pilot who will land me at the waypoint. I am waiting for approval. Grenwind, take my Frigates and your ships back to the Shipyards of Guerre. I shall deal with this mess you have fumbled together."

Quickly the Reich's ships, save for the Epion, began to jump back towards Guerre, leaving the single Cruiser alone against an entire fleet, awaiting a reply from the captain aboard it.

During the message sent back from the Reich, the Nypherian fleet had already sent the directions to be followed. Once the transmission had been complete, he had already received the instructions. The ship would follow a specific route towards the largest ship in the fleet. When the ship got close enough, Nypherian fighters flew to the sides of the ship, escorting it into the hangar. Once docked, the Nypherian bridge way connected to the ship, allowing him to leave the ship. Once Krieg left his ship, he had been greeted by hundreds of Nypherian soldiers holding their weapons at rest. The captain of the ship had been waiting for him as the bottom of the walkway. All the Nypherians held a human-like form.

Though they may be machine, they looked as if they were humans covered in metal. “I am Captain Aersilix, as I have stated before. I am the highest-ranking officer within this sector of Nypherian Territory. I am going to assume you’re brighter than your General. Now, your people have crossed illegally into our territory just North of Norma Prime. Normally, we just shoot who crosses our borders. However, since you’re not the usual folk that usually waltz across our borders. We decided to humor your request for the diplomatic approach. What can you offer?”

Krieg smiled behind his mask. His imagination ran wild as he gazed upon the Nypherians and their ship's interior. He believed that such a machine race was impossible, and yet it stood before him, speaking to him, albeit in a condescending way. He replied smoothly to Captain Aersilix.

"I can offer ourselves; my good captain. We can assist you in situations that extend past your borders, as well as you helping us when we request your aid. We can also give you fresh resources. Our world Sankisk is filled with numerous precious resources that we can supply your empire. In return, I wish for resources in return. I am sorry if General Grenwind has struck any nerves with you with his ignorance, dear Captain. To be honest, he has annoyed me on many occasions. He told me that a platoon of tanks could cross a river to intercept a pack of demons, and actually tried it! Anyways, I digress; We will give you resources, and you could possibly give us something in return. Might it possibly be trust in us?"

“Possibly but we have questions. We assume you’re human. Based on how you look and how your armor is made. Are you human? From Earth?” she asked. The idea and possibility didn’t escape her that the person in front of him, didn’t know that they are human. When the Nypherians normally tell people that they’re from Earth. Most people think they’re affiliated with the GSU. Then when people learn they’re much older and from another Dimension, it changes people’s perspectives about the Nypherians. “To get the “Cat out of the Bag”, we’re human or use to be human. We’re from Earth but from another Dimension. We have learned interdimensional travel and can move through Dimensions, parallel universes and other universes. We gave up our organic bodies and created a new one. We can create Synthetic, Cybernetic, and AI bodies. Death has escaped us, we can transfer our conscious minds to another body.”

Krieg chuckled lightly. "Of course I am of human descent, but Earth is no more my home than a fish's home is the land. I hail from the great war-world of Guerre." The Grand Inquisitor continued to listen, nodding as the Nypherian Captain boasted about their achievements. "Interesting... it seems you are a technological marathon away from ourselves. The Reich only just now has begun to distribute laser weaponry to its troops." He pervaded the looks of the soldiers once more. "If your empire is so large it spans across different dimensions, would you be kind enough as to tell me what groups lie in this one, along with a handy little map? I'm sorry if I seem a bit crass asking this, but I assume that your people would know the ins and outs of everything this galaxy holds. And it also seems that you would know everything, snooping around and listening to our privacies without our permission..."

She listened to him talk, requesting a map. Also, pointing out they’re aware of the Nypherians spying on them. She snapped her fingers as she called for a data device. “The map.” Was all she said. A Warrant Officer walked over and handed her the data chip. “This information holds all that we know of the galaxy. The locations of nations, minor nations, and pirate traffic. There is a readout of our borders within this chip but nothing more. We will dictate on what other information we give about ourselves. Though, we will neither deny nor confirm your accusations of our “spying”. Our business is our own, but the galaxy data is yours. Anything outside the galaxy will not be handed to you, your people aren’t ready for that kind of information.” She handed him the data chip.
 
“I do have to give you credit, coming completely alone. Most people usually have guards, we don’t blame them for having them. However, it says a lot about you for deciding to make that kind of statement. I don’t have the authority to make any sort of treaty nor alliance agreement. I can, however agree to a non-aggression pact and trade agreement.”

Krieg generously took the chip and placed it into a small pocket on his coat. He was then bemused by the Nypherians' quickness to deny, though they say they had not, the allegations of spying on the Reich. Such a power could be a great ally, he thought, if they could listen to the Reich without notice with such a large array of weapons. Krieg then slightly shook his head in a state of shock as the Nypherian, this superior being- admitted she was impressed with the man. And it shocked him further that she said that under her approval, a trade agreement l, as well as a non-aggression pact, could be made.

"Well... I did not expect us to reach such a point so quickly, though, I do say it is pleasant to hear rather than your ships devastating our lands. I rather like you and your people. On my travels, I heard whispers of some massive force of half-machines with reality-bending technology from crazed ex-soldiers of the Galactic Systems Union, but I thought they were just drunken fools or traumatized by the latest Demonic incursion. I thought that such a power could not exist. But now..." Krieg chuckled lightly, "I guess they were sober. It would be an honor to sign a non-aggression pact with your Empire, Captain, as well as the Trade Agreement. This day will make history, you know? The Reich will come to see this day as the day our two peoples first came together and shook hands, ensuring that our peoples coexisted in peace." He held out a hand, covered in a black leather glove. He stood there, awaiting the captain to take the offer and cement this moment in the Reich's history books.

Ultimately, she had been curious for only a moment, what would they do with the Galactic data? Start a war? Spread to other systems? Possibly go after the GSU? My thoughts flowed through her head as she spaced out for only a little bit. He thoughts were broken when Krieg started to talk. He went on about stories he had heard about the Nypherians. Rumors from soldiers of the GSU. She snarled at that name, the GSU. She took a few steps and began to pace back and forward for a bit. Completely missing the rest of the story of what the man had said. “The GSU, Galactic systems Union. Filled with nothing but morons who place their faith in powerful mages and place themselves on some insignificant pedestal, acting as I they have power. Implying magic is more powerful than technology. Their ignorance insults me.”


“Now now, Captain, that is no way to act in front of our guest. Even if the hatred is justified.” A voice came from the other side of the hangar. Captain Aersilix instantly turned around and place her right hand on her chest, bowing on the spot. A man in a black suit walked into view. His black metal helmet shine as the light from the hangar struck it. His cane clicked each time it hit the ground. A new set of Nypherian soldiers that looked different walked just behind him. The soldiers wore a white armor and their weapons rested on their backs. “Mr.Krieg, if you don’t mind me saying. I am the Administrator, one of the 6 members of High Command. I oversee the Synthetic Division. I dare say, I am slightly curious of your nation. We will agree on the terms already on the table but how about making things more interesting.” He walked closer until he is next to the Captain.  Captain Aersilix moved from her bow to “At Ease” stance. “We’re interested in seeing a joint operation in a research agreement. You see, we’re developing new ship technology. You’re welcome to join us on one of our ship production bases or we could go to your nations territories.”

Krieg was taken aback once again by the description of the GSU given by the Captain. "How dreadful! Such Pariahs don't deserve the breaths they take," he said, before the Captain was cut off by the entrance of the Administrator, which made the Grand Inquisitor feel slightly relieved when he said that he was one of the six leaders, as well as they would approve of a non-aggression pact and a trade route. The interest in the Reich's ships, however, made the Administrator seem suspicious to Grand Inquisitor Krieg.

"I am pleased by your rapid approval of our current agreements, Administrator, but your rapid curiosity in our ship programs is rather... suspicious to me. Yes, we have been working on several new classes of ship. But why would you want to assist us in creating military technologies? Is there something you are not telling me? I am not trying to sound aggressive, but if the safety of the Reich is on the line, I must know."

The Administrator taped his cane on the ground. “The expanse of knowledge is the only reason for such a request. We can build on this thin bridge of trust and then expand on it. Since, our policies mind you are based on shared knowledge and understanding of technology. We’re not looking to reprimand anything of the sort. My goal, is to grow your understanding of the Universe, if you wish to understand ours.” He replied calmly. His curiosity of how the Reich operate and proceed with military instructions picked at his thoughts. His thoughts also meandered about how their values and what they deemed as important. “My I remind you, we’re open to trade and non-aggression pacts with people we deemed “Not Inferior”. Your technology allows you to travel to cosmos and expand your knowledge of the Universe and the fabric of time. If you didn’t have such technology, your people would have been deemed Inferior.”

Krieg nodded at the notions of "inferiority" the Nypherians worked upon. Even he saw potential in the most primitive of beasts, and was surprised this Administrator fellow could not. But, he was a visitor, and would not want to cause any harm to their relations. The Grand Inquisitor was exceptionally intrigued with his comment about expanding their own understanding of the universe.

"I would love to fortify our trust, Administrator. And likewise, I, representing the Reich in its whole, will make steps towards such fortifications that will assure peace and prosperity between our two nations. I will allow the Nypherians to come and see our ship research, and hopefully, you will consider doing the same? The layout of this mere hangar is more intricate than the whole of one our cruisers. My director of War sciences would love to work with your people," Krieg said.

The man was nervous; it seemed his aggression from before might affect the Administrator's thinking of the Reich, and he did not want the Reich to be placed in a bad light. However, he knew that he could do nothing at the immediate moment. His actions had already been accounted for by every one of the Nypherians in the hangar with him. All Krieg could do now was hope that these cybernetic gods of humans would stay on good terms for the moment.

The past actions held curiosity but something to keep an eye on. The Administrator began to make quick and concise orders to the AI troops nearby. A few dispersed and moved onto their duties as two Nypherian fighters moved in front of the hangar. “The Empire will agree to these terms. A simple solution to a growing trust between our nations. We will allow you to see a production of one of our newest ships and we will come to one of your productions and understand your technology. Though, I will leave a hint to understand our ways of thinking. The Universe is the only true intelligence.” He said as he turned and walked away. Nypherian soldiers walked in front of the Administrator as he walked off. The Captain only glanced at Krieg and then turned to follow the Administrator.

She didn’t agree of showing the Reich the production of one of their new ships. However, seeing the production of the Reich’s ships and understanding their culture is a plus. It had been a political move to see them from the inside and understand what drives them to attack the Dryadic forces and their hate for magic. The Nypherians had their own reasons but she is curious about theirs. She glanced back at Krieg, who is now being pointed to walk back to his ship and leave.

Krieg bowed gratefully. "Thank you, I will deliver the word to my people at once. May our peace survive the ages." He then exited the hangar, back into the cruiser. Once the ship had undocked, Krieg began to radio back to the Guerran shipyards as the Vigilance-Cruiser the Epion readied for light speed travel. "This is Grand Inquisitor Krieg. Please let Director Alden Wells know that he has very special visitors meeting him soon. Oh, and redirect General Grenwind and his forces to the main Thennan front. He needs to learn a very important lesson about diplomacy and how not to do it." The ship then dissapeared without a trace, heading swiftly back to the War-world to tell of his grand tale aboard the ship of the Nypherians.

[End]