A mighty roar of engines burst through the atmosphere, as a lone cruiser descended towards the capital of New Serpentum. A single transport escaped the larger ship, falling until it landed daintily at the foot of the citadel. Grand Inquisitor Krieg, followed by two Guerran Knights, each unarmed, and a small group of soldiers carrying a large basket, left the ship in a calm fashion, before the transport retreated back into the sky. "People of the Reich! Today, we will make history!" Krieg shouted to his unarmed soldiers, who gave hoorays and excited shouts.

The Grand Inquisitor examined the massive citadel. He found it strange how it seemed so different from the cityscape around it, seemingly jutting from the earth in its massiveness. But, Krieg was not here to ponder, he thought to himself. No, he was here to make a great friendship with the Imperium that may last as long as the stars themselves. Slowly, he began to make his way up the citadel's mighty steps, accompanied by his entourage of troops.

Krieg strode merrily into the Court, bowing before the Gold-encrusted Emperor. He shook his head at the question of refreshments. "Not at all, my good sir! But, your majesty, I have brought refreshments for you. Soldiers, show him our gift basket." 

With a loud heaving, the soldiers brought the large metal crate between the two leaders, before it slowly opened from the top, compacting back to reveal a menagerie of containers. Krieg grabbed a small metal tube. "Thennan Caviar, harvested from a Kax nest after its defeat," he enamoured, "Tastes divine!" He set it down before grabbing another container, "And this is several cuts of a Panlin delecacy, some oceanic fish-like creatuew with a name I cannot pronounce. This, and a vast variety of other things!" Another group of soldiers slowly walked into the court, carrying something large under a tarp. As they set it down, one pulled off the tarp swiftly, revealing a large, taxidermied beast. "This is a Lupushound, straight from the forests of Guerre. I specifically hunted a feral pack of them and shot this beautiful alpha wolf, just to bring to you today. But, enough with my gifts, yes? Let us begin by talking about the biggest issue in the room: The Immortals. Obviously, this peace will not last for long, but I am interested on which side you will fight, or you remain neutral. So please, explain to us your place in the upcoming?"

"Your Majesty," Krieg addressed the question by the Emperor, "The reason we are so aggressive towards the heathens that we speak of is their goals and their actions. Their goal is to end slavery, yes? Well, that is impossible without pushing other, smaller nations around to do their work. This is where we move into their next point, their actions." He pulled out a folder from his coat jacket, unrolling it, and beginning to read its content. "..The Omega Situation, yes? Where they nearly opened fire onto a station under your jurisdiction? And then the court case where they nearly pushed their ideals upon your people because it hurt the Immortal diplomats' feelings? You are willing to sit back and let them force you into submission, Your Majesty?!"

What Krieg did not say was where he got the information from. An exile of the Imperium, known as Ozma Thruzk. Krieg did not know why he was exhiled. All he knew was that he was thrown from the Imperials for a reason involving the dark arts, and that interested the Grand Inquisitor.

"The Immortals are not hounds, your majesty. They are more akin to terran rats. They will first come for the nearest food, and then when they run us out, they will turn for you, seeing you as a weak food, easy for the taking. Even now, as reported by a spy I have planted in their skin, they are creating vast amounts of new technology to make it impossible for us to fight them alone. I know your navy is lacking, but the Reich can supply the Imperium with auxiliary fleets. You have nothing to fear, Emperor; If we both fight the Immortals, they simply cannot win."

Krieg continued on, "Emperor, I can tell that you are simply ready to make the Immortal's land burn under your fury. So please, join us in this crusade, and we can assure that your people will not only survive, but prosper! Apex will burn under the Imperium and the Reich's glorious blades! But this will only happen if you, your majesty, will assist us in our calamity. And in doing so, we shall help with yours. In fact, I can even provide you with a fleet right this very moment, but only if you are willing to fight the ones who almost forced their heinous traditions upon you."

The Grand Inquisitor finished. He then stood, awaiting a reply from the Imperial Emperor above. He hoped that these words would move the Imperial Royalty enough for their assistance on the great threat of the Immortals and join them in their downfall.

Krieg held the sword as demanded, and listened to the ritualistic rites of the Varanus Emperor. He was happy to find a common enemy, and to come together to defeat said enemy. 

"It is an honor, your majesty," Grand Inquisitor Krieg stated, "I hope that our alliance will stay strong through the ages." He began to step away, "I am sorry about this, but I cannot stay long. There is much to attend to, you know? The tides churn, and they look to become fierce. My ships will arrive soon to supplement your fleets, and our armaments will be shared with you. The Reich will reinforce our friendship, no matter what."

As Krieg exited the palace, a transport descended and landed, Quickly, the Grand Inquisitor and his troops entered the ship, which rose quickly back into the sky. "T'is a grand day for the Reich, gentlemen," Krieg congratulated, "And I must say, I congratulate all of you for being with me today. Our meeting was perfect, and it went exactly as planned."

The Transport returned to the cruiser, before it too left New Serpentum, its crew filled with new-found honor and pride.

[END]