The message was distorded and slightly non responsive,the New Serpentum Communications Array was still under construction at the time the message was recieved,the image projected was one of a figure similar to the Varanus,it was later revealed to be one of the few exiles attempting to contact the Imperial Court much to the dismay of the communications officer on duty at the time.The officer was about to close the channel when another figure came online a reptilian figure unlike any the Varanus had previously encountered in the milky way galaxy.It called itself a Vekimen and asked to meet the ruling regent of the Empire.

Viscount Raxus Imar was overseeing the construction effort of the capital when the message came through, a human clad in the red and blue uniform of the Imperial Communications Corps relayed the message through his data sphere to the bronze scaled Viscount.The Vekimen for what little the Viscount had seen was rather lacking but any final judgements would have to be made during the meeting of the court. "Lord-Architect if you would excuse me" The Viscount said bowing his head in respect as custom before heading off to his dropship located nearby.

The Eternal Eyrie was not near completion and most of the members of the Imperial Court was tied in either dealing with administative duties at their respective worlds, handling the mass of refugees from the former northern factions into Imperial society or simply fighting or aiding those at the frontlines of the Helix Conflict.The Viscount would have to make due with the members on New Serpentum and close enough to arrive shortly from the other core worlds.

It was a byzantine system to be sure but it kept the stellar empire going,besides the Viscount was tired of the constant work being done on the Capital that so desperatly required his attention. The builders of the Engineering Corps just wanted the recognition of having their work overseen by the Viscount. Sometimes that little boost in morale helped push to greater things.

The Viscount was informed that the Vekimen would arrive within a standard month's time, and preperations for the meeting was well under way, a feast would be held much to custom with other tedious acts of patronage kept ready at the command of the host. The Varanus took pride in showcasing their political elegance this way... For they knew just how much these simple acts translated as showcases of power and wealth. The Zikah guard stood ever watchful clad in their alabaster white armour whilst their minds prodded across the halls and their spears ready should a thought of danger arise.

As always the Chamberlain stood waiting to welcome the dignitaries to the court, she was impressed with the technology these Vekimen seemed to possess and kept a watchful eye as the supposed leader exited the ship wearing little to no attire, this of course did not suprise the Varanus but did turn the heads of some of the other racial citizens at work in the palace,including the slaves at work inserting mural motifs of artworks depicting a sun and key points in the history of the empire and the Varanus race.The Chamberlain welcomed the Vekimen to the Eternal Eyrie and turned towards the large double doors that led to the inner gardens of the palace.The Zikah guard took positions behind the delegates and kept a grimly quiet watch on the Vekimen using their psychic minds to scour for thoughts of malicious intent.

The Chamberlain led the Vekimen towards the Imperial palace...The Eternal Eyrie. An towering spire of steel and a marble like substance. The doors would lead to a corridor that leads to a central chamber that would be actually be a elevator to lift the chamber to the throne hall.The elevator would lock into the throne hall floor.Inside the hall the Viscount and several officials would be seated around the circular hall with the Viscount seated facing north beneath the empty throne of the empire.The conversations the Varanus had was silence upon the arrival of the Vekimen whom they grinned at in their cold emotionless reptilian stare. The fact that the Vekimen did not wear textiles did not bother the Varanus but the guards this Vekimen brought was a breach of trust....The Court was not impressed.

The woman looked around the place she was in, silent the entire way. Her two guards unwavering in their duty to protect their ruler, scanning around constantly. Their heads never seemed to stop moving from side to side, clearly aware of the guards surrounding them. The weapons they carried looked remarkably simple... But powerful. Despite the short length, the girth of the magazine gave way to the idea of a hefty bullet. The pistols on their thighs seemed to sport a similar bullet given the thickness of the handle. Their SMG's hung from slings, but in the presence of armed members, their hands never stopped resting on the grips of the weapons. The tension of the guards was strong, but their charge seemed free and relaxed. This would be a testament to something, but not even her thoughts gave way to what. 

Entering the hall with the rest of the delegates, she took a moment to look around at the empty, hollow smiles. In her head, she couldn't help but think how appropriate it was for a political conversation. Be polite, but in reality, you just didn't care. Though, there was a clear tension in the room. Another internal laugh. She wondered why. With a wave of her hand, she dismissed her guards. Without question, their arms snapped up and gripped one of their horns, before they turn in unison and marched out with grace and discipline in spades.

Once gone, Khelena slowly raised her hands, wiggling her fingers a little as if displaying them to those around. "Greetings, delegates of the Imperium... I am Khelena Het'Ladaren, Sraralumee of the Vekimen, and Supreme Commander of the Vekimen Defensive Task Force. It is my most sincere pleasure to meet you all," She said, bowing her head and trailing a finger along the gold encased horn. "Before we continue, however, I would like to inform you of some customs my people have in meetings as such if I may," She started calmly, lowering her arms.

"We as a people have only just managed to relieve ourselves of internal conflict between the various castes and governments the Vekimen once had. I meetings such as these, always seem to induce a string of paranoid habits. One of which is the announcement of weapons. I have none and have dismissed my personal guard. Though, as I am in your home, I will hold no expectations of you," She explained, her voice cool, calm, and unapologetic without being disrespectful or demanding. "I also, will not stand once offered a seat. So if there is a moment in which I am expected to stand... Please inform me to do so," She added, before seemingly locking eyes on the Viscount. Even through the polarized visor he could feel the intrigue that filled her gaze.

The scarred Viscount with his cybernetic right eye frowned before he nodded without speaking for the Vekimen to continue.The Viscount was impressed at the guards movements and waited for the Vekimen to continue it's custom. The other members present in the court watched carefully but not as careful as the Grand Imperator who was eager to study these species as he saw their approuch through the holograms provided by the Serpentum Capital fleet.A detailed scan of the Vekimen vessels taken as subtly as possible showed multiple weapons systems and could compare with most of the ships the empire currently fielded.The Cybernetic Varanus hissed as his rusted filters sucked the oxygen around him.The hand of Kumaktole was also present the machine-like reptile hidden under black robes as it watched with a stern eye more interested in physiology of the Vekimen then anything else.

The Viscount chuckled. "I see..." The Viscount turned from his seat and walked to the throne,he removed a sceptre from underneath his purple and scarlet tunic and robe and hesitated before sitting on the throne and tapping the sceptre against the shining marble-like surface of the throne. The floor of the room shifted and a table and seat formed from the liquid-like floor in front of Khelena.The Zikah Guard that was present with her dismissed and joined their bretheren standing around the hall beneath the raised platforms the Imperial court was seated in. "It is in the interest of our custom that one bows before the Emperor and sits only when the Emperor gives permission to do so...But with all regards take a seat Vekimen-Ka." The Viscount returned to his seat and replaced the sceptre into his robe. "I am Viscount Raxus Imar of the Imar family,Speaker of the Imperial Court and the Imperial regent of the empire for the time being.What brings the Vekimen to seek audience with the Serpentum Imperium?" The Viscount liked getting to the point,he was after all a merchant before he became a noble.

Khelena nodded slowly, repeating the previous horn touch from before. She seemed hesitant to take a seat of her own, staring at how the chair seemed to come out of the floor like a liquid. The thought through her head was clear. If it could do that... Could it keep her trapped? Still, no way to know until it happened, so she sat down. She kept an eye on everyone in the room, making sure they didn't have any questions, but she could feel the eyes of the two elders drilling into her. It was actually a little amusing, perhaps she had drawn their attention... Somehow. 

She took the time to think about the composition of the people in the hall. A mix of humans and the... Varanus it would seem. Though she appreciated the Lizard-folk like her. They were rather attractive in their own way. Different from the vicious and primal appearance of her Vekimen, but they seemed obsessed with covering their bodies. A Shame... She did not think such a race which carried itself with so much pride would stoop to covering their body in cloth and shame. She couldn't focus on this for long though, as business was at hand. 

"As you are aware, my military picked up something of an outcast to your people. In exchange for his life, he told me about you... And about something interesting to my future plans, Khelena started, every pause filling her lungs with air so that she was clear and strong. Her speaking was slow, but her voice commanded a well-practised amount of authority. She was calm and collected, and now that she was speaking more fully, any tinge of nervousness was gone.

"There is a faction known as the Galactic Systems Union, whom I have been told are the greatest military force in the Galaxy. Possibly even the universe... I... Plan on changing that. My species has dedicated its entire evolutionary process to war, and we thoroughly believe we are the epitome of warfighting creatures. Though, the gathering of information, to me, if just as enjoyable as the actual fight, and that is why I am here speaking with you." She chuckled.

"I have come to the understanding that there are a plethora of mixed opinions on the GSU in your Imperium, and I have come to simply gauge your reaction to the idea of my people bringing them to their knees..." She finished, her voice going dark, bringing something of a chill to the room.

Khelena remained sitting as she said she would, while everyone else stood up. Several of the quills on her head suddenly raised just enough to be noticeable. Her muzzle turning in short jerky adjustments as she changed her focus to all the standing people. Her claws dagging along the table as she seemed to try and deal with something that was caused by the people standing up as she looked around at them. Still, she composed herself fairly well.

Then the Viscount returned his attention to her after the others had spoken. His tone was mildly mocking, in her opinion but she could handle that. "I believe my kind has a saying that fits this situation. In this language, it is already shortened, thankfully. Fortune favours the bold. We do not shy away from idea's and you all seem like fairly... polite people. I do not think a disagreement of words would put me in danger among you," She explained, looking around again, her tail swaying coyly behind her.

"Alliances shift, and sometimes you must ally yourself with those you would rather not... But we the Vekimen are a species that knows their purpose. I recall this Helix being mentioned in several interrogations of others I have found. Your people were... Unaware of their power initially and you have lost a great many of them. I can tell just by my examination of this city, you are a people ready for war, but not quite bred for it..." She said as the smile on her face was hidden by the mask.

When the information appeared on the screen, Khelena knew she had made the correct decision. This was a good move. The information blinked out, and Khelena openly laughed. "Oh, I am enjoying the turn of events. Let me put this bluntly. You provide my people with information, and I will provide you with access to a fighting force that cares for nothing but war, that spans in the billions... You give use stones to dull our claws, and well... I'm sure you can see the benefit of such an arrangement," Khelena explained pleasantly.

Then something she didn't expect to happen. She, had to wait for a meal before she could continue this conversation? The food was brought out as she stewed in this sudden realization. She was none too pleased with it, especially given she couldn't eat any of it without possibly irreparably damaging the others appetites. 

Though it seemed that was indicative in her body language, as the Viscount asked her if there was something wrong. She figured the breathing mask would have given it away, but that was neither here or there. Slowly she reached up, and tapped the visor. "I do not wear this for my own benefit. My race has some... Unpleasant aspects to it, where if I were to take it off I am sure I would destroy the appetite of every single person in this room for weeks. Not to mention... I am really unsure if I can eat cooked flesh. We normally don't," She added, looking back at the food. "Though it does look splendid..."

The Viscount raised his scaled eyebrow. "Very well." The servants took away the food and out of fairness the Viscount refused his meal as well....He ignored the earlier comment which insulted some of the older Varanidae who turned their grins into hateful stares,the Viscount had long shed that skin of pride his race takes in their martial prowess.

The Viscount was curious as to what laid behind the mask of the Vekimen but appeared uninterested in anything the Zodarrin had to say.He then stood and stretched his leathery wings and adjusted the deep purple cape and coat he wore with the silvery chassis of his thermal chestplate barely visible underneath...He then bowed to the various members of the Court and approached the Vekimen.

"Do you wish to continue our talks in the inner garden.....The Court has to address the Helix Campaign in the War room...Your guards can follow if they so please." The Viscount said respectfully nodding his head to the Vekimen.

Khelena sat and basically watched every other person in the hall eat, not paying much mind to the fact the Viscount had sent away his meal. Personally, she did not think he had too, but these aliens were going to do whatever they did. She could already see the anger on some of their faces, but she cared little. She had her reasonings. This city was bright and vibrant. Clearly the functioning of a life with a very clear and cut civilian life. There were no soldiers walking the streets in full battle gear, no children in the training pits, no garrisons in open view. The most civilian thing in her cities were the research and development centres, and even those carried an air of military capabilities to them. They could be angry. It mattered little to her. 

She noticed the Viscount walking towards her out of the corner of her eye, the polarized plate making it impossible for him to see her face. He offered them leave, which was actually in her best interests. The droning conversation was wreaking havoc to her head. It felt like her brain was going to turn to mush if it kept up, and part of her envied her guards with their noise dampening helmets. At the mention of her guards, she shook her head. "No... Guards will not be necessary. They are more a formality than necessary to me. And quite honestly, in the current situation, if you wanted me dead, I would be dead. I only brought a handful of soldiers," She added, looking around. "May I stand?"

Khelena followed, looking about at everything there was to see. She was able to keep up quite easily. She found the similarities in her their bodies to be fascinating. She could see it being helpful. Though he had asked a question, one that was harder to answer than he may realize. "That is a very good question, but really hard to answer. Do you have any specific questions for me?" She asked, looking at the man from under her mask.

Khelena looked at the Viscount carefully, taking her time in processing his question. He wanted to see her face and was playing it off as if she were withholding information from him. Sly bastard... She let out a huff of air, enough to get the mask to hiss at the overpressure. "Hmm, Well I suppose it should be okay now that no one is eating around us," She sighed, obviously overplaying the idea.

She reached behind her head and started to loosen the straps, before pulling the mask off. At first, she looked rather pretty for a lizard. Well defined facial features, black scales on her face shining in the light. Her grey eyes glinting with intelligence. Then she opened her mouth in a smile. Her teeth were large, and looked a brownish black. It was easy to see there seemed to be a deliberate lack of oral hygene given how badly they looked, but the actual teeth looked strong and healthy.

Then the smell hit. The only way to describe it was like a creature had been left out in the sun, dead, for days. Decomposition and death. "My people cannot clean our mouths without risking getting horrendously sick, hence the mask I wear," She commented, looking the Viscount in the eye and licking her maw. "You asked me to take it off however..."

The alien ruler went about putting her respirator back on as the Viscount spoke of the man she was supposedly trying to capture. This was going to be rather intense of a job. This man was supposedly some sort of god... Which did nothing to assuage the Rulers thoughts on this particular capture. If anything it just told her it was going to be that much harder. Find a specific needle in a stack of needles... One human, in a sea of humans. How hard could it be?

Then the bomb was dropped. Not only was she supposed to assist in this war the GSU were also assisting in, but if she failed to capture this person then she would lose an ally. The way it was presented, in all legitimacy, infuriated her, causing her to stop dead in her tracks.

"Excuse me, let me just make sure that we are clear at the moment. First, I am going to spend resources assisting you in this war against the Helix, and need to capture this Almis person, just for the information needed, to take out someone you don't even like... I have to say, Viscount, this deal is starting to become very lopsided. As it stands, I am offering you an army and support, and all I receive is information. Forgive my hesitation but this is... Concerning. Do you not trust me? Do you think my people are not capable?" She asked, placing a hand on her hip and cocking it.