AN: Here is a new chapter, the "negotiations" one. We could learn differences in views regarding some different aspects of life for both NUNG and HEoA. I hope that I described characters of Dusanyu and Cipair as close as possible. If not, please do not be too harsh. Either way, read and review. I am interested in your opinion about the "deal" that Abhs proposed to Hyun-Ae...
Chapter 05
It was quite boring to orbit the planet without any sort of entertainment like dramas, TV-shows or virtual games. Especially if you have to do it alone for an entire day on board of the large four kilometers long warship like "Chang'E" that was still in some state of disrepair after the incident. The only good thing was that there were some problems that required the attention of the "captain" to solve.
"So, are you telling me that we somewhere in the future?" – Mira chuckled after hearing the strange narration from the black-haired girl, currently adjusting her neuro EX-suit with hologram menu and a multi-tool.
"Yes, according to Yutu's calculation, the position of nearby stars suggests that we are currently in 4200 A.D., plus or minus a century. I tried to contact the Earth but received no response as well. New United Nations Headquarters are probably destroyed or non-existent in the first place…" – Without turning her face from the sophisticated piece of machinery, Hyun-Ae slowly explained it to her old friend their current predicament.
"What do you mean non-existent?" – It was a very strange wording. The older Zentradi commander could not truly understand the meaning behind this phrase and glared at the girl, who completely ignored it.
"I meant that I have a very bizarre theory, which should fill the holes in everything we encountered so far," – After several minutes of silence the girl continued with her explanation and closed the menu of her EX-suit. She slowly tested movements and feedback of artificial muscles and sensors before standing up.
Hyun-Ae walked to a seemingly random part of the bridge wall behind the entrance into control tube and waved her hand. The bluish hologram keyboard appeared in front of her. Without further delay, the girl tapped her personal password and stood still for security system to scan her retina and biological measures. The wall opened up and the line of military equipment moved out – the emergency self-defense arsenal for the bridge crew on duty.
"So, what did you thought in your free time?" – Sighing, Mira asked the question that had to be asked just to satisfy the girl on her screen. Such antics were common for her from the times she discovered that child deep in an underwater station on the Earth. It was probably a side-effect of almost century-long cryo-stasis.
"I think we dropped down into completely different time-line," – Hyun-Ae grabbed a standard officer pistol and checked it according to her training. After inspecting the gun, she loaded it with a clip, armed it and put into holster on her right side. Several additional clips and stun grenades were placed into a case as well as an electric rod – "The first one, the Vajra Battleship we found at the edge of the system. No matter how much we kept contact with their remnants in Galaxy, they would never move into inner part of it after initial Vajra Conflict with the Frontier fleet. So, there should be no reason for them to hang out that deep inside."
"Maybe, we managed to get into cooperation with them. Two thousand cycles make a lot of time, you know…" – It was a really wild theory. Even for Mira, who had talked with many crazy scientists in her life, courtesy of her "princess".
"You see, these guys, Abh… They did't recognize you at all. Like you never attacked the Earth in the first place," – Mira cringed at these words but nodded in acceptance – "I kind of doubt that something dramatic like "The Rain of Death" would be completely wiped out from the history of humanity."
The doors to the bridge opened and Hyun-Ae walked out from the room, where she was confined for several days. The girl checked her position on her augmented reality holographic visor and started to march toward the hangar bay while trying to avoid blocked nodes.
"Additionally, their faster than light technology is too different from ours. I could not really understand their principles without getting a piece of equipment responsible for an actual transfer," – It was a true mystery, despite the fact that she managed to find some records in the ship archives about luminescent phenomena like the one orbiting close to the third planet. No real research was done about them. All probes that were sent into it were destroyed by some kind of force; even the full-barrier was not able to withstand it.
"Overall, if we put their interstellar technology aside, we have an upper hand in everything else. Our materials are especially," – The walking from the bridge to the closes hangar bay was an annoying mater on foot. Hyun-Ae checked again her position and turned to the closest functional and safe lift to get to the hangar floor – "I want to trade some of our equipment for their interstellar device…"
"Do you think it is a good idea?" – Mira had her own doubts about this transaction. If they are really that far ahead of locals what could they actually gain during the trade?
"Old man said that I should act accordingly to situation, so you could say that it would be my proposal," – Of course, she could not make such decisions on her own; she contacted NUNS "Manticore". Rear Admiral Pavlov said after giving it some thought that they should try to act more peacefully if possible. However, he gave her permission to blast them to atoms if they would try to use threats. Overall, the main escort fleet had some problems with spare parts and could not complete repairs fast…
"That old grandpa is too irresponsible. Even by my standards," – Despite said words, the Zentradi understood the logic behind. The woman sighed inwardly and continued – "So, that is why you agreed to meet with them on their flagship? Isn't it too risky?"
"Sheesh, you are like mom," – Hyun-Ae reached the hangar bay and looked around. It seemed that all VFs survived the incident without too much damage. Still, she had to reroute some repair bots to fix one for her. It was an old, slightly modified VF-01 EX-N, designed especially for her, more accurately to test a new scaled down model of the neuro-link control – "I thought everything out. I had an appropriate technology for this?"
"Are you sure about this? The last time you had an appropriate technology… Somebody slept in cryo-stasis for an entire century," – Mira reminded the girl about her bitter past to push some emotions out of her. Because of her illness, parents signed her for an experimental cryo-stasis technology test run, which resulted in her prolonged sleep, like a sleeping beauty from the fairy tales…
"This time I was the one who helped to develop it. And…" – With a smile on her face, Hyan-Ae moved the floating screen in front of her – "I have a dependable "older sister" to get me out of a frying pan."
"Ha… You flattering is awful as it was in the past, princess," – Despite her words, Mira smirked and said – "Alright, I will try to get your ass as a whole if something will happen. Just don't die instantly in case of failed negotiations…"
"No need to worry, that what I am doing right now to prevent from happening," – While continuing speaking through holographic interface, the girl opened the door to the armory and removed the protective glass from the equipment she was interested in – "As you see I would be protected by our top-notch full barrier system. It is cumbersome for normal pilots but in my case it would not be a real problem…"
"I remember that your EX-suit had an experimental personal fold displacement device…" – It was thoroughly tested for the last decade to save pilots whose fighters got destroyed in combat and move them through fold to a nearby capital ship. There was a problem of serious mental trauma with some test subjects after using it. Others outright had suffered some physical injuries.
"I would try to grind my way to VF without trying to rely on it. I kind of don't want to become a vegetable for now…" – Hyun-Ae lightly laughed off the concern from the older woman and adjusted cuirass to her EX-suit as well as an actual helmet – "Everything should be ok. I like a walking tank in this kind of armor, you know… Without big mean gun though…"
"Ok, my Ace is waiting you outside… Azler volunteered to escort you to this mission…"
"Yeah, yeah… Azler should shock everybody when she will get out of her Queadluun-Rhea. Though, I kind of don't understand why you, Zentradi, like to stick with older models of your power armor?" – With a light joke, the girl belted herself in pilot chair and closed cockpit.
"Says the one who prefer a century old VF-01…"
"How should we deal with these Landers?" – Prince Dusanyu closed his eyes and leant back in his chair. This dilemma gave him a massive headache since standard procedures would be foolish in case everything his niece, Lafiel, brought with her was true. He had briefly spoken with these landers current leader, Princess Yi as far as he heard it right, and scrupulously read everything so far, even the text report of all dialogues with this unknown nation ships.
"I would suggest do not call them Landers, Your Highness. They will sure take offense and it will make negotiations harder. We have to leave a good impression on them," – A serious voice came from the prince's right hand and chief-of-staff, Admiral Kenesh. She slightly turned her head to her superior and evenly continued – "They seem to have technology beyond ours. They traveled in space without knowledge of Yuanon particle, which means that they left before it was discovered."
"Still, they are not Abh. How should I address them?" – There was some irritation in Dusanyu's tone. He clearly understood that the New United Nations, as the name suggested, was likely a union of several planets, nations. It clearly showed that they had some kind of interstellar travel method, which did not use Yuanon particles, in other words they did not use Planar Space for their travels. Something like this should not get into hands of United Mankind.
"Since we appointed a direct negotiation aboard our flagship with their princess… How about you will call her… "Princess Yi"? It will at least satisfy their commoners…" – It was obvious that Cipair had no real solution to this dilemma as well. She had a very limited diplomatic experience and could not give any useful advice in such situation where a delicacy was needed.
"Hm… So, you are telling me that I should speak with this little girl as with my peer?" – Such an unbelievable request came out from the mouth of his chief-of-staff. The prince opened his eyes and looked at Kenesh, who silently looked back at him waiting for his remark, which did not come. Dusanyu sighed in frustration – "That so frustrating…"
"Actually, according to the data she was born over two thousand years ago, before the age exploration," – The woman dramatically paused and flatly added – "It means she is older than the Empire itself. Of course, the records saying that she was in cryo-sleep for almost a century and if we consider time dilation she should not be a millenniums old granny. However, no matter what, she is the oldest person on their fleet. Maybe that is why she is Royalty of sorts…"
"Because she the only true lander on their fleet?" – With a smirk, Dusanyu closed his eyes again – "I have read files about their Space War I. Despite many clearly smart corrections and edits I got an impression that they had the same problem as our creators in the past."
"Yes, Your Highness. I noticed this too. They tried to hide that their Space War I, which devastated their planet was a war against their own creation, Zentradi. They had won because some of Zentradi never betrayed their Masters…" – No change of intonation, Kenesh approved her superior theory but still though it would be best to add – "However, Your Highness, I advise you not to mention this during negotiations, especially if those Zentradi will be present. According to records of communications between Deca-Commander Abriel and Lt. Commander of Zentradi fleet Orbos, Zentradi despise traitors and any hint of their brothers' treachery would likely sour the mood."
"Is diplomacy always so hard to follow?" – In the past, there was no need for such careful preparations. They could always rely on force to shut up those pesky Landers and leave them to their own devices if they continue being uncooperative. This New United Nations irritated him to such degrees and he just could not deal with them like always because of possible consequences.
"Of course, Your Highness. Sometimes diplomacy could be managed your way but sometimes it has to be more like trading, careful and smart," – A smile bloomed on the Cipair's face when she heard a suppressed anger in the words of the prince.
"Do you really believe in their capabilities?" – This was a second important question on mind of Dusanyu. Everything they were currently planning was based on the assumption that the New United Nations could clearly display the force they declared to use.
"Yes. I think they were not fooling us about their firepower. It could be a bluff but if we look carefully at the reaction of their princess. She was not even impressed by the size of our fleet," – This theory was not without a flaw as well. However, Admiral Kenesh believed that in this case their opponents were spending actors with unfazed reaction in every situation – "I suppose their claim of fighting a war against billions of ships is an exaggeration… Still, their attitude toward our fleet suggests that they saw and fought fleets of much greater scale than ours in the past. This means that they really have some kind of an exotic weapon that could allow them to deal with such large fleet with their small numbers. Their footage had shown effects of their ground to orbit superweapon - the Grand Cannon. It is an impressive weapon system that would make orbital defense platforms useless…"
"But it is a ground-based weapon. They clearly had nothing like this on their ships. After all they were foolish enough to feed us the information about its size," – Dusanyu could imagine that such weapon directed toward any Sord would make the said Sord completely sealed against any invasion force that could try to attack the planet with it on the surface.
"They had even more exotic weapon. Unlike us, it seems they fought true alien life form with superior technology. It forced them to adapt in order to survive since communications were impossible," – Cipair nodded toward one operator who pushed several buttons and presented a disfigured planet with almost third of its body destroyed – "The New United Nations call it Dimension Eater. Based on its performance our technicians onboard theorized that they could generate micro black hole with calculated event horizon. With such ridiculous technology on their side they could destroy any fleet of ours if we become hostile toward them."
"But they never mentioned their faster than light technology and they are interested in ours," – Such an advanced civilization should be able to discover Yuanon particle by itself and theorize time-space generator as well over thousands of years.
"I assume that they won their wars but their home worlds were devastated. They could lose a lot knowledge that was not really essential to military…" – Admiral Kenesh stopped and corrected herself when her superior glared at her like he saw a complete idiot – "My mistake… It is probably their faster than light technology is not very effective. This is why they want ours."
"Should the Empire give them it or not? What do you think, Kenesh?" – This one transaction would likely appear during the soon to happen negotiations. Considering the general rule… The Humankind Empire of Abh would not sell the technology behind their faster than light space travel but the New United Nations clearly had one of their own and just want to improve their own spacefaring capabilities. He wanted a lot of technologies that could give the Empire upper hand in upcoming battles as well.
"We have no right to decide something like this. Only the Empress could allow it after consultation with the council," – Despite what she said, Kenesh clearly understood the underlying message in the prince's words. If they did not trade Planar Space travel technology the only other source who would sell it to them would be United Mankind. It was a clear as crystal clean water that the ones who would trade it to the New United Nations could in return get a small part of their technology in return – "However, in my own opinion, we should trade with them. I doubt that they would give us their most advanced weapons and defense systems – they don't look like idiots. Still, they could sell arms that we have already like laser cannons or technology behind some of their engines."
"Such a dangerous existence appeared. They can easily overturn the tide of war if everything they declared is true," – Dusanyu opened his eyes and stood up from his chair.
"Your Highness?" – Kenesh looked dumbfounded at the prince.
"The princess will grace us with her presence. I should appear in attire that would not shame the name of Abriel and Abh…"
"The New United Nations shuttle? The New United Nations shuttle had asked for permission to dock in our hangar as well as its escort ship." – An operator loudly informed the Imperial Admiral and his chief-of-staff.
"Let them in…" – After giving a simple order, Abriel Dusanyu left the bridge but before he had done it, he commented – "Kenesh, what are you standing here for… Dress up accordingly…"
"It is a very strange design for a transport shuttle," – The small, even smaller than their own mines, spacecraft docked inside interior hangar bay. Its size dumbfounded usually stoic Abriel Dusanyu. Even more confusing was a fact that at least one third of its volume looked like it was dedicated to various weapon systems. There were even two large barreled cannons overshadowing the pilot cockpit and some containers were attached bellow large protruding wings, likely some type of miniature missiles.
"I think the escort ships is even more spectacular," – Admiral Kenesh nodded toward the large purple colored "something", which resembled humanoid with extremely long limbs and large spherical shoulders. Each leg had individual thruster with additional thrusters at the back – showing its dedication for maneuverable combat. There was a gun barrel at the back on pivoting mount and each arm had some kind of weapon as well. Additionally, she spotted that some parts of the escort ship had hatches that could be opened and could hide additional armaments – "These… It is hard to believe but I think what we see now could prove that these people had fought for their existence for prolonged time. Everything is militarized to such degree…"
"I had never thought that we, Abh, would be able to find the other kins of stars… The problem is that we are explorers, researchers and traders while they look more like warrior nation…" – The shuttle docked safely and it cockpit opened to reveal another abnormality. Despite a fact that the hangar was pressured to normal breathable atmosphere, the pilot herself was wearing some kind of space suit. Such behavior resembled him Landers, who were afraid of decompression and out of fear were wearing protective suits.
While the prince was pondering about the situation and Cipair Kenesh was wondering why she had to wear a form dress, the pilot jump down on the hangar floor with a loud metallic clamp. The visiting princess straighten up and everybody could clearly see a very disproportionally thing humanoid figure clad in layers of protective armor. The white-blue color scheme made it look somewhat dignified with random golden lines here and there.
"Excuse me for my appearance," – An opaque helmet of the guest turned transparent and a familiar to Dusanyu and Cipair face appeared behind the glass. The girl raised her right hand and lightly tapped on her own space suit – "The rules are rules, they were written in blood. So, it is a protective measure regarding the possible biological contamination. I would like to understand that it is a standard protocol and not a question of truth…"
"Well… We understand that rules are rules after all and will not take it as an offense, Princess Yi," – As a chief-of-staff, Kenesh was quick with her thinking and replied as polite as possible. She had read about biological warfare from the books and even though Abh considered such methods barbaric their guest could not know this. It actually made her a little more calm in mind since such behavior proved high level of intelligence on other side.
"Yes, Princess Yi. We, Abh, could understand the need of strict rules during wartimes as well, so we do not take offense in your appearance," – With a very stiff smile, the prince slightly nodded and added – "We probably should move from docks to the audience room for the formal negotiations…" – The man looked at the purple humanoid ship that still continued to float in the hangar space without landing and docking – "Your bodyguard?"
"Azler, please…" – Hyun-Ae frowned when she heard that those aliens called her "princess" but silently agreed to be called like this since she had no truthful knowledge about social structure of Abh. She waved her hand and asked the Zentradi pilot to leave Queadluun-Rhea to show off and surprise her peers.
"Understood!" – The escort ship landed on the hangar floor and a quiet sound of decompression came from it. A large forward portion of the purple humanoid space craft moved and opened up, leaving a large cockpit in clear view for all presented. There was a giant woman sitting inside the humanoid ship with a tight protective suite that emphasized each curve of her body. She saluted to her commander and playfully winked to confused crewmembers of Sankau.
"As you see, my Zentradi bodyguard probably won't be able to fit into your corridors because of her proportions," – In a flat lector-like tone, Hyun-Ae explained the obvious reason why Azler could not escort her deep inside the ship.
"Oh…" – It was the only word that escaped Dusanyu's mouth who blinked several times to believe into what he saw. He came to conclusion that farfetched theory that Zentradi could be somehow related to Abh was not realistic. On the other hand the prince understood why Lt. Commander Orbos was so overbearing. If everybody could be crushed literally with a wave of your hand your attitude could be quite nasty toward really small in comparison people.
"Azler, you may close your cockpit," – Faintly smiling in satisfaction, the young girl ordered the Zentradi to return to her duties – "I leave you her. Everything would be translated to you through our intercom systems. And, I want to remind you… Since your pointy eared clan of battle maniacs got me into troubles numerous times – do not act without thinking first."
Dusanyu heard the part about "pointy eared clan" and frowned, which was not noticed by his guest who was continued to lecture her subordinate about some trivial things. He glanced at Cipair, who looked very smug after hearing the same thing, and noted to himself to speak with his chief-of-staff later, after negotiations.
"Yes, Ma'am. Azler to station here and wait for orders or specific event to act according to plan," – Azler saluted to Hyun-Ae and closed the cockpit of her Queadluun-Rhea, which soon afterwards walked toward VF-01 EX-N and to astonishment of all, except the black haired girl, removed a gun from underbelly of the variable fighter, which was an actual upscaled riffle. Saluting one more time, the humanoid stood on guard nearby the spacecraft with a gun in hands.
"Good, should we proceed to the audience room now?" – Hyun-Ae turned toward the prince and asked in diplomatic tone.
"Yes, of course. Princess Yi, this way…" – As an Imperial Admiral, Dusanyu was quite fast to return to his senses despite witnessing something completely bizarre seconds ago. With a grace, he moved to the side and nodded toward the exit from the hangar.
Nodding in return, the "princess" walked toward the welcoming delegation. When she reached the position of the prince, he started walking evenly with her, which made the girl smile. It seemed that these Abh were not as awful as United Mankind propaganda was coloring them. At least they considered the New United Nations as equal in negotiations, which was a good thing.
Cipair Kenesh followed slightly behind with a concerned glint in her eyes. After observing movements of the protective suit on their visitor she could understand that it was not a simple space suite. It clearly looked and felt like some kind military armor designed for boarding operations. Even though the crew had personal weapons, they were at best laser pistols that were not efficient in serious firefight.
The last ones to quietly leave the hangar were officers, one blue haired girl with pointy ears and other a brown haired lander, who looked back at the massive humanoid space craft and left shaking his head.
"That was a shocking revelation, Lafiel…" – Jinto said to his partner after the gates behind him closed. He had felt incredibly stupid in his ceremonial attire when the director of the 497th Research Fleet came out in that obscure suit. He thought that everybody felt the same way as he too.
"Nothing special," – It was clear that Lafiel was in a bad mood but the young man could not understand the reason behind this mood swing. However, after several steps, the girl turned to Jinto and said – "It was good that we were behind all. I thought I would die from embarrassment when I noticed how your eyes were glued to that giantess chest… Please, do not do something like this in front of everybody…"
"Eh?" – Confused, Jinto watched Lafiel fasten her steps to follow the processions and moment later moved his legs while trying to explain himself – "Lafiel, you clearly saw the wrong thing!"
The audience room had been silent for several minutes after everybody settled down in their respective seats around the table. Both sides were waiting for other to start a negotiation process but nobody talked.
Hyun-Ae silently sighed and lightly tapped the table surface to calm her down, which left some dents on it because of involuntary level of strength that was processed by her EX-suit. It startled her and all others present in the room, including that beautiful pair of admiral and vice-admiral that were sitting opposite of her.
"Sorry, but it was not done with ill intent," – The girl sheepishly smile and leaned slightly forward while putting her hands on each other on the table. She looked to the other side of the table and continued – "So, we probably should start discussion about our relations in the near future."
"Yes, Princess Yi. I think it was rude for me to treat you with silence. It is just… The Empire had never met another civilization that had the same sentiments towards stars like ours and we kind of don't know how to deal with you," – Regaining some of his composure, Dusanyu slowly and politely, unlike negotiations with Landers, answered Hyan-Ae, who nodded in return, showing her understanding. The prince diplomatically smiled and continued – "I managed to get a response about possibilities during our negotiations from the capital. The Empress wants us to cooperate and avoid any hostilities as possible. That is why we will look the other way regarding your mining operations in the Aptic system. Well, considering that all we are interested here is the Sord and Aptic IV with its hydrogen and water…"
"We are grateful for your pardon for this case. It would be really troublesome to start the war over some debris in space that was not used by the system government," – Hyun-Ae accepted the goodwill with a smile – "However, it seems that the Empire has something to propose to us, am I right? Imperial Admiral Abriel?"
"Yes, You Highness. The Empress and Imperial council want your nation, or likely an alliance of nations based on your name, the New United Nations, to join the Empire," – Even though Cipair understood that it was quite a dream but if the other side would agree, it would be beneficial for the Empire in the long run.
"And… What the general conditions for joining?" – It was so straightforward. Hyun-Ae looked at the beautiful woman beside the beautiful prince in front of her and sighed once again. She felt herself to be so ugly in comparison, even though people told her that she was quite pretty…
"There are only two general rules that as principle forced over new parts of the Empire. First, the possession of inter-stellar flight capable starships, including both faster-than-light and standard propulsion is forbidden. However, in some cases it is possible for inter-planetary standard propulsion ships to be allowed. Either way any weapon system on these ships are not accepted," – It was a standard speech Dusanyu usually said to the conquered systems, still at this moment he did so without the usual arrogance since the other nation was not made of Landers, they were basically the same kins of star like Abh.
"And the second one?" – It was obvious for Abh that the first rule had left a bad aftertaste in their guest, who frowned but asked to continue.
"Second, a recruitment office for the imperial star forces should be established…" – Dusanyu stopped when he saw that the princess wanted to say something – "Yes, Princess Yi…"
"Do you really think that we will accept something like this. My nation thinks that planets are nice to have, especially living on them could be quite comfortable. However, we think that ability to travel among the stars is failsafe method to uphold our race and traditions…" – Hyun-Ae loudly sighed in the end, without ending her sentence. The girl looked around and found that the present people were staring at her with shock in their eyes – "In other words, inter-stellar space travel is our most cherished tradition and preservation mechanism. We could not cede it…"
"The Empire understands this and agrees to compromise with your nation," – There possible solutions were sent as well during preparation stage before this negotiation even started. The Empress did not want the New United Nations to freely wander the space and make contact with the United Mankind. At the same time she and Imperial council theorized that forceful approach, like it was usual with Landers would put them into hot spot, especially if all the information that the New United Nations bragged about was true…
"Oh, than I listening…"
The prince approvingly nodded and with a slight movement of his hand asked his chief-of-staff to continue – "The Empress will give you, Your Higness, the title of Grand Duchess and several populated systems of your choice which we would develop or conquer from the United Mankind. Additionally, especially for your nation… Your fief would be allowed to have inter-system spaceships of your own design. In return the Empire would ask for you to avoid any contact with any other nations… Without Empire consent."
Hyun-Ae raised her hand to pause Admiral Kenesh. This proposal was good on surface. Without any real support from their home worlds and military, all they had on their hands are several hundreds of vessels from Zentradi Strike Squadron, around one hundred ships from her own Research Fleet and slightly more from the military escort that was stranded somewhere with broken down fold drives. Still, if she would accept it right now, it would basically means that the United Mankind and its allies would become their enemies.
"I understand that it is just a generalization instead of an actual proposal…" – It was obvious for the girl that her peers had no true right to sign such a treaty and only probed waters. While something like this could not hurt her or her fellow comrades it was literally a waste of time.
"You don't like this proposal? Or you think that your people would be offended if your title would be lessen to Grand Duchess?" – Cipair carefully questioned the girl's response. She could understand some pride of commoners toward their benevolent rulers, especially for somebody who led their nations for dozens of generations. The Empire predicted as much as well – "In this case, we could give your fief status of autonomous principality. You will hold your Princess title while in terms of Imperial bureaucracy it would be a territory of Grand Duchess."
"Hm…" – It seemed that these people misunderstood her response. Hyun-Ae clenched her teeth and forcefully smiled. While maintaining an even tone, she tried to summarize everything she heard so far – "So, the Empire agrees for us to join with major exception in your rules – the ownership of interstellar capable spacecraft… Additionally we will gain several star systems to reign over and develop. And as long as we do not interfere with policy of the Empire and do not have relations with other nations you would leave us alone…"
"Not really alone… We would like to trade with you… We are quite interested in some of your technologies…" – Admiral Kenesh responded almost immediately. All these exceptions and blatant sugarcoating were just to establish trading that would favor the Empire and give it an edge over the Alliance.
"Technologies you say…" – By reflex, Hyun-Ae put her chin between two fingers and looked at the woman. So it was their weapon and defensive technologies they really wanted. Of course the Empire was currently at war with enemy that was strategically evenly matched. These beautiful star elves wanted to get upper hand in any future battles…
Dusanyu and Cipair, as well as others, stiffened when they saw a serious expression on the princess' face. Maybe their phrasing was wrong?
"It is possible but considering the difference in our technological base I doubt that we could sell you even blueprints. You won't be able to utilize them because of incompatibilities of our equipment," – This made Abh slightly discouraged but the next words made everything more clear. The New United Nations did not want to open their secrets directly – "I suggest upgrading your existing equipment with our technologies. It would increase the performance and would not require for you to rebuild your ships from scratch… How do you look about this?"
This princess lived for thousands of years not for nothing. Dusanyu had a clear view behind this counter-proposal. The Humankind Empire of Abh would get no information about the New United Nations technologies while otherwise was not true. After all, to upgrade their equipment they would have to give an entire piece of said equipment, probably an entire ship so everything was upgraded without creating problems in other systems.
"I think we would not able to decide anything right now," – Hyan-Ae smiled and briefly looked at counter in the right corner of her helmet that was showing the remaining power in the suit – "Let's send each other the drafts of proposals and discuss it with our advisers. We should not make unreasonable decisions…"
"Of course, Princess Yi… I think it is a reasonable conclusion for the first round of our negotiations…" – The intentions of other nations was hard to read but they were not hostile, maybe wary. Dusanyu agreed to cease the negotiation process for a while to discuss the results with Lakfakalle …