Jadan breathed out slowly, her mind racing with thoughts of the Hyperborean offer. The room they had been ushered into was modestly furnished, a sharp contrast to the grandeur of the Hyperborean meeting hall, which had been framed by stars and the void. This room was one of metal and stone. Her team sat in silence, each lost in their thoughts, the weight of the decision pressing heavily on all of them.
She broke the silence, her voice measured but urgent. "We need to discuss this. Thoroughly. We have five hours to decide our fate."
Doctor Roland Yao was the first to speak, his brow furrowed in contemplation. "Their offer is incredibly generous. Full citizenship, protection, resources. It's a chance for our people to start anew, to live without fear. But at what cost?"
Taric Nzar, the Chief Engineer and Micro-Biologist, nodded. "We have to consider the long-term implications. Integrating into their society means giving up a part of our identity, our autonomy. Will our people accept that?"
Professor Lin Martin leaned forward, his fingers steepled. "We're battered and broken. Our pride is a small price to pay for survival. But we must also consider their intentions. Why are they so eager to help us? What do they gain from this?"
President Lahar, the Civilian Representative, had been silent until now. His voice was soft but resolute. "I think we need to trust them. They hold all the cards, as Jadan said. They could easily refuse us aid and send us on our way, but they chose to offer help instead. There's something to be said for that."
Jadan listened to her team, weighing each point carefully. She knew they were right. Accepting the Hyperborean offer meant more than just physical survival; it meant a fundamental change in their way of life. But what choice did they have?
"Let's break it down," she said, focusing their discussion. "Pros and cons. We need a clear picture before we make any decision."
Roland spoke first, ticking off points on his fingers. "Pros: safety, resources, stability. Our people will be fed, educated, protected. We won't have to live in fear of the Imperium or any other threat. At least, I think so. Their technology is certainly far more advanced than anything the Imperium has ever displayed. If the energy readings of their ships are anything to go by, then it's entirely possible that, even with their puny numbers, the Hyperboreans can stand against the Imperium through technological might alone."
"Cons," Taric added, "loss of autonomy, potential cultural assimilation, dependency. We don't know what kind of society the Hyperboreans have beyond what they've shown us. We could end up losing our identity, our way of life. And, if the Hyperboreans are defeated by the Impierum – somehow – then we fall with them."
Lin interjected, "There's also the matter of trust. They have a psychic leader, which is concerning. We don't know the extent of his influence or his true intentions. We must be cautious."
President Lahar nodded in agreement. "But they've also shown us kindness. They've offered aid without immediate expectation of return. That has to count for something."
Jadan sighed, the weight of leadership pressing down on her. Still, she shoulder the burden as she'd always done. Her people depended on her and she could not allow herself to fail. "We need to think about our people. Survival is paramount, but so is our integrity. We've fought too hard to simply give up who we are. At the very least, however, the Hyperboreans do not appear to be violent tyrannical despots; that they engaged in diplomacy first makes them far better than the Imperium."
The room fell silent as they each considered the enormity of the decision. Jadan could see the exhaustion in their eyes, the scars of their struggle etched into their faces. They were tired, but they were also determined. Whatever decision they made, it would be for the good of their people.
"We need to consult with the fleet," Jadan finally said. "This isn't a decision we can make alone. Our people need to have a voice in this. We'll hold a vote, explain the offer, and let them decide."
Her team nodded in agreement, relief mingling with the tension in the room. It was a daunting task, but it was the right one. Jadan knew that whatever the outcome, they would face it together, as they always had. And, ultimately, for better or for worse, the Volimar Republic was, at its heart, a democracy. The people decided and the leaders implemented; such was their way of life.
"Let's get to work," she said, her voice firm. "We have five hours. Let's make them count."
As her team dispersed to their tasks, Jadan allowed herself a moment of quiet reflection. The Hyperborean offer was a lifeline, a chance to save her people from extinction. But it was also a leap into the unknown, a surrender of the fierce independence that had defined them.
She glanced around the room, seeing not just her fellow delegates but the faces of all those she had sworn to protect. This decision wasn't just about survival. It was about preserving the essence of who they were, even as they adapted to a new reality, a new existence.
Jadan stood tall, determination hardening in her chest. Whatever the future held, they would face it head-on. They were the Volimar Republic, resilient and unyielding. And they would endure. They exited their quarters and returned to flagship of the Volimar Fleet, wherein Jadan issued the decree to gather every single Volimar Citizen in one ship. Once, their numbers might've been an issue. But enough of them had perished in the last few months that, by her estimation, every single one of them should fit in the Grand Assembly.
Jadan stood before the gathered crew members and civilians, the spacious assembly room filling up with a mix of anticipation and anxiety, two things shared by all. The faces of her people were worn and weary, but there was a flicker of hope in their eyes—a hope that had been dimmed by years of struggle and despair.
She took a deep breath, steadying herself, and began to speak. "People of the Volimar Republic, we have been offered a chance—a lifeline, if you will. The Hyperboreans have extended an offer of full citizenship within their nation, promising protection, resources, and stability. If we refuse, then they will offer us resources and have even offered to upgrade our vessels, but no more than that. This decision is not one that can be made lightly. It will affect every one of us, and so it must be made together."
The room buzzed with murmurs, the gravity of her words settling in quickly enough. Jadan continued, her voice clear and resolute. "We have outlined the pros and cons of this offer. On one hand, we gain safety, education, and a chance to rebuild our lives. The Hyperboreans possess technology far beyond our own and certainly far beyond the Imperium. On the other, we risk losing our autonomy, our identity, and becoming dependent on another society. We must also consider the possibility of cultural assimilation and the unknown intentions of our hosts."
And that last bit was the part that nagged at the back of her head. Because there were unknown intentions at play here. She just didn't know what they were.
She paused for a moment, allowing the people to consider her words, before she then continued. "This is a democratic decision, and each of you has a voice. We will hold a vote as we've always done – as our forebears did. Your choice will determine our path forward."
Roland Yao stepped forward, explaining the logistics of the vote. "We will distribute voting devices to each of you. The question is simple: Do we accept the Hyperborean offer of full citizenship, or do we choose to continue on our own, with the aid they have already promised us?"
As the devices were passed around, Jadan could not help but feel a surge of pride for her people. Despite everything they had endured, they remained steadfast and resolute. This decision, perhaps the most important in their history, would be made together, as it should be. Jadan herself cast her vote. It was a shameful thing, but shame was a small price to pay for survival. And, against an enemy like the Imperium, then no price was too great.
The voting process was quick and efficient. Her people were given an hour to deliberate among themselves, but – ultimately – they were all familiar with the democratic process and the will of the majority was soon made clear. As the votes were tallied, Jadan felt the weight of anticipation heavy on her shoulders. She glanced at her fellow delegates and they glanced back at her. She saw it in their eyes, the hope and trepidation, the anxiety and frustration.
Finally, the results were in. Jadan stepped forward to address her people once more, her heart pounding as she glanced at the tally. 85.67% against 14.33%. The voice of the people was clear. "The votes have been counted. The majority has spoken. We will accept the Hyperborean offer."
A wave of emotion swept through the room—relief, excitement, and a renewed sense of purpose. Jadan saw tears in the eyes of some, and smiles on the faces of others. The decision had been made, and a new chapter in their history was about to begin. Her people cheered, their roars echoing across the entirety of the ship. Jadan wondered if they truly understood their decision, but it no longer mattered.
She raised her voice to address them all. "This is not the end of the Volimar Republic. We will carry our values, our culture, and our spirit with us. We will adapt, but we will not forget who we are. We will work together with the Hyperboreans, and in doing so, we will ensure the survival and prosperity of our children and their children after them."
The room erupted in applause and cheers, the sound echoing through the assembly hall. Jadan felt a surge of determination. This was a new beginning, a chance to rebuild and thrive. She knew there would be challenges ahead, but she also knew that, together, they could face anything.
As the assembly began to disperse, Jadan's fellow delegates approached her.
Roland Yao was the first to speak. "We did the right thing. Our people will have a future now."
Taric Nzar nodded in agreement. "We'll need to work closely with the Hyperboreans to ensure our integration goes smoothly. There will be... plenty of challenges, but we're up to the task."
Professor Lin Martin added, "And we'll need to maintain our cultural identity, even as we join hands with this new nation. It's a delicate balance, but it's essential."
President Lahar placed a hand on Jadan's shoulder, his eyes filled with a quiet determination. "You led us well, Jadan. Now, we must all lead together."
Jadan nodded, unity and purpose filling her heart. "Yes, we must. For the sake of our people, and for the future we now have the chance to build."
The next few hours were a whirlwind of activity. Delegates from the Hyperborean Nation worked closely with Jadan and her team, finalizing the first details of the integration process. The Hyperboreans were efficient and meticulous, ensuring that every aspect of the transition was covered. They were akin to machines in that regard, silent, sincere, and utterly serene in everything they did. The first steps, they explained, was the elimination of alien pathogens and other diseases that, if left untreated, may cause an epidemic. Jadan agreed. The Hyperboreans brought with them something they called Omni-Medicine, chemicals the bolstered the immune system to such a degree that the human form became virtually unassailable.
Jadan herself, alongside the delegates who'd been with her in the negotiation process, were the first to be injected with the substance. No pain. No side effects. Nothing.
And now, Jadan stood in the command center, watching as her people coordinated with their new allies in dispersing the Omni-Medicine to every single Volimari.
The Hyperborean leader, Argall Thraggson, approached her, his towering presence commanding attention, even from among her people. Everything about him was unnatural, even among his fellow Hyperboreans. Wherever he passed, people looked. Whenever he spoke, people listened. His movement was too fluid, too graceful; he was closer to a ghost in that regard. It was as though his feet weren't touching the ground at all.
"High Admiral Jadan, I commend you and your people for your decision. You have shown great wisdom and courage," he said, his voice calm and reassuring. it affected even her, because Jadan could not help but want to listen. "I look forward to working with you in these... trying times. Your naval expertise would be a great boon to the Hyperborean Nation, just as soon as you familiarize yourself with our technology. We have need of every resource we can get our hands on if we are to repel this Imperium of Mankind."
"Thank you, High Chancellor Argall," Jadan replied. Despite the High Chancellor's aura, Jadan could not help but trust in his words. If nothing else, the giant was sincere. "We are ready to work with you and ensure a smooth transition for our people."
Argall nodded. "Together, we will build a future where both our peoples can thrive. Welcome to the Hyperborean Nation, High Admiral. Welcome home."
It was so hilariously dramatic that Jadan almost wanted to chuckle. But, despite herself, she could not help it. She believed him.
AN: Chapter 34 is up on (Pat)reon!