Dominion Summons

Disclaimer: I do not own any part of Starcraft, Gate: Thus the JSDF Fought There, or Summon Japan as they are the properties of Blizzard, Takumi Yanai, and Minoro in relation to their intellectual property.

"Talking"

Thoughts

Ch. 9

~ Idunn ~

Mu's observers had too much information that they were still trying to process.

Space ships?!

Building solar systems?!

Seventy years old?!

They had no idea where to start. This all had to be a joke as it was one extreme thing after another just to get them riled up. But looking at Bozes, she didn't give off the air of someone who was joking. More so looking at their city, there was at least some merit to her claim. Trying to keep their calm, they went with the more easier thing they could approach.

"Seventy years old . . . ." Myrus started unsteadily.

"Yes?"

"You said you were human. Do you perhaps have blood of an elf in your lineage? You clearly look like a human in her mid twenties".

"No, I'm rather certain that I am one hundred percent human. To give more context, the average life span of all Dominion citizens with certain exceptions is roughly three hundred years. As the Dominion studied the many exotic elements of our home world of Falmart, they cracked the secret behind elf longevity. Thus after the age of eighteen, anyone who wants the genetic procedure done can have it".

Bozes then gave a thoughtful look.

"Of course we haven't arrived to such a case yet, but someone could request a life extension under certain circumstances. So it's also possible for us to live next to forever baring unnatural causes. However after much discussion with the science community, it was agreed upon that three hundred years was more then enough time for anyone".

Myrus and Lassan couldn't believe their ears as they were in utter disbelief. How advance was the Dominion's medical science?! They treated this longevity procedure like it was simple cough syrup you could buy at a convenience store. Do they not understand how many nations in this world would go to war over such a thing?! They knew individuals or even royal family's who would throw away everything to have something like that! Yet the governess of Idunn was casually telling them this like it was no big deal! Assuming it was true, even the Holy Milishial Empire's youth serum that they sold at a premium couldn't hold a candle to this!

Although they didn't believe she was lying, they couldn't exactly prove it either. The only way to authenticate it was waiting for a very long time.

So moving along, "you mentioned space ships. Can you tell us more about them?"

"Well I can't really say much as my knowledge on them is rather limited. But we do have a variety of them to serve different purposes. Whether it was for travel, logistics, or even military use. Each one has their own specifications. But what makes them all possible is the use of warp engines".

"Warp engines?" Myrus repeated as such a thing was absolutely foreign to him.

"More clearly, it's what allows a vessel to travel faster then light. It's how our ships are able to travel between planetary bodies or even star systems within a reasonable time frame. I don't really understand the math or science behind it. But that's what it does".

Myrus was in awe upon hearing this. Such technology would be considered at most a passing dream to Mu's engineers and scientists as they didn't even have a glimmer of even how to research such a thing. But if nothing else, he felt his heart dancing at the romance and fantasy of it all to see what was out there in the universe. If Mu played it's cards right, it was possible to see it within his lifetime.

As his colleague was in his own little world, Lassan once again felt another terror as he thought about it's military applications. Recalling the stories about Louria's defeat by the Dominion, they talked about an iron fortress that appeared all over their kingdom decimating their forces, logistics, and infrastructure. Of course anyone with common sense would have written this off as nonsense. But putting aside it being an 'iron fortress', either the Dominion deployed multiple of them or it somehow had the ability to teleport. Choosing what seemed the most realistic, the Dominion must have deployed multiple of them.

But if this 'warp engine' was an actual thing, ". . . . !" as Lassan could see it play out in his head. A type of technology which would redefine how wars are fought. It could almost completely ignore distance. Things like defense lines or borders meant nothing now. Depending on the strategy, an entire nation could fall within a single day.

The tactical officer was terrified at the implications that if the Dominion were a war mongering people, everyone on Elysia was absolutely defenseless to the growing list of their capabilities. Not even the nations who lived in the first zone could defend let alone survive such a devastating attack. This was his definitive conclusion without actually seeing the kinds of weapons the Dominion uses.

As much as he wanted to scratch that itch by confirming his thoughts, at the same time Lassan didn't want to know it as he tried to keep a stoic face as he looked to Bozes.

"Could you tell us more about Falmart? It must be quite a world" as they went for a question to try to calm their nerves.

Bozes gave a bright smile as she recalled how much her world had changed. But words wouldn't be enough as she wanted to display her pride and joy. "Adjutant".

"At your service" as a female hologram materialized.

"What is that?!" as both Myrus and Lassan jumped out of their chairs toppling them over as they backed away. "Magic?! Is it a ghost?!"

Catching her mistake, "my apologies" as Bozes stood up giving a slight bow. "Please retake your seats. It's perfectly safe". Although hesitant, Mu's observers corrected their chairs before sitting down again. "This is normal to us so I further apologize for my lack of consideration".

"W . . . . What is it?"

Bozes thought carefully on how to describe it in a way they could understand. There was a lot of technical terms needed to explain it as Mu didn't have anything close to computer technology yet. But they would probably have a better grasp of it then she did all those years ago she amusingly thought to herself. "Think of them as . . . . mechanical servants that are able to assists us in many ways. They are able to carry out commands, store information, and answer quite a large array of questions. In a way they are the crystallization of Terran knowledge. An entire repository of everything we have and know".

Myrus and Lassan nodded as they were following a long so far.

"Now there are many things I can explain with my words. But with the assistance of the adjutant, I can show you. So where were we . . . . Oh right, my home world of Falmart".

~ Idunn ~ (the next day)

Mu's observers were currently dazed.

They had many of their questions answered as Bozes used videos in the form of those holograms to better show them what they wanted to know.

Due to their over enthusiastic curiosity, they went over their allotted time frame. For the governess had other meetings to attend too. Thus they were then guided to another room where an adjutant can answer anything else they wanted to know.

Given time to rest and let the information settle, Myrus and Lassan could only stare at each other.

" . . . . So how are we suppose to report this?"

"You're asking me? Our sanity would be called into question with only a fraction of what we've learned. The higher ups would never believe it unless they saw it for themselves. Even then they would still probably doubt it casting it off as propaganda, misdirection, or some sort of elaborate illusion".

Neither men knew where to even start.

One of the first things they asked was concerning the Dominion's history as it was wrought with so much pain and hardship. Perhaps a few things in which it was best that they didn't poke at.

However it gave them a good reference to how they stacked up against them. Bluntly putting it, they weren't even at the base of that mountain. Seeing the side by side comparisons and evolution of their science and technology, the Dominion was roughly six hundred years ahead of them give or take a couple of decades.

Some of their prized inventions like their mechanical wrist watch and calculator which were considered marvels to the other nations on Elysia were antiques to them. Just contemplating the processing power they would need to operate some of their technology would take a large room if not an entire building to make such a thing work based on what they understood.

Going through their timeline of such developments, they saw the logical jumps and breakthroughs that led to them as they became more powerful and complex machines.

Seeing what they had now, they could easily understand why anyone would mistake their technology as magic as that's how significantly more advanced they were. Even though they didn't understand the specifics of how the technology worked, they at least understood the baseline logic.

Aside from history, they also looked at their other advancements as they had to know more about them.

Culture.

General quality of life.

Material science.

Medical achievements.

Construction methods.

Exploration.

And of course their weapons technology.

Although they've seen Idunn, it was only a drop in the bucket in comparison to how truly massive the Dominion really was as they could barely wrap their heads around it. A galactic scale empire that ruled over many worlds through several solar systems.

There was still much more information they haven't gone over yet. Some of which they had no idea how to explain to their superiors.

But for now they would continue to do their jobs and observe the Dominion's actions. As for their report, they would just send the most simplistic version of their analysis.

Although they had a better understanding of their capabilities now, they did not know of their intentions moving forward. However they were about to get a glimpse of it with today's meeting.

~ Idunn ~

Gathered in a grand meeting hall, several representatives were present from a couple of nations all over the third zone.

Each taking there seat with a banner showing who they were, it was about time for the meeting to start.

Taking the podium, "greetings to everyone. I am Bozes Co Palesti, the governess of Idunn. I hope everyone has enjoyed their time here as the amenities were to your liking. Now the reason I have gathered everyone here is to make a proposal. But before that, I would like to highlight a bit of our history. Something that happened hundreds of years ago back on the Dominion's home world of Earth".

The background screen then lit up to provide visuals as she continued.

"Back then . . . . Many terrible things had happened which became a war that consumed the entire world. The resulting devastation was so horrific that the scars it left behind would never properly heal. So as a way to prevent such a thing from happening again, several countries came together to form an organization. An organization that focused on goals and ideals to insure peace, justice, and fairness for all. To protect each other. To fight for each other. During times of crisis, a nation would not be forced to face it alone. A pathway in which we can build towards the future in which the way forward was together".

The screen then showed Falmart and the nations that lived there.

"A practice that still being implemented today as the Dominion's knowledge and wisdom allowed us to grow to this point. Thus we wish to extend this to you all in building that ideal here".

Graphs, statistics, and key points were then posted up.

"This will be the Dominion Protectorate. Through this organization we can share our knowledge and technology that can benefit each other. Clearer communication so that there are no misunderstandings between us. Safe, reliable, and fast routes for trade to encourage economic growth. Giving every citizen a chance for betterment increasing the overall quality of life. Of course this is a decision that can't be made immediately as you will need to talk it over with your superiors before you can give a definitive answer. And of course there will be doubts and confusion over this proposal. So I would like to now open the floor that if there are any questions as we will do our best to answer them".

Whispers were heard as every party were discussing among themselves everything they've learned and experienced thus far. But there were a few things they couldn't shake off with how uncomfortable it made them feel.

This feeling could be summed up as one question. What did the Dominion have to gain from this?

They were aware of how powerful the Dominion was. If they wanted to take their lands, it wasn't much of a problem with how easily they defeated Louria. So was this some sort of subtle invasion? All this good will to entrench themselves making them subservient as they would lose everything without ever putting up a fight?

There were quite a few questions that may have come off as rude or accusatory which would probably offend their host.

But times like these, they needed to take a leap of faith as this concerned the future of their nations. Parpaldia was everyone's problem in the third zone. But even if they were dealt with, what was stopping another nation like them from attacking as well? These were things they had to consider for the long term and couldn't just stick their heads in the sand hoping the problem would go away. So the question was, who was going to start first?

As for Bozes, she stood at the podium patiently waiting for them. She understood their hesitation as she had been in their place before when Sadera stood at the mercy of the Dominion. So trying to give them a peace of mind, "rest assured" she started. "I understand that there may be a lot of things that are troubling you. But regardless of what you may ask, I wish to meet your curiosity with sincerity and honesty. So you have nothing to fear for whatever it may be".

Breaking the ice, representatives started asking their questions in the specifics about the promises the Dominion made.

Assisting Bozes were those from her staff as they answered clearly and concisely whatever they wanted to know.

Construction could start immediately in building whatever major project they wanted to focus on first. If they sent workers to Idunn, they can be trained in how to use their tools as it would speed up the process with more available hands on deck.

Questions also arose about what science and technology the Dominion would be sharing to which Bozes needed to be firm but fair with it. Depending on the technology, some would be sold. Others can be traded. While some can be taught. For the Dominion was not opposed to sharing knowledge. But it also must go hand in hand with wisdom to not only how to use it but earning it on their own. Thus foreign scholars were allowed to attend their schools and enter their libraries in which whatever they learned they will be allowed to take back to their nation.

Although there were concerns about the potential harm it may cause, ghost agents were still watching to assure nothing shady was happening right under their noses. Thus regulations would be enforced if they tried to use what they learned or gained to harm another nation or it's own citizens. Furthermore, they would not really pose a real threat to the Dominion if they ever got any funny ideas.

But then came the more touchier questions. How would they implement military power? Just as importantly to the source of their unease, what benefits were there to the Dominion? It was easy to think the worst. However their actions thus far have earned them a chance.

They can easily see the pros to it. But the cons were what they might have to give up in return or a danger they might not be seeing.

Expecting such a question, Bozes took a deep breath as she spoke directly from her heart. "Before I was the leader of Idunn, I was a knight. A knight who swore an oath to uphold the duty and honor of my country. But with so much time to think it over, I always wondered what that really meant. Before I came to the service of the Dominion, I use to see suffering and death caused by war as just a normal part of life as that was just the way things were. Even turning a blind eye to the pain of others when they tried so desperately to reach out for help only to be ignored. But now . . . . How can someone like me who wields power and authority ignore those who are at the mercy of the tyranny and cruelty of others? It shouldn't matter who, where, or why. To the me now, it was a matter of basic decency. But ideals were not the same as reality as there is only so much we can do on our own as we can't be everywhere at once. Thus why we set certain goals and standards to achieve a better world".

A new slide then appeared on the screen.

"I understand trust is something that takes time to build. Thus why we are establishing a tier system for membership. If you choose to invest in us, it will reflect on how much we will invest back into you. But for the concern about protection depending on how many people and other resources you send, we will train them in how we fight in the use of our tactics, equipment, and weapons. We will also build bases and other facilities to act in the defense of your country. Once their training is complete, these ships will serve in the defense of your lands".

Showing on the screen was the new battleship the Dominion was building. It did have a fancy alpha-numeric name. But for simplicity, it's designation was the 'charybdis' class. Based on the Dominion's scale, it would be considered state of the art of the 22nd century. This vessel should be well ahead of the curve in comparison to everything else on this world. Since it didn't need to do anything fancy besides sail on the water, it's main power source was a deuterium fusion reactor. The ship would be able to draw water from it's surroundings, extract what it needed, and run on it's own for long duration only requiring maintenance once in a while. It's sensors and processing abilities were fairly modern such as radar, sonar, depth, infrared, and etc with an adjutant to support the crew. As for armaments, they were pretty standard for any nautical ship of it's era. Anti-air missile pods, mid range laser batteries, CWIS, point defense drones, and it's primary weapon a super magnetic launcher that can covert between Gauss gun for rapid fire and rail gun for far range precision shooting.

Of course there were other ships to showcase such as carriers, cargo, and other support vessels.

But the battleship was the highlight to put their minds at ease.

Though it was unwise to impart such advancements on primitive people, such a thing was taken into consideration for it's design with several black box protocols to prevent the ship from being studied, stolen, or used against them. Of course Bozes had already heard complaints from her intelligence department for increasing their workload. Ghost agents would need to perform regular telepathic screenings to nip troublesome and over ambitious individuals from causing future issues.

With this announcement, it got the third zone representatives really talking as they had much to discuss with their superiors.

~ Idunn ~

". . . . Is this for real?" asked Myrus

". . . . It very much is" Lassan answered.

This was big.

Bigger then what they could've initially imagined. There was no doubt as the Dominion was going to succeed in there endeavors as it was an offer too tempting to say no too.

The third zone was about to transform into a powerhouse that was going to change the world. Though they have yet to see how the internal structure functioned, it did not change the overall point. Within their mind's eye, they had an idea of how this was going to play out.

In terms of economics, the Protectorate with it's treaties, trade deals, and factory's would be able to pump out raw materials and cheap high quality finished goods at alarming speed. They would be able to completely dominate the market depending on where they were doing business. With each member country that joins will only increase their financial power.

For their military strength, there wasn't much reason to delve into it. They were already painfully aware of their strength. If they were war mongering then there was little anyone on this planet could do to stop them. Furthermore, new members only bolstered their numbers giving them further reach.

Considering their potential economical and military strength, that gave them incredible political power on an international scale. By themselves, the Dominion would have already been considered a super power in their own right. But with all these parts moving as they are, now just a single word from them can make a difference in a nations salvation or destitution.

Mu's observers had a good idea of who was already onboard and those who were hesitant. But what mattered more was where they stood in all this?

If they invest early and greatly then they could expect bountiful returns. In comparison to the third zone nations, Mu was more capable in capitalizing whatever Dominion knowledge they would be able to scrape up. Looking at it from every angle they can think of, the down sides were minuscule in comparison to what they had to gain from it. Thus they had their work cut out for them in convincing their higher ups.

Although not intended, there was something they had not mentioned to the Dominion and perhaps something they might not know yet. Another nation had appeared on this world before their arrival. Although outside the civilized zones, they have proven themselves quite dangerous as they had conquered lands in the surrounding territory to them.

They did not know much about them besides bits of information as well as a few samples of their technology their spies were able to bring back. The nation was known as the Gra Valkas Empire. Based on their estimates, their technology was roughly two to three decades more advance. Thus it really was in their best interest that if the conflict was brought to Mu's borders they will need the Dominion's help.

To be continued . . . .

Author's notes: Things are about to go full steam ahead. But it's also here that I'm going to go a much different route to what happened in canon with different choices made. Most importantly, they will not make the same mistakes Japan made in canon which got their own citizens killed. Though I understand why it happened for plot narrative reasons to give Japan justification for retaliation. But after discussing it with a few people, I have a better idea how the Dominion will interact with the other nations moving forward. Now onto some commentary.

In theory based off the medical science I'm aware of the Dominion having, they could in theory achieve biological immortality. Even if someone died of unnatural causes, they do possess cloning technology. Furthermore, I wouldn't put it pass them that they don't have the ability to create mental engrams of people to 'flash' into a body so that they could live again. As for aging, if they truly understood how elf longevity works then it's equally possible for them to work out how to add more years to it. However 300 years should be more then enough time for anyone. There is only so much wear and tear a human mind can take before they want to call it quits.

As seen in a lot of sci fi franchises, a common tactic is to F.T.L. jump into a location, bomb the hell out of it, and the jump out to a safe location. Good old fashion guerrilla tactics. But also as noted by those same franchises, it's not a safe move to use if they enemy is prepared for it with lots of anti-air defenses that could immediately react to shot you down the moment you jump in. As noted by Lassan, there isn't much they can do about it. They have no way to detect these jumps and their defenses wouldn't be able to react fast enough once the bombardment begins.

Like how Bozes and Pina reacted upon seeing an adjutant, it seemed fair that Myrus and Lassan would react the same way. Since Mu doesn't yet understand computer technology, Bozes explanation was the closest she could manage for them to understand. But unlike the former, the later would obviously have a better grasp of it.

Mu's analysis was to help move the story along in the future so that I wouldn't need to over explain everything with every little detail.

Honestly I was still hesitant about giving such advancements to the more primitive nations. Obviously non-military technology was fine as it improved the quality of life for the general population as Japan did the same in canon. But for military tech, it could give rise to dumb people doing dumb things with it which will lead to a headache of a situation. Realistically based on human nature, it's going to happen whether I like it or not. Thus why I noted that Bozes intelligence department not being happy with her in adding more to their work in keeping said dumb people from doing dumb things with their weapons.

I also got quite a few good suggestions for the new battleship. Thanks to everyone who contributed. But it always made me wonder why the Dominion never completely focused on creating more A.I. based weapons. They already have a few samples of it with the raven and the predator. It shouldn't be hard for them to make those ships automated and set them on patrol routes. But I suppose it might have something to do with the 'human factor'. As quoted in the first Ironman film by Rhodey, 'I'll tell you in my experience, no unmanned aerial vehicle will ever trump a pilot's instinct'

Also another case of Mu going over everyone's thoughts and feelings about the Dominion's proposal to skip over needing to over explain everything. But yes, this would mark the emergence of the Gra Valkas Empire. I'm not too certain about the time frame. But I think they've been on Elysia for at least two years with how it was described in how they conquered the surrounding lands and built bases there.

If there are any questions or concerns feel free to ask as I will try to answer them.

So thank you for reading as I further extend my gratitude if you can review as well.