A bit of hustle and bustle out on the shuttle field of Nimby's Refuge, as Copernicus does a flight check, and also getting updates on the issues before the council later today. Despite all the activity, the day is lovely, and very peaceful if you discount the Chirr'T'Thar.
Zilvar climbs onto the shuttle and looks around, "Are we about ready?"
Copernicus nods, "Just about. We're waiting for them to recalibrate the gate, then we'll take off."
Copernicus hmms as he looks through his data pad, "Today's meeting is in Chareka. I forgot it was our turn."
Zilvar nods and settles into a chair, "Good. I'll be glad to get this going." He looks over and arches an eyebrow, "Your turn?"
Copernicus nods, "The meeting is held in different locations. Chareka is the Skygazer's responsibility. No biggy."
Zilvar mms, "OK." He leans back in his chair, "How many locations are there?"
Copernicus finally hops in towards the front and settles his taur portion down on the flight couch, claws digging in reflexively, "Well, there were 50, some off planet even, but the number dropped due to our move. Probably about 35 or so."
Copernicus runs his fingertips over the console, and the varied systems on the shuttle hum to life. The hatch seals, and a muffled thrumming builds as the repulsors lift the ship away from the landing field.
Zilvar tilts his head back and closes his eyes. "35..they are each the responsibility of a different clan?"
Copernicus nods, "The First Mother, who was named "Chareka" by the way, started the original 50 clan lines. The head of each clan is responsible for the rest of his clan, and representing their clan on the council."
Zilvar nods, "There's a certain amount of sense in that."
Zilvar halfsmiles, "I'm surprised...
Copernicus fingers move deftly over the controls, and the main engines kick in, thrusting the shuttle out of the Nexan atmosphere. "Each clan has a central location, or "city" if you will, but each city is a mix of all 50 clans. So as clan leader, you are responsible for both your clan, and your "city". What are you surprised about?"
Zilvar opens one eye halfway, "That it's so sensible..."
Copernicus snickers and purrs, "Well, true. But we can't be perfect, something is bound to make sense, or at least a little. ;) After our move, and losses during the war, the council has been through a lot of changes. I think with some work, they'll be for the better. We're approaching the gate event horizon. You have the materials you need with you?"
Zilvar nods, "Yeah. I've got some stuff. Mostly, it will come from memory."
Copernicus nods as he gets the all clear from the mining station, where the gate controls are located. "Good, I have some of the inside views recorded, so we can use that. You have a good hold on your seat? Gate will fire in one minute."
Zilvar grins a bit, "Coper...I don't move when I don't want to move."
Zilvar sits up a little straighter. "I do not think I've ever gone through a stellar gate before.
Copernicus smiles as the mile wide silver ring in front of the shuttle takes on an electric blue glow, "We have that in common. Well, you probably don't want to move right now then. :)" and with a bright blue flash, the gate sucks the small ship in like a giant fish opening it's maw so fast it sucks it's prey inside.
Zilvar's eyebrow actually manages to make it to his hairline before the ship enters the gate.
Moments later, just at the edge of the Tharhome System, a blue portal opens, and spits the shuttle out violently. Copernicus's paws move rapidly over the controls, and in about 10 seconds, has stopped the end over end spin imparted by the gate, and purrs, "Well, we've never built one before. It works, but has a few odd side effects. ;)"
Copernicus tries to keep a straight face, "But we figure we can get rid of that blue flash eventually. ;)"
Zilvar's eyebrow remains in his hairline. "And what is the blue flash?
Copernicus chuckles, "Oh, just that blue flash of light that comes off the gate. I expected you to be more upset about the rough ride. I guess my sarcasm needs practice. We've got a few hours till we get to Tharhome. We've got some food if you want?"
Zilvar shakes his head and laughs quietly, "You should have taken that fighter of mine up when I first got it repaired. Very rough.."
Copernicus nods, and checks the ships status and makes a few minor course corrections as they pass by one of the barren outer planets. Though it has a great deal more craters than you would expect. Farther up ahead, a huge mass of twisted metal is being worked over by the Chirr'T'Thar.
Zilvar leans forward..."Quite a bit of trash up here, Coper. Remnants of that fight you mentioned?"
Copernicus nods, "That planetoid sized mass was a huge mobile base. It took nearly everything we had to finally stop it."
Zilvar rubs his chin while he surveys it. "That big? Good grief. There's not even files on anything that large. At least..not that I've found."
Copernicus nods, "We've been able to figure out a very little of their culture. It's very pack behavior driven, so much so I think some of our old wolf friends would think it bizarre."
Zilvar glances at you and nods. "I noticed some of that when I was hunting. They did not act like prey. They acted like they have never BEEN prey.
Copernicus hrrms and nods, "They also threw their life away without too much thought. Probably a rabidly expanding population."
Zilvar says, "Clones."
Copernicus purrs, "Maybe, but their need to constantly get more resources and territory points to a serious lack of population control."
Zilvar says, "Or a lack of desire to control the population. Consider how aggressive they were. Did they ever try to surrender? Did they ever talk? From what you've said, I doubt it. They are part of some war society. And, I think, at least the ground troops were clones."
Copernicus nods, "Could very well be. Well, we're approaching Tharhome now. Such a pretty sight."
Zilvar turns to look at the oncoming planet. "Well then, I suppose I shall have to get a good look."
Tharhome is, in many ways, a typical planet. Sapphire blue oceans, green and brown continents. But unlike most planets that have a high technology base, most of the land seems untouched, and the air remains clear except for billowy clouds. The large multitude of orbital stations and defenses do make it clear that his planet is inhabited. Copernicus purrs, "We have to pause a bit to get clearance. They've picked up a non Chirr'T'Thar life form on board, so standard procedure is to check us through."
Zilvar glances at you, "That could be interesting. How do I show up on those scanners?"
Copernicus hrrms, "That's the problem. You show up as a life form, but nothing overly definite, though dense. Some neat built in scrambling you have."
Zilvar shrugs a little, "If it will make them feel any better, they are welcome to have guards meet me at the bottom, and a medical team if they want to make sure I'm not contagious."
Copernicus's ears go back, "We're not that paranoid, just cautious about folks coming in system. I've turned on the ships inboard cameras, that's satisfied them. So, prepare for landing."
Zilvar nods, "OK. I hate staring at guns anyway."
Copernicus purrs softly, "So do the Chirr'T'Thar Zilvar. Thankfully." And 20 minutes later, the small shuttle is settling to the ground on a cushion of repulsors, and a lone Chirr'T'Thar is there to meet it.
Zilvar stands up and pads out of the shuttle, "Something else sensible about your people, Coper...you're beginning to worry me..."
Copernicus chuckles, "What? Just cause we enjoy life way too much for other races, you think everything should be chaotic here?"
The customs officer purrs, "Good to have you back in Chareka, Regulator. And who is your friend here?"
Zilvar looks at the customs officer, "My name is Zilvar."
The officer nods and pulls out a chart, "Planet of Origin? Reason for visiting? And preferences?"
Zilvar pads up to the officer, "Nowhere that exists anymore. Because I have an offer to make. Peace and quiet."
The felitaur blinks, then looks to Copernicus, who just nods. The customs officer hands Zilvar an arm band with a "just said no" slogan on it. "Well, have a good day. Good luck at the council meeting." and pads off.
Zilvar looks after the customs officer for a moment. "'just say no'?"
Copernicus grins, "Just said no". It's for those visitors who don't really appreciate our full contact friendliness. As part of Alien Relations, I thought it might help. Now, how to get you to my clan's tower?"
Zilvar ahs softly. "I suppose I should probably keep it on for a little while, then."
Copernicus nods, "It also identifies you, and has a translator built into it. I'd fly you, but you weigh as much as I do. Hrrm."
Zilvar arches an eyebrow, "I'd say 'not by choice', but that wouldn't be true."
Copernicus shrugs, "Well, before we flew, we had to have walked. And we're in no rush. Shall we?"
Zilvar nods and gestures, "Lead the way." As the pair walks, Zilvar looks around, sightseeing."
The city is more like a huge park with large buildings periodically jutting up from amongst the trees, vegetation, fountains, streams and ponds. The felitaurs themselves are a riot of colors, and within the city a good 50 or more basic fur patterns can be seen.
As they approach the building where the council will meet, Zilvar finally speaks. "Very elegant city, Coper."
Copernicus nods, "We still have this feral streak in us, despite our being designed as high tech tools. I think it's a nice compromise. This tower up ahead is my clan's home. We'll be meeting on the sun deck which is on the other side. Follow me." and he pads inside a door that opens up when he puts his paw against a panel.
Zilvar enters, "Sun deck...how fitting.
Copernicus nods as he pads up towards the gravity tube, but never makes it as a large, black and orange striped blur slams into him and knocks him over onto his back.
Zilvar spins around into a crouching stance, claws bared and teeth drawn back
Copernicus giggles, "Ma, cut it out, you know that tickles." as Nebula lays across her supine son and tickles his sides, before she purrs, "That's why I'm doing it cub. It's about time you came back to visit."
Zilvar straightens, very slowly. His claws don't quite disappear.
Copernicus tussles his mothers ears and finally gets back to his four feet, and head-rubs his birth mother, "Nebula, this is my friend Zilvar. Zilvar, this is Nebula. You may have met her once, long ago."
Zilvar nods stiffly, slowly. "I...I might have. On Genesis...briefly.
Nebula purrs and pads over to Zilvar, "Yes, I do remember. You were rather quiet then. Welcome to our clan home Zilvar."
Zilvar glances at Coper and arches an eyebrow, "Was that the normal welcome?"
Copernicus chuckles, "Well, only with someone you really love, and my birth mother has always had a soft spot for me. :)"
Nebula tweaks her son's ears, "Not that soft. I remember all the trouble you caused. The council is just getting together, so you two had best head up."
Zilvar halfsmiles and sketches a slow and lazy bow, "Thank you for the ..quieter..welcome, Nebula. I'll try not to be so quiet.
Nebula pads up and softly head-rubs Zilvar, "Well, you know what they say about the "quiet types"." and then, with a wink, disappears out the door and into the air, chuckling.
Zilvar pads up to Coper and lets out a slow breath, "OK...that was not good."
Copernicus turns to look at Zilvar, "Sorry, I didn't know she was home. And I didn't realize it would upset you so much."
Zilvar pads over toward the gravity chute and shrugs, "I'm not much good for surprises like that right now, Coper. I'm a little...tense." He steps into the chute.
Copernicus pads after Zilvar and floats up until they are about 10 floors from the top and moves onto the walkway leading to a large, greenhouse like room.
Copernicus pats Zilvar on the shoulder, "I'm sorry my friend. I'll keep it in mind."
Zilvar pads along the walk, a few paces behind the 'taur. "I should have warned you..."
Copernicus nods and pads into the large room full of plant life, some animal life, and an assortment of Chirr'T'Thar lounging, chatting and grooming. This truly looks like the "coats of many colors" as each clan apparently has it's own characteristic fur pattern. As Copernicus leads Zilvar off to the side where he sits, a few more felitaurs pad in behind them.
Zilvar looks around as he finds a comfortable place to rest.
As the assembly starts to get organized, Copernicus motions for Zilvar to have a seat on a bean bag like chair as the felitaur pads to the center of the group.
Zilvar takes the indicated seat.
A roll call is made. Many different clan names bounce around, and Zilvar catches a few, the Grey furred Zaster, the tawny brown Tempo, Cloudhopper, the jaguar like Epigee, the reddish brown Fireclad, Caudate, the snooty looking Siamese Quantonium, Lightheels, the tortoise shell Rockhopper, Starblaze, Betelguese, and finally Nova clan, and then Skygazer. Copernicus purrs, "All present and accounted. As the host of this council meeting, the Skygazer clan bids you welcome, and calls the meeting to session. Seeing as you decided to put me in charge of alien relations, I have someone here with an intriguing offer. Are there any objections to starting with this business first?"
A general chorus of growled, "Go ahead." and "No objections" are heard. Copernicus turns and motions for Zilvar to come forward, "In his explorations of Nexus, and subsequently the moon, Zilvar has discovered a very large, and very ancient ship building yard, and would like to form a cooperative agreement with us to get it running."
A interested sounding rumble goes through the crowd, as they watch the young Clan Leader. A few slightly negative murmurs go up at Zilvar's wolfen form, but it's clear he wasn't one of the invaders, so they stop quickly.
Zilvar stands next to Coper and looks around, "The shipyard is fully functional, having been shut down sometime after the Gates and starlanes originally surrounding Nexus closed. It can be reopened with, I believe, what amounts to a minimal expenditure of energy and currency, considering the state of the installation. What I need from you is able-bodied technicians and engineers, as well as a enough starting capital to pay said technicians and get the raw materials I need initially.
Ned Nova, brother of the same Titan Nova who died trying to kill Copernicus speaks up, "So what do we get in return? And who will you build the ships for?"
Zilvar puts his hands behind his back and starts to walk in a slow, small circle as he thinks. "I will build ships for whoever can afford them. The installation is also perfectly capable of refits, repairs, and salvage. Nexus _is_ going to become a visited planet again. It is inevitable, I believe." He stops and looks at the clan Nova spokes'taur, "But initially...I will build for you. Because I have no other customers of note...and certainly none with the financial clout to interest me."
Ryenar Rockhopper, a tortoise shell male, speaks up, "Ships are one thing, but will you also sell armed ships to any who have the money?"
Zilvar looks at Ryenar, "I will refit armed ships, at a substantial markup. I have no intention of selling warships to anyone...with one notable exception. That, of course, being your people."
Zilvar halfsmiles, "And then, only under contract."
The leader of the Fireclad clan then purrs, "So, how many of our engineers do you need? What kind of resources? And again, we'd like to know how this is of benefit to us."
Zilvar looks around, "I could probably move the population of a city into the facility, but I will take what can be spared. Several hundred Chirr'T'Thar would be a start. Raw metals, and other materials. Several million in currency, as starting capital....and you get the first five capital ships off the line to purchase below cost, to flight test, and to determine if any of them would be suitable to add to your wall of battle...which I know has been terribly depleted by the recent battles.
Copernicus remains quiet, as if he had already sent them his information, and now the council is double checking. The leader of the Cloudhopper clan, a female (obviously), purrs, "So, you will give us some ships at low cost, hire a few hundred of our engineers, and pay them with capitol we loan you. And I assume we can get a reasonable cost on future ships in return for supplying you refined metals for your operation?"
Zilvar crosses his arms and looks at the female Cloudhopper. "For as long as you supply me with raw materials, such a discount is reasonable and expected. The loan will be repaid, as a deductible percentage from the cost of ships, as well as currency, as needed."
The amount of soft murmurs increases a bit, till finally one of the older males, of the Quantonium clan, purrs, "You feel that you can properly host our workers? How long would you like them to be working at your facility?"
Zilvar turns his head to the Quantonium, "As long as they wish to work. Facilities will be constructed for reasonable Chirr'T'Thar habitation as one of the first projects. Pay will be reasonable, and will increase conditional on the success of the business...And it is not unreasonable that technical exchange and a little free exploration be allowed, for those with ability and desire, on their free time. The research facilities are, even by today's standards, very, very good."
This last part seems to truly impress the council, and a few wave Copernicus over. After some whispering, he pads back, "One further thing to note, we tend to rarely stay in one place too long. Once the base is operational, your workers will rotate on a staggered six month basis, but that shouldn't be a problem. Is there anything more you'd like to add, before the council moves on?"
Zilvar looks around, "Yes, the base is mine. The facilities are mine. The equipment, and everything else in the base is mine. I, and I alone, have the final say-so on what goes on in the base.
Zilvar turns around slowly, "There will be absolutely no weapons research on the station. That is the first, and so far only, inviolable rule of those facilities."
This causes a few murmurs, more in reaction to how it is said, than what is said. Finally Copernicus raises a wing and purrs, "Property rights are not in question. Just note, that, without a proper inquiry, the strongest thing you can do is make the Chirr'T'Thar leave your base. Anything more severe than that needs to go to a panel of inquiry. We will do all our research somewhere else, no fear of that. Can you agree not to make any summary decisions about your workers, short of kicking them out if you feel it is necessary?"
Zilvar reaches under his cloak and removes a set of small cubes, which he fiddles with for a moment. Each floats in the air when he moves his hand away, and a holographic image of a pair of battle cruisers, a couple of dreadnoughts...one apparently rigged for long range exploration, and what can only be called a super dreadnought, judging from the scale of the thing, appear in the air above hi s head. He turns and looks at Copernicus for a few moments, "If anyone breaks that rule, I will shut down the facilities and destroy every bit of research I can find pertaining to it. That worker, and any who helped him will be freed from contract to return home, and barred from working there again. After I'm done with that, you're free to bring me personally before a board of inquiry to present my case. I will not be the cause, or the vessel, for arming anyone except as absolutely necessary.
Copernicus purrs, "We're not talking about arming anyone Zilvar. What we are worried about is something that I don't feel is an issue. We've have troubles dealing with alien races in the past, suddenly finding how we behave with each other to be offensive, or get some other agenda to try and discriminate against us. I feel that what you propose is quite fair, especially as that is for what you consider a very strong offense.""
Zilvar studies Coper for a moment or two, "If you and your people can put up with me, Copernicus...I am relatively certain that I can put up with you."
Copernicus purrs, "Basically, so long as you don't start summarily killing, maiming, castrating, surgically or mentally altering anyone, I doubt there will be a problem. And knowing your history, I know you wouldn't do that. Unless you have something else, we'll ask you to head back and go to the first floor by the roof. My family's living quarters are there. I'll talk to you when the meeting is over.""
Zilvar nods, "One last thing...these images depict the ship designs I've selected as the initial builds. A limited amount of information is available via the holographic menus you see next to the image of each ship. Feel free to pursue them, as their purchase, or the purchase of some ship of a similar classification, will be a contingent portion of the contract.
Copernicus nods, "We shall do so. Thank you for your time Zilvar. We should be finished with business in a few hours."
Zilvar turns and walks toward the gravity chute. Before he leaves the sun porch, he turns and bows slightly to the assembly.
Several hours go by, with many issues of trade, security and rebuilding coming up. The hottest bit of contention is the need to find possibly colony sites, due to the planned doubling of the Chirr'T'Thar population to four million. It is felt that this will make it harder for them to be at risk of extinction, after the last invaders. Finally, Copernicus makes it back to the living quarters, and let's Zilvar know that they have agreed, and will formalize the contract tomorrow. Finally, he curls up with his parents, and falls asleep. Snoring a bit till Nebula puts her hindpaw over his mouth.