Starspeaker IC (Closed for silvertongue217)

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera nodded, pleased that Jase would be at the meeting with them. She was also pleased about the fact they had locateD Avery.

"Sorry to interrupt Chancellor, General," Kryten's voice came through the room "but Tomas has just patched through the preliminary report on ex-General Starborn. Would you like me to project it?"

"When we're finished lunch thanks Kryten." Vetlra just wanted a few moment with Jase to be herself. "Sam had a tea sent to me today surprisingly it took away a lot of the nausea," Vera said with a grin, "Though Miss greyjoy somehow knew I was pregnant... Clever little fox figured it out by herself."

 

[silvertongue217]

"does not surprise me" Jase said shaking his head "Any one who is been around more than one pregnant woman or multiple births can tell" he said chuckling softly.

"After I get back with Avery were going to be moving the fleet" Jase said "I forwarded the battle plans to you that our fleet commander and I drew up we wont be on the front lines just yet though the ship was scheduled for a retrofit at the Kolaris star port and were keeping ot it before getting otu there"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"Good, the ship could do with an upgrade."

Vera and Jase finished their food quickly enough as there was no joy to be had in the blandness of it.. When Vera put her fork down a projection appeared between them, the report.

It was worse than Vera had dared to imagine. So much of what had gone wrong during her rule; the accidents, the council stalemates, the last minute changes in orders. The uprising at Kolify, the Magaroth mines... The report was a shocking log of her uncle's alleged betrayals, confirmations of suspicions she never dared to contemplate filly. Anger burnt within her, starting at the first accusation as an ember, a flicker. By the time she reached the last one her entire body was aflame with the rage.

But the last report.... Her eyes scanned the words. Mission orders. For a suicide mission. For Matthew. Then two other request forms, one for Matthew and one from his captain asking for the mission to be aborted. Then they were denied by General Starborn. After all of these years the truth came out and it was worse than she had ever dreamed. Her own uncle. Tears welled up in her eyes, years worth of unknowns crashing down on her. The sadness, disappointment and rage mixed with anger, they roiled together creating something more, something dangerous.

"I should go on the mission with you," Vera said, voice low. She looked at Jase, her entire body filed with determination to make sure he didn't meet the same fate as Matthew. "He needs to be brought to his knees."

 

[silvertongue217]

Jase read over her his own frown and anger deepening. all this time he had been angry at the Empress but it would seem they shares a common enemy. The man was a thug and an abomination to the entier universe.

Which would make bringing him to justice all the more fun

"Absolutely not" Jase and Samantha said at the same time

"babe I get your some bad ass space chic and I love you for it" Jase said shaking his head "but your pregnant now and your talking about a guy who would very very very much like to see you and those babies die I am afraid I have to deny your request Empress please dont make me have to push it" Jase said taking her hands.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera took a deep breath, listening to Jase's words and feeling the truth in them.

"He would see you dead too now, now that we have announced our relationship. Be careful Jase," her voice held a warning in it. If anything happened to Jase on that mission nothing would stop her from seeking revenge

"Bring him back to me Jase, I will bring the full might of pEACe down on him."

 

[silvertongue217]

"I hope he does want to see me dead hope it blinds him to me until I have him locked up" Jase said chuckling and shaking his head.

"This is why you hired slash swore me in because I can get the impossible done" Jase reminded her leaning in to kiss her deeply "Dont you worry your hot ass baby im going to bring him back and you get to burn the bastard" he told her pulling her close.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera sunk into Jase's kiss, taking it and using it to calm her rage.

"Good," she said with a nod. They had to go and meet with the council now, and she couldn't let her anger get in the way. She wasn't one hundred percent certain that they were all faithful to her, so she didn't want to bring up her uncle's ill unless they tipped him off. She wanted Jase to have the clearest path possible, and the element of surprise would be crucial.

"Let's get to this meeting," Vera said, squaring her shoulders and taking his hand. "I don't want them to know anything about my uncle or your operation. I don't trust all of them enough with the information. However, I am sure they would love to hear your plans for the fleet movements."

Vera led him to the council room, by the time they arrived she had pulled on her political mask and was ready to face the councillors. She made the introductions as they entered the room, and had Jase sit beside her at the table.

Immediately the council launched into an overview of what had happened the previous day. Apparently the crew had taken the appointment of Jase to General well, and the press conference had helped to convince some of their romance. The council was also thrilled that the Coalition of Alien Species had reached out; it was a huge and unprecedented step. However, the Rebels and the other half of PEACe had not responded yet, not deigned to reply to Vera's invitation for a parley. Vera explained that she had taken Ashlyn Greyjoy onboard to help work on their image, and the council had approved.

All the while Vera had to stop herself from eyeing the council members, from slamming each one up against the wall and asking if they knew of her uncle's deception. She had no doubt that he was smart enough to leave someone behind to keep an eye on her, to watch her as surely as she would have someone watch him.

As the review of previous events finished the council members turned on Jase. They already knew Vera's plan of attack, but they wanted his as well. Technically he didn't need to tell them anything; they were ambassadors and council members, Vera and Jase had the true power over PEACe. But Vera knew from experience how important it was to have the councillors on her side.

 

[silvertongue217]

Jase who had remained silent during the council meeting suddenly felt the eyes turning to him. He shifted in his seat looking at each of them in turn before clearing his throat.

"While our estemed empress works on diplomacy and peace in these troubles time I shall work on protecting our planets" Jase said glancing over at her "unfortunately this battle cruiser was already slated for a retro fit and the space yards we will be keeping to the schedule the planned upgrades and a few I have planned as well during that time the bulk of our forces are going to be moving to the outer rim planets as they will be attacking their first our ships will also be conscripting civilian ships as a volunteer force to move people off the planet who can not fight"

"I am not going to lie gentleman this is going to be the hard part and will need all of us to be on point" Jase said "were going to be having millions of refugees flowing into the system as we get them away from the front lines I have had our men scouting a suitable planet to build as a refugee center and once I know where they will be going the exodus will begin"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera listened to Jase's plan and nodded in agreement.

"We are open to suggestions for locations of refugee station, and I also think it would be appropriate if the core planets were too volunteer some space of their own. Also," now Vera turned to Jase, "myself and the council are happy to help with the negotiations to evacuate the planets. People can often become passionate when asked to leave their homes behind, so we can assist with that."

Vera returned her attention to the council.

"The General and I also have a being planned with the Coalition of Alien Species to see if we can't sky ourselves with them also."

"Ally?" Zotto asked with shock, "They have been a thorn in our side for decades. Why ally with them via when they have refused to fall under our command for so long."

Vera's gaze landed on Zotto.

"Because this is a new era. If the CAS will work with us then that is good progress. They have run from us for a long time, no doubt fearing assimilation. And frankly councillors, I think our past attempts at getting them onside were wrong."

 

[silvertongue217]

"Not only that but PEACe is a bit racist" Jase said gruffly ignoring the looks of shock "Oh come on you cant tell me you all dont see it!"

"we have an all human military and every planet under PEACe is predominantly human and you can be assured human ran" Jase remarked waving his hand at the council.

"You guys do realize that aliens out number us correct?" Jase reminded them "That the only reason they havent amassed against you is because of a distinct lack of leadership and many of them arent a space faring civilization yet..... If we were to organize them and make them allies however this war would go a lot easier"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

And there was the truth of it. Her councillors didn't like it, in fact some were positively squirming. The councillors were not the same from her parents days, yet they had voted again and again in a way that would have pleased them.

"But there is a reason fo that " Ditto argued, "Communication with then is to hard, they have completely different cultures and priorities to us. His van we trust then?"

 

[silvertongue217]

"I know these guys from my rebel days" Jase argued slamming his fist on the table "Its no small secret that they have supported the rebels secretly but all these guys want is a voice and their rightful place in the universe"

"If we come to them openly and willing to budge on some things then we can have their support" Jase reminded every one gathered.

 

[SinisterSpiders]

There was a great deal of grumbling between the councillors then and Vera,let it go on for a few minutes.

"We have a meeting with CAS anyway, and I will hopefully be negotiating to have then on our did. The General has made some good points here today. Perhaps instead of thinking about how different we are we can start looking for points of commonality instead. Like a will to survive."

Vera got to her feet, knowi g that she and Jase mist prepare for their meeting.

"We will reconvene tomorrow," she said as she sent a mental hum of approval to Jasethrough their mind link.

 

[silvertongue217]

Jase watched them all go sending her an internal scowl as he rose and shook hands.

"Frackers are going to get us killed with this alien racism" He thought to her making his good byes before returning to her side.

"Lets get out of here" He murmured taking her elbow and walking out of the doors.

"I hope they realize the coalition is going to want a seat on the council" He told her as they walked down the hall "which is only right"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"They will have to learn to deal with it," Vera said with a shrug. She leaned into Jase's arm as they walked and pulled a snack from her pocket,offering him some as well.

They arrives at the conference room five minutes early and Statspeaker was there waiting for them. Vera gave him a warm greeting before sitting down and waiting for the call.

"They've never reached out to us before, not that I blame them," Vera said, smiling over at Jase. "I think we have your presence to thank for this. Hopefully we can build some bridges, get them on board and give them the representation they deserve."

 

[silvertongue217]

"The most important thing it to listen to them" Jase warned her nodding at Starspeaker "It helps that we have an alien here even without your skill set" He said nodding at him before gesturing for Vera to sit.

The coalition was due to arrive any moment of course it was a blessing in and of itself that they were meeting on board the PEACe mothership. Jase had to promise them all safe passage on and off multiple times before they finally agreed to it. He received confirmation they were on board and waited for them to come in.

The five species that made up the coalition came in. First was the Kurigan a big massive war chief with two large axes on his shoulders, the next was the meneite or at least the colony that made up the councilor for the species he floated in the swarm contained in one of the Evo suits to give them the appearance of an actual body, the larixis were next humaniod except for the long tail on their body red skin and curved ram horns, the measter was next the hooded cyclops eyes darted under the shadow of his cloak and his chains rattled as he came in, finally princess arelian came in humaniod with a fairy like appearance and wearing a revealing dress.

"Empress" Jase said gesturing for her to stand and making the introductions none of them shook her hand though each one nodded at her professionally.

"Never though I would see the day Crestfield" War Chief Marix said coming up and clapping his back "you in PEACe and a general to boot!"

"We hope you are finding your time here well" The princess Arex said her wings fluttering as she looked at him with concern.

"I am fine" He said shaking his head "let us not focus on old feelings I am here as you are because we must stand united"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera watched as the leaders of the coalition filed in, looking around themselves almost nervously. They were pleased to see Jase though, and Vera noted the particular concern from Princess Arex. Once Jase had reassured them Vera gave them each a greeting appropriate for and native to their species before gesturing for the others to take a seat and only doing so herself once they were comfortable. They already had the table setup with an array of delicacies' from all different cultures, and Vera gestured ro it warmly. "Please, help yourselves ," she gestured before turning to Starspesker
"I would also like to introduce you to a colleague of mind, Starspeaker. He has volunteered to be at this meeting to translate so that you might speak whichever language you feel most comfortable with, if that is not common."

Starspesker nodded at all of the assembled species and smiled, mimicking the greeting that Vera had given each of then.

"I've not seen your kind before ,"War Chief Marix commented gruffly.

"No, unfortunately I am the last," Starspraker said in hid rich, deep voice. The other aliens couldn't hide their horrified looks about that revelation. "Though please, we are not here to discuss my being, rather that of yours. I am here to help the Chancellor defeat the enemy that destroyed my kind.
The coalition looked to her then, and Vera nodded gravely.

"Indeed, I do thank you for reaching out, and I apologise that this is our first proper attempt. At such a meeting. Thank you," Vera repeated. She sat back then, not wanting to take the floor space when it was the coalition who had requested the meeting. They had the right to speak first.

 

[silvertongue217]

"Yeah well you havent exactly made any attempt to greet us warmly" Marix grumbled

"Be nice Marix" The Larixis chief Amadeas said raising a hand to him before turning to the empress "What my friend is trying to say is that there has been much amonisty following your parents reign that still remains within PEAce"

"Hostility and alien hating" Maxis grumbled folding his arms

"and be that as it may" Jase said rolling his eyes "we are coming together now to unite against a common threat"

"We have heard whisperings through the great mother" The princess said her eyes showing worry "of what is to come a threat we are all not prepared for"

"HESITANCE and while we are worried about the threat we also want to be safe from PEACe" the colony known as colony SJ7589 said the voice a dim buzz

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Their words didn't shock Vera, and in them she knew that she had become too tangled up in the human affairs of PEACe to make a truly concerted effort to expand their horizons.

"Yes, you speak truly," Vera said nodding to Marix and Amadeus. "Though I fear now is not the time for me to delve into excuses or platitudes about lack of contact and reparations from us. I want to be straightforward with you now, lay my cards on the table so to speak. I am willing to offer you five council seats and all the other rights and responsibilities that come from allying with PEACe. The representation of the non humanoid species on our council, and in our galaxy as a whole needs to be addressed. I can not guarantee a smooth transition, or that we wont have barriers to address in regards to prejudice and racism, but I want to work with you, all of you, to make sure we are well on our way to setting things right. And, as the General has stated, we have to unite against what is the biggest threat our Universe has ever seen. A threat that wont care about race or species, only total obliteration."

Vera surveyed the gathered beings then, wondering what they would make of her offer.

 

[silvertongue217]

"well its about bloody time" War Chief Maxis said snorting "and what about the injustice our people and racess have experienced from you human lovers?!"

"Maxis" Jase growled but the pricness was already moving to act

"I think what Maxi means is" The princess said placing her hand on the brute of an alien "Is that it is a start and some thing we very gladly except but I think people on both of our sides will not approve your people will claim its an injustice over PEACe and ours will want some kind of pennance for all the non human voilence over the years"

"And we dont have time for all that fraking nonesense" Jase grumbled narrowing his eyes "you guys do realize whats coming correct?"

"TENATIVE QUESTION we have heard yes but perhaps it is a good idea to show" Colony SJ7589 stated "was there any shots of these beasts or any so far?"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

Vera knew that discussions would turn to pennance, but she honestly didn't know what could make up for their suffering. None of it could br taken back, only prevented in the future. She was about to say as much but then the other questions came up.

"It isn't nonsense," Vera said, wanting to be clear that she would not downplay the damage of the past. "At this point there is nothing I can do to undo what has been done. All I can do is promise that we will work towards equality to the best of our ability. And thankyou, Colony SJ7589, for your question. I think the AI on Jase's ship might have something if we request it. Though Starspesker is our true expert on the matter."

Starpseaker nodded to Vera in acknowledgement.

"They are an ancient, almost timeless race. They wait until a majority of the universe has gained enough power and technology before they attack. They steal it, not wanting any group to get close to their own power. They cannibalise planets to fuel their craft and then enslave inhabitants on others into their power. Last time they got rid of most sentient life in the Universe, this time I believe they intend to take it all." He explained.

The coalition members all looked shocked at this. Shocked, and not entirely believing.

"And you expect us to believe you about this, when - with all due respect here mate- but we have no idea where you are from!" Maris said, arms crossing over his boss chest. "How do you know this?"

Vera looked at Starspesker, her eyes soft enough to tell him that he did not ned to reveal himself. But she could see ot, how tired he was of this threat.

"I am the sole survivor of their last attack, put into stasis by my people to warn the next civilisation unfortunate enough to be targeted by Hive. The Chancellor and General found me, the artefact they sought was a map to me, and also the key to my revival."

A collective gasp this time. But, before doubt could be spoken the Princess reached across the table, reaching for Starspeaker's hand., he closed the distance between them and took it. When they touched her eyes turned white and she froze for several breaths before pulling away from him, gasping as a tear squeezed from her eyes and rolled down her cheek.

"He speaks he truth," she whispered, looking at her comrades.

 

[silvertongue217]

"Now you lot all know it to be true" Jase said nodding his thanks at the princess before leaning in. He made sure he had each of their attention before he spoke choosing his words carefully.

"Old bigotries and atrocoties aside" Jase said "were not in a GALATACTIC race for survival and as such we must unify across the entire universe to face it at any moment this force will reveal it self and begin its attack and when that happens we need to be prepared to face it"

"It will take all of us but if we band together we will prevail"

"And what is it you need from us?" The princess said inclining her head forward

"Ships and troops" Jase said nodding at Tomas who has been hanging in the shadow "we are holding a defense summit in two days there we will be going over the plan of attack and how were moving forward as of right now our entire fleet is heading to the fringe worlds the rebels use it as their territory so we have no idea if the HIVE has already brought their own forces and started the defense summit will address where every one is going"

They all nodded their thanks and the meeting passed fast after that. Diplomacy was attempted and the species were each secured their place on the council. Jase decided to let Vera do her thing and slid out halfway through.

"You got this" He thought to her stepping out and unzipping his formal jacket "I'm going to check see how the planned retrofits are going for the dry dock"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

If Starspeaker's words hadn't sealed the deal, Jase's inspirational speech certainly had. After Jase made their request for troops and ships the diplomatic negotiations began. Jase stepped out to check out the retrofit plans, but Vera certainly had it from here. Jase had gotten them to this point and she had no doubt that she would be able to manage the rest.

"Thanks babe, see you tonight," Vera thought to Jase as he left.

In the end the Coalition made no extreme requests, and Vera asked them for nothing they weren't willing to provide. She knew she would have a hard time convincing the council to accept the five seats she had created, but part of her didn't care. They all needed to grow up and do what was necessary for the sake of the galaxy. She would deal with them later.

When the negotiations were over she could tell that, despite being alarmed at the coming invasion, everyone in the room was pleased with the decisions they had reached. Of course they would all be even more grateful if things went as smoothly with the Rebels and the other side of PEACe, but nevertheless, things had gone well. Vera got to her feet, head spinning as she saw the Coalition members out. Starspeaker also took his leave, and Vera thanked him profusely for his aid. Vera then returned, sitting on the table and looking at Tomas as she delved into her pocket for some crackers. He raised his eyebrows at her snacking (not something she was normally prone to do), but didn't say anything about it.

"That went well," Tomas said with a nod of approval. "You were right about Jase, he is certainly good at turning old foes into allies."

"Yes," said Vera with a laugh, "I have a good deal of personal experience with him in that area." Tomas laughed as well as he sat down near her.

"So, that preliminary report about General Starborn-"

"Ex-General," Vera interrupted.

"Yes, ex-General," Tomas confirmed, "it went far further than I ever imagined. The level of corruption... I don't even want to think about the other councillors who may have been on his side."

"I know, it is a problem," Vera sighed, reigning in her emotions and struggling to maintain her cool, "we will find them though, we can't have traitors like that in our midst. And when I get hold of the General I will make sure he pays for his crimes. Every single one of them." She vowed.

There was a few minutes of silence between Tomas and Vera before Vera brought up the topic of how to handle the other half of PEACe once they were back in negotiations. It was a difficult topic; Vera knew that most of the people there had no ill will for their cause. On the contrary, they were actually doing what they thought was best for the universe. It wasn't their fault that they hadn't seen through her uncle's charismatic facade; no one had. In the end many ideas were thrown up, but nothing was decided upon.

After saying farewell to Tomas, Vera made her way back to her suite. There was a lot of work waiting for her upon her return, lots of things to read over or reply to. So she sat at her private desk, deciding to get some of it out of the way. The builders left as she worked, saying the kitchen was done. She decided to wait for Jase to return before checking it out.

 

[silvertongue217]

"This shits a fraking mess"

Jase ignored Samanthas giggle in response and leaned back sighing and pinching the bridge of his nose. Rapidly the smugglers turned general was figuring out what being a general truly meant.

It involved lots of paper work

Troops movements, ship movements, health reports, and so much more they were all starting to jumble together. He had to sign EVERYTHING which meant for the most part he was a glorified writer.

"Go join up Jase" He murmured imitating Vera "you will be the asset we need Jase see the universe with me and protect it Jase"

"You know you really are good at signing things" Samantha teased snickering

"BAH!"

Jase stood up pushing his chair back and shaking his head at the mess of paperwork "Vera back in the suite yet?"

"Yes and the renovations have been completed general" Samantha said unable to hide the big ass grin on her face

"Dont start" Jase growled pulling his jacket off and sighing "I am heading out for the night tell Boomer he has the watch"

"Aye General" Samantha replied watching as he moved out of his office "you'll be happy to know we will be at the ship yard in two days"

"Good faster we get out of there the faster we can start protecting people" Jase mumured "has the scouting team we sent to the fringe worlds reported back?"

"So far they havent seen any thing" Samantha said "but I wont get an update until tomorrow you know this would go a lot smoother if I was patched into the ship"

"Which is my goal for tomorrow" Jase said nodding at every one who saluted him "Its a big step to move your core from the Falcon to the mothership"

"Yeah well Im only working at half capacity here" Samantha reminded him "you guys need me at my best and like it or not this is our ship now and our home"

"Not without its perks though" Jase reminded her grinning as he stepped into the door. He spotted Vera and grinned closing the door and locking it behind him.

"I dont know how you do it" He said going over to her and leaning in to give her a kiss before flopping on the couch next to her "all that fraking paperwork I swear im a glorified paper pusher!"

 

[SinisterSpiders]

"But you are such a sexy paper pusher," Vera teased, snuggling up to his side. She sighed heavily. "Sorry I didn't warn you about that part."

With a yawn and a stretch Vera smiled, satisfied after a long but productive day of work.

"The kitchen is done now, if you give me a list of stuff you want then I can put an order in. You may need to teach me to cook though so I can help. As you know I am terrible at cooking."

Vera reluctantly got up, and offered him her hand, wanting to go and see their new kitchen with him.

"Oh, and I didn't get a chance to tell you how awesome you were with the Coalition. If it weren't for you..."