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| Diplomatic Envoy; Trip to Hebridan | |
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| Tweet Topic Started: Sep 21 2011, 10:14 PM (286 Views) | |
| Sirus | Sep 21 2011, 10:14 PM Post #1 |
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A hyperspace window opens as a single Al'kesh exits back to normal space. Aboard the ship was a Tok'ra diplomat with an honor guard of five Dragon Gaurd and ten Roma Warriors. A few seconds pass before the Tok'ra agent speaks. "Open channels and broadcast a message to the planet." He could see that there were dozens of ships in orbit which made him realize why the new High Councilor had sent an envoy to this planet. However, what Sirus didn't know was that Hebridan had once been an Ori captured world and since their original defeat there hadn't been much contact with them. The agent, Mikel wondered if an Ori presence was still planet side and how much of the Ori technology remained. Sirus had given him orders to find out what the status of the planet was and present an alliance with the the leadership. The message is sent and now it was time to await a reply. |
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| Origin | Sep 22 2011, 05:49 PM Post #2 |
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Ori Faction Mod
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-After the Arc of Truth burned it's way through the ranks of the Ori in both the Alteran galaxy and the Milky Way later, the followers left behind when the Chappa'co was disengaged had settled down to begin their lives anew. Left alone, the people of Hebridan had quickly progressed into a small, but thriving society. A mix of old and new, with a great amount of religious flavor from those who, even knowing the truth about the Ori, still followed the Path of Origin, but less fire and brimstone, more as a moral compass- -the ships left behind, under wise decision of the current elders, were hidden in chasms below the surface, powered down and with only one aged prior having no real way to rekindle their cores. The fighters and shuttles however were put to use as mass transit and military vehicles. Small single manned ships darted here and there, the biggest ship the Tok'ra scout found was a five man cargo ship with a pearesent hull, embossed with a flame between a pair of upright hands as if in prayer- -the cargo ship, escorted by two single manned fighters, approached the Tok'ra vessel before responding to the hail, a blue shimmering screen of silk behind an aged man in a white official looking uniform with medals and pins on his breast and shoulders, and a hard look to his eyes even though his words and tone were cordial enough- "Unidentified vessel, I am the High Acting Regent Excelcior Braden, I hope you come in peace, for we have no wish for war. We are a simple people, and our planet is quite sparse where resources are considered... If you come for plunder and riches, I'm afraid you've come to the wrong place... " |
![]() "And now, with the strength of our will, they do call upon us to prevail against the corruption of all unbelievers" | |
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| Sirus | Sep 22 2011, 06:40 PM Post #3 |
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Mikel waits for a response and watches as a pair of fighters approach escorting a cargo ship. A greeting comes in and as Mikel listens to the elderly man speaks his mind. He recognized the emblem on the side of the ships and had to wonder what sort of person he was speaking with. Yet, on the flip side there was no shooting so far and that was a good sign. "Greetings High Acting Regent Excelcior Braden, I am Ambassador Mikel of the Draconius Emporium. I have come with a honor guard and wish to speak with an official to begin talks that will hopefully lead to a long term friendship between our peoples." |
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| Origin | Sep 22 2011, 09:45 PM Post #4 |
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Ori Faction Mod
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-the elderly warrior's eyes narrow, and he doesn't respond instantly. He stares at the monitor a moment and then there's the slightest of nods as if he had heard someone speak that Mikel couldn't see or hear, and his chin rose a fraction- "You are speaking with the only person you need to know. Our lives here as I said are simple, peaceful. I fear your presence would be a unnecessary stir among the populace. You'll forgive me if I decline your offer to begin talks about any treaties on our first encounter...." -the al'kesh pilot frowns and glances back at Mikel, muting the transmission audio for a moment- "Sir we're reading energy spikes ... from the surface. We've just been scanned by technology far beyond our own.." -As Mikel looked back at the view screen the old man was looking back at him evenly- "If you wish to speak to us so that if you should return after you leave here today, perhaps on your return visit, some kind of formality can be observed." -Braden leaned back in his chair faintly- "My ship... one hour... " -and the transmission ended abruptly- |
![]() "And now, with the strength of our will, they do call upon us to prevail against the corruption of all unbelievers" | |
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| Sirus | Sep 22 2011, 10:03 PM Post #5 |
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Mikel nods slowly as the transmission ends suddenly. He was slightly confused as to what was expected of him at this point. However, Braden's words seemed to indicate that a meet was to take place an hour later. Mikel looks at the pilot of al'kesh to get a report. "In your opinion would that technology help the cause of freedom?" The pilot nods slightly and Mikel sighs in response. So now was the time to simply wait the hour and then request permission to board Braden's ship. So he issues the orders to keep weapons powered down and to begin a slight orbit of the planet. If he had guessed right Mikel would soon be talking with Braden in what would be the first step in what would hopefully lead to an alliance. |
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| Origin | Sep 23 2011, 07:32 AM Post #6 |
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Ori Faction Mod
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-When the ship moved to orbit, the two fighter escorts moved to intercept, and keep them just outside optimal range, insisting they stay where they were until the allotted time to move for the rendezvous. When the hour finally counted down, the Hebridan shuttle moved forward, inverted, and aligned the base of their craft with that of the Tok'ra al'kesh- -a different face, one of the pilots of the cargo ship he assumed, came onto the communication screen, nodded once, and gave permission to board. Only the 'ambassador' was to come across, unarmed. Even the slightest 'misunderstanding' could be problematic in this instance. For a 'peaceful' and 'simple' people, their military etiquette and procedure was on par with the secret service treatment one would expect of the Tau'ri home world, not some backwater, formerly conquered people- |
![]() "And now, with the strength of our will, they do call upon us to prevail against the corruption of all unbelievers" | |
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| Sirus | Sep 23 2011, 02:22 PM Post #7 |
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Mikel nods his acknowledgement of the request that only he come over unarmed. He could see that this planet had retained some of the militaristic nature of the Ori but until he saw more wouldn't be able to figure out just how much of an influence there was currently. Turning towards the commander of his escort Mikel give him an order. "If you have not heard from me in an hour send a message back to the fleet." With that he turns to the comm tech to send an message acknowledged and that he was ready to come aboard. The next hour would be greatly interesting indeed. |
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| Origin | Sep 23 2011, 06:30 PM Post #8 |
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Ori Faction Mod
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-once the rings descended aboard the cargo vessel, Mikel was faced with two white uniformed soldiers with frighteningly familiar staves topped by half circles, the white staff weapons of the Ori ground army from the crusade earlier that decade. The two turned crisply and escorted the Tok'ra through the cargo doors into the modified pel'tak section, where the Acting High Regent sat but he was not alone- -Braden sat upon a simple chair with a blue drape behind him almost exactly as he'd seen on the communication, but to one side of him stood a figure draped in white and grey robes, the hood raised, and a gnarled staff in one pale hand. The figure's face was shrouded in shadow, but he could swear he felt the figure's eyes upon him as sharply as Barden's were. The two guardsmen turned and left as crisply as they'd come.- "Greetings Ambassador, may I introduce my vizier, the Prior Montavious, who will be sitting in on our ... talk." -the grey hood faintly shifted, toward Mikel as if the head underneath had turned and bowed toward him but little else moved. Mikel noted, that the Regent had introduced the adviser as an active Prior, not 'former Prior' or something past tense.- |
![]() "And now, with the strength of our will, they do call upon us to prevail against the corruption of all unbelievers" | |
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| Sirus | Sep 23 2011, 07:00 PM Post #9 |
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Mikel nods in greeting taking in all that was around him. He was a diplomat and had come to expect the unexpected in situations. Once he is introduced to the Prior Mikel begins to wonder how he could prevent a negative situation from arising. He takes a moment passes as he reflects on what to say. "It is an honor to have such an august personage joining us." Mikel knew that he had to tread carefully since this could very well mean that the Ori were building up to start a new offensive into the Milky Way. |
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| Origin | Sep 23 2011, 07:25 PM Post #10 |
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Ori Faction Mod
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-The Regent glanced to the hooded man with the first smile Mikel had seen, though it was more of a knowing smirk and then rose from his chair and extended a hand- "Tok'ra you said? I don't believe I've had the pleasure before," -he drew his hand back with a wolfish grin, wiggling aged brows- "Or have I? That's what you people do isn't it? Insinuate yourselves into a society, lurk in the dark recesses and hide in plain sight gathering information and planting seeds of rebellion and anarchy in otherwise stable environments?" -he withdrew his hand completely and folded them both behind his back in a dour expression as he leaned forward- "I've heard little about your people and that disturbs me greatly. As the Acting Regent it is my duty, and privilege to protect the people of Hebridan and ... introducing the seditious likes of you into our populace does not exactly sound appealing." -the aged general turned slightly and walked sidelong away from Mikel, while the robed Montavius still stood beside the pel'tak chair, silent, and somewhat ominous as Braden continued with his back to Mikel- "So, Ambassador... what say you? Will you call me a liar and claim innocence of these accusations?" -he half turned to look over an epaulet covered shoulder- "or will you confess?" |
![]() "And now, with the strength of our will, they do call upon us to prevail against the corruption of all unbelievers" | |
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| Sirus | Sep 23 2011, 08:43 PM Post #11 |
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Mikel smiles slightly as he slowly takes a deep breath. "Well I will not deny that the Tok'ra have used that tactic in the past. However, I would also like to point out that such actions were against tyrants who were enslaving millions of people. Additionally, such actions were only ever carried out amongst those who had already declared themselves to be our enemies. That coupled with our numbers make how we conduct war unconventional." Mikel pauses as he watches the both of the men. "Though one would have to observe that Yet, as I suspect you are well aware, times change. The Tok'ra have a new leader who has new ideas on how we can operate and as it stands I am merely a diplomat who is following the orders of a superior." |
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| Origin | Sep 23 2011, 09:10 PM Post #12 |
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-the Acting Regent turned fully to face him, hands still folded behind his back- "Tyrants ... enslaving millions... Indeed. And does this.. new leader of yours send you out blindly to seek out new allies and arrange trade negotiations?" -he slowly approaches Mikel with a wolf's grin- "Or did you come to our world thinking to sneak your way onto an Ori conquered world?" -before Mikel could protest the old general rose his hand and shook his head, chuckling under his breath- "Don't bother denying... or explaining. You're not the first, and you won't be the last. But I will tell you the same thing I tell every other treasure hunter and tomb raider that comes seeking..." -he comes in even closer to Mikel, invading personal space, close enough to scent the old man's tobacco scented breath and starched uniform- "The Flames of Enlightenment illuminate the darkest of corners, in the farthest reaches of the cosmos... there are no tombs, no treasure. There is nothing here that belongs to anyone but us. Do I make myself clear...Ambassador?" |
![]() "And now, with the strength of our will, they do call upon us to prevail against the corruption of all unbelievers" | |
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| Sirus | Sep 23 2011, 09:44 PM Post #13 |
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"Honestly nothing has been heard from this world since before the Ark of Truth was used. My orders were to find out what was going on here and if possible form begin the work towards an alliance." Mikel takes note of the tobacco smell and then smiles slightly. "The new leader of the Tok'ra respects the boundaries of those he would consider potential allies. I heard you mention earlier that your people are low on resources, if this is the case we might have something to talk about." Mikel locks eyes with the Braden and waits for his reaction. |
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| Origin | Sep 23 2011, 10:28 PM Post #14 |
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Ori Faction Mod
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-Braden's lips pulled back with a face contorted in sudden and almost blind rage but before he could utter a single vehement curse, the robed man rose his free hand, and like a recorded playback, the Acting Regent froze mid breath, the fury of his ice like eyes boring into Mikel's from inches away- -the Prior's quiet voice was like a rasp of paper across a smooth desktop, silken, but sharp- "You offer so much to a people that can return so little... one would think you were desperate for alliances..." -the gray skinned hand rose and pulled back the deep hood to reveal a perfectly bald head, willowed features with high cheekbones and a strong but tapered jaw. The pale, blind like eyes, stared at him through half lidded slits, seeming to catch the light nearby and reflect the blue of the backdrop silk- "I wonder at your true intentions, Ambassador... would you openly ally yourself with what this galaxy called the Enemy? Would you shake hands and break bread and support those whom your race once called the greatest threat to their existence?" -he took a step away from the throne and as the butt end of the staff he carried touched down, the gnarled head briefly pulsed with dim grey/blue light; the Prior was apparently in full possession of all his power- "For, as you speak to me... you speak to us all..."-as he spoke his eyes faintly opened wider and wider until it was like staring into two holes in his skull, bottomless pits of swirling blue and grey and black, and his voice sounded like it came from very very far away- "tell me, envoy of the Tok'ra... and answer true... do you seek the Path of Origin?" |
![]() "And now, with the strength of our will, they do call upon us to prevail against the corruption of all unbelievers" | |
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| Sirus | Sep 23 2011, 10:56 PM Post #15 |
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Mikel watches the quick exchange and smiles serenely. It was the smile of a man who had learned something important. He then figured out some of what was going on and knew how to proceed. With on last look at the frozen Braden the Tok'ra Ambassador turns his attention completely to the prior. "As I said before times change. And with that change enemies become friends and friends can become enemies. A new era is coming to this galaxy and it is my belief that redemption can come to all. MY mission was to find out who was in control of this planet and then see is I could make an alliance with them. I am do not seek the Path of Origin BUT I respect those who practice the way. I believe in the freedom to choose what one believes in." Mikel pauses a moment then takes a deep breath before pressing on. "What I seek is the knowledge to protect my people and ensure that do not become extinct because of what we stand for. In the end that is why I am here. I hope that in the days to come the Tok'ra and Ori can come to an mutually beneficial understanding but as you yourself said I am but an envoy." Mikel continues to looks towards the eyes of the Prior. "But I would like to point out that even this encounter reflects a change within the followers of the Path of Origin." |
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| Origin | Sep 24 2011, 12:00 AM Post #16 |
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-Mikel finishes his statement leaning forward in his chair aboard the alkesh, looking at a blank monitor screen, and the confused faces of his crew. Glancing around, he notes the white cargo ship and it's two fighter escort just outside, where they were before the exchange from his ship to theirs, and the disorientation and sense of deja vu heightens as the communication screen comes alive with the face of the fighter pilot- -instead of nodding however, this time the pilot looks right at Mikel, shakes his head once, and speaks quietly- "It's time you left our sector, Ambassador. The Regent will be conferring with the ruling body, and you will be contacted at a later time regarding the outcome. Do not return to this sector of space... it will be considered an act of aggression, and will be answered in kind..." -as the screen went blank and the trio of ships turned away to return to the planet, he could hear a whisper in the back of his mind like a forgotten memory come to the surface, the silken, sharp voice of Prior Montavious, from its oh so distant point- "... Blessed are those who walk the Path... weather they know it, or not... " |
![]() "And now, with the strength of our will, they do call upon us to prevail against the corruption of all unbelievers" | |
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| Sirus | Sep 24 2011, 12:26 AM Post #17 |
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Mikel take a breath and looks to the pilot. "Take us home. I have much to discuss with the High Council." As the al'kesh leaves the sector Mikel tries not to think about the fact that he had heard the Prior's voice in the back of his mind. He did however wonder what impact his words would have in setting up an alliance. He knew that the new High Councilor would value the strength that such an alliance would bring to the Tok'ra and the Draconius Emporium he envisioned. |
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9:20 AM Jul 11