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#Post#: 58--------------------------------------------------
The Convention of Imperiopolis and the United Gaian Nations Trea
ty
By: MichaelH23 Date: May 29, 2015, 8:35 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Grand Alabama Hotel Dining Hall, Imperiopolis.......Imperial
Date: May 31st 2315 (Year 14)
The Dining Hall was the largest in the entire 20-story hotel
tower, with the capacity to seat up to 150,000 people
comfortably. The venue had been chosen because the standard
meeting area, known as the Crystal Garden because of the
buildings constructed of crystalline glass which draped over a
prominent waterfall overlooking a brightly colored garden
stretching across both banks of the stream had been damaged by
rebel elements in the final days of the Civil War, when their
main force was besieged and the leadership surrounded. Drake I
had been reluctant to relocate the conference to a hotel, but
because he pained over the damages inflicted in the closing days
of the Civil War, he was left with no choice. His procession
arrived at 1100 hours am to a somewhat subdued crowd. Drake I
could understand why, as many of them were still healing the
wounds from the Civil War and losses of either their
possessions, loved ones on both sides, or both. The solemnity
reminded Drake I of the bitter last days of the in-fighting and
he fought the urge to attempt to offer solace to the gathered
crowds. Instead, he rose from within the hovermosuine and
started up the small steps to the ornately carved double wooden
doors, Panther Guard surrounding him in protective formation. He
walked briskly up the steps and entered the foyer with the same
lack of fanfare as he found outside. There were crowds inside
and they bowed and saluted him, but even in those gestures
dictated by protocol, the same pain and quiet loss could be
felt. He acknowledged each gesture with polite dignity as he
proceeded toward the Dining Hall. Having brought the empire back
together after a bitter feud, he now felt it his duty to insure
that no such division happen again.
[hr]
The assembled group of dignitaries was like nothing ever seen.
Although the various emissaries were important people in their
own right, they all felt overshadowed by the presence of the two
heirs of Trekylon, Aoki and Anakin. Aoki, at age 20, already
shows features that resemble his father the former emperor
Michael I. Anakin, at age 17, wore a scowl on his face which was
the result of his being forced from the throne of Trekylon by
the Barlat powers before he had scarcely begun to enact reforms.
The invitation by Drake I had been met with skepticism at first,
as Anakin had little reason to trust the new emperor thanks to
Barlat perfidy. The doors to the Dining Hall opened and a
phalanx of Panther Guard entered the room. They parted and took
position on either side of the door as Drake I entered. All the
emissaries rose to their feet in a gesture of respect which
Drake I appreciated begrudgingly. Drake I then nodded to the
Guardsmen, who began filing out of the room by twos. Drake I
settled into his chair at the head of the table.
cont'd >
#Post#: 59--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Convention of Imperiopolis and the United Gaian Nations
Treaty
By: MichaelH23 Date: May 29, 2015, 9:20 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
< cont'd
Drake I looked out over the group of faces at the table, and at
the sea of faces sitting in a circle around the table. Citizens,
a few foreign dignitaries, and the media had come to witness the
next step in the historic reign of the first non-noble emperor.
Drake I - "I asked you here today, just weeks after the end of
the Civil War, because I want to make sure nothing like this
happens again. Too many people on both sides died to reunite the
empire, and the survivors need to be given a common goal, to
rebuild."
Drake I was not surprised when Anakin responded.
Anakin - "Forgive me for saying so, Majesty, but what can I
possibly do? I cannot claim the succession to the Gold Throne or
fight for Aoki's equally legitimate right to it. Those Barlat
bastards made sure that I can only succeed to the Inuyashian
throne and even that is subject to their whims."
Another gentleman, looking somewhat like a dandy in Drake I's
eyes, stood up to address the group. His accent was strangely
laced with a French quality that made Drake I take notice. The
gentleman introduced himself and all doubt left Drake, as he
discovered the man was indeed of French ancestry.
Valois Braganza - "My colleague is correct. There is little we
can do to help with the rebuilding and reunification of the
empire. We have vast areas that are in need of repair and our
economic partners have been devastated since the Nihal Terrorist
Attack."
Drake I - "Just so everyone can be informed, can you repeat your
name?"
Braganza - "I am Valois Braganza, fifteenth generation
aristocracy from Earth. My name is the result of a union of the
houses of Valois and Braganza back in the 21st century just
before the Third World War."
Anakin - "I didn't believe there were still Earth bluebloods
alive in this century. I had thought the Nuclear Holocaust had
wiped them all out."
Braganza - "Its a story I'd rather not go into, at least not in
public."
Another gentleman, one decked out in warrior attire that forced
Drake I to bury his war-guilt, now stood and faced Braganza.
Petrov - "I am Stephan Petrov and I led the Slavic contingent
during the Breen War. My ancestors include the Romanovs among
them. My distant ancestor was Alexander I, who met Napoleon at
Tilsit."
Again, Drake I couldn't hide his surprise at the revelation of
Earth bluebloods among the common citizens.
Drake I - "Okay, let me stop this before we start bringing all
our skeletons out of the closet. The way in which you could help
rebuild the empire is to settle in the unoccupied parts of the
globe. Trekylon and Inuyashia occupy and administer only 40-60%
of the entire planet. We still have refugees from the Exodus to
settle, and now refugees from the recent Civil War that need new
homes."
Aoki - "What do you propose, Majesty?"
Drake I set down a padd attached to a holoimager. Pressing the
control to activate the holomatrix, Drake I gestured to the
center of the table. A rotating map of the globe of Gaia
appeared. with the highlighted areas color-coded red for
Trekylon and blue for Inuyashia flashing prominently.
cont'd >
#Post#: 60--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Convention of Imperiopolis and the United Gaian Nations
Treaty
By: MichaelH23 Date: May 29, 2015, 10:05 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
< cont'd
Drake I - "There are regions and indeed whole continents that
have little or no settlement. Now it is obvious that the Herans
will need to be included in any settlement discussions, but
because they're restoring their off-world assets the rebels
ransacked, they will need to be consulted with at a time of
their choosing. However, this does not mean the idea cannot go
forward. I call this Operation History Lesson."
He was interrupted by small chuckles that came from all around
him as the words sank in. He didn't feel particularly humorous
and fixed a dour frown on his face. When the others managed to
recover long enough to see his face, all chuckling ceased almost
instantly. Satisfied that he had scared them into silence, Drake
I continued.
Drake I - "Being a student of Earth history, I have been
inspired to recreate some of the most prominent empires in Earth
history. I also have picks for who would lead those new states.
Please check under your chairs. You will find a taped gold
envelope with red wax seal. Open them."
The group reached down to find the envelopes. As they sat back
up and began to open them, Drake I sat back and waited for the
surprise. Sure enough, Anakin was the first to react.
Anakin - "You're giving me territory on Gaia to rule as my own?"
Drake I - "Yes. I feel that you've been shafted once too many
times. Its time you were given a chance to prove yourself and
this is the best way that also maintains the Atlantis Treaty."
Valois Braganza looked shocked at the announcement, but before
he could vocalize his shock, Drake I cut him off.
Drake I - "Mr Braganza, you will manage the lands in westernmost
Europa....the land of Lutetia."
Braganza - "I am free to set up whatever government I see fit?"
Drake I - "There is a limit to that. The government you
establish must reflect the desire of the people for liberty,
justice and equality under the law."
Braganza - "I can assure you that such shall be reflected most
perfectly."
Drake I - "Mr Petrov, you will have lands in northeastern
Europa, with the title of Baron."
Petrov - "Thank you Majesty."
Drake I - "Frederick Von Hannover, I believe I know you from the
Merchants Guild. How is your family?"
Hannover - "We're struggling, Majesty. My merchant business was
destroyed by those damned rebels and since then the family
holdings on Ateara V and Caledonia II had to be sold off just so
we could eat."
Drake I - "I may have a solution for you, then. Central Europa,
in between Baron Amerov and King Braganza needs a ruler. You
would do well there, with all the resources necessary to build a
new business."
Hannover - "Thank you, Majesty. My family could use the
support."
Drake I - "Osman Mahmud, the southeast lands will need your
guidance."
Osman Mahmud rose, his portly form bumping the table as he did
so. Drake I was surprised he could even fit into his rather
sumptuous robes and vestments.
Osman - "Thank you, Majesty."
cont'd >
#Post#: 61--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Convention of Imperiopolis and the United Gaian Nations
Treaty
By: MichaelH23 Date: May 30, 2015, 2:51 am
---------------------------------------------------------
< cont'd
Drake I - "Corporal Vitore Amadeo, the land touching the middle
sea....is yours."
Amadeo rose to his feet, heavily decked out in medals and pins
commemorating his service. He was Italian by ancestry and spoke
with a heavy accent. Drake I found himself impressed with the
corporal.
Amadeo - "Gratsi, Majesty."
Drake I stood up as Amadeo sat back down. All heads turned to
face him as he made his exit address.
Drake I - "You will each have a week to put your governments
together. We will return here to discuss boundaries for your new
fiefdoms. I want to make this clear that above all else, the
rebuilding of Gaia is a top priority. I will see you all again
in four days. Meantime, enjoy the hospitality of the Hotel."
[hr]
Room 1503, Grand Alabama Hotel
Newly minted King Valois Braganza kept looking over his new
vestments in the holomirror as his ministers and senators
gathered in the main room. He had handpicked them only minutes
after returning to his suite following the meeting with Emperor
Drake I. Finally satisfied that his uniform was perfect,
Braganza walked back into the main room with his staff. New
foreign minister Pierre D'Corci greeted Braganza formally. To
his right, finance minister Luis Martinez Goya scratched at his
salt-and-pepper goatee. Military Advisor Jan Brikel paced slowly
from the large windows to the chair occupied by Goya. Press
Minister Francois Napoleon Oubrier was increasingly becoming
annoyed with Brikel's pacing. Braganza took his seat just across
from Goya.
Braganza - "Gentlemen. Emperor Drake I has given us a mandate to
help with the populating of Gaia. This is why I gathered you
here. Now while I do not know the full parameters which will be
implemented by the emperor, I believe that there will be an
autonomy or form of self-government for all the lands not
directly ruled by either Trekylon or Inuyashia."
D'Corci - "That will likely be explained in detail once the
agreement on territorial boundaries is finalized. But that now
brings up the matter of how large our territory should be. We
already know that at least one of the direct heirs of the Great
Michael will have an appanage in the center of Europa, but will
our appanage touch his border?"
Goya - "The amount of available resources will be the partial
determining factor of how large our appanages will be. Drake I
will want to make sure all the appanages have equally
distributed resources."
Braganza - "What do we know about the appanage we will
administer?"
Goya - "Gold, platinum, bauxite, iron, and uranium in great
quantities. Enough to get our economy off to a good start,
Sire."
Brikel - "Do we have any idea what the military level will be?"
Braganza - "We'll find out in four days. Meanwhile you men have
work to do compiling information and preparing your offices."
D'Corci - "Sire, this is only an idea, but instead of having you
use your birthname with your new royal title, why not adopt a
royal name from either the ancient houses of France, Spain,
Holland, or Portugal?"
Braganza - "Because I am meant to show that this is a different
age than that chaotic period of Earth history. Plus, we are no
longer on Earth, thus the names mean little."
Brikel - "Sire, all due respect, your royal name would be more
readily remembered than a commoner name."
Braganza rose from his seat and walked to the window. He parted
the curtain to look out over the Imperial capital, slowly
returning to normal after months of bloody fighting. He pondered
the matter for some time, then turned back to face the group.
Everyone waited, breaths held.
Braganza - "You make good points Minister D'Corci, Advisor
Brikel. Very well....my official royal name will be Louis
IXX..but I will keep my birthname."
D'Corci - "Thank you, Sire."
#Post#: 62--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Convention of Imperiopolis and the United Gaian Nations
Treaty
By: MichaelH23 Date: May 30, 2015, 8:56 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Private Conference Room, Grand Alabama Hotel
Drake I had set up the holoemitter in the center of the round
table inside the conference room and was now simply awaiting the
reply transmissions from the various Trekylonian ministers and
Empress Rebecca I of Inuyashia. He needed to have the discussion
with the others so he could forge a set of guidelines and
provisos by which the nation-states could exist within the
umbrellas of Trekylon and Inuyashia. He also realized that at
some point, he would need to contact Cherokee Principal Chief
John Runningdeer to establish the Federate State's management of
the soon-to-be established Heran colonies on Gaia.
A beep signaled that all the parties were ready to open
frequencies. Drake I activated the emitter via remote wand and
watched as the holo-forms of Odan, Martok, Rom, Suzuki as Gaian
Union prime minister, and Rebecca I materialized in the empty
seats. Inuyashian foreign minister Hansuke San also appeared via
holotransmission, seated to the right of the empress. Rebecca I
smiled while the others bowed their heads and Martok gave the
Klingon salute.
Drake I - "Thank you all for being present for this meeting. I
have met with the selected leaders of the various appanages in
the preliminary talks. Now that I have explained what their
purpose is to be, I need to construct a set of guidelines by
which they will operate, because soon they will be asking how
far their power goes, how they will relate to the Two Lands and
to the rest of the Gaian Union and IGF. Highness, I can safely
assume that you have also met with people in the appanages
you've set up as well?"
Rebecca I - "I have. They seemed shocked that they've been
chosen for the roles I created for them, and they have yet to
cease bombarding me with questions. It'll be good to have
answers to provide them with."
Drake I - "That is why I wanted you present as well. You can
observe how I will implement the provisions and adopt and/or
adapt them as you see fit."
Odan - [i]"I have a question, Majesty."
Drake I - "I thought you might. Ask your question."
Odan - "How will the nation-states be brought into accord with
the Gaian Union? Will they have full membership?"
Drake I - "That is a good pair of questions, Minister. I am not
adverse to full membership for them eventually, but a
provisional period might do well for them. It'll give them time
to bring their states up to the level of the protectorates. From
there, it would only be a matter of a short period of time for
full membership."
Rom - "Majesty, you obviously asked me to this meeting because
of my financial experience. How can I help these nation-states
with their embryonic economies and nascent commerce?"
Drake I - "The main thing, Minister, is to expand our own
markets on Gaia and possibly throughout the Gaia-Hera system for
the new markets that will rise from the new nation-states. As
for whether they will be able to conduct trade with the
colonies, that will be decided in future talks. As for their
currencies, I have a suggestion for your staff that will give
them the same means of conducting business as the empires."
Rom - "Nationalize the Imperial Dollars for each of the
nation-states."
Drake I - "Yes. Their currencies will be specially made for
them. The front will feature the standard Imperial Dollar amount
and appropriate Imperial symbols, but the reverse side will
feature something unique to each nation-state, whether a
head-of-state, a monument, or even an ancient symbol."
Martok - "Finances are all well and good, but what about
military considerations? As much as you may be willing to trust
in that they won't turn rogue and attempt to attack our empire
on Gaia in the quest for larger territory, I do not feel they
should have a separate military."
Odan - "We may not always be able to provide proper and timely
defense of their lands, especially if we're involved in
interplanetary or interstellar conflicts. What do you suggest
they use to defend themselves, sticks and stones?"
Drake I - "Gentlemen, settle down. There is a solution I can
propose that addresses both your concerns. They will have
self-defense forces that will be limited to between 25,000 and
95,000 men. They will be in constant training during peacetime
so as to keep them at the ready, and activated by the
nation-states only when there is a threat to their
jurisdictions. They will also be subject to integration into the
Imperial Military, Gaian Union Joint Forces, and IGF Armed
Forces if and when necessary."
Martok - "It is likely they will react badly to this idea,
Majesty."
Drake I - "Perhaps, but they will also see the wisdom in the
idea.
Suzuki - "This will now mean that IGF recruiting offices will
need to be opened in every appanage under Trekylonian and
Inuyashian suzerainty, as well as consulates between the empires
and the nation-states."
Drake I - "Agreed. That is where you will come in, Minister. As
GU prime minister and plenipotentiary of the IGF, that will be
in your purview to oversee."
Rebecca I - "I had an idea about how they could coordinate
commercial, diplomatic, and military affairs amongst themselves
without the intervention of our empires unless it becomes
necessary due to dispute. What if we encourage the nation-states
to form a sort of United Nations of Gaia that would coordinate
relief in times of natural or manmade disasters, assist in
currency control, and resolve any disputes before they become
causes for war?"
cont'd >
#Post#: 63--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Convention of Imperiopolis and the United Gaian Nations
Treaty
By: MichaelH23 Date: May 31, 2015, 3:18 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
< cont'd
Odan - "Empress that is a grand idea. I may have to yield my
office to you for that."
Chuckles came from around the table, and even Drake I had to
smile at the remark, compliment though it was.
Drake I - "I agree. It is a good idea, though to let you in on a
secret, I had thought of it myself. I'm pleased that someone
else had the idea in mind."
Rebecca I - "I know its something my husband would do in your
place."
Drake I - "I know. So we're in agreement on the parameters?"
Everyone nodded their assent, which took the imagined weight off
the emperor's shoulders. Drake I sat back in his chair, letting
go a sigh.
Drake I - "I ask that the empress and Mr Suzuki attend the next
meeting via hologram, and Odan, I want you here as well."
Odan - "Of course, Majesty."
Drake I - "Thank you all for your time. Godspeed to you."
With that, one by one, each of the holoimages winked out of
existence, their frequencies terminated at the other end by the
participants. The last image to disappear was that of the
empress, who offered him a smile before her image vanished.
[hr]
As the days closed on the second meeting, each of the
prospective rulers of the nation-states-to-be continued to
organize their governments based on the guidelines set down by
Emperor Drake I. Drake I had also held talks with the Heran
Heptarchy about establishing colonies on Gaia in exchange for
the continued settlement of the uninhabited areas on Hera.
Meanwhile, the rebuilding continued in isolated areas of Gaia,
as the wounds from the recent Civil War slowly began to heal.
Exploration missions resumed, albeit on a subdued basis as there
were still the matter of pirates and isolated pockets of rebel
resistance to neutralize, even after the recent treaty brought
the bloodshed to an end.
The trials for the minor offenders on the rebel side come to an
end, with life sentences imposed on 438 prisoners and 60 year
prison terms imposed on 229. The remaining 107 are sent to
rehabilitation clinics. This is an amazingly small number due to
the fact that many of the rebels and rebel sympathizers either
surrendered when faced with the Imperial/multinational forces or
switched sides and assisted the Allies in taking back cities,
planets, and whole systems from the rebels. As this had been the
policy developed by Drake I, it was received with great relief
by the people and even welcomed by the former rebels as a happy
beginning to the reintegration back into society. As for The
Fist, their bases captured or destroyed, their few starcraft
contained, and informants exposing them, they remain on the run,
fleeing from one independent nation to another in their effort
to escape Imperial justice. All of the independents refuse them
safe harbor and even round up many of them, turning them over to
Imperial authorities in exchange for generous financial
compensations. Drake I knew that The Fist would never be
completely eradicated, but they would be broken as a major
threat to the empire.
[hr]
Imperial Palace, Imperiopolis
Drake I awaited the arrival of Prince Anakin of the deposed
House of Harvey-Olds. Anakin was denied the throne of Trekylon
due to the Treaty of Atlantis/Diktat of Twist, but his claim to
Inuyashia remained. Anakin chose not to exercise that claim as
he was only the adopted son of Michael I and Rebecca I and as
such had no wish to deny the true heir, Prince Aoki, of his own
rights. Nonetheless, he remained bitter toward the Barlat powers
for denying him the chance to set the groundwork for the
assumption by Aoki of the Imperial throne. Anakin had no real
dreams to rule an entire empire, but only sought to establish
his own personal dominion under the suzerainty of his adoptive
brother but under his personal rule in some distant corner of
the empire. With this possibility now no longer likely thanks to
the forced abdication and renouncement of the throne by the
dynasty, Anakin had went into self-imposed isolation, critically
attacking the Barlat powers-even going so far as to dare them to
attempt to arrest him-and exploiting his newfound hermitage to
build an economic powerbase which he hoped could be turned
toward military means. In recent days, however, Anakin found
himself being drawn back into Imperiopolis and the new emperor.
cont'd>
#Post#: 69--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Convention of Imperiopolis and the United Gaian Nations
Treaty
By: MichaelH23 Date: June 13, 2015, 1:41 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
<cont'd
Anakin entered the Main Audience Chamber, which was empty except
for the Panther Guard lining the courseway between him and the
Ruby Throne, where Drake I waited for him. The Guard immediately
stood at full attention, erect and with their ceremonial staffs
straight and tall. Protocol called for them to do so even
despite the fact that Anakin no longer could be heir-presumptive
to the Imperial dignity. Anakin marched down the courseway,
passing each of the Guard, who remained ramrod-straight, their
eyes looking straight ahead. Drake I rose from the throne as
Anakin approached.
Drake I - "Not used to having such accolades given to you,
Prince?"
Anakin - "I am no longer deserving of such, thanks to those
Barlat scum. Why would you insist on following protocol when you
yourself opposed a coronation ceremony?"
Drake I - "You are a member of House Harvey-Olds, even if only
an adopted member."
Anakin - "I am in your thanks for such considerations, Sire."
Drake I - "This chamber is normally filled with citizens,
invited ambassadors and foreign heads-of-state, select members
of the Press Corps, and personal friends of the monarch. I did
not see the need for all those to be here while we talked.
Besides, I intend to pass on what is discussed here to GNN,
Trekstar News and the NVN."
Anakin - "This is about the allotments across Gaia, I presume?"
Drake I - "I know you wanted to set up a regency for Prince
Aoki, that you didn't really want the Imperial dignity for
yourself, and a piece of Imperial territory to manage under your
personal dominion and your brother's suzerainty. Believe me, I
didn't ask for the Dignity myself. I was content to simply act
as a regent until negotiations could restore a member of your
House to the Imperial title."
Anakin - "Why did you accept the nomination from the Council of
Ministers, then?"
Drake I stepped down from the dais where the Ruby Throne sat. He
cast aside the royal red cape, removed the saber from his belt
and set it down on the cape, and approached Anakin. Anakin knew
this was Drake's way of removing the Imperialness from the
conversation and allowing them to speak as men, without the
burdens of protocol, titles, and ranks.
Drake I - "We were in need of a head-of-state who could provide
a face the foreign powers could respect, even if reluctantly.
Many of them would've continued their crusade against our people
if a member of House Harvey remained. As much as I respected
your cousin Baron Matthew, even his connection to your House
would've become suspect once it was discovered. And they
would've discovered it, sooner or later."
Anakin - "The other guy might've had a better chance had he not
been assassinated on USOA soil while attempting to reach a
peaceful solution."
Drake I - "I think about that many a night. I often wonder how
things would've progressed had it been me that had been
assassinated."
Anakin - "Then the empire is blessed that you survived their
foul plot and became emperor. You have enabled our economy to
recover, peace to finally come to our empire, and despite the
protests of the senators and military, reduced their funding."
Drake I - "Yes, but I want to be clear that I never wanted to
take from your family or House what you own by right. I am a
mere middle-class merchant and member of the Merchants Guild."
Anakin - "With all due respect to my adopted family, you have
proven to be more noble in heart and mind than any since The
Great Michael."
Drake I started for the doors that led to the long stairwell.
Anakin followed him, keeping pace with him.
Drake I -"Join me in the Private Garden"
The doors opened automatically and both men walked through them,
descending the long stairs until both were panting and feeling
somewhat exhausted. They finally reached the Private Garden, and
Anakin couldn't believe the sight that greeted him. Trees,
ferns, bushes of all types and sizes spread out to give the
appearance of an indoor jungle. He could also make out the
sounds of water flowing down a waterfall, though he couldn't see
it. A path stretched out before them and Drake wasted no time in
taking the path.
Drake I - "Walk with me."
Anakin followed, marveling at the vista all around him.
Drake I - "Do you still want a piece of territory under your
personal dominion and still tied to the empire as a whole?"
Anakin - "Yes. I had hoped to set up my governorship on one of
the planets we captured from the rebels, and continue with the
rehabilitation program."
Drake I - "I think you might want to consider a piece of
territory on Gaia. I'm sure your adoptive mother would like to
see you more often."
Anakin - "I didn't think she would. After all, I couldn't even
hold the throne long enough for her birth-son to claim his
heritage. I failed her and my adoptive father."
Drake I - "I highly doubt it. You did the best you could under
the circumstances. You didn't fail them. You just had a stacked
deck and were forced to play to the bitter end against high
odds. Barlat has the tendency to deliver a stacked deck of cards
and demand that their opponent play the hand given, if for
nothing else but eternal humiliation."
Anakin - "They played me pretty well in that regard."
Drake I - "Want to prove to them that you aren't the pushover
they made you out to be? Become the administrator of
Hapsburgia."
Anakin - "Is that a challenge I hear from you, Sire?"
Drake I - "Take it as you see it, Prince. I am offering you a
deck of cards more in your favor. It is for you to decide if you
will play it or fold."
Anakin thought about it. Despite being an enlightened
heir-presumptive, like his heir-apparent brother and his
adoptive father before him, he could see right away that Drake
I, for all his middle-class upbringing and toleration for the
more ironclad forms of Imperial protocol, was as enlightened if
not more so than he was. The challenge would not only be to
reconcile the former rebels with the general population, but to
finish settling the refugees from the Exodus and to show to the
foreign powers, especially the hated Barlat dogs, that he
would've been a very capable emperor or regent.
Anakin - "Very well, Sire. That is a challenge I will accept
gratefully."
Drake I - "On behalf of the people of the empire, thank you. You
have done them a service, and I like to think your adoptive
parents would be proud of you. I will see you again in two days.
I invite you to stay and enjoy the Private Garden. The Guard
will see to your safety and escort you out whenever you wish."
Drake picked up the pace in his walking, as though he already
knew where his destination was. For all he knew, Drake could
very well have known where he wanted to go, but it didn't matter
to Anakin. Taking his invitation, Anakin slowed his walk down so
he could enjoy the gardens around him, fully aware that the
Guard were keeping a respectful yet vigilant distance and
following him. My first project once I assume the administration
of Hapsburgia will be to create a garden very much like this
one, Anakin thought to himself as he gazed in wonder.
#Post#: 70--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Convention of Imperiopolis and the United Gaian Nations
Treaty
By: MichaelH23 Date: June 13, 2015, 10:44 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Two days later. Main Audience Chamber, Imperial Palace
Drake I had called upon the senators and press-members, opened
the chamber to citizens of the empire, and requested the future
heads-of-state to attend the gathering within the Palace. On the
high tiers, the senators watched anxiously. On the ground-level
tiers, ordinary citizens and press-members waited in
anticipation. At the chamber floor, chairs awaited the arrival
of the heads-of-state. Drake I stood before his Ruby Throne
taking the moment afforded him to look out at the many faces
among the civilians in the crowd. He could see they were still
trying to put the bloodshed of the Civil War behind them and get
on with their lives. He hoped this convention would help them to
do just that.
The new heads-of-state made their entrance with great fanfare.
The crowds gasped, senators murmured among themselves, and the
press were busy taking AV documentation as they made their
stately entrance and proceeded to their seats on the chamber
floor. Drake walked down to the chamber floor, to stand before
the assembling group. Everyone in the crowd cheered as they saw
their emperor shed his royal image and show his true heritage as
a man of the people.
Drake I - "I come before you all not as an emperor, for indeed I
am not of the noble blood or birthright. I am just a man, like
all of you."
He stopped to let the crowds cheer his words, then raised his
voice to cut through the cheers until they subsided again.
Drake I - "Today, these gentlemen who are also of humble birth
will assume administrative duties of areas of this planet not
under the direct aegis of either our Great Empire, or the Empire
of Holy Inuyashia. These areas will be under the suzerainty of
our two noble nations, while at the same time retain their own
forms of administration."
Cam-disks turned and began taking stills of the men seated on
the chamber floor, who were paying attention to the emperor as
he continued to speak.
Drake I - "Those present who currently reside in the lands
outside direct control of the empires, you will be governed by
these gentlemen. You will be expected to follow whatever
additional laws they wish to implement, as well as Imperial
Law."
Someone in the crowd shouted out, "Why do we need to be governed
by someone outside the empire?"
Drake I - "We need to heal the wounds inflicted during the Civil
War. We also still have refugees from the Exodus who need
permanent settlement. To this end, I have delegated authority to
these individuals to aid in that process."
The crowds' murmurs settled down to a loud whispering as Drake I
gestured for the men seated to stand and approach. Between him
and the men, a table with several PADDs, all with the same
document, sat waiting for their signatures. The men took their
places in front of their PADDs, picked them up, and placed their
thumbs on the screens to sign. Drake I picked up his own PADD,
slightly larger than the others, and pressed some controls to
view each signature as they appeared on the screen. After
viewing each signature, he placed his own thumb on the screen
and affixed his seal, finalizing the document.
Drake I - "Fellow citizens of the empire.....members of the
press......senators....and invited foreign
delegations......history has been made here today. May it usher
in a new dawn for the empire and may all the sins of the recent
Civil War finally be put to rest forever. Long live the Empire!"
The crowds all around, including the senators, erupted into
chants of "LONG LIVE THE EMPIRE!" Drake I and the men stood and
listened as the crowds roared louder and louder in applause.
Drake I *over the din of the crowds* - "Gentlemen, I wish you
success in your new roles. May your efforts help bring stability
to Gaia and peace to Trekylon."
[hr]
The new nation-states were inaugurated later that same day, much
to the support-and quiet puzzlement-of the people. While the
Convention of Imperiopolis did place limits on the new
nation-states in terms of armed forces, granting each only a
'self-defense force' and tying them to the Imperial Military,
each nation-state would become a self-governing dominion under
the nominal suzerainty of the Two Empires. But Drake I was also
painfully aware that once the golden ages for the nation-states
had ended, there would eventually be competition, especially
when the Heran-ruled colonies were introduced. But largely
thanks to the Inuyashian empress, Drake I had a idea on how to
reduce the likelihood of an inter-nationstate conflict that
could potentially drag in both the empires. The idea would be
known as the United Gaian Nations.
#Post#: 74--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Convention of Imperiopolis and the United Gaian Nations
Treaty
By: MichaelH23 Date: July 9, 2015, 1:30 am
---------------------------------------------------------
Imperial Gardens
Drake I walked along the pathway through the outdoor garden.
Rain had ended only a half-hour ago, and while the sun had yet
to make a reappearance in the skies above, the clouds had
already undergone their shift from the stormy grey to brilliant
white of the more docile variety. Raindrops still coated the
leaves on the various ferns, shrubs, and trees. and the
occasional breeze caused a brief mini-rain that kept the flowers
amply moistened. He approached the edge of the garden, where a
electrostatic wall served as a shocking (literally) protection
from outside infiltration. Transparent enough to see through,
Drake I couldn't help but see the scars on the mountainside upon
which the Palace stood, reminders of the near-disastrous assault
by the rebels which had been barely defeated by the Gaian
Defense Force and the GUJF.
It had been two weeks since the Convention of Imperiopolis had
been signed, creating the gaggle of nation-states all across
Gaia. Drake I knew there was still much to do to rebuild and
heal the scars from the Civil War, but the speed with which the
new states coalesced around the new leaders came as a
welcome-yet-honest surprise to him. The fact was, the people
were tired of fighting, whether it was foreign invaders or
domestic traitors. The equally startling fact was that the two
power blocs with the most vested interest in Trekylon's
potential failure, Laptev and Barlat, had come away from the
experience with nothing to show for their efforts-meager though
it was-in propping the empire up. Drake I and Odan had made
certain that whatever victorious peace was achieved with the
defeated rebels would benefit the empire and those nations that
contributed the most to the victory. After some empty yet
boisterous postering from the Great Houses of Xie, matched only
by the equally indignant protests of Ingen, both power blocs
retired to the Milky Way, leaving Galaxy 23-A entirely in the
hands of both the Gaian Union and the Intergalactic Federacy.
Drake I was painfully aware that Inuyashia's empress, Rebecca I,
was still suffering the lingering PTSD resulting from her
captivity by mercs paid by the rebels, and that her husband and
former emperor of Trekylon, Michael I, had his hands full with
trying to help manage that empire's affairs. Nonetheless, Drake
I knew he would have to meet with both of them in order to make
certain that Inuyashia was also interested in setting up
sponsored nation-states and in joining and supervising the
empress' pet-project, the United Gaian Nations.
He was interrupted by a page who came out into the garden
quickly, followed by the escort of two Panther Guard.
Page - "Majesty, I have the draft invitation cleaned up and
ready to send to Inuyashia."
Drake I - "Very well. Have the message sent through Gold
Channel. Inform the staff that I want a small banquet prepared
for the couple, and a suite prepared for them. I intend for them
to visit in comfort and all the luxuries their station
requires."
Page - "Yes, Majesty."
He turned and left the way he came in, the Panther Guard
following him. Drake I sighed, knowing the next few days would
prove to be very interesting. Last time he seen the empress was
during the holoconference, and it was unknown how she was doing
after all that time.
#Post#: 91--------------------------------------------------
Re: The Convention of Imperiopolis and the United Gaian Nations
Treaty
By: MichaelH23 Date: July 29, 2015, 11:33 pm
---------------------------------------------------------
Alterra House, Ryuujin, Capital city of Holy Empire of
Inuyashia.
Michael I, former emperor of Trekylon, hated having to get out
of bed, especially as it was the one true place where he and his
wife, Empress Rebecca I, could have any solitude. But the
persistent buzzing from the commstation in the next room would
not give him any more peace. Slowly, groggily, he roused himself
and got out of bed. Putting on a robe to cover the fact he was
wearing only standard-issue lounge shorts, he drug himself into
the comm-room, not bothering to fix his tossled hair. Lately, he
had been getting less sleep than usual, mainly due to the
nightmares his wife suffered as a result of her captivity at the
hands of mercs hired by the rebel faction in the recent Civil
War. She had been subjected to physical, mental, and even
emotional stress via a telepath. While her physical and mental
wounds had healed, as she proved in the closing days of the
Civil War when she insisted, against the advice of her
ministers, Hansuke San and Kenzo Suzuki, Trekylon Emperor Drake
I, and even her husband, on leading the final battle personally,
she was still emotionally scarred. Counselors provided by Drake
I, from Betazed, had helped mitigate the emotional trauma, but
even they had pointed out that she would never fully heal from
her experience and that occasional nightmares would be a
persistent occurrence for the rest of her life. This troubled
Michael mainly because of how it would affect the family. He put
those thoughts aside as he impatiently punched the activation
controls that opened the Gold Channel and also silenced the
buzzing. The image that appeared on the screen came as no
surprise to him.
Drake I - "Majesty. I must apologize for waking you and
separating you from your wife."
Michael I - "Had it been anyone else but you, I would've had
them arrested for disturbing the peace, but I know you don't
make this kind of call without a reason."
Drake I - "Indeed I do. Your wife recently provided me with an
idea on how to bring together the fledgling nation-states
established on Gaia. I have recently signed the Convention of
Imperiopolis with the ones I helped establish. I don't know if
the empress had done the same, but I wanted to follow up on her
idea for a United Gaian Nations Organization."
Michael I - "I thought you might. She has also been busy setting
up nation-states in the areas of Gaia that aren't already
administered by your own people. She told me that you and she
had made the land selections just before the appointments."
Drake I - "She seemed in such high spirits then. The end of the
Civil War here must have brought a peace she had not felt since
you rescued her from those mercs."
Michael I - "I wish I could say she has peaceful dreams.
Unfortunately, the counselors have said she would have
occasional nightmares for the rest of her life. Emotional scars
are the hardest to heal, even with the best-trained Betazoid
counselors at one's disposal. I do want to thank you for that,
and for the loaning of your Jem'Hadar."
Drake I - "If our positions were reversed, you would've done the
same. Besides, were I married to her, I would move every atom in
the universe to find her and free her, too."
Michael I - "My thanks."
Drake I - "I wish to extend an invitation to you and the empress
to come to Imperiopolis to discuss the fine points of the UGNO
idea and to oversee the treaty ceremony once all points are
agreed. You both can expect a banquet when you arrive, and I'll
make sure you have the best suite in the capital."
Michael I - "I will of course convey the invitation to my wife.
It will be somewhat odd, coming back to a capital that I never
really resided in, in an empire I once ruled."
Michael I could hear stirring in the bedroom. He didn't have to
look to see that his wife was up, putting on her own robe.
Apparently, Drake could sense it as well.
Drake I - "I will be looking for you day after tomorrow, then.
Good health to you and the empress. Drake I out."
The screen winked off just as Rebecca I walked into the
comm-room.
*****************************************************
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