The Palace at Tanelorn

Jehanne and Adhemar (defiant) Darc welcome you to their home in the City of Tanelorn, on the planet Kaneloon.

Supreme Commander Michael Croatia is aboard his Flag the Duke Anton II, the most advanced warship that the Croatian Empire has ever constructed. This ship has the latest technology in the universe. As well as the best weapons that could be developed. This mission was not about destruction of enemy fleets he was going to see his old friend Chancellor Defiant. It had been a long time since the two had time to sit and converse about old friends and shared buckets of Ale that his home world produced.

Aboard the Duke Anton II,

Captain, when will we be in orbit above Kaneloon, Sir, we will be coming out hyperspace any minute.

Good, Michael thinks to himself as he grips the ever-present Star Sword. A gift to his Great grandfather, from the Asnerians, a race of ancient beings responsible for protecting the younger races.

The Duke Anton II drops out of hyperspace directly over the Planet Tanelorn. Captain, have my shuttle readied I am going down to the planet. Yes, Sir.

As the shuttle lands on the pad. Michael could feel the presents of the one he came to see. Chancellor Defiant was walking around the city. Michael was able to sense Defiant only because of the experience they shared on Thera. A world from long ago. There was no need for security to accompany the Supreme Commander; he knew he would be safe here….

Occ: just a start. lets see where this leads us.

While the Chancellor walked the streets of the city he becomes aware of an aproching craft, "The Anton?" he thinks to himself questioning the mere possibility of it being so, "she was destroyed at Thera!" Defiant's footsteps quickened as he turned to hurry to the shuttle pad just outside the gates of the Palace.

Reaching for his compad as he reached a full sprint, he called to the command center at the Palace. "Leutenant Tanaka, send the report all incoming ships to my compad now!" after a short silence "and is that Croatia? what transponder frequencies did they use?" Defiant pace hastens even more. His compad beeps as Tanaka transfers the report he demanded. A moment later Tanaka's voice emits from the pad "Sir it seems the Anton is in fact inbound with The Baron aboard. The transponder frequency is Croatian Empire but the code is unknown, we've verified her class through design prints of the Duke Anton. Sir, should we send her an envoy to escort and defend her?"
Defiant replies " No Tanaka, The Anton needs no defense although Contact her First Officer and have her codes downloaded and entered into the database." Tanaka reports "Sir a shuttle has departed the Anaton and" Defiant interrupts his first officer "The barons personal shuttle is headed for the main gate of the Palace. I can feel his presence Tanaka. Defiant out."

The Chancellor can see the shuttle on approach, as he reaches the shuttle pad control tower at the Palace gates. Standing before the flight command officer the chancellor is visibly anxious. The FCO bows before his king.

FCO: "Sovereign, if I may ask, is the Baron Croatia aboard?" Although by the sight of the Sovereign the answer is apparent.
Defiant: "I believe he is, but you already know I believe he is aboard Daniel"

Defiant's aura becomes visible while at his side the blade of Geneve begins to glow brightly, her sister sword grows closer, many years have passed since the two blades have been in proximity to one another. As the Shuttle set down the chancellor walked out to the pad to greet his old friend, and brother in arms Baron Michael Croatia.

Michael walked down the ramp and could see his old friend standing in the golden light of the Blade of Geneve. It was as if these swords were one and missed the other. As he approached, Michael he extended his hand to greet his friend.

Michael: Greetings, Old Friend.

Defiant: Whom are you calling old. Are you not something like 3000 years old?

Michael: (Chuckling) yes, but it is closer to 4000. However, on my world that is still a young man.

Defiant: and is that anyway to greet a Brother? As he gives Michael, a big bear hug.

Michael: You have spent too much time with the great bear man Grizzly. How is he by the way? Have you heard anything from his home world? Anyway, where is that gorgeous wife of yours? Pardon me, the Arch Chancellor. As he smiles and the two old friends walk toward the gate…

Back at the Royal Genovian palace Arch Chancellor Jehanne Darc is readying herself for the day. Droids bring her armor and help her put it on. The Arch Chancellor suddenly senses a presents within the confines of the Genovian city. It is not hostile she knows, but hurries to finish dressing to personally meet and welcome the leader of a nearby trading world. She tells her personal droids to prepare a feast to welcome Commander Caldwell as she knows this peaceful trading community will serve as an important part of the V.N.V. Alliance as it combats the hostile worlds surrounding them.

The Chancellor lowers his hood as Michael makes way down the ramp from the shuttle. As they exchange familiar greetings and poke at each others age he grasps his brothers hand pulling him closer and squeezes him in a bear hug only rivaled by the great bear himself.

Defiant: “How long will you be here with us brother? I know Jehanne will be pleased you’ve made the trip to Tanelorn. Our flight crews have all the specs of your shuttle, your first officer uploaded them to Tanaka and he’s assembled our finest engineers to attend to her.”
The familiar voice of Jehanne Darc emanates from the Chancellors compad “Adhemar is that truly Baron Croatia?”

Michael: “Adhemar?? You’re using your birth name! It is strange to hear it after a millennia.”

As the two men walk toward the Palace Gates, the surface of the landing pad opens up and the Baron’s craft starts to descend to the shuttle bays below. As the pads mechanisms whir and click the shuttle disappears from view. Once the Shuttle has cleared the launch level the doors return to the closed position. The lift slowly drops to the lowest level of the storage bay, where the Croation ship is inspected, cleaned and refueled.

Adhemar speaks to Michael in a relaxed voice; his tone dropped clearly two octaves. “I’ve not heard from the Bear for some time now, his planets in this universe purged by the Gods of Chaos, Antioch’s connection to this universe is by far weaker then our previous home but his influence can be seen at almost every turn. Thankfully his minions have been no match for our group. Jehanne is preparing for the day I trust, I am sure she had felt the presence of one of our newer members, Commander Caldwell from The Dimorian Federation, a quite pleasant individual. His people shall prove to be a valued addition to the Nation.

Commander Caldwell is walking along the street towards the Palace. It was mere moments ago that he finally concluded his task of finding some Genovian citizens to join his crew. Most of whom were already reporting to the first officer aboard the DFS Excelsior. Since his time on Tanelorn, his first officer and crew were busy installing and testing the new VnV transponder codes for the Excelsior. Similar devices had already been delivered, under heavy escort, to Anchorage Station where over the coming days and weeks each Dimorian vessel would be equipped. Until the transponders were installed all Dimorian ships without them were restricted from entering any VnV designated space outside of Dimorian space. The Commander was eager to return to his ship and return home to report to the King on his trip here. But before he could, there was still one thing left to do. He had been invited to visit the palace before he left Tanelorn. He knew this day would eventually come. He has been trained and prepared in the arts of diplomacy for his eventual rise to the throne of Dimorius. The Commander turns a corner and stops when his eyes fell upon the view before him, The Palace. He makes his way to the gate and makes his presence formally known. "Crown Prince of Dimorius, Lord of the VnV Alliance and Commander of the DFS Excelsior Zach Caldwell, here to see the Chancellor and Arch Chancellor at their request."

Michael looks at Defiant, with a low sigh that is what I was afraid of. I too have not heard from the Great Bear, May the God of the Universe; give him and his people an honored place in eternity.

Defiant: “How long will you be here with us brother?

Michael: I shall be here only a couple of days. My crew is shaking down my new flagship; we have some systems that need to be calibrated, and the new living exo-shields, needs to be charge in the suns corona. A new technology that our scientists have been working on for more than 800 years. When fully charged it can take direct fire from a Zeus, and redirect it back to the target. Should come in handy if we are attacked again.

Enough about technology, You said, we have a new member of the Alliance? A Commander Caldwell I believe. Tell me of his people? Are they a young race or an old race exploring the universe? And do I get to officially meet the Arch Chancellor?

As the Chancellor and Baron reach the top of the steps along the landing station walkway the Palace comes into view. At first glance the palace architecture looks as ancient as the Genovian race itself, wooden ramparts and roofs above stone and mortar construction. Almost medieval in appearance, the Palace rose up from the center of a raging river with waterfalls on the southern side plummeting hundreds of feet to the sea below. Standing by the gate the Chancellor spies the familiar silhouette of Commander Caldwell.

Defiant: “Ahh I believe I will let Caldwell answer your questions directly brother.” Pointing ahead “He is standing before the main gate. I think you will agree with Jehanne and me that his people will make a great addition to the Nation.” Defiant places his hand on the Baron’s shoulder “I was informed just recently that the Ancient One Uzzell has reappeared in the universe. He also has had his worlds purged by the Gods of Chaos. Perhaps we can prevent such events in the future!”

As the two men approach the gates Defiant calls out “Caldwell, that com station is offline. Come meet one of my brethren from our home universe, Baron Croatia, he has many questions.”

In his mind, the Commander felt the presence of the Chancellor and someone was with him. He turns around as the Chancellor yelled out to him and he observed the Chancellor and another gentleman approaching. The Commander arches an eyebrow towards towards Baron Croatia and nods politely. "To what questions might I be able to address for you Baron?" The Commander stands erect with his hands clasped behind his back. To many this stance would appear rigid, but to any who observed, the Commander was fluid and relaxed in the stance. As were any motions he made. Again the product of his upbringing and his training.

Greeting Commander Caldwell, it is a pleasure to meet a new member of this great alliance. Michael extends his hand in the normal greeting. As he watches the commander; he notices the formal but relaxed stance of the military training that the commander must have received.

The men shake hands and continue to talk as they walk back toward the Palace entrance.

Commander Caldwell, Please tell me about yourself and you people. As my people have traveled the universe for many generations, I do not recall ever meeting your people.

The Commander falls into step beside the two men. With his hands still folded behind his back he thinks for a moment then speaks. "The Intelligence Directorate does not currently have all the facts. There was some sort of disturbance in space and time. It is a theory that your people Baron and yours Chancellor and many others in the Alliance are new arrivals to this universe. It was some time ago that Excelsior was on patrol, in what we call the rim, or at least used to call the rim, when we encountered an unknown fleet. It was a catastrophic encounter as the fleet was lost and the Excelsior was badly damaged but managed to escape. There would be two more catastrophic encounters. It was decided that we had to find out more about these new comers and attempt peace. It took some time but I was able to open and maintain a dialog with the Arch Chancellor. The point is, the Intelligence Directorate thinks the people of the Alliance are not of this universe. Which would explain why we had not encountered the alliance on the rim before. As for myself, I am the Crown Prince of the Dimorian Federation. By nature we are a peaceful people who are more interested in science, art, trade, business and the like. We were not always so. Our long history was a bloody one, as one house would fight another for control, power and resources. Kings and royal families often came and went in bloodshed." He pauses for a moment before continuing.

"200 years ago an awakening began in my people. Part was due to the constant wars and loss of life, of family and friends. But also because some of our people began to manifest mental abilities. This lead to more complex social problems and out of fear and ignorance anyone found to have these mental abilities were hunted down, locked away, or cast out to fend for themselves, or killed out right. This eventually lead to the Great War. The war of the Telepaths and the normals. In the end the telepaths won, at great cost to both sides. A new monarchy was established by King Woren Der Soot. By his decree only telepaths could hold positions of power and authority and the normals were relegated to subservient roles. Again we entered into a period of conflicts and changes in regimes. Underneath all the turmoil and strife, there was a growing group of people, both telepath and normals we treated each other as equals and grew tired of the way of things and wars. They began working behind the scenes and gathered people and resources to the cause. Then 85 years ago, grandfather lead an all out revolt of the establishment and with support from the underground and the general public, the monarch was overthrown and all officials were arrested pending trial and work began to establish a provisional government."

"My grandfather was appointed as the new King of Dimorius. Under his leadership we began to lay the ground work for what is now modern day society. His decrees were met with joy and in some cases with viscous hatred. It was decreed that all people of Dimorius are equal and that no one was to be treated different becuase of their religion, ethnic background, gender, sexual orientation, or mental abilities. Resources were diverted from the military into educational and social programs. Which lead us into an age of enlightenment and growth." A hint of sadness creeps into his voice as he continues.

"Some in the old regimes, who had escaped capture, saw the dawn of a new age as the death kneel of our society and that as a people and a society we would be doomed for our wickedness as they saw it. So they had conspired to assassinate my grandfather. In fact they had targeted the entire Royal family. As lucy would have it, my Father and Mother were on the Island of Makapu enjoying their honeymoon when the attacks happened. When Father learned of the attack, he was able to get my mother to the Defiance, his flagship. From there he was able to mount a counter offensive. An offensive that would not have succeed had some of the Fleet Commander's obeyed orders from the Naval Directorate. The Navy had been told of the attacks and that the entire Royal family was dead and that the Defiance was in the hands of rebels attempting to pretend to be the heir apparent to the throne. As luck would have it, three of the five Fleet Commanders in orbit at the time, were close friends of my Father, who shared a secret code they had from childhood. That altered the balance of power and order was soon restored. The assassins were captured and excuted along with several high ranking officials in the Naval and Intelligence Directorates. Soon my Father King Alexandar Caldwell formerly assumed the throne. Three years later I was born." Realizing he was droning on, he looked at his companions and smiled. "Well that is a short history." A chuckle escapes his lips. "I will try not to be so long winded in response to any further questions.

Chancellor Defiant addresses the Dimorian Intelligence Directorate's confusion;

"Caldwell, I can provide you the information your directorate needs to close some of the gaps surrounding the emergence of our races and worlds in this universe.
A short time ago in our universe the Gods of Chaos took control of many of the lower galaxies, the turmoil they created in those galaxies caused wide spread instabilities that reach out from the center of the universe as far as the one hundredth galaxy. Over 140 thousand races were in danger of being randomly reshuffled during a violent compression of the universe. Our science teems raced to find a way to prevent the compression but the only clear option was in fact no option, the compression was inevitable and virtually all VnV worlds would be effected by the compression since only five races inhabited galaxies below the 37th. Our science teems were only able to assure the community that the compression would destroy the top 74 galaxies.

Myself, Jehanne Darc; Grabby Raccoon, Viper 791, Spock, Abe Cass, Commander Iron, Kreigerson, DreamShadower, Raine Castle, WhiteHaven, Locke, Manny Desilvia, Vehemence, Michael Croatia, Rogue Assassin, Grizzly, Bob Uzzell, and Suri. Combined resources and developed a technology to transport our populated worlds to the lower galaxies of our home universe.
All seemed to be proceeding well and on schedule, our planets were all ready to be relocated. The nineteen of us initiated the transportation of our worlds when disaster struck; Antioch somehow discovered our plan to move the planets in subspace transwarp conduits. Antioch has always had a special interest in Vehemence, Michael, I, and our worlds as we are directly descendent of the god races of Law and Control.
Somehow he deepened the disruption of time and space, which collapsed our transwarp fields while we were in subspace. Half our worlds emerged here in this universe while the others were either crushed by time-space collapsing upon them or thrust randomly back into our home universe. Those of us who remain here have taken a more aggressive stance to secure our worlds in this new place.

My personal apologies will be soon delivered to your people for our gross disregard for life in our past encounters, I personally assure you and your father that as the High Sovereign of the Genovian Worlds, no harm shall come to a Dimorian by Genovian hand. I have seen enough death to last me the next few thousand years of my life.”
Defiant glances in the direction of Michael, “Agreed Brother??”

Agreed!! As one of the races that decided to stay in this universe, my people have concentrated on building our technology. Developing new and stronger ships to combat the new threats here in this universe. Our fleets were destroyed along with many of our most experienced warriors in the compression. This time we have spent in development has allowed us to reflect, train, and meditate on what this new universe holds for our people. We only wish to develop new friendship, trade, and protect those we are connected too. We mean no harm to those who wish peace. However, to those who wish to fight. We are willing to do that also. (smiling at this comment)

Commander, I hope my questions do not offend you. As it is the custom on my world to get to know someone by asking questions. Learning about your culture and customs, helps me understand how I may assist you and your people.

Commander Cladwell looks at the Baron. "Why would I be offended? To be offended would be illogical. Asking questions is how one learns and grows in his knowledge and understanding of the people and world around them. Please feel free to ask anything you would like to know. If something is too personal or of a private nature, I will let you know and leave it at that. Otherwise you shall always receive an honest and straight forward response."

Within the walls of the Castle the droids are preparing to receive the guest of the Arch Chancellor and Chancellor.

"I believe there will be one additional guest" Jehanne tells the droids, as she senses an almost familiar presence. She has known of Baron Michael Croatia for many years, and of his long brotherhood with the Chancellor. Though they have never met in person, they liken family. Having him in the castle brings back a flood of memories of those lost from their homeland in a universe left not all that long ago.

Tonight we celebrate new friends, and old ones here and now, and those never to be heard from again. It is time for our world to get a new start, and be the mighty alliance we were once and will be again, Jehanne thinks to herself as she steps to the front doors of the castle to greet her husband and their guests.

The three men are standing just outside the palace gates chatting effortlessly, the two old friends seemingly pleased they have encountered the ambassador of such an enlightened race.

Just beyond the gates, a bridge traverses a tremulous river tumbling over a waterfall; the path is lined on each side by stone benches and large decorated planters abounding with colorful fauna from various regions of Kaneloon. A handful of couples saunter along the path admiring the flowers and enjoying the emanating fragrances, their floor length gowns inlaid with pastel colored gemstones and silver lace.

Defiant places and arm around each of his companion’s shoulders and moves towards the gates, almost silently the large golden clad gates open before the Chancellors advance. As the three men proceed along the path, the younger Genovian Royal Pairs acknowledge their Sovereign and his guests with a slight bow. One of the newly joined couples approach Defiant as the three men draw closer, “Excuse our intrusion Sovereign, but we would like to present our deepest thanks for your most generous gift”. Defiant removes his arms from his companions and raises his right hand, palm facing the pair, “Your thanks are well received but unnecessary, Jehanne and I are joyful regarding your union, the calm it brings to your families finalize the peace of our worlds” Defiant touches their foreheads in traditional blessing, and dispatches the pair.

The three men resume their trip across the bridge, as they near the outer ramparts Sovereign Jehanne Darc can be seen walking about the balcony of the tallest tower of the Palace.

Cheers!!.. I`ll buy first round!!

On the balcony, Jehanne sees Defiant and their guests approaching over the bridge. She begins her decent down the long spiral staircase leading down to the main floor of the castle. She opens the large front doors to greet the guests as they approach.

"Barron Croatia, Michael... I feel that I have known you for years tho we have never formally met. You are like a brother to my husband and as such, I welcome you as family to our home."

"Commander Caldwell, I have looked forward to our meeting as well. Your people are much like ours. May this be the start of a new chapter in our both our peoples history."

"Defiant and I have prepared for a gathering at out local bar for this evening. Dreamy, our bar keep, has been hard at work preparing for this evening, as the place has gone un-used for a bit of time. For now, a private diner has been prepared by my staff. Let us sit as family at our table, hopefully the first of many gatherings for our new and old friends alike"

With that Jehanne ushers the three men into the large dining hall.

A short distance away from the planet Kaneloon the Raccoon Empire Empusa Fast Transport ship has just come out of transit and is currently under way to the city spaceport of Tanelorn.

Aboard the EFT is Grabby Raccoon (or Raccoon as he is known in the newer universe). Also aboard is his daughter Alexa whom serves as Admiral of both the RES Vittoria and the combat fleets of the Raccoon Empire in both Universes.

(For references regarding RES Vittoria and Grabby Raccoon/Raccoon see here)

As they approach the spaceport Raccoon sends out a signal to the palace that an old friend has arrived and requests permission to stay over for a few days whilst the RES Vittoria is currently underway to another system in the ancient Universe.

As the small group moves toward the table their shadows vanish as light from three massive chandeliers completely bathes the dining hall, each in the form of a universe, the center one having over 100 systems. One can feel the calm wash over Defiant as he passes beneath the massive structure; his heartbeat seems to pause at the center.

Defiant motions to his wife and companions to sit as they reach the table; he removes his cloak and hangs it at the back of his chair, as he sits. The palace wait staff begins to serve the Darcs and their guests. Half a dozen staff circle, each presents a tray of appetizers from around the Genovian Empire to each of the group detailing a brief description, the ingredients of each, and a bit about the races that developed them.

One can hear a trace of thunder as the Raccoonian Empusa approaches the palace landing pad. Defiant motions to one of the staff and gives them instructions; “Have XO Tanaka send an escort down to the pad to guide Raccoon and his daughter to the hall, two more places must be set at our table, and prepare a chamber for each Raccoonian. Place them in the east wing where the sunrise will shine in their windows.

The Crown Prince casually takes in his surroundings as he moves to his seat. "This is a most impressive spread. Thank you, again, for the invitation to dine with you all tonight." He pulls out his chair and sits as he places a napkin across his lap.