First Steps in the Galaxy (Jin Empire Introduction / Chazwa Space)

[4ND-R0]

The Lingshi came out of hyperspace, the streak of stars slowing to white dots on the horizon. There came a hush over the crew as they stared out into the unfamiliar territory. There’s was a mix of anxiousness over what came next. At the helm was their Princess, Her Imperial Majesty, Mingzhi Zheng-Mei. Donned in her shining yinjia ceremonial armor, she stared out just as amazed. She pulled up the navicomputer, comparing their location to Tiantang’s spot on the revised star-map reclaimed from the ancestral silver egg. They had come out of hyperspace somewhere within the third ring outside of the Center of the Galaxy. The Princess turned to her crew.

“I want shields up, and gunners at ready in case of hostiles.” She gave orders to the crew.

To the rest of the galaxy, something new just came into galactic awareness in this instance. The Jin Empire, an interplanetary government from the far reaches of the Unknown Regions. Specifically, they had appeared into Republic space, in the Chazwa system. Now, the Lingshi drifted slowly in the system, awaiting for the moment of first contact. The best thing going for them was that they could understand Basic. Zheng-Mei once again stared out into the new solar system, taking a calm breath to ease her mind. May the Fangshi guide her well with whatever came next.

 

[Junko Ike]

[member="Zheng-Mei"]

Junko was looking at the logistical suite as the hologram changed. Something popped into view and it raised her eyebrow as the small atrisian woman motioned. "Head to observe." The Harlequin class was large yes and somewhat imposing she guessed but the large observation dome was for meditation and relaxation while she stood there at the ready. Her hand going to grab her parasol and her kimono nice and presentable. She could see the blip but the question was what was the unknown design that had jumped into view of them and what type of fun could there be.

 

[Keira Priest]

When the report came through that an unknown vessel had been spotted in space over Chazwa, Keira almost wanted to pass off the responsibility to someone else, not that it was solely hers to begin with. It would have been easy to let someone else handle the issue and simply continue through her daily routine of drilling with the men and otherwise maintaining them as combat ready, including herself. And that was what she would have done, had she been on Maridun instead of Chazwa. Her reasons for being on the capital were linked to nothing more than the recent discussion that had been put forth in the Senate over the election of a new Supreme Commander, and after throwing her name into the race she had remained on planet.

That, unfortunately, excuse her from what was nothing more than her duty as a member of the Republic military. Or at least, it wasn't an excuse in her mind. Other than her street clothes the dress uniform she had donned for those Senatorial proceedings was the only piece of formal wear on her, or she would have chosen her armor instead. As it was she once more stepped into the formal role of commander, adjusting the uniform and ensuring all was in its proper place. A link had already been established with this unknown entity, and communication would be opened shortly. She only hoped this didn't spell war. That had been a happening all too regular in her life of late, and she didn't much feel like mobilizing an army.

Once a transmission was crafted [member="Zheng-Mei"] and those aboard the Lingshi would be privy to her smartly uniformed holographic form. "Unknown vessel, this is Commander Keira Ticon of the Republic military. Please identify yourselves and state your intent. Any aggressive action will be met with a forceful retaliation." With her feet shoulder width apart and her hands folded behind her back, she was the epitome of a proper soldier, and supposed that was the best sort of first impression to make. The line had been left open purposefully by herself so that any Republic officials would be free to join the conversation, hopefully eventually including Supreme Chancellor [member="Jack Sparrow"] himself, to whom she had sent a brief notification detailing the situation before the transmission began.

[member="Junko Ike"]

 

[4ND-R0]

The princess looked up as something came up on the Lingshi’s scanners. Another ship, unknown class. This was it. First Contact. She turned to her helmsman and nodded. “Open up a channel.” She ordered to them. She was now speaking on a universal frequency that could be picked up by anyone within the immediate area.

“Greetings, Commander. I am Princess Zheng-Mei of the Jin Empire.” She spoke in a clear, lightly accented Basic, “This is the ambassadorial vessel Lingshi. We have come a long way, from a rather remote region of space according to the maps we have reclaimed. On behalf of my father, the Emperor, we wish to make contact with the greater Galaxy. Our intent is purely peaceful.”

As a sign of this, she made it so that the ship’s weapons were moved into a position that meant to be peaceful in nature. “Are you a representative of your government, Commander?” She asked. She also made note of a smaller ship that had begun its approach. She was wary of a trap, but did not act on it, feeling that Republic ship would be more than capable of taking care of it if it was unfriendly. She sighed, thanking the Force that things appeared to be moving smoothly so far.

[member="Keira Ticon"] | [member="Junko Ike"]

 

[Eugen Aker]

Teigra Residence, Old Izrul, Kiribi

Well this was interesting. Apparently everyone thought so little of the Republic these days that they just felt like they could jump right into the backyard of the capital in their warships. That's exactly why she rarely ventured to the Chazwa system these days. If there wasn't some armed insurrection going on there, it was a raid.

This particular warship was of unknown origin, its alien design matching no known models in Republic or Kiriibian databanks. Thus far, the ship had taken no obvious hostile actions, though. Strange. She would monitor the situation closely, but foreign policy fell under the purview of Chancellor Sparrow, so she would let him and his subordinates handle initial contact. While it was hard to stop a ship from popping into the system without interdictors in place, the response of the Republic military had thankfully been swift. That was something though she hope she wouldn't be witness to an incident like Roche. Her corvette was being prepped for a return to Chazwa.

 

[Keira Priest]

"Princess." A bow of the head was offered in greeting, the most formality Keira had demonstrated in a long while. "I hope your trip went smoothly and I would like to welcome you to the galaxy at large. I'm certain you'll find your niche within it soon enough." With the question posed she had to restrain herself from cracking a smile. Despite the recent positive relations between herself and the Republic she had found through that discussion with the Senate that some didn't trust her quite so much, not that it necessarily bothered her. This simply provided a touch of irony. "I can't say with absolute certainty that I speak for the entirety of the Republic government, but I can assure you I have its best interests in mind."

Hopefully the Chancellor would be making contact soon. While she was confident in her ability to govern situations like these and see them through to a peaceful resolution, she wasn't entirely sure how far her jurisdiction extended in this scenario, and didn't wish to overstep her bounds. "Do you believe we can be of any assistance to you? If you require aid of any kind, I'm certain we will be able to provide it in some form. Just say the word." It was still vaguely strange for her to be talking through and helping to establish peace rather than remain entirely enveloped in the world of combat, but it was a change she was quickly adjusting to, all told. Simply another notch in the belt of experience.

Her breath hissed near-silently from between her teeth in a quiet sigh of general relief that this hadn't been a declaration of war or similar mode of offense. Of course, she wouldn't remove such a possibility entirely from the table just yet, but that was out of caution more than anything else. The other ship that had entered Republic space had been identified as belonging to the Sanctum, and was therefore deemed a friendly entity. She was simply grateful that no lives would be lost today.

[member="Suravi Teigra"], [member="Zheng-Mei"], [member="Junko Ike"]

 

[Darth Ayra]

[member="Keira Ticon"]

Ella Nova was sat in the middle of a field, legs folded over each other and arms propped up on her knees. Her faced was creased, almost as if she was in a deep state of concentration or supreme enlightenment. She was in a deep state of meditation, concentrated on searching for the Force to purge her mind and soul.

The Meditation of Emptiness was a meditation technique taught to all Jedi Knights. But even it had it's limitations. What happened on Coruscant would never be forgotten. All she could do was concentrate on coming to terms with it. To make the memories and pain a shadow, little and insignificant in comparison to the guidance of the Force; and so Ella endeavored, secluded in a remote area on Chazwa, accompanied only by the Chazwa cold, Arsix and the Sochi Ru, that had become a makeshift home since the Jedi Order had left the Galactic Republic.

In the tent, that Ella had erected for her time of seclusion, Arsix monitored the incoming and outgoing communications and traffic that was coming and going from Chazwa. Ella had ordered the little astromech to do this. Her own personal demons and problems were nothing in comparison to the plight of the Republic. Attack was ever imminent. The One Sith could apply the finishing blow and then there was the recent debacle with the Mandalorians. Ella was more than ready to return to the fold when it was necessary.

Thus, the arrival of the Lingshi was always going to come to the attention of the Republic's last Jedi. Bleeping in excitement that he had finally found something, Arsix rolled out of the tent and approach his Master.

Wabapaaiado! Arsix said, coming to a stop near Ella.

Opening her eyes, coming out of the meditation, the Jedi turned slowly to the astromech, calm and centered. "What is it?" she asked.

Wabapaidodododo!

Ella nodded, understand. He had found something. Rising up to her feet, she collected her lightsaber and placed it back on her hip, pulling her Jedi robe around her body for warmth. She hadn't felt the cold whilst she had meditated, with the Force providing the kind of warmth no Jedi could find elsewhere, but now she was out of it, a slight shiver crept up the Jedi's spin as she entered the tent.

Rolling by her, Arsix plugged back and brought up the transmissions that he had picked up. Ella listened inventively, before turning her gaze to Arsix. "Send a transmission to Commander Ticon, requesting as to whether or not she would like our assistance, and when you're done, prep the Sochi Ru for take off, just in case."

Beep, replied Arsix affirmatively. After sending the request to the Commander, Ella waited patiently beside the communication relay to hear the response, whilst Arsix rolled outside to prepare the Sochi Ru for take off.

 

[4ND-R0]

[member="Keira Ticon"] | [member="Ella Nova"]

“We only seek a safe place to anchor ourselves so that we can make proper, face-to-face contact.” Zheng-Mei replied to the Commander, “We have enough supplies here to survive for two of our planet’s orbits around the home star. If anything, I personally would like to make physical contact with your Republic in any manner.”

She could feel calm in her body. This “Republic” seemed to be friendly to outsiders. “In particular, we wish to also touch base with your religious leaders as well. Those who follow the Fangshi. I believe the term we’ve come to understand in your language is ‘the Force’. Our mission is one of peaceful cultural exchange. As a representative of my people, I can say that we are willing to cooperate with the Republic in any way possible for smooth diplomacy.”

She kept watch on the nearby space in the case there were any more ships coming into scanning range. She had begun to give a little trust to this Commander. While not the leader or representative of the Republic, Commander Ticon stuck the Princess as someone who was honorable in how she carried herself. “We have an open hangar to receive guests once we have made for a neutral location.” The heir apparent made a motion to the rest of the crew within her eyeshot to start to relax. There would be no need to use the ship’s weapons at the moment. As a further gesture of respect, she stood and removed her helmet, revealing a royal topknot hairstyle that was an obvious show of status.

 

[Junko Ike]

[member="Zheng-Mei"] [member="Ella Nova"] [member="Keira Ticon"] [member="Suravi Teigra"]

A whole lot had come it seemed and she was looking at it all, not one for insisting unless needed but still first contact with a new group who actually seemed for lack of a better term willing to talk. It was refreshing and Junko stood there aghast for a moment in surprise. There seemed to be another force user there and no shots were being fired.... which meant a good thing. Now if only they could listen in on the conversation while she was composing a request from the lead republic ship to join as a jedi and diplomat. Hopefully she would not get the wrong name when it came to who was in charge so keep it vague enough she didn't mess up names but precise and to the point as to not be boring. <To republic vessel, given no shots being fired and the unknown model of the ship here. I am hoping diplomatic talks or talking in general is the first order happening. If at all possible as a jedi I would request to come and hopefully maintain peace. Please Junko>

 

[Khyros Sunblade]

Office of Senator Sunblade, Chazwa (He's a workaholic)

As with every other Senatorial office, he received the alert when an unknown vessel entered the system. Too many times had a Senate building been destroyed with Senators inside. He tuned into the conversation being had, then directed a transmission to Keira Ticon.

"Commander Ticon, this is Senator Sunblade. I'll be coming up to your ship within half an hour if that is alright with you?" He said, transferring the call to his wrist com and moving about the room, changing from his working attire to a more formal suit.

[member="Keira Ticon"]

 

[4ND-R0]

The Princess was absolutely estatic in hearing the chatter coming across the airways. Apparently their appearance had created something of a scare from what she gathered. “I apologize to all that are listening. We never had the intention to cause panic. Once we can establish a neutral meeting place within this system, the Lingshi would be honored to receive all diplomatic and inquisitive minds.”

She turned to her crew, making a motion to have the cultural representatives be ready to have vendors open. The people of this greater galaxy would be exposed to all things of the Jin. From the fine silks and spices, to the displays of discipline by the Fangshi Monks and the fine cuisine. She wanted to leave a lasting impression of her people. Very soon, should these negotiations work well, she would authorize free trading between the Jin Empire and at least Republic parties. Perhaps even look into what technologies these likely more advanced races had for purchase.

 

[Keira Priest]

"We can make a jump for neutral space shortly. I'll be sending coordinates to yourself and all interested parties." Her ship consisted of nothing more than the small transport that had brought her to Chazwa in the first place, but she supposed it would suffice as an intermediary between the Republic and this new face. Within the next few seconds she sent out the prescribed coordinates to nearby space that was figurative no-man's land, and the best thing to true neutrality that they had at the moment. "I won't be far behind you once you make the jump. There are other interested parties to touch base with first. But you don't need to apologize, Princess. All we're doing is taking the necessary precautions. I hope to speak face-to-face soon." With that, her image winked out.

The idea of holding even this much responsibility when it came to foreign affairs was new to her, but things were transpiring smoothly thus far. A return transmission was sent first to [member="Ella Nova"], "Your assistance would be appreciated. She seemed interested in the mysticism of the Force, so perhaps you could provide some insight. Coordinates have been sent for a neutral meeting place." Next she spoke with [member="Khyros Sunblade"]. While her experiences with the Senate had been brief, she knew having him come forward as a more official representative of the Republic would be best. "Senator, you've been sent coordinates to a patch of neutral space that has been designated as a meeting place. After we make the jump you would be more than welcome on board before we confer with the Princess."

The final individual to speak with was [member="Junko Ike"], the only one present that was known but not a member of the Republic itself. "Unless you would like to come forth as a representative of your own government and the Silver Sanctum itself, your assistance isn't necessary. The offer is appreciated, but these are Republic affairs as it stands." Once all transmissions with the outside parties had been cut she released a quiet sigh, falling back into the pilot's chair, the small vessel empty save for her own presence. All of this was more than she would have bargained for on that particular day, but her life couldn't ever not be interesting. After a moment of toying with the navicomputer, and with a final glance to the ship of [member="Zheng-Mei"], she made the jump. It was all or nothing at this point.

 

[4ND-R0]

[member="Keira Ticon"] | [member="Khyros Sunblade"] | [member="Junko Ike"] | [member="Ella Nova"]

The Jin Princess nodded as she received the coordinance for the neutral territory given to her by the Commander. “Thank you, Commander, we shall meet you there.” She input the coordinates, nodding to her helmsman. The Lingshi’s hyperdrive was engaged, the surrounding stars in the view port became streaks as they entered into hyperspace.

Not long after, the ambassadorial ship dropped out, not too far from where Keira’s ship was at. She decided to open a channel, broadcasting outloud to those who were interested in visiting her ship. “Attention to all incoming representatives and guests to the Jin Empire. We advise that you use our hangar. We have enough room to receive roughly 12 starfighter-class ships. We thank you and welcome you.”

The Princess stood from her seat in the bridge of the ship, moving gracefully to start making her way to the hangar. She was accompanied by a small squad of Imperial Guardsmen, dressed in durasteel and armed with bowcasters. But their movements were stationary, not anticipating any hostile actions from the incoming parties. There, she stood in the front of all of them, and removed her helmet, showing off her topknot. She handed off the polished durasteel helmet off to a servant and awaited, legs apart and hands clasped behind her back.

 

[Darth Ayra]

| [member="Zheng-Mei"] | [member="Keira Ticon"] |

"Thank you, Commander. I will see you soon."

Ella shut off the communication relay, stepping away from the device and move to the entrance of the tent. It had been two months since [member="Mantic Dorn"] found her on Yutan. Two months of meditation, healing and recovery. Looking up at the sky in thought, Ella wondered if she was ready to return to the thick of things. She decided that she was.

Arsix rolled up to the Jedi Knight, giving her an inquisitive beep. Ella looked down to him and gave him a grin. "Looks like we have a go for launch. Is the Sochi Ru ready for launch?"

Arsix bleeped affirmatively. Ella nodded. "I'll pack up the tent."

Blowing a raspberry, Arsix returned to the Sochi Ru. Turning back into the tent, Ella went about packing away everything.

One hour later...

Turbulence rattled the Sochi Ru, as Ella piloted the starfighter through Chazwa skies and out into space. Maneuvering the ship around, Ella said, "Arsix, can you get a fix on the Jin ship?"

Beep. Looking down at her dashboard, the Lingshi's coordinates appeared as Arsix fixed the Sochi Ru's scanners on the diplomatic ship. Typing on the keypad, Ella sent a transmission to the Jin Empire envoy. "Greetings, honourable Jin. My name is Ella Nova, Jedi Knight of the Galactic Republic. I request permission to dock with your vessel and meet with you in person, to commence first contact between our two peoples."

Reclining in her seat, Ella awaited the Jin Empire's response.

 

[4ND-R0]

[member="Ella Nova"] | [member="Keira Ticon"]

As the Princess awaited in the hangar for the incoming ships, her portable communicator blipped with a message, translated from Aurebesh to Yuyan script. “Ah, it seems we have our first visitor.” She gave a small smile. She brought up the key pad and returned a reply.

“Ella Nova of the Jedi Knights. We welcome you aboard. We advise you that no intent to harm or fire upon the Lingshi be shown. We are a people of peace. The hangar is located at the rear section of the ship.

Best travels.

Mingzhi Zheng-Mei.”

There was a bit of murmur among the awaiting Imperial Guard that enclosed around their princess. They seemed all the more anxious at the arrival of the first diplomat to their envoy. Zheng-Mei raised a hand up as a silent order to silence themselves and steady their conduct. She did not need any overly nervous bowcasting soldiers at this moment. She wanted this all to go smoothly. The way that this “Jedi Knight” spoke her title, it sounded like one of a religious or military order, like their peoples’ own Fangshi Monks.

 

[Darth Ayra]

| [member="Zheng-Mei"] | [member="Keira Ticon"] |

Ella leaned forward, to respond to Zheng-Mei's reply. "We also come in peace. I am honored to be making first contact between our two peoples."

Taking the Sochi Ru into the Lingshi hangar bay, Ella lowered the landing clamps, to touch her starfighter down. Powering down the impulse engines, the Jedi retracted the cockpit canopy, undid her seat belts and stood up to climb out. Behind her, Arsix detached himself from the astromech canopy and lowered himself onto the floor, rolling around the Sochi Ru to meet with her just as she climbed down into the hangar bay.

Smoothing her brown Jedi robes, Ella turned her gaze to the Jin guards. "I am Ella Nova, Jedi Knight and representative of the Galactic Republic. Please, take me to your ambassador."

 

[4ND-R0]

[member="Ella Nova"]

The plentiful Jin guard simple made a maneuver, lining up on either side at attention. In the middle of this path way was the young Jin Princess, dressed in polished durasteel plates and white cloth that made her almost appear angelic. "Welcome, Ella Nova of the Jedi." She placed her right fist into her left palm, bowing, "I am Zheng-Mei, of the Mingzhi dynasty of the Jin Empire. Welcome aboard." She approached the Jedi so that she was closer and face to face. "We have much to discuss. Won't you join me for some tea?" She gave a hospitable smile.

She turned and gave a beckoning motion to the Jedi, and the Jin Guardsmen. They escorted the two women to a private chamber, which was very regal looking. There was a servant woman, preparing green tea on a kettle. The Princess turned to her guards. "Leave us. Be sure our guest's ship and other belongings not her person aren't damaged." She offered a seat to Ella, a gracious smile still on her face. "Now. I shall let you go first. We are explorers in your part of the galaxy. You must have questions."

 

[Khyros Sunblade]

"Senator, you've been sent coordinates to a patch of neutral space that has been designated as a meeting place. After we make the jump you would be more than welcome on board before we confer with the Princess."

Khyros confirmed what Keira had said, then finished changing into his best suit. While he was changing, his senatorial guard radioed in that they would be moving out to perform diplomatic duties out of the system. Without having to tell them a single thing, there was a squad waiting to escort him to the space port when he emerged from his office.

He took one of the Republic's Diplomatic ships (read, nothing special, just a ship with a diplomatic beacon on it and a hyper drive. Likely very comfortable inside.) and gave them the coordinates that [member="Keira Ticon"] and [member="Zheng-Mei"] had agreed to. He then sent a message to Keira.

"Commander Ticon, I am in a diplomatic courier and en route. ETA is twenty minutes."

[member="Ella Nova"]

 

[Keira Priest]

"Senator, there's been a slight change of plans. I'll be docking with the Jin vessel soon, and you may follow suit." It had never been within her nature to await another's arrival patiently, or at all, and so she ventured to enter the hangar, the small two-man transport settling onto its landing gear not far from [member="Ella Nova"]'s own craft. For a moment all Keira did was remain in the pilot's seat, breathing deeply and exhaling slowly through her mouth. Foreign affairs were still new to her, but she had done enough negotiating in the past few weeks to be moderately confident in her own ability. With the press of a button the landing ramp of her ship deployed, and she traversed down it at a measured pace, nearly an antithesis of the warrior she had become.

Her lightsaber remained at her hip more as a formality than an actual weapon, perhaps a demonstration of her status but most definitely not a threat in the least. For a moment she fidgeted with her dress uniform, smoothing down the ensemble. Never would she be comfortable wearing the outfit for any occasion, preferring the familiar and comfortable added weight of armor above all else. Reaching out through the Force she made her presence known through those simple means, content to await the arrival of whatever escort was deemed suitable.

[member="Khyros Sunblade"], [member="Zheng-Mei"]

 

[4ND-R0]

[member="Keira Ticon"]

The Prince had felt the small tremor inthe FOrce that the Commander had used to alert her presence. "Excuse me one moment." She said to Ella. She stood and went to the door, giving some soft toned orders to the guards outside the chamber. She spoke in a language that no Basic speaker has likely jeard before, the tongue of Yuyan, the Jin's native language. The Guardsmen nodded.

Within a few minutes, Keira was approached by a small escort squad of the bowcaster-wielding guardsmen. The head of the group, apparently someone of a captain rank, gave the same hand-in-fist greeting that Zheng-Mei had given Ella not that long ago. He then beckoned Keira to follow him an his escort, who lead the Republic Commander to the same private chamber on the ship that the Princess and Jedi Knight were at. Zheng-Mei smiled. "Welcome, Commander. A pleasure to finally meet you. Please come in. Would you like some tea? Something a little stronger?" She offered,"Some food? I prefer my guests comfortable. Once you are, I am here to answer and questions you have about us."