Edwards
Zinayn
Diarch Rellik
Laphisto studied the man for several long moments, his expression measured and controlled. As the ship's systems flickered back online and the overhead lights steadied into a harsh artificial glow, his lone ear twitched at the returning hum of power conduits stabilizing beneath the deck. His gaze drifted briefly upward, tracking the restoration of the bridge displays, before returning to the commander with quiet focus.
"
The fact that we are standing here at all, Commander, is a blessing. We could have stormed this bridge with overwhelming force. We could have vented this deck into vacuum before your crew understood what was happening. Your engines could have been reduced to slag. Your weapons fused. Your life support extinguished. Instead, we disarmed your vessel with precision. Your systems were suppressed, not destroyed. Your people remain alive. Your ship remains intact.We came here to speak. Commander to commander. If our intent had been conquest, you would not be standing there issuing orders."
A brief pause settled between them, heavy but not chaotic. Around him, the Lilaste soldiers remained unmoving. No weapons were raised. No aggressive posture was taken.
"
Now we can have that conversation, Or we can depart. And if we depart under these conditions, you will be detained under Diarchal law for hostile conduct within secured space. What is your choice, Commander?"
Cora
'Sentinel' Janius Everwall
Laughter rippled through the gathered men, tension breaking just enough to soften the air. The sharp edge of uncertainty dulled into something more human. as the men before them laughed at Jaerin. Tarian allowed himself a small chuckle, stepping forward and placing a firm, reassuring hand on the young man's shoulder. The gesture was steady, almost paternal.
"
Alright, kid,Looks like you did something right. You're coming with me. We'll head deeper into the city and have some proper diplomatic talks." His tone shifted subtly at the word proper, the soldier giving way to the officer. This was no longer just an encounter. It was an opening. Tarian turned his head toward Cora, catching her eye. He gave her a small, knowing nod.
"
Make sure the boys keep in line, And don't let Keldo and Vehran wander off again." The last part carried the faintest trace of dry humor, though the instruction itself was genuine. Discipline mattered. Especially in unfamiliar streets. He removed his hand from the young man's shoulder and adjusted the strap of his rifle, posture straightening as he prepared to move. The laughter faded behind him, replaced with the quiet readiness of trained soldiers awaiting direction.
Norbert Oro
The pilot gave a small grunt, followed by an audible sigh as he kept one hand raised slightly away from the controls. His eyes flicked toward the comm panel while the open frequency continued to transmit.
"
Oh, for the love of" he muttered, frustration bleeding into his tone. "
Do you hear the words coming out of my mouth? I can't understand you. an dyou cant understand me."
He shifted slightly in his seat, careful not to make any sudden movements with the weapon still near his head. His jaw tightened."
Someone get over here and help me deal with this primitive," he called out across the open channel, clearly expecting backup to translate or intervene.
Despite the irritation in his voice, there was an undercurrent of calculation. His hands remained visible. His posture compliant. He was stalling, buying time, hoping whoever was listening would understand the situation from tone alone if not from language. The hum of the gunship's systems filled the silence between exchanges, engines idling steadily as tension coiled tighter inside the cockpit.
Laphisto
