Resurgence - 150 years in the making
November 3152
Electra
Chapter 3:
Negotiations were long but, achieved many objectives both nation’s leaders sought. Siobhan was smiling at the success as physical document after physical document was scanned and recorded while the treaty was being established. Kaff Doru being a very straightforward man took every topic one by one. No cramming ten pounds of shit into a five-pound bag the way groups of politicians did.
Basically if one nation attacked the other, an investigation would take place and heads would roll in MIIO or the Ministry of the Interior depending on who was behind it. Both leaders swore on camera in person that no military action would be taken against the other, it was being processed by some of Siobhan’s team for immediate distribution to jumpships and would be transmitted in every system on the way back to New Avalon. No time frame or expiration date. Julian would rotate out Capellan border troops with Taurian border troops, while this would allow Kaff to bring more forces out of garrison duties to prepare for further conflict with the Word of Blake.
Contracts were drawn up for war material support from the Federated Suns at reasonable prices without markups while giving trading access to the numerous precious metal rich systems in the Plieades Cluster to Federated Sun’s mining groups. Jumpship travel for general commerce would no longer be restricted between nations, giving both access to prior restricted goods with priority given to military related purchases.
Finally, a mutual defense agreement… of sorts. The terms were simple, the eradication of a nation would have to be at hand for aid to come. It was well understood that neither side was in a position to defend the other currently. Should one fall, the other would welcome survivors and help reform military units, creating teams to work together against further Blakist or other nation’s attacks. Should they be able to push the Word of Blake back, there will be support in material and/or manpower.
Named the “Taurian-Suns Accord”, it was an agreement between the leaders that had been unexpected by people of the nations and likely the Word of Blake when they inevitably catch wind. Part of the negotiations included shared recordings both in space around Taurus and on the ground. Julian was able to see firsthand the capabilities of the SASF (Special Asteroid Support Force) and the weaponized asteroid field. He was also able to catch a glimpse of what the Taurians saw when the Blakists bypassed the asteroid belt with their jump into the system. Also, a number of Kaff Doru’s personal BattleROMs.
Taurus gave the Blakists hell before falling and that proved their might to Julian as a nation and given Kaff’s injuries, his resolve as a leader. In return Julian shared the footage that Kitsune Kurita brought him on New Avalon. After a couple of days to discuss plans and how they were going to cool down border tensions and keep garrison leaders from acting out it was time to return to New Avalon.
Siobhan, Kaff, and Julian all stood in the hangar of the Markeson Pride and watched as Taurian Mechwarriors piloted the Longhorns off the dropship and through the corridor to the space station. At the other end of the corridor in the space station were camera crews filming the new arrivals. The loss of Taurus was hitting the people hard but, early word of peace with the Federated Suns and this gift was already showing signs of morale boosts in the system.
Everyone was breathing easier as well considering the dramatic losses the Blakists took reaching Taurus. There was an extremely low chance that this formation of Blakists would continue pushing to reach the Plieades Cluster so soon. In the days that Julian and Siobhan spent in the Electra system scouts in systems around Taurus reported that there was no advance in their direction by the Blakists.
“This is the Captain, all hands prepare for maneuvering toward the jumpship, then heading back towards the Federated Suns.” Interrupted everyone over the intercom, signaling time for the leaders to bid each other farewell.
“Kaff, I want to thank you and commend you for your leadership and friendliness during these days of negotiations.” Julian extended his hand.
“The honor is mine Julian.” Kaff nodded and shook in return, then looked to the XO, “Siobhan, thank you.”
She took his hand and shook firmly. “I sincerely enjoyed our visit,” She said with a smile.
“Farewell on your travels, we will beat this scourge, just as our ancestors did.” Kaff stated with resolve, giving a single wave of his hand and turning to follow the path of the Longhorns, escorted by his security team.
“This went incredibly well.” Siobhan stated aloud as she and Julian turned toward the elevator in the hangar.
“Far better than I thought it would. Turns out just talking to them in sincerity did far more for both of our nations than any of the subterfuge of the last one hundred fifty years.” Julian responded shaking his head. He reached out for the lift button.
They stood in silence for a few seconds while the lift descended. Both knew that war awaited them when they returned to New Avalon in a couple weeks. Hopefully they will have beaten it there…