New Avalon Star System
Capital World of the Federated Suns
"It was the best of times, it was the worst of times, it was the age of wisdom, it was the age of foolishness, it was the epoch of belief, it was the epoch of incredulity, it was the season of light, it was the season of darkness, it was the spring of hope, it was the winter of despair."
David Sheridan spent the final hours of the journey reading, not reports or briefings but a novel, the Tale of Two Cities by Dickens. He hadn't chosen it for any deep meaning, it was simply the next on his list of books he wanted to read to broaden his horizons. He found reading calmed him, centered his mind and engaged his more critical and creative thought processes. This was different to other negotiations. This wasn't an alien culture, these were fellow human beings, but their world was so different, so separate from what made Earth what it was, it was going to be unique.
The rest of his group were handling their own preparations in their own way, shuffling papers, trying to relax, or grabbing some last minute food. The planet of New Avalon was looming large ahead of them now, an attractive world showing few signs of pollution, ruled by blue seas and green landmasses. An ideal colony for human life; whoever had found this planet was blessed.
Sheridan paused his reading as the internal comms system whistled to life, the moment he'd been anticipating arrived with a shiver.
"Attention landing mission, shuttle departure will be in twenty minutes. Please report to the hangar bay with all documents and items. Shuttle departure in twenty minutes."
He closed the book and embraced the chill, the shiver down his spine, as he accepted the weight of his responsibility. Most of the people rescued from Tortuga had spoken positively of this nation, that the Davions were honorable and just rulers. If they were, this might go well, but if in truth they were as tyrannical as many monarchs had been in the past, it would need a very different approach.
In either case, delay was now impossible, the die was cast and David Sheridan found himself shouldering the hopes of a whole planet. He wondered if his son had felt this way watching the Black Star angle towards his crippled warship, or during the abortive peace talks with a faction of the Minbari leadership. So much could hand on a single word, a single gesture by a single person. Six hours from now they might be at war, or they might finally have a friend worthy of the name. Heaven knew they had none back in their home galaxy.
He set the book down, resting his hand on it for a few seconds, considering that famous opening paragraph and its contradictions. It was up to him and those he would meet to decide if it would be the best of times or the worst of times, and he had no idea if he was going to be able to deliver the result Earth needed. But he was damn well going to try, and he was going to use every hour of experience he had gathered to make this meeting his masterpiece.
The shuttle bounced up and down as it decelerated, the pilots trying to ease the passage from orbit, but as good as they were, they couldn't perform miracles. David was pleased at his choice to skip dinner, especially when he caught a glimpse of several fellow passengers looking rather nauseous in their finery. Nobody had brought their lunch back up for a second viewing and hopefully it remained that way. Nothing ruined a first impression in quite the same way.
"Avalon City control, this is diplomatic transport EF dash three requesting final approach clearance." He overheard the pilots a few feet ahead of him, the windows on the flight deck displaying clear blue sky and wispy clouds.
"Diplomatic transport, you are cleared for runway one. Approach at your discretion and welcome to New Avalon."
"Copy that control, on the way down now." The pilot adjusted course and tapped internal comms. "We're on final approach, about four more minutes. Good luck down there."
David took the good wishes for what they were, the outcome of this meeting vital enough that even the air crew were anxious about it. Just beyond the windows, David could see the glimmering shapes of a pair of sleek fighters, an escort to see them to the city. Presumably an act of formality and respect, but also caution, just in case they were not who they said they were.
Colonel Wolf had been true to his word and had organized the meeting, arranging the time and place while leaving introductions to the Davion government itself. Neither side likely knew exactly what they were getting into, but there was an undercurrent of optimism. It was something new, unexpected for either party, and that seemed to have kindled genuine curiosity.
The pilots touched down gently, the smooth triangular shuttle gleaming in white and blue diplomatic colors. The spaceport had been largely emptied of regular traffic in this quadrant, the landing squares now busy with vehicles and troopers arranging themselves into parade positions as the shuttle shut down its engines with a soft whine and dropped its ramp.
"Try not to trip." David straightened his tie, took a huge breath, and then walked down the ramp and out into amazing bright sunshine.
The weather was exquisite and picked out all the details of the city beyond, clean and pleasant with the faint aroma of oils from the shuttle mixing with flowers and greenery wafting in from the environment. In the distance stood a mountain range, snow capped and immovable, with the city itself seated around the lower ranges and foothills extending into the alpine plains. It was genuinely beautiful and like nothing he had seen outside of Earth.
Ahead, a party moved forward to greet them, ranks of infantry stood to left and right at attention, gleaming rifles catching the sun, while dress uniforms sparked with medals. Behind them were the battlemechs, a full battalion in rich gleaming blue standing straight in their own neat ranks, lending the presence to the spectacle. Flags and banners flew, crowds had gathered a safe distance away and what seemed to be news crews were capturing the moment.
Definitely not a relaxed informal meeting then.
The welcoming party made their way closer, their leader a young man with a ready smile, which was certainly encouraging. David took a step forward to meet him, hoping his suit was good enough for these auspicious surroundings.
"Representatives of the Earth Alliance, welcome." The young man greeted them with what seemed to be sincere warmth. "I am Prince Hanse Davion, younger brother to the First Prince Ian. On his behalf, and on behalf of all subjects and citizens of the Federated Suns, I bid you welcome to our home."
He extended his hand, which of course David took.
"On behalf of the President and people of the Earth Alliance, I humbly and gratefully accept your warm welcome. I am David Sheridan, Secretary of State for Foreign Affairs and head of the Diplomatic Service."
They maintained the handshake for a few more moments so the news cameras could capture the moment, then released each other, Hanse stepping aside and falling into step beside David.
"If you'll walk with me Secretary Sheridan, we have some cars to take us straight to the castle, my brother is very eager to meet you."
The small delegation walked down a red carpet between the serried ranks, at one point a squadron of silver fighters roaring over at low level trailing colored smoke. They were laying it on thick, pulling out all the ceremony worthy of a full state visit and clearly aimed to impress and awe the EA diplomats. It was definitely an impressive display and told Sheridan they were taking it seriously. That was a good sign.
"What do you think of our battlemechs, Mr. Sheridan?" Hanse followed his guest's gaze. "This is the unit I serve with, the Third Guards, you won't find finer Mechwarriors anywhere in the galaxy."
"They make a fine impression, Highness." David could say that with certainty, the sheer level of weaponry on the assorted vehicles demanding respect. "Do they see much combat?"
"Frequently, I'm afraid we live in turbulent times, Mr. Sheridan."
The party arrived at the motorcade of vehicles, Hanse and Sheridan taking the lead vehicle with the various aides and assistants picking one of the following vehicles. The limo was appropriately luxurious and virtually silent as it began to move. David also noted the thickness of the windows and heaviness of the doors indicating these vehicles could probably survive a tank hit.
"I hope you didn't mind the spectacle Mr. Sheridan." Hanse seemed to relax somewhat outside the media glare. "Events like these are important, our people need to see their leaders at work, to observe that we are working for them, instead of simply ruling over them."
"Do you usually roll out the red carpet like that for diplomatic events?" David asked.
"Sometimes, but not much lately." Hanse answered honestly. "Your case is a special one, Colonel Wolf's report made for interesting reading."
"I sense we'll have a long chat when we arrive at the castle." David steeled himself for it. "Is it an actual castle, by the way?"
"Oh yes, just like you see in books." Hanse broke a grin. "The founders of this world had a very specific vision, one my early ancestors were happy to indulge. We'll pass through the old city soon, see what you think."
It definitely followed a theme, the relatively modern looking buildings slowly changing to appear far more medieval, or more specifically an interpretation of medieval. To Sheridan's eyes, it looked a lot like the fairy tale district on Disney Planet.
"This is still quite a desirable place to live, but it definitely has a quaint character." Hanse related. "The rest of the city isn't so themed, I suspect it was designed to reflect old European cities. A connection with home."
The line of cars snaked through the streets, everything immaculately clean and much of the route lined with waving and cheering people. Sheridan watched them closely trying to figure out if the crowds were genuine or hired to make the leadership look popular. It was difficult to say for sure, but they did seem pretty genuine.
They passed through the government district and took to a winding mountain road which eventually led to the Royal Palace itself sitting upon the rocks of Mount Davion. It wasn't quite so fairy tale looking as some old European castles, but it definitely looked out of place and artificial. It was a strange contradiction, all of this faux medieval architecture was fake, an attempt to claim something which never existed, to embrace an ideal which was as made up as the quaint town houses. And yet it was all so sincere, they really had claimed this style for their own and proudly showed it off. It might have been built as a substitute for some missing original identity, or as a whim of whoever first landed here, but now it had become real. They weren't kings who had made castles, they had made the castles first and then became kings to do those buildings justice.
The motorcade pulled up ahead of the main entrance to the grand castle, more ranks of exquisitely turned out guardsmen assembled on either side of the tall wooden doors. Attendants opened the doors for the passengers so they wouldn't need to actually do anything for themselves, and then walked ahead of the party as guides into the great hall itself. Hanse and Sheridan were again at the lead walking side by side, the Earth diplomat smart in his best suit, but still looking rather plain beside the regalia of the young Prince.
The Great Hall was of course living up to its name, glittering chandeliers hung from above, while the walls were decked out with red banners carrying the sword and sunburst iconography of the nation. Hundreds of people were in the hall clustered left and right, leaving a path straight down the middle toward the far end of the hall, which was dominated by tall windows commanding breathtaking views. Before those windows, basking in the sunlight, was the throne of the First Prince.
Sheridan was no stranger to this world, he had learned much of his trade walking the Royal Court of the Centauri Republic, even meeting the Emperor once in the years soon after the rise of the Narn. To prepare for that, he had visited the last vestiges of royalty on Earth, the courts of Europe and East Asia that still had some figurehead monarchs and maintained the ancient traditions and etiquette. He gambled not much would be different here, follow the etiquette and let the royals take the lead.
Hanse and Sheridan halted several paces before the throne, the very well dressed man seated within it still looking rather young to Sheridan's eyes, but certainly had a resemblance to the young Prince at his side, albeit a rather broad and imposing presence.
"Your Majesty." Hanse stepped forward and raised his voice. "Might I introduce to the Court David Sheridan, Secretary of Foreign Affairs to the Earth Alliance and Head of their Diplomatic Service."
Both bowed upon the introduction, the man on the throne nodding and raising his hand.
"Hail and well met, Mr Sheridan. Please, arise."
He did so, the young ruler standing and raising a hand.
"On the behalf of the Federated Suns I, First Prince Ian Davion, bid you and your companions a warm welcome. I offer you the hospitality of my house in friendship."
He stepped down from the throne and walked toward Sheridan, by pre-arranged cue a waiter trotted over with two crystal glasses of pale pink liquid. Ian came to a halt in front of Sheridan and took one glass, David taking the second.
"To your good health and fortune Mr. Sheridan."
"And to yours First Prince."
Both drained their glasses, the alcohol within ridiculously expensive tasting, then replaced their glasses.
"And that's the formalities done, come on Mr. Sheridan, let's go try the vol au vents."
With a nod from Hanse a string orchestra began to play some gentle music, letting the room know the ceremony was complete and the networking could begin. Ian led Sheridan and his group up closer to the throne and had them gather around.
"I think introductions are in order, you've met my brother of course." Ian began pointing to his small gathering circle. "Do you know Colonel Wolf?"
"Only by reputation." Sheridan nodded to the mercenary commander, who returned the gesture. "But the President wanted to thank you again for lining all this up."
"All part of the service." Jaime Wolf waved the compliment away.
"And The Duchess Yvonne." He gestured over a stony faced woman who gave the arrivals a curt assessing look before extending her hand.
"Charmed." David took her hand as was custom. "If I may your Majesty?" He gestured to his staff.
"Of course."
"My two aides, Mr. Nigel Morrison and Miss Glenda Mayweather."
His two well dressed middle aged associates bowed. He didn't clarify that Morrison was a telepath tied to the diplomatic office and Mayweather was an analyst with the EIA.
"Welcome to you both." Ian tilted a glass in their direction. "Well then, lets get to it, I hear you have warships?"
Sheridan noted Hanse recoiling ever so slightly at the bluntness of the question. He was beginning to build a picture of these people, the analytical Yvonne, the carefully observant Hanse, and the forward First Prince himself. He got the impression Hanse wanted to be far more subtle with the questioning, as did the others no doubt, but Ian didn't appear to have much in the way of patience.
"That is true Majesty, though we are very conservative in their use."
"I expect so." Ian nodded a little. "Anyone possessing that sort of power would guard it jealously. Have you had cause to use it?"
"We have used them to break the pirates of Tortuga." Sheridan answered honestly. "As I am sure Colonel Wolf has reported."
"He did, I just wanted to make sure we were all on the same page." Ian sipped from his expensive glass. "As best we know you own the only warships left. At least the only ones we know."
"I am a little surprised Majesty, my government had no idea they were so rare."
"Well they are, and you owning a few makes you a very interesting prospect. Very interesting indeed." Ian weighed him up. "Your worlds are out in the deep periphery then?"
"Yes Majesty."
"And you've been out there since before the age of war?" He frowned. "Hell of a long time."
"My last contact with Earth was the year 2248." Sheridan said completely truthfully.
"Hell of a long time ago. How far out are you?"
"We've recently settled a place called Cooperland, it's about six hundred light-years from our core colonies." Again true, it was about six hundred light-years from Proxima, Beta Durani and the other core Alliance worlds. And also an entire reality.
"Fascinating." Ian shook his head. "So you missed all of it? The Age of War, the Star League, all the Succession Wars?"
"Yes Majesty, all of it."
"Incredible."
"Which also means you seem to have missed the evolution of the Battlemech, and the Ares Accords." Jaime Wolf remarked. "That is true, isn't it?"
"It is." There was no point denying it, Wolf had picked up enough to guess that Earth Force was a novice when it came to mech warfare. "Our armies have always been satisfied with their existing doctrines."
"They were professional." Wolf agreed. "Well trained, disciplined and courageous. Good soldiers."
"That's high praise from Colonel Wolf." Ian noted with approval. "So you've taken Tortuga? Broken those pirates at last?"
"We're working on it Majesty, two planets down and four to go."
"Your intention is to keep them?"
"We have a responsibility to do so, if we left there's a good chance it would slip back into anarchy and banditry again." Sheridan reasoned. "We can't let that happen."
"A noble enough ideal." Ian agreed. "And because we are now neighbors you thought it best to make contact and make sure everything is smooth between us?"
"That would be correct Majesty."
"Then I think we can come to an accord." Ian laughed a little. "No need to be so staid, Mr. Sheridan, I have no real interest in the periphery. My concern is the ancestral enemies of my house and reclaiming our rightful worlds held by those old rivals. I'm content to recognize your ownership of Tortuga provided you respect my borders in turn."
"That will be an easy deal to make, Majesty."
"One question though," Ian addressed. "Why the Earth Alliance? You're a long way from Terra."
"Yes, but it's never far from our hearts, and we honor it by keeping the name."
"A fair answer, I suppose it is a light that burns within us all." Ian seemed satisfied by that.
"Your army had recent combat experience." Wolf raised again. "Who were you fighting out beyond the periphery?"
"Not an enemy anyone here would know." Sheridan answered carefully.
"So your General said too, but I'd like to know." Wolf pressed. "And I'd like to know if there's a danger to us. Whoever it was had their own warships, correct?"
"Correct." Sheridan stepped carefully. "They are gone now, there's no trace of them left and we've had no contact for almost a year. But if you are wondering if this war is what prompted us to start becoming involved in local affairs, I suppose it did."
"If they are gone, then why not share more about them?" Hanse wondered.
"In time and with growing trust we will." Sheridan promised. "But I can promise there's no threat anymore. It cost us a heavy price, but that war is over."
"It's a tale I'd like to hear." Hanse regarded the diplomat. "But I can wait."
One of the uniformed officers mingling through the crowd walked up to Ian and whispered something in his ear, the First Prince nodding.
"If you'll excuse me for a moment I have something to attend to, the trials of state." He rolled his eyes. "I shan't be long."
The First Prince vanished into the crowd, Hanse stepping in closer to David Sheridan.
"I should apologies for, well, for all of this." The young man sighed. "If it was up to me, I would have handled this quietly, no grand parade, no news teams, just a little conference in a little room. But that is not the way my brother is, he is a great man but not a subtle man."
"He does seem larger than life." Sheridan related his own impressions.
Hanse steered Sheridan to a more quiet corner of the hall.
"Have you heard the phrase that war is politics by other means? My brother also believes the opposite is true, that politics may as well be warfare. It's understandable, but my brother's strategies in war are similar to his politics. All out frontal assault."
"I got that impression." Sheridan smiled. "But you think differently?"
"I think that it would have been better for both of us if your existence was less well known. By this time tomorrow, each of the great powers will know there is a new periphery nation, and the odds are good somebody in that room overheard the word warship. It won't take much for them to put two and two together."
"Which could be a problem for us." Sheridan considered.
"My brother is a man of his word, he won't make war on you, but he also won't defend you unless it serves our greater purpose." Hanse informed. "I would like to see strengthened relations with the periphery. You are on our border and I'd prefer you were in our sphere of influence rather than that of our enemies."
"My government is interested in developing relations beyond the cordial." Sheridan affirmed. "We have a list of possible trade goods, and I am authorized to negotiate non-aggression pacts."
"That might be a good first step." Hanse agreed. "I am sure you understand our position in this, we don't know you well and you clearly have secrets and an agenda, but it is in the interests of the Federated Suns to keep our periphery borders secure. If the Dragon was to make terms with you to base several regiments in Tortuga, that would be to our disadvantage."
"My President is very keen on remaining neutral."
"It's a safe option, but circumstances may not permit it forever." Hanse cautioned. "You have something that others may seek to leverage to their own advantage. Warships."
"If they want to take our ships, they'll find it easier said than done."
That brought a small smile of appreciation to Hanse. "Good, but if they can't bring you on side, they might try to destroy those ships, or your whole nation. My brother is content to leave you alone, but he is fairly unique in that respect. Draconis and the Capellans are far more likely to use all the tools at their disposal to bring you into their sphere of influence."
"My President has decided to open diplomatic relations with each major power, to avoid any appearance of favoritism."
"It's logical, but you may find many of the people you end up dealing with are far from logical." Hanse suggested. "I won't stop you of course, but I do urge caution. The Steiners and Mariks, you can likely approach as you did with us. But the Liaos and Kuritas, approach from a position of strength. They won't respect someone who just wants to be left neutral."
"Thank you for the insight, Highness. Do you have any dossiers we could use on the other houses? Nothing confidential, just up to date useful information?"
"I think Yvonne can round something up." Hanse glanced over. "I need to go speak with my brother, will you excuse me?"
"Of course Highness." Sheridan inclined his head. "And thanks for the advice."
"It's in my best interest too." Hanse nodded back. "Perhaps I can read that list of trade goods when we return?"
Hanse weaved through the crowd to find his brother in conversation with Precenter Huthrin Vandel, Comstar's representative on the planet and pretty much the last person he should be chatting with.
"Sorry to interrupt." Hanse absolutely was not. "I just need to borrow the First Prince."
Vandel looked like he might object, but wisely deferred to the royals with a short bow. "I look forward to continuing this conversation later, Majesty."
Hanse led his brother aside, Ian offering his younger sibling an amused look.
"What happened, trouble?"
"Vandel is always trouble, fifty pounds says he wanted to talk about warships."
"That's an easy wager and you know it. I dodged his questions, you might be the brains of the family, but I'm not a complete fool."
"Only an idiot would underestimate you." Hanse smiled. "I think we have an opportunity."
"You believe this new nation can be trusted?"
"I don't know yet, but trust isn't the key factor here brother, positioning is, and we must ensure a strong position."
"Their man Sheridan seems nice and honest enough." Ian assessed.
"A man doesn't gain that level of power and responsibility by being nice." Hanse shook his head. "He has the attitude of a small town bank manager but he is sharp witted, he hasn't given us anything we couldn't already figure out from Colonel Wolf's reports."
"So what does he really want then?"
"I think he genuinely does want good relations, and I don't think he is an enemy." Hanse drew his conclusions. "He's spoken about opening relations with the other houses too, they really are coming into this game blind."
"Does it suit us?"
"It does, better to keep his people neutral with the long term goal of allying." Hanse reasoned. "It will help your objectives too, the more friends we have, the better it will be when we reclaim what is ours."
"It will be brother, it will." Ian grinned widely. "So we make friends, then what?"
"They want to talk trade, it's worth a look, there might be something useful to us." Hanse took a moment. "But I don't think they are being fully honest about this war they were fighting. I think it hurt them a lot more than they are admitting. Wolf thought they were fighting a superior opponent, they'd taken damage to their warships and their army was well trained but skewed young. I don't think they are returning to these regions by their own free will."
"Which gives us leverage?"
"It does, but we should play it carefully. I don't think we need to apply much pressure here and we don't want them jumping in with our enemies if we drive them off. We should be welcoming, amenable."
"Is this one of those times it is better to use honey instead of vinegar?"
"I think so." Hanse nodded. "We need to learn a lot more about what is happening out on the periphery. It may have significant consequences for our long term objectives."
