Shades of the Past

[@Pokemon Master Red]

"Mmmmm...Starclan...I believe we heard a few things about them while we were stationed at Duppin. They predated our arrival to this dimension though, so any information we'd have is limited." Jane said, before a different hologram, this one male, said,"Those three you mentioned, they weren't special forces. We checked when we got back, after we learned their names. In fact, they weren't registered in any part of the armed forces, or any sector of government. We don't know where they got Contingent Piloting Training, much less for a Conman. It brings up...Disturbing questions about how they were able to."

[Nisorin]

The Shade looks at him quite seriously. "This one believes you have a leak. But that is not why this one is here. This one wishes to speak of alliances for the coming conflicts."

[@Pokemon Master Red]

"Yeah, we figure as much. No other way they'd be getting contingents...Either they're leaking the schematics or the machines themselves. As for a allience, the Empire of Reloria has not shown to be our foes." The male answered, lazily laying upside down in the air. "A strengthened bond between our nations can only benefit both our people. What terms were you going to propose?"

[Nisorin]

The shade pauses. "Before this one continues it must verify that you understand this is not an alliance request from the Relorian Empire. It is the splinter group, the Sons of Plunder, seeking the alliance."

[@Pokemon Master Red]

"Am I correct in presuming that both parties are allied with one another to a degree, and that they both work with one another towards common goals?" The female's hologram said, a small smile appearing on her head. Her irises appeared to turn red for a instant, but them returned to blue. "Truth be told, we don't know Plunder. You never did explain much about 'em, after all. But we do know the Relorians. 'The friend of my friend is not my enemy'. It will be easiest to convince the rest of the Harmony sector, assuming they protest, with a gamble that this improves relations with another ally. If we lose the gamble that Reloria grows closer, well, we don't lose anything because there isn't any reason for them to express distaste, and if nothing else we've got you all as allies, if that all makes sense."

[Nisorin]

The shade muses. "When it is mutually beneficial, the Relorians will be counted as allies, but if they leave the Sons no recourse, we will also see them as foes, if need be. Needless to say, the Sons would rather not fight their kin, but their ultimate goals are more important. The current Relorian Empire is now led by two people. A Sierrensa monk named Archimand, and a summoner/witch named Apella. This one will be conducting diplomatic talks with them once this talk has finished."

[@Pokemon Master Red]

OOC:Gack, didn't see this post...

"A monk and a summoner? I would presume that odd, but as long as we stayed upon Duppin I dont think I ever really understood much of the Relorian's magical prowess. Ah, but we'd best not get too far sidetracked, however...You spoke of coming conflicts, after all? Are there any you are aware of, as present?"

[Nisorin]

"There are many conflicts going on, the least of which is this, 'Excel Tournament's' revival. Some will be caused by the reactions to some Plunder activities, such as operating a little too close to empires, now that False Heaven has fallen. My crafters' first order of business, of course, is to find a home for their group. That in and of itself is likely to spark at least one battle. There are also likely some remnants of those who supported the original Starclan regime who will likely try and attack the Sons of Plunder in retaliation for the takeover all those years ago." It explains, 'idly' projecting a 3D holographic image of Archimand and Apella standing side-by-side in its hand.

[@Pokemon Master Red]

"Hmm...If you are in need of a temporary home while you search for a more permanent one, once negotiations have ended I'm certain one of us can arrange for your group to be given asylum, probably in one of the space stations orbiting Frezzi. As far as conflicts of interest concerning those matters, there shouldn't be any troubles with providing aid if needed, as long as it doesn't spread our fleet or resources too thin of course. If you dont mind me asking, what sort of operations would Plunder be conducting that would lead to such hostility?"

[Nisorin]

The shade nods. "That would be more than adequate, for the time being. Also, worst case scenario the Sons may be forced to enact a hostile takeover, though they would prefer if they would not have to go to such lengths. As this one said, there are those out there who would start a conflict without provocation, citing revenge for an act that happened nearly twenty years ago. The Sons are also looking to have select Embodiments replaced, which can create its own conflicts, not just between said Embodiment but with that one's followers as well."

[@Pokemon Master Red]

"Twenty years, eh? Well, I've heard of longer grudges, to be honest. Only downside to prolonging one's life to the point they never grow old, far as I can recall...They forget how to grow wiser with their age, never let things go." She said solemnly, before she frowned at trying to analyze the next part of the conversation, finding that she didn't understand the context. "And. . .Embodiments? I must apologize, its usually our job description to remain informed of this type of thing. Im afraid Embodiment, at least in this context, is something I dont know about. Would you mind explaining?"

[Nisorin]

It sighs. "The various natural forces in Existence are governed and kept in check by beings called Embodiments. They exist on a slightly higher level than mortals, Sages and the like, in that only one can exist for each domain, with exceptions, and that they have absolute control over their domain. Their duties are to keep their forces under control, thus maintaining the balance required to upkeep an Existence as large and complex as this one. However, many Embodiments have become rather lax in their duties, involving themselves instead in mortal affairs. While normally this is fine, when it becomes detrimental to their duty it is unacceptable."

[@Pokemon Master Red]

"How have these Embodiments been failing in their duties?" A different male said, this hologram sitting upsidedown on the ceiling the entire time, his long purple hair falling towards the floor. "Is there something in particular they've done, or haven't done that they need to...? Or is it just kind of a long blundering myriad of failures that are individually not terrible but altogether say 'es gotta go?"

[Nisorin]

It looks to him, staring expressionlessly. "All of the above. Most of the Embodiments act individually or in small groups of two or three. Different Embodiments have different specific duties depending on their domain, and different Embodiments have failed in different degrees and ways." It says, looking around them. "My creators are still investigating the identities and actions of many Embodiments, it is likely to be a lengthy search."

[@Pokemon Master Red]

"If these are such powerful forces, how would you go about replacing them? Control who it is that is the, well, replacement?"

[Nisorin]

"For now, the only method is to destroy the current Embodiment. If it has named an heir, it will go to the heir. If not, then the domain will be available for others to take on, should they be able to handle the stress of the transformation. My creators are also researching certain rituals that will enable one to strip the Embodiment of it's Embodiment status and bestow it upon the ritualist." It says, looking around at them all. "Does the Mechera wish to ally with the Sons of Plunder? They will not ask you to fight the Embodiments themselves, instead they only ask you help keep the Empires from wiping them out before they can get their plans rolling."

[@Pokemon Master Red]

They all just look at him for a few seconds as their irises slowly shifted from blue to green, before beginning to snicker at his words before turning fully into laughter. Eventually, the female spoke up as they got it under control, saying,"I,*snerk*, I do apologize, I really do. You must not know quite very much about how the Empire treats its allies. You honestly wouldn't HAVE to ask, for either of those. We look after our friends, just as we'd expect our friends to look after us when able. Honestly we're a tad lax about alliance negotiations, heheh, we dont really see much need to state the obvious. And if you would like some aid with these 'Embodiment' people...We have many spare bodies for our soldiers. Honestly, if you'd like some help once you're on your feet with this, just let us know and, barring preventive circumstances, we should be able to provide support. And to answer your question, the Empire would be happy to ally with your organization. Oh, uhm, if you wouldn't mind giving one of us a way to contact Plunder, we'll need to be able to let you know when we've arranged for that temporary base of operations we mentioned. Is there anything else you'd like to negotiate as part of this alliance?"

[Nisorin]

The shadow shakes its head. "This is all that this one is capable of explaining. This one will relay your message to its creator, and leave behind a small, sponge-like stone. Merely squeeze it when you wish to contact the Sons." It says, before is body suddenly collapses in on itself, leaving said stone on the floor.