Hi, I'm new to the site so apologies if my formatting is wrong. This is my first proper go at fan fiction in a while, any comments are appreciated. Its just a prologue to a story swimming about in my head.
Year 2152. Voltarce, a planet that crossed the bridge into warp drive 10 years ago had avoided space faring far outside its own system. As a species they would be described as human like, notable though for their lack of hair. Two months ago a plague took hold in one of its major population centers and from there had spread to half the planet. Even as the shuttle arrived riots could be seen from the viewport. While the scientists worked on a cure, their military was at breaking point
The black of space faded to a pale blue. The earth shuttle, a stubby looking beast, sacrificing elegance for pragmatism, continued its descent planetfall. The silver hue of the hull turned to flame and the shuttle bucked and shook with violent throes.
'Don't worry, Captain. Just a bit of turbulence, stabilizers are shot in this wind' The pilot was a stocky man, illuminations of the flashing console lights betrayed his scar ravaged face.
His common demeanor to the captain was not one he cared for, but the pilot was right, he was nervous. Not because of the turbulence, in truth he would take it over the smoothest of transporter 'rides'. His thoughts weighted heavily on the impending mission, it was his chance to confirm his recent promotion, to silence his critics, first contact.
The shuttles descent halted as it touched upon a palace landing pad. The palace itself, as well as the surrounding urban environment, was reminiscent of 18th century Gothic architecture, the spires extruding skyward so high that the peak was indistinguishable. Stone carvings of mythic beasts from their folklore stood guard at the grand, arcing, door.
From within exited the planets ambassador and a retinue of well dress nobleman, accompanied by symbolic guard, approached the shuttle entrance with all the pomp and ceremony they could offer earths own ambassador and his XO.
'Captain Hood, welcome to Voltarce'. The captain restrained from offering a smile at the warm welcome, preferring instead to maintain an unnaturally cold demeanor.
'Ambassador, I'm ready to speak directly to the council, shall we begin?' Already pacing towards the entrance, Hood's tone suggested he meant it more as a statement than a question.
The Ambassador turned and tried to keep up 'Of course captain, everything has been prepared, once you've addressed the council we shall sign this historic agreement, and then...'
'...all in good time' Hood interjected. His old captain would approve of the cold persona his successor had adopted. Captain Harkin was never one for 'diplomacy'.
The grand winding corridors led to a packed auditorium of noblemen, politicians, dignitaries, the most influential men in Voltarce society. The hall itself was massive and felt almost ecclesiastic with its tall roof and its precision carved stone.
Hood and First Officer Greave took their positions to the side of the stage as the Ambassador stepped up to the podium to begin his speech.
'Countrymen, today is an historic day, for so long we have struggled...'
Hood and Greave looked on.
'How long does a voltarce speech last for?' Hood whispered to his first officer.
'Their culture has a tradition of verbose speechcrafting. Needs less art and more matter, eh' The captain appreciated Greaves' Shakespearean reference in the current setting.
'
I wonder what William would have to say about my speech'
Quick as whip Greaves replied 'He'd say that with devotions visage and pious action, you do sugar o'er the devil himself'
The captain let out a smile, the first since landing.
The ambassador was winding up his speech with patriotic cliches, Hood scrolled his hands up and down his uniform, ruffling out any creases and adjusting his belt to look every bit the captain and statesman.
'And so it is with great honour we welcome earths own ambassador, Captain Edward Hood'
The captain confidently approached the center stage and grasped each side of the podium firmly.
'The plague that stalks your lands, kills your family and has scared citizens baying for blood at the palace gate, can be cured by us.' The audience rippled with murmurs.
'This cure comes at a price though. In return for your salvation we require you to sign an historic treaty that will bind you to us, forever. We demand that you surrender your sovereignty and swear allegiance, as a vassal, to the Terran Empire' What was a ripple became a wave, some shouted insults, others applauded loudly.
Unaffected by their reaction Hood continued 'You fine, noble, gentleman can either accept our hospitable offer or we will open the palace gates to the mob, who may be more forthcoming'. That got their attention.
'Here, today, is the beginning of a new chapter in Voltarces history. Where you will serve the Emperor as we do, and in glorious battle you will pay the debt you eternally owe him.' The captain smiled for a second time, this time with a smattering of pride.
'Long live the empire' As Captain Hood snapped off a salute, one by one, the crowd eventually followed suit. Another victory for the empire, another captain gets his stripes.
Year 2152. Voltarce, a planet that crossed the bridge into warp drive 10 years ago had avoided space faring far outside its own system. As a species they would be described as human like, notable though for their lack of hair. Two months ago a plague took hold in one of its major population centers and from there had spread to half the planet. Even as the shuttle arrived riots could be seen from the viewport. While the scientists worked on a cure, their military was at breaking point
The black of space faded to a pale blue. The earth shuttle, a stubby looking beast, sacrificing elegance for pragmatism, continued its descent planetfall. The silver hue of the hull turned to flame and the shuttle bucked and shook with violent throes.
'Don't worry, Captain. Just a bit of turbulence, stabilizers are shot in this wind' The pilot was a stocky man, illuminations of the flashing console lights betrayed his scar ravaged face.
His common demeanor to the captain was not one he cared for, but the pilot was right, he was nervous. Not because of the turbulence, in truth he would take it over the smoothest of transporter 'rides'. His thoughts weighted heavily on the impending mission, it was his chance to confirm his recent promotion, to silence his critics, first contact.
The shuttles descent halted as it touched upon a palace landing pad. The palace itself, as well as the surrounding urban environment, was reminiscent of 18th century Gothic architecture, the spires extruding skyward so high that the peak was indistinguishable. Stone carvings of mythic beasts from their folklore stood guard at the grand, arcing, door.
From within exited the planets ambassador and a retinue of well dress nobleman, accompanied by symbolic guard, approached the shuttle entrance with all the pomp and ceremony they could offer earths own ambassador and his XO.
'Captain Hood, welcome to Voltarce'. The captain restrained from offering a smile at the warm welcome, preferring instead to maintain an unnaturally cold demeanor.
'Ambassador, I'm ready to speak directly to the council, shall we begin?' Already pacing towards the entrance, Hood's tone suggested he meant it more as a statement than a question.
The Ambassador turned and tried to keep up 'Of course captain, everything has been prepared, once you've addressed the council we shall sign this historic agreement, and then...'
'...all in good time' Hood interjected. His old captain would approve of the cold persona his successor had adopted. Captain Harkin was never one for 'diplomacy'.
The grand winding corridors led to a packed auditorium of noblemen, politicians, dignitaries, the most influential men in Voltarce society. The hall itself was massive and felt almost ecclesiastic with its tall roof and its precision carved stone.
Hood and First Officer Greave took their positions to the side of the stage as the Ambassador stepped up to the podium to begin his speech.
'Countrymen, today is an historic day, for so long we have struggled...'
Hood and Greave looked on.
'How long does a voltarce speech last for?' Hood whispered to his first officer.
'Their culture has a tradition of verbose speechcrafting. Needs less art and more matter, eh' The captain appreciated Greaves' Shakespearean reference in the current setting.
'
I wonder what William would have to say about my speech'
Quick as whip Greaves replied 'He'd say that with devotions visage and pious action, you do sugar o'er the devil himself'
The captain let out a smile, the first since landing.
The ambassador was winding up his speech with patriotic cliches, Hood scrolled his hands up and down his uniform, ruffling out any creases and adjusting his belt to look every bit the captain and statesman.
'And so it is with great honour we welcome earths own ambassador, Captain Edward Hood'
The captain confidently approached the center stage and grasped each side of the podium firmly.
'The plague that stalks your lands, kills your family and has scared citizens baying for blood at the palace gate, can be cured by us.' The audience rippled with murmurs.
'This cure comes at a price though. In return for your salvation we require you to sign an historic treaty that will bind you to us, forever. We demand that you surrender your sovereignty and swear allegiance, as a vassal, to the Terran Empire' What was a ripple became a wave, some shouted insults, others applauded loudly.
Unaffected by their reaction Hood continued 'You fine, noble, gentleman can either accept our hospitable offer or we will open the palace gates to the mob, who may be more forthcoming'. That got their attention.
'Here, today, is the beginning of a new chapter in Voltarces history. Where you will serve the Emperor as we do, and in glorious battle you will pay the debt you eternally owe him.' The captain smiled for a second time, this time with a smattering of pride.
'Long live the empire' As Captain Hood snapped off a salute, one by one, the crowd eventually followed suit. Another victory for the empire, another captain gets his stripes.
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