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"This is Cideh Rhistar from Terran Galactic News reporting live from Yeuslor conference center. Where just behind me, hundreds of planetary representatives have been speedily gathering for what many are calling 'a worrying display.' "
"Speculation is abroad as the Union navy has been seen docking at varying stations, gathering both supplies and reservists, sending the market in a panic as many try to capitalize on the sudden mass requisitions from the navy."
"Many speculate that a new pirate lord has arisen and taken control of large swaths of border colonies as the navy is reportedly moving in such a direction. Others are not so convinced, citing the utter destruction the previous pirate lords suffered at the hands of both Admiral Eric Miles of the seventh fleet and as well as Admiral Arav Gale of the fifth fleet."
"As the navy leaves for the border colonies for unknown reasons, and the President hours away from his grand unveil. As he calls it. One thing is certain, it will-"
"Well, your news lady sure is wrong with what's happening." Ankiah replied, slipping a blue strap over her shoulder.
Michael shifted as he finished donning his dress uniform and adjusted his arm cuffs. "Ehh... It's a good guess. With the navy suddenly hauling ass to the borders, it makes sense as to why the President wants to skip the ceremony and swap to a speech."
"It does seem a bit rushed. Perhaps it is connected to the data slate we handed over to the Fleet Admiral."
Srettia was fuming as she fumbled with the buttons connecting her dress to the ribbons around her tail, cursing the fact that Ankiah was able to slip into her dress so easily. "This garb is quite the annoyance. Are you sure the fabricator got this cursed dress correct? This thing won't... Never mind, I got it."
After inspecting her blue dress, having to double-check the leg slit came up to her thigh properly. Ankiah walked over to the fumbling female, deciding to review the display she was holding in an effort to make sure Srettia had put her traditional garb on correctly. What she came upon was the tail ribbons, which were currently sliding off her tail and onto the floor.
"Are... How are they supposed to stay wrapped onto your tail? I mean, it's neat they wrap around and zig-zag about like that, but... Do we have to glue them on?"
"No, they have little hooks along the sides that dig into my scales. I supposed I am to have someone attach them for me. If you don't mind, that is." Srettia corrected, reading up on the proper way to wear her tail ribbons.
"Well, this dress is certainly pretty. The black..green? Goes well with your scales. It's neat they tie in the chains around your horns too." Ankiah replied, finishing up the tail ribbons.
"Yeah? Well, you can have them. They're throwing off my balance. Why the hell do I need so many chains around my horns in the first place? Who came up with that!?" Srettia exclaimed, annoyed at the sheer amount of work needed to put her outfit on. "I miss my miner suit."
"I'm surprised your people use gold the same way we do." Michael replied from behind a separator screen. "I can't wait to see it."
"It is rather curious. Perhaps it was a rare commodity?"
Ankiah finished buttoning the dress around the base of Srettias tail and stepped back."I think she looks like a princess. You definitely look like an important person."
Srettia stepped in front of the mirror and observed her two-piece dress and traditional head jewelry. "Maybe, I wouldn't know... My head feels heavy, my tail is stiff, and it's hard to move. This sucks."
Ankiah twirled around in her blue dress and smiled at the distressed diplomat. "That's fashion for ya. But just look at you. You're absolutely gorgeous."
Srettia looked at herself in the mirror and gave an objective look at her hated dress. She had to admit. It was slim with two knee-high slits, her tail poked comfortably out the back and had two gold-lined ribbons flow out from her dress down her tail. It was kind of cute. Her top covered her scales properly but let her trim belly be seen. Which made her thankful for the workouts she had been joining Michael on for the last month. It was the damnable chains she didn't like. Three across and one hanging down to her neck from each horn. It felt weird how they crossed behind her nape and came around to the front, where a green gem connected them.
"I wish I could just slip on a sexy blue dress as you did." Srettia complained, watching Ankiah comb her tail.
"I would not want to anger Chrarada by deviating from her recommendation."
Srettia nodded and went back to looking at herself in the mirror. "Yeah, I just don't like how stiff this stuff makes me."
Michael finished setting his medals and nodded to himself in the mirror. Taking a long look at himself, he realized he didn't really recognize the man standing in front of him. "It feels like it's been a lifetime. I mean, when I signed up to be a pilot. I just wanted to fly fighter crafts and test new engines."
"You're telling me, it feels like yesterday I was cursing my luck at being a poor miner girl. Now I'm a diplomat for my people and about to go onto the galactic stage in front of an entire alien species?" Srettia replied, turning around to inspect her behind.
Ankiah stood and thrust her arm out into the air. "Well, I for one, enjoy getting to dress up and rub shoulders with alien politicians. When I get home, everyone will be trying to kiss my hand and comb my tail. This city girl is definitely going to rub shoulders with the great ones. Oh, I hope I'll be able to meet Feinnich. His recent series about that big burly warrior baker is so fun."
"Interesting. Is combing one's tail considered flattery?"
Ankiah laughed and kicked at the floor. "Oh, no. The only people I would let comb my tail is Antigone or Srettia."
Michael finished up and grabbed his dress hat, turning to the blue room separator as he fit the cap properly onto his head. "Well. I guess girls will be girls regardless of species... Are you ladies done yet?"
The story has been taken without consent; if you see it on Amazon, report the incident.
Srettia nodded to herself in the mirror and took a step back. "I think so. Not much else I can do right now."
"You should have accepted help from the maids Adelyn supplied."
"The only one allowed to see me naked is Michael and Ankiah. And only because Ankiah shared our bed." Srettia huffed in annoyance, remembering her last item and slipping on her toe rings. "Done!"
Ankiah took a step back and threw her hands up in the air. "Hey now, I haven't seen your nipples yet. That doesn't count as seeing you naked."
Srettia cocked her head and immediately regretted it as the weight pulled her more to the side than she would have liked. "I don't have nipples."
Ankiah froze and put her hands on her hips in thought. "Then... What's with the chest cover you wear to sleep? Seems kinda dumb."
"That's easy. I have a particular set of scales on my chest. They're very sensitive to vibrations. If I remember correctly, they were an evolutionary leftover from when we used to sense prey while deep within the sand. Pretty sure it's how we hunted and stuff. Now well. They're kind of used for stuff... You know.."
Ankiah simply stood still and slowly nodded her head in understanding. "Ahh. That makes sense. Alright, we're done. Let's go!"
Michael walked over to Yriphayen and bent down. "Hey, pal. Girls are done. Time to wake up."
Letting out a chime of annoyance with a slight bit of anger, Yirphayen paused its rest cycle and quickly took the form of a perfect diamond. Colours quickly began to beautifully cascade down from its top, slowly trickling their way to its bottom in a dizzying pattern. "I am ready."
Srettia watched the act and huffed in annoyance. "That's unfair."
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Union President Roman Arbourt Stood proudly at the podium as he looked out towards the upset union representatives. Deciding not to tell any of the leaders as to why he issued a mandatory summons, he figured that the ones who weren't angry would be terrified and attempted to put on his best smile.
Looking around the dimly lit room, Roman watched as workers rushed to finalize the setup. He was rather happy to find the space in good upkeep even though it had not been used in decades due to various reasons, not of his control.
Raising his hands, President Arbourt looked out to the gathered representatives as a quiet slowly came about. "Please. Calm yourselves. I promise. Though, I cannot say anything currently due to security reasons. Nothing terrible is happening yet, and we're all safe. In fact... I think you'll find today will be one of future celebration."
Looking around the room as sounds of relief began to become the norm, President Arbourt continued. "Before we begin and introduce the press to the room. Does anyone have anything they wish to share before we begin the conference?"
"Representative Zasad Shune of Margaux has the floor." A voice chimed through the hall.
The dark-skinned man immediately stepped forward and threw a picture up on the center display. "A few days ago, our observation posts detected a mass of graviton disruptions capable of bypassing our gravity spikes. This unknown distortion has my people worried, and I am requesting an official Navy investigation into this stellar phenomena."
Many echoed his sentiments, and the President fought to hold back his smile. "Your answer will be given today. People with the same question should be able to understand what it means for the future of our people shortly. Any other questions?"
"Representative Vevb Mernezen of Selden has the floor." The voice echoed once again.
"Tell me, Mr. President. Why did the Union Navy stop by my planet's orbital station and requisition mass and reservists if we're safe?"
President Roman Arbourt looked to Admiral Ewart and nodded. "I will answer that when the press arrives. But to say it is a matter of security would not be a lie. Any other questions."
Silence came over the room as the Representatives realized the oddity of the situation, most coming to understand they wouldn't get a straight answer until during or after the conference. Nodding, Roman alerted the guards to allow the press access to the building and waited. "The press have access. I would like to ask everyone to remain calm as the information is released. I will get started once the camera drones are set up and ready."
Not having to wait long, a swarm of excited reporters burst through the doors, many of which struggled against each other for the best spot to set up while others took to their pre-prepared guest area.
Roman let out a smile as the navy informed him of his guest's departure and expected arrival time. Things were running on schedule, and nothing was hampering progress. Roman thought it was odd things were going so smoothly with what was actually happening in the new greater galaxy.
Raising his hands as the press finished settling in, Roman sent a signal for silence and gave his charming smile to the room, pulling up his speech file with his implant while doing so.
"Representatives. Admirals. Fellow Terrans, and members of the press. I stand here before you here, addressing the entirety of our people. A strong, resourceful, and adaptive people. With perhaps the most significant announcement our kind has ever known. Today. We, as one, shall take the next step into the greater galaxy. When we first ventured into the stars, we wondered who or what else was out there. What would they think like? How would they talk, or what abstract feelings they would have that we couldn't even begin to understand. Alas, two thousand years of exploration, and we found nothing. No sentient life to be found, only cute animals to turn into friends."
"That is until recently when we found Aaster prime... And a people in desperate need of our help. The day after that announcement, billions of Terrans volunteered to assist in the effort. It was the first time since we've had access to unlimited bandwidth a site crashed... It was an exciting time to be a Terran."
"Now, I come before you with a similar announcement. Our brave hero. The man who tested the first-ever fold drive and discovered the Aasteran people, Captain Michael Graeme, has returned. Not only has he returned, but he has brought back friends. Friends who are in need of similar help. Who reached out and asked for our aid, a request we accepted."
"Today! Not as President of the Terran Star Union. But as Roman Arbourt, a Saturn native. I would like to welcome ambassador Srettia Esithn Graeme of Aaster. Ambassador Ankiah Of the Voktlix and Representative Yirphayen of the Eaenhreph. Our new friends amongst the stars."
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Shouts and cries of joy rocked the conference room as President Arbourt finished his speech. And the light changed from red to green, letting the group know it was time to take center stage.
"Alright, I know you're nervous-" Srettia grabbed Michael's hand and shot him a smile, leaning over to wave to the other two delegates as Ankiah sampled the food in front of some star stuck assistants. "I'm done being nervous about this. It's bad for my scales. We'll get this done and head over to your mother's so I can be nervous about that instead."
Holding onto Michaels's hand, Srettia was happy she worked hard on her steps as she entered the light. Walking Gracefully onto the stage in front of thousands of Terrans, Srettia elegantly waved as the room fell deathly silent. "Oh! The chains chime to make quite the pleasant sounds as I walk. That explains a lot." She thought to herself.
Walking up to the President, Ankiah and Yirphayen trailing closely behind her, she tapped her tail twice and slightly lowered her head in a formal greeting before slowly extending her hand. "President of the Terran Star Union Roman Arbourt. It is an honour to meet you at last. I am Srettia Esithn Graeme, First Ambassador of the Aasteran people." With a smile, Srettia quietly stepped to the side, letting the other two representatives greet the man before them.
Ankiah elegantly bowed at her knees and extended her hand. "President. I am Ankiah of the Voktlix. It's a pleasure."
Yirphayen radiated with a brilliant song of honoured greetings and dipped in place. "I am Yirphayen, representative of the Eaenhreph. I am pleased to make your acquaintance."
President Arbourt desperately fought to control his excitement as he greeted each diplomat, welcoming each of them in return as they introduced themselves. Taking a step back once the greetings were over. President Roman Arbourt let out a smile and spread his arms wide. "Finally, we have found you. Welcome, dear friends. Welcome to Earth, the cradle of Humanity."
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