After finishing their introductions and exchanging pleasantries, they quickly got into the swing of things.
“To start these talks properly, I must thank both of you and the Ryser Clan as a whole for coming to our aid in such a critical moment. Your actions won’t be forgotten, and the Coalition will make sure to repay the favor,” Rolmeros said, his gratitude clear.
Nessyra, sharp as always, quickly jumped in. “Does that mean we can expect the Coalition’s aid if our planet is discovered?”
“That’s exactly what we’re here to discuss.” Rolmeros clasped his hands together, leaning forward slightly. “The Aegis Coalition is, at its core, a coalition. While we have evolved into something resembling a Confederation, we still identify as a coalition. It’s a network of interwoven alliances, some of which trace back to before the Initiation itself. These alliances are often clustered in different corners of our universe, and not all of them wish to formalize into something as rigid as a Confederation. Outside of that core, we have partnerships with factions that share our interests, including independent groups like yours, though those groups are typically less involved. Up until now, your clan has been considered an Independent, friendly party—not a full member. Today, we’re offering you the chance to formally join the Coalition.” Noticing their reactions, he quickly raised his hands in reassurance. “To be clear, this won’t affect your independence. You wouldn’t be obligated to follow the Coalition’s mandates or take part in our fleet actions. But you would gain access to our resources, services, and, if you choose, a seat on the council.”
Riseth narrowed her eyes, her tone skeptical. “What’s the catch? What do you expect in return?”
Rolmeros nodded, acknowledging the concern. “It’s an offer we extend only to a select few. In this new universe, sheer numbers alone don’t win battles—powerful individuals like yourselves can turn the tide or devastate entire planets. You and your husband fall into that category. You managed to kill Eberus, one of the most dangerous and vile members of the Syndicate’s leadership—you did so while ambushed, aiding one of our own in our time of need. Frankly, the Coalition needs individuals like you. We can’t afford for smaller independent factions like yourselves to be picked off. That’s why we’re launching a new initiative to help connect factions like yours, allowing you to protect each other in case one of you is targeted. The Coalition will, of course, assist where we can, but our main focus must remain on safeguarding the bridges.”
They took in the information. The fact that the Coalition was willing to offer them this kind of assistance instead of waiting for them to be forced to join them or another faction told them a lot about the mentality of their council. Much like themselves, they looked ahead. Instead of immediate and personal gains, they fostered valuable relationships early.
Nessyra gave a measured nod. “That’s quite generous, but I can’t help but suspect you intend to call on Alistair and Riseth when it comes to handling powerful Syndicate members and outsiders.”
Rolmeros met her gaze, unflinching. “You’re right, but rest assured, we wouldn’t leave you unsupported. We would provide full intelligence and the necessary backing to ensure you have everything needed to accomplish any task. And, of course, you’re free to decline any request. However, I do appeal to your sense of duty—by helping us, you help yourselves. The stronger we are, the better we can shield this universe from invaders. Threats like Eberus need to be stamped out before they spread further, much like the Syndicate would stamp out any independent faction they stumble upon. The key difference is, unlike them, we don’t seek selfish gain. While they only help each other for profit, we aim to build genuine alliances. We do have funds set aside for mercenary forces, but our true hope is that we can establish a mutual agreement—one of protection and shared goals.”
While very diplomatic in his wordings, Alistair was quite satisfied with the offers made and said as much over their Akashic link. Both Nessyra and Riseth agreed. They desperately needed more protection than being hidden. Being able to defend against a fleet in orbit was just the first step; the next would be being able to hold on against an attack from a group of more powerful individuals like Eberus was crucial. Establishing connections with other independent factions within the Coalition would be essential, and the Coalition’s support itself would be invaluable.
Seeing them being amenable to his suggestion, Rolmeros took the opportunity to press on.
“We’ve already received several requests for introductions from smaller but formidable factions aligned with the Coalition—groups similar in standing to yourselves. For instance, the Noross Cabal, the Aion Alliance, and the Heavenly Light Sect are among those eager to establish contact and explore the possibility of forming defensive pacts or other agreements. I’ll make sure you have all the relevant information we have on each faction. Additionally, I’ll be available to answer any questions or accommodate requests where possible."
They took the chance to discuss among themselves through the Akashic link
"His offer makes a lot of sense," Alistair began, keeping his expression composed. "We desperately need allies. Hiding can’t be our only defense. We've seen the kind of stealth tech Eberus was using. If the Syndicate sends a team of five or more elites, we could lose everything."
Riseth failed to keep a frown from her face. "I agree. While I would love to stay out of the wider politics of the multiverse, we need allies, and the Aegis Coalition's offer is definitely in our own best interest."
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Nessyra looked at them before glancing at Rolmeros, who patiently waited for them, seemingly unbothered by the wait. "I will discuss the exact terms and agreements with them and ensure we don't sign away our souls or independence, but I think we should accept their offer and take that seat on their council. That offer might be time-sensitive, and once we have a seat, we can still discard it."
Alistair measured her. He was sure half the reason she wanted to enter these agreements was the potential records she could gain from participating in those council meetings. But having a voice on the table was definitely nothing to sneeze at.
"While I agree," Alistair began, "I do want to hear what else they have to say. Apparently, they want to talk to us about our bounties. If they’re posting bounties they can’t pay, I’m not sure they’re as reliable as they seem."
Both Nessyra and Riseth nodded in agreement and turned to face Rolmeros again.
"Before we dive into the specifics of joining the Coalition, you mentioned our bounties," Alistair said, his voice calm but probing. "I’d like to hear more about that."
A flash of understanding crossed the demon's face. "Of course! We have set aside the owed funds to be paid in full," he said smoothly. "However, I am obliged to ask if you would be interested in exchanging some of these funds for some of our services, technology, or materials. Due to the recent attacks of the syndicates, we are currently rebuilding and reinforcing our defenses. We have use for these funds and would be willing to turn them into a loan, with interest, of course.
Alistair glanced at Nessyra, speaking through the Akashic Link, keeping his expression neutral. “Was that diplomatic speak for ‘we’ve got the money, but we’re kind of broke after the attack’?”
Nessyra returned a warm smile. "Possibly. Given that he’s a demon, he might just be testing how greedy we are and gauging our reaction. But overall, I don’t see it being an issue. I’ll still recommend we take them up on their offer to join. Also, letting our money sit around does us no favors, so pushing for interest is just good business. Besides, I was planning to use the funds to buy intel and invest in tech, enchantment structures, and array formations anyway. But you can leave those details to me."
Alistair looked at Riseth, who gave a slight smile, "I agree, we should join them, and I'm more than happy to leave the details to you sis,"
They turned to their liaison, and though he did his best to keep a neutral expression, Alistair noticed the subtle strain on his face.
“The Ryser Clan will join the Coalition under the terms we’ve discussed,” Alistair stated. “Nessyra will likely be taking the council seat, but Riseth and I will attend the occasional meeting when necessary. As for the bounty payments and any finer details of joining the coalition, I’ll leave you in Nessyra’s capable hands.”
The tension on Rolmeros’s face eased, replaced by a wide, genuine smile. “Welcome to the Aegis Coalition. May fortune bless us both,” he said. “I’m already looking forward to our in-depth negotiations, Lady Nessyra.”
Alistair wondered if the demon had picked up that expression while researching Neshan or if it was a common one among the Demon races. Considering he was a diplomat, both scenarios were equally likely.
"The pleasure is all mine," Nessyra replied with an almost predatory smile.
Rolmeros leaned back in his chair, scratching his chin thoughtfully. "Would you prefer to discuss another topic, like the current state of affairs or the factions interested in establishing diplomatic ties with the Ryser Clan at this point? Or shall we finalize our agreements before moving on? Of course, we can reconvene at a later time to finish up, should that be preferable."
Alistair considered briefly before responding. "I’d be interested in hearing about the current state of affairs in the universe," he said. "But Riseth and I have other matters to attend to soon, so we’d like to finalize our agreements afterward."
"Of course," Rolmeros nodded. "The Aegis Coalition is still reeling from the coordinated attack by the Blackmarket Syndicates. I’m sorry to say that you weren’t the only faction targeted. While you were among the few able to eliminate your attackers, many others were not so fortunate. The losses have been significant."
Alistair frowned, and a similar expression passed between Nessyra and Riseth. Riseth was the first to speak. "Did you manage to gather any information on the attackers—concepts, species, combat styles?"
"We’ve compiled reports on most of them, though some are more detailed than others," Rolmeros replied, swiping something on his tablet and uploading the data to their network.
Alistair quickly downloaded the information, scanning through the comprehensive reports on hundreds of individuals and battles. His expression darkened when he saw the presence of multiple dragons among the Syndicate ranks. He had hoped that dragons, with their notorious pride and independence, would avoid allying with such a group. But it seemed the Blackmarket Syndicates offered enough convenience, connections, and the allure of powerful outsider patrons to even sway them. What particularly caught his attention was a higher-tier dragon named Xariarach, whose bounty was more than four times that of Eberus’s. He was listed as one of the biggest threats based on his concept. According to the records, Xariarach was suspected of wielding a concept tied to disease or pestilence, as the planet it attacked had to be entirely abandoned. Even within quarantine, most of the population perished despite the healers' best efforts.
Rolmeros had also sent over a list of factions interested in establishing contact with the Ryser Clan or similar groups. As Alistair cross-referenced the names with the battle reports, a few stood out, and he made a mental note to discuss them with Nessyra and Riseth later. Looking up, he noticed that their liaison was patiently waiting for them to process the information before continuing.
“We are actively working on gathering more intelligence on Syndicate positions and planning large-scale retaliatory strikes once we’ve recovered or an opportunity presents itself. We hope the Ryser Clan will join us when the time comes.”
They exchanged grim but determined glances. Although still recovering from their last battle, they knew now that there would be no peaceful coexistence with the Syndicates. Alistair, for one, had lost any hesitation when it came to killing Syndicate scum.
“For now, we’ll focus on recovering and learning from our mistakes,” Riseth said, her voice steely. “But when the time comes to strike the Syndicate where it hurts, I want in.”
"Fuck the Syndicate," Alistair growled. To his surprise, Rolmeros, usually composed, nodded in agreement, his tone quieter but firm. "Aye, fuck the Syndicates."