- Location
- Somewhere out there
It's not QUITE the same, because someone watching over a VR feed isn't directly connecting their brains to the environment.
-
Going forward, links to content from Twitter (now X) will no longer be embedded. Pre-existing links should not be affected.
The Practice War [Complete]
- Thread starter Snowfire
- Start date
- Original Sci-Fi
Someone who is remote viewing is remote viewing, regardless of if they're AI/VI or Flesh and Bone. It's not a pure brain plug, it's an Audio/Visual stream. If the Shiplords had Basilisk attacks (I don't remember if they did), then we'd already have filters for those right?
She's not plugging her brain directly in, she's watching just like anyone else would be watching.
- Location
- Somewhere out there
This is an entirely valid strategy in and of itself. Iris certainly CAN choose to ask a projector to project an image of her and then consume just the feedback stream, and in fact that's what I would recommend she does here, but it's not the full fidelity of senses that she would normally have by being attached to the computer systems and seeing all the data passing through.
Snowfire
Polyglot of Chimera
- Location
- Wordcats
Vote Tally : Original - Sci-Fi - The Practice War | Page 369 | Sufficient Velocity [Posts: 9224-9250]
##### NetTally 1.9.9
[X] Yes
No. of Votes: 18
[X]No
No. of Votes: 3
Total No. of Voters: 21
Well that's...rather final.
Vote Closed
##### NetTally 1.9.9
[X] Yes
No. of Votes: 18
[X]No
No. of Votes: 3
Total No. of Voters: 21
Well that's...rather final.
Vote Closed
Aww, I don't get to vote yes! (Not that it matters, but I wanted to do it anyway. I really don't think any of the potential minor disadvantages are worth losing both the interpersonal (inter-sapient?) currency we'd be losing, especially since Iris might actually notice something simply by looking for different things from Vision.)
Mini-turn: Second Contact - Part 2
Snowfire
Polyglot of Chimera
- Location
- Wordcats
After the decision was made, there was little time to talk. You gave Mary and Iris a hug at the door, asked the former to take care of the latter when she was observing the conference, then extended your Aegis and launched yourself up through the atmosphere. Sidra had already filed a flight plan, and with the relative positions of Earth and Concordia, it would take you a little more than hour to reach the station. That would be plenty of time to look over everything else Adriana had attached to the package she'd sent you. Knowledge of the six races present in the Contact Fleet was still limited, and the fight between relevant experts on if what you did know should be used had been endless. Adriana was leaving the final decision on the matter up to you, as the party most likely to need it and best placed to judge if you should. Knowing too much could be seen as threatening, after all, and Insight's latest Thoughtcast had been directed at the nature of your visitors. That you hadn't known, and the details were both impressive and somewhat chilling.
You'd known that the Shiplords didn't leave those who won free of Tributary status alive alone. It had been expected; how could they, after all? Given time and room to grow, even the lack of War Fleet level First Secret drives might be overcome, and the Shiplords hadn't maintained their dominance for countless millennia by allowing other polities to grow into contemporaries. The sophistication of their espionage was a harsh reminder of the advantages their age had given them, but it also provided some hope. The powers behind the Contact Fleet knew what the Shiplords could do, if at a somewhat more abstract level depending on which one you talked to. The Nilean Community topped the list of the most knowledgeable of those mechanisms, surprising no one. The second polity on that list was a surprise, however, as according to Insight it were the Telas Luminary.
Estimates of military strength, industrial capacity, and even the occasional mystery. What the Third Secret truly was, and why the Luminary were the only race among the Contact Fleet with access to it. How the Nileans had won free of Tributary status, without the fleets that their allies had needed. What an Uninvolved movement was, and why it was crippling to the Sarthee's ability to project power. And those were only three from a long list of questions humanity had for its newest visitors.
Then there were they almost irritatingly brief set of instructions on the specifics of your role. Adri was giving you a great deal of power in these opening discussions, as long as you stayed within certain parameters. You weren't there to make deals, once diplomatic conversation reached that point it was expected that you'd be able to return home. Your purpose was to represent humanity in its first peaceful contact with another species. With that in mind, your direct restrictions covered only a very few things.
Some might have argued once to try and hide Practice from a possible ally, but it was so deeply integrated into your society at this point that even with your discovery of other Secrets, it would be impossible to hide. That didn't mean that you were to be completely honest about its capabilities, however, or even bring it up until such a time as you had to. It was requested that you obscure its mechanics, and the versatility that it had been found to possess in recent years. Equally, the existence of Words was something that various Ministries would prefer kept hidden. This was subject to suspension in the event that you detected infiltration systems among Contact Fleet representatives, however. In simpler terms, you were being asked to be as open as possible, whilst also not discussing certain matters key to human survival.
Which led to an important question, that arose somewhere halfway between Earth and Concordia; how were you going to present yourself? Adriana had given you credentials as an ambassador, but there was more to presentation than your name. Formal clothes, like the rest of those physically present would be wearing? Simpler, more casual attire could send its own message, as someone designed to be approachable, or a leader. Both would be true. Or you could simply meet them as you were now, clad in your Aegis. With a few minor alterations, it looked far more like clothing than armour, even if it glowed a little.
By that point the Lux system return had been received, and you had confirmation that the fifteen ships truly were alone. Initial contact was opening, and you listened in as the translation systems went to work. Part of you wished you could be a part of these very first interactions, but you weren't up to date yet. There were files on etiquette and species specific non-verbal communication, some of which left your head spinning. There were records of human sign languages, before the Second Secret obliterated the need for them, but even the most advanced of them were crude things compared to the intricate beauty of Nilean hand-signs. Sarthee ripple patterns, how the colour layers of a Telas could represent different modes of address. It was dizzying.
Fortunately, Sidra was more than willing to…stretch your perception of time for the trip. And what you forgot, they would remember. Which left you coming back to the same point as your flight time inched torturously towards the fifty-minute mark. None of your options had been invalidated by what you'd absorbed, but now that you had a better understanding of the peoples you'd be meeting, you could decide how to greet them. Many of your instincts yearned to welcome them as you had welcomed newcomers to your Circles, but the rest were adamant that that would be a little much. There was nothing truly wrong with an open smile, but it might send conflicting messages to a few of the races. The official line requested a friendly, but ultimately professional, welcome. Yet that was for the diplomats, and you weren't really one of those. Some of the more paranoid Ministry of Security personnel had even suggested that you remain aloof in the initial introductions, as a sign of your esteem. You weren't quite sure how that was meant to work, but it could be done.
So many options. The problem was decided which ones to choose.
Amanda will arrive at Concordia station shortly, and once there she will have several hours to fully compose an introduction. The Contact Fleet will be able to micro-jump the rest of the way to a few hundred million miles short of the Stellar Exclusion Zone by the time she lands, and then will proceed under civilian power to Concordia, on the inner edge of the belt. The FSN squadron assigned to the station is moving to secure the corridor of space that will be used by the fifteen ships, as an agreed courtesy only. You now have to choose how Amanda will present herself.
Timing: the generally agreed upon opinion is that Amanda will be present at the docks when the Contact Fleet arrives, but that's not a requirement. There are a few other options available, with potential advantages of their own.
[] Landing Dock – highest chance of 'immediate' reactions from your new guests, without the benefit of more extensive time to adjust to human norms. You know their reaction manual, they don't know yours. A bit of an underhanded move, but the docking areas are fully equipped for diplomatic functions. Highly formal, but likely to be short.
[] Guest Halls – given your clearance, it would be possible to introduce yourself informally after the Contact Fleet representatives come aboard. They've accepted your offer of accommodation for their representatives, although it took a little explaining of the human connotations of diplomatic privileges, and you could just happen to be there to welcome them once they've gotten past the formal greetings at the docks. Informal, short with a possibility to extend.
[] Diplomatic Session – the latest point acceptable for you to introduce yourself to the representatives, you could introduce yourself at the first true diplomatic function between humanity and the Contact Fleet. They will have had time to acclimate to humanity by this point. Formal, lengthy.
[Timing] Write-in?
Clothes: What Amanda wears will have an affect on both those around her, and the representatives of the Contact Fleet. In certain Timing choices would make this something that would be realised after the fact. Concordia has extensive fabber capacity, and can produce anything you might desire.
[] Diplomatic Formal – dress as what you will be introduced as by default, a diplomat. This may not be the wisest of decisions given your true purpose, but it would certainly serve. And as you will be leading the initial contact sessions, it might be wise to dress the part.
[] Fly Casual – you aren't here as a diplomat, or to lead any negotiations. Adri asked you to come out here as a representative of humanity, and to welcome the Contact Fleet as equals. It would also clearly separate you from the rest Diplomatic Corps in terms of position, and that could have some advantages.
[] Manifest Unison – your Aegis is as unique a piece of clothing as could ever be produced, and also grants you the highest chance of detecting individuals affected by Shiplord infiltration systems, if they exist. Clearly demonstrates human technological prowess in a way that the Contact Fleet literally cannot match, but will likely draw attention to Practice.
[Clothes] Write-in?
Title: Adriana gave you temporary credentials as a senior diplomat, but you've also been offered the opportunity to pick your own title. Nothing fancy, but given your primary status in the opening conversations it might be wise.
[] Diplomat – what you are technically, if not in actuality. Brings with it its own connotations, that might run counter to your mission, but also gives you a firm position in the minds of the other representatives.
[] Envoy – a neutral designator, it grants you a broad mandate to discussion but is vague enough that nothing you say could really be considered binding. A private citizen, acting on the request of the President. It understates a great deal, but that could be wise.
[] Unison – the title you earned as a member of the Two Twenty Three, it's one that the aliens are very unlikely to understand. The general meanings of the word are good ones, but when the Contact Fleet actually works out what it's in reference to some interesting delayed reactions are likely.
[] Write-in?
Manner: How you introduce yourself is
[] Circle Greeting – although highly unorthodox in a formal situation, you aren't bound to those. Greet the representatives as you would a new or prospective member of the Circles, with joy, compassion and warmth. Might be a little much to already consider them a member of (albeit extended) family, though.
[] Open Smile – against a backdrop of diplomatic smiles, yours will be the one that shines true. Although not all the races present are likely to understand the very human expression, you're confident in your ability to translate it across to them effectively. Well suited to informal or formal occasions.
[] Diplomatic Eye – you've a great deal of practice with the diplomat's smile, a well crafted expression of welcome that is nonetheless ultimately professional. Makes you one of a wall of similarity, and could clash heavily with other choices. With others, it could enhance your similarities to make more of only slight differences.
[] From Afar – your least favoured option, but one you're at least willing to consider. Conceal your warmth behind a wall of formality, at least for now. Be introduced, let the foreign representatives seek you out. Highlights a degree of personal power that ensures you'll be taken seriously, with all that implies.
[] Write-in?
Please vote by plan. If sufficient plans are produced, I'll make a sub-vote threadmark and turn this into a ranked vote.
You'd known that the Shiplords didn't leave those who won free of Tributary status alive alone. It had been expected; how could they, after all? Given time and room to grow, even the lack of War Fleet level First Secret drives might be overcome, and the Shiplords hadn't maintained their dominance for countless millennia by allowing other polities to grow into contemporaries. The sophistication of their espionage was a harsh reminder of the advantages their age had given them, but it also provided some hope. The powers behind the Contact Fleet knew what the Shiplords could do, if at a somewhat more abstract level depending on which one you talked to. The Nilean Community topped the list of the most knowledgeable of those mechanisms, surprising no one. The second polity on that list was a surprise, however, as according to Insight it were the Telas Luminary.
Estimates of military strength, industrial capacity, and even the occasional mystery. What the Third Secret truly was, and why the Luminary were the only race among the Contact Fleet with access to it. How the Nileans had won free of Tributary status, without the fleets that their allies had needed. What an Uninvolved movement was, and why it was crippling to the Sarthee's ability to project power. And those were only three from a long list of questions humanity had for its newest visitors.
Then there were they almost irritatingly brief set of instructions on the specifics of your role. Adri was giving you a great deal of power in these opening discussions, as long as you stayed within certain parameters. You weren't there to make deals, once diplomatic conversation reached that point it was expected that you'd be able to return home. Your purpose was to represent humanity in its first peaceful contact with another species. With that in mind, your direct restrictions covered only a very few things.
Some might have argued once to try and hide Practice from a possible ally, but it was so deeply integrated into your society at this point that even with your discovery of other Secrets, it would be impossible to hide. That didn't mean that you were to be completely honest about its capabilities, however, or even bring it up until such a time as you had to. It was requested that you obscure its mechanics, and the versatility that it had been found to possess in recent years. Equally, the existence of Words was something that various Ministries would prefer kept hidden. This was subject to suspension in the event that you detected infiltration systems among Contact Fleet representatives, however. In simpler terms, you were being asked to be as open as possible, whilst also not discussing certain matters key to human survival.
Which led to an important question, that arose somewhere halfway between Earth and Concordia; how were you going to present yourself? Adriana had given you credentials as an ambassador, but there was more to presentation than your name. Formal clothes, like the rest of those physically present would be wearing? Simpler, more casual attire could send its own message, as someone designed to be approachable, or a leader. Both would be true. Or you could simply meet them as you were now, clad in your Aegis. With a few minor alterations, it looked far more like clothing than armour, even if it glowed a little.
By that point the Lux system return had been received, and you had confirmation that the fifteen ships truly were alone. Initial contact was opening, and you listened in as the translation systems went to work. Part of you wished you could be a part of these very first interactions, but you weren't up to date yet. There were files on etiquette and species specific non-verbal communication, some of which left your head spinning. There were records of human sign languages, before the Second Secret obliterated the need for them, but even the most advanced of them were crude things compared to the intricate beauty of Nilean hand-signs. Sarthee ripple patterns, how the colour layers of a Telas could represent different modes of address. It was dizzying.
Fortunately, Sidra was more than willing to…stretch your perception of time for the trip. And what you forgot, they would remember. Which left you coming back to the same point as your flight time inched torturously towards the fifty-minute mark. None of your options had been invalidated by what you'd absorbed, but now that you had a better understanding of the peoples you'd be meeting, you could decide how to greet them. Many of your instincts yearned to welcome them as you had welcomed newcomers to your Circles, but the rest were adamant that that would be a little much. There was nothing truly wrong with an open smile, but it might send conflicting messages to a few of the races. The official line requested a friendly, but ultimately professional, welcome. Yet that was for the diplomats, and you weren't really one of those. Some of the more paranoid Ministry of Security personnel had even suggested that you remain aloof in the initial introductions, as a sign of your esteem. You weren't quite sure how that was meant to work, but it could be done.
So many options. The problem was decided which ones to choose.
Amanda will arrive at Concordia station shortly, and once there she will have several hours to fully compose an introduction. The Contact Fleet will be able to micro-jump the rest of the way to a few hundred million miles short of the Stellar Exclusion Zone by the time she lands, and then will proceed under civilian power to Concordia, on the inner edge of the belt. The FSN squadron assigned to the station is moving to secure the corridor of space that will be used by the fifteen ships, as an agreed courtesy only. You now have to choose how Amanda will present herself.
Timing: the generally agreed upon opinion is that Amanda will be present at the docks when the Contact Fleet arrives, but that's not a requirement. There are a few other options available, with potential advantages of their own.
[] Landing Dock – highest chance of 'immediate' reactions from your new guests, without the benefit of more extensive time to adjust to human norms. You know their reaction manual, they don't know yours. A bit of an underhanded move, but the docking areas are fully equipped for diplomatic functions. Highly formal, but likely to be short.
[] Guest Halls – given your clearance, it would be possible to introduce yourself informally after the Contact Fleet representatives come aboard. They've accepted your offer of accommodation for their representatives, although it took a little explaining of the human connotations of diplomatic privileges, and you could just happen to be there to welcome them once they've gotten past the formal greetings at the docks. Informal, short with a possibility to extend.
[] Diplomatic Session – the latest point acceptable for you to introduce yourself to the representatives, you could introduce yourself at the first true diplomatic function between humanity and the Contact Fleet. They will have had time to acclimate to humanity by this point. Formal, lengthy.
[Timing] Write-in?
Clothes: What Amanda wears will have an affect on both those around her, and the representatives of the Contact Fleet. In certain Timing choices would make this something that would be realised after the fact. Concordia has extensive fabber capacity, and can produce anything you might desire.
[] Diplomatic Formal – dress as what you will be introduced as by default, a diplomat. This may not be the wisest of decisions given your true purpose, but it would certainly serve. And as you will be leading the initial contact sessions, it might be wise to dress the part.
[] Fly Casual – you aren't here as a diplomat, or to lead any negotiations. Adri asked you to come out here as a representative of humanity, and to welcome the Contact Fleet as equals. It would also clearly separate you from the rest Diplomatic Corps in terms of position, and that could have some advantages.
[] Manifest Unison – your Aegis is as unique a piece of clothing as could ever be produced, and also grants you the highest chance of detecting individuals affected by Shiplord infiltration systems, if they exist. Clearly demonstrates human technological prowess in a way that the Contact Fleet literally cannot match, but will likely draw attention to Practice.
[Clothes] Write-in?
Title: Adriana gave you temporary credentials as a senior diplomat, but you've also been offered the opportunity to pick your own title. Nothing fancy, but given your primary status in the opening conversations it might be wise.
[] Diplomat – what you are technically, if not in actuality. Brings with it its own connotations, that might run counter to your mission, but also gives you a firm position in the minds of the other representatives.
[] Envoy – a neutral designator, it grants you a broad mandate to discussion but is vague enough that nothing you say could really be considered binding. A private citizen, acting on the request of the President. It understates a great deal, but that could be wise.
[] Unison – the title you earned as a member of the Two Twenty Three, it's one that the aliens are very unlikely to understand. The general meanings of the word are good ones, but when the Contact Fleet actually works out what it's in reference to some interesting delayed reactions are likely.
[] Write-in?
Manner: How you introduce yourself is
[] Circle Greeting – although highly unorthodox in a formal situation, you aren't bound to those. Greet the representatives as you would a new or prospective member of the Circles, with joy, compassion and warmth. Might be a little much to already consider them a member of (albeit extended) family, though.
[] Open Smile – against a backdrop of diplomatic smiles, yours will be the one that shines true. Although not all the races present are likely to understand the very human expression, you're confident in your ability to translate it across to them effectively. Well suited to informal or formal occasions.
[] Diplomatic Eye – you've a great deal of practice with the diplomat's smile, a well crafted expression of welcome that is nonetheless ultimately professional. Makes you one of a wall of similarity, and could clash heavily with other choices. With others, it could enhance your similarities to make more of only slight differences.
[] From Afar – your least favoured option, but one you're at least willing to consider. Conceal your warmth behind a wall of formality, at least for now. Be introduced, let the foreign representatives seek you out. Highlights a degree of personal power that ensures you'll be taken seriously, with all that implies.
[] Write-in?
There will be an eight hour moratorium on this vote.
Please vote by plan. If sufficient plans are produced, I'll make a sub-vote threadmark and turn this into a ranked vote.
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Snowfire
Polyglot of Chimera
- Location
- Wordcats
If you're wondering why there isn't much allocated to the Iris decision, it's because I'd already written the opening to this section as one that bypassed it and I was having trouble making an actual decision process fit. Also because your decision satisfied Iris and her reasoning meant Mary wouldn't object. It really was your decision that counted here. That said, its effects aren't going to show up in his next vote, and may not do so at all (who am I kidding 
). This is the general 'opening' vote for your introduction to the representatives of the Contact Fleet, which is why I've gone into as much detail as I have. Write-ins are highly welcome, to the point of defining specific language if you'd like to. Next section might actually be an interlude from a Contact Fleet PoV, but only if people would be interested in that.
Remember the moratorium, and have fun planning! Ping me with questions etc. as needed, but don't expect any answers until the morning. I need sleep >.<
). This is the general 'opening' vote for your introduction to the representatives of the Contact Fleet, which is why I've gone into as much detail as I have. Write-ins are highly welcome, to the point of defining specific language if you'd like to. Next section might actually be an interlude from a Contact Fleet PoV, but only if people would be interested in that.Remember the moratorium, and have fun planning! Ping me with questions etc. as needed, but don't expect any answers until the morning. I need sleep >.<
I don't care too much about anything else, but I would insist on
[] Manifest Unison
Security against infiltrators beats infosec against prospective allies any day.
[] Manifest Unison
Security against infiltrators beats infosec against prospective allies any day.
Snowfire
Polyglot of Chimera
- Location
- Wordcats
Well, yes, but none of them can do what Amanda can in terms of sensing connections where it relates to Mending.
Torgamous
Aspiring Gynoid
- Pronouns
- She/Her
These sound like something that should inform our mode of dress. Can our Aegis be edited into something that they would find comfortable?
Which .... shouldn't particularly matter since "detect threat" is not a Mending issue as far as I can tell. Insight, Knowledge, or Protection I could see ... Mending not so much. it should be great at fixing social faux pas though
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The Nileans won freedom without physically beating a Tribute fleet into scrap?
Interesting.
That helps determine just how much we can show on first contact.
As in, did they get ANY info back after the Tribute fleet died?
Interesting.
Do we have any idea how detailed after-action reports to the Shiplords are?
That helps determine just how much we can show on first contact.
As in, did they get ANY info back after the Tribute fleet died?
- Location
- Russia
I'm thinking
Guest halls
Manifest unison
Envoy (or maybe Unison for interesting reactions)
Open smile
Would probably prefer Casual to Manifest unison if it was only a stylistic choice, but in this situation better safe than sorry.
I don't like decision line "be like other diplomats" at all, because we aren't like them.
Circle greeting may be misinterpreted - I would be willing to try it with some race which is receptive to it according to our info, but among six of them there is going to be at least one with negative reaction.
Guest halls
Manifest unison
Envoy (or maybe Unison for interesting reactions)
Open smile
Would probably prefer Casual to Manifest unison if it was only a stylistic choice, but in this situation better safe than sorry.
I don't like decision line "be like other diplomats" at all, because we aren't like them.
Circle greeting may be misinterpreted - I would be willing to try it with some race which is receptive to it according to our info, but among six of them there is going to be at least one with negative reaction.
[] Plan An Open Secret
-[] Landing Dock – highest chance of 'immediate' reactions from your new guests, without the benefit of more extensive time to adjust to human norms. You know their reaction manual, they don't know yours. A bit of an underhanded move, but the docking areas are fully equipped for diplomatic functions. Highly formal, but likely to be short.
-[] Manifest Unison – your Aegis is as unique a piece of clothing as could ever be produced, and also grants you the highest chance of detecting individuals affected by Shiplord infiltration systems, if they exist. Clearly demonstrates human technological prowess in a way that the Contact Fleet literally cannot match, but will likely draw attention to Practice.
-[] Unison – the title you earned as a member of the Two Twenty Three, it's one that the aliens are very unlikely to understand. The general meanings of the word are good ones, but when the Contact Fleet actually works out what it's in reference to some interesting delayed reactions are likely.
-[] Open Smile – against a backdrop of diplomatic smiles, yours will be the one that shines true. Although not all the races present are likely to understand the very human expression, you're confident in your ability to translate it across to them effectively. Well suited to informal or formal occasions.
Way I see it, none of these are secrets we can keep for very long, we have authorization to show it off in these limited ways, and this gives us a diplomatic shock and awe effect to stun them and continue to stun them afterwards once they figure out.
-[] Landing Dock – highest chance of 'immediate' reactions from your new guests, without the benefit of more extensive time to adjust to human norms. You know their reaction manual, they don't know yours. A bit of an underhanded move, but the docking areas are fully equipped for diplomatic functions. Highly formal, but likely to be short.
-[] Manifest Unison – your Aegis is as unique a piece of clothing as could ever be produced, and also grants you the highest chance of detecting individuals affected by Shiplord infiltration systems, if they exist. Clearly demonstrates human technological prowess in a way that the Contact Fleet literally cannot match, but will likely draw attention to Practice.
-[] Unison – the title you earned as a member of the Two Twenty Three, it's one that the aliens are very unlikely to understand. The general meanings of the word are good ones, but when the Contact Fleet actually works out what it's in reference to some interesting delayed reactions are likely.
-[] Open Smile – against a backdrop of diplomatic smiles, yours will be the one that shines true. Although not all the races present are likely to understand the very human expression, you're confident in your ability to translate it across to them effectively. Well suited to informal or formal occasions.
Way I see it, none of these are secrets we can keep for very long, we have authorization to show it off in these limited ways, and this gives us a diplomatic shock and awe effect to stun them and continue to stun them afterwards once they figure out.
- Location
- Russia
As I understand it, Amanda detects Shiplord infiltration because their biotech is very wrong from Mender's standpoint (like their logistics cruiser was) and she is the most sensitive Mender, not because she has some danger sense or whatnot.
This is the most amusing combo. Probably not the wisest choice (DO NOT VOTE FOR THIS) but "wait, the agressively friendly woman wearing weird clothes who was overly familiar and very insistent on treating us like family ... is a member of the elite task force that was key to defeating the Shiplords. What. The. Fuck?
(DO NOT VOTE FOR THIS)
[] Guest Halls – Informal, short with a possibility to extend.
[] Manifest Unison – your Aegis is as unique a piece of clothing as could ever be produced, and also grants you the highest chance of detecting individuals affected by Shiplord infiltration systems, if they exist. Clearly demonstrates human technological prowess in a way that the Contact Fleet literally cannot match, but will likely draw attention to Practice.
[] Unison – the title you earned as a member of the Two Twenty Three, it's one that the aliens are very unlikely to understand. The general meanings of the word are good ones, but when the Contact Fleet actually works out what it's in reference to some interesting delayed reactions are likely.
[] Circle Greeting – although highly unorthodox in a formal situation, you aren't bound to those. Greet the representatives as you would a new or prospective member of the Circles, with joy, compassion and warmth. Might be a little much to already consider them a member of (albeit extended) family, though.
(DO NOT VOTE FOR THIS)
[] Guest Halls – Informal, short with a possibility to extend.
[] Manifest Unison – your Aegis is as unique a piece of clothing as could ever be produced, and also grants you the highest chance of detecting individuals affected by Shiplord infiltration systems, if they exist. Clearly demonstrates human technological prowess in a way that the Contact Fleet literally cannot match, but will likely draw attention to Practice.
[] Unison – the title you earned as a member of the Two Twenty Three, it's one that the aliens are very unlikely to understand. The general meanings of the word are good ones, but when the Contact Fleet actually works out what it's in reference to some interesting delayed reactions are likely.
[] Circle Greeting – although highly unorthodox in a formal situation, you aren't bound to those. Greet the representatives as you would a new or prospective member of the Circles, with joy, compassion and warmth. Might be a little much to already consider them a member of (albeit extended) family, though.
- Location
- Staring into the void
I'm interested.
Sounds like good omake material.
Seconded. Strongly interested.
Garm352
Bearer of the Stars of Creation
- Location
- The Void Between Stars
- Pronouns
- He/Him
Thirded.
Seriously, though, I'm on board with the Unison presentation in clothes and title, mainly because of the fact that it visibly demonstrates how seriously we take the Shiplord threat once the connotations and information are inevitably explained, and I'm down for the Open Smile, mainly because it's the more moderate, but still genuinely Amanda thing to do.
The only thing I can't decide on is the when. I'm leaning towards the second or third options, though, mostly because ambushing diplomats with Amanda as soon as they disembark is just kind of...mhrgrgly. You know? I feel like the third option might be best, because if we do the Unison outfit and title, then the second choice timing wise...might make us come across as unnecessarily aggressive. Waiting until they have a grasp on humans would be the polite thing to do, and would show respect. Especially since they might know by the time they leave just how much of an advantage we had in this first contact over them; not abusing that knowledge we gained through Practice, I think that might reassure them that we're trustworthy allies against the Shiplords.
Then again, alien mindsets and cultures, you can never be certain with these things. *shrugs*
The most amusing choice is to zoom up to their ships and knock on the glass.
