-=+ +=- [COMPLETED] The Second Universe -=+ +=-

Part 11: War Begins

The buildings seemed to be built with brutalism foremost in mind, also appearing all utilitarian and with no care given to appearance other than what seemed to be an emphasis on being ready for war. The mass of buildings stretched into the horizon rather neatly, with bustling streets and roads with not as much traffic as one would expect in a city of this size. Stone had a visible face of approval, and he sort of liked brutalist architecture.

"You guys have a really nice city." Stone said, seemingly hoping to start small talk to pass the time. "Thank you, we appreciate it." One of the UIGR diplomatic escorts in the vehicle said, nodding their head. Realizing the thankful message meant he was denied small talk, he frowned internally, looking out the window as the trip went on quietly.

A few minutes later, they had arrived at their destination. With a quiet-ish talking volume humming, the VTOL landed, and he stepped out, heading towards the entrance to the UIGR building. As he walked around, he noted a lot of military personnel and vehicles, some of their gear bearing some slight similarity to past New World Union equipment. The revolving doors at the entrance spun, and the envoy entered.

After talking with the receptionist, which was, by the look on his face, starting to get monotonous after doing it so many times, headed to a portal. The portal took him straight to the meeting room, where he was met by an older man also entering the room. The man had a gray mustache and a hat, and he took a seat, waiting for Stone to take a seat.

The NWU's diplomat did so, and introduced himself. "Robert Stone, New World Union's Department of Foreign Affairs." The other diplomat did so too with an accented voice. "Otto Herschel, United Intergalactic Reich Department of Diplomacy." Stone extended his arm to shake hands with the other diplomat. He calmly shook it, a small smile on his face as he did so. "Our nation is joyful to meet another that spreads across a universe."

"Ours is too. We wanted to establish friendly contact with yours and build embassies." Stone said, as the other diplomat nodded. After some more talk, Stone showed the sort-of-mandatory video presentation of the New World Union to his diplomatic counterpart, who first smiled then was rather shocked. The conversation continued and moved onto the topic of the UIGR joining the war, until the older man was interrupted.

He seemed to be receiving a call. "Please, excuse me for a moment..." Stone nodded, and the UIGR diplomat answered the call. A few minutes later, the call ended, as he watched. "Alright, so there's a special request we would like to make of your- nation." The NWU's diplomat raised an eyebrow. "There's a traitor who defected just yesterday- a Lieutenant General Eric Schwab. He has a vast knowledge of our military inner workings, so if we were to enter the war while he was still alive, we would face innumerable casualties."

"Do you, uhh- want it covert?" "Yes, but if given the chance-" He paused, clearly not being used to relaying a military request during a diplomatic meeting. "Please, hit them with as many howitzers as you have available." Both men started laughing at this, and Stone responded first. "Will do. By the way, is there any custom here centered around signing a document for things like what I suggested with the embassies?"

"No, mister Stone. No need." Herschel responded. "Alright, understood." The diplomatic meeting had ended, and Stone got up. He headed for the elevator and rode it down, finding himself at the lobby with his security detail. The convoy took him back to the portal hub, and he returned to Astera.

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"Third Contact?"

December 16, 35794 - 14:00:00

The Emperor

Throne Room//Office

Omega Citadel, Astera, New World Union