Dawn barely touched the skyline of Eclipseon when Wein arrived at the Voss mansion. Below, the city shimmered faintly, cargo lanes already humming with early traffic, trade shuttles streaking across the atmosphere.
Inside the room was silent except for the soft hum of automated systems. He rested Vaelstine on the bedside and moved deliberately to his bed. Despite not having to physically do anything he somehow felt exhausted.
A group of servants entered in a hurry and proceeded to help him disrobe. They took the coat, his suit, shirt, and tie until he remained in his boxers eyeing the bed. He took a slow breath, grounding himself, mentally preparing for the day ahead.
"Astra, could you please put on the news" he said throwing himself on the bed.
A soft chime sounded from the wall interface. Without Wein looking, a news report appeared around the room.
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Eclipseon Morning Report
"Lord Wein al Voss has officially assumed leadership of House Voss. The previous day, the council convened for the entire day under his authority for the first time in about five years. Governor Eddenco was among the key officials to…Key reforms include…."
Wein remained covered and only listened.
"Preparations for the arrival of House Kell and Untra has been in motion for some time. Famously Prime Minister Vern has advocated to establishing connections with the two houses."
Wein listened quietly, letting the news sink in. Hearing how the public accepted his new reforms and the anticipation that was building.
He closed his eyes and felt exhaustion press in. He did not really want to sleep and just shower and prepare for the meeting but his body betrayed him. The room grew quiet except the soft hum of the mansion, all the servants steered away from the room.
A soft chime and a gentle knock at the door stirred him awake. Rising he could feel a certain degree of refreshment. Not full recovery but enough to jump start his body's recovery.
He rose from his bed, the room was much brighter, clean and speckless. Outside the door, he could hear breathing, heartbeats the servants were waiting. He stood on his legs and rolled his shoulders once easing the stiffness from his frame.
He walked to the door and opened it, the servants stood there as if waiting for him to wake up. When the doors opened, they bowed as his figure appeared before them.
"I am awake," he said calmly. "Prepare the bath and lay out a formal set."
"Yes, my lord."
The servants moved quickly but silently as he stepped into the washroom. Steam soon filled the air, the heat biting lightly at his skin. He sat down in the water and servants poured buckets of warm water over him.
His mind began to assemble the day ahead piece by piece.
House Kell.
Shipbuilders. Once a very profitable house but now declined and had become replaced by other houses. As a result they were cornered by a lack of capital and dwindling large scale constructs. Their docks still had skilled hands and their engineers still capable but even they were beginning to leave the house.
They needed help, investments to jumpstart their dwindling house and climb out of debts. And House Voss could be that for them, it was wealthy, a military house and would buy ships, so it would be a trade ally with Kell.
House Untra, was weak. Not main manufacturers, warriors nor traders. They controlled minor lanes and peripheral logistics chains, mostly overlooked by larger Houses. They were poor in capital and poor in strength but could be useful in opening a route through the entire empire in the future.
He stepped out of the bath and allowed the servants to dress him in formal attire: charcoal coat, silver threaded collar and Vaelstine returned to his hand as always.
Astra's voice echoed softly through his bedroom.
"Lord Wein, the first House vessels have arrived and begun decent. Visual feed available."
"Display"
The projection interface sparked mid-air revealing the sky above the estate platforms. Two formations approached in disciplined arcs guided by a group of similar fighter aircrafts.
House Kell's ships were utilitarian, armoured hulls, visible plating seams, and green toned exteriors bearing signs of repeated refitting. They were practical, Industrial, and fine for a noble house despite the wear.
House Untra on the other hand, their vessels were smaller, sleeker. Gold trimmed, optimized for cargo and long range transit rather than combat and aesthetics.
They were not Houses of overwhelming might nor wealth, but they would serve as a stepping stone for Wein in the world of politics.
"Have them received with full protocol," Wein said calmly. "Escort them to the reception hall. I will meet them there."
"Yes, my lord"
The projection faded.
Wein turned and began walking through the corridors of the Voss mansion. Through the vast halls, the servants and guards stepped aside, bowing their heads as he moved. His footsteps were steady, unhurried.
The reception hall had not been used for an interhouse welcome in years. Its ceiling arched high above, layered with suspended light panels that cast a silver glow across polished floors. At the far end stood the table with the banner of House Voss hung behind the central seat.
Wein walked towards it and took his place at the centre. After resting Vaelstine he began going through documents on his pad.
Moments later, the heavy doors opened.
First entered the representatives of House Kell. Their delegation was modest but disciplined. At their front stood a tall woman in dark green formal coat reinforced subtly at the shoulder. She was Kirril, the dominant race of their house. Beside her were aides of her same race.
Behind them followed House Untra. Their leader was leaner, dressed in silver trimmed attire far more decorative than Kell's practical uniform. His eyes moved constantly, scanning the architecture, the guards, and the distance between the pillars as if measuring. He was human and so were his aides except a few among them.
Behind them was Vern who had just arrived with them and his aides. The great doors sealed shut with a muted thud, silence settled over the reception hall.
Wein did not immediately rise. He finished scanning the final line of the document on his pad before placing it down deliberately before turning to look at his guests.
Both delegations halted at the marked inlay in the floor.
The leader of House Kell stepped forward first. Up close, the subtle differences of her race were clearer.
"Lord Wein," she said. Her voice carried a faint harmonic undertone characteristic of her species. "Baron Dol'jaa sends his formal regards and regrets his absence. He entrusted me with full authority in this negotiation. I am his daughter Vl'jii Kell."
Wein stepped forward, stretching his hand to shake hers.
"House Voss acknowledges the Baron's courtesy," he replied evenly. "And welcomes his daughter."
The Untra leader bowed next, smoother, almost theatrical.
"Lord Wein" he began stretching his own hand. "My name is Uthman of Untra, I offer my greetings."
Wein nodded as he shook his hand. "Welcome. You both arrived at the best time, please be seated."
They took their places at the table. Vl'jii to Wein's right, Uthman to his left. Their aides arranged themselves just behind them, while Prime Minister Vern stood slightly behind Wein's shoulder.
For a brief moment no one spoke, then Wein began.
"Cooperation between our houses has been non-existent for centuries. I intend to develop a relationship between the three."
Vl'jii listened without blinking, her hands folded still atop the table. Uthman leaned back slightly, fingers loosely interlocked, though his gaze flicked once towards his aides before returning to Wein.
"The galaxy does not reward isolation," Wein continued. "Nor does it reward stagnation. House Kell possesses shipyards with capacity far exceeding its current demand. Skilled engineers not fully utilised and a dwindling production capability. While House Untra controls minor lanes to great portion of the empire that is not fully used."
Projections appeared above their heads with the relevant data.
"Based on the discussions you have had with our Prime Minister, House Voss is ready to provide the following. We will sell a certain portion of ships to both of your houses for a reasonable price you can afford. We will commission future builds to replace them from Kell's docks and enter a long term procurement agreement, enough to stabilize and expand your production lines."
There was silence.
"Additionally, we have reduced the production with the goal of increased imports, we will be using the lanes falling under House Untra for this. We will be adding security and investing in the routes."
Wein let that settle in first before continuing.
"These are just the main objectives we have offered."
Vl'jii raised her hand to enquire.
"The terms do favour us. Cleanly." Her eyes did not move from his. "But I am curious, what does House Voss gain from this?" she asked.
"Take a thorough look at the documents" Wein replied. "But the most important thing to understand is that despite the shield that House Voss has, we cannot be idle. I am on a mission to strengthen it, I need to build alliances, and the first houses are yours."
Uthman finally spoke.
"Kell and their ships, that trade explains itself." He spread his hands slightly. "However what could Untra offer? We hold minor lanes and old cargo routes. I have pride in my house, Lord Voss, but I am not delusional. What does Voss want from supporting us?"
Wein smirked at the question.
"As a show of great faith, I will tell you. Uthman is not our neighbour nor close to us but there is potential there. Your house though minor connects to a lot more systems in the empire. Should the time come, it will be beneficial to have formed relations now, rather than later."
Wein folded his hands lightly atop the table.
"This is not charity," he said evenly. "It is an alliance made with prosperity of our houses in mind."
Neither of the two responded immediately as Wein went deeper into the terms of the deal they would sign that day. He held most of the leverage in the room, and both delegations knew it. There was little room to protest, and less to refuse.