When next Neheret met the delegation from this 'Coalition', it was in a proper meeting room. At least they tried, he supposed. Still, it was... almost degrading being here. Almost.
Overlord Verotep had sent him to negotiate their entry into the Coalition. He had explained some of his reasons. That being he wanted fresh ideas, a 'front', whatever that was, and finally a foothold through which they could act. He assuredly had more, but it wasn't his place to ask. But maybe he would ask Xeravo or Zototek.
As he looked around the room, he saw multiple different species. One, was humans. The next, were smaller, stocky, and read skinned. They had 2 toes and 6 fingers. The rest were an eclectic mix he couldn't be bothered to recall for later.
All he needed to know was their goals, wants, and views. That way he could better bend them to their will. And so far, things were going well.
Mhephetet was talking for him, as lowering himself to talk to these... people, he supposed, was beneath him. It was a break of protocol, he supposed. But, he wanted to get this done and return to his estate.
So, he ordered Mhephetet to begin. "His Lordship wishes to be blunt. The Necron Vkeroketep Dynasty wishes to enter negotiations about integration into this so called Coalition. This is an honor for you, as Overlord Verotep has requested this himself.
He has given leave to trade gifts. His gift for integration is this: 'A world's ore, unrefined, defense of this border we share, the destruction and or removal of all life on one world, and finally, the allowance or traversal to, around, and in the outer worlds of the dynasty. This includes merchants, mercenaries with documentation authorized by the central governing body of your species in this Coalition, or a writ given by one of the lords of the dynasty.' While gifts are traditional, his majesty, Overlord Verotep understands that you may not be able to provide something valuable to the dynasty, so he, in his generosity, advises you to accept us into the Coalition proper as a gift."
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The mortals looked stunned. Probably. He couldn't really tell. They whispered to each other, until the human representative cleared their throat.
"Ahem, your kindness and generosity is most appreciated by us, Lord Neheret. But I would like clarification on some things. By 'a world ore, unrefined, does he mean raw ore from a planet? Next, does he imply that he will defend the entire border? Next, uhhh, what do you mean, removal of a world? The last bit is obvious enough, but does that mean you will not allow visitors to your home world? And finally, all you wish is to join the Coalition of free worlds?" They ask.
With a look from Neheret, Mhephetet began again. "We remind you to use proper titles, negotiator. We are caste bound. All have their place. To not respect and obey those above you is... ill-advised." He starts.
"Next, it is the ore of an entire world, gifted to the Coalition, not just some." He sniffed. "Yes, Overlord Verotep will defend this border from all hostile xeno lifeforms for as long as the Necron are in the Coalition. For the next point, the dynasty will guarantee one world of the Coalitions choice, death. These are gifts he will give to the Coalition as a whole for joining. For why would he not? Both for tradition and to support budding allies."
The delegation of mortals looked at each other, then the human spoke. "While we can not answer yes or no, I believe that there is a good chance that your wish will be granted, Lord Neheret. I apologize for any offense given. But, I have a feeling that your kin joining will be no problem.