Scene #1155: Meeting Grounds

Owner	Pose
Nemesis	Most days, the Ring of Philosophy is a place for the members of the Union to come and debate, or settle, their differences. Today, however, the sole Morrigi member of the Union has decided to use it as a meeting place. Since her arrival in the Union, her voice had been a regular thing heard on Union frequencies, however, it's fairly hard to set a first impression for herself, of for Nemesis to put a first impression upon others. Those that arrive will find a different sort of 'setup' for the combat arena. Just a table, low to the ground, with a variety of drinks (Alcoholic and non) resting on it. On one side of this rounded table, Nemesis has settled herself and has even poured herself a small drink.
Luna	Luna doesn't socialize much, so when someone she doesn't know offers up a social gathering, Luna is happy to attend. The young alicorn makes her way into the arena, wearing her sword and her new earrings. When she sees Nemesis, even Luna blinks in surprise. A bird-like dragon is not something she has ever seen, and Equestria has a lot of different creatures in it. But, she isn't put off by Nemesis's appearance. Luna smiles kindly as she approaches. "Good evening. Are you the one who arranged this social gathering?" the pony asks as she nears the table and starts sniffing of different beverages. She lifts her head again and smiles to Nemesis. "I am Luna of Equestria. It is an honor to meet you." she says, giving a polite bow.
Auron	Auron had heard the invitation over the radio. He didn't speak up then, but he decided to just show up. He pauses as he enters the Ring of Philosophy. Gaze of a single remaining eye looking for the source of the voice. Seeing the table, as well as the dragon/bird and pony near it, draws his attention there, so he heads in that direction. Once he reaches it, he also bows politely. "Hello. My name is Auron. I heard the invitation over the radio." He's a normal-looking human, aside from that missing eye. Late thirties, black-and-silver hair, dressed somewhere between a samurai and a Shaolin monk, more to the monk side with the coat worn off one arm.
Nemesis	Realizing someone arrived, Nemesis beckons with one hand, greeting with the same hand as Luna approaches, "Yes, that is right. I am Nemesis, and I brought a variety of beverages for any who arrives to enjoy. Please, help yourself to anything you like. It is nice to meet you, Luna. It is nice to meet people in person instead of always hearing a voice from a small box, yes?" she asks. Up close, one may realize there is a set of headphones resting around the creature's neck, silent, at this time. As Auron introduces himself, Neme's gaze shifts his way. Seems that Auron gets a full looking over, and after a thought and a flick of her tail, she seems to smile in an avian way, "Well met, Auron," she offers first. "As I told Luna, here, please, help yourself." Then her gaze starts to slip between them both. "If either of you have any questions or have something to talk about, please, do not hesitate to speak."
Luna	Luna continues sniffing drinks, then ooohs. "My sister never lets me try such drinks!" she says, picking up an apple cider and mixing it a bit of some alcoholic beverage. She never drinks, so different names of alcohol have no meaning to her. She starts to pour both into a glass, unknowingly using more alcohol than necessary. Then, she seats herself on her haunches near Nemesis. "Now then...questions. Well, the first and most obvious, where are you two from? Not the same world, I suspect, as you do not seem to know each other. I am from Equestria, a land where ponies like myself have taken up the role that is apparently filled by humans in most other worlds."
Nemesis	"I hail from a single Morrigi world that was on the fringes of our territory. The Morrigi Confederation has control over a large number of worlds and trades with even more than that thanks to the other races that exist within our galaxy." The Morrigi pauses, headtilting at the drinks Luna has combined, but she says nothing, deciding that Luna is simply making what she will enjoy. The avian-creature sips on her own beverage before continuing. "Humans do seem to be everywhere in the Multiverse, but this is not the case where I am from. There are a collection of races, all vying for territory, in our galaxy. Some through war, some through diplomacy, some through exploration, and so on. Some are more ... violent than others. It is the reason why our Confederation decided I should come to the Union. Having powerful allies to protect our core worlds is a valuable asset."
Luna	Luna nods as she listens, her wings stretching before folding back against her back. Her horn glows softly and a straw floats over to her drink before sliding in. "I see. My world has yet to achieve space travel. I am sure we could do it, but we do not have the technological means for a long space flight. And having magic fail in the middle of a space flight would be disasterous." she says, then leans forward to take a sip of her drink. And promptly starts coughing. Cough cough, hack hack, deep breaths! "It...cough...is delicious..." Luna says, panting a bit. But, she takes a few moments before trying another sip. It isn't as bad this time. "And, what do your people do? Explore or seek diplomatic conquest?" she says, her eyes watering a bit.
Nemesis	The coughing fit prompts Nemesis to reach for another cup, pour some water into it, and nudge it in Luna's direction, "Be careful, some of these drinks are stronger than others," she warns before answering the alicorn's question. "We seek trade. We would rather keep the territory we have and defend it than move outward. Unfortunately this has led to our sector shrinking, ever so slowly, over the last few decades. Some are arguing for more action, others insist our new Union allies will make sure we do not lose more."
Luna	Luna takes the offered cup and sips at it lightly. "So I noticed." she says of the drinks, then hmms. "Shrinking? Have you been losing ground to more war-like entities?" Luna asks. She starts to sip at her mixed drink again, then hesitates before pushing it aside. "Allies are good, but the Union will not usually send in its armies to fight battles unless those battles threaten the Multiverse at large. You may be able to find people within the Union willing and able to fight for you, but your people should learn to protect themselves rather than depending on the help of others." Luna pauses a moment, then smiles sheepishly. "O-of course, that is not to say that you should not trust others. Just...that if you cannot defend yourselves, it may not be enough to have Union help."
Nemesis	"We are capable of defending ourselves, Luna, it is that there are too many to defend against at times. There are some very violent factions that prey on the weaknesses in our defenses, or strike after someone else, or any other variety of situations. Attrition is a horrible thing to fight against in war, and it is very hard to stand against. However, it is not the decision of us planetside, but the navy's decision. We simply supply and assist them the best we can."
Luna	Luna's ears lower as the situation is explained. "Forgive me. I did not understand the situation. My world has not had wars like other worlds, as far as I know. We have had evils to defeat, but they are often alone or have only a select group of followers. I cannot imagine trying to defend a star empire. The resources alone would be staggering, not to mention logistics." Luna sighs softly, then tries to find a more cheerful subject. "Well, You have told me of your world. Perhaps I should tell you more about mine. We recently overcame the greatest threat to face Equestria since time immemorable. A creature called Discord. He sought to corrupt our people and change the order of the world into chaos. Although not directly fatal, his powers and hobbies would have eventually destroyed our world. Not to mention the enslavement of our people. But now, we have gained our freedom. Our capital, Everfree, is a testament to what can be accomplished when many different types of ponies come together toward a common goal. I would be happy to have you visit our city some day." Luna says before sipping her water again. The cup just floats up to her lips, thanks to her magical telekinesis.
Nemesis	"I bear you no ill will, Luna. It is a situation that has gone on for some time, and I will not hold any ill will against an ally," she muses before the alicorn has her full attention. "Please, do go on," she offers while listening. "The very thought of magic existing in any world is surprising, but a creature of true Chaos seems entirely unbelievable. I would love to visit, at some point, Luna. In fact I look forward to it."
Luna	Luna smiles happily at that. "Oh, wonderful!" she says, clapping her forehooves together excitedly. "I can show you Everfree, and we can go flying after I raise the moon, or after my sister raises the sun. And you can meet the different ponies of Equestria. There are three main types: the unicorns, pegasi, and Earth ponies." Luna pauses. "Hmm...they may be a bit cautious of you at first. The many dangerous creatures of our world have terrorized the ponies for quite a while. It is only recently that we have had any true safe haven." Luna shakes her head to clear away the thoughts of the past, then sighs. "He is unbelievable. And quite dangerous. He cares only for his own selfish desires, and simply does not recognize that pure chaos leads to destruction. Unfortunately, in order to stop him, we had to seal him in stone. He is now a statue in a special section of the city that is always under tight guard."
Nemesis	"I can understand the fear my kind can cause in those not familiar with us. To be honest, Luna, many legends relating to 'dragons' in the galaxy I hail from our the fault of my species. One of the interesting things I discovered upon arriving in the Multiverse, and joining the Union, is that the dragons that these legends refer to are actually real, here," Nemesis explains before drawing on her own drink for a long moment, as if considering what has been said about the Equestria Luna hails from. "I will be sure to tread lightly and without weapons. It would not do for me to leave a bad first impression of my kind in regards to a new world that we have not yet visited. As for this Discord? Well, I do hope nothing happens to the statue. Creatures such as that, in legend, are better left undisturbed.
Luna	Luna giggles a bit at that first part. "Yes, upon entering the Multiverse, it is not uncommon to find things that one world considers mythical are alive and well in another world. It makes me wonder how long the worlds have been linked. Perhaps most legends stem from creatures traveling between worlds." she says. "That is good." she says to the second. "Most Equestrians do not even own a weapon, much less carry one. Even the guards rarely have weapons, just armor. When we must fight, we Equestrians usually rely on our natural abilities. I carry this weapon only because it was a gift from a close friend." She is quiet a moment. "I have often wondered...if we destroyed Discord...would that upset the balance of our world?"
Nemesis	To the question about Discord, Nemesis can only shrug, "I am not familiar with worlds that have such aspects given flesh. However, I would not risk it, Luna. Some questions are better left unanswered," she suggests before she empties her cup only to fill it again. "As for the link between worlds... mm.. the way I understand it for us is that there was a sudden appearence of whole new constellations prevoiusly unseen. When flown toward, we found the 'super planet' as it is referred to, and the lands beyond. It has been an interesting time, and one that has caused the conflicts that have gone on in our galaxy to slow. Everyone is curious about these new worlds instead of fighting with one another. I find myself enjoying the Union for the work I can now find. I enjoy peace, but I am a soldier, still. This faction provides me a place to use my skills."