The Dror’ux Confederacy

Fawx

DaClevaLucas
A few systems away from the edge of Dror'ux territory, light bends and distorts for a moment, before a small flotilla of ships appears in place. It'd be naught but hubris to consider it anything approaching an invasion force, consisting of only a duet of ~ 5km scale warships, and a collection of much smaller vessels in between. A broadcast is sent in the general direction of the Confederacy, sent via tachyon wave so as to arrive in a reasonable timeframe.

The signal consists of a video recording with audio, continually looping. The contents feature the command center of a ship, with what's presumably the captain addressing the camera. The captain in question appears quadrupedal in nature, a coat of orange fur covering whatever her clothes don't, 4 eyes and an amicable expression addressing the viewer. She speaks in galactic standard, albeit with an unusual accent that draws out vowels with a slight undertone of a growl.

//Transmission Start//
"Greetings and salutations to the Dror'ux people and state! I am Yatrii Ciy'vae, Matriarch of the clan of the same name, and acting diplomat of the Fortress World Yon',lajok. I understand that your kind often partake in mercenary activity in this area, and have a vibrant martial culture. Make no mistake, we are not here to reprimand such a way of life, quite the opposite in fact. Myself and my kin share your affinity and reverence for combat prowess, or put in a way I believe you'll agree with 'fighting the good fight'."

"To this end, I would like to formally challenge some of your warriors to a series of friendly duels. No objectives or stakes, simply sparring for mutual experience. Whether this challenge is accepted by the state at large or an individual clan, I have no preference. If this is of no interest, then I am willing to set aside funds so you may treat it as mercenary work. I eagerly await your response, and hope you live up to your reputation. This message will loop."

"Greetings and salutations to the Dror'ux people and state! I am..."
//Transmission End//

Fawx

DaClevaLucas
The Dror'ux response was met with a mixed array of murmurs from the bridge crew of the VSA Favlir. Some were of approval that their challenge would be met. Others were of skeptitude at the dismissive nature. One officer turned to address Yatrii.

O: "Is this truly wise, Matriarch? These people seem more concerned with filling their stomachs than they are with an honourable duel. Hardly worthwhile opponents."
Y: "Patience. If Darkfleet intel is correct, and it tends to be, then they hold much more respect for actions rather than words. They look down on us now because they believe they can triumph over any we can put before them. All we need do is fight them to at least a stalemate and their tone will change."
The officer remained quiet after that, turning back to his duties.
Y: "...That said, do not think so lowly of them either. Our Haltanian ancestors were much the same upon first meeting outsiders, if admittedly a little more vocal. Besides, if they choose to fight dirty, then we can always send her out."

//Transmission Start//
"Even if your motives for accepting the challenge do not align with ours, I am glad to have some worthy opponents for my warriors. We await docking or landing instructions, the combat may take place wherever you deem fit; I trust you have appropriate spaces set aside."
//Transmission End//