Diplomacy A Crown of Fire || BSS Annexation of GA Controlled Hapes Cluster Superhex

[Mauve du Vain]

A
C R O W N
O F
F I R E

​

The bridge of the Hapan Battle Dragon offered a grim view of the space beyond. Flickers of light in reds and greens marked the exchange of fire between the Alliance picket fleet and the pirate armada assembled beneath a rebel Ducha’s banner, Aurellia of House Revali.

She had brokered a deal with the Black Sun Syndicate for an armada with which to make her bid for her people’s freedom.

And now, in the wake of the Queen Mother’s death during the Vahl Cultist raid - the iron was hot, and so they had struck.

Pirates from deep within the outer rim regions of the Slice flocked to the cause, assembling upon Kwenn Station, from here they made the trek across the hyperlanes, a swarm of locusts, to fall upon the Alliance fleet near the Hapes Cluster, an Alliance already stretched so thin by the loss of the Deep Core to the Imperial Warlord Solipsis.

Placed between impossible choices, a peace delegation arrived upon the Hapan flagship, to discuss terms. What they found in the retinue of the Would-Be-Queen was far worse. All about the Ducha were Pirate Lords and Captains of ill-repute and some of little to no renown. Their features ranged from cruel and hard to bordering upon the whimsy. It did not lessen the ships they had brought, the fleet they had assembled.

Further, in guise as “investors” and “neutral third parties,” agents and high Vigos of the Syndicate stood clustered about the Ducha Revali. Foul advisors whispering noxious fumes into the ears of the Pretender-to-the-Throne.

In the distance, space lit up with the explosion of a capital ship.

​

 

[Jerec Asyr]

It would have been needlessly provocative to wear the damn thing, beautiful though it was and costly though it had been. Instead the crown of two recent queens of Hapes rested under glass on silk the green of the Transitory Mists. The display case bobbed on recessed repulsors, waiting for the opportune time.

Depending on who gave and who consented and who accepted or did not, a gift could mean so much. For the moment, Jerec figured, the ungiven crown signaled two things: Black Sun's standing interest in the Hapes Cluster and the ambiguous, downright multipotent opportunity at hand. Much as many involved in both sides would like to predestinate the outcome, in a moment like this anything could happen.

In good clothes and a mynock-leather cape, Jerec stood with the floating display case, largely to keep fools' grubby fingerprints off the glass.

 

[Velzari Tharn]

B L A C K - S U N - S Y N D I C A T E
A - C R O W N - O F - F I R E​

​

The bridge of the Hapan Battle Dragon offered a grim view of the space beyond. Flickers of light in reds and greens marked the exchange of fire between the Alliance picket fleet and the pirate armada assembled beneath a rebel Ducha’s banner, Aurellia of House Revali.

... and looming beside her like a hungry wolf eyeing an injured deer was Prince Velzari Tharn, Underlord of the Black Sun crime syndicate.

The shadowy of Black Sun's territory had touched the edges of the troubled Hapes Cluster for quite some time now. In the darkness, Prince Velzari's agents nibbled little pieces here and there. Capitalizing on galactic events. Manipulating local tensions. The Crimson Veil insurgents, who the Alliance branded terrorists, were the perfect window through which the Underlord could peer into the fragile court of the Queen Mother. Those contacts were owed to Xalazar Krev , a kinsman who would be rewarded very handsomely for the intelligence he offered Velzari on Nal Hutta.

Once the Veil had sworn fealty to Black Sun and placed their backing behind the Rebel Queen, the syndicate turned its hungry eyes to the pirates. The Hapes Cluster was infested with them, entire bands of disenfranchised men left jaded by unequal treatment and neglect. The Sennex Pirates and Lorell Raiders were among the most prominent, though there were dozens more flying beneath their banner. With their support fully behind Aurellia of House Rivali, there was little left standing in the way of her ascension besides the Alliance's resistance.

Standing aboard this mighty Hapan Battle Dragon as the starbird-branded picket fleet was engaged with pirate cruisers and uglies gave the Underlord confidence in Black Sun's vicarious victory. For now, Velzari held his tongue. This diplomatic arrangement was between the Rebel Queen and the Galactic Alliance Senate. Black Sun was merely here as a show of force, a reminder that the Underworld is always watching. Always waiting.

Always here.

Tags: Aurellia (?) | OPEN
​

 

[Monaray Dod]

Trade Federation Convoy, ( 1 ) Lucrehulk Class III Battleship, ( 8 ) Lucrehulk Class II Battleship

Senator Dod observed the tactical hologram projected across the bridge with a sense of apprehension at the thought of the Galactic Alliance needing to restore peace again to the Hapan Cluster after having just cleaned up the mess with the previous Queen-Mother who was murdered in cold blood by the Chancellor's consort.

The vast, ringed silhouette of the Profit's Shadow dominated the display, a Lucrehulk-Class III Battleship. Flanking it in precise, geometric formation were eight of its smaller cousins, Lucrehulk-Class II Battleships, their distinctive profiles stark against the star-choked backdrop of the Hapes Cluster transit lane.

Outside the viewport, the glittering chaos of the Cluster resolved into grim focus. Scorch marks marred the hulls of Alliance picket ships. Debris fields, still expanding, marked where vessels had died. Further out, the sensor blotches representing Aurellia pirate coalition and their Black Sun paymasters swarmed like agitated insects around the wounded Alliance fleet.

The Alliance Senate, in its predictable panic after the Battle of Coruscant and the Imperial triumph in the Core, had flapped its hands and pointed towards the crisis. And so, he was dispatched with the formal authority of the Galactic Alliance to restore order, but with the far more tangible authority of nine capital warships acting as the negotiating table.

"If they wish to negotiate, by all means. The Galactic Alliance does not usually kill its prisoners...though I am no Alliance Commander." The Neimoidian said with a firm smile at the prospect of jettisoning these Black Sun Criminals out of the airlock system.

 

[The Madclaw]

Aboard the Cataclyst-class pirate ship, the Madclaw pointed at the hovering Lucrehulks, holding just outside the engagement zone with the picket fleet and the gathered Hapan pirate armada.

“Nero, prepare the boarding party.”

Should negotiations fail, more blood would be spilled out into the void this day. Arrayed around his vessel were dozens more of the Cataclysts - all preparing their boarding harpoons. A swarm of vultures, ready to descend.

Nero Drake Levi Isur Monaray Dod

 

[Aurellia]

A - C R O W N - O F - F I R E
Mauve du Vain | Velzari Tharn | Jerec Asyr | Monaray Dod

Backlit by the destruction beyond their ship, Aurellia turned to face the party of delegates. Did it make their skin crawl, she wondered, to see what power looked like beyond the core? To know that their defenders of democracy were falling to the likes of pirates and scum? The group wore armor of diplomacy, the same as their last queen mother, for all the good it had done her. The Ducha met each gaze, expression tempered with ice, only to look to her communications officer.

"Do open a comms channel to the Trade Federation Convoy. I'd hate for them to miss this."

The choice to respond was theirs - so far, they had held their hand. Perhaps they understood that the events of today could either raise their stock... or crash it. With that thought, Aurellia began to saunter across the bridge, every step deliberate, unbothered.

"Represenatives. I hope you can understand our need for a display of strength. You'll remember the fate of the last Hapan who stood at odds with the alliance. We will not stand to be torn down and remade as you have attempted. Neither do these new allies of mine bow to your laws. They are amongst the fiercest and finest to tread the stars."

The Voice had grown from that of a courteous noble to a rebellious warlord, bouncing off durasteel plating. Aurellia finally stopped before the holorecorder, addressing the unmarred fleet.

"To the Trade Federation, I offer this advice - Hapes makes a better friend than they do an enemy. You'll have open lanes, free markets, and the luxury trade without lifting a single credit in bribes. Your competition, however, could find their lives much more difficult than they do now."

 

[Isur]

Crewed up to the next ship that took him. Delphos was working with his talents as a Herglic, and using the Hunter as an attack vessel. That meant sending others of his crew to the other captains. That meant Isur, and he was sent to The Madclaw. Isur was pretty sure it was ‘The’ and not just Madclaw.

Armor was ready, and the Karkarodon grabbed his wan-shen. Sure, a weapon of the typical Matukai. But Isur was not typical. He was a hunter, and knew that there were many tools he could reach for.

This one was his.

And a scatter gun.

Because safety in numbers.

The Madclaw Nero Drake Levi Monaray Dod

 

[Drakon Teague]

Drakon parked The Bone Pyre as soon as it came out of Hyperspace and glanced about at the gathered ships. The beginnings of the formation of the armada that would take the Hapes. All of the ship captains, the pirates of the Black Sun who had been hired by the Hapan Princess to take back her throne. Dakon smirked softly too himself.

If they pulled this off they'd be legends.

A pirate fleet taking back an entire system. A famous system at that like Hapan. This wasn't some backwater planet that the other major powers could ignore as they squabbled over territory. This was Hapan! The histories said Hapan was crucial during that age of legends that had names like Han Solo, Luke Skywalker, it had names from the jedi histories like Tenel Ka Djo.

Legend had it that Hapan itself was settled by pirates long ago, it seemed fitting that it would be taken by pirates once again.

Drakon knew it was a great way to make his mark in Black Sun and a crucial step in becoming a legend in his own right. Beyond the petty single combat of the gladiator arena, and petty raids on shipping lanes.

Besides Drakon was also curious even eager to meet the princess properly, he'd never met a princess before. It could be a lucrative opportunity even of itself. Not to mention Drakon would be meeting other legends like Madclaw. Someday Drakon would like to cross blades with him. For now though he just wanted to meet him, maybe buy him a drink.

Finally Drakon knew this was an opportunity to show his merit as a leader of more than just a rag tag pirate band. Despite his reputation Drakon had been reading up on battle tctics and he wanted to get in on the ground floor of the planning stages. One to make sure The Skull & Bones pirates would be given a prime spot both for loot and glory and two to make sure they weren't embarking on a suicide mission. A bunch of pirates taking a system made a hell of a story precisely because no one thought it was possible.

Drakon thought all this through as he piloted The Hangman's Lament escorted by Reaver Squadron with his boarding party over to the Battle Dragon and made his way to the Bridge escorted by some very nervous looking officers. To be fair they were an eclectic bunch a Devoranian swordsmen with a double scabbard sword on one hip and blaster on the other, a Chiss Cyborg with a copper crown of headgear, a Zeltron woman scantily clad two blasters on her hips, finally Feeorin muscle, with scars crisscrossing, and a robotic limb for a leg.

"Bloodfang, Crown, Goldheart, Shellshock" Drakon commanded to each of them in turn. "Look less scroungy would you."

They frowned. Drakon shook his head and continued.

Drakon was no fool he wasn't going in without back up. The parlay should be held by the pirates code, overseen by Black Suns reputation and authority. Didn't mean Drakon trusted any of the other bloodthirsty pirates in the room. As one of them he'd be insulted if they trusted him.

Drakon glanced around the room, sizing up the representatives.

 

[Magdalena Bloodscrawl]

Wearing: Ritual Armor

Armed With: High Republic Lightsaber, Lightsworn Lightsaber

A broken and savage culture was how her son Nathan had venomously described Hapan society.

Magdalena knew Nathan saw little difference between them and the Cult of The Brain Demon, so she knew his opinion on them was inherently biased.

But even so, she had traveled to Hapes to see if it was true, and her alien mindset simply couldn't comprehend why they would treat their males in such a way, and not expect a revolution. The attitude of most Hapan women was something she found inherently repulsive, despite the fact she would have been treated in an elevated manner due to her poise and beauty, along with simply being female. Aurellia had proven so desperate to preserve a culture that had barely withstood the consequences of its own toxic attitudes she had thrown in with some of the worst criminals and terrorists in The Galaxy. This alone had rendered her illegitimate.

Unfortunately, Black Sun knew when to strike.

Though a Jedi Master in the High Republic, she possessed dual citizenship in the Alliance. It was for this reason she was aboard the same vessel as Monaray Dod , having volunteered to come aboard to help defend against any potential boarding attempts. She waited, listening on the bridge, not sure what the Rebel Queen's gripe was. Hapes had been in clear violation of sapient rights. Kha'la Daaray had resorted to fascist measures to preserve her rule even when it was clear it was over. She'd practically been asking to die.

Magdalena knew that they couldn't lose the Hapes Cluster. That was why her Son was in disguise, setting up a rogue, unauthorized raid on the Queen's battle dragon with his own forces, preparing breaching shuttles even now...

And she had her own monsters in the waiting.

 

[Velzari Tharn]

B L A C K - S U N - S Y N D I C A T E
A - C R O W N - O F - F I R E​

​

How delicious that Monaray Dod forgets the Federation’s dealings with Black Sun. Even more delicious to know that the syndicate possessed three Lucrehulks of their own, each crewed by hundreds of thousands of slaves who believe that victory in combat will earn their freedom… if they survive, of course.

Velzari leaned toward Aurellia wearing a sinister grin wrought with amusement. “Say the word, my dear, and I’ll have Dod on a leash—or we spare him the Viceroy’s wrath and summon Black Sun’s blockade, fight fire with fire.”

Though Thane was the handler that brokered deals between Velzari and the Trade Federation, Gat Tambor would undoubtedly answer the call and sort matters out with Dod. After all, it looks rather unsavory that a corporate executive should challenge his boss’s bedfellows. The Underlord’s dark mind imagined the many ways Black Sun could benefit from another Federation puppet…

All the Queen Mother needed to do was ask, and Velzari—eager to ensure she was indebted to Black Sun—would make it so.

Tags: Aurellia | Jerec Asyr | Mauve du Vain | Monaray Dod | OPEN
​

 

[Razmir Tezhyn]

A _ C R O W N _ O F _ F I R E​

Aboard the Battle Dragon; By the viewports
Hapan Secession Crisis
Lingua Franca

Standing at the spearhead of a delegation to seize Hapes from the Galactic Alliance gave Razmir pause to reflect on how much his life had changed in the time since he'd sworn fealty to his Underlord Velzari Tharn. Barely any time had passed since he'd been a petty thief, concerned with inconsequential heists of Alliance assets. He still vividly recalled the sting of Alliance blaster fire striking his padded vest in a crossfire barely a year back. And now he stood in his finest Ghorman suit at the viewport of a Hapan Battle Dragon poised to seize a whole sector without having to lift a finger.

The thought of that, of taking a sector off the Alliance, made him smile with an edge of sardonic schadenfreude.

The spectacle of the battling fleets beyond the viewports held Razmir's attention. His Underlord and the Hapan Queen handled the negotiation. More voices making grand speeches would merely muddle the effectiveness of Black Sun's display of power. He was no expert in matters of war, but he wagered the pirate fleet had the upper hand, so long as those Trade Federation battlecruisers kept their distance. Even then, Black Sun had their own ways to turn a losing hand into a winning play. That was why the Ducha had sided with them and not the Alliance, after all.

"Whom do you favour in this fight?" Razmir asked the Mandalorian at his side, nodding behind them--he didn't mean the fleets. The two of them--the shorter, finely dressed Razmir and the fully armoured Fett--stood out of earshot of the main delegations.

Tags: Koda Fett | OPEN​

 

[Nero Drake]

The Madclaw Isur

“Nero, prepare the boarding party.”

"Aye, cap'n!" the Madclaw's first mate answered at once, "All hands fly to windward! Get cracking you bloody sleemos!"

His captain's legend was infamous enough to recruit some of Hutt Space's most cutthroat pirates. Blasters hummed to full charge and vibroweapons scraped against scabbards. A few of these scoundrels were new hands hired back on Kwenn Station to replace crew lost in the Howlrunner's last raid.

"Revnog?" Nero offered the karkarodon Isur a flask, "Always settles me nerves afore battle."

Not since the Hyperspace War had so many raiders assembled in one system and this time without all of the Mawsworn fanatics. Captain Madclaw's crew more or less obeyed a pirate code. Black Sun needed crews they could trust enough not to depose the would-be Pirate Queen of Hapes and seize the cluster for their own shortsighted amusement.

 

[Koda Fett]

Razmir Tezhyn​

Coloured lights danced in a dangerous display in the reflection of his T-shaped visor, flickering across the stars in shades of red, blues and greens -- depicting someone's, something's final moments erupting in inaudible explosions. One could only wonder how many final moments were reflected in the would-be Mandalorian's helmeted eyes. There was a quiet nothingness in the face of killing, though Fett forced a quiet nothingness in most things.

It had not shown but he had taken a liking to the Black Sun. It was honest, insofar as this line of business could be, and dependable with the type of scum that ensured he could not become complacent. It was a challenge, in some sense of the word. There was nothing more thrilling than a challenge.

He set his helmeted gaze over his shoulder, briefly spying the delegation before eyeing Razmir.

"Black Sun," he answered, "The Alliance is a crumbling giant. Giving you Hapes won't save them, but might buy them some time. At best."

 

[The Madclaw]

"Revnog?" Nero offered the karkarodon Isur a flask, "Always settles me nerves afore battle."

Amber eyes flicked toward the imbibing crew and the Madclaw offered a growl of approval. He wanted them ready for what came next.

The huge wookiee stalked back toward the Karkarodon and Nero. He wore a kama skirt, Mandalorian fashion - spidersilk layer, then thicker flaps of armorweave covering his flanks. Several saber hilts and many trinkets hung from his belt. He rested a paw on his alchemized ryyk blade and bared his fangs at the thought of taking some skins this day.

"Droid. Gunjack," growled the Maclaw, gesturing to a hapless droid who wobbled over, bearing a tray full of vials of the berserker drug, gunjack, "Hand them to the crew."

Turning back to his first mate and the large selachii.

"More will come. We will see."

Isur | Levi | Nero Drake

 

[Monaray Dod]

Trade Federation Convoy, ( 1 ) Lucrehulk Class III Battleship, ( 8 ) Lucrehulk Class II Battleship

The Neimoidian remained seated in the command chair of the Profits' Shadow, sinking further into the luxurious upholstery as the flickering holographic image of Ducha Aurellia appeared before him, standing defiantly against the backdrop of the Black Sun Syndicate.

She undoubtedly had the support of the Lawless Space governed by the Underlord Velzari Tharn , yet their fleet could not compete with his own, nor would the Viceroy Gat Tambor take action, as the Neimoidians possessed the voting power within the Federation and had assisted him in reclaiming his position as the leader of the conglomerate.

"Interesting," Dod finally murmured, his voice a dry rasp devoid of its earlier bluster, now pure, chilling calculation. "Most... generous, Ducha Aurellia. Open lanes, free markets... tempting baubles indeed." He gave a slow, deliberate nod, as if genuinely considering it.A subtle gesture of one finger, almost lazy, directed towards the silent, imposing figure of the OOM-series Security Droid Commander standing rigidly beside his chair.

"Commander," Dod instructed, his tone conversational, "initiate primary weapons charging sequence. Prioritize the ventral and dorsal turbolaser batteries. And raise deflector shields to maximum. One must always be prepared... should negotiations prove... unfruitful."

The droid commander snapped a precise salute, its vocoder crackling. "Roger, roger. Weapons charging. Shields to maximum. Contingency protocols activated." A low hum began to permeate the bridge, vibrating through the deck plates, as the massive Lucrehulk awoke its true destructive potential.

Dod leaned forward slightly, resting his elbows on the arms of the chair, his gaze intensifying on Aurellia's hologram. "However," he continued smoothly, "while we appreciate the sentiment, the Galactic Alliance's mandate for 'peacekeeping' comes with significant... expenses. Expenses the Trade Federation, as a loyal corporate partner, is uniquely positioned to manage. But such management requires stability. Guaranteed stability."

He paused, letting the hum of the powering weapons underscore his next words. "Therefore, we propose a more... structural solution to ensure lasting peace within the Hapan Cluster. The Trade Federation requires direct administrative oversight of the Rifle Worlds."

The statement hung in the air, heavy and audacious. The Rifle Worlds were the industrial and military heart of the Hapan Consortium the source of their famed Battle Dragons and much of their technological prowess. Handing them over was tantamount to surrendering sovereignty.

"Purely for logistical efficiency and security, you understand. We would ensure the smooth flow of resources, the modernization of facilities, and the guaranteed neutrality of their output. This would, naturally, fulfill your offer of 'open lanes' and 'free markets' far more effectively than relying on... Black Sun assurances alone." His eyes flickered almost imperceptibly towards where Velzari lurked just outside the holographic frame.

He settled back again, the picture of reasonable negotiation. "In return, the Galactic Alliance fleet under my command will withdraw its immediate tactical pressure. ," he said the word with distaste, "and recognize your provisional authority over the remaining Hapan worlds."

 

[Mercy]

Tags: Aurellia | Jerec Asyr | Mauve du Vain | Monaray Dod | Velzari Tharn | OPEN
_____________
​

And there sat Mercy, the one whose hands were stained with the blood of the previous Queen Mother.

It was provocative to have her in the room. Much less sit there so lazily near the current Queen Mother, Aurellia , but she wouldn't have wanted to miss this one for any amount of gold in the Galaxy. In truth Mercy hoped that the Galactic Alliance would refuse to sign the agreement.

Watching the Alliance bleed and slowly lose one system after another made Mercy smell the blood in the water. It didn't make her want to give them a reprieve.

She wanted to press the advantage and start killing more of them. It wouldn't surprise Mercy if they could carve off far more of their territory if they really went for it.

But Mercy was here as a Vigo of the Black Sun first, not a marauding bloodthirsty Sith. More's the pity. The talking was already starting to bore her. She pulled out a knife and began to pick lightly under her nails, catching some crimson remnants that still hadn't washed out that well.

Perhaps it was a remnant of the old Queen. After all, smashing with a rock until something essential broke was a messy affair.

Therefore, we propose a more... structural solution to ensure lasting peace within the Hapan Cluster. The Trade Federation requires direct administrative oversight of the Rifle Worlds."

Now that made Mercy sit up. Leaning in slightly, elbows on her knees, hunger suddenly magnified in her eyes. She didn't say anything, but the ones who knew her best who were here in the room... knew how much this request would please her. An opening to start a wider war and fuel her blood lust.

Praise the Darkside for overly-ambitious capitalists. They always managed to make a boring situation perfect.

 

[Mauve du Vain]

Standing behind the Ducha and by Mercy's side, outfitted in sensible calf-high boots, with a black shirt and pants of spidersilk, a hapan gun of command jammed in a purple sash at her waist and gold glittering from her wrists, ears, and neck, stood a Zeltron, fuschia-skinned and hair dark as wine: Mauve du Vain, Vigo, Tongue of Deceit.

A purple brow lofted high at the Neimodian's preposterous demand for the Rifle Worlds.

Leaning close to the seated Sith, practically lounging against the back of the chair, Mauve whispered, "You have to admire the audacity."

Although Mauve suspected it was likely an outrageous first offer, from which the Neimodian would back off to some lesser deal that he originally intended, such as maintaining manufacturing interests on those planets

Mercy

 

[Alexandra Feanor]

Hapan Battle Dragon - Over the Hapes Sector
Objective - Discuss the Peaceful transition of power.

Equipment:
Sabers (Hidden in her Sleeves)
Spear (Held by her Aide Eve)
Robes​

---

Alexandra had arrived separately from Monaray Dod , the arrival of a Thyferra Class Star Defender signalling the arrival of the Galactic Alliance's negotiators and Naval representatives, a group that had been organized to allow for better communication to both the political branch and the military branch of the Galactic Alliance. The arrival of the ship as well requested for the ceasefire and pulling out of ships from the Hapes Cluster. It was best to avoid continued conflict if peace was the intention for the future with the new leadership of the Hapes.

It was for that reason that several individuals part of the GADF were also present for this meeting. Tavius Rhyven , an officer that had been on loan for this conversation and to help coordinate with the rest of the Tenth Sector Armada. She hoped that he would be able to as well coordinate the information back up the chain to members like ADM. Reshmar so that the Cluster did not have to deal with Alliance ships passing through without approval.

She also hoped this would be a step forward for the future. The Recent campaign from the Galactic Empire had been dealt with, and the assault at Arkania was still wrapping up with Alliance forces still in open conflict with Imperial forces. She was expecting for the final results to reach the desk of the defense committee soon, something for her and Cressida Tolliver to look over and speak with the higher ups in the GADF later on.

But, until that time, the Galactic Alliance did have to understand certain things. Conflict with the Hapes Cluster was a wasteful endeavor, and to demand their continued participation within the Galactic Alliance was against the very ideals they stand by. The Alliance could step in, and it was reasonable for them to do so, but at the same time there were those who actually threatened the lives of billions in comparison to this new queen. An Evil Empire that the Alliance had more threat from should a lasting peace be unable to be formed with them.

"Vice Admiral Rhyven, I understand that you are here as a representative for the GADF. Please temper and stronger feelings should we meet with less than welcoming individuals. I do not mean to be rude, but this is the first time we are working with eachother and my other Senators with us might share a similar concern."

When the ANS Eternity came within comms range of Aurellia 's ship, the request for a boarding shuttle would be sent. The support frigates holding back to not threaten the Hapans into thinking this would become a battle, though the appearance of so many Lucrehulks did confuse her. She was unaware the Trade Federation would have been present for this, and while they had lost their homeworld to the Empire, they were still a valued member of the Alliance.

"Eve, please reach out to Senator Monaray Dod , he should have an aide if these ships are his that can inform him of our arrival." She waited, letting the Hapans give their approval before the Alliance's diplomats would board a shuttle and land on the Battle Dragon in question.

---

Others not tagged, but Magdalena Bloodscrawl Mauve du Vain Mercy Razmir Tezhyn Velzari Tharn

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Delsin Shaw //:
//: Aboard the Battle Dragon //:

Diplomacy was something the Echani had found her place in. Despite being a Sith, she had been drilled with the ability to talk, to charm, and to garner alliances and agreements. Only recently had she been able to do so.

She sat, her legs crossed over as she watched everything unfold with the new Hapan Queen -- or the one they were trying to establish.

Her eyes drifted to the pair that sat a few paces away from her. She didn't look long and focused on the exchange in front of her.

She had a vested interest in the Alliance losing the planet. It benefited the Sith to watch the galaxy carve the Alliance up like an overcooked bantha roast. Their carcass had rotted in the galaxy long enough -- especially after the initial fiasco with the Jedi and the Hapans.

Even if she didn't, Quinn would have supported the Hapan annexation from the rumors that she had heard about the Alliance's desires for the government and culture of the planet. Quinn wondered, though, if her upbringing in a matriarchal society was why she felt a kinship with the Hapans.

Quinn wrinkled her nose as she let her thoughts settle about the entire situation.

Her hand rested beneath her chin, fingers idly toying with the ornate aurodium choker at her throat as her gaze drifted to the Echani beside her.

"Delsin," she said quietly between them. "What are your thoughts on this?"

She leaned back and let her hands fold in her lap as her head tilted, letting her gaze fall from him as she tried to focus on something other than the direction she wanted to look.

"With Eshan being matriarchal, do you feel negatively about it?" It was a curious thing; she had never heard him complain about it, beyond what they had discussed on Eshan.

Quinn never treated him as less, to the best of her knowledge.

//: Aurellia //: Velzari Tharn //: Mercy //: Mauve du Vain //: Razmir Tezhyn //:
//: Alexandra Feanor //: Magdalena Bloodscrawl //:
//: Monaray Dod //:​

 

[Delsin Shaw]

|| Quinn Varanin ||
|| Aboard the Battle Dragon ||​

The current political climate is always changing. The Galactic Alliance held many worlds that surrounded the Core. Which as of late, was taken by the hands of the Galactic Empire. This put massive strain on the Alliance. Having to fortify their position and fight back against the threats that surrounded them. Stories and news of their coveted Jedi leaving their orders, and trying to keep hold of whatever they could, was not lost on those like myself and Quinn. Our own planet, Eshan, was under the rule of the Alliance as of currently. Which found it difficult for us to be there in a more permanent basis. It stifled our ability to be there. More over, our connections to other political parties, made it difficult to do anything but stare each other down and hope for the best.

In my case, I had ties to the Sith Order, Mandalorian Empire, and working on forging some connections within the Black Sun Syndicate. Which I was finding it harder to do. However, Quinn was finding it much more easily. Which was fine by me. She could use her own advantages to find her foot in the door. Which is why both of us were here. Taking part in the observation of Hapes being taken under the influence of the Black Sun. The explicit purpose of the Black Suns wanting to take control of a Hub world like Hapes, and under the guise of the Alliance Selling the planet to them so then they could get the resources they required to fight back, and not have to hold a line in the sand for a planet they were known for having problems with.

My thoughts had been focused on the discussion until the soft whisper of the woman next to me came to my ears in a gentle breath. Posing a question about how Eshan was a Matriarchal society. A queen ruled them just as Hapes did. Many, many generations of Echani had passed down the title of Queen from one to another. The current reigning leadership was headed by one of Quinn's sisters. A Daughter of Spencer Jacobs Varanin. A woman who my father had many connections with. It was not lost on me the irony of such a circumstance. Which is why there were many times in which others considered and lotted myself as some kind of "servant" to Quinn.

When in truth, we had already spoken of such things in the past. The explicit purpose of our first interactions was to remove that aspect of what my Father's connection to Ashin had been. He had been marked with a Blood Brand. And I had made efforts for that brand to not be put on myself. "Breaking Chains" as the Sith would say. However, in my case, the premise alone was to form a mutual, and beneficial friendship with the Varanin Family. Even more so because I was the very last Shaw living and breathing. Barely, but I was here.

A moment in my thoughts. Really pondering my own values of such a thing before I answered the woman with a whisper in return.

"Hapes is known for treating their men as Second class citizens. Women own everything, in some cases even men. Which is not what your mother wanted of her people. Yes, it may not be a patriarchy that other societies have. However, that does not mean its worse off."

I looked over to her briefly. My eyes focusing on her and how she tried to keep herself formal in her demeanor and actions. Following suit, I continued while looking ahead and paying attention visually to what was going on in the mean time.

"Man or woman doesn't matter to me. Just as long as the job is done and performed well. Which so far, your family has done."

Reaching into my pocket, I produced a simple coin. Gold in coloration, but nothing more. Flipping it through my fingers and fidgeting with it to keep my hands occupied. Sitting still like this for long periods of time was not my forte. However, I could almost feel the hesitation in her voice and her emotional state. Having spent quite some time with her, I found her easier to read than what others may have. Understanding to some degree why she may ask that question. Given the context of the situation.

"If you are worried, no."