A Meeting of Viceroys

[Derek Dib]

The Sprawl | Fringe Sector I Golbah City I Geonosis ​

He walked through the darkened walkways, streetlights above flickering with insubstantial power where the bulbs weren't blown out. Trash danced upon the breeze brushing against the black trousers encasing his legs. His head was down cast, the collar of his black, long coat pulled up that hid his facial features. He stopped on a corner and looked upon the square. It was just one of many in the Sprawl. Pushers stood opposite him. To the right were underage kids drinking and tossing the empty bottles into the streets, glass shattering. Behind him were several homeless sleeping in makeshift lean-tos. Traffic slowly went by, tired men and women headed home.

A frown etched upon his face as he headed toward the center of the city. The Fringe Sector was always expanding due to in the influx of new arrivals. There was always work to be had as construction slowly added to the least prestigious part of the Confederacy's capital. As he made his way from the Sprawl it was apparent when he crossed over into the Trade Sector, the Hub. Speeders flew by, groups of laughing pedestrians out on the town, not a care in the world. Within moments a patrol unit meandered by, tipping their hats to the civilians. Lights flashed in neon colors from storefronts all along the strip.

Derek turned and looked back.

There was an obvious distinction between the sectors and the people who inhabited them. Many of those who worked and lived in the Fringe Sector never left. A clear difference between the citizens of the sectors. Different classes. And further on was the Light Sector who held a thinly veiled monopoly on the power distribution for the metropolis. Though everyone was a resident of Golbah City, and by extension a citizen of the Confederacy, the class segregation was clear.

Waving down a cab speeder, he caught a ride through the city for the Royal Sector. As the speeder approached the Citadel, Derek leaned back and closed his eyes. There was a Viceroyalty meeting this morning where his presence was mandatory. Yet the state of the Capital remained in the back of his mind.

The Citadel: after the meeting ​

Leaving the auditorium where the debates for an upcoming amendment to a one time tax going toward the Armed Forces of the Confederacy, Derek eased through the press of fellow Viceroys. It wasn't that he was unfriendly toward the other Viceroyalty, it was just that the majority of the other representatives had very little in common with him or the Siskeen System. The majority of the so called Independent Systems were neither independent nor able to be self sustaining as they were reliant on the Confederacy for their economy, military presence, and policing enforcement.

The facade of Independence nearly made him sick. But not as nauseating as the self righteous Viceroys who were more then happy to exist within the upper class of their planetary holdings, resting within the safety of the one percent that catered to their positions.

At the foyer of the auditorium he gave his identification card to a guard in order to receive a lockbox. Within rested his 48. Enforcer Pistol and beskar knife, pistol sliding into the shoulder holster beneath his left arm and knife slipping into the sheath under his right arm. The black suit jacket fell closed to conceal the weapons as he took back his ID card.

As he moved down one of the halls decorated by art he paused, pulling a datapad from an interior pocket of his jacket to look at the interior layout of the multitude of offices. Finally he found the one he was searching for and headed that direction.

Like a shadow the captain of his guard, Lucian Envoy, slipped into step beside him. The pale blonde hair and light complexion put one into mind of an albino, or at the very least an echani, but the man was neither. Lucian was a home grown human from Olanet, a career soldier who was hand picked by Derek to be his personal guard. At first Lucian had balked thinking he was just going to be a babysitter for a puppet. But it was immediately apparent that Viceroy Dib wasn't going to rest in the lavishly adorned palace and let the Siskeen System keep the status quo.

Through his iron will and unbending morality Derek Dib had not only won the respect and undying devotion of Lucian, but he had completely tore down the class systems, xenophobia, and disparate governments that had ruled the Siskeen System for more generations then he could count.

As the two men journeyed to the offices of the Viceroy of Nelvaan Lucian asked what was on his mind. "This Viceroy. I've heard about him and his empire. Do we want to get into bed with a force so ruthless?" It wasn't that the guard distrusted his Viceroy, it was he wished reassurance that Derek knew what he was doing. While for most politicians, having your bodyguard inquire to you decisions would be grossly insubordinate. However Lucian was an ally, aide, confidant, and friend who had served beside the Viceroy since the beginning.

"It is a necessity. I will not allow the United Siskeen Coalition to become reliant on the Confederacy. Having allies outside of the Confederation's charter, allies who are neighbors who also retain their autonomy is a wise step for our people."

Lucian nodded at Derek's words as they entered the office of the Viceroy of Nelvaan. The secretary assigned to the outer office looked up as Derek approached and Lucian took a relaxed seat in ine of the waiting chairs, his eyes always vigilant despite his posture.

"Derek Dib, Viceroy of Siskeen, to see the Viceroy of Nelvaan at his convenience."

[member="Darth Tacitus"]

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

​

Attn: [member="Derek Dib"]​

​

• The Citadel
  Geonosis, Confederacy of Independent Systems

The first thing which marked the Eternal Emperor's offices in the Citadel, was the pair of guards outside the door. These were not the typical Battle Droids which most viceroys employed, or anything resembling mercenaries. Outfitted with heavy armor and holding Karavin Concern rifles of a model that could fire both blaster bolts and slugs, their most distinguishing features were not the swords which hung from their hips, or even their completely motionless posture. By far, the most noteworthy feature of these soldiers, were the cloaks they wore, complete with a wolf's head hood over their helmets, giving them a feral, fearsome appearance which contrasted, or perhaps combined, with their legendary discipline to give them a much-feared reputation. These were Wolfguards, elite warriors of the Eternal Empire, fanatically loyal and devoted to their lord and master.

Even the secretary was not the usual civilian pretty face, but rather a uniformed officer, who's insignia would identify her as a lieutenant of the Logistics Corps, if the visitor was familiar with Eternal Army ranks and symbolism. "Viceroy Dib, welcome," the secretary responded in an accented voice. "I see that you have already booked an appointment. Please proceed. The Emperor is expecting you."

The two Wolfguards sprung into movement, opening the two doors that led from the foyer and into the office itself, revealing a large, imposingly-furnished room that was still somehow spartan and martial in appearance. Bookcases containing real paper books lined both walls that stood perpendicular to the walls and a hardwood desk stood at the opposite end, painstakingly engraved with imagery evoking heroic scenes of soldiers performing acts of war. A pair of red, white and black banners framed it and three chairs served as places to sit, but other than that, there was no other furniture in the room.

The room's occupant was, like the secretary outside, clad in a black military uniform with red accents which was fairly simple and unadorned, lacking any decoration beyond the symbols of rank which identified him as the supreme commander of the Eternal Empire's infamous military, the same military which had only recently slaughtered tens of thousands on Copero, enemy soldiers and civilians alike, with cold, methodical precision.

His hair was a metallic silver that was as unnatural as his slitted, cat-like eyes and the deadly talons at the ends of his fingers. Four lightsaber hilts hung from his belt and nearby, a protocol droid held a sheathed and deadly-looking longsword that oozed with dark, hidden power.

The man crossed the room to meet the Siskeeni in the center, walking with the brisk, efficient step of a veteran soldier, extending a hand to greet his visitor. "Welcome, viceroy Dib," he spoke with the clear tone of a professional. "To what do I owe this visit?"

 

[Derek Dib]

The room that he was ushered into reflected the soldiers and secretary outside. Spartan and precise. Not an overabundance of opulence but retaining a rigid, crisp appearance of use. There was no extravagant trappings nor wasteful decorations that were meant to wow, amaze, and awe those who came to visit. Though his eyes did light upon the books that lined the shelves. Actual leather bound books with paper, not datapads. That was a true treasure, though most could not appreciate it's true value. He could.

Eyes finished it's sweep of the room, casual yet specific. While he didn't intend to walk into a death trap nor expected to, those who perished rarely planned on taking that final destination. Lightly tinged crimson eyes met the cat like ones of [member="Darth Tacitus"] as the other man extended his hand with a short greeting. Reaching out he took the offered handshake, firm yet not bone crushing.

"Thank you Viceroy Tacitus. And hopefully a beneficial one."

Releasing the offered hand Derek couldn't help to glance to where the droid held a sword that echoed it's own dark presence in the Force. His own uncle carried a sword that mirrored it's aura, a deadly weapon that longed to taste an enemy's life blood along it's length. A weapon of a warrior. Eyes turned once more to the Viceroy of Nelvaan. The man, for that was what he was or had been, reflected the properties of the weapon in reputation and in person. Preternaturally sharp, dangerous, and radiating power.

The Sith Lord was quick and to the point. Derek could respect it. None of the diplomatic dancing around the purpose. No word games or manipulation that the majority of politicians were proficient at. The devious plotting and backstabbing that their ilk were known for. But, Derek quietly mused, the two of them were not cut from the same cloth as the typical politician.

"I appreciate your candor. I am familiar with the Eternal Empire, with you. Some in the Viceroyalty look at you as the antithesis of what they represent. Class. Station. Birthright. Privilege. You represent what an iron will, vision, and unwavering resolve can do."

A slight frown revealed his opinion on such politicians. His own dealings with the Lords of Siskeen who shared such opinions had been unpleasant. When it had become obvious that they would not relinquish their hold on the stagnant status quo he had them removed. One way or another.

"My people are moving for complete autonomy. While we are members of the Confederacy we will be independent. One such way is our military. Another is our search for like minded allies that transcend the mere charter of the Confederacy."

He paused to gauge the other man's interest, or lack there of.

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

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Attn: [member="Derek Dib"]​

​

• The Citadel
  Geonosis, Confederacy of Independent Systems

The Emperor of Nelvaan nodded. "Most politicians and indeed, most people, look no further than the pursuit of comfort and immediate satisfaction. Such hedonistic indulgences have no place in Nelvaanian society, for they lead to complacency and stagnation, a poison which rots the very soul of civilization."

Of course some of the Viceroys looked upon Nelvaan as a threat. "We are the future, while they represent the decadent past. They respect the Confederacy's charter only in letter, but not in spirit. We uphold both and enforce them with an iron fist," he said. The Eternal Empire was built on a foundation of order, discipline and duty. And it adhered to its principles with a strictness unmatched anywhere else in the galaxy. Unity through strength and justice without mercy, indeed.

His guest showed himself to be just as averse to the usual political games as he was, a fact which Tacitus appreciated. While he was more than capable of engaging in the manipulative posturing most politicians practiced on a daily basis, the Emperor of Nelvaan preferred not to, whenever possible. He would much rather see to the business at hand and engage in more productive pursuits.

"An admirable objective," Tacitus responded. Autonomy was a commendable goal for any world, they were the Confederacy of Independent Systems, afterall. "An alliance between Nelvaan and Siskeen could prove beneficial. We can provide your military with the weapons and training it needs, however whether or not we will, comes down to what Siskeen can offer Nelvaan in return."

Commendable intentions or not, the Nelvaanians were, above all, a pragmatic people. Those of the Eternal Empire never did anything simply out of the goodness of their heart, they simply could not afford to engage in such charitable practices, even in the unlikely case that they found themselves willing to do so. Nelvaanians did not look kindly upon those too weak and too lazy to help themselves through an honest and mutually beneficial trade, instead of begging for another world's pity.

"Nelvaan is not the most hospitable of worlds. As such, we are forced to rely upon imports for most of our food, since we do not have enough arable land that can sustain crops. Nelvaan also needs people. As you are aware, our population is small, in the tens of millions. We need immigrants, but ones who are willing to integrate and assimilate into our culture and values, ones who are willing to embrace freedom from hedonistic animal pursuits and commit themselves to serving the nation," Tacitus spoke, outlining in the rough his terms and conditions for a trade treaty. The exact details would have to be ironed out, should the Siskeenan agree to the Nelvaanian requests.

 

[Derek Dib]

Location: the Citadel, Golbah City, Geonosis
Objective: propose an alliance and agree to terms
Personnel: [member="Darth Tacitus"]

As he paused waiting for the Viceroy of Nelvaan to speak, he wasn't disappointed. The traits that stagnated and rotted the core of the majority of civilizations were plain to see for the two men. Most planets rarely achieved a centralized government, choosing to fight one another over the limited resources at their disposal. Typically that led to hoarding of wealth and power which created a caste system. The haves and the have nots. The planets that attained a central government usually wither became dependent on the umbrella of protection offered by a larger commonwealth and grew to be dependent in totality. Others used their resources to become a source of gluttony for the galaxy which devolved the planet into a sense of self pleasure. Very few governments held themselves to an ideal of Justice, a unity of purpose, a drive to not become a sedentary and ambiguous entity.

The Viceroy of Nelvaan was quite perceptive. And while it was a matter of record that any Viceroyalty could read, the fact that Derek's host could extrapolate exactly was he needed for his people only showed that his opinion of the man was correct. Tacitus was a sharp man who knew how to wield another's need to bolster his own needs.

The Siskeen System was growing to become a military force to be counted among peers, yet one glaring vulnerability was abundantly clear for those with the sight to see it. While it's military forces were growing, they needed more experience. Experience that only can be taught by veterans. And could only be gained through their own actionable experience.

Yes, the USC needed veterans. But they also needed more live action experience.

As the Viceroy of Nelvaan began to delve into what he, and by extension the Eternal Empire, needed Derek placed his hands at the small of his back going into parade rest. He was motionless as the outline became clear. Yet before coming to the meeting he, too, had done his homework. And the other man's words reflected what he had ascertained.

They needed an influx of citizens and foodstuffs. Both of which the USC had a bountiful amount. As the Viceroy of Nelvaan ended Derek nodded slowly.

"Your terms were not unanticipated. I've consulted with the governors of Siskeen and Olanet. The three Kings of Siskeen have pledged their support of relocation. From King Hrothgar, one million Balinaka. Many of them are adept engineers and all of them have experience making subterranean cities. Four clans have been offered from the Cathar King, four hundred thousand. All are trained in either capital ship or Starfighter systems in our Navy. From King Mrrew, one million togorians. Experienced warriors and trained infantrymen. From Olanet, three million humans of whom each have some form of military training."

He paused for a moment.

"These Siskeeni citizens are willing to relocate, along with their families, which will double the number to over eleven million. All adults have served in the USC for their mandatory terms of service. And all are willing to serve in the Eternal Empire to receive citizenship."

His arms fell to his sides as he watched the other Viceroy.

"Olanet also has a booming nerf industry. Various foodstuffs and livestock that could be made available to your people. The temperate zones on Siskeen also have a thriving produce market. Fresh fruits and vegetables can also be made available."

He lightly rubbed the beard that adorned his face.

"Dual citizenship for my people that relocate and serve in your military. Likewise, those of your veterans who serve with the USC military for a duration of four years will also be made dual citizens. In doing this it would foster and bolster our people and our alliance. A treaty, to be written up from both sides, that would have the USC answer if you are attacked and vice versa. Also, the USC would be made available for any military actions the Eternal Empire engage in. Again, this would equally apply for the opposite scenario."

He returned back to parade rest.

"The resources of our droid manufacturing factories as well as the Aegis Corporation, through the USC government contracts, will be made available at discounted price, if you do choose."