OBJECTIVE 1 - THE WAY OF PARLEY
Location: The Court of Iron, Sundari, Mandalore
RNR |
Aurelian Veruna
Annis Riyaré
Raigryn Vayd
Dominique Vexx
Cassian Abrantes
Kalantha
Auren Vellisar
ME |
Aether Verd
Runi Kuryida
Aselia Verd
Ze'bast Verd
Kyrida Verd
Ze'bast Verd
Truth be told, there was an assurance that
Cassian Abrantes
was with her. Guarding her. It helped to keep her mind focused, watching as Queen
Kalantha
stepped forward, speaking honestly and plainly, providing more impact in the room than any flattery.
But as
Aether Verd
's visor scanned the chamber, the young Junior Representative gave another inclination of her head when his visor paused upon her. He had acknowledged her. Not with fanfare. Not even with favor. But with memory. That alone was a currency she intended to spend wisely.
Then he responded in a low, firm tone to say that the past would not be a stumbling block, but the stone beneath the bridge they'd build together. Sibylla agreed with this pragmatic choice. Building bridges was harder than burning them, and she could't help but remember the two Mandalorian raids that led them to this situation. But this was a new Mand'alor, and from her time under their Queen, Sibylla learned that it was important to be pragmatic and keep the lines of discorse open.
She glanced a moment later at Queen Kalantha and noticed the reassuring look in her eyes. It made Sibylla feel better. The Queen was not pulling back; she was just stepping aside to let her delegates have their moment. Giving
her the floor, should Sibylla take it.
And take it she would.
So Sibylla turned slightly to mark herself among those who would first answer. Afterall, one did not need to shout to command attention.
YEt, behind her seemingly composed expression Sibylla's thoughts flickered briefly, thinking back to the night after the Ka'thaa'rahn tragedy, when the Queen herself had ordered a temporary contract with Mandalorian forces to stabilize the region. There had been some that had been against it, but it had been the best decision that had aligned with peace and their ideals. The ideals of the Royal Republic. The ink hadn't even dried on their revised treaty with the Confederacy, and still,
still, there had been need. Real need. Immediate aid.
It had made Sibylla ponder and muse. Wondering how to act.
How to work through a proposal with the Mandalorians as Queen Kalantha had desired to do.
And that's when Sibylla had done the unthinkable.
She'd approached
Aurelian Veruna
.
He of tailored coats and cryptic smiles. He of the always knowing glances. And as much as she hated to admit it, he had been
right about more things than she cared to tally. His critique of the original Confederate terms that while dramatic, had carried merit, and she'd begrudgingly agreed with it as she stood quietly beside Senator Sarn.
The Queen's goals were clear. But Sibylla? She needed help navigating the parts not in the public record. The ones only Aurelian could illuminate, with his tangle of informants and instinct for attention to detail.
And so, between quiet meetings, late drafts, and careful negotiation, the two had shaped this plan in concordance to the Queen's wishes. A partnership of practicality, not affection. But one that so far had borne fruit; but if Cassian had known of it, he just might have permanently soured his expression at such a revelation.
She returned to the present, to the Court of Iron, as all eyes watched, waited, and listened.
"You ask what our priorities are and what we hope to bring back to Naboo, to the Republic, Mand'alor," she began, her voice clear and forthright.
"The answer is that we hope to build the first stones of a foundation for a more prosperous future. One that will choose unity over division, working towards purpose, open dialogue, and a strategic partnership."
She let the silence stretch for a breath before continuing.
"Our delegation comes with the draft of an accord. A partnership built from recognition of a galaxy shaped by conflict but not bound to repeat it. It proposes four key commitments between the Mandalorian Empire and the Republic:"
Her tone shifted, clear and precise as she summarized, nodding as a retainer moved forward to
provide the tablet that would outline the draft of the accord for Manda'lore and his assembly's review.
"First, a Defense and Response Retainer that would allow Mandalore to assist the Republic in matters of planetary security, emergencies, and VIP protection when requested, to be renewed automatically on an annual basis unless written notice is provided by either party." the details on the amount of notice could be negotiated by thirty days in advance was their present terms.
"Second, a summit hosting, designating Mandalore as a neutral site for intergovernmental diplomacy, with the retainer fee covering the attached costs."
"Third, a Non-Aggression Clause that would ensure mutual respect for sovereignty and zero tolerance for sanctioned hostility. And fourth, that the Republic and the Empire each host and protect one formal Ambassador, including the creation of a direct crisis line between our Queen and your throne."
She offered the smallest of inclinations that was neither deferential nor defiant, simply firm.
"This is not a finished treaty, but a beginning. We do not seek blind trust; instead, we encourage Mandalore to approach us with the same openness to dialogue regarding the terms as we have met you."
And with that, she stepped back into place beside Queen Kalantha and Cassian. She had gambled on the thought that Manda'lore would prefer plain speak than posturing. Here's hoping it pays off for them. Had she'd dared, she'd have given Cassian a glance to see his response. Maybe even Aurelian. Certainly, she was curious about the rest of their delegation, as this had been discussed before with all of them.
Now it was the Court of Iron's turn to provide their own requests and edits to the draft, that is... if the draft was at all amenable to them.