Diplomacy Ah yes, the Negotiations

[Taeli Raaf]

Geonosis, Capital of the Confederacy
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From hyperspace, a single Tau-class shuttle emerged, transmitting the pre-arranged clearance codes for approach and landing. It was likely one of the first times, if not the first, that a ship from the Sith Empire had traveled to the ringed world that was the capital of one of the strongest galactic powers in the galaxy. Within the confines of the shuttle, the newly ascended Dark Councilor for the Pyramid of Galactic Influence waited for touchdown on the world with Darth Wyyrlok XXIV and Lily Kuhn as part of the diplomatic delegation.

Taeli had no illusions about creating anything approaching a formal alliance at this time, especially with the new mandate announced by the Vicelord Darth Metus . Other galactic powers had made their displeasure clear, some even bordering into outrage, but the Dark Councilor had made sure that the Sith Diplomatic Service did not issue any formal response either way. Instead, she had sent a missive to the Exarch of the Confederacy Srina Talon requesting a small diplomatic meeting to discuss relations between the two galactic nations and whether they could work out agreements that would be beneficial to both factions.

Diplomacy, real diplomacy and not the Emperor's style of marrying people or his family members off to create marriage ties, took small steps. With the emergence of the Apostacy into this New Imperial Order based on Nirauan, Taeli was planning a large diplomatic outreach program with other nations. The Confederacy would be her first step.

"My Lady, we are approaching the designated landing site," the pilot called back.

She was hopeful for the discussions, and if needed, there were always a few cards that could be played to create more goodwill with the leading figures of the CIS. Nodding to the pilot, Taeli looked over at her companions with a wry expression.

"Ready for the game I hope?"

John Locke

 

[Darth Wyyrlok XXIV]

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It had been many years since the Chagrian Sith Lord traveled beyond the borders of the current Sith Empire, his duties often confining him well within its purview. But at the behest of Dark Councilor Arcanix, the Arch-Deceiver of the Jedi, he now traveled further than he had gone in a long time to the capital of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Down below stretched the landscape of Geonosis, red sands border islands of barren rock for as far as the eye could see. Rising up from that arid ocean was a city of marvelous splendor, glittering skyscrapers reaching up to caress the sky which hung over it. Though it was a different sort of splendor from the continent-spanning capital city of the Sith, Ravelin, Golbah held its own beauty and magnificence that was worth his appreciation.​

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Sitting in the passenger hold of the Dark Councilor's transport, the Chagrian Sith Lord held both hands out in front of him in silent prayer as he beseeched the Dark Side and all of the Dark Lords who had come and gone to bless their mission and ensure its success. A pious man, the twenty-fourth Darth Wyyrlok found himself increasingly at odds with those Sith of machine minds and machine hearts, those who saw only the material and forsook the spiritual. One might wonder why he had not defected when those who sought a return to the old ways broke their oaths with the Dark Lord and declared open heresy, but Wyyrlok was a man of strong convictions that were not so easily swayed or broken.​

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He believed in the Empire, he did not believe in half-mad demagogues.​

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Bright copper eyes opened to look at the Dark Councilor as she spoke to him and the other Human woman in the cabin, "Ready as always, your eminence. The Dark Side gives us strength and clarity this day, we shall not falter."​

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Taeli Raaf | Lily Kuhn | Darth Metus | Srina Talon | John Locke ​

 

[Darth Metus]

N E G O T I A T I O N S​

Tag: Taeli Raaf , Darth Wyyrlok XXIV, Srina Talon , John Locke , Gerwald Lechner

It had been quite some time.

When last the Southern Systems sat at the table with the Imperial regime, an accord of necessity was struck. In the wake of the Galactic Alliance's demise, all roads had pointed towards an eventual clash of the Confederacy and the Sith Empire. The lines they had drawn, the allies they had taken - all seemed as steps towards what could have been the greatest collision in Galactic history. Both nations, however, gazed upon the morrow with wisdom in their eyes. Both recognized that, despite vastly different ideologies, theirs would be a war of mutually assured destruction.

Thus, the Unstoppable Force and the Immoveable Object found peace.

On that day, it was the Exarch Srina Talon who had ferried her Master's thoughts to the table. She, as always, represented the best of the Confederacy. She, as always, carried out His will to the letter. Now, years later, it was by her hand that the envoy of the day was permitted to enter Confederate space. In recent days, the nation had declared an intention to prioritize itself and her people First. No longer would they send their sons to die on battlefields far beyond their borders. No longer would they concern themselves with the perpetual clash of Light and Dark. What mattered now, and what would matter always, was taking care of their own.

The Galactic response had been telling.

Some saw their move as the shirking of their "moral responsibilities" to the Galaxy. Others claimed economic ruin was as imminent as the setting sun. From tabloids to esteemed governments, it seemed everyone and everything had taken a stance. And in this reality, the Sith Empire reached out. Their gesture did not come as a rebuke through the holonet or insults within their halls. No veiled threats or testing the waters. Rather, the simple visitation of a single craft to the nation's capital. Of course, the Confederacy would hear them, as they heard all others. And thus, the foundation for the day was laid.

As the Sith delegation made their descent upon the Confederate capital, the Vicelord awaited alongside his alabaster Exarch. Night and day, the pairing stood within a rather specific conference room. Within this very space, the Confederacy's then-allies had agreed to take up the sword against the Cadera-led, Mandalorian menace. Today, it would play host to the first meeting between the Confederacy and the Sith Empire in years.

The hour drew ever closer, and as the pair tarried, Darth Metus reached out to his faithful apprentice. They needed not words - for that was not their way. Rather, the rear of his hand brushed upon her arm for only an instant. In that, there was Confidence. Strength. They were as the Confederacy itself - Strongest Together.

​

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

G U A R D E D​

Wearing: xxx
Tag: Darth Metus | Srina Talon | John Locke | Taeli Raaf | Darth Wyyrlok XXIV | Lily Kuhn

Morning’s were still rough. Gerwald found that no matter what he tried, sleep still seemed to elude him. Too many restless nights of tossing and turning, escaping an imaginary foe, had kept Gerwald from looking, or even being his best. A priority message from Darth Metus himself drew his thoughts and mind away from his current troubles. It seemed his duties were being shifted for the day.​

“Dread Guard… interesting,” the lupine commented to himself as he continued to read the missive. ​

Diplomacy. Gerwald rolled his eyes. At least this time the order from Darth Metus did not require him to wear a suit. The last trip to Denon had, and Gerwald had never felt more out of place in his entire life. The wolf was a warrior, as was Metus or Omnia, yet, they also had learned the art of diplomacy. Gerwald could not help but wonder if the man was trying to form him for something. Regardless, all of it was speculation. The Master Obsidian would be more than happy to display his armor today as he took command of the Dread Guard for one day.​

“Keep your eyes open. There are many people who would like this meeting to go sour today. A war with between the Sith and the Confederacy would certainly be in the best interest of many factions. While these are interesting times, unprecedented even your duty is to the safety of their delegation as it is to our own.”​

Command, giving orders and instruction, was never something Gerwald had an issue with. As he had trained many warriors on Stewjon to be formidable combatants, the art of leadership was something he had fashioned as a pup. There was more to leading than giving orders, however, and today, Gerwald would see the unpleasant side of it. Darth Metus, Srina Talon, and John Locke, would be in a room with the Sith delegation for however long the discussion took. What was it they were there to discuss? Gerwald was not entirely sure, but he would watch, observe, and learn. The lupine could be more, he wanted to be more, he would be more.​

As the Confederate delegation entered the conference room, Gerwald ensured the Dread Guard secured it first and then took their posts. Today he would remain where Metus, Srina, and John, would be close. His duty was to them first and foremost despite what he had said to the rest of the guard moments before. He impressed his loyalty to them through the force, whether they could feel it or not was dependent on their reception of his thoughts. Regardless the wolf was prepared for anything and everything.​

His eyes took in the way Metus seemed to be with Srina, observing the nature of their bond. Gerwald did not have that with any of his squires, and the one person he had been bonded with had died. A degree of envy rest in his soul as did the feeling as though a piece of him was missing. Looking away, Gerwald turned his attention to John Locke. ​

“Hopefully this will not be a long and arduous meeting. Though I have a feeling we should be prepared to be here for a while.”​

​

 

[John Locke]

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N E G O T I A T E​

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Locations: Golbah City - Conference Room​

Wearing: This​

Tagging: ​

CIS: Darth Metus | Srina Talon | Gerwald Lechner​

TSE: Taeli Raaf | Lily Kuhn | Darth Wyyrlok XXIV​

​

​

He’d been here before, on that fateful day that was burned into his memory. The day that the powers of the galaxy had gathered to declare no more, we will tolerate the trespasses of the Mandalorian Empire no more.​

​

It had been an unprecedented act, a gathering both fell and terrible, a uniting of powers behind a singular purpose. An event the likes of which hadn’t been seen for years. The allied nations, led by the CIS, had agreed to stand against the depredations of a galactic power gone rogue.​

​

John had been here on that day, had been involved in the war that had followed. Many things had changed since that day. The galactic map had been re-written again and again, factions growing and dying since that time. Even John’s personal life had been much the same, a forever changing and shifting skein of responsibility and affiliation. He’d walked away from the Silver Jedi for being too forgiving, for accepting that a sorry was enough to make up for betrayal and murder.​

​

He hadn’t had a plan there, just the knowledge that he couldn’t stay there with them, that in the end, he couldn’t understand them. So he’d walked out into the galaxy, with no specific plan and found himself settling in the Confederacy. Not just settling, the Vicelord had reached out and installed him in the ministry of science, and then later promoted him to Exarch. It here that he’d found his home had found government who’s ideal lined up with his own.​

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And now, now they were here to meet with the enemies of the Jedi. Talk about your coincidences.​

​

Dark eyes stared out of the conference room window, watching the cities skyline as the Exarch slipped his hands into his pockets. It was a well-practised gesture, the movements smooth with practice as he shifted his weight back, eyes flicking up. Golbah city was the capital on the Confederacy, the beating heart of the Southern Systems, and with that came ships. A never-ending stream of ships rising and falling to the city’s myriad spaceports, carrying supplies, products and passengers to and from the planet. It didn’t matter what time of the day or night it was, you merely had to look out of the window to see the lights of the ships twinkling like stars in the sky.​

​

At the end of the day, it was a sight which he could relax to, sitting in his darkened apartment watching the lights ascending and descending. Today though, today there was only one ship that interested him, highlighted in his enhanced vision as it came around to the landing pad. The shuttle containing the Sith.​

​

Today wasn’t a day for alliances, although the Exarch was interested to see what the Sith would bring with them this day. The Confederacy had started to look to its own, to the citizens within its borders, and while the galactic response to their focus had been…disappointing to say the least when it was the duty of every nation to look to the interests of its citizens.​

​

It amused John that the first nation to reach out to them in this new status-quo were the Sith, the galactic conquerors approaching to talk. The Confederacy was that rarest of galactic unicorns, a truly neutral power. So the Sith would come, and talks would begin. A small smile turned up the man’s lips as he turned away from the window, eyes glowing as he used the cameras in the spaceport to track the Sith’s progress.​

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Dark eyes flicked over to the lupine Knight Obsidian in charge of the security for the day, in charge of keeping any snoopers and reporters away, and that, if they were honest, would be the hardest task. Everyone would want to know what was happening in the room, from the tabloid journalist to the galactic spy; and the first person to penetrate the security cordon and escape uncaptured...well they could just name the price of that information.​

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"If it does end up as you fear, then at least it's somewhere comfortable, right?"​

​

A soft sigh slipped through the man's lips, memories of his last meeting here. He hadn't been as focused on the conference as he should have been then, wrapped up in his companion's presence. Time had seemed to dance by. He had rarely enjoyed a diplomatic meeting more. It was a pleasure he was bereft of today. ​

​

To put a Jedi into the same room as the Sith would akin to putting blood into the water near a shark. For the sake of diplomacy they may control themselves, but why risk it. Sith. The first actual members of The Sith Empire John had met in person.​

​

Help the Confederacy, visit exotic planets and meet interesting people they’d told him…they hadn’t been wrong.​

 

[Lily Kuhn]

HOLD ME DOWN

Business, royalty; it would have been the understatement of the century to have said that life for the Tetan had prepared her for playing the part of diplomat, particularly in dealing with a nation so dedicated to internal commerce. She rode along with the other two that shared her role in this delegation to the Confederacy in what she considered a decidedly not Sith-like attire. Like Taeli Raaf , Lily had no illusions of some grand alliance, much less any sort of treatise, but rather incremental steps towards a closer relation between the two interstellar behemoths so that, in the future, the concept of an agreement of mutual benefit beyond a simple trade of goods wouldn't sound so far out of reach. In any meeting where negotiations were the subject of the day, the manner in which one dressed was almost always chosen strategically, and the days prior had amounted many hours of determining the style of clothing seen in the Confederacy and then selecting what would fit her figure best. Every article of clothing she wore was painstakingly selected to accentuate whatever positive features they could in a way that screamed confidence.

Dress to impress, as they say.

"Since the night before." She answered, glancing at the Chagrian Sith with an expression of muted uncertainty; it wasn't generally an everyday occurrence that she found herself in the company with someone so deeply faith oriented, and the tiniest bit of concern that some of that zeal might leak into their talks with the Confederacy bled into the look on her face before fading away with the blink of her eyes. Wordlessly she spent the final few moments they had before landing adjusting the collar of her turtleneck, her green eyes drifting to the viewport at her side to catch a glimpse of coppery sand that covered many parts of the planet, albeit less so in the city than what she assumed the regions beyond its limits held. "It feels good to go through the motions again." Lily noted, the ship lurching slightly as they made their landing; and it did, Lily nearly had to retire permanently from public life in order to raise a son of her own, especially after the boy's father had seemingly walked out on them. With a boy old enough to be watched by a caretaker, old enough so she wouldn't feel like a bad mother to do so as well, Lily was finally able to get back to living her life - for the both of them.

Taeli Raaf Darth Wyyrlok XXIV Darth Metus Gerwald Lechner Srina Talon John Locke

 

[Srina Talon]

Location: Geonosis [Golbah City] - The Citadel
CIS Tags: Darth Metus | John Locke | Gerwald Lechner
TSE TAGS: Taeli Raaf | Darth Wyyrlok XXIV | Lily Kuhn

______________________________

Even with their own version of the WeatherNet running full time within the capital, the sun-burdened world of Geonosis was blisteringly hot. To state that it was simply “arid” and “dry” was to downplay the truth of the nigh unbearable heat that drifted down mercilessly from a sulphur-yellow star. At high noon, the brightest point of the day, the sky towers seemed to hold a glow all their own. Massive habitation domes kept the citizens from boiling alive and suffering the dangerous effects of solar radiation storms. The sandstorms were also kept at bay, though, parts of the irradiated surface were still visible where cities hadn’t claimed space. Where terraforming was still a work in progress.

The Confederacy had taken a world that most had forsaken and created a thriving, bustling, and busy metropolis. If Srina focused, carefully, she could almost see the edge of the translucent barrier in a sharply hued sky. She had never ventured beyond those nearly indiscernible walls.

Few would unless they sought a painful, slow, death.

Thankfully, the habitation domes made all the difference. Cooling zones scattered throughout Golbah City could even make it enjoyable, and most preferred the ever-warm quality of life over an eternal tundra-like Hoth. Their guests would be pleased to find that the majority of their business would be held in entirely climate-controlled spaces. The exceedingly pale Echani, who should have withered with a lack of pigment, had acclimated long ago. As albino as she seemed to be—Somehow? She never burned.

The quiet woman had arrived early. She hated, early. She hated idle. The Exarch typically arrived only when she meant to and not a moment before, however, this was a meeting that she had arranged with the candid assistance of Taeli Raaf . The thought still boggled the mind. Neither of them expected miracles. At best? A dialogue. While it might have seemed small to those that were unfamiliar with the score it was actually quite a staggering feat. The Exarch knew who the alchemist was. They’d met briefly before. Only, she’d been on a different side then. On a path of feigned light.

How foolish, how careless, had her former lover been. Left a broken, fallen Jedi. A Commander of Ashes while Coruscant and countless other worlds burned.

How foolish they all had been.

Emotionless orbs of silver stared into the dark corners of the Conference Room. They focused on a singular imaginary point in which to bury her thoughts lest she make her companions uncomfortable. Her stare was cruel. Unsettling, for most. There was always a sense of otherworldliness about her that led to the notion of something being inherently wrong. That feeling became even more poignant when she stood at the side of Darth Metus . Their combined presence was grating on the senses in the truest sense of the word.

A ping went off in her ear announcing that the delegates of the Sith Empire were approaching the top-most landing pad of the Citadel. It was a building in which most governmental decisions and policies were made. It housed the various Ministries and even parts of the Knights Obsidian. More importantly—It was the beating heart of the nation. A fortress made palatable by clever technology and shades of calming, compelling paint. Everything that meant anything passed through these gilded halls first.

“They will arrive shortly.”

Her words were not for the sable-skinned Vicelord beside her. Instead, they were for John Locke . Gerwald Lechner who would hear her with his lycan ears, regardless, the distance. Darth Metus walked the halls of her mind freely. His touch to her arm spoke volumes that none would ever know. Could she place the fall of the Galactic Alliance behind them? The insular warring with the Jedi? The disputes with the Outer Rim? It was a simple choice, clear, and concise.

If they were to place the Confederacy before all else? To claim true neutrality while other powers railed and wept like spoiled younglings? No matter her radical and perhaps unwanted ideas on certain matters of state—This was the beginning of that path. Neutrality.

Delicate footsteps pulled across the swirled marble. Toward John Locke . From her hair, she pulled one of the exceedingly rare Genosian flowers that had been woven into her ivory attire. They were feathery, pale, and entirely against her nature. Why did they exist? Why did she bother with it when her tastes ran far darker? It was a matter of pride. Not in herself. In the Southern Systems. Each day that she was seen in public she embodied what the people wished to see. An Exarch was an office, but, it was also symbol. “She comes first.”, Srina murmured, softly, before tucking the bloom into the lapel of the self-made technological mogul.

“She always comes first. Now more than ever. Do not forget that.”

She turned away from Exarch Locke and the floral patterns on sheer sleeves would become more evident. Unforgiving, glacier eyes, turned toward the wolf that was handling the security aspects. It wasn’t simply for the people in this room. It was with respect to the delegates as well. Relations were…Tepid. At best. Many wouldn’t forgive so easily. They wouldn’t understand. All they saw, with dull, cow-eyes was another Empire rising into their space.

“Send the Knights to escort and welcome them, Master Lechner. Remind your chosen that they are not to be treated any differently than any other diplomatic envoy. Dignity, intellect, and mindful tongues will see this meeting through to fruition.”, already, she was returning to the side of the Vicelord. Her chilled orders were commonplace. Lechner, more than most, knew it was simply her way.

Srina raised a delicate hand and let it rest in the crook of the elbow of her beloved Master. Darth Metus would feel a sense of dry amusement rise slowly beneath layers of ice and poise. She—Who fought as she breathed—Counseled communication. Patience. The laying down of grudges and the sheathing of swords, at least, until they had reason to use them.

This would be interesting.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Location: Citadel, Golbah City
Wearing: X

At the Chagrian's reply, she offered a thin smile as he proclaimed the dark side would give strength and clarity for their meeting with the Exarchs and the Vicelord. Darth Wyyrlok XXIV would probably not have been her first choice from the Emperor's retinue to accompany her on this diplomatic mission, but he was loyal, well-spoken, and always wanted what was in the best interests of the Sith Empire. She didn't miss Lily's uncertainty and she shared in some of the worry. Piety was not something truly needed for these discussions.

"It does feel good," she agreed. Lily Kuhn would certainly be an asset for the meeting. Her upbringing meant she understood the little things that could influence discussions. Even down to what one wore. Taeli had chosen a dress from Naboo, although it still retained some Sith influences with the darker color palette.

She could appreciate, as the shuttle settled and the ramp began to lower for their descent, the hard work that had gone into making Golbah City. It was a mark of the power, prosperity, and ingenuity of the Southern Systems that they were able to create such a symbol on an arid world such as Geonosis. It reminded her of Ravelin in a way, although there were definitely different styles.

Hood lowered, she led her two companions to their guard of Knights Obsidian, the Force users of the Confederacy. As another sign of her intentions during this meeting, she had politely refused an escort from the Emperor, preferring to send a silent message that they were not seeking any hostilities. She had even left her lightsabers behind at Stormvale, no weapons. No sensing the intentions of others through the Force. She gave a small bow to their escort in greeting.

"Please, lead the way," she asked.

The walk through the Citadel to the conference room where the meeting was to take place passed mostly in silence, Taeli taking the time to study their surroundings more closely and the Knights around them. Another subtle projection of power, she thought, and also of respect. Droids could have been used to lead them to the negotiations, but the Exarch she presumed, had wanted to show they were taking the overture from the Sith seriously. Anything less would have been an insult that Taeli, while she couldn't openly address, would have started off talks on a sour note.

It did not take too terribly wrong to reach the conference room, the doors opened for the Sith delegation. It had been a very long time since she had last seen Darth Metus , the Vicelord of the Confederacy. Not since the days of when the Sith Empire was known as the Sith Ascendency. In a contrast to the Emperor though, Metus exuded a quiet command, poised and wary. Here was a man that did not to shout to be heard or his orders heeded. Nor had she seen Srina Talon since her time with the Galactic Alliance, but the Exarch looked as collected as always. Intelligence files had identified John Locke as the Minister of Science, but in everything else, she didn't know the man.

"Vicelord, Exarchs, Minister," she began, giving them a deep bow of respect. "On behalf of the Sith Empire and the Emperor, I want to extend our appreciation for accepting our overture for these discussions. It is my hope that once we concluded our discussions for the day, our two nations will have come to a mutually beneficial agreement on several subjects and smooth over any... unpleasantness our past relations may have caused."

Gerwald Lechner

 

[Darth Wyyrlok XXIV]

Contrary to his compatriots, the Chagrian wore something exceptionally Sith in orientation. His medium frame was cloaked in a heavy maroon robe with a heavy shoulder plate, a wide hood large enough to be pulled over his horns, and an elaborate pattern running down his chest to his knees. Like the Dark Councilor, he carried no weapon on his being. However, he did carry a large ornate wooden staff crowned with an artistic interpretation of the first Dark Lord of the Sith, Ajunta Pall. The base of the staff tapped against the ground as he walked behind and to the side of the Dark Councilor. His hood was likewise lowered, revealing the full scope of his heavily tattooed features.​

​

He did not speak as they were met by the Vicelord's Knights Obsidian, which was what passed for the Confederacy's order of Force Users. Though he held them in contempt as blasphemers, he reserved his disdain and heavily buried his thoughts about them for this trip. There was no advantage to antagonizing their host, they were here on cordial terms.​

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Like the Councilor, Wyyrlok studied his surroundings as they walked. He made no effort to hide his wandering gaze, which passed from wall to wall as they delved into the Confederacy's heart. There was much to be appreciated about how the Confederates carried themselves in their own home, though it was a far cry from how the Sith conducted their business. Regardless, Wyyrlok allowed his appreciative thoughts to linger on the surface of his mind, easily picked up by those whose proclivity it was to pry the opinions and feelings of those around them.​

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When they had, at last, reached the conference chamber, Wyyrlok bowed low at the waist with respect to their Confederate counterparts; though perhaps not as low as he would have bowed for the Sith Emperor. Stretching up to his full height, Wyyrlok stood silent and composed at Lady Arcanix's side as she greeted them. She was designated by the Emperor to lead this diplomatic envoy, and he would respect her wisdom and authority.​

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Taeli Raaf | Lily Kuhn | Darth Metus | Srina Talon | John Locke | Gerwald Lechner ​

 

[Lily Kuhn]

Arms straight, shoulders back, one foot in front of the other, Lily strode behind Taeli Raaf with dignified purpose - the sort of height one learned to carry from youth in the halls of royalty. Though the councilor offered the Obsidian Knights a bow as she requested their guidance, though they were already clearly sent to serve as their escorts, Lily did not make the same gesture, instead smiling politely before following them on their way to meet with the leadership of the Confederacy. It was a matter of station - though the Sith Empire was full of Sith that were rather unfamiliar with the subtleties of etiquette in diplomacy, to bow or curtsy was to imply a position beneath the one the gesture was given to, a simple wave, or a smile, was the only polite gesture to be given to one whose station was not greater than one's own. The Emperor, surely, would not have bowed to the leader of any other nation, nor would any other leader bow to him - in that vein, it was unnecessary, and perhaps indeed potentially condescending, to provide a gesture that was meant only for those who sat above them in importance.

Like Taeli, Lily had opted not to come armed - not that she possessed any such things at her age, having relinquished her lightsaber towards the start of her twenties when she'd made the decision to refrain from the dangers of war in order to manage a nation and the companies that supported them. Unlike the two of her companions, however, there was no attention paid, on her part, towards her surroundings - perhaps it was learned during her reign as the Empress of Teta, but it was almost always ill-advised to appear too interested in the territory of one whose allegiance or alliance was not certain, and it could have been taken several different ways by their host given the rather militaristic nature of the Empire.

Arriving at the conference room at last, Lily's gaze swept over the faces of those in attendance - she'd never had an incredible amount of interaction with many from the Confederacy, especially not in an official sense, but it was an equal measure to take inventory of those she would be meeting with and as subtle sign of respect in acknowledging their presence. It was here, as Taeli once again bowed, though deeply now, that Lily gave the gesture she had refrained from sharing with the Knights that had brought them to the conference, sliding her right foot behind her left as she bent at her knees and descended slightly toward the ground in a curtsy, her head bowing, before rising back with a practiced smile - though it seemed perhaps more genuine than forced. "It is a pleasure." She noted softly, keeping herself from saying too much - pleasantries were all that needed to be said before they began their dive into matters of diplomacy and, like her curtsy, refraining from speaking freely was a sign of a respect.

Srina Talon John Locke Gerwald Lechner Darth Metus Darth Wyyrlok XXIV

 

[Darth Metus]

N E G O T I A T I O N S​

Tag: Srina Talon , John Locke , Gerwald Lechner , Taeli Raaf , Darth Wyyrlok XXIV, Lily Kuhn

The moment would have been difficult long ago.

When the Confederacy was yet young, it found itself growing in the shadow of the Galactic Alliance. In those days, the so-called Cradle of Democracy had been waging an uphill battle against every Imperial power in the Galaxy. However, in a single day, the unified adversaries of the Alliance broke their enemy. In one fell swoop, they set fire to the Cradle and reduced its legacy to cinders. Darth Metus and his Apprentice were present on Coruscant when the destruction took place. And, for many nights following, the dreams of his apprentice were plagued with brimstone and ash. The assault had left the Alliance broken - but beyond that, it had shattered the once-proud Supreme Commander. His Apprentice's chosen beloved.

The break had decimated the small shred of respect Darth Metus had for the name Teth, as well.

In those days, had the Sith Empire extended an olive branch, the moment of present would have been far more difficult. Yet, in the present, the ashes of the Alliance had long since scattered upon the winds. And the Confederacy had chosen to adopt measures to place itself First in all respects. To do so was to declare Neutrality with the Galaxy. In other words, to consider past grudges dead and buried. As the moment approached, the alabaster woman was the flawless extension of His will. She spoke, knowing her Master's expectations without thinking. Such was the nature of their Bond - one which raced betwixt the pair, Forged by the Force itself.

By her word, the Knights ushered in the delegation. And as they arrived, the Sith found her hand within the crook of his elbow. Night and Day. Master and Apprentice. Strongest Together.

When the delegation arrived before the Confederate delegation, Darth Metus had not anticipated seeing a familiar face. As his gaze fell upon Taeli Raaf , an old memory of the Sith Brotherhood popped into his mind. Of a mission undertaken to bring her into the fold by his hands. Those were vastly different times. And, in truth, the two might now be considered vastly different people. She and her Chagrian comrade offered bows in greeting, whilst the third woman offered a curtsy. The Vicelord moved, guiding his Exarch to walk in step with him; though, she always seemed to glide wherever she strode.

Before each, his dominant hand was extended in greeting. Formal. Respectful. To Taeli and Lily, a brief shake would be offered. To the Chagrian, he'd feel the firmness of his grasp. Then, he would speak:

"As the Galaxy moves ever forward, we will always open our doors to those who wish to discuss the future. On behalf of the Confederacy, welcome to Golbah City!" he began, addressing them all with his lips curved into a relatively warm smile. He then focused his gaze upon Taeli for but a moment. "And it is especially good to see you again." Then, onto formalities. "This is my Exarch, Srina Talon. Minister of Science, John Locke, and Captain of the Guard, Gerwald Lechner." he stated, introducing each with a nod in their direction.

He then guided his Apprentice back towards the table and stood before his seat.

"Please, be seated. I am most interested in hearing which subjects the Empire would like to explore with us today. The floor is yours."

Descent gripped him thus. Now it was time for the delegation to present the thoughts of Darth Carnifex to the heart of Confederate space.​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Sith Delegation: Lily Kuhn Darth Wyyrlok XXIV
CIS Delegation: Darth Metus Srina Talon John Locke Gerwald Lechner

The handshake from the Vicelord was gladly accepted, a firm grip given. Taeli had always been taught by her mother that a firm grip showed someone you actually respected them and their outreach. A flimsy shake was just unacceptable. A smile slid into place as Metus greeted them. It had been a long time since the feigned attempt to kidnap her for 'crimes' against the Sith. Such a ruse had been necessary while she had been undercover with the Jedi and the destroyed version of the Galactic Alliance.

"It has been far too long, Vicelord," she responded, her smile growing warmer.

She nodded or bowed her head to each prominent official as Metus introduced them, although the files on each from Sith Intelligence had identified them well. Srina had been her contact for the meeting after all, but she was very interested in what John Locke might have to say during the meeting. She had something he just might want, but that was a card to be played later.

The delegates would move to their seats as their host took his, Taeli taking the chair directly across from the Vicelord. She would gesture for Lily to take the one on her right and for Wyyrlok to take the left.

"To business then," she said, the smile not completely disappearing, but she switched to a more business-like demeanor. More formal again. "As we are all aware, the Sith Empire has been active in the procuring of slaves, whether it be through abducting refugees or subjugating those that have fought against the Empire openly, and generally supporting the institution that provides a great deal of manual labor. This has long been a sticking point in relations between our two nations."

Slavery had always been a cornerstone for Sith Empires of the past, whether it be that of Vitiate or Palpatine, the deprivation of sentients of their rights and forcing them to labor until death had always been there. Taeli... was a not a major fan of the institution. There were better ways, as she was about to detail.

"After... long discussions with the Emperor," she continued, "he has agreed to begin mitigating slavery within the borders of the Sith Empire, with some exceptions being made for the Zygerrians and for prisoners of war. To make this possible, however, the Sith Empire requires a different form of cheap labor to supplement the decrease in productivity the phased freeing of beings will create. In the spirit of better relations, we would like to form a commercial pact with the Confederacy of Independent Systems to purchase labor droids, with the small stipulation that none of the models come from the world of Christophsis."

 

[Gerwald Lechner]

G U A R D E D​

Wearing: xxx
Tag: Srina Talon | Darth Metus | John Locke | Taeli Raaf | Lily Kuhn | Darth Wyyrlok XXIV

Gerwald shrugged in reply to the statement given by the newest Exarch.​

​

“Perhaps if you are sitting, however, I will be standing.”​

​

It was a small thing, a difference in posture and position, but if the meetings ran long it would be the difference of his feet hurting versus the padding of the Exarch’s posterior. Gerwald would much rather find himself sitting for this meeting, but that would be a show of weakness on part of the Dread Guard.​

​

Exarch Talon was the next to address him. Srina’s instructions were straight forward, and they were clear. A nod was given.​

​

“As you say,” was all Gerwald said before motioning to the four guards nearest the entrance to the room. “They are to be treated with the same regard as the Vicelord himself.”​

​

His command was equally as clear, and the tone of his voice carried a threat should the order be disobeyed. Simply because the Sith were not seen on friendly terms among some, they were the only ones to reach out for talks in this manner. The rest of the galaxy made assumptions. The Sith sought clarity. To any that would seek clarity through the process of peace or negotiation, clarity would be given. The thought reminded Gerwald of an old piece of advice he was taught as a child. “You have not because you ask not.”​

​

It was not long before the delegation arrived, and each took their respective places. Gerwald was surprised to be introduced among the rest. His presence was for protection, or so he thought. Still, Gerwald offered a nod and determined to remain silent. He would be the observer should this be his stage one day. How funny a thought, the predator taking point at a table meant for peaceful discourse. That would certainly be the day.​

 

[John Locke]

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N E G O T I A T E​

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Locations: Golbah City - Conference Room​

Wearing: This​

Tagging: ​

CIS: Darth Metus | Srina Talon | Gerwald Lechner​

TSE: Taeli Raaf | Lily Kuhn | Darth Wyyrlok XXIV​

​

​

A metallic hand rose, brushing against the flower the wintery Exarch had pinned to his lapel, dark eyes resting it for a moment. the dark metal of his hands contrasting with the white of the petals. He’d seen the flowers before, scattered around other meetings and social events he’d attended as part of the Confederacy. The cyborg had just never given them a second look, a second thought, dismissing them as part of the background. Only that wasn’t the truth, was it?

The soft admonishment delivered from the lips of his fellow Exarch hung in John’s ears as he stared at the flower. It was a small thing, delicate and ephemeral, here for a day, a week before it would fade away. The beauty of the flower shone brightly, it’s delicacy and colours catching the eye for as long as they lasted. But during that lifetime a flower held meaning, such important and weight hung on something so fleeting. A red rose for love, a white lily for remembrance. Emotion too was fleeting, constantly shifting and changing but a flower provided an anchor, some permanence to the emotion. They were a reminder, a physical manifestation of that emotion.

This white flower, it meant more than mere emotion, in the one delicate bloom hung pride and patriotism, hung honour and friendship, the flower represented the Confederacy, represented the good that the Southern Systems had done, would continue to do. It represented all those who had come before, all those who would come after, the ghosts of those who had sacrificed their lives to bring them to where they were now.

It was light, so light that the bloom tucked into his lapel was barely noticeable. It was heavy, the weight of all those emotions, all that weight of expectation.

For a moment John could feel it, lost in the weight of expectation, of those ghost of the past and the future who brought such weight to the nation. The cyborg was lost in introspection for a long moment before the Sith delegates arrived, before Darth Metus brought them to the table, starting the meeting. Bringing them all down to focus on the task that had brought them here in the first place.

The Exarch sank into his seat, fingers steepling in front of his face dark eyes staring past them as Taeli Raff began to speak. He could feel that familiar mask slipping over his features, the soft introspective look that had painted his features retreating behind that polite mask. The smile never left his lips, it just seemed to lack any true emotion behind it. It was the face that had been honed through board meeting after gala, the face that many a competitor had seen across a negotiating table before they’re had to sign away their company. A shield against the man’s thoughts behind it, the remembrance that his cousin had once been captured by those sitting across the table from them now.

It was the face of the Exarch.

It was the face that remembered she came first.

Eyes glowed as John accessed the commercial database, figures and production capabilities dancing across his vision. This was a battlefield he was familiar with, a familiar discussion.

“The abolishment of slavery within the borders of the Sith Empire is certainly a cause that would be beneficial to the galaxy on the whole. It would make a significant dent in the market for slaves in the galaxy. The eradication of slavery within your borders would give slavers one less place to run and hide when brought to light. Our production capacity is certainly capable of meeting your request, even if we cut out the production of Christophis. How large an initial shipment are you hoping for? We have significant production capacity spread across the Confederacy and our various affiliated companies. It will take time for us to bring enough resources to bear to replace your entire workforce, but set up as we are I believe we can provide a hefty initial shipment of droids shortly.”

Figures and plans filled the man’s vision for a moment as he considered the various methods and capabilities available to the confederacy. The Confederacy’s stand against slavery had been one of the things that had initially drawn him to the Southern Systems, especially after seeing the sith preying on the refugees fleeing the fall of the galactic alliance. It was only later that he had discovered their fate, the ritual that had claimed so many lives. While this step away from their previous practices would help the galaxy as a whole, it also allowed the Confederacy to develop and spread its influences while building up its economy. Most importantly not a single Confederate citizen or droid would be put at risk.

She comes first. She always comes first.

“I assume you’d be willing to pay a fair market price for the droids provided, as well as the salaries of any support personnel that need to be deployed to provide maintenance and training. As well as providing adequate protection to any of our citizens involved in this undertaking?”

A finger tapped against his face as he glanced down for a moment in thought and then up at the Sith delegates.

“What about all your current slaves? What’re your plans regarding their futures?”

 

[Lily Kuhn]

Lily stiffened, her ears perking up as John Locke brought into question the very thing she had turned into a pet project of sorts over the last week or so. She, like so many others in the galaxy, saw the concept and practice of slavery as a most disgusting trade; she had been depending on the decisions of the Confederacy just as much as those that were at the mercy of cruel masters were depending on the Empire to set them free. Sliding forward in her seat, a position she'd taken at the insistence of the Vicelord of the Confederacy the moment the offer to sit was made, the features of the Tetan's face lit up with a lightened expression - pleased to be able to become relevant to the discussion.

"If I may, Minister Locke," She said, making her desire to speak to his question clear, "the Sith Empire is willing to act as any client to the Confederacy should - a fair price to supplant our current labor force, as well as the security necessary to facilitate this deal and keep the citizens of the Confederacy involved safe, is precisely what we desire." Generally speaking she wouldn't have bothered to emphasize the desire for something that would be worth the time of whomever she was doing business with - it was usually something that went without saying - but there was a certain reputation with the Sith Empire that she most certainly could not fault those in the southern systems with being cautious over, she likely would have asked for a guarantee of the same sort had she been in the minister's shoes herself.

The Empire has recently been expanding to worlds that are either sparsely populated or completely without any notable populations to speak of, Minister." She explained, pausing momentarily to allow the subtext to become clear. "As we end the chains of slavery we intend to welcome them into the Empire as citizens in their own right, with programs established to aide them in their newfound freedom by giving them broader horizons and an opportunity for something greater on planets which are currently relying on immigration to grow." Lily continued, elaborating on the vague statement that preceded.

"Removing such a huge percentage of our work force at once would be very impractical for us, however, so we have been working on plans to phase out our current slave labor in stages; it was to our understanding that this would make production easier for the Confederacy, we are looking to make an agreement that will see to a substantial initial shipment that will be built upon steadily over the next year, but in the event that we perhaps have underestimated your production capabilities we can adjust our window to a shorter frame of time. Initially, however, we ideally seek to replace a fifth of our workforce."

Darth Metus Srina Talon Gerwald Lechner Taeli Raaf