Private Always a Choice

[Dominique Vexx]

Officially, the High Republic publicly called for the return of the Corellian Ambassador Cynan Obaith . An open pronouncement of the government's displeasure at his abduction following events on Corellia itself. And a demand that the Ambassador be promptly returned, unharmed. This came in the wake of a closed session of the High Republic Senate wherein Senators discussed how far and in what manner it was prepared to secure Obaith's return.

At the time that declaration was made, the Republic had already assembled a force tasked with carrying out that mission. By force, if needs be.

Yet, all hope for diplomacy was not yet lost. Improbable as it might seem, and despite the fervor of language used, there was still a chance a struggle between life and death could be avoided. Some parties had sought to delay or deny any such effort even as they cried out about the cost of war, but their efforts could only extend so far. And so it was that the High Chancellor, Dominique Vexx, sent a signal in search of Supreme Commander Marlon Sularen .

Dressed in her Denon-inspired white uniform, Dominique stood in wait for the signal to connect. Now was not the time to rest easy in a chair. Countless resources, personnel, and variables were changing every second and required considerable concentration to keep track of their progress. If this communique fell on deaf ears, or if it spiraled into something more than a 'misunderstanding,' there could be significant consequences.

Whether one called it war or police action, Dominique never wanted to use physical force. It was a necessity, at times, when all other options were closed off. Not an ideal. One she was completely ready to use just as she had as a DIrector of the Executive Board in the the Corporate Sector. But, perhaps, not one she would need to use today.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

A L W A Y S_A_C H O I C E

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
LOLA SAYU, OUTER RIM

​

Officially, the High Republic publicly called for the return of the Corellian Ambassador Cynan Obaith . An open pronouncement of the government's displeasure at his abduction following events on Corellia itself. And a demand that the Ambassador be promptly returned, unharmed.

When news of the High Republic's statement regarding the recent abduction of Cynan Obaith reached Sularen, he simply laughed. It was an interesting proclamation and amusing in the sense that the High Republic had revealed the full extent of Obaith's connection to Corellia, by referring him as the Corellian Ambassador. This contrasted with Obaith's mere claims that he was an innocent, pacifist and humanitarian with a basic association with the peoples of Corellia.

It also made more sense as to why Obaith was more confident with his threats as he had some form of authority to ensure Corellia's continued hostility towards Sularen. If Corellia joined the High Republic with Obaith as Corellia's Senator he would only be a pain in the ass that would hinder the Supreme Commanders plans to expand on the Confederation's influence in the Core Worlds. This only made keeping Obaith hostage a greater priority as now Sularen needed to ensure that the so-called Corellian Ambassador wouldn't pose a threat to any of his plans in the short-term.

It also just so happened that Sularen had one of the galaxy's most secure prisons at his disposal in the form of the Citadel on Lola Sayu, where Obaith was already incarcerated in and which was also going through some renovations as it's defenses were strengthened in anticipation of a potential Republican rescue party. Once the renovations would be completed, Citadel Station would become one of the most fortified and secure places within the Confederation, a prison in which Obaith would find no hope of freedom and remain confined until the end of his days.

In the meantime, Sularen would find himself comfortably seated inside his office within his flagship as it hovered above the site of Citadel Station, going over some of the After-Action Reports from the recent failed offensive in the Thandon Star Cluster. As he went through the reports, his desk's holo-projector began to blare up as he apparently received a call from none other then the Chancellor of the High Republic Dominique Vexx. With a smirk on his face, the Supreme Commander accepted the call wearing his usual Crimson Red attire as the image of Chancellor Vexx appeared on his holo-projector.

"Chancellor Vexx. Do what i owe the pleasure for this call?"

Tags | Dominique Vexx ​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"Supreme Commander Sularen," Dominique replied with a pleasant enough tone, "I appreciate you taking my call. By now I'm certain you have received word of the High Republic's interest in obtaining Cynan Obaith's release." Why bother asking whether he had or not? The man had a capable force at his disposal, and was not one to be easily blind-sided. "I formally request that Mister Obaith be presently returned alive and unharmed. I can have a vessel meet you at whatever coordinates you deem fit for the exchange."

"If there are details regarding events that transpired on Corellia you believe justifies the abduction, I am, of course, willing to hear your side of the story. Ultimately, however, I must insist on his release regardless of circumstances."

The Chancellor would leave it open to the Supreme Commander to decide on the manner in which he wished to approach this matter. There were many paths available to him. Not all of them led to an amicable or equitable resolution. She hoped he would set on a path that would allow both of them to part able to pursue longer-term and positive relations.

Marlon Sularen​

 

[Marlon Sularen]

A L W A Y S_A_C H O I C E

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
LOLA SAYU, OUTER RIM

​

"I won't deny that i have Ambassador Obaith in my custody." Sularen replied, addressing Obaith by his position. "I'd assume you're also aware of the what transpired on Corellia that led to his capture, or more precisely what your Senate assumed happened on Corellia." he added, making it clear that what the Chancellor knew about the situation wasn't the full picture. "I also know that you've come here from a position of restraint and that behind those closed doors those senators of yours were calling for an immediate retaliation against the Confederation." he continued.

It was an assumption of-course, but the Supreme Commander was far too familiar with the type of Senators that made up the High Republic Senate, arrogant, self-righteous, stubborn. They would not tolerate those who did not share their morals and their black and white view of the galaxy and whenever someone crossed whatever imaginary line they created they would not hesitate to pounce on them like the pack of dogs they were.

Of-course there were some people within the High Republic that Sularen respected like the Chancellor Vexx and the King Veruna , but even their voices would pale in comparison to that of an angry mob of Senators. In a democracy the loudest voice always prevailed and that was what made it dangerous, giving the uninformed and irrational masses the power to dictate policy sometimes at their own expense. Today he was going to make sure that those loud voices understood that the Imperial Confederation would not bow down to them no matter how much they whined and moaned.

Tags | Dominique Vexx ​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

What Sularen knew and how he knew it was a matter for another time. His last statement could easily be a bluff or a presumed deduction. That had been the reason Dominique had sealed the session, after all. To keep the Other Party to their disagreement from having the certainty of knowing. Sularen might think he knew exactly what had transpired, but he didn't know it. Sometimes that made all the difference in the world during negotiations.

"This Republic does not seek an excuse to wage war, Supreme Commander, but it must ensure the well-being of its citizens and those that represent it. Your pursuits come at an inopportune time. Perhaps you could enlighten me under which authority you have taken Cynan Obaith into your custody?"

He wanted to keep talking. Dominique was fine with that. It wouldn't constitute an actionable delay, but it might at least stay any previously planned action toward the Ambassador. Nevertheless, she couldn't help but notice the utter lack of recognizing her 'request.' To what end he hoped to avoid delivering a response, she wasn't yet certain.

Marlon Sularen​

 

[Marlon Sularen]

A L W A Y S_A_C H O I C E

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
LOLA SAYU, OUTER RIM

​

It was ironic that Chancellor Vexx claimed that the High Republic sought the well-being of it's citizens and their representatives. After-all, the Black Sun had kidnapped the former Chancellor Kalantha in the Senate Chambers while the current Queen of Eshan, Quinn Varanin had previously made an attempt on the life of the King of Naboo Aurelian Veruna. In both cases the High Republic took little action against the Black Sun or the Sith Princess with the exception of an Arrest Warrant placed on the former who now enjoyed a comfortable place as the Warden of Eshan despite her prior crimes.

If the High Republic cared even a bit for the well-being of it's citizens and representatives they wouldn't have allowed Velzari Tharn to torture and break Kalantha to a point where she herself would join the ranks of the Black Sun and participate in raids against the Imperial Confederation, or allow Quinn Varanin to remain on her newly acquired throne even if Eshan was under the protection of the Mandalorians. But now they wanted to grow a spine over the kidnapping of an Ambassador, who hadn't even disclosed the full extent of his relationship with both Corellia and the High Republic when he had confronted Sularen.

"It was on my authority that Cynan Obaith was placed in my custody Chancellor." he replied. "I went to Corellia with the simple objective of delivering judgement upon those who had ostracized and undermined me for the past four decades. With the Corellian Confederation now defunct courtesy of the Galactic Empire, i expected it to be a simple matter i wouldd be able to all the high-ranking Corellians who had once conspired against me would be rounded up and executed, the economic assets they utilized to undermine me seized and the world itself forced to provide me compensation for all the trouble they had given me." he continued, explaining exactly why he was in Corellia.

"Obaith confronted me before i could begin my operation and openly declared his opposition to my plans declaring that he would ensure that Corellia would continue to oppose me and that i will never know peace." he added. "I came to Corellia to bury a rivalry that had persisted for decades, instead i found a man who was willing to revive it and ensure that my own homeworld would remain a personal enemy of mine for years to come." he proclaimed.

"Obaith has established himself as a rival who would continue Pryce's mission to undermine me. At first i didn't think he was in a position to do so since he never disclosed his status within Corellia and the extent of his relationship with the High Republic, but the fact that he is Corellia's Ambassador to the High Republic makes him a threat that i am unwilling to tolerate. That being said, if you want me to return Obaith back to the High Republic unharmed and alive, there will be conditions."

Now the Chancellor knew that there was a price to pay for the safe return of Cynan Obaith and Sularen intended to make sure that the so-called Corellian Ambassador would cease to be a threat to him once and for all. For far too long he had allowed individuals to hide behind other galactic governments to shield themselves from him. Now it was time that the galaxy understood that when you opposed Sularen, no government would save you from his judgement and the High Republic would be the first to understand that principle.

Tags | Dominique Vexx ​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique stood and listened to the entirety of the man's story of slights, opposition, and desire for retribution. It was surprisingly thorough.

"You violated Corellia's sovereignty in an effort to impose your own laws as the High Republic sought to restore order in the wake of the Galactic Empire's destabilization efforts being immediately followed by its collapse." Dominique paused for two seconds to let her statement sink in. The High Republic had a fleet in proximity to the planet having been left behind in the wake of the Galactic Empire's actions. If the Ambassador had perhaps notified them and waited... Well he must have felt Sularen would have acted before their arrival. "And the abduction of Cynan Obaith was done while he was in the midst of defending Corellia's sovereignty."

"Supreme Commander," the Chancellor said with the rigidity of formality, "I await your conditions for the Ambassador's return. But know this, your actions to this point have been in violation of common interstellar law and that of the High Republic. Any conditions will be viewed with that in mind." More to the point, she wasn't particularly receptive to 'conditions' considering the manner in which he sought to force them from the Republic. Still, Dominique would listen. It cost nothing to listen.

Now, the Chancellor would wait in the hope he would finally address the matter at hand. Everything else up to this point had progressed as she'd expected. Even the very justification that led to this conflict was nearly what she had imagined. Which, unless Marlon had a surprisingly acceptable condition, meant the entire exchange would end in the manner Dominique had foreseen.

Marlon Sularen​

 

[Marlon Sularen]

A L W A Y S_A_C H O I C E

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
LOLA SAYU, OUTER RIM

​

Sularen sighed and rolled his eyes as Vexx spoke about sovereignty and "common" interstellar law. Nothing but useless soundbites spouted out by idealists who thought that morals mattered in this galaxy. No different then the same bullshit he had to deal with back when the Galactic Alliance was around. Heck those bastards were still talking about putting Sularen on trial for his past actions with the Dark Empire and the Brotherhood of the Maw, as the Galactic Empire actively destroyed their fleet above Atrisia.

"To be honest with you Chancellor. I don't fucking care about Corellia's sovereignty or about this nonsensical common interstellar law that no one in this rotten galaxy acknowledges." he retorted. "I'm talking about a world that has undermined and defied me at every opportunity and frankly i'm tired of dealing with people who think they can simple come forward, constantly oppose my plans and then hide behind the shield of another Galactic Government to avoid retribution." he added. "What happened to Obaith was a warning. Defy me even once and you will face judgement, no matter how well connected you are to another Galactic Government." he continued.

Sularen paused for a second so that the Chancellor could register what he had just said. She had to understand that the galaxy didn't revolve around the High Republic or that she can easily dismiss Sularen's own concerns over excuses like the violation of Corellia's sovereignty and imaginary things like "common" interstellar law. There was nuance in these things and it appeared as if Vexx was starting to forget about that if she even believed in nuance in the first place. While Sularen did understand that the Chancellor wanted the safe return of her fellow peer, he wasn't going to give into her request unless she was willing to make some concessions of her own.

"As for my conditions they are simple. Obaith must be barred from representing the High Republic and holding any sort of political office on Corellia itself, major territorial and economic concessions on Corellia will be made to myself and every single senior member of the now defunct Corellian Confederation must be handed over to me. Accept these conditions and i'll release Obaith back into High Republic custody." Sularen proclaimed. "You must understand Chancellor Vexx, i intend to ensure that the threat Corellia poses to me is permanently neutralized. To ensure that it never takes up arms against me in the foreseeable future." he added.

"If you want this matter to be settled in any peaceful matter then Corellia must be stripped of it's ability to challenge me ever again. That is non-negotiable."

Tags | Dominique Vexx ​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

If Marlon thought Dominique would be upset at his outburst, he was mistaken. Though she doubted he much cared either way. A legal framework was intended for precisely one-thing: establishing a level playing field among those that would go to any length to secure victory. Even codified they were more like suggestions, carefully enforced when convenient, and skirted when obtrusive to good business. Nevertheless, they made for excellent rationale and a rallying cry in the right circumstances.

However, as Chancellor, Dominique had to try harder to uphold them than she would have as an independent Director. And being Chancellor she fully expected everyone else to try just as hard; otherwise she wasn't required to abide by them any more than her opponent.

When the man paused, he'd notice the breast of her uniform jacket rise and fall as she drew in and expelled a deep breath. It wasn't a sigh. Sighs were brief and loud to let out tension building. Dominique wasn't anxious to interrupt his out pour of disagreement or even revolution concerning Corellia.

Then came the Supreme Commander's conditions. To wit:

1. Cynan Obaith shall be barred from representing Corellia within the High Republic.
2. Cynan Obaith shall be barred from holding any political Office on Corellia.
3. Corellia shall contribute substantial territorial and economic reparations to Marlon Sularen.
4. Every senior member of the former Corellian Confederation shall we rounded up and surrendered to Marlon Sularen.
5. Corellia shall forevermore never pose a threat to or raise arms against Marlon Sularen.

Dominique lowered her chin for a moment, the light scattering through her lilac glareshades to cloak them from view. The last condition, humble as it might sound to Marlon, was by far the most intolerable. Many others were already not viable, but the last implied the High Republic by extension will never pose a threat to Marlon Sularen; perhaps for reasons he did not fully grasp, and the Chancellor would need explain.

A second later, her head rose once more as she began, "Before I give you my answer, Supreme Commander, let me be equally clear. Corellia will be a member of the High Republic. If you think abducting one of my Ambassadors is enough leverage to have me run back to Naboo, you are gravely mistaken. If you think to hold his life in the palm of your hand to stay mine, you have no idea who you are dealing with. I will have my Ambassador returned alive, Supreme Commander, so make whatever preparations you require to see it through," her right hand lifted to draw the glareshades from the bridge of her nose leaving her bright golden rings on full display. "Because the next time this channel opens it will either end with us able to salvage this situation -- and address whatever concerns you have diplomatically -- or it will ensure that you, the Imperial Confederation, or any of it its senior members will never again set foot on or bother the people of a free Corellia until the stars grow cold."

"No one extorts the High Republic. No one threatens the High Republic. The endless days of tyranny have ended, if I need to single-handedly kick the ass of every warlord, dictator, or overlord the galaxy over until they collectively grasp we are not the Galactic Alliance. We are not content with begging for peace on deaf ears."

Carefully, the Chancellor set her glareshades back upon her nose. "Your conditions are impossible, and you claim they are immutable. We are at an impasse, Supreme Commander. Most unfortunate."

Marlon Sularen​

 

[Marlon Sularen]

A L W A Y S_A_C H O I C E

IMPERIAL CONFEDERATION
LOLA SAYU, OUTER RIM

​

At this point it was started to get frustrating at how unproductive this meeting was. Vexx was adamant in getting Obaith back yet still refused to understand or acknowledge Sularen's own desires to see the constant threat Corellia posed to him neutralized. She spoke about how no one extorts or threatened the High Republic and yet was trying to force a resolution that was unfavorable to the Supreme Commander. Nothing but self-righteousness an arrogance, the idea that the High Republic was above him, above the Confederation.

At the very least however Sularen knew that holding Obaith hostage wouldn't be enough to force a favorable resolution to the growing crisis. But that would have to be addressed later once these negotiations had concluded. Until then he'd have to go back-and-forth with someone who he had once thought was reasonable and logical just to ensure that one planet stopped interfering with his plans, albeit one that had done so successfully in the past.

"I don't see how we are at an impasse Chancellor. My terms do not prevent Corellia from joining your High Republic in any capacity. It will merely prevent it from mobilizing their resources in an effective manner to raise large fleets and armies to undermine me as they have done under the Galactic Alliance. Like i already said Obaith is already a risk for me and has already threatened to further turn the people of Corellia against me and that will not happen no matter how insistent you are in getting him back."

"We are only at an impasse Chancellor because you are being stubborn. Your making demands, acting as if you and your High Republic are above me and anyone that does not believe in your Democratic ideals. Because you refuse to compromise even when the very life of one of your own is at stake. Ironically this is how the Galactic Alliance behaved back when i was the ruler of Byss. All that talk about not negotiating with terrorists, an yet supporting other terrorists against those who did not share the same beliefs as them"

"But by all means, if you have a better deal to propose then I'm all ears. But do know, i am not leaving this situation empty-handed not when it comes to finally dealing with Corellia's bullshit"

Tags | Dominique Vexx ​

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"This Chancellor is not above negotiating in the interests of peace, Supreme Commander. However, the fact is you have illegally taken captive an Ambassador of the High Republic. A crime for which you have issued demands to economically and socially castrate an entire planet for crimes you assert its former government committed. Corellia will join the High Republic, Supreme Commander, mark my words. And I will not be extorted in crippling a new member world."

Dominique's lips thinned for a second. "Your grievance is with an entire world. I cannot see how I can offer you the compensation you feel you deserve for violations long hence. Any effort will likely be taken as a personal affront as unworthy of someone of your standing."

"Until this matter surfaced, I had hoped we could find some means to overcome historic events that color others from considering the very idea of discourse with you. But I cannot stand by and allow our people to be abducted. Not so long as I am Chancellor. This Republic has stood by and watched as factions try to pick us apart like carrion birds. No more."

Establishing formal relations with Marlon was already going to be extremely difficult. All it'd take is one person -- likely Eadu, perhaps others taken by idealism as well -- and the flood of complaints and accusations against Dominique would begin. However, she'd been willing to risk it. There was no progress without risk. But the abduction of her Ambassador... after the Black Sun invaded their homeworld and abducted her predecessor? After at least one Senator had been openly assassinated? How many more times would the High Republic be expected to sit back and take it? The line must be drawn here.

Marlon Sularen​