An Ice Cream Social

[Rozalyne Kurganova]

The Core was now in a state of flux with the downfall of the Frew Worlds Coalition and the Galactic Alliance. In keeping with its current containment strategy, the Silver Jedi looked Coreward to stabilize the region and keep it out of unscrupulous hands.

However, the Silver Order didn't just plan on waltzing into space and throwing down their flag, they wanted to build partnerships with those who remained. After reflection on their last major defeat in the Outer Rim, they had learned they needed to do a better job empowering the people they aimed to protect rather than coddle them.

The first round of talks with the Interstellar Protectorate was proceeding well, and now Rozalyne set her eyes on another rising power in the core: Kuat.

The system had been on her mind since their intervention against raiders at Coruscant. Those were exactly the types of organizations that the SJO wanted to ally with, willing to stick their necks out for others in spite of the consequences.

Kuat seemed decent enough from afar, but it still remained largely an enigma under the current ruling administration. She imagined that the SJO was just as much of a mystery to them. So a meeting had been called, just to test out the waters and see if they could find some common ground.

While protocol teams on either side communicated with each other, both delegations agreed to meet on the Kuati station known as Toryaz station, a lavish platform historically utilized for such affairs.

Right on time, Rozalyne's Nubian yacht dropped out of hyperspace, promptly squawking its credentials with traffic control to receive clearance to land. The princess herself was still locked away in her room, primping. Appearances meant everything during first impressions.

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Rozalyne Kurganova"]


Ferron had long been on the station, preparing what he could. The station had been largely unused for a long time and he had to make sure it was ready to do its duty; see to the other powers in the galaxy. Even though it was declared a neutral zone for anyone and everyone to use, Kuat Drive Yards still owned and maintained it, so when he heard talks would be requested from the very well known Silver Jedi Order, he knew it would be a great impression in the galaxy to have a proper neutral discussion stage, and it would look bad if he had let it decay. His personal Imperial-class Frigate had been long docked with the station, and out of courtesy, was the only ship nearby. This is obviously excluding the multiple KDY patrols in the system itself, protecting not only Toryaz, but the planet, and the Orbital Ring, and the Traffic Control Stations. Speaking of which, they had been notified of the SJO's arrival and relayed the information to Toryaz station, which would inform Ferron. The Traffic Control had to follow protocols; they scanned what they needed, confirmed identities and codes, and then the ship was approved into the system, escorted by a much smaller patrol craft to Toryaz station. Simply, a protocol for visitors to ensure their safe venture to the station. of course, the Sector Governor ([member="Sennion Crestmar"], [member="Rahn Haaku"]) was informed of all of this, just as much as Ferron was, to keep with protocol. Should he wish to, he could greet the SJO representative or personally escort them himself. Otherwise, once they reached Toryaz, they would be permitted to dock.

"The kitchen better be in full force," Ferron said as he walked into the Toryaz kitchen, which was once made to feed Kings, Lords, and even Emperors, including Presidents, like Ferron himself. "You don't pay us to sit around, President," the head chef chuckled; a local Kuati, famed for his dishes. "Yes... I'm very thankful that you all applied for this job, I'm sorry it was on such short notice. Anyway, the SJO Representative will be here any minute. If they wants something, we better have it, and if we have it, you better cook it. That ice machine better not break down the moment they asks for it!" Ferron said in a sarcastic manner, getting the cooks and chefs to be in a proper mood. Ferron muttered another thank you as he swiftly had to leave, heading to one of the smaller conference rooms of the station, hoping to be there and be presentable before the SJO rep arrived. Once they did, they would be swiftly escorted in the small station to the appropriate room.

 

[Rozalyne Kurganova]

The credentials of the Yacht and the SJO delegation aboard checked out, so traffic control allowed them to land. This wasn't supposed to be a full on state visit, but a more informal working one just to test the waters, so had no expectations of any red carpets of honor guard waiting for her. (Not that the heiress wouldn't mind.)

Her security detail filed out first from the Yacht, grim-looking royal guards in well-tailored suits, packing a small armory worth of firepower under their jackets. They made a cursory sweep ahead of Rozalyne departure from the Yacht. In addition to her personal guard, a Jedi had been assigned as her bodyguard, who now stood beside her. She looked quite young, a little too young for her tastes. Rozalyne would keep a close eye on her.

"It goes without saying that I will be handling the talks with President Troste," she reminded...Charlie something. "I only require that you watch my back."

Her guards gave the green light for her to step onto the floor. Wasting no time, she strutted down the ramp, navy cloak flapping around at the ends with each step.

Kuati aides were there to meet them, and after a quick exchange of greetings, they were whisked away to a conference room where she presumed that the meeting would take place.

She saw President Troste within, but refrained from speaking, giving the man the honor to introduce himself to her and Miss Charlie.

[member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Charlie Nooran]

[SIZE=10pt]Bodyguard missions, on her own was something the small padawan hadn’t really expected to happen this quickly. She wondered if this was a sign she was doing well with her studies and training. Confidence had risen in the girl ever since she had left Tython, especially after taking down a dark sider. A cheeky little smirk spread across her face as she remembered the woman was imprisoned at the Rest. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The head of the SSC, looked towards her. The woman was the one Charlie was supposed to be keeping an eye on, but it seemed the woman probably doubted the young Jedi’s abilities. As much as she wanted to remark, she knew her manners and nodded. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]“Understood.” She wore Jedi robes, with her lightsaber clipped to her, nothing out of the ordinary as she followed the woman. Charlie took a step to the side to avoid the cloak from whipping her or something. She didn’t understand the need for such a thing, but from her briefing the woman was a princess of sorts. Shrugging it off, Charlie stood beside the taller woman and waited to be introduced. [/SIZE]

[member="Rozalyne Kurganova"] [member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Rozalyne Kurganova"] [member="Charlie Nooran"]


The Royal Guard would have been asked to wait outside, but given permission to walk anywhere they saw fit, except restricted areas, such as for staff. "Greetings," Ferron said with a smile, clasping his hands together as the Silver Jedi Order representative entered the room. He made no attempt to approach the women, giving them space to adjust to their surrounds and room to breathe, they had the entire room to themselves. "It's nice to meet a representative from the Silver Jedi Order. I am President Ferron Troste of Kuat Drive Yards and Kuati Sector Forces. I'm sure you already knew that. I understand you wanted to meet wit-" Ferron paused, realizing the representative had.... something of an escort. He readjusted himself, putting his hands behind his back in a polite manner. "It seems you have brought company... something I was not informed of. If next time you could do me the courtesy of informing me those extras that you bring?" Ferron was undoubtedly alone in the room, aside from a single KDY clone trooper in one corner of the room, closest to him. He was arranging the room to have the utmost privacy, with obvious caution. Of course he would never force his visitors to be alone, which is why the Jedi escort was let in. Although it wasn't known she was a Jedi, she was obviously different from any ordinary guard. "Would you be upset if I requested a few more security guards? I assure you, the most they are armed with are stun rods, and they are for my protection, and are not intended to intimidate you. I travel alone, mostly, and wear merely a uniform. I have no other way to protect myself except with a few lessons in blaster pistol firing, and I don't travel armed."

In the center of the room was a simple conference table, but it had a tablecloth put over it with two plates at each end. It wasn't a very long table; designed for only a few people, that way it would hopefully not be intimidating or awkward to speak across it. Shortly after Ferron finished talking, a Kuati entered the room quietly with a menu in their hand. "We have a full kitchen, tonight," Ferron continued, "is there anything you'd like to order?"

 

[Rozalyne Kurganova]

Everything started out fine, Ferron welcoming them and providing a formal introduction. Then an odd request came for additional guards. Glancing over at Charlie, her Jedi status made obvious by her choice of clothing, she could sort of guess why, but found the Kuati's paranoia silly all the same. If the Silver Jedi wished ill against Ferron, this wouldn't be the venue to do it, being quite taboo to engage in violence during a diplomatic visit.

"I am Princess Rozalyne Kurganova, Director of the Silver Service Corps, and member of the Silver Assembly." she paused to look over at Charlie, raising a hand toward the girl. "With me today is Miss...Nooran, my aide for these proceedings"

Calling her Miss Charlie just didn't sound right, so Rozalyne borrowed the surname from Charlie's master.

"I'm fine with the additional guards if it brings you some piece of mind."

She took her seat at one end of the table designated for her and motioned for Charlie to take the next adjacent seat to her right.

"Dinner? What does the good President recommend we try tonight?"

[member="Ferron Troste"] [member="Charlie Nooran"]

 

[Charlie Nooran]

Charlie watched the exchange between the two officials quietly. She felt an odd tension from the man when she had entered the room. Looking down at her attire, she wondered if she had done something wrong or possibly wore the wrong outfit. Either way, the man requesting more guards seemed odd to her, but she kept quiet knowing her place.

Her ears perked up as she heard the words ‘Kitchen’, ‘anything’ and ‘order’. This meant food was involved and her lips fought the urge to smile. She didn’t expect to be eating on this mission minus whatever she got her hands on while on transport. Sitting next to Rozalyne, it was something to be sitting at a table with a princess and a menu to whatever she wanted. Her hands held the menu that was handed to her, when Rozalyne introduced her to Ferron.

Charlie opened her mouth to protest, but then closed it and gave a small smile. Being introduced using her Master’s surname felt nice, felt like she belonged somewhere. The menu rested in front of her as the Seoulian girl bowed her head towards the President. Her small smile was now given to the man as she was introduced. “Pleasure to meet you President.” Charlie wasn’t here to talk, she was here to ‘watch the Princess’ back’. Her eyes glanced around the room, checking every point and then returning her attention to the menu.

[member="Rozalyne Kurganova"] [member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Rozalyne Kurganova"] [member="Charlie Nooran"]


Ferron looked over at the lone Clone Trooper in the corner and nodded to them, no doubt overhearing the conversation. The Clone Trooper gave a subtle nod and walked to leave the room in a casual manner. "Unfortunately, I couldn't get space for a buffet, but what we currently have on the station is certainly worthy of royalty. I had requested a famed local Kuati from the planet to come over and help prepare food for everyone. I do know he makes an other-worldly amazing Plavonian Starfish, but if it isn't too late for, or if you don't plan on staying to long, I did make sure to have some positive desserts to hopefully help you leave with a smile; Among the common menu item,s we also have available the famous Neuvian Sundae from Coruscant."

Ferron coughed a moment, shaking his head. It wasn't a sickened cough, more like a disappointed cough. "Oh no," he chuckled, "it sounds like I've gone and taken over the waiters job." Ferron took a seat, continuing, "The waiter will always stay in the room unless you ask them to leave, should you need anything at any time. Please, enjoy yourselves. But, I am ready, and have made myself available for however long that is needed. What do I owe the honor of a visit from the great Silver Jedi Order, today?"

 

[Rozalyne Kurganova]

Rozalyne nodded at each item presented by Ferron, finding nothing offered offensive. She even let out a small huff of amusement as he made a little joke. It seemed like their talks were right back on track.

"That all sounds quite delectable, thank you." she looked over at Charlie. "You don't have to stick with what I'm ordering, have what you like."

She turned her attention back to Ferron, now inquiring about the purpose of their visit.

"With the recent collapse of the Free Worlds Coalition and the Galactic Alliance, the Core is now vulnerable once more. I'm sure you saw that quite clearly with the recent assault on Coruscant by pirates, once a nearly inconceivable prospect in the heart of the Core. Aside from the lack of security, it is the fear of the SJO and our partners that the Core may again fall sway to dangerous radical ideologies like in the time of the One Sith. Pointing to Coruscant, again, we've already seen it rear its ugly head in the form of xenophobia and mercantilism."

"Silver Order would like to provide a stabilizing influence in the Core to reverse its deteriorating situation and put it back on a positive track of development. However, this isn't something we can do alone. Ideally, we would like to be working with model organizations like your own, President Troste, who know their way around the Core."

"Aside from that matter, the Silver Order and our economic cooperative in the Mid Rim find Kuat a very attractive trading partner. We would like to establish a trade deal that we feel would be very beneficial to both parties."

[member="Ferron Troste"] [member="Charlie Nooran"]

 

[Charlie Nooran]

[SIZE=10pt]Charlie flipped through the menu checking everything out. The Chef that Ferron had hired seemed to know a lot of cuisines which meant that Charlie was going to have a feast. Though she paused because she wasn’t with Jyoti and she wasn’t at home. That meant she couldn’t just sit here and stuff herself till she was full. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The padawan waited for the Princess to order, but then a miracle happened and Rozalyne gave the girl free reign over the menu. She glanced over at the waiter and quickly made her order of 2 Neuvian Sundaes, the Starfish, and finally A bowl of Corellian Buckwheat noodles with rancor sauce – extra noodles. Charlie put the menu down and waved off the waiter who tried to pull away the menu. The Seoulian was prepared for more food – though she needed to do this in moderation. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Listening, she looked at the two adults talking over what the meeting was about. Charlie remained quiet as she waited for her food. It was interesting that people talked about dealings outside of the Force and such. Her noodles came and were placed in front of her. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Happily she grabbed her chopsticks and quietly ate. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt][member="Rozalyne Kurganova"] [member="Ferron Troste"][/SIZE]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Rozalyne Kurganova"] [member="Charlie Nooran"]


Ferron didn't eat as he had decided to give his visitor his full attention. He did not dislike the chefs food nor intended to insult, he was sure to take something home, but he handpicked the chef, for this very occasion, for his visitors. As the clone soldier returned, three additional soldiers followed behind him. They all stood at attention, very silently so as not to disturb the meeting, behind Ferron against the nearest wall. They would more than likely not cause anymore issues during the meeting. Ah, another 'keep the core safe' plea, as he has heard all too well. "Yes," he opened up, "we were present during the raid. It took awhile, but I think we cleaned up Coruscant after that. My fleet commander at the time may have made a bigger mess in spite of our support of reconstruction efforts, but the most we have been allowed to do is pay debts and damage. Unfortunately, Coruscant and I are no longer in contact." Ferron continued to listen, leaning onto the table and clasping his hands.

Ferron smiled, "I am always open to hearing business offers, you've probably heard of our new Open Door Policy; we've tried to put it out as much as possible. Not that we want business or profits, but KDY has returned and its time to reach out to those that need support. However, first I must say even if Coruscant has become xenophobic and mercantilism," he parted away slightly, leaning into a whispered tone, "and trust me, I know it has, but," leaning back up to a proper tone of voice, "that is none of your concern and you have no business getting involved. Whatever your home planet may be, the Silver Jedi don't just up and control every speck of dirt and the air the people breathe. Whatever claims you want to state to your territory, they don't matter. Coruscant is the people of Coruscants planet. I do not even begin to try and say how the people of Kuat should behave or what beliefs they should take part in. Because of the irrevocable damage done by the past, Kuat Drive Yards has had to become entirely separate of the planet, and Kuat has been forced to become self sufficient. All I can do is offer my support. Sorry to be confrontational, but to put it bluntly; whatever you wish to do, I would love to join, however, Kuat will never be considered a Silver Jedi planet, and you will not interfere with their culture, just as I would never interfere with your home planets culture. I may not have the Kuati blood running through me, but that doesn't mean I don't care for Kuat and its people. Now, if that is out of the way, what sort of trade deal did you have in mind?"

 

[Rozalyne Kurganova]

Rozalyne found it amusing that he brought up Coruscant as the current administration of Coruscant certainly did not represent the people. It was led by a demagoguing carpetbagger who until recently was fine with imperialism, bankrolled in large part by all sorts of shady external interests, some which likely led back to the Sith.

She could tell him these things, but people rarely reacted to smearing campaigns, and her proposal didn't much have to do with Coruscant in particular anyway.

She leaned forward, clasping her hands together. "President Troste, you misunderstand. The Silver Order isn't attempting to force people into adopting any policies, but we do have certain ideas that we like to promote through peaceful persuasion and mutual collaboration. Not unlike the CSA's recent push into the Core. If people don't like our ideas or offers, then they're free to decline without any issue from us. We respect the right to self-determination."

"On the trade deal. Today I'm also representing the Intergalactic Trade Union, a successor to the former trade bloc known as the Tion Cooperative Organization. We would like to extend an offer to Kuat to join the ITU. Members enjoy several perks, including no internal tariffs, a common currency (local currencies are still recognized), and guaranteed protection of intellectual property rights. While members have to defer to the ITU's central commission for making trade deals with external groups, they do get to enjoy much greater bargaining power that comes from being part of a united collective."

"If Kuat isn't interested in joining the ITU, then we can still certainly draw up a bilateral deal. Would you like to know more?"

[member="Ferron Troste"] [member="Charlie Nooran"]

 

[Charlie Nooran]

[SIZE=10pt]Charlie sat there eating her noodles as she watched the two talk. She wasn’t supposed to speak, so she decided to just keep her mouth full of food. More footmen entered the room and Charlie blinked. The man was serious about bringing more men to his protection. The small Padawan’s ego grew just a little bit seeing that he felt it necessary to bring in more men to feel safe. Shrugging it off, she focused on her noodles. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]The two officials continued to talk, neither seemed to have gotten food which she made a note of. Maybe if Rozalyne didn’t eat and if Charlie did a decent job, they could stop at Pizza Hutts or something. Charlie blinked as she finished off her bowl, the President seemed to not want the Silver Jedi around, but there was confusion as to why. Again, she didn’t speak letting Rozalyne do her job. [/SIZE]

[SIZE=10pt]Her job, was to watch the soldiers that had entered the room. She was bodyguard today. [/SIZE]

[member="Rozalyne Kurganova"] [member="Ferron Troste"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Rozalyne Kurganova"] | [member="Charlie Nooran"]


Ferron was going to do his best, and refrain from putting out anymore personal opinions.... unless they are called forth from something that is pushed too far. "I apologize, Miss Kurganova, I did not mean to imply you ever did such a thing; to change planet societies or cultures. I just wanted to reaffirm that the Silver Jedi shouldn't, and Kuat will never." Ferron nodded, agreeing with the latter part of the Princesses statement concerning the rights of the people, "passive, non-invasive propaganda is all fine and well, and I hope you don't take my simplification as negative. Not all propaganda is evil, it is just more concerned with its personal entities public image. Again, there is nothing wrong with it, and I would allow recruitment and advertisements on the KDY Orbital Array."

Ferron took a breath, as the discussion had quickly gone to business. The meeting was in the Princesses court, meaning Ferron did not guide the discussions and where they went. If anything, he was very intrigued by the initiative of the Princess holding their ground and getting straight to business. "Actually that all sounds quite enjoyable," it was nice to hear companies and services growing to such an extent in the galaxy, hearing that the TCO has had such positive expansions. He would have to look into it more, "however, I will have to outright object to one of the conditions. Not only will Kuat continue to hold its independence, especially in trade, but Kuat Drive Yards will never agree to allow someone else to make the decisions of who we can and can not trade with. Our independence has allowed us to not only trade with the Silver Jedi, but to keep such positive relations, while under Sith Imperial and Mandalorian threat. I would be open to communicating more on the matter, but we will always maintain independence of ourselves, no matter the entity trying to plant flags."

He leaned back for a moment, hoping the princess would hold off on any rebuttal, "I do apologize if I sounded defensive, as if I may be implying you wished to 'stake claim' to Kuat or something. Let me reassure you, I fully welcome a Silver Embassy on the Orbital Array, and I am sure Kuat would allow such a thing as well. If you wanted us in your cloud of influence, we would also not object as long as we maintained our independence. Once again, we may communicate more on joining this Trade Bloc of yours, but if it is not an option concerning our requirements, a trade deal is absolutely welcomed. I assume you've seen our Open Door Policy? Or did you have something else in mind? I'm all ears."




The bodyguards in the room didn't make any further movements aside from typical human idle behavior. Only should Ferron show fear or a defensive nature, would they move. At this time, they did not even observe the individuals Ferron was speaking to, they simply awaited his commands. The waiter, however, continued to stay by the Padawans side, continuing to take their order without problem. If Charlie wasn't ordering food, they obviously would be standing in the corner, bored out of their mind. And thankfully, there wasn't a dozen orders at one time.... this was easy for them, an easy job and good money from Kuat Drive Yards.

 

[Rozalyne Kurganova]

Troste was quite touchy when it came to the prospect of the Silver Jedi exerting an influence over Kuat. She wondered if it was really about the Silver Jedi possibly challenging Troste hegemony over Kuat instead.

"President Troste, I don't believe it's our place to decide what our respective people's should hear. Instead of censorship - which is much more insidious than propaganda - we encourage the free expression of ideas, including ones that we may not like personally. Our responsibility then is to teach our people critical thinking skills to make educated decisions on new information. With that said, the message of the SJO is quite simple: respect for our neighbors, diplomacy over violence, seeking knowledge and expressing tolerance. I hope there's nothing controversial about that."

His reaction to her proposal about the ITU wasn't exactly unexpected, the way that the conversation had been going thus far. It was going to be an uphill battle spreading the ITU to the Core, Troste wasn't the only nationalist in the area.

"To clarify, each member of the commission is a representative appointed by their respective home governments. If Kuat were to join the ITU, it would always have a say in policy. While I can respect your...determination to remain independent, there are benefits to working with other systems and being able to leverage your collective power and stand on equal footing against much larger entities. I should point out that, with some advanced notice, any member can withdraw from the ITU without question."

She shook her head at the mention of Kuat's Open Door policy, then continued with her pitch. "I'm afraid I'm familiar with this specific policy, but let's talk about the possibility of a formal bilateral deal and see if our policies are similar. As a general policy, we strive to avoid tariffs even with external partners, but we do like to put non-tariff measures in place to protect some unique domestic industries and establish common standards for quality control. Additionally, we seek assurances of protection of intellectual property during trade between partners. Would this be acceptable to you?"

[member="Ferron Troste"] [member="Charlie Nooran"]

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Rozalyne Kurganova"]


Ferron nodded as he listened. "There is no controversy in your message. Although, I would question who you consider your people but that is neither here nor there. We could debate politics all day, and I'm sure that isn't what we're here for." Ferron knew how defensive he was, and he was apologetic. He stretched himself as he calmed down, and decided to let his guard down a bit. This person had shown him a lot more respect than others, so he should repay the kindness. "I am not blind, Princess Kurganova, when we see the Silver Jedi fleets emerging from a mass 'jump. I'm very flexible, I'm willing to work with you on this. If you wish to include us into your sphere of influence, I don't have the power to push you back, nor should I put my own people at risk. The best that I can hope for, that we can hope for, is mutual and beneficial aid. As long as you don't push to hard, I'm widely open to compromise and support. Kuat Drive Yards, however, requires independence in what choices it wishes to make - what choices I want to make. I don't want, for any reason, to have to vote for your decision, or protect it, just because you have fleets in the sector. Kuat is free to do whatever it wishes, I have no control over its choices. But before we start jumping the gun I want to explain something."

Ferron leaned in his chair so that he could be more comfortable, "I do not believe the Silver Jedi's will try to force KDY into any situation we don't like. I do not believe you'll have your force user buddy here attack or threaten me. I do not believe the Silver Jedis will attack Kuat Drive Yards if we don't give them a reason, like supporting their enemies. However, the fact remains... just because you claim to serve the light or whatever doctrines you hold, you are not free from violence or criminality. I did not summon more guards because I was so paranoid as to think you'd unleash your friend like a hound, but I do not believe it is out of the question to be cautious."

Ferron nodded as he was done with that tirade, "on the subject of your... bilateral deal, currently we have no tariffs with the Silver Jedi. The only tariffs we have are with the Mandalorian Empire, the Sith Empire, the Confederacy of Independent Systems, and the Eternal Empire. We may continue to hold no tariffs against the Silver Jedi should our relationships stay positive. We appreciate no tariffs against us as we are just a company, and own no unquestionable access to resources like governments do. And if I may reiterate, we are only a company, not entirely a foreign entity, so as long as we support you, you don't need to maintain any control over us. As for the Open Door Policy, you can access it on the holonet without issue.... we can supply you a datapad if necessary. And... as for the Intellectual Property, we have no issue here. Of course Kuat Drive Yards is arguably one of the greatest ship manufacturing companies in the galaxy, we are not here to compete or buyout rival companies, and we will respect the rights of others and their property. You'll come to find that KDY has changed - we only want to help service and modernize the galaxy.... not to own it."