Private At Your Discretion

[Tavo Halor]

OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR // ENVOY FIELD RECORD
TAVO HALOR​

LOCATION Office of the Chancellor, Theed, Naboo ⟡ OBJECTIVE Awaiting Assignment​

Tavo arrived early enough to avoid being early.

There was a distinction.

Being five minutes early allowed for security, an unexpected delay, or any of the other small complications that seemed uniquely capable of surviving every change of government the galaxy could throw at them. Being twenty minutes early suggested nerves, or an unhealthy enthusiasm for government buildings, and Tavo was inclined to neither.

The Chancellor's reception area was familiar enough that he crossed it without hesitation, though his attention still wandered briefly toward the Naboo cultural pieces arranged throughout the space. He had always appreciated that there was enough personality in the collection to distinguish it from the polished anonymity common to government offices. Inside the office was even more revealing.

The woman behind the reception desk supplied rather more personality of her own.

Tattoos marked what skin her clothing left visible, and there was something in the way she carried herself that suggested she had not spent her entire life sitting behind desks. Tavo had met enough people from Denon's lower levels to recognise the particular economy of movement. She looked perfectly capable of handling herself, which made the reception desk seem less an occupation than one more place from which she happened to be watching the room.

He offered her an easy, professional smile.

"Tavo Halor. The Chancellor's expecting me."

There was no particular emphasis on the surname, and certainly no expectation that it ought to accomplish anything for him.

Once the necessary formalities were dealt with, Tavo continued toward Dominique's office. His clothing was precise without being ceremonial, dark and understated in the manner he generally preferred when there was no uniform to make the decision for him.

Whatever had brought him here would become clear soon enough.

Until then, there was little point inventing complications that did not yet exist.

Tavo stopped outside her door, adjusted one cuff almost absently, and knocked three times.

Then he waited.

TAGS
Dominique Vexx ​

HOUSE HALOR // SERVICE • DISCIPLINE • UNDERSTANDING

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"Come."

Dominique hadn't raised her voice to carry across the expanse of her office, and yet the computerized system obeyed. The doors to her office parted to allow Tavo inside.

Unlike the lobby, her office was decorated with neon artwork and abstract sculptures from her home, Denon. The lights were dimmed to allow for the lightning about the art to accentuate their countless colors on display. That and to match the Chancellor's mood.

The woman of the lilac glareshades had her back to the door when Tavo entered the room. No holo displays were active, no glass-based projections activated. Hands clasped behind her back, the Chancellor stared out the window at the landscape of Naboo beyond.

"Mister Halor," Dominique slowly turned around in order to face her visitor. "Please, have a seat." She gestured toward one of the chairs set before her broad desk. "Grateful you could come. I'm sure a great deal must be clamoring for the attention of the diplomatic corps."

Well, perhaps not so much as the Republic might like in fact. The Mandalorians were establishing relations with the Sith, which made it dubious if they could be expected to join them in battle. Perhaps it would mean they would also not join the Sith either. Still, with relations with their ideological opposites solidly off the table, there were few others they could try to establish relations. Few, perhaps, but not none. Factions they would need to try reaching out to in order to halt the Sith's overconfidence.

"As you are no doubt aware, the High Republic finds itself in direct confrontation with the Axis of Sith. We are in need of dependable allies, and, perhaps, even more means to anticipate the movements of our enemies." Dominique stopped there to see if the man had anything to say on the matter. He was already an experienced field officer, capable of perceiving the shape of things.

Tavo Halor

 

[Tavo Halor]

OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR // ENVOY FIELD RECORD
TAVO HALOR​

LOCATION Office of the Chancellor, Theed, Naboo ⟡ OBJECTIVE Awaiting Assignment​

The doors opened and Tavo stepped through, his attention briefly moving across the room before settling on Dominique. The change from the reception area was immediate. Naboo had dominated outside, polished and restrained, while the Chancellor's office was unmistakably Denon. Neon artwork, abstract sculpture and coloured light gave the space a more personal character.

Tavo appreciated the distinction.

"Chancellor."

He crossed to the indicated chair and sat, a faint smile appearing at the suggestion that his workload might have kept him away.

"Rest assured, there is always room in my schedule for you."

His attention lingered on her for a moment, taking in the dimmed office and the unusual stillness of the room.

"Though it seems your own schedule has been considerably less forgiving."

The humour lingered only briefly before Dominique explained why she had called him in. Tavo listened without interruption, considering the problem for a moment when she stopped.

"Dependable allies would be preferable, though I don't think we necessarily need to begin with governments that particularly like us. The Sith succeeding only needs to be less attractive to them than the Republic succeeding. Shared interests can carry a relationship quite a long way before shared principles ever enter into it."

There were limits to that approach, naturally, but refusing imperfect cooperation while the Axis gathered strength would accomplish little beyond leaving the Republic increasingly isolated.

"And not everyone needs to join the war. Denying the Sith access, information, trade or political legitimacy can still matter. A government unwilling to fight beside us might still be persuaded not to help them."

His attention remained on Dominique as he settled back slightly in the chair.

"As for anticipating them, that's probably the more immediate problem. Diplomacy becomes considerably easier when we're not discovering their intentions at the same time as everyone else."

A faint curiosity entered his expression.

"I take it you have something more specific in mind."

TAGS
Dominique Vexx ​

HOUSE HALOR // SERVICE • DISCIPLINE • UNDERSTANDING

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"The Iron Covenant." Dominique reached forward to tap a control to display their current sphere of influence in the galaxy. "They recently confronted the Sith Covenant on Humbarine in order to protect their own. While they did not lay control to the planet, they did manage to secure a number of people requiring relocation." How better to know whether someone might be receptive toward a common goal than witnessing them already take steps? That, however, was no guarantee they'd want to work together.

"The Republic needs to establish the Iron Covenant's disposition. Toward us. Toward containing or eliminating the Sith Coenant's influence. As you pointed out, I'd accept them not being inclined toward attacking the Republic so long as they don't ally with or establish a non-aggression agreement with the Sith." They were on the opposite side of the Sith from where the Republic resided, which could be a strategic advantage for them both. It also suggested a lack of interest on their part to attack the Republic.

Dominique settled into her own seat and looked across at Tavo Halor . "There will be no problem establishing trade routes with the Iron Covenant if they are open to exchanging material or personnel, should negotiations go well." An important reassurance given their placement opposite of the Republic. "If anything, such distribution channels would only be a lure to draw out the Sith and deal with them away from their planetary defenses and fleets."

To date the Mandalorian Empire hadn't been hostile toward the Republic. They likely held a desire not to attack the Sith given Srina Talon's involvement, however. They would cross that bridge when she asked Aether if they would be willing to join in an assault. At least, for now, those very supply lines wouldn't be at risk of attack from both sides. In the worse case, they would use the Hypergate.

 

[Tavo Halor]

OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR // ENVOY FIELD RECORD
TAVO HALOR​

LOCATION Office of the Chancellor, Theed, Naboo ⟡ OBJECTIVE Awaiting Assignment​

Tavo's attention shifted to the projection as the Chancellor brought the Iron Covenant's territory into view. Humbarine gave the proposal considerably more substance than a purely speculative approach. Whatever their broader intentions, they had already demonstrated a willingness to oppose Sith expansion when their own interests demanded it.

"Then I wouldn't begin by asking them for an alliance."

He studied the display for another moment.

"They've already shown us the useful part. The Sith can create circumstances where our interests overlap. My first concern would be establishing how far that overlap extends, and whether they see the Republic as a potential partner, an inconvenience, or simply something distant enough not to matter."

The possibility of trade drew a slight nod.

"That gives us somewhere practical to start. Material exchange, relocation support, transport arrangements. Things that benefit both sides without requiring either of us to pretend we've discovered a sudden ideological affection for one another."

Regular movement between their respective spheres would do more than shift cargo. It created familiarity, points of contact and interests neither government would be particularly eager to disrupt once established.

"If they're receptive, those routes also give the relationship something to grow around. If they aren't, we still learn where they stand before circumstances force us to find out less politely."

Tavo looked back across the desk.

"How much latitude do you want me to have, Madam Chancellor? Am I sounding them out and bringing their position back to you, or am I authorised to begin putting preliminary arrangements on the table if the opportunity presents itself?"

TAGS
Dominique Vexx ​

HOUSE HALOR // SERVICE • DISCIPLINE • UNDERSTANDING

 

[Dominique Vexx]

"You are authorized to establish preliminary agreements. I trust you understand the reasonable limits of what this Republic can agree. That said," Dominique met the man's eyes, "while there are limits, they are not so constrained as the Mandalorians might believe. So long as you don't hand over an entire planet to them, or ownership of an entire company, I am willing to entertain their suggestions." There were reasonable limits that a seasoned negotiator understood. There were also moral boundaries a collective such as the High Republic would be expected to uphold. Under the circumstances, however, both could be stretched. Perhaps, in isolation, even broken.

"If the Iron Covenant questions whether we are prepared to strike first, reassure them that we are. It is long overdue that we take the fight to the shores of the Sith and reclaim worlds subjected to their yoke." Warriors always questioned whether the Republic wold ever act much like the Sith. Dominique had put this off for as long as she could in order for preparations to be completed. Now, all that remain was the inevitable. It was time to put up or die.

Verity might caution about the next Chancellor, but they did not have the luxury of worrying about something so abstract. If the Republic didn't survive there wouldn't be another Chancellor -- not under the current Charter, anyway.

To reiterate, she added, "If possible, contact me by holo, but if an opportunity won't permit it then do what needs done, Mister Halor. Do not attempt to return in person. If necessary I can come to you, but time is short, and even using Hypergate our two governments are not in close proximity." Another tap of the controls and a different projection appeared. "In fact, to aid your negotiations I will have multiple transports stationed outside of Iron Covenant space carrying supplies if they demand an immediate exchange before further discussions may continue." It wouldn't be the first time a Mandalorian representative thought to test their readiness. This time Dominique didn't need to worry about passing through a neighboring faction's territory, however.

Tavo Halor​

 

[Tavo Halor]

OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR // ENVOY FIELD RECORD
TAVO HALOR​

LOCATION Office of the Chancellor, Theed, Naboo ⟡ OBJECTIVE Prepare for negotiations​

Tavo listened without interrupting as the Chancellor clarified the extent of his authority. It was broader than simply testing the waters, which removed one uncertainty before he left Republic space. The examples she chose drew a faint smile.

"I think I can manage without giving away a planet or anyone's company, Madam Chancellor."

The humour passed easily enough before he gave a more serious nod.

"Understood. If there's a workable preliminary arrangement within Republic interests, I'll make it. If they want something beyond that, I'll attempt contacting you rather than promise something we cannot honour."

Her answer regarding the Sith was equally clear.

"When it comes to Sith territory, I'll answer them outright. We are prepared."

His attention shifted with the projection, and he leaned forward slightly as the transports appeared, studying what information accompanied them.

"Honestly, Madam Chancellor, that may prove more useful than any reassurance I could give them."

A government could say quite a lot about its intentions, but having ships already loaded and waiting beyond Covenant space offered something considerably harder to dismiss.

"If they decide to test whether we're serious, I'd rather answer with cargo than another speech." His eyes remained on the projection. "I'll need the manifests before I arrive, along with any restrictions on what can be transferred. If I use those transports, knowing exactly what is available and what can move immediately is important."

The request to maintain contact where possible earned another nod.

"I'll contact you whenever circumstances allow. If they don't, I won't leave a workable agreement sitting on the table while I wait for permission you've already given me."

Tavo settled back, his attention returning fully to the Chancellor.

"That gives me what I need. I'll find out what they want from us, what they're prepared to offer in return, and whether there's enough between those two things to build upon."

A brief pause.

"I am curious: do they know I'm coming, and is there anyone in particular I'm expected to meet? And beyond the obvious limits, is there anything you want kept entirely off the table? Now would be the time."

TAGS
Dominique Vexx ​

HOUSE HALOR // SERVICE • DISCIPLINE • UNDERSTANDING

 

[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique nodded with Tavo aware he had latitude, but the Republic was not desperate and willing to give everything away.

"The manifest will be sent to you by the time you enter Covenant space; and the convoy will be positioned in a nearby star system awaiting word whether they should follow and to which port. Construction, farming, manufacturing, and even defensive platforms will be included. They recently relocated their primary command so their needs may be plentiful and varied." Not that she'd describe them as desperate either. Mandalorians would survive off barren rock if they had to. In fact, they'd do just that to spite people and demonstrate their resolve. Dominique hoped they wouldn't take their offer as a handout; Tavo would have to suss that out before calling the convoy in.

Dominique regarded Tavo for a moment. "I'll send a message ahead that an Envoy of the Republic will seek to enter their territory. There has been no communication between us to date. With their mobility and the Republic managing recent events there was never a good opportunity," The Chancellor managed to smirk. "They may find us reaching out now 'convenience,' but the timing is what it is. What matters is what our two people can accomplish in concert rather than in isolation."

She settled back into her chair. "Try to discern their relation to the Mandalorian Empire. The Mand'alor says they're independent. Why? What keeps them separated? Right now, the Republic is not interested in waging war against the Mandalorian Empire if there's unspoken conflict among Mandalorians. I would need firm evidence of any wrongdoing to even consider it." Whatever her concerns about what Aether may or may not do in the future, they hadn't become enemies. There was no need to throw away one ally on the hope of acquiring another. Having two Mandalorian allies would be ideal. In fact, the Republic could help negotiate any differences between them -- if such a service were needed.

"Otherwise, until we know more about what it is they seek to accomplish..." Dominique paused for just a second. "No, current Republic official or Jedi in good standing shall be expected to answer for criminal charges under the Covenant's Law. I would be receptive to evidence of any wrongdoing -- should they have any -- but I will not extradite."

"Is there anything else you feel would be necessary to ensure the success of this mission?"

Tavo Halor​

 

[Tavo Halor]

OFFICE OF THE CHANCELLOR // ENVOY FIELD RECORD
TAVO HALOR​

LOCATION Office of the Chancellor, Theed, Naboo ⟡ OBJECTIVE Prepare for negotiations​

The mention of defensive platforms drew Tavo's attention briefly. He would have the full manifest soon enough, and a better idea of whether any of it belonged in the conversation once he knew who was sitting across from him.

"If there isn't a particular contact, I'm content to see who they choose to put in the room."

He gave a small nod as Dominique spoke about the Mandalorian Empire.

"I'll sound them out. If there's something behind the separation, I'd rather hear how the Covenant sees it before we decide it concerns us."

On the question of Covenant law, there was little to add.

"Understood."

When Dominique asked if he needed anything else, Tavo thought about it for a few seconds.

"Send me our latest diplomatic brief on the Mandalorian Empire with the rest. I'd rather not walk into that subject missing context from our side."

A slight smile followed.

"Otherwise, no. I think I have what I need."

TAGS
Dominique Vexx ​

HOUSE HALOR // SERVICE • DISCIPLINE • UNDERSTANDING