Benevolence.

[Malok]

M A N D A L O R E
Local Time: 1900 Hours

The Sith Lord had a choice.

As he claimed the mantle Vicelord, he shouldered a responsibility. He made a vow to the Southern Systems: to guide them into a better and shining future. Yet, as the mantle of Vicelord rested upon his brow - a metaphoric crown - Darth Metus now had a junction before him. On one hand, he could walk the path of his Father: [member="Darth Carnifex"]. He could salt the fields of the dissidents, rob democracy from the Southern Systems, and parade his nay-sayers naked through the streets. Or. He could walk a different Path. His hand could yet be firm...but his actions could show some semblance of restraint. Care. He could be a ruler that brought peace and infrastrure to his people; one that was loved instead of feared.

It ultimately came down to what Darth Metus wanted...as a man. As a person. Was he a Tyrant? Or was he the man who tried to make things right with his children? Was he a Demon? Or was he the man who kept coming back to Mandalore, time and time again?

These thoughts raced through the Sith Lord's mind as he steered his vessel through the depths of Hyperspace. A blur of stars raced by his gaze until a lurch denoted arrival. Reversion into realspace was instant and before the shuttle of the Vicelord now laid a congregation of ships. At a glance, the armada was impressive. At a glance, the armada might be mistaken as one that could conquer a world. Yet Darth Metus knew better. He had witnessed this gathering of vessels during his time within the Mando'ade. And, although he never interacted directly with their leader, he knew full well their purpose. This was not a warband or even a defensive gathering. This was a humanitarian fleet, gathered and led by @Rashae.

The woman had a reputation of exceptional note. She was an acting Minister within the Free Worlds Coalition. She was directly responsible for amazing efforts of restoring Mandalore. She was the lover of an acquaintance. All these things led the Sith Lord to believe that she was a capable individual of asking for Help. That she had the knowledge and reputation enough to help build a capable program within the Confederacy. And for this reason did he make the trip from the Southern Systems to the fleet above Mandalore. For this reason did Darth Metus schedule a meeting with Rashae.

"This is Darth Metus...otherwise known as Isley Verd." he announced over the comm. "I have come to meet with Minister Rashae of Alderaan. May I have permission to come aboard?"

 

[Rashae]

“Not enough Gold. “ Rashae said after looking at the numbers and the science behind it. “And we need to electrolysis what we got or whatever the engineers need to do to make them into gold flakes. “ This was not her area of expertise but she had to come to understand the basics.

“I know Rashae but if we start installing it here we can start slowly patching the ozone and begin stabilizing the atmosphere to normal green house effects. “ Mandalore was in what was known as a fall out winter though it was caused by a volcano. This unnatural winter has set the atmosphere completely off kilter.

“Yeah, I will see if we can get more gold from somewhere. Do we have the equipment to do it?” She asked as she looked at the numbers again at the command center.

“uhhh I think Lord Garith Darkhold was going to get that. I will reach out. “ The atmospheric expert advised as she started jotting notes down as they concluded their part of the a weekly update meeting.

When Rashae got on board the padme after spending weeks on the ground getting initial efforts to start, the amount of ash that got into everything was amazing and she came up to the ship to at a minimum to bathe. The Minister gets cranky if she is dirty for too long. It was bad enough she was long over due for a spa day. Meanwhile what was in her hand next was the geological data. Her eye twitched as she looked at it.


“Marvin!! “ She looked up to the sky. “Can I get this in fraking common?!!” She actually threw the pad towards where the geophycists as it hit him on the side of the head.

“OWWW what?” Marvin looked towards where it came from to see the icy blue stare.

“Marvin. I cant read that.” She accused in staccato words. Rashae lovous knew Marvin from her Academy days and even then, you had to throw something at him to get his attention sometimes. He had few equals in the realm of geophysics so certain things were tolerated but fraking hell she had to be able to read the report.

“What, it has words. The data is clear?” He countered. He looked at her face. “but.. I can put a few more words in here... “ It trailed off as he melted over towards a console to update his report.

The command center Com went off as a request permission to land and to meet with the Minister. Commander Cantalos looked at the Minister as she was not expecting an outside meeting, but the signature was Isley Verd. One of her intelligence boys piped up from their station that this Verd was known to work with the sith and was otherwise known as Darth Metus. It was all over intelligence and not exactly a secret but the Commander was showing concern.

“Commander he is a Verd. I heard him on coms before in other areas. Let him land. What would a Verd want with me?” She took a deep breath. “Escort him to my formal office. “ As she turned to the RMIA contingent Ardgal left on the Padme for her security.

“I think I shall also be along with this escort. “ The Commander said as he wanted to see this one for himself. The eyes of a man, sith or not, say a lot to this veteran.

Rashae didn't think anything of it as she left the command center and Commander Cantalos gave his first officer the reins as he met RMIA at the hanger. Rashae went to freshen up and head to the formal office. Two Godkillers flanked her chair as sshe was still going over data. The formal office had a lovely view of Mandalore and movements of ships going back and forth to the system. Her office was well appointed in greel wood and luxury fabrics. Rashae was dressed in scrubs and a labcoat. At each wrist was lovely bracelets. One may get the impression they were custom made.

Commander Cantalos was an elder man in his 50's and a veteran of several naval achievements. He could get a commission anywhere but had taken a liking to the Minister and had been glad he stuck with her. The Padme is a well run ship and medical facility between the two. The Commander meets Darth Metus at the Hanger with a contingent of RMIA soldiers.

With a smart salute from the Commander and then the soldiers. “ Darth Metus I presume? Welcome aboard the Padme. I am Commander Stephen Cantalos of the Padme. The Minister is waiting for you in her office. If you would follow us. Don't mind the soldiers, precautionary you understand.“ The Commander was very urbane and cultured in how he spoke and patient as the day was long. He has to be to deal with Doctor Lovous peculiar nature. Unobtrusively, the contingent filed around the two men and went up a private lift to the office.

The lady herself had flawless skin, raven black hair and ice blue eyes that pierced with its analytical clarity. The two godkillers were Ardgal Raxis elite unit. When the door opened with the Commander and Darth Metus entering the room. Rashae stood up to come from around the large greel wood desk to smoothly walk to the man. Both Godkillers were on either flank. The smile the Minister had was a pleasant practiced one.

“Mister Verd or is it Darth Metus?” She asked curiously. “Your request came at a bit of a surprise. Please have a seat. Would you like a refreshment?“ She got to the point. Rashae wasn't one to waste time as she had none to waste. Her hand motioned to the chair opposite hers as she reclaimed her seat. The multiple datapads on her desk in a neat row each had scrolling data coming through. “You managed to catch me at a good time, I am usually on the surface. “

[member="Darth Metus"]

 

[Malok]

In short order, the Sith Lord received clearance to land within one of the fleet's hangars. Per the communication, this vessel was known as the Padme, and Darth Metus guided his ship forward accordingly. He was very careful to watch his speed when landing, making absolutely certain to land where the armed personnel dictated. And, from that point, he disembarked with minimal fanfare down his vessel's ramp. Today, he did not wear a hood, nor cloak for that matter. Instead, his attire consisted of a formal set of slacks and a vest which exposed his shoulders. Within his dominant hand was an easily identifiable hilt: his lightsaber.

Upon reaching the base of the ramp, the Sith Lord then extended the lightsaber and surrendered it into the possession of one of the guards. They did not ask him to do so of course, he voluntarily disarmed himself as a gesture of good faith. He came in peace, and despite his name he would show respect to those allowing him to come aboard. Now, the Sith did not need to employ telepathy to tell that his presence cause...justifiable unease. For one, his departure from Mandalore was not exactly on the best of terms. For another, he now publicly carried the name "Darth", which did not inspire truth on the part of millions. Regardless, Darth Metus was here in a capacity outside of his Force alignment. He was here as the Vicelord of a rising nation. He was here to request help.

"Well met, Commander. I appreciate the welcome." came his formal response. "I thank both you, and the Minister, for allowing me to come aboard."

With that said, the procession began. Darth Metus was flanked on both sides by armed personnel and escorted deep within the Padme. In particular, he was taken up a secluded lift and then guided through a number of corridors until they arrived in the Minister's office. Upon entering, [member="Rashae"] rose to receive him; flanked by an additional two guards. The Sith did not recognize them right off the bat, but did recognize the sigil of Clan Raxis. These were Ardgal's men, most likely some of his finest given how armed they were. And protecting the Minister? Two plus two... The amusing thought caused a genuine smile to appear on Darth Metus' face.

"When last we stood together, it was Isley Verd...but now, Darth Metus will do just fine." he began, regarding the Minister with a polite nod. Per her request, he then sank his posterior into the provided chair. "No thank you, although I appreciate the hospitality." he said in regards to refreshments. "I am delighted that I caught you before your next excurion, and I certainly must praise your work. Mandalore is lucky to have a woman like you aiding in its recovery." And then he got to the point. Both the Minister and the Vicelord valued time immensely...so being punctual most likely would be appreciated.

"I am here in a similar spirit. As you may already be aware, I am faciltating the return of the Confederacy of Independent Systems. The Southern Systems is to known true Freedom and Democracy once more. However, as the worlds band together...we need help. Geonosis is now a capital, where once it was only a land of Hives and a loose monarchy. Ryloth is now free, but its infrastructure is in tatters due to the Slaver's Guild. I have millions who need assistance, especially in the area of medical care." he began, leaning forward ever so slightly. "And that is why I came to you. You are the Minister of Medicine of Alderaan...But you have shown such benevolence to Mandalore despite your duties. I've come to ask that you extend that mercy upon the Southern Systems. Help us in establishing a strong, medical infrastructure. Help us in providing civil services to our people. Our spirit is willing, but our experience and resources...currently...are weak."

[member="Rashae"]

 

[Rashae]

Rashae stopped to get herself a glass of Alderaanean Red wine. Its rich color could not be seen through as dark and rick as it was. It was tasteful in its crystal decanter and the glass she had was of equal quality of craftsmanship. The Minister had an eye for one of the kind pieces that dotted the office tastefully. The raven hair went down her back to almost her behind elegantly. That head inclined to the Sith Lord's not wanting refreshment. Rashae responds favorably to polite urbane intelligent discussions. Darth Metus will find her demeanor to reflect this positively. The woman detested lack of manners and didn't suffer stupid to well.

“You flatter me Darth Metus. Mandalore will be a rather long project for a few years to come, but we at least know most of whats needed. Took me weeks to get through the collective Alors heads that this.. “ she motioned to Mandalore out the wide windowed view port. “Will not be won or fixed by arms and armor. It will be fixed by science. I have teams collecting DNA of dead carcasses of any species they come across so one day, when the conditions are right, I can clone native species and reintroduce them. There can and will be Mandalorian predators to hunt again in the future.”

She listened to his full request without interruption. It sounded similar to Altrisia and other consultations she had done in the recent past. Apparantly her reputation was growing.

Rashae was learning bits and pieces of Mandalorian culture and knew that hunting was important. One can imagine the amount of irritation, yelling and colorful discussions over Coms to garnish a bit of footing in their thick skulls regarding the need for science in this situation. She continued to give a brief synopsis of the efforts. At least someone was listening even if for five minutes. “i have two main camps, one on the Isle of Morut and the other outside of Keldabe. The bulk of the refugees are there. Isle of Morut interestingly enough is now sitting on an underground sea. The geological displacement that was caused by that volcano exploding caused a crack in the crust. Only there was a secondary crust under this particular spot. Marvin is finding it fascinating and it is indeed a rare phenomenon. Till we get airable soil established though. Hydroponics have been deployed. Teaching the mandalorians a new way to farm though has been problematic. As well as giving interns from the University a chance for real life situation in their studies. Why am I telling you this?”

She asked that larconically as she lifted the glass to take a sip. “Nothing is without its particular issues. I had to garnish a great deal of my own data and if I had the data I would have been better prepared. Mandalore situation was a cluster frak from day one. Do you have any data on you at the moment on your situation? How much infrastructure do you need? How is the hospital structure and associated civil services accommodated via office space? What kind of supplies do you have? Personnel? Equipment? What is the state of the people mentally, medically? Major CDC concerns? There is a cost. I barely break even on these ventures if not go in the red. Not that it isn't a great tax deduction but I must mitigate costs to a degree. Is the confederacy willing to defer some of the cost?” Rashae wasn't expecting to have all costs reimbursed but it was expensive to move supplies and skilled personnel location to location. She had employees to pay. The fairly succinct rapid fire of the questions were a few of a whole catalog of questions when it came to this sort of ordeal the sith lord wanted to be rectified.

She wasn't saying no but she wasn't going to say yes till she saw what she was dealing with. Hopefully he would have some data to go over. The woman wasnt trying to be greedy either. She made a nice comfortable living with Gentech alone much less her salary as Minister. Still credits were credits in the bottom line even if stripped down to at cost figures. “Interesting enough Ryloth is on my way to Gentech headquarters on Pii V”

[member="Darth Metus"] [member="Ardgal Raxis"] (for your fyi)

 

[Malok]

This time it was the Sith Lord's turn to listen without interruption. His sulfuric gaze did not wander away from the Minister as she poured herself a beverage. Wine from the look of it. He then calmly placed his hands upon his lap and listened intently, nodding every so often as she spoke. When she had concluded her rather sudden number of questions, he waited a moment to mull over a proper response.

"If I'm being totally honest, the infrastructure of Ryloth and Geonosis are subpar. While not on the level of a planet that had just experienced a volcanic doom, they each are below the Galactic standard quite solidly. Ryloth has only just been liberated from the Slaver's Guild; its people are still adjusting to a life of freedom. As for Geonosis, its culture is such that modern civil services and medical care are not a reality. So, in essence, we are starting from scratch."

Darth Metus spoke directly on the matter at hand. At this point, whether the Mandalorians had beasts to hunt was of no concern, but a small part of him was glad that she was taking that into consideration.

"As for finite details, we have all the personnel we could possibly need and raw materials is in abundance. Funding has been, thankfully, easily acquired as of late; so compensating you for your efforts and any expenses will not be an issue. You see, I would never come to you and expect for you and yours to go into the red assisting us. Every credit you spent will come out of our pocket, not yours. Plus, you and your staff would be duly compensated for your assistance as well. In brief, we have the droids to get the work done, the materials - medicine withstanding - to make the structures, but lack the direction and experience of a bonafide civil services entity. That is the help we need."

[member="Rashae"]

 

[Rashae]

Rashae sipped her wine and listened to Darth Metus. Her eyebrows rose towards her hairline on more than one point as she turned his words over in that complicated mind of hers. How Ardgal dealt with such a complicated lady many guessed and probably guessed wrong. He simply let her be who she is. How do you control a woman like that? In a word, you don't. He didn't try to handle her, own her or control her. His consistent guidance in matters she was short on and just loved her. Unknowingly slowly sliding her into Mandalorian culture as their relationship grew.

Darth Metus words were impressively too the point. There was no sugar coat or diplomatic word verbiage regurgitated and spewed at her for her to sort through the vomitous mess of words to garnish meaning. No, it was delightfully clear and concise. The Sith Lord would find Rashae quite amicable to this sort of approach.

“Interesting. “ The Minister began.

To her right she brought up a clear screen from within the desk as it lit up and she went through personnel data and logistics to check feasibility. This went surprisingly quickly as the assimilation of the data skitted acros her eyes and mind as she quickly came to a few conclusions. If the Sith Lord was paying attention to it and the impression of her emotions it was quite analytical and calculating. Her mind was quick, agile and exceptionally intelligent that may not reflect on the noble perfect face of hers.

“Commander, the personnel resources from Hapes Cluster and Atrisia that are on leave, recall them to Mandalore. Prepare to leave orbit and have two of the Corvettes dock. Leave two here and the bulk freighters. Darth Metus, since you are already docked, would you care to have a ride with us? If not, I will need clearances and vectors.” The woman said with a lift of one delicately manicured and arched eyebrow. Commander Cantalos bowed towards Rashae as he excused himself to issue those orders.

Preparing to leave orbit would take a bit of time. This was not a combat vessel so they didnt move quit e as quickly as combat troops or vessels. They were very efficient but they paid attention to details most didn't that elongated preparations. Not by much but within a couple of hours and a change in some staff. The Padme would leave orbit for Geonosis and/or Ryloth system. Communications were sent in various directions of their location, intentions and destination which would include the Atonement, various Alors of the Mando'ade, the Mandalore, Alderaan and Gentech at Pii V. If Darth Metus rode with the Padme he would get to see this in action. They adjourned from the Office and went to the Command Center deck as they prepared to leave orbit and into open space to prepare for hyperspace route.

“Darth Metus, I need to ask for any data you have on the two systems to be sent to me so I can start logistical analysis with my team. If you could provide that to my intelligence officer. “ This was asked rather he would ride with the Padme or not. Yes, the Padme had a rather interesting and squirrely Intelligence team.

Nine rather young men that comprised of communications, intelligence gathering, operatives and technical advisors that had the sh ips computer systems humming rather nicely. The Padme's encryption protocols were outside Alderaan or any norms in the galaxy. But then this wasn't an Alderaan ship, this was a Gentech ship. She had data to protect.

There was a sense of pride as the orchestra of her team operated under. They joined Commander Cantalos as he ran his part of the ship as it moved seamlessly from orbit. Navigation acquired hyperspace coordinates and smoothly started to enter Hyperspace.

“I really need to get me another medical frigate. “ She said with a sigh. It was becoming an increasing need considering how many ways she was being pulled these days.

[member="Darth Metus"] [member="Ardgal Raxis"] [member="Faith Organa"] [member="Kad Tor"]

 

[Malok]

Quietly, the Sith Lord watched as the Minister worked. He witnessed the pulling up of a clear screen and her fingers dancing upon it. However, there was no response from the woman immediately...only an expression that his intentions were interesting. Then, orders were issued. Resources were assigned and reassigned: vessels were given their heading of where and when they would be dispatched. From there, Darth Metus received a response. It was one that spoke volumes: no quite a yes but definitely not a no.

"As you said, I'm already docked. I'd be more than happy to accompany you here."

From there, the Sith was escorted alongside the Minister out of the office. Their destination was the Command Centre, where officers and personnel set about readying the flotilla for movement. As things progressed, Darth Metus provided the proper vectors and clearance codes to one of the passing officers, setting their heading for Geonosis. Furthermore, when [member="Rashae"] spoke again, it was a request for information. "But of course." he replied. Straightaway, he accessed is own datapad and forwarded a plethora of files to the applicable databanks. "The details are being transmitted now."

A medical frigate?

With a smile the Sith remarked: "We could arrange for a new Frigate line to be built for you. As part of your compensation package."

 

[Rashae]

There was a pleased smile as the Sith Lord took the less complicated route and remained docked for the journey. The Lady inclined her head towards that acknowledgment. Orders were given and in short order they were in the hyperlane as the provided heading for Geonosis.

Geonosis stirred the geneticists in Rashae. Some of her techniques where Geonosian in nature as they were the forefront of genetic manipulations. One can not go through education in genetics without learning Geonosian techniques as part of the training. There was so m uch more to the Geonosian way of genetic fusions, manipulations, splicing and cloning. Transgenics was something Rashae was a forefront runner in but it required genetic fusions. The raven haired woman was exceptional at stable fusions. The chance to learn more Geonosian techniques she was looking forward to.

Did she say anything in this regard? No. It had nothing to do with her services in growing a hospital and civil service infrastructures, processes and procedures. It would be one of many side notions the lady would poke at while in the midst of working. Multi tasking at its best. Sleepless nights for sure, but well worth it.

When the data came up, after going through the boys in intel to check for bugs or other attached data or scripts, she started looking at it and analyzing it on a clear screen. Two more screens came up at a push of a button as she dragged one bit of data and started sorting data. The time in the hyperlane was spent having a secular discussion about this data to take up the time.

They approach Geonosis as she had a fairly decent idea of Darth Metus. He was surprisingly urbane and cultured. Rashae remembers the Sith occupation of Alderaan when she was a child. There was a lot of tension and expectations. She heard stories of atrocities of the sith. This did not fit what Darth Metus presented to her. It was refreshing to say the least. His Lordship Draco Vereen was reputed to have been a sith, but having interacted with the Queen persoally and his Lordship, perhaps the Queen tempered Lord Vereen. Perhaps it was similar to how she tempered Ardgal. It was something to ponder.

The elegant lady went to change as they gained clearances and vectors for orbit. Hair up and in the smart white formal uniform of the Minister of Medicine. Rashae rejoined Darth Metus along with the two Godkillers that stuck to her like glue. Commander Cantalos would stay with the Padme as was his place. The two bracelets on each wrist were on display and elegant with the uniform. These bracelets were something more, but most didn't know this.

“Shall we Darth Metus?” The lady said as the ever present datapad was in her hand and a com in her ear as the cool calm Minister was before him in her formal glory. The complicated woman wasted little time in boarding the Sith Lord's vessel to go down to Geonosis proper.



http://starwarsrp.net/topic/110960-rashaekal-rashae-blades/?hl=ardgal


[member="Darth Metus"]