Location: The City of Aroo, Manda
Meeting: [member="Valencia Hadley"]
The day was anything but drab.
For those residing outside of the Viceroyal Abode, the state of the afternoon may have been interpreted as a calamity. A swath of gray blanketed the heavens, followed by a torrential downpour of water to the earth. All hope of excursions under the light of the local star may have been dashed - for very few would actually
desire to run betwixt the raindrops. Darth Metus, however, was unphased by the deluge occurring just beyond the window. In his periphery, he could see the countless streaks sprinting to the pavement below; and yet this did nothing to smother his demeanor. In fact, compared to the rigors of his office, the ability to speak simply with a colleague whilst it rained was a welcome change. And, in the gaps between their words, the rhythmic crash of water upon the glass was almost soothing.
However, Miss Hadley had provided an atmosphere that was relaxing regardless. Though professionally minimalist, her office was the definition of welcoming. Darth Metus noted that the perpetual tension in his muscles began to ease
ever so slightly. He was so used to being on his toes at all times. So accustomed to keeping his guard perpetually raised that his body did not know how to
act when relaxation was on the menu. While he certainly would not be caught completely unaware, it did feel nice to just...breathe. There was a quiet gratitude behind the man’s burning gaze as he listened to his compatriot respond. The velvet tone of her voice was but the finishing touch on the atmosphere that she, and Manda itself, had created. Soft, with but a hint of accent. And everything she did - from moving in her seat to holding the parcel, bled with a quiet grace.
The only question now...was if this was her best foot forward or her true colors.
I assure you that it’s no inconvenience at all, Vicelord… she said, eliciting yet another chuckle from the Sith.
”Well, I’ll be sure to remember that, Viceroy Hadley.” came his response.
”We all need a moment to breathe, no?” Wasn’t that the truth. The flow of their conversation moved from pleasantries to the gift that he had provided; and impeccable movement saw the wooden form open. Darth Metus afforded himself a moment of silent satisfaction as he saw her expression
light up at the sight of the hairsticks and clips. The defined smirk which captured her face was mirrored by his own lips. She breathed a serene
thank you and placed the gift on the table between them. Once more, she then returned to the personification of grace in the way that she sat - with fingers laced together at rest upon her lap.
”You are most welcome.” he said, before motioning towards the parcel once more.
”I tried to find colors that would match a variety of colors. But aesthetic is just scratching the surface with these. In a...pinch...you can use them to defend yourself with great success. A kiss of venom slumbers within each, just in case.”
As the Viceroy was a learned woman who represented one of the Confederacy’s centers of knowledge, she more than likely
knew what sort of man was seated beside her. He was not the sort of politician who sat, safe and secure, at the capital whilst his people bled for his causes. He was, at least biographically speaking, a warrior first and a political figure second. Therefore, to see a martial purpose with the hairsticks might not have come as a surprise to the woman. But…[/i]you never know.[/i] Regardless, their talk proceeded beyond the parcel and focused upon
why the Vicelord had elected Manda to visit. Why had he chosen Valencia Hadley to receive hours worth of his time. The ongoing conflict with the Jen’ari Empire was at the forefront of the conversation, and Darth Metus noted a quiet change in his compatriot. She visibly stirred at the mention of the far-flung vermin, and her tone became as gray as the heavens above.
She rose as her serene tone elaborated on Manda’s response to the Jen’ari threat. From her personal desk, a datapad was collected and offered to the Sith who accepted it with a nod. As descent returned her to the chair adjacent to his own, Darth Metus’ gaze burned through the report. The threat went
far deeper than they had anticipated, it seemed. Despite their own assault upon Copero, coupled with the Sith Empire’s own separate offensive elsewhere, the menace managed to embody what the Confederacy was attempting to prevent. Their agents had managed to extend their influence into their borders - so much so that the Viceroy of Manda had to take action to identify and expel them. The Sith’s grasp upon the datapad tightened as the report was
burned into his memory. However, there was a silver lining in this unfortunate news. Though the Vicelord would now order the Knights Obsidian to quadruple their efforts to
exterminate the Jen’ari menace, Darth Metus now looked upon Miss Hadley much more favorably. After all, it was one thing to read a dossier on an individual, it was another to witness her actions when the situation was dire.
The Viceroy was much like the the Sith, in that her response to the threat was direct, brutal, and effective. The sole difference was that some of those who were expelled were left alive under Miss Hadley’s response. Darth Metus would have not left a single man alive. For a few moments, a somber silence ruled the Vicelord as the burden of command fell upon his shoulders. And his response was as gray as her own, for his words were colored by a serious edge that was not present previously.
”You have done us proud.” he began, acknowledging her efforts with a nod. The datapad was then placed upon the table, followed by the Sith’s steepling of his fingers. It was evident that, though his amber gaze was transfixed upon her face, his mind was busy with thoughts of what to do next.
”I was not aware that the menace had managed to penetrate our borders. I hoped that our assaulting Copero would put them on the defensive - steering them to their own space and far far away from the Southern Systems. However, you acted exactly as I would have. I will be stationing a fresh garrison of the Knights Obsidian to your direct command, Viceroy Hadley. And please keep me personally informed of any new developments regarding this threat.”
A small sigh escaped the man’s lips.
”As the people have willed, we will hunt this menace to the furthest corners of the Galaxy. I will see to it, personally, that the Jen’ari Empire are razed to ash and memory. You will have your peace again, Viceroy Hadley. We will all be able to worry about simpler matters very soon.”
It was only a moment following these words that Darth Metus
caught himself. The warlike heritage which had defined his life was beginning to bleed through the suit and tie. Though he was very forthcoming about who he was to the Confederacy - making certain to introduce himself as
Darth for example - he did not make it a point to speak in a vicious manner. The breaching of his borders’ sovereignty had managed to breach this particular trend, but once he became aware, the Sith swallowed his frustrations. They could wait. His orders would be given the moment that his visit had come to a close. And, for the foreseeable future, the Confederacy would continue to press the assault. It mattered not how many spies or brigands the Jen’ari sent down the hyperlanes, the Southern Systems would prevail. He blinked, once, willing his expression to soften from the scowl that had begun to creep in. His burning gaze met the pale blues of the Viceroy and he offered a slight nod.
”Your response to this threat is but another reason I come to you with an opportunity. However...before you choose to accept it, or even entertain it, know that it will take you away from Manda more than current. You may see active conflict, up close at times. You may be called away at a moment’s notice at others. I have no doubt of your capacity to act decisively, as you have demonstrated with this report. However, what of your wellbeing? Are you willing to place your life in harm’s way?” He paused, leaning forward in his seat ever so slightly.
”And do not tell me what I want to hear, I’ll know.” Though his tone was serious, each syllable began the process of returning to the light atmosphere of before. In fact, though he said “I’ll know”, his words were coupled with a literal wink and a literal smirk. Whether he was jesting or not remained to be seen.