Private Closing the Loop

[FN-999 (restored)]

Arihasa was one of Caragach's hidden treasures.
​

Located deep within the towering Javartan mountain range in the continent of Cutlis, Arihasa was built atop a long-dormant supervolcano towering nearly a kilometer above the high plateau on which it stood. At the city's center was Lake Hariti, a crater lake renowned since ancient times for its crystal clear water and an abundance of life that made it an oasis amidst the unforgiving landscape of the Javartans.

In the present day, Arihasa was a sprawling resort city host to nearly one million beings. Centuries-old villas coexisted with modern skyscrapers, the latter carefully curated to complement centuries of architectural evolution. The enormous garacrete defensive walls of medieval Arihasa had been repurposed into emitters for a city-wide deflector shield, ensuring that no harm could strike its people from orbit.

Of all the modern additions to the ancient city, the Palace of the Sky was by far the grandest. A government center, diplomatic venue, military hub, and gateway to the city all contained in a single building, the Palace loomed above even the tallest of Arihasa's skyscrapers. Its main spire afforded commanding views of not only the city but also the sprawling plateau around it and the jagged peaks looming even further beyond.

Today, the Palace would play host to what could be one of the most pivotal diplomatic dialogues in Caragachi history.

Two men sat in a private conference room high atop the main spire, the wall behind them a single transparisteel window facing into the heart of the city below. The first was Prime Minister Alfin Gudo, a brown-skinned Kogai whose large, long strands of ink-black hair were arranged in a neat row behind his head, its ends resting on the back of his dark purple suitcoat. Sitting on his right was FN-999, High Marshal of Caragach. His features were unreadable beneath his omnipresent stormtrooper armor, its scars betraying his long service in the armies of half a dozen different empires.

Both men awaited a very important guest: Aurelian of Vandemar .

Though Alfin had never met the Lord of Vandemar before, FN-999 had interacted with him long before he assumed his current title. When they last met, fate had brought them both to the Unknown Regions: Aurelian to revive the relic that was the Eternal Empire, and FN-999 to command the armies of the only slightly less antiquated First Order. Neither of the states they had served survived long after that meeting, but both men had continued to thrive. Furthermore, it was clear from their previous dialogue that there was a significant degree of overlap in their goals. Now that they both had far more stable positions, they could resume their dialogue in a much more meaningful manner.

Then, at long last, the pair could close the loop between them.

 

[Aurelian of Vandemar]

C A R A G A C H

D I P L O M A C Y

FN-999 (restored)​

Caragach. The Caragachi Commonwealth. The Unknown Regions were vast and yet there were few neighbours that were more than tribes, raiders and lost peoples. Caragach had been home to a prospering civilisation for a long time and now was starting to play its cards at the table of Galactic powers. Their unity was admirable, so was their pragmatism and while not claiming a heritage or legacy to the New Order, they were amicable to Imperialism. Very similar to Vandemar. The Nephilim appreciated that, simple truths run deeper than bloated claims, though he wondered what the dark secrets and ailingments of this state were, how deep they ran and if there was reason for concern.

As it turned out, they shared another connection. Aurelian knew the leader of their military, memories stretching back decades to when they fought alongside each other under Emperor Rurik Fel for the New Imperial Order. The Baron of Borosk. Nines. FN-999. A military man, practical, strong and not having an understanding limited to martial matters only. Some time ago they had met again, following a brief revivalist movement of the First Order devotees seizing Zakuul and the Hegemon with his ancient ties and influences helping to defuse a potentially problematic situation.

But now, now the Hegemony and Commonwealth were to meet officially. The Planeshift had changed much for Vandemar and it needed diplomatic relations, commercial ties and perhaps even military alliances to continue its unobstructed existence. For that purpose the two realms had agreed on a summit on Caragach.

It was common for Aurelian to use ships for travel and he did so now as well, a white-golden hulled shuttle brought the Hegemon and a small delegation to the designated location of Arihasa. There were no viewports for the gold-clad figure to gaze at the world, but he needed none. His senses pierced through the metal and air, taking in the refined scenery. And it was beautiful. A brief notion of regret ran down his spine, not to have more time to spend on the simple beauties of the Galaxy.

Aurelian, Hegemon of Vandemar, Master and Protector of Zakuul, Lord Indomitus and former Moff of the Empire stepped out of the vehicle, followed by two individuals, one dressed in quartered blue-red robes and heavily augmented, the other a black armoured figure with a winged helmet, engraved armour that was partially covered by a yellow-black checkered surcoat whos skin complexion seemed almost unhealthily pale.

 

[FN-999 (restored)]

Tags: Aurelian of Vandemar

The moment the golden shuttle entered Caragachi airspace, the pair were notified.
​

Leaving their seats and papers behind, FN-999 and Alfin made their way to the floor's high-speed elevator. The duo sped downwards just as Aurelian's shuttle arrived within view of Arihasa, arriving at the ground floor shortly before it landed. When the Lord of Vandemar and his retinue stepped foot in the city, they were met by the two men around ten meters ahead of them and drawing closer.

"Greetings, Lord Aurelian." began Prime Minister Gudo. "I do not believe we have met before."

"I am Alfin Gudo, Prime Minister of Caragach. It is an honor."

"We meet again, Aurelian." stated FN-999 matter-of-factly. "I am glad to say it is under better circumstances than before."

"We will show you the way." declared Alfin, extending a four-fingered hand in the direction of the palace behind them.

The pair turned to return to the Palace of the Sky, guiding their guests forwards. They walked through a long, elevated plaza built of unblemished white quartz, the same as that of the palace, the city walls, and most of the city's buildings. The plaza was almost entirely empty of other beings, having been cordoned off to ensure the group's safe passage.

In the distance stood the Caragachi Honor Guard, outfitted from head to toe in violet formfitting armor and equipped with ornate greataxes as beautiful as they were deadly. They stood silent watch over the delegation, still as statues aside from their heads that keenly tracked the movements of the delegates as well as any commotion beyond the plaza.

After a few minutes of walking, they arrived at the inner entrance to the palace. A pair of massive, pearly white doors swung open inwards on silent hinges, revealing a grand hallway beyond. Though it, like the plaza, had been cleared of its usual crowds and was packed full of Honor Guardsmen, a commotion could be heard from some of the adjoining rooms. Even now, there were more local exchanges to be made, more trade agreements to be hashed out and more troop deployments to be scheduled.

"This," explained Prime Minister Gudo, "is the Palace of the Sky. It is the purpose-built political, economic, and military center of Arihasa. Beneath us lies the enormous generator uses to power the city's deflector shield, and above us is the conference room we will be meeting in today."

The group arrived in front of a large white elevator, its exterior just as ornate as the towering arched hallway it stood within. The prime minister pressed a clawed finger to the elevator's security interface, prompting a scanner to briefly run across his face. A moment later, a noise similar to a bell ringing sounded from inside the elevator, and it opened up, revealing an interior large enough to fit the group several times over.

As soon as the last member of the delegation stepped inside the elevator, the doors closed and it began to rise: slowly at first, but soon passing by nearly a dozen floors per second. It took less than two minutes for the elevator to reach its destination, opening up to a far smaller but no less embellished hallway.

"It should be the second door on our left." explained FN-999 as the group set out, leaving the elevator behind. As the door in question arrived, the prime minister moved forward to open the door, holding it for the rest of the delegation before he entered himself.

"Take a seat." urged Prime Minister Gudo, extending his hand towards the rectangular marble table around which five white cushioned chairs had been arranged.

"I believe it is time to begin our discussions."

 

[Aurelian of Vandemar]

C A R A G A C H

D I P L O M A C Y

FN-999 (restored)​

"Prime Minister, High Marshal." The Hegemon offered a respectful nod to the two considerably shorter individuals, his voice formal, words precise. He acknowledged and in fact, highly valued the relationship he had with Nines, but this official business was bound to formality due to his relatively unawareness of Caragachi customs and culture. "Indeed, may it lead to a brighter future."

"This is Artifex Lord Adleric of the Vandemarian Techwrights and Grandmaster Wulfgar of the Third Host of the Indomitus Legion." His hand calmly gestured towards the blue-red robed figure first and to the armoured individual afterwards. Aurelian had chosen the duo for very particular reasons to reinforce his presents today. The Artifex Lord was responsible for prospection, extraction and refinery of raw materials beyond Vandemar and therefore the most likely spokesperson for potential trade and commerce as well as economic cooperation, topics that Aurelian could get data of, but not experience. And Wulfgar and his Third Host were one of the units of the Indomitus Legion currently deployed to the Unknown Regions.

As they walked, Aurelian adjusted his stride to keep the same pace subconsciously while his gaze wandered around. He could not help but to approve. Caragach had beauty, not pure functionality, but the union of the two. The architecture, the layout, the materials were equal in aesthetics and usefulness, a welcome reminder of Vandemar itself.

While they proceeded along the plaza, into the palace and towards the elevator, Aurelian paid special attention to the honour guard. He knew FN-999 and his soldiering, but he did not know the Caragachi martial traditions. Arms, armour, bearing, eyes, surface emotions, everything revealed some information to the Hegemon about the military ideals and capabilities of this realm. Enclosed armour, engraved greataxes, watchful eyes. They were impressive on guard.

Once they arrived the in the conference room, Aurelian took a seat, with the Artifex Lord on his right and the Grandmaster on his left. Both only sat down after their Hegemon did. After the Prime Minister opened the floor, the ruler of Vandemar offered immediate reaction.

"The Commonwealth and Hegemony may have many similarities but two stand out: we are far in the Unknown Regions and our central hierarchy is strong. Independent of where each of us draws our legitimacy from, we have the benefit of ruling instead of merely governing. A necessity the perils of our astrographic location imposes."

"From such common ground, we will be quite ready to establish that mutual relations are beneficial. Even if the Unknown Regions are far, neither of us can escape the gaze of belligerent invaders and idealistic interventionalists for too long. I brought Lord Adleric and Grandmaster Wulfgar with me as extensions of what I deem a priority: economy and military strength. And those are the points I would offer to address first."

Aurelian finishes, looking towards Prime Minister Gudo and High Marshal FN-999 to invite their thoughts and comments up until this point. It was a dialogue and an opportunity for both realms to prosper beyond their established limits.

 

[FN-999 (restored)]

Tags: Aurelian of Vandemar

"Very well. I will speak of the economy, and FN-999 will speak of military matters."
​

Prime Minister Gudo turned his attention towards the three considerably taller men, subtly shifting his seat slightly further away from them to minimize how much he had to crane his neck to meet their gaze.

"The economy of the Commonwealth of Caragach is highly diversified, with domestic production of everything from food to firearms to warships. Consumption of domestic goods surpasses that of foreign goods by a ratio of 75 to 25 percent, allowing local industries to thrive. On a grand scale, the Commonwealth's economy is overseen by the Board of Commerce, a government agency consisting of a partnership of federal representatives and leading business executives. The Board regulates business contracts, awards funds to promising ventures, and determines policies related to the Commonwealth's trade with entities both within and outside its borders."

The prime minister briefly paused, shifting his focus towards Artifex Lord Alderic.

"I believe it would benefit both our nations to create and maintain a regular dialogue between the Board of Commerce and the Vandemarrian Techwrights. There you will be able to meet with experts far more knowledgeable than I to develop more thorough and binding economic treaties. Once the broader strokes of diplomatic relations between Caragach and Vandemar are settled, I would be glad to get you in touch with the Chairman and other key officials in the Board."

Alfin turned to his High Marshal, giving FN-999 a nod to indicate it was his time to speak.

"The Commonwealth is defended by the Caragachi Armed Forces, which has three core service branches and one command unit: the Army, Navy, Starfighter Corps, and General Staff. Aside from the General Staff, which are a group of senior commanders from all three branches that determine overall strategy, the function of each of the branches is fairly predictable - the army is the ground forces, the navy commands the warships and those onboard them, and the starfighter corps flies the starfighters."

"What makes the Caragachi Armed Forces unique from those of the past states we have served," began FN-999, turning his helmeted gaze to address Aurelian, "is its doctrine and its end goals."

"The Caragachi Army is at its core centered on mobility. There are no heavy walkers, but there is an abundance of lighter tanks, armored personnel carriers, and mounted infantry. The goal of the army is not simply to crush its foes with overwhelming force, but to strike at where its enemy is weakest and cut them off from any form of support. Where the enemy invests in heavy static fortifications on all sides, Caragachi armor will simply bypass the defenses and cut their supply lines, ensuring victory without a costly siege."

Maneuver warfare was a doctrine FN-999 had admired for its effectiveness ever since his days serving with the legendary Galidraani commanders of the New Imperial Order. Freed of the tactical orthodoxy that plagued even the Imperial Confederation, the general was now free to implement his strategy as he saw fit.

"Aside from being visually quite different from most Imperial fleets, the Caragachi Navy has had the time to learn valuable lessons from their shortcomings. While Caragach has its battleships, most of its fleets are centered on highly capable multirole fleet carriers with hyperdrive-capable starfighter complements that excel in power projection far from home. Sizable escort frigate squadrons provide screening for the fleet carriers, ensuring their starfighters and bombers can focus on eliminating large enemy assets."

"Speaking of starfighters, the Caragachi Starfighter Corps are, at least in terms of equipment, closer in line its High Republic counterpart than the starfighter corps of the former New Imperial Order or Imperial Confederacy. Take, for example, the Hassion starfighter."

FN-999 withdrew a small holoprojector from one of the waist pockets on his armor, one of several he had prepared for the meeting as props. He placed it on the table and pressed a button on the side, revealing a holographic image of the starfighter in question.

"Though far less numerous than the TIE fighters of Empires past and present, the Hassion more than makes up for it in quality. It is well-armed enough to double as a fighter-bomber, meaningfully shielded, decently armored, and hyperdrive capable, all while retaining high speed and decent agility. In the hands of a skilled pilot, the Hassion is easily a match for the most modern variants of the X-wing."

"Then," continued FN-999, "There is the matter of the goal of the armed forces."

"The Caragachi Commonwealth seeks to build an empire, yes, but an empire built on stability rather than the momentum of its conquests. It is better to hold ten completely loyal and pacified systems than to control a hundred only for thirty to immediately revolt and another twenty to support a pretender to the empire."

"To this end, the Caragachi Armed Forces wages a war for hearts and minds as intense as any military campaign. Its goal is not simply to conquer, but to convince through its actions that its presence actively benefits those it protects. Whether through suppression of crime, building of vital infrastructure, or the uncovering of terrorist cells, the Commonwealth's soldiers will play an active role in the prosperity of the planets they guard."

"Ultimately, the resources required for such a campaign ensure that Caragach's growth will be slow. Yet every new world swayed to embrace the protection of the Commonwealth will be given something even the New Imperial Order at the height of its power could not always fully guarantee."

"An unwavering, enduring commitment to the security of their people."

 

[Aurelian of Vandemar]

C A R A G A C H

D I P L O M A C Y

FN-999 (restored)​

The Hegemon did not respond to the Prime Minister, his gaze was set on him as he listened but that was exactly why he had brought the Artifex Lord with him, he was the expert on economy and production and it was his duty and opportunity to offer the necessary insight and information to bring this forward.

Adleric spoke with a mechanical voice through a rebreather, his head no longer covered by the blue-red hood and revealing a much operated skin that seemed like it hadn't seen sun in decades. Human or near-human, it was difficult to see, hidden behind chrome metal cybernetics that covered mouth, eyes and extended below the robe. "Observation: Autarky is a luxury that few can afford and one that will reach its limits eventually. Your information is commendable. Proposal: An active exchange of products and services. The Techwrights have access to advanced energy and robotic technology. Conclusion: If we find mutual value, both sides can prosper."

Aurelian trusted Nines military mind and listened to his elaboration on the war machine they have built here, it was an interesting distinction and difference to previous imperial martial doctrines, a development that was almost exciting to listen to. Yet again, he was not alone and the Grandmaster, who would handle most cooperation, coordination and actual deployments at their side, was expected to make his presence known.

Wulfgar was almost as pale skinned as the Artifex Lord, but had a mighty beard grown of the same deep black colour as his well maintained hair. One of his eyes had been replaced with a cybernetic, a red eye with terrible but old looking scar tissue around it, the other was almost impossibly bright blue. "The Indomitus Legion's Third Host would be directly responsible for any joint operations, our assigned area of operations encompasses Caragach. We field ground and space units, most certainly not as numerous as yours, but without intending to offend, probably of higher individual quality. Elite shock troops, battle carriers and specialised units for a variety of battlefields and tactical problems. Every Host has its own intelligence and staff branch to ensure independence and operational flexibility. We are more than ready to extend a hand to get acquainted."

For the final part, the Hegemon's voice rose again. Deep, calm and with absolute certainty.

"Vandemar does not seek any expansion of territory, our sector is sacred and we neither wish to push beyond it nor let anyone push into it. My alignment to the ideals of the New Order and its successors is well known and that is one of the reasons the Indomitus Legion exists as an expeditionary force beyond Vandemar's borders. Our strategic objective is to build a strong and reliable network of alliances, strongholds and economic connections to ensure the Hegemony's stability and security as well as that of our allies. We fight beyond our borders for our own ideals, but not without purpose or for the hubris of enforcing our way of life."

"I believe in between both our strategic approaches, we will find a common ground that will make a relationship prosper, beyond individual connections and former allegiances. However, I would like to hear more about your government and its procedures, its parties and factions."

 

[FN-999 (restored)]

Tags: Aurelian of Vandemar

As strange as Aurelian's companions seemed at first glance, the pair did not take long to get used to them.
​

Both FN-999 and Prime Minister Gudo had been among enough of the technofused Zuti-zudi that a cyborg who seemed and acted more robot than human was nothing out of the ordinary. Furthermore, though based on entirely different contexts, both men had dozens of Wulfgar's type before.

Responding to Aurelian's question, the Prime Minister began to speak.

"Certainly, Lord Aurelian." began Prime Minister Gudo.

"The Commonwealth is a parliamentary republic with a single, unified chamber: the Caragachi Congress. Its members are elected by the people of their districts every five years for an unlimited number of five-year terms."

"Elected members of congress, also known as MECs, meet in the capital city of Gaci to vote on matters of national policy and present bills before Congress. From among their numbers the MECs elect a prime minister, who remains in power as long as they have the confidence of Congress."

"My term began around five months earlier, in rather unprecedented fashion." explained the prime minister, placing a clawed hand atop the table. "My predecessor attempted to violate the Act of Union, the binding constitution of the Commonwealth that even prime ministers must respect. Unable to secure the two-thirds vote needed to amend the Act, he planned to indict many members of my party on dubious grounds. Fortunately, we had prior knowledge and were able to rally the people and friendly MECs to our side, creating an uprising that toppled him and his party from power in a mere four days."

The Four-Day War had also been FN-999's introduction to the Caragachi Commonwealth, having left the failed First Order on Zakuul in search of a liaison in the Unknown Regions. Due to their shared values centered on strong central government and the importance of military power, FN-999 had been recruited by then-Foreign Minister Gudo to support his cause. It was thanks to now Marshal of Caragach's fleet and armies that the Four-Day War had been won, firmly cementing Alfin's high position in the halls of power.

"Within my party, known in Basic as the Principlists, there are three main factions."

"First is the Radical Patriots. As their name suggests, they are extremely patriotic, willing to endorse any policy that will contribute to Caragach's economic or military prosperity. Some of their more... radical members may be opposed to an alliance between Caragach and Vandemar, believing it will tie the Commonwealth and all its greatness to a foreign power. Nonetheless, the moderates of the Radical Patriots as well as the MECS of the other two factions will easily overrule them."

"The Neo-Imperials are perhaps what may appear most familiar to you, Lord Aurelian. They are admirers of the New Imperial Order and the Galactic Empire long before, seeking to apply their doctrines to the Commonwealth. It is they who were the loudest advocates for cooperation with Mahporeem, and many of them look upon Vandemar very favorably."

"Finally," concluded Prime Minister Gudo, glancing towards the Artifex Lord, "are the Industrialists. They want not military but economic hegemony, encouraging greater exports and diversification in the Commonwealth. Many Industrialist MECs are also members of the Board of Commerce, giving them deep connections with Caragach's business community."

"Now, what about Vandemar?" inquired the Prime Minister, returning his full attention to Aurelian. "How does your Hegemony function, and what are your duties as its lord?"