Private Couple's council

[Tertius C. Nargath]

Location: Bastion, The Golden Goose
Objective: Social
Tag: Vyllia Sancetti | Maldor Sancetti

Usually, Tertius wouldn't be found near, let alone on Bastion. He had been rather busy running a corporation which had grown to such proportions that it began to drain his health and time faster than he had expected. The reorganisations he had pushed through back when he had just been given control of the company had turned the N&Z back into its former self in terms of size, importance and influence. It was because of this influence that it wasn't all that hard to get messages sent to both the Chancellor of Trade and the High Chancellor himself, excusing the Marquis for his absence during the happy couple's wedding and thus attempting to make up for such a perceived slight with a private luncheon in a local restaurant called the Golden Goose far away from prying eyes.

If there had been one thing the Diarchy had done right on Bastion, it was maintaining the high social culture the planet had grown under its various previous masters, providing high security establishments which respected privacy and were essentially perfect for private deals, negotiations or in this case a private apology and a means to still be able to congratulate the two chancellors for their bond and fealty both to eachother, but also the Diarchy as a whole.

Still, after all this time, there was maybe one thing Tertius wished to truly look at; the rising corporate tension between Trigonus industries and the N&Z, for while the Marquis had managed to sway General Laphisto to sit as a factional representative within the N&Z's board, Tertius hadn't managed to tie up the N&Z and the couple's assets. In order to retain his influence within the Diarchy, he needed to make sure that any competition within Diarchy territory would remain healthy and fair, given these two now held the most important political functions in regards to trade and corporate policies, it wasn't exactly unexpected for the one holding most of the Diarchy's debt and financial securities to show slight worry towards the situation.

So in the end, while he hoped to enjoy a pleasant, private lunch with the two political heavyweights, there were still some...ulterior motivations besides congratulating the couple...

 

[Maldor Sancetti]

Sancetti Executive Shuttle
On approach to the Golden Goose
________________________________________________

​

Maldor turned his head and smiled, seated in the luxury bucket seat of the shuttle's interior passenger space.

There had been a wedding, and a honeymoon, followed by emergencies that pulled them back into Diarchal affairs. But no emergency could take the warmth off of their new union. It was as though he suddenly had a firm foundation to stand on after living a life on shifting sands. The peace was as remarkable as it was unprecedented. And welcome.

In the cockpit of the shuttle, his wife's new personal guardswoman was piloting alongside another House Sancetti royal marine. The High Chancellor used Diarchal forces for general protection, but those within arm's reach of himself or Vyllia were always House Sancetti personnel, now. Maldor had seen the reports, both from the Network and from the Secret Service. The individuals who had inquired with the Bounty Hunter's Guild about ending his or his wife's life had increased 300% since the wedding.

It made sense. Maldor and Vyllia held a worrisome amount of political power alongside their growing economic influence.

Some people were becoming concerned.

If Maldor had been them, he'd have made inquiries as well. But not with the Bounty Hunter's Guild. That was sloppy. A good leader kept their own operatives for important work.

Of course, not everyone engendered the sort of loyalty that bred operatives who could be trusted. Maldor had been given a leg up. Mother hadn't been at the wedding, but her gifts were everywhere. The Tapani Sector colonists of Zeta 0-9 had been seeded with properly conditioned Ministry of Inquiry loyalists: The core of his new Secret Service. And they in turn had helped to vet the highest ranks of the Mecetti exile military for the best candidates to the House Sancetti Royal Marine Guard.

His inner circle was solid.

Probably.

"We are making final descent," the co-pilot announced.

Maldor reached out to take Vyllia's hand. "He'll want to gain a sense of control over us," Maldor predicted. If Tertius couldn't gain a sense of security for his own operations, he was likely to be the next businessman inquiring with the Bounty Hunter's Guild.

Or not.

The man seemed far more professional than that.

Perhaps he had a kill-squad of his own. Maldor would have to look into it.

The shuttle touched down on one of the Golden Goose's shuttlepads, set aside for luxury speeders and small spacecraft from the Diarchy's richest layer of societal cream.

Maldor sighed, steeling himself for the inevitable fencing. But he was not dismayed or put out.

He had Vyllia, here.

He could have faced a dragon.

"Shall we?" he said, rising up. The ramp of the shuttle extended. Already, a hostess waited below to escort them to their table.

A few dozen strides beyond, the most powerful businessman in the Diarchy waited to buy their lunch.

Here, there be Dragons indeed, he mused.




Vyllia Sancetti Tertius C. Nargath

 

[Vyllia Sancetti]

Location: Bastion on approach to the Golden Goose
Outfit: Classy Dress
Tag: Maldor Sancetti | Tertius C. Nargath

Even though they were back to work, so to speak, the Sancettis did what they could to stay together. Seeing as they were parts of the same companies and same government that was less difficult. And whenever they were together work didn't seem like work.

Of course Vyllia wasn't sure how much this visit with the Marquis would be work and how much it would be what it be what it was advertised as. A congratulatory meal between corporate nobility. When it came to Tertius, Vyllia bet there would be a good amount of business thoughtfully veiled beneath a fancy encounter.

Though her attention for the duration of the trip to Bastion had been upon her husband, particularly discussions of what to expect from the coming encounter, Vyllia was aware of her new bodyguard Shyra Calipsa being the one guiding the shuttle. Vyllia's discomfort with the woman was not that she felt she did not need the protection. And she knew that Maldor could not always be there to provide it. But the woman who was chosen was less refined than Vyllia would have liked. In the end she knew that Shyra's prowess at keeping her alive was most important, but Vyllia knew there would be a time when they would be alone together. And she dreaded it.

As they started their descent the words that Vyllia knew were coming flowed from her husband's lips. "And it would be to our advantage to allow him that sense," Vyllia giggled. Deception was a part of business. Even amongst friends and allies. The only person that Vyllia would ever be completely honest with was sitting next to her in the shuttle.

As they readied to depart the shuttle, Vyllia heard the sigh escape Maldor's lips. As they stood she moved to his side and entwined her arm with his. She patted his hand and gave a comforting smile. She would not be diminished to merely being the supportive wife on the arm of a powerful man, she had plenty of her own ambitions and projects. However, she was quite happy to ensure that Maldor knew she was by his side whenever he needed.

"Let's go see what our friend the Marquis has to greet us with."

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

Location: Bastion, The Golden Goose
Objective: Social
Tag: Vyllia Sancetti | Maldor Sancetti

Upon their arrival at the landing pads of the Golden Goose, Shyra Calipsa would most likely be the first to realize that the specific landing bay they had gotten themselves on was not empty at all, in stead there were men walking around in white heavy armor, each bearing the insignia of the Valkan house on their ornate armors and cloaks. These were the Legionaires Valkan or the Valkan Guards , the elites employed by the Marquis' household when it came to securing locations. They were both an effective means of providing near absolute security, as well as a very powerful projection of the Marquis' personal might, even when it was outside of the N&Z Umbrella's grasp. Perhaps even more worth considering the position of the man the couple was about to meet, was the fact these Legionaires could and were permitted to basically act with impunity within the Diarchy's borders, even when they were in truth and fact not part of the Diarchy's overall military system.

Yet, as was to be expected, these men did not bother the guests upon their arrival, simply accepting it as their job to also act as a shield of security for the ones who had been awaited by their lord. each of the Valkan Guards they'd pass on their way to the Golden Goose's interior, would give the couple a polite nod, a friendly and somewhat unexpected gesture from such an elite security force.

When entering the Golden Goose though, everything was different, as the sheer opulence within the establishment was staggering, with antique wooden carvings, marble statues with electrum and auridium detailing, silken curtains and artisanal tables and seatings with finely woven and embroidered satin pillows. There were lounge chairs, chaisse longues, even a corner specifically for smoking, but perhaps most surprising about the entire establishment was that despite the opulence and exquisite baroque interior, it managed to feel airy and open thanks to the holowall skylight, emulating the open air of any chosen venue, in this case it was the open air of the Marquis' own territory on Eriadu, the Valkan Marquisate and in particular the sky of the Valkan Citadel which with its vast mountains would allow for a clear and cool sky to now fall upon the interior of the Golden Goose.

"High Chancellor Sancetti...and Chancellor Sancetti...we really need other ways to adress you two," The lone guest present within the establishment, adorned with his typical purple and golden overcoat, his tailored purple suit with black and electrum detailing shimmering as he stood up from his seat near the central round table within the establishment, while servants, waiters and even the maitre d'hotel looked on. A chuckle escaped his lips, finding some amusement in his own joke. "My sincerest apologies for not having been present at what no doubt has to have been your most joyous day so far... I assume I should be there when you arrive at your next most joyous occasion."

With a sly wink at the couple, the Marquis hoped the two would understand what he meant with the latter, given they had only just taken their vows, Tertius clearly expected that they would be looking at expanding their family quite soon. "Please, please sit down, order whatever drink or snack you fancy, let us first enjoy a moment of banter and discussion before we dive into the local delicacies and meals on offer."

 

[Maldor Sancetti]

"And it would be to our advantage to allow him that sense," she giggled.

Vyllia was a gem, as always. He wished she could have met his parents when they were both alive. He suspected she'd have charmed even his dour father. His mother was doubtless glad to have a formidable woman in her son's life- even if she'd never say so out loud.

As they disembarked, Maldor did not fail to notice Tertius' security forces.

Nor was he shocked by it.

To his Tapani-educated mind, every noble needed a force of personal security loyal only to themselves, to prevent espionage and assassinations by rival Houses. He was only irked that he'd entered into a situation of uneven security presence. It was a fool's error. The customs of the Diarchy were dulling his instincts.

The voice of his late father echoed in his mind. If you think, 'I am safe here. I do not need precautions,' then that is when you need precautions!'

Of course, it was unthinkable that Tertius would have them assassinated at a friendly dinner in Diarchy space.

Maldor smiled at his host as they took a seat. "Maldor will do," he said, "at our level, titles are a bore, aren't they?" Maldor had, of course, never been bored by his own titles in his entire life.

He waved a dismissive hand, "And think nothing of the wedding. I invited you to honor our business connections, but I knew even when I wrote the invitation that those same business obligations were likely to keep you away. We took not the slightest offense at your absence."

He took up a menu and perused it. "I see they have Pelagia Pink," he said with a smirk, "an increasingly rare vintage." The purging of House Pelagia was a famous feat of House Mecetti, crushing the rival House and stripping them of many of their assets. The House still existed, but they were a pale shadow of their former selves. The Pelgagia vintners had long-since been nationalized and turned towards the production of poor-quality beverages for the lower class. Pelagia Pink hadn't been bottled in centuries. There were likely fewer than a thousand bottles left in the whole of the galaxy.

"Carbonite Preserved upon reaching peak fermentation. Well... I know what I'm having."

It was the closest thing that existed to drinking the tears of one's enemies.

He turned to his wife, "Any Liannan specialties on offer?"




Tertius C. Nargath Vyllia Sancetti

 

[Vyllia Sancetti]

Location: Bastion on approach to the Golden Goose
Outfit: Classy Dress
Tag: Maldor Sancetti | Tertius C. Nargath

Vyllia descended the ramp arm linked with her husband, her new bodyguard leading the way. Though the presence of Valkan Guards was no surprise to Vyllia as it wasn't to Maldor, the matriarch of House Sancetti noticed the tension in the gait of Shyra. The woman's grip on her vibrio-lance tightened. It was good to see that Shyra took the task of protecting her seriously, but there really was no need for concern…yet.

They walked right on by Tertius' show of force without even a word being exchanged. Vyllia could see Shyra's helmet shift from side to side, but Vyllia merely met the soldiers with a smile. Once inside even Shyra relaxed a bit. Vyllia took in the adornments of the establishment that Tertius had chosen for the meeting. It was almost an extension of their honeymoon vacation. Vyllia approved.

Tertius greeted them with a joke, an apology and permission to order whatever they liked. Vyllia allowed Maldor to respond first. Her husband stated that they could drop formal titles in the current company. "I don't know dear. I am rather fond of hearing Lady Sancetti. I am fine leaving the Chancellor title for governmental business however," Vyllia added with a laugh.

As Maldor brought up the presence of Pelagia Pink on the menu, Vyllia swore she heard a sound of bemusement from her bodyguard standing close behind her. Vyllia had wondered what wonders the Tapani vintages would hold. She would certainly partake in the drink. "I think I would like a taste of a glass of that wine if you don't mind. Should we decide to eat I will make sure the kitchen seasons mine with lill for a taste of home."

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

Location: Bastion, The Golden Goose
Objective: Social
Tag: Vyllia Sancetti | Maldor Sancetti

"Pelagia Pink...must say I have yet to taste it, but I think I'll go for a 878 aby Naboan Berrywine," Upon a mere raised hand, a few of the staff of the exclsuive establishment, made even moreso by the fact that the Financial Advisor to the Diarchs had taken the liberty of renting off the entire place for this luncheon. "So Maldor and... Lady Sancetti. Well in that case, let us not rely on the multitude of noble, diplomatic, and political titles we may carry in a public setting. In a setting like this, I would implore you to adress me as Tertius or Lord Nargath, whatever you find more comfortable."

With a smile, the Marquis sat back down on his chair, motioning his guests to take a seat as well, as the staffmembers who had just left, now returned with several bottles and fine crystalwares. The service was impeccable, with the waiters decorking the bottles with precision, filling the glasses they'd brought with them to a quarter.

"I think I'll order some smoked kaadu ribs with a few slices of toasted munch fungus, and an assorted salade at the side," What Tertius ordered didn't seem to be as overly exclusive as one would probably expect from a man of his station and wealth. However, as it was common for Eriaduans, they weren't as pompous in their nutritional choices as many of the galaxy's high ranking nobles because of the austere nature within their culture. Even for the usually opulent and grandeur-loving Nargath House, meals weren't ment to be anything else than a simple enjoyment. "Please, you may be surprised of what they have."

Taking a sip from his berrywine, the Chairman of the N&Z calmly tapped his fingers on the table, tilting his head a bit to the side. "While we are waiting, I heard you have had a bit of a breakthrough in regards to the design of engines for the production of TIE's and other starcraft...I must congratulate you for such positive and profitable results."

 

[Maldor Sancetti]

Maldor smirked at his new wife as she held fast to 'Lady Sancetti.'

She was as pleased with their union as he was.

He studied the menu briefly, pointing out a few items silently to the waiter as Tertius spoke. A collection of appetizers to get them started, and perhaps a bit more spendy than their host had been. Not to inflict pain on the man, but Maldor had become accustomed to a certain level of cuisine in his life at the Tapani royal court.

"Tertius, then. I can't call you Lord after inviting you to call me Maldor. It'd be a step back."

He paused, adding, "though rest assured you shall have all formality in the forums."

Tertius brought up Vyllia's new Tandem Impulse Drive. It surely would have been put into the service of the Empire if things had gone a different way. But now it was the Diarchy who was the primary beneficiary of the technology.

"Although I had nothing to do with it," Maldor said, "I take credit for inspiring her. I always take so long to get ready, she needed a faster drive system to make up the delay."

He chuckled. In truth, it was a relief to see that Santhe Sienar hadn't missed a step with the reformation of the Empire. Vyllia's unreliable relatives and those relatives' pet employees had mostly peeled off to save their own skins. But it seemed those that remained were the talented ones, as evidenced by the new drive system innovation.

"But of course, you're no stranger to innovative drive systems, Tertius. Yours are as versatile as any I've seen."

Trigonus Industries, Maldor's own corporation, was less inclined to the bleeding edge than either Sienar or N&Z. They'd come to a few innovations, but those innovations were mostly found in finding new ways to combine existing technology rather than pushing the frontier of research.

The waiter brought the drinks, and Maldor held out his glass of Pelagia Pink so that Vyllia could enjoy the first sip.



Tertius C. Nargath Vyllia Sancetti

 

[Vyllia Sancetti]

Location: Bastion on approach to the Golden Goose
Outfit: Classy Dress
Tag: Maldor Sancetti | Tertius C. Nargath

Maldor's insistence that what he called the Marquis and what the Marquis called him was a comforting bit of humor to Vyllia at this point. A small smile formed on her lips. Of course she couldn't call the men dry and uptight, she was the one who preferred to go by "Lady". The fact that she was more proud of the name she had gained from her union with Maldor than the name her parents gave her at birth would not help her in being called a hypocrite.

Vyllia merely continued to smile and nodded, instead of confirming what she would call their host. Perhaps she would mix it up. After all, she was not Tapani and would gladly refer to the person across the table with a higher title if it meant getting a better deal. Though she did not think that would be necessary here and now.

Tertius announced his order, not nearly as rich and fancy as their surroundings. That was a good thing for Vyllia. Liann cuisine was not particularly refined either. Though House Santhe was rich enough and had business with enough of the galaxy that their palate was a bit more refined than the average Liann. Vyllia was fine with what she was sure Maldor would consider lesser food choices. "I was thinking anything from the ocean would be pleasant. Heavy on the kill." Vyllia loved the Liann spice on anything but it was especially good on seafood.

The mention of Santhe-Sienar's recent breakthrough with the TIE2 had Vyllia feeling proud even though she didn't have direct involvement in the development. Vyllia nearly slapped Maldor when he claimed credit for inspiring the new engines, only to giggle when he completed his joke. "My younger cousin has been placed in control of R&D on Yaga Minor. Seems she had been held down on Lianna and is quite brilliant. I expect more good things to come," Vyllia responded placing credit in the proper place.

The waiter brought the wine Vyllia smiled at Maldor and took the offered first sip. It was quite good. Vyllia knew rarity added to the value, that being the case she was not sure it was quite worth the price were it not for her husband's heritage.

"Very good," she said with a smile before turning to Tertius. "N&Z's new introductions are indeed worth an equal pat on the back. At least that is what my cousin says. I'm just here to make sure the finished product makes a profit. Afraid I'm quite ignorant to most of the engineering feats."

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

Location: Bastion, The Golden Goose
Objective: Social
Tag: Vyllia Sancetti | Maldor Sancetti

Tertius smiled when Malcador brought up the fact that the N&Z was no stranger to innovation either, though the company did see a sharp decline in its overall output within the Diarchy when it came to internal purchases, the shift from utilizing the Diarchy as the main industrial and financial hub for the company did have a few benefits the internal purchases could not compete with. Losing market share to the Lilaste Order in terms of military contracts and having Trigonus and Sienar move in as prominent subcontractors and contractors in their own right was to be expected. Still, with the N&Z having multiple large governments in their pocket, losing some marketshare in the Diarchy was nothing to worry about.

"It is all just business, after all," The man exclaimed, still showing a gentle smile, as he raised his own glass towards the newlyweds. "Now, I do reckon while we are on the topic, we could approach the idea of strengthening our industrial bonds. You see, we might be in an excellent position to further improve and expand the Diarchy's industrial capacity and improve the acquiring of territorial resources."

While he didn't doubt that the two political powerhouses sitting at this table with him could easily find some room to expand, their restructuring must have cost them a fortune, one which probably had not yet fully repaid itself, whereas the N&Z had already managed to absorb the losses from its own restructuring through its own aggressive expansion within the Imperial Confederation and doubling its manufacturing capabilities within the Diarchy.

"Perhaps I should propose that after you two lovebirds have had your proper honeymoon and the subsequent few weeks to acclimatise to this new life you will be leading," A somewhat naughty grin appeared on Tertius' face for an ever so slight moment, quickly turning back to the usually soft and gentle expression he bore most of the time. "We could look over a substantial draft which could be made in order to further the Diarchy's overall economic status."

 

[Maldor Sancetti]

Vyllia mentioned her cousin- one of a handful of her family who could actually be relied upon- and Maldor smiled. He was glad she had someone. A connection to her roots, still hanging about the Santhe-Sienar tree.

All he had was Velda Praz. A strange woman from the Ministry of Inquiry whose loyalty was at least without question. She was heading up the Secret Service field operations, now. A tenuous connection to his own roots. He wondered what young cousin from the Mecetti line would inherit his place in the succession.

"The Empire's loss is our gain," he said with a nod to his modest wife, then turned his attention to Tertius.

The man was scheming to increase his power and influence, of course. That was his job, and Maldor wouldn't begrudge him getting on with it. But there were competing interests he had to protect now that he was High Chancellor.

"Increasing the Diarchy's territory is always a boon. As is enhancing our economic portfolio. As long as the Diarchy can benefit from your proposals without weakening its position, I don't foresee any objections.

Of course, I can't allow the Diarchy to enter into any arrangements that would see it overly committed to a single producer. Not unless that producer gave the Diarchy itself part ownership in their operations, and majority ownership of specific facilities located in Diarchy space. That way production could proceed uninterrupted in the event that such a producer... found other interests.

Otherwise, a wide variety of producers, each holding a share of the overall market, is the best protection against monopolistic constraint."

He looked up as the waiter returned with a fresh platter of appetizers.

"Ah. Excellent. I've become famished."



Tertius C. Nargath Vyllia Sancetti