Crystal Clear

[Adron Malvern]

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Vylmira | Wearing | Tag: [member="Voph"]​

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"Commander, we've entered Vylmiran airspace." A metallic voice called out from the cockpit. The droid pilot team was careful as they brought the shuttle into the planet's atmosphere, keeping a close eye on the fighter escorts that flew around them.

The Commando Droid that stood behind them stared out of the viewport for a moment as he pressed his metallic hands against the pilot seats. "Transmit our access codes and order the fighter escorts to loosen formation." He ordered, before turning out of the cockpit. The pilot droid nodded, acknowledging his command with the effenciency only a droid could provide. "Roger roger." He tapped into the ship's terminal, transmitting their access codes to the Vylmiran Defense Forces. He turned his metallic eyes to the viewport, watching as the Vulture droid escort began to slowly drift a bit further from the shuttle as they entered the atmosphered, ensuring the transport had full maneuverability.

Within the passenger bay, the Commando droid opened the door where Adron had been standing. Although he was cloaked in darkness, there were subtle crimsons streaks among him, quickly revealing themselves to be the accent on his suitcoat. His amethyst eyes had a faint glow to them, magnified by the clear lenses that he wore. He gazed down at a small book, wrapped in black leather. His lips moved idly, yet he said nothing as the droid approached him.

"My l-" The droid began, yet the Exarch raised his hand to silence him. If it was urgent, he would risk the Exarch's anger, if it was not it could wait until he'd finished this last sentence. Once he'd gotten to a stopping point, the Exarch leveled his eyes on the metallic being. "What, droid?" The Commando droid did not seem phased by the Exarch, another boon to using droids instead of humanoids. "My lord, we are ariving on Vylmira. We have already hailed the planet's authority and are en route to our landing area." Adron removed his glasses, nodding at the droid and offering him nothing but a bored expression and a silent dismissal. The droid bowed it's head resectfull befoe turning back to the cockpit. The Exarch had chosen not to come alone. No, he had brought a small entourage with him, but for some good reason. He'd been sure to bring both of his apprentices [member="Shakti Sweet"] and [member="Xobos Yakieer"]. He often brought the two with him when dealing with matters of the state. For Xobos it was important she learn how the Viceroyalty operated and worked. For Shakti? The more viceroyals she put a face to, the easier her duties would be in the future.

The question may dawn on the two, why had they come to this planet? In short, Adron's position gave him influence and power. However, the power was useless if it could not be used to his own ends. With the High Councilor [member="Voph"] he was interested to see what kind of man he was, what values he held to, and if he could be useful in Adron's future plans.

 

[Shakti Sweet]

Location: Entering Atmo, Vylmira
Wearing: Whatever Adron Has Chosen For Her​

Tags: [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Voph"] | [member="Xobos Yakieer"]​

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As was often her Master's wish of late, his mute was tucked safely away on a transport en route to one of his meetings with Viceroyalty. And, as was often also his wish, she'd been thrown into something befitting the station of an Exarch's apprentice. She'd need to be careful in this particular get up - at least on their last outing he'd allowed her something that would allow for easy movement if she needed... The former Imperial seemed to care very little from the irritation she knew would flow from her directly into him whenever he tossed them into something overtly feminine - but for whatever reason, he either blatantly ignored it, or reveled in her discomfort. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that he knew she couldn't moan and complain about it, and her sister seemed eager to please the Sith.

From the spot where she'd perched along the hull of the transport, Shakti lifted her gaze to look at her sister. The Miralukan was dressed in something similar, if not identical, but she didn't seem in the least phased by it. Her sister was a much better sport about being dressed up like a doll that the Firrerreo was... But she was also a good deal younger, and Shakti doubted very much that Xobos had similar experiences when it came to others making choices on her behalf as a child. So much about the younger apprentice was still a mystery to the woman, but with time perhaps she could hope to learn some patience from the girl, if nothing else.

Her train of thought was halted as she watched a droid approach the door to the room their Master had sequestered himself in. Sharp emerald eyes tracked the synthetic being as it slid inside the room and the door quietly shuttered behind it. They must be getting close then.

The woman carefully lifted herself from where she'd been leaning, lifting her arms above her head as she stretched and rolled her neck. Hours of immobility had made her a touch stiff, but as the droid exited the room once more, headed back for the controls of the ship, she knew she'd be getting some steps in shortly. She turned her eyes back to the girl whom she'd sat in comfortable silence with the the last few hours and gently nudged Xobo's foot with her own.

It was time to go.

 

[Kyyrk]

Location: Vylmira​

Wearing: X​

Tags: [member="Shakti Sweet"] [member="Adron Malvern"] [member="Xobos Yakieer"]​

Voph had been waiting. The Exarch's visit was not unannounced. The call had been sent out to submit clearance codes, and the shuttle was directed to the Golden Hall's landing pad. There, a token collection of soldiers had been gathered into a proper welcome. Voph himself did not emerge to the landing pad until the shuttle was on final approach. He stood in the morning light looking up at the descending craft with his hands folded behind his back. He was dressed in his armored robes, not that he expected trouble, but because he was working. To him, the war was never truly over. Didn't feel right to not be in armor.

As the ramp lowered, Voph stepped forward. Unlike the entourage coming to speak with him, he stood alone. Perhaps a comment to his own methods. Or perhaps something deeper. His rebreather hung from the back of his belt, leaving his scarred face visible to all, save for the strip across his eye sockets that the mantle protected. Voph's brow arched as Xobos exited the shuttle. Which, was not entirely a surprise, he supposed. He knew he was not the only of his kind among the confederacy, but he did not expect to be dealing with them this...closely. He stepped forward, and spread his arms in a welcoming gesture. "Welcome to Vylmira, such that it is. I'll ask you to excuse the mess. Playing catch up with several thousand years of missing history is...trying."

Voph stepped aside, gesturing behind him as he turned to fall in step beside Adron. "I have prepared one of the gardens for your visit. A rather peaceful place allowing us our conversation uninterrupted. Unless you would prefer something more formal. The choice is yours, Exarch."

 

[Xobos Yakieer]

Location: Entering Atmo, Vylmira
Wearing: This thing; not too stuffy
Tags: [member="Adron Malvern"] [member="Shakti Sweet"] [member="Voph"]
Mental state: Calm and Quiet

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During these trips, Xobos did all she could to calm her mind beforehand. Thankfully, for this trip to yet another unknown planet her master had allowed her the time to meditate and calm her mind. Sometimes that just wasn’t viable, as they needed to work on training beforehand, or there was briefings to be done, but this was one of the few times that he allowed her to take time to herself. This was also becoming more and more commonplace, just as her mental state threatened to rip her apart more and more.

However, for now, all was quiet in her mind. No voices, no ringing noises, no darkness. Just herself in her white room, quietly breathing in and out, the force moving through her with ease. For some reason, at this point, whenever Shakti was around, she found that her mind was becoming calmer at a more usual time. It was an odd sensation, one that she hadn’t had around another being before. Something to definitely be explored in the future.

Her meditation, involving her kneeling on a cushion, her body directed toward the window out to space, was rudely interrupted by the droid coming into her and shakti’s shared room. She let out an exasperated huff, looking toward the droid with daggers in her blind eyes. Her eyes glanced up to her sister of death, who didn’t look nearly as annoyed as the Miraluka felt as she prodded her with her foot. Letting out a small sigh, with a nod, Xobos stood, approaching the controls with her sister.

Looking to the redhead, the Miraluka let out a long breath before reaching out in the force, trying to tap into the connection that they had forged. “What do you think he will be having us do?” She asked, mentally, staying in step with the taller woman as they headed toward the man they called their shared master.

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[Adron Malvern]

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Vylmira | Wearing | Tag: [member="Voph"] [member="Shakti Sweet"] [member="Xobos Yakieer"]

As the Confederate shuttle touched down at the golden hall, the Exarch looked to his apprentices with the same expectant gaze he generally offered them. It was a silent reminder for them to stay on their toes and remember all that he had taught them thus far. As apprentices, the two of them had come far from when they began, but still the more impressive improvement is the slow bond the two were slowly beginning to form. Adron turned his eyes to the ship's ramp, watching as light bled into the shuttle. Two of the commando droids that had accompanied them made their way down the ramp, keeping their blasters held firmly in their metallic fingers they stood to each side of the ramp as the Sith Lord made his descent. When the Exarch's eyes met Voph, the man offered a smile that was more genuine than most but less than true. His hand came out, taking the High Councilor's as he nodded at the man's welcome. "Thank you High Councilor."

Adron had met Voph only once before, but even then the man had revealed himself as being duty bound and a man loyal to The Confederacy. Where some Viceroys he would pressure, others he would threaten, Voph was beyond such things. He was not unlike a businessman in the Exarch's mind.

"The gardens will do fine." Adron said, stepping in place beside the High Councilor. Like his own apprentice, Voph was of the mirilukan, meaning he naturally had a keen connection to the Force. Even as they walked side by side, the Sith Lord could get a brief measure of the Viceroy's power.

"High Councilor. Allow me to introduce my assistants, Xobos Yakieer and Shakti Sweet. They'll be accompanying us for the evening,.." After waving off the thought of his apprentices, Adron continued down the hall while clasping his arms behind his back, "I intended to visit Vylmira once before, back when it was first joined to the Confederacy. It's important to me that I speak with those who would rule within our nation as well as see their planet's condition. Still, I am here to speak with you, more than assess your planet. Recently you released a public statement to the Viceroyalty, I am interested why did you feel the need to do such a thing, Councilor?"

 

[Kyyrk]

Location: Vylmira, Golden Hall Gardens​

Wearing: X​

Tags: [member="Shakti Sweet"] [member="Adron Malvern"] [member="Xobos Yakieer"]​

Voph shook Adron's hand firmly, and not because of the armored gauntlet he was wearing. Though his tone and speech held an air of respect, his actions painted himself as more an equal. He did not grovel, nor did he attempt to seek favor. Voph's blind gaze turned to each of the apprentices as they were introduced. He inclined his upper torso just the slightest to indicate an informal bow. "Voph. A pleasure, I'm sure."

Voph walked in relative silence, listening to Adron's message, and resulting inquiry. It was, of course, not that far to the gardens. Built into the second floor of the building, the small courtyard featured considerable tree cover so that the patrons might converse in the shade. The flora was all native to Vylmira, much of it from the jungles. Near the fountain in the center, a table had been set, with a small collection of drinks. As the party entered the room, the undergrowth rustled as a creature ran through it. Voph held out his right arm, murmuring quietly to the small creature that lept from the foliage and clambered up his arm to perch on his shoulder, staring at the visitors and chirping inquisitively.

"Please, sit. If the drinks are not to your liking, I can have the staff fetch something else." Voph paused until the visitors had taken their seats, or elected to stand, before sitting himself. "A leader that concerns himself with the well being of his people is a good one. Or has the makings to be good. Not always the case, in my experience." Voph reached up to scratch the creature behind its ear, and whispered something to it before it dashed off back into the greenery. "A curious creature, I find. Native to Rishi. She was a gift from a trader." Voph smiled after the creature for a moment, before the smile faded, and his tone grew somber. He drew a deep breath, then sighed, reaching for one of the drinks. "The galaxy has not always been as it is." Voph turned to allow his blind gaze to focus on Adron. "There was a time when war was constant, and unending. Across every planet, it raged without end."

Voph fell silent for a moment, as he thought back on it. "And times of unrest are coming once again. Even with my gift, I feel I am not the only one to understand its coming." Voph paused, searching for the right words. "The letter served two purposes. To both inform the Confederacy that we are ready to help our sister planets, and to encourage unity in these times of division." Voph's gaze turned away from Adron. "I have seen nations destroyed by wars they were not ready for. Innocent lives destroyed because there was no one to protect them. I never wish to see that again when I can help it..."

 

[Shakti Sweet]

Location: Golden Hall Gardens, Vylmira
Tags: [member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Voph"] | [member="Xobos Yakieer"]​

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Adron's gaze, reminding the woman to be on their best behavior, to remain alert, to do as they'd been trained to do, was marked and acknowledged - though her eyes never left her sister as it transpired. The Exarch didn't need to do anything more than think in her direction these days for her to pick up on what he needed of her. The black ink-like brand on her arm had seen to that. Something about her lack of vocal ability had made communicating non-verbally through that link come easily to her - and what he expected of them was as clear to her as the girl sitting before her.

Both manicured red brows rose as Xobos wondered about the nature of the visit directly into Shakti's mind. They'd learned a few new tricks with the time they'd spent locked up in Adron's bunker - and the ability for her sister to speak directly to her without the need for words had been a convenient byproduct of their daily beatings and shared misery.

Though, if she was being honest... Shakti didn't like the way it felt inside of Xobo's head. The mute had spent time in quite a few heads as of late - but for whatever reason Xobo's felt... Busy. Full? She didn't know quite how to describe it, but it wasn't like other minds. It was already overflowing whenever she reached for the girl. So, instead of speaking, often she'd just send emotions across that link - just as now she sent a healthy mixture of apathy and muted curiosity. Whatever Darth Malphas had planned, it was their job to stand around and see it done - and based on whom they were slated to meet, it was likely they were just going to be background noise this time around.

She left that thought linger as the shuttle landed and the group disembarked. The Firrerreo did her best to be polite though silent as Adron introduced her to yet another Miralukan, the redhead managing to keep the interest off her face as she inclined her head towards the man and followed the group into the Gardens.

As all others were seated, she remained standing, her hands lightly crossed before her as she remained alert. It was unlikely that the Exarch was in any danger here - but she wasn't much of a tea and cakes sort of gal. No; she'd remain standing, thank you.

 

[Adron Malvern]

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[member="Voph"] [member="Shakti Sweet"]​

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The Exarch had taken notice of Voph's demeanor. He was a man who had earned his station and there seemed to be some pride there, yet he was not flippant or dismissive. Adron was keen to sort out such traits, so he could better negotiate him. He had seen his like many times and would likely see them through out the rest of his life. In many ways he was not unlike Adron before the darkness had taken him, before the Empire. The gardens before them were not to Adron's taste. He never cared to keep life so close to him in such a manner. They merely created an unfavorable scent that he would have to deal with. Still, they had some appeal to them. The plants and flowers were foreign to him, though he surmised they were of Vylmira. Adron drew his lips into a thing smile as he eyed a fern-like plant that sat in the corner of the room.

The pause to eye the planet was momentary, and in the next moment he had joined Voph at the table in the center of the courtyard. He said nothing, instead he eyed the drinks before him, waving a hand at the Councilor's offer to fetch something else. "No. This is fine."

Adron had seen [member="Shakti Sweet"] through the eyes of The Force. Much how Voph and Xobos utilized the Force as their vision, so could he. It was a more rugged version of the ability, yet it worked for him none the less. He could see the woman's stoic stance, taken up in a place of duty or discomfort he did not know. He did not care. It was not her job to be comfortable, it was her job to end lives. His voice was soft, and the push into the woman's mind was easy. With the brand he had set on her wrist it made such things an act of child's play.

Very good. The ability to shut up and watch is a valuable one. Now, the lesson today is on the individual minds you will come across and how you can utilize them. As my blade you must learn to read those you encounter. Everyone, especially those I introduce you to. You never know when you will be commanded to kill them. Now tell me, what do you see about the High Councilor? What has he told you about himself?

As he spoke to her mind, his lips formed different words to Voph. He could not help but chuckle at the man's words as he held a god-natured but all too true expression. "Under the Imperial Regime I was always sure to check in with the men who ruled under me. I also massacred hundreds for little more than speculation. So no, a man who takes interest in the leaders he has is not always a good leader himself. It merely makes him an invested one." Voph began to speak and as he did, Adron poured him a small glass of a particular brandy the man had prepared for them. He would offer some to Voph as well before taking down a bit of the amber drink.

"As my friend [member="Srina Talon"] would say. War is always upon us." He admitted, agreeing with Voph that there were once far worse times than now. But yes, he too had seen it. The telling of darker times to come. The war that would shatter the galaxy as it was and repaint it in a new light, a new order. The good would become evil and the evil good, it was an inevitability, it was the Force. But now Voph spoke of unity and Adron did not hide his interest. "So you would work with the other Viceroys? Establish them as your true allies?" It was not scornful, yet the way his tone shifted hinted that the Exarch was a bit surprised by this. It was to be expected, most worlds turned inward, focusing only on themselves and what they can do for their own. An understandable notion, but a foolish one. Yet, was he truly all that different?

"So you wish to protect them." He asked, this time the smile on his lips was plain and somewhat condemning. He said nothing for a moment before downing a bit more of the brandy in his hands. "Well. This is particularly interesting. You share many sentiments that I do. Perhaps the view of them is a bit off, but not unlike my own." He downed the rest of the brandy before clasping his hands before him, placing them on the table. "So given the chance to enhance your power and influence. What would you do with it? Say right now I supplied you with a well of knowledge, power, and finance. What would you do with this well? Keep in mind, all wells run dry eventually."

 

[Kyyrk]

Location: Vylmira, Golden Hall Gardens​

Wearing: X​

Tags: [member="Shakti Sweet"] [member="Adron Malvern"] [member="Xobos Yakieer"]​

Voph thought on Adron's words silently, waiting until he had said his piece. "With all possible due respect, Exarch Talon is still young. And to think that war is always coming in times such as these is...how would I say it...doom-speak?" Voph shrugged as he took another gulp of his drink. "Over all, the galaxy is a peaceful paradise compared to the hellscape I left all those years ago. But perhaps by your standards, yes, war is always upon you. And how it brings me joy that you might have such a luxury."

Voph stared into the plants, head angled towards the rustling of his small pet among the undergrowth. When he finally spoke, it was with a single word. "Unity." Voph turned to look at Adron again. "I do not delude myself to believing that the galaxy will ever truly be unified. But, for so long as two people march under the same banner, they should become brethren. The Confederacy is no different. Look at Eshan. What would have come of the planet had we not intervened? Who else would have saved them from the wrath of the Mandalorians? In the end...when war comes, it will be the Confederacy leading the charge." Voph reached across with his left arm, and began adjusting his right gauntlet. Given the practiced and methodical motions, it seemed to be a nervous habit of sorts.

"The free peoples of the galaxy will rally to us. And we must be ready to set the example. Waging war so that we may one day know peace. As for your...gift...I have no need to speculate." Voph raised his glass, and downed the rest of it. He set it on the table, then turned to face Adron directly. The blind yet piercing stare focused on him, and Voph's brow furrowed. "Grant what knowledge I have to the next generation, that they might discover why we fight. Grant what power I have to my followers, that they might carry on my work when I am gone. And grant my wealth to those who believe in my cause, that together we may build the machines of war that shall carry the galaxy to a new era of prosperity and peace." Voph paused for a moment, then concluded, almost as if it had been part of a creed: "For the tomorrow that we shall not live to see."

Voph watched Adron for a moment, longer, then sighed quietly, looking back into the undergrowth. "For all the good it did the galaxy those years ago. But, it makes me wonder. Do you know who I am?" Voph turned to look back at Adron expectantly. His words were not spoken with malice or arrogance. But...curiosity. He had kept such things secret, but certain people had ways of discovering things. He was curious to know if Adron was one of them...

 

[Shakti Sweet]

Location: Golden Hall Gardens, Vylmira​

[member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Voph"] | [member="Xobos Yakieer"]
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All their discussion about politics, their planets, the cogs that formed the larger beast that was the Confederacy - all of it was white noise to her as Adron's voice slid into her mind. As always it was strange to have him there, his voice smooth and sweet, though always with an edge that promised terrible things if she was foolish enough not to heed him. She kept her expression blank, her eyes slowly sweeping from the Miralukan Viceroy to the rest of the garden and then back as she was party to her own conversation.

When her voice came to him it was as it always was, jagged, broken and booming despite the blandness of her tone, "He is sharp. Compassionate. Blind." Her eyes dipped as she glanced for only a moment at the Exarch, her expression still blank but the emotion she projected was clear - the idea of fighting him brought her a pang of excitement. She was fascinated by the mastery of the Force that allowed her sister to see without sight, and this man was a good deal older, and likely also more powerful. Fighting Xobos at the early stages of their apprenticeship had been easy - the young woman had no mastery of blades... But as her skill had grown, the innate ability she had with the Force had made her difficult to contend with, had forced the mute to adapt.

This man... He would be a greater challenge still.

She abandoned the thought almost as quickly as it had come however, her eyes set to scanning around them once more as she responded to Adron's question again. "Blind in many ways." That thought followed the word 'Unity' as Voph spoke it. The redhead was not altruistic, nor was she naive. The galaxy would never be unified, and there was no such thing as peace... Adron spoke often of peace being a pipe dream - but Shakti had known that years before she'd met the raven haired Sith. You could throw all you had at that particular problem and it would be consumed as all things were in the grinder of war.

 

[Adron Malvern]

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[member="Voph"] | [member="Shakti Sweet"]​

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The Exarch's lips drew themselves into a thin, somewhat shallow smile. It was the sort that did not dare touch his amethyst eyes. Akin to a serpant's smile, he looked to the Chancillor with an interested expression. The man had a way of seeing things in a light that the Sith Lord had never known, and never would. Adron allowed the amber liquid in his hand to touch his lips as he took another sip of the drink. He cleared his throat just as his eyes landed on the man before him. "Young? Yes, I suppose she is young, and at her young age she has commanded legions, seen worlds fall, and taken more lives than exist on some worlds and there is no one I trust more with my life." Adron straightened his back, as his hand pressed into his cheek, that smile still not daring to fade. "The galaxy is a peaceful place? No, it has not been a place of peace for thousands of years and it will never return to such a time. Perhaps you have enjoyed peace but I assure you, the war is very much real."

Even with his back to his apprentice, Adron could feel the subtle shift in her demeanor. What was it that radiated from the woman? Eagerness. He had only hinted to a possibility of the woman standing against the High Councillor and already her mind's deepest desires revealed themselves to him. His smile widened into something more true, though he did nothing to reveal it was his apprentice who had caused this. No, instead he turned his eyes back to the man before him.

Unity. How absolutely romantic.

The hand that had been pressed on the man's cheek turned to his chin in a thoughtful gesture. So the High Councilor wished to have unity. Well, whatever shallow facsimile could exist in it's place at least. The soft laughter that fell from Adron's lips could be taken as mocking. Hell, it was extremely mocking, but the Exarch said nothing for a long moment as he eyed the man with a questioning gaze. "I've asked many Viceroy's this question and that has never been the answer I received. I suppose you could say I'm a bit surprised." Voph truly believed in the dream of the Vicelord, to bring the galaxy under a single banner of conquest and glory. He was not quite a fool, a dreamer? Perhaps, but not a fool. Still, Adron himself was a dreamer so he could not say he did not understand.

Adron allowed the Viceroy to continue, telling of precisely how he would utilize such influence. Now this, was met with an approving nod from the Exarch. "Legacy. You would create a legacy for those you leave behind. Allowing them to strive for a world you yourself could not provide them." Legacy, to a man such as Adron was something that could not be forgotten or ignored. It was an essential part of being something more than a name to be forgotten, legacy was true power. Voph's next words were met with a raised hand, waving off the thought without a seen care. No, the Exarch had not delved into this man's past, as it was not necessary. "My concerns are with your future, Viceroy...A future I believe can be intertwined with my own." Adron clasped his hands together, his amethyst eyes gazing over the man as he spoke.

"True unity will never come. But it is important that the people we fight for believe it will. So The Confederacy will continue to march forward, bringing more and more worlds in our fold until our last days. I look to people like yourself to be the hands that build this path. Still, I cannot ask your help with constructing such a path without first giving you the tools to crafting your own." The Exarch paused in consideration, his fingers twitching idly for a moment before he finally exhaled a bit. "I would like Vylmira to become the center of this sector. Essentially this means that all major sources of commerce would flow through this world before being distrubted to those that surround it. If you are willing then I will see to it that the Confederate government funds a trade hub on the planet, or perhaps a nearby moon. Also I would like to build an officer's academy here. Let the Confederacy see that this planet can train some of it's best and brightest officers. I would leave all of this for you to oversee, of course. If you feel yourself up to the task." Adron gestured to the man loosely, interested to see the Viceroy's response. Adron's mind touched Shakti once again, this time his words were simple and brief.

Never offer a gift. Only an investment.

 

[Kyyrk]

Location: Vylmira, Golden Hall Gardens​

Wearing: X​

Tags: [member="Shakti Sweet"] [member="Adron Malvern"]​

As the Exarch continued speaking, Voph's brow furrowed. Why was the Exarch here? He knew he did not find his assessment of the galaxy bemusing enough to warrant a smile like that. Particularly paired with that laugh. Voph sighed quietly, and picked up his drink. He stared blankly at the contents for a second, before lifting the glass to his lips, and knocking back a gulp. He turned back to Adron after a moment. "To what end? I know as well as you that nothing is ever given freely. Particularly not by a Sith."

Voph's head cocked to the side slightly. "I may be old, but I am not yet senile. In spite of what you and your apprentice might believe." Voph's gaze turned to stare at Shakti blankly for a moment. He didn't know what was being said between them, but he could see the Force curling and writhing around the tear in the Force that lashed the girl to Adron. They were certainly speaking with each other. If only because Voph knew that were the roles reversed, he would have done the same. He HAD done the same.

Voph's attention turned back to Adron. "What purpose does Vylmira serve for you? Why this planet? What goal do you seek to accomplish by elevating Vylmria above the rest? And do you truly wish to send the message that such a gesture will send? Who better to lay the path than those who are capable of laying their own path? Offering such a gesture to Vylmira might give the impression that it is only special because the Confederacy deemed it to be so. Or perhaps you see it differently?"

 

[Shakti Sweet]

Location: Golden Halls Gardens, Vylmira​

[member="Adron Malvern"] | [member="Voph"]​

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As her excitement ebbed, she could feel through the connection that Adron had forged between them a sense of amusement from the Exarch. That garnered no response from the woman, as she assumed that this was why he had chosen her in the first place. The mute had a thirst for carnage, and the former Imperial had plucked her from the streets of Genosis specially for foster that thirst, kindle it like the rage that lived in her chest and turn it onto a tool, much as she had done for herself for so many years. The Exarch had an eye for things that were useful, and he'd been able to identify in her a use almost immediately. There was no need for her to hide from him that the thought of fighting the blind knight would be something she'd relish.

Though, as those unseeing eyes turned to her, and the Viceroy spoke, the redhead couldn't help the lofting of her brows. She managed to keep the soft grin that threatened to curl her lips from surfacing, but it took more effort than she would have admitted. Her eyes left the visor that rested across Voph's eyes as she began to scan the garden once more, and that gravelly voice of hers drifted into the Exarch's head once more.

"He does not want gifts, Master. He will be great in his own right, or not at all, it seems."

The Ferrerrio moved her hands from begin clasped before her, to being clasped at the small of her back. Light footfalls carried her at a leisurely pace around the edges of the pathways that sat at the edges of the small garden. If her conversations with Adron were a distraction to the Miralukan, then she would do her best to at least pretend to give them some privacy.

 

[Adron Malvern]

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[member="Voph"] | [member="Shakti Sweet"]​

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The Exarch had anticipated the next question. Only a fool would accept terms he did not fully understand, even still...

He was particularly amused, or at least that was the expression on his face. He took hold of the glass that he had just drank from, eyeing the crystal for a moment before clearing his throat and setting the glass back on the table. "Not a bad drink..." He muttered, before looking back up to the Viceroy. Lies and deceit had served Adron as faithfully as any weapon in the past, yet so had the truth. "Everything I do is watched, Viceroy. I am either watched by my allies or my enemies, but I can assure you I am watched." He took a moment to gaze at the man, to see if he would understand his meaning, though perhaps he did leave it a bit vague.

"The halls of politics are best met with results. Allow me to give you an example. Say there is a village. In this village there are two men who go door to door every day. Now, the first man goes door to door and nothing happens, everything remains the same once he has left. Well, no one would much pay any attention to him would they? But let's say the other man is the complete opposite. Every time he goes to one of the villager's houses he leaves them with....let's say a bag of gold coins. They use these gold coins and make improvements on their houses. So day by day, year by year, people begin to notice this and they realize which man is an asset to them." Adron clapped his hands together before scratching his chin a bit. "I am the man with the gold coins. If I use my coins properly I can improve the Confederacy and in turn they will provide me with what I need to produce more of these coins."

"Now the question is, why Vylmira?" Adron glanced around and shrugged a bit, before looking to Voph intently. "Because of you. Vylmira is not special because The Confederacy deemed it so, but because you deem it so. The Confederacy views all it's planets equally and though Vylmira would be given an advantage, it is not an advantage we do not want for all of our planets. However, we cannot provide such industry to every planet in the Confederacy, not yet. However, in time many planets can follow Vylmira's example and work with The Confederacy for the betterment of all."

"I'm choosing Vylmira because I think you may be capable of leading it into this new age and by doing so, help me lead The Confederacy to it's next step of prosperity."

The Exarch was rather impressed with the Viceroy's forwardness, something he could appreciate. Still, when Shakti spoke within his mind once again, the man could not help but smile a bit. If anyone believed Adron gave gifts to anyone but his lady, they were foolish.

 

[Kyyrk]

Location: Vylmira, Golden Hall Gardens​

Wearing: X​

Tags: [member="Shakti Sweet"] [member="Adron Malvern"]​

Voph watched the man for a moment. He understood perfectly what the man was saying. A coup, perhaps? Probably not, Voph didn't think the Exarch's opinion of the Vicelord had sunk that low. But it sent a clear enough message that Adron was not willing to give the true reasons behind his visit. "I understand. Better than most." He said this after Adron's comment of the two men and the coins, but it was clear to all present that he was speaking in regards to both. Voph ran a hand over his own chin, thinking quietly for a moment. "And I understand your reasoning. Even if I personally may not agree with it entirely. But, I also understand better than most that my days are numbered. Maker willing, a large number, but a number all the same. It would be a disservice to my people to decline such an offer on my arrogance alone."

Voph's gaze turned to watch the Exarch's apprentice as she walked about the garden. "So, with that in mind, I will accept your proposal. Though still in its infancy, Vylmiran Technological Industries is at the disposal of the Confederacy. They have begun work on developing certain...ideas that have come about across the years, all of which I had intended to share with my fellow Confederates anyway. As funds allow, the company can expand to bigger and better projects."

Voph's gaze turned back towards Adron. "And in the mean time, The Council will await further instruction of how to repay your generosity. Provided the council does not rule it..." Voph paused, looking for the right word. He was removed from this lifestyle for some time. He lacked many of the subtleties he'd evolved to survive his early days. "...Objectionable." Voph fell silent for a moment, then said, "But, in matters of state and times of war, there is little that the Council would not do. We only ask that you be mindful how you would utilize your contract." Voph's mind specifically went to assassinations. But in truth, his veiled words were intended to convey a more simple message. Even they had their limits. They were impessive limits, but limits all the same...