Boost DARK CONSORTIUM | ACT I. CREDITS TO FILTH [TSC & GUESTS][CORPO RP]

[Lodd Grimmin]

Kalak the Raykkan Darth Carnifex

Lodd mirrored the mannerisms of Lysander von Ascania during their conversation, aware that the nobleman was not as naive as he had first believed, but rather a rising figure within the Sith Covenant, one capable of undermining his ambitions regarding Kuat and Humbarine with a strategically launched proton torpedo.

However, there was no need for concern, as he had devised a contingency plan prior to this meeting by covertly establishing Port Sneed through his former galactic alliance connections on Humbarine. Whoever obtained the planet contract would have to contend with a rise in piracy and that would make any potential competitor back out due the security cost alone of patrolling both systems.

One such potential competitor was mentioned in the form of Taeli Raaf , the old crone of Aurora Industries and one of the Federation's major shareholders. "Then we are in agreement, Emissary. Clarity serves the Covenant. Which is precisely why Kuat and Humbarine would be best left in the hands of the Trade Federation, where stewardship can be exercised without divided loyalties or inherited sentiment." Lodd responded with a straightforward gesture, indicating his agreement that Clarity was the most fitting choice for the Sith Covenant during this period of galactic instability. He subtly added that his company could manage the requested planets more effectively, free from any external influences.

"Lady Raaf is undoubtedly a skilled advisor and highly regarded in galactic circles, and if you wish to rely on her, I have no objections. Once her advice is considered, I will present my proposal." Lodd would be foolish to reveal his proposal now that another party might be entering the fray. He was eager to see what Raaf would propose, then he planned to double that offer to secure a decisive victory, completely sidelining her by accusing her of making a lowball offer for the Covenant.

 

[Anet Raine]

Makai Dashiell | OPEN
Fit Reference
​

Anet smirked at his surprise. Her hand gently recoiled once that dance was over, and she listened to his introduction.

"No - I had no idea who you were, Mister Dashiell. Only, but you seem so..." She was trying to find the right word. "Polite."

She glanced at the server when they walked by and tapped her glass.

Attention otherwise remained firm on Makai. "Mining, extracting, agriculture..." Anet recited one by one, then chuckled dryly. "I must confess, I'm not sure I know the difference between mining and extracting. Would you elaborate for me?"

The server replaced her empty glass with a fresh one. She picked it up, attentive eyes never leaving him, and took a sip.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Aurora Industries Catalog, Arcane Emporium Catalog
Interacting with Lysander von Ascania and Lodd Grimmin
Nearby: Darth Carnifex Quinn Varanin Astra Sadow Makai Dashiell Anet Raine Mellia Raine Dyans Keto Marlon Sularen Kalak the Raykkan Nolle Tron

​

The benefit of having trained with the Theran Listeners of Nam Chorios was that one could sift through and listen in upon any conversation occurring within any room, something she had long used to great effect for learning information. Most of the conversation in Club Cerulean hadn't piqued her interest as of yet, although the night had barely begun. She was curious about the appearance of Marlon Sularen at this event, given the man's proclivity against corporations, his recent attacks upon Sith-held worlds, and his documented tirades against Sith, Jedi, Mandalorians, Corellians, democracy advocates, and etc. etc.

Her ears pricked up as she overheard the words Kuat and Humbarine, her head turning towards where Lysander and the Trade Federation representative Lodd Grimmin seemed to have begun discussions. At least, the Neimoidian was making a pitch, and so early into the evening. Both worlds were on the list that Aurora Industries had compiled internally for expansion targets, not the only ones, but they were high on the list. They had already begun making inroads to Kuat, and if the words she was overhearing from Grimmin were true, he was already trying to spin his game. Well, two could certainly play. Gracefully as ever, she made her way through the crowd to where the Emissary and Neimoidian stood. She wondered if Quinn would follow her, having accompanied her to this event to learn more, she suspected, to see how corporate sparring could be done.

"Oh, I certainly wouldn't worry about any sort of conflicts of interest, Viceroy," she said quietly, offering them both polite nods of her head in greeting. "Emissary, this is shaping up to be an interesting gathering you have arranged." Her attention would shift to the Neimoidian fully. "The Kuati planetary government seemed to be having a pirate issue, and we, meaning Aurora, offered to assist them with escorting their freighters with our own security forces from a base we established jointly on Venir. A trust-building exercise on the same scale as our investments on Hakassi for the Covenant, wouldn't you say?"

She would pluck a cup of tea from a wandering tray passing by, taking a sip and enjoying the flavor.

"It is quite remarkable how much interconnection there is between the Sith Empire and the Sith Covenant, exemplified by our respective Empresses. One could even say that both galactic powers are simply two sides of the same coin, although with some differences in ideology. Investment from one only strengthens the other and vice versa, and Aurora Industries has long been an engine of such investment across the galaxy. As you are aware, Viceroy, given our freighter contracts with the Federation, we are willing to deal with anyone, and we are looking to invest substantially in the Core. Kuat and Humbarine have both piqued my interest, as they have yours apparently, which only shows both of us having a certain..."

A pause, amethyst eyes hardening ever so slightly.

"...ambition, hmm?"

 

[Darth Prazutis]

The Nines had been built to make power feel comfortable.

It was a twilight paradise of soft light, perfect acoustics, polished chrome, and music low enough to flatter conversations but never threaten the secrecy within. This was the kind of place where the wealthy could convince themselves that civilization was still governed by manners, contracts, and expensive glassware. Executives smiled with practiced warmth and diplomats laughed too carefully.

It was a beautiful lie.

Darth Prazutis saw through it the moment the lift doors opened. The Dark Lord of the Sith stepped into Club Cerulean with the unhurried certainty of a sovereign entering conquered territory. He was not clad for war, and somehow that made Him worse. Deep black formal robes fell across His immense frame in severe, regal lines, layered with dark crimson undertones and subtle threadwork of old Sith gold. No helmet concealed His face tonight. No battlefield plate announced violence. There was only the towering shadow of the Mortarch Himself, pale and terrible, clad in the visage of the Reaper beneath the lounge's refined lighting, His molten eyes carrying the cruel intelligence of a being who had watched empires rise, rot, and bend.

Around Him, the atmosphere changed, not dramatically and not all at once. The music didn't stop. The protocol droids didn't freeze. Glasses didn't shatter in trembling hands. But the room knew. The miasma of the Dark Side infected every inch of Tower 999. Conversation thinned by degrees. Laughter shortened. An aide forgot the end of his sentence. A Muun banker's fingers tightened around a crystal tumbler. Somewhere near the bar, a slicer who had sold too many secrets to too many masters suddenly discovered religion in the bottom of his drink. The dark side did not crash into Club Cerulean like a storm. It seeped through the luxury, patient and invasive, turning every soft shadow into something deeper than architecture had intended, with the chill of a cold wind.

Prazutis' gaze swept across the lounge, and in that single glance the room was classified, with eyes that saw far more than what was displayed. In them he could see assets, liabilities, opportunists, cowards, useful traitors. Men and women who believed they had come to negotiate with Sith power as though it were a corporation with harsher branding and fewer regulations. They had come eager for profit, hungry for deregulated conquest, thrilled by the relaxation of moral boundaries they had never truly respected in the first place.

They did not yet understand.

The Sith were not offering them freedom from restraint. They were measuring how cheaply they would sell themselves, how much would they sell their souls for the next credit. Beside and slightly behind Him came Darth Grothuun. The Forge Tyrant did not enter the lounge so much as impose mass upon it. The Cragmoloid Sith towered over nearly every being present, a vast gray mountain wrapped in immense black robes reinforced by industrial war harnessing and heavy seals marked by the forge. Ritual scars, Sith brandings, and glyphs of dominion marked the visible hide of his trunk and brow, each one a record of conquests, worlds reorganized and brought beneath the discipline of the Kainate. His alchemized tusks caught the blue-white lounge light with a dull, brutal sheen, veined with dark metallic reinforcement like relics pulled from the heart of a dead forge.

Where Prazutis was the abyss in courtly form, Grothuun was the furnace given flesh. Every step the Grand Artificer took seemed too heavy for a place like this. Club Cerulean had been designed for elegance, for whispered deals and concealed knives, not for a Sith Lord who looked as though he could tear the entire level free from the tower and crush it beneath his fingers. His crimson eyes smoldered over the assembled corporate elite with the pitiless evaluation of a master engineer inspecting flawed machinery. Weakness, to Grothuun, was inefficiency and inefficiency was treason and this room? This room was full of both. Prazutis allowed the silence to continue long enough to become useful. The Forge Tyrant contained his displeasure like a fire burning within, stoking it carefully with every face his eyes fell upon, his mannerisms had become well known to the Dark Lord standing before him.

"Viceroy, Lady Raaf, Emissary Ascania. The evening promises opportunity for all, and it seems you've wasted no time." The Shadow Hand greeted at an opportune moment so as to not interrupt speech. Darth Grothuun stopped beside Him. "May I introduce Lord Grothuun, our Grand Artificer and the Overseer of Malsheem Hypernautics and Manufacturing." Darth Grothuun merely inclined his massive head in greeting, choosing to remain subdued while the Shadow Hand spoke.

Lodd Grimmin | Taeli Raaf | Lysander von Ascania | Darth Carnifex​

 

[Lodd Grimmin]

Kalak the Raykkan Darth Carnifex

Lodd had wished that an assassin's bullet would have shot through the window and taken the life of Taeli Raaf before she could meddle with the aspirations of his conglomerate, but fate was not in his favor, and she arrived with great fanfare. He listened as she dismissed his worries about a conflict of interest and brought up the pirates posing a threat to the Kuat and Humbarine System even establishing a joint security base with the Kuati Government to address the problem.

The Trade Monarch internally grimaced, at this new countermeasure disrupting his contingency plan involving Port Sneed. Yet, despite the heightened security, piracy remained a potent fear tactic, capable of convincing the local community that Aurora Industries was behind the surge in activity, as they enhanced the cargo's value by providing considerable protection to otherwise inexpensive items.

"An admirable solution, Lady Raaf. Pirates have no business disrupting the commercial affairs of any system in the galaxy. So the Trade Federation gladly approves of establishing a joint base with the Kuati Government to stamp these vermin out for good." He maintained his casual tone by mentioning that pirates have no business disrupting commercial affairs and applauded her efforts to stop their activity within the system. Lodd had no choice but to listen as Raaf made sure to empathize that the Sith Empire and the Sith Covenant were one in the same but different in ideology.

"Ambition? You confuse me with the Lords of the Sith. The Trade Federation's mission is to further the development of the galaxy through strategic investments. As demonstrated by us establishing a brand new facility at Kuat Drive Yards to speed up warship production at a scale not seen before which could certainly help the Sith Covenant in the wars ahead. Afterall, Kuat should not have to rely on an external benefactor to protect itself." He spoke in a modest tone, his mouth twitching briefly to indicate that he had successfully redirected the focus of the discussion by proposing that Kuat should not depend on an outside benefactor for its defense.

He also mentioned that their new facility would increase production for the foreseeable future, allowing the Sith Covenant to utilize this output to protect its territory. Any further discussion would be postponed as Darth Prazutis appeared from the midst accompanied by Lord Grothuun, a Cragmoloid Sith from the looks of them and rather tall causing the Neimoidian considerable neck pain.

"Lord Prazutis, Lord Grothuun. We are honored by your presence, and gladly welcome Malsheem Hypernautics and Manufacturing to our small gathering. I was just informing the Emissary here of our new facility, which will improve the lives of the planet of Kuat." He said with a small bow in respect to the both of them. Malsheem was a close ally with the Trade Federation, and Prazutis would have no choice but to support his claim.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

​

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C R E D I T S_T O_F I L T H
Objective I - Tower 999

SULARENCO
CORUSCANT, CORE WORLDS

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"What would give you the impression I would work with that weak old man, that called himself Emperor? I am surprised you didn't run to kiss feet when he created his new empire after the fall of his last? So many of his lap dogs did, so many of them blind followers of his idiocy."

"While I am grateful that Solipsis helped me escape the ostracization I had suffered at the hands of so many, he was starting to get predictable. When I learned that he had returned with the Galactic Empire, I knew it was destined to fail from the start." Sularen responded. "It's still a shame, though. Solipsis had so much talent at his disposal, and he squandered it," he added. "So much potential wasted."

In a time when Sularen faced numerous enemies across the galaxy, it was refreshing to be in the presence of someone he was familiar with. Even though he and Keto often didn't see eye-to-eye, there was still a great degree of respect between the two. While Keto was indeed here as a representative of her family's business to advance their interests, Sularen knew that he could still depend on her in these uncertain times, as long as their interests aligned. Fortunately for him, it appeared they both sought the similar things, which did open the road for potential collaboration.

He then shifted his attention to the other individual, who had introduced herself as Chairwoman Astra Sadow of Sanguine Enterprises. From the looks of things, it appeared that she had held some interest in Empress Teta but had been blocked by Keto and Titan Dynamics in yet another case of corporate intrigue. It was both intriguing and a little bit intimidating, especially as Sularen would most likely have to face numerous competitors, who already had a negative opinion of him. Hopefully, with today's events, he'd be able to secure enough connections to survive the worst of that upcoming storm.

"In the market for new ships, Grand Admiral?"

"Actually, I'm looking to expand my company's portfolio by diversifying our range of operations, Chairwoman Sadow" Sularen responded. "When I learned that the Sith Covenant was opening itself for investment, I couldn't help but jump at the opportunity. I just hope i can strike a good deal with the Covenant before any of the larger corporations decides to push us out of the Core, given the animosity they and the Sith share towards Imperials like me"

---

Tags | Dyans Keto | Astra Sadow​

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Lodd Grimmin Taeli Raaf Darth Prazutis​

A more reticent curiosity awakened in him. What, truly, did the Trade Federation wish to gain from this unfolding arrangement? And what might the Covenant lose? His brow furrowed, betraying this inner reckoning. Shepherding two of the Core’s most critical worlds demanded more than ideals, though he was guilty himself of indulging in philosophy's allure.

"Stewardship free from conflict of interest is indeed vital to stability, especially in times such as these. Lady Raaf’s wisdom will be given the consideration it merits. Of course, I look forward to reviewing your proposal as well."

Impeccable timing really, as the shadow crossed his periphery. Darth Arcanix approached. Another mind to raise the intellectual bar. Unlike recent debates, at least they wouldn't have to dwindle into morality and righeouness.. something he'd grown rather weary of lately.

A casual pivot of his shoulder invited her inclusion in the discourse, followed by a softer nod that spoke for itself. Clearly she sought alignment over rivalry. “Indeed,” spoken calmly, “Aurora Industries’ role as a bridge between our realms cannot be overstated, and your efforts to help stabilize Kuat’s trade routes do not go unnoticed. Order across these systems is a value I hold deeply." A small smile traced his lips. “The endeavors to reinforce trust through support such as our work on Hakassi, also resonates with the Covenant’s principles.”

Attention shifted back to the Soverign of Trade. “I’m curious how you foresee this initiative of yours influencing the balance of power within Republic space, especially now that Cato Neimoidia falls under its jurisdiction.”

Before the conversation could deepen, a Dark pulse came anew. Power that clutched the room long before the source revealed himself. Darth Prazutis. That very presence tested him more than ever. Memories twisted through his mind, such as the fate of his cousin Revna beneath the Kainite’s hand; the glassing of Alvaria, a world once home to Malum, one that Lysander even considered as an older brother. He reminded himself he'd abandoned doctrine entirely; only power and unity mattered.

“Well met, Lord Prazutis, Lord Grothuun.”

There was much more he wished to unfold, questions, challenges, all sorts of threads begging to be pulled, but now he would simply let them weave their dialogue while taking note.

With a small shift of his attention, he regarded the Shadow Hand once more. “Malsheem alone is a name that commands respect, a legacy known to all in the galaxy. I have conveyed to Darth Carnifex my sentiments to witness its productions firsthand. A fortress that moves is a lesson in power, and I would be eager to learn from it.” And of course, to build further rapport with the Kainite, who valued strength in ways he understood all too well.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Anet Raine
​

"Too polite to observe the competition?"

So far Makai had noticed a lot of posturing. Tended to happen in these spaces and it was only amplified by the fact they were in Sith territory. For the most part he was just amused taking in the scene. It looked from his spot in the bar Lodd Grimmin and Taeli Raaf might have some sparks going on, which would be even more of a sight to see.

"Mining refers more to solid minerals and ores and taking them from solid earth. Soil, rocks, volcanic ash and the like. Extraction is a broad term but most often refer to liquids and gases in this sense. I suppose you can refer to all of it as mining, I mean technically it is all resource extraction, but I wouldn't consider most forms of extraction mining. Drilling liquid tibanna, for example, is not mining."

Unfortunately for Anet, she had opened pandora's box when it came to himself and mining.

"What brings you here Miss Raine?"

 

[Anet Raine]

Makai Dashiell
​

Anet listened with mild fascination as he answered her question. The academic in her was piqued more than the businesswoman; she so enjoyed distinctions and definitions. She was ready to urge him on, to say more, that is, until he asked about her.

The gears turned in her head, and she smiled. "Ah -" now that was a good question. "I am representing my family in this matter... we own a sizable stake in Hydian-Wyl."

A controlling interest, actually, but that wasn't public knowledge. That truth was hidden behind fronts: private offices, proxies, and the like.

"Unfortunately, regime collapses are quite good for some businesses."

Naturally, she would not openly admit her connection to the Sith. It was scandalous enough that a sitting Senator found her way to Coruscant. Defensible, if you had the right excuses (or callous constituents), but scandalous.

Her attention turned briefly back to the others in the club. "Anyone you recognize?" She asked.

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

​

Club Cerulean
Objective: Mingle and Network
Company: Co-owner of Spore Industries
Outfit

​

Unusually tardy, the arboreal woman glided into the exclusive lounge where business appeared well under way. A'Mia recognized many a face there and naturally gravitated toward the largest group of those she was well acquainted with. A'Mia wore a simple, flowing dress made from light, airy fabric in earthen tones and appeared generally out of place for the setting. For those that did not know her, she might appear lost given how casual her dress and demeanor were.

After securing a smokey looking beverage from a passing tray, the woman drifted closer to where Lysander von Ascania seemed to be holding court in that effortless way he had. Inclining her head in deference to Darth Carnifex and Darth Prazutis , their defense of Brosi never to be forgotten, the neti wandered to the periphery of where Taeli Raaf was engrossed in conversation with the rest. At a break in their words large enough for A'Mia to briefly interject, she explained.

"Time escaped me," as if it were a beast she'd been hunting, "No need to backtrack, I'll catch up."

Her large, strange eyes passed over Lodd Grimmin with blatant curiosity but she remained serene and quiet in the background as they continued on. Her attention only strayed when Kalak the Raykkan caught her attention, mind turning over how very strange he was in a room lousy with unusual people of all sorts. So far, Anet Raine had avoided her notice but the woman would surely take interest if she noticed the promising young Sith.

 

[Dyans Keto]

​

Post: 3
Outfit: Dress | Mask
Theme: Blackheart
Tags: Astra Sadow | Marlon Sularen

​

---

Dyans sights did turn to address Sularen's platitudes toward Solipsis, instead keeping them on the young woman who had shaken her hand and given her name as Astra Sadow. The woman was hard to read, but the mention of her company Sanguine Enterprises and its failing efforts on Empress Teta did give her a bit of insight.

"The name of your Enterprise is an intriguing one Chairwoman Sadow." As returned the polite smile. The word sanguine in itself had a few varied meanings Dyans had to wonder if landed more on the darker ones than the optimistic ones. "But I can assure you, Titan is not the thorn you think it is. These are uncertain times in the core, the noble houses of Empress Teta have seen constant fluctuations in government for a long time now. It has caused them to be more insular, selling or leasing only to corporations or individuals they have had dealing with for family generations like Titan or People and Corporations that have been loyal to Empress Teta."

The shift from the unruly Maw, back to the alliance, then imperial, then alliance again, then imperial, and now Sith had caused the Tetan's to recede into a more isolationist mentality. Some of that whiplash fell on Dyans shoulders and she knew it but heavy was the crown she once wore and wrong choices had been made. Maybe she could fix some of the turmoil she had caused for her people.

Before going into the finer details, as the Astra offered a possible in with the Covenant, which was a biting offer to say the least she finally addressed Grand Admiral Sularen as he presented why he had come to this place.

"You say Solipsis." She almost spat at the name leaving her lips again. "Lifted you from ostracization, yet word on the wire is you are a hunted man these days. It seems that ostracization was never lifted after all. Another one of Solipsis's broken promises, like all his promises." Even with the venom she spoke that name with there was a hint of pity in her tone towards Grand Admiral Sularen. Broken by the system he had so direly held onto, now forced to adapt once more. In truth it was very similar to Dyans herself with the exception she didn't try to make enemies of everyone around her.

"If your endeavor should fail tonight with the Covenant perhaps if everything goes well for me, I can broker a deal with you." That was if everything went well, though Dyans wasn't exactly sure of that as she had history that could be used against her. She then addressed Astra once more.

"I would love to discuss the nature of the deal and hope it can it lead to a meeting with this Manager of the core. Perhaps even discuss opening some of those blocked roads for you into Empress Teta. But let's do it over a drink, and not stand so close to the entrance. Grand Admiral Sularen that invite is open to you as well, to join us and discuss the possible future. Shall we?" She asked looking to both Astra and Sularen.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Anet Raine
​

Despite Miss Raine's admission she held stakes in Hydian-Wyl, it didn't surprise him she knew nothing of mining. Many of theses types inherited the company from their family and just let it run, never becoming hands on. Old money types.

"Hm, government upheaval might benefit most businesses in some from or fashion. I would say not the luxury spirit department but then many might be celebrating the change, meaning profits. Clothing and textiles might be hard to rally in such times. Beyond that I'm positive an angle can be found."

Gently swirling the ice in his lowball glass, he took in the crowd once again.

"Three. Four if you count Sularen, but I feel most know him on sight at this point, so it may not count." Head inclined towards the rest of the room. "All friends of yours?"

 

[Anet Raine]

Makai Dashiell
​

Oh, he was very correct. An angle could always be found, or just as easily manufactured if not. Such was the way of things when you allowed profit to be your moral compass. Such pragmatisms ran deep within her family, and were instilled into her at an early age... only, Anet would argue she refined those lessons into a belief worth having.

She snickered into her glass, taking another sip, when Makai mentioned Sularen. "Yes. I am quite familiar with his... antics." She said.

Answering this question, "No - I know a few by reputation," her gaze flicked to Lysander, then Lodd. "But I wouldn't call any of them--" She trailed off.

Her eyes fell upon Madrona A’Mia , who just entered the scene. Anet tried to control her expression, but her eyes spoke of shock before she swiveled towards the bar, facing forward.

She finished the rest of her drink in one gulp, setting the empty glass down. "You said you're looking for the next project," the topic change even sounded forced, "do you have a clue what that'll look like?" She kept her attention on him, sidelong, to avoid turning her face back to the crowd.

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Taeli Raaf //:
//: Darth Prazutis //: Lodd Grimmin //: Lysander von Ascania //:
//: Attire //:

This was a moment of learning for the Echani. Her Master's world of corporations and money was something that Quinn had only touched on briefly. Politics was a place she found herself flourishing, but that business also needed to be reined in. Quinn had never found herself in charge of funds, shifting and moving them through the galaxy. Her adoptive Father was part of the Banking Clan, but she never dug too deeply into it.

He would be another she could reach out to for tutelage. She wondered if he would enjoy regaling his time before becoming Emperor. Her mind wandered as she looked upon familiar faces and some she didn't know. It was an interesting group of people, most of whom she wouldn't have pictured in a business-type setting.

Her eyes settled on a blonde-haired man; she recognized him easily from another event. Lysander, he wouldn't have been the first person she would have expected — but watching him, he was in his element. A part of her hoped he recognized her, while another made her hand twitch, remembering how free he was at grasping it.

As her Master grabbed a cup of tea, she did as well. The aroma of the dark liquid churned her stomach, and she already felt her throat dry from just the thought of its taste. She hated tea, but she would never admit it. Only Srina knew how to prepare it for her: extra sugar, no more, no less than eight cubes.

Quinn brought the cup to her nose, no sugar, she quietly thought to herself. How unfortunate… but at least she had something to do with her hands now. She followed her Master as the woman decided to join the conversation. It was here she realized Lysander was now in that circle of conversation, along with her uncle Braxus Zambrano.

She remained silent, listening to the business talk. The Neimoidian spoke with gusto; it was a confidence she had heard was common with their kind. She quirked a brow as he named her Master; her eyes shifted slightly, looking to see how her Master would respond.

Today was going to be —

As Quinn thought her time here would be wonderful, the shrill voice of someone she had hoped to never run into again echoed. Anet Raine was here. The Princess groaned into her cup of tea as she hid her face of disgust behind its rim.

At least her Master's conversation would hopefully keep her entertained.

 

[Darth Carnifex]

While the rest of His companions filtered off the meet and greet with the other patrons of the Club, the Dark Lord drifted off to observe the gathering in silence. For one as large as He was, He could move surprisingly quiet. His shadow stretched across the floor, seeping into the collective shadows of multiple groups. Through them, He could perceive every conversation that His shadow touched, most of it mindless gossip and credit-mongering, but there was enough there to commit to memory.

The bar inevitably swam up before Him, and He found Himself standing beside it. Looking down, He found a familiar sight. "Lord Kalak," rumbled the Dark Lord's velvety baritone, "A welcome shark amidst minnows. Might I introduce Malach Corven, CEO of the Daedalus Corporation." The mostly mechanical man crossed one arm over his chest and inclined forward, the servos whirring and clicking with each movement.

"We've come to see what we can sink our teeth into, although the service leaves much to be desired. I will have to treat you to a proper party, with all the fixings." Kalak would know exactly what He meant.

Kalak the Raykkan ​

 

[Astra Sadow]

"Really." Astra regarded Sularen for a moment. "What sort of diversification did you have in mind? You might be surprised just what opportunities are available. Especially those that special in more esoteric necessities. Go-to matters remain in need as well." The usual suspects could make one credits, but there were matters far fewer people offered in terms of goods or services and that's where the real credits resided. Provided one had the skills, personnel, and material necessary to make manifest such specialty matters.

A smile was saved for Dyans as she appreciated Astra's humble moniker. Far be it for Astra to spoil the mystery.

Dyans and Sularen had some manner of familiarity with one another, and it showed as they discussed Solipsis' rule. Astra and her cohorts had kept a low profile during that era. Things hadn't aligned in the way they had this time around as new governance sought to stabilize the Core. Again.

"Perfect." Astra inclined her head and turned begin moving toward the source of refreshment. "Because there is room at the Table. Each of you knows the status of the Core Worlds and the capabilities," or perhaps the proclivities, "of the Sith Covenant whose influence reigns. Those able to bring stability and order to the markets and their worlds will reap a bountiful harvest. Anyone standing in the way of that will be so much chaff to be threshed off. The stark realities of a galaxy where some ill-equipped entities have begun to mismanage otherwise lucrative contracts."

"A little competition to keep us all on our toes is to be expected, but there's plenty of real estate to occupy." At least at the beginning. A great many worlds were in need of a firm hand. People that could extract the full form and value of their potential to the fore. Them, put succinctly.

Dyans Keto | Marlon Sularen​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Aurora Industries Catalog, Arcane Emporium Catalog
Interacting with: Lodd Grimmin Lysander von Ascania Darth Prazutis Quinn Varanin Madrona A’Mia
Nearby: Darth Carnifex Kalak the Raykkan Astra Sadow Dyans Keto Marlon Sularen Anet Raine Mellia Raine
​

A corner of her mouth quirked up as Lodd agreed that it was an admirable solution to deal with the pirates that were threatening the region, although she could tell it was not exactly what he wanted to say. The quirk formed into a full smile as he tried to deflect his ambitions away, although it didn't quite meet those slightly hardened eyes of hers. The Federation may have moved into the Orbital Array, but only a part of it. Aurora was also working on taking a portion of the yards in partnership with House Kulhvult, at the request of its Head of House and Master Engineer, Cidolfas Kuhlvult. Lysander sounded skeptical to her as he seemed concerned about the Federation's primary headquarters being with Republic space.

"It is heartening to know that both the Federation and Aurora see that investing in and modernizing the orbital array around Kuat is of paramount importance, considering the neglect they went through under Solipsis and the damage done to them from Loghain," she remarked. "We'll be applying the lessons we've learned in developing our Archadia yards to modernize the Deponn section of the array, at the behest of Master Engineer Kulhvult, although that work isn't slated to begin until next week."

She would give the Federation their kudos for already moving into their section of ring, but they soon wouldn't be the only ones there. Check. Their banter and slow game would likely have continued, to the amusement of Lysander and the education of Quinn, but more joined their little circle. She felt them before they even hit the lobby, a creeping presence in the dark side that all but declared that the Mortarch had decided this gathering was of importance to the Kainate, even more so than the presence of Kaine. Even as Prazutis and Grothuun approached, she was already turning to greet them both warmly, perhaps more familiarly than Lodd. "Braxus, Grothuun, a welcome arrival to be sure. Lord Grothuun, I had hoped that Malsheem would be present to discuss a new Meditation Sphere craft for the future. Perhaps something we can formulate later this evening hmm?"

Her smile would turn warmer still when A'mia joined their little circle. She greatly enjoyed the Neti, and it only made sense that she, operating with Spore Industries with Lysander and his role as her apprentice, would only join the festivities. Even in that warmth, though, she turned slightly to Quinn. She had noticed the twitch of her hand, how she hid her face within the cup to disguise a pass of disgust at a voice she had overheard. A gentle hand would lightly touch her shoulder.

'Tell me what you see and what you hear, Quinn,' would drift quietly into the younger woman's mind, even as outwardly she greeted A'mia, saying, "It's a pleasure to see you yet again, A'mia. We have just been talking about the situation in the Kuat and Humbarine systems." Again, within Quinn's mind, her voice would drift, 'Someone that needs to be dealt with, perhaps, or is it something else?'

 

[Lodd Grimmin]

Kalak the Raykkan Darth Carnifex

"The balance of power within the High Republic will remain the same, given that Denon has taken over as the primary supplier of starships within that region of space. Cato Neimoidia acquiring additional resources to catch up to this competitor will hardly cause a systemic collapse." Lodd explained with a firm but friendly gesture to Lysander von Ascania after they had asked an important question regarding how the High Republic would feel with an empowered Cato Neimoidia within its borders if given the chance to obtain complete control over Humbarine and Kuat.

He had taken the safe route in answering as an increasing number of people began surrounding them from Madrona A’Mia to Quinn Varanin . This was unusual considering that the Emissary according to his sources held little power within the Sith Covenant and therefore couldn't actually grant anything without going to the Triumvirate.

Somthing strange was going on here but he listened as Taeli Raaf explained that her company was partnering with Master Engineer Kulhvult in order to modernize the Deponn section of the array though construction was delayed until next week. He should have known that she would pull a dirty trick like that, trying to bring in one of Kuat's major houses to espouse a degree of legitimacy to her efforts.

"A partnership with House Kulhvult? Inspired, Lady Raaf. Truly," Lodd replied, his voice maintaining its humble tone. He was a master of the pivot when backed into a corner and the only way to escape it was to dismantle the premise of the conversation entirely.

"It seems we are all striving to improve the galaxy after decades of stagnation and mismanagement," he continued, "Though, speaking of inefficient management, I find myself curious about the current state of the Sith Empire's economy. Last I heard, the Chairwoman was dead and the banking sector was in complete disarray." He watched Taeli closely for any signs of weakness in her armor that he could exploit by bringing up a sore subject. He was well aware that the Empire favored a variant of the Confederacy First mandate, a policy of isolationist hostility that historically served as a death warrant for any government's long-term financial health.

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Anet Raine

"Oh, no. It is not wise to mention the next or latest project in the room full of competition. Well...I don't think I would consider anyone here competition but the idea still stands. Voicing out loud what I am working hard to do? You'll just have to wait until the reveal. Nothing exciting to the masses, I can assure you."

Noticing her expression earlier, his gaze searched the room. A number of single women in the club and it only led him to two conclusions.

"Either your ex-girlfriend just walked in or she's the other woman from a relationship failure." Finishing his lowball, Makai set the glass down for the barkeep. "How close am I to being right?"

 

[Darth Prazutis]

Darth Prazutis accepted the greetings with the stillness of a monarch accustomed to rooms adjusting themselves around His arrival. The Trade Monarch bowed. Lysander offered respect with the careful poise of one who understood the language of power. Taeli greeted Him as Braxus, familiar and warm in a way few in the galaxy possessed the standing to survive. Around them, the conversation shifted from contest to theater, from corporate maneuvering to something larger now that the Kainate had entered the circle. The Mortarch's molten gaze passed first to Lodd. "Improve the lives of Kuat." The words left Him with slow, measured consideration. Not mockery. Not approval. Something worse: Evaluation.


"How generous of the Trade Federation." A faint smile touched His mouth, thin as a knife's edge beneath the lounge's elegant blue light. "Kuat has always been more than a world. It is a forge-ring around ambition. Whoever shapes its yards doesn't merely invest in infrastructure. They influence the wars not yet declared, the fleets not yet commissioned, and the loyalties of governments who only realize too late that dependence has become policy." His gaze settled more firmly upon the Neimoidian, piercing through the polished language of commerce to the structure beneath it. Words carefully chosen to understand the situation, toe the line between the discussion unfolding with understanding, without rocking the boat of two allies. Beside Him, Darth Grothuun remained silent, though the furnace-glow of his eyes narrowed upon Lodd with the pitiless focus of a master foundryman inspecting an alloy for impurity. The Trade Federation had wealth. It had reach. It had appetite. These weren't sins in the eyes of the Kainate. But inefficient appetite was worse than weakness. It was waste.


Prazutis let the weight of that silence linger before His attention shifted toward Lysander. "Malsheem isn't merely a fortress that moves." The correction was quiet, but it carried the cold precision of doctrine. "It is sovereignty given architecture. A world made obedient to will. A civilization folded into armor, engines, guns, shrines, laboratories, barracks, foundries, and command thrones. Those who look upon it and see only scale have understood nothing. Scale is only the first lesson. Malsheem is the birthplace of Empires." His molten eyes rested on Lysander for a moment longer, and perhaps there was something deliberate in that pause. Recognition, maybe. Or remembrance. Alvaria. Revna. Malum. A thousand invisible threads tugged through the Force around those gathered, but Prazutis did not pluck them openly. Not here. Not yet.


"You have expressed interest to My nephew." He continued. "That interest has been noted." Prazutis paused briefly, before continuing. "A controlled visitation may be arranged, Emissary Ascania." Then His gaze moved to Taeli. There, the severity shifted by the smallest degree. Not softened, precisely. Prazutis didn't soften in public. But the edge of His attention altered, acknowledging history, kinship of dark intellect, and the old, terrible familiarity between monsters who had shaped too much of the galaxy to pretend at innocence. "Taeli." The name was spoken with the ease of long acquaintance. "Your timing remains as precise as ever." His eyes flicked briefly toward Quinn, subtle enough not to expose the private exchange passing between master and apprentice, but enough to make clear that very little in the circle had escaped Him. Then His attention returned fully to Lady Raaf. "A Meditation Sphere craft." The idea seemed to interest Him, though He allowed that interest to remain carefully veiled.


"An elegant direction. There are few vessels in the galaxy more misunderstood by modern engineers. Too many attempt to treat such craft as transports with ritual ornamentation. They are not. Properly conceived, they are mobile sanctums. Instruments of focus. Chambers of war. Thrones for the mind as much as the body." Finally, Darth Grothuun spoke. The Forge Tyrant's voice was low and immense, a grinding resonance that seemed too heavy for the polished lounge around them. Crystal glasses trembled faintly on a nearby serving tray as though the sound had entered them through the table itself. "Specifications will be required." He regarded Taeli with the blunt seriousness of a being who didn't waste words on pleasantry unless commanded.


"Crew expectation. Ritual load. Desired psychic throughput. Combat tolerance. Hull geometry. Defensive doctrine. Whether the sphere is to serve as command vessel, sorcerous amplifier, meditation engine, or all three." His tusks caught the lounge light, the alchemized veins within them glinting like metal pulled from a living mine. "Malsheem Hypernautics welcomes hearing what Aurora Industries proposes." A pause. "Everyone gathered here speaks of investment, modernization, protection, and stability. Kuat. Humbarine. Cato Neimoidia. Trade routes. Pirate threats. Yards neglected by old regimes and damaged by newer wars. All worthy subjects." His smile returned, colder now. "But those are surface words. Necessary for speeches. Comfortable for contracts. Useful for those who require noble names for ambition." The dark side around Him pressed a little deeper into the room, not enough to threaten, but enough to remind every listener that comfort here existed by permission. "The true subject is control." He looked to Lodd. "Who controls production." To Taeli. "Who controls innovation." To Lysander. "Who controls legitimacy." Then to the wider room before his gaze returned. "And who controls fear." A protocol droid passed near the edge of the circle, then thought better of it and drifted away.


"The Core Worlds are not won only by fleets. Nor by boardrooms. Nor by treaties dressed in ceremonial language. They are won by dependency. A shipyard that cannot function without your components. A security route that cannot remain safe without your patrols. A noble house that cannot maintain influence without your loans. A government that cannot tell where partnership ends and obedience begins." His molten eyes returned to the assembled figures. "That is empire in its most honest form." Darth Grothuun's massive hands folded before him, each finger thick enough to crush bone, yet perfectly still.

"Industry reveals truth." The Cragmoloid rumbled. "Promises do not matter. Intentions do not matter. Ideals do not matter. Output matters." He turned his furnace stare from Lodd to Taeli, then to Lysander. "Ships launched. Convoys protected. Pirate elements eliminated. Yard capacity expanded. Labor stabilized. Material loss reduced. Delivery schedules obeyed." A low exhale rolled from him like pressure venting from a reactor. "Everything else is noise." Prazutis gave the faintest nod, not quite approval, not quite conclusion. "Lord Grothuun is rarely poetic." He said. "But he is very often correct." The line carried just enough dry amusement to cut the tension without relieving it.

Lodd Grimmin | Lysander von Ascania | Taeli Raaf​