Private Directors Following Their Directives

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

The previous night's celebrations and inauguration went without a hitch. Due to all of the security teams on the ground within Ilic City's dome and the fleets monitoring New Cov's orbit, any and all members of warring factions did not extend their hostilities towards eachother on my home soil. New Cov has no enemies and neither do I. This is something that I am very grateful for. Not only that but New Cov's biomolecule resource is also understudied by the major political figures. That in and of itself keeps us out of their crosshairs for domination.

The only worry that I had was if somone amongst the Dark Empire were to show up to start a bit of trouble. And although New Cov has never had any dealings with them, I did sign NCBC on as a signatory of the trade embargo by the Corporate Guild against them. Still, I hardly think that they would be the sort to just come to New Cov with guns a-blazing. Surely an Imperialistic government would have more subtle tactics than that?

I ponder on that and other ventures as I step out of NCBC's old Headquarters on my way to my apartment. Soon it will be that I will not within Ilic's dome very much. A new dome and facility is nearly completed and soon it will be the time for me to pack up most of my belongings and move. I am quite eager to get started on that front and to further pursue my newest position with N&Z. I do not wish to let any of them down.

Walking down the street towards my apartment, I cannot help but notice a man who's face I recognize yet I could not exactly place where. Perhaps he was at the celebration last evening?

After realizing that my gaze remained on him for too long in study, I merely offered him a polite smile and bow of my head as I proceeded to pass him by.

Tag: Allister McAuliffe

 

[Allister McAuliffe]

Directors...Directives

Objective: Meet and Greet

The party was more or less what he expected, several delegates from around the known galaxy gathered under one dome to discuss politics and, with subtle-like tactics, spy on one another. Yet, with all the different representatives and styles of political minds and agendas, the party was successful.

However, though he was not officially chosen to represent the Imperialist Dark Empire, Dr. McAuliffe indeed haunted the gala with his presence. Keeping to himself, barely indulging in conversations, he stuck to the outer reaches of the gathered circles, eavesdropping occasionally. He held two positions among the Imperials. The first, he was one of the Directors of the Security Bureau, and as such, it was duty to listen in on conversations pertaining to the interests of the Dark Empire.

The second was he was the sole Director of the Science Division, a rather new concept to the Dark Empire, and it was here, among the test tubes and experiments, he would bring a Golden Age of scientific advances to the Imperialists. From his scientific mind, he would birth the creations that would see the Dark Empire rise to the forefront of the galactic governments.

And so, after departing from the scene of the party, he felt he needed some fresh air to gather his thoughts. Normally, he was accompanied by his personal guard, but he had ordered them to remain by the ship; he needed quiet time to think. And as he walked, he caught a fleeting glimpse of a woman walking toward him, and upon closer inspection, it was the same woman who hosted the extravaganza. Like the proverbial hamster in the wheel, his mind raced to recollect the woman's name; Liin "Tera" Terallo .

The woman's polite gesture of a smile and a bow was reciprocated by him in response. After she passed, he spun on his heals, saying over the roar of an aircab overhead, "Excuse me, Miss Terallo. May I have a word with you, please?"

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I close my eyes briefly before pausing once I had heard my name being called. I was so close to approaching my apartment. And I was quite naive into thinking that once I was no longer the woman of the hour or the leader of New Cov, that I could almost disappear in obscurity.

Oh how wrong I was, indeed. At least when it comes to off-worlders.

I opened my eyes as I turned on my heel, offering up a polite smile to the man that called upon me. I clasp my hands in front of me and once again give the man a small bow of my head. "Yes of course you may. What can I do for you Mister...?" I cannot recall the man's name and so I leave my sentence open. However his uniform suggests that there is a far more appropriate title that I should have given him. I can only be thankful that my parents were not here to catch such a slight.

Tag: Allister McAuliffe

 

[Allister McAuliffe]

Directors...Directives

Objective: Meet and Greet

"It's doctor actually, Doctor McAuliffe," I responded as politely as I could, briefly giving a recognition to her second gesture to such polite manners. "Forgive my intrusiveness at such a late hour, but we didn't have a chance to speak at the party. And may I congratulate you on a such a marvelous display as well, to bring so many delegates from nearly every corner of the galaxy under one roof. Impressive indeed."

There was much needed to be discussed, he thought to himself. But standing out in the open air, under the cover of night and her glistening stars was not exactly the greatest notion to conduct business, and he knew she would not be at ease to discuss the topics that required the combination of two brilliant minds in her apartment alone with a stranger.

"If you would be so bold to accept my offer to accompany me for some coffee or a spot of tea at the local cafe down the street," he implored to her, now extending her a smile and a gentlemanly nod of his head, "I would be most grateful for the company. And, Miss Terallo, I believe we can help one another, as you may soon discover through the contents of our conversation."

Liin "Tera" Terallo

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I bow my head in acknowledgement of my error. "My apologies, Doctor." I knpw that he holds no offence towards my slight, otherwise I surely would have been scolded or rebuffed by now.

To his compliment I smile and offer a polite nod before looking back over towards the venue. "Thank you. Though I really owe it to my security forces and of course to all of my guests for keeping themselves well composed." And fortunately there was no fighting to be had. It had been hinted to me previously that there was a chance given so many high tensions between them elsewhere in the Galaxy. But perhaps carrying such grievances here on New Cov was completely out of the question. For it would only hurt the Covie in the end.

My eyebrows rise in earnest curiosity at the invitation. Even now I am still always on the clock. Perhaps the transition will take time or this is just have life is meant to be. I do not mind it, however for I am a workaholic indeed. Both Judah Dashiell and Valery Noble have tried in their good hearts to change that, but it is very difficult to challenge one's destiny.

"Well color me intrigued, Doctor McAuliffe. I find it difficult indeed to turn down such an offer." I had an idea of which cafe he had in mind, however I have never been. I can only hope that it's hours are long. It is not very common for me to frequent such establishments; but then again I am now entering a new phase of my career.

I gesture for him to lead the way. "Shall we then?"

Tag: Allister McAuliffe

 

[Allister McAuliffe]

Directors...Directives

Objective: Meet and Greet

The cafe was clean, organized, and well managed. The staff where courtesy, especially the young lady who seated them, and the entire ambience of the establishment gave one a feeling of comfort. The menu, too, was organized digitally by specific diets, planetary cuisines, and other specialties that were home brewed. Even the drink list was fashionably laid out. The cafe was only being frequented by a few couples and single individuals, now including the two recent additions.

Their waiter, another young female of Twi'lek origin, arrived to ask if they could start them off with an appetizer and drinks. Dr. McAuliffe ordered a frosty drink blended with exotic fruits from the planet of Felucia, and deferred the appetizer decision to his companion. When the waitress departed, he finally spoke.

"As you are aware Miss Terallo, the Dark Empire is now a major player in the galaxy," he began gauging the woman's reaction. The Dark Empire's reputation was based off one's perception, which in some cases was not a fair assessment. Not all who were loyal under the Empire's banner were monsters. "There are some who do believe in restoring the galaxy, stitching closed the wounds left by those who only seek to hamper the advancement of all planets and their respected citizens."

Their drinks arrived and once again, he spoke when the waitress departed, "I am the Director of the Science Division within the Dark Empire. I am tasked with many doctrines for the betterment of the Empire, but also, I wish to lend my mind to aiding those outside the Empire. It is not treason to help others, as long as they are friendly to the Empire."

"And that is where New Cov comes in. We can supply them with resources to further allow for an expansion growth. We could work together to fix the galaxy, rather than sit idly by and watch it burn. I know you have your reservations and skepticisms dealing with the Empire, and I find no fault in such apprehensions. All I ask from you, is to be the guiding light. You are more familiar with New Cov and their assets, so help us to help the galaxy."



Liin "Tera" Terallo

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

At least the cafe was not crowded. Although at this hour I hardly expected it to be. But one never knows when one hardly visits such establishments. More often than not I have my meals in my office or at my apartment when I am on New Cov. Socializing is not usually on my agenda.

I order myself a caf and refrain from ordering anything to eat for I do not tend to eat at this late of an hour. Plus I am also rather curious as to what help the Doctor wishes to gain from me.

My gaze flickers to the Doctor as he speaks and as soon as he mentions the Dark Empire, my stomach sinks, although I keep my posture poised. I do not know much of the Dark Empire's dealings outside of the tariffs and deadly penalties that they have imposed on others, leaving many in the business community to enact a trade embargo against them.

I thank the server as she brings us our drinks, giving the Doctor the time that he needs to say his piece. Bringing my cup to my lips, I take a cautious sip to test out the temperature of it. It is a little too hot for my liking and so I set it down gently.

His pitch offers some promise and yet I am left with a bit of a dilemma. And there are of course many questions that I have.

When I speak I keep my voice low as one never knows who is listening. I do not feel myself to be in any current danger, but that does not mean that it will always be that way. "The Dark Empire is certainly carving out it's place in the Galaxy. And like all of the super powers of the Galaxy, there is a lot of fault in their methods. New Cov has enjoyed neutrality for centuries and we long to keep it that way for many more. It has kept war and it's consequences far away from our borders." The closest major government to New Cov is the Galactic Alliance and their perpetual state of war was not something that I want New Cov to be a part of, for it puts a target over us. And currently our neutrality also means that we have no enemies.

"You are aware of the trade embargo, are you not?" Perhaps he is. Yet given the current change in the Covie government, that trade embargo now only exists with NCBC, and not with New Cov as a whole. I see his arrival now as a convenient way to circumvent such an embargo without breaking any laws or agreements. "We could use newer technologies to further enhance our capabilities, that is true. But at what cost? What is the price that we are to pay? Should your territory expand to reach our borders would we be devoured? Or would we be left alone and allowed to keep our neutral state?" Such a hypothetical question might be beyond his expertise, however thus far he is my only contact within the Dark Empire's government, and so he has more of an idea of their plans than I have.

Tag: Allister McAuliffe

 

[Allister McAuliffe]

Directors...Directives

Objective: Meet and Greet

Leaning back in his chair, with a small grin on his face he begins to nod his head as he soaks up her words; understanding every syllable that came from her lips. He was aware of the trade embargo, and since she decided to weave a spell to conjure up the subject, he would address it to the best of his knowledge. "This trade embargo is unjust, a sour display by those seeking to cull the growth and advancement of the Dark Empire. Do these supporting governments of the embargo think it will stale the Dark Empire's goals and agendas? No, it will not. In fact, I dare must say sadly, will only increase their aggressiveness. But I ask you Director, who does this embargo really hurt? Surely not the Empire's war machine, resources for war are always abundant, but it's citizens under the protection of the Empire that suffer."

He paused briefly to pull a sip from his drink before continuing. "Are you aware of the poverty in some of the cities because of this embargo? Are you aware of the starvation that runs rampant and unchecked, robbing those of specific nutrients to sustain a healthy body only found in certain food sources the Empire imported, that now cannot be consumed because of this embargo? The list goes on, and I will not bore you with details, less you wish to see for yourself the horrors wrought on by this embargo."

Allister closed his eyes taking in a long, deep breath to calm his nerves. The embargo was crippling to the Empire, their citizens suffering the greatest and yet, the rest of governments in the Republic cared little or not at all. The concept of a Republic was damning to the growth of the galaxy, but the propaganda efforts were in full bloom. Finally, he exhaled opening his eyes.

"I will not sit before you, Director, and apologize or make excuses about the Empire's methods, I have no authority to make those decisions that has cast a dim light on our reputation. I am a scientist, nothing more. I live in labs and facilities, approving or denying research, and doing my best with what I have to succeed for the betterment of the galaxy and more importantly, the Empire. I cannot promise how the ruling body of the Empire will decree in their pursuits of New Cov and her territories. I am offering a chance to work together, pool our resources, and save the galaxy. By showing a leap of faith in the Empire, no, in me we can overcome our differences and tackle the real issues plaguing the galaxy."

Liin "Tera" Terallo

 

[Liin "Tera" Terallo]

I am curious as to why he smiles at me in such a way while I speak. It is strange, yet I cannot pretend to know what is going on in his mind.

That is until he speaks.

His notion of the trade embargo is a little false, for it is not governments behind it, but companies. Still his description of the repercussions of such an embargo are not what I expected. I can only find myself gliding a finger around the rim of my cup as he continues on. I do not think that I could travel to Dark Empire territory without being arrested due to the embargo. So I am in no hurry to see for myself if his words ring true.

And as I was about to respond and explain that the embargo was set to save the lifes of the business folk that the Dark Empire threatened with prison and death for having contracts with their enemies; the Doctor began to speak again. Once more he gave his offer of wanting the two of us to work together for the betterment of the Galaxy. I pause in my fidgeting and settle both of my hands around the cup in a bit to keep them steady. There were both pros and cons to his offer, and I must choose which obligation to follow; each of them with a moral downside. I did not like being put in this position and yet I find myself within it regardless.

Letting in a deep breath, I hold it before letting it out slowly. It is impolite to leave him amongst silence for too long and so I give voice to my thoughts. "Believe me when I say that causing suffering amongst average citizens was not the intent." Yet I am a signatory of it. Of that I cannot deny. "But if respectful cooperation allows us to better the situation that the Galaxy is in, then I cannot in good conscience walk away from the opportunity. So yes, Doctor, I will work with you. I only hope that my faith in you is rightly placed."

Tag: Allister McAuliffe