Private In the Interest of Cooperation

[Lord Blepharon]

LOCATION //: TISS'SHARL SPACE STATION
OBJECTIVE //: ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL DICUSSIONS
TAGS //: Darth Carnifex
BANK //: THEME

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There was nothing quite like the depravity of space stations to charge the senses, every voice, every movement, every minor detail was carefully recorded inch by inch by the monitors of station security for even the slightest bit of trouble although you could hardly call them professionals given the bribes they received by various crime syndicates taking over the power vacuum left by the disappearance of the Holy Ashlan Kaiserreich. The Station over the Financial World of Tiss'sharl was hand-picked for this purpose as the conversation was unlikely to draw attention to the contents of its exact paraphrasing.

The proximity to the Sith Dominion was not left out of said equation and the chance to speak with the target was not without remiss. Darth Carnifex...a name that has echoed throughout history as a ruthless conqueror, iron statesman and the most impressive Sith emperor of the glory age of the Sith Empire. A single claw mark dug into the table as the quite tall and lanky Muun magnate sat within hidden corners of the station.

"Let us hope, that age has not soured the mood of the Once Mighty Emperor Carnifex. I hardly concern myself with the barbaric practices of warriors and second rate nobility."

The voice spoke; lifting up a silver glass of ale to drink while they waited.​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"It assuredly has not, unless you give it reason."

The voice cut through all other sound, drowning out even the rancorous boom and bustle of the station's occupants. Then, almost too fantastical to believe, the scenery appeared to fold in on itself as though it were projected on flimsiplast. From that seam emerged the Dark Lord of the Kainate, a dark shape that exuded gut-wrenching dread, alongside two Crownguard both clad in harsh, industrial black armor. Each wielded a modified electro-staff in their hands, and they held them parallel with their body as they stood guard at the Dark Lord's back. The Dark Lord, in contrast, carried no weapon and wore the black zeyd-cloth vestments of the Sith Order.

"You have called my name, little Muun, and I have come. You are the Lord Damascus, are you not?"

Where space had been rent now only existed placid normality, as though nothing had ever occurred there. The Dark Lord towered over even Lord Damascus by more than a foot, every inch of His powerfully built body exuding control and power. There was little doubt that if He had the inclination, Lord Damascus' life could be ended right then and there without much effort. But, fortunately, the Dark Lord did not necessarily have violence at the forefront of His thoughts. They were here to discuss and negotiate, as all civilized men were want to do, about the developing economic order arising in the bosom of the Tingel Arm.

"The water is muddled with the blood of the Ashlan Crusade, and the beasts come to feed on what remains. It is said that the Trade Federation is quite an honorable institution, hosted even by the likes of the Galactic Alliance. What desires could the Vicelord of the Trade Federation have to bring him so far beyond the cradle of the Alliance?"

Lord Blepharon ​

 

[Lord Blepharon]

LOCATION //: TISS'SHARL SPACE STATION
OBJECTIVE //: ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL DICUSSIONS
TAGS //: Darth Carnifex
BANK //: THEME

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There was no mistaking the intense power of the force flowing through the huddled masses of the space station. The Force was an enigma; a power unlike any other which bestowed god-like abilities to those who could tap into it both light and dark. Such arbitrate concepts did the force a disservice as it served no one but itself. Some might be jealous of the powers that the force granted to others but it did not matter to the Muun Magnate, as credits could so easily kill a man in much more subtle ways than summoning lightning from boney fingertips.

A single glance from the silver glass upwards told him all he needed to know, in the flesh the Twice-Emperor of the Sith Empire Darth Carnifex . A man with so much power at his command that life itself seemed to bow before him, comparable to the most ancient of celestial gods that shaped the universe as far has he had read from galactic history documents. A conversation such as this was not without danger and yet the Muun would throw life away to secure a most lucrative deal.

"You are right in your assessment, Darth Carnifex. I am the Lord Damascus of the Trade Federation and the InterGalactic Banking Clan."

a simple gesture but one that would make a suitable answer.

"As you are no doubt aware the Alliance is growing increasingly hostile to corporations in their midst, and frankly on the fringe growing far beyond the bureaucracy's ability to control it effectively. A critical weakness of democracy and the downfall of many galactic nations. I have come to you, Twice-Emperor because you are a man of vision far beyond even the greatest of ideological thinkers and most potent of demagogues. In less poetic words there is an understanding any investment will be returned ten fold." ​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"Thus so," replied the Dark Lord, "The Alliance has become inhospitable to your corporate interests, and so you seek new benefactors." Greed motivated the binding of many strange bedfellows. The Alliance was tolerable so long as it made room for corporate interests to progress, but those who chaired such corporations sought ever higher profits, greater efficiency, and lower costs. When those needs, those desires, could not be satisfied, they would look to new markets.

They would look to Him.

"Out here in the Rim, you will find no such restrictive laws such as found within the Alliance. We are not bound by hollow morality, what can be done will be done because it is within our power to do so. The Alliance will only restrict you, confine you, determine the limits of your growth. You will find no such oppression here." The Sith have long championed unethical corporate practices so long as they were cut in on the trade, and under His purview many actions which were otherwise criminalized were not examined because those involved made sure to pay their tithe to the Sith. Narcotics, racketeering, even slavery, all found safe homes under His rule.

"I am quite amiable to your plight, Lord Damascus. What investments did you have in mind?"

Lord Blepharon ​

 

[Lord Blepharon]

LOCATION //: TISS'SHARL SPACE STATION
OBJECTIVE //: ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL DICUSSIONS
TAGS //: Darth Carnifex
BANK //: THEME

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The Twice-Emperor had lived long enough to realize the plight of the Trade Federation of Planets and many corporations still bound to the markets of the Galactic Alliance despite the recent war with the Mandalorian Enclave and potential escalation of tensions with the Sith Order. The Alliance was a delicate machine bound to laws and regulations to keep it safe from undue influence but which was unsuitable for the interests of the corporate class which craved credits and resources on a galaxy wide scale. Some may call them greedy and heartless vagabonds unworthy to even hold public office according to some single minded senators whose only loyalty was to the common people...of all things..

The Ancient Sith was quite right that the Rim was far different from the Alliance's Core Centered Views with less regulations to halt the expansion of corporate industrial might, with a single minded goal of exploitations of populations and resources until the planet was too deep in debt to really fight back against them. The Sith Order would not oppress the corporations like the alliance had because they followed no moral compass and wanted to rule all anyway per their centuries of beliefs.

"There are many resources and investment opportunities to consider, My Lord Carnifex. One of the main points would be in the construction and maintained of serviceable buildings and facilities such as laboratories, automatic construction, and military focused infrastructure. One such vehicle for this task would be the Seer Class Heavy War Factory which would be lent to your organization for little cost."

The Muun said picking up a glass of wine from the table and taking a drink; it was time for the Trade Federation to shift wheels to infrastructure instead of trying to compete with other competitors on the open market after the introduction of the Galactic Tiers System which was a rather fancy system established to top the charts. ​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"Indeed there are. The Outer Rim is ripe with natural resources, even after these many thousands of years. I have invested a great deal of capital into the extraction of these resources for many different reasons; fuel, manufacturing, synthetics, and even transmogrification." The Dark Lord of the Kainate had made it His hallmark to marry magic and science together, weaving alchemy throughout every step of production. They used powerful molecular furnaces to break down material to their composite molecules, reassembling them into any new material of their choosing. Wood into steel, lead into gold, even people into energy.

With dedicated machinery to chew down asteroids, which were mighty plentiful in the dead space between worlds, the Kainate had fabricated thousands upon thousands of warships, millions of tons of equipment to arm their endless legions, and an infinite number of things besides. They were entirely self sufficient, divorced from anything so vulnerable as supply lines and trade routes. And yet, the Dark Lord did seek to establish strong connections with business tycoons and criminal kingpins to strengthen His influence across the galaxy; lurking just beneath the surface.

"The Corporate Sector is quite amiable to the Sith, I have ensured that. Though they have kept their allegiances hidden since the fall of the old Empire, they only need to be called to action once more. I can promise that the Trade Federation and it's like-minded allies will find fertile ground both within the Corporate Sector and without. Many neutral worlds now lack the protection they once enjoyed from the Ashlan Crusaders and the Imperial Order. Worlds that will have no choice but to submit to any demands placed before them, and I can assure the Trade Federation a fair percentage in these new ventures."

The Dark Lord's eyes seemed to glow with hunger. "The Trade Federation need only prove it's fidelity, of course. A lump of flesh to be freely given." Those eyes seemed to bore straight through Lord Damascus. "And what would the Trade Federation be willing to give in order to profess their devotion?"

Lord Blepharon ​

 

[Lord Blepharon]

LOCATION //: TISS'SHARL SPACE STATION
OBJECTIVE //: ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL DICUSSIONS
TAGS //: Darth Carnifex
BANK //: THEME

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There it was...

The long awaited moment where all these riches of the Outer Rim was laid bare for the claiming now that the Ashlan Crusade and Imperial Order had collapsed leaving planets and systems vulnerable to unchecked corporate monopolization. All of this was ripe for the taking but like any deal negotiation with agents of the dark side, there was a price to be paid and this time would be a pound of flesh to prove some bold concept of loyalty to the Ancient Sith Lord and Twice-Emperor Darth Carnifex. Such trivial things as loyalty and oaths meant nothing to the Muun Magnate as they could be so easily shifted once the current market was no longer attractive to the organization.

The Federation had funded the Imperial Order's rebellion against the Sith Empire for the same reason as the market was simply unattractive and no doubt they would do the same should the imperials rise up again. But such thoughts could be easily read and understood by the Dark Lord should they be picked up in earnest. Trust was an outdated concept by any means and naturally both should be weary of the others intentions in the formed partnership for signs of treachery.

"If I might be so bold, Lord Carnifex. The Corporate Sector's New Administration under Castor Crane would pose a delicate problem to the Trade Federation expansionary goals. If fealty must be made to you in an ounce of flesh or tons of flesh. Great emperor of the sith...then such an obstacle needs to be decommissioned for the foreseeable future before any price could be paid."

The Muun explained the issue with the Corporate Sector and hoped that the Twice-Emperor would get the overall message that ExO Castor Crane needed to be gently guided towards a better course through any means necessaries

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[Darth Carnifex]

"You need not worry about the Corporate Authority," reassured the Dark Lord, "Allow Castor Crane to play his games and move his pieces around the board, for that is his desire. The Sith know no such restraints or limitations, our reach is beyond all material law. I will ensure that the Trade Federation receive valuable privilege through those within the Corporate Sector that swear undying fidelity." Many Sith sought to manipulate and control the corporate and financial sectors of the galaxy, but few could claim to wield the same influence as the Dark Lord of the Kainate.

Long and meticulous had His labors been to seed powerful influence among the corporations of the galaxy, drawing them into an intricate web of informants and agents. Even when His agents were uncovered and ousted, many more would simply take their place. So ingratiated was He in the affairs of the galaxy, it was nigh impossible to ever truly dislodge Him. There was no point within living memory that the Dark Lord of the Kainate enacted His will upon the people of the galaxy.

"I would encourage that the Trade Federation retains some presence with Alliance space. Subsidiaries, specifically. Nominally independent, but in actuality controlled by the Federation in their entirety. Misdirection will keep their eyes far abroad, unaware of what happens right beneath their nose."

Lord Blepharon ​

 

[Lord Blepharon]

LOCATION //: TISS'SHARL SPACE STATION
OBJECTIVE //: ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL DICUSSIONS
TAGS //: Darth Carnifex
BANK //: THEME

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Disappointed but not unexpected...

The Twice-Emperor did not feel inclined to assist with the matter of Castor Crane, Self-Proclaimed ExO of the Corporate Sector Authority. Relaying quite clearly and expertly that the sith and their dominions were free from any natural law or political wish thinking that might affect some other powers like the New Jedi Order and the Galactic Alliance. If such a thing was true and not simply conjecture then the Muun was inclined to believe that the Sith had obtained much greater power than previous estimates had given them credit for.

A mistake that might haunt the Trade Federation of Planets should they enter into an agreement with Lord Carnifex but there was little other option if they wished to control trade to such a degree that no galactic superpower could directly oppose them in the market. Although the advice given next by the Dark Lord was sound and reasonable given the hostile climate that was emerging from the Senate Halls.

"As you say....Lord Carnifex. If you can assure such things within the Corporate Sector then we have no reason to be skeptical. The Trade Federation is actively taking that advice into account as our investment is too heavily tied to one faction or another. We made that mistake before when we signed a deal with the New Imperial Order/Empire which subsequently fell leaving our investors quite displeased with our efforts. "

The Muun replied not afraid of showing some signs of weakness, as weakness could be used as a learning experience in order to improve one's business opportunities. The Federation had made a gamble on total monopoly of the New Imperial Order/Empire Economy and there fall impacted the revenue of the megacorporation quite considerably.

"As to this matter of flesh, My Lord. What is it that is required? A hand, a tongue or even the corpses of thousands' no price is to high for the federation to pay.."

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[Darth Carnifex]

"Empires come and go. For all of their professed invincibility, Tavlar's ilk rot all the same. Look at what their delusion has brought the Outer Rim; instability and lawlessness. Thus is the price of those who stray from the path." The Dark Lord of the Kainate smiled, the first time He had done so since attending this meeting. It was wholly unsettling, as though it did not naturally belong upon His face. And His eyes flashed with something bordering between threat and hunger -- the visage of a predator who had just cornered prey. "The Sith are eternal, dear Lord Damascus. Throughout all the annuls of our fair galaxy, we have remained; in shadow and in light."

The meaning was clear. Look upon us, the Dark Lord boasted, how many thousands of years have passed? How many empires have come and gone, how many republics? How many times have the Jedi lived and died in arrogance, believing that their enemy had been vanquished forever, only to choke upon their own hubris. But what the Dark Lord truly meant, beyond all the trappings of the Sith, was look at how He had persisted beyond the lives of all His enemies. No matter what they arrayed against Him, no matter how many they had called to arms, none could bring about His end. He existed beyond them all, a permanent fixture of the galaxy.

It's only constant.

"I only require one thing, Lord Damascus." The Dark Lord leaned in, the shadows casting wicked angles upon His face. "Children, Lord Damascus. I require the children of the galaxy, I require it's future. All the Federation would need to do on their part would be to look the other way, to leave the door open. My hunters will come and go as they please on worlds under the Federation's purview, and they will exact this tithe. No harassment shall befall the officials of the honorable Trade Federation, and no destruction shall befall your worlds. Ignorance will be the price paid."

Lord Blepharon ​

 

[Lord Blepharon]

LOCATION //: TISS'SHARL SPACE STATION
OBJECTIVE //: ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL DICUSSIONS
TAGS //: Darth Carnifex
BANK //: THEME

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The Twice-Emperor was right after all in their assessment, the Empire of Tavlar had rotten away to nothingness under the iron hand of Fel then the corrupt Imperial Triumvirate while the Sith had survived time and time again with more power, more respect, more influence than ever before despite the best efforts of the Jedi Order and their variants to stomp them out. They were like a stock that never depreciated in value only growing over time as their competition were stomped out or forced into bankruptcy.

The Trade Federation of Planets would need to work a lot harder to catch up to the Sith Order when it came to being 'Eternal' but the Sith had never learned from their mistakes and time would prove that ultimate power destroys itself over time.

The Muun Magnate might had been disturbed by the smile across the Dark Lord's features; clenching the glass of wine within one hand while gently tapping long fingers on the table. Carnifex was a God in the Force but when people stop believing in said god; then all that power..all that influence...becomes nothing more than the ranting of a mad man on a street corner. He would be Constant indeed..but not in the way that one expected.

"Children are liabilities for the most part in our holdings..neither having the ability to work or the drive to maintain quota production. We have no objects if you take them off our hands..My Lord Carnifex."

The Trade Federation had no qualms about sacrificing children to the Sith Order if it meant gaining a foothold within their area of space.

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[Darth Carnifex]

"Very good."

He could tell the request subtly unnerved the Muun magnate. Darth Carnifex, before He became a Lord of the Sith, had risen through the ranks of the old Sith Empire's intelligence agency. He'd spent many years learning how to read people, how to identify even the slightest changes in expression, posture, and tone of voice. The increased tension upon the wine glass as the Muun's hand squeezed tighter, the rhythmic tapping of his fingers, all signs of distress; albeit well-restrained. It was fortunate that the Muun did not inquire as to the purpose of this harvest.

"We have an accord then, honorable Lord Damascus. My representatives will reach out in time, and they will deliver all that has been promised." Exclusive resource rights, access to previously restricted markets, a cut of already existing ventures, and greater influence among the trade networks used by the Sith. They would not be the only corporation given such privilege, as the Dark Lord was long embroiled in business with the Arceneau Trade Company as well as the Daedalus Corporation; both of which were kept from public knowledge. Still, the Trade Federation stood to increase their profit margin by the order of several magnitudes.

"I do believe this stands to be a fruitful partnership."

Lord Blepharon ​

 

[Lord Blepharon]

LOCATION //: TISS'SHARL SPACE STATION
OBJECTIVE //: ENGAGE IN MEANINGFUL DICUSSIONS
TAGS //: Darth Carnifex
BANK //: THEME

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It was difficult to hide anything from the extraordinary power of the force, so emotions were presented quite clearly to the Twice-Emperor and they no doubt provided fuel to the fires. There was plenty of reason to call this deal rather one sided against the interests of the Trade Federation of Planets, and they would be right to some extent. They had gained their desired foothold within Sith Space but had damned themselves into the nefarious clutches of the Devil himself if one believed such religious nonsense. The price paid was children, unproductive children but children none the less and that would weigh any anyone conscious if they weren't so bound by greed and avarice like the esteemed representatives of the Federation.

"A most beneficial one...to be sure...I will be sure to inform the Director-General Rulonom Laborr as to our agreement, Lord Carnifex you should expect a more personalized visit from him soon to hammer out the finer points which we have glanced over." The Muun replied acknowledging his position and promising future meetings. The Director-General was the most greedy man in the galaxy by some regards, always looking to stain his skakoan fingers into every pot in the galaxy.

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