Location: Mirador tower, Sith-Imperial Observation Post
Objective: II - Discuss business and support the rebels
Fashion: Suit and Scarf -
Krongbing Interstellar Fashions
Allies: Vidalu Na'an ,
Kainan Wolfe
,
Karisa
EE and EE Allies - sorta...
Enemies:
Aerarii Tithe
, TSE, Eclipse Rebels, and TSE allies - kinda...
Post: II
Hearing Karisa’s voice over his shoulder, he smiled. She was right—she did know how to make an entrance when she put her mind to it. Looking back to Aerarii, he did not seem to be expecting Karisa, but he silently applauded his ability to roll with the situation. In fact, Malicar was specifically looking for a reaction. Such details about who would be in attendance for business meetings were always left vague in correspondence unless it was intentionally brought up—more than once Malicar found himself in the same shoes as the Moff where more were in attendance than he anticipated from the “other side”. That happened far more than he cared for when he had meetings in Black Sun. But such was business…
Once Baroness Sabosen was seated, Aerarii began to speak of the arrangement he was proposing. With all the practice of a skilled host, Moff Tithe poured three glasses and gave one to each, taking care to pour without a single drop spilled in his twist and holding the glass by the bottom so that the intended temperature of the vintage did not rise a single degree.
Cultured. Indeed, I do approve.
Although there was an elephant in the room: the unmistakable sound of anti-air turbolaser batteries chattering nearby—it did not take a hyperspace scientist to know what was happening. Malicar was given at least an inkling of what was to come from Emperor Tacitus, but he was not privy to all the details—although Interstellar Shipping and the Eternal Empire had a tight relationship, he still was not one of them. But he was able to put the pieces together to at least have an idea of what was occurring.
As the Sith Imperial officer stepped through the blast doors, Malicar’s hand instinctively made a slow slide to his sidearm under his jacket at his hip. The Chiss glanced in another direction as a bit of a distraction from his subtle movement. His hand hovered there as he watched the interaction between the officer and the Moff. But Malicar did not watch Aerarii—he could tell already that the Moff was too practiced at masking his thoughts and intentions. However, Sith Officers were not as practiced as the Moff. It was the officer that the former Underlord Eshro watched. It was a common tactic of Malicar to never try to read the ones practiced in social arts—always watch the bodyguards, servants, messengers, attaches, handmaidens—these were the one that would "tell the tale". He watched the officer’s hand that was straying close to his service blaster. Malicar took one look over at Karisa and winked. The two Chiss knew each other intimately well. She had attended meetings with him during his time as the leader of Black Sun. With but a glance and a subtle gesture, she knew what he was thinking:
Be ready if this goes sideways…
The officer’s eyes darted between Karisa and Malicar, seeming to try and surmise the threat that the duo posed. But once the Moff spoke with him in a whisper, the officer seemed to relax. There was a lingering stare at Malicar and Karisa—just a small, suspicious one, but enough. Fortunately for all parties, Moff Tithe diffused the rattled officer and based on the reaction, placed Karisa and Malicar in the “under my protection” category—which was a great place to be during a battle. When the officer began to leave, Malicar’s hand left the vicinity of his sidearm. Aerarii apologized for the disturbance, but Malicar waved it off and responded casually,
“Think nothing of it. Such is the galaxy we live in…please, continue. You were speaking of the NIO’s incursion into the Braxant Run, specifically Sector Group II…”
As Aerarii continued speaking, he quickly looked down to see what the vibration that was on his chronometer. Words rolled across the screen rapidly—a speech from
Kainan Wolfe
.
Well, well, well...the dear Emperor has balls of durasteel and certainly knows how to fire up the natives. Ouch. Those words might complicate business affairs…or not.
Even though he looked down at his chronometer, Aerarii could tell it was not out of boredom or a sign of disrespect. In fact, it looked as if Malicar was confirming the information given judging from his affirming nods. Once the Chiss was done reading the speech, he looked up and gave the Moff a wry smile. He spread his arms wide with a slight chuckle and responded,
“Moff Tithe, Aerarii, do you mind if I call you Aerarii? And please, just Malicar.”
Still a wry smile.
“Aerarii, I sincerely thank you for your forethought and consideration in making our transaction seamless. Indeed, a slight amendment to 31b does seem to be the most direct route to an arrangement between our two organizations…”
Pause.
“But we are talking about adding new trade routes. Unfortunately, adding new trade routes within the Sith Empire is not a minor amendment. Alas, this amendment would require unique astrogation maps—that are in addition to ones found in the common markets. As you know, more trade routes require more ships. More ships mean more fuel, more labor, more pilots, etcetera, etcetera. While your offer is generous, I think you came to me for a reason. Could it be that we have the fastest freight ships in the galaxy? Perhaps it is because Interstellar Shipping will insure each load, even within contested space? Such speed in deliveries and guarantees on loads are not found elsewhere. Don't get me wrong, an amendment to 31b is indeed the easiest--but not at the price you have offered...”
Allowing the Moff to digest his words, the Chiss swirled his glass, holding it at the bottom, gave a moment to smell the aroma of the rare vintage, and gave it a small pull. Looking up at both Karisa and Aerarii,
“By the way, my sincere thanks in sharing that vintage with us today. It is truly a marvelous surprise to partake in this…”
