Kuat Rising

[Laira Darkhold]

​

OBJECTIVES

Spoiler

The planet of Kuat is in a state of civil war and disarray. The well known shipyards and long standing shipwrights of Kuat Drive Yards are being repaired after they were heavily damaged during the Omega War. There is a mothballed corporate fleet surrounding the Command Center of the Rings.

The houses are in open war against each other, fighting and struggling for control of the planet.

Objective One
House Kuat, House Depon, and House Kuhlvult are aligned with remnants of the One Sith who kept them in power and authority for many years. They, and their Sith associates are battling House Andrim and House Knylenn who seek to supplant them in favor of a more Isolationist stance.

The fledgling Coalition will be assisting House Andrim and House Knylenn with Military Observers who are expected to operate under the command of Lieutenant Commander Gideon of Andrim against Sith aligned forces holding Kuat City, striking at a small Sith Temple acting as a Command Center. One should expect a small number of Sith Apprentices and Knights.

Objective Two
Due to the shipyards being damaged and the ongoing civil war, many Kuati are displaced. To assist in easing their pain the Coalition will be providing humanitarian aid. Aid workers are to dispense medicinal supplies and aid with reconstruction to civilians from both sides of the conflict. There may be trouble however, as there may be House Kuat supporters who are displeased with the Coalition aligning against them.

Companies associated with the Coalition can assist in the rebuilding and aid work. (OOC at 5 posts this may count as a Major Faction Contract, or at 15 posts a Major Faction Sponsorship)

Objective Three
Negotiating Kuat and KDY's membership with the Coalition will be taking place aboard the Light of Aldera, an Alderaan Engineering prototype. The House of Andrim and Knylenn will be in attendance, though they are known to prefer isolationism. The hope is that with the aid against the Sith plaguing their world and the humanitarian aid being supplied they will come around. House Purkis representing Kuat Drive Yards will also be in attendance, expected to desire trade agreements.

Objective Four
Bring your own story.

OBJECTIVE THREE
Allies: [member="Catalys Maijora"] | [member="Faith Organa"]

The Light of Aldera dropped out of hyperspace not long after making contact and making its intentions to the hosts clear, the vessel a cross between a luxury yacht and a star destroyer with sleek elegant curves adorned with ivory enamel and gold alloy plating on its exterior. The interior was similar in appearance on passenger levels, however some restricted areas maintained a singularly military look and feel.

The conference room sat not far from the hangar where the delegates would be meeting was set to a comfortable temperature and humidity, drinks were set on the table for guests as they arrived. The circular veshok wood table had a gold inlay trim and was polished to a near mirror shine. Protocol droids waited within the room to attend the delegates.

Draco stood in the hangar with Faith and a handful of Knights waiting for the Kuati to begin arriving. Some military observers would be sent to the surface, and though called observers they would likely be assisting in dealing with the lingering Sith presence on the world. House Andrim had very reluctantly accepted to meet with the Coalition and only on the condition that their officers maintained operational command over any military forces that would be assisting them.

 

[Catalys Maijora]

Objective Three
[member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Faith Organa"]

From the shattered shipyards orbiting Kuat, a swift shuttle escorted by two heavy fighters makes its approach; on board the Kuati delegation representing House Purkis and KDY. As the shuttle nears the hangar, the two fighters broke off in either direction where they would circle comfortably around the Light of Aldera in wait for the starship's later departure. Once inside the vessel's landing legs press down on the hangar's metallic flooring, collapsing slightly under its weight with an audible hiss as gasses escape.

The bay door lowers gently, and from its mouth six armed and armoured guards jog down the ramp and position themselves on either side. But a moment later a fair-skinned woman no later than her early thirties marches down with two others following suit--the first an older and balding man dressed gaudily, and the second a protocol droid. The brunette smiles warmly at the first sight of her greeters.

"Introducing Lady Hadleigh Purkis, matriarch of her house and esteemed representative of Kuat Drive Yards," the older man announces on her behalf. "Forgive the formalities," she chimes, "I am sure there is a lot to discuss; I shall not keep us waiting." Hadleigh speaks calmly but with an energetic tone rather than a soft one.

 

[Alessandro Waak'Tu]

Post 1
Objective: 1

KUAT CITY

Alessandro walked out of his Aethersprite and pulled his Urumi from the cockpit. It was a sword that wasn't straightened, like a metal whip of sorts. His commlink blinked, others were in the area. It'd been some time since he left the martial arts academy where he trained. He'd learned many different techniques, finding that his preferred the fighting methods Gatka and the Thracian fighting style. Today he chose Gatka, as seen by his two meter Urumi. "Is anyone out there? I'm trying to find a rallying party to help attack the Sith and drive them off of this planet. Over!" The Wookie peered out into the horizon. These Sith won't know what hit them once the Coalition comes.

 

[Aedan Miles]

Objective 4
Post 1

Aedan Miles sat on the bridge of the Alor-class Dreadnaught the Werda Kyr'aim tapping his fingers against the arm of the command throne. Recently he had received word that one of his old friends was making a go at trying to make the galaxy a better place. He had dispatched the rest of his forces to gather the clan before starting the move all the way to where the new coalition was. He had come in advance in his Alor-class both to provide assistance if needed and to meet with Draco to see if he would be permitted to stay. As they came out of hyperspace his sensors operator suddenly sat upright barking out something about 4 One Sith ships making a bee line to the planet almost certainly up to no good. Smirking the pirate king stood and held his hand out calmly. "Flanking speed sound the battle station and have all fighters stand by to launch. Also get ahold of someone who can connect me to Draco Vereen on the planet. Tell him I will be there but might be a bit late. Issue a warning to the crews of those ships if they pull off of their run I will let them go if not than we will disable and capture them. All right Lads and Ladies lets have some fun." Aedan returned to his seat as the tactical hologram sprang to life in front of him showing the small armada of ships he would be against none of them over 1,500 meters long so not a substantial threat at all his Alor-class could handle them. It would be more tedious than anything. Sighing he also sent the signal for the Red Fang and Knights of Bogan on the ship to stand by for boarding actions later if they disabled the ships Aedan would take the crews prisoner and hand them over to the Coalition for trial.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Julius Sedaire]

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=58QOBqAWNzE​

Objective: Two
Allies: Unknown
Enemies: Sith

Perhaps he should have called first, or sent a wave or something. But regardless, he had heard of the troubles on Kuat from Corellia. Such a large movement by ones such as the Coalition didn't go unnoticed. The Council meetings were largely adjourned. Caladan had risen swiftly in popularity in Corellian politics thanks in no small part to his history as a 'war hero' with CorSec and his last name. The younger brother of Julius Sedaire, it was hard for any Corellian to not recognize the connection. In a way, he was as close to a ruler as Corellia had. But there was still enough autonomy on the planet that him rallying his old fighter squadron and a few others for a strike mission was hardly an issue.

A dozen greenstar fighters flew in a loose formation as they approached the shipyards, Cal's own glistening with a fresh sheen of oil and paint, the gatlin cannon on it's nose painted with corkscrews of green and gold, with a sand panther lazing on the housing for it, sigil for his squad. A squadron of bantha busters flew protected by the fighters. As of yet, no one had fired, but the formation shifted to attack angle as he swooped in. It was a broad-band, non-restricted thing, and his voice came across light and cheery, almost mirthful. He was born to be behind the 'stick of a ship, sailing he stars.

"Greeeeetings Coalition forces, this is Councilor Caladan Sedaire of the Corellian League and Sand Panther squadron... I've brought a few dozen of my friends because I hear you are having problems... With your permission i'll be swinging through the shipyards and playing a nice and calm game of tag with any One Sith forces we find. Can't promise we won't break mother's favorite vase, but we'll also be sending some of our boys here on permanent detail for patrol, if you'd like, and some aid forces from Coronet Hypernautics to help get the shipyards back to fit shape. Do I have your go-ahead?"

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Faith Organa]

Objective 3
[member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Catalys Maijora"]

Faith looked around the hangar it really wasn't unusual to stand waiting to be met by a delegation, she had grown accustomed to it. The Kuati would be arriving soon and this time in between gave them time to talk about their objectives.

"Draco" before she could finish her sentence another ship made its way to the hangar and soon they were joined by her ladyship. A greeting was given and Faith smiled. Formalities, Faith lived in a 75% state of formality she, and then before she could even return a greeting the woman expressed her desire to begin the talks.

Faith looked at Draco again as the Knights took positions.

But seeing how her Ladyship had never met Faith or Draco she decided to make some customary introductions before Ana stepped forward. "This is my husband, Draco Vereen, and I am Princess Faith we are glad that we can meet with you for these discussions and hope that mutual understanding can be reached." The Coalition was in its infancy and making friends with all their neighbors and creating a coalition force, with trade agreements was important to its success.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

[member="Cal Sedaire"] [member="Aedan Miles"]
Bridge
Knight-Captain Aldius Organa, a distant cousin to the Ruling Family sat on the command throne of the bridge of the Light of Aldera in his ceremonial armor and regalia, the blue robes draped around the arms of the chair he sat upon and the gold inlay of his otherwise black armor sparkled as he shifted under the light. Behind him a teenager held his helmet and lance, his young squire tending to the senior Knight's gear while there was not yet combat to be seen to. A single squadron of starfighters streaked across the viewport in a wide circle around the ivory and gold Star Defender, Knight-class Fighters running protection for their guests and for the ship itself.

The Alor-class Dreadnought appeared on the fringes of the system, which would no doubt raise some eyebrows. Lots of eyebrows for what was otherwise a small group. If there were One Sith remnant fleet support, they would likely be out-sized by the vessel alone, much less outgunned. "Its broadcasting as Mandalorian and not here to point guns at humanitarian aid, so we will call it a step up from hostile. Get registration on it and inform the Kuati that it is not a Coalition vessel." Just in case the Kuati started screaming about an invasion of their planet, the fledgling Coalition may be called to retaliate and defend the planet.

"Sir, its asking for the Prince."

"He's busy, refer them to me when they have remarks, loop in Lieutenant Commander Gideon with any communications they send. Intercept and decrypt every comm signal coming from or going to that ship." The officer nodded and several members of the bridge crew began furiously typing and whispering into headsets to comply with the order as it was given.

The Knight-Captain turned as the communications officer spoke, informing him of several incoming messages. "Corellian League supporters have arrived, seeking permission to engage."

"Flag them as allies and tell House Andrim they are with us. The League is a close neighbor to the Coalition, and as far as I'm aware they have similar goals. Open a line." The noble warrior waited until the officer held up a thumbs up. "Members of the League, this is Knight-Captain Organa. You are clear to proceed and give them hell. Please watch the yards if you can, they are broken enough." The Knight grinned waving a hand back to monitoring the system. The Defense fleet the Drive Yards had cobbled together were surrounding the Command Sector of the Yards, and so the Orbital Rings weren't exactly pillars of fortifications and impregnable fortresses.

[member="Catalys Maijora"] [member="Faith Organa"]
Hangar
Draco smiled and bowed, bending at the waist as the honorable Matriarch greeted he and Faith. Kuati culture was largely matriarchal though not so fanatically as Hapans, but Draco made for excellent arm candy in situations like this that allowed Faith to show off how influential and convincing she was that she had a Mandalorian warrior for a husband. "A pleasure to meet you, Lady Purkis."

"Indeed we have much to discuss, House Andrim is sending several delegates and House Knylenn is sending someone with them. They should be arriving shortly." The shuttle had been on its way, but had diverted to safer routes at the sudden presence of the Corellian League and the rogue Alor-class Dreadnought. It could already be seen approaching the hangar with its own escort beginning to fly in a holding pattern around the Star Defender.

 

[Aedan Miles]

Aedan Miles calmly tapped away on the arm of his command throne watching the various ships flying around standing he gestured to a few of them marking them as allies noticing the Correllian style fighters and bombers flashing and darting within the mass of ship yards. Chuckling as he was told to speak to a distant relation of Drakes he shrugged and contacted the ship Light of Aldera directly as he opened a video channel as well. "So I figured I would get this out of the way before you decided to attack me no I am not here to invade yes I am alone at least in system and yes that means that outside of this system within a single jump is a larger force. No we are not going to attack you sense it would not be worth my time I am merely here to offer a deal to an old friend. One Draco Vereen and if my contacts are correct he is now the Prince-Consort of Alderaan so you can inform him that Clan Akaata has come to offer their assistance." With that said his ship started to launch fighters and gunships as he moved between the OS support forces and the planet turning his ship about to present its guns at the best angle to their force.

[member="Draco Vereen"]

 

[Catalys Maijora]

Indeed the massive shipyards which once orbited the planet had been shattered, but not utterly destroyed. Upon closer inspection several key areas were being stabilized and rebuilt, turning the shattered ring into an organized mess of functionality. The defense fleet did not move in to stop the Corellian League forces, but remained idle at their defensive position. - [member="Cal Sedaire"]

Objective Three
[member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Faith Organa"]

Lady Purkis maintained a rather consistent state of pleasantry with the two coalition ambassadors. "Then I shall wait for their arrival with you... If it is no trouble, of course." It wouldn't be far fetched to assume her demeanor was--to some degree--tailored rather than natural. Yet Hadleigh spoke with confidence. Whether in herself or the situation is not one bit revealed, but knowing Kuati it's usually a balance of both.

"Princess," she begins to address Faith, "I have heard many stories about Alderaan but I'm afraid I've never been. Yet everyone I've met has only had high things to say, I would very much enjoy your take--as someone who undoubtedly has much to say about her world." The woman's older companion remained silent, but sent a rather judging stare in the direction of Draco. The protocol droid seemed completely idle in its operations, awaiting the first opportunity to display its impressive archive of information and diplomatic tools.

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Catalys Maijora"] | [member="Draco Vereen"]

Her Ladyship was asking about Alderaan, "Alderaan has seen a great deal of sadness and yet we always find ways to pick ourselves up and rebuild. the marvels that we build." Faith smiled, "Cities that survive on the core temperature of Alderaan, jungles and forests regrown from seeds, and species collected across the galaxy, homes rebuilt, and trade growing. That's really the story of Alderaan as beautiful as it is, its the people and the planet that make it all a success. You should visit and see it for yourself. "

She wanted her Ladyship to be comfortable that was part of being a negotiator, comfort, listening, and watching. Least that was how she had been taught. The other delegates would be coming along.

"What does your home world offer?"

 

[Catalys Maijora]

[member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Faith Organa"]

Hadleigh listened intently whilst the princess spoke of Alderaan, and maintained a simple smile throughout the listening.

"I will have to see it one day soon, yes," she agreed with the suggestion. "As for my own world..." Lady Purkis had to ponder on this for a moment. "Kuat was engineered to be a paradise since the Ten first terraformed the world centuries ago. It is a beautiful world, much like yours I am sure, but the destruction of the shipyards was a heinous act by evil men. The debris destroyed much of the surface, and only now we've just began to rebuild. If it weren't for the infighting I believe we could have relived the suffering by now." She explained the situation with melancholy in her tone.

The older man beside her visibly saddened at her brief recount of recent events which plagued the world. Kuat came under attack during the Omega War, and left the drive yards all but destroyed. Now the company was quite literally picking up the pieces, and setting them straight. "It is why I have agreed to talk," she reinforces the confidence in her voice. "I desire nothing more than to see my home set free from the plagues of war and death. I will do everything I need to protect it, and first that begins here."

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Command Deck
Knight-class fighters circled the Star Destroyer, holding their pattern away from the planet. The Knight-Captain shrugged at the communications officer. "Begin sector comms sweeps, figure out where and how much of a fleet Clan Akaata has nearby." Not that it mattered too much, Clan Akaata already deployed almost three times the firepower the Coalition had so it wasn't like the lone listening destroyer would be winning any slug fests with an Alor-class with unknown backup. "We'll have to alert some folks and clear him off the planet if he doesn't leave when prompted by the Noble Houses, until then maintain location and keep me posted about incoming vessels."

Hangar
[member="Faith Organa"] [member="Catalys Maijora"]
Draco smiled at the Kuati aristocrat, "I'm a Mandalorian from Eriadu who calls Alderaan his home, I understand the hardships you are facing very well. Alderaan Engineering has supplies and relief aid it can provide outside of the conflicted regions as soon as is convenient." The warrior could sympathize with Hadleigh well, all three of his homeworlds having been bombed, devastated, and broken in relatively recent history. Kuat had fared well all in all and only needed some help getting back on its feet. Hopefully with a little military aid those conflicted regions would dwindle and shrink as the Sith aligned houses were defeated and the One Sith Remnants driven from the planet.

The second Kuati shuttle landed with hiss of atmosphere equalizing and pressure being released, three women descending followed by a small entourage of servants and guards. The first woman of House Andrim was elderly with already gray hair and frail features while the second woman accompanying her was in her early twenties with raven black hair and green eyes. The final woman was middle aged wearing the colors and symbols of House Kynlenn. They were announced as Hera who was very haughty staring down her nose at all the others in attendence, Gabrielle seemed much more humble, and Viqi who seemed to think her presence wasn't really appreciated.

 

[Aedan Miles]

Objective 4
Post 3

Aedan Miles sat crossed legged and opened himself to the force letting it flow into him as he started a battle meditation linking the rest of his clans fighter pilots into it he guided them through it as they moved. The Werda Kyr'aim rolled on its axis presenting its top to it as its top mounted weapons fired a volley at the ships he was opposing. Almost absently Aedan stood watching they way the ships moved in contrast to each other never working together. Sighing he shock his head and turned making his way towards the hangar he called out calmly. "You lot can handle this I am going to the ground if something happens call in the rest of the Clan." His second in command a wookie known as Captain Drake stood and roared in the affirmative before moving to the command throne.

Aedan walked into the hangar and boarded his personal fighter launching from the hangar he put the fighter into a spiral as he gunned it to full speed swiftly blasting towards the planet weaving in and out of the semi ruined ship yards he smirked. Pulling up and around one before diving straight back down he entered a number he hadn't used before into his comlink. Waiting as it started to ring he smirked darkly to himself humming as he dove past the Coalitions ship the Light of Aldera watching the ship flash by as he dove straight towards the planet. He was humming still as he entered atmosphere and pressed the button to send a tone to the comlink whose number he had entered. Long ago [member="Draco Vereen"] had given him his person comlink number and Aedan hoped he hadn't changed it.

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Catalys Maijora"] | [member="Draco Vereen"]

Hangar

"Yes we are more than familiar with the plagues of war and its affects on the people. Eriadu and Alderaan have suffered and recovered from such things. We will help Kuat in this effort as well." But first they needed to get Kuat to agree to join the Coalition. This was their testing ground actually the first planet they reached out for in hopes of a like mindedness that would lead to stronger ties throughout their quadrant.

The looks upon the arriving delegation did not look hopeful but that was what talks were for to build something and hope to bring all parties to the same thought. Faith put her hand on Draco's arm for assurance and to greet the others. "Welcome and thank you for agreeing to this meeting." Faith went through the pleasantries once again and then.

"Perhaps we should adjourn to the meeting place and discuss that which is on everyone's mind." She hoped it was on their minds.

 

[Catalys Maijora]

[member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Faith Organa"]

Hadleigh's lips parted to speak, but no words came forth. Instead she turns her attention to the arriving delegation, her slight smile immediately replaced with a more determined stare. She looks back to Draco and Faith, replying mostly to the latter. "I agree. The sooner we engage in these talks, the swifter these conflicts shall end." The woman spoke firmly on the subject, but not without a lick of pride in her tone. She awaited the lead of others, keeping a close eye on the other delegates from the houses Andrim and Kynlenn.

She couldn't forget the longstanding rivalry between Purkis and Andrim, a rivalry fueled by a history lost generations ago but not soon forgotten by either families. Still she did not change her demeanor, and remained poised throughout the moment. However, she did toss a rather skeptical glance towards Draco--looking past Faith in the process; the glance faded quickly as her feet carried her closer to the group.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

Draco fell into the little group, keeping beside Faith so he could keep a hold of her if he desired, and he did. He always did. Faith was his princess, of course he wanted his hands on her in some fashion. The others followed behind until they arrived at what was effectively a banquet room on the Star Defender, arching glasteel windows on two sides and above providing a beautiful view of the planet and its rings, ivory white enamel floor tiles that were placed so perfectly it appeared to be one piece unless inspected closely. Gold inlay trim lined the room with a pattern in the floor of the appearance of the Coalition Phoenix. Near the windows was a circular polished white table with chairs surrounding it, waiting for the diplomats to arrive.

"Here we are ladies and gentlemen, please make yourself comfortable." Draco pulled out a chair for Faith to take her seat and there was ample space for the two camps to be seated without having to squeeze in to either side of the Princess and Prince-Consort.

The elderly Hera and her aide Gabrielle took seats with plenty of space between them and the Coalition delegates, Viqi of House Kynlenn sitting even further away on their far side. By their demeanor it seemed she was more of a listener to report back to her superiors while Hera and Gabrielle did most of the talking, Hera being obviously in charge of the situation regarding House Andrim. She made a point of ignoring the Purkis dignitaries to the best of her abilities, however.

[member="Catalys Maijora"] [member="Faith Organa"]

 

[Faith Organa]

[member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Catalys Maijora"]

And now it would begin Faith smiled and nodded her thanks to Draco even as her hand rested upon his as she slid effortlessly into her seat. She watched as either side took up their positions. Diplomacy was a battle of words for some this appeared to be one of those occasions.

"Now that we are all present, let us begin with the key points for this discussion. Kuat City is under siege by opposing positions from what I understand. Those that support the position of a Sith presence, and those that desire the Sith to be gone. " She looked from one group to the other, "My home world having been under Sith control for sometime I would like to understand why some would like to see the Sith stay in Kuat City."

Faith's brown eyes rested on the representatives from House Kuat, House Depon, and House Kuhlvult.

 

[Catalys Maijora]

[member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Faith Organa"]

Hadleigh took a seat with her entourage across from the Coalition delegates.

She offered not a single glance to the other Kuati parties, but instead kept her eyes forward as she spoke up. "I request the opportunity to speak first," she stated. Her protocol droid stood upright behind her, remaining silent as usual. The woman did not wait for an answer, however.

"As you are all aware, Kuat is not under threat from outside invaders but domestic infighting. The civil war for control over Kuat has been a disaster for everyone. It is my goal to see this conflict come to an end," she begins to speak. "I have spent months occupied with the rebuilding effort with Kuat Drive Yards, and together it is our hope to deliver the world and its people from chaos and reinstate order and popular sovereignty." Hadleigh gestured to the protocol droid which opened up a small chest compartment, handing her a data chip.

"On this device is all research conducted by the One Sith during its cooperation with K-D-Y. I will hand it over to the Coalition as a measure of good faith," she slides the chip across the table. "In exchange all we ask for is a simple agreement: K-D-Y will have exclusive rights to determine the terms and conditions of starship manufacturing within Coalition space. No starship manufacturer within Coalition space may compete unfairly or without transparency, and no outside manufacturer may expand its presence into Coalition space without K-D-Y's consent."

Once she finished speaking she casually leaned back in her seat, and the protocol droid stepped back into its original position.

 

[Laira Darkhold]

"So these are not in fact with good faith?" Draco pointed at the yet untouched documents that the KDY and House Purkis Representative slid across the table. "They come with a rather massive request. Control over several very prominent shipwrights and all others to join the Coalition in the future." Draco was interested in the documents, especially given how little he knew about the One Sith's ventures on Kuat.

"ArmaTech Industries, Alderaan Engineering, Mandal Medical, Rendili, and many others operate in the region of space the Coalition is attempting to unify. You are asking for total control over all ship manufacturing in exchange for trinkets I probably already know." It wasn't like no one could find out or remember Draco's service in the One Sith and its Wrath. Yes, he had abandoned that path and he was happy with where he was now, but it had happened and there was no point in acting like that chapter in his life never occurred. Though at that time he didn't care much for what the One Sith were researching, and probably didn't know anything to do with the chip. "Its simply not possible."

"What is possible for us to offer is protection from outside markets, even encourage other corporations within the Coalition to assist KDY, provide benefits for those that do. Kuat is not the only star the Coalition wants to be free." Draco smiled warmly at the woman.

[member="Faith Organa"] [member="Catalys Maijora"]

 

[Catalys Maijora]

[member="Draco Vereen"] | [member="Faith Organa"]

"I expected as much," she quickly brushes past her initial request.

Hadleigh leans back up in her seat. "That is why I have prepared a counter-proposal: Our weapons manufacturing facility on Balmorra is secure, and would serve as an excellent bastion from which to liberate the Balmorran people from their own troubles." The woman brushed away a single lock of hair which fell out of place, bringing her hands folded together over the table.

"We will cooperate with whoever you ask us to cooperate with. Consider that in good faith, but if we are to be equals with other corporations that is an unrealistic goal. All desire to be the first among equals. It isn't greed that drives me though, so don't mistake it for such. I truly care for my people... You said you are a Mandalorian; how far are you willing to go for your people in a time of crisis?" She returned the warm smile with one of her own.

Lady Purkis' older companion had a look of concern on his face, or at least appeared uneasy by the conversation. "If I may..." The man interjects, "what my Lady is trying to say is that Kuat Drive Yards is willing to accept your offer, but we will need further assurances of your intentions to keep it. Perhaps until this sector of space is secured, the Coalition will not look to do business with outsider starship firms... To allow our people to establish a firm presence within this illustrious alliance."

Hadleigh recoiled when her advisor stepped in, it looked like she wanted to interject herself but kept quiet.