Private Light & Shadow

[Dominique Vexx]

Influence. Dominique smiled at Rayna's prudence. Well accustomed to selling her services was she? Knew what pitfalls to avoid. No government would want a mercenary outfit dictating how they governed themselves. Couldn't let outsiders dig in too deep and find out you were no longer in control. Or insiders, for that matter.

On the other hand, from a strictly self-interested perspective as a service provider, Dominique couldn't help but imagine the ways Rayna's group didn't "try" not to influence others. If the Republic fell that source of income would go with it. On the other hand, if the Republic were reckless than better to lose that source of income rather than paint an enormous target on one's self for a hopeless cause. All factors at play Dominique herself contemplated back home. And continued to do so. Rayna should have gotten an eyeful of that earlier.

"Best to keep others guessing as to the nature of our relationship. And its depth. Being removed from the political machine would enable more activities with less unnecessary complications," such as endless committee hearings questioning the need for something, or investigating some 'failure.' "Trusted contacts in the Intelligence branch can enable rapid sharing of information so you're not bottle-necked from timely distribution or receipt." It would also enable them to learn more about how they operated without exposing their inner workings prematurely. Nothing said Rayna was a double-agent or prone to breaching a strict non-disclosure agreement, but this wasn't simply a corporate negotiation where lawyers and courts could have their time on the field.

"I'm certain we'll have time for our specialists to come to an understanding as to the precise methods used to avoid any entanglements." They didn't need to iron out every detail today, of course. Still, Dominique did like keeping certain elements apart for plausible deniability and more flexibility without all the media attention. Some activities were best kept in the shadows.

"If you wouldn't mind, Director, perhaps you could tell us what it is you seek in return. You'd mentioned long-term stability being more important than blind monetary acquisition, and how tribulations of old led to this, but that is a mission statement. Is that what drives you? Exemplary fulfillment of a mission statement?"

Rayna Lockley | Aurelian Veruna​

 

[Rayna Lockley]

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Rayna was quiet for a moment, the question lingering just long enough to deserve consideration. "No." The answer came simply, without hesitation. "I've always thought those statements described what an organization hoped to become." A faint smile crossed her lips. "Silvane's was written after we'd already decided who we were."

Her hands remained loosely folded behind her back. "We've spent years watching governments, institutions, corporations, and movements rise, fracture, recover, and disappear. They all fail for different reasons, but the ones that endure tend to have one thing in common." Her gaze settled comfortably on Dominique. "They're built to outlast the people leading them." She let the thought hang for a moment before continuing. "Not simply to survive them, but to remain recognizable after they're gone." There was no pride in the observation, only experience. "That shaped Silvane more than any statement of purpose ever could."

"It influences every decision we make who we're willing to work alongside, the kinds of problems we're prepared to involve ourselves in, and just as importantly, the opportunities we quietly walk away from." Her expression remained composed. "We do not believe it's our place to judge another organization's beliefs, but some are simply too dependent on conflict, or too centered on a single individual, to offer the kind of continuity we're interested in supporting."

A brief pause settled between them. "We've never believed it was our role to create stability. Governments do that. Our responsibility is much smaller to avoid contributing to instability where we can." Another faint smile appeared. "It hasn't made Silvane the largest organization of its kind. I don't imagine it ever will. But it has allowed us to become exactly the organization we intended to be."

TAG: Aurelian Veruna Dominique Vexx
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[Aurelian Veruna]

Tags: Dominique Vexx | Rayna Lockley

Philosophies on longevity and institutional survival were all fine and good, but Rayna's solemn tone threatened to turn a high-level briefing into a lecture. Aurelian appreciated a grand vision as much as anyone, yet his realm was the immediate, tangible present.

"A noble sentiment, Director," Aurelian remarked, resting his elbow on the armrest. "Though I suspect every organization in history started with that exact same dream before someone's uncle decided he wanted the power. Building something that outlasts its creators sounds ideal, right up until human nature gets involved."

His gaze flicked toward Dominique, gauging her reaction to the director's ideological stance. "Still, if Silvane has managed to dodge those usual power struggles, you've already accomplished what most galactic dynasties fail to do in a millennium." He picked up his glass once more, swirling the remaining drops of liquor. "Count Naboo in for a preliminary agreement. Let us see if your independent analysis holds up when the political storms inevitably roll in."

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[Dominique Vexx]

Dominique smiled, and shared a casual glance with Aurelian. What Rayna had to say didn't worry the Chancellor over much. Though the woman hadn't quite answered the question either. Could it be as simple as merely fulfilling a dream of being agents of stability? The Corpo within wondered. Stability was good. You could easily plan around a stable system -- timetables could be meticulously maintained, for one. But was it enough to justify forming an entire organization? 'Never again' was a nice sentiment, but it didn't put credits in the accounts. She expected there was something more personal at stake. Well, not that everyone told you the truth, of course. Most interviewed for a job weren't honest about being there for the credits, after all.

"I'll be looking forward to learning more from your hard work as well. I suspect we will have need of it sooner than later. My efforts to forestall Sith aggression are destined to only last so long. Long enough for the Republic to be ready for them." Which harkened back to the glimpse of a map the woman saw upon entering her office earlier. Once the line in the sand was crossed... well, they'd find that uneasy equilibrium again eventually. Hopefully sooner with Silvane's assistance.

Rayna Lockley | Aurelian Veruna​

 

[Rayna Lockley]

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A quiet laugh escaped Rayna at the mention of someone's uncle deciding he wanted the power. "That is usually how it happens." Her gaze rested on Aurelian, the faint amusement remaining in her expression. "We haven't escaped human nature, Your Majesty. Silvane has its ambitions, disagreements, and personalities like any other organization. We simply try not to pretend otherwise when we build around them." She gave a slight lift of one shoulder. "People are going to want influence. Some will want authority. Others will become convinced everything would work better if only they were the one making the decisions. The mistake is giving any one of them the ability to take the entire organization with them when they fail." It was the sort of lesson Rayna had learned too thoroughly to romanticize.

At Aurelian's agreement, she inclined her head. "Then we'll consider Naboo interested." A small smile touched her lips. "I'll have someone coordinate with your people. We can begin with something limited enough that we can feel each other out."

Her attention shifted toward Dominique as the Chancellor spoke. The earlier glimpse of the star map returned easily to mind, though by now the direction of the Republic's concern was hardly a secret between them. "Then we should make use of the time you've bought." Rayna's tone remained calm, but some of the levity faded from it. "The Sith will move when they believe the advantage is theirs. Whether they are correct will matter considerably less than whether the Republic is prepared when they make that decision." She regarded Dominique for a moment before continuing. "I'll have our intelligence people begin speaking with yours. Quietly. We can compare what each side is seeing, identify where the gaps are, and decide from there where Silvane is actually useful." A faint smile returned. "There is little value in duplicating work your people are already doing perfectly well."

Rayna glanced briefly between the Chancellor and the King. "It seems we have the beginning of two agreements, then. Naboo receives the independent perspective His Majesty asked for, and the Republic gains access to capabilities it may prefer not to advertise too loudly." Her eyes returned to Dominique. "The details can be left to the people who enjoy details." The pause that followed was brief but deliberate. "Unless either of you has any further questions, I think our discussions are concluded."

TAG: Aurelian Veruna Dominique Vexx
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