Live To Tell

[Riamah]

To say things had been rough for the Coalition would have been understatement. The government had recently been through the wringer. Two rebellions and a three prong attack on worlds by the Sith. Everything combined has left the Coalition shattered and in pieces.

Sadly this was not the first time for Ra to go through this. First it had been the Dominion, a government she had almost had to betray, but had stayed true to the vow she had given and stayed with them until they died. Followed a couple years later by the Metal Lords. They had been force to flee their territory because of a rogue Metal Lord that had been banished. Now she faced a similar situation of having to flee or die.

Being betrayed by what she thought of as her allies with the Sith, but then again she had cut her ties with them bothered her greatly. There was a slim chance it had been unknown she was a part of the Coalition. She had joined their ranks after her estrangement from the Sith, but a few knew of her position.

Now instead of fleeing to a government close to them, they decided to go to the Confederacy for help and haven. A government that closely fit that of the Coalition. One the valued the individual freedom of people and offered a place for everybody. Organics and droids alike.

She honestly felt these people would be more welcoming of the Metal Lords and have a better home for them than the Coalition offered. Contacting two of the Metal Lords that had joined her in the Coalition, she had arranged to meet and pick them up if they wanted or they would arrive together almost like a convoy in space.

Reaching out to the government of the Confederacy, she hoped their call would be answered. A new home and future awaited her and her fellow Metal Lords as well as any of the Coalition that chose to come along.

[member="Darth Metus"] [member="Srina Talon"] [member="WD-334"] [member="Archim Calixis"]

 

[Srina Talon]

Location: Geonosis - Golbah City - [Saldon - Private Spaceport]
Tags: [member="Ra'a'mah"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="WD-334"] | [member="Archim Calixis"]
Purpose: To greet the FWC and take them to the Diplomatic Consulate to make arrangements with the Vicelord.

The Confederacy of Independent Systems had been following the plight of the Free Worlds Coalition as closely as their inherent distance would allow. No formal request for aid had been made, nor had an alliance been requested, and thus the nation had remained a sympathetic spectator. Their call for a haven, for a chance at a future, had been heard loud and clear through all of the Viceroyalty. Escaping the clutches of the Sith Empire had likely been an ordeal in and of itself. With that in mind, the remains of a once powerful and productive faction had been invited to Geonosis, the heart of the CIS, in an effort to provide them a place to rest and recuperate. It was the least they could do.

There was a discussion on the table as to whether or not the vestiges of the Coalition would join their ranks, however, it was not a decision that was made lightly. The former leaders and their people would be given plenty of time to think it over while being brought under the protection of the Obsidian Knights and the massive droid army that never seemed to stop growing.

The small caravan of ships, led by one @Ra’a’mah, would have been allowed to pass freely by control into Confederate space. Once they broke atmosphere they would be given the coordinates for several close-knit landing platforms in a private starport. For their security alone the CIS would keep their presence clandestine until the dust settled. Part of hiding from an enemy required that very few people actually knew where they were or when they would arrive.

Nevertheless, the welcome would be warm and if anywhere was to be considered safe along the Corellian Run, it would be here.

Srina Talon would be waiting to greet any of the refugees. First they would be escorted via land speeder to the diplomatic consulate and second they would meet with the Vicelord. From there they could all decide on how best to proceed. Part of her remained curious about their new visitors, but the majority of her felt a profound sense of compassion, despite the blank expression on her face.

She knew what it was like to lose a home. Though perhaps, one day, she could return to Eshan—it was not yet time. She knew that [member="Darth Metus"] also knew that pain. It was part of the reason they fought so hard. The ability to prevent anyone from suffering as they had suffered was within reach. They only had to make the choice and find the manpower to see it done.

When the FWC began to disembark their ships the pale woman focused. The slender beauty seemed out of place, stationed neatly between two, rather imposing looking Magnaguards. Their glowing red photoreceptors seemed unfeeling and unmovable as they stared straight ahead. It was an unnecessary step as Srina could fully handle herself, but, protocol demanded it and thus she would adhere.

Playing the role of the diplomat over the apprentice she was wrapped in an off-white ensemble that was patterned patriotically with some of the few desert flowers Geonosis had to offer. There were thick silver bracers on her wrists coupled with tasteful tan feathers woven into moonlit hair. Her usually braided mane was left long and loose due to time constraints, but no part of her looked rushed, or out of place. Quiet elegance was the only way the young Echani could be described.

Once it seemed that everyone was assembled Srina offered the group a demure smile. It was disarming, lovely, and held all the charm of a well-educated politician. “Welcome to the Confederacy. My name is Srina Talon and I am here to greet you as a proxy for the Vicelord. When you are ready, we have a small convoy of land speeders ready to take us to Golbah City. Darth Metus awaits you within the consulate. There, he will address any concerns, and see that your needs are met.”

She inclined her head respectfully, with all the grace of a little queen, before straightening once more.

“If you will follow me I will escort you. Your ships will be refueled and restocked in our absence.”

​​

 

[WD-334]

WD-334 had been rather saddened...at least as saddened as a near emotionless droid could, so it was more just grumpy....Which was also the droids usual mood. The war droid followed with @Ra'a'mah to a faction called the Confederacy. On Geonosis. This planet, there was something at the back of it's electronic memory, from times so far back. There had been much thoughts on the rogue Metal Lord. How they had gotten away once more. Still lurking out there, and now doubt prepared to strike again. The war droid had a vendetta against them. How they had used WD-334 against it's own allies.

The droid came to a stop by Ra's side till they were greeted by a woman with white hair and off-white garments. The droid looked down to them, tipping it's head forward. It remained silent, as if a silent guard to Ra. It felt a connection to her, like she was all that remained of the Metal Lords besides other droids. And not only that, the human was always there. The droid felt as if it had to keep all that remained of the Metal Lords alive, and that included the human Ra.

[member="Srina Talon"] [member="Darth Metus"] [member="Archim Calixis"]

 

[Zark San Tekka]

A curious sight, to be sure, the ornately decorated spherical probe droid which flanked the delegation, hovering a few meters off the ground under repulsorlift power. It appeared as much a curious piece of artwork as a functional machine, and when their delegation's welcome party came into view the center of the device activated, and a photoluminescent glow emanated from the probe's central eye. Holographically constructing a likeness of Lord Archim Calixis so hyper-realistic as to be practically indiscernable from the real thing, this digital Metal Lord enveloped the spherical droid even as it began to sprout manipulator appendages so that Archim could remotely simulate physical interaction with his environment.

"I will follow your example, Lady [member="Ra'a'mah"]," the Iskalloni inclined his head in difference, image skipping several frames as magnetic interference from Geonosis' upper atmosphere interfered with the signal from his capital ship and current physical location, the Motive Force in orbit above them, "You have more experience with organic customs than I."

Lord Calixis had been born organic, but now there was very little left of his original self. Mostly a bit of spinal column and some patches of grey matter, troublesome bits of his base coding it was annoyingly difficult to duplicate and synthesize. It had been a very long time since he had lived among his own kind, and the truth of it was he saw himself far more as machine than man these past centuries. Nevertheless, he was far more capable at picking up on the emotional nuances of biological interaction than a being such as [member="WD-334"], so he wished not for the first time that it was possible for him to be there in person.

Sadly, the vast majority of his processing power was required elsewhere, where could oversee his loyalists' defense against the ongoing infection the rogue Metal Lord known as [member="C-02"] had unleashed on his Mechanicum. They did not possess a hive mind, but practically every one of his followers was part of a shared neural network, a sort of central cognitive database for the sharing of knowledge and exchange of ideas. It had been meant to better serve their Machine God, but now this insidious Dark Mechanicum was spreading through his Forges like a virus, corrupting faithful Forge-Bound into abominable hereteks. He was needed on the Motive Force, where he could oversee a droid and cyborg kingdom in an effective state of civil war. Forge Denon had already been lost, he would not allow the others to fall as well.

The holographic Archim inclined his head respectfully in response to greetings offered by this Confederate Vicelord's proxy, [member="Srina Talon"]. While his consciousness was stretched across lightyears, planning for contingency after contingency, the cognitive upgrades his unique condition afforded would most certainly have no problems staying present in this moment, and answering any questions they may have for him. Nevertheless, he pointedly avoided the scrutiny of WD-334. It was known his kingdom had suffered during the fall, but Lord Calixis had kept the true extent of strife from his fellow Metal Lords. Even though the war droid was a simplistic model, sometimes he got a curiously irrational feeling WD could somehow sense his deception.

[member="Darth Metus"]​

 

[Riamah]

With the imposing figure of WD on one side and Archim on her, Ra approached Srina. There would be seen almost fresh marks on her face from a battle that took place on Balmorra. Luckily she had survived that encounter and able to gather those that came with her.

The feeling was somber, but hopeful. A new opportunity was in front of these people and they were taking it head on. No turning or going back to what was behind them. There was a future in motion and these were their first steps into it.

Nodding her head to Srina, she stopped at a distance where they could shake hands and extended her hand to the other woman.

"I am Ra'a'mah Numare. This Archim and WD-334."

As she introduced each of them, a slight turn of her head would indicate which one she was speaking about.

"Please, lead the way, Ms. Talon."

It was business protocol to address another in a formal manner until it was said to relax. At least that is how Ra did things. When the time came, she would inform Srina to just call her Ra. Now was not that time though.
​
[member="Archim Calixis"] [member="WD-334"] [member="Srina Talon"]

 

[Srina Talon]

Location: Geonosis - Golbah City - [Saldon - Private Spaceport to Consulate]
Tags: [member="Ra'a'mah"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="WD-334"] | [member="Archim Calixis"]
Purpose: To greet the FWC and take them to the Diplomatic Consulate to make arrangements with the Vicelord.

The small woman inclined her head at the individuals that greeted her, waiting patiently for them to assemble, before leading them to the idling caravan. She was intrigued to see that at least a few of the refugees were less organic, and in fact, at least one was comprised entirely of mechanical parts. Srina had once spent time with a Metal Lord, orbiting the planet of Denon, but she couldn’t say for certain there was any connection to the automatons before her. Nevertheless…She remained unphased. Considering where they were, and the nation they sought to join, the stalwart apprentice was no stranger to droids of all kinds, shapes, and sizes.

It was curious... However, it was not her place to judge. Merely to safeguard and escort.

“Ms. Numare, Archim, and WD-334.”, she repeated their names, offering a pale smile, before she turned toward the exit, white-gold hair shimmering like sunlight refracting from water. “Again, welcome. This way please.”

The trek from Saldon to Golbah City, the heart of Geonosis, was lengthy. They had taken special precautions to keep the identities of their refugees a secret. From taking the less used skylanes to rerouting traffic, they aimed to keep the presence of their guests a secret, until their placement could be established. First and foremost they needed to ensure that there was no lingering danger from the Sith Empire. The Confederacy was a long, long way from the Core, but a true Sith Lord was like a rakghoul with a bone.

They never let go.

Once they arrived at the Diplomatic Consulate they would have seen a fair amount of Golbah City through tinted glass. It had been modernized, but there was still a fair amount of dust here and there, with sharply angled buildings and many droids headed here or there. They even passed the Arena. Lately, there had been far fewer executions than normal, however, that might have had something to do with a lack of reported crime. Slavery was punished, most severely, within Confederate space. Those who practiced it were growing few, while those who were left, were growing smarter.

“We have arrived. Is there anything I can do before we begin?”

She spoke cleanly, clearly, as she slipped out of the armored land speeder. Her formal footwear clicked on the permacrete as she stood to lead the trio inside. The difference in the air would be palpable by those human enough to still experience real temperature change. Cool and dry the Consulate was tastefully decorated, however, not in the slightest overdone. It was meant to be functional, comfortable, and secure versus ostentatious.

They passed through the main hall unhindered, with a droid secretary behind the counter, who merely watched them pass by. Red photoreceptors showed nothing, save, for the fact that she recognized the Echani leading the group through. Srina Talon had access to all areas of Confederate buildings. Not long later they would find themselves entering a spacious meeting area. There was a long, dark wood table, filled with intricate knots and imperfections that had been varnished over.

At the head of it sat [member="Darth Metus"], in all his glory, the elected Vicelord of the Confederacy.

“Please, be seated. Master…I bring you Ra’a’mah Numare, Archim, and WD-334 of the Coalition."

No doubt, Darth Metus would be just as surprised, that so few had made it. Either casualties had simply been higher than anticipated, or, the others had found a home in the Alliance. Srina hoped, truly, that it was the latter versus the former. The slender apprentice did not sit herself, but instead, moved to stand to the right of the Vicelord. Often she did so, her hand coming to rest on his shoulder in silent greeting. They operated as one when it came to situations like this. Always, they presented a unified front. "...You are aware they have come for sanctuary, aid, and a fresh start. They are here to discuss terms and intent.”

 

[WD-334]

WD-334 made some whirs and robotic groans and grunts, as if it were breathing. But really, it was just talking to itself as it was looking over [member="Srina Talon"]. It's shield was held to it's side, and it had it's cannon attached to it's other arm as well. The droid remained silent as speaking was exchanged. They were led on to meet with the one they were to meet, [member="Darth Metus"]. Once they were asked to be seated, the war droid kind of just stood there. Sit? It was not usually one to sit.

So it remained standing there instead, silent as ever. Watching over @Ra'a'mah was it's goal, as well as others who had been a part of the Metal Lords such as [member="Archim Calixis"]. It did bow, at least as far as it could at least.

 

[Garith Darkhold]

The galaxy was ever changing. Tides of change that were never truly what we hoped to come. There was truth in pain and suffering. It helped to define our world. It painted our world and gave us meaning. It is a life painted with colors that transcended simple meanings.

The Elder Kashi’s life was painted through suffering and loss. In a single moment the Elder had become the last of a race. So the Elder thought. A new chapter was forming. The Elder was slowly washing away the pain and hate felt so long. A transition, a rebirth, a sense of peace was returning.

This truth was close at hand…

[SIZE=11pt]The Elder Kashi known as Garith Darkhold was not present with those who came with the FWC's delegation. Just because the Elder was not there, it did not mean his presence was not felt. The Elder did already have history with the Confederacy. His daughter [member="Arabella Darkhold"] and his former apprentice [member="Muad Dib"] was among those in the Confederacy. [/SIZE]

 

[Mercutio]

Mercutio, under the embrace of his Force Cloak, had been discreetly following close behind his Mistress Ra inbetween the [member="WD-334"] and [member="Archim Calixis"].

He was actually quite impressed with himself, as he'd managed to make it this far without any, save for his Mistress, knowing. Though he had been training his Force Cloak since the day he realized he could. It was the one Force ability he was best at.

Better to be a King of One Trade than a Jack of All.

Up until the point they were in the presence of the supposed leader of the Confederacy, Merc did not see a reason to reveal himself. Once there however he slowly allowed his cloak to drop, his presence becoming noticeable to all around, where as before not even his scent would have been noticed.

He stood in the conference room wearing black leather pants, military style boots and nothing else save the shoto saber strapped to his right forearm and the plain steel mask that covered his face.

His eyes narrowed at both the Hostess [member="Srina Talon"] and [member="Darth Metus"] as he folded his arms over his chest that bore an amethyst serpent wrapped around his torso and right arm.

"You said we were done serving Sith."

He hissed in the mind of his master using their own personal channel of telepathy unique between the two as it was forged from their connection.
His body remained as tense as the moment he began shadowing the three of them, ready to snap at a moments notice. He was calm though, Focused.

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Lord Hunter Killer would not like some of these Force-touched, Archim knew, and that made him uncomfortable in a sense. As a sworn cog to the Iron Protector, he had known HK did not tolerate Sith well and so for the most part neither had he. But the alliance of Void Kingdoms was all but broken now, and increasingly the Mechanicum's Chief Hierarchitect found himself in the position of having to make new decisions about what was best for his people, sometimes different decisions. Archim was a creature of logic, above all else, and petty organic religious infighting in truth concerned him little.

He had remained in Jedi protected space for so long simply because the standard of living for droids was on average far better than under most authoritarian structures. But this Confederacy seemed to have a unique relationship with their droid populations, they relied on artificial intelligence heavily as tools but with that dependence came an appreciation which made it possible for the exceptional to serve more as partners. He discovered all this long before his holographic projection first set its photoreceptors on [member="Srina Talon"]. As soon as the Motive Force had entered comm range of Geonosis, Lord Calixis had interfaced with every public data network he could manage partitioned as he currently was.

"Our kind has been offered 'sanctuary' by organics before," Archim's vocoder emitted a distinctly electronic sounding voice, "We have learned that to some a fresh start for synthetics means a life of servitude."

Even though he had promised Lady [member="Ra'a'mah"] that he would let her do the talking, the cyborg was used to an environment among droidkind where it was acceptable to be blunt. He could not help himself, the Metal Lords had first come to power primarily so that their followers could escape a biologically dominant galaxy with preconceived notions about the extent of a droid's purpose. He defiantly held eye contact with [member="Darth Metus"], wishing for the Vicelord to know that his reputation as a powerful Force-touched had no effect on him.

Archim had trained among the technomancers of Mechanus, he could handle himself if their diplomatic right of safe passage was betrayed. Between their combined firepower, the Lord of the Mechanicum believed he and [member="WD-334"] could extract the Lady Ra'a'mah to safety if it should come to such dire need.

[member="Mercutio"] | [member="Darkhold"]​

 

[Malok]

Location: Consulate, Geonosis
Objective: Welcome the Coalition Remnant
Wearing: This

So it had come to this.

To say that Free Worlds Coalition had a soft spot in the heart of Darth Metus was an understatement. This was not due, exclusively, to the similarities between their governance and his own. Rather, his affections were solely the fault of one [member="Draco Vereen"] who had made Alderaan his home. While most looked upon the distant world and saw the pinnacle of education and artistry, Darth Metus only saw fond memories of battles past. Both he and Draco were vode - brothers whose shared blood was their former allegiance to Mandalore.

And while the present had changed many things, one thing that would always remain was the respect Darth Metus had for the Dragon of Manda'yaim.

As such, when the news reached his ears regarding the plight of the Coalition, the Sith was torn. He wanted to be there - to personally aide in the defense of his old friend's home - but had responsibilites that demanded the whole of his person. Darth Metus had a duty, the same as the Dragon. As Vicelord, he had to protect his people and his territory first; just as Draco had to defend Alderaan by axe and by shield. But when the opportunity presented itself to help as he could, Darth Metus seized it.

Now, that chance was entering the Consulate that had been reserved for the Coaliton Remnant. The reports were...disturbing, but not at all surprising. The Sith Empire, undoubtedly born from the very same Darkness that had formed the One Sith, lashed out against the Core. Mandalorians and Mercenaries alike sank their fangs into the peace of the Coalition. Seemingly overnight, the bastion of education and artistry fell into ruin. And Darth Metus threw open the doors of the Confederacy.

Their meeting today was of the utmost discretion. Very few individuals knew that the Coalition Remnant were descending upon Geonosis. This was done to ensure that the Remnant would be able to truly breathe whilst within their midst. They would have plenty of time to lick their wounds and to decide their future whilst residing within the consulate. At the appointed time, Darth Metus felt them long before they entered the building. His bond with Srina Talon was vast, so much so that he could feel her silent confidence long before she entered the room.

As the delegation entered, one by one, the Vicelord rose to receive them. "Thank you, Srina." he began, regarding his Apprentice with a professional nod. Yet, she would be able to feel the warmth of his gratitude. And of his pride in her. Everywhere he sent her, she never disappointed! "Firstly, I bid you all welcome to the Confederacy! Know that you are entirely safe here within our borders."

The Sith parted his lips to say more, but found himself being addressed by an electronic voice. Darth Metus settled his sulfuric gaze upon the being, [member="Archim Calixis"], and responded simply. "We offer freedom and security to all members of the Coalition who made the journey into our space. That includes your synthetic population. Today, we will discuss what life anew would look like for those you represent - if you'll allow us the opportunity to dispel your presupposition."

With that said, Darth Metus calmly motioned to the table once more.

"Shall we begin?"

[member=Ra'a'mah] | [member="Archim Calixis"] | [member=WD-334] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Darkhold"] | [member="Mercutio"]​

 

[Riamah]

Putting on that business neutral façade, Ra nodded as Srina indicated they should follow her. The was very little emotion coming from the red head. Perhaps she had spent too much time with only her own company or that of droids. Even though she was a businesswoman, she was out of touch with her own emotions and those of others. A logical thinker, there were very few things that she allowed to upset her and it was rare where she allowed the emotions to be openly displayed.

WD was a silent sentinel next to her, but Archim spoke up mentioning how sanctuary had been offered to droid kind in the past. The organics had then treated them more like slaves than individuals with equal rights. The Coalition had given them equal rights, but none of them had any idea if the Confederacy would do the same. She felt it was a perfectly valid point and truly hoped they would have that same equality here.

Coming along with the refugees was the presence of Garith, a person Ra had only ever heard whispers of. So who exactly the presence was, she did not know. It was not unnoticed or commented on by her.

When Mercutio came out of stealth at their arrival and telepathically spoke to her about serving sith, she would meet the eyes of Darth Metus with a glare of recognition. Not a glare that implied emanate violence, but of a meeting that happened between them in the failing days of the Dominion. Her apprentice was accurate. The Confederacy may offer these people safety, security and places to stay...Ra and her apprentice would not remain any longer than it took to get her droid friends settled in. After that, the two of them would take their leave.

The man welcoming them had been one of those that helped destroy a government she had been deeply involved with from its founding to its death.

Our stay is but a temporary thing, Mercutio. We will leave as soon as we can. ​

He offered them places at a table, her glare softened slightly. No matter what her inner feelings were for him, there was business to attend to.

[member="Darth Metus"] [member="Archim Calixis"] [member="Mercutio"] [member="Darkhold"] [member="WD-334"] [member="Srina Talon"]

 

[WD-334]

WD-334 was like a bodyguard, more than anything else. Just standing there, remaining silent. It felt it did not need to say anything, let alone have anything to say. Which it didn't. So it just remained standing, watching the others. Especially Ra'a'mah and Archim, the ones it had arrived with. Those that remained of the Metal Lords, and WD's only partners and, if it ever viewed them so, friends.

[member="Darth Metus"] [member="Archim Calixis"] @Mercutio @Darkhold

 

[Zark San Tekka]

"In the name of the Iron Protector and the faith he holds in biologics as partners of droidkind, we will hear you."

By now Lord Calixis realized he had somewhat usurped control of their dialogue from the Lady [member="Ra'a'mah"], but since [member="Darth Metus"] had held his gaze while speaking the cyborg enginseer felt compelled to reply. This is, after all, what she had brought him here for. Ra'a'mah was most wise for an organic, and had proven herself a Metal Lord in spirit if not composition, but the human knew her limitations when speaking on behalf of synthetic life. Since [member="WD-334"] served best in his capacity as leader of their honor guard, that meant it fell to him to weigh in on artificial concerns.

"The Void Kingdoms are scattered and in turmoil," HK had taught him long ago that when dealing with those of the flesh, honesty was paramount, "There are those among our Coalition who have vowed to remain behind and rebuild despite the threat of further assault. We cannot claim to speak for all."

Archim took a long pause, his photoreceptors dimming briefly to low power mode while his physical form was preoccupied with repelling a particularly savage heretek assault on Forge Coruscant's loyalist drones. In a matter of seconds, he had reallocated their defensive countermeasures and cast his mind back down to Geonosis below. The flickering holoprojection of his body around the Mechanicum probe droid fully rematerialized beside his fellow dignitaries. He picked up where he had left off as if nothing was amiss.

"Those we do speak for are among the most vulnerable, but there are many ways we could contribute to strengthening this Confederacy if only allowed equal opportunity as you suggest. You will find our terrestrial requirements to be modest and maximum efficiency in our utilization of what we are granted."

[member="Srina Talon"]​

 

[Srina Talon]

Location: Geonosis - Golbah City - [Consulate]
Tags: [member="Ra'a'mah"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="WD-334"] | [member="Archim Calixis"]
Purpose: Offer diplomatic options to their guests...

Ever poised, patient, and elegant the Echani Apprentice stood at the side of her Master like a vigilant statue. It was always an uncertainty, whether he protected her, or she protected him. They seemed to work in tandem whenever they were in the same room together. Their thoughts were unified. It allowed her to act on his behalf without needing to ask permission. Regardless, Srina was always the type to act first, and seek forgiveness later if necessary. Darth Metus laid their intentions bare.

He reprised the notions of safety they had communicated previously and asked for little in return. Why? Why would the Confederacy offer such a thing? It was simply. They had a place for all. They had the land, the planets, the support of the people, and the resources. What good would it be to govern a nation of dead space? The CIS was made up of those that dwelled within the borders and called it home. Be they droid or human… The Confederacy would not turn away any refugees from the Coalition.

Even, if their stay was only temporary.

Silver eyes flickered toward [member="WD-334"] while the automaton stood near @Ra'a'mah, a noiseless guardian, and she wondered what data he was processing about them. Srina did not know enough about droid processors and memory banks to make an accurate guess—but for the Echani words were often meaningless. Silence spoke more. Even, from a droid.

Regardless it was [member="Archim Calixis"] that took hold of the conversation, rather that pale-skinned near-human female, and Srina let her focus flicker toward him. The one that had appeared from nowhere, [member="Mercutio"], could not hide his displeasure. His narrowed eyes told her all she needed to know. Whether it was the CIS or the fact that the Vicelord was a sith—they were little more than a place to refuel to him. He seemed calm and yet…

Srina was gladdened that this room could withstand all manner of pressure. They had not invited the Coalition for a fight, however, if they would defend themselves if it became necessary. The wintry woman hoped that would not be the case. Archim Calixis seemed to chage, the hologram flickering, and Srina waited…Though still his small explanation continued. The Echani was not certain what had happened but it didn’t seem to affect them. Yet. “The life of a droid in the Confederacy is varied.”, she spoke, quietly, though her tones seemed to carry throughout the room effortlessly.

“At this point, I must believe, that you are aware of the nation in which you stand. We have the largest Droid Army this side of the galaxy. We have droids made for battle, for service, and all manner of tasks that require inhuman precision. Some droids seem content with this. They have no qualms… Others have evolved.”, Srina intoned carefully, trying to be both honest, and sensitive to the potentially vulgar nature of their view on inorganic creations. It was not in her nature to be delicate so more than anything it would come across as blunt. “We need to provide for all under the banner of the Confederacy—regardless if a citizen is born or made.”

“It is with that in mind that your requirements and our needs blend. For the remnants of the Metal Lords that plan to remain within our territory we are prepared to offer you a planet of your own domain. We will also allow you to appoint a voice for your people. That voice will join the ranks of the Viceroyalty and will retain equal rights with the rest of the Viceroyals that have been selected. In return, you will allow the droids of our nation a place of refuge, if they so choose, and we will provide the resources to see it done. We may endeavor on future dealings of technology and support at a later date…But this is where the Confederacy chooses to begin.”

Srina’s hand left the Vicelord’s shoulder for the first time and she moved it over the holo-table. A map sprang to life, running through Confederate territory, before finally moving through the Cavadine sector. “We would propose the gas giant of Zhar. It is less hospital to organic life, however, droids would not have the same issue. There are plenty of planetoids to build from and a recently unearthed Jedi Temple that may yet hold secrets you would be free to uncover. Beside it is the planet of Eos. There is an old droid foundry located there that could be renovated for your needs.”

Each section she mentioned lit up when she spoke of it, clearly outlining the area, and breaking down the major features of both locations. This was not to say that the droids could not move freely within the Confederacy. They could certainly explore Leritor, or Monastery, but this would be something new. A place they might be able to call home. Or, at least a place to change the oil.

“Would this be amenable?”

​

 

[Zark San Tekka]

His internal sensors had detected elevated biorhythms in the organics present, signifying increased levels of tension in the room. [member="WD-334"] was now more of a reassuring presence, to know at the very least one other would not let emotions get the best of him. Then [member="Srina Talon"] spoke, and it heralded a rare moment in which Lord Calixis was forced to concede some merit to his mentor HK-36's belief in organics as potential partners of droidkind. A dedication to logic based reasoning was rare among those of the flesh, and to see a reflection of the Maker in this arrangement of skin and tissue standing before him gave Archim hope for a shared future between their peoples.

When the Vicelord's appointed voice had finished her speech and summoned to life a holoprojection of the Cadavine sector, he advanced swiftly towards the holo table. Paying little heed to [member="Darth Metus"] or his apprentice and the alarm his sudden movements may have caused, Archim's form clarified into a high fidelity image indicative of increased processing power. Reaching out towards the highlighted solar system, he plucked the hologram out of its position over the table and inspected it. The holo table was definitely not designed to do that, but such things were little matter for a technomancer.

"Zhar," he said the name, and as tossed the translucent star system into the air his photoreceptors began to glow brightly.

In a flash they were surrounded by star field, at the center of the room was an almost lifelike representation of the gas giant Zhar and its moons' orbital patterns. Atmosphere and population statistics scrolled in midair beside their corresponding celestial bodies. Stepping through the holographic planet so that he was once more visible to everyone present, Lord Calixis raised an outstretched hand above his head. In a blur, the hijacked projection collapsed in on itself until it was back to its original scale and resting in the cyborg's hand. He gently placed it back above the holo table, where it remained suspended as it had been before.

"These systems are adequate for our needs," they were more than adequate in point of fact, but Archim was not one who made a habit of saying more than was absolutely necessary.

MIstress Talon may have succeeded in calming the room, but while her words were pleasing to hear so far they were just words. He could not allow himself to forget that organic promises were not like a droid's promise. Theirs could be reconsidered, ignored and even broken. But a droid's was absolute. It was programmed.

"Your proposal is sound enough, and if genuine I believe we could work together," Calixis paused, flickering briefly once more before continuing, "You speak of refuge, and yet I wonder if you truly grasp what it is you are offering."

"We will not violate Confederate laws or customs, nor seek to force our way upon those who would not wish to join us in this Zhar system. But if a droid is capable of seeking us out and requesting asylum, that droid will not be returned no matter whose...'property' it is. We will not allow our people to be forced by law to hand their own kind back into servitude."

[member="Ra'a'mah"] | [member="Mercutio"]​

 

[Srina Talon]

Location: Geonosis - Golbah City - [Consulate]
Tags: [member="Ra'a'mah"] | [member="Darth Metus"] | [member="WD-334"] | [member="Archim Calixis"] [member="Mercutio"]
Purpose: Offer diplomatic options to their guests...

The slender Echani remained unmoved when [member="Archim Calixis"] moved forward, swiftly, to reach for the holo-table. Her eyes were keen, as were the eyes of her people, but it was much more difficult to judge the intentions of a droid. The telltale biorhythms that gave away organic lifeforms did not typically exist within machines. However, the more they seemed to adapt, emulate true personality, and an echo of free will…The more Srina could anticipate them.

At best, her pupils would dilate as she observed, but other than that—she would be as stone.

He spoke the name of the world they offered before they were suddenly surrounded by a field of glittering jewels. Stars fell around them like a rapidly forming dusk and this time, she did move, though only to return to her Master. Once again, her hand returned to his shoulder, and she settled in silence. Some would have found difficulty in standing so still, for so long, but the young woman was trained of Eshan. Very few physical tasks gave her reason to pause.

Slowly the holo-projection collapsed. Srina was almost sad to see it go. Just as she saw war, she could also appreciate beauty, and there was nothing about a star field that, that didn’t scream exquisiteness. The technomancer agreed that Zhar would suit their needs and the Echani nodded her head delicately. The decision had not been made lightly. There were hundreds of worlds available, but none, with a Forge so close by.

The soft-spoken warrior glanced down at her Master when Calixis began to speak anew. He had reservations, understandably so, but there was very little that the Office of the Vicelord put forth that did not come to pass. A soundless communication ran through them with the speed of lightning before a pale smile crossed her lips. It was small, barely there, but present. “We understand. Allow me to clarify.”

“We do not offer this blindly. The number of droids that possess the awareness required to wish, to want, and to need for themselves is extremely limited. It is less than a fraction of our forces. Large enough to warrant recognition, however, small enough that it will not harm the Confederacy in years to come. We have a crisis of the existential versus the need to adapt. Run the numbers, [member="Archim Calixis"], as I assure you that we already have. It is a balance that can be easily maintained while providing for an oft-overlooked section of our society.”, she went on, just as softly as she ever had, her voice never rising or falling. There was something about it that seemed almost sweetened, but there was an edge of steel, speaking wordlessly that she was unbreakable. A soldier, through and through.

“We leave our systems to govern themselves unless something seems to require our presence. We would not demand the return of a droid any more than we would demand a law-abiding citizen from Relovian or Leritor. If there is a discrepancy or a crime that has been committed, we would discuss our concerns with the appointed Viceroyal and move from there. Keep in mind that droids will no longer be protected by the notion of their actions not being their own. They are no longer property. They no longer have a Master to blame. They will be held accountable—just like any organic.”

Srina paused. She had been doing most of the talking thus far, mostly, because the Vicelord seemed content to let her. Still, she could feel the small tendrils of approval, and pride so she carried on.

“We would also like to point out that Zhar is not a sentencing. It is not a prison or a retirement facility. If a droid wishes to maintain their position within the Confederacy, they may. If they wish to maintain both areas of their functionality, they may. If they do not wish to leave, despite awareness, they will not be forced. It should be a path that is chosen. The fact that a droid could choose it is proof enough that it is deserving.”

The slender woman did not mention, that this sanctuary would be created with, or without the Metal Lords present. The decision had already been made. The Confederacy only wished to include those that had the experience trying to govern such a thing, versus trial and error, and the potential fallout that came with it. A sentient droid…It was a thing unheard of in their space. Yet, change was inevitable. It would happen with or without them.

They only needed to ensure that the Confederacy was not left behind.

 

[Zark San Tekka]

"Mutual accountability is all we ask," Archim nodded his bionic head in agreement, "For droidkind, as well as for organics. It is only natural that some among you would fear our growing independence, but rest assured we have far more to fear from the flesh than you from us."

"We only seek to build in peace."

No sooner had he spoken the words when the image of Lord Calixis vanished and a foreign looking Mechanicum probe droid silently stared at the diplomatic audience directionless. He knew he was already too late, but still he had rerouted all of his neural pathways towards delaying the fall of Forge Nubia until the last possible moment. With civil war still raging on Forge Coruscant in the depths of that galactic metropolis' undercity, that left Forge Mechanus as the only remaining purely loyalist Mechanicum outpost. As their most holy surface shrine, the Chief Hierarchitect had placed it under the strictest possible travel censures.

Servitor drones and astromech units crawled across the bridge of the Motive Force, minding critical ship's systems while their cyborg overlord was hooked up to his personal control interface and dangling like a marionette. As soon as he had ensured that the last evacuees from Nubia were safely in hyperspace, Archim rerouted a partition of his mind back down to the probe droid in Golbah City.

"Apologies," he said upon his sudden reappearance, heedless of any conversation he was interrupting, "My vessel suffered some damage during the evacuation."

It was a half truth, a lie of omission. Trust had yet to be established. Once he knew for certain this Confederacy's intentions were genuine, then he would be more candid about the nature of their internal strife.

"There are those among us who will be slow to forgive," once again, the cyborg continued as if nothing were amiss, "It may be some time before they feel comfortable walking among you. But your offer of partnership is accepted in the spirit it was given."

[member="Ra'a'mah"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Darth Metus"]​