Pact

[Irys Arist'lar]

[member="Kira Corsai"]
[member="Decimus Meridius"]

The Collateralhulk-class battlecruiser reverted to realspace in the deepspace coordinates that had been pre-arranged. Nothing was as useful for a private as the vast emptiness of deep space. It was unfathomable to even the most advanced humanoid brain. Every time Irys tried to simply appreciate how large space actually was, it made her feel slightly dizzy. The numbers were simply, tangible things, but to truly picture how small they were…that was near impossible.

The massive battlecruiser was here to show the military might of the Techno Union. Quiet in recent years, its war machine was a work of art. Countless swarms of droid fighters, massive carrier ships and legions of droid soldiers could be deployed at a moment’s notice.

Admiral Irys Arist’lar looked over the names of the team engaged in the discussions. This was a purely military affair to quietly discuss some joint exercises with this Imperium and perhaps start to discuss some details for sharing some intelligence on the Alliance. The fanatics unnerved the Union. They had a concern that their religious cult would start some form of crusade in their direction, citing oppression of the people by the corporations or some nonsense.

Admiral Irys Arist’lar, Navy
Lieutenant Colonel James Harris, Army
Commander Kreach Voss, Military Intelligence
Major*Classified*, Special Forces.

When she arrived at the shuttle she realised she recognised two of the others. Harris she’d worked with on joint ops before. The representative from SF she’d encountered at some previous briefings. Only the short man from MI was unknown.

 

[Lash]

The Annihilator-class cruiser Tyranny burst from hyperspace at the co-ordinates agreed upon and came to rest near the battlecruiser in the distance. Stela'shlit'nuruodo sat looking at the beast through the forward view port. This was supposed to be a friendly meeting, but Lash was prepared if that was not the true intentions of the Techno Union. The Ship looked like some old relic of the past sitting in the distance. Its massive circular hull and jagged super structure was very feral looking. A human might look at such a ship and be impressed or even intimidated. Lash was Chiss, this was just a ship, and if the mission was true to its nature He was just the driver for the Triumvirate. He was not impressed by the monstrous construct, it was just a bigger target for him to hit if it came to it.

"Captain Konit, Inform the Triumvirate we have arrived."

The Chiss captain nodded and opened a channel to the formal dining hall where the Triumvirate retinue had been waiting.

 

[Joran Greth]

Grand Moff Greth sat at the table looking over the latest intel the Imperium had gathered on the Techno Union. The corporate holding were especially of interest to him. Their financial power was as impressive as any military might they could flex. The other Triumvires went about their own form of preparation, readying themselves for the meeting. It was very much a military affair rather then a diplomatic one. Greth had come along to show that they Imperium fully supported any co-operation between the two powers. The Imperium was still very much a secret to the galaxy at large but in order for it to become the power it needed to be it had to make friends. And it would only court the most powerful friends it could find. A chirp sounded and the rooms PA crackled to life.

"Moff Greth sir, We have arrived in system and have taken up position. We await the Triumvarates orders." Greth recognized the Chiss Admirals voice them replayed.

"Very well Admiral Lash, We will confer and be ready in a moment. Open a channel to the Unions vessel and send them our reguards and let them know the Imperium appreciates their meeting us. We will ready ourselves and get back to you Admiral." Greth turned off the link then looked at the other two Triumvir.

"It is time."

[member="Irys Arist'lar"]

 

[Irys Arist'lar]

The large shuttle, equipped with several spacious meeting rooms, headed out into the space between the two small task forces. A pair of droid swarm fighters accompanied her most of the way but in perfect synchronisation they banked away as the shuttle slowed to zero relative velocity to the Collateralhulk Battlecruiser.

"Just a few checks before we go in," Irys said, checking over a sheet she'd received from command. "Designations of assets used to collect spatial intelligence from Alliance space is not to be divulged. Cloaking technology in use is not to be discussed. Hyperdrive classes of assets is not to be discussed. Standards of scanners is not to be discussed. We'll be deliberately reducing the quality of the product we pass over - if we agree that - so they can't work out what kind of scanners we're using. Nor do we need to go into specifics of what we've gathered so far. We have no authorisation to discuss any formal coalitions or actions, merely the possibility of some join exercises in mutual defence and sharing of some data, Everyone clear?"

There was a nod from all present.

[member="Joran Greth"]
[member="Lash"]

 

[Sinistra]

Director Corsai had spent the voyage in the room with Joran and Decimus, working quietly at a console near the windscreen, the warbles and swirls of hyperspace playing across her features. She barely looked up from her station when the ship reverted to realspace, finishing up her notes. Her crisp aubergine uniform was impeccable, and finished off with mirro polished black knee boots. She wore her rank badge and cylinders, although she did not have a military rank, per say, it gave the crew of the ship the necessary impression that they snapped to attention whenever she addressed one of them.

She looked up, the last little bit of her work transferred to her datapad.

"By all means, let's be off. I know we all know to be cautious and guard our words. I'm sure this will be fruitful visit."

She rose from her seat, and straightened her uniform, her fingers curled around the datapad as she stepped for the door.

[member="Decimus Meridius"] [member="Joran Greth"] [member="Irys Arist'lar"]

 

[Keyan Mastigar]

Two men stood on either side of the door way, facing the inside of the room towards where the Triumvirate were, they stood as still as statues, concealed with a scarlet mask and a scarlet ceremonial robe, these men were the guardsmen of the Triumvirate, they were veteran soldiers of the Imperial military, trained to guard the most important figures of the Empire, now they were protecting the leaders of the Imperium. One of the men was Commander Keyan Mastigar.

Both of the guards turned to face opposite of each other next to the door, Keyan opened it and walked out, followed by the other guard, they waited for the Triumvirate to collect themselves and head for the door.

[member="Irys Arist'lar"] [member="Lash"] [member="Joran Greth"] [member="Decimus Meridius"] [member="Kira Corsai"]

 

[Not Ordo]

[member="Joran Greth"] [member="Irys Arist'lar"] [member="Kira Corsai"] [member="Keyan Mastigar"]

Decimus stood slowly from his reports and donned his hat and gloves. His ever sharp eye returned to focus after the long trip engrossed in various datacards of information ranging from gear request to finances. He didn't waste breath in agreeing with his fellow triumvir but simply motioned for their guards to lead the way to their transport.

Boots thuded on the durasteel deck plates and mixed with the buzzing of ship systems as they walked creating a music that he had so grown to love. He frowned briefly as he thought it would be so much sweeter if they were in time. Nothing touched the old soul quite like a uniform march. His hands clasped behind his back as they walked and he made mental notes to speak to the quarter master later to ensure he stepped up training, too many trooper's were failing to keep their arms at 90 degrees to the deck when at port arms. Someone would have to be punished if it wasn't rectified.

They moved quickly to the turbolift down to the hanger and he looked at the ships longingly as the doors opened. It had been too long since he had flown himself. Perhaps admiral Lash would get him his own fighter while they did their development.

He motioned for the deck officer to signal the other ship and inform them they would be debating before moving to the other leaders at the transport. He climbed in bending down to keep his cover from hitting the hull as they ascended the boarding ramp. Calmly he found his seat and took it before removing his side arm and checking the ammunition. He looked at the others.

"One can never be too careful. " he said replacing the weapon, "We should consider separate ships next time. One well placed shot and our Empire falls. "

 

[Irys Arist'lar]

[member="Kira Corsai"]
[member="Decimus Meridius"]
[member="Keyan Mastigar"]

The shuttle held position in space. The docking ring would freely open when the other vessel arrived. The delegation from the Techno Union would be just inside the entrance when the group arrived. Further inside the vessel was a spacious conference room with a wide oval table. It was equipped with all the usual necessities. A standalone holo-projector, display screens, several containers of reasonable quality caf and several trays of biscuits. It was potentially going to be a lengthy meeting after all.

Irys smoothed out the front of her uniform nervously. Colonel Harris had relatively little hair, even for a human. From his appearance she guessed he was late in his fifties. The kind of intelligence, but not outstanding officer who might make full colonel before retirement but was unlikely to ever make it to a general officer rank. The Bothan from the SF community looked as disinterested as their type ever did. Meanwhile the rather diminutive Commander Voss barely moved a muscle as he stood waiting.

 

[Lash]

[member="Irys Arist'lar"] [member="Decimus Meridius"] [member="Keyan Mastigar"] [member="Kira Corsai"]


Lash watched the Shuttle leave the massive battlecruiser and move out to the agreed position for the meeting. He eyed the craft then the massive ship behind it. Everything seemd up and up so far. Only Time will tell if things stay that way. He same his drink down and addressed captain Konit.

"Captain You may clear the Shuttle to move out to the meeting co-ordinates. Keep an eye on the big ship just in case."

"Yes Admiral," said the Chiss officer before going about carrying out his orders. This was an important meeting, Lash understood that. He just did not like being tactically disadvantaged like he currently was. He knew this was a friendly meeting but he never trusted anyone. at least no one who was not Chiss.

 

[Joran Greth]

[member="Irys Arist'lar"] [member="Decimus Meridius"] [member="Keyan Mastigar"] [member="Kira Corsai"]

Joren Greth stepped up into the Shuttle, and sat on the bench near the front of the craft. He hated these affairs, the secrets, and assorted rabble they generally concerned. The techno Union was powerful, and Greth respected that. But he knew the assortment of alien filth he would have to endure was almost more than he could stomach. Yes he was a politician, and when it come to politics, He was a master. This however was something all together different. Yet the importance of the meeting meant he was obligated to joining it. He watched the other two Triumvire load the shuttle, and could not help but think about what they were thinking.

They all had been quiet on the trip here. How they would handle this He did not know, he was there for show more then any practical use. Yes he was curious, but he let the Director deal with the clandestine operations, at least the ones she knew about. Either way he would put on his best politician mask and great what ever waited for him aboard the ship.

 

[Sinistra]

The airlocks met, the security sweep was completed and the Triumvirate stepped onto the Techno Union shuttle with the stiff clip of people who were just as guarded as their hosts were likely to be. This was a secret meeting in space. Off where no one would see it, or could spy on it. It was as unofficial as it could possibly get. However, it could lead to more official things down the road, so it behooved the fledgling Imperium to talk to as many as they could.

Director Corsai slid into her chair, her hands folded in her lap as she surveyed the room and the TU officers sitting across the table. They were efficient, coordinated and quiet. And when they introduced themselves, she noted that while the three heads of state of the Imperium sat in the room, none of the heads of the TU were there. How pointed. It was just another reminder to Kira why the Imperium would need to succeed, if only so that she would not get drug out to the middle of nowhere to talk to underlings.

Her features betrayed none of her thoughts, Kira was skilled enough from a lifetime of being a spy that the only thing the TU officials would note was that she had a warm, polite smile and a calm demeanor.

"Thank you for the invitation. Shall we get down to business then?"

[member="Joran Greth"] [member="Irys Arist'lar"] [member="Decimus Meridius"]

 

[Irys Arist'lar]

"Of course, I am Admiral Arist'lar of the Techno Union navy. Should we go around the room before we continue?*" she asked. There was general agreement and soon everyone had an name for every face. "So this is a military meeting, and the existence of any working relationship between the Union and Imperium is to be held and protected at the highest classification and kept Need to Know. We have two items to discuss today and I hope everyone knows why we're here.

"The Alliance is a military force led by embittered ex-Republic military officers and religious fanatics. Currently they're expanding very rapidly down the Rimma Trade route, but they represent a threat to us both. We have two items on the table today. First of all to discuss the potential for sharing a level of information gathered on the Alliance, and Commander Voss is here to discuss the spatial intelligence we've been gathering. Secondly we wish to discuss the potential for conducting some joint training exercises as a precursor to any official mutual defence pacts. I'm sure you're all aware there are a great many hurdles before two disparate forces can cooperatively exist in the same theatre and there are practical matters to arrange. Those will take time, but today we get that ball rolling. Does anyone feel this is not an accurate description of the scope of this meeting?" Irys asked. As usual she kept to the point, trying her best to keep her usual abrasive nature as contained as possible.


[member="Kira Corsai"]
[member="Lash"]
[member="Decimus Meridius"]






*Just tag how you introduced yourself in the next post.

 

[Keyan Mastigar]

Spoiler

I could not think of what to write except this little fluff piece

When the room filled full of delegates, Keyan and the other guard walked towards one of the doors which was thankfully near the small office-banquet, Those two had not eaten in a few hours and were quite famished, as they passed by it, they sneakily snatched a couple of biscuits each and hid them under their ceremonial scarlet robes. They reached the door and took positions on either side of it, both of them standing still like statues on the outside, on the inside they were shoving biscuits in their masks.

Guarding was a right pain in the ass sometimes, but it has it's rewards.

[member="Irys Arist'lar"] [member="Lash"] [member="Joran Greth"] [member="Decimus Meridius"] [member="Kira Corsai"]

 

[Not Ordo]

[member="Irys Arist'lar"] [member="Lash"] [member="Kira Corsai"] [member="Keyan Mastigar"]

Decimus stood and looked at the hairy woman and thought oddly of his second wife, may she rest in peace. She was an abrasive matter-of-fact woman but her skill with financial management had been incredible and her cooking wasn't bad either. He took his seat and tapped his gloves finger on the table as people went around the room introducing themselves and as it came his turn he pressed his lips into a thin line in an close facsimile to a smile.

"Supreme commander Decimus Meridius," he said giving them their first bit of Intel to sell to the next highest bidder, "Thank you for having us."

He reached for a cup of caff and a few biscuits while entertaining the thought of stashing some like his very attentive guard had done. Instead he decided to maintain proper decorum and simply enjoy the refreshments as offered. He would enjoy the biscuits and wait to show his sabaac hand after he saw the stakes.

 

[Joran Greth]

[member="Decimus Meridius"] [member="Keyan Mastigar"] [member="Irys Arist'lar"] [member="Kira Corsai"]

Greth eyed each of the Union members as they introduced themselves. He was no fan of aliens, and the Bothans were among the worst in the galaxy. They were not trustworthy in his mind. They took statecraft and foreign relations as a challenge. The lot of them were raised to be suspicious and untrusting. Their clans were always at a state of conflict with each other. More importantly they were not human, they were not even humanoid. If fact the Admiral reminded Greth of a canine creature he had when he was a child. It did not handle torture well at all. He imagined how the female creature would resist. They seem to always resists at first. His mind wondered then he caught himself. These were the Imperium's new friends. HE should not be imagining their their deaths and how he would use their corpse afterwards. They were here to make nice with their new friends. Even if they were filthy creatures. It came around to him to introduce himself so he stood and straightened his jacket.

"Grand Moff Joren Greth at your service. Thank you for agreeing to this parley, I hope the Union and Imperium can forge a bond here today that will guide our two organizations to a prosperous and peaceful future."

 

[Irys Arist'lar]

[member="Joran Greth"]
[member="Decimus Meridius"]
[member="Keyan Mastigar"]
[member="Kira Corsai"]

"Excellent, a pleasure to meet you all," Irys said, using her most diplomatic voice. It was a genuine challenge for the testy Bothan. "So we all agree on the scope of this meeting?" she asked again.

 

[Sinistra]

"Kira Corsai, Director of Imperial Intelligence, and yes we agree on the scope. The gents to my left will be happy to sort out the wargames and exercises. The meat of the intel is what you've hooked me with. I don't mind sharing what we come across provided it can be beneficial to both parties here. The Techno Union is no small matter on the galactic stage, so what could we possibly offer you in that regard?"

It was an honest question and she looked back and forth between Commander Voss and Admiral Arist'lar, waiting to see who would like to address the need for intelligence from the Imperium.

"I know the TU supports and colludes with the First Order as well. It looks like the Western Reaches are getting crowded and you're having a lot of meetings quickly."

Kira was being quite candid, her expression light and relaxed as she helped herself to a cup of tea.

[member="Irys Arist'lar"] [member="Joran Greth"] [member="Decimus Meridius"] [member="Keyan Mastigar"]

 

[Raziel]

The shorty, wiry man at the end of the Techno Union panel smoothed out his dark green uniform. Commander Kreach Voss leant forwards across the table then, looking to the Admiral for permission to speak. "What you can," he replied simply. "We have a number of collection assets moving through a variety of locations," he said, referencing the stealth vessels currently within the TU navy that were passing through Alliance and Republic space collecting data. This can be relatively mundane geospatial information, through to detailed scans and locations of enemy forces," he explained. His voice kept to a flat pitch, serious in tone. It was as if he was used to public speaking but had never quite mastered the art of keeping the audience engaged with inflection. He was, after all, playing a quite and reserved officer who liked his technical details.

A holo-image displayed some multi-spectral scans of Alliance military installations, with critical details redacted. "The level of information sharing is up for debate. What we would propose is a secure link to be established between two intelligence systems. To start off with we'd likely be sharing some base mapping data and limited sensitive information. Though we could process requests for specific details and approve them on a case by case basis. The Alliance is new and we would welcome any information that could be provided over time. I'm sure the level of sharing will grow over time and we''ll make more available as agreements become more concrete."

[member="Kira Corsai"]
[member="Irys Arist'lar"] [member="Joran Greth"] [member="Decimus Meridius"] [member="Keyan Mastigar"]

 

[Sinistra]

His answer was exactly what she would have expected. It was rather nebulous, non committal and could be used to justify just about anything under the guise of intelligence. What you can implied that they were not expected to hand over everything they came across but in these communities, it was always tit for tat. If you wanted something, you had better be able to bargain with something of equal value.

"I think we can agree to that. I have been working on getting better acquainted to the Alliance. Perhaps we can arrange a more appropriate venue for the exchange of that information?"

It wasn't that what she discovered was so secretive that she couldn't share it in front of Joran and Decimus, however, she would not speak openly of the things she learned in front of unvetted Techno Union personnel.

Everything had a procedure.

[member="Raziel"] [member="Irys Arist'lar"] [member="Joran Greth"] [member="Decimus Meridius"] [member="Kira Corsai"]

 

[Not Ordo]

[member="Irys Arist'lar"] [member="Sinistra"] [member="Joran Greth"] [member="Keyan Mastigar"]

He sat quietly as the images arose and began immediately looking for tactical faults in the layouts. Years of being a field officer had made him better suited for combat than board rooms but it was the price of leadership that one must spend more time out of their comfort zones than in them. He moved in his chair to look at his director of intelligence and back to the man he would now consider a tech officer and offered that old fatherly smile he had gotten so used to.

"I believe future ​sharing will be mutually beneficial." He said clamly as his photoreceptor eye focus on the tech officer than back to the images.

He removed his comlink from his pocket and began typing notes about the images before looking back up to the techno union panel.

"Can you supply date stamps and locations of the images you've provided without compromising you're operations?" He asked trying to gauge what he would need and what they could supply and still maintain good inter-relations.