Faction Pilgrims to a Black Sun (Black Sun Faction)

[Bodek Karsin]

Ubrecht - Madrus Ruling Council
Meeting Hall
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The meeting of the Ruling Council had been ongoing for two hours, and still members came forward to speak.

"Our ships in the Vardecht route were asked for a tax," said one Clan chieftan, "and threatened with destruction."

"For us, it was a 'friendly donation,'" said another, "but the Turbolasers they leveled upon us were less than friendly."

"Tribute," said a third, "but for what King, they would not say."

"I heard a name," said the proud Chieftain of Clan Brochul, throwing her hair back in a gesture of contempt, "though whether this is the name of a system, an organization, or a person, I am unsure. They called it 'Black Sun.'"

"A criminal faction," suggested Chieftan Gargas of Clan Kul, "I have seen their symbol. We intercepted smugglers bringing in droid house-servants."

A chorus of rude noises met that announcement. Fully automated devices like droids were forbidden on Madrus. Computers and electronics and cybernetics were allowed- but nothing autonomous. Nothing that could do all the work itself.

The Prime Executive sat in the midst of them all, listening as they swarmed around with comments and complaints.

"I have heard enough," he said at last, his booming voice drawing the assembly to momentary quietude.

"It is clear that we are beset on all sides by petty thieves, criminals, or warlords. And this Black Sun is at the center of it. The scope of their presence is such that War is a risky prospect. So we will attempt Diplomacy.

Most of the impact has been on trade, so we will send a trader to make contact and initiate negotiations. We will try to see if there is some accommodation that can be made with them.

Now... who should this trader be?"

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'Ironclad' Gozanti Freighter Refit - Bridge​

Bodek Karsin stood at the rear of the bridge, looking over the senior officers of his crew. They were waiting for him to make a decision. Fight. Answer. Run. There were few other options.

He shifted his gaze to peer through the viewports set into the ship's bridge.

Beyond the transparisteel, among the stars, lay the ship that had intercepted them. It seemed more like a pirate ship than any legitimate vessel. But of course big guns had a legitimacy of their own.

Within that unknown vessel lay the mysterious representatives of the Black Sun. These wanted a 'Toll.' They were clearly part of the same group which had beset Madrus on all sides. The group Bodek had been sent to treat with.

"Any answer, Sir," Jelka Norv- his communications officer- asked. She was of the Laborer Caste, like him. Her vocal enhancer made her voice particularly pleasant. Her translator chip ensured her response was articulate in any language. Her wide frame made her especially desirable to Bodek's eyes, though as her employer he could never indulge in his fancies.

Bodek nodded once, "Send this:"

He paused, a frown touching his features. He was no diplomat. He didn't even have a knack for business negotiations. He stated his positions plainly. Haggled little.

Then again, plain speaking was what the moment required. There had been too much confusion of late.

"Take Us To Your Leaders."




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