Private Tapani, Trader, Sovereign, Spy

[Yorran Vosk]

Bastion - Diarchal Offices
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"... and that concludes the Network report on Galactic Alliance movements along the border," Yorran said, pressing his thumb to his datapad to turn the page- then realizing he'd gotten through the standard line items and into... less comfortable territory.

He hesitated, uncertain how best to broach the topic.

"I have a meeting soon with Makai Dashiell to discuss the possibility of him becoming an asset of the Network," he said, buying his brain time to consider his next words.

"But before I go, there is a matter I've been hesitant to broach..."

Yorran Vosk was a strange-looking alien: A cross between two species of non-humans who had rarely crossbred in the galaxy. Yet his appearance of discomfort was very human. Whether such expressions were a universal quality, or whether he had subconsciously adopted it by exposure, was unclear.

"It regards the High Chancellor, whom I know each of you have had an opportunity to develop a... fondness for. An efficient politician and administrator, by all evidence. A passable diplomat and military tactician, given his record in the Empire. But...

...How much do you both know about Tapani sector politics?"

A whole chest of traps could be hidden in that query.

Yorran looked from one of the Diarchs to the other. This would be the most difficult conversation of the day.



Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Reign]

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Location: Bastion | Diarchal Offices
Tags: Yorran Vosk Diarch Rellik

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The Diarch looked up from the data pad outlining Galactic Alliance assets along their border at the mention of the High Chancellor.

“I am familiar enough with House Mecetti’s history, their conflict with house Pelagia, close friendship with Count Dooku during the build up to the clone wars, and their backing of the Sith inspired “Mecrosa Order””

The Diarch did not overly concern himself with the direct politics of the systems outside of his control but he had researched the man.

“I am also familiar with Maldor’s record both within the Galactic Alliance and afterwards. Including his entanglement with the Rule of Two and the flight from Lianna.”

He looked at the other being, his eyes not hard, but questioning.

“What is this about Yorran?”

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik did his best to look over the report and listen to Yorran. The Diarchy had grown quite large in its short time in the galaxy and the Alliance was its measuring stick. There should be no stone or idea left unturned in the effort to understand their power.

Makai Dashiell, why does that name sound familiar?

Deciding not to voice his thoughts he awaited as the Vice Adjudicator continued. Pondering where he might have heard the name... The wedding registry?

Either way, the conversation moved quickly and there was not time to look into the matter in the moment.

"Most of what I know of the culture comes from my meetings with Maldor and some basic study. Respected houses, that nearly act as independent states through their wealth and connections."

There was more than that he had read up on but deemed it a satisfactory explanation so that the meeting could continue. His interest was peaked at the way it was going though. Maldor had earned a high status among their people recently.

Yorran Vosk Diarch Reign

 

[Yorran Vosk]

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Yorran suppressed the urge to sigh.

"Your study of Tapani history does you credit, Diarch Reign. And your study of the man himself does you credit as well, Diarch Rellik. But what I seek to call attention to is not the facts themselves, but the greater implications of what you know."

He reached up to stroke his beard.

"You know of the great Houses of Tapani. You know of the rivalries therein. But I wonder if you understand the underlying culture that exists as a result of that context?

Tapani sector nobles are schemers. It's not a knock on the Lord Mecetti- er, Sancetti. It's how he was raised. How any successful Tapani noble must be raised. They are surrounded by hostility dressed in smiles. They must always be prepared for a stab in the back... or to unleash such a stab of their own. It is this possibility which weighs upon me, given the reports I have to hand..."

He touched a control on his datapad, then turned it so that the Diarchs could see the screen. Images to follow his narration.

"You allowed a group of Tapani-sector immigrants to establish a mining colony in Diarchy territory. My sources say that this immigrant population was seeded with House Mecetti Ministry of Inquiry members. Lord Sancetti should have reported the presence of foreign intelligence operatives. Instead, he seems to have subsumed them into the new House Sancetti 'Secret Service.' An independent intelligence branch serving House Sancetti's interests exclusively.

Meanwhile, he has established a House Sancetti Fleet- rather small at the moment. And House Sancetti Royal Guard: Marines loyal only to him.

His company Trigonus Industries and his wife's Santhe-Sienar have united under the House Sancetti Conglomerate. So they now control a significant fraction of war materiel production.

Lord Sancetti manages the Chancellorate, in which Lady Sancetti is a Chancellor of Commerce. They are in a position to exert undue influence on Diarchal affairs.

The independent capabilities of House Sancetti, combined with the power and influence you have granted House Sancetti within the Diarchy, are a recipe for disaster.

He is not yet powerful enough to challenge Diarchal power. But that day may come. And with so many independently operated assets at his disposal..."

Yorran let his words trail off into the realm of sinister imagination.

Then: "I'd like to suggest that the Network devote a division exclusively to monitoring the actions of House Sancetti. As I said, scheming is in the man's blood. It's how he was raised. And I'm not convinced a Lion can learn to grow Wool on demand. It may be that he will bleat his loyalty only until the time comes to roar and draw blood."


Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Diarch Rellik regarded Yorran with measured eyes, nodding slowly as the Vice Adjudicator outlined his concerns. The Network's intelligence was never taken lightly.

"Your assessment of House Sancetti's growing power is thorough, Yorran," Rellik began, voice steady yet carrying the weight of experience. "Their control of the Yaga Minor shipyards is indeed significant, a facility with historical strategic value that is not lost on us. It is a potent asset capable of sustaining a fleet able to fight the entire galaxy, as history has shown."

He paused, folding his hands lightly before him. "That said, I must question whether House Sancetti currently possesses the political cohesion and financial breadth required to overthrow the Diarchy itself. Maldor and Lady Vyllia, as you know, both figures are marked by internal exile from their family and factional strife within their respective houses. Those who have gravitated toward House Sancetti are, by my observation, loyalists those seeking to restore their house's fractured influence rather than to undermine our authority. The recent influx of Tapani immigrants likely reflects a concerted effort to regain standing and power within the sector's complex social web, rather than a deliberate scheme against the Diarchy."

Rellik's gaze sharpened. "However, such growth of force cannot be dismissed. The Network's proposal for dedicated surveillance is prudent. Vigilance remains our foremost safeguard."

He leaned back, the faintest hint of a smile flickering. "I approve your actions. I understand matters at this level of government should be discussed directly with us but you are on the right track... as always vice adjudicator."

Yorran Vosk Diarch Reign Makai Dashiell