Private Tapani, Trader, Sovereign, Spy

[Yorran Vosk]

Bastion - Diarchal Offices
_____________________________________________________________

​

"... 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]

​

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

---

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]

​

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

 

[Yorran Vosk]

Yorran bowed his head.

"Then with this provisional approval, I shall set things in motion. "

He stood, "I regret that the hourglass must claim me. If I hope to make any use of Mr. Dashiell, I had best not keep him waiting."

_______________________________________​

The restaurant where Yorran Vosk was scheduled to meet with Makai Dashiell was neither overly elegant nor particularly common. It was not packed with patrons, but nor was it empty. One could eat here without breaking the bank... or one could order from the final page of the menu and spend a month's wages.

The Verdant Secret was a versatile place, and that was why Yorran liked it.

That, and the fact that it was heavily staffed by Network personnel. Real waiters. Real chefs. Real hosts and hostesses. In his experience, it was always better to hire people who were good at a craft and then turn them into spies. They were always natural in their spycraft that way. Because they were always in their natural element.

Some operatives had to be chameleons, of course. Prodigies. But those were few and far between.

Most spies? Just people doing their normal jobs. And then a little extra.

At least, that's how The Network approached recruitment. Outfits like Sancetti's Secret Service were children of the Ministry of Inquiry. Their agents were chosen for pedigree, loyalty, and educational success before all other considerations. That made them stiff, unnatural, and conspicuous.

How the Tapani Sector had got on with an intelligence network comprised of such people was beyond Yorran's understanding.

The half-Bothan found a seat at the assigned table- located in a quiet booth. The sort of place Makai might feel comfortable having a private chat about sensitive topics.

Then he waited for the man to arrive.




Makai Dashiell Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Yorran Vosk

Meeting with Mister Vosk was one of those 'shits and giggles' type situations. He had zero interest in becoming a spy, it wasn't his thing. Yet he wanted to give the Director a chance to at least speak. Beyond that, there was more reason to meet with Vosk. The man may let some words slip through about the state of the galaxy. A neutral person, Makai would be listening for threats to his business more than for threats to governments or groups. Although a government contract could grind to a halt with war, it could also pick up.

Being lead by a hostess, the half-Galan looked around the restaurant, taking note of the surroundings. An odd place. Seemed fake to him, as if someone created a space where they didn't know if they wanted to be down to earth or high rolling. As if the owners couldn't decide or perhaps had little say in the matter. The menu would reveal more.

Approaching Director Vosk, he extended his hand in greeting.

"Director, a pleasure. I trust you've been well since the wedding?"

 

[Yorran Vosk]

Yorran smiled as Makai approached. It was an expression that probably looked better on other people.

"I have been myself," he responded to the man, "which is more than I can say for most in my profession."

An attempt at a joke.

"I appreciate your taking the time to meet with me, today. I realize a man in your position has many tethers on his time, and that my approach may have been unexpected. Even unwelcome.

But... before we get into all that, how have you been? I trust your business interests are doing well. Investments compounding. Sales on the rise?"

Yorran already knew precisely how well Makai's businesses were doing, but it was best to allow people to tell you. Once they started talking about themselves, they might share... anything.

Yorran pretended to casually consider the menu while the man formulated his response.


Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Yorran Vosk

Water placed before them by the host, Makai reached for the glass as the Intelligence Director spoke. There was a groan-worthy Dad joke and an acknowledgement of his time. Then some words about business that were deceiving from his point of view. Deceiving as they were meant to draw out more. Makai didn't mind speaking upon his business, he just appreciated a more straightforward approach.

"Business is fine. War or peacetime, materials from mining are always needed."

Not a lie. It was one of those sectors like agriculture and construction that made the universe spin in a way. Didn't matter what was going on, it was just needed.

Makai picked up the menu, glancing it over.

"This establishment is odd. As in, created as if the owner had no idea what a restaurant was."

 

[Yorran Vosk]

Yorran attempted a chuckle. A team of judges would have given it mixed scores.

"The Verdant Secret's location, adjacent to the Government Sector, makes it an odd bit of business.

They attempt to cater to government ministers and their clerks simultaneously. I don't think a business like this could succeed anywhere else. But it's within walking distance of both the Diarchal administrative buildings, and the forum.

Thousands of citizens with one zero more or less on their paychecks eat here. A dining experience with enough talent in the kitchen to keep the elites from being overly put out at having to share space with their lessers. They don't need to, but they can land their luxury vehicles at the pads on the roof to show off their wealth. The short hop allows them to eat here in order to make their next meetings on time.

As for the smaller white-collar functionaries, they can get here and back to work without needing a speeder. It's only a block from either hub."

He glanced around, "I eat here quite a bit, myself. But the appeal for me is different."

He gestured around vaguely, "Because so many government employees eat here, the staff have been thoroughly vetted. So I don't need to worry about leaks quite as much."

A waiter approached, and Yorran ordered a bottle of Abrostine for the table. Then he returned his attention to his guest.

"Of course, if you don't enjoy the establishment, we could always find another. I hope we might meet once a month. I could buy you a nice meal to thank you for the pleasure of your company. And a consulting fee, for any good advice you might share while we dine."

He held up his hands in a gesture of innocence, "That's all this is, Mr. Dashiell. Most people think of Intelligence as a sordid business. But it's mostly things like this. People sharing a nice meal, talking about their experiences."

Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Yorran Vosk

"Suppose that explains it then."

It was still odd to him but made slightly more sense now that he knew this was basically one big spy operation. Workers were probably paid more for their silence rather than their expertise in hospitality. Just his guess. If it worked for Director Vosk then who was he to question such methods of his work.

Taking a sip of his water, eyebrows raised at the suggestion of meeting every month.

"Director Vosk, I'm flattered but once a month is extremely excessive. For starters, I don't live anywhere near this sector of the galaxy. I have a young family who I prefer to spend my time with when I'm not running a corporation. Most importantly..."

Makai held up his hand with his wedding band, emphasizing his next point.

"...I'm married. Now, not saying you're interested in me romantically, Director. I am saying my wife is...or can be....batshit crazy." There was no humor in his tone. "You'll find no other man who loves his wife more, I assure you. This is everything I wanted. However, she is extremely possessive. Leaving her one a month, leaving our daughters once a month....such a thing would never fly. You would be speaking to my grave."

Another sip of water and a shrug.

"Even if I was a single man, I value my corporate contacts more than a consulting fee."

 

[Yorran Vosk]

Yorran eyed the young man somewhat dubiously.

He often wondered why people made impulsive alliances with chaotic powers. Which was to say, he wondered at the appeal of marriage. Perhaps because he had no prospects, he'd always held the institution in mild disdain.

"Bring her with you. The children, as well," Yorran suggested, "I'd be happy to provide suitable lodgings. Nannies, if you like to use them. Luxury spa treatments for your spouse. It would be more like a monthly vacation than an imposition.

And if Dashiell Incorporated doesn't have a fast ship- which I doubt- I'd be willing to provide transportation as well."

He reached out for a bread stick, taking it and considering it as though it was some variety of ancient artifact.

"If a consulting fee is not appropriate enticement..." He looked up at his table-mate. "The Diarchy could surely be moved to provide favorable economic conditions for a friendly businessman."

The waiter brought a bottle before withdrawing again. Yorran snapped the bread-stick and began chewing on one half of it.


Makai Dashiell

 

[Makai Dashiell]

Wearing | Gear : X | X | X | X | X | L3-37 | Interacting With : Yorran Vosk

Makai tried not to let his suspicion show on his face, especially at the mention of nannies supplied by essentially the government. Like any high-powered couple, they had their own to keep an eye on things and the thought of someone potentially trying to leverage a child to gain more information...

"Consulting fees. More favorable business conditions. All excellent however." Pausing for slight effect. "Nothing beats having contacts. Business contacts that supply a steady stream of revenue. You know how important this is because you keep trying to win me over. You need a reliable contact. I would suggest it is easier to place spies in businesses than find someone who will share his secrets."

A little friendly advice before turning the tables.

"Must be lonely, what you do. No real relationships. Seems from the outside looking in its an artificial life."