The Chalacta Conference

[Caulder Dune]

CHALACTA, CHALACTA SYSTEM
TEMPLE OF ILLUMINATION, JORDIR

"Peace hath her victories, you know. No less renown than war." Tyrin muttered to his aid as they climbed the steps to Jordir's famous Temple of Illumination.

The human functioning as Tyrin's assistant didn't give very much in the way of an emotional response. Tyrin was considerably more easy-going than his predecessor and most Sith, but that didn't make him any more dangerous to infuriate. "Are we quoting someone, sire?"

"Of course." Tyrin snorted. "Doesn't make it any less true."

Chalacta had been an ideal place for this kind of affair. The native Chalactans were fairly well-known throughout the Galaxy as peaceful folks. In ancient times and bygone eras, the very temple this meeting was slated to take place in had played an instrumental role in a Chalactan senator's decision to oppose some kind of military creation act, or whatever. Tyrin had only skimmed the databank entry, not that extensive knowledge of the Chalactan's customs and culture would be necessary to end hostilities with the Republic before they got out of hand.

Metalorn had been a bloody affair. Tyrin received his fair share of scars from the invasion, plus a new found fear of the one known as Je'gan. It was not something he was keen to repeat. Despite the obvious Sith victory, the Empire was still going through tumultuous times with his transition to the throne. Now was not the time for prolonged war with the Republic, especially not one where he was on the defensive. The election of one Aledis Idjit to Chancellor and her call for a meeting on Chalacta signaled an opportunity to end this conflict before it got out of hand. She had fought on Metalorn as well, from what he had heard. Thankfully they hadn't crossed blades personally. That would have made things... Awkward, to say the least.

Point being that if Tyrin could stave off total war until such a time came as he deemed the Empire ready, then that was exactly what he was going to do. A freak databank outage had completely wiped out important records pertaining to his Sith Assembly and Moff Council. The records were not salvageable. They would have to be drawn up again- more time wasted. How could Tyrin work effectively if the constant threat of Republic invasion loomed over his head? Or if he had to keep showing up to random planets his enemies were trying to take over?

Unfeasible. Impractical, even. Tyrin was filled with a sort of steely resolve as he entered the temple, ready to meet with the Republic's newly-elected Chancellor and end a tiresome conflict before it got started.

 

[Aleidis Zrgaat]

@[member="Tyrin Ardik"] I @[member="Darron Wraith"]

It wasn't every day that a teenager was elected the leader of the free peoples of the Republic by popular vote. To say that Aleidis was in over her head was something of an understatement. But being largely naive in the ways of the Galaxy, in wars in the shadows and attrition DID have it's benifits. Aleidis' cabinet had told her that the Empire would take her extended olive branch as a sign of weakness and mock her. The Emperor himself had, surprisingly, taken the offer quite seriously.

And to everyone's surprise save Aleidis Ijet, he'd agreed to a meeting.

Some of her supporters were already howling for blood - demanding that the war continue, demanding that she persecute allies for war crimes during the invasion of Metalorn, demanding that she seek restitution for the lives lost in the wind-up to what could have been a full-on Galactic War. Aleidis refused to allow her first duties as Supreme Chancellor be hanging men and women in the streets, or going on a witch-hunt for mercenaries who'd been too mean in battle. No. That simply would not do.

She'd been asked to run for the position because of her peaceful ways. She was a diplomat, and ambassador. And now, she was a leader. What better way to spread the message of peace than to take steps to end a bloody conflict that'd been raging for thousands of years? What better tone to set for her tenure of office than to draft a lasting treaty that'd save millions of lives as her very first act?

If Tyrin Ardik had gained a healthy respect for Je'gan Olra'en, perhaps he'd find his heir no less lacking... at least in the scope of her ambitions.

Aleidis stood from the wide table she sat at, adjusting her blue and white veda cloth robes as Emperor Ardik entered, the former Jedi Master took the first respectful step with a small nod of deference and greeting. Behind her loomed Jedi Master Darron Wraith, a man there to ensure her safety should things go sour. "Good morning, Emperor." The Ghostling greeted politely, offering a warm, professional smile. "I'm glad you decided to meet with me. Would you like an apple?" She invited, motioning to a bowl of fruit placed in the middle of the table.

 

[Jacen Cavill]

CHALACTA, CHALACTA SYSTEM
TEMPLE OF ILLUMINATION, JORDIR

@Tyrin Ardik | @Aleidis Ijet

The new Emperor made his way in, and Aleidis greeted him with all the charm and friendliness she could muster. Which given her race, disposition, and attitude on everything, was far warmer than the Sith Master would probably expect. The fact that he had showed up with just an assistant spoke volumes to him keeping his word but through the Force, the Jedi Master could feel his forces beyond the temple walls. Even though these discussions were of peace, tensions where still high. Fighting on Metalorn had been the boldest statement of the aggression the two sides had against each other since Roche, and Wraith had been there for both of them. Metalorn had been no Roche, but the casualties and ramifications from the conflict were startling. Trials were ongoing, and the clean up was still ongoing. The wounded were being tended to, and the Order itself was reeling from it's part in the whole matter.

Which was why he was here.

Not a word had been said to the new leader of the Republic, nor would he dip into these negotiations at all. Word had reached his ears about how tight the race had been for Aleidis' new position, and the votes were still close even after a few recounts. The general public would fall in love with her soon enough, of that much he was certain of. Nay-sayers were already rallying behind the cry of "the Jedi are taking over." Darron could see how that argument could have weight, he himself had fought hard for her to not take the position. Je'gan Olra'en hadn't spoken to him after that particular conversation, but it had been the catalyst that had finally drove the Master back into the order. Nothing about the situation was perfect, and the politics for such a peace treaty were startling. Gone, was the Republic's high ground stance on not being ruled by a Force-User. A cause Darron Wraith had fought for his entire life while serving the Jedi, but here he was at this meeting. Not to talk, or offer input.

He was there to stand guard, and support his Chancellor.

Powerful arms were behind his back in a parade stance, and his braided locks were behind his ears. The calm look on his face was betrayed by the intensity in his eyes, he made no move or gesture. The field of responsibility that was extending from him allowed him to feel all intent, and his breathing was coming in slow. All his muscles were relaxed, but he was ready to grab the pair of lightsabers at his waist if he needed to. The armor he usually wore was still on, but it was covered in a massive black cloak that covered it all, but the gold finish could still be seen under the very thin material. It was nearly weightless, but he made sure his weapons were visible. Everyone was there for peace and diplomacy, but Aleidis was still a Ghostling: although one who could do incredible things with illusions. This wasn't her fight, and that's why he was there.

To stand back, and guard and protect his friend so that the government he loved could function and begin to do some galactic good.

 

[Caulder Dune]

@[member="Darron Wraith"] | @[member="Aleidis Ijet"]

"Chancellor. I'm pleased to have been invited here." Tyrin replied, giving a respectful incline of his head. He couldn't bow, of course. Emperors did not bow. The Emperor was currently in his... Well, Emperor garb. His facial features were obscured, though his tone of speaking didn't suggest any malice. He had expected the Chancellor to be taller, probably older. It wasn't completely unheard of that the Republic had no qualms with throwing adolescents into positions of power. From what he understood, the Senator from Coruscant was still in diapers. Whatever the case, such appointments spoke volumes of the wisdom either of the Republic's populace or those adolescents themselves. There would no doubt be an occasion for each of them to prove their mettle. Arguably the Chancellor was in the middle of her occasion right this very instant. How many times had Emperors come to meet and play nice with Chancellors? Too few for his tastes.

Off to the side was a dashing looking Jedi who was no doubt there to break Tyrin in two if the Umbaran so much as sneezed incorrectly. He wasn't exactly offended by that notion, it wasn't as if other Sith had a stellar reputation when it came to these kinds of things. There were likely a few who expected the Emperor to kidnap the Chancellor and then tie her to train tracks or something. No, none of that today. Today was a day for peace accords. Tyrin gave a subtle gesture, and the adjacent chair pulled itself from under the table enough that Tyrin might sit down. He'd wait for the Chancellor to re-seat herself before sitting.

"I'll have to pass, thanks." Tyrin said upon being offered as much. "I ate my share before landing. Shall we?"

 

[Aleidis Zrgaat]

@[member="Tyrin Ardik"] l @[member="Darron Wraith"]

Aleidis nodded and smoothed her robes, taking a seat. She didn't mind sitting before the Emperor, and saw no harm in it. The glowing teen folded her hands on the table, looking across at her Imperial counterpart with dark, lively eyes. Like the Zeltrons, her species had a reputation for being lovely, for being drawn to sex. Unlike the Zeltrons, they were not - what they WERE was endangered, as slavery for a Ghostling usually added in massive internal bleeding and a shattered pelvis, leading up to a painful death. Of course, that wasn't completely relevant, now. But soon, it would be.

"I'll be to the point, M'lord." Aleidis began, figuring that the polite and respectful use of his Sith title might earn her a bit of much-needed goodwill. Men liked when young women showed a bit of deference and respect, after all. "I want to end the war. And not with a flawed shield like the Treaty of Coruscant, where we're just changing the rules of war - I want our names to go down in history as the true architects of lasting peace in the Galaxy." The Ghostling explained.

"I've spent a great deal of time figuring out how I want to do this, and I think I've come up with some provisions that will benefit both sides." She explained, producing a datapad.

"The first, is an opening of trade between our two Factions - something that hasn't been done in ages, as I'm sure you know. Both the Empire and the Republic stand to gain much. Credits, technology. What I ask in return is that you begin to take steps to abolish slavery in your territory." Aleidis explained simply. "I know that slavery as a practice is a keystone of Imperial culture and economy, and there's no way to overturn it overnight without - well, frankly, landing your head on a pike." The Ghostling admitted.

"So, what I suggest is the abolishment of commercial slavery - large scale projects and businesses are funded by whole planets, whole species reduced to slavery. Bringing more people, more jobs, into the Empire will only benefit your economy as I am sure you know." Aleidis insisted with a faint smile. "...this wouldn't affect the, uh... for lack of a better term 'personal slaves' of powerful individuals and households. I will leave them to your discretion." Regardless of Aleidis' personal feelings on the matter, she couldn't realistically ask Tyrin Ardik to completely do away with slavery. Not after thousands of years of it. She could only hope that the offer of increased and over-the-table trade would be incentive enough make the change worth it.

"My next offer is one of transparency. The culture of the Empire is as intertwined with the Sith as our own Republic is with the Jedi - and this is both good and bad." Aleidis explained. "What I suggest is a ceasing of all hostilities between the Empire and Republic, so that soldiers, good men and women, are no longer required to go to war because somebody with a Lightsaber told them they have to." Aleidis gestured vaguely. "In this vein, I would ask that the Republic be allowed to host an Embassy on Drommund Kaas, in Kaas city. I offer the Empire the same - an Embassy in Galactic City, not far from the senate."

"With embassies and protections in place, visitation between our two peoples will increase. This'll only solidify relations between us." Aleidis suggested. "Furthermore, I am willing to offer the Empire a seat on the Senate - not a position of voting power, mind you. But to make clear that we have nothing to hide." The Ghostling explained, with the private hope that someday relations between the two superpowers would progress to such a point that perhaps that would change. Maybe they would take the lessons learned from the Galactic senate, and inspire democracy in the Empire? Optimistic, perhaps. But Aleidis had never been lacking in optimism.

"...and more immediate to the issue of Metalorn. A horrible thing happened, and we cannot ignore it. Rather, I am hoping to turn Metalorn into an example. I am calling for the end of hostilities between the Empire and the Republic; if the Jedi and Sith want more war, let it be without the support of our militaries, upon their own prerogative." Aleidis explained. "I suggest that we turn Metalorn into a neutral place of healing, considering the damage done to it renders a good portion of it unusable as a shipyard." She admitted.

"So, let's rebuild. The Galaxy is peppered with Jedi and Sith temples, but it's been eight thousand years... since the Second Great Schism... that they've existed under one roof." Aleidis said with a small, sad smile. "I'd like us to cooperate in constructing this neutral temple - a place of any and all to come and learn from both sides, peacefully. A monument to knowledge and skill, and to the lives lost in a battle that didn't need to be fought." She persuaded, bringing the full brunt of her inherent optimism and passion to bear. "Eight thousand years, M'Lord Ardik. Eight thousand years of constant battle, of skirmishes and hatred between the Jedi and the Sith. The Republic and Empire have been trading blows and land for threefold that amount of time. Both of us hold the scars. The broken bones and wounded pride and lost lives."

'But, today, we have the power to end it. We have the power to tell the Ghosts of a bloody past that they cannot dictate our actions any longer." Aleidis insisted, standing up with a wide, proud smile. "What do you say to my terms, M'lord? Shall we go down in history together? Our combined knowledge is more than able to bring about a golden age of prosperity, for both the Republic and the Empire. And today, we can lay those first steps down. What do you say?"

 

[Caulder Dune]

@[member="Aleidis Ijet"] | @[member="Darron Wraith"]

If Tyrin's eyebrows rose any higher, they would have taken flight and exited the building. Trade? Joint ventures on Metalorn? Embassies? This was evidently going to be much more than the discussion of a ceasefire. However, in addition to being a Sith, Tyrin was also a cynic. Former Jedi or not, child or not, he was still facing down a rival politician. If there were some universal rules of thumb that spanned the Galaxy, it was that those with political careers are to be seldom trusted. Then again, perhaps this was less a threat to him and more someone he could manipulate. Anyone who trusted a Sith Emperor to create lasting peace was unfamiliar with Sith customs.

Whatever the case, Tyrin was here to cement peace until it stopped serving his uses. If some trade and embassies furthered that objective, then so be it. Even if permanent peace was on his agenda, it was still impossible. Jedi and Sith were very rarely on friendly terms, if at all. To expect them to just ignore each other without convincing one that the other was extinct was... Well, yes, impossible.

Tyrin listened intently to what the Chancellor had to say, once she was finished, he made his response.

"I'll say that your optimism is refreshing, Chancellor," Tyrin said, though perhaps the word he was really looking for was naivety. Tyrin was already aware of the detractions of large scale slavery. "I've already been in the process of abolishing commercial slavery, slow and annoying though it is. As such I'm glad to give in to that request, though you'll want to leave it out of any treaty we sign here today. If it looks like the Republic is dictating Imperial policy, there will be hell to pay."

"You'll forgive me if I am wary of introducing free trade with the Republic. I am still in the process of doing away with nationalized companies and repealing the more controlling of Imperial regulations. That's not to say I am completely opposed to the idea. I will talk with one of my Sith Lords and see about making their sector a free-trade zone for Republic companies to do as they will. We'll go further pending the results."

"As for embassies and a cessation of hostilities, that sounds more than amiable, and I will gladly take the necessary steps to have a Republic embassy established on Dromund Kaas. I'm surprised you'd go as far as to let an Imperial representative into the Senate. Should you desire as much, feel free to send a Republic Representative to the Moff Council. The Sith Assembly is a... Primal place, to put it lightly. Sith are free to make their points through violence, and I wouldn't want to cause an incident with a dead Sith or Jedi."

The funny thing was, Tyrin had taken lessons from the Republic senate in the form of the Moff Council and the Sith Assembly. Granted, the two were different in the fact that they held no voting power and ultimately existed purely to debate policy before the Emperor and sway his opinion one way or another. What could he say? Tyrin was a sucker for good rhetoric. The fact that the assembled Sith also had the option to instill their authority through violence was also designed to appease the less-skilled public speakers. Not that Tyrin had any intention of listening to anyone simply because they beat the ever-living daylights out of their opposition.

"The difference between us is that the Sith, ultimately, answer to me. If I tell them to redirect their hostilities elsewhere, they will listen. As for a temple, on Metalorn of all places... Such a thing would only end in disaster. There was a reason for the schism, Chancellor. Sith and Jedi ideology are completely and utterly incompatible. Peace is the best we can do. Turning a Sith planet into neutral ground and allowing the construction of such a monument on it would only inflame the rest of the Sith. Besides, there is no way the Jedi Council would willingly expose members of the Order to Sith teachings."

The idea of Jedi lining up to 'learn peacefully' about the Sith and then falling to the Dark Side was a very, very tempting idea to Tyrin. But the inherent risk of Sith falling to the Light Side was also present. There was no way any other Sith would go for such a thing. Constructing the monument would only lead to a crazed, rogue Sith driving a Star Destroyer into it. Not a mess Tyrin wanted to spend money on cleaning up, especially not with all the other broken things laying about Metalorn. There were scant few among the Sith who wouldn't see the temple as blasphemy and Republic influence.

"I believe that sums up my feelings. I am in agreement with everything, save the temple. I do not consider it to be a viable option at this time. Regardless, free trade zones, embassies, and representation in each of our governments' is more than enough to get the ball rolling."

 

[Aleidis Zrgaat]

@[member="Tyrin Ardik"]

Aleidis mulled over his words, then nodded and stood up. "Then it seems that we've got an agreement!" She chirped, standing up. "I'm glad that we sat down and had this talk - even if I didn't completely get my way, I feel like we've made some really solid steps towards mutual benefice today." The Ghostling explained, as a droid began putting the terms they'd agreed to into a formalized document. Aleidis watched it work furiously, with the same benign smile she'd worn all along. Naive. So naive.

"Who would have thought that all it'd take to end the war was the two of us sitting down and talking for... what, a half-hour?" Aleidis asked with a warm smile as the droid handed off the freshly-made datapad carrying the 'Treaty of Chalacta'. "The Galaxy sure is sometimes full of surprises, m'lord. You were downright pleasant to work with." The teenager chuckled and browsed the document, before swiftly signing the bottom of it. She then slid the datapad across the table, so that Tyrin could finish the process of ratification.

Trade between the factions, dependent on the abolishment of slavery. Representatives in respective governments, and embassies on each capital world. A fine bit of work, for one day.

 

[Caulder Dune]

@[member="Aleidis Ijet"]

dependent on the abolishment of slavery

Tyrin accepted the datapad with a nod, skimming over its contents. "Well, what can be said? Ending and starting wars are the easy parts. It's actually fighting them that's a royal pain. Not that it's an issue any more. This will be the last we hear of a Republic-Empire war- for our lifetimes at the very least. It was a pleasure to work with you as well." He scrutinized the document, being no stranger to the flowery, powerful language that made up most government treaties. This was his job now, after all. He stopped at the paragraph indicating the Empire must abolish slavery for trade to commence between the two. This gave the Emperor pause. Had she legitimately missed what he said on that subject matter, or had she tried to slip something past him? How un-Jedi. Well, lying to abolish slavery was exactly something a Jedi would do, or should do. Hell, Tyrin would have done it.

"As I mentioned previously, we will need to keep the stipulation regarding slavery off of this treaty. I am already in the process of doing so and to have it appear as though I am bending a knee to the Republic and having it dictate Imperial policy would unnecessarily jeopardize my regime." Tyrin detached the stylus from the side of the datapad. "Would you prefer to amend it yourself?"

 

[Aleidis Zrgaat]

@[member="Tyrin Ardik"]

Aleidis blinked in surprise, then squinted at the datapad. "Oh, heavens. I must not have made it clear in my dictations. I apologize, M'lord." She sighed genuinely. How unfortunate it would have been, if that little typo had called a full halt to (and potentially ended!) negotiations between the two of them. She accepted the datapad and highlighted the entire bit about slavery, then removed it from the treaty entirely. Are you sure? Yes. This data may not be recovered. Okay. "A technical mistake. I hope that you do not think less of me, Emperor." The Ghostling remarked thoughtfully, chewing her tongue as she went over the treaty again, re-signed it, then passed the digital document over for his perusal.

If she'd been trying to sabotage him, that'd have been a horribly clumsy and childlike way to go about it. But then, she WAS only sixteen.

 

[Caulder Dune]

@[member="Aleidis Ijet"]

"Oh, think nothing of it. Happens to the best of us." Tyrin assured her. As an Umbaran, it would have been innately obvious to him whether she was backpedaling after a failed attempt to dupe him or had genuinely mucked that up. Whatever the case was, he didn't care enough to make a real fuss of it. She was sixteen and already a head of state. She'd learn quickly, no doubt about it. He accepted the datapad and the stylus graciously, pouring over the document for a second time. Everything seemed to be in order now, mentions of slavery being removed entirely. Excellent. Tyrin pressed the stylus to the pad and jotted his signature across the line.

And just like that, peace had been restored between two of the big three. Or four, if one were to count the Mandalorians. Not that Tyrin did- the uncivilized brutes. Funny, though, how anti-climatic and innocuous the occasion had been. There were no speeches or big hulabaloos... Just a quiet meeting in a sacred place on Chalacta. It was poetic, almost.

There was subtle click from a camera as Tyrin's aid photographed him signing the document, as he had also done for Aledis. This was a pretty important occasion in Galactic history. There would need to be photographs for the press and the history books.

"Well, I believe that settles that. The Empire and the Republic are at peace. Anything else you would like to discuss, Chancellor? Any photos you'd like taken?"

 

[Aleidis Zrgaat]

@[member="Tyrin Ardik"]

"I'd offer to shake your hand, m'lord, but I think that might result in a fracture. If it's all the same to you, I'll go without." The young ruler said with a cheerful smirk, offering the now-ratified Treaty of Chalacta to the oversight droid to be formalized and sent off to their respective heads of state. That was a load off of her mind - standing peace in the Galaxy between two groups who'd been at war for ages. She'd resolved that her first act as Supreme Chancellor would not be to bloody her hands with War Crimes or battles. Instead, she'd both distanced herself from the Jedi (taking the wind out of the sails of her detractors) by ending and de-funding their conflict with the Sith, and made good on her campaign promises to bring lasting change and peace.

Not bad for a day's work. Aleidis loved nothing more than a win-win.

"I am planning on celebrating with a cup of cold tea and a large meal, before I make my way back to Coruscant." Aleidis explained, flashing @[member="Darron Wraith"] a quick, proud smile. "I hear the Chalactan adepts have amazing curry, and I've been intending to give it a try. You're welcome to join me if you'd like, M'lord." She explained, swinging her satchel over her shoulder and gathering her things.