Voice of Consequences
Character
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Star Wars Roleplay: Chaos
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Diplomacy The Lines Are Drawn | Diplomacy | [Greyman's Planet] Farworlds Alliance & Caragachi Commonwealth
- Thread starter Voice of Consequences
- Start date
Little Lion Man
Greyman's Planet
Tags:
Shuklaar Kyrdol
,
Matthew of Valendale
,
Voice of Caragach
,
A'Runda
Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm, Feeling Lucky, Refuge
"Alright... I suppose I'll cut right to the chase."Tags:
Shuklaar Kyrdol
,
Matthew of Valendale
,
Voice of Caragach
,
A'Runda
Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm, Feeling Lucky, Refuge
Landed let out an exhale as he chose to take the first word. These folk, the Caragachi Commonwealth... he didn't know what to make of them. The space the Farworlds Alliance occupied was difficult to even get to, let alone wage war with. And yet the aggression from this outside source was clear. Did they just want their resources?
He wasn't sure.
"I'd like to thank the diplomats of your Commonwealth for coming," he opened with, "but I believe their has been a gross misunderstanding of what is occurring in regards to Veridia. If your concern is the preservation of local cultures, you should know that we were approached by local individuals from communities looking to throw off their oppressors. We have documentation of years of mistreatment that is not culture, but rather an abuse of power. People of Veridia came to us to ask for our assistance, we did not seek to conquer. Nor do we have any intention of forcing membership of our alliance onto them. To that end, I believe that we can iron out a way for every step of the process to be clear to you, so that you can be certain that the choices being made for Veridia's future come from their people alone. That is, I believe, a fair enough alternative to conflict, especially given how sudden our awareness of each-other as civilizations truly was. Destroying local customs was the concern presented, so that's what I will make clear that we are not doing. I will not litigate if slavery is one such custom, as our charter makes our stance clear. What I want to express is that we have deliberate documentation and a request for aid from the people of Veridia that states beyond a shadow of a doubt that they wish to throw off their slaving oppressors."
In other words, they were directly opposing the wishes of the people of Veridia. Lander couldn't make that more clear. If this Commonwealth was truly a vessel for protecting culture, they would recognize that Veridia asked for aid to relieve them of slavery. Not the other way around.
Lander had a suspicion, however, that there was much more to this.
Character
In the absence of his Master, the young man had come to participate in a more delicate means of representation for the people of Veridia. It was his people who had sought help from the Alliance, after all.
He was a slight, meek fellow dressed in simple dark robes, quietly in attendance and curious to see who would wish to encourage their oppressors to continue such vile actions, allowing his people to be wrongfully enslaved beneath the pretense of law.
"..."
He remained silent for now listening to the fronts every one wished to speak on.
See with eyes unclouded by hate
Location: Greyman's Planet
Tags:
Matthew of Valendale
|
Lander Stalwart
|
Shuklaar Kyrdol
|
Voice of Caragach
A’Runda has found himself working alongside authoritarians and guerillas in equal measure. The Force touched Tusken had no desire for a wider conflict with a neighboring nation state this far out in the Unknown Regions. Concerned about any conflict of sufficient size. The unknown regions were like a dark forest full of hiding prey and stalking predators. The Alliance and Commonwealth were better off not attracting other more vicious threats that may sense blood in the water.
There weren’t very many wardens of the sky to begin with and fewer this far from “polite society” closer to The Core and it wasn’t for lack of trying.
A’Runda also noticed that the youthful emissary from Verida. They seemed more quiet and gentle just from how they looked compared to Zetsume. Perhaps that was a better approach now from the Veridians. He just hoped that they could make a spirited and convincing enough case to defend their actions against their world’s institution of slavery.
Lander took a different approach than the Tusken would’ve. Appealing more to decency and cultural sensibilities. Much less abrasive than A’Runda might have been if he had started the conversation. Being that if conflict sparked from this it’s very possible that neither side could survive the consequences of victory for very long.
There weren’t very many wardens of the sky to begin with and fewer this far from “polite society” closer to The Core and it wasn’t for lack of trying.
A’Runda also noticed that the youthful emissary from Verida. They seemed more quiet and gentle just from how they looked compared to Zetsume. Perhaps that was a better approach now from the Veridians. He just hoped that they could make a spirited and convincing enough case to defend their actions against their world’s institution of slavery.
Lander took a different approach than the Tusken would’ve. Appealing more to decency and cultural sensibilities. Much less abrasive than A’Runda might have been if he had started the conversation. Being that if conflict sparked from this it’s very possible that neither side could survive the consequences of victory for very long.
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Voice of Caragach
Caragach First
GREYMAN’S PLANET
Voice of Consequences
|
Lander Stalwart
|
Masao
|
A'Runda
|
Matthew of Valendale
|
Shuklaar Kyrdol
|
FN-999 (restored)
|
Achilleon Utraen
With the exception of the Veridian and Vandemarian representatives who had joined them, the delegation was uniformly dressed in the traditional violet silks of the Commonwealth. They took their seats in a carefully planned order, strategically placing key officials in locations where they could quickly respond to their Farworlds counterparts.
Front and center was Alkanin Gudo, Prime Minister of the Caragachi Commonwealth. A lean, dirt-brown middle-aged Kogai, Alkanin was equal parts ambitious and cunning. Through a combination of personal charisma and clever scheming, he had brought together a coalition of political parties to overthrow the pacifistic Progressive government of Hod Harnami, establishing his coalition in its place as the constitutionally enforced dominant party of Caragach. Checked only by his own supporters in the Commonwealth Congress, Prime Minister Gudo was willing to use any means at his disposal to eliminate threats to Caragach both within and without.
At his right hand was
FN-999 (restored)
, High Marshal of Caragach. Covered in full stormtrooper armor, the Marshal towered over his Kogai and Vasir counterparts. Commander in chief of the Caragachi Armed Forces, FN-999 had previously served high posts in the New Imperial Order, Dark Empire, Imperial Confederation, and First Order. During his nearly four decades of service, he had earned a reputation as a brilliant strategist whose 908th and later 7th Legions were feared as among the deadliest Imperial ground formations in the galaxy. Though he no longer served an Empire in name, his philosophy and motivations remained undeniably Imperial.On the Prime Minister’s left was Foreign Minister Rustus Dalgun, a green-tinted Tarqa Vasir. One of the few high-ranking Vasir politicians to survive Prime Minister Gudo’s post-coup purges, Rustus’ expertise in the civilizations and cultures of the Unknown Regions was irreplaceable. A committed expansionist, Foreign Minister Dalgun saw the rising Farworlds Alliance as the chief political, military, and ideological threat to the Caragachi Commonwealth. His strategy was a campaign of hearts and minds, aiming to win over the unaligned governments of the Unknown Regions in a coalition to resist Farworlds influence.
Various other Caragachi ministers, MECs, and delegates assembled on either side of the three leading figures, each specialized in a different field of politics, economics, or culture.
Included among their ranks were two foreign delegates: Daimyo Kuroda Renji of Bái Sēn, major realm of Veridia, and Achilleon Utraen, Knight of Vandemar from its Hegemony.
As soon as the Farworlds delegate concluded his speech, the Prime Minister took the floor.
“I first want to thank the Farworlds Alliance for living up to their word and agreeing to meet on this world to resolve our differences. With that out of the way, let us begin. Regrettably, I believe the dispute between our two factions is greater than a mere 'misunderstanding'. Rather, there are portions of your Charter that threaten the sovereignty of not only Caragach but of every independent civilization in the Unknown Regions."
There was a pause before Prime Minister Gudo continued.
"I will not deny that slavery is a controversial issue, and there are many individuals who strongly oppose it for commendable reasons. Yet to take the cherry-picked word and documents of a few radicals uncritically is to do a disservice to societies where slavery is conducted against deserving individuals and is a commonly accepted if not widely supported practice. The esteemed Daimyo Kuroda Renji can testify directly to this fact."
He nodded to the daimyo, who took the floor just as the prime minister sat back down.
“Thank you, Prime Minister Gudo. It is a well-known fact that all those taken into bondage on Bái Sēn are criminals, many guilty of the most heinous crimes known to society. It is fitting punishment and repentance for these scum to serve those whom they have harmed. If the criminals pass early into their sentences, their children take on their sentences not out of spite but to ensure that justice can be carried out and to discourage these descendants from glorifying the crimes of their forefathers."
“By and large, this policy has been hugely successful in reducing crime while also stimulating the economy. With the exception of a few radical organizations that seek to overthrow Bái Sēn’s legitimate government, bondage of criminals is an extraordinarily popular policy. You claim to receive reports from locals seeking to overthrow their so-called oppressors. On the contrary, my office has received countless commendations from the merchants and constables of Bái Sēn. They point out that pickpocketing has practically disappeared in the city markets and all crime is at its lowest rate in a century. Given these boons, surely you can see how our bondage policy benefits the vast majority of the people of Bái Sēn."
“All we ask of the Farworlds Alliance is to live up to its Charter and respect Veridia’s sovereignty. If you choose to intervene on behalf of a radical clique who seeks to overthrow Bái Sēn’s legitimate government, you set a precedent of overthrowing any state with even the slightest opposition that can appeal to certain Farworlds representatives. It should be no surprise then that Caragach has raised the issue of slavery before the Farworlds Alliance. Thank you."
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Little Lion Man
Greyman's Planet
Tags:
Voice of Caragach
,
Masao
,
Shuklaar Kyrdol
,
A'Runda
, Others...
Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm, Feeling Lucky, Refuge
"With all due respect, the information that you are presenting is categorically false and grossly negligent," Lander stated, now raising his voice a little. "We have provided gathered intel that we personally collected. Records of transactions, the relocation of individuals. It has been given freely to you fully unredacted. What it shows is a ledger of people as commodities. Children inheriting the crimes of their parents at birth, born into servitude. Life sentences over grains of rice. Political rivals being targeted and silenced. Bái Sēn did not come to power democratically, it's warlords are named such because they used military might to conquer their neighbors. This was not what the people of Veridia chose."Tags:
Voice of Caragach
,
Masao
,
Shuklaar Kyrdol
,
A'Runda
, Others...
Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm, Feeling Lucky, Refuge
He made note of the presence of the Daimyo. So they had run off to some other power to try and shake their interference, had they? Fool. He had no idea what he had done. In trying to maintain their power, they may have just bared their neck to a more hungry beast. One that may see them a puppet.
"Now, If I can be presented with a rational reason why children are being charged as guilty for the crimes of their parents and grandparents, I may change my tune," he continued. "I see no reasonable conclusion why a child should be born into bondage for a crime they didn't commit other than the masking of institutionalized slavery. Is this truly a means of teaching them humility? There is no evidence that a child would act out in the manner of their parents, let alone as an infant. And it doesn't just end at youth, does it? I have read the records of individuals who were born, lived into adulthood, and died in chains. Perhaps you can elaborate on that, Daimyo."
Because there was no good answer. It was categorically evil, no grey area.
The unborn could not commit crime.
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Knight of Vandemar
ACHILLEON UTRAEN
KNIGHT OF VANDEMAR · HOUSE UTRAEN
Achilleon had neither been to Caragach nor to Centerra. The Hegemony held many maps and expedition reports of the both the ancient Eternal Empire and Chiss Ascendancy, but neither of these worlds had been part of such. Not that he would have had time in his young life to entertain the idea of mindless travel. There was always a duty to pursue, a skill to learn and a hunt to be finished.
One of the skills had been centered around statecraft and diplomacy though and even if at the time he considered it quite boring, the young Vandemarian was now quite interested in it, hence why he moved about in the coreworlds at large. It was . . . suprising to him to read about this Farworlds Alliance on his way to the meeting. He did not subscribe to blind idealism, liberalism and democracy, they were ill suited for the dangers and horrors of the Unknown Regions. People lived or they died and in between there was little time to contemplate, vote and discuss a 'better' alternative that suited everyone.
Though when the Knight was sent as an official Herald of Vandemar along with the Caragachi delegation, he could not find himself supporting slavery either. It was simply not efficient. He completely understood the concept and implementation the locals strifed for, but it whatever their arguments were, slavery was a waste of manpower and other resources. Food, shelter, guards - it required so much attention that it was hardly economically viable.
Dressed in his armour, his sword at his side and the red cape appropriately draped over his shoulders, he sat on the side of the delegations as he listened to the arguments brought forward. The conflict was obvious, the course of either side not any less so. Despite his lack of taste for slavery, the Vandemarian strongly opposed liberal interventionalism which hid its interference and invasions behind pompous ideals.
Confrontation seemed intentional, from both sides.
LOCATION // GREYMAN's PLANET
PARTICIPANTS //
Voice of Caragach
|
FN-999 (restored)
|
Lander Stalwart
|
Masao
|
A'Runda
|
Shuklaar Kyrdol
Shuklaar Kyrdol
CEO of Breshig War Forge Consolidated
NF-01 Nano-flares loaded in countermeasure launchers formation wide. Complement replaced with their modernized complement as listed below:
- SMF-04M Kyr'galaar-class Stealth Multi-role Fighter
- SMDF-01 Gar Oya'karur-class Stealth Multi-role Droid Fighter
- SSF-01R Jai'galaar-class Stealth Strike Fighter
- Naval Formation
- Vornskr Mirshir-Jurkad Rammikade company Kyramud (waiting with the gunship, on stand by)
Lander Stalwart
|
Matthew of Valendale
|
A'Runda
|
Masao
|
Voice of Caragach
|
Achilleon Utraen
| Open- Equipment
The Caragachi Commonwealth. These were the shabuire that had tried to posture against them not long ago. If it had only required Shuklaar's say so, they would not have shown them precisely what he thought of them when they'd tried it. Unfortunately, it hadn't been solely his say so that was required. Unfortunately, they'd agreed to peace talks. Peace built on weakness was no peace at all, only a delay of the inevitable. Accepting false peace was denying them the chance to potentially strike first, and thus denying them a valuable strategic option.
Not everyone had seen that way. Shuklaar didn't need to ask
Nyles Kote
if the guns were hot and if their targeting systems were active, the ship's 'Manda' battlenet suite already told him that much. They had targeting solutions and weren't even trying to hide it. Main batteries were charged and electronic warfare was ready to go hot at a moment's notice. If was posturing they wanted, then they had better be ready for war."It might be seen as an act of aggression, alor," chimed Nyles' voice in his buy'ce. There was no hesitation in his old friend's voice. It was Nyles' job to keep him informed of naval protocol, and while Shuklaar had walked into this decision with both eyes open and a clear heart, there was no way for Nyles to have known that beforehand.
"I know, vod. I also know that when the shooting starts, it'll be fiercest up there, k'oyayci." When the shooting started, and he knew it would, even Shuklaar wouldn't want to tell
Lander Stalwart
and
Matthew of Valendale
that he was right. At that point, what did it matter that his experiencing of countless times past had been proven right."Suvar, alor. Your too. You know what you always say. Ib'tuur jatne tuur ash'ad kyr'amur." Shuklaar got a chuckle out of his own rallying line being quoted back at him.. Of course, given that the last few timers he'd said it, they were in a pitched battle, but who knew, they may well end up being so before they hour was up.
Ragar Nihut'tyr and his commandos stood outside the room ready if he needed them. Shuklaaar took a breath as he pushed open the door, his buy'ce on. By the time Shuklaar walked in, both delegations were already seated and were in the process of delivering their opening statements to one another. Shuklaar didn't need to listen for much longer when he heard the opening statement of the Caragachi Primeminister and his handpicked shabuir from Veridia. Had it not been for the slaves and concentrating of non=combatants, he was slowly considering turning that entire planet to ash.
"You and your Veridian shabuir can go to haran, that much is for sure. Have your listened to yourself? Slavery? On our doorstep? Not if you and every slavery loving shabuir on the planet asked," responded Shuklaar, his blood reaching boiling point at the mere idea. Who the shab was this shabuir to come here and dare to advocate for shabla slavery of all things. Some aruetii had once told him that those in favor of such things should be subjected to it first. These shabuire would be lucky enough to be alive that long if they continued with this train of thought.
He had suspected the one who had reached out to them about this of using them to bump off his rivals, but the practice on that planet reminded him a lot of what was wrong with the rest of the galaxy. These shabuire, no matter how many other supporters across the galaxy they picked up, would find that there was no place for this kind of osik in their area of space. He couldn't stop it elsewhere, but as long as he had breath in his lungs he would stop that kind of osik from happening here.
See with eyes unclouded by hate
Location: Greyman's Planet
Tags:
Matthew of Valendale
|
Lander Stalwart
|
Shuklaar Kyrdol
|
Voice of Caragach
|
Achilleon Utraen
|
Masao
A deep breath was exhaled from A’Runda and out his mask whilest he listened to the counter points made by Caragachi representatives and the Daimyo. Needless to say that A’Runda found that relying on the opinions of Slavers on the virtues of slavery was a bold technique.
Using criminal punishment as justification for enslavement was a poor excuse in the eyes of the Tusken, and his colleagues looked to be on the same page. From where A’Runda hailed, being tusken was practically a crime in itself. Native people condemned in their own home. He needed to almost bite his own tongue just to keep from losing his composure.
“I second the concerns and opinions shared by my allies here.” A’Runda said plainly. “I understand it’s a tall order to attempt to justify a system that exploits an underclass that it itself manufactured.” He added, offering some measure of understanding to the daimyo’s position here. It couldn’t be easy making their case against a room full of abolitionists. “But codifying slavery into law does not make it justice. It’s barbarism with paperwork.”
The tusken didn’t have much to say beyond that. His body shifted some to face towards Masao. “I would like to ask. Do you have anything to say or add?” A’Runda asked their Veridian representative. Seeing if they wanted to speak or let The Alliance fight this battle for them.
Using criminal punishment as justification for enslavement was a poor excuse in the eyes of the Tusken, and his colleagues looked to be on the same page. From where A’Runda hailed, being tusken was practically a crime in itself. Native people condemned in their own home. He needed to almost bite his own tongue just to keep from losing his composure.
“I second the concerns and opinions shared by my allies here.” A’Runda said plainly. “I understand it’s a tall order to attempt to justify a system that exploits an underclass that it itself manufactured.” He added, offering some measure of understanding to the daimyo’s position here. It couldn’t be easy making their case against a room full of abolitionists. “But codifying slavery into law does not make it justice. It’s barbarism with paperwork.”
The tusken didn’t have much to say beyond that. His body shifted some to face towards Masao. “I would like to ask. Do you have anything to say or add?” A’Runda asked their Veridian representative. Seeing if they wanted to speak or let The Alliance fight this battle for them.
Paladin of Light
Tags:
Lander Stalwart
|
Masao
|
A'Runda
|
Shuklaar Kyrdol
|
Voice of Caragach
|
Achilleon Utraen
|
FN-999 (restored)
Lander Stalwart
|
Masao
|
A'Runda
|
Shuklaar Kyrdol
|
Voice of Caragach
|
Achilleon Utraen
|
FN-999 (restored)
The man who had requested this gathering had yet to make an appearance. In fact, he had been conspicuously absent… Then again, Matthew had never been particularly gifted at navigation, especially this far from home. Unfortunately, the diplomatic proceedings seemed to have begun without him.
Before there was any sign of the wayward host, however, there came a sensation beneath the gathering. Something immense seemed to press its weight into the land beyond the meeting place.
The earth gave a low, heavy shudder beneath it, the vibration traveling through the ground and creeping upward through the soles of one's boots as whatever had arrived settled its tremendous weight upon the soil. It was an ominous sensation, strange enough to draw attention before there was anything outside to see.
Then came another…
And another… then a few more.
Correction…
Several somethings had arrived beyond the walls of the meeting place.
Soon enough, and without much further delay, the tall, towering figure of the snowy-haired Lord Protector entered the room. Matthew wore a soft white satin shirt, its sleeves gathered neatly into frilled cuffs, paired with fine leather bracers and light protective riding gear. It was the sort of attire suited to a pleasure flight rather than the full armored regalia of war, though there was little mistaking the martial company that had accompanied him.
Following close behind came a singular armored figure dressed in the distinctive command attire of the Sunfire Legion. He was a towering blond man, somehow taller still than Matthew, with broad golden-white wings rising behind him and the bearing of one long accustomed to command.
Along with them came several young wards of varying ages, their presence lending the procession the peculiar air of a noble household arriving alongside a military escort rather than an invading force. The youngest was Elias, a dark-haired, blue-eyed youth of perhaps fourteen, with wings carrying the warm golden sheen and mottled black coloring of a hawk.
Matteo followed among them, auburn hair deepening toward dark red against pale blue eyes, his wings marked in rich black and crimson. Raphael appeared the eldest, though scarcely beyond twenty at most: long, wavy blond hair fell around him, fading into brilliant rose colored ends, while silvery wings caught the ambient light behind him. Cassian rounded out the little retinue, blond and blue-eyed, with polished copper-brass wings whose metallic sheen made them difficult to overlook.
Outside, the source of those earlier tremors finally became somewhat less mysterious. Their dragon mounts remained beyond the meeting place, vast bodies settling against the earth as wings folded and harnesses shifted with the occasional muted clink of tack and light riding armor. Most bore the comparatively spare equipment of traveling mounts: fitted saddles, reinforced breast-straps, and light protective plates positioned where they would not hinder flight. The Aerie Commander's mount stood apart from the rest, however. Older, broader through the chest, and considerably more imposing, the great beast wore heavier segmented barding along the sternum, shoulders, and base of the neck, its harness marked with the insignia of the Sunfire Legion. Where the younger dragons looked prepared for a long journey, his looked unmistakably like a veteran of war, disciplined enough to settle in silence while the others shifted and adjusted around it.
"I had hoped to be here before we got to the difficult part," Matthew mused, glancing about the room.
"Please… let us afford one another the courtesy of being heard before we decide what the other intends. I have asked you all here because lives beyond these walls are being decided by those who may never have to live beneath the consequences of their own decisions."
Character
❀ Peace ❀
Lander Stalwart
Masao
A'Runda
Shuklaar Kyrdol
Voice of Caragach
Achilleon Utraen
FN-999 (restored)
Lander Stalwart
Masao
A'Runda
Shuklaar Kyrdol
Voice of Caragach
Achilleon Utraen
FN-999 (restored)
Masao had remained quiet throughout much of the proceedings, content to listen from where he had settled… until his gaze strayed across the delegation and found Daimyo Kuroda Renji.
His red eyes widened with sheer abject terror and the pale waif fell very still.
Old habits seemed to take hold before thought could catch them as narrow shoulders drew inward, chin lowering slightly as his slender frame seemed to make itself smaller within the room. One delicate hand gathered subtly against the fabric at his side while his gaze dropped away from the Daimyo almost as quickly as it had found him.
He knew that visage and it struck fear in to his heart.
FN-999 (restored)
The real real Nines.
GREYMAN’S PLANET
Tags:
Lander Stalwart
|
Masao
|
A'Runda
|
Matthew of Valendale
|
Shuklaar Kyrdol
|
Achilleon Utraen
FN-999 patiently observed as the Farworlds delegation fired back at Caragach.
Through all the din, one Farworlder in particular stood out to FN-999.
Standing tall among his delegation was Shuklaar Kyrdol, executive of Breshig War Forge and a formidable military commander. It was hard not to draw parallels between the pair, with Rim Dynamics serving as FN-999's Breshig. He knew very well the type of speech that appealed to such personalities: unyielding and straight to the point. So shortly after the last of the Farworlds delegates yielded the floor, FN-999 was quick to rise.
Seated, he was nearly level with Prime Minister Gudo at full height. Standing, he towered over the entire Caragachi delegation by nearly a full meter.
"I have to agree with the daimyo on this one." began FN-999. "You say the information we provide is false and negligent. Even if that were true, you would be disregarding the fact that your own information has been gathered very selectively. Perhaps it is not the fault of anyone in this room, perhaps you are in fact being misled by your contacts."
"Have you ever considered that these Veridian dissidents are not who they say they are? Daimyo Renji will be the first to acknowledge that he has enemies, including those that are powerful and well-connected. Perhaps these so-called 'whistleblowers' have been paid off."
"Surely," continued FN-999, turning his helmeted gaze to Shuklaar, "you, al'verde*, would understand the strategic logic in this. Veridia is located close to and benefits from an alliance whose charter explicitly forbids slavery. What better way for a rival daimyo to invite outside intervention to depose the current one than to accuse them of running a cruel and arbitrary slave ring? Rather than waste their own forces in a fight that could very much end in stalemate, why not have the Farworlds Alliance fight for them? Worst case scenario, the blame is cast on the 'rebels' whose support and silence the rival bought. Best case scenario, they have just overthrown their rival without spilling a single drop of their own blood."
*Commander
Knight of Vandemar
ACHILLEON UTRAEN
KNIGHT OF VANDEMAR · HOUSE UTRAEN
Achilleon looked towards the one who was asked to contribute as first hand witness and accuser, but who seemed very occupied with trying to hide in his chair. There was no excuse for it, in his own mind, they were here and were now unwilling to say a word because of past pain or insult, it was pathetic. There was no sympathy in the Vandemarian's mind for this kind of behaviour as the man failed his community.
Even with the arrival of the angelic individual, a strange throwback to High Vandemar, the Mandalorian and Stormtrooper continued the path of confrontation. The former blunt and in his strange language that the Knight could not understand, the latter with a cunning undermining of the defence the Alliance tried to push.
"If I may, honoured representatives, the tension and path to confrontation is being fed, not undone with words spoken from arrogance on one side and oppression on the other." Achilleon rose, his armour's plate clanking as he did so. His purple eyes looked across the table first and then towards the delegation he arrived as a part of.
"There will be no peace achieved if one side continues to claim that their values are the only values that matter and the other side will support a regime in being that has been so for generations."
"There will also be no peace if one side continues its practice of inefficient and uncivilised serfdom while the other side supports rebels and runaways of said system."
"Violent intervention to bring down slavery is nothing but expansive aggression outside of your sphere of influence. Blind support of slavery because it is the regime in being is ignorant tolerance of a system that opposes a united civilisation. But neither an invasion for defence or attack, nor the quick abolishment of slavery can be viable ideas in either of your plans. A system ingrained in the worlds society will not yield positive outcomes overnight when overthrown. The overthrowing of slavers will cause instability and ruin, death to many who were previously harbored under the roofs of their masters and both opposition by those who now suffer and those who were previously in control."
His gaze moved to the Daimyo and then to the former slave. "Neither side is in the right to be granted their immediate wish. Civilisation does not prosper through slavery, nor through the intervention of someone with 'better' values. It must find its own way and what the Alliance and Commonwealth can do if they are so adamant on claiming this world as part of their sphere of influence, is to find a path forward that does not violate the current society while also supporting a transition towards becoming a civilisation worthy of being called such."
The Knight from Vandemar seated himself again, his hands folding on the table in front of him as he looked at the faces of those he had just addressed. He knew that his words might cause issues in the days ahead, but he had been granted full herald status by the Palatine council and he would not sit idle while two powers tried to rip apart another society for their own vanity.
Of course if they wanted war, nothing he has said would sway them from their course and the world between them would become a battleground eventually.
LOCATION // GREYMAN's PLANET
PARTICIPANTS //
Voice of Caragach
|
FN-999 (restored)
|
Lander Stalwart
|
Masao
|
A'Runda
|
Shuklaar Kyrdol
|
Matthew of Valendale
Paladin of Light
Tags:
Matthew of Valendale
|
Lander Stalwart
|
A'Runda
|
Voice of Caragach
|
Voice of Consequences
|
Shuklaar Kyrdol
|
Masao
|
FN-999 (restored)
|
Achilleon Utraen
Matthew of Valendale
|
Lander Stalwart
|
A'Runda
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Voice of Caragach
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Voice of Consequences
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Shuklaar Kyrdol
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Masao
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FN-999 (restored)
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Achilleon Utraen
Matthew allowed the High Marshal's argument, followed by the comments of the Knight of Vandemar, to settle over the chamber before offering any answer. His gaze remained upon the armored figures for several moments, weighing the possibilities they presented rather than dismissing them simply because they came from the opposing delegation.
Rather than continue towering over those seated around the table, Matthew drew out the nearest chair and lowered himself into it. The chair, mercifully, possessed no back, sparing his large frame and massive feathered wings an awkward negotiation of their own. The polite gesture diminished none of his presence; it merely placed him upon the same level as those whose decisions would soon reach far beyond the safety of this room, where he could more readily offer direct eye contact.
"High Marshal, the possibility you describe is neither impossible nor unfamiliar. Ambitious men have borrowed honorable causes before, and a rival Daimyo might certainly profit from persuading foreign hands to remove an obstacle he could not overcome himself."
His attention shifted briefly toward Daimyo Renji before returning to the High Marshal of Caragach.
"Yet the existence of a plausible motive does not establish that the records are false. It gives us considerable reason to examine them more carefully."
Matthew rested one hand against the table, his manner remaining courteous as he addressed Daimyo Renji directly.
"I confess, Daimyo Renji, I had hoped our first meeting would have been a more amicable one. Cordial invitations were extended to both Bái Sēn and Gyokuen when I was raised as Lord Protector of Centerra. Your presence was missed, particularly when the Shōgun of Gyokuen graciously accepted our hospitality and attended the coronation feast. I would have much preferred to welcome Bái Sēn's representatives at my table as neighbors than to meet them beneath circumstances such as these."
A quiet breath left him as he considered how best to shape what followed, slowly and methodically laying out each point.
"Before I speak any further, I have also been made aware of the considerable loss your household has suffered in refrance to your son. Please accept my sincerest condolences. No division between our governments lessens the cruelty of what was taken from your family, and I would not permit our present disagreement to pass over it in silence."
Matthew allowed a respectful pause before returning to the matter before them.
"As for the invitation…I mention it because Centerra's first approach toward the rulers of Veridia was one of hospitality. We sought cordial relations with the governments already in place, long before 'Zetsumei'entered the Farworlds Assembly carrying the seals of those nineteen settlements.
It had been my hope that Veridia might eventually be invited into the Farworlds Alliance. I sought to bring the Shōgun of Bái Sēn and the Shōgun of Gyokuen to the same table beneath kinder circumstances, not to subordinate one to the other, but to see whether their differences might be set aside for the benefit of the world they both influence.
The Shōgun of the Jade Garden received that prospect with considerable enthusiasm at the coronation feast. He understood what participation in the Alliance might offer Veridia: the protection of common fleets, access to broader markets, assistance beyond what either realm could readily provide alone, and a place within the Assembly without yielding the right to govern its own affairs."
Matthew's expression grew more contemplative as his attention remained upon Renji.
"Yet there remains a difficulty no foreign invitation can resolve. Veridia cannot enter the Alliance as a united world while the two men most widely regarded as its foremost rulers remain unwilling to sit at the same table. The Alliance cannot receive two competing claims and simply decide which ruler speaks for the planet. That answer must come from Veridia itself.
Before Veridia may place its seal upon the Charter, both Shōguns must either reach an accord or establish some recognized means through which their realms may be represented together. They must also undertake the legal reforms required to bring those realms into accordance with the Charter, and see those reforms completed before membership may be granted.
Any archaic practice permitting criminal sentences to pass through bloodlines, condemning children for the offenses of their parents, or reducing any person to transferable property must be abolished. Punishment may belong to the guilty, but it cannot be inherited by the innocent. Without both political accord and the complete abolition of hereditary bondage, Veridia could neither accept the responsibilities of membership as one world nor fully receive its protections."
Matthew paused briefly as Elias, the youngest lad of his entourage, poured him a glass of water and offered it to him. He accepted it with a quiet nod and drank deeply before setting the glass down. Another breath followed as he gathered his thoughts, methodically moving through the concerns upon his mental checklist and considering what still needed to be said.
"That was the table I had hoped to prepare, Daimyo Renji. One at which the White Forest and the Jade Garden might discover what they could build together, rather than one at which foreign powers gathered to decide which Veridian government should be torn down and which, if any, should remain."
His gaze returned to
FN-999 (restored)
."If Centerra desired dominion over Veridia, we would require neither fabricated testimony nor the military assistance of the Farworlds Alliance to pursue it. We possess the means to impose our will without borrowing the grievances of nineteen settlements as our pretext. I offer that as neither boast nor threat, merely as the material truth upon which your accusation must be measured.
When I accepted the responsibility of Lord Protector, I was confronted with a troubling reality: Centerra's isolation could no longer be relied upon to ensure her safety, nor the safety of her neighboring sisters. Greater powers had begun reaching into the Unknown Regions, prepared to exploit our native peoples and turn old divisions into avenues through which foreign influence might take root.
It was for that reason that I sought a stronger union with the Farworlds Alliance. I wished to ensure that Centerra and the worlds surrounding her could answer such pressure together, each retaining its sovereignty while benefiting from allies capable of defending it. We did not seek common defense so Centerra might rule her neighbors. We sought it so no foreign power could isolate and rule any one of us.
Centerra's growing friendship with Breshig has already shown what such a union may offer at its best. The warriors and engineers of Breshig came to us bearing armor and engines shaped by traditions far removed from our own, while Centerra received them beneath the wings of her draconis. Neither was required to diminish itself or become a reflection of the other.
Knowledge has passed between us; our customs discovered unexpected kinship, and what began as military cooperation became a friendship of uncommon strength. That was the future I had imagined offering Veridia: not assimilation beneath Centerra, but an opportunity for its cultures to stand beside those of new allies, sharing what served them while remaining unmistakably their own.
It is precisely because I understand the danger of outsiders using local divisions as footholds that I have no desire to repeat that offense upon Veridia.
Matthew's fingers folded loosely together.
"Centerra has sought no Veridian territory. We have demanded no tribute, no military installation, and no authority over Veridia's succession. Kaze Tatsuo will receive no crown from my hand. If he is ever to possess authority, it must be granted by those he claims to represent through a process Veridia may recognize as its own.
Our refusal to impose ourselves should not be mistaken for an inability to do so. Restraint is a choice, High Marshal…and it is one we continue to make."
His eyes passed briefly toward Masao. Matthew neither called upon the young Veridian nor turned his visible fear into an argument to be spent before the room. Rather deliberately, he tried to spare him such scrutiny by holding the chamber's attention with his own admittedly long-winded address, leaving Masao beyond the immediate center of the dispute.
"I will not ask any witness to speak while seated before someone who may hold power over his home, his family, or his life. If the young emissary wishes to offer testimony, it should be received privately, beneath protection, and without the threat of reprisal. Whether he speaks at all must remain his choice."
Matthew returned his attention to the gathered delegations before looking toward the Knight of Vandemar.
"There is, however, one matter upon which my position permits no ambiguity: hereditary bondage. An infant cannot commit treason. A child cannot inherit guilt through blood, nor can the extension of a parent's sentence into the life of someone yet unborn be called justice merely because a magistrate placed a seal upon it.
On that point, Knight I believe we are nearer agreement than the arrangement of this table might suggest. Liberation that leaves families starving beneath an open sky is not justice. It is abandonment. Yet preserving their legal ownership until those benefiting from the present system find reform convenient would merely rename delay as prudence.
Centerra does not claim Veridia as part of its sphere. Proximity grants us no ownership over its future. It does, however, ensure that whatever follows will reach our shores, our trade roads, and our people. We therefore possess a vested interest in peace, but not a right to choose Veridia's ruler.
I have no expectation that every Veridian custom should resemble our own. That is not what has brought us here. A child inheriting punishment for a crime committed before birth is not an unfamiliar custom. It is the manufacture of guilt for the purpose of preserving a laboring class. Age may grant a practice history; it does not grant it innocence.
Nor can the shelter provided by an owner be separated from the system that denied the laborer wages, property, and the freedom to build a home elsewhere. A roof is no act of generosity when leaving it is treated as a crime.
An orderly abolition should not be confused for a delayed abolition. The first ends ownership and manages the consequences. The second asks the enslaved to remain property while everyone else decides when they are prepared to recognize them as people.
The legal ownership of another person can end without casting that person penniless into the road. Those presently held may be recognized as free while remaining, by their own choice, as compensated workers. Existing farms and workshops may continue operating while wages, public provisions, and independent housing are introduced.
Those convicted of genuine crimes may remain beneath lawful, reviewed sentences administered by the state. They need not become private property. Those convicted through fabricated charges must be released, and inherited sentences must end without qualification....
Centerra is prepared to provide grain, medicine, temporary housing, administrative support, and the funds necessary to prevent such a transition from crushing the very people it is intended to free. We have no interest in congratulating ourselves upon their liberation and departing before they possess the means to survive it.
That conviction does not require us to accept every accusation without scrutiny. It requires us to establish what has occurred and ensure that no innocent person is punished while governments debate the language used to describe their chains."
Matthew drew another soft and slow breath.
"Then… I propose we remove trust from the matter. Caragach need not accept the Alliance's account, and the Alliance need not accept the Daimyo's assurances. I propose an independent commission containing equal representation from the Commonwealth and the Farworlds Alliance, Veridian representatives from both within and beyond Bái Sēn's present government, and neutral observers acceptable to both delegations.
That commission will be granted access to Bái Sēn's sentencing records, court proceedings, transaction ledgers, labor holdings, prisons, and registries. It will be permitted to compare the documents secured by the Alliance against the originals held by the Daimyo's government. Bái Sēn may submit its evidence concerning the crimes of those sentenced, the legality of their convictions, and the public support it claims for the present system.
His voice remained gentle, though each condition settled firmly into place.
"Witnesses will be interviewed confidentially. Neither the Daimyo's officials nor the Alliance's Veridian contacts will be permitted to dictate who may speak, remain present during testimony, or punish anyone for what is disclosed. No record will be destroyed, altered, or removed while the inquiry proceeds. No prisoners will be relocated just to place them beyond inspection.
During that inquiry, Centerra will undertake no action intended to remove Daimyo Renji or the Shōgun of Bái Sēn from power. I will ask the Farworlds Assembly to accept the same restriction. In return, Bái Sēn will suspend all new sentences of bondage, the transfer or sale of those presently held, and the inheritance of any sentence by a prisoner's children."
Matthew's attention moved between both delegations.
"All military forces presently arrayed around this dispute will hold their positions without reinforcement or provocation. Weapons will be placed upon standby, targeting solutions released, and no vessel will approach Veridia under the concealment of these negotiations. Neither side will use an inquiry offered in good faith to prepare for the war it claims to wish to avoid.
If the allegations are false, the findings will be published before the Commonwealth, the Alliance, and the people of Veridia. Daimyo Renji will possess an independent answer to every accusation made against his government, and Centerra will recognize that conclusion."
His gaze settled fully upon Renji then...
"If the allegations are true, those held beneath inherited or fraudulent sentences must be released through an orderly process, and those responsible must answer before a court in which the people of Veridia may place their confidence. What government follows will be decided by Veridians. Centerra will neither annex their lands nor select their ruler for them."
Matthew looked once more toward Knight Utraen.
"You have argued for a transition rather than conquest, Knight. If Vandemar is prepared to place observers upon such a commission and help us give that transition substance, I would welcome its participation."
Matthew paused… then placed the final question plainly before the Daimyo.
"You have told us that these accusations are false, that your people support this system, and that those held beneath it are criminals lawfully sentenced. An impartial inquiry would grant you the opportunity to prove every word.
Will you permit it?"
Shuklaar Kyrdol
CEO of Breshig War Forge Consolidated
NF-01 Nano-flares loaded in countermeasure launchers formation wide. Complement replaced with their modernized complement as listed below:
- SMF-04M Kyr'galaar-class Stealth Multi-role Fighter
- SMDF-01 Gar Oya'karur-class Stealth Multi-role Droid Fighter
- SSF-01R Jai'galaar-class Stealth Strike Fighter
- Naval Formation
- Vornskr Mirshir-Jurkad Rammikade company Kyramud (waiting with the gunship, on stand by)
Lander Stalwart
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Matthew of Valendale
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A'Runda
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Masao
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Voice of Caragach
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Achilleon Utraen
| Open- Equipment
FN-999 (restored)
and so it seemed that Rim Dynamics was involved as well. Shuklaar had been watching their steadily growing market offerings. Shuklaar had been wondering why it had followed the pattern it had, now he had a feeling he knew. So be it. He should have recognized the practiced military mind behind the Caragachi commonwealth much earlier, and now it was on display. He was not going to make the mistake of underestimating them twice.He listened to the argument presented carefully, about to retort with precisely what he thought of it when he saw
Matthew of Valendale
enter with his entourage. Then again, the dragons and their unmistakable presence being reported over the battlenet long before they landed should hasve been a sure enough sign of Matthew's presence.
Achilleon Utraen
delivered what he had to say, evidently attempting to defuse the situation. He said a lot of conciliatory words, he didn't offer a lot of solutions as far as Shuklaar was concerned. Still, what had said was right.Then Matthew spoke, and while he had wanted to interject incredulously about the mere concept of a ceasefire, he listened. Matthew wasn't expousing compromise, he was offering a more peaceful way to do precisely what Shuklaar had wanted to do. Shuklaar sighed, steeling himself as the man spoke, and speak he did. His words, however, weren't just wasted breath, they hid meaning. Shab it was a good speech. "That was....everything I wanted to say, just put more politely," he begrudgingly admitted.
"Keep in mind, however, civilized life doesn't work if we let abhorrent aspects of people's cultures take precedence. I was at Yurb when we stopped the Brynadul, not once did we stop and consider their culture. I fought my own people when the ugly interpretations of our culture reared its head," he said. the unsaid implication was heavy in the air; 'if I would kill my own people, why not you?'
"Veridia's tech level sits far below galactic average. I see one weapon that doesn't match their capabilities I will know who to squarely place the blame on," he added, leaving the poorly veiled threat hanging in the air. At no point yet did he give the order to stand down, he needed the Commonwealth and whoever else wanted to play this foolish game that only foolish prizes awaited. Next time they spoke, he would let his guns do the talking.
Voice of Caragach
Caragach First
GREYMAN’S PLANET
Lander Stalwart
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Masao
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A'Runda
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Matthew of Valendale
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Shuklaar Kyrdol
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Achilleon Utraen
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FN-999 (restored)
It seemed so far to the Caragachi delegation that they had made little headway with the Farworlders.
In short, a Farworlds intervention in Veridia posed a direct threat to Caragach by making its insurrectionists confident they could earn the backing of a powerful external ally.
Yet just as it seemed the two sides would be irreversibly at odds, the Farworlders presented a new offer.
It was the smallest of concessions, but a concession nonetheless. Importantly, it gave Caragach an official channel for expressing its interest in Veridia, allowing the Commonwealth to debunk any accusations of conspiring against the planet's people. Though Matthew acknowledged that perhaps their differences truly were irreconcilable, he was not yet threatening to cut off Caragach entirely.
That was more than enough for Prime Minister Gudo.
"We will permit this commission, Representative Matthew."
Daimyo Renji abruptly rose from his seat, an objection already forming on his tongue.
"This is outrageous! It's unfair! It-"
"The commission will go through, daimyo." interrupted the Prime Minister.
"If we remain at loggerheads, this will go nowhere but mutually destructive war. Through an inquiry with equal and fair representation with all parties, we can find the truth of the matter. Therefore, the Caragachi Commonwealth supports the creation of a commission on the matter of Veridia."
"In turn, we propose the creation of a hotline between Centerra and Caragach to help resolve any future understandings. It will provide a direct, encrypted, uninterrupted link to each side's top leadership. We hope this will be to your satisfaction."
"I would like to add a clarification on a matter presented by Shuuklar." began Foreign Minister Dalgun, the green-skinned Vasir turning to face the Mandalorian. "Though we benefit greatly from their technology, Rim Dynamics is an independent corporation. Their products are marketed and sold to entities across the entire breadth of the Unknown Regions. Even the Farworlds Alliance could purchase equipment from Rim Dynamics if a mutually agreeable contract was reached."
"Therefore, we take offense to the claim that a Rim Dynamics rifle or tank on Veridia would be a sign of Caragachi intervention. It is well within the rights of Daimyo Renji or the Shogun to make an order from Rim Dynamics and use their equipment for their own purposes, rather than on behalf of the Commonwealth as you would imply."
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Little Lion Man
Greyman's Planet
Tags: @Everyone (phone post)
Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm, Feeling Lucky, Refuge
For once... Lander did not speak. He wanted to trust that his allies could handle it. Something more pressing was on his mind. Seated beside him at the table, the young
Tags: @Everyone (phone post)
Lander's Blaster Pistol, Lander's Prosthetic Arm, Feeling Lucky, Refuge
Masao
seemed to be amidst a panic. The presence of the Daimyo clearly had triggered a memory of some kind, one that was having an effect on the young man. While he left Matthew to lead the discussion, Lander would reach out and place a hand on the Veridian's shoulder. "Are you alright, lad?" the former senator asked. "Come on, keep yourself present. You're safe with us here."
Masao needed to be aware and alert. After all, it was the fate of his world that they were discussing. He not only deserved to be a part of all of this, he had to be. For his people.
To that end, Lander could sympathize with the pressure of his situation.
See with eyes unclouded by hate
Location: Greyman's Planet
Tags:
Matthew of Valendale
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Lander Stalwart
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Shuklaar Kyrdol
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Voice of Caragach
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Achilleon Utraen
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Masao
Not long after A’Runda last spoke they had another arrival. The winged paladin Matthew. Arriving fashionably late to their own gathering. Tipping the scales here slightly now with a greater headcount for the Farworld’s representatives. They had a lot to say as well. A whole lot.
A’Runda silently wondered if that’s why the man had a late arrival. Perhaps they spent the time internally rehearsing what they wanted to say here. Despite how much of it was shared, the Tusken found very little to be redundant. That was impressive to A’Runda considering that he never found himself to be particularly articulate, especially in galactic basic.
Despite their lateness Matthew’s words seemed to find purchase here. Perhaps all they had to say left much less room for argument. The Daimyo appeared to be rather displeased, which the nomad didn’t find particularly surprising. Perhaps they weren’t used to dealing with powers beyond their fiefdom. A’Runda hoped that his allies and himself could learn to not grow too comfortable within their corner of the galaxy.
However Lander’s voice broke through A’Runda’s compilations as they addressed Masao. The young one hadn’t seemed interested in Tusken's attempt to add to the discussion so he wasn’t sure if Lander would have much success either. By now he was wondering if perhaps they were actually a better representative than Zetsumei. At least the former would’ve surely been more spirited.
A’Runda silently wondered if that’s why the man had a late arrival. Perhaps they spent the time internally rehearsing what they wanted to say here. Despite how much of it was shared, the Tusken found very little to be redundant. That was impressive to A’Runda considering that he never found himself to be particularly articulate, especially in galactic basic.
Despite their lateness Matthew’s words seemed to find purchase here. Perhaps all they had to say left much less room for argument. The Daimyo appeared to be rather displeased, which the nomad didn’t find particularly surprising. Perhaps they weren’t used to dealing with powers beyond their fiefdom. A’Runda hoped that his allies and himself could learn to not grow too comfortable within their corner of the galaxy.
However Lander’s voice broke through A’Runda’s compilations as they addressed Masao. The young one hadn’t seemed interested in Tusken's attempt to add to the discussion so he wasn’t sure if Lander would have much success either. By now he was wondering if perhaps they were actually a better representative than Zetsumei. At least the former would’ve surely been more spirited.
Shuklaar Kyrdol
CEO of Breshig War Forge Consolidated
NF-01 Nano-flares loaded in countermeasure launchers formation wide. Complement replaced with their modernized complement as listed below:
- SMF-04M Kyr'galaar-class Stealth Multi-role Fighter
- SMDF-01 Gar Oya'karur-class Stealth Multi-role Droid Fighter
- SSF-01R Jai'galaar-class Stealth Strike Fighter
- Naval Formation
- Vornskr Mirshir-Jurkad Rammikade company Kyramud (waiting with the gunship, on stand by)
Lander Stalwart
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Matthew of Valendale
|
A'Runda
|
FN-999 (restored)
| [ USER=57622]Masao[/USER] |
Voice of Caragach
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Achilleon Utraen
| Open- Equipment
Shuklaar bit back a bitter chuckle, "Don't be so sure about that." To presume that their forces would be deadlocked was the height of arrogance, as far as he saw it. He had brought down mightier foes, and he would do so again, in so far as he had a say in affairs. Once more, a matter to let his guns do the talking. He was very much tempted to give the order to fire, but at this juncture he knew these people weren't worth the expense of the material that went into the ammunition that would be used to fight them.
"I don't ever recall us ever being on a first name basis," responded Shuklaar, blank t-visor never leaving the gaze of the man who had spoken. "Let me be very clear. Strill Securities' rules of engagement have always been to consider entities actively supplying our enemies during hostilities to be far more than shrewd businessmen. We consider them valid targets. Since we were speaking of respecting each other's cultures, I'm sure you can respect this sentiment too. Far less abhorrent than slavery, you see."
"In other words, I see anyone arming these people and you'll have that war that you're so scared of having, you project your own insecurities as if they're our problems. You let me be worried about our theoretical losses in any theoretical conflict," he said firmly, not mincing his words whatsoever. He was already ready to go to war, and these shabuire were going to try and promise mutually assured destruction. They had no idea what they were in for.
Character
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