Contract The Ralltiiri Trade Summit

[Alexi di Garthos]

​

The Trade Summit of Ralltiiri was not held in a hall built for spectacle. It was built for legacy. The chamber crowned the upper tier of the Ralltiiri capital; a vaulted expanse of pale stone veined faintly with gold and polished to a mirror sheen beneath suspended crystal luminaires. Tall, arched transparisteel windows framed the distant glow of orbital traffic and the steady hum of commerce below. Banners bearing the sigil of Ralltiiri descended in measured intervals between the pillars with their movement slow and deliberate in the conditioned air.

At the center of the chamber stood a circular conference table of dark, lacquered wood, it's surface inlaid with subtle circuitry. A dormant holo-emitter rested at it's core, awaiting activation. Seating had been arranged with careful neutrality. There was no faction clustered, no bloc permitted dominance by proximity. Each chair was identical. And so each position was deemed equal.

Uniformed security personnel stood at a respectful distance along the perimeter. Not imposing. Not concealed. But present.

Weapons had been peace-bound upon entry. Personal escorts dismissed to adjoining reception chambers. The message was clear without ever being spoken: This was a forum of words. Not of war.

Beyond the primary hall, wide archways led into adjoining corridors lined with discreetly marked consultation suites; all private chambers prepared for smaller negotiations and closed-door agreements. They were soundproofed, shielded and neutral. Diplomacy rarely thrived under full illumination, and Ralltiiri understood that progress often required quieter conversations.

Further along the eastern wing, attendants prepared the Banquet Hall; a long gallery of candlelight and crystal, tables set for a formal evening reception once deliberations had concluded. No intoxicants would be served during the negotiations, but afterward civility could soften into celebration or calculated networking.

Soft light washed the summit chamber evenly. There was no shadowed corners, no theatrics of gloom or glare. The acoustics swallowed echoes, forcing conversation into clarity rather than volume. Refreshments rested along a side credenza which included mineral water, caf, delicate hors d’oeuvres; those that which stood untouched for now.

The Trade Summit did not begin with a fanfare. It began when Alexi di Garthos entered. Her steps were measured, unhurried, neither deferential nor grandiose. She did not ascend a throne, nor did she take a seat at the table’s head; for there was none there. Instead, she paused at the central holo-emitter, hands lightly folded before her. Her gaze passed across each gathered delegation in turn. When she spoke, her voice carried easily without force. “Greetings. For those of you that are unaware, I am Alexi of House di Garthos. Ralltiiri thanks you for honoring this invitation, as do I.” A small pause was taken. Not for effect, but for acknowledgment of the invited guests. "This summit exists for one purpose: to allow interests to be expressed openly and negotiated with civility. You have all been invited because your influence matters. What you build here - or fail to build - will shape more than trade lanes.” Her eyes shifted briefly toward the viewport and the traffic beyond. “It will shape stability.” She inclined her head slightly, as though giving direction. “Private consultation chambers are available for those who wish to refine their discussions. And a formal reception will follow the day’s proceedings.” Then her voice relayed another promise more quietly: “You have my assurance that decorum from the Ralltiiri will be maintained. In return, I expect the same.” There was no threat in those words. There was no need for one.

The holo-emitter hummed softly to life, illuminating regional trade routes in a pale blue light across the table’s surface. “The floor is yours.” And with that, she took her seat among them.

 

[Anaara Clandestine]

A trade summit was always a good place to go. Anaara largely serving for the interests from an office building but when she got the real chance... she loved going out and much of Sasori's landscape had changed with their development of the Ba'Lands network opening up markets untouched. Faster travel of their ships and cargo, funding for projects few others were able to imagine and still they were always looking at what could be made next as she arrived with a small team of her economic biots. The Business Attire formed to her as the curtain of hair behind her framed her shoulders as she walked. The Economic Management Biot and Entanglement Biot for communications and business assets were important.

The movements as she was going inside to see chambers and presentations. The holodisplay while their host spoke brought her attention around with a thin smile on her face. Working on deals or contracts would benefit as she was setting it up to be a place for Sasori Research and Design and what they would be able to do. THey had been doing better work on terraforming development on worlds and the other galaxies like the companions were serving them well as they had turned them into markets untouched. "Beautiful planet and thank you for playing host. Sasori is here for what it can do and offer in technologies as well as funding."

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Ra'a'mah entered the summit chamber without ceremony, allowing the moment to unfold without the slightest need for heraldry or formal announcement. The doors parted at her approach, and she stepped through in composed, deliberate silence, accompanied by Vulpesen at her side. Together, they moved with the quiet assurance of individuals long accustomed to rooms where decisions shaped systems rather than headlines, where influence was measured in outcomes rather than spectacle.

Her attire reflected the gravity and intention of the forum. She wore a tailored ensemble in deep charcoal and midnight blue, sharply cut and restrained, crafted for diplomacy rather than display. The fabric fell in clean, uninterrupted lines along her frame, free of ornament or excess. At her collar rested a small, polished insignia of the United Protectorate of Sovereign Systems, intentionally subtle so it was unmistakable without ever demanding attention. No other symbol attempted to compete with it.

Her copper‑red hair was left loose down her back, catching faint highlights from the suspended luminaires as she moved through the chamber. When she lifted her gaze, her softly luminous golden eyes held their familiar radiance, not dramatic or ostentatious, but quietly present in a way that was felt before it was fully seen.

She paused just inside the threshold, allowing herself a moment to take in the space with a single, comprehensive sweep of attention. The pale stone walls, cool and unembellished. The identical seating was arranged in a perfect ring. The deliberate absence of hierarchy in every architectural choice.

Ralltiiri had constructed a space that enforced parity before negotiation even began, and she recognized the intention behind that design with a quiet, internal nod of respect.

Beside her, Vulpesen matched her pace without the slightest effort, his presence steady and unobtrusive while still carrying its own unmistakable authority. They did not exchange glances or whisper commentary. Their alignment was long‑established and required no performance to be understood.

As Alexi di Garthos addressed the delegations, Ra listened in complete stillness, weighing not only the content of his words but the intention woven through them. There was no posturing in his welcome, no subtle attempt at leverage, no rhetorical flourish meant to disguise an agenda. What she heard instead was clarity. An acknowledgment of the stakes, the fragility of influence, and the necessity of civility in a forum where each could be lost with a single misstep.

Stability. Influence. Civility. All currencies. All fragile.

When the holo‑emitter activated and the network of trade routes shimmered across the table's surface, Ra selected her seat with deliberate care, choosing a position that was neither central nor peripheral but balanced, a place that signaled presence without presumption. Vulpesen settled beside her with the same quiet intentionality.

Her gaze shifted briefly as Anaara arrived with her economic biots, the choreography of corporate precision immediately apparent in every movement. Sasori's expansion into the ba'lands network had not escaped the Protectorate's notice. Their transit corridors and terraforming ventures had quietly rewritten leverage across multiple regions, altering the balance of opportunity and risk in ways that were both calculated and undeniably effective.

Interesting, she thought, the word carrying the weight of genuine assessment rather than casual curiosity.

When a natural pause opened in the chamber, Ra spoke.

Her voice carried across the room without amplification, even and unforced, shaped by the calm authority of someone who understood the value of measured tone.

"Ralltiiri's design of this forum reflects its intentions with admirable clarity," she began, directing her words toward Alexi. "A structure that enforces neutrality through its very architecture rather than relying on rhetoric alone is rare, and it deserves recognition."

She offered a slight inclination of her head, a gesture of acknowledgment rather than deference.

Her attention then shifted toward Anaara with the same composed steadiness.

"Sasori's recent transit expansions and frontier development contracts have reshaped multiple regional economies in ways that are already measurable," Ra continued, her tone calm and analytical. "Access alters stability, and stability alters influence. That is not a criticism. It is simply the reality of how infrastructure behaves."

Only then did she address the chamber as a whole, her hands resting lightly on the table as she spoke.

"The United Protectorate of Sovereign Systems approaches this summit with a singular objective, one that underlies every policy we support and every agreement we consider: durability."

She allowed the word to settle before continuing.

"We seek trade that can survive conflict, networks that remain functional through regime shifts, and agreements that hold their shape under pressure rather than collapsing at the first sign of strain."

A brief, deliberate pause followed, giving the delegations space to absorb the intention behind her words.

"We are not here to pursue dominance over lanes or to leverage scarcity for advantage. Our priority is continuity. Prosperity that collapses under stress is not prosperity at all. It is merely a temporary expansion."

She leaned back slightly, her posture composed and steady, her softly glowing golden eyes moving from delegation to delegation with quiet, attentive clarity.

"We are prepared to cooperate, to invest, and to defend shared interests where appropriate. But longevity, not speed, will determine the commitments we make."

Ra folded her hands loosely, her expression calm and unreadable, offering the room the space to respond without positioning herself as the one directing the proceedings.

Anaara Clandestine Alexi di Garthos Vulpesen

 

[Tiber Septimus]

Tiberius "Tiber" Septimus III, Prince of Niahelios, shifted in his seat to get more comfortable as he took in the assembled dignitaries, and listen to Alexi di Garthos speak. It had been months since he had returned to the Core, since a brief meeting with former fellow Senators of the Galactic Alliance to figure out what would come next. The purpose of Tiber's visit was two fold.

One, to forge trade agreements that more directly Niahelios to the trade lanes of the greater galaxy. The Niaheli were a proud, self-sufficient people, that benefitted from living on a world able to support life, and teeming with resources. However, with the fall of the Galactic Alliance, the Crown was of the opinion that it was a matter of when- not if- a malicious actor would eventually turn their eyes to the Unknown Regions- to Niahelios- once their bellies were full from gorging on the wealth and opulence of the Core. A greater, more diversified economy would only strengthen Niahelios.

Which leads to reason number two: To build alliances. Niahelios would suffer when the next great adversary- be Sith, Imperial, Mandalorian, what have you- appeared on it's doorstep, no if, and they were found themselves without allies. And being that Tiber had the most experience within the greater galaxy, he would be Niahelio's de-facto representative.

The path clear, Tiber quietly took notes at Ra'a'mah 's speech. He would speak when he had heard more dignitaries speak.

Alexi di Garthos | Anaara Clandestine | Ra'a'mah

 

[Vulpesen]

Vulpesen's hands folded in front of him as he settled into his seat beside Ra'a'mah . His own suit, held colors of deep black and blue with a slight gold accent hinted around its seams. The colors of Veradune's Vitae Alliance and his own company, Vitae Security Forces. Unlike the woman he was escorting, Vulpesen was not afforded the luxury of singular focus. His planet would always take the first priority and his company was one of the barriers he had erected in its defense. However, such allegiances had yet to create any schism between him and the woman at his side. Quite the contrary. "Make no mistake, the Protectorate's interests are well defended. Veradune and the VSF stand by their creed. Those who know of my people," he offered a slight nod to the Sasori representative, "know that we are passionate about the mission to defend those in need of protection."

He did his best to keep aggression and malice from his voice, but there was certainly a resolve to his tone. To appear in silence and passivity were ideas that were foreign to him. Still, such was why he had brought the meeting to Ra's attention. She had a certain subtle diplomacy that he had long since traded for passion and action. "Our host however, Lady Garthos, is right. We are here in the spirit of unity and peace. Let us maintain that idea even in our disagreements. The Protectorate seeks durability. Veradune seeks to expand our code of Life, Freedom, and Unity. What of you?" Golden eyes shifted to gaze at each person at the table, searching for an answer to his question.

Alexi di Garthos Anaara Clandestine

 

[Ronhar Tane]

CAPTAIN RONHAR TANE, TK-3301
TRADE SUMMIT OF RALLTIIRI
MEETING HALL

Ronhar had never been someone who was much for politics.

He was, and very always had been, a man of action, the type of person to seize what was owed to him and his people rather than sit down and negotiate for it. Of course, such an attitude wasn't likely to get him very far in today's talks, and if he wanted to make sure that Mahporeem and the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant walked away with something of value, he would have to play nice. In fact, he would have to play this whole meeting perfectly, as he was sure anti-Imperial bias would make his mission here all the more difficult to accomplish. As Vulpesen finished speaking, Ronhar stood up next, ready to make his pitch to all those assembled.

"If I may?", he asked politely as the floor was yielded to him, "I believe a proper 'thank you' is in order. I'm sure you would agree that we should very much be thanking Alexi di Garthos for taking the time and effort to set up such a forum where we can all voice our opinions and desires without fear of retribution, though I acknowledge Ra'a'mah 's efforts to do so. Nonetheless, allow me to speak plainly in this matter when I thank Alexi di Garthos for making this meeting possible."

He was, of course, being sincere, as reverence for one's superiors and higher ups had been drilled into Ronhar the moment he had joined the Imperial Academy on Mahporeem. He then continued:

"That being said, I'll now get to the point: the Mahporeem Imperial Remnant has come to this meeting today not as your enemy, but as a trading partner and potential ally. I understand your concerns and the way you must view us Imperials, but I can assure you we have done nothing to earn your ire or distrust. If anything, we have felt the loss of the Galactic Alliance just as much as all of you have, as your faction was one a bulwark of order and stability against the Sith. The losses we sustained defending Atrisia and the Core Worlds attest to this commitment", Ronhar said as his eyes glanced toward Tiber Septimus for just the briefest of moments.

"But still, I can understand your hesitation to work with us, and were I in your shoes, I'm sure I would feel the same way. Nonetheless, I ask that all you here today simply keep an open mind. You all understand what is at stake today, do you not? Considering the state of the galaxy and the bad actors that would seek to do us harm, we stand to gain much more by working together than we do squabbling amongst ourselves. Ideological differences aside, I believe a spirit of cooperation can be achieved amongst us all, no matter where it is that we may fall politically."

"And so, before I yield the floor, I implore you all: think about not our present situation or your preconceived notions about us Imperials, but rather what we can offer you for the future. Even after you and I are long gone, the planets we represent will still remain, and any trade deals and economic cooperation that is achieved here today will far outlast the pretty grievances we may currently have with one another. Just...think about it, yeah?"

With that, Ronhar sat back down, hoping that his speech might have at least had some effect on the attitudes of those sitting around him. Hopefully, at least a few of them would be willing to work with the Imperial Remnant...

TAGS:
Alexi di Garthos
Anaara Clandestine
Ra'a'mah
Tiber Septimus
Vulpesen
OPEN

 

[Alexi di Garthos]

Alexi did not rise at all. She inclined her head first to Ra, then to her counterpart, and finally to the Imperial officer who had so publicly acknowledged her role. The gesture was measured and appreciative, but never deferential. Her fingers rested lightly along the arm of her chair. A soft, steady tap marked the quiet that followed. First once. And then twice. It was not impatience, but consideration.

“Your observations are well taken,” she began with her tone both calm and even. “Durability is not an abstract ideal. It is something engineered through restraint, through foresight, and through a shared understanding of consequence.” Her gaze shifted briefly to Ra. “A structure that enforces neutrality through design must also be sustained by those who benefit from it. Architecture alone cannot ensure continuity. Commitment does.”

The tapping continued softly as she turned her attention to the wider chamber. “Ralltiir does not seek the dominance of trade lanes, nor leverage through scarcity. What we seek is predictability; supply lines that remain intact when governments shift, when borders tighten and when conflict tests resolve. Prosperity that survives strain is the only prosperity worth cultivating.” A slight pause was given as the rhythm of her fingers stilled. “For that reason, Ralltiir proposes the formal recognition of a Neutral Transit Corridor within this region. A corridor protected not by allegiance, but by mutual interest. An understanding that disruption of it's flow would be considered a disruption of shared prosperity.” Her eyes moved deliberately across the delegations in attendance, quite aware of the polarities between them. “This is not an entanglement. It is a safeguard.”

Only then did she allow a faint softness to enter her expression. “Those who wish to pursue deeper bilateral arrangements may do so through private delegation following this session. Today, however, our objective is simpler: to establish a foundation that outlasts us all.” Her fingers resumed their quiet rhythm. “Ralltiir offers stewardship. What each of you chooses to build upon that foundation remains within your discretion.” She fell silent and composed with the room once again orbiting the seat she had never left.

Tags: Anaara Clandestine Ra'a'mah Tiber Septimus Vulpesen Ronhar Tane Lysander von Ascania

 

[Lysander von Ascania]

Tag: Anet Raine | Open
Alexi di Garthos Anaara Clandestine Ra'a'mah Tiber Septimus Vulpesen Ronhar Tane

As Alexi spoke, they stepped inside, in a manner that wouldn't dare to interrupt the chamber's equilibrium. Lights flickered across the black fabric of his tailored suit which was beneath the flowing sweep of a long coat. When he adjusted his sleeves, the shift revealed the pale scars engraved into his wrists.

Had the host looked their way, she might have caught the small and formal nod offered. No more than that.

And so, one by one, voices unfurled, each with a different texture. Lysander absorbed the words without bias, his mind weaving through those different perspectives with curiosity. A gaze cold as any winter swept the area, until it briefly found a resting place on the trade routes that were casted from a holo-emitter.

For the time being, he did not take a seat, nor was there any desire to join some the scramble for position. No need to sell anything, no reason to defend anything. Listening came first. Judgement would arrive soon. Speaking would be last. Perhaps that was his usual rhythm when he wasn’t shedding blood for the Covenant, and so far, it’d served him well outside of the battlefields.

Eventually, he slowed to a stop with Annet nearby. In truth, most titles within their hierarchy carried little significance to Lysander. Acolyte, Apprentice, Knight, they all blurred together. Adaptability was more important. Which was precisely why he sought out the other Sith now. He didn't look at her directly; his head turned just so, to acknowledge presence. His line of sight was set on the path ahead.

“I’ve taken my measure.. or at least the first layer of it. What does it look like from where you’re standing?”

Whether leading with the next step or following, it made no difference to him.

 

[Anaara Clandestine]

Alexi di Garthos Ra'a'mah Tiber Septimus Vulpesen Ronhar Tane

Listening to all of them was interesting. Veradune and Vulpesen was well known. Matsu was friends with him they were one of the few to have a temple on the planet and their crown and spears halls were on more worlds then people could imagine. Stabilizing trades among them. The routes were something she was looking at and debating. She saw no real danger in securing the routes or building something up, their budget was far exceeding what it cost to pay their employees across the universe. "And what would best be needed to ensure these goals?" She said it while standing there though but she had seen the others and had no real opinion on IMperials of note.

SOme were malicious and cruel but others tried in their own way. Her favorite was the kind of customer who didn't try and screw things over short term to try and cheap out on things. She took small note of the others but they could offer plenty in terms of trade security... helped they didn't use the regular routes other companies and governments did. Advances in hypergates were much more beneficial to moving or having ships with Aing-Tii drives over regular hyperdrives. The idea of a neutral corridor would be something that could benefit a lot more though and she was happy to support it. They would have to make plenty of deals.

 

[Ra'a'mah]

Ra'a'mah did not speak immediately.

She remained seated, hands loosely folded before her, posture composed and attentive as the last words settled into the chamber. Around her, diplomacy continued to orbit Alexi's proposal, layered with ambition, caution, and carefully measured optimism. The Neutral Transit Corridor was already becoming the quiet center of gravity for the room.

Only when Anaara finished did Ra lift her gaze.

Her softly glowing golden eyes moved first to Alexi, acknowledging the framework that had been laid, then to the wider assembly, before finally resting on Anaara herself. When she spoke, her voice was calm, even, and deliberately practical.

"What is needed," Ra began, "is not a single mechanism, but a system of shared responsibility."

She shifted slightly in her seat, turning just enough that her words addressed the chamber rather than any one delegation.

"A corridor survives only if every major beneficiary has both visibility and investment in its stability," she continued. "That means transparent routing data, shared monitoring infrastructure, and mutually agreed response protocols when disruptions occur."

Her tone remained steady, free of accusation or pressure.

"No one state, company, or faction should be able to control its flow alone. Not through force. Not through financing. Not through access." A brief pause. "If any one party can close it, exploit it, or weaponize it, then it is not neutral. It is merely delayed leverage."

Her attention returned briefly to Alexi.

"Ralltiiri's stewardship provides the foundation," Ra said. "But stewardship must be reinforced by distributed oversight. Independent auditors. Rotating security coordination. Open reporting standards."

Then her gaze shifted again, meeting Anaara's.

"From a corporate perspective," she added, "this means long-term capital commitments rather than short-term profit extraction. Infrastructure maintenance. Redundant routing. Emergency reserves." A faint nod. "Sasori's experience with alternative transit networks and hypergate development positions it well to contribute meaningfully here, should you choose to."

She did not flatter. She stated a fact.

Her hands folded more firmly now.

"From the Protectorate's standpoint, we will support the corridor with defensive coordination and crisis mediation, not ownership." Her eyes sharpened slightly. "We are interested in keeping lanes open, not in deciding who deserves access."

A measured breath.

"Durability requires three things: visibility, reciprocity, and consequence." She lifted one finger slightly with each word. "Everyone can see what is happening. Everyone benefits from stability. And everyone pays a cost for disruption."

Only then did she allow the faintest softness to enter her expression.

"If those conditions are met," Ra concluded, "then this corridor will outlast governments, conflicts, and even many of us in this room. If they are not, then it will collapse the moment it is tested."

She inclined her head slightly toward Anaara.

"That is what is needed."

Anaara Clandestine Lysander von Ascania Alexi di Garthos Ronhar Tane Vulpesen Tiber Septimus

 

[Ronhar Tane]

CAPTAIN RONHAR TANE, TK-3301
TRADE SUMMIT OF RALLTIIRI
MEETING HALL

"No one state, company, or faction should be able to control its flow alone. Not through force. Not through financing. Not through access." A brief pause. "If any one party can close it, exploit it, or weaponize it, then it is not neutral. It is merely delayed leverage."

Ronhar barely managed to stifle his laughter in response to Ra'a'mah 's statement. Sure they weren't serious, were they? Did they truly believe that anyone here today had the manpower or resources necessary to maintain a trade monopoly over galactic trading routes? That any faction here could force the others to play by their rules or abide by their decisions? Ronhar sincerely doubted that anyone here could enforce a Trade Federation blockade on the trading routes in question, be he did understand that people might be nervous. After all, blind trust could only get you so far, and it was always better to be cautious of other's motives, no matter how noble or generous they might seem.

"If you are so concerned with this idea of 'transparency', then I may have a solution that might just be acceptable to all parties involved here today. The Mahporeem Imperial Remnant has a similar trade deal with the Mandalorian Empire, regardless of what you might have heard otherwise. We have constructed a number of trading stations between Mahporeem and Concordia, with each station being jointly governed by both Mahporeenians and Mandalorians. In this particular case, we're talking a 50/50 split: each station is run jointly, some stations overseen by a Mandalorian and others by a Mahporeenian. There is no reason why we couldn't come up with a similar framework here."

"The Imperial Remnant is willing to construct additional trading stations across the proposed trading routes, each of which would be jointly run and divided across those who agree to the creation of this so called 'neutral trading zone'. Depending on the number of stations we ultimately decided to utilize, we can have each one run by a chosen representative of your faction and then even divided up amongst those participating in the treaty. Since we are an odd number, I propose that the remaining percentage of each station that is left over fall under the purview of Alexi di Garthos , since they are the one who proposed this meeting in the first place."

"Think about it: dozens of established stations, run jointly by all those presently, evenly divided up to ensure that everyone is treated fairly. Since we would all have a hand in running these stations, it would be in everyone's best interest to cooperate instead of compete, and if one partner fails to live up to their end of the bargain or tries to abscond with our trade goods, the remaining partners can come together to bring them back into compliance. Of course, if you all are at all uncomfortable with using Mahporeenian technology...I would welcome any alternatives you might have."

TAGS:
Alexi di Garthos
Anaara Clandestine
Ra'a'mah
Tiber Septimus
Vulpesen
Lysander von Ascania
OPEN