The Voice of Reason [IGBC + Empire of the Hand]

[Darth Vulcanus]

Interplanetary affairs were a tricky, capitalistic business that Irridius had grown tired and wary of during his unfortunate time clawing through the political web of The Galactic Republic. Far too often did the corporate puppeteers dance their senatorial marionettes across the public stage to drum up their own, self-interested support under the guise of democracy; which in of itself was a failed concept. Yet, here he was, sitting cross-legged in a chair that was soon to become his diplomatic seat at a table much larger than himself. With a corporation no less.

We all make sacrifices. Imperials most of all.

The Delta-Class stealth shuttle descended upon Kiribi, black frame cutting through the clear skies above the small urbanized world. The razor hulled craft slid through the air, steam rolling from its hydraulic joins as its bat-like wings folded against its body and landing gears engaged. A short conversation ensued between the pilots and the docking crew of the InterGalactic Banking Clan, one that ended with the verification that Irridius' ship had come on a scheduled visit.

With all the grace a military craft could manage, the shuttle set down on the landing pad with a soft shutter and a long hiss from within. As the IGBC representatives approached, a mechanical whine filled the air and yet another cloud of steam rolled out from the engineering hidden under its belly. The loading ramp eased open, four Deathtroopers melding from the shadows within. The commandos scanned the area, rifles at the ready as they secured a small perimeter.

Then the guest emerged. It was not Irridius. Instead, it was a tall genderless figure clothed in a red cloak and a faceless mask that shimmered like a holovid screen. Like a phantom, it seemed to glide across the durasteel to the landing platform on its approach towards the representatives.

Back on the Shadow of Regret, Irridius' holo-screen lit up with the images of the landing pad as seen through the red-cloaked figure's mask. Simultaneously, the figures mask would lit with the grinning face of Irridius as transmitted through several holonet transceivers through several systems and piggybacked through a second shuttle hidden in an undisclosed system.

"A thousand apologies for not being here in person. Duty calls after all."

 

[IGBC]

A single representative approached the pad where the stealth shuttle had landed, a tall Umbaran male. As typical of his race, he had a stern look about him, lips almost curled downward into a frown. With milky white eyes, he glanced around his surroundings taking in the sights of the Imperial commandos conducting a security sweep.

Skittish bunch. He thought, face locked in that same dour expression. The Umbaran would allow the Imperials to indulge in their typical paranoia, quite secure in the knowledge that they stood no chance against CSD forces roaming the compound should any altercation break out.

Following the commandos came a figure in red, whom he assumed was the one leading the bunch. Though not obviously Irridius judging by their outward appearance, if the dossiers were to be believed. The mysterious figure would only go on to confirm his suspicions as it was revealed to be merely an avatar of the Grand Admiral. Very skittish.

He took a few moments to speak, carefully choosing his words. "Director Baker was looking forward to meeting with you in the flesh, so she will be disappointed by this unforeseen development. In any case, please follow me."

He motioned for the avatar and its guards to follow as he turned back towards the back entrance of the IGBC headquarters. During the trek through the dimly lit dark marble halls towards Baker's office, the IGBC representative would remain silent, having not even offered his name. It was likely the last time the two would ever cross paths, so such details were unnecessary.

A few minutes later, and they would be there, large bronzed doors swung open to reveal an empty office almost as long and wide as the hall where the party stood now, patterned in the same marble stylings. It was brighter within the room, as the curtains had been pulled back to let in sunlight, but not by much.

"Director Baker will be with you shortly, please make yourself comfortable. Your security detail will need to remain outside these doors, though. I trust you understand?"

[member="Lucien E. Irridius"]

 

[Darth Vulcanus]

[member="IGBC"]

Skittishness was the symptom of stupidity and ill-planning. Irridius would consider this nothing more than the necessary precautions of a sensitive military operation, being conducted by a man who had managed to turn the entirety of a fleet against their masters; who now hunted him across the stars. Of course, whether or not the IGBC knew this or not was of no concern to him.

Only one thing mattered right now.

The avatar followed after the Umbaran at Irridius motion controlled command, its form seemingly floating over the ground. "There will be time again if this meeting is as productive as I hope." The Grand Admiral remarked plainly, through the speakers implanted in the beings helmet.

The trip to the conference room was uneventful and quiet, all six men silently marching through the marble plated halls of the IGBC headquarters. Irridius could respect such silence, it meant this man knew where he stood in this world. Knew it was not his place to speak, not his place to entertain. It took intelligence to know such things about one's own standing.

Soon enough the group reached two bronze doors that swung open in their path and, as pressed by the Umbaran, Irridius left his men outside with a dismissive wave of his avatar's hand.

"They can stay outside, it is of no concern."

The avatar glided past the representative, not turning its monitored head at the alien. "I shall wait here. Eagerly."

[member="IGBC"]