Faction |TIC| Imperial Unity Gala

[Aether Verd]

Assets: Beskar'gam | Basilisk
Darksaber | Resolute Dawn​

NEW ALDERAAN

Aether inclined his head, offering Vanessa a small, genuine smile. “I would not be opposed to bringing such a proposal before the Alors.” he said, voice steady. “Should you put something forward, I’ll ensure it is heard. But I cannot promise more than that. The choice to accept outside involvement in the restoration of Mandalore belongs to more than one man. Still, I’m grateful for your consideration and your willingness to assist our people.”

His expression remained warm, nodding politely as she continued, but behind his eyes, something shifted. There was nothing sinister in her words. In truth, they made sense. Alliances, proactive diplomacy, mutual interests in the face of coming conflict...this was the way of empires. But it was also a story Mandalore had lived before, far too often. A story that ended with Mandalorian warriors sent off to die in the name of foreign causes. Promises made in gilded rooms, broken under the weight of convenience. And the last time they had trusted such promises on a grand scale, the price had been the razing of Mandalore itself, fire and glass left behind by Sith hands just over forty years ago.

None of this surfaced in his response. He kept it buried, tempered beneath courtesy and resolve.

“I appreciate your clarity, Vanessa. It's not often that intentions are spoken aloud without dressing.” he said, eyes resting on her for a moment longer before turning once more to the Warden.

Her honesty, in contrast, was disarming in its simplicity. Blunt. Painful, perhaps, but refreshing all the same. In her words, he saw a nation wrestling with itself, trying to cut loose from old chains. He recognized that struggle well.

“To your question,” he said, voice turning reflective as his gaze settled on Her. “If every son carries forward the feuds of the father, then he has doomed his own children to the same fate. We do not forget, and we have not forgiven...but we no longer allow the past to dictate the full shape of our future. What that means is caution. Especially when dealing with those whose uniforms or philosophies echo the ones that once left our worlds in ruin.”

His eyes flicked between the two women, not accusing, not condemning...just watching.

“And so, I listen.”

He leaned back slightly, giving them both space to continue, his attention now resting squarely on Vanessa to see how she might respond to the Warden’s challenge.​

Onrai , Her + Open

 

[Onrai]

Speaking with: Aether Verd Her Open
Tags: Narantuyaa Asther Taregh Garon Adean Castor Ze'bast Verd Delsin Shaw Siv Kryze Quinn Varanin Allyson Locke Valery Noble Nolle Tron Selrik Lorcas Lor'Vekka Lodd Grimmin Marlon Sularen

A sigh of frustration came as Vanessa listened to Her's comments. It was ironic, in part, that she was seeking to further foster positive ties with the Mandalore and his people whereas the woman she yet expected to be her former apprentice sought to further suspicion and discord. How appropriate for a Sith - though Vanessa had no guarantees about her onetime student, she had expectations that the woman was in fact playing her own game of seeking to use the Confederation for her own ends. As she turned to Onrai, her verbal challenge issued, the woman could only respond with a steeled, yet sincere smile.

"Examining the coterie that makes up the Confederation, I don't see why not. You give the example of the Sith Order - who are neither in dominion of this space nor comparable to the Sith we once knew. Sith who have chosen to continue their paths of mutual self-destruction. The 'Empire Reborn' did nothing - I would know. It collapsed, I called for Case Canopic, and the vast majority of its remaining forces are yet here, a part of this new Empire. The New Imperial Order's intentions were obvious given the senselessness of Sith reactionism to the Imperials under their command, which ultimately saw their ruination. Not that it stopped them, given almost all the former echelons of that fallen Empire's leadership have yet reincorporated themselves."

She clarified. "The issue of suborning Sith influence is not here - at least, presuming both of us are pursuing our own agendas instead of those we believe the Dark Side has set for us." There was yet a twinkle in her eye, the gnawing sense and suspicion beginning to bubble to the surface. "Perhaps one day you may yet have to learn again from one who understands the why, or rather, one who can yet answer its Enigma." it was a soft suggestion, an implication to understanding as to the presumed identity of Her. Perhaps a reaction would yet make her understanding evident.

Returning her attention to Aether, she smiled. "If you would like, I would be willing to come to Mandalore to present such a proposal. My schedule is... a bit less busy at the moment." The fact her malevolent form allowed her to yet perform the aberrant feats of temporal desecration the one known as Ap'aci had yet showcased many years ago would certainly expedite the process, if her offer was indeed accepted. To exist in multiple places at the same point in time yet allowed her to accomplish substantially more work than her former mortal self was yet capable of. Her work of attempting to flesh out Imperial logistics would soon be of critical import.

"Listening and considering is a wise move - certainly to trust and verify." She said. In the back of her mind, she yet speculated over what, perhaps, would be a suitable token to offer the Mandalorians were Aether to take her up on the offer.

 

[Selrik Lorcas]

​

"I find your proposal acceptable," Selrik said in response to the words of the Mandalorian and the Trade Federation representative. "I expect this will come with confirmation from both of you that there will be no acts of aggression from you towards the Confederation. We have no interest in a war with either of you, and I trust you're wise enough to see the benefit of avoiding one."

Selrik did. He saw the benefit in avoiding conflict except where it was necessary and there were few places that it was, at the moment. He did see something brewing on the horizon, though. Trouble always lingered. It didn't involve either the Federation or the Mandalorians, at least not directly, though he knew the former had their fingers in many pies, as arms dealers tended to do. They didn't care who fought who as long as they were making money. The Trade Federation might balk at being called an arms dealer, but that was certainly what they were, in their own way. They built everyone up and made money on it so they could lead lavish lives.

Eventually, they would be torn down by the might of the Empire, but for now, they were a useful tool.

"You have my blessing to begin the work. Contact my affairs office to formalize paperwork."

His eyes fell upon someone intriguing.

"If you'll both excuse me."

See, Selrik had spotted individuals wearing the symbol of Dosuun. That was a world with Imperial history, now located within the confines of Sith space, and he was curious how they were reconciling themselves to their being dominated by the Sith. Speaking of them, there were far too many in attendance at this event. He very much longed to call in the purge troopers and dispense with them. Filth. All of them were abject filth that should be eradicated from the galaxy. They had no place amongst civilized peoples and they never would.

"I recognize your crest," he said as he approached Ivalyn. "How fares Dosuun?"

OUTFIT: Moff Standard | GEAR: Blaster Pistol | COMPANIONS: Imperial Sentinels x4
TAGS: Siv Kryze | Lodd Grimmin | Ivalyn Yvarro | Merryn Sellek ​

 

[Lodd Grimmin]

Selrik Lorcas Siv Kryze

Lodd displayed a faint smile as Moff Selrik Lorcas suggested that the Imperial Confederation would refrain from any aggressive actions towards the Trade Federation and the Mandalorian Empire. This was certainly reassuring news on one hand; however, it also implied that they could not rally the Alliance to take action against the Imperials and engage in a protracted war that would serve his interests.

The Federation indeed prospered in times of conflict, but it equally valued stability when it provided a commercial advantage. For the time being, the Imperial Market was intended to be nurtured as a resource to be ultimately discarded once its usefulness diminished and its power waned.

The Neimoidian observed with keen interest as the Moff excused himself from their small gathering and approached an individual adorned with a Dosuun crest, which could only signify one thing...they hailed from the Commonwealth, an obstacle to his business interests within Confederation space.

His focus shifted back to the Warden Siv Kryze , whose reference to Concordia and further partnership opportunities piqued his interest far more than simple dialogue.

"A highly lucrative arrangement, Warden Kryze," Lodd remarked, lightly rubbing his hands together to express his approval of the proposal.

"The Trade Federation is fully onboard with the proposal and will provide Concordia with the latest designs. I will expect that Lord Mandalore recognizes our agreement and does not stop our commercial freighters from passing through your space as that could be quite embarrassing." He said.

 

[Siv Kryze]

.​

NEW ALDERAAN​

​

Siv listened to Selrik Lorcas 's terms with his helmet tilted slightly, the Nite Owl visor giving nothing away. When the Moff excused himself to approach the Dosuun representative, Siv didn't react—outwardly. But his HUD tracked the man's movement for half a second longer than necessary before refocusing on the Neimoidian.

"The Mand'alor honors his agreements," Siv replied, his modulated voice calm but edged with unspoken warning. "But understand this—Mandalorian space is protected space. Your freighters will pass unmolested if they follow our laws. Stray from approved lanes, fail inspections, or attempt to smuggle contraband?" A pause, just long enough to let the implication settle. "Then embarrassment will be the least of your concerns."

He turned his helmet slightly, watching Selrik's interaction with the Dosuun delegate from the corner of his visor. The Sith's presence at this event was... notable. And Siv had long learned that where Sith lingered, trouble followed.

Back to Lodd Grimmin , his tone shifted to brisk practicality: "Send your engineers to Concordia within the week. My adjutant will handle the docking clearances."

A final glance toward the Dosuun contingent. "And Lodd? I'd advise your people to avoid... unnecessary entanglements."

The unspoken message was clear: The Trade Federation's neutrality only lasts as long as its usefulness.

With that, Siv gave a curt nod and stepped back, already calculating how best to position Mandalorian observers near these new "business partners." Some deals required more oversight than others.

​

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Nolle Tron //: Lor'Vekka //:
//: Darth Malum of House Marr //:
//: Dress //:

Quinn couldn't help smiling at the Prefect. The woman was kind despite the air of discomfort for the Princess claiming the Sith Empire. It was an understandable reaction, one that Quinn had grown accustomed to. There had been bad blood between the Imperials and the Sith for some time. Quinn had been a child during the Imperial Civil War. She had brutal memories of being trapped under the debris as imperial soldiers threw anti-force grenades at her.

The memory was horrid, but she understood the reasons behind it. The Imperials were treated like second-class citizens in the Empire—her goal was to unite them in equality.

A dream, but one she saw she could do.

"Never boring," she responded. "We all have our place in our respective governments and provide stability to each. I find your position fascinating, and the way the Prefects work is, like you said, different from the governors." Quinn let her hand rest gracefully against the curve of her jawline. She was enamoured with the differences in government, and learning about the Imperial Empire was everything she could hope for.

It was fascinating. She had figured the Imperials would potentially have a more for-the-people aspect instead of the Empress having a full rule. Maybe the Empyrean was different in this aspect.

It was all so interesting.

"Economics, how interesting. Have you seen a difference in the Empire's economic flow with the Blackwall mandate? We have some ports within the Sith Empire that have free trade. Still, I am curious if the effect of an isolated nation changes the galaxy."

She had many questions, but her eyes followed to the Twi'lek. She could feel something rolling off the woman. Confusion, interest, everything conflicting in the young inquisitor. The hiss that her being a Sith elicited from the woman didn't break Quinn's charm.

A small step as her attention shifted momentarily to the Twi'lek.

"My intentions are not of malice," she started as she sipped the champagne. Her voice was almost velvet as it spilled from her lips.

"I want to learn, I seek to try and bring unity to the galaxy - I understand the faults of my predecessors. To you, the Mandalorians, to other nations. Unlike them, I wish to learn, see, and understand those outside the Sith Empire."

Her words hanging between them, a truth with an underlying plan. The Princess wanted unity under her command as much as she wished for unity. A small detail she decided to keep to herself.

"I have a question for you," she said, remained looking towards the Twi'lek, and allowed her gaze to drift, seeing the woman fidget with the fabric of the dress. "Beautiful dress by the way, but what is the role of an Inquisitor?"

As she asked, something in the back of her mind trickled. A familiar feeling she hadn't felt in some time. She didn't look his way but noted that he was there. She wondered why - but her mind drifted to her guardian, her adoptive mother. A gentle and subtle sigh as she had a feeling the woman would send him.

However, the Princess felt slightly emboldened, knowing that someone more powerful than potentially the entirety of this Inquisition was drifting through the crowd like a serpent hidden in the grass.

 

[Ivalyn Yvarro]

Ivalyn had just begun to turn away when someone approached. She didn't recognize them at first, until the pre-gala briefing stirred in her memory. Grand Moff Lorcas of the Imperial Confederation. Her operatives and agents had been thorough in ensuring she would be prepared for the evening, in as far as delegates and personalities were concerned. Then again, there was only so much a datapad could tell of a person.

She offered the Grand Moff a courteous smile, poised and diplomatic.

"Dosuun fares well," she replied with practiced grace. "And this is a splendid affair, Grand Moff Lorcas, truly."

Her gaze swept the elegant venue, appreciative but measured.

"New Alderaan shines with Imperial glory," she added, her tone rich with both sincerity and intent. "A fine reflection of your Confederation's refinement."

A moment had passed, perhaps two.

"Allow me the pleasure of introducing Lady Merryn Sellek, Chief of Operations for Aurora Industries," Ivalyn said, her smile refined and genuine. "We are most pleased to be in attendance."

Selrik Lorcas | Open to Interaction | Merryn Sellek​