When I left you... (Isley)

[Corey's OOC]

The galaxy was an odd place. Marek Starchaser was one person who had seen his fair share of changes. He was adaptable, and that was sometimes a problem. He was a Zeison Sha student, a self-proclaimed and partially educated Sith Lord, a pilot, smuggler, turned legitimate businessman. He worked with an engineering firm, and folded it into a place it could be truly useful, and he founded an ever-growing entertainment company. He worked for the Confederacy, the Abrion System Authority, but kept his hands clean, working solely as a capitalist in the Techno Union. Making credits and doing his best to expand the reach of science.

But one thing remained constant.

Marek Starchaser was part of the Tion Hegemony.

The galaxy was a difficult place, and he did his best to survive, and keep himself how his life was. And make the galaxy a safe place for capitalism. That was why he remained with the Abrion Corporate Alliance. To have his fingers in the Techno Union, and keep ties with the SpyNet. He was not 100% keen on his involvement in the change of government and black-listing of one [member="Isley Verd"] in the galaxy. When Salem had disappeared and things returned to... normal, Marek was doing his best to assist his former Master, even if from the shadows.

But he was meeting with Arakyd Industries's CEO today, publicly. He had Alana message ahead to the Bothawui office. It was time to meet with his former master as a master in his own right. And to discuss the future of the galaxy. He made his way to the office, after landing his Santhe Challenger (Thanks, Santhe!) dressed sharply, but relaxed enough.

This should go interesting, or really well.

 

[Darth Metus]

Hatred.

For those who wielded the Darkness, this particular concept was a powerful tool. It allowed one to access untold strength and often inspired the drive to accomplish the impossible. Isley Verd was no stranger to this particular state of being; for it had propelled him ever forward since his expulsion from the Confederacy. He, one who fought and bled for that nation, was unjustly cast out so suddenly that the only option left was retreat. All that Isley once owned in this world was then destroyed: his name was slandered, his home was burnt to the ground, his family scattered...

And hatred blossomed.

While most would succumb to despair or find solace in a bottle, Isley stubbornly pushed forward. He licked his wounds and began to rebuild the remnants of his life, fueled by the burning desire to prove that no nation could ever crush his will. From nothing, he soon obtained everything; wealth, power, and even leadership over the corporation once owned by his estranged spouse. Now, several years after being reduced to practically nothing, Isley was back on his feet again.

While his current thoughts did not include the Confederacy-turned-Alliance, the arrival of a certain blast from the past set that nation to the forefront of his mind. The anger, the feeling of betrayal, the hatred...all came rushing forward in but a matter of seconds. By the time [member="Marek Starchaser"] arrived outside of his office door, the Mandalorian was fuming...but he would give his former student a chance to speak his piece. Isley was not sure why he was there, but the surprise visit was enough to warrant a meeting.

Was Marek here to finish what Salem had started? Was he here to try to make amends? What did the promising young man want?

"You may come in."

 

[Corey's OOC]

This was not something Marek was exactly looking forward to. [member="Isley Verd"] had given him so much, and he made the call to stay where he was being burned. Stay in charge, keep the Techno Union and keep himself in power. Was it selfish? Definitely. Was it wrong? To the man, yes, to the galaxy? He felt he was serving a higher purpose. Tion Ways and Tion Laws nearly dictated that he say where he had the power. Bring the galaxy into a greater understanding of capitalism, and keep his hands in as much s he could. That was why he stood. What was he going to say to his former Master? Marek had no idea.

He had several masters in the past, his father, a few Zeison Sha, Isley Verd, Ket Van Derveld. And most were gone.

Isley remained. And that spoke volumes of the man's character. He rose from where they threw him, to nothing. And he secured himself without the help of the Confederacy-turned-Corporate Authority. That was respectable. More than that.

Stepping into the office, he wasn't even sure how to respond to the man in front of him. Thoughts, that was all they were, but Marek came, unarmed, aside from the Force, and ready for whatever licks he was going to take. Just... what was the ice breaker he should use? For whatever reason 'we have been watching' didn't seem like the best way.

 

[Darth Metus]

Although anger burned within him, there was a soft spot which reared its ugly head. When Marek entered the office, the Mandalorian found himself ever so slightly...relieved. An initial inspection saw no new scars, but the obvious difference in age was apparent. This was good, as it meant that the young Starchaser had escaped the rampage of Akala unscathed. Parting his lips, Isley began to contemplate what to say to his former apprentice...And what came forth was but a simple question.

"Why." he said.

"You were my apprentice, Marek. Why did you just sit on your ass and let everything happen? I know you couldn't prevent the manhunts alone, but dammit...you could have helped my kids. You could have done something; anything! Why. Why did it take so long for you to even try to find out if I was karking alive."

There was a touch of hurt in his voice, as if he were a human and not the monster the ACA painted him to be.

[member="Marek Starchaser"]

 

[Corey's OOC]

If Marek was good at one thing, it was surviving relatively intact. With the Akala situation, he was fortunate enough to not have to deal with the hell some of the galaxy went through. No, he stayed on this side, dealt with the lives at stake here, and the war for territory the Abrion Authority found herself in. He was doing his best to keep the house that Verd built relatively intact, even if for his own prestige and peace of mind. Similar to hopping ships in this sector of space. Keeping his job and keeping his power, as opposed to fighting a losing battle against the new administration.

Why? That was the only question that was out there, now wasn’t it? The only one that needed to be answered. The one thing that got Marek was the suggestions [member="Isley Verd"] tossed out. Not to protect him, but protect his children. And… honestly, Marek had no answer for that. The Starchaser had a family, but he was removed from them, he was the black sheep, and stayed away. He preferred it that way, in a sorts.

Verd was always human, he taught Marek, and he did have the family aspect. “Honestly, Master…” Old habits. “I’ve had a lot on my plate. The family… I just….” He shrugged. “The rest. We couldn’t lose this system, not the people I’m here to represent today.”

 

[Darth Metus]

Placing both hands flat upon his desk, the Mandalorian rose from his seat...yet remained stationary. He loomed over the resinwood piece of furniture for a moment, looking down in an attempt to collect his thoughts. Despite the anger that now set his heart thundering in his chest, Isley was making an effort to be civil. He wanted to hear what his apprentice had to say for himself...and even began to read into the little that he had uttered.

For one, maybe Isley was expecting too much of the young man. He didn't really stop to consider how the changes in the Confederacy may have affected Marek. Hell, he might have caught malice on the basis that he was Isley's former student. As such, with a deep exhalation, the Mandalorian let go of the pent up frustration...at least the part that was directed at the young Starchaser. The subject still had Isley riled up, but it was not fault of Marek. He couldn't truly blame him for not seeing to the safety of his children; for that responsibility truly fell upon Isley's shoulders.

That said, a part of what Marek said piqued the Mandalorian's interest. Apparently his affiliation with the ACA was not founded upon loyalty...well, at least not to the nation itself. The young man was here to represent someone, a collective perhaps? But who? And why would they have Marek stay in the ACA?

"Just who is it that you represent?" he began, raising his chin so that he might look the man in his eyes. "And if they are responsible for sending you today...what do they want with me?"

[member="Marek Starchaser"]

 

[Corey's OOC]

Verd was always… intense. A Templar, THE Templar, and the one who set the Knights forward, not to mention putting Marek in charge of the Techno Union. Everyone one looked in Abrion, Verd’s legacy was there. There had been a lot going on, and while Salem and that administration did what they felt was right, what was needed to defend and keep the standard of living in Abrion going as the Omegas bore down on them, Marek fell into that camp because he believed in what this sector was, what it could be.

And part of making sure that Abrion survived was getting a say in it himself. However that came across. It was Marek working for Abrion, and by doing that working for Tion. Heil. Keeping an eye on the sector, keeping an eye on the manufacturing plants. And watch the credits. All this would be of use for the Hegemony, and it needed to stay in proper hands.

Looking around the room, Marek’s eyes met his former Master. “How secure are we here?” He wasn’t going to run the risk of letting everyone know just who was involved, and what they were after. By night fall, he was hoping to have [member="Isley Verd"] on a trip to Lianna. Bright Star had a cruise ship coming through. A wonderful cover to moving people, and cargo.

 

[Darth Metus]

The Mandalorian found himself lofting and eyebrow, for he did not anticipate his question to be met with another inquiry. However, the question itself soon caused a small half-chuckle to escape his lips. During the era in which Marek studied under Isley, security was a major concern. However, in the wake of having the vast majority of his holdings destroyed or seized, Isley began to develop a hint of paranoia. Even the most simple treasure was backed up one way or another, and privacy was almost guaranteed in all of Isley's places of business and residence.

As such, he gave [member="Marek Starchaser"] a small nod accompanied by a: "Completely secure. Soundproofing. Zero prying eyes or ears. What you say here will be heard by me and me alone."

 

[Corey's OOC]

There was a bit of the old Marek perking up in this discussion. Meeting with his former Master? And coming to him with all he had learned? It was set forth by the powers that be in his organization that [member="Isley Verd"] was a power. Someone worth more than just keeping an eye on. Someone to bring into the fold. Paranoia was a smart thing and Marek was no stranger to it. He had the backing of some powerful friends.

And the room was secure? That was something Marek knew that Isley was not going to even toy with. "I am representing a group of very powerful individuals. Corporate magnates who are the essence of capitalism in the galaxy. Clearly, you've been busy, Isley. And its being noticed. A collective of corporations who are scratching each others backs to keep at least some things constant in this galaxy." He nodded, speaking definitively and watching his former Master's expression.

 

[Darth Metus]

It seemed as though [member="Marek Starchaser"] had taken his position as Foreman very seriously. When Isley installed him as the leader of the Techno Union, he had high hopes that the young man would excel in this particular role. Now, several years later, Marek had the backing of several unnamed corporate entities...and from what little was said, the Mandalorian gained the distinct impression that this collective was big. Galaxy-shattering big.

Now standing tall, the Mandalorian folded his arms whilst contemplating what could be laced between the lines. This collective had been watching him. They scratched one another's backs...did this mean that they were looking for a new member? Or was it something else completely. Isley decided to go with the former, for if he were mistaken Marek would only need to tell him otherwise.

"So this collective...they sent you in order to bring me into the fold? Or did they want something else?"

 

[Corey's OOC]

The galaxy, before Marek had met [member="Isley Verd"] was a dark place. He had left the Zeison Sha to set out on his own, and he had found himself in the Confederacy. Verd gave him training and a vocation. And yes, maybe he didn’t make the best show of appreciation, but he needed to keep the nation alive. He weighed one man against a legacy. And if that was the wrong decision? He’d still make it again. It put him where he was, in a place to lift a former Master up and hopefully begin making amends.

If Marek was here to give Isley any news but good, yeah, he’d have sent someone else. But this was something even the Foreman wanted to do personally. “We’d like to extend an offer. Have you been to Lianna lately?”

 

[Darth Metus]

Apparently the Mandalorian's train of thought was spot on. This enigmatic collective had played spectator to the goings ons of Isley's present. They had most likely witnessed his "clever" ascension to ownership of SDE, and subsequently his taking the mantle of Arakyd's CEO. There weren't many in the Galaxy who could pull off such maneuvering, and when it happened someone was bound to notice.

This seemed like a good opportunity, all thing's considered. Isley was low on allies nowadays, and as such a collective of organizations that scratched one another's backs seemed like a golden ticket. "Then I'll accept the offer." he began, offering his former apprentice a small smirk. "And no, I haven't been to Lianna...its actually one of the few places that I haven't been."

Isley knew where this was going. Only an idiot wouldn't be able to see it. Reaching down to his intercom, the Mandalorian pushed a button so that he might give his assistant a brief message. "Lilith, clear my schedule for the week. I'm taking a personal trip." he said, before returning his attention back to [member="Marek Starchaser"].

"I assume that you're wanting me to pay Lianna a visit, yes?"

 

[Corey's OOC]

Marek had known what [member="Isley Verd"] could do, seeing the man on top again was no surprise to him. And well, he was hoping that the Mando would be able to move past the moves Marek made. He was doing it to save a part of the galaxy, and follow the Illuminati orders of the rest. And that meant keeping things safe for the Tion Hegemony, and they would activate the chain to keep it safe, when it became too much for one man.

And so on.

The Mando-Witch hadn’t been to Lianna? Well, that was a surprise. “Center of galactic commerce, really, right in the center of the Tion Cluster. I’ve got two tickets on a Bright Star cruise departing Bothawui for Lianna. We’ll arrive within the next two solar cycles. You’ll meet the rest, and hear exactly what we can do for you.”

Even Marek had branched out. And was being overly cautious, so that the ones in charge of Tion would be able to bring Isley up to speed properly.

 

[Darth Metus]

From the way [member="Marek Starchaser"] described Lianna, it was no surprise that he had not visited yet. In the days of his youth, the Mandalorian spent his days either propelling the agenda of the United Clans or hunting bounties for profit. As he grew older, his attention was focused upon the South, Mandalore, and Dathomir. However, in the wake of his blacklisting, Isley made a large effort to remain in isolated areas.

Being on the run did not afford one the pleasure of visiting densely-populated worlds.

Times had changed, of course, and now Isley found himself being offered a pleasure cruise. A light chuckle escaped him, for this was yet another first.

"Lianna is the sort of place a man on the run would avoid. Too populated. Too many eyes. That said, a cruise to meet this collective sounds like just what I need. I haven't truly relaxed in a long time."

 

[Corey's OOC]

Marek was doing his best to make sure that he didn’t speak too far out of turn. That’d be for the master minds of the Hegemony to do. He followed the Hegmeony, stood in the Inner Circle and gave his suggestions, but he let the power-players make the moves. He was there for intel and to make sure the galaxy was watched. Probably why he worked so much with SpyNet. It gave him flexibility to hide in plain sight, not being a galactic industrial powerhouse. Or at least that was what he told himself.

“Yeah, I’ve been branching away from war profiteering, as it were.” He smirked, clearly a joke. Marek loved war droids. But he wanted to capitalize on a positive image. The one thing he did know, was that he was working on reestablishing the lines of communication and allow [member="Isley Verd"] free travel in the Southern Systems.

“Trust me, you’ll fit in on Lianna.” Marek nodded and looked to his former Master. “Need time to pack? Ship leaves in two hours. I can delay it, because, well, I own it, but…” He waggled his hand. First stop would be to Kamino, to meet the Mara Corridor, then a jump to swing by Jabiim. For whatever reason, a storm cruise had been suggested, it was in… testing phase.

 

[Darth Metus]

In all honesty, Isley had no need to pack extensively. He had a few extra suits and whatnot on hand in the office, just in case a surprise meeting with shareholders or the Board cropped up. That would only take a few minutes to gather, and in all honestly Isley could just have a droid grab them on the way out. "I've got a few things to grab, but I'll assign that task to a droid or something. I'd much rather catch up with you for a bit than faff about with clothes."

With that said, the Mandalorian emerged from behind his desk and stepped forward. In one deft move, he brought the young man into a bear-like embrace for a second before relinquishing him. "I'm glad you're alive. I truly am." he said, offering a genuine smile. "Now tell me, how did your Corellia benefit go? I did not have time to keep tabs on the proceedings."

[member="Marek Starchaser"]

 

[Corey's OOC]

Most of what [member="Isley Verd"] would need could be provided. Hell, Bright Star cruises were a virtual shopping mall, with all the finest Akure Executive items, among other boutique shops. He made the deals, took suggestions from the women in his offices, y’know, the pretty ones, not the THOTs. But in Marek’s head, that was an afterthought. Let his Master get ready however he felt he needed to. Making a jump out to Lianna on the tale someone who worked alongside a government that wasn’t exactly your favorite group of people and just leapt back out of nowhere again, was a tricky trust fall.

To say the hug was unexpected wasn’t completely true. Marek figured it’d go one way. [member="Raziel"] would be picking up his body in bits for the next months, or it’d go well. He was so glad the latter occurred. And the fact that the conversation was going away from the issues between the two? Pleasant. But Corellia…

“We did a lot of good work. Working with Arceneau Trade helps get the profits where they are needed most. Casinos help, but we’re not a platform for the heavy lifting. Been doing what I can for the homeworld, benefit cruises every month, and providing catering for certain events in the system, all from the profits of that little weekend.” What could he say? Nostalgia for a homeworld.

 

[Darth Metus]

"If there's anything I can do to help your efforts, please let me know. I'm in a position to do more financially now, so simply ask and it will be done."

Isley was not usually this sentimental, but he tried to put himself in the shoes of his former apprentice. If Dathomir or Mandalore met untimely ends, then Isley would move mountains in order to offer relief. That said, enough dilly dallying had occurred. It was time to move onto Lianna and to meet this collective [member="Marek Starchaser"] represented.

* * *​

After two days of blissful rest, drinking, and general debauchery, the Mandalorian and his former apprentice arrived on Lianna. Every effort was made to shake off the "party smell" and Isley now looked the part of esteemed CEO of Arakyd Industries. Marek led the way through the city to a rather imposing structure that the Mandalorian could only imagine was their HQ. And inside? Well, a blast from the past would be waiting.

[member="Gerion Ardik"]

 

[Corey's OOC]

Working with his former Master was going to be a treat. Marek would show what he’d learn, who he became, and maybe re-establish working ties with the creator of the nation he lived in. The nation he kept higher than anything aside from Tion. Heil. And assistance for Corellia? That would do very well. He knew homeworld love, and he knew that [member="Isley Verd"] did as well. “I’ll keep that in mind. Also, Danger is doing her best to help out, but any donations to the efforts help.”

****

But for the next few days, there wouldn’t be business. Just pleasure. Sure, Marek had to make his appearances on the liner, but he had this down to a science, nowadays. But he made sure that Isley was well taken care of. Before docking with the station around Lianna, Marek made sure to contact the Hegemony ahead of their arrival. Someone would need to greet and welcome Verd in.

And who better than [member="Gerion Ardik"]? Maybe [member="Sasha Santhe"].

But she was going to be busy welcoming Marek home, maybe.

 

[Caulder Dune]

[member="Isley Verd"] | [member="Marek Starchaser"]

Gerion had an extensive written policy when it came to fellow members of the Hegemony. Abridged, it entailed not mucking over the affairs of other members of the Hegemony. A recent amendment excluded Ovmar from that, because Ovmar was a lecherous swine with no sense of principle. But this wasn't about Ovmar. This was about the man who had been the most wanted fugitive in Confederate history up until it stopped being Confederate history and started being Abrionese history. Despite being something of a Mandalorian, making him tolerable at best, Isley Verd was poised to join the ranks of the Tion Hegemony. It wasn't totally unknown for Mandalorians to become halfway competent given enough time and business savvy. Gilamar Skirata would have made an able member of the Hegemony, were he more active in galactic affairs. Rygel Larraq as well, were he not a bloodthirsty sociopath.

Verd was as shrewd in matters of commerce as the rest of them, only without their gaping detractions. Gerion would not oppose his admittance, but it meant he was going to have to make amends. Or, rather, right a few wrongs. To avoid doing so would invite a substantially large elephant into the room for future meetings, and Gerion was not going to have any of that. Not in this Hegemony.

He approached the two men with rigid intent, like someone who had somewhere to be very soon. Behind him was a trailing TA4 Ultra Battle Droid, functioning as an assistant. In one hand it carried a rather large, slender wooden case. In the other, something more squat. Like it was holding a large gauntlet. "Gentlemen." He said by way of greeting. "I apologize, but we're going to have to make this quick."

With a wave of Gerion's hand, the droid moved forward, presenting both boxes to Isley.

"As a matter of principle, I don't like keeping stolen goods. Not when their prior owner now moves among the same social circles. Your gauntlet and your sword."