A Meeting with the Admiral

[Akio Kahoshi]

@[member="Moira Skaldi"]

The battle for Cato Neimoidia had been won. The enemy leader Komar had been killed when his tower had been brought down, the Republic's new puppet leader Weedin was in charge, and the enemy ships had surrendered. The Atrisians had proved themselves in space and on the ground, but Major General Yu had been sure to mention the person that had helped make their crushing victory possible. A Republic agent by the name of Skaldi.

Akio had found himself interested in the young woman. Capable people were hard to find in a Galaxy so long plagued by disease. He was most interested in what kind of background had led her to where she was, but for now he would settle for simply meeting her. So she had been informed that he wished her presence aboard the Rancor and given an escort to bring her up through the atmosphere safely. It would not do to have some fanatical remnant take a pot shot at her.

Once she was aboard, it was a short walk to his stateroom. Well, short being relative on a four kilometer long warship. As she was brought to his door, he sat and watched to see her reactions as she entered. "Welcome Agent Skaldi."

 

[Moira Skaldi]

Moira confidently strode through the vast and seemingly endless corridors of the giant ship, observing the crew as it went about its business. A few stormtroopers and crew members shot her looks, most just focused on their jobs, good and obedient, much like cogs in a machine.

So this was the flagship of the Atrisian Empire. Remnant of a long-dead imperium that had once held the Galaxy in its thrall, only to be toppled by a rebel movement. On a certain level Moira found this visit terribly ironic. Years in the past she had fought a petty despot, arrogantly proclaimed as the King of Kings. The Revolution had brought the tyrant down, but degenerated into petty squabbles between varying factions.

Moira had fled the chaos and never looked back. It was such a thing called adjustment and she was not the sentimental time, she could just appreciate the irony. An almost as big one was the fact that the Republic was pursuing its own imperialist manifest destiny. To someone other than Moira that might have been a contradiction, to Moira it was common sense.

Even though its army didn't exactly cover itself in glory, did it? she thought wryly as the heavy durasteel doors opened with a snap-hiss and she walked through, confidently.

The Admiral was seated. Obviously that also established status. The 'Empire' might only rule a few star systems, but people of lesser rank would come to him, not the other way round. When one thought about, life was just a series of games, really. Needless to say Moira did not walk up all the way. Close enough to be polite, at enough of a distance to show she was no hireling.

She took in the view of the stars through the window behind him, affixing her gaze on the admiral. Doubtlessly proceedings were being monitored, stormtroopers stood outside. Needless to say Moira was armed, there was a hold-out blaster and her knife. Doubtless the guards knew as well.

But...there was little to be gained by her betrayal from either side. "Admiral Kahoshi, thank you. Your countrymen performed well on Cato Neimoidia. You must be pleased."

 

[Akio Kahoshi]

She was cool and collected, just as he expected. That she was not impressed by the march here and meeting an officer of his rank, albeit of a different navy, spoke well of her. Akio had no patience for those who were overawed by something as simple as rank. Her attitude was proper as well, she was a guest here and as such manners had to be kept... on both their parts.

"They have brought honor to their planet, I am proud of them. Come, please sit down. Would you like some refreshments? You must be hungry after the battle, I have tea, rice wine, and I can offer some food as well." As he spoke he indicated a chair across from his, with a table between them. His steward, dressed in his sharp stewards uniform rank insignia polished bright, appeared to deliver the refreshments. Even Akio could tell the steward was trying to show his best to this foreigner, the food, while always delicious, seemed ever more so today.

"I appreciate you coming today," the admiral stated after the steward had left. "We are still new to this Galaxy beyond our own tiny sphere of influence. But our influence will not be tiny forever, the power this ship represents alone will make sure of that. So it is in the best interests of my people that I attempt to make contacts with those outside. From what General Yu has told me, you show a much more... realistic look upon things here in Republic space. That is something I can appreciate."

 

[Moira Skaldi]

"Thank you, Admiral." Moira nodded and accepted the seat, sitting down. Soon the admiral's steward appeared and laid down various dishes upon the table. The servant seemed eager to show off their best to the guest, as low as that guest's rank might be.

"Indeed. No one can stay shielded from the Galaxy. Our Neimoidian friends just found out what happens when you wind up evolution's losers," she said agreeably. She noted his pride. Of course, the Empire was caught in the unenviable situation of being located between two great powers, Omega and the Republic.

Omega was rapidly expanding southward...in a Republic-Sith War, it might be the profiting third party if it played its cards right and the war led to mutual exhastion. "Your demonstration planetside was enough to show you're not content with your the sphere you have. Is it old glory you want to rekindle or to claim new one?"

 

[Akio Kahoshi]

"While it is true our government and military is directly descendant to the Galactic Empire and Republic before it, we recognize that it would be pointless to simply cling to the past. The Galactic Empire disappeared with the plague, and while we are proud of where we have come from, it is the future that is our current concern. We are the Atrisian Empire, not the Galactic Empire."

Taking up the cup of tea before him, holding it in the traditional two handed style that was his heritage, he sipped long enough to give her time to think. Which he suspected was not long at all, given her obviously sharp wit. He was as aware of the political situation around Atrisia as she was, but then when the treaty had been signed no one had expected the formation of the Omega Protectorate right next door. It was lucky then that Omega and the Republic seemed to be on such good terms, and hopefully by proxy Atrisia.

"So tell me Agent Skaldi, you know what Atrisia wants, what is it that you seek? You do not seem like just another Republic citizen who has lived a happy and comfy life. In you I sense a history, that you have earned your place in this Galaxy. So what then do you wish to 'earn' in the end?"

 

[Moira Skaldi]

"Indeed, you are. Of course you've kept the clearest expression of your old ties. The title of your head of state. Moff, not Emperor," she pointed it out evenly. The tone was polite, but the implication was there.

A Moff was a subordinate to an absentee sovereign. Either Moff Shu was too much a traditionalist or too insecure to make the break official and take the crown. Power shifts quickly, she thought.

The Republic had no friends, only interests. The Protectorate was useful in keeping the barbarians and cultists in the south at bay. Some in the Republic had been rankled by its annexation of Denon given that it seemed to block expansion to the south. Given the fact that it had been a zombie-infested hellhole, Moira did not miss it.

One day Republic would be at war with the Sith. Not because of sappy idealism, but because they were inexorably drawn to fight it out. A pity the Republic would not be defended to the last drop of Mandalorian blood.

"Yes, comfortable. To retire to a house with a white picket fence, a dog and two children," she said in a deadpan tone with a wry smile. "I will no beat around the bush, bourgeois creature comforts and blissful ignorance aren't for me. I want to be a part of the Great Game. Not in the limelight, but not just a cog either," she took a tip from her tea.

She was more a stimcaf girl, but had to admit that it was quite good. "The Galaxy is full of excitement and opportunity for those who grasp them, even if they have to go it alone."

 

[Akio Kahoshi]

Ah yes, Moff Shu. "Atrisians are a traditional people. Our leader has been a moff for four hundred years, many simply do not see a need to change this even as we progress into the future as our own state. There is nothing wrong with tradition either, military tradition is what allowed us to stay a fighting force after so long in isolation. Cultural tradition has kept Atrisia strong, and its people united. However there are those that would stick to tradition even when circumstances force otherwise. Or if doing such may threaten their wealth and influence."

He was careful not to say who, as saying such would be improper. He doubted she would fail to infer the correct answer, but his blue eyes were steady and gave away nothing. "The situation has been noticed by some at home though. For now the current situation is... comfortable. Changing too soon would be ill advised."

He listened to her talk about her desires, and he were what he had hoped they were. "I have learned over the years that having allies, people you can trust, will always get you further than trying alone. Trust is hard to come by in the world you live in, I understand that well. But consider that breaking one's oath on Atrisia is a great dishonor one few who wish to show their face in public. I would like to give you the chance to set your own place in the Great Game, as you say. The IIB needs a senior operative on this side of the Galaxy. One that would manage their own team and missions, as you did today but larger and with more freedom of movement. "

 

[Moira Skaldi]

Moira listened, observed. She seemed to be good at that, whilst casually sipping tea and having some of her meal. Comfortable. A hidebound Moff lets you win glory for Atrisia...and more, she thought. Oh, this would be interesting to watch. Whether he succeeded or not. Very much so.

How would he do it? She had a professional interest!

It was perfect marketing material really. Assuming Atrisia's vaunted traditions withstood outside contact. Moira knew from experience how attractive the forbidden was, sometimes simply because it was new and forbidden. The Republic might have little interest in direct regime change, but as the junior partner Atrisia was tied to it. More than tech and commodities might be exchanged.

"Sometimes all it takes is a small spark to light the fuse at the right moment," she said gnomically. He could infer what he wished from these words. The wind of change sweeps the old, the decayed aside and the game begins again.

Therein lay the difference. She had cast aside all tradition, he evidently saw its use. A few years ago I'd brought war to your palaces with charges of dynamite, she thought, feeling a sense of amusement. It would have been thrilling.

"Interesting offer," she said, wiping her chin with a napkin. "Sudden. Bold," the way she phrased the words showed she approved of that. "You're an interesting man, Admiral Kahoshi. I have the feeling" our paths on the board will cross again. Know then that you've found a friend in the Republic. Who can help you understand the larger Galaxy's workings." It was not a yes, but not a direct no that closed doors either.

 

[Akio Kahoshi]

Cautious, wise. If he was disappointed in her answer, Akio gave no indication. "I prefer a friend to an enemy anyday," he said with a wry smile. "There is certainly much about this Galaxy that we do not yet understand. It is... different I do not think we were prepared for some of the cultural differences such things do not translate well from the history books."

Setting down his tea, Akio leaned back into his chair and laced his fingers. "The Republic seems little different than the one that became the Empire so long ago... complete with Jedi Council."

 

[Moira Skaldi]

Ah, yes. Jedi. Whether by accident or design the Admiral had found one of the topics Moira had strong feelings on. Either way not bad. Her eyes narrowed ever so slightly at the mention of Jedi, just very briefly before she got her cool back, but nonetheless.

"It has a real military this time and someone at the helm who understands reality. Instead of trusting in empty platitudes and thinking an order of monks can keep it safe," she responded, the temperature of her tone had dropped a notch, but then the moment was passed and she had her smile back. "So tell me, Admiral. How do you keep your force-users in line? Specially with all the Jedi contact Atrisia might experience soon."

Desiring a monopoly on mystical spellcasting, the Jedi did not respect national boundaries. Making Chancellor Saelari a member of their Council was a good step, but not enough. Moreover, Moira could not shake off the feeling that the mages would use their sorcerous if a weaker chancellor ascended to office.