Faction A Separate Peace (Diarchy)

[Maldor Mecetti]

Maldor and Vyllia, aboard the Ascent Class Fast Frigate Rumour
On approach to Diarchy space
Events transpiring after The Empire Burns! Long live the Empire!
_________________________________________
​

Maldor stood on the Rumour's bridge, a strange mixture of apprehension and elation coursing through him.

Had he pursued his Sith training with more vigilance, listening well to Her instruction, he would have known how to channel the emotions of the day into real power.

In another timeline, he might have learned Jedi teachings instead. His constant striving for calm might have benefitted him better with such a school of thought.

But then... there was his fear. Always there, bubbling below the surface. Fear of disappointing his family. Fear of what he might lose. Fear of missing his chance. Fear of taking a chance. Fear of messing up if his chance proved successful.

Fear was a keystone in his life, and something he was always striving to overcome.

It was why he'd have been an even more miserable Jedi than he was a Sith.

If he could even be called a Sith.

He'd never wanted to be one, really. He'd just wanted to learn how to do what they could do. Bring some of that power to benefit his family's affairs.

For that curiosity, he'd paid a price. Perhaps the whole Empire had. Between Her machinations and those of Alicia Drey , force wielders of darkness and light had tricked and coerced him into positions where he'd allowed the timbers of his adopted nation to be eaten away.

As reports continued to come in, it seemed less and less likely that the Empire could survive in the form it had previously held. Perhaps something new could rise in time.

But Maldor would not survive that interval while sitting within the maelstrom.

Neither of them would.

He turned to look at Vyllia Santhe , whom he'd recently lifted from Lianna. Now they were running together. Running towards an uncertain future, but running hand-in-hand.

The Rumour dropped out of hyperspace. Maldor nodded to Vyllia. Whether he was seeking to reassure her, or take reassurance from her countenance, was hard for even him to tell.

It did not take long for the comms officer to announce, "Diarchy forces are responding to our presence. We have been ordered to identify ourselves."

Maldor took a breath and let it out slowly. "Tell them Maldor Mecetti, formerly of the Empire of the Lost, is here with Vyllia Santhe of Santhe-Sienar. Tell them we are here under a flag of truce. Tell them we're here to speak with the leaders of the Diarchy."

The Diarchy might just blow them out of the stars.

The old fear gnawed at Maldor. He fought for calm, and took his chance.

At least now he had someone with which to share the burden of his fear.




Vyllia Santhe Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik Laphisto

 

[Laphisto]

Maldor Mecetti emerged from hyperspace into a Bastion sky transformed. Where once there had been open lanes and scattered patrols, now an iron curtain of defenses sealed the planet away from would-be intruders.

The system bristled with hundreds of LO-DIA Orbital Defense Platforms, their positions carefully layered across every conceivable approach vector. The kill zones were staggered and dense, creating a latticework of overlapping fields of fire that would make any advance towards Bastion slow and perilous. It was clear: this world was no longer as accessible as it had once been.

Above the planet, the silhouette of Aurora Station loomed large. The station's superstructure was alive with activity, its docks bustling with the construction of additional ODP platforms. Some berths sheltered battle-worn vessels, survivors of the recent storm that had scarred Bastion's orbit. Wreckage from that violent engagement, the one where Laphisto had sacrificed one of his own cruisers to detonate amidst the Dark Empire's lines, still floated amid the debris fields—silent, drifting markers of past defiance.

Communications flickered across the Diarchy's secured channels as the Rumour crossed into the heavily monitored sector. A Diarchy naval officer began the formal process of identification and clearance only to be abruptly cut short mid-transmission. The screen shifted, and the unmistakable profile of a Lilaste Order officer replaced him., the man was none other than commander tarian who had worked with maldor when they sprung a trap aboard an old frieghter several years prior.

"Proceed to Aurora Station, Dry Dock Twenty-Two. Upon docking, you will power down all non-essential systems. High commander Laphisto and the Diarchs will be awaiting your arrival" The screen briefly pulsed as a secure flight path was transmitted. "Follow the route exactly," Tarian added, voice unflinching. "Any deviation will be deemed an act of aggression." His expression softened, just slightly."Welcome back to Bastion ."


Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Aurora Station
Tags: Laphisto Maldor Mecetti Vyllia Santhe Diarch Rellik

---

After the most recent incursion onto Bastion, the defenses had been more than quadrupled, with constant monitoring. To save their people, while these tensions were high, nearly nothing got in or out of Bastion without the Diarch hearing about it. So it was then when an Empire of the Lost ship dropped out of hyperspace bearing the ID of Maldor Mecetti, Reign was already on the move.

He knew that Laphisto would direct the Imperial to Aurora station, so as soon as the ship entered their system, Reign was on a shuttle towards the massive structure in orbit around Bastion. As his boots hit the ground off the shuttle ramp, he was again impressed by the discipline and efficiency of the Lilaste Soldiers, who snapped to attention as soon as he hit the deck.

"As you were, please send word to Laphisto that I have arrived"

As one of the officers relayed the message, Reign took off in the direction of the meeting rooms. Knowing his friend would have directed their "Visitors" there.

As he entered the conference room, he greeted the tall draconian being awaiting him.

"What do you think of this, old friend? I've had an encounter with Mecetti before, he doesn't strike me as a duplicitous person, but seeing him on the heels of troubling reports out of Lianna are a cause for concern"

It was here he would await both his brother, and the Imperials proceeding towards the station.

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Tags: Maldor Mecetti Vyllia Santhe Laphisto Diarch Reign

With the debris cleared and humanitarian process now started with the aid of the Chancellorate, Rellik had a moment to think. He looked into the sky and saw the now transferred Aurora Station shining as a beacon of defense for the people of Bastion. It would be good for him to personally enter and view how the Lilaste order operated when unimpeded by Diarchy personnel.

With that he gathered his personal Litigation droid Onyx and took to his shuttle to head to the station.

On approach he gave the appropriate codes to the Lilaste staff and was given appropriate docking and reception. With several workers coming to personally introduce themselves and their roles on the station. Their natural demeanor towards militaristic affairs fascinated even Rellik himself. They were proud, dedicated and integrated into this lifestyle.

Once he was given a tour and felt confident on his own he asked to be dismissed from the attendants. Most did not seem apprehensive leaving him on his own, the only feeling he got from them was a sense of duty to be ready to meet his needs. The respect and honor amongst the Lilaste was evident.

What he did once alone though was somewhat uncharacteristic of a leader though. He slipped into a utility closet of the station and simply meditated alone. Giving himself a moment to fill the station, its people and think about the days that have transpired since the attack.

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His introspection would not last forever though, as another situation would always arise. His personal high level communicator was ringing. A line left for matters of upmost importance. Acknowledging the call from Laphisto that a Empire of the Lost ship had approached Bastion he knew he needed to rise. Yet he waited a moment longer, feeling out to sense those aboard the vessel. Maldor and another. He did not know Santhe but her presence amongst the crew was unique and to be accounted for.

Coming to the conclusion that they were not here for another battle he got up from his meditation stance and went to the command bridge where Reign and Laphisto were already awaiting his arrival. Coming up to pat his brother on the back and stand by his fellow high council members side he spoke.

"Hello my friends, from what I can sense we are not in imminent danger. Yet I believe even if I advised keeping your men at a low ready, that they are always at a low ready Laphisto." He would give his compatriot a knowing happy smile. His time aboard the station was very informative and gave him vast reassurance to the presence of the Lilaste as the protectors of Bastion.

 

[Vyllia Santhe]

Location: The bridge of the Rumour
Outfit: Luminecent Dress
Tag: Maldor Mecetti | Laphisto | Diarch Reign | Diarch Rellik

The voyage from Lianna was a tremendous relief. Not only escaping an attack by Vyllia's own corporate security, but after ordeals with the Sith, TAC, and expansion plans Vyllia was finally able to meaningfully reconnect with Maldor. She had her company and to a lesser degree Lianna politics to deal with and Maldor had his duties, but it was easy to see that their passions for each other still burned hot.

Now they had arrived in Diarchy territory. Vyllia would not have given up a second of their privacy, but she did feel a bit underprepared for whatever was coming next. She had dedicated her works to the advancement of the Empire. All of that was done from the capital system. Systems adding or subtracting had not been a concern of Vyllia. The particulars of the opponents had not been terribly interesting. As long as product was getting to where it was intended all was good. Now she would be front and center in some sort of meeting with political intrigue outside of the fallen empire, and she really wasn't sure who she was dealing with.

"Maldor, my dear, what are we expecting of this meeting? And do you have specific needs of me?" Vyllia asked strangely a bit timid. It was an intriguing look for a woman who did her best to project strength at every turn. "It has been quite some time since I have served as arm candy, but I think I am well qualified for the role if needed. Though I hope you know I won't hold my tongue if I have something to contribute.

"This is a new chapter for both of us. I can help in many ways. And know I am willing to do anything to be closer in this chapter than the last." Vyllia gave a slight sigh as they were given docking instructors for Aurora Station. "My days of hunkering down at home with focus on supplying our Allie's has come to an end. I must get out and become something new. I will need your help," the blue-haired woman turned her attention from the bustle of the bridge to look deep into Maldor's eyes. She smiled and nodded her readiness to move forward. With the meeting, but more importantly their new life.

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

Aboard the Rumour...
________________________________​

Maldor turned as she spoke.

He smiled, then, and chuckled.

Strange to smile or chuckle with the guns of the rim's most powerful navy pointed at you, while the nation-state you served was burning to ruin.

"You are, and shall forever be, much more than arm-candy, V."

He approached her. He came close, until they were mere inches apart.

"I want you to understand something. Unions at our level are never built on whimsy. Common fools can afford to chase their hearts. Not people with dynasties behind their name. You are the queen of the Santhe-Sienar dynasty. The Diarchy may not realize it yet, but you bring much more to this negotiating table than I do. There are a thousand-thousandfold aerospace components that only Santhe-Sienar can build. You have patents recognized on a thousand worlds. Without you, anyone building a starfighter has to reinvent a wheel that your family invented a millenium ago.

And you are even more than that. You are the Chief Executive who has commanded an army larger than I ever have. Your army had more workers in it than soldiers, but it was no less an army. Men marching across a hundred worlds, working in lockstep, unveiling your vision to the galaxy.

There is more in you than there is in me. And once they understand that, they will offer you a seat at their table. Of course you will be at my side.

I should tell you that is why I went to get you. I should tell you that I understand your strategic value. That our partnership will happen because it makes sense that it should happen. That Santhe and Mecetti are a pragmatic enterprise, and a good way to rise from the current debacle.

I should tell you that, because all of that is true."

He took a deep breath, looking into her eyes.

"But all of that can be true, and not be the truth.

When my universe was on the edge of a knife, I thought of you, V. I raced to you. And only along the way did I justify it to myself for all the reasons I just gave. I'm grateful for those reasons. I am.

Because without all of those reasons, I'd have to confess to being just another Common fool."

He leaned in close, closing his eyes.

"Let us face the future, and build it, together."

_______________________________________________________________
​

That future came towards them as inexorably as a sunrise.

Before long, the Rumour was docked. Watched by a thousand eyes and a thousand guns.

Maldor did not bring a security escort with him as he disembarked. Nor did he bring his light-foil. There was little point to it.

He walked with Vyllia in the stately manner of royalty. For while it had not been codified yet, they were of royal lineage and would become one blood soon enough. He held his chin high, and felt his fear fall away from him. It was easier to be brave, now, with her at his side.

Eventually, they came to the meeting place.

Eventually, Maldor saw who was waiting for him, here.

Not merely the leaders of this great nation, but also the man who had tricked him, and initiated a debacle.

...maybe.

His eyes narrowed, though his mind and heart were less certain of this than he'd been in the past. The current dissolution of the Empire had followed close on the heels of the disaster at Bastion. The timing was suspect. The scope was beyond the capabilities of the Lilaste order or the Diarchy. There were now other suspects to that great fall.

And still...

He brushed that aside, for the moment. Etiquette first.

"I present the Lady Santhe, Chief Executive of Santhe-Sienar, the foremost defense industrialist in the galaxy. "

That might have been over-stating things, but not by much.

"...And my intended." He hadn't been lying, before. He knew he had a stronger hand when that hand was linked with hers.

Then he bowed, lower than he would for a fellow noble. He left no doubt that he understood his place in this room.

"And I present myself, Lord Maldor Mecetti. Formerly of House Mecetti in the Mecetti province, Formerly Senator to the Galactic Alliance. Formerly a Senior Executive of the House Mecetti Nationalized Industries, Fomerly a Moff of the Voss Sector, Formerly Lord Admiral to the Empire of the Lost. And Now..."

He wasn't sure if that was a resume, or a list of failures.

He clenched his teeth for a moment. He was throwing a lot into the wind, here. In fact, everything.

But half-measures would not get the job done.

"And now...Your humble servant."

Hopefully, this was not the moment when they would shoot him.





Maldor Mecetti | Laphisto | Diarch Reign | Diarch Rellik | Vyllia Santhe

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: Aurora Station | Bastion Orbit
Tags: Maldor Mecetti Vyllia Santhe Laphisto Diarch Rellik

---

The Diarch's eyes never left the former Imperial Moff as he entered the room. Both Reign and his brother had been debriefed by Laphisto on what had happened in the skies above Bastion. The High Commander had been adamant of Mecetti's innocence, but the fateful encounter on Malachor V kept calling back to the Diarch's mind. Mecetti had stood against his master alongside the Diarch, yet he had felt Her presence aboard the ships in the sky above Bastion on the fateful day of the Crisis.

As the moff's companion was introduced, Reign bowed low, a picture of regal grace and said

"Lady Santhe, you are most welcome here. It pains me to hear of the troubles on Lianna and throughout the Empire. I am relieved you managed to escape"

The Diarch's vibrant green eyes turned then towards the Moff in front of him. The recent terror his people had felt was starting to color Reign's cheeks. But he would hold himself in check. Keeping Laphisto's debriefing in mind, the Diarch asked the question he had been waiting for. The Air of command and leadership apparent in the way he spoke.

"Lord Mecetti, I had hoped to see you again. Laphisto here has proclaimed your innocence in the disaster that befell the innocent people of Bastion. Yet, I can not help but wonder. Not long ago upon Malachor V, you aided me in the defiance of the fifth wing, yet moments before the explosions started upon the surface of my home I felt Her presence with you in orbit. Tell me plain, what reason is there for me to believe that you had not put on a show of betraying your master to ensure her survival against me, only to return as her thrall and wreak devastation upon the one who had slighted her?"

Reign's words held no poison or rage, just that of a leader and commander searching for the truth. He had no reason to doubt either the man standing before him or Laphisto, but the machinations of the Sith known as Her ran deep. As the current state of the Empire could tell any involved.

 

[Vyllia Santhe]

Location: The bridge of the Rumour
Outfit: Luminecent Dress
Tag: Maldor Mecetti | Diarch Reign | Laphisto | Diarch Rellik

Flattery was something that worked well on Vyllia. It worked better when it was spoken in Maldor's voice and Vyllia believed it to be sincere. More than arm candy and him calling her "V" made the blue haired woman blush slightly. She knew that she brought more than her looks to most situations, but it was surprisingly nice to hear that she was arm candy to Maldor as well.

As he approached the tingling in Vyllia's body grew more intense. She leaned towards Lord Mecetti, but not against him. He admitted that there was business in their connection, something that Vyllia would not deny. There was too much at stake for people of their status to follow their heart alone. A short time ago Vyllia might have pointed out that they were both in good positions with no union at all. Recent events however were a stark reminder that a partner who can lend strength, wisdom and whimsy was the best one could hope for. And Vyllia was strongly of the opinion she had found that in Maldor. It was good to hear him voice the same.

"The fall of the Empire has forced our union to become closer and stronger. For that I am grateful. Together we will take this next step," Vyllia responded leaning into Maldor's strong stance.

————————————————————————

They entered Aurora Station hand in hand. When they arrived at the meeting spot, Vyllia knew she would have been intimidated by Laphisto and the Diarchy's were she alone. Maybe not if she felt properly prepared and knew this would be a peaceful business meeting, but she was anything but assured of that in her mind. Being able to lean on Maldor was a comfort. Listening to his introduction gave her a sense of pride, then came the last sentence was added and she felt like a schoolgirl. Being announced officially as his intended didn't feel real, but it was something she would gladly get used to.

Steeling her resolve to remain as confident as possible she offered the representatives of the Diarchy a pleasant smile and a noble bow. There was a bit of surprise at Maldor defining a role of servitude, but she was sure he knew what he was doing.

"Thank you for the warm welcome Diarch," Vyllia responded with another nod. "Lianna will always be in my soul, so I hope things will return to normal quickly. For now, as my betrothed has stated we are turning our focus elsewhere and I am looking forward to proving the value that Santhe-Sienar will bring to the Diarchy. We have worked with Bastion before, but it has been a long time."

The realization that Maldor and the Diarch had met in the field before was a bit concerning. It seemed to Vyllia that Reign saw Maldor as she did though so her worry that this meeting might be a set up lessened and she was filled with hope of expanding the breadth of her business while her home struggled with transition.

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Tags: Vyllia Santhe Maldor Mecetti Diarch Reign Laphisto
Location: Hanger upon Aurora Station - Lilaste headquarters

As Maldor's ship approached any unease Rellik had about the meeting slowly faded. The feeling in the force he got when searching for Maldor was not the fear of someone on a suicide mission, nor the anger of a marauding Sith. Both emotions were there but they were different... He did not fear for himself, nor was his anger consuming; they were based in reasoning and the Diarch would learn what those reasons were soon enough.

Their shuttle had arrived with Laphisto, Reign and Rellik standing side by side. The younger brother ensuring to keep his hands behind his back and a smile upon his face. He wanted to ensure the reception he gave off was welcoming and that his new guests never felt in danger. Although his brother was known for showing his pride more publicly - so this interaction would be an interesting one.

Maldor approached with a woman by his side. Strong, blue hair, and she who held herself with the posture and aura of royalty. The two stood very close together and it had not gone unnoticed.

"I present the Lady Santhe, Chief Executive of Santhe-Sienar, the foremost defense industrialist in the galaxy. "
"...And my intended."

Rellik realized now why he felt a slight ting of fear. It was not for himself. Perhaps the reports from Laphisto were correct. If Maldor was responsible for the attack on Bastion, he would not bring his love here do die with him.

The Diarchs heart felt heavy. These two had been manipulated, robbed, and were here to put themselves in unknown waters at an attempt to continue living - together.

When Maldor bowed deeply, Rellik would bow to the same depth in kind. Offering a similar one to the now announced Lady Santhe. The Diarchs might be the rulers here but he wanted to make it a point to show that he valued them as equals now. Especially with the reference to being their servant it was clear to him that they were here to appease and so Rellik would ensure they knew he was here to help.

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Reign went first and his words were no surprise to the younger brother. He had questions and wanted answers. Always willing to confront any problem head on. It was one of his brothers more admirable traits. So for now Rellik stayed quiet. Just attempting to do his best to look calm, kind and give off a warm aura.

"I am looking forward to proving the value that Santhe-Sienar will bring to the Diarchy."

Now both guests had offered themselves and their assets. It would be against Relliks nature to not offer the same in kind. It was clear the two valued their bonds and bonds are what the strength of the Diarchy was built upon.

Stepping to be side by side with his brother once again Rellik spoke.

"You two are both very kind and we appreciate your words. Obviously coming from different sectors of the galaxy and the recent events we will have questions but please know we have intelligence that leads us away from Maldor as the culprit for the devastation of bastion..."

The words were heavy and mingled with sadness, guilt, and a small amount of anger. Yet he lifted his head up and his counselor smile returned as he continued.

"To myself though, it is evident you are both here for a new start and to that end. - I, Diarch Rellik would like to offer you both temporary housing on Bastion, protection if either of you would require it - even against your old allies, and access to our trade routes and manufacturing. This way you both may be able to continue your individual practices without much of a hick up."

A small moment of serious crept into his tone as he delivered his last line.

"Especially if Maldor is announcing his service to our cause, assume you will be being watched and listened to for an undetermined amount of time. This is nothing personal but something all go through when they come into the Diarchy. Especially with recent events our society expects a certain amount of security. Despite all of that, it is clear to see your intentions and bond. I welcome both."

Rellik would motion for one of the Lilaste order officers who was nearby.

"Bring some refreshments and a security detail that is loyal to Laphisto ."

It appeared there was reason to celebrate so they should have some goods to share together. The Security detail would be to ensure that if any rogue elements had found their way unto Aurora Station that their new guests would feel safe.

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

Maldor arched a brow as Diarch Reign spoke.

Laphisto had declared Maldor's innocence? Interesting. Why should someone infiltrate his ship, frame him for mass-murder and attempted assassination, and then speak on his behalf to the government?

That equation didn't add up, and Maldor felt himself lending more weight to the alternate theory: An intricate web of deception spun by Alicia Drey, Her, and the Fifth Wing. Those persons had insinuated themselves into every aspect of the Empire. Somehow, it was all meant to bring them more power... though Maldor did not understand the full payoff of this plan. Was it as simple as confusing everyone, sowing chaos, and then trying to direct the storm?

Vyllia displayed the grace of a Queen, of course and the Diarchs received her well. But even more surprisingly, Maldor himself was received well. Perhaps they were merely exceedingly polite in the Diarchy, and were concealing the better part of their ire. But for the leader of the nation to match the bow of a mere administrator from another Empire? That would not have happened in his homeland.

"In my home country," Maldor said, speaking of the Tepani Sector and the Mecetti province, "all guests are watched and listened to. We simply don't tell them such. I see the Diarchy is more forthcoming."

Refreshments were summoned, and it seemed that this would be a polite sit-down. Had Fate finally decided to deal Maldor a good hand? He looked to Vyllia. Her presence here might have turned tides he was not even aware of, changing currents more in his favor.

"I should not wish to keep you in any degree of suspense. The incident over Bastion has almost certainly haunted us all. I can confirm that Her presence was aboard the Quest. She had seemingly become close to the Empress in recent days. It became impossible to simply have Her killed, and unwise to attempt to have Her removed. It was like living with an untreatable parasitic infection."

His lament at that was palpable. His lips twisted in bitterness as he recounted a dose of his knowledge about Her.

"The Empire and even myself had once been subject to the manipulations of Her old apprentice, Alicia Drey. Then to the machinations of an organization calling itself the Fifth Wing. And finally to Her own personal manipulations.

Sometimes, it seemed these parties opposed each other. Sometimes, they seemed to work in concert. I absorbed one lie before being told another, and another. I have given up on understanding the endless layers of deceit and danger that trio represent. Even from beyond the grave, it seems Alicia Drey's hands are at work. Plucking strings from the afterlife."

A shiver creeped up his spine at the memory of how Alicia had manipulated him, and how Her manipulations had followed. He'd felt like a fish on a hook, lured in by promises of power and then snagged by barbed steel.

"On the day of the... incident... I believed Laphisto had infiltrated the Quest with a computer virus during communications. I believed that was why the Quest fired without my order. Thinking the ship compromised, I ordered it scuttled and abandoned. This did not happen according to plan, either. The ship persisted for much longer than I intended. To what end, I cannot say. All loyal forces abandoned the ship as ordered... but I suspect there was more going on aboard her before she finally blew."

Maldor shook his head.

"I had worked with the Lilaste Order before. Stood beside Laphisto. I believed him to be an honorable man.

There was logic in the bombardment, but only logic borne of a truly manipulative mind: To kill our Empress, plus the Diarchs, while framing us for the murder. This would clear the way for Laphisto to claim the reigns of your government while pursuing an agenda of revenge against the Empire. A perfect plan for a Palpatinian man.

But... I have often prided myself on the ability to look at a person and understand the type of mind that works within them. This imagined plot would have suited the Tapani nobles, perhaps, who are always scheming against one another. It did not seem like it could spring from the imagination of such a person as Laphisto."

He took a moment to regard the dragonlike humanoid.

"When the Empire fell to economic sabotage and orchestrated rebellion a short time later, I revised my imaginings.

Now I think Her, or the Fifth Wing, or both of them in concert had primed the Empire to fall. Assassinating the Empress was probably intended to amplify the effect by sowing chaos and infighting in the upper ranks. The deaths of the Diarchs were probably intended to ensure pressure at the border. Probably. Who can know the mind of such a person? But while the whole plan was not a success, it seems to have achieved its ends. How this will profit Her or the Fifth Wing in the long run is beyond my understanding."

He paused to take a breath. He had said much. Those words needed a moment to settle.

Finally, he added, "I have a flotilla of ships which remain loyal to me. Thousands of fighting men. And the means to continue production of fighting vessels. I would use them in support of the Diarchy, in exchange for the safe haven you graciously offer. And I would render any other service I can. While I think I have become a passable fleet commander, I was a Businessman and a Senator before I ever claimed that mantle. The ruin of the Empire will bring countless dangers, and untold political headaches. If there is anything I can do to help ameliorate them, I would do so."

One more pause.

One final card to play.

"There are others in the Empire with ample skills in administration, business, and warfare. I would be willing to mediate a discussion between you, if you wanted to consider bringing their talents into play. I think many of them would be grateful for a chance to serve the Diarchy, rather than cooking in the pyre of the Empire.

Although the Empire burns, its best luminaries can still be harnessed to your advantage.

I understand this is the price of survival.

I believe they will understand it, as well."




Vyllia Santhe Maldor Mecetti Diarch Reign Laphisto Diarch Rellik

 

[Vyllia Santhe]

Location: Aurora station
Outfit: Luminecent Dress
Tag: Maldor Mecetti | Diarch Reign | Diarch Rellik | Laphisto

The second Diarch, younger if Vyllia gauged such things correctly, bowed in meeting the visiting couple. Even without the Force Vyllia guessed Rellik would prove the easier to convince of their sincerity to become friends and more to join in the cause of the Diarchy. As it was the truth, Vyllia had hoped it would be an easy thing to portray, but it seemed Maldor had things to answer to in order to satisfy Reign.

The Santhe matriarch was sure that Maldor would do that perfectly well, but curiosity would have her listen to that explanation with full focus. When Rellik spoke it seemed to validate Vyllia's thoughts, but she was too savvy to let her guard down. Users of the Force were cunning and knew things no one else could from mere thoughts. His kindness could be a trick.

"It is true that we come for a new beginning, to join forces in a most official manner. Personally and also commercially. In that new beginning we will not forget where we came from. There are still opportunities on Lianna. And scores to settle," she hoped the last did not sound too ominous, but someone had used the riots at home to try to kill her. That could not be simply left behind.

"The access will be appreciated and needed, the housing will be to Maldor's discretion, the monitoring is not something that is foreign to me. Many thanks Diarch for your welcome," Vyllia gave a kind smile and a nod of her head as she also gave Maldor's hand a squeeze.

Refreshments were brought out. Thankfully Vyllia had time to unwind after leaving Lianna or she would not have been able to enjoy a sip or a nibble. Now however she knew the Diarchs were not behind the attempt on her life and she refreshed herself as she listened to Maldor address Reign's concerns.

 

[Laphisto]

Laphisto stood quietly, letting the others speak as his eyes flicked from one individual to the next, observing them as they voiced their thoughts and concerns. When Diarch Rellik gave orders to one of the security officers—requesting refreshments and a handpicked security detail loyal only to himself—Laphisto couldn't help but let a small chuckle escape his lips.

Most within the Order, especially those born and raised under its banners, were loyal to a fault. Even those who had joined later in life had, over time, come to embrace its values—perhaps not as fervently as the native-born, but loyal nonetheless. He had spent the last twenty-some years ensuring that the ideology and core values of the Order were instilled into the younger generations. Some might call it propaganda, indoctrination, or even brainwashing. But to him, it was patriotism—plain and simple. He gave a subtle nod to the security officer and spoke into his communicator. "Bring the High Guard." The high guard were his personal security detail, hand-picked by himself based on their service records

Turning his attention back to the group, Laphisto found himself mildly surprised at Maldor's insistence on submission and servitude. The notion pulled a frown across his muzzle. To see such a proud man grovel was... saddening, to say the least. But he supposed he understood. Maldor had been shaped by the harsh doctrines of imperial rule—one that did not value honor the same way the Diarchy did. Or, at least, that's how Laphisto perceived it, based on his interactions with the Diarchs.

As Maldor laid out his reasoning—explaining why he believed Laphisto to be the culprit—Laphisto arched a brow. It was, all things considered, a sound theory, and impressively structured. The logic was difficult to refute, and had Laphisto been the kind of man to seek power at any cost, it might have even been true. He understood the suspicion, even respected it. Leaning forward, he began tapping into the nearby holoprojector, pulling up all available data on the incident—including what his virus had uncovered while embedded in the Quest's systems.

"While it's true that I had a virus planted within your ship, and yes, given enough time, I could have carried out the actions you've accused me of—my honor outweighs any desire for power. I don't blame you for your assumption. Most others, in my position, might have done exactly what you described." He gestured to the floating holoprojection as it expanded into a visual web of code.

"But as you can see here," he continued, highlighting the branching data pathways, "my virus barely made it past the initial security layers before it encountered several other signatures—three, to be exact—before initiating self-destruction."

his eyes turned to Vyllia Santhe as she began to speak " im sure you both had hard times after the fall of the empire of the lost. i was saddened to hear about what had happened. i had worked with many of the soldiers during your early campaigns. i do hope everyone made it out safely"

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

Vyllia was reliably charming, as always.

But events drew Maldor's mind to the matter of events at Bastion.

So... Laphisto admitted the virus, but claimed different aims and results.

Maldor watched the data being shown, wondering how much of it to believe.

In the end, he couldn't really trust the information. He had to decide whether he could trust the man.

But the truth was, he'd always trusted Laphisto. If he'd been behind the attack at Bastion, that would have been an aberration. He couldn't fault the man for planting a virus, but that was a long cry from staging an attack.

One was consistent with the man's cleverness. The other would have been inconsistent with his honor. The presence of other actors was the logical way to reconcile events.

So... three other infiltrators. It seemed the Quest had been an 'all you can hack buffet.' He'd have to ensure his ships were better prepared for such attacks in the future.

He nodded to Laphisto, a gesture to confirm his belief in the man. Then he returned his attention to the Diarchs. "Then, if you believe me when I tell you I had no hand in it, we can be secure that no dishonor stands between us and the Diarchy.

The villains lie elsewhere.

I am grateful for and accept your gracious offer, Diarchs. By your leave, I will bring my ships into your borders. I will berth them where you choose, and take up living where you allow. And I will set to work on any task you give me, which may benefit your realm.

I hope one such task may be bringing in other valuable individuals from the Empire. There is much that might be saved from that burning house."


Maldor Mecetti | Diarch Reign | Diarch Rellik | Laphisto Vyllia Santhe