Objective: I - Honor Bound
Location: Diplomatic Landing Pad - Tor Valum
Tags:
THE EMPIRE: Kanollic II Vethres |
Marcus Bastion
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DECEASED Erskine Barran
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Siyndacha Aerin
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Open (Any Imperial dignitaries may accompany Korvan on his shuttle)
THE ENCLAVE:
Runi Kuryida
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Romul Saxon
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Braxton Holst
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Vren Rook
Open
It was not lost upon Ignacious what Moff Bastion was doing, with his overtly placating and...
bleating like a sheep so as to assuage any perceived offense the Enclave representatives before them may or may not have taken. He noted the Moff’s attempts however, and did not fault him for it. Different approaches had their value of course - to a point.
After Moff Bastion stepped over to the other Moff in their party, Vellas; Korvan was more than content to allow them to have their little exchange - whatever it was they said. The Grand Moff made eye contact with Commissioner Vethras, giving him a slight nod of recognition and acknowledgement before much else happened.
"The Enclave was established by the Mandalorians and expanded its reach into surrounding regions for stability and security..."
Korvan’s attention was briefly redirected to Runi as she spoke up in response, taking on an air of appraisal as she continued.
"While the Mandalorian Head of State does possess a certain overarching authority on matters in sectors under our protection, the Enclave believes that the people of each planet or system should govern their own affairs. Though it is asked they contribute to the security of the whole."
Despite the expressionless (if not mildly dour) appearance of Korvan’s face, internally he could not help but feel amused by her response.
‘It would seem they are more like us than they care to admit...’ He thought to himself. While not everyone agreed with him (as evidenced by some of the other Imperial delegates present), Korvan was of the mind that the
illusion of freedom was in and of itself a useful tool of manipulation. The Empire employed such a strategy with newly incorporated worlds, until they inevitably fell under the machinations of COMPNOR.
Even though the Speaker’s description at first brought a sense of similarity to the Grand Moff, he could not help but draw a concurrent likeness to the Galactic Alliance. They more or less weaponized the concepts of ‘freedom’ and ‘democracy’ to their advantage, only to empower the Chancellor and the upper echelons of their society. While not so different from the Empire, where they diverged was quite simple - they fooled themselves into thinking they were different, and noble; while the Empire was seemingly ‘corrupt’ and ‘misguided’. He could not help but sense the same level of delusion within the shaman before him.
But of course, it would not do to voice such thoughts. Korvan was harsh and direct, but he was not stupid - despite the misgivings of his companions. It was then that Braxton spoke up to address the Grand Moff’s comments.
”Well, I have been recently elected as the new president of Christophsis. Though you most likely know me as the Director and owner of the company ‘Hex Incorporated’. We supply a great deal of raw materials and other necessities to the Empire, including the aid of my company’s private military in Imperial engagements.”
“I see.” Korvan noted casually.
“I see indeed...” Korvan had a suspicion, but thankfully Mr. Holst was all too willing to confirm his suspicions. An Enclave official, supplying raw materials to the Empire? The same raw materials he was likely using to supply his personal ‘Project Halo’ initiative. That simply would not do. The Grand Moff made a mental note to look into the matter when he returned to Imperial space, regardless of what transpired today. He was not in the habit of being vulnerable for long once a weakness was exposed...
The mention of refreshments had been made, of which Korvan cast a glance over the table passively. If the others wished to partake, that was their prerogative. As for him - he would wait. Instead, the Grand Moff’s attention was fully engaged upon Mr. Holst’s next words.
”That sounds like a heavenly idea, Speaker Kuryida. And after we get our refreshments, why don’t you start the meeting for us, Grand Moff Korvan? We are all curious to hear what grievances you all have in regards to the Enclave’s presence.”
“That is likely for the best...” He began:
“The Lord Regent’s condition is not what it once was... ever since Ilum.” If people thought the previous exchange between Holst and Korvan was awkward, they would be in for a rude awakening from the dream land they lived in; one where politics were flowery and delicate lest the feelings of those partaking blow away in the summer wind. While he was not oblivious to the need for tact, the Grand Moff was not a man who minced words when the situation demanded it.
Before much else could be said, two figures entered the room. The first would be the reported head of state of the Enclave ever since the death of the Quartermaster - Romul Saxon. Korvan only knew the man by reputation; said reputation being that of a fierce warrior who had fought across a myriad of battle theaters. Judging from his bearing, and the way in which his presence changed the entire tone of the room; he was not a man to be underestimated.
Then, a second figure - a man Korvan did not recognize, rushed in. He appeared a bit out of place for a state meeting, but given how the whole affair had proceeded thus far, the Grand Moff wasn’t surprised. In short order, it would seem as though the summit would commence - with or without Erskine Barran.
Out of respect for the fact this meeting was taking place within the man’s domain, and in consideration for the ruffian who arrived late, Korvan took a seat at the table as bidden - indicating for the others in his party to do the same. While the Grand Moff was more than capable of leading the discussions from the Empire’s side of the table, the fact that Erskine was running late was not... ideal, given Romul’s eventual arrival. Nonetheless, Korvan was not going to allow the proceedings to run away from them by virtue of being rushed through them. The Grand Moff would surreptitiously drop a seltzer pill into the water, designed to change color if major toxins were mixed within it. After waiting a few moments, and noting nothing; he grasped the class and took a small sip to clear his throat.
It wasn’t long after that, that Romul spoke again.
"We have gathered here today to discuss the incident over Ilum."
The Mandalorian’s voice was rather direct and to the point, of which Korvan would mirror perfectly.
“You are correct.” Ignacious’ eyes would meet that of their host, maintaining the same dispassionate demeanor he had thusly exhibited with the others.
“Although I believe referring to the matter as ‘the incident over Ilum’ is rather simplistic. Incidents would be far more appropriate. Provocations even more so.”
Korvan’s back remained straight; his shoulders and posture perfect as he briefly broke his gaze onto Romul and scanned those gathered at the table, eventually returning back to the Enclave leader.
“The attempted killing of our Lord Regent himself being the most grievous of these provocations, who despite my personal recommendation has decided to make the trip here. He’s been moving rather slowly lately, despite your warriors’ best efforts to the contrary. Then there was the wholesale deployment of naval assets against my own forces. While I can understand Mandalorian honor mandating you respond to the Alliance’s feeble call for aid; where was the Enclave when the Alliance meddled in our affairs in the Tion Cluster? Despite our victory over New Alderaan-”
With each passing word, it would seem that Korvan’s tone would grow increasingly severe.
“Ilum was our answer to the Alliance’s aggression; to their slight on our own honor.” The Grand Moff would fall silent, and hold the silence for a moment before he spoke again - this time his tone softened to a near-unsettling degree.
“While we appreciate, and do not wish to insult your hospitality in accepting our delegation, Warmaster - which of those incidents does the Enclave wish to answer for first?”
Ignacious’ eyes remained on Romul for a time, only to once again pass across each member of the Enclave delegation in turn - as if awaiting for an acceptable response.