First Reply Ambitions within the Banks

[Sostiars Panith]

Ambitions within the Banks | Sith Preferred |

The holographic transmission was transmitted with clarity as Deputy Director Sossi Hallisk delivered an urgent message to the Muun populace mere hours before the Diarchy seized control of Muunilinst from the forces of the Dark Empire and the InterGalactic Banking Clan, following intense days of conflict.

"To our esteemed citizens - Muunilinst is presently encircled by the Dark Empire and the Diarchy, with their stormtrooper legions swiftly converging on the planet in unprecedented numbers since the collapse of the New Imperial Order. We lack the capacity to withstand a comprehensive invasion; however, the Chairman has assured us that we will maintain some degree of financial autonomy," Sossi stated, his expression somber as he occasionally glanced out the window, the transmission flickering amidst the chaos of explosions that shook the IGBC Regional Headquarters.

He was aware that civilians would be caught in the turmoil of the invasion, yet the preservation of financial assets was prioritized as shuttle after shuttle evacuated the planet to Scipio. "We have only one warning - do not come back to the Banking Worlds. Set up new enterprises and someday the Clan will be restored to its rightful home." Sossi continued as the hologram ceased to transmit as communications were jammed by the Dark Empire invading the planet.

Sostiars hand traced the edges of the table within the Trade Federation Embassy, pondering how to regain the Muun people's influence in the financial markets after the fall of their regional holdings on the Braxant Run.

The Sith Empire was the only power with a breakaway faction of the Clan in the Sith-Imperial Banking Clan which would be a good place to start in order to build his own powerbase amidst the backdrop of the Galactic Alliance War.

So he had invited a member of the Sith Order in order to forge a mutual partnership, and eventually lead to him becoming the Chairman of the Sith-Imperial Banking Clan.

 

[Darth Nefaron]

Credits. Such a simple thing.​

For those lacking force-sensitivity, the accumulation of credits was the ultimate goal in life. To be free of the struggles of life required credits galore, something unobtainable to most in the galaxy. But outside of personal wealth, credits were the fuel of conflict. Entire armies and fleets could be purchased for the right price and that was a power any good Sith would enjoy having should it be necessary.

Darth Nefaron doubted he was the first Sith to be contacted, but in the end, he made the effort to visit the Trade Federation Embassay in person to meet with a potential partner, one who he might support in a bid to acquire more influence within the Empire. While the credits that would be offered would surely be of some help to the Corpse Lord's cause, it would be better to be owed a favor by the financial master of the Sith Empire.

Cloaked in black, Nefaron entered the banker's chambers with what amounted to a smile, or at least it was the best his lipless mouth could muster.

"I must say I was rather surprised when you extended this invitation. But I am thankful for it."

The Dark Lord moved further into the chamber, the door closing behind him. Privacy would indeed be preferred for the conversation the two were about to have. Nefaron took to one of the comfortable chairs opposite the Muun banker, fingers steepled as he continued on with their conversation.

"Now, why don't you explain what I can do for you..."

The Sith trailed off before a quiet chuckle slipped out of his hood.

"My apologies, what might I refer to you as? A new partnership can hardly begin without proper titles"

Tag: Sostiars Panith ​

 

[Sostiars Panith]

Ambitions within the Banks | Sith Preferred |

The Muun's golden hues followed from the holographic table to the door, as Darth Nefaron came into the private lounge after receiving the proper clearance from the Neimoidian Gunnery Battalion whose assigned mission was to defend the Trade Federation Embassy in the event that Jutrand was ever attack by a foreign power.

The current state of the Alliance rendered it unable to confront of the Mors Mon Dreadnought due to the Hapan Crisis between the Monarchy and the Crimson Veil, thus relegating these guards to the role of mere sentinels.


This situation elicited a quiet amusement from the Muun as he reclined in his chair. The room was adorned with considerable opulence as befitting a guest of the Trade Federation, featuring refreshments sourced from the Galactic Capitals of Fondor and Coruscant.

" No need to thank us, Lord Nefaron. Your reputation is spreading across the galaxy as one of the major contenders within the Eleventh Sith Empire, and so we are honored by your presence here. " Sostiars responded with a gentle smile, delicately swirling a cup of wine in his elongated fingers.

Having familiarized himself with the Sith Lord during their journey, albeit primarily through rumors rather than verified information.

" Ah - forgive me for my lack of introduction. I am Vicelord Sostiars Panith of Muunilinst or was until the Diarchy's conquest. " He offered a hand in greeting. Although his demeanor soon soured, as he was eager to return to Muunilinst at the earliest opportunity, though such an objective would need to be postponed while building up a powerbase.

 

[Darth Nefaron]

"Vicelord"​

The title rolled off the Corpse Lord's tongue, despite the Sith's lack of lips there seemed to be no alteration to his speech. He sounded calm, almost grandfatherly in a way, though of course his appearance immediately dispelled that idea. Still, Nefaron was not without his manors as he extended his own hand to shake the Muun's, such an odd greeting for a Sith but this was to be a meeting of equals, at least for the time being.

"Your hospitality is appreciated. I would drink with you, but I'm afraid many find that sight rather uncomfortable."

Nefaron released the Muun's hand, settling back into his chair as he observed the Vicelord and his obvious distaste for the situation on Muunilinst. Though isolated within Sith space for several months, Nefaron had continued to be apprised of the situation in the Northern Rim of the galaxy, particularly the would-be conquers in the Dark Empire and the emergent Diarchy.

"I must extend my condolences for the loss of Muunilinst. Perhaps the situation in Obtrexta Sector will soon resolve itself so that you may return home."

In truth, it was impossible for the Corpse Lord to feel genuine remorse for the Vicelord, but it was still appropriate given the warm welcome that he had been offered. Still, Nefaron believed now to be the time to dispense with pleasantries and strike at the actual reason for their meeting.

"I believe you have come to Jutrand to find aid in that regard. You are an intelligent being, Vicelord, so I am sure you understand that the Emperor and the Dark Council care little for your plight. They find themselves wrapped up in their little war with the Alliance and Jedi to bother with you."

Harsh, but true. The plight of a mere banker was beyond those who lay at the top of the Sith pyramid of power. But then again, their loss was about to be Nefaron's gain.

"Still, there are those who are more amenable to your plight. For one, I find it rather moving."

Nefaron leaned forward just slightly, emphasizing his next point

"Let me be blunt, Vicelord. You and I are positioned perfectly to aid one another. Am I correct in assuming that is the purpose of this meeting?"

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[Sostiars Panith]

Ambitions within the Banks

The handshake between them did not last very long but it was sufficient enough to be the first step in establishing a mutual partnership, or at the very least it could be a temporary arrangement in which one party could gain advantages at the expense of the other as was natural within the Sith Empire.

However, unlike those who might view such a deal with disdain, the Muun was looking forward to such an outcome, allowing his own objectives to remain concealed behind the facade of a lesser power. " I appreciate the consideration of my comfort even in private. " Sostairs noted, feeling no offense at the Sith Lord's reluctance to indulge in the beverages laid out before him, out of concern for his own well-being.

This usual politeness suggested that he was not akin to other lords, but rather an individual open to rational discourse. " In truth - Muunilinst was but one regional stronghold of the Banking Clan, hardly a financial stronghold it once was during the height of our influence before the Confederacy First Mandate. It shall be restored as it always has - in due course. But you have presumed incorrectly to some extent.." He further added after a small sip of the wine, wanting to dispel the notion that the loss of Muunilinst was the reason for the Muun's visitation to the Sith Empire, more so the lack of regulations and the potential for even Sith-Imperials to become prominent.

" The purpose is indeed to assist one another, but for entirely different reasons than to save a mere planet however important it might be to myself and the Muun refugees. I wish rather bluntly to become a minor power within the affairs of the Empire through the Sith-Imperial Banking Clan, and would need a sponsor..." Sostairs explained, wanting to get the point across to Darth Nefaron that he could be a strong supporter for the Muun to elevate himself within the Imperial Clan and thus receive a powerful friend within the financial markets.

Muuns might be treacherous but they would never betray the sacred trust of a transaction, and most of the galaxy understood this fact when dealing with them.

 

[Darth Nefaron]

"A sponsor?"

Nefaron pondered on that prospect for a minute, before nodding in agreement.

"Indeed I have presumed incorrectly. I have misjudged you Vicelord. You are to be congratulated on your ambition, a trait much admired among the Sith."

The Dark Lord grew silent for a moment, considering his next course of action. The Muun was proving to be far more interesting than he could have ever imagined. The Sith-Imperial Banking Clan was an underestimated but incredibly influential force in the Sith Order. Having one so highly placed in the Clan would be rather useful. Aside from covert funding, what might become of Nefaron's rivals' finances? Very few Sith would admit it, but their holdings are very much tied up in central banking. All of their plunder has to go somewhere, their troops must be paid, and their ships must be repaired. They were powerful, but could they truly force countless millions to obey? A lofty goal, but that power was possessed by very few within the Empire.

"Let us say I am to become this sponsor. As this is a business arrangement, you are well aware that we are both to receive some benefit. But do you truly understand what you are agreeing to?"

The Dark Lord rose, folding his arms behind his back as he paced the well-adorned chambers. He admired the finery, though, of course, such material possessions were of little consequence. Power was his only love, the only true love for any good Sith.

"Slavery, genocide, endless suffering. Entire worlds will die as the Sith takes back the galaxy, and you will be the one financing it all. Let us say you can stomach all that, there is yet more that you must be willing to shoulder should you wish to achieve the power you need."

The Corpse Lord approached the table, both hands resting on the tabletop as he looked the Muun directly in the eyes.

"By allying with me, you are agreeing to be involved in a conspiracy. One that would see the Emperor, Dark Council, and all of the rouge factions that plague the Sith destroyed. That will come with considerable personal risk."

It was only then when all was laid before the pair, that Nefaron lifted his hand. A glass of wine came to him then and he eagerly consumed it, the site of which was hardly pleasant. Still, there was little point in hiding himself from the Vicelord now.

"You would bind yourself not just to the Sith Order, but to my Sith Order."

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[Sostiars Panith]

Ambitions within the Banks

He could see the hypothetical wheels turning in Darth Nefaron 's mind as the terms were laid out in the open, instead of behind veiled threats as was common in Sith lead-negotiations.

With the Vicelord receiving a powerful sponsor within the Sith Empire and the Dark Lord in return would have the full-backing of the Sith-Imperial Banking Clan once he had risen through the ranks to become the Chairman.

Such ambition was considered acceptable to the half-death lord before him, comparable to the schemes of the Dark Lords in their ivory towers though the Muun would never agree with such an assessment when there were others like the Twice-Emperor whose schemes could affect the future of entire star systems.

" There would be little point in presenting myself as a heartless monster, as though issues like Slavery, Genocide, and Perpetual Suffering did not affect me or evoke a sense of moral unease. However, one cannot steer the course of a financial empire by listening to every sob story that walks into the room asking for a loan. " Sostairs remarked with some honesty to lighten the atmosphere.

Observing Lord Nefaron as he moved about the room, striving to confirm the Muun's full commitment to the sponsorship in light of these revelations and the fact that he would be involved a massive conspiracy against the rulers of the Eleventh Sith Empire.

A lengthy arm extended toward the table to fill another glass with Coruscanti wine, as the meeting evolved from a mere partnership into a comprehensive alliance.

In such an arrangement, all risks and rewards would rest solely on him and Nefaron, with no safety net in place, as the Dark Council was certain to tighten its grip around them once this conspiracy began to materialize.

" We accept such a bargain - but need to how you plan to overthrow some of the most powerful lords that have ever existed. Lord Carnifex alone has fought in thousands of battles and emerged triumphant and the Kainites grow every stronger with each new alliance they forge. " Sostairs questioned with a firm expression. Wanting to know the exact plan before throwing the full support of his assets behind such treason.

 

[Darth Nefaron]

The rumors were true, bankers were indeed just as heartless as the Sith.

But that was to be to Nefaron's gain, for he could only afford to work with those who would not balk at the actions that needed to be taken to secure the Empire's future. The Dark Side would not abide weakness, especially of those who would wield it. There was more to be discussed, but the Corpse Lord was pleased with the direction of the conversation. He had laid out what he desired and his plans for the coming galaxy, now it was time for a rebuttal of sorts. Naturally, he could only reveal so much in this early phase of his scheme, but at the very least there were a few concrete facts that could be offered to ease the Vicelord's fears.

"Vicelord I am afraid you have fallen for a deception, one perpetuated by Sith such as Lord Carnifex. The illusion of power is our greatest tool, but examine the vast structure that holds these Sith up and you will find a rot has set in."

Nefaron returned to his seat, a confidant that what he was about to reveal would be all the reassurance the VIcelord needed to agree to the scheme they were forging.

"The Sith have evolved several times since we first split from our Jedi cousins and yet one core value of the Sith has remained the same since those early days. The more of us there are, the more likely it is that we turn on each other. It is well known that Carnifex has his own ambitions, soon enough he will turn his ire from the Alliance to his enemies within the Empire. Even the Dark Council is full of ambition, Darth Malum comes to mind as one who might seek the Emperor's throne for himself given the opportunity to do so."

Nefaron, again using a minor display of his power, drew to him a jogan fruit a small knife that he used to carve slices from the fruit as he continued to talk.

"To be united by hatred is a fragile alliance at best. The second the Emperor appears weak or the Alliance rebuffs our advances, those great Lords and their powerful followers will be at each other's throats. All we need do is give them a... nudge. Once the Empire has begun to rip itself apart, we need only bide our time until we-"

Nefaron plunged the knife into the very core of the fruit before resting it on the table between the two.

"-strike. This will be my task, I do not expect to bloody your hands. But this is the future, what can I offer you now? A large force of disposable soldiers, bioweapons, and beats born of Sith alchemy. Perhaps you need something a bit more... subtle? Then I would provide you with assassins, spies, and agents who will carry out your orders the moment you snap your fingers."

He offered much, all of these were things he could provide... given the Vicelord found his cause to be worth supporting.

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[Sostiars Panith]

​

The Muun felt a growing sense of unease, particularly after Darth Nefaron delivered a lengthy tangent that encompassed a wide range of topics, including the deceptions wrought by Lord Carnifex's power, the historical evolution of the Sith from the ancient Jedi Knights, and the internal conflicts that have frequently beset Sith Empires throughout history.

He was aware that the Sith-Imperial Officers had expressed dissatisfaction with the reign of the Twice-Emperor, which had precipitated a significant civil war culminating in the establishment of the New Imperial Order under Emperor Tavlar.

Should a similar situation arise again, particularly under the leadership of a Dark Lord of the Sith from the Dark Council, his primary concern would not be the fluctuations of financial markets but rather the imperative of survival in such tumultuous circumstances.

" A most passionate speech, My Lord Nefaron. You seem to have the dedication to achieving your goal and it would be quite foolish of me to dimiss it as mere Bantha tale despite the absence of specific planning. " Sostairs responded, mindful of not offending the corpse-lord in his presence, while acknowledging that the individual possessed the determination to pursue his objectives rather than merely hoping for outcomes to manifest like stars in the night sky.

However, there was scant indication of a solid strategy, aside from attempting to create discord among the Emperor, the Dark Council, and the Kainites, a task that seemed more challenging than it was articulated, given their apparent interconnections.

" Against my better judgment and instincts, I have decided to support your cause with my financial resources in exchange for the resources you have proposed. We shall be united in both our objectives and our deception, as it is imperative that no one else becomes aware of my participation in this matter, particularly in my pursuit of the position of Chairman of the Imperial Banking Clan. " Sostairs finished with a determined look.

 

[Darth Nefaron]

Nefaron chuckled to himself, pleased that the Vicelord had seen reason. Of course, he had noticed the Dark Lord was vague on how he was to accomplish his goals, but that bit was deliberate.

Events needed to be set into motion. While the path would change, the end goal would be the same.

Besides, even this was a test. Clearly, the Muun was ambitious, but how far was he willing to go to achieve his goals? Taking the word of a Dark Lord of the Sith, a group famous for treachery and deception, was the ultimate risk. What if this was a test? What if Inquisitors were about to rush into the room and take the Vicelord for his treason?

"You've made the right choice, Vicelord"

Nefaron rose slowly from his chair, though he did not extend his hand to shake on the deal as was expected. Instead, he drew a small code chip from within his robes and placed it on the table, sliding it to the Muun before elaborating on its purpose.

"You are taking a great risk in allying with me. I sense you still doubt what I can offer, so allow me to ease these fears. This data chip will grant you access to my fortress on Anoat, think of it as a haven, a place you might use for clandestine deals and other shady business you wish to keep off the record."

In truth, Nefaron had not invited anyone to Anoat outside of his Apprentice who still languished in its depths as he learned what it meant to truly embrace the needs of the self over the needs of others. The boy held a darkness within him, but he still clung to a misguided sense of honor that would always hold him back from fully embracing the Dark Side. But the Banker need not know of such things, instead, he needed to see the vast resources Nefaron had acquired.

He could reveal his grand scheme there. But not on Jutrand.

"Visit me and I shall reveal all. I will show you what my power has gained me and what might come to pass should we succeed. Rejoice Vicelord, for one day we shall meet once more in these chambers having accomplished everything we set out to achieve. The Banking Clan, united, shall be in your thrall just as the galaxy will be in mine."

It was then that Nefaron extended his hand once more, a dark smile appearing on his lipless mask of a face.

"All that we must endure now is time, Vicelord. Our moment will come, but we must endure servitude to others until that moment arrives."

TAGS: Sostiars Panith ​

 

[Sostiars Panith]

The Muun recognized that this endeavor posed significant personal risks, not only for himself but also for the wider Banking Clan, as he picked up the communication chip from Darth Nefaron and put it into a secret pocket for safekeeping and data tracing later at one of the Embassy's terminals.

" An intriguing offer which I will have to review carefully " Sostairs expressed considerable skepticism regarding the proposal to utilize the Dark Lord's stronghold for business dealings.

The potential presence of traps or surveillance equipment throughout the location raised concerns about the possibility of the Muun being blackmailed and becoming further entangled in this scheme, leaving him with no viable means of escape.

" I shall make the necessary arrangements to come to Anoat. And see what you truly intend to do to become the master of the Sith Empire. " Sostairs made no mention of potentially having the united Banking Clan beneath his whim, as amassing such power entailed both physical and financial dangers, including the likelihood of becoming a target.

This was unsuitable for an individual who operated in the shadows, where true power was maintained away from public scrutiny. As he shook the Dark Lord's hand once more to seal the agreement between them with a soft gesture.