Establishing Relations I [Omega Protectorate]

[Soeht]

[Should've been prefixed under FACTION. For appropriate people of the Protectorate]

The Battle of Coruscant had hardly finished. The burning debris scattering Coruscant continued to smolder. The One Sith continued to secure control of the planet. Those fearing the change of regime continued to flee. Yet, the One Sith had clearly won the Center of the Galaxy.

Word of Daella’s betrayal might not have spread far - at least not yet. News of the Sith’s attack would have been scarce. As a crimson sun began to set in the distant horizon, Daella stood at a Republic communications tower. It was able to shoot high-quality subspace messages into space and was useful for holocommunications across the breadth of the galaxy.

Knowledgeable of the Republic’s policies, Daella managed to get access to the comm tower’s controls and subspace relays to Protectorate space. A holo-message shot off to the Protectorate’s diplomatic channels - piggybacking on Republic codes.

On the other end, Daella would have appeared as a blue hologram with a bright tunic. The ash on her face would be hardly distinguishable. Yet, her hair was somewhat disheveled.

“This is Daella Apparine,” she began, “Calling from Coruscant. Requesting a conversation for diplomatic purposes. Please respond on this frequency.”

[member="Ayden Cater"]

 

[Ayden Cater]

[member="Daella Apparine"]

Fondor was abuzz. Reports were still coming in, and everyone was trying to make sense of what was happening. In a few short hours, Coruscant had gone from being the peaceful Republic capital to a world besieged by the Sith. Already, the first shocks were beginning to tear through Protectorate space. Worlds along the Republic border were beginning to experience hoarding. A few minor riots had already been put down as people panicked, wondering if a world like Coruscant could fall what hope did they have?

In the midst of all this, Ayden was already reacting and planning. It was hard to get any word out from Coruscant on what exactly the situation was. HK had hurried to the besieged world with what he had on hand, but it wasn't much. So when a message came through on Republic diplomatic channels, Ayden immediately picked it up. He knew the face only from second-hand reports and the odd holo-vid. In truth, had the woman not introduced herself Ayden doubted that he would have been able to put a name to her face. "Master Apparine. We're getting some interference with your signal but we read you. How fares Coruscant?"

 

[Soeht]

Immediately when [member="Ayden Cater"] appeared, Daella bent down at her knees and gave a deep bow. She placed her right hand over her chest. She dipped her head.

“Lord Protector,” began Daella in surprise, “It’s an honor for someone of your stature to answer this message.”

As her head remained lowered, Daella informed Ayden, “A battle that has occurred on Coruscant is over. There have been moderately low civilian casualties - mostly just because of the high density of the planet.”

Then, Daella lifted her head up slightly as if to look at the large holoprojection of the Lord Protector before her.

“Coruscant is now independent of the Republic with a new head of leadership,” claimed Daella, “I am the representative of this new state.”

 

[Ayden Cater]

Ayden's eyebrows rose on his forehead. Coruscant had fallen? This was most unexpected, and unwelcome. The reports were still coming in, but Ayden had no reason to believe that Daella was lying. Yet that raised a rather uncomfortable question. If Sith were attacking Coruscant, and Coruscant had fallen, and Daella was an appointed representative... "Forgive me, Master Apparine, but I'm afraid I don't quite understand. If the Republic no longer controls Coruscant, then who are you representing?" It was a question that made the Corellian sick to his stomach to ask, and he feared the answer. But it was a question that had to be asked.

[member="Daella Apparine"]

 

[Soeht]

"The new Independent State of Coruscant," swiftly replied Daella to [member="Ayden Cater"].

Slowly, Daella began to rise from her bowing posture. Her holographic form flickered several times as she moved.

"Most call our group Sith," she claimed, "We hold no affiliation with the Empire from the Tingel Arm, though."

 

[Ayden Cater]

[member="Daella Apparine"]

His eyes widened first, then narrowed as her words sunk in. Sith. So his fears had been realized. Coruscant had fallen to the Sith. This was ill news indeed, and a turn of events that would give rise to a wave of fear in the galaxy. Unless someone put a stop to it. "So you represent the Sith now." There was no masking the venom in his voice as he stared at the holographic projection. "What is it then that you want? Are you going to hold Coruscant hostage? Ask that the Protectorate stay out of your affairs whilst you attempt to burn the Republic to the ground? If that's your hope, Apparine, then you will be sorely disappointed."

 

[Soeht]

Daella's reaction was to immediately assume a subservient, bowing position before [member="Ayden Cater"]'s hologram. She had her knee upon the ground.

"I apologize if this news has offended you, Lord Protector," she claimed with her eyes downcast, "I have never held ill-will to the Protectorate, and the Sith have no quarrel with your state. I simply wish to see if there's a chance for dialogue between our two states as well as for mutual growth."

 

[Ayden Cater]

[member="Daella Apparine"]

For a moment, Ayden's face fell blank. Sith desiring peace? Few would ever make such a claim, both for its pretentiousness and for the large amount of historical evidence that indicated to the contrary. Despite himself though, Ayden felt compelled to ask in a voice far less angry than he felt. "Why? Why should I believe you? You've betrayed the Jedi, the Republic, to represent the Sith and their interests. You've stolen control of a sovereign world of the Republic, its very capital, through violence, deceit, and murder. Why should I expect any better?"

 

[Soeht]

"I'm sorry if you feel we shouldn't be trusted," apologized Daella once more. Her eyes turned up a bit to look at the holographic projection of [member="Ayden Cater"], which should have mirrored on his end.

"Our reasons for fighting the Republic are due to us believing that the Republic is fundamentally detrimental to the lives and prosperity of its people," continued Daella, "Lord Protector, I understand you wish the best for your state at possibly a much higher level than we ever could if we were in your position. Both for the well being of its people and its economy. I bring terms to an agreement that both benefit the Protectorate and can establish a a basic trust between us two states. Would you honor me by allowing me to tell you our offer?"

 

[Ayden Cater]

[member="Daella Apparine"]

He frowned. Every instinct he had told him not to trust a word she said. But there were parts of him, dark parts, that remembered the betrayal of the Republic at Polis Massa. How they had attempted to frame him as a war criminal. How the Republic had failed to respond to the Protectorate's cry for aid at Eriadu. After an extended period of silence, Ayden offered a slow nod. "I will hear your offer."

 

[Soeht]

"Thank you, Lord Protector," said Daella to [member="Ayden Cater"] with relief, "It means a lot for someone such as yourself to be willing to listen."

After saying that, Daella rose back up to stand upright. She relaxed her body. Casually gesturing her hand forward with her palm up, Daella said, "It's more of a trade - yet we ask for little. The first would obviously be public recognition that Coruscant is independent of the Republic and that the Sith rightly govern the planet. Without that, we cannot have anything done between our states. Does that make sense?"

 

[Ayden Cater]

"It does. However, I'm afraid I can't do that." Ayden's voice was grave as he shook his head. "The fact is, Master Apparine, that the Sith usurped control of Coruscant away from the Republic unlawfully. Civilians were placed at risk. Violence was employed. You cannot expect me to condone those actions as legitimate when there was no cause. Had the Republic reduced Coruscant to a festering pool of death and corruption, maybe then. But as it stands, the Sith came in and took what wasn't theirs to take. I'm sorry, but I can neither condone nor declare the Sith control of Coruscant just."

 

[Soeht]

"I'm sorry that you feel that way, Lord Protector," apologized Daella once again, "The conflict is purely internal, though. Our actions are directed solely at the Republic's incompetency to protect its people. An example would be the Mandalorians sending a fleet to Coruscant without repercussions and then the Republic giving concessions to the Mandalorians shortly afterwards. Such action inherently endanger the lives of the trillions of people in the Republic, and the extreme measures of using force are the only tools available to us to safeguard the people from an inept government. I'm sure you've heard reports of their inaction."

"And while you may worry about the Republic, Lord Protector, I'm certain you would find your own state to take precedence over the civil war that has begun," continued Daella, "Asking for recognition isn't the only part of this deal - merely an integral part. The second would, naturally, be to mutually agree not to wage war between our two states - and that would involve the Protectorate not providing armed assistance to the Republic. Is that clear as well?"

 

[Ayden Cater]

[member="Daella Apparine"]

"I'm sorry, but I cannot promise that either. The Protectorate is resolved to ensure galactic peace and security. And that means returning Coruscant to the Republic, and preventing any other world from falling to the violence of the One Sith," Ayden said with only half-sincerity. He was doing his best to remain diplomatic, even if he was taking with a traitor and an apparent member of the One Sith. "The last time someone tried to claim protecting the galaxy from incompetence as you are, I personally kicked Atrisian ass out of Protectorate territory. So I think you'll find me rather unconvinced of your rationale. The galaxy stands united against the Sith."

 

[Soeht]

"I wish to be honest and upfront, Lord Protector," began Daella to [member="Ayden Cater"], "While you may say the Protectorate is looking out for the galaxy, would you protect other nations at the expense of your own people? Our fight against the Republic is in order for us to better people of the Republic. Your fight against the Atrisians was in defense of the Protectorate. Our states have our own goals, but our first priority is our own people - the same could be said for any other state."

Gesturing with her hand, Daella said, "You say you would help the Republic, but would they or any other nation help the Protectorate unconditionally? You and I know how the Republic acts. As soon as a new administration is voted in, all obligations are forgotten and your people are left to fend for themselves."

"So, think of this as a business deal, Lord Protector," continued Daella, "I wish to trade something that might be of value for the Protectorate that is of value for my people. It's simple and mutual, and I can create some measure of guarantee if you see us to have no integrity."

With a wave of her hand, a screen came up for Ayden to see. It represented economic and demographic data of Coruscant.

Explaining, Daella said, "Coruscant by itself produces and extremely high amount of trade for the entire galaxy. The Protectorate has greatly benefited from the planet's constant demand of goods. As of right now, trade is regulated by the new administration of Coruscant. Any hostile nations are barred from open trade. This would crush any companies in the Protectorate that relied on Coruscant's economy. Assuming you take a stance of hostility against us Sith, the only way for the Protectorate to regain trade from the planet is by having the Republic or Protectorate take control of it from us. This will inherently cost many Protectorate lives if you provide assistance to the Republic."

Getting to the point, Daella told Ayden, "But through peace with us, you can continue to have the Protectorate's trade with Coruscant as well as spare Protectorate lives in the name of a nation that abandoned you. Your people would thank you for avoiding the deaths of possibly thousands or millions in the name of another nation. There is more we have to offer, but is this clear so far?"

 

[Ayden Cater]

[member="Daella Apparine"]

"There is a saying in my family. 'All it takes for evil to win is for good men to do nothing.' The Protectorate was not made to sit idle while others suffered, nor was it made to bargain away the lives of others like they were commodities. The people of the Protectorate are proud and strong. They stand behind each other and they stand behind the commitment of this state to help all in need. Not because it's convenient, or easy, or even because it's expected. We help those in need because it is right." It was impossible to miss his righteous tones, the anger subtones accenting his point. Yet despite the clear anger in his voice and eyes, Ayden was all smiles and diplomacy.

"And you assume much of Coruscant's importance to the Protectorate. It is a source of trade, and a valuable market I'll give you that, but not one with which the Protectorate cannot live without. Steps were undertaken months ago to ensure that the Protectorate would not miss Coruscant if the Republic suffered another mad Chancellor. Ardak taught us some important lessons. There is no commodity so great and so rare that it can only be found on Coruscant. Your threats ring hollow, Master Apparine. But I'm in still in good humors, so I'll indulge you further. What else do you have to say?"

 

[Soeht]

After [member="Ayden Cater"]'s reply, Daella kept her silence. She closed her eyes. A blink that lasted over a second. When she opened her eyes, they were a bright red. Yet from Ayden's point of view, there was little change at all in the blue hologram.

"I merely wish to trade value," claimed Daella with a tense voice, "But it seems that the conditions for reaching a mutual trade are not at its ideal."

A pause. Daella righted herself completely and continued by saying, "I don't want to tell you what's right and wrong, but allow me a moment."

Then, she grasped the collar of her robe. She pulled down to reveal the upper portion of her chest on her right side - not in any manner that would show gratuitous amount of flesh. It was just enough. On her flesh just beneath her collar bone was a distinct scar in a clear, intentional design - even if seen through a hologram.

"Despite claiming to be an agent for freedom, slavery still exists in the Republic," said Daella as she fixed her robe back to what it was.

"Balmorra," began Daella as she mentioned her, as far as anyone knew, homeworld, "A manufacturer of tools of war. Even after the Republic admitted Balmorra in the Senate, slavery happened in secret. It was known to exist by individuals of the planet's administration. Yet, the profits were too much to ignore."

Pointing out as if to something else, Daella then told Ayden, "The Senate doesn't care. The whole point of the Republic is to promote the economic well being of a planet's rulers so long as order is maintained. Kuat practically uses slavery and indentured servitude and gets away with it by being an asset to the system. Billions are forced to the Coruscanti Underworld to die. The Mandalorians could threaten to siege Coruscant and get rewarded for it. Without my intervention, those that died to the Graug would have gone unavenged. The Republic is a death sentence to trillions if unchecked. Its existence is inherently a detriment to its people. Such is a failure for a state."

Then, Daella directed her finger at Ayden's hologram, "And you want to protect such a state? As the Fringe waits for a chance to cut off the Protectorate's head and the Confederacy murders your Exarchs? To waste lives to protect the epitome of corruption and hypocrisy at the cost of your own people and leaders?"

 

[Ayden Cater]

For the first time since their meeting began, Ayden was speechless. Shock was etched on his face that would have been evident even over the Holonet. He tried to regain his composure, but it was clear that he was still reeling. When the Exarch of Naboo died during a formal dinner, not a word of it was breathed to the public. A cover story was made, detailing her retirement from the public view due to a rare genetic disease that required full-time care. There were less than three dozen people who ever found out that an Exarch had been murdered... and Daella just dropped that information like it was common knowledge.

It was a long time before Ayden said anything else. He wanted to just dismiss it as the machinations of a desperate Sith... but this was not something that should have been known to anyone. Already his mind was forging links. The Confederacy had been allied to the Sith Empire for a time, and the Exarch had been murdered with a Vong toxin. No Vong had been seen on Naboo for at least a year before the attack happened. Only one group would have had access to the toxin. And it had to have been an organized hit. Casual murder for credits would have been sloppy, turning up all manner of clues. The only other details that were known was that four other men were killed before the Exarch was.

"You expect me to believe the word of a Sith?" Ayden tried to sound sure of himself, but could not hide the tint of uncertainty that clung to his voice. "I know how the Sith work. You let others do your fighting and turn friend against friend. Even if the Republic is not perfect, armed invasion is hardly appropriate. The people can decide for themselves how to be governed, and you denied them that chance." His voice was gaining strength again as he continued. "We'll do what's right, regardless of our history with them. The Sith are a threat to all order and freedom in the galaxy. You want power for power's sake. You could not care less about the people beneath you, or who is killed to satisfy your greed." Even as he said that, Ayden experienced flashes of former Chancellor Ardak at Polis Massa and the callousness of the Republic. Was she really wrong about the Republic? Or the Fringe? The Confederacy? An uncomfortable sense of doubt began to crawl up the Corellian's spine as he sought to reassure himself of his actions.

[member="Daella Apparine"]