Eternal Strength in the West

[Kay-Larr]

Location: The Spire; Zakuul City, Zakuul​

EEoZ: Kay Arenais, [member="Beth Cadera"] , [member="Ghorua the Shark"] , [member="Loreena Arenais"]​

ORC: [member="Jaius Sovv"] , [member="Coren Starchaser"] , [member="Bryce Bantam"]​

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A few weeks ago Kay had sent off an invitation to the administration of the Outer Rim Coalition in a bid to strengthen the governments on the western block of the Galaxy. Here it was wild space, most especially with the collapse of the First Order. But still it was much more calm than the eastern side of the map. The biggest threats to the west were months in hyperspace travel away. It'd be quite costly to send a fleet of any good size across the Galaxy, especially for an attack, and sometimes such costs weren't worth it. Kay had seen such a thing happen when the Sith occupied Commenor. The costs of maintaining the occupation was much more than they were interested in. So it made the liberation of the planet all the easier.

A Meeting Room was prepared, with various drinks (including tea, of course) and refreshments for their guests. Cozy sofas and chairs were also set up. Although this was to be a formal meeting, Kay wanted it to appear friendly. Afterall she had no issues with ORC that she was aware of. And hopefully they had none with her and her newly formed Empire. But she'd learn soon enough.

Kay had sent off messages for her advisors Ghorua and Beth to join her. They needed the experience in intergalactic relations. This way she'd have her bases covered should something happen to her. Even her daughter Loreena was asked to attend. Though whether or not the teen could make it was anyone's guess.

A specified landing pad outside of the Spire was surrounded with Eternal Knights as they waited to escort their guests upon arrival. The meeting room itself was located on the ground floor. Kay waited just inside the foyer with tea in hand. A half dozen Knights stood sentry nearby. Earlier in the day she had a meeting with the Scion Jareth. He let her know that the day was going to go well. Hopefully he was right.

 

[Coren Starchaser]

Starchaser was seen as somewhat of a leader, he supposed. After all, he was the General of the Alliance’s forces, and their lead Jedi. The fact was that he didn’t always feel like he could handle issues of State. Sure, a military scenario or seven, absolutely. The Jedi Master had arrived in his YT-2000, the ship that had got him through so many of those situations, ones that he shouldn’t have gotten through. But he was glad to be where he was today, helping to balance the discussion of the Outer Rim and Wild Space.

Stepping out of his ship, he was traveling separate from Chief Sovv in order to prevent any concerns with the Alliance leadership. Admiral Stazi was back somewhere between D’Qar and Sullust, he was surmising. Doing his best to be the role of Vanguard for Sovv, he was greeted by the Knights as he stepped out of his ship.

Though he was in his personal vessel, the man had his uniform, definitely reminiscent of the Rebel Alliance of legends. A dark brown uniform, black modified jacket, and a lightsaber on his hip. The Jedi General nodded to the Knights. He had their attention was doing his best to keep them focused on his ship and who he was. He wanted to wait for Sovv’s ship to be overhead.

[member="Kay Arenais"]
[member="Jaius Sovv"]
[member="Bryce Bantam"]
[member="Loreena Arenais"]
[member="Beth Cadera"]
[member="Ghorua the Shark"]

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

LOCATION: MEETING ROOM, THE SPIRE, ZAKUUL
ETERNAL EMPIRE: [member="Kay Arenais"], [member="Beth Cadera"], [member="Loreena Arenais"]
OUTER RIM: [member="Jaius Sovv"], [member="Coren Starchaser"], [member="Bryce Bantam"]
CURRENT MOOD: TENSE

Ghorua was not a diplomat. Not once had he attended a class, a seminar, however diplomats learned. He'd never held a political office, had never had to deal with large-scale finances, or treatises. He wasn't even a citizen of the Eternal Empire. One might say he was the least qualified to be there.

Maybe.

Or maybe his years of reading people of the Outer Rim, using his skills at observation and deduction to hunt the worst of the worst, and the best of the best, would be invaluable to ensuring that his oldest friend's newest project didn't fall to the oppressive regime of a homicidal Sith Lord.

Maybe.

Ghorua was dressed to impress. That meant going in full armor, full weapons, full everything. He was advising Kay, but that didn't mean he'd be caught flat-footed if something went down. He liked these people, the Smugglers and their Jedi friends, but didn't entirely trust the Outer Rim Coalition. Too good to be true, in his honest opinion. There was certainly someone out there that wanted to turn this Coalition into a Syndicate. They just hadn't succeeded yet.

You wouldn't catch him dead saying that, however. Especially not today.

Ghorua carried an oversized cup of tea in his large hands, blowing over the hot substance cautiously. His helmet was on the table next to him, perhaps the one sign of trust he was willing to offer. Besides, how was he supposed to enjoy Sapir tea with the blasted thing on?

 

[Tera Highwind]

Someone had promised her wild adventures and death defying stunts when she'd arrived, and piloting a shuttle down to the city and accompanying a diplomatic team did seem to be the very opposite of that promise. On the other hand, it had been a challenge to bring the ship in smoothly, without a wobble or a slight deviation from the flight-plan. Tera was pretty happy with how the trip had turned out, with her pilotng skills, but that said she'd still have rather been able to curl the ship through at least one or two barrel rolls on her way down but that would have...not drawn any ire, but rather would have looked bad in front of the pilots of hte eternal empire, that that was something she would never wish, not for the coalition of planets that had managed to appeal to her soul so. The empire they were visiting might have been more polished, there was little doubt in her mind about that given the little of the planet she'd seen. But that was exactly the sort of spit and polish she'd fled to the rim to get away from.

Fingers flicked over the controls to of the shuttle as it descended through the atmosphere as her gaze flicked over the instruments before she turned, glancing at Jaius over her shoulder. "Looks like General Starchaser beat us down sir." And that was something she took personally, they'd have to end up seeing who it was who got home faster.

[member="Jaius Sovv"]

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Location: The Spire; Zakuul City, Zakuul​

EEoZ: [member="Kay Arenais"], Beth Cadera , Ghorua the Shark , Loreena Arenais​

ORC: Jaius Sovv , Coren Starchaser , Bryce Bantam [member="Tera Highwind"]​

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Lori was surprised that she wasn't late! For once. The nearly 19 year old was known for running behind when it came to meetings, classes, or whatever. She was just easily distracted by one thing or another. That and she was a total chatterbox! Although the Eternal Knights weren't so talkative, some of the other staff were. Probably one of the reasons that she wasn't late was because the meeting was held on the main floor instead of ALL the way up at the top of the Spire. Sometimes that ride up the lift seemed to take FOREVER.

After composing herself and making sure that her hair wasn't a mess, Lori stepped into building. She smiled brightly to her Mom and approached her with a hug. "Hi Mom. Glad that I'm not late. This'll be my first diplomatic meeting. I hope that I don't make a mess of it!"

Then she saw Ghorua. Oh it was a pleasant surprise to see him here! She sauntered over to the Herglic and gave him as big of a hug as she could. Which was tough as he was dressed in his armour and was just HUGE in size. "Hi! Is Minna coming here too?" It had been a long time since she had seen her friend. They used to go out shooting together. It was so much fun!

 

[Jaius Sovv]

SPIRE LANDING PAD​

[member="Kay Arenais"] | [member="Coren Starchaser"]​

[member="Ghorua the Shark"] | [member="Loreena Arenais"]​

"That's quite alright," Jaius wheezed, disengaging his hoverchair's grav locks, "Starchaser still has a thing or two to learn about arriving fashionably late."

He had once been the most powerful man in the entire galaxy. Galactic Alliance Chief of State, then New Republic Vice Chancellor. Accepting a diplomat's post on behalf of the Sullustan Council while decisions were still being made about their so called New Alliance's future seemed like a step down to others. For now he was simply Jaius Sovv, Ambassador Plenipotentiary. The Foundation was relying on him to interpret not only the will of his own people, but the will of the Territories.

"And what do you think you're doing?" the elder sullustan raised a weathered eyebrow at [member="Tera Highwind"], who had made no move to rise from her pilot's seat, "If I'm going to be trapped in a room with politicians all day, I will not be suffering alone. To your station, Highwind."

Jaius indicated with a flick of his head that he intended for Tera to push his hoverchair to their destination. Hopefully she would not see the truth of his gruff demand, Chief Sovv felt too weak to keep his hand on the chair's accelerator. Mostly the sickness came in waves of exhaustion, but lately he had begun to feel its more debilitating effects. The sullustan's vision was beginning to cloud, he was forgetting names and faces. Genetic. Inoperable. Terminal. Sometimes the Force had a twisted sense of humor.

Not yet. Not while there was still so much left to do.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Location: The Spire; Zakuul City, Zakuul
EEoZ: Kay Arenais, [member="Ghorua the Shark"] , [member="Loreena Arenais"]
ORC: [member="Jaius Sovv"] , [member="Coren Starchaser"] , [member="Tera Highwind"]

Kay tilted her head to the side a bit as she took in Ghorua's chosen attire. Heavy armour as though he was expecting another terrorist attack by the First Order Remnants to occur. But also the cup of tea in hand. It was almost comical. "My dear, Ghorua, that tea makes you look quite...dignified, but ready for action at the same time. I promise you that this meeting won't be THAT rough."

The sight of Lori gave her a bit of relief and a smile. She hugged her youngest child tightly with her free arm. "I'm sure that you won't be messing it up. You just have to remember to listen and be helpful." And compromise. That was always a big part of it too.

One of the Knights approached, letting them know that some of the guests had arrived. Kay nodded. Perhaps Beth was unable to attend due to her pregnancy. Morning sickness probably. It certainly wouldn't be something that she'd hold against her.

"Let's go greet them, shall we?" Kay set down her tea cup after downing the rest of it. She wiped a droplet of it from the corner of her mouth and then left the foyer to step outside.

The landing pad wasn't far off. Two ships were visible. Whether or not more were to come was anyone's guess. Yet the fact that even one would accept her invite, that in and of itself was a success.

She clasped her hands in front of her, bowing her head as she approached the trio. "Welcome to Zakuul. Jaius, it has been a long time. It's good to see you. Please, everyone, come inside. I have drinks and refreshments ready. Then we can get straight to business. I'd hate to use up too much of your time. Shall we?" Kay made a quarter turn on her heel and gestured for them to follow her.

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua gave a measured nod and a half-smile toward [member="Kay Arenais"], the meaning of 'dignified' not lost on him. "You never know, Kay. Leaders of two enemies of the First Order in one place at the same time? Sounds like danger to me." The Shark kept his second reason to himself. He didn't trust Jedi that easy.

Perhaps these Coalition folks could change that.

[member="Loreena Arenais"] came in at that moment, and Ghorua smiled. The young Arenais was the perfect successor to Kay, in spirit as well as body, should it come to that. She reminded Ghorua of the Lady when he first met her; determined, bright, perhaps a bit naive, and a staunch believer in the goodness of the galaxy.

He was just beginning to take a sip when Lori came up and hugged him. Ghorua's elbows shot up, attempting to balance the cup in his hands, not quite expecting the show of affection. "Woah! Hot tea, hot tea!" He managed to place the cup on a table, and gave the young human a gentle pat on her head, a surprised smile pulling his lips. He'd hate to be the one to horrifically scar half the face of the heir to the empire.

"Hello, Little Lady," the Herglic said, using his new affectation for her. "'fraid not. She's got her own business today. Took the Jawsome out to Hutt space." Ghorua was very proud of his daughter. He hadn't started hunting until he was twenty-eight. She'd been hunting with her old man since she was five. The Shark had no doubt his little Fish's exploits would eclipse his own in no time.

Ghorua turned his attention back to Kay as she spoke, and then back to her daughter. "I can tell you about it later, Miss Arenais. For now, I believe the Empress would like to get this show on the road. As would I." He nodded to Kay, and stepped up, flanking her protectively.

The large bounty hunter followed Lady Kay closely, trying his hardest not to get lost on the way. He hadn't been on Zakuul long, and the architecture was strange to him. At least the walk was short.

The Eternal Empire entourage arrived at the landing pad, and Ghorua immediately went into hunting mode, dark eyes noting the ships they arrived in, looking for weapons on their persons, and trying his hardest not to look like he was sizing them up for a fight. Which he was.

He gave the group an easy smile, hiding his sharp teeth behind a veneer of confidence and bemusement.

- [member="Jaius Sovv"] - [member="Tera Highwind"] - [member="Coren Starchaser"] -

 

[Coren Starchaser]

The good thing for Coren was that he knew that Jaius was coming. The man was the second Chief of State he worked with during the time in the Alliance. Now that he was here in the Coalition, and the New Alliance, he felt very protective of the Chief. Probably was the one reason Coren was still involved in the smaller City-State’s leadership, being a Jedi and all. The Admiral wasn’t his biggest fan, but… well, that was neither here nor there. But something also got into his mind that Sullustan was putting the Corellian into the roles he was having within the Coalition as well.

But warriors begot warriors. And if it was up to many, everyone would suspect Coren to be flying in a red shuttle or fighter. He knew that sometimes, even politicians had to have their dogs with them. With any diplomacy talks, having the heavier hitting state of the government be in attendance could never be a bad thing. When the Zakuul delegation arrived to greet them, Starchaser kept his eyes on the arrivals. He recognized [member="Loreena Arenais"] due to who her Master was. Maybe this place wasn’t so bad?

But then came the … what was that, a Karkarodon? What was this place? The heavy armor definitely made the Master’s body language shift. Just the way he balanced, and for those keeping score, the way he was actively looking to the Force. The amount of credits the Zakuul representatives could get off of the pair of these two?

Too much for Coren to be relaxed. Eyes on their leader as she only greeted Jaius. That made sense, she and he were at the same level. But still, his eyes squinted as he looked over at Tera.


[member="Ghorua the Shark"]
[member="Kay Arenais"]
[member="Jaius Sovv"]
[member="Loreena Arenais"]
[member="Tera Highwind"]

 

[Jaius Sovv]

SPIRE LANDING PAD​

[member="Kay Arenais"] | [member="Coren Starchaser"] | [member="Tera Highwind"]​

[member="Ghorua the Shark"] | [member="Loreena Arenais"]​

"Your Majesty, you look radiant as ever," the years had not been so kind to Jaius. Since last they met his face had sunken, and somehow even more wrinkles plagued his features, "You will forgive me if I do not bow, the indignities of old age."

He gestured helplessly at the infernal contraption of a hoverchair he had been confined to for the past year. Sovv had not called her 'empress', in truth the new title Kay Arenais had claimed filled him with no small measure of trepidation. The Coalition was an enemy of empires, but in the modern galaxy he had long come to understand that monarchies did not necessarily mean autocracy. If they slapped away Zakuul's hand on base principle, what did that say about Faith Organa and the Royal House of Alderaan?

"I believe my old friend here needs no introduction," he gestured at the Jedi General by way of greeting, for there were few in the galaxy that didn't know the name Coren Starchaser, "But allow me to present Miss Tera Highwind, my pilot and aide."

The Empress invited them inside, and Jaius acquiesced with a zen nod and a gesture to Tera. Freed from the need to concentrate on their destination, he took this time to appraise Kay's imposing bodyguard. Ghorua the Shark was about as far from a sullustan as one could be, and a cynical voice in his head wondered how easy a time Starchaser would have with this one if circumstances somehow went awry.

"It would appear that we both have something in common," the ambassador said, admiring Zakuul's bustling skyline, "Triumph in the face of adversity."

That was as close as he dared to outright mentioning Commenor, for who knew what fresh wounds a more direct conversation might reopen? Still he could not help but comment, she had lost almost everything just as he had when the Galactic Alliance fell. Now Sullust was free again and Kay was once more royalty in more than name.

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Location: The Spire; Zakuul City, Zakuul
EEoZ: [member="Kay Arenais"], [member="Ghorua the Shark"] , Loreena Arenais
ORC: [member="Jaius Sovv"] , [member="Coren Starchaser"] , [member="Tera Highwind"]

Lori grinned as Ghorua seemed to fumble a bit with his tea while she hugged him. Oops. She should have planned that better. Minna helped her with pouncing and it seemed that she still had the knack for it. "Sorry Ghorua. I'll be more careful. And Minna sure is lucky! I bet that she'll do you proud." No doubt she was hunting slavers or something awesome like that.

As her Mom seemed eager to get this started, Lori just shrugged her shoulders a bit while she nodded. More than likely she'd be the youngest there, but that was normal for her. She wasn't really there to be heard anyways. Most adults didn't pay her much mind anyways. That'll change at some point though, when she gets older.

Upon seeing Coren, her jaw dropped slightly. She remembered him from a meeting her Dad [member="Veiere Arenais"] had her go to. It wasn't much of a meeting. Only a bunch of Jedi promising to have another meeting at another time to work together in the future. It was silly. She had put in her own two cents about what should be done about the Sith; but as usual no one listened. Her Dad said that she was right, but he had also berated her for her tact as well. It was embarrassing. She hadn't been taken to any other meeting since. Hopefully she wouldn't cause the same kind of harm here.

The others she had never seen before. But maybe she could talk to Tera later! The lady was a pilot just like she was. It'd be great to swap tales. If the meeting went well, maybe she'd have the time.

Lori waited to fall in line with the others to step inside the building.

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay smiled at the interaction between [member="Ghorua the Shark"] and [member="Loreena Arenais"] . It was good for Lori to have people here that she could trust as well. It'll be important for the future.

She looked to [member="Coren Starchaser"] as [member="Jaius Sovv"] introduced him in a way, as well as [member="Tera Highwind"] . She bowed her head to them both and then turned her attention again to Jaius as she walked along side him. He was full of flattery like always. "One day at a time, that's how I have to take things."


It wasn't until they were safely inside that she spoke up more. "You'll have to forgive me if I seemed rude and kept everything short while we were outside. The First Order has taken it upon themselves to attack us when they can through the use of bombs and sabotage. They know this planet very well, so they have the advantage there. The Spire is secure however, including underground." Kay brought them to the meeting room and then took it upon herself to introduce her own attendants. "Sitting in this meeting with me, I have my youngest daughter Loreena. She is my heir and should something happen to me, she'd be the one looking after things here. Hopefully that doesn't happen for quite some time. I also have my longtime friend and newly appointed advisor, Ghorua." Kay clasped her hands in front of her. "How are things with the Coalition? Is there anything that we could do to help you prosper?"

 

[Coren Starchaser]

As if on cue, he nodded to the Chief, more paying attention to how he spoke than anything else. His mind and the Force were wandering to cover himself and the Coalition delegates, in case the worsts should happen, he’d be ready and able to adapt to the situation and do what was needed. Sovv had a way of speaking, Coren had a way of hitting things until they stopped, or turned away. A smirk came across his features and was quickly dismissed as he nodded to Sovv.

Hopefully they knew who Coren was. He assumed the younger Arenais would. He had held a meeting that lead to the formation of the Jedi Alliance Council, and as a result, a lot of changes in the Jedi. If Sharky needed an introduction, he’d be happy to provide, but not so much for the royal here. Was Zakuul an iron throne, by chance?

He looked at the Empress, and then to Loreena. Heir to the Eternal Throne. That was interesting. He wondered what would happen should a Jedi sit there. A Jedi with a Shark advisor. That could definitely be a dangerous. His gaze was more fixated on the one identified as Ghorua now. Advisor? Were there other ranks for this one?

[member="Kay Arenais"] [member="Loreena Arenais"] [member="Jaius Sovv"] [member="Ghorua the Shark"] [member="Tera Highwind"]​

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

Ghorua relaxed as he saw the reactions of the two delegates.

Any other being would tense up. An adrenalized Jedi Master and an indifferent politician would be enough for any regular person to gear up, make themself look tough, try to show off their strength. But Ghorua saw what the stances meant.

Of course [member="Jaius Sovv"] had total faith in the famous Jedi Master. He had to, for he entrusted his safety from this strange new galactic power with the man. But [member="Coren Starchaser"]'s guarded stance, the sudden tautness of form, suggested that he wasn't so confident, should it come to a fight. Like he wasn't entirely prepared for it.

It was enough to assuade Ghorua's nerves. However the talks went, the delegates from Zakuul were in no danger from these people. There was no assassination planned, at least from these two. He let that newfound confidence enter him as he walked alongside the delegation, an easy, powerful force propelling his strides.

When he was introduced, Ghorua bowed his head slightly towards them both, the gesture lingering on Coren for a moment. "A pleasure, Jaius Sovv, Master Starchaser. Your reputations precede you. Ghorua the Shark, at your service." His voice was deep, smooth, with not a hint of nervousness marring it. Of course, what he said wasn't entirely true. Like in his hunts, Ghorua had dug into both of their records, looking for information. Of course, he'd heard of Coren fething Starchaser, but both men from the Coalition had histories of doing good.

It was more than he had, that was for sure.

Ghorua left his introduction at that, content to let Kay take the lead. He subconsciously found himself at her side, a symbol of power beside the slight woman.

- [member="Kay Arenais"] - [member="Loreena Arenais"] - [member="Tera Highwind"] -

 

[Tera Highwind]

Well this was interesting, and for more her speed than many of hte other tasks she'd found to occupy her time in the Outer Rim. While Tera enjoyed the variety that her life gave her, by training, by vocation she was a spy, and agent trained to obtain information and complete the missions that her commanders needed done. Not that she thought Jaius would ever ask her to do something that dangerous here, but observation, that was something she could do, something that she loved. The green-haired woman nodded respectfully at Empress Arenais as she settled the sullustan's chair in place, make sure it was settled and he was comfortable before she took up a place behind the man, arms crossed behind her back as she held herself at attention. On the flight over, on every interaction she'd had with his Jaius had impressed her again and again with his thoughtful kindness and she'd found herself genuinely respecting and liking him. Making sure he was ok was as much for her sake as for his.

From her position though she could observe the entire party gathered here, from the solid presence of Ghorua to the more energetic form of Loreena Arenais. The young woman's file had crossed her desk in the past, but they didn't mention how rambunctious the young...princess was. It was honestly different, and well Tera had to admit that different was good, well it could be good anyway. She hadn't expected Empress Arenais to offer help, to seek out a way that her fledgling nation could help the coalition. It wasn't what she had expected to hear off the bat, the slight stiffening of her body as she stood behind Jaius. It was almost enough to get her to speak out, almost.

[member="Ghorua the Shark"] | [member="Coren Starchaser"] | [member="Kay Arenais"] | [member="Loreena Arenais"] | [member="Jaius Sovv"]​

 

[Jaius Sovv]

THE SPIRE​

[member="Kay Arenais"] | [member="Coren Starchaser"] | [member="Tera Highwind"]​

[member="Ghorua the Shark"] | [member="Loreena Arenais"]​

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"You'll have to forgive me if I seemed rude and kept everything short while we were outside. The First Order has taken it upon themselves to attack us when they can through the use of bombs and sabotage. They know this planet very well, so they have the advantage there. The Spire is secure however, including underground."

"I'm afraid they learned such tradecraft from the best," Jaius bowed his head solemnly, all too aware of the irony in fighting Imperial driven resistance, "We have experts both on guerilla tactics and First Order operational procedures. I'm not sure how effective they'll be against this new breed of insurrectionist, but our knowledge will be made available to you if you wish it."

Lady Kay introduced her first to her daughter and then bodyguard. Loreena made him smile, for she reminded of his own grandchildren. Not as becoming, but near humans tended not to share the rugged qualities by which sullustan beauty was measured. Ghorua could not have been more different. Sovv had met few herglic in his lifetime, but the size disparity between them alone was enough to put him in a state of subconscious unease.

"Charmed," he met the hulking mercenary with fearless eyes, "I always thought if our paths ever crossed it would be the last mistake I ever made. It is fortunate then for us both that you find yourself in Zakuul's employ."

"How are things with the Coalition? Is there anything that we could do to help you prosper?"

"You may as well ask me how are things with the Unknown Regions, for all I could tell you," a wheezing chortle escaped his lips, "The Outer Rim is a very big place, but if I were to venture a guess I would say it is a time both of opportunity and great unrest."

He paused. It was early in the day still, but Jaius could not deliver long fiery speeches the way he used to. Instead of despairing, he had incorporated it into his oratory. Pause for effect.

"The First Order's weakening grip on local hyperlanes has meant booming trade and contact once more with our friends on Corellia and throughout the Core. You ask what you can do for us, trading partners are what we require if were are to sustain our economic growth. And then there are our mutual adversaries, not just the First Order but their destroyers as well..."

Another pause for 'effect'. He dabbed the sweat from his brow with an embroidered handkerchief.

"All our intelligence suggests Imperial High Command's dying act was to bomb the Ssi-ruuvi homeworld and cripple their command leadership. But their war machine still rages through the outer reaches, unchecked and in blind rage. In the coming months we hope to launch strikes against their stronghold on Sluis Van which should delay their efforts..."

He glanced over at Coren. General Starchaser had been so focused with their enemies to the east, Sovv could not be sure how informed he was on local affairs. Some of this might be news to even him.

"But eventually they will recover. They will reform. And they will be a threat to us all."

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay nodded as she listened to [member="Jaius Sovv"] offer to give her some help when it came to the remnants of the First Order that chose to terrorize Zakuul. "That knowledge would be most helpful, thank you."

More came from him, expressing the needs that the Coalition had, as well as a peek into some of their plans. Kay had only read some of what happened between the First Order and the Ssi-ruuvi on the holonet. It was an unexpected way for them to go. Was it karma? Maybe. Would the First Order help continue the fight against those that brought them down? Maybe. That was one angle that could be looked into.

"We will gladly open up some trade agreements between us. I know first hand of what a benefit it'd be for both our peoples." The CSA used to be one of the biggest economic powerhouses in the Galaxy. That is until the Sith brought them and her to their knees. "We can also extend some military assistance in the fight against the Ssi-ruuvi. All you need to do is tell us where and when and we'll be there. My hope is to have the western block of the Galaxy stable, strong and safe." [member="Sentus Olan"] was her newest Grand Admiral. More than likely he'd jump at the chance to test their fleets in battle.

[member="Ghorua the Shark"] [member="Coren Starchaser"] [member="Tera Highwind"] [member="Loreena Arenais"]

 

[Coren Starchaser]

He was going to listen, and be there to advise as well as he could. Starchaser did have a leaning towards the military, and it was one of those things that caused him great trouble with may decisions he made in life. He was not always the surefire person to bring into a diplomatic discussion, btu he was going to behave, even if just as a professional courtesy, and because, he knew that this Empress was linked to his friend [member="Veiere Arenais"], though he was not sure how closely, with one being a Jedi and one claiming an Empire. But his main focus was definitely the shark.

“A pleasure.” He said, in a clipped, and more overtly polished Corellian accent. He was trying to quickly change the way his body was giving off a bit of a defended vibe and more into something that exuded confidence, and watchfulness. He was here to listen, not necessarily fight. Not with Tera and Jaius here. But if it should come to where someone is firing, he’ll be the one making the focus on him. He could protect his Chief, with Tera’s help.

But diplomacy was an extinguished lightsaber, not an active one.

He was sizing up everyone here though, and knowing that if he had to, his first move would be to stun everyone. But he was listening to Jaius, the aging politician had the knack for this, being polite, and being very well spoken. Starchaser, of course, knew that there was the end of the First Order, and what had occurred on the Ssi-Ruu homeworld. As he was more focused on the front to the Core, with the Sith and the Mandalorians, but the reports between General and Fleet Admiral kept him in most of the loops.

“The Ssi-Ruuvi are the most pressing, borderwise, but there are other concerns that will be just behind the raptors.” Calm, but his statements were not without raising concern. And if anyone had done their homework on Coren, it was clear he meant the Sith.

[member="Jaius Sovv"]
[member="Tera Highwind"]

[member="Kay Arenais"]
[member="Ghorua the Shark"]
[member="Loreena Arenais"]

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Lori's attention went from one person to the other as they spoke, mainly [member="Jaius Sovv"] and her mom, [member="Kay Arenais"] . She remained quiet though so that she could learn about this politics stuff. Maybe [member="Ghorua the Shark"] was doing the same. As for [member="Tera Highwind"] , Lori wasn't sure if the girl was more than what she seemed. It was entirely possible that she could hold her ground in battle. Maybe they'd have a chat later!

[member="Coren Starchaser"] caught her attention as he spoke up. Being Jedi, she knew what he had meant. It was kinda obvious who his enemies were. "Do you have intel that they are heading into your space? Or is it just a given? It's sure a looong way to go with their fleets. But we could help! Right Mom?" She looked to Kay, her eyes fully eager for reassurance. The Sith weren't friends to their family, especially after what they did to Commenor.

Everyone knew that. Right?

 

[Ghorua the Shark]

The mind-games were fun, but the time for games was over. Now, it was time for the minutia of the details. This was where Ghorua, historically, checked out of the situation. When he busied himself inside his own mind, noting quick escapes, dangerous individuals, making sure that his charge was safe. But that was when he was a bodyguard, or a security advisor. Now, he was an advisor advisor, and that meant he had to pay attention to the minutia.

In this moment, it meant talk of trade agreements from [member="Kay Arenais"] and [member="Jaius Sovv"]. They were the heads of state, it was their job to iron things out economically. Ghorua took note of Jaius' speech, an eyebrow raising when the Sullustan mentioned they would be attacking Sluis Van. Jaius was certainly quick to bring up the end of the First Order. As if he knew it was what Kay wanted to hear most.

Ghorua nodded once when Sovv said they'd be back. Of course, they'd be back. The First Order was a very clean, very orderly cockroach. One that needed more than a mere boot to squash it.

Ghorua saw the subtle shift in [member="Coren Starchaser"]'s posture, denoting that he was taking the spotlight. The man brought up another, very concerning point. One that Ghorua had thought upon in great detail as well. Of course, he knew what Coren was referring too. He was a bit of a war hero against the forces of the Sith, in whatever form they took. [member="Loreena Arenais"] piped up then, and Ghorua's mouth twitched. So willing to help. She was her mother's daughter.

"It's not that simple, Miss Arenais," the large being said, his voice flowing like honey. He addressed the room. "Zakuul grows in strength, but we'd be hard-pressed to devote true resources to two fronts. And," the Herglic added, a little grimly, "the wrong attention right now could be..." Ghorua fought for a word with the correct amount of gravitas. "Costly."

Of course, he meant if the Sith Empire turned their gaze to Zakuul. Decided the burgeoning Empire was enough of a nuisance to uproot. Then, the Eternal Empire would be burned from the galaxy before it had the strength to help anyone. They already had the ire of the Zambranos. Ghorua didn't want to turn that ire to action.

"Doesn't mean we can't help," he finally said, flashing a sharp smile to Lori. "We just have to be smart about it."

He'd certainly love to get his hands dirty. Maybe finally fight alongside Jedi instead of against them.