[ First Order ] The Kindling of a Future

[Kellyn Muir]

Imperial Palace, Moff Council Wing
Avalonia, Dosuun

The First Order was on the up and coming. For a while, it had been seated in the corner of the galaxy with slow but steady progress, unhindered by the quarrels of intergalactic politics. Though they would seek to continue the First Order's practice of isolationism, they recognized that to ignore the politics of the galaxy was irresponsible. They didn't need to actively participate, often at least, but they needed to monitor.

Enter the Galactic Republic, the apparent center for galactic politics. If there is something happening in the galaxy, odds are, they were a part of it. Though no doubt a shadow of it's former self, the Republic had a very involved government, one that actively participated in intergalactic affairs. They would be the Moff Council's first target in a series of political outreach.

Corvo sat at his desk, typing at his holographic keyboard. Upon the completion of the subtle beeps from typing, an encrypted message would be sent to the Supreme Chancellor of the Galactic Republic. Corvo had never dealt with the man himself, but he had heard enough to get a general grasp of the man. Military and imperial background, almost always balanced in his decisions, a seemingly reasonable man - no wonder he had ascended to the office of the supreme chancellor.

To: [member="Caius Flavian"]
From: [member="Corvo Santagar"]
Cc: [member="Natasi Fortan"], [member="Max Fel"]
Subject: Invitation to the Capital

Chancellor Flavian,

Congratulations on your landslide victory in the recent elections.

I write to you to express the First Order's interest in opening a dialogue with the Galactic Republic. As you know, the First Order has been removed from galactic politics for some time. The Moff Council is looking to change that, starting with the Galactic Republic.

You are hereby invited to Avalonia, Dosuun, the capital of the First Order, to meet with the Moff Council to explore diplomatic routes we may take together now and in the future. We do expect a delegation to accompany you, so we ask that you keep it to a minimal size as not to dilute the meaningfulness of the talks.

I look forward to seeing you.

Corvo Santagar
Moff, Ministry of Security
High Colonel, First Order Army

Sent.

 

[Natasi Fortan]

There was a knock on the door to Natasi's office. The senior Moff was drafting a memo to the other Moffs. "Enter," she called. Sioux came in with a datapad and handed it to her.

"Sorry to interrupt, ma'am, but I wondered if you had seen this? It's the first I've heard of it."

Natasi took the datapad and examined the screen. Halfway through she took her glasses off and pulled it closer. When she had finished, she read it again. "No," Natasi said conversationally. "No, I had no idea. We had plans to make contact, but apparently our Minister of Security has a more accelerated timeline." She handed the datapad back. "Make a note for the next cabinet shuffle. We'll need to make changes." She slid her glasses back on over her nose and looked back up at Sioux. "Find out if, in addition to taking over the Foreign Office and bypassing the Supreme Leader, the Supreme Commander and myself, he has prepared for the diplomatic security and reception that is required when a foreign leader visits."

"Right away, ma'am."

[member="Corvo Santagar"] | [member="Max Fel"]

 

[Kellyn Muir]

Sifting through the legalities of being installed the Director of the First Order's newfound Security Bureau, Corvo annoyingly set down the papers at his desk as he rose from his chair. Looking back to observe the view from his windows, he sighed deeply. Duty calls. With an about face, he moved for the door of his office to the anteroom that served as his secretary's workplace.

"I'll be out of the office for a while.​", he said nonchalantly as he exited before his secretary could ask anything further. His shuttle was already waiting for him by the time he made it to the landing platform. While Corvo believed moreso in the philosophical aspect of the Ministry of Security, heading it did require more responsibilities of him. Responsibilities such as protecting those under his watchful eye, such as the esteemed chancellor he had taken the liberty of inviting.

As the shuttle descended within the walls of Avalonia's own military post, Corvo rose from his seat. The doors whirred open, and awaiting him was a major from the Army, who would be serving as his escort for his time there.

​"A security detail is needed for some important visitors.​", Corvo stated, letting off as few details as he could. He had already revealed they were expecting company, but if the First Order cared so much about a state-sponsored visitor, it would behoove the officer to take an interest in Corvo's interest, which in turn was the interest of the Supreme Leader. As the major began to suggest a company worthy of such a tasking, Corvo silenced him mid-sentence. "The Security Bureau has it's own detachment, the military is just kind enough to let them reside and train here.​", he said curtly. ​"And you would be wise to remember your military customs and courtesies, major. I haven't resigned my commission yet.​" Dumbfounded and no doubt used to his subordinates sucking up to him, he submitted with a stutter. He would be sure to remember addressing the high colonel as 'sir'.

Truthfully, the escort wasn't necessary. Corvo knew his way around the base. Gun emplacements, barracks, chow halls, training simulation buildings...the First Order spared no expense in keeping it's military well-maintained. The security detail was presently running a training scenario now. Entering a small, topless speeder, the two military officers rapidly hovered to their destination. Blaster fire became louder and louder. The training must have gone sour, or maybe it was just the scenario.

Speeders flew by as Corvo and the major exited the speeder and entered the observation zone. Eventually, they halted and bucketless stormtroopers exited, using their vehicles as cover. One of them bore a pauldron, signifying his being the leader of the group. He barked orders, as another speeder drifted to a horizontal, doubling the cover available. More stormtroopers poured out, now engaging in a firefight with their droid assailants. IG-88s were hardly battle droids, but rather programmed assassins, almost sentient in their cunning. A man in plain clothes retreated from the first speeder, shielded by a group of three stormtroopers tight on his flank. The others held the line as the group brought themselves out of bounds, successful in the scenario. A loud horn blew, and the IG-88 droids deactivated where they stood and custodial workers consumed the area to reset it.

The major called over to the man in the pauldron. Without delay, the man reported with a salute. "Sir.​", he greeted the major with a salute, albeit his heavy breathing. He then turned to Corvo, who wasn't in uniform. "Sir.​", he greeted again with an extended hand. Corvo shook his hand. "Lieutenant Glover. It's a pleasure...​", he said, fishing for an introduction.

"This is High Colonel Santagar, lieutenant. He's also the Moff for the Ministry of Security and the Director of the Security Bureau.​", the major piped in sternly. With a dismissive nod, Corvo acknowledged the introduction.

"Are you ready for your pilot assignment, lieutenant?​"

[member="Natasi Fortan"] | [member="Max Fel"]​

 

[Caius Flavian]

I had spent a good moment having to craft a response.
For one thing it was odd to be invited to another nation directly to begin a diplomatic dialogue so shortly after the election.
Despite that fact I figured the First Order likely saw the potential for developing a strong relationship with the GR simply because I was an Imperial in mind and background.
Unfortunately though I was fully committed to my former Empress's last order and decree.
Which oddly enough is what led to this very day of being a democratically elected ruler over a largely indirect representative federative government.
Arguably the very essence was something I detested but now that I had somehow made it to the top it didn't seem so bad.
Although the Republic was constantly being assailed nowadays by powerful criminal elements.

I laid in my pajamas on the leather couch in my office It was 2 in the karking morning and I still was debating about getting at least three hours of sleep before my own personally set reveille at six.
Typing away what I hope was above a mediocre acceptance to visit.
I figured I could perhaps make a tour of things vist the Kathol Sector and the Galactic Alliance before returning to the Republic.
Drum up the support.

The First Order were slowly growing in strength in their corner of the galaxy.
I had hoped though that a maintained peace could occur between them and the GA.
Undoubtedly though the autocratic military dictatorship of the FO would ultimately lead to conflict.
However for the sake the lives of both sides peace in the galactic south was paramount to stability.

I was surprised to a see a Fel among the names CC'd.
Likely a distant relative of the former Emperor [member="Ronin Fel"] and that Empress [member="Kista Fel"].

To: [member="Corvo Santagar"]
From: [member="Caius Flavian"]
CC: [member="Natasi Fortan"] [member="Max Fel"] [member="Dresden Verbrennung"]
Subject: RE: Invitation to the Capital

Moff Santagar,
Thank you it was more of a surprise to have won than being nominated in the first place.
It is with great pleasure that as Supreme Chancellor to be invited to make a State visit of the First Order. Although there has been limited communication between individual members of our respective governments in the past, a formalization of diplomatic dialogue between our governments is prudent to begin.

The Commander of the Senate Guard Verbrennung shall work in concert with your security chiefs to ensure this visit goes smoothly.
I will likely be able to make the trip in a week from now. I would very much like to meet with your Head of Government and Head of State if possible to further the symbolic first visit.

Whom ever is available to accompany as part of a delegation with me shall be submitted in addendum by the Commander of the Senate Guard.

-Caius A. Flavian
Supreme Chancellor, Galactic Republic

There.
I CC'd the Commander of the Senate Guard and then looked to see what will work for the state vessel to transport my tired self half way across the galaxy.
I sat up a little more on the couch and began to sip on the chamomile tea that I had brewed.
At some point sleep was going to take hold and I would crash faster than a meteorite.
No matter there was work to be done. Besides I could sleep on the ship during travel space was better than being dirtside anyways, although at this point my internal clock had finally acclimated to Yutan's cycles.

A sigh would escape my lips as I could feel the weariness start to grasp my eye lids and pull them down like blinds.
"So much for getting caught up on work..." I mumbled aloud as I slipped away into...

 

[Dresden Verbrennung]

"Fick mich," Dresden swore as he opened the message.

Typically the Senate Guard didn't leave the Capital, but when the Supreme Chancellor asked, they sure as hell did. He sighed and read the message again, just to make sure he didn't misread. Once that was out of the way, he typed his reply.

TO: [member="Caius Flavian"]
From: Dresden Verbrennung
Subject: Guard Contingent

Risk assessment for this trip is MEDIUM. Show of overt force might be insulting, lack of covert force might be fatal. Recommend normal visible team, with combat team on backup in case exfil is needed. Better to have it an not need it and all that. Please have your office submit names of VIPs coming with, so we can coordinate security.

D. Verbrennung,
Senate Guard

 

[Klesta]

Admittedly Klesta didn't know the Chancellor for long, for he himself wasn't elected so long ago either. Hosnian Prime and Yutan were the two worlds between which he split his work. On the one hand he spent quite some time among his constituents on Hosnian Prime, on the other he was called on Senate business on at least one occasion about the military committee asking for approval of some "large resource funding". He was half-expecting [member="Alexander Sannes"] to be part of this state visit, but he was nowhere to be found. At this time he was neutral towards the First Order and not just because First Order-based Star Tours occupied almost all the space in the Lanever Villecham Starport. As the Jawa prepared to leave the premises of the Senate Building on Yutan, where he just left from that session, to accompany the newly-elected Supreme Chancellor to a series of state visits, of which the first stop would be First Order space.

-----------------------------

To: [member="Caius Flavian"]
From: [member="Klesta"]
CC: [member="Dresden Verbrennung"] [member="Max Fel"] [member="Natasi Fortan"] [member="Corvo Santagar"]
Subject: Republic delegation to First Order space

To all parties involved,

I hereby announce my intention to take part in this official delegation so that the groundwork could be laid regarding a trade agreement between the Republic and the First Order. As of this writing, the Republic is struggling under the weight of Mandalorian embargoes - the One Sith has lifted theirs since they are on the verge of economic collapse, in a rare move regarding the economy, and the Sith Triumvirate has been disbanded - and any help regarding trade will be well-appreciated by either party. While a minimal delegation size is probably best, these talks must not be conducted with Chancellor Flavian alone.

Klesta
Senator of Hosnian Prime

---------------------------------

 

[Caius Flavian]

Perfect!
Well then it was time to get the ball rolling.
A great thing to handle first thing after a snooze

To: [member="Dresden Verbrennung"]
From: [member="Caius Flavian"]
CC: [member="Rozalyne Kurganova"] [member="Klesta"]
Subject: Re: Guard Contingent

Perfect!
Of course.
For now I'm CC'ing Senator Kurganova and Senator Klesta as my likely ride along/partner on this diplomatic venture.
We are likely to also be making a trip to the Galactic Alliance shortly afterwards! Perhaps the Kathol Sector as well. I hear there is a loose confederation of systems out there burgeoning. We'll head out once my office has arranged appropriate transportation
Thank you!


A few days would pass.
I had to take the advice of the Commander of the Senate Guard seriously.
However If I knew Imperials they were quite the needy for flair and woo. Heh I could always arrive in the Herald of Retribution but showing up in a Star Destroyer was likely to send the wrong message... Or be respected. I dunno, Imperials are inherently suspicious.
So I figured there would be a lot of theatrics.
I had always despised pomp and ceremony.
Ideology wise I certainly could agree with but at certain point one just needed to relax and pull it back.
Granted I've become relatively easy going since joining the Republic. Hell arguably before the IR collapsed I had lost the genuine Imperial vision of old. Instead I had adopted the vision by my former leader Empress.
Regardless of the situation I made sure our foot print was small but agile enough.
Not looking to get into any fire fights either.

Senator Klesta of Hosnian prime had elected to join the delegation.
Not surprising, the Jawa seemed to have much wanted desire to push for more credits flowing into our coffers.

The daily life struggle became real. After a few mugs of tea and regular hydration I was now walking the halls of the Yutan government building discussing with the recent slew of new ministers. None of them remarkable in many ways, a few seemed like silent workhorse types which certainly mean't they'll accomplish the basics of their job.

My office would submit the travelling arrangements.

A small squadron of corvettes.
A Peacekeeper named the Burnt Laurels.
Two Praetorian corvettes with their accompanying fighters.

Likely have to secure travel visas through the GA's territory as well.

Spoiler

[member="Corvo Santagar"] [member="Natasi Fortan"] [member="Max Fel"]

 

[Klesta]

The One Sith, while having lifted trade embargoes against the Republic, has only partially done so. Sure defense equipment is still off-limits, and PCs dominated these industries. But Klesta knew that their economic incompetence would bring them to their knees; even so many noncombat necessities were to be traded, with some tariffs but traded nonetheless. How extremely the One Sith pursued "guns over butter" has cost them dearly as they were abandoned by their dark-sided gods (among themselves, they were known as PCs). Also the economic matters were all too often left to more-or-less supine NPCs, even in light-sided factions. On the other hand the First Order saw the Republic as posing no real threat, either economically or militarily, and neither side appeared to be hostile to one another. That said, he had to tread carefully since the Alliance is a Republican ally on both counts.

"No weapons, Senator, Senate Security detail will take care of that"

"All right..."

[member="Caius Flavian"] [member="Rozalyne Kurganova"] [member="Dresden Verbrennung"]