Private Foundations of Power

[Darth Prazutis]

Dromund Kaas, The Sith Citadel, Audience Chamber

The audience chamber was a cathedral of dominion. Unlike the abyss of the Shadow Hand's throne room, this hall was designed for a calculated diplomacy, yet the weight of its master remained suffocating even here. Towering obsidian pillars lined the chamber's edges, each etched with Sith runes that pulsed like the slow-dying embers of a torch desperate to be fed. The walls all around, were adorned with beautiful reliefs of Sith Lords of the past, they cast their hollow gazes down upon the ensuing dealings within, their own expressions were carved in eternal judgement. Right in the heart of the expansive chamber, lay a vast table of polished blackstone, its surface a masterwork of true Sith engineering. Engraved upon it were all the hyperlanes of the known galaxy, the very arteries of commerce and war, intertwined in a great web of dominion. Hovering above the table, there was a holographic projection of Dromund Kaas rotating slowly, its surface was marked by foundries, shipyards, industrial sprawl, the vast shipyard around the world a great ring, each held burning testament to what the Trade Federation had helped fuel.

The atmosphere within was one of purpose, not pleasantries. Along the chamber's perimeter stood the stoic Crownguard, their black helms smooth, unreadable, their presence a silent reminder that even in here, in the heart of commerce, the Sovereign's judgment here was absolute. The only movement within came from the assembled Kainate officials, each of them were masters of war logistics, industrial ministers, Sith overseers, and attendants, all were present to ensure that every word spoken here would be executed without failure, without hesitation. Deep in the far end of the chamber, seated upon a throne of carved obsidian and black metal, loomed Darth Prazutis. The Dark Lord of the Sith had forgone his warplate for this specific engagement, instead he was clad in flowing robes of deep black, their heavy fabric was trimmed with crimson embroidery woven in intricate Sith runes, mantles of dark steel sat blended into the shoulders and around his hands. The robes, though elegant in their craftsmanship, did not soften his presence, they only served to highlight his sheer immensity, his very posture was one of measured patience. yet absolute authority. Around his shoulders draped a dark mantle, one fastened by an ornate clasp bearing the sigil of the Kainate, the crimson metal caught the dim light of the chamber's torches.

Though he did not wear the iron visage of war that he was synonymous with, his faceless scrutiny remained unchanged. Beneath the deep, enveloping hood of his robes, his molten, predatory eyes glowed in the dim light. They pierced through the space like twin suns in the darkness. The giants hands were clasped in black, ceremonial gloves inscribed with alchemical sigils, rested upon the great arms of his throne. They weren't gripping down, they weren't tense, simply waiting. Before him, the holographic display shifted, it magnified the sprawling industrial districts of Dromund Kaas, where war machines were birthed in fire and steel, where the empire's insatiable hunger for resources was never, ever sated.

Then, at last, the great doors to the chamber groaned open.

Rulonom Laborr ​

 

[Rulonom Laborr]

Darth Prazutis

​

During the Core War, which pitted the Galactic Alliance against the Dark Empire, Rulonom had permitted others to execute his directives however, the moment had arrived for the Skakoan to step out of isolation and assume a more proactive role in overseeing the Trade Federation to ensure their continued dominance over the Commerce Guild, Locke & Key and Arceneau Trading Company to name a few.

His first task was to travel to Dromund Kaas, in order to meet with Darth Prazutis , although the available information regarding this individual was sparse, apart from their significant role within the hierarchy of the Sith Empire, which would be advantageous in the removal of specific adversaries.

The Skakoan observed the ostentatious demonstrations of power and authority within the expansive hallways of the Sith Citadel. The city had grown beyond its former limits, now incorporating a diverse array of factories, manufacturing facilities, and industrial camps distributed throughout the area.

His left hand adjusted a specialized version of the Force Shield to cover his breathing apparatus as the audience doors swung open, granting him a view of the man adorned in elaborate armor, surrounded by numerous attendants from various departments. It was certain that they would meticulously document the discussions that took place between the Viceroy and the Dark Lord.

"AWROROROROROR....Lord Prazutis. I presume." An uncomplicated assertion, yet highly effective in starting dialogue between the two. It represented the tension between the essence of the Dark Side and the realm of finance, and he was keen to observe how this dynamic would unfold within the broader context.

 

[Darth Prazutis]

Dromund Kaas, The Sith Citadel, Audience Chamber

A silence stretched through the chamber. It was not mere absence of sound, but a deliberate, measured force, a weight that settled over the room, it was thick and unyielding. The Viceroy's statement lingered in the air like the hum of a disruptor before the moment of firing, it hung between the two titans of entirely differet dominions. The Dark Lord didn't move immediately. After all he was power. Power was patient. Power observed. From the shadows beneath his hood, molten eyes gleamed, unblinking, taking in the sight of the Skakoan before him. Unlike lesser figures who scurried into his presence, shook by his might. This one was different, this one did not grovel, did not bend in supplication. This one radiated power of an entirely different kind. He carried the confidence of wealth, of political supremacy, of a man who could shape galactic economies with the mere stroke of a stylus. But still, even in his confidence, even in his unshaken stance, this titan of industry had come here.

There was a slow shift of movement. A great, monolithic presence leaned forward, not out of curiosity, not out of aggression, but with all the inevitability of a mountain settling deeper into the very world around it. "You presume correctly, Viceroy Laborr." The words did not merely echo, they were pressed into the air, thick with commanding presence, each syllable carried the weight of the Kainate's dominion. "You stand within the beating heart of the Kainate's empire, beneath the gaze of its Sovereign. That is no small thing." The holographic map of Dromund Kaas flickered then, it shifted, expanding outward to display not just the planet proper, but the trade routes that spread out across it, the delicate arteries that pulsed with raw commerce, war production, with the silent machinery that propped up empires.

"You have been absent from the front lines of your domain" Darth Prazutis continued, his voice was measured, his gaze unrelenting. "Yet you return now, to ensure your dominion over your rivals. Locke & Key, Arceneau, the Commerce Guild. You seek to hold your throne within the corporate sector, to ensure that your name eclipses theirs, that they remain beneath you." A pause. There was shifting current in the air, like the tightening of an unseen grip. The Dark Lord could see far more than anyone realized, he understood the cutthroat nature of the business world, one didn't remain on top for long, it was as close to the laws of the wilds as anything, you either ate or were eaten. "You seek the Kainate's favor in this." It wasn't a question, but a statement.

For the first time his hand lifted, a gloved, alchemized gauntlet, inscribed with whispering Sith runes they pulsed briefly. After the simplest of gestures, the holo-map refocused once more, this time it revealed the Trade Federation's presence within Kainate space. There were dotted points of interest, shipyards, industrial zones, places underneath the control of the Kainate, logistical lists of needs across the surface of Dromund Kaas. It was all things that hungrily consumed all of the goods the Federation had to offer.

"We are not blind to the Federation's value." A flicker of movement, a shifting ember in the giants' eyes. "We are not blind to what you have built. But understand this, Viceroy, no empire, not even one of trade, exists beyond consequence." The holo-display shimmered, shifting to highlight key Trade Federation holdings, hubs of wealth and power. Then, for a long, terrible moment, the image flickered, then distorted, the light was bending as if a shadow had passed over them. A wordless demonstration. Nothing needed to be said. The implication was clear. The Sith had many ways of influencing markets.

Some involved raw destruction. Some required more subtle methods. All were effective. The air was heavy once more. The pressure of inevitability. "Tell me, Viceroy." Prazutis finally intoned, his voice lower now, yet no less suffocating. "What is it that you would offer in return for your continued dominance?" Just then, the moment of balance had arrived. Would the Trade Federation continue to serve as a partnership, or would it become another piece to be replaced on the board of galactic power? "The Kainate can offer many things, Viceroy, ensuring the Trade Federation's continued supremacy, silencing those who would see its throne falter. But power, like wealth, is never given freely. So tell me, what will you offer in return?"

Rulonom Laborr ​

 

[Rulonom Laborr]

Darth Prazutis

In the realm of business, the ability to observe was unparalleled, and the Skakoan was regarded as its foremost expert. The individual before him, while undeniably powerful, resembled the Sith he had previously encountered. Imposing in stature and physical strength, yet deficient in deeper knowledge and refined abilities.

Although they might possess some experience in commerce and an understanding of persuasive language, the reality was quite the opposite; their discourse, though abundant, lacked substance. His figure remained largely stationary near the entrance, with only a slight adjustment occurring as the doors behind him shut.

In that moment, the holographic map of Dromund Kaas appeared before him, displaying intricate details, including the latest homes under construction on the outskirts of the residential zone, as well as the disputes between patrols and citizens regarding excessive taxation.

"AWEROROROROROR...I have no doubt that your extensive vocabulary leaves a strong impression on many of your visitors, Lord Prazutis. However, let us set aside the ceremonial and deep analytical rhetoric, as they do not contribute to our shared goal of fostering a mutually beneficial partnership and alliance based on certain principles." he stated through the monotone vocabulator, adjusting the suit modules from time to time. While he acknowledged a degree of respect for the Dark Lord, he was reluctant to participate in a religious discourse that failed to present a concrete plan of action.

One that would see the Trade Federation thrive admist the backdrop of supporting the Kainite Branch of the Sith Empire. The question regarding the advantages the organization would provide to the Kainite naturally arose, leading to considerable confusion for the Viceroy.

This was primarily due to the fact that Darth Carnifex held a significant position on the Executive Board as one of its directors, thereby possessing the ability to sway policy decisions and allocate resources to the Kainite independently.

"It is important to clarify that we do not possess the ability of clairvoyance, and do not understand your needs at this moment. The Trade Federation maintains a network of resources and strongholds across the galaxy, establishing significant connections with various entities, including the Galactic Alliance, the Naboo Republic, the Foundation, and even the Mandalorians. Please specify your requirements, and we can proceed to negotiate accordingly." Rulonom explained such a statement with the characteristic dismissiveness typical of his species.

His genuine interest in understanding what the Federation could offer was evident; all he needed to make a request, after which they could formalize the details through agreements and signatures, then archived within the Federation's records.

 

[Darth Prazutis]

Dromund Kaas, The Sith Citadel, Audience Chamber

The silence that followed Rulonom's words wasn't merely empty, it was weighted. The Dark Lord didn't react. He didn't shift, didn't bristle at the dismissiveness of the Skakoan, nor did he rise in offense that his words lacked any substance. Instead, he simply regarded the Viceroy for a long moment, the molten embers of his gaze flickered from beneath his hood, they remained unmoved, unshaken. Then, there was a sound. There was a low, deep exhale, it wasn't frustration, not anger, but something far more insidous behind it. This was the kind of breath that one might take when patience had run its course, when amusement at a game had fully faded, and when the time for indulgence had long since passed. "Directness, then." The Dark Lord's voice, thick with gravitas, settled upon the room like a slowly descending weight. "Good." A flicker of movement. The giant's gloved hand rose, fingers curling slightly, and the holographic display twisted, expanding outward to reveal the broader galactic stage. Trade routes, supply chains, critical manufacturing hubs, not just the Kainate's needs, but the Trade Federation's lifeblood. "You misunderstand, Viceroy." Prazutis intoned, his voice was smooth, deliberate. "The Kainate does not request. It does not petition. It commands."

The Sovereign let the words settle in between them, before continuing, his ton shifting, not towards hostility, nor aggression, but absolute. "The Federation flourishes because through the continued business we do. Because our fleets, our worlds, our shadow empire, continues to consume, to expand, to war. Every machine forged, every credit that changes hands, every world that remains open to your presence, every ship hauling goods and flesh to the surface, all come to exist underneath the shadow of the Kainate's power. A power unbound by the moral restrictions that holds back many nations, a power that simply consumes." The holo-display pulsed, revealing a deeper analysis of Kainite-controlled locales, sectors, areas across the shadow cloaked empire that had grown dependent on Federation supply lines. "If you claim to lack foresight, then allow me to illuminate the path ahead. My war machine requires greater industrial integration, greater resources. The Kainate's shipyards are vast, but they require expanded logistical chains, deeper trade routes, secured manufacturing agreements." The Shadow Hand paused, his molten gaze bore into the Skakoan's metallic visor.

"And in return, Viceroy?" The flames in the chamber flickered, shifting unnaturally against the very walls. "The Kainate ensures that the Federation's rivals do not gain the footholds they so desperately seek." A slow, deliberate pause. "A Federation supply network that runs deeper into my territory than ever before, one that no competitor can challenge, one that remains untouchable beneath my dominion, one that leads to greater business than ever before between us." His hand lowered, the holographic display shimmering once more, locking in on the galactic map. "That is the offer on the table. Expansion. Security. Power." The giants vice shifted, colder now, sharper, edged with finality. "Do not mistake this for mere diplomacy, Viceroy. This is the foundation of dominion itself."

Now? Now the next move belonged to Rulonom Laborr.

Rulonom Laborr ​