While not being the most high-ranked individual person at the meeting, Julius was the eldest. With that came the responsibility to be the wiser, most tempered politician. But it also meant that Haskler could lead the discussions. And it would give him a slight advantage over the other participants seeking to claim Ylix, Aleen and the rest. While he had welcomed FN-999, the heir had also seen various powerful dignitaries come into the room. It was time, he thought, to awake the sharks and begin to dance.
Julius's plan would be extremely simple: arguing Lord Halketh of Carlac had requested Dalness Manufacturings to move away from his domain, the Anaxsi would humbly ask the assembled lords of the Empire the permission to install DM&S's factories and shipyards on Ylix. Along with this factory, it would be necessary to install a Moff capable of understanding the Hasklers' interests. What best solution than to give that role to an Anaxsi? The choice seemed logical.
Of course, there was the option of refusing that demand. But then, the Imperials would upset a new, but powerful house-in exile and risk seeing DM&S disappear from their catalogue of available weapons and ships. Moreover, the House could take that as an excuse to leave the New Imperial Order, and join whatever imperial faction ready to welcome them and comply with their demands. Julius had no intention of doing so, of course, but the support his House gave to the New Imperial Order was timid and could grow up very quickly.
However, with that threat in mind, the dignitaries would be more flexible, and a compromise would be possible.
Julius stood up as FN-999 sat near the Galidraani. These Imperials were of a particular sort, granted, but they were fierce warriors and proud people. He hoped further collaboration could be possible. They were an interesting ally, one that had gained much importance in the Imperials. However, their occupied homeworld was under the Sith's oppression. If possible, the heir would reach the Galidraanis' leader, and ask if a joint operation was possible. Furthering the bonds with the whole imperial army was important if the Hasklers wanted to one day see their world free again. Even Kenth Berik could not do that.
"
Very well, my Lords, Ladies and gentlemen. Who wishes to speak first and demonstrate how important these worlds are for him to control? I feel many among you have the urge of possessing more territory than what they hold today. Prove me wrong."
The tone was bitter, ironic. It reflected, however, how fractured the New Imperial Order was. Never in a true empire would have an assembly of dignitaries decided who was to rule three miserable planets. It was the Imperator's job. Moreover, it reflected the acid reality: all of the people who sat there already possessed holdings, planets, had seen their homeworlds freed from the Sith. On the other hand, few people, like FN-999 or the Hasklers, did not possess anything. The Galidraani had their homeworld occupied, but these three groups were the only exception Julius made to his sarcastic introductory sentence.
