Into the Devil's Lair | CIS Viceroyalty

[Malok]

D E V I L ‘ S​

L A I R​

The South Remembers.

The nature of the Galaxy was hysteric. At times, there would be sweeping eras of peace where every child could prosper. At others, the inferno of war left millions orphaned - and even more dead. For the moment, the present era seemed to be enjoying the former of these realities. But the road to Galactic peace had been paved with the blood of an ally. What signaled the end to an era of Cold War and perpetual border disputes was the spontaneous collapse of the Galactic Alliance. They were, for a moment, the undisputed masters of the stars. Their forces were mighty and their crusades against the Dark Side even mightier. But, with each passing year, her momentum slowed. And those who survived the sting of her wrath plotted vengeance. On that fateful day, key planets erupted into chaos. The Sith Imperial blade ripped the Galactic Alliance asunder, and many others aided in setting her pyre ablaze.

In those days, the Confederacy of Independent Systems called the Galactic Alliance an ally. But even their bond was not enough to stop the bleeding. In the end, the Alliance was no more - and those of the Confederacy who managed to lend aide left with ash caking their lungs. In the wake of the utter devastation, the Galaxy found peace once more. Gone were the days of First Imperial border clashes. Concluded was the era of vicious Crusades in the name of the Light. In their place, neutrality was established between the mightiest powers in the stars. With their ally deceased, there was no need to pursue mutually assured destruction in battles of vengeance. Thus, the Confederacy and the Sith Empire established a lasting peace.

They had agreed to co-exist; and in doing so, there would be no orphans wandering born of their clash. But this peace did not extend to the crows and the vultures who salivated at the sight of the broken Alliance. This neutrality was never offered to the vermin which crawled from the shadows in the hopes of gorging themselves on a fresh kill. You see, the Galactic Alliance did not ally herself with the Confederacy purely in the name of survival. The two nations shared a common adversary in the form of Imperialism. Their worlds existed on a foundation of freedom and democracy - and therefore the neighboring Empires were a threat and affront to all they held dear. Thus did they band together, as did the Silver Jedi Order and the Outer Rim Coalition, as one body against the Imperial menace.

And in this era of peace, the Confederacy would not suffer a new Empire to live.

The Southern Systems remembered the call which had rallied them to stand alongside the Alliance. They recalled the reasons why they fought so bitterly against the defunct Galactic Empire. And now, a troubling report made its way to the desk of the Confederacy's Vicelord: whispers of a new threat poised to sink its fangs into what was once Alliance space. Darth Metus had his suspicions that it would not take long for a new nation to rise in the vacuum left by their deceased ally; and therefore dispatched his own child into the Unknown Regions to bear witness to what vermin would rise. And as Dianah Vi'dreya undertook the task, her findings only validated what the Sith had suspected. They called themselves the Jen'ari Empire and saw themselves as the successor to an ancient, Sith regime.

Dianah Bore Witness to Their Rise.​

Observed the Founding of their Traditions.​

Learned Their Ways of Combat.​

Proved Herself Worthy of Their Trust.​

And Stood Alongside Their Finest.​

In the end, her return to her sire saw the fate of this new regime cemented. They would not stand idly by and watch thousands of former Alliance worlds be devoured by a new monstrosity. No. In the name of the ally they could not protect from obliteration, Darth Metus would take up the sword. In the names of those who yet struggled to rebuild their shattered lives and homes, he would rally his armies. It was on a quiet, Winter evening that the Vicelord made his call. A transmission reverberated throughout the numerous channels - an urgent summons to the Viceroyalty Chambers. The visage of Darth Metus would manifest as a hologram to all who received it, and his words were few. It was exceedingly rare that emergency meetings were called for those who steered the nation. Rarer still for it to be the Vicelord himself, at this late an hour. However, with the most recent domestic calamities now sorted, it was time to take action before the sordid regime gorged itself upon the masses.

It was time to enter the Devil’s Lair.

Yet all things were subject to the will of the people. Such was the nature of their homeland which set them apart from their distant foe. Decisions of such magnitude would never be launched by the will of a single man - not within the Southern Systems. Rather, the representatives of each and every Confederate would would muster, either physically or by hologram, within the Viceroyalty Chambers. Each would hear the threat of this new Empire and make the decision if their nation would rise to protect the former Alliance systems or abandon them to their fate. And now, as the initial bodies began to move into their seats, the Vicelord awaited upon the center podium. Seated, slashed in black, and with sulfuric eyes burning with purpose.

And once his people were settled, he would address them all.

Spoiler: Tag

[member="Darth Metus"]
[member="Srina Talon"]
[member="Kip Ridel"]
[member="Alessandra Creed"]
[member="Rashae"]
[member="Adron Malvern"]
[member="Lyla Quinn"]
[member="Derek Dib"]
[member="Jasmine Zittoun"]
[member="Tmoxin Temi"]
[member="Amethyst Atreides"]
[member="Chikako Liona"]
[member="Galven Hansol"]
[member="Dalton Kenway"]
[member="Tamar M'Raki"]
[member="Jorco Czeku"]
[member="Petra Cavataio"]
[member="Cora deWinter"]
[member="Marcus Lund"]
[member="Vyra Silara"]
[member="Archim Calixis"]
[member="Tarssin Destat"]
[member="Antoine Rhys"]
[member="Artemys Hunter"]
[member="Cato Marek"]
[member="Caid Centurion"]
[member="Anesia Jy'Vun"]
[member="Dianah Vi'Dreya"]

 

[Vyra Silara]

“Vicelord.” Breezing through the door with a short but cordial greeting, the Queen of Relovian wasted no time charging across the floor and taking her seat across the table. A typical meeting of the Viceroyalty would see them milling about prior to the official meeting, exchanging pleasantries and sipping beverages of their choice in a casual atmosphere.
But this was not a typical meeting. And frankly, the flavor of urgency in the summons had left Vyra with a sharp, cold taste in her mouth.

A single Handmaiden stood statuesque behind the Queen’s curved metallic chair, face shrouded in shadow under a hooded robe of heavy black velvet. Vyra folded her hands on the table in front of her, spine straight, expression alert. “Everyone will be here shortly,” she reassured [member="Darth Metus"] with a respectful incline of her head. Her heart ached to offer her dear friend some small sign of warmth, a smile, anything, but it was neither the time nor the place. This was business, and the importance of decorum before an official audience was a priority for her. Here, at this table, she was just a loyal servant of their great Confederacy, and he was their leader. Boundaries must be observed. Proper respect of office and title must be upheld.

And so, Vyra waited, patiently but anxiously. Whatever the news was, it was certainly of great consequence.

 

[Allya Vi'Dreya]

Dressed in full armor, her black cloak wrapped around her, the Metus Spawn stood behind, and to the side of her father. Far enough away to be out of the area of importance, but close enough to show her support for his action, and act as a bodyguard during the meeting. Honestly, it was this part of her father's personality she was most proud of in him. He was passionate, caring, strong, and never gave up. Perhaps half of their relationship issues, were due to how incredible of a man he really was, and how hard she tried to imitate what she found to be his more desirable personality traits.

However, now was not a time for self reflection, but patient observance. And that alone made her twitch. She was never considered a very patient person. But, the CIS was about to go to war. Her nation was about to be embroiled once more in conflict. And she would be damned before she would allow herself to be left out of this. The Mandalorian blood in her boiled, and cried out for the blood of their new found enemies. Honestly, beyond this, she didn't know much, she attempted to not pry to heavily into his affairs.

Her eyes were on him, love, devotion, wrath, and pure unadulterated excitement coursed through her. As well as wanting to get a comb and brush his hair out, make sure he washed his face, and had clean clothes on, because Force knew, he could forget to take care of himself when he was busy with these types of things. It's just the way he was. It was similar with her, when she was nose deep into one of her research projects. Daughter like Father.

 

[Chikako Liona]

The CIS had certainly been busy lately with these Viceroy meetings, but that was to be expected of an ever expanding nation, the larger it got the more matters that needed to be attended to, the more factions they made deals with, the more votes and discussions the Viclord would have to have with all the planetary representatives. As such Chikako once again found herself in this conference hall, walking through halls of the structure towards the conference room were the other members of the CIS hierarchy would meet to talk about this new issue, as always having a Royal Fusilier body guard on hand.

Looking around [member="Darth Metus"] himself was present which served to detail how important this decision would be, after all the CIS had been at peace for some time, so to hear about a gathering that would decide action against some new empire one would expect their leader to be present. So far though only one other person was in attendance, a women with purple like hair addressing Metus about new arrivals, was she a member of the Viceroy? Chiako had not seen her before, unless she was some newly elected member or just some representative of a corporation. Maybe, though there was a small feeling deep down that the young Echani had seen this women before somewhere.

It was not important, something she could look into later, for now it was imperative to get this meeting started, the princess walking over to her usual seat and taking station legs cross, sitting up in a poise and proper position, her guard standing to attention behind and to the side, vigilant as always.

[member="Allya Vi'Dreya"] [member="Vyra Silara"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Only a few droplets of water remained on the tanned skin of the Viceroy of Stewjon as he exited the refresher with a towel wrapped around his lower half. A heavy concentration of steam escaped the room behind him before Aiden closed the door to keep the chill of the bedroom from assaulting the sole remaining occupant of the refresher. In general terms, the Sith Lord lived his life as efficiently as possible. He did not take long showers, avoided skipping meals mostly for the safety of those within a three hundred meter radius of his person, and he certainly did not waste away entire mornings indoors.

However, increasing exposure to [member="Naedira Darcrath"] saw the large Prince constantly breaking from his normal routine. Still, that wasn't even the truly remarkable notion. The fact that Aiden was willing if not wholly complicit in the action meant...something, perhaps. A something that he, to this day, had not even stopped for one moment to attempt to understand. Why would he, after all? There was so much life that people missed out on when they wasted days away trying to reconcile their emotions, feelings. Aiden made his decisions quickly and with all due analysis. This was why...upon returning from their respective morning physical training regimes, Aiden had decided that he would have Naedira. He was aware this was likely, in fact, a joint decision, but it was not important to the psychological perception of the Sith Lord. The second time that morning had certainly been her doing though.

The shrill, rapid beeping of his datapad indicated a priority message. There were precisely two people in the Confederacy that even had a tone assigned to their communication frequencies. One of them was still inside the refresher, and the other was the Vicelord of the Confederacy. Needless to say, Aiden did not take a lot of messages or calls from [member="Darth Metus"], so the awkward stare that Aiden gave the device made sense.

Casually, the Viceroy padded his way to the device and retrieved it in large, somewhat calloused hands. Entering in his personal access code, bright silver-green eyes scanned the message quickly. There was no outward reaction to the information or the indicated subject. However, on the inside, Aiden's entire soul spun with anticipation and excitement. It had been too long since Aiden was on the field of any battle, and he had worried that playing politics would become his new normal.

With long, purposeful strides, the Sith Lord returned to the refresher and pulled the door open. Bright eyes found a familiar form as a smirk settled onto his features. The Sith's thick lips parted ever-so-slightly but no words emerged. After taking a handful of steps further inside, the door was closed once more, and Aiden's lips were set to purpose.

 

[Scherezade deWinter]

Antoine entered the conference area, looking fresh and wonderful as always. Truth be told, the only reason he looked the way he did (stunning, by the way, thank you for asking), was thanks to a wonderful dosage of stims.

While the planet he was in charge of, at least on paper, did wonderfully under his rule, it was mostly because the planet was more or less self-sufficient. It didn't need someone like him there. His original plans for turning Ascension into a casino resort had all gone up in smoke as his personal yacht had become the casino itself, and lust parties occurred not almost every night, but pretty much every single night. If it hadn't been for the surveillance on his ship, he would not have believed how wild it had gotten either.

So by all means, while Ascension was doing just fine, it was hardly because of its Viceroy, who did almost... Well, nothing.

But even Antoine was not foolish enough to ignore the drums of war. Stims or not, there were things that were important. And so, for the first time in months, he made a public appearance. There would be a vote. The Confederacy would maybe, probably, be on the offensive side of going into war.

Sure, he could cast his vote. And once this silly thing was over with, his ship awaited him.

 

[Alessandra Creed]

​

Geonosis - Golbah City - The Citadel [Conference Room]
Wearing: XoXoXoXoXoXo
Tags: [member="Koda Fett"] & [member="Khonsu Amon"]

---

The Minister of Commerce was never one rest on her laurels for long. She had been preemptively made aware of the decisions that would soon be made within the Viceroyalty Chambers. The floor of the Citadel that was devoted to trade and business had been emptied of personnel for the evening. It was winter in some far-flung locations, but presently in Golbah City, the climate was much cooler than usual. The temperature rarely dipped below a certain point, but when it did, she despised it. Alessandra preferred blistering heat and arid temperatures above all else. She loathed the cold—So much so that she avoided certain planets entirely over it.

With the wishes of [member="Darth Metus"] granting her carte blanche authority to secure necessary assets, the Minister had used her considerable resources to track down two notable figures that had few qualms in accepting premium contracts. The progeny of Gunther and Valessia Creed hadn’t met either soldier of fortune previously. It didn’t matter. Dealings had been pleasant thus far. Both [member="Khonsu Amon"] and [member="Koda Fett"] would have been fed, entertained, and provided with any spirits they may desire.

Above all—they were being paid simply to have dinner and drinks with a beautiful woman. Who complained about that?

“Can I order either of you anything else?”

Security was tight. In a nation of droids, technology, and slicers galore the Confederacy spared no expense when it came to keeping their economy safe. They had adjourned to a spartan meeting area with a monochromatic theme. Onyx walls, dark leather chairs, all arranged in a circular pattern. There was a holo-table in the middle that would portray the Vicelord when the emergency transmission began. Key members of the Confederacy, Viceroyalty or not, would likely be privy to the proceedings.

It simply depended on who their Sith Lord felt should receive the summons.

Alessandra would appear in her seat within the Viceroyalty Chambers as a blue-tinged hologram. They would not know that she had two guests listening in. Their designs were plain. A new Imperial threat had cropped up above the ashes of the Alliance. Just when they’d gotten rid of the menace that blocked their trade routes to the east something new seemed to be stirring.

“Regardless of the outcome the Confederacy would like to retain your services loosely so as not to impact the nature of your business. The work we’re interested in is, as far as we are concerned, above board. You’d be free to act on your own, however, access to our resources during these projects would be fully accessible to you.”, the raven-haired woman spoke plainly, before her crimson lips curled into a smile, “Including medical. No impromptu premiums.”

She took a seat a couple chairs down from both of them. The well-educated woman was dressed in a gray and magenta sari with cut-outs that exposed a wealth of caramel skin. She moved easily, as if she owned every tile she walked on and looked the part. Alessandra didn’t fear either of her guests. Why? Business. It wouldn’t be a good practice to start murdering clients.
“Any questions?”

 

[Srina Talon]

[ G E O N O S I S ]​

​

The Citadel​

​

---

​

---

The quiet woman made her way through the halls of the Citadel with an indiscernible expression. Her ability to empathize with others had grown in capacity, though, she was still cold as ice. The Exarch had changed from her training uniform to an off-white ensemble that was patterned with some of the few desert flowers Geonosis had to offer. There were thick silver bracers on her wrists coupled with tasteful tan feathers woven into moonlit hair. Her usually braided mane was left long and loose due to time constraints, but no part of her looked rushed, or out of place.

She walked alone.

The silence was comforting. Srina much preferred the subtle sounds of a building settling over that of too many people talking on top of one another. So many opinions, so many voices. At the end of the day, the nation would require one thought. One, cohesive vision.

There would only be one way to get past the battlefront hat would soon be presented. They could not go around another Empire. They could not ignore it. They would need to go through it.

The peace that the Confederacy had been granted was, sadly, a misconception. They’d had the chance to expand without too many impediments but that was only a temporary boon. It wouldn’t last if they didn’t take a stand. With all of their different segments, the CIS was a war machine, and the galaxy would require a stark reminder to preserve the sanctity of their borders.

No. The Confederacy could not endure another Empire.

The implications were many. The conflicted feelings she held were borne of the potential losses. Combat, war, was something that had been born in her blood. She had served on Eshan in the military long enough to know the grueling bloody aspects of open conflict. Both sides would suffer. But, was it worth the cost? Was it worth expending the resources? Deploying their army? Weakening their position to send their best North when they inhabited the South?

All of these questions she had passed back and forth through a Force Bond with her Master. [member="Darth Metus"] had also weighed the pros and the cons with [member="Adron Malvern"]. That was the reason for this emergency summons. Through fire, through blood, through ash and death—it could wait no longer.

The young Exarch entered the Viceroyalty Chambers without fanfare. There were no Magnaguard at her side. No droids. Only the soft sound of shimmersilk sweeping over the floor heralded her arrival. She moved with the inherent elegance of a little Queen, as always, and her expression remained grim. The Vicelord stood with his child [@Allya Vi’Dreya], a teen, that favored her armor overall. Srina could respect that. She dressed, often, as instructed by her attendants. An Exarch had to look the part.

With the grace of the Force, somehow, she met the standard.

“Master…”, she greeted as she approached the podium, reaching briefly, to let her fingers brush against his. It was a small act. Wordless comfort. It meant more to the Echani than words ever could. This was not a decision to be taken lightly. Regardless, they would all be strong. Mercurial eyes turned toward the youngling that stood like a sentinel. “Allya.”

Typically, Srina would have remained, ever at the side of the Vicelord, but today she left it to his daughter. Instead, she found the dual-pod station reserved for herself and her fellow Exarch. Adron would be here soon. Until all of the designated parties arrived…They would wait.

[member="Antoine Rhys"] | [member="Chikako Liona"] | [member="Vyra Silara"] |

 

[Naedira Darcrath]

​

Viceroy Suite​

The auburn-haired Knight Obsidian found herself wrapped in a towel the shade of amethyst. Purple. Of course. The Confederacy really did love their patriotism. Especially, in the capital. Naedira ran a brush through her hair a few times while she watched her reflection in the mirror. The steam had caused the glass to fog over. It was eerie, for no reason, other than the dark turn her thoughts had taken.

She had heard rumors. Everyone had.

Naedira didn’t know what to think yet. Realistically, the perceived threat was a healthy distance away from their nearest outpost. Would it be better to wait and see? Watch the moves that their new foe made before jumping to hasty conclusions? The Vicelord always had a method to his madness, even if, she didn’t always see his train of thought right away. As a Knight, she had learned to trust in the system.

It had not failed this far.

@Vyra Silara, her beloved cousin, had arrived not long ago. The Knight had left her a brief holo to check in but they really hadn’t had a chance to catch up yet. The fact that the Queen of Relovian had been pulled from her throne, that Viceroyalty were arriving right and left, that the Ministers were suddenly missing, and that the Exarch’s schedules had both been cleared? Something was in motion.

Eventually, she picked up the spare toothbrush she kept and set to work, getting ready, but a sudden rush of warmth prepared her for the refresher door snapping open. As she’d just finished with her teeth she used the edge of the towel to make sure her face was clear. Her lips parted to ask what was wrong but his confident strides, his smirk, all played a familiar song that made a blush sweep up her neck. “Aiden—we can’t. You are going to be late…”

Her resistance was, truthfully, weak. It didn’t seem to matter how many times they’d indulged in one another that day. Nothing, short of a bomb going off, would stop her from reaching up to wrap her arms around his neck while her state of undress was quickly forgotten. There was always something endlessly comforting about being swept away in all that he was. The sensation was foreign, however, addictive. “—Very late.”

From the second he kissed her she was lost. Again.

---

​

Viceroyalty Chamber​

Sometime later found the pair headed toward the Chambers that had been set aside for the Viceroyalty. The Knight was dressed plainly in typical strike armor, however, the placement of her hand seemed to ruin some of the professional air she tried to keep. Aiden was good at that. Just a few of her fingers were wrapped around his. It wasn’t a tight grasp, nor overly intimate, but a basic connection that she had come to enjoy. With her free hand, she checked her datapad.

“There are still Viceroy on the way. You won’t have missed anything yet.”

That was comforting at least. The one thing she didn’t want to do, was to keep him from something important, because they’d lost track of time. Again. When they came upon the large portal the Knight Obsidian stopped moving. It wasn’t her place to follow him here, even though, she often worked with his protection in mind. Naedira rotated frequently between Exarch’s, Minister’s, and a few Viceroy—including her cousin. “I can wait here though there’s no estimate on how long you’ll be.”

She stepped back, releasing him, so that she could stand off to the side. People far more important than she was were pouring into the chamber ahead of them and she didn’t want to be in the way. Their grim faces, dotted with concern, gave her reason to pause. These types of meetings did not happen in this fashion. They were scheduled. The immediate summons?

Chestnut eyes lifted and landed on Aiden’s face, before, they found his gaze. His good mood, coupled with excitement, and another round of sinful delights told her what she had already guessed at.

War.

[member="Aiden"]

 

[Rashae]

Hours before the prescribed meeting Rashae's command ship and the rest of the medical fleet came into a 'parking' spot to hover near Geonosis. The Minister made sure she was the look of perfection before she would shuttle down to the Citadel and the subsequent viceroyalty conference chambers. She was in a an Ice blue pants suit that was flowing and yet clung to her curves. The material was silk and satin. Her hair was done up in a bun with a purposeful tendril that slightly curved along her neck. Blue diamonds glittering at her neck in a pendant and at the ears would finish the look.

She would be on time and enter into the chamber with purpose. What guards went with her would stay outside. As she entered in she would look around and incline her head towards the Exarch and politely to the other dignitaries in there. She did not really know most of them. Head held high the Minister of Science strode gracefully to her appointed chair. That is if she isn't stopped. The raven haired lady would stop and get herself a cup of coffee before sitting down. She took out a datapad to go over reports of various sorts including her own projects. She waited on Darth Metus to make an appearance to get this show on the road. The woman had a lot of work to do.

Once in a while she would turn in the chair and observe the others in between responding and reading reports. She heard of several of these people but this is likely the first time seeing most of them. The expression on the Minister of Science was one of ice. Cool, calm and stoic.


[member="Darth Metus"]

 

[Adron Malvern]

“With these hands I will bring forth a great cry that will be felt throughout the entire galaxy.” –Darth Malphas​

Location: The Citadel
Tags: [member="Darth Metus"] [member="Allya Vi'Dreya"] [member="Srina Talon"] [member="Rashae"] @Aiden @Chikako Liona

It had come time for Adron Malvern to make good on the promise he made his Master well over a year ago. Darth Metus had completed Adron’s training, forging him into a powerful wielder of the Dark Side of the Force. It had been so long ago when the shell that was Adron Malvern was burned away. In its place Darth Malphas rose, embracing his title and station beside Darth Metus. He had not become a Sith Lord just to bask in his own power. He became a Sith Lord for one true reason, to destroy those Sith who believed themselves greater than they truly were. He intended for his rage and power to be unleashed upon The Sith Empire, but a new target had shown its head in the past few months. The Jen’ari Empire, a bastardized version of true evil. They held little in the terms of power, only a glimmer of the strength held by The Confederacy. However, their existence was a threat that could not be allowed to grow. So The Confederacy would do destroy them.

Making his way through the halls of The Citadel, Adron was adorned in one of his infamous suits. It was a deep shade of Navy with an off-white tie that did not quite blend into his white shirt. He had contemplated wearing his armor. Crimson Dread, a set of armor that was forged from the Dark Side and served as an amplifier to his own powers. While the thought crossed his mind he knew that it was not truly an option. Crimson Dread was a difficult device to use in the rush of combat. It required the user to provide sacrifices of blood and pain or else it would bring down a great pain that was not easily forgotten. Running his chest softly, Adron recalled the last time he was unable to meet the requirements of his hellish armor. Even now he could feel that icy void that sat in the pit of his being. Crimson Dread was not something to be worn for appearance, it was a weapon and if the user was not careful they would draw it’s blade upon themselves.

Entering the main hall, Adron’s crystal blue eyes took in the sight to behold. The Viceroy’s were required to gather in person. Unless grievous emergency prevented it, there was no reason not to attend this meeting. Failure to do so could lead to the Knight’s Obsidian making a very unpleasant house call. Adron moved along the rear path that led to the podium. From here he could see his Master and his offspring. The young girl had been taking an active role in The Confederacy, no doubt hoping to elevate herself to her father’s eyes.

Keep flying little bird, those are large shoes to fill. Adron mused, before his eyes fell over an all too familiar form. He had not seen Srina Talon in a few weeks, which for them was a rather long time considering how closely they worked together. His silk words fell over her, yet it would be barely more than a whisper. “I look forward to fighting in another war with you. Although this time we’ll be standing together, not against each other.” He allowed a brief smile to cross his expression before taking a seat beside his partner. He glanced over to the small pitcher of water that sat between them. He gave it a shallow gaze before biting the inside of his lip softly. He should start requesting Whiskey in their pod? Certainly would make these events go by faster.

“It’s been a long time since my blade felt a challenge. Actually, it was you.” The Exarch said, turning a rather amused smile over to his counter-part. It was true. Aside from his Master’s training sessions, Adron had not been challenged by a single warrior since his days In the Galactic Empire. He eyed the woman who had come closest to taking his life and all he could do was offer a small smile. The galaxy was certainly an odd place.

 

[Kip Ridel]

Tropical pressure upon a stationary front
A subtle vibration of a silken web
Dissonance dissolving into harmony
The predictability of accelerating mass

Electric dreams are raw data given form​

Standard politics, chief among all transactions, involves intricate research into a party's personal interests. But effective politics requires a drastic level of empathy that supersedes trivial and material matters. Such empathy requires a personal understanding not of the party's wants or motives, but of the very driving factors that constitute their being - their raison d'être. Knowing an opponent's is hand useful. But knowing how a person is inclined to play each set of their hands is critical to making them bluff or fold in the preferable way. Chief among both of these techniques is the awareness and aptitude of a party to acquire such knowledge and to play to those whims accordingly.

It was one woman, over a decade prior, who had played such a game and who revealed the true Kip Ridel to his core. Her game was simple and she had lured Kip to play. She dared his defenses and his advances. And while Kip had artfully maneuvered her tactics, this particular woman had a different goal: lose the game, study the player. With each loss, she studied more. With each temptation, she dared him to play another game. Until finally, even the most seemingly unpredictable moves were planned far in advance. She had found Kip Ridel at his core and in one final game, she dared out one final bluff and took everything.

The crushing defeat had defined Kip, going forward. It exposed him to an aspect of himself that he was aware of, but hadn't quite put into words. It allowed Kip to discover his own raison d'être - to serve no individual interest other than the interest of the system itself. To favor no player, but instead to favor the integrity of the game.

For Kip Ridel, there was no starker test of his modus operandi than war itself. Peace was easy. Negotiations were easy. But war...war was the antithesis of the game. It was the clash of philosophical interests in the scale of survival, where rules faded into guidelines to be employed at the convenience of those with the greatest strength. It was the machine fueled by the blood of the weak for the will of the strong.

The Confederacy of Independent Systems offered Kip a level of power and prestige much greater than he had ever hoped to seek. For it was not power or prestige on its own that he ever sought. Rather, they were a means to an end. An effective status allowed Kip to play a balancing role in the game. To make promises of greatness to those who sought a grander place. To make calculated threats to those who sought to take from those who had less of a voice. For it is only the equal participation of all that the system flourishes.

To the untrained eye, Kip's loyalty to the Confederacy was a characteristic trait of a man rife with vanity. But in truth, the Confederacy's antagonistic view on slavery and its acceptance of many schools of thought regarding the force resonated with the Minister of Influence. There was never a doubt in his mind that the role that he had taken was anything but the right one for him. But there was always the looming spectre of war on a level in which Kip had seen, but never participated.

These thoughts bore on the mind of the charming man as his lanky but well-dressed form made its way into The Citadel. To his fellow diplomats, whom were on their way toward the main hall, the young human offered a spectacularly genuine smile and a wave. To others, whom he had grown somewhat more familiar, he exchanged the occasional innuendo and a hearty laugh. But the texture of crimson lips touched the upper corner of his ears like a ghost, always reminding him of the game he had lost and the man who had emerged since. The memory of her voice taunted him in lusty wisps, seeping into his skin like a chill while burning his soul to an ashen core.

"What man will you be when the game you serve seeks to destroy?" she whispered. "War is an all-consuming fire, destroying indiscriminately the splendor that is built. Whom, then, shall you serve when everything you've sought to sustain is burning?"

As Kip made his way into the main hall, he observed the Vicelord. Kip had no force sensitivity, but the raw power that [member="Darth Metus"] exuded went far beyond such metaphysical ties. The man was a presence, and one Kip Ridel had quickly come to respect. And burning in his eyes was the fire of idealism that garnered such power.

But what will be the price of idealism?

Whom do you serve?​

 

[Artemys Hunter]

Artemys was never the first to arrive. Nor was he ever the last. He'd made sure that during conferences such as this that no one paid attention to him until he wanted it. And until he was sure just what the Representatives would swing towards, he'd keep to himself. Out of the minds of those who didn't care enough to notice.

For this occasion, he dressed accordingly, nothing too fancy, nor anything lowly. Not that he ever dressed lowly. The man wasn't going to let the galaxy picture one of the few human representatives of Kamino be seen as anything but exquisite. But that wasn't the matter at hand. Something urgent was at hand, especially if they'd called all those in this room here. Whatever they were to do was going to affect the entirety of the Confederacy and if it was as big as Artemys thought then it was going to be marked down in history.

He just hoped it'd be in the favor of the Confederacy. Which in turn meant him and Kamino.

 

[Koda Fett]

​

​

GEONOSIS​

GOLBAH CITY​

THE CITADEL​

​

The Minister of Commerce may have outrightly avoided particular planets, but the Mandalorian-- least a poor approximation of one --wholly confronted the one he despised above all else, holding such contempt for the sand-coated sphere that resided in the galaxy's southern-systems. Fett, or perhaps who he used to be, had only ever been twice before but it tainted his memory and entirely skewed his limited perception. He could recollect in momentary flashes that thrust forth nothing more than flickering lights, dark caverns, futile screams, metallic marching and insidious chittering. But, sometimes you had to let the past die, and those memories belonged to that of a dead man.

He mostly existed beneath a suit of armour, both now and before, and nothing had changed in the time since. Always staring through a visor, and being nothing more than a poor guest. But, they hadn't really come to exchange niceties unless 'niceties' were another term for 'murderous requests'. Which, oddly enough, they weren't. Fett had remained rather still; resembling a droid in his movements-- or lack thereof --and leaving his meal entirely untouched, listening. The Bounty Hunter had always been in high demand, and the recently founded Non-Aggression Pact between the Confederacy of Independent Systems and Sith Empire enabled an easier connection between the two-- the Sith, of course, nearly owned Koda.

Fett averted his gaze momentarily, and peered his helmeted head towards Khonsu. Fett and Amon hadn't entirely been familiar with one another for their ties began and ended during their employment with the Sith Empire. It might've been blatant curiosity that had done so, but it hardly mattered as he then looked back to Alessandra. "No." He dryly responded. "But, I get right of first refusal for all jobs. And I negotiate my rates every time." Fett furthered, speaking rather assertively. He had come to find he was able to make such demands, but things didn't always go the way he intended.

[member="Alessandra Creed"] - [member="Khonsu Amon"]

 

[Cameron Centurion]

Aiden legitimately had no thoughts towards anyone or anything outside of the woman at his side and the impending conquest on the horizon. Thoughts of his blade slicing into a target of opportunity, visceral feel radiating into his muscles, had dominated most of his silent thoughts since he'd departed the residence en route to the Viceroyalty Chambers. However, there was simultaneously the consistent distraction from the woman at his side. Where the Sith Lord had thought perhaps the reality of impending war would redirect his emotional confusion, Aiden had found mostly failure. Then again, from the comforting appearance of the pair walking hand-in-hand, Aiden's self-imposed mental conflict probably was not clear to the casual observer.

As they arrived to the entrance to the cavernous room that Aiden had visited multiple times now, the Viceroy felt the Knight stop and gently pull away from him. In response, the large Sith also stopped momentarily, turning a confused expression in the woman's direction. "You are presently on assignment as the Chief Magistrate of the Stewjon System. You're coming." A thin smile adorned Aiden's lips as his statement subsided and he gave a gentle tug on [member="Naedira Darcrath"]'s hand.

While Aiden didn't aggressively yank the woman's arm out of the socket, he did use just enough force to clearly indicate there wasn't actually a choice in the matter. Turning his face back into the direction of the room, he just barely managed to avert his gaze before the truth of his emotions showed on his face. Aiden, quite simply, did not wish to part from her presence at all.

As the pair entered the large chamber, Aiden's silver-green eyes swept the room to note the presence of [member="Darth Metus"], [member="Adron Malvern"], [member="Srina Talon"], [member="Rashae"] and a...random child ([member="Allya Vi'Dreya"]) at the head of the room. A curious brow arched as the dark-skinned Viceroy realized that the child appeared to be standing sentry beside the Vicelord. A soft chuckle escaped Aiden's lips as he shook his head and redirected his gaze towards his own personal booth.

Will wonders never cease...

Arriving at the booth for the Stewjon system, Aiden was suddenly reminded about the fact he'd insisted on simply one seat prior to his first regularly scheduled meeting of the Viceroyalty. Stopping for a brief moment, Aiden turned to Naedira with a characteristically mischievous expression. No words left the Viceroy's lips as he shrugged innocently and took a seat. Without releasing the woman's hand, he gently pulled the Executor into his lap.

For sure it would have been awkward to see anyone do such in the Viceroyalty Chamber. Given Aiden's usual half-dressed state, it probably looked even more...savage.

In the end. He didn't fething care what anyone else thought, and his actions were not about displaying possession. The Viceroy of Stewjon simply did what he pleased, when he pleased, and at present...Naedira Darcrath was the most pleasing thing in his life. They were lucky he had showed at all. No loquacious oration was needed to convince him to vote in support of war.

 

[Zark San Tekka]

Pyramidion​

The Void Forge​

Zhar Territories​

​

​

The Vicelord's summons came while Archim Calixis, Lord of the Mechanicum and duly appointed representative of the Zhar system and its outlying interests, was offworld.

It mattered not. Although his physical shell resided within an ostentatious command throne at the Void Forge's summit, with a view of one of the Confederacy's largest orbital facilities outside of Geonosis below, his mind was elsewhere. Forty eight percent of his consciousness was currently engaged in closed door deliberations with the legislature of Gall, his system's most populous moon and home to Zhar's largest organic constituency.

Thirty percent was locked away in a lab deep within the same facility as his body, assisting a team of enginseers in making the final adjustments on their latest super battle droid prototype.

Sixteen percent was overseeing regulatory inspections across all the Manufactorum orbital factories circling the system's eponymous gas giant.

Five percent was listening to a sampling of classical overtures from greatest Bothan composers in the past millennium all at once, and evaluating their stylistic differences.

And the remaining one percent was handling just about everything else. Dozens of mundane tasks which required very little cognitive power to oversee at all, as well as monitoring frequencies throughout Confederate space for just such an announcement.

When the summons came, his voice was emitted through the vocabulators of several Servitor probe droids at once. The Gall legislature was dismissed for a short recess. So too were his team of enginseers, in a manner of speaking. They would wait patiently for whatever interruption had drawn his consciousness elsewhere to conclude. The inspections and his artistic critique would continue for now, but seventy eight percent of his brain power was recalled, repackaged, and tightbeamed across a relay of subspace buoys Mechanicum science cruisers had seeded all the way from Zhar to the orbit of Geonosis.

In the darkened offices that had been provided for his title within the Citadel, another Servitor lit up, awakened from its low power setting by the coming of his spirit. Holoprojectors covering the unit's chassis illuminated a nearly photorealistic duplication of the cyborg politician's form. From a cognitive buffer on board a satellite in orbit, he commanded the probe droid to set a course for the Viceroyalty Chamber. As it hovered out of the office, the Viceroy's lifelike facsimile seemed to levitate about a meter off the floor, floating through the halls like some sort of robotic specter.

Archim began to evaluate the probabilities of the reason for an emergency gathering such as this one.

[member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Adron Malvern"]​

 

[Naedira Darcrath]

​

Viceroyalty Chamber​

Naedira’s soft lips stretched into a smile that just barely touched her eyes. It wasn’t a partial manifestation, or a lapse in etiquette, but something unintended and incredibly lifelike. It was genuine. The honesty in his confused expression had pulled it from her as easily as light fell from the sun. His hand found her own again and his words caused her to glance down, finding it difficult, to remain within the confines of her obligations. How could she refuse when he seemed so sure of himself?

“As you wish, Viceroy.”

Her fingers curled around his again, against her better judgment, but she let the Sith Lord pull her along. He’d been alive eight centuries, and beyond that, was actually a Prince. It was no small wonder he often got what he wanted. The poised woman eventually joined his pace and found herself walking beside him once more. Naedira felt her eyes visit the floor once they passed the threshold. The Knights had a place, and a time, but rarely did they see the inside of the Viceroyalty Chambers unless something was terribly wrong.

She deeply didn’t want to draw attention to the fact that she wasn’t supposed to be here. The Dominus would be very disappointed if she ran into trouble with the Vicelord and his Exarch’s because she hadn’t retained the capacity to refuse a warrior made politician. It was due to her lowered gaze that she initially missed the youngling standing with [member="Darth Metus"]. Chestnut eyes flickered up, eventually, but she couldn’t help feeling a little out of place. The Obsidian Strike Armor was definitely not the appropriate attire for this venue.

Naedira let Aiden lead the way. All of the Viceroy should know where to go, where to sit, and how to get there. When she realized that the Stewjon pod only had room for one the Knight had already resigned herself to standing as a sentry. It was what was most familiar to her, after all, and it would make sense given the circumstances. The auburn-haired female had mistakenly expected that the Sith Lord would let her go once seated. The smirk that he gave her told a different story. Innocent? Aiden? No, never.

“Aiden—“, the informal use of his name in a public setting, even hushed, should have warned him away from what he was planning on doing next. Should have.

It didn’t.

Naedira had to bite back a small noise when she was tugged forward to sit in the lap of the Viceroy of Stewjon. Her cheeks burned, instantly, but her jaw set tight while her body momentarily stiffened. This was not the same as holding hands in the hall. Not, at all. For a long moment, it would seem as if she had forgotten to breathe. Ever so slowly, she regained her faculties, and the iron will that served her among her fellow Knights reared its stubborn head.

She decided that if she was to suffer the eyes of the leaders of their nation she would at least do it comfortably. Naedira shook her head slowly, before squirming a little, so she could lean back against her new chair. Her head tilted and she raised her lips to his ear. A joyless whisper would greet him, full of dark promises, and perfect intent.

“You’ll pay for this.”

It was the only words she uttered before turning her attention back on the Vicelord, who would likely, soon call the meeting to order. Her expression was growing somber, quieting, as she listening to the rumbling sound of hundreds of voices speaking at the same time. Everyone wanted to know, for sure, the reason they had been summoned.

[member="Aiden"] would find, despite her threat, that their fingers remained twined together.

 

[Zeke Tune]

Entering into the hall, Flelix Dentorian came in, a bit out of breath. It had been the middle of the night, but, one didn't dismiss a summons from the Vicelord, regardless of the cost. The heavy set man was dressed well, but not overly so, in a nice suit. At his side, moving like his ever present shadow was Zeke Tune, his administrative assistant, and bodyguard. Zeke had a good gig here, he practically ran Melida/Daan now, could silently make dissenters disappear, and still had time for his artistic outlet. As such, there was no way he would miss this meeting.

While Flelix was the mask, it was Zeke's voice they heard. He preferred it this way. All of the power, none of the trouble. Helping Lord Dentorian sit down, and giving him a drink, Zeke's eyes went onto the Vicelord. Truly a spectacle to behold. A smaller armored figure was behind him, standing guard. Interesting. He had heard of the children of the Vicelord, but, to think one of them would be here. He would have to keep his eye on this one.

As Flelix settles into his seat deeper, Zeke moves behind and to the side of him. Eyes narrow, and his fingers stroke his own cheek. War created a million variables, and tensions. Oh, how he wanted to see the deaths caused by this, to pain the screams, and the bodies, the torment of the survivors. This was exactly what he was needing for his art. Something on a much grander scale than he could ever orchestrate himself. It brought a smile to the artist's face.

 

[Ria Misrani]

Monastery​

---

---

---

​

---

Temple Construction Site​

Outpost Watts​

Tellu watched as the stones were lifted into place, they had been brought here from a local quarry on the other side of Vitalii. The overcast skies were nothing new to the Echani and in fact these days she almost welcomed them. Almost, the sun filled days of the Sanctuary on Monastery were past her. Nora and Nylea were frequent vistors keeping her appraised of the Lotus's status. While she kept busy with the Temple, and the new city of the Jedi.

The name of the city had yet to be chosen but construction there was well underway.

A cool wind cut through her robes as she leaned against her staff. Snow kicked up around her leggings but by now the cold did not bother her. Rather she took a step forward toward the entrance of the temple as teams brought in donated material from throughout the Confederacy. A plea to the Jedi Academy Network would be made soon enough. It would call for donations from any light side existing organization or those who consider themselves Jedi. In addition, an invitation to be part of the upcoming conclave she had planned. The conclave would allow for the many Jedi organizations to meet with one another and appoint a representative to a new council. This council would be more of an advising role than an active one, with no ties to any one government.

Tellu entered the main foyer where a statue of Ahsoka Tano watched over them all. Stairs on either side of the statue led up to the second floor where meditation and training rooms awaited new and old members of any Jedi order. It was as she stood there admiring the work that a runner approached her. A local from the near by town, "call for you."

"They can leave a message."

"It's from the Confederacy, an urgent call of the Viceroys."

"Send it to my chambers." She instructed the runner and proceeded to make haste for the small outpost. There she would enter one of the prefabricated buildings where trappings of Eshan clung to the walls along with mementos of her wife and daughter. Quietly she booted up the computer and waited, dialing into a secure channel where she would be able to present for the meeting. At least via holo, her form would appear grainy with a blue hue. It had some static to it, although that couldn't be helped. Tellu did wonder what exactly brought this level of emergency that all the Viceroys were needed. Normally, she skipped out on Viceroy meetings, but alas here she was.

[member="Darth Metus"] | [member="Srina Talon"] | [member="Adron Malvern"]

 

[Malok]

Despite the risk, we must strike.

These were the last thoughts shared between Master and Apprentice prior to the Summons. Ferried by their ethereal bond, the decision on whether to initiate war was one first discussed at length within the Vicelord’s close knit cabinet. Though he was the guiding hand of Darth Omnia [[member="Srina Talon"]] and Darth Malphas [[member="Adron Malvern"]], there were moments where their insight was just as valuable as any lesson he had to offer them. In the end, their insight ultimately lined up with what the Sith Lord had determined. They could not sit on their hands while another Empire rose in the North. There would always be risk. There would always be casualties. But what was the greater cost - a drop of blood now or a domestic massacre later?

As he sat within his podium, these ruminations orbited the Sith’s mind. Though his sulfuric gaze was transfixed upon those entering the Chambers, he was keenly aware of those who were closest in proximity. He felt the perpetual presence of his daughter, @Allya Vi’dreya at his side. Her pride and strength were much akin to a fire radiating at his flank - a source of warmth to keep him focused despite the wintry realities biting at their heels. And soon, he was joined by his proteges. The alabaster Exarch brushed her fingertips upon his hand in passing, a greeting that meant more to their pair than their weight in credits, before taking her place at his side. And the former Imperial was not too far behind, making small talk with his peer as he arrived.

Though the Vicelord shared no words of greeting, he acknowledged them both with a nod. His gaze, briefly, abandoned the physical occupants who entered in favor of a nearby console. The device displayed the various connections being made across the airwaves - and as expected the majority of those in attendance would be via the HoloNet. Already he could see Zhar [[member="Archim Calixis"]], Monastery [[member="Tellu Talon"]], and many others establishing stable connections abroad. There were more than enough present to begin the proceedings; the rest would be able to view the introduction via the playback at any time. His gaze shifted, settling back upon those physically present.

And by now, quiet discourse had begun to take root within the Chamber. Hushed whispers inquiring the nature of the proceedings. Assumptions. Idle chatter. There were few who did not partake - such as the stoic [member="Aiden"] and his Obsidian partner. But, as the Vicelord took one last look about the room, his eyes found [member="Vyra Silara"]. Their budding friendship seemed to always be riddled with the holes of duty and strife. Yet, her expression said it all. Whether it was over tea or on the field of battle, he knew that he would always have her support. And her, his. The challenge was earning that same support from the rest of her colleagues. Would they see this cause as just? Would they rally behind his call?

The discourse came to an end as ascension gripped the Vicelord. He took two purposeful strides forward before placing his hands at either side of the podium. Droids busied themselves as he took his place, eagerly forwarding every shred of information amassed by Dianah’s investigations. Thus, before he began, each Exarch, Minster, and Viceroy had the means to make the most informed decision. Behind him, a holoprojector hummed to life, displaying a map of the known Galaxy. Indicated in crimson were the fruits of his daughter’s investigation: the known territory of the Jen’ari Empire. And with its presentation did Darth Metus address his people.

”We will not allow another Empire to live.”​

”For we know what fruit they will bring to the Galaxy - and to our children. They bring Strife. They bring Oppression. They bring all that is Anathema to the Confederacy that we have built. They bring Destruction to our homes and Ash to our lungs.”

”This day, we have an opportunity to rid ourselves of this vermin before their affliction spreads any further. One of our own, Viceroy Vi’dreya of Krant, undertook a personal investigation into their lands. She infiltrated their holdings and confirmed what I assert to you all today: this so-called Jen’ari Empire will feast on the carcass of our departed ally. If we do not stop them, they will bloat themselves on the untold trillions still bereft falling the Alliance’s fall.”

”And when they have had their fill, they - like the killers of our ally - will attempt to sink their fangs into a fresh kill. They will attempt to do to us what was done to our fallen ally. We must preserve our people, our freedom, and our way by taking the Fight to them in their infancy. Thus I have summoned you all here, esteemed voices of the Confederacy. Tonight, we must make the decision as one nation how we will address this threat.”

”Tonight...I hereby request that the Viceroyalty join me in an official declaration of war against the Jen’ari Empire. What say you one, what say you all?”​

And thus, the floor was opened.​

Spoiler: Tag

[member="Vyra Silara"] | [member=”Allya Vi’Dreya”], [member="Chikako Liona"], [member="Srina Talon"], [member="Alessandra Creed"], [member="Adron Malvern"], [member="Khonsu Amon"], [member="Koda Fett"], [member="Aiden"], [member="Antoine Rhys"], [member="Rashae"], [member="Kip Ridel"], [member="Artemys Hunter"], [member="Archim Calixis"], [member="Tellu Talon"], [member="Zeke Tune"]​