It was originally called Notron you know...

[Darth Timoris]

Coruscant was chosen as it was neutral. At least for the Sisterhood it was. It was One Sith territory and the three assembled were clearly Dark-siders but their role as Sisters was less public. So it seemed sensible and prudent to meet [member="Moira Skaldi"] here.

If they liked what she had to say, they could reveal their true intentions. If not, it would seem the Sith simply chose not to do business.

So Melori sat with her Master, [member="Darth Venefica"] and her fellow sister [member="Seras Goto"] in an upmarket establishment near the Galactic Museum. A place where they cleaned the bar even when it wasn't dirty.

Melori cradled a bottle of her favourite microbrewery beer and took a deep draught and reflected the last time she was here, she learned to read Ancient Sith. And danced on the tables. And possibly removed some of her clothes.

But that was ages ago and it wasn't as if she was easily recognisable. But regardless, she wore her hood up and sat low in her chair. They were waiting for the woman she'd met at the tournament that she'd competed in when the Sith dominated some planet of another. Mayferria perhaps? They blurred into one sometimes. The woman was a VIP guest and had introduced herself. Melori figured the Covenant might find use for her wares and so set up the meeting. Why she picked this bar, however, she had no idea!

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Darth Timoris"], [member="Seras Goto"]


Moira Skaldi - or rather Nalia Alderana, as she was officially known and as how she had been introduced - , remembered Coruscant well from another time. Back in the early days of the Republic - well, the latest incarnation of a long series of 'new Republics! -, more than a decade ago. The Republic had gone boldly to reclaim its position as a galactic superpower, embarking on a campaign of manifest destiny. The Moira of those days had been a Republic agent, specialising in wet works and dirty tricks. Par for the course for a former terrorist.


Then she had died. In her place stood another woman, who wore her face and possessed all her memories, but who was not human - or even strictly speaking a woman. Rather a facsimile, a simulacrum of life, freed from the mortal coil. The Metal Princess had been unaware of her true nature until she discovered the truth on Gehenna, in service of another empire. Now the One Sith had planted their flag upon the galactic capital, having beaten all who challenged their claim. Evidently they were here to stay. Moira was indifferent, though she felt some dispassionate amusement about the Republic being driven to the brink of collapse. More to the point, she prided herself on being good at exploiting opportunities.


Her infiltration protocols were fine-tuned for this meeting. If it was successful, it could be an important step for Archangel. The exoskeleton she wore beneath the pictureperfect organic exterior was her new phrik body. Trust was good, control was better. She did not expect betrayal and had successfully made business and worked with Sith in the past, but if things went awry it was best to be prepared.


Officially she was meeting with a high-ranking leader of the One Sith, a [member="Darth Venefica"], and two of her acolytes, one of whom she had gotten to know during a tournament. Privately Moira suspected that the ladies' ambitions extended beyond the One Sith. There had been some rumours of divisions and of new cults rising. Perhaps they wanted to make an independent power play, outside of the control of the unseen, supposedly omnipotent Dark Lord. However, that was not something to concern herself with.


Her boots made little noise upon the elegant carpet when she entered the upmarket bar, a fancy place where even the waiters were dressed in fine livery and where fine dishes were served. Her steps were precise and methodical when she made her way to where the Sith Ladies were seated, being guided by a waiter. It had been arranged in advance that no other guests would be seated close to them. Discretion was quite important in this line of business.

 

[Via Dolorosa]

With her back pressed up against her chair, she looked around the bar at the different faces that apparently haunted this establishment on a daily basis. She, personally, had never been here. Coruscant was undoubtedly her least favourite planet in the galaxy; next to Hoth and Csillia. It seemed to be a tradition with her on this planet that whenever she came here either trouble brewed or some low-life thug tried to rob her. Like a plague, she did her damnedest to avoid Coruscant but here she was sitting in a bar feeling like a bad punchline to a terrible joke. But she understood the reasoning for being here and let her negativity feelings of the planet subside. ​

​

After her Apprentice's drink arrived and the young Sith Knight pulled hard on it, she toyed with the idea of indulging herself with a low variety alcohol infused beverage. Then she thought better of it, this was Coruscant and she would need her wits about her. A rumour once floated around the underbelly that a certain crime lord's son had put a substantial bounty on her head after she was forced to cut-off negotiations with the crime lord; which ended in his death. She held no remorse then and she held no remorse now for killing the man. He was scum and his death was a necessity. Still, family was thicker than water.​

​

A lone female escorted by one the establishment's employees was moving toward their table. With no other patrons around, an agreement that suited all parties involved, meant this was indeed the contact they were waiting for. Alot was riding on this meeting, more so for the Covenant of the Black Rose than the approaching woman. Darth Venefica gave her best smile, a gesture she usually reserved for more sinister times, and meant it. Despite her reputation, she was no fool. She knew how to play 'nice' when the situation called for it.​

​

"Welcome to hell," she said to the woman when she was in earshot. ​

​

​

[member="Darth Timoris"] l [member="Moira Skaldi"] l [member="Seras Goto"]​

 

[Seras Goto]

[member="Darth Venefica"] [member="Darth Timoris"] [member="Moira Skaldi"]

Seras had been surprised when she was given the message, mostly as getting out of the lab wasn't something the Garhoon did. Much preferring discretion and that she was not visible to others. Her mechanical breathing coming out while she sat at the table letting shadows play with her face to obscure the pale skin and burns before she tapped lightly the fingers on the table. Not turning her head while the soft curls remained seeing Timoris and Venefica who had shown up from wherever, the sisterhood working in different ways as her chrono chimed. The holo in her palm displaying the scenes from the prison ship they had buried in the cradle between the temple and palace. As the woman was coming into meet them though she perked up shifting as her eyes roved over her, taking in the details until she was near enough to Venefica to hear. For now Seras was watching and letting her shawl rest around her shoulder stopping her fingers from tapping to see what came of it.

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Darth Venefica"], [member="Seras Goto"], [member="Darth Timoris"]


Moira gave the Sith Lady a respectful nod and a smile. One that did not reach her eyes, but then it never did. She could play 'nice' when necessary. Despite secretly being a sociopathic assassin droid. "Thank you," she spoke very dryly. Moira's idea of hell was probably a galaxy of fluffy happiness and eternal peace where all organics lived in harmony. Verily, that would be a terrible place to live in. "It is a pleasure to meet you, Lady Venefica. I made the acquaintance of your acolyte at a tounament. Her skill impressed me," she briefly glanced over towards Timoris before. The third lady in the Sith group briefly caught her eye. Quick scan surmised she was probably a Garhoon. An interesting species. She took a seat, crossing one long leg over the other. A finely dressed minion and asked for orders, so she ordered a fancy sounding, alcoholic beverage. Conveniently her line of HRD could eat and drink, though she obviously gained no nutritional value or enjoyment from it. Nor could she get drunk!


"My name is Nalia Alderana." This was the name she would have been introduced under at the tournament. "I represent a company called Archangel. Based on my conversation with Lady Timoris, I believe we possess products that would interest you. We offer a wide range of military droid hardware, ranging from heavy battle droids to automated tanks and planetary turbolasers," she passed a datapad over that outlined most of their products. Their official ones at any rate. See, much like the secret Sisterhood, Moira had an interest in zombies! "Likewise formerly OP-exclusive anti-forcer-user weapons such as the vaunted bolters."


Most importantly, our premiere product are Humanoid Replica Droids. Assassin droids designed to blend in amongst organics, infiltrate them and for combat. Our technology can create near-perfect replicas of humans and a variety of alien species, tailored to the client's specifications. They possess superior strength, are durable and will obey any order given, but unlike standard battle droids can think creatively and act independently. We can even create an exact duplicate of an existing humanoid being via a brain scan." For now she left out the part that Archangel had the technology to turn organics into death machines. She would get to that next after seeing the Lady's reaction.

 

[Darth Timoris]

Melori sat and listened. She sought out Venefica when her first Master fled to the Jedi and chose carefully. She had all the skills she needed to be a duellist - and perhaps even an assassin - but she lacked a career path. Yes, she could progress to Lord, but then what?

So she sat and contemplated what options were available to her - and at the time a Voice of the Sith sounded important...influential. So she selected Venefica not for her Force skill-set - although her teachings of mental powers had been invaluable - but her political acumen. Named a co-Voice when she was Knighted, she was learning about power, its use and abuse and how to win the big picture as opposed to the single duel.

So today was to be another lesson to her. So being ejected for having performed a strip-tease the last time she was here was not going to help. So she remained quiet and listened to what was being said - and as importantly what wasn't being said.

[member="Moira Skaldi"] | [member="Seras Goto"] | [member="Darth Venefica"]

 

[Via Dolorosa]

Taking the offered datapad, Darth Venefica scanned through the text putting to memory the various designs that were displayed; and the costs for each. If a business agreement between both parties could be reached, it would take the strain off her own minor company; allowing her company's engineers to pursue other adventures. She, in turn, handed the datapad to her Apprentice, [member="Darth Timoris"], to gauge for herself what she thought of the products; who in turn would hand it over to [member="Seras Goto"] so she can chime in with her opinion.​

​

"You mentioned creating duplicates and replicas."​

​

"What about cloning? Is that something your company can do," Darth Venefica asked.​

​

Cloning organics was an art she had briefly explored in the past. Unfortunately, it was beyond her capabilities and still to this day; it was something she personally pursued in the shadows. If this company, Archangel, did not have the means to clone then perhaps they knew a company that did. The Sisterhood was in possession of a rare and deadly plant. The plant was in abundance for now, but like all living entities the threat of extinction was a real case scenario; especially when research and development was involved.​

​

​

[member="Moira Skaldi"]​

 

[Seras Goto]

[member="Darth Venefica"] [member="Darth Timoris"] [member="Moira Skaldi"]

Seras waited for the datapad while her eyes never left the woman first, then she flicked through it like someone who knew how to read repors and do it well. Doctors at desks after all and she spoke. "Their defensive options are... small. For engaging something coming at you it is fine but given the scope of the facilities we use, I do not know if we would have a use and we do not have the numbers to operate fleets as yet." She said it more mechanical and flicked her eyes back up while looking at the woman and she tried to sense something, a weak skill but her senses were a little higher. She didn't know if she would be able to tell the perfume if it was there but body changes like the blood increasing was something to listen for.... "Though bolters can be nasty from personal experience." Her voice had dropped to a mechanical hiss while remaining there.

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Darth Venefica"], [member="Darth Timoris"], [member="Seras Goto"]


There was not much to sense inside Moira, who remained calm as ever. Moira/Nalia gave the Sith Lady a nod. A waiter came with her drink and she accepted it, taking a sip. Conveniently HRDs could do that. "Yes, Lady. Cloning is not our primary service, but we have extensive cloning capacities and have successfully cloned sentient life forms in the past via Spaarti cloning tubes. It makes creating our HRDs easier in a number of ways."


As a matter of fact, the company had recently created two successful Force Clones, though they were still untrained. A third was in the pipeline, though this one would be a gift for an ancient Sith Lord who was a business partner of the corporation, in return for certain services. "So if there are life forms you need cloned, we can accommodate you. Our scientist staff is very professional and experienced. Do you have something specific in mind?" Presumably cloning rare and deadly plants would thus be perfectly achievable.


"As for defensive options, our turbolaser cannon can defend against capital ships and droid programming keeps organic maintenance down to a minimum, freeing them for other tasks. HRDs are an excellent security against infiltrators," she spoke, though her tone remained calm throughout. "I'd like to mention that we can also supply phrik due to a mine we maintain on Seltos." Once it had been jointly maintained with Saelari Mining, but Aurelia Saelari had been 'sadly' lost during the Netherworld event. In the light of the fact that the rest of the Saelari clan was wholly lacking in ability, Archangel had assumed direct control.

 

[Darth Timoris]

Melori looked at the datapad intently. In truth she had no idea what she was looking for - or at even. Pictures and statistics. She was simple in her approach. She eschewed alchemy and technology. In her eyes, she had a finite time to learn and practice and spent it primarily on combat techniques and latterly on politics and seeing the bigger picture. Strategy for want of a better word.

So she passed the datapad on and hoped she didn't have to comment. But if she did, she was smart enough to listen and discern what was being said. She could paraphrase well enough to sound convincing in a table conversation like this.

Cloning sounded more interesting than just droids - but Melori speculated it was an expensive process and was unsure of the benefits. Surely variation was strength? Evolution taught that. So she took another sip of her drink and allowed the conversation to flow. If the subject turned to current rock bands fronted by female vocalists, she'd be in like a shot.

[member="Moira Skaldi"] | [member="Seras Goto"] | [member="Darth Venefica"]

 

[Via Dolorosa]

The left index finger of her left hand began to tap against her lips while her black and red flecked eyes moved around the table; gauging what the other Sisters where thinking. Seras was more in tune with the inner workings of ships. Her Apprentice was unseasonably quiet, perhaps she had history with this place. As for herself, she liked the prospect of cloning not just plants but lifeforms. The lone dancing finger halted.​

​

"Assuming we are in the market to clone lifeforms....such as specially trained soldiers," smiling as she was speaking, "Would they retain their knowledge or do they need to be retrained. Disregard that question....is it possible to clone Force based lifeforms...to build a special fighting unit?"​

​

Once again she looked at the others. They already possessed a special unit, but they were not clones. That old-age argument surfaced to the forefront of her mind. Are clones people or are they just copies to be used and discarded as one saw fit? Darth Venefica had seen enough war, and the greatest drawback for any military was providing enough bodies to fight. Clones was an easy answer. Force based clones made into a battle unit, well, that was golden.​

​

"We will get back to that topic....for now....I'm interested in your warships. Seras....would you be so kind as to take lead on this topic?"​

​

​

[member="Seras Goto"] l [member="Moira Skaldi"] l [member="Darth Timoris"]​

​

(OOC....sorry but I didn't get the mentions)​

 

[Seras Goto]

[member="Darth Venefica"] [member="Darth Timoris"] [member="Moira Skaldi"]

There were many benefits to having a mask on... you could not have reactions seen as she was named leading the ships. A strange thing but after a moment she was thinking about it. They needed ships surely but everyone had ships that meant little in the grand scheme, they needed ships for getting the things they needed. She looked at Venefica while nodding. "Ships are invaluable but there are a great many throughout the galaxy. We will need welfare ships to gather subjects for our... plans but we will need ones more skilled in disguise and masking their presence then announcing we are there."

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Darth Venefica"], [member="Darth Timoris"], [member="Seras Goto"]


"Assuming you were interested in cloning lifeforms, specifically elite soldiers, they would retain all the knowledge of their skills and thus would not need retraining. Likewise, we are able to create stable Force clones. We've successfully done so in the past, without the risk of clone madness and such," Moira answered smoothly.


"As for ships, we have admittedly only recently got involved in shipbuilding, though the shipyard we own offers potential for expansion. Our mainline droid fighter is cheap, but with a speed far beyond the organic norm, easily deployed and ideal for attacks in swarms. However, if you need to...gather subjects in significant numbers on the ground, for whatever designs, you may have, we can accommodate you there with our Harvester droid," she pressed a button on her datapad and suddenly the three Sith Ladies would behold a short scene where large spider-like droids, swooped down from the sky during a battle between Eriaduan rebels and loyalists. These were spider-like droids capable of flying at great speed due to antigrav repulsors, though they were just as quick and mobile on the ground.


Quickly they swooped down, seized soldiers and unlucky civilians with their clawed tendrils, then vanished into the sky. One could see soldiers resisting here and there, but they were soon sedated. Here and there a Harvester was damaged, but their armour seemed potent enough to resist for a long time and they could silence opposition with blasters. Likewise one would see HRDs in action, as the terminators tore through the ranks of Eriaduan rebels, implacably and mercilessly purging those who had not been grabbed by the Harvesters. "Useful to evacuate wounded off the battlefield...or seize prisoners," Moira/Nalia said matter-of-factly.

 

[Darth Timoris]

Melori listened and learned - but added precious little to the conversation, unless ordering another drink counted. She had no intention of getting tipsy, but sitting still wasn't her thing, so at least a drink gave her something to do with her hands.

[member="Moira Skaldi"] | [member="Seras Goto"] | [member="Darth Venefica"]

Spoiler

I was worried that people might be waiting for me to post...

 

[Via Dolorosa]

Darth Venefica glanced over at Lady Timoxin, counting the empty mugs in front of her. Darth Venefica gave her a smile while thinking the girl could sure handle her liquor. ​

​

"If everyone will please excuse me," she said standing up.​

​

Darth Venefica would allow the two discuss the ships together while she walked around the cantina thinking about ordering a small elite unit of Force clones. The price for such an invaluable unit would no doubt be costly; but well worth every credit chip. With war always a constant thing, especially between the Sith and the Republic, a unit of this type could change the outcome quickly on the battlefield. ​

​

However, there was tension mounting between the OS and the Black Rose. Some of her sisters felt the OS was a stagnant beast that needed to be collared and retrained in the ways of the Sith. Other sisters still supported them, like herself but even her support these days was growing wary. Regardless, this unit would serve only the needs of the Black Rose.​

​

She returned to her seat, and placed a full frosty mug in front of Lady Timoris and again smiled at her. She had come to a decision that would benefit the Black Rose greatly.​

​

"How much for a cloned Force unit?"​

​

[member="Darth Timoris"] l [member="Moira Skaldi"] l [member="Seras Goto"]​

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Darth Venefica"], [member="Darth Timoris"], [member="Seras Goto"]


((Apologies for skipping ahead, just want to move things forward a bit. I think this thread is close to wrapping up ))



Moira tilted her head slightly. "In the light of the complexity of the operation and the time needed to create them, one Force clone will cost eight million credits. For an entire combat unit we can offer a discount based on the size. For a unit of ten we'd offer a discount of 25%. The clones will retain memories of all the skills the original possessed." In other words ten functional Force clones, about squad strength, would cost sixty million.

 

[Seras Goto]

[now I am not getting told when there are new posts here]

[member="Moira Skaldi"] [member="Darth Venefica"] [member="Darth Timoris"]

THe talk of ships was not her special area but she had some ideas of things that could work as she listened about the force clones with a look at Venefica. "I think we will have what we need, these processing one I would want to see on display before committing to anything." She didn't rise up just remained there seeing the other two sith with her while motioning. "The rest of the decision is to you."

 

[Darth Timoris]

Melori was aware there was another expectation on her to contribute. She took a swig of her beer first, to give herself time to think.

She nodded sagely, aware that there was every likelihood that all those present could see through her pretence, so she decided to drop it. Shrugging, she said, "My role was to primarily set up this meeting. I am a warrior and I am learning to be a leader. But the aspect of large-scale warfare I leave to those far better suited to make such decisions."

She glanced at all those present. "So my vote is to support any outcome you deem appropriate." And she reflects on the fact she never actually received any award for winning that maiden's tournament. Or if she did...she lost it.

[member="Seras Goto"] | [member="Moira Skaldi"] | [member="Darth Venefica"]

 

[Via Dolorosa]

It seemed the decision rested squarely on her shoulders. She closed her eyes, silencing all the distractions around her while she gave serious consideration to every small detail. The Force, whom she trusted with her life, finally revealed to her the answer she was seeking. She snapped her eyes open, looking at the others sitting at the table.​

​

"A small Force clone unit.....we will take," she said.​

​

"And we will take three Pax-Class Frigates....and reserve the right to have more dealings with your company in the future."​

​

Darth Venefica could foresee a well balanced partnership between the Black Rose and the Archangel corporation.​

​

​

[member="Darth Timoris"] l [member="Seras Goto"] l [member="Moira Skaldi"]​

 

[Moira Skaldi]

[member="Darth Venefica"], [member="Darth Timoris"], [member="Seras Goto"]


The deal had been made and Nalia/Moira was very satisfied with it once the Sith Lady made her choice. The frigates would cost a bit, but perfectly affordable and easily produced. "Excellent. I shall pass on your order to our shipyard and we shall construct the frigates promptly. It will not take long. I estimate that the clones will be created within three months and we can deliver them to a location of your choice. I look forward to future business relations with you." The Sith had kept her cards very close to her chest, which was something the Archangel director was fine with. She had an inkling that the woman had larger ambitions, perhaps beyond the One Sith. Either was fine with her. She could see a profitable partnership in the future.