Making friends or more?

[Vespasian the Elder]

[member="The White Knight"]

Adjusting the pin on his collar, the clenched fist holding a thunderbolt within oakleafs, Lord Executor Vespasian Dorn moves in front of his desk. Nobody is perfect, therefore he will read what he has planned to say, instead of improvising, from an autocue. His adjutant, Cassian Dias, is standing and watching him, having the phrased message in his hand as well.

The holotransmission starts ...


A tall figure in a military styled suit appears, bowing his head slightly with one hand on the heart, then looking up again, seemingly directly at the viewer. On his face one could notice the indication of a smile or rather a positive facial expression.

"Master of the Knights of the Force,

I greet you.

My name is Vespasian Dorn, Lord Executor of the Mantellian Commonwealth, its political and diplomatic leader. I have been searching the known Galaxy for friends, allies and equals and my research found You and Your devoted order. Your 13 appear to represent the ideal we see in Force sensitives, realistic and devoted to uphold a balance between Light and Dark by embracing the Gray inbetween.

My reason to contact You is to arrange a personal meeting of private nature. I, in the name of the Mantellian Commonwealth, want to make a proposal to You for a joined venture which lasts and is as strong as our believes.

I dearly hope that my word catches Your attention and leaves an own interest to engage in such talks. We invite You to our manor, enjoying all aspects of our hospitality, or we will follow a recommendation of Yours for a preferred location on neutral and save ground.

The Commonwealth and myself are looking forward to receive your response.

With Best Regards,

Signed in the name of the First Council,

Vespasian the Elder."

 

[The White Knight]

The White Knight had been hiding and staying in isolation to better understand the Galaxy he has reentered. He remembered the Knights of the Force he used to command, back during the days of the Old Republic, and the Sith Empire's olden days. He did announce the reforging of this small group, so [member="Vespasian the Elder"] sending him this message was not that of a surprise. The Knight decided to send one back, so then he could discuss a place to meet since the Elder didn't state where he wished to meet. The Message sent back, arriving back to the original sender on the same recorder, was recorded over the original one and started with the same sound of breathing Darth Vader was known for. The Knight's voice sounded deep, intimidating, and he held a dominative stance as he stood.

"Greetings, Executor. I am Zilas Zirgas, otherwise known as The White Knight. I have received your message and see that you hold some understanding of what the Knights are meant for. Your Research must have gone far back in the Galaxy's History since my Order has not only been disbanded for Thousands of years until I recently returned to this Galaxy, but the Knights do not have any members of the Order yet, except for myself and one other.

I have thought about your proposition for a private meeting, and I am willing to hear you out. Unfortunately, since your original message lacked the location of your estate, I have chosen a location for both of us to meet. I want you to meet me at a location known as the Emperor's Eye, on Ziost. Although the planet may be devoid of life, what this place was meant to be is still visible, even to this day. Bring troops or come alone if you so wish, as I may ask of you what kind of enforcement of your systems you have in place.

May your Journey, nor the location frighten you as if asked, I am not afraid to tell you why I picked the Eye as our meeting place. May the Force Be with you."

And with that farewell from The White Knight, the message flickered off in front of the Executor. Zilas was most likely there by the time the message arrived at Vespasian's feet, waiting for when the Noble decided to arrive, if at all.

 

[Vespasian the Elder]

[member="The White Knight"]

A response containing a confirmation of the meeting proposal was send to the Master of the Order.

One day later a swift ship was departing Ord Mantell with the destination: Ziost. The shuttle was arriving a few days later in the Ziost system. It was known that this is former Sith space, but as being a proclaimed neutral merchant ship with the codes of the Dorn Royal Cargo Cooperation, nobody stopped or prevented them from travelling any further.

While moving towards the surface, Vespasian was taking his bad weather coat, long and of brown leather. His adjutant had a similar appearance, though he had a wrist-mounted datapad as well as a small holo-sphere for possible presentations or similar usage. Together with them were two officers of the Ignatum regiment, not just muscles, but intelligent and talkative companions. The Lord Executor made sure to be known and friendly with his employees and soldiers, rather than acting like a superior. He has chosen the two for their formidable skills with small arms as well as their experience in hostage rescue and VIP protection.

The ship was slowly sinking towards the surface, the landing gears ready to touch the ground at the location called Emperor´s Eye.

The ramp lowered itself and the four people left the ship, heading towards the meeting ground.

 

[The White Knight]

The first thing that could be noticed from the three men besides the ruins of the Holographic, Uncomplete Temple, along with the lifeless existence around them, but the breathing. The breathing that echoed all around them. Zilas wasn't in direct sight at first, but as the breathing got louder, The White Knight could be seen coming from the temple, approaching [member="Vespasian the Elder"] And his guards. The Saber he had was a white crossguard hilt and could be clearly seen dangling off of his belt, along with the sheer height of The Knight. As he soon got right in front of the Executor, he started talking with the same, slightly intimidating voice that he sent with the message a few days prior.

"Hello, Executor. I do believe this has been something you have been excited for, but your guards are dreading. But either way, Did your background searching tell you about this temple? It was the only one that I am aware of that is not under control of this Latest Sith Empire. I originally wanted to meet on Malachor V, but That, Dromund Kaas, and Korriban are all under their control. But I digress from that; We have business to discuss. What did you have in mind for this Commonwealth of yours?

 

[Vespasian the Elder]

[member="The White Knight"]

The group of four was approaching the site, spotting the tall figure clad entirely in white as soon as any other would. A strange scene, the contrast between this place and that attire was extreme. Anyhow, the Lord Executor was looking forward to this and kept his slightly facial expression when approaching Zilas Zirgas.

Standing in front of the towering man, Vespasian bowed slightly, accompanied by the noise of his new leather coat which hasn´t been worn so often yet.

"Master Zirgas, I am honoured to meet you personally. You have chosen an uncommon place for this our meeting. Frankly, I know little about Ziost and even less about its past and buildings, though I like to be enlightened at some point."

Taking another look at the "Emperor´s Eye" and the area around, his view fixed on the tall Force sensitive again.

"You prefer to talk here and now? Pretty rough for heavy topics. Yet I won´t object if that is your desire, we are prepared for possible lack of comfort as well as technology."

 

[The White Knight]

Zilas was not used to someone calling him "Master Zirgas", but he did notice the way [member="Vespasian the Elder"] was acting towards him was that of respect...or at the very least being polite. Zilas also took note of how lacking in arms the guards were, as he visibly turned his head to face the grouping, before back to the Executor.

"Did your men not know they were meeting a Sith Lord? They seem rather...lacking in weaponry, based on the comparison of the Sith's reputation."

Zilas then moved to be next to the Executor and turned to face the unfinished ruins of the temple that never rose to its hoped potential. He stared at it for a minute without saying anything, before looking down at him, as if he had forgotten why they were meeting for a minute or two and just remembered.

"Yes, Here and Now. Nothing else lives here, and the only beings that currently reside on this soil as sentient beings are the six of us. So explain what proposal you happened to have in mind, Executor."

 

[Vespasian the Elder]

The question brought a slight smile to Vespasian´s face.

"Oh they are aware of what or who you are. I briefed them personally. Yet I saw no reason to come here with a large group of protectors, deeming it not necessary to get a conversation distracted by guns, rather than words. We do not simply claim to be neutral, we are neutral. Therefore assuming that we have to protect oursevles simply because of who you are, would have been very subjective and offensive even."

As soon as Zilas moved towards Vespasian, the two officers and Dias were making two steps backwards, to make space for the tall figure. Vespasian looked curiously at the White Knight and then followed his view.

"Correct me as soon as you hear something wrong. The read about your own idea for an organisation to protect Force users as well as potentially valueable locations and items for their history, usage or training appeared very challenging, but equally useful and honourable. Our Commonwealth does not simply want to build up as a power to be reckoned, but to spread and fortify an idea of just and objective judgement. We like to think that our approach is practical, realistic and less dogmatic and idealistic than others. We are investing in economy, in housing, in trade as well as in improving governments, administration and equally in military, to ensure protection and order in the domain we claim to protect and upgrade.
So far we have been rather ignorant of an important part of this our Galaxy. Force sensitives. We had no special treatment so far in mind, no proper ideas about how to improve their situation or to attract them to join our cause. That is the reasoning behind my research for smaller organisations of Force users which allignment is comparable to ours."

Mustering Master Zirgas, he continues.

"My offer to you is to join our cause. We don´t want to interfere in your internal workings, in your ideas and goals nor in the organisation. Our interest is to adopt you for matters of mutual cooperation, to allow Force users in our holdings to develop and prosper in a neutral environment, to help you finding members, for you to council us, to support your training, housing and operations with funds and if necessary with personnel. Everything based on a strictly non-political level, you would be welcome to join our ruling council, but politically you would become a part of us and our ruling. Not to drag you into a conflict, we do not demand anyone in the Commonwealth to join offensive actions, we only expect full support in case of being attacked."

 

[The White Knight]

Zilas listened to [member="Vespasian the Elder"] make his proposition about the Commonworth, and the offer to join them. Already, Zilas had many demands to make about this, if he was to join.

"If the Knights of the Force are to be seen as a part of your Commonworth, I will need a few things. First off, My Knights will need to be able to command men or have them assigned to us for the Knights to do their job properly. Another thing, We do not have an exact Headquarters as of yet, so a world that you could give us to use, or just a location for us to be in would be best. And as for my last thing, How do you plan to make ships, and what class are you able to make?

He didn't have much of a military under his command at the moment, as the Knights used to have been from the Sith Empire back during his early days before he became a part of this new galaxy.

 

[Vespasian the Elder]

[member="The White Knight"]

Vespasian watches the man patiently and calmly while he speaks, his facial expression remaining neutral, but somehow welcoming.

"We do not posess any world, but we are ready to invest in a facility with all required standards on a world of your choice which is in our area of influence. We are commissioning ships on our own, we have more than capable engineers and the money to rent docks for our purposes. The case of what ships we use, our main goal is on fast, heavily armed vessels, cruisers for combat, corvettes for patrol duty. So much for the more simple answers."

Taking a moment and looking back at his three companions, all educated, trained and experience in warfare as well as commanding, each with their own special talents, he uses the moment to think about the other request. The Lord Executor looks back at the Force snsitive.

"Any man who is capable of commanding troops could get the opportunity to do so. The decision for that is based on the skill of the individual, which is rated and decided upon by our command staff. The responsibility of security and protection is in the hands of the military, you would get an attachment as soon as a situation requires it. The command is being decided upon by the supreme command."

 

[The White Knight]

Zilas listened to what [member="Vespasian the Elder"] was saying, and his train of thought stops on his point of "Any man who is capable of commanding could get the opportunity to do so", as that point made him recall his own troops that he once commanded. The Sith Soldiers he commanded were part of an entire battalion known as the Gods of War, known for their brutality on the battlefield. Although most, if not all of these men have been most likely dead for thousands of years, The White Knight decided he also wanted to bring them back.

"So far, everything you have stated is...acceptable. I do have one final question for you before I make my decision. Does the Commonwealth have any Cloning facilities under their authority? If so, then I would need to utilize them for...the revival of my original battalion."

The Executor could easily see that speaking of this Battalion was something of a personal note for The White Knight as if it reminded him of his past before he hid from the Galaxy and re-emerged in this new Galaxy, with new factions, planet, and species he had never heard of before.

 

[Vespasian the Elder]

[member="The White Knight"]

Vespasian frowns upon hearing that.

"That is a very strange question. No, we do not posess any cloning facilities."

He pauses another moment before continuing.

"The purpose of your Order of knights reads not very militant, why do you require a battalion of revived Sith troopers and what for? I am here to talk to a Force user, a leader of such and that is who and what my proposal is adressing. The including of possible troops makes this entire offer outdated. We got a military, a capable one and we will expand it, but not this way."

 

[The White Knight]

"The purpose of the Knights of the Force was not only to teach about the force but to support factions that requested our assistance in a militaristic sense. We did not have a Military as the main goal, but we still had one. The request of these Sith Troops was not for the Faction, but my personal battalion that I fought many battles with, and would want to continue with them again, especially since most, if not all of them have been dead for thousands of years."

[member="Vespasian the Elder"] could tell just by Zilas' reaction to the questioning about why he wanted this Sith Battalion a bit personal, and it struck a nerve. Zilas saw those troops like friends to him, as he knew he could trust them with anything, and they'd get the job done. He trusted them with his life and the best analogy he could possibly come up with for his relationship and trust of their abilities would be yet another connection to Vader.

"I trusted those men with missions I wouldn't even dare give a normal soldier. Their talents and capabilities were unparalleled. I and that Batallion were like...Vader and his Battalion, the 501st. We worked together as a total unit, and when I formed the Knights of the Force, they were our main Military force, not counting the semi-medium sized fleet we had."

 

[Vespasian the Elder]

[member="The White Knight"]

The Lord Executor folds his hands on his back while looking at the lenses of the tall figure.

"Then I have to recall my offer. I have to apologise for misinterpreting your orders policies. We are searching for a Force user only branch, we got a military and we separate our organisations to avoid abuses. We won´t allow a private military within our ranks, especially not one with a personal bond, doesn´t matter if revived or recruited. We have capable troops, very capable, but they are devoted to our views, not to our leaders."

 

[The White Knight]

[member="Vespasian the Elder"] "I am indeed still interested in your offer, but you must understand that although the majority of things we focus on is about the Force, we do have to use a military to defend those that call for our aid. Back then, we had to use a personal military due to the nature of where and when the group was originally founded."


Perhaps the Executor was correct. They didn't need a personal military to join with them, they needed force users, and although the Private military was when they were an alone group of Force Users, he just wasn't used to having to rely on an already existing military for their goals. He calmed down a bit after waiting a moment in his thoughts, and then he spoke up again.

"My apologies. When the group was first founded, although a solely force user group was wanted, we had to have a private military due to the connections most of the members had to the Sith Empire of Old. I will take what troops you supply in due time, and as for ships, I will either take what is given to me by the Commonwealth, or I will go and request them to be built by some ship construction yard somewhere in the Galaxy."

 

[Vespasian the Elder]

[member="The White Knight"]

Vespasian innerly weighs the words of Zirgas and considers some possibilities for a moment before he finally answers.

"Our offer is based on mutual support. Our military would not be at your unlimited disposal nor always granted with a hundred percent, but if the situation requires it, resources could be directed in your direction. This counts for both, army and navy. None of our partners would agree to a militarised force user order within our ranks, nor would I. We appreciate if you are supportive in wars and we will support your goals and interests as long as they allign with ours."

His view is fixed on the tall man.

"Those are our terms."

 

[The White Knight]

Zilas also weighed his options here. He could either walk away from the deal and find the resources he needs himself, by traveling the Galaxy for them or be a part of the Commonwealth to utilize their resources as a sort of Kickstarter for the Knights needs. They could most likely just get a Navy from another location, as that is more important for them than the Army.

"The only Resources that I would need right off of the bat is a location, most likely a temple of some kind, and at least one ship to utilize. The other ships that I could need, I will attempt to get from other sources, most likely foundaries or shipyards. If there are any Force Sensitives at your Headquarters, then I would recommend giving them the option of becoming a part of our cause. As I stated before, One of the main purposes of the Knights is to aid other Factions who call for our help...even if they stand against what you believe in."

What Zilas told to @Vespasian the Elder was essentially his terms for their offer. Allow them to have a location and one ship to start off with, and anything else the Knights could need from them would be requested. Zilas wanted to start the Knights off again, but without a location to call their headquarters, there was no way he could do so. Even lacking a decently sized ship to use as a temporary flagship would be something that could greatly hinder the attempts of Zilas to recruit other force users to be a part of the other 12 positions in the Knights of the Force.

 

[Vespasian the Elder]

[member="The White Knight"]

Vespasian was rising one of his eyebrows and even his adjutant, the man wearing nearly the same as Vespasian, was squinting. The latter, a younger man with eager eyes, was attempting to open his mouth. But Vespasian spoke first.

"You understand that a possible cooperation requires not to act against our policies? That our diplomatic relations will become yours, means as long as we have no defined relation, we are neutral. If we are at war and there comes a request from their territory, we see any support as treason."

The two look at the white Sith and wait.

"If you agree to that, we will set up a treaty, phrasing the details of this relation. It will count as declared and fixed the moment you sign it."

 

[Vespasian the Elder]

[member="The White Knight"]

Vespasian was rising one of his eyebrows and even his adjutant, the man wearing nearly the same as Vespasian, was squinting. The latter, a younger man with eager eyes, was attempting to open his mouth. But Vespasian spoke first.

"You understand that a possible cooperation requires not to act against our policies? That our diplomatic relations will become yours, means as long as we have no defined relation, we are neutral. If we are at war and there comes a request from their territory, we see any support as treason."

The two look at the white Sith and wait.

"If you agree to that, we will set up a treaty, phrasing the details of this relation. It will count as declared and fixed the moment you sign it."

 

[The White Knight]

Zilas looked back at the men who were staring at him, ready to say something before [member="Vespasian the Elder"] did, and when he spoke, Zilas came up with something. What if Zilas stuck with the Commonworth until they decided they didn't need him anymore, or vise versa. It was a real possibility, as everyone runs out of usefulness at some point, peaceful or not.

"Very well...I accept your terms. But know this, any Force Users that come under our care, or become a Knight of the Force are My jurisdiction, and mine alone. Any orders that need to be brought to them are to be told to me first, so then I can decide if the Knights should act upon them. If anything your Commonworth does that conflicts with our standings as our small group, then do not be surprised if the Knights are unable to assist in whatever you may need them for."

 

[Vespasian the Elder]

[member="The White Knight"]

A small gesture of Vespasian sends Cassian Dias' focus on his wrist mounted datapad. He is typing while Vespasian continues to speak.

"I am glad to hear this. We are." He reaches out with his hand in expectation to shake hands with Zilas Zirgas.

The Lord Executors adjutant is still typing in the background.

Spoiler

The Treaty of Ziost

In the name of the Lord Executor, permitted by the First Council, of the Mantellian Commonwealth, we are setting the following terms for;

the alliance and incorporation of:

The Knights of the Force

into

the Mantellian Commonwealth.


Article I: The Knights of the Force are joining with all their assets, holdings and members the Mantellian Commonwealth. Their incorporation is total.
Article II: The Knights of the Force become an organisation within the Mantellian Commonwealth, equal in limitations and freedom as every other organisation within the Commonwealth.
Article II.1: As an organisation within the Mantellian Commonwealth, the Knights of the Force earn the right to claim a seat in the First Council.
Article II.2: As an organisation within the Mantellian Commonwealth, the Knights of the Force are agreeing without exception to follow and obey the rulings of the First Council.
Article II.2a: The Knights of the Force gain the freedom to decide about their internal workings such as ranks, promotions, disciplinary actions, memberships, tasks, operations and regulations.
Article III: The Knights of the Force hold the right to have ships at their disposal.
Article III.1: At the time of the signing of this treaty, the Knights of the Force hold the right to have: one (1) capital-sized ship of choice, two (2) escort-sized ships of choice and an unlimited amount of hyperspace going shuttles or starfighters.
Article III.1.a: The Mantellian Commonwealth agrees to support an engineering program to develop ships for their usage as the time and service progresses.
Article IV: As an organisation within the Mantellian Commonwealth, the Knights of the Force are agreeing without exception to respect and uphold the diplomatic policies and agreements of the Mantellian Commonwealth.
Article V: As an organisation within the Mantellian Commonwealth, the Knights of the Force are agreeing to support, aid and reinforce the Mantellian Commonwealth and its forces as good as they can.
Article VI: All organisations within the Mantellian Commonwealth have to follow the decisions and decrees towards Force sensitives which are set by the Knights of the Force.
Article VII: All organisations within the Mantellian Commonwealth which find, catch or are called by Force sensitives shall transfer those to the Knights of the Force or call them for advice or directing.
Article VIII: The Mantellian Commonwealth and the Knights of the Force both agree to support each others goals, to uphold each others policies, to aid in each others operations as good as possible.
Article VIII.1: The First Council has the final say on any joined operation, on any detachments or attachments between the different organisations.
Article IX: The Mantellian Commonwealth will distribute sufficient funds to their new organisation, the Knights of the Force.
Article X: The Mantellian Commonwealth maintains the right to interfere in each of its organisations if a crisis should occur.
Article X.1: The Mantellian Commonwealth´s First Council holds the right to interfere in any way in the workings of an organisation by a majority vote.

Signed,

Vespasian Dorn
Lord Executor

The adjutant holds another datapad in his hand, the treaty on it. At the bottom is space next to the signature of the Lord Executor for another signature. He walks to Master Zirgas and handles him the datapad for reading and signing.