Palace of Ascensions (ME & CA)

[Yasha Cadera]

“I would love to exchange wines with you, [member="Karisa"] I can set a viable vine clone or two aside if you give me the make up of your terroir. The soil gentles the tannins in our reds, it’s quite enticing to the palate. Does well with a wealth of spice, which is often present in our cuisine.” Yasha eased her expression, nodding at the Chiss doctor. “Cassiopeia here is one of our medical professionals. I am certain she wouldn’t mind a tour. I could, if you like, have my daughter Adara walk you through the medical facilities here at the Palace. They are quite expanded since she was a child.”

Medicine and wine. If that was the bridge, Yasha would jump at the chance to see a winery on a Chiss world.

“Then perhaps I have a potential solution. The Chiss who worked for my mother are stationed outside Cold Iron City here on Manda’yaim. They were integral to the terraforming and repair of Mandalore, after the Second Mandalorian Excision, and I know the opportunity to aide and rebuild their motherlands, as it were, would do them well. We could then focus on sharing supplies, while the Chiss diaspora here on Mandalore can make their return. Perhaps the Ascendancy would see this as an adequate solution?”

“We understand the necessity for a culture to preserve itself. Mando’ade are often seen by Aruetiise, outsiders, as many disparate things. Yet, an alliance built upon non-aggression between our peoples, an economic treaty allowing the free distribution and capitalization of goods and expertise, and the potential for mutual defence can strengthen not only our own borders, but the relationship we both carry with the Sith. The damage of the past can be fixed, but those experiences never reversed.”

But there was more. The damage to Copero was more severe than reports dictated, and the CIS were the cause. As Karisa and [member="Thorne"] spoke, Yasha slammed her fist down on the table top.

“The Confederacy are a menace to the Galaxy. Their spreading war is one of hate and disrespect to all who come under their barrels and blades. Our diplomatic status is simple, Admiral. We have nothing but hatred for their desecrations.”

[member="Cassiopeia Australis"] [member="Valdus Bral"] [member="Adenn Kyramud"] [member="Dezoti"]

 

[Valdus Bral]

The green eyes slid back and forth, back and forth, as the delegates continued to feel out each other verbally. Valdus' eyelids lowered as the talk about razing one of the planets including hospitals. There was little patience that he afforded to such acts, especially those that were done on purpose or without remorse. Had the talk continued on drinks, then he may have interjected to speed things along and get to the heart of the meeting - but he was not required to. Just then the Mand'alor began speaking about the benefits of an agreement between the Mandalorians and the Chiss. He agreed with her. Valdus picked up the single chip on his left and then put it into his belt, when his hand returned there was a five credit chip and he handed it to his sergeant on his right. Then the two ten chips were returned to their owners.

Valdus leaned off his fist and spoke in the growling, bassy monotone, " Finally somethin meaningful. If I may..." He rumbled, though he did continue, before anyone could say otherwise. " It's widely known that The Sith Empire assisted in the freeing of your people. While I dislike the thought of working with the darjetii [Sith] there are few options and it isn't in my power to change that." Taking a breath and sitting straight, causing the motors to hum quietly. He then started again, "My own beliefs aside, the Clans have a defense pact with the darjetii. Should you - " He looked towards the Chiss delegates in turn, paying no particular mind to any one specifically. " -make an effort to join in a defense pact with Mando'ade or work towards one, then there may be steps to a tsad [Alliance] between all three of our people. It would be a powerful alliance, unrivaled I'd say. "

His monologue continued, his tone going lower and more deliberate, "Freedom is the right of all sentient beings ... to break from those that would rule you as slaves is admirable; but tenacity and a will to be free do not keep a people free. There will come a day when the Chiss Ascendancy will stare at their own destruction; it may be the Confederates or the Jen'ari, or another, but that day will come, just as it will come for the Mando'ade. When your people call for aid, do not let it echo into the void. " He paused if only to breathe, " I can't promise a defense pact or any form of political agreements with your people for the entirety of the Clans. However, as Alor of Bral [Cheif] I speak for the Bral aliit [Bral clan] , we will fight by your side - unto the death if that is what Kad wills - when that day comes, if you pledge to do the same for us and as long as you have not dishonored yourselves before then." He then leaned back into his chair. He did not intend on bringing himself into the diplomacy, only to observe, but he grew tired of talk of drinks. He rested his cheek back on his fist that rested itself on the armrest of his chair, "...but I know there are some sort of small steps in making these commitments, more talking, and more signing, or something." As he looked around, expecting to have glares coming from every angle, growled out " You invited me." He said defensively before going quiet. To his credit he did leave out the talk about merciless retribution should they agree to his offer and then decline to act on it in the future.

Spoiler

[member="Cassiopeia Australis"] [member="Yasha Cadera"] [member="Adenn Kyramud"] [member="Dezoti"] [member="Thorne"] [member="Karisa"]

 

[Dezoti]

Dezoti gave [member="Valdus Bral"] a polite smile. There were several key words in his speech she didn't understand, namely because he'd switch to his native tongue. She of course didn't fault him for it, she just never had the opportunity to learn the language of the Mandalorians and thus felt somewhat at a loss of his intentions. But! With enough context clues from the words she did understand she got the gist of it.

And of course, with what [member="Yasha Cadera"] herself had said, it made all that much more sense to the Aristocra. Alone, those who lived a life seen as unique or exotic would become an easy target to the masses should they turn on them.

"I'm not a woman very good with her words. I learned how to speak in through war and conflict. To the men and women who would fight, kill, and if need be die along side me. That's why I'm here now. A different perspective from the usual Ruling Houses of the Chiss." Dezoti gently set down the glass she had been occasionally sipping at, glancing between the Mandalorians present. A culture of warriors. "I will not see my people suffer at the hands of another foreign power. And, it seems, that's something you can understand on a personal level." She turned her attention to Valdus, simply lowering her head in a respectful bow.

"Paperwork has never been my strong suit. If the Bral, and forgive me if I say this wrong, Alet, wish to help defend one another from threats that would see our way of life destroyed you can expect us to do the same."

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

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MANDALORE SYSTEM

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Sundari Palace; Mandalore.​

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The conversation took a turn toward the more relevant questions, the pleasantries passing. Mitth'orn'eruod was looking forward to seeing reactions, gauging statements and balancing options. Still, despite his best efforts for the Chiss people, as far as the parliament body was concerned House Mitth had not done enough to atone for the past. In that regard, the Admiral was not able to attain a position with Mitth as a Ruling House, much to his chagrin; the other side being that, what he had been able to accomplish, put Mitth'orn'eruod in good stead as an advisor to leadership of the Chiss. Yet now he sat silent, simply observing...

Both Valdus Bral and the Manda'lor confirmed what Mitth'orn'eruod had been hoping between the Mandalorians and the Confederation of Independent Systems. It seemed the expansive group in the south of the galaxy had become too vicious and too intrusive, and now other groups were banding together to ensure they were put back in their place. It was appropriate, really, considering the CIS' actions and how they seemingly felt as though they held no accountability. Things were going to change. Quickly.

"Hearing your stance on the Confederacy aligns with our own at this juncture is fortuitous," Mitth'orn'eruod said in a low tone, as he took another sip of the beverage in hand. "It is certainly unfortunate that such alliances and agreements cannot be formed out of want, rather than need, for stability in an unstable galaxy... however, it is also promising that we can bring together two cultures to speak of mutual benefit, regardless. Silver linings, as it were."

When Aristocra Prusde'zoti'lore went on to explain her stance concerning words and actions, the Admiral remained quiet. He knew the young woman had been a Chiss Commando, with that level of clearance available to him, and he wondered how such an upbringing would effect Prusde'zoti'lore's decisions going forward. Now was a good opportunity to see how she handled the discussion phase of diplomacy, as it was just as important as shaking hands. Judging from what was said, clearly House Lore had made a decision and had voiced it simply. From her mouth the Ascendancy was going to agree to a mutual defensive agreement, if not outright alliance, depending on final details.

And considering the enemy we may very well face, having warriors such as these to stand with us will prove beneficial, Mitth'orn'eruod thought to himself, as he sipped the tihaar once more, enjoying the taste more so. So long as they can look beyond any grievances with the Sith Empire...

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[member=Dezoti] | [member=Karisa"] | [member="Yasha Cadera"] | [member="Valdus Bral"] | [member="Cassiopeia Australis"] | [member="Adenn Kyramud"]​

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Cassiopeia gave a small nod to @Karisa. Indeed, much of the wines were grown from the very grounds of Manda’yaim. The cataclysm that destroyed so much also brought forth new life, particularly as the terraforming process began in earnest some years prior. She also agreed with [member="Yasha Cadera"] – they could definitely exchange goods. In fact, Cassiopeia stirred with excitement at a possible exchange of such delicacies.

Cassiopeia gave a nod, “Indeed. I’d be happy to show you! [member="Adara Raxis"] knows the Palace halls well. If you like, you may come to the University. [member="Beth Cadera"], Yasha’s daughter, would likely jump on the chance as well.”

She sighed at the confirmation that a hospital of civilians was killed by the Confederacy. There were little worse things than killing those within medical facilities. Lowest of the low, in truth. She gave a warm smile to the other Chiss. And a small chuckle at the last bit of [member="Valdus Bral"]’s speech.

She agreed with [member="Dezoti"] before she looked to Yasha. “The Wue’gi’vod will agree. We will stand with the Ascendancy and the Chiss - through hard times and pleasant,” she said with authority but with a genuine smile. A serious look to [member="Thorne"], she nodded. “It is unfortunate, but perhaps fate has brought us together to bring back some of that stability the galaxy craves."

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

When [member="Thorne"] asked if there was a hint of fruit in the tihaar, Adenn chuckled lightly. He’d hit the nail right on the head, and right off the bat. Nodding his head that Thorne was right, Adenn didn’t say anything yet. When he asked for netra’gal, Adenn obliged him, taking another bottle out of his pouch and filling another glass for him.
“I’m sure someone could show you the distillation process if it came down to it. Though, I’m not sure how willing some would be to sharing.” Adenn chuckled lightly. “That could be considered a secret by many, one that is also guarded. Good tihaar and netra’gal are very cherished. Personally, I prefer tihaar. Simply because I’ve drunk it more often than netra’gal.”

To accent that, Adenn took another sip of his drink then. When he spoke of patrolling space, and dealing with pirates, Adenn let out a low growl. He hated pirates, with a burning passion. Then he nodded his head in agreement. Noting the silence form him about the Jen’ari, Adenn didn’t say anything. These people here hated the Jen’ari, which was understandable. Adenn himself, he was in a more unique position thanks to the Fel Empire. That was a topic for a different time though.

Shaking himself form those thoughts, Adenn kept listening. When asked about their diplomatic relations with the CIS, Adenn scoffed at the notion. He honestly wasn’t surprised that they had raised a hospital, it just showed that they were the real monsters.
“The CIS are cowards, fools and deserve to die for their actions.” He stopped talking then, shaking his head at the thought of the CIS.

Calming himself down, Adenn leaned back in his chair and listened as they all spoke. He didn’t know that Aditya had Chiss in her employ. Intriguing information for the future. Adenn nodded along to what the Mand’alor said about the CIS. He agreed wholeheartedly with what she said.

Glancing at Valdus then, he noted what he did with the credit chips. It seemed that he and his men had been betting on something, Adenn would have to ask about that later. As Valdus spoke, Adenn looked between the Chiss delegates as they spoke, and Valdus spoke. He agreed with his assessment as well. The Sith were not to be fully trusted, even if they had proved themselves. Thankfully though, the current Sith were rather supportive. The rest of what he said, Adenn did believe in.

At [member="Dezoti"] ‘s comment, Adenn smiled behind his helm. That was a sentiment Adenn could share. Leaning forward, Adenn decided to comment on that. However, before he did, he gave a nod to Valdus
“Clan Bral isn’t the only clan that believes in such things. The desire to protect ones vod, or family, is shared throughout most Mandalorians. Our people as a whole have suffered to others, and we shall not suffer again.” Nodding to her, and to Valdus, he continued. “Many clan members, and Mandalorians, will do much to protect one another.”

Adenn listened respectfully as Thorne spoke. They disliked the CIS as well, no wonder after what had happened. The only thing left to know is how long they’d dislike them. The saying goes that Mandalorians have long memories, it would be interesting to see if Chiss remembered those that wronged them; and then if they would forgive them or not. He didn’t voice that though, merely thought it, for now.

Then, leaning back in his chair, Adenn crossed one leg over the other, with the ankle on the knee. Thinking for a moment, Adenn looked once more between all present in the room.
“Clan Mortui will support those who oppose the CIS. We would also offer services in helping rebuild that which was destroyed. While we cannot help with the lives lost, we can help with the property destroyed.”

Then, lightly tapping a fist against his chest, he extended his arm out towards the delegates with his palm up. Holding that for 2 seconds, Adenn then put the hand back on his knee, waiting to see how this would continue.

[member="Cassiopeia Australis"] [member="Thorne"] [member="Dezoti"] @Valdus Bral [member="Yasha Cadera"] [member="Karisa"]

 

[Yasha Cadera]

“I think Alor Bral said it best, and I would not halt his addition to our conversation.” Yasha gave a gentle, but aristocratic smile and bow of her head, as [member="Valdus Bral"] finished speaking. If one wasn’t aware of the abruptness of the Mando’ade, they were now. “Although I will admit, The Sith Empire has given us more aide than any other government or organization in recent Galactic History. A friend of theirs, is ours.”

Yasha bowed her head to [member="Dezoti"] , as she spoke of the refusal for Chiss to suffer. The two leaders desired the same for their peoples, and as she spoke in acceptance of the pact, Yasha brought out a data pad.

“This pad has the Mutual Defence Pact, and Free Trade economic agreement on it. I and my Council signed our portion earlier, do read it over, then once you have, there are highlighted spaces on the bottom for your ident signatures. Agreed, Admiral [member="Thorne"] , shall we not work toward stability in our mutual ways? Aiding where we can, and strengthening our own interests and cultures?” The paperwork passed to the Chiss, and Yasha sat back, as two more of the Hetikles Baatir, the massive bipedal lizard chefs, trundled in with yet another cart of impeccably prepared food.

“Aliit… Family… Make big families, Chssss and Mando’adzze. Toast! Eat and toast!” The head chef Llewiss bowed his mighty crested brow, and placed plates of finger foods on the table.

Yasha grinned, letting her voice remain steady, but low. “My warrior-chefs celebrate with food. It’s a sign of admiration to provide food at the beginning of business and the conclusion of business to a Hetikles Baatir. I hope you do not take offence by them, they are one of our more colourful cultures we protect within the Clans, and I would honour their desire to serve as they wish. Please, I know there is much you wish to see of Manda’yaim. Where would you like to see first? I do have a selection of tihaars and ne’tra gal’e in my Tihaar Hall, a few levels down. It is perpetually open to all who desire food and drink. As Mandalorians, we are expected to feed any of our fellow Vode if they come to our doors. Thus, my door is always open. [member="Karisa"] , I can call my daughter for that medical wing tour at any time.”

[member="Cassiopeia Caranthyr"]

 

[Valdus Bral]

Valdus watched the reactions of those at the table from his more distant seating. It seemed that what he had to said went over well enough, so much so it seemed at least one of the delegates were interested in his offer. He gave a slight tilt of his head in response to [member="Dezoti"] . " Close enough." The short comment aimed at her attempt at the Mandalorian word. Valdus couldn't hope to pronounce the language of the Chiss, not that he could if he wanted to as he was physiologically incompatible with proper recitation of the Chiss language. A promising turn , he thought to himself.

Once again Valdus took to being a silent observer. The comments from [member="Thorne"] caused him to become more hopeful for an eventual alliance. He had read and told stories about the martial and tactical prowess of the Chiss and their fleet. Skilled though many of the Mandalorians were at commanding fleets and piloting, the Chiss regarded naval expertise as highly as Mandalorians regarded personal combat ability and undoubtedly their best fleet commanders were unrivaled.

Spoiler

@Cassiopeia Australis [member="Yasha Cadera"] [member="Adenn Kyramud"] [member="Dezoti"] [member="Thorne"] @Karisa

 

[Dezoti]

"I came here with the authority to make a deal with the Mandalorians, given to me by the other Ruling Houses in trust that a warrior would understand a warrior." Dezoti took the datapad from [member="Yasha Cadera"] as it was handed over, dipping her head in thanks. Without any hesitation she signed it and passed it along to [member="Thorne"] to do the same. Of all of the Chiss relations, one with the Mandalorians would both be a first, and one without any baggage.

Even their alliance with the Sith Empire still had some whispers of mistrust. Darth Carnifex had been the Sith who demanded the slaughter of the Chiss people and helped carried out the punishment the One Sith of old unleashed. Allies that there was no bad blood with.

 

[Matt the Radar Tech]

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MANDALORE SYSTEM

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Sundari Palace; Mandalore.​

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The proceedings began moving forward quickly once a mutual understanding and stance had been reached. It was promising. Mitth'orn'eruod watched the datapad with the basic terms for agreements pass from the Mand'alor to Aristocra, his crimson eyes narrowing when Prusde'zoti'lore signed equally as quickly, before handing the pad toward the Admiral. Deep down, Mitth'orn'eruod hoped that it was simply a matter of having trust in the remaining Chiss delegates to take time to go through the fine print, rather than a dangerous disregard for technicalities...

"Thank you," Mitth'orn'eruod said to Prusde'zoti'lore as he took the datapad, looking down at the writing. "Allow me a moment."

For the next several minutes, Mitth'orn'eruod checked through the agreements in their entirety. He ensured they requested no drastic or unreasonable promises, that they ensured an initial basic economic and defense pact, which were shared in equal measure to both parties, and that any vague mentions or misunderstood terminology was minimal. His red eyes scanned each document, his mind assessing rapidly, while he did so; the last thing the Chiss needed was to be beholden to terms that dragged them into wars they did not wish to take part, nor lose value on undercutting trade deals or vast differences in product comparisons. Yet, the concerns were unfounded, as Mitth'orn'eruod had expected, as the Mandalorians were very serious about honor and standing.

Contract loopholes and undermining terms were not part of their methods.

This appears suitable, Mitth'orn'eruod thought to himself, nodding as he looked down at the signatures. He noted each one, remembering their flourishes and patterns, before he signed his own signature with his corename. It seems appropriate to avoid using my official signature for CEDF military contacts and documents.

With his part of the agreements signed, Mitth'orn'eruod looked toward Brask'ari'sabosen, offering a small smile, before passing the datapad to her...

"These terms look agreeable to mutual benefit."

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[member=Dezoti] | [member=Karisa"] | [member="Yasha Cadera"] | [member="Valdus Bral"] | [member="Cassiopeia Caranthyr"] | [member="Adenn Kyramud"]​

 

[Samara Raine]

Mandalore, Mandalore System, Known Regions​

Sundari City, Sundari Palace
​Diplomatic Meeting

[member="Dezoti"] | [member="Thorne"] | [member="Yasha Cadera"] | [member="Valdus Bral"] | [member="Cassiopeia Caranthyr"] | [member="Adenn Kyramud"]

When Yasha Cadera addressed her directly, Brask'ari'sabosen listened thoughtfully to the Sole Ruler's offer. It was one she couldn't refuse nor wanted to. The Chiss doctor was always willing to learn new things, techniques, modalities to better serve her patients and reciprocate such to her colleagues in the field of medicine.

"Vor entye, Mand'alor. I would be honored to meet with your daughter, and to receive a tour of your medical facilities by her grace," Ari replied with an appreciative cant of her dark head.

The spoken words by the two Mandalorian clan leaders rang true of what the Chiss knew of the proud warrior faction. A formable ally and friend they would make hopefully. Time would only tell, and the Ascendancy would remiss not to still be cautious and mindful going forward. The galaxy could be fickle on a moment's notice.

After Prusde'zoti'lore signed the alliance agreement between the Clans of Mandalore and the Chiss Ascendancy, *Did the Aristocra even read it or just go off her commando gut instincts? The woman is an enigma to me time and time again.* the Admiral received the datapad next for his consenting signature. He of course as was in his nature diligently spent the time necessary to read each and every part of the binding document as only the man could with his keen mind. She was always amazed by that attribute.

Once Mitth'orn'eruod was satisfied, he signed it as well, then passed the device over to her; his fingers ever so brushing hers. He no doubt didn't do it consciously. That wasn't his style nor would the man be so bold in public. Nonetheless, coupled with his small smile favored. upon her, it was a pleasant yet brief experience.

Brask'ari'sabosen nodded a thanks to his assurance the agreement was indeed acceptable, but she too would peruse the document for herself - Trust yet verify, Mitth'oru'sabosen always told his daughter.

A few moments passed, then the Diplomatic Syndic of House Sabosen and representative this day for the major Ruling Houses signed her core name to the Pact as the other Chiss Ascendancy delegates had done in their respective capacities; for the Defense Hierarchy, and Ascendancy itself. It was now official from their side.

The datapad was returned across the table, then Brask'ari'sabosen sat back in the chair and took a long sip of the refreshing water in the glass before her.

 

[Gaia Sunaris Cadera]

Cassiopeia nodded solemnly at [member="Yasha Cadera"]’s mention of the Sith. Indeed, they had mutual friends in the Sith, despite her instincts screaming no at the idea. But, what Yasha said was true. [member="Darth Carnifex"] was honorable in his deals with his Empire. She had to… Respect, that. There was no other choice, anyway.

And so with the datapad given to [member="Dezoti"], she perked a brow at the so easily signing of the treaty. It was honorable her comments, but… Cassiopeia would have preferred it if she had read the treaty first. She didn’t like the idea of the Chiss not fully knowing what they were getting themselves into and to be truthful, she didn’t want them to be surprised by anything.

Her worries were unfounded as [member="Thorne"] and [member="Karisa"] both read through the agreement. Cassiopeia smiled, clapped her hands together. “And so, friends, let us enjoy the wines, the liquor, and the foods which our friends have prepared for us. We can then plan the tours accordingly, yes?” She gave a smile as she watched the reactions of the others.

Really, she loved the agreement. The Chiss were a remarkable people.

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Adenn leaned back in his chair, observing the rest of the interaction between the Mandos and the Chiss. It was interesting to say the least. Adenn was intrigued that [member="Dezoti"] didn't even read over the paper, instead signing it immediately. Shaking his head lightly to himself, Adenn decided to simply watch. He grinning in amusement at the chefs antics; the Hetikles Baatir were always interesting in their interactions with others, and never was it more proved so than now.

Turning his attention back to the delegates, Adenn noted how [member="Thorne"] and [member="Karisa"] both read through the document first before signing. However, they did sign, all three of them signed it. A new time had now begun, an alliance was born between their two people. Feeling that this momentus occasion had to be marked, Adenn leaned forward and took up his drink in his hand. Deciding in that moment to make a toast, he cleared his throat and sat upright.

"I propose a toast my friends. To a successful future between our people, one filled with advancements, success, and growth. Let us look back in the future, and note that this was a turning point for our peoples, one for the better." With that said, Adenn lifted his glass up, hoping that others would join him in his toast. It'd be rather awkward if he did it himself, but he'd do it anyways. When the time came to drink, Adenn would take the glass to his helmet and use the straw in it to drink. He still had his helmet on, and had no intent of taking it off soon.

[member="Yasha Cadera"] [member="Valdus Bral"] [member="Thorne"] [member="Dezoti"] [member="Karisa"] @Cassiopeia Caranthyr