Red Right Hand

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Darth Filiae"]

"Depends on your definition of fine really." He straightened himself out once the connection between himself and his men stabilized. That was another strength between them all, they could carry the burden together and it was easier for all of them that way. Sometimes... it didn't work out that way.

Talik.

His name was...

Talik.

Talik.

Talik.

Talik.

Talik.

They had saved [member="Cassandra Paige"], but had to leave him behind. It had been for the best. The type of suffering he had gone through... almost difficult to conceive. It didn't make it any easier for any of them. Not when you had spend those days connected as could be and shared the pain. The fear. Then the fact that so many of theirs had died on that forsaken world.

"...what were we talking about?" Tash blinked suddenly, realizing he had been drifting off a bit. "Right- just exhausted. You? I take it by that smile you are pleased."

 

[Nan'eth'illa]

[member="Itash Mecetti"]

"Yes"

From looking at him, she leaned her head back against the wall and let her eyes stare off into the distance while her muscles finally relaxed. One could see her shoulders sinking and a fatigue truly sinking into her flesh. Yet, there was an awareness in her, concerned with her surroundings.

"You and your men did well."

They had certainly earned their pay, and more.

She could feel fewer of them around. He had taken losses. Was the price worth it? She had to accept that it was. If not, what was the worth of anything? The worth of life was their achievement. These men made themselves disposable for cash, and she paid well.

Yes, she paid them well.

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Darth Filiae"]

"This was their first mission." Void Troopers. After that debacle with [member="Cassandra Paige"] it had made sense to him to invest in troops that were exceptional when it came to space-based combat. Make sure that the next time a similar situation occurred that they'd be ready for it.

Focused.

Prepared.

It seemed to have worked out rather well. That was the first step towards ensuring they had space superiority in any mission that needed it. They were building shipyards in the Corporate Sector, outposts, refitting and refueling stations, training units like the Void Troopers. There wasn't any belief in halfmeasures when it came to Itash, either they'd get it done or...

No, there was no 'or'.

"Care to see what Didact has been building in the Corporate Sector?"

 

[Nan'eth'illa]

[member="Itash Mecetti"]

If this was their first mission, then it was very impressive. Holding such a beachhead was difficult even for seasoned troops.

Her head turned to him as he posed his question. For a moment she did not respond, her eyes turned down to the floor, to the other side of the room, then back to him. She considered the proposition. It was indeed interesting to see what others were making and how she could potentially benefit from it.

"Yes, I would."

She ran her hand across her nose again, this time actually stopping the bleeding rather than smearing it all over her face. She quickly started patting herself down for some sort of fabric to stuff her nose with.

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Darth Filiae"]

The dropships rendezvoused with the dedicated carrier three systems away.

It was the first one made by the experimental shipyards back at the Corporate Sector. All gleaming metal, two kilometers in length and dwarfing their shuttles by so many factors it wasn't even funny. It was only more pronounced once they were swallowed by the hangar bays, the bays were huge and had the capacity to hold over a hundred fighters.

"We designed them with limited repair and refitting capabilities." Tash murmured over to Filiae as they walked off the ramp of the ship and entered the bays proper. Some water, sitting and the connection with his men made it easier to walk again now.

"We can drop one of these carriers anywhere and they'd be able to give repairs to the fighters within, even a corvette with enough time." A smile popped up at that. It changed the dynamic of Didact entirely. "Self-sufficient and ready to engage whenever, wherever." Its philosophy shifted too- it meant they weren't restricted to relying on support from others.

If they needed to?

They could drop maybe one or two of these carriers in... and wipe out anything in their way.

That was the idea anyway.

They passed more engineers, soldiers, dozens upon dozens of fighters being regulated by the automated systems of the hangar bay. It was clear that Itash felt pride at this accomplishment. "What do you think?"

 

[Nan'eth'illa]

[member="Itash Mecetti"]

Mentally, she was taking notes. Well, actually she was taking high resolution pictures.

"I will say it's inspired."

She had seen similar blueprints and ideas, but not something quite like this. The way it balanced size and space, staying utilitarian yet an elegant sleekness, it was quite extraordinary. Safe to say, she would be copying the idea in the future to improve upon Sith Imperial vessels.

"It must truly have changed the way your men worked." it would certainly have changed how invasions were done. "No more bantha-backing. Entirely self-sufficient."

It reminded her somewhat of certain space-faring peoples and their migrant fleets, only their versions were far less refined as none of the factory carriers were made as factory carriers, but rather were converted to the format from large freighters. Their methods were largely kept secret, only through the Saaraishash spy network had she been able to find out about it.

"Yet also mobile."

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Darth Filiae"]

"That is the idea, yes." Tash confirmed with a nod as they left the hangars behind and entered the turbo-lift that would take them up to the level containing his personal quarters. "Didact has primarily been a ground-based operation since we started. We sub-contracted transportation and the sort, but... there are limitations to that." Rayyka had shown him that. The risks of subcontracting things out and not having any dedicated anti-air solutions in place.

This investment drive had cost him a fortune.

Well, it had cost Didact a fortune, but plenty of it was slowly being earned back through tax cut-offs and other subsidies. The Corporate Sector Authority had been beset by pirates and raiders since their abandonment by the Silver Jedi Order. The Mega-Corporations were focused elsewhere and the backline was suffering because of it. Who could have known that the CSA would be enthusiastic about a serious PMC making its home in their territory and keeping things clean.

With the build-up in space that would just increase.

They were quiet for a while.

Then.

"I am aware of your dealings in the Saaraishash." It paid to have an AI linked up to the Corporate Sector's Data Hub. Every piece of information filtered through, cataloged and made ready to be weaponized one way or another. "Would you be able to pass on a proposal to the Lord Inquisitor?" It would be prudent to make friends quickly there with the Empire's ascension in these regions. By all accounts Saarai was considered a shrewd and pragmatic operator.

Potentially a powerful ally.

Well, for a bird anyway.

 

[Nan'eth'illa]

"Limitations, yes. Not to mention risks and costs." She nodded. "While your investment in this project must have been considerable, the long term profit of having your own transport and repair cannot be overlooked."

Of course, he would not be showing her this out of the goodness of his heart. There was something he wanted. She just needed to wait and see what it was, and whether or not she could benefit from it.

Saaraishash. Lord Inquisitor

There it was.

A smile spread over the Chiss' lips as she looked at Itash's face.

"I might." "Lord Saarai is a busy avian, but I may fetch his ear" Did he have ears? "-for long enough to bring him a proposal, should it be worth his time and attention."

She was a little uncertain at first, but her resolve quickly hardened. Yes, she could grab his attention, she was that important. Darth Filiae was no mere initiate, she had proven herself capable and willing to do what was best for the Inquisition. Surely Lord Fa would see that and listen to whatever she deemed worth telling him. The question remained then, was what Itash had to say worthy of relaying?

Her interest was certainly piqued.

[member="Itash Mecetti"]

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Darth Filiae"]

Both the initial uncertainty and the resolve hardening were noted by Itash, if barely.

It told him that at the very least Filiae believed that she could get it done. That was as good as it could get, as far as he was concerned. It was certainly possible to try and set-up a contact point directly. But this send a message. It said that Itash was aware of some of the avian's dealings, even if it was marginal at best. Hopefully that would peak his interest enough to consider his proposal in seriousness.

"Didact Defense Solutions has growing interests in the Corporate Sector and only a blind man would not notice the slow movings of the Empire in its direction." Tash finally said, before the lift doors pinged and allowed them entry onto deck. He guided her through the corridors, before they'd finally arrive at his own quarters.

Moving inside she'd notice that they were large.

"I'd like to propose a partnership between the Saaraishash and Didact Defense Solutions when it comes to the Corporate Sector." He pulled off his coat and draped it over a chair, before moving to one of the cabinets where he revealed an assortment of alcoholic beverages and glasses. It all looked rather expensive, older vintages, the whole big bantha burger.

"Didact could ease the Empire's inroads into the sector."

 

[Nan'eth'illa]

She had been at the front of that expansion, even a blind man would have sensed the war-machine of the Sith Empire coming. It was an awe-inspiring mechanism that wandered tirelessly and consumed all in its path. More should have done like Itash and strike a bargain, flow with the inevitable tidal wave rather than find themselves crushed underneath it, consumed by it.

"How do you propose Didact would aid the Saaraishash?"

She eyed the quarters, measuring them and everything he decided to house there.

Her hand traced over a fine countertop, feeling the grain of the worshyr wood under her fingertips. Further, her eyes went from object to object. Some were new, and some were old. Some were trash, and some were treasure. Over all it was quite a collection.

"And in turn, what does Didact stand to gain?"

Her voice had taken on a certain business quality, losing some of its familiarity in favour of something colder.

[member="Itash Mecetti"]

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Darth Filiae"]

He began pouring himself some Corellian whiskey.

In his experience it didn't have quite the same bite as some of the brands he had enjoyed back in Tapani space, but it was a touch more... mainstream, he supposed. No point in alarming her taste- well, maybe he should. Hand diverted from the Corellian to one of the more smoky Obulette ones. Another glass was poured, this time for her, carefully placed in her hand before settling himself into one of the chairs.

Comfort.

That was the one quality this room most definitely possessed. It was clear that Itash took care of himself without skimping on the price tag. He was a man of luxury, of means, and he had no reservation of showing it.

From the ancient signet ring on his finger, obsidian and heavy, to his clothes and place of rest.

"In a short period of time Didact Defense Solutions has become the largest entity in the Corporate Sector, when it comes to military means, projection of power and ease of application." All in agreement with the Sector Authority, of course. Their navies and security forces had slowly been defanged during the reign of the Silvers. Once they left, there was little they could do against the onslaught of raiders and pirates.

Didact guarded against those with its patrols and outposts.

The Sector was settling down in peace... for the most part.

"Our support would come a long way for the Authority to accept that the Sith Empire is the preferable development." Who else would stand against the Empire, if not for Didact? With them supporting the Sith's agenda? There wouldn't be much else to do for the Authority. "In return the Sith Empire allows the Corporate Sector to retain the same sort of autonomy that was afforded to the Tion Cluster."

Which would allow Didact to continue to build their strength to become the dominant force within the Sector, of course.

That was the angle and Filiae would know it.

 

[Nan'eth'illa]

He presented the glass, she took it, but did not drink from it.

This was all a great show of opulence, which told her much more about Mr. Mecetti than she had bargained to know. She could see he liked to display his power, his wealth, and he liked to do so by luxurious comfort. it told her a lot of how he drew people in, like a spider in the web, and seeing the slight colour difference between her glass and his, how he stacked the odds in his favour.

"Corporate Sector Municipality."

She mused as she set the glass down and took her place in the opposite chair. her legs crossed, hands coming together at her knee.

"Self-government within the Empire is a privilege that comes with upkeep: There are laws that must yet be obeyed, and a level of tax revenue is expected to return to the Empire."

The Bird would certainly ask if he was aware of this. Some saw autonomy and thought it would come without strings. No, they would have to aid in defence and in funding the Empire as well as any. Empires were compound entities, much like beasts and machines: If a cog goes the wrong way, it jams. She was reminded of Malachor V. The bird had raved for hours about it.

"The former is subject to some discussion. Some laws can be given exception, others cannot. The matter of tax is not a debate."

She made sure that was given an intonation of final.

"Understand, The Lord Inquisitor would want me to ensure that this is understood before even considering a deal. He does not have time to waste." "Nor, I imagine, do you."

[member="Itash Mecetti"]

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Darth Filiae"]

All of it expected, all of it already accounted for, all of it acceptable.

"That is quite correct." He didn't like having his time wasted and didn't imagine that the Lord Inquisitor enjoyed it either. This was the reason why Tash had paid great attention to the Tion Cluster and the framework that had been applied there for self-governance. Oh, it was quite likely that some would balk in the CSA, but that was to be expected and could be dealt with in short order.

You did not grow the business that Itash did with the speed he had to be blindsided by such matters.

"These are reasonable expectations, Lady Filiae and I am certain that the specifics will be agreeable to the larger Sector Authority." If it was that or having their worlds burned one by one?

An easy calculus to make.

Perhaps the Voss would have a different opinion, but the denizens of the Corporate Sector were known for a thirst of profit not loyalty. "As long as the taxes are reasonable and don't make the greater corporations lose too much profit?" A shrug. "Perhaps some tax breaks here and there to increase their enthusiasm for certain corporate investments within the Empire."

There were plenty of ways to ease the transition and still come out ahead for both parties as far as Itash was concerned.

 

[Nan'eth'illa]

[member="Itash Mecetti"]

The Empire did love their taxes and levies, but there were exceptions: The Muuns had some freedoms, albeit only to weigh out other benefits they brought to the Empire.

"You will have to convince him on behalf of the sector." Her hand came up to her mouth, a knuckle resting near her lip. "It is a fight, but not an impossible one."

It was easy enough to understand; sure the Empire would see the benefit of trading some autonomy for the sake of expediting the inevitable conquest, but ask too much and the expense may outweigh the profit. This went for both parts.

Perhaps this all looked small to Itash, but looking at it from the perspective of the Empire, it was a vast legal undertaking.

"Though I will inform him of that intent. I recommend you bring suggestions, he will certainly do the same. It will show you are dedicated, perhaps even please Lord Saarai."

The hand with the knuckle near her chin made a dismissing wave.

"Again, covering bases." "Would you prefer I speak to him directly, or would you like to make a recording?"

She looked at her still untouched glass of whisky, then back at Itash.

 

[Itash Mecetti]

[member="Darth Filiae"]

He glanced over to her glass too.

Then smirked.

But other than the smug self-satisfied smirk Tash didn't comment on her lack of drinking. It was just another point, a pushing of the boundary, a little game within games for them to occupy themselves with. "You can speak with him directly." Tash finally retorted after mulling that one for a bit. He wanted to see just how well Filiae could talk the talk when the stakes were high, but the profits were potentially even larger.

It wasn't a secret that Filiae had her own profit here.

If she did well.

That would have to be enough for her.

Itash stretched softly, letting the whiskey swirl in the glass for a bit before shrugging. "I think that about concludes our business, Filiae, unless you had something you'd like to discuss?"

 

[Nan'eth'illa]

She inclined her head and made a nonchalant swirl of her hand to express that she understood.

"I have no issue with that." "In fact, it may be better."

When it came to his last question, she mulled it over for a bit. Her lips thinned as she considered what she had seen him and his team do in this last mission. Her eyes trailed to her own cybernetic hand, cold yet vibrant with the Force.

And something sprung into her mind.

"I do have one thing." She leaned forward in her chair, hands coming to rest near her lips. "It is a personal matter."

She weighed her words.

"There is an artefact I seek. I would like to employ your services in finding it."

[member="Itash Mecetti"]