Private Silent Ultimatum

[Malix Veythar]

Location: A gunship above Vandrix
Attire: GA Officer's outfit, with plated shoulders.
Tag: Katarine Ryiah​

The diplomatic meeting was set. An authoritarian government on the planet of Vandrix. It holds a bustling city, but a rather authoritarian government; which worked for a while until the people rose up and overtook their captors. In most circumstances, it wouldn't hurt anyone. Malix knew that the general public would side with them; and that was fine and dandy if it weren't for the fact that the rebellion was just as bad, if not worse. They threatened to nuke buildings, and every starship that would leave. It caught the attention of the Galactic Alliance, who sent Malix to deal with the issue. It would've been simple to just bomb the city and end it but well... Thanks to a certain influence in the past, he's learned to be more careful here.

One of the methods to deter the rebellion-turned-government is to have a meeting with them, find out their demands, and see if this can be resolved diplomatically instead of resorting to violence. The past Malix would be disgusted at the notion, but... in this case, even he understood that diplomacy would work best, if it can work here.

A neutral shuttle would hold the meeting. On one side is the corvette that belonged to Malix, containing a sizeable crew, whilst the enemy side held three smaller ships. Not quite corvettes themselves, but their numbers were concerning enough that if things turned ugly, the corvette has a good chance of not surviving that battle.

He waited in the bridge, standing by the holotable. A Jedi was on board, and he wanted to bring her along for the meeting, hoping that once the meeting starts and they saw a military official and a Jedi, they'd understand how serious the situation is. But that's wishful thinking.

He'd wait for the Jedi to come along first.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

She dashed by me in painted on jeans​

Tags: Malix Veythar

Katarine hated politics so today was not her idea of a good assignment. A diplomatic negotiation was better hands down than anything involving the senate however and that was the alternative so she hadn't complained when the Council sent her to negotiate with a rebellion. She would be working alongside Lt. Colonel Malix Veythar, who she had never met but knew had a reputation of getting things done come hell of high water. She hopped the officer didn't mind working with Jedi. In her long career she had met all sorts of people and Jedi made most of them nervous or defensive on principle.

She made her way through the ship, heading for the bridge where she was supposed to meet Veythar. Her tight white boots clicked under her feet as other personnel went about their duties. Most of them dwarfed her, and she expected officer Veythar would be no different. At only five foot two inches Katarine was hardly a tall woman, nor was she overly muscular, in fact she was quit slender leaving many to wonder if she was a powerful Jedi at all. Yoda said size matters not, but still... one had to wonder.

She reached the bridge and smiled at the Mirialan male. "Lieutenant Colonel Veythar, Master Katarine Ryiah, reporting as requested."

 

[Malix Veythar]

Location: A gunship above Vandrix
Attire: GA Officer's outfit, with plated shoulders.
Tag: Katarine Ryiah​

Malix turned as he heard the soft click of boots against the durasteel floor, his gaze settling on the approaching Jedi. He had expected someone… taller. Or at the very least, someone who carried the sheer presence that most Jedi he had dealt with seemed to exude. But this one was different. She was small, slender, and almost unassuming at first glance. But Malix knew better than to let appearances fool him. Jedi had a way of being far more dangerous than they looked, and something about the calm confidence in her step told him she was no exception.

He greeted her with a polite nod. "Glad you could make it." He gestured toward the holotable, bringing up the tactical layout of the ships surrounding them. "I assume you've been briefed on the situation. We're about to meet with the so-called leadership of this rebellion-turned-regime. They call themselves liberators, but their threats against civilians tell me otherwise." His tone was dry and pragmatic. "Our job is to figure out what they actually want before this turns into another drawn-out conflict." He shifted, folding his arms across his chest. "Now, I won't pretend I have high hopes for this. People like them don't usually back down just because we ask nicely. But the brass wants diplomacy, so that's what we're doing. So if you have any plans or tricks up your sleeve..." he was basically giving her a chance to give her input, if she had insight into the situation that might give them an advantage. If not, he'd proceed with the plan; With the both of them acting as the negotiators, he's hoping that they can strongarm this regime into backing down nicely.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

And all heads turned 'cause she was the dream​

Tags: Malix Veythar

He launched into a description of the situation and she nodded, doing her best to keep up. The Council had briefed her of course, but it was important to hear the situation through his point of view if they were going to be working together. His tall frame stood above many around and he radiated a certain sense of pragmatism, indicating he wasn't someone to cross. He did not seem to have high hopes for negotiation and she had to admit he was right in saying rebellions rarely ended just because someone asked them to. Still they had to try. He seemed to value her input and she frowned, thinking for a moment. Katarine was not a battle tactician, and in fact she was very different than most Jedi. At her core she was an investigator who spent most of her life undercover rounding up criminal scum. That made her a cop inside and out and she often thought like one, even when others wanted her to think like a Jedi.

"We could try a little good cop, bad cop on them." She shrugged, indicating it was his call. He had more military experience than she did so she was willing to defer to his authority, another rarity for a Jedi.

 

[Malix Veythar]

Location: A smaller ship above Vandrix
Attire: GA Officer's outfit, with plated shoulders.
Tag: Katarine Ryiah​

Malix quirked an eyebrow at that as he considered her suggestion. Good cop, bad cop? He hadn't expected that from a Jedi. Most of them were all about diplomacy, patience, and that moral high ground they loved to stand on. But this one... she had a different angle. "Alright. I'll play the hardliner. You be the voice of reason. If we do this right, they'll feel like you're their only way out of this mess, and that gives us control of the conversation." He turned back to her. "Just make sure you don't overpromise. I don't like giving people hope we can't deliver on." He straightened, grabbing his sidearm and fastening it onto his belt. "Let's go, then. Time to see if these rebels are smart enough to take an out when it's given to them." With that, he gestured toward the exit, leading the way toward the shuttle bay where the diplomatic meeting would take place.

The trip only took a few minutes, as the shuttle was attached to a docking bay to one of the rebels small ships, letting both Malix and Katarine on board. The inside of the small ship inside held a number of soldiers. Standard clothing with key points of their bodies covered in plated armor, a mixture of pistol and rifle blasters. The intention was to give some form of authority, he thought. But if it really came down to it, the Galactic Alliance could bring a lot more to the table in terms of military might, if it came down to it.

They were led to a meeting room, a large round black table, with comfortable seating across the board. He sat down, assuming that Katarine would seat with him. It didn't take long for two individuals to came along; one Kel Dor, and a twi'lek. The silence was deafening for a bit, until the Kel Dor spoke up. "Would any of you like beverages? Perhaps a meal?" How accommodating. Malix shook his head in response, it was up to Kat herself if she wanted something herself or not.

"Then let's get to business." the both of them sat down. The Twi'lek spoke up first. "We will be plain, we want to keep our occupation of Vandrix. We are happy to pay any fees associated with running the city, and have a relationship with the greater galaxy." well... that was something, but that's not how it worked. Malix was quick to speak up. "It doesn't work like that. You overtook the legal management and owners of the city, and you're illegally occupying it. You've upset a lot of corporations and politicians with doing what you did. It won't be that simple." as if shocked, the two negotiators looked at each in surprise.

They really weren't prepared for this, were they? It's like he thought. They were fighters, liberators, they had no idea of the politics behind what they did.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Tags: Malix Veythar

"Alright. I'll play the hardliner. You be the voice of reason.

"Oh sure take the fun job." She grinned at him and winked but was just teasing. Given his demeanor, his height, and his broad stature he was clearly a better bad cop. Kat had no problem playing the sweet lady who only wanted to help and since she was a Jedi it would be believable. She nodded when he said she shouldn't over promise.

She followed him out, pulling her lightsaber out of her jumpsuit and attaching it to her belt so she looked more the part of a peace loving Jedi. They entered a small room with a polished black table in the middle. Kat took a seat next to Malix and immediately pulled it slightly away from him, as if she always tried to put some distance between herself and his gruff exterior. She also angled it so she seemed less authoritative and more meek, then took a seat and slouched slightly, comfortably. Yep she'd done this before, though usually she played these games with serial killers not rebel leaders.

The pair entered the room and business started with Malix laying out the hard facts first. Kat's own voice was soft, pleasant, almost musical and her eyes held sincere concern.

"What we mean is the situation is complex. You want to pay the fees so you obviously really care about Vandrix. I know it must have been hard to do what you did when you care so much. Tell me why it had to be done?" She empathized with them, leaning in slightly, assuring them she understood they really cared. It was all meant to contradict Malix, who was cold, hard, just facts. It was the beginning of the game. They just had to see if the rebels were willing to play.

 

[Malix Veythar]

Location: A smaller ship above Vandrix
Attire: GA Officer's outfit, with plated shoulders.
Tag: Katarine Ryiah​

Malix remained still as Katarine leaned into her role, her voice soft, understanding, too understanding, if one asked him. He didn't buy the whole we care about your struggle approach, but then again, that wasn't his job here. She was playing them. She was making them feel heard, validated, even while he kept them pinned to reality.

The Kel Dor shifted slightly, his mask-like face unreadable, but Malix caught the subtle twitch of his fingers against the table, which meant he was nervous. The Twi'lek, however, seemed more open to talking. She exhaled sharply, shaking her head as if a tinge of frustration was starting to overtake her. "You think we wanted to do this? That we wanted to take up arms against the old government?" She scoffed. "They were tyrants. They controlled trade, taxed us into poverty, and when we protested, they made people disappear. Do you understand that? We had to rise up."

Malix watched her carefully, fingers tapping idly against the table. He had no doubt that the old government was corrupt, most were. That didn't mean these so-called liberators were any better. "And now? You've replaced them. From what I hear, you've done your own share of 'disappearing.'" That got a reaction. The Kel Dor's hand curled into a fist against the table, while the Twi'lek's expression hardened.

Were they expecting them to not hear about that? Hmm. Malix was wondering if he should ease up on being hard on them. He'd wait for Kat to give them an iota of hope, and see what the duo say next.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

In the blink of an eye I knew her number and her name, yeah​

Tags: Malix Veythar

Katarine shook her head when the Twi'lek asked if she thought they wanted to do that. "Not at all. Your back was to the wall. You did what you thought was right." That much might be true. It might not have been the best move but at the time its what they came up with. Taxation and poverty hit hard and sometimes people made bad choices. Malix took the moment to remind them of those choices, which was important. They had to realize that leading was not as easy as it looked.

"I know you care about the people. That's what matters here right? Finding a way where your people are taken care of?"

She was trying to slowly lower their expectations and make them really think about what the line in the sand truly was. Realistically they couldn't keep control of the city. They were criminals, but negotiations could be made. Maybe an advisory board where their thoughts could be openly heard, or maybe a new tax program? She didn't know but if she could get them to be willing to at least talk to the people who were supposed to be in charge that was a start.

Otherwise... she knew Malix would do what had to be done and that was going to mean more lives lost. They had to try to avoid that.

 

[Malix Veythar]

Location: A smaller ship above Vandrix
Attire: GA Officer's outfit, with plated shoulders.
Tag: Katarine Ryiah​

Malix watched the Twi'lek and the Kel Dor carefully, gauging their reactions. Katarine was good. She was making them think about something they clearly hadn't considered: an actual future beyond just holding the city. The Twi'lek's lips pressed into a thin line, her lekku twitching slightly in what Malix recognized as frustration, or maybe just indecision. The Kel Dor remained silent, but his fingers had stopped twitching. He was listening.

The Twi'lek finally exhaled, rubbing at her forehead. "Of course, we care about the people. That's why we fought in the first place." But Malix was quick to interject. "Then why threaten to bomb your own?" Malix asked flatly. "If your goal was liberation, why resort to terror tactics?" A silence settled over the room. The Kel Dor exchanged a glance with the Twi'lek, in Malix's eyes, they had walked into this negotiation thinking they could strong-arm their way into legitimacy.

Finally, the Kel Dor spoke. His voice was low, as if almost defeated. "We don't want to escalate further. But if we give up control, what's stopping the old regime from coming back and punishing everyone who stood with us?" Malix's jaw tightened. There it is. Their real fear. They weren't just holding power for themselves, they were afraid of retribution. "So what you really want isn't control, it's security." His gaze flicked between them. "You want assurances that if you stand down, you and your people don't get executed or imprisoned."

The Twi'lek hesitated, then gave a slow nod. "That's… part of it."

But in reality, even if that was really their goal... they were in too much trouble for this without some punishment. He hoped Kat would understand that too, giving her a light glance.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

She said I was the tiger she wanted to tame (to tame)​

Tags: Malix Veythar

Katarine could sense their fear and their uncertainty in the Force. It was clear that they were making this up as they went along and those types of rebellions were dangerous. It explained why people were getting hurt and it also explained why the pair seemed uncertain about what they truly desired out of this situation.

Malix thundered in with difficult questions, which was good because it showed he was ready to argue and it gave Kat the chance to soothe.

"I know you never wanted to hurt anybody. Things just got out of hand. Tell me... what else is it you want? You want safety for your people... but you said there was more? Help me understand..."

 

[Malix Veythar]

Location: A smaller ship above Vandrix
Attire: GA Officer's outfit, with plated shoulders.
Tag: Katarine Ryiah​

The Twi'lek shifted in her seat, her fingers gripping the table's edge. "We need resources. Vandrix was already struggling under the last government. We overthrew them, but we don't have the infrastructure to keep the city running the way it needs to be." Malix nodded slowly, though he kept his expression unreadable. "And that's where your funding threats come in." The Kel Dor exhaled sharply. "It wasn't a threat. It was leverage."

"Right. You think if you choke trade and make enough noise, someone will recognize you as legitimate. That's not how it works." Malix's tone was sharp, but not dismissive. "If you want your people to be safe, and if you want the city to function, you need to start acting like leaders, not hostage-takers."

The Twi'lek's jaw tightened. "So what? We just surrender and hope for the best?" Malix finally leaned forward, his hands flat on the table. His voice was firm. "No. But you do start negotiating like someone who wants a real solution instead of just avoiding consequences." He flicked a glance at Katarine. "Security can be arranged. A transition of power can be negotiated. But let's be clear: there will be consequences for what's already happened."

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

I was in search of a good time​

Tags: Malix Veythar


"We can help you negotiate and find acceptable terms for everyone. The longer you wait the worse this will get and ultimately the more people are going to suffer. "

She was trying to show them that if their ultimate goal was helping the city they were not going about it the right way and that it might just be causing more trouble.

"Do you think you can do that? Can you help the people of this city?"

 

[Malix Veythar]

Location: A smaller ship above Vandrix
Attire: GA Officer's outfit, with plated shoulders.
Tag: Katarine Ryiah​

Malix wasn't in the business of false hope. He wasn't here to make them feel better about the choices they'd made. But he was here to make sure this didn't turn into another drawn-out war.

"You've got two options. You dig in, refuse to negotiate, and watch as the Alliance crushes what's left of your little revolution, or you work with us. You get a say in how this city moves forward. You actually help the people instead of dragging them into a fight they can't win."

The Twi'lek swallowed, stealing a glance at the Kel Dor. A silent conversation passed between them.

Finally, the Kel Dor exhaled. "If we agree to negotiations... you guarantee we won't be executed?"

Malix's expression didn't change. "That depends on how cooperative you're willing to be. But if you start acting like leaders instead of warlords, you'll find the Alliance a lot more willing to work with you. I won't lie and say that the corporations that were aligned with the previous government won't make it easy for you, but that's diplomacy for you. You'll have to get used to it."

He flicked a glance at Katarine, letting her handle the softer side of things. If there was hope to be given, she'd be the one to offer it. He was just here to make sure they understood the stakes.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Just running my game, yeah
​

Tags: Malix Veythar

Katarine could sense the fear radiating from the pair and when they asked about execution she genuinely felt for them. The Alliance generally was not in the business of executing people so Katarine did not see it coming to that but she also did not want to make false promises. Instead she wanted to try to persuade them to see reason.

"Execution usually isn't a way these things are dealt with. If you are executed you would be martyrs and that would not help get things back to stability. Your enemies have every reason to want to negotiate with you. I will help you through this."

 

[Malix Veythar]

Location: A smaller ship above Vandrix
Attire: GA Officer's outfit, with plated shoulders.
Tag: Katarine Ryiah​

Malix remained quiet as Katarine reassured them, his gaze flicking between the Twi'lek and the Kel Dor. He could see the gears turning in their heads, the way their postures shifted slightly, not fully convinced, but no longer clinging so tightly to defiance.

Good. It looks like this was going to go their way after all.

"We agree. We'll stand down and work with the authorities." the Twi'lek finally said, and just like that, it felt like the room went into a silence of sorts. Like they could all breathe easier. Malix gave a light nod to the two of them, before giving a look to Katarine and making his way to leave. He would normally give them more assurances, maybe more talk to help them but he had to stay being the "bad guy", the one they had to please if they were going to make it as a nation.

He walked by the door, but would wait for Katarine to say her last words to them before heading back to their ship.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Love was the furthest from my mind​

Tags: Malix Veythar

"You are doing the right thing. We will set up a meeting for everyone to negotiate together. This will help the people of the city and they will know it was thanks to you that this happened. Start thinking about what your people need. It will make the meeting go smoother to have an idea going in but be open. The goal is to get everyone to listen."

She stood and smiled at each of them. Today was a good day when words could be used instead of violence. She then turned and followed Malix out of the room, heading back to his ship.

"That seemed to go better than we could have hoped."

 

[Malix Veythar]

Location: A smaller ship above Vandrix
Attire: GA Officer's outfit, with plated shoulders.
Tag: Katarine Ryiah​

The mission was technically a success, but he wasn't about to celebrate just yet. There was still too much that could go wrong.

"Yeah, well… it's not over. They agreed, but that doesn't mean their fighters will. And if even one of them decides to go rogue, this whole thing could turn into a bloodbath." He wasn't as good as Katarine at seeing the bright side of things, but even he had to admit, this was probably the best outcome they could've gotten.

He stole a glance at her as they neared the landing pad. "Still. You handled that well, Jedi. I can see why people actually listen to you." he then started to head up the docking ramp, making sure she isn't too far behind. "Any plans for the evening?" He was either going to get a good sleep from this, or he might even head down to their city and see what it's worth fighting for. He's almost tempted to do the latter, but he definitely wasn't going to do it alone. A Jedi at his side however... well, that'd be something else.

It may even give a strong message that the Alliance may care. Or they're watching carefully. But regardless, he's sure that the city will hear the results of their meeting sooner or later, and he wants to see how the people actually feel in person, compared to second-hand information that he's received so far.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Caribbean queen​

Tags: Malix Veythar

"You are a jolly sort of fella aren't you? I bet you're fun at parties." She grinned at him sideways as he mentioned this could still turn into a bloodbath. The truth was he was right that it could but she supposed it was her job to keep the moral high. She'd played the bad cop on plenty of occasions so it was a nice change of pace anyway.

"I was going to head to the city and see whats going on for myself. I think it might look better if some of us were seen down there. It might reinforce that the Alliance is here to help, not merely quash a rebellion. These people rebelled for a reason and I think its important we understand it."

She figured she was here so she may as well make sure the Alliance got their monies worth. She didn't expect him to make his officers go out but she did think it would be nice if the Alliance was seen as having more of a presence in the city. It wasn't her idea of a fun time but it was important work.

 

[Malix Veythar]

Location: A smaller ship above Vandrix
Attire: GA Officer's outfit, with plated shoulders.
Tag: Katarine Ryiah​

Malix huffed out something between a chuckle and a scoff. "Yeah, I'll bet." he said dryly at her joke about him at parties. "I'm the life of the damn party."

As she laid out her plan, he found himself nodding before she was even finished speaking. He liked that she was thinking the same way he was, boots on the ground, seeing things firsthand. That was how one actually understood a place. Not through reports, not through secondhand accounts, but by standing in the streets, looking people in the eye, feeling the tension in the air.

"Good. I was going to do the same. Guess that means you're stuck with me."

A slight smirk tugging at the corner of his mouth. "Hope you don't mind slumming it for a night, Jedi. Something tells me we're not exactly getting a warm welcome." when they got to the shuttle, he ordered the pilot to not head back to their ship, but start making their way down to the planetside, right for the capital of Vandrix.

 

[Katarine Ryiah]

Now we're sharing the same dream​

Tags: Malix Veythar

"Good. I was going to do the same. Guess that means you're stuck with me."

Katarine chuckled at his comment. "Could be worse. I had one assignment where I was stuck with a senator during an invasion." Katarine hated politics and politicians.

"Hope you don't mind slumming it for a night, Jedi. Something tells me we're not exactly getting a warm welcome."

"Who knows, maybe they will roll out a red carpet for us." She grinned but knew he was right and their presence was going to cause unease and anxiety. She just hopped it did not turn to outright hostility.

They made it to the city and Katarine's white boots crunched over the surface as they got their first view. "Where to first boss?"