Dominion Silver Tongued Suspicion - Dominion of Mygeeto [DIA]

[Maldor Mecetti]

OBJECTIVE: Deal with the Mygeetan Council
Economic Policies
____________________________________________________________​

Maldor nodded to Antipater somewhat hesitantly as he... it? chimed in. Maldor was not accustomed to droids having a voice in governmental affairs. The GA had succumbed to that lunacy. Though he supposed getting used to such things was a small price to pay for playing the Phoenix of the Empire's pyre.

A deferential bow was made to the Diarchs as they appeared.

And then a polite smile to the ludicrous request of the Mygeetan Councilor.

"Dear Councilors, your information about our economic corporate entities is unfortunately out of date. I operate Trigonus industries, now. And the Diarchy is home to the largest ship manufacturer in the galaxy outside of Kuat Drive Yards. Not to mention we enjoy the participation of sixteen major systems with GDPs that rival your own, and hundreds of smaller systems, which have a combined economic output that dwarfs yours.

However, these facts are immaterial to the discussion at hand."

Which is why I just mentioned them, of course. The message was clear: You are a small fish in a big pond, and had better not bite off more than you can chew.

"We have not come here to sell the Diarchy to you, nor to shave off any of its member corporate entities. Nor to engage in any such base transaction.

We have come here to offer you something infinitely more valuable.

We are offering you a voice in the government. We would like Mygeetan Councilors to join the Great Forum of the Diarchal Chancellorate. You will be empowered to advise the Diarchs as a member of that forum, and suggest economic and technologc legislation, make proposals on trading practices, submit tariff policies, and help form patent regulations.

Not everyone gets this lucrative opportunity.

Those worlds that resist the Diarchs are inevitably occupied, with Diarchal representatives imposed upon them. They are not trusted to manage their own affairs. If they do not see the wisdom of Diarchal rule, how can they be trusted to govern their own worlds?

But you... you wise persons have chosen a better way.

Through peaceful cooperation, you will retain your voices and control over your own affairs, and gain the opportunity to influence the DIarchy at large as Economic and Technologic Chancellors for your world.

This opportunity is worth much more than all you have named. Why, it is an opportunity that dwarfs even the value of the many tens of thousands of ships and war machines which the Diarchy fields in its military operations. Imagine that! The Diarchy fields enough war materiel to blot out the sky of this world- a force worth many billions of credits- but we offer you something with titanically greater worth.

That is because nothing could be more valuable than having a voice.

Believe me. It is something to which the Silenced could attest to...

If they but had a voice."

His smile seemed somewhat ominous in the wake of that statement.

His argument rested on three simple points:

1) You're not important enough to dictate terms.

2) You would have no hope of a military resistance.

3) If you persist in being ludicrous, you will lose the singular thing we are letting you keep: a voice in your own affairs.




Tertius C. Nargath Diarch Rellik Rocho Maldor Mecetti Antipater Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

OBJECTIVE: Deal with the Mygeetan Council
Maldor Mecetti | Antipater | Rocho | Diarch Rellik | Diarch Reign

More people seemed to flood into the conference room, with Diarch Reign also arriving, this meant that these diplomatic proceedings could no longer be avoided, it even put additional pressure on the Mygeetan ruling council, as with the presence of not just some emmisaries and businessfolk, they now had the most senior leadership of the faction attempting to absorb their territory right in their midst.

Yet, for some reason, Murkus didn't seem to mind it too much, still munching and crunching away at his snacks while Reign entered. Though when Maldor Mecetti raised his voice in concern and opposition to the proposal which had been so generously formulated by the council, the rotund man stopped eating, his wide and obnoxious smile turning into somewhat of a scowl. "Trigonus or Mecetti... can you claim to have made any significant headway within the region or are you still mainly operating in former Empire of the Lost territory, sir Mecetti?"

Murkus' words were harsh, it was clear that at the very least, even if their corporate information might have been somewhat outdated in some areas, it looked like they were clearly in the know on who operated where and apparently Murkus in particular knew how to push people's buttons.

"As for what YOU are offering...is this something YOU are proposing...or is it a proposal sanctioned by the honored Diarchs present?" As a reaction to these words, the other members of the council looked straight towards Diarch Reign and Diarch Rellik clearly expecting an answer to come from them.

The Muun who had opened up these talks suddenly raised his long, spindly hand and let out a dry cough to draw the attention back to himself. "You speak of having a voice within your chancellorate...but we have done some research and is this so-called governmental body not wholly subservient to the honored Diarchs? Do tell me, what is the point of having a voice when it isn't heard anyway? We have had autonomous control for eons exactly because we never trusted the politics and the politicians, we conduct business in credits and hard cash. Our industried flourish only because of this autonomy. You would have us bow our heads in deference to a political structure which...do forgive me my words... looks just as worthless, unreliable and pointless as a senate within an empire ruled by an absolutist emperor."

turning his attention towards the two diarchs, the muun remained calm as he tilted his oversized head a bit to the left, the flaps of the cap on his head leaning aside as he smirked ever so slightly. "Upon your ascension and recognition as a major player within this galaxy...your rethoric was quite...hostile, as such...Mygeeto would feel more comfortable if assurances were given that our contacts and clientele would be spared from the downright hostile ambitions you seemed to display upon said ascension. While we hope it was not your intention to phrase your intentions in such an aggressive manner... given many of our industrial leaders, not to say many among this ruling body have dealt and continue dealing with those you have aggrevated and perhaps even offended... can you give us assurances and recompense should our business suffer as a direct result of your...territorial ambitions?"

 

[Laphisto]

As the Lilaste order shuttles came in for a landing a few of the pilots took the initiative and landed Thier ships horizontally against the pirate base, which gave. Ample cover against the oncoming fire the walkers that were dropped off didn't make it very far before they ended up pulling back due to the extensive fire, opting to help provide cover fire for the ground forces.

The moment Laphisto's shuttle touched down he had immediately rushed out saber drawn as he went into a defensive posture deflecting oncoming blaster fire back at the enemy base or down into the snow which ever was the quickest so long as he was able to protect the soldiers around him. Reaching out with the force laphisto half snarled pulling at the snow and pulling up large banks of snow immediately compressing it with the force and creating make shift barricades - that while not the best for using as cover they still provided blind spots for troop movement - rushing forwards laphisto smashed himself up against the rear hatch of a Gunship drawing his LO-18D rifle and begening to lob slug rounds towards the enemy.

" We need to find a way to move forwards! The shuttles shields will only hold for so long before our cover gets destroyed and leaves us stranded in this barren waste land!" Laphisto shouted over the commlink between bursts of fire

Zara Saga Zinayn

 

[Zara Saga]

Tags: Laphisto | Zinayn | Rokul​

Zara's speeder skidded across the ice, her heart pounding in her chest as blaster fire ricocheted around her. The acrid smell of scorched metal filled the air just before a well-aimed shot hit her vehicle, sending it spinning wildly. Her world became a blur of white and grey as she was flung into the biting embrace of the icy ground. Pain splintered through her side, sharp and unyielding, but she pushed it away, focusing instead on the immediate chaos surrounding her.

With a growl of frustration, Zara scrambled to her feet, brushing snow from her coat with quick, angry swipes. The cold bit into her skin, but she ignored it, adrenaline surging through her veins. Her blonde hair, now disheveled and dusted with ice, framed a face set in determined lines. Any softness in her features was overshadowed by an intense focus and a fire that burned beneath the surface.

She could feel the hum of her lightsabers before she ignited them, the yellow blades casting a warm glow against the stark winter landscape. Zara moved with graceful precision, deflecting blaster bolts back towards the pirate base. Each movement was instinctive, her body a fluid machine of defense and retaliation. She was well aware of the danger, the precariousness of her position, but fear had no place here. There was too much at stake.

As her eyes swept the battlefield, they locked onto the looming structures of the pirate base. The anti-aircraft turrets belched fire into the sky, a relentless assault on their barely-there support. She narrowed her eyes, calculating and composed. In the midst of the chaos, she caught sight of a young warrior, Rokul , if she remembered correctly, though she knew not much about him.

With a swift, commanding gesture, she signaled for him to follow her. "Come on, we're scaling those walls." she shouted above the clamor, her voice edged with an unyielding authority. There was no time for introductions or elaboration, their best chance lay in slipping behind enemy lines and dismantling their defenses from within. Zara's heart beat wildly within her chest, her mind a sharp focus of strategy and will, as she plunged forward into the heart of the battle, the cold barely a whisper against the blaze of her resolve.

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

OBJECTIVE: Deal with the Mygeetan Council
Economic Policies
____________________________________________________________


​

"Trigonus or Mecetti... can you claim to have made any significant headway within the region or are you still mainly operating in former Empire of the Lost territory, sir Mecetti?"

Maldor frowned just slightly, but the expression of distaste quickly cleared from his features.

"I have made my home within the Diarchy. Thereby gaining safety, prosperity, and influence. The rewards for good work and good counsel." He did not mention his operation on Anx Minor. There was no reason to give this man his secrets.

"As for what YOU are offering...is this something YOU are proposing...or is it a proposal sanctioned by the honored Diarchs present?"

Maldor glanced to the Diarchs, pausing for just a moment before responding.

"Dear Councilor," Maldor said, verging on a laugh, "It should be obvious that the final word of Diarchal affairs rests not with me, but with the leadership. Yet you cannot believe the great Diarchs would invite me to spin nonsense for you. As special envoy, I have been retained to make just these sorts of proposals in the interests of a peaceful transition."

Maldor's gaze drifted briefly once more, flitting upon Antipater. Then he returned his full attention to the matter at hand.

"You speak of having a voice within your chancellorate...but we have done some research and is this so-called governmental body not wholly subservient to the honored Diarchs?

Do tell me, what is the point of having a voice when it isn't heard anyway?

We have had autonomous control for eons exactly because we never trusted the politics and the politicians, we conduct business in credits and hard cash. Our industried flourish only because of this autonomy. You would have us bow our heads in deference to a political structure which...do forgive me my words... looks just as worthless, unreliable and pointless as a senate within an empire ruled by an absolutist emperor."

Maldor shrugged. "If your research extends into recent history, you may remember the peril of the great Senate of the Galactic Alliance.

Threatened by an encroaching enemy, they had a vote to decide whether Coruscant would be abandoned as the seat of government. When the vote seemed to be going against such a move, voting was suspended.

The move was made regardless of the preference of the Senators. Regardless of the will of the people's representatives.

There are always Emperors. Always people in charge. Real charge. Ultimate charge. No one is autonomous. No one but those special few.

We stand in a time and a place where the ultimate authority rests in the Diarchy. It is held by these Diarchs.

In their wisdom, they have decided not to dictate. They have decided to hear counsel. They have formed bodies to provide that counsel. Not because they cede power, but because they cede that they cannot see all ends, and can not know all things. We in the Diarchy are blessed, because our ultimate authority has this wisdom. You can't bend them. Nothing can bend them.

But they will bend their ear to hear what you say.

The question today is not whether you will be autonomous, dear Councilors.

The tides of the galaxy have already passed over this shore.

The question is not about who you were yesterday.

It is about who you shall be tomorrow.

You would not be offered a voice if your voice was not valued. These men want your wisdom.

You would not be offered administration of your local affairs if it was not perceived that you do well at it. These men know your worth.

But autonomy? That is yesterday's sunrise. And that sun has now set.

Take your place in the Diarchal Forum of the Chancellorate. Be Chancellors for your world, for your businesses. Contribute, and find yourselves valued forever. Speak for yourselves in the Forum. Speak for the prosperity of the Diarchy. These men will listen. Not because they have to, but because they want to hear what you have to say.

Be part of the new day, gentlemen. Do not let this day dawn without you.

The world will turn.

Do not let it leave you in darkness."

Tertius C. Nargath Diarch Rellik Rocho Maldor Mecetti Antipater Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik ​

 

[Rokul]

Location: Mygeeto
Tags: Laphisto Zinayn Rokul

These were the times that Rokul felt alive. Blaster fire soaring all around him whilst he charged through the snow. He saw the sudden series of sparks and flames as Zara Saga 's speeder went up from a well placed shot, and Rokul knew better than to stay on his. He just yanked on the throttle to increase the speed, before leaping off to let the vehicle hurtle towards the walls before it was blown up by blaster fire. In little time, Rokul rolled up from the snow and back up to his feet, grabbing a hunk of speeder metal to almost use as a shield. Putting himself in the line of fire to try and help some of the other troops to move forward, but as the metal finally started to show more wear and tear, Rokul threw it far into the snow before diving for cover himself.

The cold bit and stung away at his skin, as Rokul tried to put together a plan. He had always given himself two main roles when it came to fighting. Either he acted as a shield to protect those around him, like he had just done or he charged through the battlefield like a battering ram. But he felt like even that wouldn't help them get through the walls. He had to wrack his brain for whatever he could...Though he afforded himself a momentary distraction at the sight of twin yellow blades cutting through the air, deflecting blaster shots. An expression best described as wonderment crossed his face, even as it barely moved in response.
​

With a swift, commanding gesture, she signaled for him to follow her. "Come on, we're scaling those walls." she shouted above the clamor, her voice edged with an unyielding authority.​

He did not have to be told twice. As soon as the order had been given, Rokul was up to his feet and charging for the walls. Following orders were what he did best, it's why his associates in the Dantooine Militia used to describe him as nothing better than a droid, but Rokul was better than a droid. A droid could break down, could be turned against its master. Rokul didn't have those weaknesses in his mind. All that he had in his mind were the orders as he reached the wall and prepared his equipment to make the long climb.​

 

[Zinayn]

Zinayn leapt from the landing craft long before it touched the ground, arcing through the air and touching the snow gently with the help of the Force. It was likely that the pirates had not seen him leaping from one of the many transports, so he didn't bother taking cover. A few stray blaster bolts came his way, but they weren't close enough to be of any concern. The tall walls of the fortress loomed ahead, with bright red flashes flying to and fro. To be effective in this battle, he would have to get over the wall and wreak havoc from within.

He sprinted across the white field, much slower than he would have liked because of the powdery snow. As soon as he reached the wall, an explosion sounded from behind him. Whirling around, Zinayn saw a speeder go up in flames, and a figure go tumbling into the ground. The whine of another speeder, barely audible over the sounds of battle, followed. This time though, it had no rider. This one also exploded, sending shrapnel flying towards the pirate outer defenses.

Through the white screen, he saw two silhouettes approaching quickly. As he waited to see who they were, he caught his breath, back against the cold metal of the wall. Heart racing, he realized he felt something he hadn't felt in a long time. He was thoroughly exhilarated. He hadn't fought a battle so fun in ages. His heart raced not out of fear, but out of anticipation. Once he crossed over the walls, the base would be a playground. Though, he reminded himself, he couldn't get carried away lest he inflict collateral damage upon some of the Lurmen slaves.

The silhouettes grew clearer, and Zinayn could recognize Zara Saga , her twin blades' gleam reflecting off the snow. Another was with her, one he didn't know. He would get to know the new one later. Or not. He nodded towards them, seeing the new guy stoically prepare his equipment to climb the wall. Zinayn gauged the height of the wall, looking it up and down. Since he didn't bring any climbing equipment, he'd just have to jump.

Most of the pirate soldiers that manned the walls were not occupying this portion; they had gone over to concentrate all their fire on the landing forces, and now had their right sides exposed to him, Zara, and the other guy. As he prepared to jump, he looked at the man, knowing that knowledge of his name might be useful in such a combat scenario. "I am Zinayn. You are...?"

Rokul Laphisto

 

[Rocho]

OBJECTIVE 1: Economic Policies:

​

Diarch Rellik Maldor Mecetti Tertius C. Nargath Antipater

The Centurio watched them all, listening. Feeling out the area with the force, instinctively seeking traps, though he doubted any of them would be present. He also doubted, if they existed, that they could be of any real threat to this group. Not without inciting a war that this world could not win without rather significant aid.

This council was being particularly, and unreasonably, stubborn. It was one thing to seek an agreeable bargain. But not even that was something they were after. They were opting too high, even a ship salesman knew when they had overshot their mark. But this was insane. Rocho kept himself from expressing his disgust at such efforts. Not because he didn't want to disrespect them, but because expressing his disgust would have come by way of warning how little effort it would take to replace the council compared to lending to their desires, and such choices were not wise for their intended goals. At least, he wagered as much. The lack of such warnings from the others made him believe that was accurate. Though Maldor Mecetti did an admirable job of proving their, relatively speaking, insignificance, both economically and militarily. The smile he felt, likewise, was kept hidden.

"Your voices are heard now. If you would have no influence once within the Diarchy, then these discussions would also not have been needed. You would have simply been informed." his voice came out calm, if a bit cold. "If it was conquering and and then total unspeaking submission to be done, there are easier routes to take. Yet, it was not these routes that were taken. It was discussion and negotiation. And, I would argue, more polite company." he gestured at the others at the ending point, softening his tone. "You should at least take this as a serious proposition. Work out what is actually important and achievable."

Rocho went back to silence, backing out of the situation and letting the others continue. If it was a matter of combat, Rocho knew the way. These people were overestimating their bargaining power and how a truly government that cared nothing for voices, when it outclassed something like this so much, would act. The very fact they were in this situation showed there was more to it.

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Tags: Antipater Rocho Tertius C. Nargath Maldor Mecetti Diarch Reign

Objective One​

Rellik stood patiently, his posture and demeanor resolute. He had never taken a seat. He merely stood with his hands clasped behind his back close behind his friends who were leading the meeting.

He was proud and excited with the way Maldor was handling the processions. Not allowing the bankers to bully him into any form of corner. Maldor knew he had the backing of the Diarchy as a whole. The man proving himself to understand the situation at hand and doing exactly what Rellik would do in the situation if their roles were switched. As a faction, their goals were never to annihilate the entire galaxy, it was to give it a new sense of freedom through cooperation. Although most would never come to that realization due to their own ignorance.

The attitude and words of the Muun in response to their champion were doing them no favors. Few things bothered the Diarch more than the ignorance of the galaxy in regards to their version of governance. It was the natural spark that caused war. Fools, who could not see the truth in front of their eyes.

"a senate within an empire ruled by an absolutist emperor."

Idiots - Rellik thought to himself. Empire, Autocracy, Republic, Technocracy. The terms did not matter to him. All diminutive versions of each other in reality. - Absolutist. The notion fueled his anger and almost made him burst into a mad laughter. Yet his expression never changed. It was all held within as the banker continued. If the Diarchs power was absolute it came from shared respect. The fact that the people around them would listen to their words because they listened to theirs. It was trust, it is BONDS. The very foundation the Diarchy is built upon. The bond of brothers, warriors, the right to live free - all of us. Our declaration - which the Muuns and others have been dumbfounded with, was simple. - Stop the useless, endless wars. Or be stopped. Not for more power for the Diarchs. It was to ensure the next generation were not thrust into a conflict they had no choice but to fight in. Pax per bellum - Peace through War.

Something these Muuns seemed to not understand with Maldors offer. The brothers have given up many responsibilities, not only to share the burden of governance or leadership; because it is the right thing to do as they respect those who are in this fight with them.

Although the question was directed at him and Reign, Rellik was silently fuming in his own mind. With the moment between voices, Maldor once again rose to the occasion to dispute these claims.

Rellik listened to him. Was fascinated by the speed at which he grasped their tenants compared to the galaxy at large.

"It should be obvious that the final word of Diarchal affairs rests not with me, but with the leadership."

"But they will bend their ear to hear what you say."

It was with these words the Diarch had decided. Maldor Mecetti was the man to help lead the chancellorate itself into a new age of understanding and unity. He humbled himself, yet he did not need to. Already Rellik and Reign valued his words and deeds. It only went to show his, intelligence, presentation and presence. These characteristics ensured that he was the one they needed for this role. "If you walk around with your nose in the air, you're going to end up flat on your face, but if you're content to be simply yourself, you will become more than yourself." - Kakus Father of the Diarchs

Once these proceedings ended, Rellik would personally offer the position to him.

Yet they were not done. Rocho had reaffirmed their council. Requested to be here as a liason to the brotherhood by Rellik himself. Due in part to his resume as a Knight of the Fel Empire. Along with a lack of high level "Masters" in the brotherhood who were not busy teaching, he hoped Rocho might be able to bring the word and might of the brotherhood to more diplomatic meetings and he did not disappoint. With Rocho by his side, the presence of his words "If it was conquering and than total submission to be done, there are easier routes to take." A final stake in the understanding the Muuns needed.

The pitifully spiteful looks upon the faces of the bankers, despite the excellent exposition from his advisors almost sealed their fate. Rellik would take one last chance to explain things clearly. He would step forward. Arms still behind his back but his Yellow eyes burning like sun stained sand.

"Your autonomy is a lie. Trade is beholden to those who are willing to trade. What happens when the Mandalorians, Empires, Sith, Jedi or Alliances - determine that they do not want you to do business with their enemies? - The galaxy has always been at war and you, are not a player - you are a pawn. "

The disrespect of the bankers was reaching its pinnacle and they would need to decide their fate soon.

"You have been offered a chance to be a player. We are not an "Absolutist empire" - If we were; I would have killed you in your sleep, taken your assets by force, nationalized your industry, and made your history ash. So that none would fight in redemption of your name. - BUT our council, our friends, allies, and those we have learned to rely on and trust; advised against such actions. Giving you a chance."

Although he could, Rellik did not use any force manipulation to influence his presence or his words ability on the minds in front of him. Perhaps if he did not want to kill them, he would have.

"Our "War" goals are to create stability. It is for that reason, the galaxy detests us. The endless war makes those trapped in occult ideology feel good and comfortable. Even a Sith wallowing in pain and anguish feels comfort in their "Strength". Once that bubble is popped they become afraid and aggressive. If you had the power to poke into their space, you would be their enemy within an instant. With the freedom of the Diarchy and its adherence to equality comes free market trading. Your wealth would flourish with us as we secure all routes, partners, and industry. You really think the only thing stopping expansion over your space is your "Exponential wealth" - It is simply because you are to insignificant to pop the bubble of any of the other powers to care. Heed our offer and choose life, freedom, and true power."

Rellik did not step back. The answer would come soon. With the agreeance of the High council, his brother Reign, financial guidance under Tertius, and the support of Pax per bellum that the Diarchys governance and citizens understand -

It was in the hands of the two bankers on the other side if Pax Per Bellum needed to be enacted, (Rellik glanced at the slave next to the banker who knew no peace) or if protection and prosperity would envelop the planet. Either way, one would be finished by nightfall of the next day.

 

[Laphisto]

Laphisto looked ahead letting the force roll over his gaze, spotting Zara Saga Rokul and Zinayn already at the wall. He would have scolded the chiss some what if it wasn't accompanied by Zara and the unknown with them. But the fact they were breaching the walls meant the soldiers of Tarians sword had a new mission. To hold out and keep the pirates attention on them so that the small task force could get in and do what they needed to. Grabbing at his holocom laphisto quickly pulled his head back just in time and a turbo lasers bolt smashed into where his head had once been with a small growl he spat into the comms " change of plans. Were switching to attrition, a task force has infiltrated the Pirate base. We are to hold out until they get those defenses off line. Keep the fire heavy!"

Rushing from behind the gunship laphisto rose his rifle and began firing off several rounds screaming into the shared commlink " Zara and zinayn get those turrets of-" he suddenly froze up words haunting In His throat before suddenly stumbling in the snow and falling over. Hands convulsing and twitching in on themselves as his breathing suddenly stopped on his chest. Laphisto grabbed at his chest plate almost as if trying to tear it off. The veins in his throat immediately started to suddenly glow with an almost fire like green color to them. Pulsating almost like a heartbeat as he spasmed some what in the snow.

Immediately Commander Tarian and a few soldiers rushed forwards barking information into the comms " High commanders down. We need medical!" As the soldiers moved forwards one of the men spooled up a LO-35R rotary gun and began to spraw the wall of the pirate base to provide cover fire. Tarian and the soldiers that joined him grabbed Laphisto and retreated behind one of the gunships.

 

[Zara Saga]

Tags: Rokul | Zinayn | Laphisto​

Zara didn't stop moving, even as Zinayn stepped into view. Her yellow blades hissed through the air, deflecting a stray bolt that had dared wander too close. Her eyes flicked to him, recognition, assessment, a hint of curiosity buried beneath the combat-readied chill in her gaze. The corner of her mouth lifted, a smirk dancing there like a dare.

"Zinayn!" she called over the roar of distant fire, far too composed for someone who'd just been ejected from a flaming speeder. "Good to see you again. Surprised you aren't joined at the hip with your boss for this!"

Then her gaze snapped to Rokul, appraising him with a quick up-and-down. She tilted her head, expression unreadable. "You, what's your name again? Doesn't matter. Just don't slow me down." There was no venom in it, just an almost lazy confidence, like she was already ten steps ahead and mildly bored waiting for the rest of them to catch up. But she added, almost offhandedly, "You look like you might actually be useful."

She turned back toward the looming wall without waiting for acknowledgment, her coat whipping behind her like a banner, her breath rising in clouds around her. "Let's move. I'm not dying on this frozen rock exchanging pleasantries."

Zara didn't waste another second. With a flick of her wrist, her lightsabers deactivated and clipped to her sides. She slammed her gloved hands into the wall's icy surface, finding the holds she needed with practiced ease. The wall was tall, sure, but she'd scaled worse things than this. Men, for example.

"Try to keep up!" she muttered, not looking back.

Her boots found purchase in the metal ridges and exposed joints of the wall, each movement quick and calculated. Snow bit into her fingers, but she didn't flinch. The cold was irrelevant.

At the top, she didn't pause. She swung herself over the ledge with a grunt, low and feral, and rolled to one knee on the platform. Her lightsabers snapped back to life with a crackling hum, both blades forming twin arcs of gold against the snowstorm skies.

A dozen pirates were waiting. Blasters raised, teeth bared. Not shocked to see her, but clearly hoping for an easy kill.

Zara tilted her head, her blonde hair whipping around her face, her eyes bright with something that could have been fury or glee, it was always hard to tell. "Really?" she said, exasperated as if she'd just been handed the wrong caf order.

Then she was moving.

 

[Rokul]

Location: Mygeeto
Tags: Laphisto Zinayn Rokul

"Rokul."

That was his very simple answer to both Zinayn and Zara Saga 's question. He didn't waste any excess time or energy as he threw his rifle's sling over his shoulder and worked at climbing. It was...nice to hear that he could be useful but that didn't matter to him. His head was already starting to think ahead of himself as he climbed one rock at a time. The pirates would be waiting for them. He wouldn't have time to unsling his rifle as soon as they got to the top...but that was fine. That was what his thinking ahead was for.

In silence, Rokul just climbed up behind Zara as he could hear the explosions and blasters going off from all around them. There was no point in letting it distract him. The fact he could hear them meant he was alive. Just keep moving forward. He acted as a well oiled machine as he climbed up the rocks, finding any handholds he could...and punching his gloves into the walls where he couldn't, to make them. Digging his fingers into any nook or cranny he could before hoisting himself up and over the ledge, into a roll where he kept moving.

Straight into the first pirate he could find, where Rokul reached out to grab them by their shoulder and side, before the man chucked the pirate behind him and off the cliff's edge, still in complete silence. There was no change on his face, Rokul was just doing his job as he was ordered to. No amount of exertion was going to change that. His plan of attack would have been a death wish if he had been alone, but the Soldier had faith in Zara's strengths...and that the Pirates would be more focused on the pair of lightsabers than they would him.

And so he bullrushed the next pair of pirates he saw, wrapping his arms around their waists to drag them off to the side and to get into a brawl with them away from the main group. Rokul lashed out with his feet and fists, using all the natural weapons given to him as he scrapped away. Melee combat was one of the few things he could actually enjoy, even if his face kept the same stoic expression. At the very least, he could reduce the advantage of his opponents having blasters if he stayed in their faces and didn't give them a chance to get a shot off.​

 

[Zinayn]

Zinayn managed a nod at Zara Saga 's greeting before his comlink buzzed in his pocket. He retrieved it quickly, and Laphisto 's voice pierced through the howl of the snowy wind. It seemed his orders were to deactivate the turrets, but he was cut off by...something. Probably just static or an explosion. He tucked his com into his robes again, and, seeing the others already climbing, placed a hand on the metal to climb as well. However, where Zara's gloves touched the metal, he only had his bare hands. Cold shot quickly into his hand and up his arm. It was so cold it seemed like a furnace. He rubbed his hand frantically on his clothing, using the friction to produce heat to warm his hand up.

After a few moments of looking ridiculous, and with the others already atop the battlements, he bent his knees and his legs coiled, ready to spring. The Force flowed into his lower body, and he leapt atop the wall gracefully, a pirate flying past his right side and into the snow below, unmoving. Rokul then moved to batter another few slavers, crushing their armor with his powerful melee abilities. Meanwhile, Zara's twin blades twirled about, likely maiming some unfortunate pirates.

The Chiss decided not to be useless, knowing that the two Diarchy members could take out these pirates. He approached the inner side of the wall and looked down. The number of pirates manning the walls were rookie numbers compared to the pirates inside. There were dozens upon dozens of silhouettes behind stacked crates and sandbags. At the other side of the base, straight across from him, was a barracks of sorts. It was covered by a meager tarp, and there seemed to be pirates near it that simply refused to move to a more defensible position, instead dragging some small boxes over as cover. Intrigued, Zinayn expanded his senses towards the barracks.

Within, he could sense a complex combination of terror, hope, and resignation all at once. The slaves. The Chiss turned to the Archon of Light, his crimson eyes taking in the smoking bodies of the enemy at her feet. "Zara, I trust you and Rokul can deactivate the turrets without me. I'll be over there," he said, pointing towards the source of the fear. "The slaves are being held in there. I can free them."

Zinayn's gaze went to the section of wall facing the oncoming Lilaste troops. Some of the soldiers were beginning to take notice of their flank, and several of them diverted their attention to the smaller group of three. Red flashes bolted towards him, and he drew the Harbinger of Balance, batting the bolts down into the metal. With the katana, he found, it was much harder to deflect shots back at the shooters than with a lightsaber.

He advanced slowly but surely on the enemies, providing a dillema for the pirates on the wall. Focus fire on the Lilaste tanks that were currently shelling their outer wall troops? Or focus on their most imminent threat: the Chiss and his katana with the threat to bisect them? It seemed half of the troops did the latter, and half the former. A barrage of red came at him, and his katana whirled with Force-augmented speed. Still, it was a struggle. He had to do something.

Zinayn slowly took one hand off of the Harbinger, his advance halting with the immense power of the pirates' newly acquired weapons. A few bolts got through, thankfully dissipating on his outer robes. From beneath his clothing he drew his lightsaber. It activated with a hiss, and he slid the blade lock on. Without further ado, he hurled it towards the pirate line, silencing more than half of the incoming fire. The saber returned and he extinguished it, returning his now-free hand back to his katana and resuming his advance.

 

[Indra Quin]

Ravenous - Nightclub, Maribath City​

They always thought they made the first move.

Indra hadn’t looked at Yauq Mantell once. Not directly. Not obviously. But she understood men like him—entitled, idle, and quietly starved for something to claim. All it had taken was a single pass by his booth, a subtle brush with proximity, and the illusion that he had discovered her.

Now came the shaping of the moment.

She slipped into the crowd and vanished, a specter of silk and intention. Her path threaded through dancers and light, each movement carefully orchestrated. She lingered at the edge of the floor with one hand on the bar, never ordering, letting the music and bodies blur around her. A glance here. A soft laugh into nothing. A whisper of intrigue that never fully resolved.

And still—she didn’t look back.

Not until she felt the right moment crack open like a fruit beneath her heel. Then, a flicker of eye contact—quick, uncertain, almost accidental—was offered to Yauq across the floor. Then gone again.

The spell worked faster than expected.

From above, Varis would see it first. The shift in posture. The subtle lean forward. The growing stillness at the booth. Words exchanged between Mantell and his entourage—dismissive waves, nods, fake excuses. One by one, they peeled off. Fetching drinks. Taking calls. Lost to the swell of the club's chaos.

Yauq was clearing the room.

And she had never spoken a word to him.

Only when the final hanger-on stepped away did Indra make her approach. Her gait was unhurried, her gaze locked forward as if pulled toward him by some invisible thread. She held a drink in one hand—untouched and meaningless—and stopped just at the edge of his table. She didn’t sit. Not yet.

She stood over him like a question that dared to be answered.

❝You sent them away. Interesting.❞

Her voice was soft, but never meek. It carried the tone of someone already certain of the answer.

❝Tell me… do you always make space for strangers? Or just the ones who don’t ask?❞

A slight tilt of her head, a ghost of a smile.

Above them, Varis Oakertain—veteran of the hunt and guardian of the Diarch’s will—watched as something coiled and elegant unfolded below. And in the hollow between one breath and the next, even he forgot the noise of the club, the mission, the blood on his hands.

Because in that moment, he saw it.

She wasn’t under observation.

She was in command of it.

Varis Oakertain

 

[Laphisto]

With the High Commander down, Tarain didn't wait for permission he acted. on raw instinct as a soldier. with Laphisto on the ground, thrashing in the snow, armor shuddering as if trying to rip itself open from the inside. His screams tore through the cold like a wounded animal, sharp and strangled, his breathing locked tight in his chest. the green, pulsing glow now running through his neck and jaw like wildfire, and it was ugly. Medics were already on him, doing what they could, but even a glance told Tarain this wasn't something in the manual.

Didn't matter. He had a battalion to move. His voice cut into the comms, low and steady, the kind of tone that left no room for argument. tapping into the commlink for the entire division he spoke to not just his men but Zara Saga and Zinayn "Commander Tarain taking lead. High Commander is down." His eyes flicked toward the front, watching pirate gunships press their advantage. "All units, push forward. Pin the bastards down. Keep walkers behind cover and suppress their heavy fire. Do not break formation." He listened as fire lit up the distant sky, processed it, adjusted. "We hold until Zara and Zinayn drop those turrets. Once they're offline, we move. Hard and fast. Weapons hot."

There was a pause not hesitation, just calculation before he added, reachign out to Zara and Zinayn again he spoke with authority "We've got critical wounded. We're not parking out here and bleeding for show. Get it done. Every second you waste over there, someone here dies." He closed the channel and turned back to the battlefield, signaling a nearby fireteam to adjust formation and provide overwatch for the medics. and soon several soldiers with LO-27R machine guns set up a few make shift MG nests on the snow banks laphisto had constructed earlier letting out a stream of Slug rounds against the walls. the entire formation of Lilaste soldiers seemed to grow more agressive. no one truly knew what happened to the High commander but many assumed he had been hit by enemy fire. and now blood was in the water. and the soldiers of the Order wanted a taste.

Rokul

 

[Tertius C. Nargath]

OBJECTIVE: Deal with the Mygeetan Council
Maldor Mecetti | Antipater | Rocho | Diarch Rellik | Diarch Reign

While at first it seemed to look like the council had managed to put the emissaries of the Diarchy on the back foot, they seemed to not have counted on the stakes Maldor Mecetti was dealing with. After all, while Tertius Nargath was already a household name within the Diarchy and Antipater was considered to already be a respected economical partner to the government due to the close proximity of Jaemus and the lack of economic restrictions between that system and the neighbouring faction, the Mecetti family, though more so in particular it's scion now taking the lead in these negotiations had been a long time supporter of the Empire of the Lost and now had something to prove.

The zeal with which Maldor assaulted the council with retorts and counters to anything they mentioned was noteworthy, to the point that it would no doubt leave quite the impression on the two Diarchs present at the negotiating table. Even Tertius, who considered the Muun and Murkus Grobb to be quite the handful to deal with, was quite impressed. However, there was still one thing the council could play, a final shot in the dark just to try and get the upper hand in these discussions. While they knew that brute force would never be an option in the face of one of the galaxy's major factions, they were still aware that as a fledgling faction, despite the heavy support it was getting through economic partners such as the N&Z Umbrella Corporation, it's own economic presence was still fragile, it's systems yet untested and unfamiliar with the much larger galactic economic market.

Even Diarch Rellik 's quite strong words and arguments in regards to the economic power the government of the Diarchy could either bestow or strip from Mygeeto, did not seem to dissuade the council completely. Still, it was becoming clear that within this council, there was already a division forming, with those who had been remaining silent turning to the muun and Murkus grobb, arguing in hushed tones, giving their own thoughts...

"What if we simply acquiese, no harm no foul...we can have quite a few good internal contracts if we agree to cooperate," A woman dressed in the finest silks calmly argued to Murkus Grobb.

"Are we to trust a government that has threatened war at every occassion or a government that openly reaches out to us?" A stoic looking Duros proffered to the Muun.

"Are we really going to try and pull a stand off against a government backed by the N&Z," A somewhat frail looking skakoan murmured through their voicebox.

"Ahem," With a loud cough, the rotund Murkus Grobb raised his hand and silenced all those who had been murmering, drawing all the attention to himself as he displayed a wide grin. "Master Mecetti, while I have no doubt that you are truly and honestly invested in the success of these negotiations at the behest of those who seem to stand behind you with conviction... and I myself can understand the points you bring forward as a way to counter the logic my confrater Apos has voiced in these matters."

Tapping with his large fingers upon the table separating the council from the Diarchy's representatives, the weighty man tilted his double-chinned face a bit to the left, seemingly contemplating his next words carefully.

"What if, and this is merely a proposal...but what if the Council agrees to a fixed tributary, let us say fifteen percent on the total of goods sold within our Mygeetan markets...in return for a minimal occupancy by Diarchy forces serving as local law enforcement and peacekeepers?" The rotund man noticed the eyes of the other council members widen, it was a bit of a carrot and the stick proposal, but he wanted to see just how good the Diarchy was in their economical approach. If bluster could not work, the refined approach of a trader could perhaps still make any deal favorable to the Mygeetans. However, Murkus Grobb did look at Tertius for a moment, for if anyone in the room would be able to spot a trap, it would probably be him...yet it looked like Tertius was trying to not act until he was either asked for his opinion or when Mr. Mecetti would need the advice.

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

OBJECTIVE: Deal with the Mygeetan Council
Economic Policies
____________________________________________________________
​

This.

This was precisely the sort of proposal Maldor was used to.

The sort he could work with.

He opened his mouth to reply, but his voice died before it could escape the confines of his teeth.

This was a sudden left turn in negotiations. One seemingly in his favor. In the Diarchy's favor. They were essentially offering themselves up as a minimally occupied vassal.

Too good to be true?

There was a barbed hook on this bite... but he could not see it.

He turned to the others here on the Diarchy's side of the talks.

"A moment," he said at last, "to confer with my compatriots."

It would make him seem weaker to pause, now. But he did not want to stumble into a pit, and there were others here more accustomed to the vipers at play.

He turned to speak more quietly to the Diarchy's other representatives and observers.

"When a fish presents itself for easy filleting," he said softly to them, "I always suspect I've caught a slip-shark... and that it is about to bite me."





Tertius C. Nargath Diarch Rellik Rocho Maldor Mecetti Antipater Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik

 

[Antipater]

Antipater watched in silence. Despite Mecetti's elaborate overtures, Grobb and his ilk maintained a rather combative stance. These Mygeetans were insufferable. Eventually Rellik brought up simply killing everyone and nationalizing their operations.

On one hand Antipater's personality circuits registered amusement. On the other, this was supposedly the more even-handed of the two Diarchs. Even if this was only to say why they wouldn't do such a thing, the lurid image was still impressed on the imaginations of those present. They wouldn't forget that. It was an overt threat.

So overt as to nearly be artless. Antipater enjoyed overt threats as much as any self-respecting Imperial, but only as long as those issuing them were honest with the contents of their heart. All this talk of stability through war still rang hollow. A state locked in perpetual war was never stable.

Having just recently excused himself from full-time service to one such state, he would know. Mecetti turned to the rest of the Diarch's diplomatic mission for guidance.

"We are representing a government, not a quasi-feudal warlord realm. A system of 'fixed tribute' is not a serious proposition." Antipater's voice sounded distant rather than whisperish, as his vocabulator's audio output had been adjusted to a lower volume. "It is irrelevant. Accept these terms. Promise them a light presence and deliver a heavy one. They are powerless to defend themselves. We may then dictate terms at our leisure."

Maldor Mecetti Tertius C. Nargath Rocho Diarch Rellik Diarch Reign​

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Rellik did not speak. His gaze laid upon the slave of Murkus Grobb. It was not in his nature to deal with rulers who were so brash in their cultures more abusive side.

Who knew the power or fate that could lay within someone who never had the opportunity to let it foster. It was a damnation of opportunity. The younger Diarch who typically lead the songs, dance, and revelry of his people and guests had been feeling the weight of war. The encroaching battle with the SO. Conquests on worlds with rebellious sub sects. This banker reminded Rellik of the imperial remnants on Bescane. They forced their civilians to fight with guns pointed at their backs. Those who didn't were enslaved at factories. The Diarchy freed them through war. With each passing disrespect Rellik wondered if those on the other side should live and it showed. Even with his more even keeled councilitory nature that he tried to show at all times. Here he was breaking.

Another reason to always have trusted advisors and confidant at your side at all times. Every word between them a blessing to halt the acts of war.

Antipaters approach would work well. It could give them time to decide between a long night of disappearances and knives, or if the bankers could be further swayed to see Diarchy values.

Using Qâzoi Kyantuska the Diarch silently spoke directly into the mind of Maldor Mecetti

"Accepting payment while ignoring the lives of those who live here is not the Diarchy way. Antipater is correct. We will be seen as greedy warlords who care not. Yet if we can provide a truly good quality of life to those who live here. That would mean everything"

Without turning to face anyone he spoke aloud to the group.

"Tertius - I await and trust your opinion on the matter. What does this percentage of wealth value out to you."

Rellik was wanting Maldor to know how he felt for when the final decision was drawn. Yet he wanted to hear from their main financer what he believed as well. Rellik had spent much time with Tertius but he did not know exactly where a credit might mean more to him than the Diarchy's vision.

Tag: Antipater Maldor Mecetti Diarch Reign Tertius C. Nargath Rocho

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Error from posting on my phone - ignore