Faction Sith Order | Money

[Kebos]

Chitty chitty chat chat. These people sure loved to hear themselves go on and on. At least it was entertaining to a degree. All this talk of trade and ports. All he could see was opportunity. A chance to get his hand in some pockets and credits into his. So many worlds called out. Some he hasn't even heard of before. Not that it mattered. Money was money. He made a mental note of them all for potential spots to spread his influence. With Kainite backing, it would be a piece of cake.

The wine was somewhat distracting. He wasn't used to this kind of thing. A good rum or a liqueur was more his speed. He had a few sips in between drags of what was left of his cigarra to at least appear respectful. The little snacks were good enough to keep him sated while he waited to interject. Then, in between all of the longwinded speeches, his name was brought up. His eyebrows raised above his Gunray-Bans in shock. He couldn't even remember saying his name to begin with. It was, however, nice to be noticed.

"Miss Massa's spittin' some facts there. Some." He put out his cigarra on the implied provided ashtray. "But, I don't think anyone's gonna want to go trading in an asteroid field. Not in a way that makes the Empire any real money, anyway. Now if security is your issue, I can fix that."

Drazen Lutris | Taeli Raaf | Darth Morta | Serina Calis | Madelyn Lowe | Kaila Irons | Ukvax the Gilded | Ivalyn Yvarro | Quinn Varanin | Allyson Locke ​

 

[Ukvax the Gilded]

Ukvax the Gilded and everybody else here.

The Geonosian's eyes flitted to the figure of Drazen Lutris as he gave his cautionary advice; a polite nod of understanding given in turn from the Archduke as to assure he got the point.​

There was of course, however, the political squabbling. It was clearly evident that, much like himself, Serina Calis , Madelyn Lowe , Taeli Raaf , and others, were vying for power. A job that, while normally of little concern to him for his own projects, bade a damning presence upon the talks. There needed to be a change of scenery - a change in the grand scope of the location. To place it upon any one of these worlds undermined the stability of the Hive of the Sith Order, and to this end, the Geonosian fished for a holoprojector from his droid compatriot. Shifting with his cane gently in his seat as to maneuver the holoprojector onto the table, the Geonosian gave a loud "Ka-Kliak!" as to gain their attention and notice. Indeed, for he nodded, before he tapped on the droid's wrist-computer, and brought up the planet in question.

Erinar.

And indeed, the Geonosian Archduke responded; a firm, but not harsh, tone taken to his words. Like a parent scolding his children for squabbling, perhaps? It was difficult to tell given the clicking mandibles, but he seemed proud of their debating at least. At least, he seemed like he enjoyed it, if nothing else.

[GEONOSIAN]: "Hrrrrrrriwik! Mrrrrriw'haeh-hey-hae. Gaeh-gaeyeh-hrrrrrrrrr. Woooooooor-cliak'kliek maeh-haeh brrrrrrok."

The droid nodded to his liege, and then commented.

[BASIC]: "His Eminence, the Archduke, believes all here have valid suggestions and reasonings. The Commonwealth suffers from physical division as much as Polis Massa demands the progress of development to improve. And in due time, all will get their way within reasonable accords. However, to squabble, to fight, to jockey for power, will only lead to rivalries. Rivalries that undermine the Sith Order; rivalries that will lead to only the excision of valuable allies. His Eminence believes we need not fight - we need not pick sides. Governor Calis raises an excellent point on the front of developed worlds proving suspectably corrupt; he also believes, however, that Polis Massa is not developed enough, even with the assistance of the native populace and outsiders, that it would be easy to formulate trade. Geonosis supplied tens of billions of battle droids before the Clone Wars, and the asteroid field required much in the way of innovation, after all."

A pause, as the Geonosian Archduke nodded, before double-clicking his mandibles, both sets, and allowed the droid to continue on.

[BASIC]: "His Eminence believes it is only folly, however, to neglect or ignore any of our problems by focusing in on one party. Rather, there should be a combination of interests and focus given to one world to test run this system, to see what needs to be fixed as well as improved, and to ensure that when applied to other worlds, it will not create logistical issues or issues of corruption, as Governor Calis, again, has pointed out. Henceforth, His Eminence, Ukvax the Gilded, Archduke of Stalgasin Hive, believes the greatest choice for a small-scale experiment would be that of the planet Erinar from the Eriadu System."

A pause, as the Geonosian gave them a moment to process what he was saying. Then he clicked on once he felt they had enough information. It was clear he was taking time to explain and expound upon things.

[GEONOSIAN]: "Soyuek-heuyek geah-haeh-hye. Mrrrrriwik, heah'gaeh hrrrrrrrr'wooooor."

The Protocol droid waddled over and nodded as it translated.

[BASIC]: "Not only is it located within the same system as a world sat upon the Rimma Trade Route, Eriadu, a world with significant built-up security assets as well as industry, and thus, can be used for easier logistics from intra-system trade, and thus allow for screening checkpoints to be more easily established upon Erinar as opposed to combining screening and shipping on one planet, additionally, Erinar is also volcanic and poorly-populated. A difficult task for any infiltration or any form of corruption to easily occur on an undermanned world. An easy venture, then, would be to set up a form of workforce to construct the planet to suitable specifications, and to utilize controlling interests from each of our powers here to distribute to their own polities once the Free Trade Zone has been ironed out and proven successful, as well as to maintain vested stakes to ensure a compromise of power and interests."

A hand held up to the droid for it to pause, the Geonosian chirrrrrruping in a slow, deliberate manner. Then the droid kept on; voice tinny and nasally. Then again, if Ukvax had stated it was descended from the B1 Battle Droid, they would have not been impressed.

[BASIC]: "His Eminence believes that with suitable planning, a workforce of Geonosians could be dispatched to run initial construction measures, and to help build the world for the planning stages of incoming transport and trade. Afterwards, if it is so desired by each and every party here, Geonosian security measures such as overseers and warriors could be allocated to provide additional support until the Sith Order is able to allocate its own resources. One thing to note the Archduke will elaborate upon, is that of Geonosians being difficult to not only live amongst, but also operate amongst. Operational security would prove significant in its controlled nature because of few being able to speak Geonosian, in addition to the immense difficulty of posing as a Geonosian. This would fool a majority of saboteurs into not attempting such - and Geonosian support, combined with Sith, Imperial, and Commonwealth supervision, would mean any attempted corruption, subversion, or perversion of the process, would be clamped down on quickly."

A nod, as the Archduke chattered-clacked one final time, and then the droid continued.

[BASIC]: "Lastly, His Eminence believes that if such measures are taken to divide the world into controlling stakes as opposed to a zone of influence, this will enable greater equality for all polities to mutually share in the development, and yes, reunification of their realms, in the case of the Commonwealth that is. His Eminence, the Archduke, wishes to express that this measure is intended to, at least for the time being, avoid the issue of infighting, or otherwise nothing being done, and to ensure a productive meeting. Only by breaking our chains, as the Sith are always fond of stating, of attachment to our realms to see the bigger picture, will we be able to mutually all prosper and benefit. His Archduke wants only the best for the Sith Order and those in league with it - to see anything less is not only treasonous, but also self-destructive."

A nod, as the Geonosian Archduke had the holoprojector taken off the table once they had time to study it, and thus stowed back with the droid. He awaited their efforts to speak. He was curious, after all, to study their reactions...

 

[Drazen Lutris]

Drazen, for all he was worth, considered the matter thoroughly. Each had an argument, but almost all of them had proposed their own world - which was to be expected. After all, they were Sith, and the bounty of trade - No, the bounty of being the only trade port in the Empire was beyond compare. The center of the Sith Order's markets, where the very financial blood of an Empire would spill across the ground, trade after trade. It almost made the mouth water.​

​

"I would be against Polis Massa - It's an asteroid, not a trade hub. Infrastructure alone would be a hurdle I don't wish to dedicate Creds to. Being a good test candidate means nothing.", he said with a shrug, though he quietly allowed a message to pass to Serina Calis 's mind-​

​

"Shut up. Your world would serve better as a smuggling port - the more attention you bring it, the worse it will be for us all in the future."​

​

"Neither would I much care for Kraysiss. Far too isolated. We might as well make the trade world Najarka, or some other backwater.", he scoffed.​

​

"I concur with you all though - an Eastern and Western trade port would be best... Or, at least, a northern and southern port.", he shrugged, as though beaten into submission on the point.​

​

"What does not concern me, however, is the stability or prosperity of the Commonwealth."​

​

He didn't even look to Ivalyn Yvarro or Taeli Raaf after making the comment.​

​

"They're a rump state built on the good graces of the Emperor and Dark Council - giving them any important job would only serve to give power to a subordinate. Useless, in the grand scheme of things."​

​

Eventually, his single-eyed gaze fell upon Ukvax the Gilded -​

​

"You're making this conversation about yourself, even when we don't know who you are, acting important like the Sith need bugs. I'll be frank, Ul-Cak, we don't need you. Your technology is inferior, your people are - well, bugs, and in no world would the Assembly, Dark Council, or Emperor believe you anything but a self-interested reprobate interested solely in wealth extraction and self aggrandizement..."​

​

He watched the Archduke for a moment, waiting to see if the bug would react, but he grew bored almost as soon as he finished speaking.​

​

"That being said!", he interjected, the venom in his tone gone. He leaned forward, sliding his plate and wine out of the way.​

​

"I do believe the Arch-Bug is onto something. Mutual vested interest in the trade worlds. We sit here because we're either influential in the Assembly, or we plan on it - directly or indirectly. Nal Hutta and Nar Shaddaa work on a 'free port' and 'protectionist' ideal, why not propose something similar here? Terminus, Saijo, Elrood, or Hoth as our Southern Port - where in we all collectively control a vested interest in a moon within the system. We would of course have the Black Fleet 'blockading' the world, but it wouldn't be watched so closely as if it were the trade port itself. The moon would suffice to fill all the ideas presented - tightly controlled, low population, built for that exact purpose, and divies up the interest in the interested parties. In the north, the same could be done for Dromuund Kaas - a centralized tithe port, to collect back payments for the Imperial worlds that thought they could stop paying the Sith for protection."​

​

He beamed, offering his arms wide to the gathered.​

​

"Eh? Not so bad?"​

 

[Kaila Irons]

Wearing: Dress
Tag: Quinn Varanin Serina Calis Drazen Lutris Ivalyn Yvarro Kebos Taeli Raaf Ukvax the Gilded

Anathemous nodded to Ivalyn Yvarro , pleasantly surprised by her support.

It was the only indication she afforded however, beside the barest ascension of a rusted-gold brow.

Then it was on to the speeches and the ambitious talking over one another, reminding the young Darth of the assembly. She ignored most of it, noting only the most important details that hadn't been lost to the tongue of politics, however Serina Calis managed to elicit a reaction from that few ever could.

Anathemous... smiled.

It was a faint thing curling one corner of her lip as she leaned in close to whisper into Quinn Varanin 's ear, but it was there.

"Ego and haste, she says."

She chuckled quietly to the echani.

The young but battle worn Darth sat back and sipped her wine as the meeting continued, waiting patiently for her turn rather than waste time with a retort, confident that her overly cautious reputation would stand against such comments. After, It was interesting to watch the ebb and flow of politics, everyone was here to support themselves more so than the empire, but a few valid points were made.

Some at the expense of both The Commonwealth and Geonosis.

She glanced away as Drazen tore into them both, feeling for the Commonwealth's people. However, to defend them now could be political suicide, so she kept quiet on the matter.

Then came Drazen's proposal, and Anathemous couldn't help noticing that Terminus had come up again.

"I am unfamiliar with Saijo, but I do know it has a sith governor, and that I do not like the idea of handing this sort of power to someone who has yet to make their voice known to us. Hoth has even less industrial capacity than Polis Massa far as I am aware."

"I seem to recall some manner of quarantine around Elrood? Unless we plan on sorting it out first."

She could see where this was going now.

"That leaves your world, my lord, Terminus."

Her fingers drummed against the table, producing an almost metallic sound.

Her plans for Echnos had just been shot, and much she hated that, this was about the empire, not herself.

She didn't like the idea of handing a man like him that much power atop everything else his birth had given him either, but Quinn had advised she earn his favor, and she knew better than to disregard the princess, who held more power in this relationship than any one could ever know.

"With that said, I wish to inquire as to the nature of our shared holdings in this proposal. Is this a purely monetary arrangement or do we carry some responsibilities beside building the initial industry? How will our contribution be measured, how much influence over the port will it net?"

"I'll speak my mind on our second port once I understand the arrangement better."

While the others spoke, she then turned to Quinn, whispering again, whilst keeping one golden eye on the others.

"I don't like giving the Kainites direct support through Dromund Kaas..."

"...what of my allies on Korriban, or do you believe the king too controversial?"​

The two sith women considered each other equals in some ways, but in politics?

Quinn was the master here.

​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Drazen Lutris Madelyn Lowe Allyson Locke Ivalyn Yvarro Kaila Irons Quinn Varanin Kebos Ukvax the Gilded Serina Calis Darth Morta
​

Once she got the discussion moving towards the actual topic of the day, she would lean back to allow others the chance to speak and make their own proposals. or concur with the stance she had initially taken such as with Ivalyn and Madelyn. She was not surprised in the slightest that personal interests were ruling the day, herself included, but there was a right way to express your position and a wrong way to do so. Examples of both were flourishing, with Kaila being the former and Serina being the latter.

She had never understood the need to posture such as the new governor of Polis Massa was doing while trying to argue for her system. It could be an effective tactic for the masses, those who were easily swayed, but not for a discussion where the representatives were, mostly, officials and high-ranking Sith. She was unimpressed, if not outright annoyed, by the display. The Geonosian's next proposal to development a volcanic rock in the Eriadu system merely compounded that, her fingers starting to drum on the arm of her chair slowly.

In that regard, she agreed with what Drazen said. In other ways, he had also just compounded her irritation. To disparage the Commonwealth, while not surprising for the brusque and undiplomatic Sith, would only incense Ivalyn further than the stress from her leader already was doing. She could see where that would lead and it would not be pleasant for anyone involved. Worst of all, it would be a distraction from other issues such as the war with the Alliance that required more attention. She did not agree with the Blackwall in the slightest, capitalist that she was, but if that was going to be the policy for the foreseeable future, it would require adaptation on most of their parts.

Besides she had some further ideas, new legislation perhaps, that might help smooth over the issue. For the moment though, the issue of discussion and the further proposal from Drazen demanded her attention.

"Lady Anathemous is correct that Elrood remains under quarantine and will likely remain so as the energies and rifts unleashed by the Emperor and Dark Councilor Lechner and others cause anyone on the surface outside the safe zones we established that feel particularly strong emotions to mutate. Not conducive for development of trade." It was an excellent opportunity to study the dark side and how its different aspects could alter individuals, but not for a trade port.

"I would also like to remind Lord Lutris that the Commonwealth is a vassal state and partner of our Empire, the only one currently, and their problems are our problems and vice versa. I understand it may not be something that personally concerns you, but it does concern several individuals in this meeting especially Miss Yvarro. In regard to trading partners, they are also our only major or minor partner beyond neutral worlds or galactic megacorporations so that also creates some weight to their concerns."

Her gaze would move to Serina and the Archduke, her fingers still drumming on the surface of her chair.

"Once your projects and developments play out, you may present them for reevaluation, but until then... Polis Massa is an asteroid field as has been stated by several participants in these discussions and Erinar is a volcanic rock. Unsuitable at present." Her eyes would return to the one-eyed brother of the Emperor. "Darth Morta, while Krayiss II is an important world culturally to the Sith, it is ill suited for development as a port for the Caldera and Dromund Kaas or Korriban would serve better at present. Perhaps once further work has been done you can also present a new case for it. There is something to be said for a development playground so to speak. You may choose either Saijo system or Terminus for that project and as a southern port. Perhaps you can work with Mr. Kebos here or the Archduke or other interested parties in that work."

She would turn her attention to Ivalyn and Madelyn, then to Kaila and Quinn. With each word spoken, the authority of a Dark Councilor would slowly build.

"The same could be said for a western port. Between the two of you, choose either Varonat or Najarka. For the east, as Erinar was the only other proposed system there besides Echnos and it needs development and evaluation before it could be considered, Echnos is by the default the choice." She would lean forward, her fingers stilled. "In this way, some here have a chance to prove themselves useful and other interests are served with representation from factions within the Empire in some way or support for our frontline legions and their ability to acquire supplies for them."

Well besides the Tsis'Kaar, but they hadn't sent anyone to the meeting. It also didn't exactly deal with the issue with the Commonwealth fully, but either world would give them a link to their worlds behind the Blackwall.

 

[Allyson Locke]

//: Security Agent Locke //:
//: Thorogood Apartments //:
//: Attire //:

Allyson's attention turned as she handed the paperwork to Madelyn. Despite the agent's initial befuddlement when handed the coats, the minister's nod made her smile. A small smile would appear after Madelyn's attention returned to the meeting. She would never admit to it, but it was enough for her to forget the coat debacle.

Allyson once more settled into her seat and tuned into politicians' bickering. Half of the conversation went over her head; too much bureaucratic jargon layered over the planetary concerns. Knowing her luck, she'd end up on one of these planets doing some semblance of espionage.

Nice to have a heads up.

Her gaze continued sweeping the room, eventually landing on the Archduke, who had wasted no time launching into his points. He spoke quickly but clearly, making it easier for her to follow without relying on his overly cheerful translation droid. Still, she made a mental note to brush up on his dialect; if he kept popping up at these things, she couldn't afford to be caught guessing.

Each delegate took their turn, airing concerns and pushing interests. At least outwardly, the tone remained cordial, but Allyson noticed something shifted when a familiar young woman ( Serina Calis ) spoke. She recognized her from the Kainite and Tsis'Kaar meetings, and now, as then, the girl's performance grated. There was too much affectation in her tone, too much theater. It was like watching a kid in her mother's heels, demanding a seat at the adult table.

Allyson rested her fingers lightly against her mouth, half-listening, half-judging. If the girl wanted to make political waves, she needed to stop talking down to delegates like they were a mob to be manipulated.

The honey she served them was rotten. And everyone at the table could smell it.

Still scanning, Allyson couldn't shake the vague discomfort. As much as she wanted to trust the apartment and its host, something felt off.

While the delegates squabbled over which planet would win the honor or curse of hosting the SIBC or whatever alphabet-soup committee they were forming, Allyson had other priorities. Inch by inch, she slid forward in her chair, eyes darting casually until she slipped beneath the table near where Madelyn Lowe had decided for them to sit.

One smooth move, no one seemed to have noticed the crafty Corellian.

Under the tablecloth, Allyson crouched low, blinking to let her cybernetic eye adjust and scan. A few bags from the catered spread cluttered the underside, harmless, probably. Others were older and forgotten. Her hand moved methodically, pressing along the bottom of the table for anything unexpected. If Drazen had decided to get creative, she wasn't about to be caught flat-footed.

Spoiler: Tags

Drazen Lutris Taeli Raaf Ivalyn Yvarro Kebos Ukvax the Gilded Kaila Irons Quinn Varanin Darth Morta

 

[Serina Calis]

Money.
Location: Terminus
Objective: Ensure critical future investments, establish ability to influence domestic Sith affairs.
Allies: ???
Opposing Force: ???
Tags: Drazen Lutris Taeli Raaf Darth Morta Kebos Madelyn Lowe Kaila Irons Ukvax the Gilded Ivalyn Yvarro Quinn Varanin Allyson Locke

Never has isolation brought so much opportunity.
​

The quiet hum of her datapad continued beneath the table. Serina's slender fingers rested near it—not touching, not typing—simply letting it do what it was meant to.

She didn't need to understand everything about trade balances, customs law, or tariff logistics. That was what her advisors were for. Four of them, all veterans of economic warfare from former governments across the Mid Rim. Two ex-corporate CFOs. One retired Zabrak intelligence analyst from a private banking group. The last, a ruthless Duros logistics baron from a now-defunct smuggling wing.

They fed her real-time data, projections, and flag words. She let the numbers roll in on the edge of her periphery, flickering across the bottom of her vision like a silent choir of invisible ghosts whispering in binary.

But her words—those were all her.

When she stood, it was not with dramatic flair. No toss of the cape, no theatrical rise. Just a simple, fluid motion—elegant and lethal in its restraint. She adjusted nothing. No theatrics. No preamble.

Just her voice.

"There's no need for another sermon from me," she said, voice calm, precise. The licentious undertones were still there—never gone, never far—but wrapped now in professionalism. In clipped, exact diction. Like silk drawn across the edge of a blade.

"Councilor Raaf, I thank you for your clarity. I'd like to formally request your contact protocols—private channel, preferably—so we may discuss logistical refinement. There's more for me to learn, and I believe you may be an apt instructor."

A slight pause. Polite. Measured. Then—into the kill.

She turned her gaze slowly to Anathemous. Not hostile. Not accusatory. Just honest.

"Governor, you made an excellent case. Nationalized infrastructure. Industry already present. A supply chain deeply integrated with the Sith Legions. It's all very… sound."

A pause, held longer than necessary. She was playing a game here, opening with a new move.

She wanted to give her sermon—oh, how she wanted to. To unfold her cathedral of corruption here in the lap of Sith dominion, to speak of rot not as failure but as a system, not as weakness but as the inevitable shape power takes when left unchecked. She could feel the words building behind her teeth: vivid, honeyed, weaponized. Words that would make the mighty flinch and the wary lean in closer.

But Serina had learned something, or rather—she was still learning it. A hard lesson, a new blade in her arsenal that hadn't yet found all its uses.

That sometimes, the unsaid word was the most lethal.

Not everything had to be laid bare. Not every dagger needed to gleam in the firelight. Some worked best when unseen, when felt only in the aftermath—in the tremor of doubt, the second-guessing, the silence that filled a space once certainty had lived.

She had spent her life commanding with brilliance, with volume, with seductive bravado. But here? In this room, with these people, it would be the quiet that gave her presence weight. The restraint that gave her menace form.

She was already reshaping the battlefield without lifting a hand.

And wasn't that the most delicious form of control?

To let them imagine what you might say. To let fear and curiosity build cathedrals in their minds with no blueprints to follow. To plant seeds with a glance—and let doubt water them.

She wanted to give her sermon.

Instead, she gave them the silence between lines. The silence that dared to say:

You don't know what I know.

And you're not ready to hear it.

Not yet.

She looked to Drazen now. Cool. Controlled. Unmoved by his earlier jab. Her tone didn't waver.

"Lord Lutris, if you believe my asteroid to be beneath consideration, I will not contest your judgment in this forum."

Her fingers curled lightly around her glass once more.

"I will show results, I will prove my thesis."

Then she looked back to Taeli and added, gently—almost flirtatiously, but not enough to breach decorum:

"I do hope you'll send me those contact details. I believe I have, moved a few knives in my direction."

And with that, she said no more.

The datapad pinged again. A projected forecast for Saijo had just come in.

Smiling slightly, Serina sipped her wine.

 

[Madelyn Lowe]

Thorogood Apartments, Terminus
Drazen Lutris | Taeli Raaf | Darth Morta | Kaila Irons | Kebos | Allyson Locke | Serina Calis | Ivalyn Yvarro
Wearing
​

Back and forth. Back and forth. Over and over and back and forth. Madelyn wondered if anyone else found this vying for control exhausting. The problem was that there was too much on the table. They all wanted the power and advantage for themselves. Even her, if only for the purposes of doing her job. Though, unlike the others, Madelyn didn't really care. The Sith collected power for themselves, Madelyn did it for her betters. It was her advantage, in a way. They wanted it too badly, were unwilling to compromise. Madelyn had an apathy they lacked. She saw the practicalities where they were still blinded by hope and greed.

She ran through their points one by one. First up, Ivalyn. Another point in favour of Taeli's proposal, and a bid for the future of the Commonwealth in Sith space. Madelyn admired her stiff upper lip, the resolve she carried herself with as she made her case. She was the brave leader the propaganda films made her out to be.

Then it was Calis. One of the several in this room who should have realised by now she had a losing hand. And yet, she took the opportunity to grandstand anyway, either because she had a captive audience and something to prove, or worse, she actually thought she was in with a chance. Something about that irked Madelyn, and without really meaning to, she'd began speaking.

"Governor Calis." said Madelyn. "In your posturing, you have made missteps that show everyone here your inexperience." Madelyn's emerald gaze was unwavering. "While your speech might be enough to sway those enraptured by displays of personal power, you will find those of us who are actually concerned with the running of this Empire rather... Unconvinced."

"This was a mistake, and while normally I would provide a smart girl like you the benefit of the doubt, perhaps we should walk through why, together." Madelyn gave a diplomatic smile at that, but her eyes glamed with malice.

"One." Madelyn held up a manicured hand, and raised her index finger. "Polis Massa is a collection of pebbles in the shadows of actual worlds of influence. The only reason it is on anyone's star charts is because it has been used throughout history to house just the kind of scum to which you have been referring."

"Two." Another finger. "You have convinced me, and no doubt most everyone else in this room, that the 'corruption' you brag about should exclude you from even your shiny new Governorship, let alone the privilege of a trade world."

"Three. Even if Polis Massa were suitable, which as we've established, it's not, you don't have the support. It. Is. Over."

But Madelyn knew it wasn't. The Dark Jedi would pipe up again. She was powerful and persistent and self-obsessed, all features that would continue to grate on Madelyn, but she was powerless to deal with Calis. Even her words tonight could prove dangerous, given what she understood about the girl's unpredictable nature. Time to move on.

Luckily, there was plenty to distract from Madelyn's admonishments, such as Ukvax's pleading for cooperation- which, handily, might be aided by his enthusiastic and able-bodied Geonosian workforce. What a coincidence. It wasn't a terrible idea really, but Madelyn didn't like the bugs, and hardly anyone else in this council did either. That made him another member of the hopeless camp.

Then they heard from another contender. If Serina's unchecked ambition irritated Madelyn, then it was Drazen's arrogance that finally drove her to anger. The Commonwealth was no rabble of disloyal Imperials, at least, not yet. Like it or not they were wound into the fabric of the northern Empire, and anyone with sense recalled the danger of alienating an Imperial population. Evidently, Drazen didn't understand that as he'd never deigned to study a sector map or, seemingly, visit a world beyond his own. As he wound down his whining about his subordinates, she opened her mouth to curse, but was thankfully cut off by the Governor of Echnos' careful reasoning, and then, blessedly, the interjection of Taeli to restore some order, and some sense, to the gathering.

"In that case, I endorse the nomination of Echnos." said Madelyn. How quickly things had turned in favour of their recently appointed Governor. She was among the winners of this gathering. That was not such a bad thing, considering the competition. Madelyn turned her attention back to Ivalyn, a brow raised just slightly.

"Varonat, then?" She asked innocently. She and Ivalyn had an understanding. This was a deal Taeli had teed up, that Ivalyn couldn't refuse, not that Madelyn imagined she particularly wanted all of the trade port restrictions falling direct on a Commonwealth world. Accordingly, they would hand a Trade Port to Madelyn and her Masters.

Madelyn leaned back to admire her good work, just in time to watch Allyson Locke surreptitiously slide under the table. Her eyes widened a fraction, the barest imprint of a frown knitting her brow, and then she relaxed. Whatever it was her wild agent was doing. Madelyn told herself, she probably had a very good reason... Right?

 

[Ivalyn Yvarro]

Ivalyn inclined her head, the gesture slow and deliberate, a mark not only of gratitude but of acknowledgment for the balance Lady Raaf had just struck. There were few in the room she trusted to speak with both clarity and restraint, and fewer still who understood the nuance of not merely commanding a chamber, but stewarding its direction. Taeli Raaf, ever the consummate stateswoman, had done both.

"Your grace in arbitration is, as ever, a stabilising force in moments otherwise vulnerable to chaos," she said, her voice as composed as a winter breeze, cool but never cold. "I thank you for speaking not only to the realities of development, but also to the nature of partnership. The Commonwealth's presence here is not a courtesy. It is an investment, in stability, in economic vitality, and in the future of this Empire, as we know it."

A pause, ever so slight.

"We are well aware that partnerships require more than proximity; they require consistency, respect, and when the time calls for it, defence. In kind, we have sheltered Sith citizens displaced by the Blackwall and extended trade concessions to ensure that industry beyond our borders did not falter. That effort continues, despite the current hardships."

Her gaze swept across the table then, resting briefly on Kaila Irons, not in rebuke, but in recollection—a note silently filed away.

"And while our worlds remain divided by the veil of Blackwall, I am committed to forging the strongest arteries possible through what remains accessible. The decision, as you've rightly framed it, must be made between Najarka and Varonat."

Her hands folded neatly atop the table, and her expression remained unwavering. Ivalyn was faced with a hard decision, one she would not wish upon any of her forebearers. Still, the Grand Vizier knew that she had to come away with something.

A small incline of her chin toward Taeli once more.

"We are aligned in the belief that a house divided cannot endure. In that spirit, I accept your framework and look forward to further clarity from the Tsis'Kaar, when they choose to make themselves known."

She leaned back slightly, the image of practiced elegance. Let the others posture and rise. She would remain seated, still, and unshakable—as every cornerstone must be. Her attention drawn to the young governor, Serina Calis.

Ivalyn Yvarro's gaze, cool and unwavering, settled upon Serina Calis. The room's ambient light cast a subtle glow upon her composed features, highlighting the aristocratic poise that had become her hallmark. With the measured grace of one accustomed to command, she addressed the assembly, her tone carrying the crisp authority reminiscent of a particular Grand Moff.

"Miss Calis, your enthusiasm is noted, though one might suggest that discretion is the better part of valor. It is imperative that we approach such matters with a level of decorum befitting our stations. After all, as we navigate these turbulent times, it would be most unfortunate if one's ambitions were to outpace one's tact."

She allowed a brief pause, affording the weight of her words to settle over the room. Her gaze then swept across the assembly, a silent reminder of the standards to which they were all held. The Grand Vizier looked over at Minister Lowe, and whatever the immortal might have known of Ivalyn prior to this, would likely, now change.

Ivalyn Yvarro inclined her head ever so slightly, the gesture graceful, yet deliberate—like the closing punctuation of a thought not yet spoken aloud. The Grand Vizier's expression was composed, poised, but to those who had long danced the steps of diplomacy, the subtle tension in her shoulders, the flicker of calculation behind her gaze, betrayed something far more complex beneath the surface.

"Minister Lowe," she began, her voice cultured and even, yet touched with something heavier—perhaps weariness, perhaps resolve. "Your words are received in the spirit with which I believe they were intended. I thank you for the clarity."

She let the silence stretch for a measured beat, allowing the moment to settle.

"It would be a balm to offer my people the certainty of a unified Commonwealth tonight, to return to my Assembly with a promise that the wounds torn open by the Blackwall will soon mend. But alas, I suspect the hour is far too early, or perhaps far too late, for such assurances."

Her eyes found Lowe's, not with confrontation, but with tempered sincerity. "What you have offered, Varonat as a port, may not be what I had hoped for. Yet I recognize its strategic merit. A trade corridor, a staging ground, perhaps even a lifeline for those who remain beyond the veil. If nothing else, it is a beginning. And in times such as these, one must not discard the value of beginnings."

Her tone cooled then, ever so subtly, as her attention swept toward Kaila Irons—without naming her. "Some, it seems, are quite eager to prioritize personal fortification, abandoning wider obligations for expedience. I am not so naïve as to fault them... but I do take note."

Her posture remained impeccable, but the edge in her words—cut glass beneath silk—was unmistakable.

"Let it be understood: The Commonwealth will see itself whole again. I will not allow my people to languish behind a veil of silence while we here drink wine and barter concessions."

Her final words were not loud, but they carried like a bell through the chamber.

"I may not return home with the unity I sought... but I will return with resolve."

And with that, she fell silent, hands clasped neatly before her, a portrait of poise, though the storm behind her eyes had not lessened.

Madelyn Lowe | Allyson Locke | Serina Calis | Quinn Varanin | Kebos | Drazen Lutris | Kaila Irons | Darth Morta | Drazen Lutris | Ukvax the Gilded ​

 

[Quinn Varanin]

//: Kaila Irons //:
//: Attire //:

Quinn listened to the delegation, her mind wandering, trying to read what each word meant. She was oddly reminded of the small parties her mothers would hold; each politician, king, or queen would wander in, trying to pander to them. Each time, Spencer would smile, pretending she knew nothing of what they spoke. And yet, Ashin always turned to her wife, who would give her thoughts in a perfect lyrical tone. Choices were made together, but her birth mother's word carried the most weight.

Looking back to Kaila, she wondered if they would follow the same dynamic. Quinn enjoyed entertaining this thought, but her mind was more set on the woman standing on her two feet. The Princess needed someone to walk beside her.

Careful eyes watched as the bickering continued; it was apparent some didn't enjoy the conversation, especially from Drazen. She wrinkled her nose slightly, showing her distaste for the man's form of politics. There was no reason to be rude to the Geonosian, but she could understand.

Both Serina and the Geonsian ArchDuke seemingly had ulterior motives. Like the experience, she could read through Serina's posturing. Her face softened at the girl as she finished - her mistakes were on display all because she wasn't prepared. Serina was in a den of vipers without a friend or an escape. Quinn wished she could be that for her, but her support was already given to another.

Kaila turned to her, and the Princess leaned towards her Governor; she listened to the woman's concerns and nodded. There was no love between the woman and the Kainites. The events that sparked the split were one of the reasons that drew the Princess' attention. Raising her brows, she nodded again with her understanding, "While the Kainites aren't your favorite, they still hold power." Quinn whispered back as the verbal warfare continued.

A smile parted her red-stained lips as she placed her opposite hand on Kaila's arm. She gave it a slight squeeze, showing her pride in the woman. Taeli Raaf had agreed with something that Kaila had pointed out. It was a good sign, particularly for the future of the young Darth on her arm. Taeli had quelled the growing tension momentarily, but it seemed the Imperial was part of the Ministry of Order. It was nice to finally have a face to a name.

Her words were like venom, delivered with the precision of a seasoned hunter. Quinn felt her chest clench as she let her eyes flick to Serina. Already, the woman's pride was going to be hit. Looking to Kaila again, she gave her arm another squeeze. "Leave any thoughts you have about her to yourself. Focus on the conversation of the deal. You've gained support from the Minister and my Master." She nodded, hearing now two individuals who had weight among them.

Looking back at the Commonwealth woman again. She had the mind to tell Kaila to support the Commonwealth, but with some words exchanged, Quinn began second-guessing her thoughts. Her jaw tightened, but she continued through her whispers to the Governor of Echnos. "Supporting Varonat would and should continue support for Echnos. Follow what my Master has laid out - it seems the wisest option. Supporting Varonat might make you friends with the Minister and Raaf."

Quinn smiled, knowing her words were just suggestions, and Kaila ultimately had the last word.

Spoiler: Tags

Madelyn Lowe Ivalyn Yvarro Taeli Raaf Drazen Lutris Kebos Darth Morta Serina Calis Ukvax the Gilded

 

[Kebos]

The verbal back and forth was something like those reality holos Kebos watches sometimes. Only less fake people and more brain cells. Still just as entertaining. This was his chance to put names to faces of the who's who in the upper echelon of the Empire. On top of that, they were starting to suggest him for all of their sordid tasks. The credits were pressing themselves right into his bank account.

So many worlds. So many options for business. With Echnos,he could take control of BlastBoast and get his hands on the assumed gambling ring. If there wasn't one, he'd make it. Polis Massa would make for a decent safehouse. Can't have too many of those. He could see the potential right before him. Bringing all of this before SISA should get him a bit more pull around the Empire. He knew his word wouldn't be enough. He was more of a man of action anyway. He continued to bide his time, gather information, and maybe he could make some new business partners at this get together.

Drazen Lutris | Taeli Raaf | Darth Morta | Serina Calis | Madelyn Lowe | Kaila Irons | Ukvax the Gilded | Ivalyn Yvarro | Quinn Varanin | Allyson Locke ​