The Cato-Commenor Pact

[Herr Vanderhing]

Commenor, the Neimoidian people didn't have much of an opinion of the planet. They were neighbors and all, but they hadn't done much with each other for a long while. Other then of coarse trade, but for the most partied it wasn't business related, the Neimoidians had seemed to kept to themselves. But their leader, Trade Federation Viceroy Herr Vanderhing knew that due to their close proximity, an alliance between the Neimoidian worlds and Commenor would be mutually beneficial for both parties. So an arrangement was arranged by the Viceroy's aides for a deal to be made on the planet's surface with their leader, [member="Lady Kay"]. Several Neimoidian Shuddles soon arrived on the planet's surface, into the planet's capital, Chasin City.

[]https://youtu.be/LtP5lSQgll8[]

The shuttles extended out their crab like legs, and landed dantilly to the surface. With a large whoosh, the shuttle doors opened revealing dozens of Neimoidian diplomats and battle droid guards. The battle droids made two lines in front one shuttle that landed in front of the rest, it was the last door to open and soon after the Viceroy limped out, his robes flowing behind him dramatically as his cane tapped the ground. The only other riders in his personal shuttle were two B1s that struggled to carry out a large box behind the Viceroy. The box was wrapped in colorful, glistening red paper with a large puffy golden bow. The Viceroy limped forward and gave a bow with one hand on his chest to whomever was greeting him and said simply

"Good evening...... I, am Viceroy Herr Vanderhing.... Here to see Madam Kay!"

The droids behind him carrying the twitching box struggled to keep it upright. The box made some form of violent noise startling one of them and making it drop the box in its foot. The droid hopped up and down holding it in pain "Ow!! Ow!!" It cried out. The Viceroy simply gave a scornful glare out of the corner of his eye at the droid.

[member="Lady Kay"], [member="Rima Orwray"], @AnyOneElseLadyKayNeedsInThis

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was informed of Viceroy [member="Herr Vanderhing"] 's arrival the moment that his ships hailed her orbiting stations that maintained a defensive shield of sorts around the planet. Access was granted with the proper coordinates given to them.

Meanwhile the Queen of Commenor prepared herself in a fancy gown. Neimoidians were known for their love of fashion and expensive fabrics, so she dressed to impress. As she was getting ready, she contacted [member="Darben Skirae"] , her Minister of Finance and Trade that was keeping his seat, for now. His loyalty to her was still to be tested.

When the Viceroy and his diplomats arrived at the Royal Palace, they were escorted in by the Royal guards to the throne room where Kay sat. Next to her throne was a chest; a gift for her new visitors.

"Welcome to Commenor, Viceroy Vanderhing. I trust that you had a good journey?"

 

[Darben Skirae]

Darben Skirae grimaced at the call for his aid. He worked for the old Kay, but this one he would have rathered not to. And yet, after having reunited with Mute, he decided to keep working. Just to keep her safe. He kept her as an assistance, desperate to keep her by his side.

He came into the throne room and stood off to the side, his head hanging low and his eyes to his feet. In his hands were a datapad, and he pretended to look through things on it, all the while glancing occasionally up at the visitors. He felt just like he guessed the droid must have felt. And so he felt sympathetic towards it, carrying a box. A box that was oddly enough twitching. He made note of that in his head as he looked up to [member="Lady Kay"] when she greeted the visitors.

[member="Herr Vanderhing"]

 

[thatlazybrit]

Rima made fast work that he was front and center with Viceroy Vanderhing as he believed he should. Rima, however, didn't know anything about the twitching box and only that he was here to gain an alliance with Commenor. As he glanced around the throne room, he made note of the Queen's very nice gown, as he saw her sense of fashion was quite the sight, he also noticed the other boy doing something on his datapad, but chose to ignore that and focus on the matter at hand, yet, he couldn't focus as much as he'd have liked to because of those B1 droids. A nuisance they were really, is what he thought.

[member="Herr Vanderhing"]
[member="Lady Kay"]
[member="Darben Skirae"]

 

[Herr Vanderhing]

Vanderhing and his Neimoidians traversed into the Queen's throne room. Behind him was his shadow.... Always their, mostly quiet, always reliable, Settlement Officer and Advisor Genf Orkay. Vanderhing also took note that Rima was to his side as well, Genf gave a glare to the Minister of Deko Neimoidia. He wasn't good with sharing his role as the Viceroy's right hand with others, and he refused to allow anyone but himself into the Viceroy's ear. Vanderhing, upon arriving in front of the queen gave a bow not yet able to admire her elegant dress

"Good evening Madam Kay..... And sadly no, I must say I hadn't enjoyed my ride..... Sitting in a cramped shuttle with battledroids generally isn't something I fancy" the gift-wrapped box made a particularly violent shaking causing the battle droids to have to drop the box in fear. Vanderhing shook his head and rolled his eyes. He hit his cane on the side of the box hard as if to silence it, but his only response was a loud squawk.

"Madam Kay...... I present to you, a gift from me personally to you!!" The Viceroy clapped his hands together and the two droids looked at eachother and shuddered. They unwrapped the large box revealing a large, caged, and beautiful Neimoidian Kreehawk. It's talons were rounded out so as to not cause harm to anyone. It's feathers were a mix of dark black and an elegant shade of blue. The bird pecked into his feathers and the Viceroy stroked him on his head. It was now that he noticed her beautiful dress, he admired it up and down and seemed to have approved of it, then went back to stroking the large bird's feathers

[member="Rima Orwray"], [member="Darben Skirae"], [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay was pleased to see [member="Darben Skirae"] as he arrived. Though the man was quite aloof with her, it was to be expected. However, unlike the others in her past that she couldn't remember, Darben had yet to tell her to step down or to leave Commenor. That was part of why she kept him around. But he was also good at his job and not one to steal from her coffers. There'd be hell to pay if that were to happen.

Her attention was then turned back to [member="Herr Vanderhing"] , [member="Rima Orwray"] and the others that he had brought with him. It was quite the ensemble. The movements of what was inside of the box was ignored for the moment, her focus remaining entirely on the Viceroy's words. "Yes I can imagine that such a way to travel would be most cumbersome and unpleasant. I promise you that your stay here will be filled with the comforts that you so rightly deserve."

The unveiling if the Neimoidian Kreehawk came at quite a surprise. She had never seen one in person, that she could remember. It was especially at times like these where she wished that she had all of her memories. Sadly, that was not the case. Kay stood from her throne and stepped down, approaching the cage, though making to attempt to pet the creature herself. "Beautiful. The colours are stunning. Thank you. And I have a gift for you as well. Come." She hooked her arm in his and guided the Viceroy to the chest laying next to the throne. She pressed the snaps that unlocked ut and then opened it. Inside lay various silks and expensive fabrics, some with extensive embroidery and jeweled accents. "As you may know, the Commenor University is housed to one of the best fashion schools in the Galaxy. Only the greatest designers teach our very talented students. I had the liberty of picking out for you some of our most highly sought after fabrics for you to make the most impressive garments with. One of your status deserves to live in luxury."

 

[Darben Skirae]

Darben felt his jaw almost drop at the magnificence of the creature. It was certainly a gift to marvel. He vaguely remembered Kay having a pet, and recalled not having seen it since then. He took his eyes off it and back to his datapad as [member="Lady Kay"] to [member="Herr Vanderhing"] and the other Nemoidian, [member="Rima Orwray"]. Only to look up again to see her gift to them. Well, he couldn't necessarily see it from his angle. But it was no doubt something that would be to their liking, and as she spoke he pictured the silk fabrics within. But he also couldn't help but feel just a bit jealous at the praise she was giving them.

 

[thatlazybrit]

Rima was overjoyed extremely with the gift of the silks and expensive fabrics, his Neimoidian eyes probably looked as if they were shining. "I knew there was more than one benefit to this." He thought to himself. Rima, also, wasn't expecting a Neimoidan Kreehawk to be revealed from the colorful box, its colors were beautiful, one of the best birds he'd ever laid his eyes on.

However, he couldn't just keep staring, he needed to be presentable for the Viceroy, Queen, and any other spectators within the Throne Room. Though the B1's annoyed him horribly, he ignored them with his best effort and went to grab a datapad that he usually kept handy and began recording what the Throne Room looked like and how they visit has been coming along.

[member="Herr Vanderhing"]
[member="Lady Kay"]
[member="Darben Skirae"]

 

[Herr Vanderhing]

Vanderhing continued to stroke the bird until the queen hooked her arm around his. It startled him at first but he followed her none the less over to the chest. When she opened it his jaw dropped with a smile. He clasped his hands together and rubbed them together, chuckling greedily. He grabbed a piece silk and rubbed it against his cheek, a greedy grin scrawled across his face. For a brief moment he had forgotten everything in life, his worries, angers, everything because he was so enthralled with the fabrics..... They were beautiful.... Not to mention free....... Soon he snapped himself out of gawking over the fabrics and cleared his throat

"*ahem* Thank you madam Kay, this will be highly treasured!!...." He brushed invincible dust from his robes and attempted to regain his posture

"Now...... I-I wish to get to the business of why we have arranged this meeting.... Alderaan..... She has been taken as we all know by the Mandalorian scurge!!! This may be old news.... But let us be honest with ourselves!!! What is stopping them from taking our respective planets?!?!?! I know for a fact that Mandalorian's hate my people!!! They think we're cowards, crooks, thieves, you name it!!! And I am sure, that they likely don't like the peaceful peoples of Commenor....... We should have been alert when they took Hok!!! But now they have Alderaan, our neighbors....... This has woken me up madam.... As I hope has you.... We....... You and I are sitting ducks out here!!!! My people know first hand what the tyranny of the like of the Mandalorian's is like.... We, were under the rule of the disgusting filth known as the One Sith!!!!! And we don't, intend on having something like that happen again........"

(OOC: I know about what you told me lady Kay, but we need a real reason why Herr would want an alliance..... Cowardness of fighting against the Mandos on his own)

[member="Rima Orwray"], [member="Darben Skirae"], [member="Lady Kay"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay glanced over to [member="Darben Skirae"] . She could feel the jealousy coming from him. Good. That was something that she could work with, something that she could use later on if need be.

Her eyes then went to [member="Rima Orwray"] while [member="Herr Vanderhing"] studied the fabrics. She half wondered if the fabrics would be shared, or if the Viceroy would horde them for himself. More than likely it was the latter. Jealousy. Envy. All tool that could be used.

Kay's attention was brought back to the Viceroy once he spoke of Alderaan. Oh that was a sore spot for her, one of her failings in her old life. She was betrayed. Yet there was no desire for retribution in her. It was wiser to pick one's battles.

At the Viceroy's comment on the One Sith, she smirked to herself. If only he knew the extent and reach of the Darksiders. You couldn't paint them all with one brush. But those that did were easier to manipulate.

"My dear Viceroy, we know very well of the danger that the Mandalorian's pose. Our system was attacked, though Commenor was spared in part because it was in control of the One Sith at the time. And for that I am grateful. With the help of numerous allies, the Mandalorians and their mercenaries were beaten back. Our solution to the problem is simple. We are rebuilding our defences, bolstering them and doing what you are so wisely doing. And that is in building alliances not only with our neighbours, but with other governments as well. The Mandalorians are not the only threats that we may have. There are others that seek to dethrone me. I wouldn't be surprised if they wished to remove you from power too."

 

[Darben Skirae]

Darben's head lifted. The news of Alderaan drew his attention, and he couldn't help but eavesdrop in a rather non-inconspicuous way. It was all very intriguing. [member="Lady Kay"] spoke of those who would seek to dethrone her, and he had some in mind. Although he had not seen them in some time, and wasn't sure of their intentions anymore. Nor her intentions for them. He went back to looking over the datapad when she finished, trying to look busy again as if he hadn't been listening at all. That's when he noticed the other nemoidian with a datapad out also, doing something with it. Darben dismissed it, and went back to 'work', his leg shaking a bit out of nervousness.

[member="Herr Vanderhing"] [member="Rima Orwray"]

 

[Herr Vanderhing]

As the Queen spoke, the Viceroy struggled to pay attention. He couldn't draw his attention of the fabrics so he snapped his finger and the droids grabbed the chest a hulled it off to the Viceroy's personal shuttle. The other Neimoidians in the room all looked at the crate nearly heartbroken. One in fact formed a few tears, they knew exactly what was to happen to the fabrics, they weren't to get a single bit of string. The Viceroy went on to listening to the Queen's speach, a grimace scratched into his face at the thought of being dethroned. One individual had already tried, an HK droid..... All because of Geonosis and how he treats his droids.... It was amazing that Vanderhing had escaped with his life. Yet somehow, through every catastrophe that Vanderhing has went through, he's come out on top. Wasn't it quite humorous how he was the only one to have walked off scott-free after the CIS nonsense, and to have in fact only gained from it? After their leaders had forced him to make a fool of himself on Geonosis..... Then, the one who suffered the most loss from Chrystophasis, just happened to coincidentally be the one who tried to blame him for the entire affair...... The Viceroy was a lucky man indeed.... Or, was it in fact luck? Was he just that good at what he does? Was he simply above karma? It always have him a gnarled smile, the thought of all his scheming and power plays.... All of his victories and few defeats.

"Madam Kay....... Your highness...." He paused for a moment and placed his hand over his chest "If we were to form an alliance against the Mandalorians.... We could be unstoppable!!! I foresee, with each other's help..... We could become super powers in the greater galaxy!!! The Trade Federation is slowly yet steadily rising it's way back to the position it once had in the world...... But we can not take on the Mandalorians by ourselves...... We are not yet powerful enough to defend ourselves. Our military was neglected because of the bureaucracy that ran one of my planets, and the tyranny that allowed little military in the other.... Now I have freed them and it is of great concern how close the Mandalorians are....."

[member="Darben Skirae"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Rima Orwray"]

 

[thatlazybrit]

Rima was quite disappointed when the Viceroy dismissed the crate of fabrics, he knew that was the last he was ever going to see of them, unless they were upon the Viceroy. During the conversation with the Queen and Viceroy, he shivered at the mention of the One Sith, nasty beings with that crazy "force" they always spoke about. Rima had decided long ago he wanted nothing to do with that, ever. Now, as the Viceroy brought up an alliance, Rima worried about the possibility that Lady Kay may say no, and that troubled him deeply, as Lady Kay was an alright friend of the Viceroy, at least he thought, and thought that there was no way she could neglect the Viceorys offer.

@Herr Vandering
[member="Lady Kay"]
[member="Darben Skirae"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

There was her answer. [member="Herr Vanderhing"] chose to horde them. That wasn't surprising. His words on uniting against the Mandalorians however caused her some alarm. "My dear Viceroy, calm down. I have no Intelligence reports that suggest that they are wanting to attack our sectors again. They lost the last time and from what I've heard, they have no focus right now. So...let us not give them any perception that we are all raising our arms against them. In truth there are far more dangerous governments out there. So let us concentrate on ourselves and worry not about others, okay?"

She hooked his arm and led the Viceroy straight over to [member="Darben Skirae"] . She was surprised that he seemed to care so little about what was going on. Now it was time for him to prove his worth. "Viceroy Vanderhing, this is Minister Skirae. He handles our trade and finances with other worlds. He will see to it that any pact that we make would benefit us both."

[member="Rima Orwray"]

 

[Darben Skirae]

With one hand Darben scratched at the other nervously when [member="Lady Kay"] led [member="Herr Vanderhing"] over to him. He hadn't been so close in her presence for a while, not since when he opened his store. And now, it felt so different. He tried to push those thoughts to the back of his mind, thinking about trying to keep his job and put on a neutral face.

He knew that the Trade Federation was wealthy. And trade was in the name, many exquisite items came through them to others in pacts with them. Not to mention how rich they were. And with Commenor being a trade planet, Nemoidia would no doubt aid in selling their own resources of interest. "Our trade income will surely increase, and Nemoidia, if the pact underlines it, will be able to increase trade for Commenor, selling our unique goods to other systems in pacts with the Nemoidians. Both economies will rise." There was no downside he could see of this. In the trade sense, that is. "Nemoidia ships our goods, and we can half the profits. Half to Nemoidia for shipping it, half to Commenor for giving it to sell."

 

[Herr Vanderhing]

The Viceroy hadn't been soothed by the Queen's words, neither were his fellow Neimoidians... They began clamoring with each other in worry until the Viceroy waved them all to hush. Telling a Neimoidian to calm down, was quite like telling a Trandoshan not to be a slaver.... It never worked, they were a very pessimistic people, easily startled, easily worried, easily intimidated. In this particular case, they were worrisome of Mandalorians

"M-M-Madam Kay, you don't seem to understand.... Mandalorians have a strong disliking of my people!!! They view us as cowardly, and-and weak.... If they were to take us over, I don't know what they'd do to me out my people!!! Even, if they are disorganized now..... T-They always come back, it's what history is for the Mandalorians!!! They'll probably kill us all!!! They'll probably use us as target practice!!! They'll-they'll......." The other Neimoidians in the room were getting anxious and began to quietly whisper and clamor with eachother and the Viceroy got tensed until the queen hooked her arm around his and led him to the quiet individual with a datapad. He got uncomfortable when she hooked her arm around his, he never particularly enjoyed being touched, it always skeeved him and it caused the Viceroy to tense up even more as he showed visible discomfort which riddled his face. Following the Viceroy, quite calm in contrast to him was his Settlement Officer Genf Orkay and, it would be likely to assume his Minister of Deko Neimoidia [member="Rima Orwray"]. Both of which seemed to like competing with each other for the Viceroy's side. The Viceroy preferred to greet others with a gift, but he had none so instead he reached into his pockets if his blood red crimsoned robes and pulled out a small pouch with a couple dozen of credits in it and handed it to the Minister... He remained quiet as the once quiet man spoke and the Viceroy soon chimed in

"I recommend to you sir that trade with the purse worlds as well as home-world would be much more profitable for us all" he then finally gave a glimpse to Orwray to see if he had anything to chime in about Deko Neimoidia

[member="Darben Skirae"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Rima Orwray"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Well, at least she knew how to make [member="Herr Vanderhing"] quiet down quickly enough without her having to resort to harsher tactics. Of course the Mandalorians were nothing to sneeze at, but fretting now about an inpending attack that was probably years away was just silly. Though preperations were good.

She looked to [member="Darben Skirae"] and nodded in agreement with his offer. It was far better than what she had suggested to others, but there was no sense of a hostile takeover. Droid armies or not, she knew what made the Neimoidians tick. It wasn't difficult to manipulate them.

"We are the gateway to the Core. We should support eachother and be mindful of those governments that would like to take over this sector and hurt us economically. And believe me....there are already some that are trying..."

[member="Rima Orwray"]

 

[Darben Skirae]

Darben Skirae nodded to Kay, agreeing with her entirely. In a business perspective, if support came from both sides of the agreement, they would both gain a plus. Although to him, the Nemoidian [member="Herr Vanderhing"] was more interested in defense. That was not his expertise, so he went back to looking over his datapad, running over some numbers. He was only here for the trade part, nothing about defensive acts. That, he would leave to whomever [member="Lady Kay"] had picked to be in charge of defense of Commenor.

[member="Rima Orwray"]

 

[Herr Vanderhing]

The Viceroy raised an eye when the Queen has spoke of some who wished to hurt his sector economically. It was frightening to the other Neimoidian's in the room but less so to the Viceroy, he wasn't really one who cared so much about money. His only interest was power, but if someone were to trouble his people economically that could very well stir quite a bit of problem for him. So the Viceroy became intrigued by her statement

"What do you mean madam? Who would be willing to commit economic sabotage to us?" The Viceroy held in much of his concern but the other Neimoidian's were visibly upset, whispering and clamoring to one another in hushed tones. The Viceroy raised his arm up to hush them and they reluctantly agreed before the Viceroy continued on

"How do you know this? This could potentially be quite problematic for the future if what you say is correct"

[member="Darben Skirae"] | [member="Lady Kay"] | [member="Rima Orwray"]

 

[Kay-Larr]

Kay watched the Neimoidians clammer and whisper amongst themselves in a near panic. It was almost comical in a way and what they were known for. Every species had their quirks.

"My dear Viceroy, any of the super powers in the Galaxy are capable of doing this. It is part of how one would conquer others. Destroy their economy, cripple their defences and break down their people. So take my advice, don't put all of your eggs in one basket." She looked around as though she had heard some soft sound and was trying to find it's source. Then she whispered, "There have already been a few sniffing around here and sending in spies. I'm letting them in for now, to make them think that I don't know what they are up to. But I know.... I know exactly."

She smiled and returned to speaking at a normal volume as though everything was right with the world. "So what do you think of Minister Skirae's proposal? Does it sound fair to you?"

[member="Darben Skirae"] [member="Rima Orwray"] [member="Herr Vanderhing"]