Faction The Enemy of my Enemy (Diarchy High Council & Dark Empire Imperial Council)

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: On board the DIII -Triumphant
Tags: Diarch Rellik @open to DE imperial council and Diarchy High Council

---

The Super Battle Cruiser “The Triumphant” sat imposing on the border of Dark Empire space. Having recently come from the Diarchy capital world of Bastion, its passengers were among some of the most whispered names in the Galaxy at this time.

The Diarchs Reign and Rellik had come to parlay with the Imperials on Carlac.
The battles of Muunilinst and Entralla, as well as the three way conflict above Bastion itself had necessitated a change in tactics. Too many lives lost and too many enemies at the gates.

The Diarchs did not hold high hopes for these conversations. Hence the presence of their most powerful ship.

Reign turned to his brother, looking at the younger man as he spoke.

“We can not afford more bloodshed as we look to following Father’s path, negotiating with the imperials, while distasteful, will help allow us a buffer from the larger threat of the Galactic Alliance. We must get to the bottom of his disappearance, and if we are worried about attack from our south, it will distract us.”

Speaking then to the comms officer he said:
“Open channel through to the Dark Empire”

“Yes my lord”

Standing tall, the Diarch spoke through the open channel, his visage appearing on any communication device keyed into the frequency.

“This is Lords Reign and Rellik, we have come from Bastion to talk to the Imperial Council. Enough blood has been spilled this day. Allow us passage to Carlac and let us discuss the future.”

The communication cut off, and the Diarch waited.

 

[Zara Saga]

Tags: Diarch Reign | Diarch Rellik​

Zara leaned against the back bulkhead of the bridge of The Triumphant, her arms crossed, a seemingly casual pose that belied the sharp calculation in her mind. The blonde hair that framed her face was perfectly styled, not a strand out of place, an outer reflection of the controlled chaos that swirled within her. Two men, were negotiating for peace, and Zara found herself seething under a carefully constructed veneer of patience.

"Enough blood has been spilled," Reign's voice echoed through the bridge, confident and commanding. Zara scoffed inwardly. As if the Imperials cared about spilled blood. They thrived on it. She remembered seeing one of their high-ranking officials, the bald one, reprimand Reign at their coming-out party. And to her at that moment she knew exactly what this Empire was, a set of warlords, nothing more, nothing less.

She shifted her weight, the polished heel of her boot clicking softly against the metal floor. Her fingers drummed a silent rhythm against her arm; a nervous habit she'd cultivated to mask her rising frustration. She knew Reign and Rellik believed in the potential of these talks, believing they would act as a buffer against the Galactic Alliance, but Zara saw through the flimsy facade. The Imperials wouldn't honor a treaty, not for long. They would use it as a chance to regroup, rearm, and strike when the Diarchy was most vulnerable.

Her gaze sharpened as she looked at the two men, at the backs of their heads, at the slight furrow of their brows as they waited for a response. Despite her cynicism, she felt a surge of fierce protectiveness. Reign and Rellik were brilliant, idealistic, and worthy of her loyalty. She knew that they could bring a new golden age, a shining era of prosperity and enlightenment to the worlds under their control. It was infuriating to see them forced to grovel before these… barbarians.

Zara pushed off the bulkhead, straightening her shoulders. She had a feeling, a deep-seated instinct that screamed danger. If these talks went south, or even if they succeeded, there would be trouble. Either way, she had to be ready.

Focus, she told herself. She was their hidden weapon, their silent guardian. And she wouldn't let them down. Her mind, as always, was working through every possible scenario. When needed, she would be ready to strike. She was here to protect them, to lend her council if they needed her. And when these talks failed, and they will fail, she would be the one to guide them through the storm.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

T H E_E N E M Y_O F_M Y_E N E M Y

DARK EMPIRE
CARLAC, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

“This is Lords Reign and Rellik, we have come from Bastion to talk to the Imperial Council. Enough blood has been spilled this day. Allow us passage to Carlac and let us discuss the future.”

Sularen stroked his beard as he watched one of the so-called Diarch's address the Imperial Fleet via hologram, while seated on his personal command chair within the bridge of his own flagship, the INV Sularen's Revenge. Having been warned about the movements of the Triumphant from Imperial listening posts within the Jaemus Sector, the Lord-Regent had gathered around a fleet of dozen Imperial Warships spearheaded by the Sularen's Revenge to confront the Diarchy, expecting a military confrontation. But now he was even more intrigued seeing that the Diarchy sought to negotiate with the Empire. An interesting development since only weeks ago they were making bold declarations against all of the major powers throughout the galaxy.

At first the Lord-Regent wanted to order his fleet to simply destroy the Diarch's Flagship, but he was too intrigued about what the Diarch's sought to talk with the Imperial Ruling Council that he decided against attacking the Triumphant. Instead, the Lord-Regent offered a simple response to the Diarch's accepting their requests for diplomatic talks. "To Darth Reign and Darth Rellik. This is Lord-Regent Marlon Sularen of the Dark Empire. Your request for a parlay has been accepted, but passage to Carlac will be denied. Instead the talks shall happen onboard my ship where a room is already being prepared for this special occasion." Sularen responded before terminating the call.

Then the Lord-Regent proceeded to address his communications officers and relay new orders to them. "Send word to the Ruling Council about the Diarch's desire to negotiate and send them our coordinates." Before long, the Lord-Regent had left the bridge of the Sularen's Revenge and began heading towards the conference room where the talks would take place, eager to see what the Diarch's sought from the Empire with this little summit.

Tags [DE] | OPEN
Tags [DIA] | Diarch Reign | Diarch Rellik | Zara Saga ​

 

[Onrai]

Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik Zara Saga Marlon Sularen

"You don't need to send word to me, you know."

The shadowed form of Onrai trickled and practically oozed from the darkness on board the bridge of the Lord-Regent's intriguingly named ship. The infernal being's form grew firmer, more made manifest before finally shaping itself into the feminine shade it typically yet appeared to be.

"We just engaged in conflict with these people. Perhaps they understand the need to submit themselves to a greater cause - or they think you do. Be careful with how you lead this."

 

[Darth Imperius]

Borosk | Orbit
Dark Empire

"The Council has been hailed, sire. The Diarchy wishes to parlay on Carlac with the Dark Empire. The Lord-Regent has sent coordinates in response and gathers the Council." The voice of the imperial naval officer rang through the personal quarters of the Dark Lord, her posture straight, hands clasped on her back and the eyes not moving from the massive figure that was in front of her. He was only half dressed as two of the Ascendant Armigers were attending their master with ointments and lotions on the pale, sickly skin that seemed to be close to be falling off.

He had seen the message, it had appeared in his head the moment it was sent and it was a genuine sense of protocol that still made the captain send a messenger to relay such, something he found amusing. Not everyone was wired to every of information of every ship and process that was going on under their authority, not everyone was micromanaging mundane tasks when it required attention and therefore, correction. It was not the sense of control or authority that was thrilling, it was the accuracy that made it interesting. Information and knowledge were exciting most of times.

Darth Imperius simply offered a nod, dismissing her, undisturbed by the fact he was more or less undressed in front of her, not even giving it a second thought. With a simple impulse of his mind he ordered the Vehemence to be readied and that the Armigers should get his armor. He thought he had time to review the progress of Borosk's industry after his last visit and coordination with the Baron that now was lost to time, just as the antiquated state they had served, but it would be reserved for another time or a simple transmission.

With less than fifteen minutes passing, the Lord of the Ascendant Order moved through one of the hangars of the Dark King, flanked by two Extremis Paladins. They moved with long strides through a busy ship that was currently overseeing the deployment of the Remnant Reserve Fleet that was arriving squadron by squadron and it would be left to the Admiral to take care of it. Nobody would give them a second glance as they passed by, their sense of duty and performing it higher than the requirement for mere etiquette. The trio entered the shuttle and with Imperius himself at the helm, would soon depart the large ship and head towards the coordinates that Sularen had transmitted in response.

| Marlon Sularen | Onrai | Open |
| Diarch Reign | Diarch Rellik | Zara Saga |​

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Location: On board the DIII -Triumphant
Tags: Diarch Reign Zara Saga Marlon Sularen Onrai Darth Imperius

"To Darth Reign and Darth Rellik. This is Lord-Regent Marlon Sularen of the Dark Empire. Your request for a parlay has been accepted, but passage to Carlac will be denied. Instead the talks shall happen onboard my ship where a room is already being prepared for this special occasion."

The Co-heads standing proudly side by side, it would be the younger who spoke first.

"We agree Lord Reagent. We will be arriving by shuttle shortly. Un-accompanied except for our Archon." The two stood resolute as the holo feed was cut by a technician nearby. A moment of silence between the two brothers. Before moving a muscle Rellik would speak. Still directly staring where the projection was a moment before.

"Stoicism and direct words will be our comfort here brother. As the events unfold, remember to hold yourself with strength. We are not dealing with aristocrats or men of high moral standard. We are dealing with conquerors - who will yearn for respect through power." No further words were necessary. He turned around and prepared his dissent to the hangar bay.

Looking out it appeared the tone had been headed correctly by the Archon Zara Saga . Strong in her teachings of the brotherhood, she knew the risk of such dealings. Peace in one hand, war in the other. The offer dealt by the Diarchy at the declaration was heeded by most of the galaxy only as a threat, failing to most to see the potential for cooperation. If there would be dealings here today, it would be from a slightly different approach or result in the same heated failure.

As the leaders walked through the vast hallways of the Triumphant the crew was on edge. Knowing at any moment in this sector they could be assaulted from all sides. Within enemy territory they would need to rely on their own. Luckily with both Diarchs on board the crew were picked for their skill.
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As the shuttle was boarded Rellik would give command to his litigation droid Onyx. "Stay in the ship in low power. Record everything."

 

[Diarch Reign]

​

Location: On Route to the INV Sularen’s Revenge
Tags: Marlon Sularen Diarch Rellik Darth Imperius Zara Saga Onrai

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Reign ignored the use of the Darth title, he supposed to most of the galaxy he and his brother were not much different than the Sith they knew.

“Coordinates Received Lord-Regent, we will see you soon”

The last time he had been face to face with the Warlord, things had not gone swimmingly, but Reign was looking to try a different approach at this juncture. Neither the Dark Empire, nor the Diarchy could afford war on all fronts. Not with the threat of the Galactic Alliance looming heavy on the horizon. And the ever present Mandalorians.

No.. they would need to clear the galactic North of their main rival, to focus inward. Whispers had been heard of their fathers workshops and bases being spread throughout the area, and they could not afford this war if they were to chase the mystery that was Kakus and his “Death”

As they boarded the Upsilon Shuttle, the Diarch grounded himself. He would need to maintain much more composure than he had during his last encounter with Sularen.
As the shuttle took off, Reign spoke to his companions, feeling Zara’s apprehension.

“Steady yourself my friend, remember your lessons with Nocturne.”

turning to his brother he said

“I find these discussions distasteful and they could be seen as a sign of weakness by our enemies.. but, it if the whispers and rumors are true.. we must find out the secrets of our fathers work. And to do that, we can not afford war with these imperials. Should all that he truly was come to light.. the internal strife would be far worse than anything mere men could do.”

As the shuttle landed, Reign exited down the ramp alongside his companions. Waiting for whatever welcome the Lord-Regent of the Dark Empire had for them.

 

[Zara Saga]

Tags: Diarch Reign | Diarch Rellik | Marlon Sularen | Onrai | Darth Imperius​

Zara turned on her heels with an elegance that belied the turmoil roiling within her. She gracefully followed Reign and Rellik, her boots clicking softly against the metal floor of The Triumphant. Inside, her thoughts were a cacophony of concern and indignation.

As they reached the shuttle, she couldn't shake the nagging feeling that they were walking into a trap. This was hardly the neutral ground that any peace talks deserved. A flagship for the Dark Empire? she thought, incredulous. These were warlords, not diplomats. They thrived on bloodshed, not treaties.

When Reign turned to her with a steady voice, reminding her to stay composed, she met his gaze with blue eyes that sparkled not just with worry but also defiance. "Steady yourself, my friend." It felt almost patronizing in that moment, and against her better judgment, her lips curled into a faint smirk laced with frustration.

"Diarch," she countered, shaking her head firmly, "these Imperials are weak right now... All of our intelligence points to them retreating from the Core, unable to maintain their grip." Her voice held a sincerity and urgency, even as she tried to keep her tone respectful. She fought to keep the disdain for the Imperials at bay, but the contempt surged through her words like a wildfire. "We need to strike now, seize the moment and liberate the galaxy from these vermin!"

Before she could voice another protest, the shuttle descended and its door slid open with a hiss. Zara unbuckled her seatbelt and straightened her clothes with quick, practiced motions. She adjusted a loose strand of blonde hair, ensuring it framed her face perfectly. She took a deep breath, exuding poise when all she wanted to do was scream at the universe for its absurdity.

As the three stepped out into the looming presence of the Imperial flagship, Zara steeled herself against the rising tide of doubt that threatened to drown her.

With her heart pounding like a war drum, she walked forward, determined to protect the brothers she cared so deeply for, even if it meant navigating the treacherous waters of diplomacy with a sharp wit and a fierce spirit. No matter the risks, she would be their unseen shield, prepared to fight against any threat that dared to rise from the shadows.

 

[Marlon Sularen]

T H E_E N E M Y_O F_M Y_E N E M Y

DARK EMPIRE
CARLAC, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

"We just engaged in conflict with these people. Perhaps they understand the need to submit themselves to a greater cause - or they think you do. Be careful with how you lead this."

"I'm just curious to see what compelled them to seek negotiations with us after making bold proclamations against every galactic power. To threaten the very exsistence of every galactic power and then immediately doing an 180 and try to negotiate is a quite interesting move from there part." the Lord-Regent added as he addressed Onrai who had manifested onboard his ship, as he made his way towards the Conference room. Once they arrived at the Conference Room, the Lord-Regent would take a seat at the head of the table patiently arriving for the other members of the Ruling Council and the Diarchy's delegation to arrive.

As he and Onrai waited, an Imperial officer soon entered the room soon addressing the Lord-Regent. "Sir, the Diarchy's delegation has arrived." the officer proclaimed. "Good, please direct them here. I look forward to talking to them." the Lord-Regent added. The officer nodded at the Lord-Regent's order and left to carry it out. Now all that was left was to wait for the rest of the Imperial Delegation and the Diarchy's delegation to arrive so that they could begin the talks. While Sularen remained curious about the Diarchy's motives about seeking out the Empire for diplomatic talks, he knew one thing for sure. This meeting would set the tone for future Imperial-Diarchy relations for the foreseeable future.

Tags [DE] | Onrai | Darth Imperius | OPEN
Tags [DIA] | Diarch Reign | Zara Saga | Diarch Rellik ​

 

[Darth Imperius]

INV Sularen's Revenge | Hangar
Dark Empire

The Vehemence arrived mere moments after the Diarch's shuttle had set down in the Revenge's hangar. And while the two rulers of the Diarch disembarked, the ramp of the Dark Lords shuttle lowered as well and he calmy strode down as well, the helmeted gaze on the arriving delegation. The inside of the hangar was busy but a portion had been cleared so this diplomatic entourage would have space to land and not feel entirely funneled into a warship of the Dark Empire that could easily be their final destination.

As the Sith moved, he wondered what their goals were. He had been at their grand proclamation, listened to the ridiculous speech and already made plans for how not to care about them when he was still believing that the petty Sith Order was both Sith and an Order, not a house of inbred fools and empty titles. Now they were here, after declaring war on the rest of the Galaxy and wished to negotiate. It was a curious coincidence that it correlated with his appearance on the imperial stage, one that could benefit him.

The Dark Empire would lose the Deep Core, it could fully desintegrate in the next months if no proper reforms could be implemented. Pressure from outside would only keep it together for so long, until the more opportunistic elements broke away or followed their despised and deserted masters into the shadows. But if the Diarchy could be kept at bay, then there was a respite from attempting to be larger than life, aspirations that were as foolish as the Deep Core - and they had time to reinforce the foundations of the Empire and burn away the cancer that spread across its very flesh.

Darth Imperius would walk behind the arriving Diarchs as they were guided to the meeting room, silently, flanked by his two Paladins that offered equally little in terms of noise and greeting. A distance was kept, enough to warrant attention but not too close to offer a threat and upon entering the room, the Sith walked straight past them and towards the other side of the table, a quick glance towards the being before looking on towards the imperial steward. "Lord-Regent." Was all he offered before his crimson lenses set on the Diarchs, like targeting lasers.

| Marlon Sularen | Onrai |
| Diarch Reign | Diarch Rellik | Zara Saga |​

 

[Onrai]

Marlon Sularen Darth Imperius Diarch Reign Diarch Rellik Zara Saga

"Fear." She speculated. "Maybe a realization they've made a mistake. Even gods can learn."

-

At the foot of the shuttle, the Diarchs would find a blonde woman wearing simple black robes to greet them as well as Zara. "Welcome, Diarchs - and company." She said, eying Zara. Whispers had not exactly kept her vitriol and desire for conquest quiet. "Please come this way." The woman would guide and lead them to the room in question, waiting outside as they entered. Once they were all inside, she would yet disappear into nothingness, as though the form of the woman herself had never existed. Perhaps she never had.

-

Onrai eyed the Diarchs as they entered the room, particularly Rellik, as well as the Sith Lord who had yet joined them. She gave a simple nod to the arrivees, preferring to let the Lord-Regent say his piece.

 

[Diarch Rellik]

Tags: Onrai Marlon Sularen Darth Imperius Zara Saga Diarch Reign

With the ramp of the shuttle opening within the hangar bay the Diarch stepped down the ramp to a surprisingly cold temperature. The second assailing feeling came from the force. A powerful being was lateral to him and when he turned his head he locked eyes with the helmet visor hiding the person the feeling belonged to. Before being able to analyze the environment for long a blonde woman resembling Zara approached them. A guide to the meeting area that gave off an interesting feeling in the force to Rellik. Something, was off about her but to be fair. Something was off about most of the Dark Empire.

The group was off with their attaché. As they moved forward the helmeted man from the hangar followed in tandem. Keeping enough of a pace to not trigger the warning signs of a cornered animal but close enough to be felt. Rellik would not give him the satisfaction of looking over his shoulder. Being well in tune with the force, if something were to happen - he would not need to feel it to realize.

Zara Said:
"We need to strike now, seize the moment and liberate the galaxy from these vermin!"

These words lingering on Relliks mind. This was an interesting opportunity. Maybe they should just strike now, a direct challenge between the leaders that could end the war quickly. Alas, Reign has a plan - one the three of them had all worked out before even attempting to arrange this meeting. We had to give peace a chance. Although Marlon tried to break their words down at the declaration - it was not kneel or die. It was join and be free from the chains of a war we were all born into. Rellik needed to live by his own ideals of the Diarchy, not others and put his best foot forward to not be another bloodthirsty animal.

With the doors of the meeting area opening and the group entering, their tour guide faded into obscurity. In this place with these people, it was not entirely surprising but to Rellik it was an amusing trick. Disappearing in plain site.

Moving to sit down the Diarch took in his surroundings. "Good to see you Marlon." Changing the shade of his eyes to white in a remembrance of his battle with Onrai and looking towards them: "And who could forget a fascinating god such as yourself." The Diarch giving a wink and smile in a charming - not mocking manner.

In case they had more delegates Rellik sat on the side with Onrai near the end of the table. Marlon staged himself at the head, a rightful place as leader of the ship. Near him, was the monster of Munnilist that Rellik had fought before. Thinking back to the feeling of the creatures hand slipping through his body and the resistances it held to attacks. What a fascinating thing. One day he would be within Relliks lab under a scope, one day...

The last to sit at the table was the man in the mask who walked in behind them. Rellik did not know his voice, if he did it was augmented by the mask. All he heard come from him was addressing Marlon as Lord-Reagent before sitting down. The continuation of his presence was in his cold dead stare that could be felt even behind the visor.