Diplomacy The Hirkenburg Accords [Open to FACTION LEADERS and KEY DIPLOMATS]

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Empress of the Eternal Empire and Terraris

Information

Objective: To attend the Accord
Location: Cato hall, parliament row, Hirkenburg, Archais
Equipment: [Hersir Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | The Last Gift || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Tags: Siyarr Ahan-Mitharran | Rulonom Laborr | Maldor Mecetti | Marcus Bastion | Onrai | Michael Barran | Shannic Wulf | Thade Rhas | Darth Malum of House Marr | Castor Crane | Open

"Galactic Common" | <"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

"I'm not sure Miss Vantai represents the entire Dark Empire... or that she has the authority to speak for the entire Empire. She... how shall I say, has always had a mind of her own, even back when she served the Sith Empire." she told him.

Ingrid knew her from that time and remembered that at that time Vanessa Vantai was not very popular among the Dark Council members and was often not welcomed. On one such occasion they had met for the first time, when Ingrid had received the woman at the base of Tower Vandiir, it had been a fun occasion. All the while, the red-haired woman listened to what she had to say. For the most part she agreed with her, but there were points where she did not. But that was natural, or so Ingrid felt.

"Of course I understand what you mean, Lord Bastion!" her words were sincere, as she had done this before the Second Great Hyperspace War, when she had been in close and good relations with the Sith Empire.

There, she wanted to use them to stop the Bryn'adûl threat and use them as expendable pawns and bastions to defend the Core World with the Sith Empire and her own Empire. She fully understood why he wanted to do this. The Eternal Empire had suffered enough distrust because of it, but that was in the past, she didn't want to look back into the past. Ingrid shook her head a little when he asked if she was coming with him. She didn't want to go to the others, it was the best way to avoid a possible fight.

"No, thank you! Lady Vantai is a person I do not wish to speak to and I see my niece has already been rescued from her by Lord Barran. Anyway, it was a pleasure to meet you, Lord Bastion!" she told him.

Before he left, she offered him a handshake to say goodbye. If Bastion refused, she just nodded at him and went back to her own work. Her work was only interrupted when a Mandalorian arrived. Ingrid had a confrontation with them earlier when she killed an alor in a duel on Mandalore. Ironically, at that point the woman was not even affiliated with the Sith, but was representing the HPI on the planet, but the alor didn't believe her when she tried to leave the planet and attacked her. At the end of the duel, he died...

Ingrid just thought and listened for a moment, then continued her work without a word. It had been a long time since she had been bothered by such a pathetic and meaningless insult...

 

[Lilianna L'lerim]

Crown Princess of Aaven, Priestess of Ashla

Information

Objective: To attend the Accord and learn
Location: Cato hall, parliament row, Hirkenburg, Archais
Equipment: Noble Attire | Ashlan Rosary || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Tags: Siyarr Ahan-Mitharran | Rulonom Laborr | Maldor Mecetti | Marcus Bastion | Onrai | Michael Barran | Shannic Wulf | Thade Rhas | Darth Malum of House Marr | Castor Crane | Open

"Galactic Common" | <"High Nelvaanian"> | ["Essonian"] | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

"You never bother me, Lord Michael!" I said to the man.

The cold and the uncomfortable feeling of tightness in my chest slowly began to fade as we got a little further away from the woman. And the man's words made me feel uneasy. But now I had no time to pray and ask Ashla for help in this dark moment and among the dark, evil presences. Over and over again I remembered that my father had made a big mistake in sending me to this place. He should have come and not me. I know he had something important to do, but I wasn't ready. Ellayina would have been suitable for such an accord, but she was now in the service of the Dark Empire.

I looked up at Lord Michael a little embarrassed after his words and blushed a little.

"As you know, I haven't had that much in-depth training, as I only started a few months ago, since gene therapy became effective. And I wasn't prepared for this... That would be Ellayina's job..." here I was silenced in confusion.

I don't know if my father told him that Ellayina had abdicated the throne because she had greater ambitions and joined the Dark Empire. And then, with Ashla's blessing, I think even Tancred learned more galaxy-wide politics and diplomacy than I did. Because in my case, I was more just glad every day that I was alive and not dead. When we stopped away from everyone I looked at Lord Michael and the data board. I almost said out loud that I would pass the data on to my father for him to decide, but he sent me here today saying that I had to make the decisions and I had to take them.

That's why I instructed MANIAC to copy the data to the biochip in my head, as it was much harder to steal or hack from there.

"I copied the data, Lord Michael, I'll read this after the meeting and..."[/color] again my voice trailed off and I blushed.

With difficulty... I was unable to say whether I would sign them or suggest changes. This role was so novel to me. Ashla was my witness that I wasn't ready for this, maybe I never will be. Why? Why did I have to be here and not my brother and sister? I froze for a moment when Lord Michael mentioned my twin brother Tancred. I immediately felt tears sting my eyes as I looked up at the man. To Ashla's name, maybe he knows something about him? I haven't seen or heard from my brother in years. Tancred was much better prepared for this role than I was...

"My Lord, do you know where my brother is? If so, please let me know... I haven't spoken to him in years and I miss him so much." my voice was shaking with crying and pleading.

Whatever the answer was, it took me a few moments, minutes even, to pull myself together and overcome the crying and shaking. I prayed every day. To Ashla to bring my brother back, or at least answer my messages. When I felt like my voice wasn't shaking and I wasn't going to cry, I spoke.

"I will look at the document at the end of today and sign it or suggest amendments, My Lord. Alright, let's get back to the others, Lord-Imperator." I told him, and I'll follow him when we start back.

 

[Onrai]

Elise Ahana-Gwyneira Darth Malum of House Marr Bex Tarring Rulonom Laborr Ingrid L'lerim Marcus Bastion Castor Crane Velran Kilran Siyarr Ahan-Mitharran Maldor Mecetti Michael Barran Shannic Wulf Thade Rhas Lilianna L'lerim Ordo

Having realized the Mandalorian dumping heads out on the table had, unfortunately, distracted her attention, as it had that of basically everyone else, Vanessa reprocessed the introduction Moff Bastion had made to her. "Vanessa Vantai, one of the last surviving Sith of the old Empire. A pleasure. I appreciate the introduction, Moff Bastion. At least people can maintain a sincere level of cordiality here. Certainly aligning yourself with the Empire I am representing would be a good thing."

She listened to the Moff's concerns while hoping that Lilianna and Michael would come back soon. "If you want my honest opinions, this is all ultimately political theater. Nothing we do here will matter when pangalactic war picks up and the powers are clashing with each other. What is done with prisoners will become more pragmatism and less dataslates full of agreements signed in bad faith. The Alliance will not hold to the agreement if it doesn't benefit them. The Empire and the lesser Empires certainly won't, I'm sure. I will take prisoners, certainly, and not waste their lives in ritual sacrifice or senseless slaughter, but my contemporaries have different views."

She sighed. "I do wish the younger L'lerim had been stronger. Her idyllicism and naive happy-go-lucky view of the galaxy was quite precious to observe. No comments on the former Eternal Empress."

 

[Marcus Bastion]

Lilianna L'lerim Onrai Bex Tarring Michael Barran Rulonom Laborr Ingrid L'lerim Maldor Mecetti Thade Rhas Elise Ahana-Gwyneira Castor Crane Shannic Wulf

Bastion nodded along as the Lady Vanessa introduced herself.

"I'm afraid I have never had much personal experience with the Sith. My focus in the Empire had been stamping out rebellions and attending Moff Council meetings. The Sith and Sith Empire's had fallen into the jurisdiction for foreign policy. Of which I had only engaged with in the occasional battlefield. If I had ever fought the Sith I'm sure I wouldn't forget it any time soon. Certainly I had never engaged one in conversation before today."

Privately Bastion thought the Sith were power hungry fools and mass murderers more likely to fight each other than as a united force against an enemy. Fearsome warriors and opponents of course and powerful in the force, but they were at best an asset to be utilized with careful control and never given too much power.

Bastion grimaced as he found himself agreeing with the Lady.

"I'm afraid I agree with your assessment. Prisoners never seem to fair well in any war let alone with one across major galactic power."

Bastions one caveat was that political theatre in and of itself can be useful. It tells you what an opponents opening move in a sabaac game are. If they are volatile and hostile they can be drawn into over playing their hand, or if their words don't match their actions they may be a shrewder player than originally thought. All of that was crucial in measuring an opponent on any field, political or otherwise. Still perhaps Bastion should revise his opinions on Sith or atleast this Sith.

Bastion shrugged at the Lady Vanessa concern for the Lady L'lerim.

"Naivety and optimism come with her faith. She will learn or she will fall as her people did. Admittedly her innocence makes her an apparently easy prey. Then again the best traps always do."

"As for the Eternal Empress. I would not dismiss her lightly she seems a shrewd leader."

 

[Siyarr Ahan-Mitharran]

5th Post

DREAMER_ONE

LORD-COLONEL OF THE FIREDANCE BRIGADES
INDEPENDENT SENATOR OF ARCHAIS
ARR'HUWAL'S DREAMER

Tags (Mediators): Elise Ahana-Gwyneira Darth Malum of House Marr

Tags (Delegates): Bex Tarring Rulonom Laborr Ingrid L'lerim Thade Rhas
Marcus Bastion Castor Crane Velran Kilran Onrai Maldor Mecetti

NEW DANCES, NEW ERAS II: CONVERGING WORLDS - PART 5

CATO HALL, PARLIAMENT ROW,
HIRKENBURG, ARCHAIS (901 ABY)

'The Senator is ready for you now, all delegates may return to their seats!'
​

'Thank you, Madan. Now we can get to the point.', the Dreamer drawled in poorly-veiled apprehension, trailing off in the process of checking the time for archival accuracy, though Siyarr himself would likely have leaned on that coincidence as an excuse at the time. Not that he had long to hold off the inevitable by then, seeing all the guests filing in for himself when the Dreamer eventually raised his head to exclaim,'Calling recommencement at - twelve, fifty-five hours! Please be seated, as each delegate will be called by name to arise and sign on behalf of their respective factions.', speaking in his best oratory tone for the ocassion.

'Let us resume - and get this meeting adjourned as soon as possible, shall we?'

With his Datapad firmly in-hand already, the Senator was quite ready to get to work, or at least enough to bring a completed article to the attending delegations, giving the Dreamer more than cause enough to relax a little. Or at least, Siyarr would have relaxed under other, less-risky circumstances - if it wasn't for the fact his mentor's all-important repatriation counted on a majority-success that day.

Otherwise willing to sit back a little, and the Dreamer doubtlessly intended to do so, but the last, most-important moment still awaited. Electing instead to be patient whilst all delegates were still finding and settling into their seats, the right time to put forth the proposal once and for all still awaited, and even if only for another few moments or so, Siyarr would retain all the same formal courtesy as was offered before the recess was called. Regardless of standing as friend and foe alike, all deserved the Novanian's earnest due, and with it, all deserved to be heard when questions eventually arose before they could confidently (and sensibly-) sign off on the mediator's proposal.

'Alright.... Any and all potential signatures would secure this Accord's merit, the ceiling needn't be high - but it would certainly instil a sense of unanimity we all need now.'

'This, right here, is my proposal.', Siyarr announced, making a showy display of holding up the holosheet for all to see as he arose from his seat, walking with confidence to the signing-podium. There the Dreamer placed the device and then slowly backpedalled away from it, moving back another few paces before continuing,'Now, I understand that merchant-hearted types hope this to be a peace-conference, but as you have seen and felt for yourselves - this gathering will serve no such purpose.... But rest assured, the noncombatant element were all well-considered in my drafting process, its just that we have neither room nor time for compliant, peaceful hope.', marking the dreaded point of no-return right then and there.

'Or at least - not on the eve of war.... It is these issues from which we must fixate for the sake of said-noncombatants, and when I call you by name - you will see for yourself.'

Pending ratification, the cosigner's faction permits;
For Prisoners of War
-Fair prisoner-transfer in exchange for equivalents in wartime custody
-Fair treatment for all detainees in wartime custody
-Access to medicine, showers and food for all detainees in wartime custody
-Localised prosecution control of detained Accords Era offenders
-Due Process for all detainees whilst awaiting transfer/charges
-Legal-Aid appointments for all detained Accords Era offenders

For Beligerents
-*Conditional amnesty and pardons for all Pre-Accords offenders
-Safe conduct in homeward transit for all pardoned Pre-Accords Offenders
-Powers of wartime arrest for Accords Era soldiers from cosigning factions
-Powers of wartime detention for opposing beligerents still awaiting legal processing
-Negotiable military assistance precedents against all Galactic-Level threats
-Negotiable military access to all cosigning factions against all Galactic-level threats

**Conditions proposed as follows;
1. Amnesty and pardons persist only in prolonged adherence to Accords Era legislation
2. Violations of Accords Era legislation incur additional charges for every known Pre-Accords offense

For Civilians/Trade-Elements
-Legalised private patrol-security for Hyperlane Freight/Travel
-Open jurisdictional access for all Galactic law-enforcement operations overseeing hyperlane concerns
-Assured cosigner-fleeting retrieval for all travelling noncombatants found adrift
-Assured cosigner-fleeting protections for all noncombatants nearing active warzones
-Bolstered bounty-claiming incentives for noncombatants holding high-risk fugitives
-Civilian licensing incentives for graded anti-boarding armaments

Also pending ratification, the cosigner's faction forbids;
-Unethical methods of interrogation for Accords Era offenders
-Unsanitary internment conditions for beligerents and offenders alike
-Execution without fair trial, funerary preparation or place-of-burial
-Genocide and mass-murder of every category
-Deletion of cultural heritage-sites, temples and artifacts
-Construction of orphanages in active Galactic warzones

'For war is a constant, unavoidably so.... But we need not give in to it's barbarism, not all the time, and whenever we do manage to resist it's murderous urges, the death-toll lessons - every single time.... That is what I'm working to achieve here.'

With hand over heart, the Novanian Senator knelt on one knee with head bowed, offering the deepest respects to all with the stomach to humour his eccentrism this far, beholden to solemn silence in this gesture. Acting only as according to the ways of the Novanian people, as even Siyarr himself believed in those who humoured a kook in finery, still clueless as to the lasting impression he would leave on the Galaxy after that day, but even Mitharran's only-surviving son knew that the solemn gratitude was required of him all the same. Much and more would be owed to those who cosigned on lobbied restraint after all, and Siyarr would return to his mediator's podium happy knowing at least one of the attending leaders would find themselves thankful for the Dreamer's efforts in turn, though it would take more than a few mercies to prove the merits of a Shaman's initiative.

'First name to call.... On behalf of the Eternal Empire, would one Ingrid - L'lerim stand to appraise the proposal?'

​

But those were the high-stakes on which Siyarr loved to gamble the most.

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Empress of the Eternal Empire and Terraris

Information

Objective: To attend the Accord
Location: Cato hall, parliament row, Hirkenburg, Archais
Equipment: [Hersir Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | The Last Gift || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Tags: Siyarr Ahan-Mitharran | Rulonom Laborr | Maldor Mecetti | Marcus Bastion | Onrai | Michael Barran | Shannic Wulf | Thade Rhas | Darth Malum of House Marr | Castor Crane | Open

"Galactic Common" | <"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

Ingrid continued to go about her own business, when finally Siyarr returned to the room and called for everyone to continue with the Accord. With a thought, she turned off the images and data projected on her retina and turned her full attention to him. Although she was very good at thinking on several threads at once, she does not do so now. Instead, she watched the other candidates and what was happening around the podium. When the sign was held up, she read it.

The red-haired woman's face remained as statuesque and cold as ever, and she only smiled to herself when she saw it. She already suspected that for the Dark Empire, much of this would be unacceptable. Not to mention what she was about to add to it. The Empress felt that this was not enough; she had suggestions. Some of them, of course, were needed for the galaxy-wide charade that the Eternal Empire always played. On the other hand, she really felt they might be necessary. After all, both sides, the light and the dark side, have committed no small amount of genocide. Including, in her eyes, the greatest hero in the galaxy.

When Siyarr finally called to her, the red-haired woman stood up and stepped forward.

"I agree with the Senator's proposal, but I have a few additions to make. For example, on the last point, I would suggest adding that no hospital or medical facility in a war zone can be attacked, as this also falls under the category of war crimes." she told them.

Here the woman was silent for a few moments, then looked around at all the people present, before continuing.

"In addition, I would propose the establishment of an independent international... galaxy-wide court to which any nation or faction could send ambassadors. This court would determine from the actions of wars in the Galaxy and the reports submitted which side has committed war crimes. The court would then put a bounty on the individuals involved, and if anyone was caught, it would be this independent court, not the factions, that would decide the punishments. Thus avoiding, for example, someone being called the most treacherous Sith in the galaxy for the same act, and another the greatest Jedi and hero in the galaxy. The court should operate according to the principles set out, not by saying that someone can only be good because they are on the Light Side and someone is bad because they are on the Dark Side. There is not and cannot be a double standard in war crimes." she said in her almost always ice cold and emotionless voice. "I yield back to the senator."

Here the woman bowed her head a little, then returned to her seat and sat down. She eagerly awaited the reactions.

//OOC: I'm not writing with Lilia right now, so the next person can post.//​

 

[Aurelian Sigismund]

Aurelian Sigismund
Hegemon of Zakuul and Vandemar, Exarch of Zakuul, High Imperator of the Eternal Legion, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud

His grey gaze laid upon the people below, the representatives and delegates, old warriors and morally ambiguous leaders. It was curious to see these people, several of who he had directly interacted, meet and converse under the sanctity of diplomacy and mutual benefit. That they all came together was a success already for the host, that only verbal blades were crossed, old wounds put back into contemporary memory.

Aurelian stood on the gallery overlooking the gathering, neither had he any input to this gathering nor would he desire to offer what crossed his mind. It was a ridiculous farce. The civil proposals, the profit-driven ambitions, the idea of jurisdiction and enforcement. These people were barely able to assemble during the war against the Bryn'adûl and now they hoped to find some common treaty on handling of various aspects of war. Of war.

War was not bent or tamed to civil standards, it was not careful or considerate. A shell did not explode with less intensity in the target area just because the targeted soldiers had wounded nearby or were escorting civilians. The Sith would not stop enslaving people to drive their economy nor would the Trade Federation hesitate to exploit, pollute and deport what they could get their hands on to gain an increase in their interest rate. The Imperials suddenly offered civility, there was no civil approach in eradicating the Sith decades prior, no respect in the Maw when they tried to devour and annihilate life and civilisation as it was known. It was the hypocrisy which made his knuckles run white due to his fists clenched.

No accord, pact or treaty would be honoured for any second longer than it helped to retain or achieve a miniscule amount of benefit. Neither Empire would hesitate to give the order necessary when they became necessary. Total war was what they knew, what propelled them where they were and what would keep them there until they figured out that no 'new order' was necessary. Just order and the strength to enforce it.

He was no stranger to opportunism but it followed his goals, not that of someone else, his ideals, which he never kept to himself. Aurelian's lack of deception might have been a weakness to some, especially politically, but one with few secrets and fewer lies could not be exposed, just confronted. The High Imperator kept following the proceedings till what seemed to be a conclusion.

Upon seeing and hearing the Eternal Empress, he felt it was time to return to Kalidan once more, it has been some time . . .

Ingrid L'lerim Marcus Bastion Darth Malum of House Marr Maldor Mecetti Shannic Wulf Rulonom Laborr Castor Crane Siyarr Ahan-Mitharran Michael Barran Thade Rhas​

 

[Siyarr Ahan-Mitharran]

6th Post

DREAMER_ONE

LORD-COLONEL OF THE FIREDANCE BRIGADES
INDEPENDENT SENATOR OF ARCHAIS
ARR'HUWAL'S DREAMER

Tags: Bex Tarring Rulonom Laborr Ingrid L'lerim Aurelian Sigismund
Thade Rhas Marcus Bastion Castor Crane Onrai Maldor Mecetti

NEW DANCES, NEW ERAS II: CONVERGING WORLDS - PART 6

CATO HALL, PARLIAMENT ROW,
HIRKENBURG, ARCHAIS (901 ABY)

Intriguing.... Incredible, actually.
​

Taken aback by the reply given by the Empress, the Senator smiled as he yielded to the pleasant surprise, enough times though Siyarr had been surprised already by that point, though the Dreamer was open to receiving as many suchlike surprises as life was willing to grant him. The woven tapestry of life itself was still mostly an unfinished piece after all, and in a lifelong love of all the unknown truths the Novanian was still yet to uncover in mind and cosmos alike, the Eternal Empire would quickly gain the Shaman's respect if they remained adherent to their renewed journey to prominence.

'Hmmm.... How does - the Central Court Authority, the CCA sound? I'll leave that with you to mull over, as these other,"Additions", certainly merit full amendment-application. Just a moment, there-'

With a short moment devoted to drafting the vocalised suggestion, working in a proverbial stenographer's need accuracy in transcription, the Dreamer was sitting in an eerily-comfortable silence, confidently working with his sudden idea hanging as if by echo in the air. It took all he had and more to hold in the mirth, as even the slightest hint of a snort, wheeze or chortle would ruin all hope of Independent Senatorial success in it's cradle, a giggle's difference between life and death itself.

But then suddenly, almost as if the power of his culture's creator suddenly jolted an revelation from within the mind of a man who need Melarran's Godseer to come home, the realised power of Siyarr's position suddenly drew into a rushlike focus. As if from nowhere, though the Shaman quickly realised his Goidelic friend would know differently, seeing a widened, nodding gaze of approval in the Tattered Regent as Lord Michael himself watched on in his own adherence to that collective wordlessness, that collective silence so quiet the wind outside was given an audience for a minute or so. Shaking the sealed windows politely, almost as if by an amiable, cool breeze that would calm tempers whilst passing by, a blessed, prophetic sign to catch from the quiet corners of the room as Arr'Huwal's Dreamer continued to draft the Empress' amendment uninterrupted.

"Let 'em wait, Llerim. Let 'em all wait.", the archetypal Goidel would say.
And in my direction - I know Michael would say the same thing.​

Pending ratification, the cosigner's faction permits the amendment;
-All barrages fired upon Civilian Hospitals/Hospices/Medical Facilities will be prosecuted as Accords-Era War Crimes.

Other Amendments Pending...

Enhancing the text for all to see, Yorunarr projected his closest interpretation to the additions, as with future discussions on Ingrid's main suggestion considered already, this part would be much easier for both parties involved as the Dreamer inquired,'Does this interpretation meet with Eternal cosigning-approval? .', as there was much in the way of relief for seeing reasoned, wise gazes to the future in other eyes. After all, progress had been made in the direction of saving lives in wartime, and perhaps more than even Siyarr ever could have predicted, only adding further to the increasing rush of relief that continually threatened to bring about an ill-timed giggle; but in light of the chance his friend and ruler was finally returning home, with the way likely open to a Priest-King's rightful return to the Novanian fold, Mitharran's only-surviving son tucked away his grin once more.

'We have much to discuss on the other matter besides, as you'll know, of course - things to mull over and such.'

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Empress of the Eternal Empire and Terraris

Information

Objective: To attend the Accord
Location: Cato hall, parliament row, Hirkenburg, Archais
Equipment: [Hersir Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | The Last Gift || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Tags: Siyarr Ahan-Mitharran | Rulonom Laborr | Maldor Mecetti | Marcus Bastion | Onrai | Michael Barran | Shannic Wulf | Thade Rhas | Darth Malum of House Marr | Castor Crane | Aurelian Sigismund | Open

"Galactic Common" | <"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

As Ingrid looked around, she saw another familiar figure in the crowd; an important person, or would-be important person, in the Eternal Empire. She had destined him to be perhaps the Overlord of the Empire, but this was something for the future. For now, accord was the most important thing. She often took what could be called strange and extreme decisions, but so far, she had always been lucky. Now she didn't watch the reaction to her suggestion of the court, but the host looked a little shocked. The pleasant kind. She thought about the suggestion for a few moments, then nodded.

"This name will be appropriate." she said agreeably.

After that, she didn't have to wait long for more data to arrive, which included the suggestions she had made. It was really only one important thing, which was about the attack on hospitals and similar facilities and the fact that this will also be a war crime in the future. When this information arrived, she glanced quickly at them, then looked up at her host and replied briefly.

"Yes, it does. The Eternal Empire finds everything just right." she told him.

Now Ingrid knew that the next representative would come, so the Empress of the Eternal Empire sat back down, making way for the others to speak. She said what she wanted to say and made the suggestions she thought were important. The red-haired woman wondered what the others would suggest or disagree with, especially Onrai and the Dark Empire. That seemed like another interesting scene to her and she was looking forward to it.

 

[Siyarr Ahan-Mitharran]

7th Post

DREAMER_ONE

LORD-COLONEL OF THE FIREDANCE BRIGADES
INDEPENDENT SENATOR OF ARCHAIS
ARR'HUWAL'S DREAMER

Tags: Bex Tarring Rulonom Laborr Ingrid L'lerim Thade Rhas
Marcus Bastion Castor Crane Velran Kilran Onrai Maldor Mecetti

NEW DANCES, NEW ERAS II: CONVERGING WORLDS - PART 7

CATO HALL, PARLIAMENT ROW,
HIRKENBURG, ARCHAIS (901 ABY)

'My thanks, please remain seated for the rest of the proceedings.... Expect official correspondence soon.'
​

With a kindly, though-cursory nod, the Dreamer then returned his attention to the Datapad tablet on his lap, picking it up with a glaring-squint of his gaze to continue,'Alright, now, for the second name to call.... On behalf of the Imperial Military Protectorate, would one - Michael Barran stand to appraise the proposal?', happy that the second potential cosigner was as good as assured already. After all, the Senator and his Imperial friend had known each long enough to remember each other as almost-entirely different people, as little more than youths with curious psychedelic dispositions, going through it all and more under fire together, thus this trust built between them would continue to reward a decades-long, stalwart loyalty.

Even before his Excellency's old, Woad-born backside had shifted to rise from his podium-chair, even before eye-contact had been obtained once more, the Arkanian-eyed Shaman could see a sly, roguish smirk widening across his former leader's lips already, knowing long before that day which verdict would be given on the proposal. But for the sake of significance, for the sake of the other delegations' collective curiosity, Siyarr's eyes began to shine with emotion as he asked,'Would you free our mutual friend, Brother Michael?', though Heady's voice gave away nothing of the sort. It seemed only right to consider the third (and perhaps, the most important-) member of the Godfamiliars trio in this appraisal, laws that could grant Yorunarr's return to his place as the Priest-King of Archais, as Barran knew better than most that his clan would have perished without him long ago, thus consideration and more would be owed in continued investment in the Godseer's future.

 

[Michael Barran]

6th Post

CAIRN_ONE
CHAIRMAN OF PELLAEON PMC
DRUID-GRANDMASTER OF THE HIGHLAND BROTHERHOOD
LORD-IMPERATOR OF THE IMPERIAL MILITARY PROTECTORATE

TAGS
Bex Tarring Thade Rhas Ingrid L'lerim Rulonom Laborr
Marcus Bastion Castor Crane Onrai Maldor Mecetti

HEAVY ART THE HEADS III: A TEST OF PATIENCE - PART 6

CATO HALL, PARLIAMENT ROW,
HIRKENBURG, ARCHAIS (901 ABY)

'Gladly.'
For our old friend, anything.
​

Arising from his podium-seat, the Tattered Regent calmly walked strolling toward the appraising-plinth, offering a brief smile in Siyarr's direction with a courteous, appreciative nod before turning his attention to the Dreamer's proposal. Yet in the moment Lord Michael drawled,'All appears well on this end. The Protectorate will officially cosign this proposal....', Siyarr would cast a knowing glance in anticipation of a lecture, and judging by the look Barran had in his eye at the time, the next statement certainly would ring close to that mark.

'But please, hear me out.... Legal though its becoming, we both know there's more than red-tape poised to bar the Priest-King's homeward return, you learned enough o' those lessons from Galidraan, an' I know you did.... You listened on with baited interest every time I taught that history, so ye did.'

Not even the Dreamer himself could deny this, even yielding to the unyielding gaze of his former commanding officer as the Tattered Regent concluded,'Just as his Goidelic liberators did before him, so too must Yorunarr fight his way home - earning his rule through conquest!', though Lord Michael himself wouldn't begrudge his friend for conceding to the truth. Siyarr's resolute heart had been proven true time and time again before that day, proving himself worthy of respect when it mattered most, and in the reluctant acquiescence Barran saw more than enough reasoned understanding, pushing enough toward the realm of healthier thought that the Lord-Imperator relented right there and then.

'I understand.... On our end, all is done - but the rest we leave to Yorunarr ahan-Yan'Sharlim.'

 

[Siyarr Ahan-Mitharran]

8th Post

DREAMER_ONE

LORD-COLONEL OF THE FIREDANCE BRIGADES
INDEPENDENT SENATOR OF ARCHAIS
ARR'HUWAL'S DREAMER

Tags: Bex Tarring Rulonom Laborr Ingrid L'lerim Thade Rhas
Marcus Bastion Castor Crane Velran Kilran Onrai Maldor Mecetti

NEW DANCES, NEW ERAS II: CONVERGING WORLDS - PART 8

CATO HALL, PARLIAMENT ROW,
HIRKENBURG, ARCHAIS (901 ABY)

'Your candour always did cut to the bone, Lord-Imperator. But I'll always appreciate you for it.'​

Though the Woad was less-than-hopeful towards the chances of the Priest-King's return, the Senator himself couldn't fault the Protectorate's chief-delegate, as Lord Michael had, in fact, still ventured to put his thumb-signature to the proposal, opening the way to legitimacy over whomever destiny would allow to rule Archais at the time. Sobering though the thought would be, Mitharranson realised the quickness of return that he so desperately needed was but a childish, hopeful notion, taking the truth as sternly on the chin as he had the Woad's wisdom before - as any self-respecting leader would in his shoes.

'Please remain seated for the rest of the proceedings, but please remain behind.... I intend to speak with you privately.'

A request to which the Tattered Regent responded in quick, though-wordless earnest, nodding specifically to affirm that more was yet to be discussed between them, and more-specifically on in-house matters that were better kept away from prying, unwelcome ears. This would be enough for the Dreamer to turn his attention back to the proceedings, casting one last cursory glance to Lord Michael before looking to the Datapad before announcing,'And for the third name to call.... Representing as an Independent, would one Marcus Bastion stand to appraise the proposal?', readier than ever to have this Accords meeting adjourned once and for all. This meeting had been rollercoaster-enough for Siyarr's emotions already, and perhaps enough to keep him on edge for at least a month after the fact, yet for all the Senator had readied his soul by then, he silently reminded him that nothing in life ever adhered to it's best-laid plans.

Come rain or snow.... My heart is ready.

 

[Marcus Bastion]

Bastion paused. This was it. This was the moment all of this had been leading up to. The moment where everything hung in the balance. The moment where everything changed. Bastion would have to choose his moment carefully as the signatories were called forward. The moment that would have the most effect. The moment that would change everything.

Bastion frowned as his name was called to sign as an Independent. It made sense in terms of an order of representatives. An independent could led credibility of neutrality that even the smallest vote would be heard and acknowledged. Of both legitimacy and magnanimity. Bastion sighed. Now was the moment the moment where everything hung in the balance. The next few moments could decide the fate of the rest of his men, his own life and career and if he was not being to hubris in his assessment potentially the fate of the galaxy.

The support of his fleet while note an overwhelming advantage would be a boon to any cause or support. Both politicially and strategically. The strategic advantage was obvious any additional forces and resources Bastion pledged in support of any commitment would therefore have them to help enforce. The political one however may be even more important in the long term. It would demonstrate that previously independent groups, whether they be militia, fleets, companys, worlds, orders, space stations or in his case fleets would not only be welcomed by whichever group they pledged their support but that that group was worthy of independent factors pledging their support in the first place. It would not only encourage other similar groups to atleast consider pledgeing their support to the group in question but would also accredit legitimacy on the galactic stage to the powers.

Which was why Bastion had to consider his next move carefully. It could and would set a dangerous precedent under which anyone could declare loyalty for any cause regardless of their own status. Bastion sighed. It was a heavy responsibility for a relatively minor Moff. All Bastion had ever wanted had been to serve the Empire with honour, loyalty and dignity. Only now there either was no Empire or too many Empires. Depending on your viewpoint. The Empire had fractured into pieces. The major powers to come out of it pale imitations. The Dark Empire. A collection of what was the worst inclinations of the empire little better then the Sith. Then there was the Empire of the Lost Bastion had his doubts about them as well. What was more important for the safety and security of the Galaxy however? A worls. Worlds without the Empire's bastion of order and civility or no Empire at all?

What was Bastion and his mens role in such a galaxy. Were they to be drifters little better than outer rim pirates and fringes? Bastion had come to these Accords largely to assess the current field of play. Truthfully though he had already made his decision before he had ever even sat down at the table. The best Sabaac players always did. Always know what your lower and higher limits will be. Just as important as knowing when to bet all in was knowing when to walk away. It took just as much gritt sometimes to do that as the other. In many ways they were still both risking everything. One much like the other.

Bastion sighed and stood up.

"My esteemed representatives. I'm afraid I can't in good conscience sign these accords." Bastion paused as he let it sink in "Not because I think they don't have value. I do, and I hope the rest of you sign them in accordance with your conscience and your duties to your peoples. I'm afraid I can't say because I am as of this moment no longer a valid representative to sign them. Therefore no longer being a valid representative it would be wrong and repugnant to sign them under false pretenses of being one."

"I do not make this decision lightly. Nor easily. I am aware of the precarious situation the galaxy faces. I believe these accords are a good step in creating stability in that regard. I regret that I am as of this moment no longer able to sign them. I realise that an Independent member pledging his support behind any cause could cause quite a stir on the political as well as strategic stage. My hope that in time my decision will promote more stability not less in the galaxy."

"I have come to an important decision. Ladies and gentlemen the issue for me is a simple and a personal one. I ama Moff. But a Moff of what? There is either no Empire or too many Empires. At the very least I am forced to acknowledge the Empire I served no longer exists. Where does that put my place in the galaxy? Am I to to be- are my men to be drifters in space? Little better than pirates or the rebels whom I spent my career stamping out? I refuse to denigrate myself or my men who followed me so faithfully into exile and a fate some would consider death or worse than. Therefore I am forced to admit that my place my purpose in life is to serve the Empire. I came here today in part to assess which cause to pledge my support. I have come to a decision in that regard."

"As much as I enjoyed our conversation Onrai I believe the Dark Empire is frankly too Dark for my tastes. I confess I dabbled in tarkinism in my youth believing it the only path to security and order in the galaxy, but the behaviour of the Dark Empire has left me concerned. So with this in mind it is with a firm heart and an even firmer mind I've come to this decision."

"I declare myself Moff Bastion for the Empire of the Lost and for the glory of Emperor Velran!"

Tag: Bex Tarring Rulonom Laborr Ingrid L'lerim Thade Rhas Castor Crane Velran Kilran Maldor Mecetti Siyarr Ahan-Mitharran Michael Barran

 

[Michael Barran]

7th Post

CAIRN_ONE
CHAIRMAN OF PELLAEON PMC
DRUID-GRANDMASTER OF THE HIGHLAND BROTHERHOOD
LORD-IMPERATOR OF THE IMPERIAL MILITARY PROTECTORATE

TAGS
Bex Tarring Ingrid L'lerim
Marcus Bastion Maldor Mecetti Aurelian Sigismund

HEAVY ART THE HEADS III: A TEST OF PATIENCE - PART 7

CATO HALL, PARLIAMENT ROW,
HIRKENBURG, ARCHAIS (901 ABY)

The die is cast.
And so it all begins.... Here, in Hirkenburg.
​

Thus the greatest gambit of the century thusfar was played, and by then, all that was required of Lord Michael was the simple task of playing his role in the endeavour, the simplest of all roles for a Goidel to play. Roaring,'I KNEW IT!!!!', at the top of his lungs in a display of an unceremonious, gunshot-sudden decline in power, exactly what was required for perceptions of betrayal in the Imperial camp. An expectedly-tense extremity of discord between former comrades, though such that fit the pattern of Late-9th Century fractures in the wake of the Empire's downfall, a language of which only other Imperials would know and understand to be normal for anti-Sith Imperials of their ilk.

'Enjoy it while it lasts, Lord Marcus.... As now, I'm sure you know the next Imperial Civil War is assured, set in stone, an' realms will fall like flies around you.... My cloak will not be alone in it's tatters for long, Bastion!'

To the ears of the others in attendance, it would have rung loudly as a threat, but even in his mildly-convincing look of digust, Bastion would be able to decipher the advice and encouragement in the last orders of his clandestine handler. Cut short but the gavel-rappings on the Dreamer's wooden plinth, that would be all that the new Imperator would be able to say before the call for order was made, but this was enough to appear more than opposed enough on the record, though Barran himself knew that more was needed to convince the Galaxy of aggravation. Easily remedied by the unprompted rise and attempted exit from his podium pod, as doing so without expressed permission from the Chief-Moderator would present enough risk-factors for the Novanian guards to act, a naturally-drawn use from defensive training to benefit the authenticity of a public, officially-opposed response.

'REMEMBER WHERE YOU ARE!!!! ORDER IN THE PODIUMS, DAMN YOU!!!!'

[EXIT THREAD]

 

[Siyarr Ahan-Mitharran]

9th Post

DREAMER_ONE

HIGH-MARSHAL OF THE FIREDANCE BRIGADES
CO-CHIEF JUSTICE OF THE CENTRAL COURT AUTHORITY
INDEPENDENT GA SENATOR OF ARCHAIS

Tags: Bex Tarring Ingrid L'lerim
Marcus Bastion Maldor Mecetti Aurelian Sigismund

NEW DANCES, NEW ERAS II: CONVERGING WORLDS - PART 9

CATO HALL, PARLIAMENT ROW,
HIRKENBURG, ARCHAIS (901 ABY)

'REMEMBER WHERE YOU ARE!!!! ORDER IN THE PODIUMS, DAMN YOU!!!!'

What are you doing, Antlers? My Brethren in mysteries and war alike.
This is unbecoming of you.... Why?

What are these games you play on the most important day of my life?​

Behind the smoky haze of the Hookah's wispy veil, behind the deep red tint of the circular-rimmed sunglasses he was always known for wearing, behind it all rested the distraught glare of a disappointed, disenchanted friend. Brimming close to the verge of teariness, as even then, Mitharranson knew that his Priest-King had agreed and went along with this ploy; yet still, against all the Imperials' odds, that same defiant pride ran through his own bloodstream in turn. The Dreamer would play along, for if it even slightly had Archais in mind, then the plan would surely involve returning the Priest-King to his homeworld - to bring the Ancients back together with lasting finality.

'IS THIS ALL THERE IS?!?! DEATHLY SQUABBLES, MASS-ABSTENTION AND SCHISMS?!?! IS THIS REALLY ALL THE GALAXY CAN MUSTER ON THE EVE OF WAR?!?! IS THIS REALLY ALL THAT YOU ARE - IN MIND, BODY AND SOUL?!?!'

For all the Dreamer was conceding in his silent acquiescence, the rage he felt was real, like it was boiling at the surface of a bad personal decision, but Siyarr eventually calmed his fury enough to relent. Even if only slightly, it was enough to continue,'Well, I refuse to give you the comfort of my belief.... I'm giving you all the benefit of the doubt, and not out of the benevolence of my heart, but purely to the great chagrin of all who dare call themselves civilisations!', in an eerily-restrained oratory cadence. Almost holding it down once for all for everyone's sake, but in seeing Michael Barran's continued, scuffling confrontation with Siyarr's bodyguard, the rage would be loud and wrathful enough that his old friend would feel the sincerity of that disappointment after all, feeling the heat of that bridge as it burned between them.

'WE WILL RECONVENE - SAME TIME NEXT YEAR!!!! FOR I, SIYARR AHAN-MITHARRAN, CHALLENGE YOU TO DO BETTER - CONFERENCE ADJOURNED!!!!'

[EXIT THREAD]
[THREAD COMPLETE]