Private The Room Where It Happens

[Taeli Raaf]

The Obscurial Reliquary, Jutrand, Sadow District
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While not present on the floor of the Assembly, having Nerralyn as her physical representative, Darth Arcanix was keeping track of the debate raging there as the Emperor announced his chosen for the Dark Council. She was keeping her smile mostly contained, but until the vote was fully finalized, there could always be an upset... but she felt confident that by the end of the debate, she would once again hold a seat. Regardless, with a ticker running on one of the displays of her office, she was turning to the other business she had for the day.

She may be allied with Empyrean, forged through their business connections and then mutual respect, but she wanted to establish deeper ties with Sith that could be considered within the Eternalist camp. Drazen Lutris was supposedly the Emperor's brother, but while he seemed to enjoy some of the perks such a connection might provide, he had yet to claim any sort of power or influential position within the Sith. Perhaps he thought such a position might be viewed as nepotism if given by the Emperor, or perhaps there was another obstacle in his way to achieve his goals.

Either way, she was curious.

She had requested a meeting with the Sith to see what potential existed in an agreement. As Sedran handed her a datapad with the limited information held on the Lutris family, she waited to see whether her invitation was accepted and just what might come of their meeting if he did.

 

[Drazen Lutris]

It had been a long flight, for more than just the accommodations. Drazen's air speeder was fast, but there was a driving excitement that dragged out his journey. He had met with many Sith thus far, and in all but name had conquered Terminus, but his claim had yet to be recognized - and with the new hoops he had to jump through, he had to ingratiate himself to someone to be recognized as its new official lord. Damn his dead brother, may he rot, he thought to himself.​

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Were it only so easy to just kill a Sith and claim their holdings directly - but a kaggath was too loud, and an assassination would only lead to a regent and the assembly once more making decisions for his world. It was an annoying cycle of trying to keep himself underestimated, and forever being at the whims of lesser Sith - or greater ones, in this case. Unlike most Sith he had encountered, Taeli Raaf was a known entity - at least by reputation.​

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He had even used some of her genetics research in his own genome splicing, but that would have to wait in conversation. A soon to be Dark Councilor had called for him, likely to help cement her position before the dust had settled. A smart move, one he could understand and appreciate. It made for a good foundation to their relationship - she needed his backing for her reign, and he needed her to make sure he wasn't pressed.​

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The door to his air speeder opened with a hiss of depressurization, and the Sith Lord stepped out into the light rain. After a few moments and a guide, he arrived, entering her office with a wide grin.​

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"Forgive me, but I am not familiar with what you prefer to be called. Darth Arcanix? Lady Raaf? My brother puts a heavy emphasis on the power of names, but I've never been so romantic. I'm Drazen Lutris - no Darth title as of yet.", he mused as he found his seat.​

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"It's a pleasure to finally make your acquaintance."​

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Taeli Raaf​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

As the Umbaran aide guided Drazen Lutris to her office, she offered him a polite smile as he asked his question. How someone liked to be addressed could tell you much about that person, especially a Sith of sufficient status. Only those truly familiar with someone like Darth Carnifex would ever call him Kaine to his face, deigning to address him by his title or the litany of accolades attached to his name.

She was not one of those Sith.

Certainly, she would use her Sith title when the occasion called for it. It was the name she had chosen long ago during the One Sith, and she had held it ever since then. Official occasions and documents called for such formality, or when talking with an individual of much lower status in their hierarchy. And while it pleased her to hear her accolades such as Lady of Secrets or Mistress of Monsters, they were hardly necessary for the kind of conversation they were going to be having.

Besides, she had taken great pains to have her deeds and accomplishments attached to her own name.

"Lady Raaf would be perfectly acceptable," she replied. "And I would extend the same courtesy to you, Drazen, if you prefer a different sobriquet."

Fully Arkanian, she could see, and carried himself as most Arkanians did with that level of quiet superiority. She wondered if he knew that her influence extended to his homeworld or not, but then only a select few knew that the Senator from that world was not who she seemed. Not that the affairs of the Alliance had caught her interest much lately.

"A pleasure to also make your acquaintance," she would gesture at the tray of glasses and the decanters of water and tea resting near them. "Help yourself to refreshment as you deem fit, but you seem like someone who appreciates getting straight to business."

 

[Drazen Lutris]

With a grin and a nod, Drazen repeated her title. He didn't ordain the refreshments with a glance, and instead took a casual, cross legged, sitting position. With hands in his lap, he watched her very carefully - if only with a single eye.​

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"Lady Raaf.", he said again.​

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"You've read me well - I'm not one for pleasantries and idle fancies. I'm a researcher, a business man, a Sith. My time is short, as it always seems to be, so I'll be brief. As you know, I need a sponsor in the Assembly to recognize my claim on Terminus. In all practical terms, I rule the planet through my various militias and cartel affiliations - but Asmod continues to pester me.", he said with a shake of his head a suck of his teeth, obviously referencing the Governor of the world, though notably without his Darth title.​

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"With a proper sanction from a would be Dark Council member, I could authorize his assassination and take the world for myself. With it as a position of power set up on the crossing of two major hyperlanes, and the primary support network for our expansion towards the Galactic Alliance, I would instantly become one of the more powerful Sith in the Order and Empire. With it, I would use your Dark Council position, and generosity, to appoint me to the position of SIBC Chairmen and Minister of Finances."​

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"From there well... I imagine we would do whatever we liked. You, a powerful ally who is nigh untouchable so long as the Emperor's protection persists, and me - with a powerful friend in the Dark Council. An alliance forged in perfect opportunity.", he mused.​

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"Now, the question, is what you would need me to pay for such grand gifts."​

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Taeli Raaf​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

An interesting order of descriptors, she thought as Drazen began his pitch. Then again, she supposed, the man in front of her was Arkanian. Research and science were basically their religion, and many had worked for and become Sith because of the loose restrictions on what they could work on. Sith alchemy and genetic manipulation were closely tied together after all, and it only served to give Drazen another point in her book.

As a businessman, he understood that the galaxy required a certain order to it. One couldn't make credits if everything was constantly on fire, and if his goal was to seize influence over the economy, she would prefer a hand such as his over someone that allowed their whims to influence policy. The SIBC had been abused, admittedly one reason it had been established was for graft, but both Sith that had attempted it recently had followed... odd principles when it came to economic activity and policy. Placing it under the purview of Drazen as Chairman and as Minister of Finances would likely mean a steadier hand and mind when it came to growth.

And as a Sith, ambition was palpable for the one-eyed man. He wanted power and influence, and he recognized to eliminate the final obstacle to what he craved, he needed someone to give that extra weight on the scales. It couldn't be his brother, for a multitude of reasons, and it couldn't be a Sith of lower status or of an opposing faction within the politics of their Order. It needed to be someone who had good relations with the largest factions, but with the status that could afford them an equal slice of the pie if they wanted. Someone like her.

A cup of tea would float into her hand as she considered what he had said. Terminus was at the junction point of the Corellian Trade Spine and Hydian Way, a crucial nexus of trade within the Sith borders and one that would see even more increased activity as the Commonwealth was further integrated in the west. It sounded like, with his various militias and cartels, he controlled the ground level operations of the planet, but Darth Asmod as governor was still standing in the way.

One man against such ambition. Such promise. She almost felt sorry for Asmod. So, the question indeed became... what was the price for her assistance and how selfish should she be?

"I would expect appropriations to be more generous for ministries and projects within my eventual portfolio," she replied. "As I'm sure you know, research is not an inexpensive affair and the proper flow of resources to it is always appreciated. I would also expect ease for either myself or certain allies and organizations to establish facilities on Terminus, along with support within the Assembly for initiatives I might sponsor or create."

The economic and political demands would be expected, no doubt. Drazen would have done his homework and known she had significant business interests between Aurora and Spaarti. The next part of the price though...

"There is one other thing. Terminus is a crossroads, not just for the hyperlanes, but also for Wild Space and the Unknown Regions with the rest of the galaxy. There are many species and cultures that pass through that are still relatively unknown. If a particular piece of technology or information, or a few members of a unique species pass through, I would like them to be acquired and transferred to me. The results from such acquisitions would be shared of course."

Drazen Lutris

 

[Drazen Lutris]

Her expectations and prices for cooperation were expected, and nothing out of the ordinary. He nodded to each, and eventually replied with a candid apprecation;​

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"Implicit and expected. Consider them done.", before he took on a slight coy grin and pulled out a data pad from his pocket. He liked to carry a secure connection to his Terminus labs, and the cartel's had put in overtime for the specific purpose of his genetics research on the world. After a few swipes, he made a sound of accomplishment, and handed her the tablet.​

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"I've done that much and more already. As should be expected of an Arkanian, I have taken the initiative for a variety of genome projects for rare or unique species. Cartel's loyal to my interests - which is to say, all of them - monitor the docks and cantinas for any out of place species. Each have been given scanners connected to surface level facial and biometric readers that help to identify said rarity - even abnormalities and genetic anomalies from otherwise well known species.", he mused.​

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"For this, I am willing to part with, on condition if I am to be so bold.", he said as he leaned forward.​

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"I will give you and your proposed projects full access to my genome data and genetic experiments, so long as they stay within my labs. It is not a matter of trust, mind you, but expertise. The Lutris have spent centuries on the art of perfecting the mortal coil - my brother is a clear example of our success. I would allow your trusted personnel to join us, learn from us, and research in time with our standards. I will, of course, have my own personal projects that must be kept for my eye only, but given a long and fruitful relationship I could see even those become of mutual interest.", he continued.​

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Leaning back, he motioned to the data pad with a hand laden with a large ring, carrying the symbol of his family - the Dragon.​

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"This you can keep - a down payment on services rendered."​

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The data pad would contain all he had said and more - for thousands of species, both known and otherwise, alongside their full genomic data and various manipulations, both already done and tested, and many more theoretical. It spanned thousands of species, millions of combinations and combinations of combinations, until the proposed species within were hardly recognizable to their evolutionary parentage. It was a disgusting example of forced adaptation, but it was fitting the man with a devilish grin.​

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Taeli Raaf​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Well, that was easy, but then it appeared Drazen had done his homework before coming to this meeting. He likely knew she would be keen on securing funding for projects, and also her proclivity for genetic experiments. She hadn't earned the moniker Mother of Monsters for no reason, and she had every intention on continuing and expanding that work once her appointment was confirmed and she could take a firm control over the ministries revolving around research and development.

And the generosity continued as he offered access to the Lutris genetics labs for her own personnel and a datapad containing a vast database on genomes and species analysis, just a teaser of what could be held within the centuries-old Arkanian family database. She would briefly look over the multitude of experiments and the outcomes of each before turning back her attention to her guest. She could peruse the datapad and its archives at her leisure in the future.

"Just as I would maintain some projects for my eyes only," she said, offering him a polite smile. There were experiments underway, further research with what she and Kaine had stolen from the Wellspring, that she was not prepared to share with anyone yet. The work was promising though. "I'm sure such collaboration will benefit all parties involved, and certainly within time projects that are exclusive could be combined. Your conditions are acceptable to me."

She would reach into her desk and pull out the holostamp bearing her symbol and that of her power base.

"I would imagine that you came to this meeting with the sanction already prepared for me if I accepted your proposal, hmm?"

Drazen Lutris

 

[Drazen Lutris]

"You would imagine correctly.", he said with a devious grin.

After a moment, he pulled a document from his overcoat, marked in the traditional vellum of Sith Proclamations. With a quick press of his fingers, he undid the seal and splaid it over the table in her direction. It was a long series of intricate wordings normal for the Sith's bureaucracy. Of all the things the Sith seemed to excel at, governmental complication was one of the better ones it seemed.

"A simple thing, really. There within, this is a Sanction declaring Excommunication for Asmod. It further states his assets within the Order are forfeit, on condition of approved Kaggath. Essentially, it puts a bounty on his head and his planet. I am not specifically named as the recipient of this Kaggath, of course, that would be too heavy handed.", he mused.

"Instead, you will accelerate my application for said kaggath. Once I have the backing of the Dark Council, I will be designated the sole inheritor on condition I succeed in his execution. After that, the onus will be on me - and you will have done your part."

He tapped the end of the paper, marked with a spot for her signature, and the empty circle for a seal. He pulled from his other pocket a quill - one marked with Sith magics to draw a small amount of her blood, and bind her to the Sanctions conditions. It was standard for all deals and proclamations within the Empire - to ensure Sith were stuck to their word, once they went public with it. A condition the current government created to help stop political anarchy.

"All you have to do is sign. This gives you a natural distance from the situation, ensuring you are at least insulated from any political fallout. Additionally, it ensures that you are reassured in my capacity as an ally, and should I fail - you still gain Terminus through the conditions of the Sanction. All you'd have to do is find someone better than me."​

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"Which you won't have to do.", he reassured.

Taeli Raaf​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

She would accept the offered document and the quill bearing the runes of the Sith. She would begin carefully reading over the writ of excommunication towards Asmod and the general terms of Kaggath being outlined. While she did not believe that Drazen would attempt to slip in any... unknown variables within their deal, to seal such terms in blood and the dark side would have necessitated caution to begin with. As a businesswoman, she was even doubly sure to read through the sanction.

She would remove a seal from within her desk, one that bore the mark of her power base and family crest, saying "Clever and quite confident, Lord Lutris. I look forward to seeing where such a potential partnership might lead if you are successful."

She would prick her finger on the quill, letting a drop of her blood flow into and energize the runes before signing the proclamation on Asmod. She felt sorry for the governor of Terminus and what was no doubt coming his way if Drazen was this prepared for to claim the world.

"I do have to wonder," she would say, smearing the stamp with another drop of her blood before sealing the small wound with the Force, "as a point of academic curiosity, how you'll do it and what might come of the body?"

She would press the stamp to the document, giving Drazen all the backing he would need to unleash his coup and seize Terminus and the SIBC officially rather than from the shadows. On the screen displaying the vote in the Assembly, the votes in support of the Emperor's slate were reaching critical mass. Soon enough, likely within the next hour or so, she would have her seat back again.

Drazen Lutris

 

[Drazen Lutris]

There indeed was no loop holes or purposeful exceptions that bound Taeli to anything. There was the passive subsidy Terminus would get following the coup to 'rebuild its struggling economy', but these things were expected. Sith were greedy, but it seems Drazen was not trying to pull the wool over Taeli's eyes. Only draw a bit more resources to his cause after he killed the Sith who stood in his way.​

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"Do you really want me to spoil the surprise, Lady Raaf?", he said with a coy grin.​

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"If you insist...", he said after a moment, turning to look out the window over the Sadow District of Jutrand, beautiful as it was.​

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"I will coordinate a strike on three locations in tandem with one another. A meeting will take place in two months that will hold five of his nine closest allies - there, one strike will be. Adjudicators, Planetary Defense Coordinators, and Banking Executives. They will all die from an untimely explosion, because his security is already infiltrated. A kaggath won't derail his plans.", Drazen mused.​

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"The second will be on his vault. Before any of his allies can retrieve his stockpile of wealth, I will have a second strike team draw all his funds from his personal accounts - even the ones he thinks nobody knows about. They will be put in off world shell corporations, then lost to accounting errors and loan repayments in the following days. For his actual vault, the Lutris Houseguard will open and relieve it of any contents - likely holding blackmail that will keep the rest of his remaining allies in check, and anyone else who won't accept my rule of the world."​

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"Last, I will strike his home. He lives there with his wife and three kids - each barely above ten. I will kill them myself, so that the blood I spill will touch nobody else. I will, of course, hide my true strength in this engagement; because I'm going to leak the video of his families execution to the Order at large. They will see me for a ruthless man, but weaker than they think I am. They'll fear me, respect me perhaps, but they'll also think I'm vulnerable to their machinations and plots."​

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He turned back to look at her with a grin.​

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"I'm not of course, but a little bait draws flies. I can do much with a few flies."​

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Taeli Raaf​

 

[Taeli Raaf]

She could always appreciate a thorough plan, and it seemed that Drazen had come up with one that would deal with Asmod quite comprehensively. Again, if she wasn't Sith, she might actually feel bad for the soon to be former governor of Terminus and his family. The strikes against a majority of his allies in an explosion and stealing away his resources would cripple him for the final blow, and she approved of Drazen electing to deal with it personally. Such matters required, among the Sith, that personal attention or you ran the risk of others writing off your move.

"Such strikes will certainly send a message," she mused.

He would be a dangerous ally, but an ally nonetheless. With how things seemed to be developing within the Empire and its politics, including her situation with Strosius and his Inquisition, it would be important to forge and maintain ties with Sith like Drazen. He represented a new generation of Sith and the man across from her would become vital to any war effort or movements within the Assembly. Other Sith might not realize it, although members of the burnt-out Golden Covenant had seen it, but the Sith that controlled the purse strings of the Empire would be hugely influential.

"I do appreciate a Sith that understands it is important to always conceal your true capabilities and resources. I suspect this will be the beginnings of a long and fruitful alliance."

Drazen Lutris

 

[Drazen Lutris]

"In that, we are agreed.", he said with a grin.​

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Wiping his shirt down to be unwrinkled, Drazen moved to stand. Glancing towards the holovision that displayed the Assembly's results. The political upheavel had slowly died down, and the final results were coming in. It was already assured the Emperor's decree would not be denied by the Assembly, but it was reassuring that Empyrean's will still stood so absolute.​

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"Congratulation on your new position, Lady Raaf. Give me a few weeks, and I will finalize our deal. If you have any need of me by then - my calling card.", he said, drawing a small metal card from his chest pocket. Aurebesh lettering let her know it was a holonumber that would lead directly to his private lines - and a number of others lines that contacted his various alias's on Terminus.​

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With a 'wink', he moved towards the exit and prepared for the coming bloodshed.​

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Taeli Raaf​