The Steel King [Levantine Sanctum]

[Seydon of Arda]

~Tingel Arm~​

~Kalos System~​

~Laekia~​

[Lavorn City / 17:59 PM]

They'd picked the Lux Tembor on 157(A) Avenue, three blocks south and west of the Study of Wisdom, the seat of Laekia's executive government in the form of nine Oligarchs and their vast legislative entourages, and six blocks north of the Red Concord, Lavorn City's noted shopping center that was equal parts closed shop and sprawling bazaar. The Lux Tembor attracted auspicious, monied clientele, utilizing private and public suites to simultaneously pitch the latest product offers and unwind from office stresses. It would cost six thousand credits to rent a business suite for approximately twelve hours; further expenses were incurred depending on individual requests and quirks.

Seroth noticed he was fogging the transparisteel window. He stepped off from observing too closely, coughing into his elbow. Their guest would be greeted in an elongated chamber resplendent with a true-wood table machined to seamlessly cater inlaid holo-boards and what was locally considered the latest in micro-tech, with long walls of black-veined marble set with black-rock columns and alternating arcade supports. Glow-lamps were recessed against the roof in long, steely furrows. It smelled tightly with chemical washers and spritz of lemon.

It was too warm, too enclosing, the lad knew he was probably bearing a sweat, and looked functionally anachronistic in his work-kit.. But he possessed little formal wear: it would have to do. [member="Judah Dashiell"] messaged, with the necessary details, to expect a singularly unique guest. A Pyre war-droid; the progenitor of a new line of protocol-translation droids Judah himself had helmed. He wanted a meeting with whoever counted as local representatives. Judah could not recant their request. It was the lot of the Silent Conclave to see after discussions, formalize conversation points, and forward anything relevant to the Nine Oligarchs.

The lad had never seen to diplomatic function before. He could dance with a longsword; words were another manner. A holo-readout sounded the time change, flickering to the eighteenth hour. He breathed softly... and braced.

[member="HK-36"]

 

[HK-36]

[member="Seroth Ur-Rahn"]
Heading Towards Laekia, Kalos System,
Aboard the Siege Tower,

The adventuring frigate, Siege Tower, flying the colors of Abregado-Rae and the Protectorate, as well HK's personal insignia, was soaring the through hyperspace, traveling through the tunnel of hyperspace they headed towards the Kalos system, a meeting point between the representatives of the Barony and Free Space. Aboard the Tower a group was gathered on the ship's bridge, there was four of them talking to each other, among them was the tall armored figure of the droid HK-36,
"So everyone had their bathroom and sandwich breaks? No more fussing?"
"I'm still not sure how I feel about this, I'm not too big fan of flying, makes me bit queasy."
One of them muttered, an older gentleman in formal but modest robes, he was Marcbru Canade, a stern fellow and one of the major farmers on Abregado-Rae. A good, honest man, but not too much versed in travels. He was the representative chosen to speak for humans and aliens residing on Abregado.

"It will be alright, I'm sure, it's not the first our fleet has made a journey like that."
Another of the group answered, a Gados of darker brown shaggy fur, his tunics were elegant but rather coarse, he had a simple straw hat on his head, a couple of grey Leovi feathers stuck out of it.
"I would be more worried about these folks we'll be talking to, I've never heard of this 'Free Space' and the fact it's so close to Sith Remnants does not make me feel any better."
The Gados voiced his concern, raising his sandwich as he nibbled on it with his buck teeth, looking to others. He was Wihrr, one of the Gados traders who made their profit on caravans passing through the planet's spaceports, he was chosen as representative of the native Gados population of the planet. As much as he liked the idea of more trade being brought their way, he wanted to play it safe, such exploits could often be dangerous, or so he thought.

"Damn it, HK, I am a doctor, not a trader."
The last of the representatives spoke up, giving the Droid Commander a swat of metal pincers that clung out as it hit his armor.
"Why are you pulling us into this? We were more than happy on Abregado-Rae."
He was the droid representative of more mechanized citizens of Abregado-Rae, his name was Doctor 2-1b Liam, a stern being who will not put up with the crazy crap their clown of an Observer often pulled off. All he cared for was to protect the planet and keep its citizens healthy and alive.

The droid rubbed his arm, looking over to Doctor Liam who just smacked him,
"As much as I would love to just talk to them by myself, you need to start doing things as well. You were chosen by the people we have all sworn to serve, one day I will be gone, I am not a dictator, I am a servant."
He would look from one to the other,
"You need to start learning how things are done outside of Abregado-Rae, how to handle these things, so you can pass it on to others."
The droid nodded solemnly, looking to Wihrr and Canade,

"I trust these people, I have helped some of them before, they are keepers of peace, they are warriors against Sith, or were."
He glanced to them, taking a pause to emphasize the next part and add some drama to conversation,
"They were, and some still are, Jedi."

Canade rose his brows,
"Jedi? We'll have to deal with Jedi as well?"
He looked to his Gados colleague who just shrugged slightly and looked aside, reaching to rub through the shaggy fur on his long neck, they all knew that Jedi usually meant trouble, they just didn't wanted to say it outright.

Well except Doctor Liam,
Another clang was heard as the Droid Doctor smacked HK on his arm again,
"Damn it, HK, you did not think to mention this to us before? Jedi are unpredictable, and their Order does not have the greatest reputation right now."

HK tried to calm him down with the gesture of his hands, slightly rubbing the spot he was hit in right now, his paint slightly chipping there now on his armor plates.
"These are different, they are honorable, they are trustworthy, they are just an-"
"You are just talking out of your arse again, are you not?"
Doctor Droid cut HK off, HK just looked at him,
"That may be so."

He didn't even bothered to finish as their navigation officer cut them off,
"Sirs, we have arrived in the Kalos system."

Kalos System
18:30 PM
A flash of light was seen in space as the Siege Tower entered the real-space, a transmission would be soon received by Laekia's traffic controls,
"Laekia, this is the Siege Tower, we have arrived with a delegation of Abregado-Rae as agreed, we will be sending an unarmed shuttle, over."
Seroth, surely, would receive notification about the message from the flight-controlling facilities planet-side.

 

[Seydon of Arda]

[Lux Tembor Suites / 118th Floor / Suite 9b / Lavorn City]
-18:36 PM

They page-commed him from Keso Dathn Port, east where Lavorn's dangerous goods routes and perimeter air-car zones began melding with wooded flatland's extending inland. It relayed through a dozen transmission towers, quicker than the lad could think, drawing attention to imperious alerts flashing on his borrowed datapad. Seroth keyed the password, quick to review the sent transmission. In orbit was the delegation's 'Siege Tower', hinting with unsubtle tones at Protectorate military habits. Individuals including the much vaunted Hunter-Killer Model Number 36 were aboard an unadorned, unarmed and armoured shuttle were making headway for the agreed location: the Lux Tembor.

Judah had prodded in his follow up regards to not stint on outside expenses; Seroth was paying for an escorting compliment of hotel concierges to take the representatives, whatever luggage they incurred, and speed them to Suite 9b. He watched through the view-panes bordering the long hall, as a gunmetal grey and gold lined tri-winged vessel stole up to the Tembor and deposited itself out of sight. Seroth looked to his chronometer. By then, they were making final landing checks, the debarkation ramp was lolling down, and the concierge would be committing to their greeting. A handful of minutes and he'd be face to face with a small army of political clout.

[member="HK-36"]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

Lux Tembor , Suite 9b

Dressed a bit more casually in a jacket and dress shirt with no tie than his counterparts, Judah looked out the transparisteel windows over Laekia, glittering oceans in the distance. There was some internal debate about where he wished to move in the Sanctum territory. There were still planets unexplored by himself, further delaying any plans to make a second home out in the neutral and quiet territory. Leaning against the exotic wood conference table, Judah crossed his arms and waited.

"You really need to relax." The shaggy salvager was commenting to the other in the room, [member="Seroth Ur-Rahn"] . The man seemed a little on edge, as if he could use some of the fine alcohol that was currently sitting off to the side. "The Baron is quite agreeable and I am positive the meeting will go well. He is interested in protecting his people, a concern I admire and am all too familiar with. So long as he doesn't start painting us naked we should be fine."

Before Seroth could raise an eyebrow about the painting thing, Judah raised a hand to stop him.

"Long story."

 

[Nohemi Allaneh]

Lux Tembor, Suite 9b

Master [member="Seroth Ur-Rahn"] aura held a thrum of unnerving energy that gave visible ripples within the current for young Nohemi to see. He was nervous. A bit out of sorts.

It was a curious difference from the well spoken and assured man who spoke to her mother in confidence about the safety and security of her people. Perhaps all held a measure of self doubt.

She stood alongside the vast transparasteel window. Wearing a dove grey robe simplistic in nature, her hair as black as ebony skillfully swept back in a perfect updo, the fringe of her bangs lightly gracing her delicate brow.

"Would you prefer a different scene?" came her soft audible question, her expression cordial, her meaning clear for those who knew her to be a Fallanassi adept.

She would weave an illusion of an entirely different scene if it would provide Seroth a measure of assurance.

 

[HK-36]

[member="Seroth Ur-Rahn"], [member="Nohemi Allaneh"], [member="Judah Dashiell"]
In Orbit of Laekia,
Aboard the Siege Tower

The group of Abregado's representatives were already gathered in the hangar, in front of the shuttle as it finished up its preparations,
"Alright, are we all good on the plan? Go in, keep it civil, Doctor, please try to minimize your profanities."
Droid Doctor Liam looked aside at that, muttering,
"I promise nothing, you bastard."
HK reached to smooth out Representative Wihrr's tunic, the Gados nodded simply before the piot of the shuttle spoke up,
"Alright, come on."
HK commented to them as he was about to get onto the ship, Wihrr glanced about before staying the droid by grabbing his arm,
"We're not bringing any guards with us?'
The droid looked at him simply, sightly tilting his head,
"I am already in my armor, do you not trust my abili-"
"No."
The Doctor Droid interrupted HK with a quip.

HK slightly hung his head, calculating before he motioned two of the Greycloak Droid Guards to come over,
"Only shatterpistols, holstered, and your lightsabers, one of you stays by Representative Wihrr, the other by Representative Canade,"
HK looked to the Doctor Droid as the guards nodded,
"The Doctor is on his own."

And with that they were finally on board the shuttles, Doctor Liam was able to give HK one more swat on his metal arm before the ramp closed and they were in their seats, the vehicle lifting off from the surface of the hangar and out into the void of space.

Laekia,
Lavorn City, Lux Tambor

The representatives looked out of the viewing ports of the shuttle as they passed in lower orbit above vast mountains and forests of the planet. Canade watched it all with interest as vast as the forests,
"So many trees."
He muttered, while Abregado did had forests and mountains they were not as common on their native planet as they were on Laekia.
"I should bring you one day to Kashyyyk."
The droid quipped to the Representative.

Finally, the shuttle would land with a clang in front of the Lux Tambor where their meeting was to be conducted. Its ramp opened as the six figures walked out, HK was first to appear, his grey cloak trailing off of his armored shoulders, his medals and commendations displayed as usual, he raised one of his hands in a greeting to the concierges who were sent to meet them.
"I am Baron Iron Knight of Abregado-Rae, we come in peace."
He said a bit cliche, the three Representatives followed in behind him, watching about interested, making sure to take in all of the sights while they still could. They didn't expected for the droid to take them sight-seeing. After the representatives followed the two slender, armored guards with grey cloaks, much like HK's, their droid face-plates hidden behind helmets. They carried lightsabers and holstered pistols, while HK had only his training lightsaber at his belt.

The concierges would bow to them in return at HK's, Representatives returning the gesture and offer to lead them to the meeting room,
Suit 9b
Seroth would soon enough receive another transmission from the page among the welcoming party,
"They have arrived, they're on their way to Suit 9b."

 

[Seydon of Arda]

[Lux Tembor / Suit 9b / Count Down...]

Seroth started lightly from his haze of contemplation, looking up, regarding the calmed demeanor's of bright Nohemi and impeccable Judah. Neither seemed bothered for the coming company. The lad was busy remembering promises made between himself, Jaxton Ravos, Rosa, Boolon Murr, others that this hide-away plot of free space wouldn't be compromised. Perhaps it was sheer inexperience: horror stories told by Jorus Merrill about political duplicitousness. He looked to Nohemi and shook his head.

"No. ...But thank you, I mean," He added quickly. "I'm sure it's just the newness coming with being on call. ...Though, Judah, if you're right," Seroth called across the table. "And the worst that could happen is we somehow end up undressed, we'll come out unscathed. ...I just hope he appreciates privacy. And a little neutrality."

"They have arrived, they're on their way to Suit 9b." The PA comm blipped overhead.

"Oh, shid," Seroth murmured. He forgot to smooth the light wrinkle in his work-tunic, yet he looked rumpled and anachronistic for the high-powered business suite surrounding himself, Ms. Nohemi, and Judah. The lad drew closer to the doors; it seemed like enough protocol. Down the hallway sounded heavy beats of clanking, rhythmic flat-soles treading over inch think rug, accompanied by softer steps and a flurry of conversing voices. Suddenly, shadows fell across the door's edging, before they opened inward...

[member="HK-36"] [member="Nohemi Allaneh"] [member="Judah Dashiell"]

 

[Rosa Gunn]

An easy smile came to Rosa's face as the Baron introduced himself. She offered a small bow of her head. "Well met Baron, Representatives" she replied "Welcome to Laekia, I'm Rosa Mazhar." she gestured towards the doors of the Lux Tembor Suites "Shall we?" She'd opted for smart black pants and a short sleeved white blouse. There were no weapons on her, she didn't need them, not anymore. Her lightsaber collected dust on the bedside table of the home she shared with Seroth, though more often than not they slept apart, he busy with slaying, she with playing the diplomat and helping solve minor disputes within Sanctum space.

Her heels clicked along the tiled floor as she led the way through the lobby and towards the turbolift. "You are the first outside of Free space to contact us for such negotiations, I'm interested to see what you have to pitch." Eyes flicked over them again and the settled on the Baron "Judah speaks highly of you." The gentle humm of the lift started as it began to carry them up the hundred and eighteen floors.

[member="HK-36"]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Seroth Ur-Rahn"] [member="Rosa Mazhar"] [member="Nohemi Allaneh"] [member="HK-36"]

"I'm not sure what political talks dissolve into both parties wearing zero clothes." Chuckling slightly, Judah adjusted the collar of his suit jacket. "Sounds like the plot of a terrible adult holofilm."

Straightening out in preparation for the arrival of the Baron and his attached personnel, Judah let out a little exhale of breath. While the Baron was certainly a reasonable person, the droid was extremely eccentric. Judah wasn't sure if he could take any more facts about his wife. He still hadn't gotten over the last of the news while retrieving the programming parameters from HK back in Protectorate territory.

"You're going to do fine. Just...roll with his...unusual uhm...nature."

 

[Nohemi Allaneh]

Nohemi gave an incline of her head, silent supporting encouragement in her expression. For such a petite woman, she certainly held an aura of respectability.

However, the commentary about levels of nudity were making Nohemi a tad bit concern. She was a literal woman, and the rather informal conversation between Mr. Dashiell and Master Ur-Rahn was rather peculiar enough to draw a slight frown over her delicate brow.

Surely they can’t be serious.

None the less, the young Fallanassi Ambassador for the Order of the White Current held her tongue and simply observed. This was not her conference to lead, and at the present time, she was merely enjoying observing from the sidelines.

However, that little comment about clothing ever did linger in the back of her mind.

Surely they can’t be serious?

 

[HK-36]

[member="Rosa Mazhar"]
Lux Tembor,
Suite 9b

HK nodded as he recognized Rosa, she was looking pretty good,
"Yes, miss Rosa, I recognize you, we have once ventured to an abandoned ship with Knight Shena. I have hit on you and you have told me to 'Move my metal ass before the laser turret burned it out because you did not want to die on that Force-forsaken place' when we were taking the ship's bridge."
He slightly tilted his head looking to Rosa.
"You are looking well."
When Rosa motioned to the door, he simply nodded,
"Indeed let us."

And he moved onwards over the tiled floor behind Rosa's figure, the three representatives just casted questioning glances to each other and then to Rosa at HK's antics.
"To be fair, it were the members of your faction that reached out to me first, if it was not for an invitation, I would have not directed my attention towards this sector of space and noticed your presence."
He responded to Rosa as they entered the turbolift,
"Whether that is a curse or a blessings, I will let you decide."
The droid quipped, he motioned to the representatives, first the other droid, then the human, and finally the tall Gados with the straw hat.
"These are representatives Doctor 2-1b Liam,"
"Greetings, lass."
"Mister Macbru Canade,"
"Howdy-ho."
The older farmer smiled to Rose,
"And mister Wihrr,"
The Gados simply nodded to her, watching her a bit carefully,
"Hello."

HK then looked up to the numbers of floors they were passing as she mentioned Judah,
"Mister Dashiell is a good man, and I have helped his wife before in dealing justice to a Sith that has harmed her. However, I have gave him nothing but reasons to challenge me to a duel of honor."
He glanced back to Rosa,
"If he speaks highly of me, then I am not responsible for it."
HK quipped as Doctor Droid Liam muttered,
"I'll say."

[member="Seroth Ur-Rahn"], [member="Judah Dashiell"], [member="Nohemi Allaneh"]
Finally, the door to the turbolift would enter as they arrived at the correct floor, and Rosa would surely lead them to the correct suite where the meeting would be held.

And so, he would enter finally through the doorway, to come face to face with Seroth, Nohemi, and the familiar sight of Judah. HK stood exactly 2 meters tall, which was taller than most humans, but he was certainly not the tallest being about. It was enough to seem imposing to common folk, especially when wearing his ceremonial Heavy Protectorate Defense Power Armor, his commendations and medals displayed on its breastplate, long grey cloak cascaded off of his shoulders, a chameleon cloak, gift from Sarge from their mission together on Endor. HK's body was rather slender, it was partially based on the body of infamous General Grevious, after all, it looked more like the cross between the cyborg and traditional HK design, although the shape of the head was unmistakeable.
His red photoreceptors watched them with their dull light, their light washing over his sharp features with gentle sheen.

HK would bow to them, bending at his waist as his companions entered, the three representatives, a Medical Droid, aging human farmer with a soft smile, and the Gados of weary sight, in a straw hat decorated with two grey Leovi feathers.
Following them were the two Iron Greycloak Guards, in armor and grey cloaks similar to HK's, they bore no commendations, however, and their face-plates were hidden behind the helmet-masks of their armor. Each of them, however, held a small chest in their hands, baring gifts of some sorts.

"Greetings, representatives of the Sanctum of Free Sector, I am the First Baron of the Protectorate, Observer of Abregado-Rae, Colonel of Omega Pyre and Iron Company, the Iron Knight, Knighted in Compassion before Lady Protector Cira, may she rest in Peace, and citizens of Abregado-Rae, where I took my vows."
He listed off all of his titles before slightly turning back to motion to the other droid first, the Medical Unit, who barely commented himself from commenting on the other droid's love of over-done titles.
"This is Representative Doctor 2-1b Liam,"
The Doctor gave them a small bow,
"Lords of the Friendly Fringe,"
He quipped to them, HK motioned over to the aging man in simple but elegant robes,
"Representative Canade,"
He bowed as well, giving them a gentle smile,
"It is utmost pleasure to visit your planet, eh?"
And then finally to the tall Gados in the straw hat,
"And Representative Wihrr,"
The Gados would take off his accessory to bent the lanky neck in a bow,
"Thank you for hosting us today."

Looking back to the Levantine representatives, HK would give a soft inclination of his head to Nohemi, giving her a quick scan, before looking to Judah, giving him a nod as well,
"Thank you for inviting us, Mister Dashiell, I hope your wife is well."
The droid spoke softly in his monotone drawl towards Judah.

 

[Seydon of Arda]

[Lux Tembor / Suit 9b]

HK-36. He was tall at two meters, fully one humanoid skull above the assembled Levantines, peering down the trio from an aquiline helm covered with a harsh mouth-grill and red lense-eyes that were disconcertingly bright. Judah though, had assured that this was courtesy in exchange for aid the hulking war-droid had offered to the salvage-merchant. Seroth still ran his eyes swiftly, ranging the details of his heavy posture, armoured ribs secured atop a similarly plated hip-chassis rounded by faulds, on long digitigrade limbs ending in hitched feet. A tall, gunmetal-grey ghoul resplendent in Protectorate commendations and medals, all his rewards for faithfully executed heroics. He looked sidelong at Judah, piqued. The lad didn't like mention of the Fringe Lords. He did not like their mention at all.

"Seroth Ur-Rahn," Said he in formal reply. "Monster slayer, and Free Ranger of the Sanctum Worlds.

"Mister Dashiell," Turned Seroth. "Has had us excited with the development cycle of a protocol droid specific to our needs. However, he's told that it wouldn't have seen completion without your donations of time and certain materials. We of the Silent Conclave are indebted for your patronage, and we aim to pay our debts. Welcome to Laekia."

The lad looked to the unflappable Nohemi. "And Master Nohemi Allaneh, our formiddable Mistress of the White Current, who honours us with her presence.

"...And the very lovely Master Mazhar, who sees to it that we act with a measure of grace," He nodded, an imperceptible trace of deference in his body language.

[member="HK-36"], [member="Nohemi Allaneh"], [member="Judah Dashiell"], [member="Rosa Mazhar"]

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Seroth Ur-Rahn"] , [member="HK-36"] , [member="Rosa Mazhar"] , [member="Nohemi Allaneh"]

Judah knew nothing of the Fringe as well. If HK was involved the salvager had zero idea. As far as he knew HK was a loyal member of the Protectorate and no where else. Perhaps the ones assembled in front of them meant something entirely different. At least this is what he was hoping. If not visions of disabling their droid visitors played in his head. For someone like him, it wouldn't be a difficult task....Hopefully it would not come down to such a thing.

"I pray you are calling us the Friendly Fringe. From what I hear the Fringe on the other side of this galaxy aren't always as friendly."

Looking at the group assembled for a long moment, Judah merely continued on to break the silence.

"My pleasure to invite you. Thessa is quite well, thank you for asking. I assume you had a long yet restful trip to our little corner of the galaxy?"

 

[Rosa Gunn]

Rosa hadn't forgotten about the Baron, it was more a matter of shutting away the memories of a dark time for the woman. She let out a chuckle though as she recalled the situation. There was no time to discuss the matter further though as the suite was upon them. As introductions were made Rosa's eyes settled on her betrothed and a warm smile found its ways to her lips.

Slipping round the group she gave his arm a squeeze as she passed behind him, his nerves a stark contrast to her calm aura, and headed for the trays that were set upon a sideboard. The smell of freshly brewed caff was almost irresistable as she lifted the tray and carried it to the table that stood between the two groups. A very subtle hint for everyone to sit, lest the meeting start to feel like a standoff.

There were nerves on both sides, she was here to displace them.

[member="Seroth Ur-Rahn"] [member="Judah Dashiell"][member="HK-36"]

 

[HK-36]

[member="Seroth Ur-Rahn"], [member="Judah Dashiell"], [member="Rosa Mazhar"], [member="Nohemi Allaneh"],

HK slightly glanced back to Doctor Liam at his joke and seeing it did not stick, it was just a split second to let the Doctor know to watch his sense of humor, well at least he wasn't calling HK a bastard yet!
The droid would nod to Judah at his question,
"Yes, forgive representative Liam, medical droids are not known for their humor, he was making a pun based on your Galactic Position, on the pole opposite to that of the Lords of the Fringe, and your demeanor being much more positive than that of the Fringe."
The droid explained, well they said that those jokes that needed to be explained were pretty awful. As to Liam, he just looked aside slightly, as if saying "Well I thought it was funny."

HK snapped his fingers to his two guards, the ones holding the smaller chests in their hands,
"I did not came empty-handed, however, I have brought examples of goods Abregado-Rae will begin to manufacture soon enough."
The droid would take a step closer to the Levantine delegation as the guard on his left handed his chest over to him. HK would open it to reveal multiple fluffy plush figures inside.
They were Ropos, with wings or horns, their tongues all out and little horns sparkling a bit, some of them had rainbow-colored tails, their eyes very much beady and glistening.

Spoiler

"This is a line of toys based on the popular Holo-vision Cartoon Children series we have on Abregado-Rae called 'My Little Ropo- Fluffness Is Magic, But Good Kind Of Magic, Not Sith Sorcery Magic,' educational and entertaining."
HK nodded, handing over the chest to Judah,
"Plus I have a feeling that you could use those once your child arrives onto this world."
He would dip his head to Judy before glancing to his other guard, receiving the second chest.

"And now this is something bit different, we are working on a chain of shops with streamlined programming and plush-toy crafting system accessible to the masses, rather simple in design, but with low learning curve."
HK would open the second chest, revealing a bunch of.. Plush HK's inside, in steel-grey color with additional padded armor with orange markings of the Protectorate, tiny mock orders and commendations, a little grey plush cape fluttering off of his back, and a fluffy white lightsaber in his hand,
"We are calling it the 'Tickle-Me-Insert Name Here Workshops,' where one can make their own toy, stylized after themselves or any of their loved ones or friends, to function as entertaining toys, or comedic novelties. Their function is simple, simply rub the tummy area and listen to the pre-recorded messages."
HK would take one of the Tickle-Me-HK's and tickle its tummy, the plush toy wiggled slightly, as if being tickled before it spoke up in his mechanical monotone drawl,
"Tee. Hee. I dreamed a dream in time gone by. When hope was high, and life worth living. I dreamed my friends would never die, I dreamed the Force would be forgiving. But the Vornskr come at night."
He would stare right at Seroth as the little toy spoke its message, he reached to it once more, tickling its tummy,
"Tee. Hee. A secret to perfect Wookiee-ookiee recipe is fresh flour, dried organic mojo-fruit, and love."

He would hand the chest of those to Seroth so they could keep them as souvenirs or examine them at least, the droid would reach to his belt then, looking at Seroth once more,
"There is something that I have to ask you, however, something very important and special, that I need you to carry out no matter what."
He would begin as he dug another toy from one of his pouches,
"I know that Jaxton is part of your group, and that means somebody else is among you as well.."

HK pulled out a plush toy showing a little girl, with messy brown hair, bits of little plush leaves and sticks tied up in her locks, she was clutching a silver bar of Meal-Ready-to-Eat, chewing on it slightly as she looked up with glistening eyes.
The droid looked down onto the toy fondly,
"I called her 'Daux' because I have found her on Endor among the Daux cats, I visited her from time to time, but I did not wanted to take her away, I thought the Galaxy was too violent for her, I did not want her to grow up just to fight in a war, ignorance is bliss they say. Jaxton thought otherwise, it has been a while since I saw her. I hope she is alright, and that she is happy."
HK paused slightly, he was talking about the young [member="Kida Ravos"], of course, Jaxton's now adopted daughter.
"And that she remembers me. For I miss her."
He would tickle the plush toy's tummy, the young plush Kida would wiggle slightly as she giggled, speaking out,
"Tee-hee! Rawr!"
In the cutest manner possible, the droid would hand the toy over to Seroth then, looking into his eyes with the cold, dull glow of his red photoreceptors.
"Make sure she gets it, Free Ranger Seroth Ur-Rahn, please."
HK spoke softly to him.

 

[Seydon of Arda]

He knew [member="Kida Ravos"]

She was a seventeen year old hellcat with forest-green eyes, trestles of hair like umber and earth, simultaneously enigmatic, bestial, and quite pretty as she came into her own. At once unassuming yet imposing her manner. He'd only known Jaxton and Thurion Heavenshield as the ones able to keep her in close company, surrogate family in their way, Jax especially as he recalled hurried calls on the comm. at Teth, the sturdy Zeltronian begging him or Rosa to 'do him a solid' and baby-sit young Kida. They agreed, occasion after occasion. It rarely ever did well for the child to be separated from her caretaker: Jaxton's old quarters had to be virtually rebuilt on his return.

Seroth held the doll-likeness up in his bare hands; it made a long purr from a hidden mic-implant in its sewn, felt mouth. He swept his fingers up into the dreadlock hair, twined silk and cotton fibers machine-woven that were immaculately glued onto the faux-head, curtaining over the emerald button-eyes. Suddenly, he regarded the War-Droid again. HK-36 spoke in dulcet monotone words manufactured by a speech-box implanted somewhere behind the hood of his angled face-plate. His lack of ordinary tonal modulation made it a trouble not to write his intentions off as programmed affection, maybe some ploy by his handlers. Yet, strange commerce was his intention. The lad stared back into the hollow-glow warming in his photo-lenses. More human than human, he thought.

"...Can't lie, I expected different kinds of 'hardware'," He said. "Cartons of rifles, thermal-det cases. The Pyre cuts its teeth on the aurodium and gold raked in from weapon sales. I understand things revolve around currency and who it trades hands with, goods and the like, but I don't like wealth for its own sake. It's toxic. ...But I think Sanctum worlds might not mind having a few new toys for their children to play with."

A ropo-plush appeared in his palm a half-second later. "Maybe they'll wonder what ropos are. I didn't think a 'First Baron' would venture so far out to try and market toys, Colonel. Can I trust that's your only angle?"

[member="HK-36"], [member="Judah Dashiell"], [member="Nohemi Allaneh"], [member="Rosa Mazhar"]

 

[Nohemi Allaneh]

Nohemi gave a slight incline of her head in greeting to the Steel King, the corners of her mouth rising in cordiality.

To her relief, there was no discarding of clothing attire. Although, the strange custom was still lingering in the back of her mind.

“It is a pleasure, Baron.” came Nohemi’s lightly cultured greeting, the seemingly picture of perfect poised nobility.

From the outside looking in, this would be quite the curious little convention. But such unorthodox treaties, trade agreements, and even alliances had often begun with such facets before. It would not be the first, nor certainly the last time.

An encouraging smile went towards Master Ur-Rahn, who made quite the interesting picture holding a plushie Ropo.

 

[Judah Dashiell]

[member="Nohemi Allaneh"] , [member="HK-36"] , [member="Seroth Ur-Rahn"] , [member="Rosa Mazhar"]

The stuffed Ropos were actually quite cute. Judah failed to see where the rainbow color entered into the educational and entering aspect of the entire thing. Bits of fluff from the plushed animal were now sticking to his sport coat, looking as if a Ropo in the midst of shedding had decided to roll all over him. Beady plastic eyes looked up at him as he closed the box on all six Ropos(all with cute names, no doubt) and looked back up the the Baron, who was now holding a frightening doll of himself.

That'd give anyone nightmares.

"I'm sure Tadpole will enjoy your gift. I thank you. Do you plan on marketing these to Sanctum space? Its a small market, success could be had."

 

[HK-36]

[member="Nohemi Allaneh"], [member="Judah Dashiell"], [member="Seroth Ur-Rahn"], [member="Rosa Mazhar"]

HK nodded to Judah and Seroth as they voiced their concerns, giving Nohemi a small nod,
"Pleasure is all mine."
One of his photoreceptors quickly turned off and then on again, in a wink of sorts.
Looking back to the two men he answered,
"Toys, electronic gadgets, and gaming systems will be my primary manufacturing goods and exports, indeed, I found them valued more as each nation has more children and civilians in need of entertainment than soldiers. Also, in times of peace weapons do not sell well, and it is my hope to see more peace than war in our Galaxy. I have been a soldier since the age of Old Republic, I have watched my enemies and friends die to blasters, swords, lightsabers, and natural diseases alike. After I witnessed so much blood being shed for little reasons, I am tired of it."
He looked to Judah,
"If I will get a permission to do so, I was planning on exporting toys, gadgets, and gaming systems manufactured by my Guild of Hammers to be sold in your territory. I can also sell shipments of Meals Ready to Eat, enriched with bacta, vitamins, and when required, vaccines, and other articles of foodstuff. This sector of space is still recovering from the atrocities of the Sith Empire, I can help you feed those at brink of starvation. I would also like to built beacons and transmit programming from Abregado-Rae's Holovision Network, another source of entertainment, we have brought samples of the shows, if you would like to see it."
The droid said, looking back to one of his guards, the droid handed him over a datapad, just in case they would ask to see some examples.

He would look to Seroth then,
"I will not hide that Abregado will produce weapons, armor, and ships. However, I do not plan on trading them, they will be used to make sure my Iron Company is well-equipped for the battles they have to face. I will be constructing armor that can withstand strikes from an amphistaff, as well as maces and hammers designed to kill the snake-weapons upon impact. I have faced the Hordes of Vong during their initial invasion of the Galaxy as well as the recent battle of Eriadu. I have seen the destruction they cause, and if they want to make return to this Galaxy, I will be ready to face them this time."
HK nodded slightly,
"If Protectorate will like the designs of my weaponry, then they will be free to buy them off of me and manufacture them for themselves, for I do not plan on outfitting the whole of the Protectorate, nor to make profit on them."

 

[Seydon of Arda]

The lad took the proffered dataslate, keyed on the glass screen and held it up between himself and Judah. A handful of necessary studio credits, producer nods, and one or two product emplacement adverts played for a brief minute and change, padding the brief animation demo. Attached speakers faded to quiet... Then rose into a cadence of xylophone notes and a rising trumpet accompaniment:

My Little Ropo​

My Little Ropo~​

Ahh - Ahhh - Ahhhh - Ahhhhhh!​

My Little Ropo~!​

I used to wonder what Friendship could be~!​

(My Little Ropo~!)​

'Till you all shared it's magic with me~!​

Big adventure~!​

Tons of fun~!​

A beautiful heart~!​

Faithful and strong~!​

Sharing Kindness~!​

It's an easy feat~!​

And magic makes it all complete~!​

You have:​

My Little Ropo~!​

And you know you're all my very best friiieeeeends~!​

​

They stared at the enlarged vectorized logo swirling with digital sparks and a touch of broader, hand drawn fireworks. Seroth set returned the datapad, turned on his hip to gather a second cup of rather acrid caff, and wordlessly called for quiet as he took up a lengthy sip. Something between childish bewilderment and bemused joy was stuck in a screwed up twist in his expression. The lad finished his drink, placed the emptied paper aside and clicked on his heels.

"I... can't properly speak for all in attendance, nor populations at large across these territories. But that was well charming... And admittedly, I'm at a growing loss as to reasons we should bar this sort of... 'Deal', I suppose. If this is all you truly intend, then I can't deny a touch of economic stimulus trading for, essentially, toys," He said.

[member="Judah Dashiell"], [member="HK-36"], [member="Nohemi Allaneh"], [member="Rosa Mazhar"]