Private Two Unknown Acquaintances

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud
The Red Witch, The Night Queen, Lady Stuztala, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium, Archon of the Primyn Group​

Location: Hotel bar, Muunilinst
Equipment: Hersir Imperial Uniform | G1 OmniLink || Empyrean gland
Tag: Djorn Bline

Background music:
Evanescence - Bring Me To Life​

In fact, Ingrid never trusted the NIO, either during or after the negotiations. With the war resuming, it was only a question of when and how one of the parties would break the contract. Hoped she could end the war. The woman is tired of the war because of AMCO 's death, for the time being she wanted to deal with resurrecting her husband, not to mention that her sons would be “born” within weeks, reaching the age in exowomb when they could be taken out and taken home. Before that, this trip to the NIO’s territory was necessary.

First had to come here to negotiate about her companies, it was here at Muunilinst and then she will go to another planet to talk to Irveric Tavlar . This time, as a ruler with the ruler. Last time she was only here as a regent, waiting for Kainan Wolfe to return, the Emperor has since been dead and the woman became Empress. Maybe she can have more influence on events now. In fact, there was no illusion in her; they didn’t really count as a great power on the galactic map. Nevertheless, tries to help the TSE in the way she can. Just because of Adrian's memory, had to try to do something at the negotiating table.

Made no secret of the trip, nor that she would come here, even though her meeting with Tavlar would be only semi-official. There was no reason to keep a secret about her presence, and if the NIO wanted to spy on her or keep an eye on her, well, she didn't care. Had no plans to do anything illegal. By the way, here at Muunilinst, she stayed in a hotel in the capital, which is reserved for wealthy business leaders, government officials, nobles, so in a privileged place.

Negotiations lasted all day, ending with them in the evening, after these Ingrid needed a drink and that… no, she couldn't get it. Went down to the bar alone, leaving her bodyguards in the suite, there could be no problem in a place like this anyway. Not that she was worried about it, could take care of herself. As was usually worn in her military uniform, without any rank insignia. It was already dark outside, so more and more people were at the bar, though it wasn't completely full yet. Sat down at the bar counter and the droid came up to her to pick up the order.

"I'd like a Star Destroyer cocktail!"

 

[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
BASTION
FOCUS | Ingrid L'lerim

Whatever trust or credibility the Eternal Empire had was questioned and frowned upon by the New Imperial Order. Not after their involvement on Dantooine when reports were debriefed to Imperial command, and their attack on the Galactic Alliance.

To Djorn it only told him where this Empire stood in the foreign affairs of the Galaxy. All of it was a huge slight towards him. They dare to compromise and undermine their quest in ridding the Sith from the Galaxy? That was something he would remember, and he’d make sure those involved would face severe consequences for their actions.

Every action has its reaction.

“Miss L’lerim, it’s odd to find you here,” the Commissioner greeted as he approached Ingrid, dressed in his daily attire when attending military and political affairs. “Enjoying yourself?”

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud
The Red Witch, The Night Queen, Lady Stuztala, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium, Archon of the Primyn Group​

Location: Hotel bar, Muunilinst
Equipment: Hersir Imperial Uniform | G1 OmniLink || Empyrean gland
Tag: Djorn Bline

Background music:
Evanescence - Bring Me To Life​

At Dantooine, the Eternal Empire did nothing that would have violated the treaty, performing a total of defence duties, evacuating civilians and the wounded. They were only fired back if they were attacked. In the direction of the NIO, they perfectly complied with their contract. Another issue is that an overzealous Jedi who served the Galactic Alliance attacked the “civilian” Empress who was on a diplomatic affair on the planet. In fact, in this respect, the GA had already started a war against the Eternal Empire on Dantooine.

If Ingrid had wanted to, she could have looked at the situation this way. Another issue is that didn’t tell anyone she was dueling with the nautolan Jedi. Would have told Adrian and Tubrok, but after Adrian's death, it didn't matter so much. And what was particularly interesting was that both Nite agents and their own intelligence agents reported that the NIO was supporting, or was preparing to support, the Rebels.

The charm of the Cold War.

In the meantime, got her drink and took a sip. Then heard the voice as a man called her Miss L’lerim. It used to be that someone called her in that title or name. Not just because she was twice married, and even if someone didn’t consider her an Empress, she still had a noble rank, even before her position. So Lady L’lerim was the usual. Didn't like it, Ingrid preferred the title "my Lord." As a soldier, this got closer to her. At first only saw the man out of the corner of her eye.

"You're late! I was waiting for you much earlier; I have been here at the hotel for almost a day. I was wondering when the NIO would send a shadow."

Said in her usual military, cold voice. After that, turned in his direction. Ingrid found him familiar, though they had never spoken to each other (didn't even know how much she was wrong), but had seen him several times. He was there on Coruscant at the inauguration of the new Chancellor and then at the coronation at Dossun and former member of the Sith Empire.

"Mr. Bline! Djorn Bline, if I'm not mistaken. I can’t say I would feel particularly good, I didn’t come to have fun, but to work. And you? Please take a seat; can I invite you for a drink?" held out her hand in the direction of the man for a handshake.


OOC: Star destroyer cocktail made from: Vodka, moonshine, wine, champagne, energy drink and raspberry syrup (if I know well it’s a Hungarian Star Wars cocktail )

 

[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
BASTION
FOCUS | Ingrid L'lerim

“Work here? Exactly what kind of business you have going on? Private assets?” He wanted to know exactly what her intents were. Everyone’s business was his business. That was, after all, the description of his job. Especially after Dantooine when everything was being run on a tight ship.

“And no, I’m fine. I’ll pass on that,” declining the offer on a drink as he shook her hand and sat down, sunglasses veiling his eyes.

“I heard your recent involvement on Dantooine, care to tell me what were your intentions there? And I hope for an honest answer.”

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud
The Red Witch, The Night Queen, Lady Stuztala, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium, Archon of the Primyn Group​

Location: Hotel bar, Muunilinst
Equipment: Hersir Imperial Uniform | G1 OmniLink || Empyrean gland
Tag: Djorn Bline

Background music:
Evanescence - Bring Me To Life​

"Negotiations; they are completely legal. To the best of my knowledge, the NIO has not yet agreed with GA to ban the interests of the HPI Consortium from here as well. Otherwise, funding for scholarships and hospitals from the Brighter Future Foundation. Not to mention supporting some orphanages that adopted children who became orphans because of the war."

Looked into his eyes all the way - that is, into his sunglasses as she spoke. As for the relationship between the NIO and the GA, it was a bluff, all she guessed was that there was, in principle, some kind of alliance between them, as they were constantly supporting each other in the war. Thus, any spy or agent could have guessed that they had deeper connections toward each other than what appears on the surface. And the work and negotiation was real, those were the reasons, everything was legal, the NIO could feel free to look into it.

The Eternal Empire also joined the Galactic Emergency Relief Fund, just as Ingrid was a great donor personally in addition to the empire. The Empress had been a regular philanthropist since she was very young, especially since she lost her first child at the age of eighteen. A few weeks after that, met Djorn for the first time, but neither of them knew that right now, as they were both behind disguise, they looked different and their voices were different.

The handshake is accepted, the drink is not; she nodded. After the question, turned away and looked at her drink. Ran her finger amusedly along the rim of the glass, in a graceful motion; just like on their first encounter, when the man also asked her something painful. Every question related to Dantooine hurt her. Finally, looking at the man again with great difficulty, Ingrid was glad tears weren't glistening in her eyes this time.

"For what you probably know. There were two Eternal Imperial units there to secure the hospitals, and I wanted to take out museum artifacts from the planet before they were destroyed by some barbarians. We rescued the wounded and civilians, Mr. Bline."

Looked into the glasses now, spoke honestly, this was why she was there. Didn’t add that wanted to protect her husband and get him out of there, but she didn’t succeed and Adrian died because of her. That wasn't true, but Ingrid still thought so, her gaze became a little gloomier.

"But if you mention Dantooine, do you know that your alliance, GA, is not respecting that diplomatic ambassadors cannot be attacked? I was present as an independent third party, hoping I could talk to the Imperator as well to find a solution to the peace, one of the Jedi from the GA attacked me and tried to kill me. This happened before Byss…"

 

[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
BASTION
FOCUS | Ingrid L'lerim

He was unconcerned about the Alliance placing economic sanctions against the Eternal Empire, but he agreed with their actions. An unprovoked attack against the Starbird would have consequences of its own. While the Eternals did not attack the New Imperials, there was much questions around the Eternals attacking the Alliance. To Djorn, it was an attempt to undermine their campaign against the Sith.

That would not be forgotten.

“You should ask why sanctions are placed against you, Miss L’lerrim. I don’t blame the Alliance acting out for whatever happened on Byss.”

He would touch back on Byss later.

“Dantooine was a war zone, there was no diplomacy to be had with the Sith. We came to uproot their evil from Dantooine, and you think there would be any sort of diplomacy involved? I think not. There were reports that you were found at the Sith Temple on Dantooine, and I don’t think there were any citizens residing in the temple. Do not take me as a fool, Miss L’lerrim. It won’t get you anywhere, I assure you.”

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud
The Red Witch, The Night Queen, Lady Stuztala, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium, Archon of the Primyn Group​

Location: Hotel bar, Muunilinst
Equipment: Hersir Imperial Uniform | G1 OmniLink || Empyrean gland
Tag: Djorn Bline

Background music:
Evanescence - Bring Me To Life​

"Please don’t pretend you don’t know the GA knew exactly what the consequences would be if they didn’t stop the planned siege against Korriban and Felucia. Otherwise, they could be so polite and thank us for freeing them from the effects of the Dark Side Nexus. We have not received any thanks for it, ungrateful people!"

Could have continued in countless ways, but she didn’t. In the end, her voice struck an almost amused sound. Just acting. Otherwise, they weren’t really seriously affected by the restriction. Thanks to Tacitus they were completely self-sufficient, at most the minimal trade had to be taken another way. It will hurt the GA more when they take Takodana and Cerea under the control of the Eternal Empire. Another Cold War move.

"Nonetheless, there is an adorable and very cute charm that both the NIO and the GA believe they can do anything without consequences, but no other faction can do the same and they should be punished. So far I have known that this method is the mindset of the Sith."

In the end, even smiled kindly at the man, though her words were still military and cold. A smile is another professional smile that has been practiced for "a thousand" years and is used in political and similar situations. Again Dantooine; began to examine the man's face and body language again. Did he try to get the woman angry or lose control? If so, Bline had to wait a long time for that because it wasn’t going to happen. She won't even cry in the man's presence. As Bline pushed the subject further, Ingrid took a holoprojector out of her pocket; did not have much data on it, but she was prepared for such an interrogation.

Pushed the device in front of the man.

"On it you will find all the documentation about the scientists, archaeologists taken out of the church, holo pictures and a catalogued document about the artefacts, finds and relics transported. I'm not considering you as a fool, Mr. Bline. As you can see, neither I nor my people have done anything that would jeopardize our current contract with the NIO. Just as it didn’t conflict with any point of the treaty to try to get the prince-consort of the Eternal Empire out of there before he got in any trouble.…"

It was obvious everyone knew AMCO had died there and also that in recent years they had almost always been in one place or close to each other. Could imagine how pleased the NIO was with the news when they learned of his death. In her eyes at this point the NIO was worse than the Bryn’adûl…

 

[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
BASTION
FOCUS | Ingrid L'lerim

“You have so much sympathy for the Sith, Miss L’lerrim. I wonder at what point you’ll see the error of your ways. Hopefully it won’t be too late for you and yours.” Any nation or individual that reserved sympathy or compassion to the Sith deserved to be lined up at the wall and face a rifle aimed to kill them. “How strange. You trust those that are infamous of betraying each other. I wonder how much longer you can afford being a pawn for the Sith.”

His eyes then went on the holoprojector Ingrid showed to him containing data retrieved at the Sith Temple. “Do you think I care what was saved at that insidious temple? It should all be burned and purged, along with the Sith and their disciples that worship that. Just like the Prince-Consort of your Empire. Good riddance. A good Sith is a dead one, can’t say he didn’t deserve what was coming for him.” A grin was offered at Ingrid, obviously the news of Adrian’s death was something to rejoice about for some.

“And soon, the rest of his ilk will join him.”

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud
The Red Witch, The Night Queen, Lady Stuztala, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium, Archon of the Primyn Group​

Location: Hotel bar, Muunilinst
Equipment: Hersir Imperial Uniform | G1 OmniLink || Empyrean gland
Tag: Djorn Bline

Background music:
Evanescence - Bring Me To Life​

"Maybe it’s also a problem in today’s world if someone is humanitarian and wants to save art? If so, we are living in a very dark period, Mr. Bline."

Answered moderately for the man. In fact, the woman didn’t care exactly what kind of art she was trying to save, loved all kinds of art, from simple children’s drawings to the most intricate engineering artwork. The other of these was science; in this they both agreed with AMCO , which is why the motto of the joint foundation (she considered it as a common idea and Globex had the same share as HPI) was as follows:

"Through science and the arts, we endeavour to forge a brighter future for all."

Without arts, there is no civilization, only dark barbarism; science was the same.

"Are you trying to threaten me or the Eternal Empire?"

She would have liked to smile for a moment, but didn't do this in the end. The Empress was not the kind of woman who would have been easy to threaten.

"Betrayal… Oh, yes, you know that very well. What a betrayal, if my memories don’t cheat, it was you, the NIO, who betrayed TSE from the beginning. I think that’s why you had such a good relationship with my late Emperor as well…"

Continued to say only in a cold military voice, not mockingly, though she would have liked to play that tone. Looked at the man coldly to destroy the vases, signs, funeral items. These were not dark relics, just artefacts, finds, nothing more. To Adrian's mention, the invisible dagger in her heart and soul slid even deeper, leaving no small amount of spiritual pain, but the man could see nothing of it. She watched Djorn as coldly, without emotion, as had before.

"I have to say, you can have a very sad, bleak and bitter life. It was a long time ago that I met such a sour man. But do you know what? I hope you won't have more joy in your life than you can rejoice in the death of others."

A small curse that still fits into the situation. Looked at her own drink for a moment, not feeling like drinking any more of it and then back at the man. Ingrid knew the man was provoking her, but she wouldn't give him the joy of success.

"Unfortunately, I cannot say my opinion more precisely than this, because I am sure you would think of it as the position of the Eternal Empire…" said coldly, but without the slightest present of mockery and anger, even shrugged elegantly in the end.

"Unfortunately, I cannot say my opinion more precisely than this, because I am sure you would think of it as the position of my employers…" said with exactly the same emphasis on their first meeting years ago, the shrug was just as elegant.

Only earlier, when she was only eighteen and a simple agent or assassin, independent, did she try to hit the man. The red-haired woman would have done it now, but now she was in a position what save the man from it. She can’t do it as a leader; to her greatest regret. In the end, just turned back to her drink and took a sip.

 

[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
BASTION
FOCUS | Ingrid L'lerim

“Not a threat, just a warning. A fair warning, hopefully you’ll take it with a grain of salt. Your actions have consequences, after all.”

Keeping his smirk from earlier, that winning personality. He was unmoved by her words. Words of his betrayal to the Sith? It was sounds of ignorance to his ears.

“You’re unfamiliar to the sacrifices men like me have committed to. It was out sacrifices that built an empire. An empire we thought was for us, to further the progress of Imperialism. Instead it was a throne for the Sith, and it became decadent upon their touch. Men like me were betrayed by their corruption, and we rose up in defiance.”

“And I don’t care what you wish upon me. One day I will join death as it’s an inevitable fate for everyone. Even to those that seek for immortality.”

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud
The Red Witch, The Night Queen, Lady Stuztala, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium, Archon of the Primyn Group​

Location: Hotel bar, Muunilinst
Equipment: Hersir Imperial Uniform | G1 OmniLink || Empyrean gland
Tag: Djorn Bline

[ Bring Me to Life ] ​

"Oh, I am well aware that my actions have consequences; and this is your luck Mr. Bline!" said this almost purring now, not in a cold, military voice.

Otherwise, she would have broken the man's nose a long time ago, and the man could have felt the woman's knee in his groin. Just as a kind, friendly gesture with cold logic, and not from anger or hatred. Instead, now Ingrid strained herself and sent a professional, kind smile to Djorn. That’s why she loved the old days when she was just an agent and an assassin; she had to play by far fewer rules. There were many even then, but didn’t have to worry that a single bad word could start a galactic war. But now… yes.

Watched the man as he spoke; determination and smirk. Found the style of speech familiar, the way the man put it. She tried to recall where they could have met, where she could have heard all this before, but she could not associate any date or place with the face. Nevertheless, she had seen in the man's movement before that he was familiar, she had seen it somewhere before. Who was he and when they met?

"I hope you don’t believe what you say, just a well-learned propaganda text. Because if you believe this, you’re a lot stupider than I thought. If it had been made up of sacrifice, it would have been gracious, not as infectious as the Bryn’adûl. Have you ever looked around for what the NIO does? That they slaughter millions and billions because they live under Sith rule? Or precisely to prevent the Sith from regaining those persons into their own Empire? War crimes are not a sacrifice, just a cowardly, immoral move, Mr. Bline. This is not a sacrifice, Mr. Bline, only petty revenge and open intimidation. The NIO may have been built on sacrifices, but this is the past, you destroyed it, the former sacrifices are no longer worth anything."

Even in the Eternal Empire, Ingrid disagreed with Tacitus exterminating Bakura or just committing war crimes on Orellon II. Ingrid never sought to live forever, it was Adrian who was preoccupied with his own mortality and did not want to die. Ingrid, on the other hand, always lived in a way that maybe that minute was the last minute in her life and she wanted to use it. However, it still bothered her that the man was too familiar and not and could not place him on her own “timeline”.

"Have we met before? I mean, have we talked to each other before?" suddenly changed the subject.

 

[Djorn Bline]

S N A K E
BASTION
FOCUS | Ingrid L'lerim

“Your words are nothing more than just an incoherent rambling, Empress. What you just said has no merit. It means nothing. You clearly have no idea how the Order operates, or you’re just being spoon fed propaganda and a campaign of disinformation. But that’s not my problem.”

Committing war crimes during confrontations with the Sith? If anything, the New Imperials had been operating with strict rules of engagement to not harm any non-combatants by any means necessary. Even going so far into suspending air support.

He wouldn’t continue wasting his time in that argument. She was free to believe whatever lies she wanted.

“Maybe, who knows. I’ve talked and killed many people. Their names doesn’t matter to me.”

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud
The Red Witch, The Night Queen, Lady Stuztala, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium, Archon of the Primyn Group​

Location: Hotel bar, Muunilinst
Equipment: Hersir Imperial Uniform | G1 OmniLink || Empyrean gland
Tag: Djorn Bline

[ Bring Me to Life ] ​

She just smiled to herself despite the icy emptiness and pain raging in her soul. Ingrid had seen countless people failing who were so arrogant. Apparently, his years in the TSE and the company of the Sith left their mark on the man. He became exactly what he swore to destroy. In fact, even among the Sith, he rarely saw as much arrogance as in this man. The only question was, how much of that is acting? To what extent are you trying to provoke a woman to do something that affects the relationship between the two states? She was familiar with this method, having met it before; true not once. And she used it often too.

However, after the next words, she laughed involuntarily. It wasn't a bitter laugh on her part now, but rather a joyous one, mixed with some pain because of her condition, her grief. This sentence, its expression was so familiar. It wasn’t fun, it was more of a pleasant memory that triggered it all out of the woman. So now her laughter was, as usual, like when a lover gently caresses his/her chosen one. It took five to six seconds to finish laughing. It must have been clear that she wasn’t laughing at Djorn, something else was the reason for the laughter.

"You’re very reminiscent of an old acquaintance I first met on Empress Teta when I was still a freelance bounty hunter. We had the same target and ran into each other in the target’s bedroom. He was as arrogant as you. Although in his case it is just an appearance, he was able to behave normally… only unfortunately I can't test this on you by trying to break your nose too, because of your manners…" as she had done long ago when they first met, though she was still unaware of this.