An Invitation

[Force_In_Balance]

Vanqor
Coordinates: R-5

Vetas had never before been a man of means, and even should the delusions of wealth and greed had ever occurred to the stoic Anzat his wildest expectations would never had prepared for the.... luxury of being a Moff of an entire planet. While Vanqor on it's lonesome was not a particularly prosperous planet, given it's close proximity to the very heart of the Brotherhood's empire, it does in fact experience quite a large amount of trade despite it's dangerous local fauna. Indeed, to a small extent, the local dangerous wildlife could be attributed a bit with some of the more.... adventurous and wealthy seeking to hunt the planet's local Gundark population. Despite this, Vetas was distinctly impressed at first by how industrious and hardy Vanqor's people were. Which should of came as little surprise considering the utter challenge colonizing the planet would have presented to begin with.

Thus, with 'his' people's rugged determination and will to not only survive this planet, but thrive, he was now housed in a rather large, if primitively styled... well... the word fortress comes to mind. The structure's impressive size, internal layout and outer defenses in both terrain and the structure itself, made it all too clear that this place was designed with the express purpose of acting as a seat of power or, at the very least, a bastion from the ravenous Gundarks that stalked the planet below.

As if the planet were readily accepting him by proving his point, Vetas had only taken the time to study records of the Council of Moff's last meeting, and stay a single night in his now personal chambers after his business on Tatooine before the defensive emplacements had to.... handle a small pack of the native fauna that had crept too close. Now, in the seemingly endless twilight that was Vanqor's day cycle, Vetas had a few pressing matters that now stole his attention in the holo-projector before him. The first, and soon to be the most pressing, was the mesage that his requested guest in Moff Ayindri Za'til was about to arrive. The second was a report to Warlord Ragnorik, whom he was still uncertain about either merely sending the report or requesting the Warlord's personal presence. Whether the latter request would be seen as deference or impetuous entitlement Vetas did not entirely care, as he oft left the ploys of power-grabbing to more... short-sighted Sith.

Vetas sighed, before running a gauntlet-ed hand down his face in exasperation. Pausing as his fingertips glided over his now-exposed proboscis as they lilted and swished lazily in the air. He was utterly alone in his personal quarters, and thus had no qualms about unsheathing his Anzati-specific appendages. His mask presently rested gently in one hand and after only a brief hesitance, Vetas decided to leave it behind. A small show of respect at least, for his guest. He did, however, retract his proboscis back into his cheek-sacs and set out to leave his room. Opening the door to the long, dark hallway outside with a brief flick of his wrist. Immediately, before he even truly passed the threshold, he heard the tell-tale click of military boots coming together and the slight rattle of guns being held just a bit more firmly as the guardsmen outside his chambers stood to a more rigid attention. Passing the men with only a brief nod in their direction, Vetas' normal battle attire and cloak whisked like a dancing shadow about his feet as he began to walk towards the fortresses landing pad. Two of the six guardsmen stationed outside his quarters falling in step behind him.

Hidden from the grounds before it, the fortresses rather large landing pad was nevertheless tucked securely behind the highest tier walls of the imposing structure and surrounded by a small, if currently efficiently-manned tower tasked with directing the surprisingly-busy airspace around the tower as Moff Vetas had already set in motions his designs for his personal abode ahead of his actual arrival. As the Moff stepped out onto the actual landing pad, he could sense his guest in the force even as the shutter slowly settled in to land. His hands were calmly laced behind his back and his feet were spread ever-so-slightly wider apart than normal as he watched the boarding ramp descend, and his foremost guest now officially make his company.

Giving a smile perhaps a bit more charming than intended due to the nature of Anzati feeding, Vetas nodded his head slightly in the direction of Moff Ayindri. His eyes displaying their odd fissured appearance, as if criss-crossed by veins of lava against their blue/green back-drop as they respectfully met the gaze of his guest and he cleared his throat slightly before speaking in his usual low yet smooth, almost bored-sounding tone of voice, as if his natural level of speech was intended for that of a story-teller or one who read poetry for a living. "Welcome Moff Ayindri, to Vanqor, your visit is... appreciated." Giving only a slight pause he simply awaited the Pure-blood's response, not yet moving ahead with his actions and words but also not anxious to be too sedentary for very long did his smile drop as he thought over his next course of action. He did, after all, have much to discuss and do. Around the two Moff's soldiers and workers alike moved equipment, supplies, crates of food and everything in-between frantically about, on and off the landing pad like a busy colony of ants though none of them dared to get too close.

@Intratec





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[Intratec]

For one to call upon another Moff at council was expected. To do so out of the confines of the council chambers, relatively unheard of. And therefore suspect. Plans had been laid for Thyferra. Of which she would be taking part. A large part, in fact, seizing the capital itself. As such she had been preoccupied with the multitude of onerous tasks that came with a major assault. And yet the call, nay the request had been brought to the door of her study. Her able Major Domo having handed it over to his mistress while making the arrangements ahead of time. The trip had been short enough and through friendly space to not necessitate an escort. Utilizing her personal Courier for the task of transport.

She had of course done some digging in regard to her host. Newly risen to the title of Moff, Name, beyond some other broad strokes his record was decidedly sparse.

So to say her countenance held to neutrality would be an understatement. He was an unknown. And the unknown could not be quantified with a bare bones dossier. Sleeves clasped together, her attire bespoke of her position. Denebrillian Star Silk dyed in a rich violet, hem, cuffs, and collar embroidered in black iconography. Her hair appeared to be cut to a meticulous standard, denoting one used to being well groomed. While she was escorted, the very air about the Pureblood bespoke mild indifference to the situation and show. Her outward appearance not withstanding, she was indeed part of the upper echelon for a reason. Yet as Moff Malin spoke, her gaze quested over the landing pad, soaking in the sights and analyzing them. Finding nothing too terribly out of question, Ayindri turned her attention to the Anzat.

"Moff Malin," her voice was like well polished silver. Light and clear, the cultured tone bespoke of either an affluent upbringing or was just for show, "I am honored to have a member of the Council to call upon me." effecting a small, shy smile with a dip of her head in deference. "I am however curious as to why I have been called? It is the eve of a major push against the Republic . . ."

@Force_In_Balance

 

[Force_In_Balance]

Vetas had to admit, he was rather... taken aback by the composure of his guest. Mainly due to the fact that the Moff before him was acting less the shrewd planetary dignitary and more....like a princess under observation by disapproving nobles. After a brief moment to collect his thoughts, Vetas moved one foot backwards and swept it towards the side of his still forward foot, so that his body was now presented with his side toward Ayindri and he hummed briefly, his low, almost dulcet like sound barely reaching his companion's ears as it rumbled from his chest. "Please, let us....forego any blatant signs of respect until after we've spoken. I find then that they will be, if nothing else, a bit more genuine." He paused, allowing this information to be processed by his guest before his eyes hardened ever-so-slightly in focus ashe continued "But I digress, I regret the inopportune timing of my request and for that inconvenience to you, you have my undivided attention, I assure you." Taking a moment to take a breathe and gather his own thoughts, Vetas continued "First and foremost, no doubt you are curious as to why I asked you here. In truth, having reviewed the context of the last meeting of our peer's your....astute focus was singularly impressive. " Now Vetas' eyes truly hardened, and for the briefest of seconds the red fissures that webbed his eyes spread and pulsed slightly with inner, toiling hatred as their fire "Unlike...." he let the heavy word hang in the air for the smallest of breathes, before his eyes returned to their more subdued state and he sighed, his voice losing it's sharp edge it had gained along with his eyes ".... some of the OTHERS present there, and their conduct."

Vetas bobbed his head slightly in the direction of one of the rooms seperate from the main fortress, but still attached to the landing pad. "If you'd be so kind as to accompany me I believe, once to ourselves, we have much to not only discuss, but perhaps even reach conclusions on."

In random intervals as he spoke, Ayindri would feel an odd tugging at her mind. A small mental nudge of varying strength as his words reached her, as if someone were applying differing amounts of pressure to several places on her body while she was blindfolded. Through the Force Ayindri would easily and swiftly be able to discern that this was not something Vetas was manipulating the Force to accomplish. There would be no matching fluctuations of power from the Moff before her, no subtle muscle movements to suggest magics. Nothing a normal force-user would usually utilize to mentally influence someone. Indeed, it highly seemed as if Vetas was not even aware of this effect he caused.

@Intratec

 

[Intratec]

Iridescent eyes narrowed just a hair at the change in demeanor and tone with the minor outburst. It was however quite true. Most of the Moffs were rabble-rousers used to getting their own way. And as such had the political acumen of a hairless Wookiee. But she had seen it first hand. Both his apparent exasperation with their kith. At his movement and gesticulating her attention, however, divided shifted to the point in which he'd nodded. Yet her ambivalence toward this unknown seemed to ebb and flow, expand and contract in a manner unlike say, a world's tidal changes. Something that should normally remain true to its course had the subtle cadence of a hand or string being tugged. The Pureblood's head cocked to one side, then to the other akin to a bird considering its options. Strange. So very strange.

Fluttering her lashes, Ayindri took a deep, cleansing breath to marshal her will against this strangeness. It was almost an invasion on her person whatever it was. It was not the Force, of this she was certain. But something was happening, and her normally sound mental shields had appeared to develop several leaks. Best to plug them by any means necessary.

"Tell me, Moff Malin," she purred, stepping beside him and holding a hand aloft, yet horizontally flat. Her look expectant, yet politely at just what he should do. She was a lady after all, and he was her host. "Do you enjoy tea?" asking while waiting for him to take her hand, and arm to take the lead. "It would please me to have a pot while we spoke of the aforementioned. . . 'conclusions'."

@Force_In_Balance

 

[Force_In_Balance]

Quickly Vetas surmised, whether correct or incorrect, for better or worse, Moff Ayindri was indeed playing the role of "princess" or something very aristocratic and similar in his mind. Technically speaking, his own... what used to be his own family had been the very opposite, farmers. As such, when Ayindri approached him, purring like a Lolth-cat and daintily offering a hand he had to gently clear his throat and use her initial question in order to remember what one would consider the "proper procedures" here. "That would...depend upon the tea in question, Moff Ayindri."

Finally, Vetas gleamed an old memory, one of noble houses on the holonet of some distant world parading through their city streets. He could not remember exactly why, but all he sought from the memory was the how, not the why. Thus with admirably little lapse in time for one so out of their element, did Vetas gently take her hand and guide it to where it belonged. With only a small amount of seemingly mechanical rigidity to hunt at his inexperience.

As they began to walk, the unintentional influence of the Anzat on his guest would get just the tiniest sliver more insistent. Still it truly felt a force-less influence. But now it was....different. Whereas before if one compared Ayindri's defenses to the influence would be akin to one hand holding back a hand so lax in it's pressure one could not even call it's Force on her it's own dead weight, but rather simply moving where her lack of defense moments ago allowed it to. Now however, at such close proximity and in physical contact with the Anzat, the proverbial hand of that unknown influence would suddenly apply just the gentlest pressure back. Still wholly dissuaded by Ayindri's defenses but now have the tiniest, briefest impression across her defenses mind and senses of the smoothest, gentlest spa. Something, if she bothered to consider the implications, that was unintentionally oh-so-subtley attempting to coax compliance from her.

In the sense of he physical realm, Vetas would begin to walk forward with his guest. Holding up his free hand to signal his guards away, Vetas would then slowly pull the doors to the tower open with the Force, the ancient mechanisms not only hissing softly but emitting a deep, low hum of activation. A single chord of recognition before the threshold inside was bared to their eyes.

Within was housed a small room, circular in design with what appeared to be a sunken Dias in the floor, small, measured steps not even whole steps down leading to it's perfectly round, flat bottom. Only about four of the small steps being necessary. In the center of the dais was a large round holo-table, with rather lavish chairs encircling the table's noticeably out-of-the-box condition. To the duo's left and right were a set of true stairs, these following around the circular interior of the room to an upper level that was now barren of details save a singular door that logically lead to some walkway or precipus back on the exterior of the fortresss.

Indeed even on the bottom floor it is rather obvious the crews renovating the stronghold had only removed what had been there previously before installing the holo-table. Leaving the walls unadorned save their soft light-giving sources and a single terminal for accessing the systems of the fortress.

After passing the threshold, Vetas glanced side-long at his companion-for-now and began to speak as he took his first step. "So tell me.... Moff Ayindri, what would you say is the current outlook on the Brotherhood's plans on Thyferra?" Vetas paused momentarily to scoot Ayindri a seat out with the Force before 'assisting' her into it and walking over to the seat across from her own. "That is, of course, assuming you are under the impression other Moffs have even exercised themselves in forming an opinion on the subject." His comment was dry, and perhaps a tad more cynical than he intended it for it to sound, but it was relatively exactly how he felt and he wouldn't be caught being dishonest so early into their conversation at least.

@Intratec

 

[Intratec]

"Tea, like many uplifted sentient species within the galaxy, has a language all its own," she began, following his lead as they had walked the short distance. Before continuing, just as before, she expectantly awaited for something. The chair's seemingly otherworldly movement appeared to please her. Gathering her robe just a little, with all the grace one could muster for such a motion, she sat. Hands folded upon her lap, the Pureblood gave a tilt of her head at his question. "Just as before, war has a language all its own. There are. . . many complexities, subtle undertones, brash flair and sharpness to it." her answering smile was the same small, almost secretive one from before.

"Most of the other Moffs, I believe have glossed over Thyferra's strategic importance." watching the Anzat as she spoke, "The largest supplier of Bacta in the galaxy. With its proximity to Republic space, it would be natural to assume they have been buying up every drop they can get their hands on." lifting a hand, she flourished it to hold her palm up, "Because of the war. I believe that the Supreme Leader and Dark Lady feel its import just as keenly as I, but for perhaps different reasons." the smile had turned into the slight curl of a sneer.

"They see conquest. I see opportunity. With the majority of its supply cut off, the Republic will begin to have to ration their existing stockpiles. Or, if we are so lucky, divert a portion of their forces in trying to retake Thyferra. Pressure would ease on our small Empire. We take Thyferra, we take their bacta stockpiles, we sabotage the production facilities. Months, even years with significant resources and manpower would need to be expended by our enemies to restore it."

Glancing off to one side, Ayindri caught the attention of a wayward Protocol Droid. With a 'Come Here' gesture, its stiff waddling gait brought it to stand before her. "I would like a pot of tea. Hot, naturally." she seemed to mull this over, "Something... wooden, with floral and chocolaty notes a nice Oolong. Honey, no cream and no sugar." dismissing the hapless droid, the Moff of Desevro returned her attention to her host.

@Force_In_Balance

 

[Force_In_Balance]

Vetas listened to his guest speak with seemingly rapt attention, his expression while relatively somber and blank, was indeed very focused upon Ayindri as she spoke. Not quite enough to give the illusion of uninterrupted staring, but polite enough to tell his guest he was giving her his full attention as promised of him. Once she was finished, Vetas hummed quietly to himself before glancing to the protocol droid as it waddled stiffly away. The door once more opening with a mechanical hiss and soft chime of activation, before closing once more. Lacing his fingers before him Vetas glanced at his guest before responding with the rather nebulous rebuttal of "I see...." A soft, amused chuckle made the Anzat's lips play into a small smile "Our small Empire.... though... as I am sure beyond most things, you are well aware even small things can hold great power." His eyes met her own briefly, his implied meaning relatively obvious and he continued after only a blink's worth of time "Your reasoning for Thyferra is incredibly sound, no doubt with the push itself coming you've put much thought into this."

Vetas' hand moved to the side, revealing a small console hidden before his chair and pressed a single button. The holo-projector before her flashing to life, and was currently blank. Now moving his hand to motion to the hologram, the Anzat paused to glance over as the protocol droid returned carrying a simple tray with two cups of tea. First waddling over to Ayindri and presenting it to her it's vocalizer briefly flashed with each word that came from it in Ayindri's own voice "Honey, no cream, no sugar." After she took the cup, it then waddled to Vetas and announced in a mechanical synthesis of a female voice "Your usual, Moff Malin." The Anzat nodded to the droid before taking the cup and turning back to Ayindri. Taking a moment to raise his cup he announced "To my honored guest, Moff Ayindri. "Taking a brief sip from his drink, he nevertheless set it aside to glance back at the hologram "Now then, on to other business. Namely, your ship design that is nearing completion. While I am no sort of professional pilot, I while admit to adamant curiosity over the exact details in mind with the finished product." He paused, meanwhile the exact, quoted words they gave the Moff Council at their last meeting flashed into existence across the hologram and he turned to her as they continued to appear "And if you will abide my idle curiosity, what does your choice of tea say about me?"

@Intratec

 

[Intratec]

Glancing down as the cup was placed before her, Ayindri seemed to study the honey-gold liquid in the unadorned tea-cup. She would have used porcelain, something tasteful. The only bit of color the thing had was what it contained. Lifting it, she brought it to her sensitive nose, moving the cup a little from side to side as she inhaled. Floral on the nose, yet from the color, she could discern it had been steeped a little too long. That first sip affirmed her estimations. Still, she was a guest and would hold to propriety. She did, however, study the blank holo-projection before her, curious as she looked to it."The details of the design are currently being withheld for security reasons. Only myself, the Dark Lady, and Supreme Leader are kept apprised in full."

With another polite sip, she lamented the lack of a saucer. "I mean no disrespect, Moff Malin, it is just we cannot be too careful. As we are at war with the Republic, they may have eyes and ears just as we surely do. As such Sienar has enacted stringent security protocols. I am only willing to say that it will fulfill a needed role within our burgeoning fleet. And that we are still shy on a prototype being built," she offered an apologetic smile; placing the cup on the tabletop. Steepening her fingers before her, the Pureblood seemed to measure his latter question. "I chose the tea based on my personal choice. Oolong, the type of tea I am drinking often represents the purity of observations and mental clarity." the latter a subtle hint at the incessant tugging at her mind.

"The other design in question, a Walker, as I mentioned at the last Council meeting is nearing completion. As such, all further inquiries will be answered at the next meeting. Suffice to say we required armor support for our ground forces, and I answered their call as such. Sienar is also developing the Walker. And it will see production beginning within the next few weeks to months as we initiate our push deeper into Republic space."

@Force_In_Balance

 

[Force_In_Balance]

Vetas flickered his eyes between his guest and her words from the last meeting displayed by the holo-projector. His face rather expressionless as he noted her manner of speech, and more importantly, exactly what she said. While he had not at all expected to be lavished with detail after detail of the design like an excited child showing their parent their progress, he took the very vague implication of his suspicious motives into account and simply took another small sip of his own drink. Letting out a small sigh, Vetas then set the drink back down before once more speaking "And if I may be so bold as to ask, Moff Za'til, would you see Thyferra also taken under your supervision when the Empire claims it?" Vetas moved his hand, entering a few unseen commands into the console before him and after a brief second the hologram flickered to one of the galactic map.

"After all, the Republic will surely be reeling once the operation succeeds. What with the loss of Coruscant and now their main supply of Bacta." Vetas allowed his voice to trail off for a moment before glancing at the woman seated across from him "Tell me then, where would you suspect the Republic to attack in retaliation? While their willingness to due little more than shore up their defenses is questionable after the loss of Coruscant, I have a feeling with Thyferra's doom it may rouse the bloated beast that is the Republic. At least for a time." Somewhere off in the far distance of Vanqor, barely perceptible through the walls of the fortress, did a Gundark scream, though Vetas hardly seemed to notice as he briefly sat back to appraise the map before him.

@Intratec

 

[Intratec]

"Thyferra?" she questioned, appearing thoughtful a moment. Resting the cup upon a palm whilst the other entwined fingers about its handle. Ayindri appeared to be weighing the remark carefully before shaking her head with a rueful smile. "No," sipped, "Not Thyferra." the Sith answered finally. As to the rest of his queries, she simple wafted the cup before her nose once more. Seemingly lost in thought.

"Yavin, or possibly Ziost. With the loss of Serenno and subsequent sector, Yavin is without a buffer. It sits on the very edge of controlled space along the western corridor. Ziost, well, Ziost has been bombed already I believe." setting the cup back on the table, "Telos would offer the Republic and Jedi a proper staging point at which to launch an invasion of Ziost itself. It is relatively close." she waved a hand dismissively then.

With a frown forming, she moved on, "No, I would believe Ord Radama may be the likely target. Yavin and Ziost both would be a feather in their caps. Yet why strike either when they know the losses incurred would be horrendous? Ord Radama presents another opportunity."

@Force_In_Balance

 

[Force_In_Balance]

Vetas listened with an idle expression as his guest gave her thoughts on Republic war maneuverings. While the question in and of itself had merit, it also served another purpose. While his guest's initial demeanor had hinted at such, he was rather pleased by the fact that not only did his guest seemed fully capable as an asset to the Brotherhood... though he had yet to see her effectiveness in combat. He also found it an odd form of amusing that she considered pulling planet's under her fold with reputations as being heavily steeped in the Dark Side. A rather effective way to garner resources for furthering one's ambitions, to be sure.

Once his guest had finished saying what she wished, Vetas leaned back in his chair before giving one final glance to the holo-projector between them. Choosing, in lieu of simply affirming her response, he decided to ask her a question that she may very well consider to be "out of nowhere". "Tell me, Moff Ayindri, what experience do you possess with Sith Magics? As you are likely aware, Yavin is known to be heavily Dark Side influenced and a knowledge of such techniques, effectively employed there, could be a boon to anyone in the Empire." Vetas leaned forward, actually leveling his gaze directly at her eyes before adding "But you were likely already aware of this, of course..." Vetas signaled for the protocol droid to return to his side, and idly sat his now-empty drink on it's platter before the droid stiffly waddled over to his guest. Offering her the same courtesy while she no-doubt formulated her answer.

@Intratec

 

[Intratec]

Looking to the half-drained cup, the Pureblood placed it delicately atop the tray; then steepling her fingers together, she spoke: "Nature has given us the seeds of knowledge, not knowledge itself." she said plainly. Of course Yavin was rife with the Dark Side. Such places were very much like nexus', or leylines of power. They were there, a force of nature itself waiting to be tapped. Whether tapped by the knowledgeable or the power hungry cravens lusting for even one drop more. "To walk upon Yavin is in itself a study of the planet. To utilize its power without an understanding of it, that is truly foolish." in truth, she had been steeped in Sith Sorcery for nearly twenty years, having begun at the tender age of five, not necessarily being taught, but watching studiously as her former master plied his craft.

"I would not perform any manner of Magic upon its surface," Ayindri tilted her head as if considering, "That is to say before learning Yavin's unique traits. A harmless spell may become disastrous. Or a dangerous ability maybe bolstered, diminished or outright fizzle due to the churning currents of power." interlocking her fingers together, Ayindri leaned back a little in the chair. "But to answer your first question after my going off the rail somewhat, I have almost fifteen years practical experience with Sorcery."

@Force_In_Balance