A Meeting of Galactic Proportions

[Zach]

CAIN Operations Diplomacy Vessel - The Township

Kodo'ran'nuruodo, Grand Imperator of the Chiss Ascendancy, settled stiffly in the padded seat he found himself in. Since Dorann had risen to leadership among the Chiss, he had worked to establish his people as a fortified, balanced society, capable of defending itself and bringing a sense of peace to the galaxy - by whatever means. This would be the first time Dorann found himself formally addressing the other nations towards his goal. Aboard this ship, this effort of diplomatic means to peace, he hoped his fellow leaders would understand and coordinate with his offer. Only time would tell if they shared his views. Then again, it wouldn't take very long at all to know if any would even attend. In the worst case scenario, Dorann would only find himself in an empty room, inactive holoprojectors surrounding the intricately furnished table.

After a moment of silent preparation, Dorann reached his mind forward with the Force and reached the officers on the command deck. 'Be prepared to relay my transmission to each of the following frequencies. They are directed to a location that each faction leader will be immediately alerted to,' the Grand Imperator ordered, shifting his gaze to the speakers installed in the wood of the table. Dorann took in a deep breath, bracing himself before beginning. After a moment, he relaxed, addressing the comms with clarity. "My fellow leaders of the galaxy. I am Kodo'ran'nuruodo of the Chiss Ascendancy. I reach out to each of you today with a hand of peace - with an offer to negotiate on civil terms, on neutral ground. I urge you all to consider this for its true worth, and the potential such a proposal holds," Dorann started. He paused for only a second, his chest rising with a shallow breath. "For those of you as Independent Nations, I ask that you hear what the Ascendancy has to offer, not only as a means of peace, but what we have to offer as a means of alliance. I have arranged for a holo-meeting aboard a diplomatic vessel of intergalactic relations for yourselves and your councilors if you wish, or a chosen representative. A response frequency has been transmitted for your convenience."

Dorann ended the message and released a light sigh, closing his eyes in concentration. He began to lightly meditate, searching through the Force for a source that would ease his mind, but none came to him. It was only cloudy, and filled with streams of misguided futures. Dorann would need to see the events for themselves to know the galaxy's fate.

((OOC) A Meeting of Galactic Proportions)​

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[Dmitri]

A door hissed open and a beautiful woman in an elegant white dress strolled into the room as Dorann gave his speech. The woman, whose crimson eyes shined an aura of authority, studied the message. Short and to the point. Naked of pomp and circumstance, which some governments and organizations admired. She herself devoured such niceties being a diplomat herself, but she found that they were not always required.

Being the sister of a newly risen Sith Lord had gained her some prestige, but not one she used. It was pitiful to feed off the success of another, and she had no reason to leech of her twin brother. Hazac was the closest person she had, and she did not wish to disrespect him by abusing his status, though his Sith training may admire that. Regardless, she was a subordinate of the Grand Imperator. Sure, there had been times she had been interested in the position, but for now she was comfortable in her current post.

With the message over, Heliel commented, "I wonder how many will reply."

 

[Black Noise]

Tactical Commander Roann arrived shortly after Heliel, bowing to her respectfully as he entered the room and strode over to Dorann. Standing beside the chair and looking down to where Dorann sat meditating. Although Roann still did not fully understand the Force, he had a good enough grasp of it to know not to disturb the Imperator when he was meditating. He supposed to was similar to when Roann was reading a book, he simply did not want to be bothered.

Looking back to Heliel, he spoke.
"At least a few, I am sure. Perhaps even a few more, major, players in this galaxy."

----

Johann Dontoras only heard the message a few minutes ago, and he already wished to visit the Chiss. Although the Brotherhood was an isolated faction from the 'main course' of galactic politics, they were also a force that kept themselves well informed. Perhaps there was also things to be gained her other than knowledge. Transmitting a response frequency, he activated the hyperdrive on a ship built for him by another member of the Brotherhood for temporary use. He would arrive at the Chiss's vessel in a matter of half an hour.

 

[Ender]

The "Saint" of the GLF had received the call. Saint Jimmy sat back relaxed in his chair. They had scramblers up, though he doubted that they could surpass Chiss technology. Even so, if the Chiss were true to their word, the Sith would never receive word of the GLF's leader's location. He opened the holocom and the image of himself, armor on, leaning back in a chair in an undisclosed location was transmitted to the Chiss' office. "Afternoon, Gents." Jimmy said, a maniacal grin under his helmet. He saluted lazily, and nodded an acknowledgement to the others.

 

[Vencu]

Corden tossed a small holo-communicator toward A'den as they walked down a busy street in the heart of Aloriya. The device continued to vibrate steadily, demanding the attention of its new owner.

"Just got an invite to diplomatic talks or some osik like that. That's got your name all over it, Fett. You're the one who likes to give grand speeches and the like. Have at it. Blow air up their shebse and make them feel like they've accomplished something by doing nothing at all. I've got business to attend to."

Corden didn't wait for a reply, suddenly turning and disappearing into the throng of Mandalorians that crowded the street.

 

[Apollyon]

A'den caught the holo-disk and listened to Vencu's speech before looking up at him.
Alright, I will take care of it Manda'lor...oh and just so you know...I won't be saving you any kriffing drinks! A'den shouted out at his Manda'lor before lighting himself a cigarette.

A'den activated the holo-disk and listened to the message the Chiss leader had to say. A'den was to sit in on some kind of peace meeting? This had slaughter written all over it!

This is Al'akaan A'den Fett, representative of the Mandalorian people...I will be speaking in Manda'lor Vencu's stead. A'den replied with a nod.

This is just kriffing great, make a bunch of kriffing darjetii, Imperials, and Chiss believe the mando'ad are doing a lot when we have done nothing...some days I hate my job. A'den thought as he made his way to board the Haran'gaalar, his both warship and flagship. From there they would enter a hyperspace jump to Chiss space and the meetings location.

 

[GABA]

Sigur Vainikainen received a surprising transmission as he sat in his office. The Jedi nor the Galactic Alliance had spoken with the Chiss Ascendancy for a good length of time, and in his opinion, perhaps too good of a length. Nevertheless, he would accept the invitation.

The Jedi moved to the Council Chambers where he would attend the talks via hologram. Entering in the correct transmission coordinates, his image would flicker to life in the meeting room along with other leaders.

“Jedi Master Sigur Vainikainen, on behalf of the Jedi and the Galactic Alliance.” he replied, reporting in, giving a small bow of his head as he spoke.

 

[Count Sam]

A dark era appeared in the room as a huge blue figure appeared, normally those who would see his dark robes and those who sense his aura would think that he was a Sith but well Nuru Krest was no Sith. He was the High immortal of the Chiss and he represented the minority of force sensitive Chiss that fought for the Ascendancy. The high immortal stood a little bit behind the Imperator as he gave a look to all the other Immortals that were around. After all, the room had to be secured since there was going to be a lot of different type of people today and some of them were surely going to be violent.

However those who tried to play dirty tricks were surely going to meet their end and that was a thing that Nuru was going to make sure of.

 

[Allu'rah Danan]

Unlike most others, the Imperial Knights reponded and sent a representative to attend the negotiations personally. The young Togruta seemed anxious, however. She was not in her element. However, her talents as an empath and a seer made her a logical choice. Besides, the Knights numbers were too few to afford fussiness. They made use of the few resources they had. Akira tried to recall everything she had been taught while being groomed to fulfill the roll of clan leader before leaving the Ven. The lessons had not really taken at the time, being a rambunctious youth. But now that she had seen the galaxy, seen and felt the horrors of the war, she had grown up immensely in a short time, and every bit of knowledge and skill taught to her could be vital. She needed Zhane's lessons now. She needed the confidence of a leader, she needed to fulfill her duty to the Knights.

She wasn't so sure about this dress though. The Togruta was accustomed to the huntress garb of her people. Not... this. Which was almost exactly why someone had been assigned to make her presentable for this conference. She had been thoroughly bathed and perfumed, and all the dirt cleaned out from under her nails. She was garbed in an elegant, flowing white dress to compliment her orange and white-marked complexion. The wide straps of the dress graced off her slender shoulders to instead sit high on her upper arm. The body was closely fitted, and a full, luxurious skirt draped around her legs below the dropped waist. The layers of light, sheer fabric of the shirt seemed to float through the air like a cloaking veil of mist as she was escorted down the hall to the meeting chambers. Her steps were all but silent. Even in this finery, the young Togruta had refused to don a pair of shoes. She didn't trust them. It made her feel as though her senses were dampened when she wore them. A pale shawl was also draped over her arms, and Akira refused to be parted from her akul-tooth necklace and headdress. Pink pearls and chains of silver also made up a significant portion of the two pieces of jewelry. The Togruta had never in all her life looked so... sophisticated. Exotic, with her own flare, but sophisticated all the same.

She entered the room with quiet grace, and curtsied before the Grand Imperator as she had been taught, spreading her skirts wide as she bent her knee and bowed her head. "Greetings, Grand Imperator," she said with her eyes respectfully downcast. Her native accent was still thick despite having been away from home for so long. "I am Akira Ven, and my voice speaks on behalf of the Imperial Knights."

 

[Dmitri]

Heliel nodded to Roann. "Agreed. We shall see."

And see she did. A hologram of a representative from the GLF was the first, Saint Jimmy; his connectin was staticky, so she wondered if he would even be able to respond. A'den Fett of the Mandalorians came next; she was meeting with him in a couple days to discuss relations. The Jedi sent a master, and other representatives came by, some in person and others by hologram. One of the people who came in person was an Imperial Knight.

Taking her cue, Heliel went to her seat at the head of the oval table housing representatives and holographic representations of representatives. Dorann had already made his leave to meditate, leaving the Director of CAIN and candidate for new Grand Imperator to lead the meeting.

The meeting itself was an introduction for a much larger goal. It was to attract people to the Chiss Ascendency, to promote the Chiss as the neutral side that has avoided war. The Galactic Alliance has had planets taken. The Jedi Order has had temples destroyed and orderlies slain. The Sith Imperium was invading, playing the victim through the usage of propaganda. The Mandalorians had only just finished bickering amongst themselves only to have an assassination attempt carried out by the Galactic Alliance against the Mandalore; Heliel suspected the Imperium was framing STROST. And the Chiss? Out of the war.

"Welcome, representatives of the galaxy," Heliel greeted. "I address you as such because that is what all of us are. Representatives. Representatives of numerous populations that fill this galaxy. Whether sects of the Force," her head slightly faced the Jedi and Imperial Knights. "Or militias." She glanced at Saint Jimmy. "Or a nation of people of one culture." She finally looked at A'den. "We all inhabit this galaxy. However, violence has stretched his hands to numerous corners of the galaxy. War plagued the galaxy in the past and it has returned. The Galactic Alliance and the Imperium fight, with the Sith and Jedi continuing their usual conflicts like usual, dragging others into their fight.

"But is this necessary? Must we fight because the Jedi and Sith disagree on how the Force should be used? I say no. Many claim the Chiss Ascendency is subserviant to the Sith Imperium, but that is not true. A pact of non-agression does not mean we are their servants. In the wake of violence, of the Big Four-" A term the media used to refer to the Galactic Alliance, New Sith Imperium, Mandalorians, and Chiss Ascendency. "-only the Chiss has remained neutral, void of war. The Galactic Alliance and Sith Imperium propagated a Third Galactic Civil War and the Mandalorians only just got over a civil war themselves, and the situation looks like they may go to war again." Heliel looked at A'den again. "Though if I am incorrect, feel free to correct me."

Heliel continued, standing up, passion in her eyes. "Only the Chiss Ascendency has remained peaceful. The Imperium has a non-agression pact with us so they will leave us alone and we hope to renew our pact of non-agression with the Galactic Alliance." Her vision was upon Sigur, and her public proclamation of her 'hope' was scripted. It would apply pressure on the representative to move for peace, unless seem like the aggressor that the Sith have been painting them to be. "The Chiss Ascendency wishes to extend the peace it holds with all of you. At this time, the Ascendency is opening its doors to all, welcoming them to join our neutral state. We also are extending friendship and non-aggressive pacts to all present as well. You may accept now, or discuss with your respective leaders and return with an answer at a later time. You may also request a private meeting, if you wish. The Chiss are more than welcome to accomodate everywhere, as we wish to uphold peace, both ours and potential allies."

Heliel sat down, awaiting the fruits of her performance. Already a few representatives were clapping, such as the publicist from Cipher Corporation. Now, it was time to see what some of the major players at this party wuld respond with.

 

[Apollyon]

As noble as that sounds Chiss, there are those of us here who cannot stand by while memories of past hurts still fester. Treatment of such wounds is a necessity, as is the removal of such a threat to occur again. With that said, I am unwilling to comment on the intentions of the mando'ad, just that we remember the grievances given to us by those who once called us allies. A'den spoke through his T-visor helmets speaker, his hands folded on the table as he spoke.

On top of this, how are two sides of an eternally on going struggle supposed to simply stop fighting? Wounds have been inflicted on both sides of the war, not just one. Are we to forget the past and the lives lost and cast away their memories? Whither we are mando'ad, Jetii, or darJetii we are still but mortal men and women. Had you been alive to propose this at the eve of war, you might have been successful, but this has bridged into something personal I believe. A'den stated with a flat monotone voice.

His questions weren't to pick apart this fragile meeting but to see the Chiss plan, to represent the mando'ad, and to learn about their enemy, the Jedi.

 

[Allu'rah Danan]

Akira sighed and shook her head. So many things about the Chiss's opening remarks were inaccurate. Perhaps the 'Big Four' had not felt the sting of Chiss military might, but the Imperial Knights had suffered for it. "You speak well, milady," Akira said respectfully, "but I cannot help but disagree with your establishment of certain 'facts'." The Togruta moved to a position where all the broadcasted representatives could see her. "The Chiss claim neutrality throughout the war effort? But you seize worlds, and nearly obliterate my order. Even now, hundreds or even thousands of Knights are in your custody, and many more are dead by your hand." She took a deep breath, attempting to steady her voice as well as her trembling hands. "This day will not be the day that the Imperial Knights make peace with those we consider to be usurpers. But there may be peace between us."

The Togruta began to pace, and her skirt floated elegantly about her as she moved while her naked feet made no noise on the cold floor. "I do not wish war between the Chiss and the Imperial Knights. I do not wish for a war whatsoever. Too many suffer for it. But there is more than simple politics to contend with. The Imperial Knights seek justice, and a return to governance by legitimized leadership. The Empire suffers for the Sith's leadership. I know it is too much to ask the Chiss and Mandalorians to try to aid my people driving out the Sith. So I do not ask. All the Knights seek is the release of our people, and an agreement that the Chiss no longer hunt us. Please, if the Chiss seek to remain neutral in this war, I feel it is not so much to ask that the Imperial Knights be free of the Ascendancy's threat." Akira bowed her head as she concluded her contribution for the moment.

She hoped she had not offended too many representatives. However, it was impossible for her to get readings from the holographically represented politicians, and she did not dare try to get a reading of her reception off the minds of any of the present diplomats. Who knew what traps could be laid there for snoopers. Instead, the young knight reinforced her own prodigious mental protections, shielding herself from any trying to enter her mind. Akira hoped no one tried. Not that anyone needed to read her mind to see the nervousness in her eyes. She could only hoped that her pleas were at least taken seriously. Few people nowadays viewed the Imperial Knights as having any true power, and the Togruta herself looked barely older than a child. Many other representatives appeared to be young adults, but the twenty-one-year-old Togruta was almost certainly the junior ambassador at this meeting of galactic leaders.

 

[Dmitri]

Despite popular belief that Mandalorians hated negotiating and diplomatic talks, this representative did well at pointing out a key detail. However, while it had merit, Heliel could turn it on its head. "Indeed, I do not expect full cooperation after just this meeting," said Heliel. "We are not arrogant as the Sith to think everyone will agree to our requests immediately. Speak with your Mandalore. I've met him before. He seems like an honest and noble man." He wasn't trying to flatter the Mandalorian, per se, but she considered that Corden Vencu seemed to display such characteristics when they had met briefly on Yashuvhu. He cared about his people, and was willing to help them personally, rather than staying on the sidelines, a lesson both the Jedi and Sith could learn from.

"You claim such thoughts, but isn't that hypocritical of you? You say one should not forget past grievances, but hasn't it been the Sith who have betrayed and used you as trash in the past? They've manipulated the Mandalorians on multiple occasions, even sending them to their near extinction in the Mandalorian Wars. Before you cite the Republic as causing grievances against you in that war, remember that while some Jedi led the war, it was mainly the Republic fighting, and what became the Republic has divided into remnants, which have formed the Imperium and Alliance. And of all people in this war, isn't the Imperium who have grieved you the most, by kicking you out of your territory? You claim one thing, but do the other.

"You are correct that such a proposal should have been made earlier. However, most of our requests were ignored. I confess the error is on our part, for not trying hard enough. However, no more. The Chiss sought to keep ourselves in a bubble, free from the fighting, but we cannot just abidingly sit back as others are thrown into a war that has lasted thousands of years. Let the Sith and Jedi have their pissing contest, but I see no reason for the rest of the galaxy to rot for that reason."

The Imperial Knight finally spoke up, and Heliel knew she would have a more difficult time with this. "We claim worlds that are non-affiliated. We do what we must to solidify our boarders, so that neither the Alliance or Imperium may attack us easily." She hoped her mention of the Imperium would gain points with the Imperial Knight, as it was an acknowledgement that the Chiss were not foolish to believe they were completely safe from the Sith.

Now Heliel had to address the more difficult issue. The attack on the Imperial Knights. "I'll be honest and confess I was not pleased with the attack on the Imperial Knights. However, we were provoked." Heliel sighed, mimicking the atmosphere as if she was taking something off her chest. "This has been covered up, it was revealed that Imperial Knights tried to kill our chief diplomat Arch'aza'cnuruodo and a Chiss who had been serving as an Imperial Grand Admiral, Brask'ai'nuruodo. The attack was stopped before it could be executed, but it was seen as a declaration against the Chiss Ascendency. Our leader at the time decided to try to quell this threat early on. I was superceded, as I would have preferred to try diplomatic channels. Alas, my opinion was overruled and the Chiss aided in the attack against your order. I am not pleased with that fact, believe me, but we are not monsters. We gave the Imperial Knights the option to surrender. The Imperium wanted to have all of you executed, but we kept to our word. Had we not been there, more would have died. And do not forget that the majority of the casualties on Seoul V were not by Imperial or Chiss hands but by your own Knight-Commander, who blew up the base in an act of defiance against the Imperium, wanting to destroy everything than let it be captured. Hundreds died.

"I realize there is grievances between our people, but I do wish to have there be a peace between us. And I realize that the Sith have grieved you by taking the empire. However, the Chiss wish to avoid fighting. We do not wish to fight other people's wars. We helped the Imperium in the past, but only on small occasions. We are not their pawns, nor will we let others do the same to us. On that note, we do not wish others to be our pawns. No. Xenophobia may hold true in the Chiss, but differences can be overcome. What we seek in equality. Peace."

 

[GABA]

Sigur folded his fingers and listened to the Chiss’ Grand Imperator speak. He didn’t allow his concern to show on his face as the leader spoke of her perspectives of the war. She had lots of misconceptions about what is happening politically. Either from false information reported to her or either, she herself was contorted her facts to keep the Chiss looking innocent in the time of civil war and as to avoid it.

The Mandalorian representative spoke next, in his terms of hurt pasts and from what Sigur interpreted, an inability to learn from those pasts and to move on. Then the Togruta spoke, who represented the Imperial Knights, of whom recently the Jedi were able to contact in order to reform an alliance with the nearly broken faction.

The Jedi master rubbed his chin, his thoughts turning in his head as he picked his words, “This war is more than just about Jedi and Sith and I believe you are overlooking it in this manner also. If it were just the Jedi and Sith I would more than be obliged to leave it as such, but with the Sith taking over the Empire, the galaxy cannot ignore it as a battle of the mystics, it now affects everyone. The Sith successfully dragged the entire galaxy into their plans for galactic discord and so far they are quite successful. We see it now sitting at this table, where we talk of questioned alliances and neutrality.

“I would like to firmly state the Jedi are not the Galactic Alliance and the Galactic Alliance are not the Jedi. The Jedi will stand by the Galactic Alliance in order to inhibit an order and government who threatens the very well being of Galaxy and its citizens. In case of forgot history, did we overlook what had happened the last couple galactic civil wars and its consequences?

“I would be a fool not to say the Sith have the upper hand in this war, it is quite obvious, and we were foolish enough to underestimate them and its foolish to believe if you were aligned with in such a manner, that you are at the benefit of this war also.” Sigur’s eyes made their way to the Mandalorian representative before he moved on, continuing to speak.

“This war affects everyone whether you claim neutrality or not. And with Akira of speaking of such terms of attack and holding POWs then I can safely assume with your statement of aiding another in this attack and other ‘small occasions’, neutrality is not a choice any longer for the Chiss Ascendency. I would advise if the IKs you are holding are prisoners who were not directly involved with the assassination attempt of your chief diplomat, you should let them go. No need to cause them any more strife than what is needed.” The Prime Envoy paused waiting for a response from the others.