Ask Ambria Absolution

[Reyna Vernize]

OOC Note: Open to cooperative FWA characters and opposition. Death disabled by default. 48 hour posting window preferred.

Ambria was a problem. A barren planet with underpopulated mining settlements and no major cities, it was, to the galaxy at large, an insignificant blip in the expanse of space. Just another nameless desert planet to be flown over but never considered. To Princess Reyna Vernize and the citizens of Onderon, it was a hornet's nest just waiting for an inimical enemy, by name the SIth Empire, to decide to poke it with a stick. The Empire's presence on the mining planet threatened the very existence of Onderon and the lives of its people, and the princess would never stand back and watch Onderon crumble before her eyes again. Not so long as she drew breath and there was life in her lungs.

A mining colony first and foremost, the planet had no elected officials or any organized system of government. A mining guild oversaw and directed the day to day operations of the mineral-rich world, and its members had agreed to meet with the Princess of Onderon to discuss negotiations regarding the Sith Empire. For the safety of everyone involved, their assembly point had been prearranged: a civilian space station in the upper atmosphere of the planet. Reyna hoped the guild members would, in light of recent events, have an open mind. The Empire could not be allowed to remain within the borders of the free worlds, so close to Onderon, and the princess was prepared to use the ace up her sleeve. @Xorism

 

[Victoria]

The small mining outpost had been a small miserable red dot in an otherwise friendly sea of alliance territory. Victoria had offered to support Princess Reyna in any way that she could, and in this case, it meant showing up to literally support her case. The planet may have gone to the empire in the past due to its great strength and ability to project itself across the galaxy, but those days appeared to be in the past. Whether it remained true in the future, was uncertain but Victoria hoped to capitalize on their mistakes in the here and now.

Dressed in a modest, rugged look, the Consul hoped that the guild would see the writing on the wall and willingly cede their ties to the empire. Onderon deserved peace and prosperity after what the empire had put it through, not this needle just off to the side of its eye. Fortunately, due to the makeup of the mining guild, it wouldn't take too many votes to change their position, although there were certainly some strong holdouts that would require a strong hand.

Still, they had come prepared for this possibility, and more. If the guild refused to negotiate in good faith or see reason in their proposal, the pair would likely leave without issue.

@llamallove

 

[Darth Tempest]

Truthfully, Ambria wasn’t a planet high on Vahliri’s radar. It was nestled deep within FWA territory and was relatively isolated from the rest of the Imperial Core - and while it held a strategic position against the Alliance, the ceasefire had effectively muted that point for the time being. Of course, the mining operations on the planet had grown in importance since the onset of the war, now more than ever.

When Vahliri heard of the diplomatic summit taking place in orbit, the half-Annfyn made the decision to attend shortly thereafter. While Diplomacy had never been her default, her status as Sith Master and leader within the Empire meant the necessity to make a presence. They simply couldn’t afford to lose another planet at the present moment. They couldn’t afford the loss in resources.

Perhaps most importantly, the Sith Empire desperately needed a Diplomatic victory under their belt - one that could be flashed across the HoloNet to combat the multitude of negative reports and developments. They needed traction somewhere, and Ambria is where Vahliri would start.

Vahliri arrived on the station shortly after Reyna and Victoria. While she normally traveled with a contingent of Royal Guards, the half-Annfyn opted to forgo the essessive security and formality - strolling into the meeting room with both hands folded against the small of her back. She was adorned in an ombré gown of black and red - her black hair tied back into a loose braid that spilled down to her waist.

“Princess Reyna,” She began, honeyed eyes flicking over to Victoria, “Senator,” Vahliri offered them both a smile - though it lacked any sense of warmth. She had never made any attempt to hide her identity during her career as a Sith, and both would likely know exactly who she was. Her presence in the Force brought a certain tension to the air - like stated that crackled across the skin of both women. “It is a pleasure to meet you both in person.”

Her gaze flicked to one of the seats nearby. “Shall we be seated?”

@llamallove @Xorism

 

[The Storyteller]

Mythra, CEO of the leading mining guild on the planet took it upon herself represent the planet and it's interests. Mythra like any good CEO is looking mainly for her own interests, profit, which is indeed in the best interests of the planet right?

After getting crushy with the Sith for quite a while, lately shit has really been hit the fan. The twi'lek would glance at Vahl, the Sith delegation. The Empire made a big error and attacked the ISC, and they have taken so many losses and blows it is very tempting to distance themselves away form the empire. Their many many atrocities can be overlooked, but it seems that karma is now catching up tot he Sith.

Mythra would look over towards the FWA delegation, the Onderon Princess and the Consul. The FWA isn't in a much better state. Their worlds are getting torched by a Republic fleet and are moving at a snails pace to do anything about it.

But there is a thing, because of her 'insignificant' planet is Sith held in the middle of FWA space, it was of the utmost importance they be very convincing for them to be swayed. As for the Sith, the Sith needs resources more then ever, and Ambira has them being a mining world. Knowing this, she has bargaining tools over all of them to get the best deal for herself and her company world.

The blue-skinned twi'lek would then start off "Welcome everyone. I am Mythra Leos. I will be representing the Ambria system in these talks. It's an honor to have you all here. We are just flattered that you will be competing for us." she would look at them all cheeky like. Business time now 'Yes, lets be seated" there are seats for everyone.


Once everyone is seating, including Mythra, she would then start things off. "I'm going to be frank here. Ambira will align itself with whoever will be the most benefital to us, in the short term and the long term. Looking at the Sith and Free Worlds, I'm not seeing good tidings for both of ya'll any time soon. The Sith Empire has been getting it's teeth kicked in as we speak and Free Worlds have been letting their planets get razed and burned from orbit. They both seem to be sinking ships, and we have no intention of going down with. So my question is, what assurances do you have that your respective governments will not cease to exist in the next few years?." She asked them both.

Spoiler: Important OOC

Hi there, I, @The Good Doctor will be your DM for this thread.
As DM, here are my rules

• Strict 48 hour time limit for Sith/FWA/Other sides. Ask DM if you need an extension, communicate to me, I will be reasonable. DM will try to post within 72 hours.
• Time limit for the thread will be 30 days maximum after the timestamp of this post. After 30 days an outcome will be decided based on what was roleplayed.
• Let me know if there are any objections to this.
  
  Thanks good luck have fun

 

[Flauki Ubbeson]

Flauki had accepted the mission to bring Ambria into the ISC. The planet was in FWA space which was somewhat allied space, but held by an enemy of the ISC being the Sith. WIth the recent successes the ISC has had over the Sith it seemed the planet no longer had interest in their business and sought out independence. Lucky for them, that was in the title of the greater faction.

Arriving before the representative of Ambrai began speaking, he would take note of who was here, FWA Senator Victoria who was respected in her ability to flip words, and then Princess Reyna, whom he had wondered why her interest was here instead of Onderon, and finally Master Vahliri of the Sith. When he had seen the Sith he would nod, he knew she was decent as political work, but also knew she wasn't good enough to take Ailon at the Empire's peak, so in their downfall he wasn't exactly too worried.

"Good afternoon everyone." Flauki would seat himself and keep his confident smile as he leaned back to listen to what the Representative had to say. As the CEO had began speaking he took note of what was most important here and wanted to speak up first, but figured he would be better at a counter argument. Let them offer nothing, and counter with everything sort of thing. It wasn't a secret the ISC had the resources to provide for the planet in more ways than any other faction's representative could, so the game would begin and he would sip on the water next to him as he waited.

@llamallove @Altaris @Xorism @The Good Doctor

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

It was the music that hit them first. Arriving almost immediately as the doors opened to the negotiation room, around ten aliens walked into the room, assorted instruments in their hands as they warbled out a set of upbeat tunes. A Troig wearing a large sparkling jacket stepped into the room within seconds, clapping out a beat with all four of his hands, as it performed a belly dance, jumping onto the meeting table for maximum effect.

Maximboord Slatenwoob was his name; by all accounts, he was the best singer on this side of Tatooine. One of the heads, Maximboord, crooned out a high-pitched soprano, hailing the many exhortations of the 'majesty of Hutta', whilst the other head, Slatenwoob, performed a choral descant to accompany its partner. They ended the first stanza of this choral masterpiece by dropping to one knee and bowing as a prominent form slithered into the room.

Behind him came a line of four Twi'leks, muscle-bound males daubed in paint, an artistic representation of each of the four moons of Ambria. Carried by each of them was a chromium chest, filled to the brim with Silicax oxalate. Each was placed in front of Mythra, as the Twi'leks then left the room.

Finally, a human stepped forward, a large man with a beard that reached his considerable belly. He opened a datapad and raised his other hand - as if calling for silence. "Rejoice, and give thanks to your gods, for you have the undisputed pleasure of being in the presence of his serene imminence, master of all that he surveys, Supreme Mogul of the Hutt Clans, Vanquisher of the Empire, one true and most excellently appointed, rightful and uncontested, absolute and divine leader of Nal Hutta." the man paused.

If anyone went to speak, they would almost immediately be interrupted as the man boomed out again "Nor'baal Desilijic Fa'athra!" he bowed, stepping backwards out of the room, as Nor'baal looked imperiously about over the other negotiators, dismissing his musicians with a wave of his hand.

<Lwaa jeejee doa?> he erupted in Huttese, his voice rolling about the room like waves crashing against a cliff, as it punctuated the silence left to fill the void vacated by his entrance. His droid translated, and the Hutt glowered at the others, before nodding to the CEO.

The Cartel had arrived.

 

[Reyna Vernize]

Somehow or another, word of the conference the Princess of Onderon had called with the mining guild of Ambria had been leaked. The presence of a delegate of the Sith Empire did not surprise Reyna, and it was for this reason that she had requested the mining guild meet with her on a civilian space station in the planet's atmosphere, where discussion without the threat of violence could be carried out.

The Imperial Security Bureau were, if not high-minded, adept at their jobs. The potential exodus of one of their own planets would not go unnoticed by the Empire. That the religious order had sent one of their highest ranking members, a woman whose mien of devilry submerged the entire room, to Ambria at a time like this, when all reports suggested that the Empire was backpedaling to gain a foothold, did surprise her. Either the Empire had relegated her in the midst of war or her presence confirmed Reyna's worst fears—that the Empire had plans for Ambria. Plans that would include Onderon. @Altaris

The next arrival was... well, frankly, the princess could not recall his name. A subtle, whispered inquiry directed toward the Senator of Gannaria (@Xorism ) would refresh her memory. Flauki Ubbeson, the Governor of Vendaxa. Now she remembered. It was no wonder she had not been able to put a name to the face, as his public appearances had been few and far between and his personal involvement within the Independent Systems Consortium limited in recent years. The Vendaxan Governor's presence had long been missed at assemblies of the Galactic Senate.

So much of politics was delegated to assistants these days. Politicians were afraid to get their hands dirty. For all his faults, that was one thing that couldn't be said for Cassian. His hands had been dirty. Absolutely filthy, actually. Perhaps, she ruminated, far too filthy. How the Governor had learned of this meeting—or why the ISC was interested in Ambria in particular—remained to be seen. She was curious to hear his reasoning, but given his previous record, she doubted he had the ear of the ISC's leaders. Perhaps he had not come on behalf of the ISC at all but for more personal reasons. @Scoobert

The last to arrive was Nor'baal Desilijic Fa'athra, self-proclaimed Mogul of the Hutt Clans. Unfortunately for all those present, the dub was accurate. His infamy proceeded him—the Hutt that had hung and pyred countless sentient beings on a live broadcast for the entire galaxy to see. The same Hutt that had been driven out of ISC space, his governorship of Kessel revoked when his ties to human trafficking were discovered and brought to light. Reyna, raised by her mother as a devout devotee of the gods of Onderon, didn't know which was worse—the Sith or the crime lord. The half-Sephi's breath echoed in her own ears, but her face and her posture betrayed none of the fury that bubbled within her. She could thank her mother's coaching and her Sephi genes for that. @Nor'baal

Their presences complicated things, but Reyna would not be distracted. Her mission remained the same: to remove the Sith from the planet by any means necessary. If she could convince the planet to rejoin the FWA, she would jump at a union between Ambria and Onderon, but that was not her goal. She wanted the mining guild to break off from the Empire. She wanted the Sith as far away from Onderon as possible.

"Thank you for agreeing to meet with me," she addressed Mythra, the CEO of the miner's guild. "The Free Worlds Alliance has stood the test of time. It has existed for over a century, since the Battle of Exegol." She could not deny the reality that the FWA was not as strong as it once had been, that territories had been lost. She herself could attest to the lives that had been lost due to the Sith's insatiable hunger for what they did not or could not have, but the ideology behind the FWA remained the same.
First and foremost, her primary concern was to convince the Ambrians that it was the Empire that would not stand the test of time, not to sell the virtues of the alliance. She could worry about that later. "None of us can know what the morrow might bring, but I fear that to continue this alliance with the Sith is to sign the death warrant of your own people. The Empire is losing this war. I do not want your citizens to be caught in the cross-fire of a war the Empire cannot win while its flag waves on Ambrian soil." @The Good Doctor

 

[Victoria]

It wouldn't have surprised her in the slightest that the empire would find out about the meeting, but Victoria couldn't help but wonder how the other two slinked their way into the know, seemingly appearing out of nowhere. Trust men to arrive late to the meeting and then attempt to usurp it for their own ends, Victoria sighed internally.

It didn't matter either way, Ambria had every right to align itself with whichever group it chose. The fact that it had aligned with the empire previously was a curious fact, one that would probably not help them keep it. Supplementing Reyna, Victoria would only lightly add to the discussion.

"The alliance stood against the empire, alone, for years. Battles for and against, but at the end of the day the common ideals that hold us together remain tested against time itself. Look no further to the most recent attack against Onderon, at its height the empire did not extinguish its flame nor its commitment to the cause."

Victoria quite clearly understood the balance of power in the galaxy was still heavily weighed against them, but yet that did not squish her resolve. The lady Sith, ISC governor and the Hutt would make their plays, and so the verbal joust would begin.

@llamallove @The Good Doctor @Altaris @Scoobert @Nor'baal

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri allowed her gaze to linger on Reyna and Victoria, the faintest hints of a smile creasing at the corner of her lips. She didn’t have to guess how they felt about her unannounced arrival, nor how the gravity of her past actions seemed to permeate throughout the entire room. The half-Annfyn took no shortage of pride in that fact, wearing their disdain like a badge of honor on her chest. Of course, the three of them weren’t left alone for very long. Her attention flicked over to the sound of music and overdramatic theatrics, watching as the Supreme Mogul of the Hutts was carried into the meeting hall. For all the ways that the Hutt struck fear into the hearts of trillions, Vahliri paid him little attention. This wasn’t Hutt Space, and Vahliri wasn’t about to repeat the actions of some recently-deceased colleagues of hers.

Amber eyes promptly flicked over to study Flauki for a single moment - thoroughly unimpressed by the man who arrived. It had been quite a while since the Governor of Vendaxa made an appearance anywhere, and Vahliri was almost disappointed that their meeting was crashed by more relevant members of the Executive Council. She resisted the urge to roll her eyes - and instead turned her attention to their host.

Vahliri offered the woman a bow of her head, a smile once more gracing her fine features. “Thank you to hosting us all, Ms. Leos.”

Vahliri folded her hands across her chest, listening as Reyna and Victoria spoke first. The half-Annfyn wasn’t the least bit surprised to see the pair begin taking potshots at the Empire - pointing out the war with the Consortium, alongside the supposed.. Grit and determination of the Alliance? Victoria made it her mission to point out that the Alliance hadn’t died, against the worst conditions. But so too were cockroaches difficult to eliminate.

“I find your concern for Ambrian citizens to be admirable, Princess,” Vahliri began with a smile, her smooth voice carrying over the audience chamber. She didn’t find it admirable at all, but that wasn’t worth vocalizing. “Though I fail to see what you, Onderon or the shattered remnants of the Alliance actually have to offer? Last I recalled, your war with the New Republic has only just begun. Alliance worlds burn as we speak - and your government has failed to respond effectively. Surely, you don’t wish for the people of Ambria to be caught in the cross-fire of your war? To be the next Tanaab?”

Her attention next turned to Victoria. “Alone?” Vahliri tilted her head towards the Consul. “Rather an odd statement, considering it has been the Jedi Order - for years - who have defended the worlds of the Alliance. But of course, one needs only look to the latest session of the Galactic Senate to understand how the Free Worlds Alliance treats their allies.” The decision for the Free Worlds Alliance to disassociate with the Jedi officially - to embrace the ceasefire - had prevented continued bloodshed. But it hardly made them look like trustworthy allies.

Vahliri finally turned her gaze back to Mythra. “My colleagues assembled here today will make grand gestures - and try to explain why Ambria is better off aligned with their government.” Vahliri tapped her fingernails against her bicep. “But I can hardly agree with that notion. With a Galaxy in chaos - every major government involved in the fighting..” Vahliri allowed for a brief pause, to let her words resonate and sink in with those who listened.

“I believe it is in the best interest of Ambria to embrace neutrality.” Vahliri knew her words would come as a shock - but it was the only logical conclusion in the half-Annfyn’s mind. Ambria was geographically isolated from the Empire and undefendable, susceptible to blockade or preemptive strikes by their enemy. It was territory that the Empire had no interest in attempting to reign over. And it ultimately wasn’t their territory that Vahliri cared about. “Such an arrangement would keep your planet and its people safe from the multiple wars that burn across the Galaxy, and would do little to disrupt your trading capacity.

Vahliri offered a small shrug of her shoulders. “Instead, I have more interest in discussing the existing trade deals that exist between The Empire and the Mining Guild.” The half-Annfyn had done her homeworld, and knew who she was speaking with. “In fact, as the Empire moves to de-escalate and withdraw from a military presence on Ambria, we are prepared to increase existing shipments of raw materials being purchased from the Guild.” War was expensive, and it was profitable for people like Mythra.

“I am confident that the war between the ISC and the Empire will end in our favor,” She said with a tilt of her head. “But I believe there is room for ample business in the meantime, is there not?”

@llamallove @Nor'baal @Scoobert @Xorism

 

[The Storyteller]

"Thank you Governor Ubbeson, thank you too Nor'baal the Hutt for coming" she welcomed the others. How did the others know about this meeting? Mythra might have leaked it out so that others would offer herself to her. The ISC Governor and the Hutt were late, Mythra saw. The Hutt certainly had an entrance and brought two chests full of valuables. Mythra would open her eyes. "Are these a gift?" she would ask the Hutt, asking if she can take the chests or if they are a bribe if she makes a deal with the Hutt. They aren't bad choices, the ISC and Cartel are interesting options.

In regards about her question, Mythra heard them out. The FWA side didn't give satisfactory answers, even the part about them being 'alone' is in-correct as the Sith delegation pointed out. The FWA might have survived for over a hundred years, but it was hundred years of peace, and now that they have been challenged they have shrunk considerably, being only about 1/6 of it's former size, as Mythra and Vahl pointed out FWA worlds burn even now. The CEO also doesn't care much for 'ideals', more so profit

Vahl more or less dodged Mythra's question and instead pointed out the FWA's faults. Mythra did notice. But she did present something interesting, becoming neutral. That is most ideal, that way she can do business more freely with multiple factions instead of just one.

Before Mythra would speak, she would allow the FWA side to make a rebuttal against Vahl's claims against the FWA. Mythra would be lying if she said she didn't like a good verbal fight. This is entertaining. But after that she would move on.

No then, time to dig deeper. "Becoming neutral in this conflict is something that we've considered, it is ideal. But we are a remote world. Even if we declare our neutrality, what's to stop any one will enough troops from encroaching on us?" anyone with 'enough troops' could be something like a pirate group or a random mercenary band doesn't have to be a government. "We don't have much of a means to protect ourselves or lanes going into our system. Who will assist us in guaranteeing the protection of ships coming in and out of our system and our neutrality?"

Vahl's offer was sound still even though the Empire has been losing battle after battle after battle and it's survival is still very questionable it was still sound. Even if Ambria deals with the Empire, the other governments may not like that route. But the CEO wants to hear others make offers. If aligning with one faction will end up being more beneficial. If Vahl wants to speak more on this, she is welcome to do so now. Maybe she has more to throw on the table? Maybe ease her concerns?

Mythra then would look around the other delegations "What other offers do we have out there?" she would ask.

@Altaris @llamallove @Nor'baal @Scoobert @Xorism

 

[Flauki Ubbeson]

Flauki listened to what was expected from the FWA Senator and Princess of Onderon. They have been using the same approach for every verbal battle it had seemed, at least from what Flauki had noticed. The Sith were losing the war, there was no denying it, as much as Vahliri may have wanted to believe they had a chance, the war was not in their favor. Governor Ubbeson had his approach ready and only needed the Sith to shut the hell up before he could speak. Causing heated tension with a Sith wasn't ideal, at least not for now. He needed to pick his moment.

Finally it seemed he would get his turn to speak, but with a slight shock. Of course, being professional, Flauki wouldn't let his face show it. The Darksider had requested Ambria be neutral. An odd approach but slightly effective. He couldn't deny it was an interesting tactic, but a neutral planet that gets invaded has no allies, no one to help defend them. Ms. Leos even admitted they have no defense, so why be neutral? Other than of course to profit off the Mining guild from every faction.

"Ms. Leos, if I may, I would like to take a moment to thank you for allowing me as a representative of the ISC to come for this meeting." Flauki would smile to her and tap the table gently with his fingers, "First things first, the Empire is losing this war. And please do not allow them to manipulate your decisions with their offers of bringing anything to Ambria. They do not have the fuel required for such things." Governor Ubbeson would take quick glance to Vahliri to make sure that one sunk in for her. "The FWA has been around for a very long time, and it's commendable but, what have they done with their time?"

Flauki had paused for a second to make silence to prove his point then continue, "The ISC has been around for a fraction of the time and has managed to offer better aid, better resources, better funding, and the citizens of our government are at a higher living standard because of it." The Vendaxan had been a Governor in the ISC for some time now, and to say he wasn't impressed with how well the Government has been doing, he'd be lying. "We do offer the Mining Guild a no strings attached business security to Ambria, allowing you to do business with any of whom you choose, as well as offer your planet the protection it needs. We have an immaculate army, and navy willing to protect the planet from any invaders, much like the Empire has liked to do in the past."

He was enjoying this, "Not to mention we also bring you the galaxies finest resources as we have more than any other government can offer. Plus we can fund any construction and business plans Ambria may have in the near future." Leaning back he would leave the table with this, "I don't know about you, but we actually can offer you everything. Though the decision is yours." He had hoped he made a good enough argument to run away with this early, but he had a few more verbal punches prepared if necessary.

@The Good Doctor @Altaris @Xorism @Nor'baal @llamallove

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Nor’baal smiled as he watched the other attendees, bar the CEO herself, do their utmost to ignore him. Perhaps they hoped that by disregarding the Cartels' presence, the CEO would do likewise.

The Hutt disagreed. He knew that avarice and greed could find purchase in even the most seemingly incorruptible of individuals, and the CEO was far from perfect. She was driven by the need, the yearning, to make as many credits in as short a time as possible, and the Hutts would be only too happy to oblige her to that end.

His droid translated, speaking to her as he garbled on in Huttese ”They are a gift, the first of many more should we become partners in profit.” it began, with a deft bow and gesture that she could consider the gems hers. Of course, what went unspoken was that if a deal was not made, Nor’baal would consider the gift to be misplaced, and in need of returning.

But there was no need to spoil a perfectly calm conversation with such vulgarity.

”It is crude of the Consortium to offer ‘investment’ from their Government as if you are unable to do this yourselves. Indeed, the glorious Jewel of Hutta would never stoop so low as to imply that the Guild is unable to fend for itself, and indeed, to prosper as it has always done. Alas, such incentives as offered by the Consortium amount to little more than bribery - an offer that to do ‘business’ with them, would in some way enrich you personally!” the droid inflected its tone, to emulate its master's apparent horror at the concept of the Consortium bribing someone into making a deal.

”We want, what you want. And we can help you, to help yourselves. Profits aplenty, safe shipping lanes, free of piracy and robbers. Together with the Clans, the safety of your commercial shipping would be all but guaranteed!” the droid added, as Nor’baal sneered - the offer clear, the Hutts could ensure that the shipping lanes where kept safe, from the very pirates they could deploy should the CEO take her business elsewhere.

 

[Reyna Vernize]

Once Victoria and Reyna had made their opening statements, it was the Sith representative that spoke next. There was a pronounced poise that no one, including Reyna, could deny—not only in her pleasing features and intelligent eyes but her choice of words, the smooth-tongued diction that retained both dignity and morale in the face of the Sith Empire's current predicament. Were it not for the dark aura that surrounded her, nearly palpable even to a non-force sensitive like Reyna, the princess would never have supposed that this was the same woman that had sacked New Alderaan and led the invasion of Eriadu. Her infamy, however, like the Hutt's, proceeded her.

The suggestion for Ambria to become a neutral world, answerable only to itself, was surprising—only in that it came from none other than the Sith Master herself. She was, instead, interested in discussing trade agreements with Ambria's Mining Guild, which was sure to appeal to the Guild's CEO, guided more by profit than principles. This was, Reyna supposed, business after all. Ambria's population was small, its exports limited to ore and a few other minerals. Mythra had to look out for the interests of her own people, and the interests of the people more than often boiled down to credits.

In the end, it would be Mythra that decided what was best for her people. No matter what ulterior motive might have lurked behind the Sith Master's smile.

Whatever that ulterior motive might have been, it concerned Reyna. The ceasefire kept Onderon safe from Sith brutality, although the planet had not been involved in that decision, no longer a part of the Galactic Senate, they were still a part of the Free Worlds Alliance. Safe for now, that is. What were promises from the lips of the same people that had bombarded and glassed planets on a whim? Onderon would never be safe. Not so long as a Sith presence in the free worlds remained.

Reyna would not vie for Ambria's fidelity to the alliance they had once been a part of, before the Sith had shown up on their doorstep. She only wanted one thing—for Ambria to renounce the Sith and for its practitioners to be gone. As far away from Onderon and the rest of the free worlds as possible.

The Senator of Vendaxa was the first to vocalize an idea contrary to the Sith's proposal, and Reyna listened in silence as the Vendaxan presented another alternative to Myrthra: to formally join the Independent Systems Consortium. The half-Sephi might not have been impressed with the senator's credentials, but it was the Independent Systems Consortium that had the most to offer, apart from the fact that Ambria would be isolated in free worlds space, away from its sister planets in the ISC. Would the consortium station fleets on Ambria to defend it from attack, and where would they be pulled from? Vandaxa?

She wondered, too, at the senator's willingness to do business with a Mining Guild, going so far as to offer consortium resources and manpower for protection, that would, under the senator's own allowance, be supplying the needs of their greatest enemy in this war—the Sith. The same Sith that had invaded and bombed Corellia, a consortium world, without provocation. The same Sith that had killed consortium soldiers and citizens. This "no strings attached" offer he made only made her wonder more. Was this the policy of the consortium or just his own?

"Senator Ubbeson is correct," Reyna would say, tilting her head respectfully toward the Vendaxan before her gaze returned, fixed, to the Mining Guild's CEO. In one respect, at least. "The Sith do not possess the fuel necessary to maintain business with the Mining Guild. What fuel reserves they do possess are being depleted daily." That Reyna could not know beyond a shadow of a doubt, but it was a safe guess. Common sense. It took massive amounts of fuel to supply their war machine. "Would such an association benefit you or your guild in the end, when the ISC President has vowed to erase them? Are you willing to spend your own time and credits, transporting materials you mined yourself, to the Sith when they no longer possesses the fuel necessary to travel the distance themselves?"
Reyna sat upright in her chair, staring at the Twi'lek opposite her with calm, immutable gravity. "Should you decide to become a neutral world, Onderon stands ready to serve and protect you in your hour of need. We are prepared to reopen transaction with your guild, as we did before the the Sith came." Other free worlds, too, perhaps even Gannaria, would be interested. Here, however, came the stipulation. "On the condition that you cease your association and all negotiations with the Sith, business or otherwise. Look no further than Sullust to see the dangers of doing business with the Sith." Sullustans had been eager to escape from beneath the suppressive thumb of the Sith, so eager that they had taken up arms themselves. @Xorism @Altaris @The Good Doctor @Scoobert @Nor'baal

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri sat poised within her seat, listening to the other attendants make their pitches to the CEO. She could see the state of surprise that her own proposal left them in, and gleefully relished every little barb and derogatory remark that was aimed towards the Empire. While they spent most of their time trying to attack her government, the half-Annfyn was happy to actually negotiate with the representative of Ambria.

Her amber gaze flicked over to Reyna, eyeing the princess for a long moment. “Forgive me, but why would Imperial fuel reserves have.. Anything whatsoever to do with our ability to conduct trade?” She blinked. “I suspect that materials would be transported by third party merchant vessels and freighters, as they presently are - across every system in the Galaxy. Would they not?” The shipment of raw materials wasn’t transported by Imperial military or civilian vessels, and Vahliri had no doubt that existing corporations were capable of maintaining the supply chain.

“I do understand shipping and logistics may not be your forte, Princess.” She smiled with no hint of warmth. Victoria had yet to say anything, and Vahliri suspected whatever she did say would be nothing but a parroting of the less intellectually challenged royal.

She gaze flicked over to the Governor of Vendaxa - somewhat surprised to see the man sober during this diplomatic engagement, while finding his presence depleted her own desire to be. A short exhale through her nostrils preceded her lean ever-so-slightly over the table. “Rather a generous offer, Governor. Of course, both Manaan and Thyferra was allowed to do business with whomever they chose.. Up until the moment the Consortium decided otherwise.” She tilted her head. “On top of offering a unilaterally Consortium military presence on Ambria, to ‘protect’ your investment. You will forgive me for doubting the credibility of your commitment to free trade.” She glanced over to the CEO. “I am sure Consortium battle droids will protect your mines and assets. And I am quite sure they will lock down such strategic assets the moment President Thorne finds business with the Empire to be particularly unsavory.”

Vahliri briefly - with apparent disinterest - glanced over to the Hutt. The Lorda of the Hutt Clans wasn’t to be underestimated or disrespected on his own turf.. But Ambria wasn’t, and his negotiation skills left something to be desired. “I don’t feel the necessity to address the thinly-veiled threats of his Supreme Majesty.”

She leaned back a bit, resisting the urge to smirk. “The Consortium lacks any credibility to endorse free trade. And Princess Vernize has already played her hand by stating protection would come with stipulations who you, a neutral and independent people, would be willing to do business with.” She shook her head. “It would seem that their own self interest eclipses any other commitment to Ambria’s protection or revenue.”

She raised a hand. “This is my proposal,” Vahliri began, “Ambria declares itself independent of the Empire, and commits to a ten year period of neutrality before entering into any negotiation to join another Galactic government. The Empire will commit to leave a small garrison of troopers on Ambria,” She glanced over to Reyna, “And encourage Onderon and the Free Worlds Alliance to do the same.”

“Such an arrangement would maintain the balance of power here on Ambria, ensure that no one government might pressure you into ceasing trade with another government,” Vahliri glanced briefly in Nor’baal’s direction. “And would protect your assets against any petulant parties dissatisfied with the outcome of these negotiations.”

 

[The Storyteller]

The CEO listened to the offers as they spoke their peace. She kept a neutral expression throughout, there were some offers that she would do well to consider, one of them doesn't leave the Ambria representative very euthanized or thrilled.

Ubbeson has a pretty good offer, security, resources, promise of free trade. The best part of it all is that he spoke of funding expansion on the underdeveloped mining world. That would be a big boon by itself. But the Sith delegation did remind the people here that President Thorne did indeed lock down precious resources from the Sith, namely kolto and bacta.Vahl's retort was a good reminder and something that needs to be addressed. "Oh?" The CEO would look at the ISC governor. "How do you address this?" she asked curiously. "If you are offering free trade i would expect the ISC to respect it. If we do take your offer, I will want this in an inviolatable contract" The other material benefits that were offered are good, but if he's going to offer one thing she will make sure it's what she is getting everything promised if she aggress to it

"I thank you on behalf of the people on Ambria for the generous gifts" she would respectfully tilt her head slightly and would leave the gifts there whoever. She will take the gifts if she takes the Hutt deal of course. Meanwhile, the Hutts could give more of those 'gifts' if Ambria aligns with them and the promises of protection are very sound. Vahl did point out that it was a thinly veiled threat, so could the Hutts pirate target the supply ships if she rejects them? If she doesn't select the Hutts, she will need to make sure that she has adequate amount of protection. The Hutt offer is still on the table though, will the Hutt rebuke Vahl's remark about his offer being 'threats'?

The Sith final offer is interesting, on paper protection would be covered and so would free trade, and she even invited Onderon and the Free Worlds to do the same. She would look towards the FWA delegation "Would Onderon and the FWA agree to do that, should Ambria decide to take that offer?" in regards to items of neutrality for 10 years and leaving a garrison on the planet.

Mythra would check her chrono, thinking to herself, this meeting is going by really fast.

@Altaris @llamallove @Nor'baal @Scoobert @Xorism

 

[Flauki Ubbeson]

It seemed Ms. Leos was interested in Flauki's offer on behalf of the Independent Systems Consortium. Of course, Vahliri would need to speak up to save her skin as much as she could. She mentioned the actions the ISC has taken to hinder the Empire. It was true, the ISC had cut off any business ties with the Sith to gain the advantage, it was war tactics 101. What she failed to mention was how the Sith had been doing the exact same thing.

"Ms. Kahtal, what you failed to mention was how the Sith had been using the exact same tactics, we just happened to be far more effective. Not to mention, these actions were agreed upon by our sovereign states. Should Ambria choose to affiliate with the ISC," Flauki grinned as he looked to Ms. Leos, "I can assure you the ISC will stand by their promise of free trade through Ambria, you have my word."

Flauki would pull out a contract he had prewritten, and handed it over to Ms. Leos. This wasn't to ensure she signed it, he would speak up as he did such, "If you would like, I have written all I explained just now to you on here. I am a man of my word, should you sign, we would begin the development and construction processes within the next week."

Flauki's argument still stood strong, he knew he held a firm place in Ms. Leos' mind. Ambria was in need and the ISC could offer that relief of stress. The Vendaxan was sure that his offer was good, he had offered all the planet could want and ensured their free trade if they align with the ISC. It was just a matter of time before the Ambrian agrees with Flauki. As far as offers from the others, there wasn't much. Join them and get little to no benefits, or go neutral and have business held the same as before, and become a victim to one of the Sith's underhand tactics like in the past with plenty of planetary examples.

@The Good Doctor @Altaris @Nor'baal @llamallove @Xorism

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri stared back at Flauki blankly - her expression unchanging despite the number of barbs the Consortium delegate attempted to lob at her. There was a time when the half-Annfyn - inexperienced and temperamental - might have fired back. Instead, she was entirely unimpressed by it. Not only did Flauki fail to do anything to appease the CEO’s concerns, but proceeded to flaunt the strategic victories of the Consortium. As if that didn’t further prove her point.

“..Which is precisely why I advocate for a neutral, independent Ambria. Thank you for proving my point, Governor.” She said smoothly, staring down the Consortium representative. “Because no party here - actively at war - could guarantee free trade for Ambria and its mining corporations, and still maintain a shred of credibility.” It was ridiculous for the Governor to chastise the Empire for cutting trade ties with parties they were actively at war with. And it was ridiculous for the Governor to claim they wouldn’t do the same.

“Least of all when you’ve already played such a hand.” Whether Thyferra and Manaan ‘agreed’ to such trade embargoes was neither relevant or entirely credible from an outside perspective. Both planeted maintained a large military presence, and were deeply entrenched in Consortium control. The CEO would have to determine for herself whether or not the Governor could actually be believed. Especially when his assurances had been nothing but another string of words with no real substance.

“With the additional revenue and resources gained from an open market, I have no doubt that Ambria would be able to retrofit and invest in their own infrastructure - free of any conditions set at this table.” She tilted her head. “Any additional investment would be discussed afterwards - and naturally is a proposition that I am interested in.” Her word choice there was deliberate, even if others wouldn’t immediately catch onto it.

Her head tilted towards Victoria and Reyna. For all of their statements about caring for the people of Ambria, Vahliri wondered if either of them would put their money and troops where their mouth was. She didn’t pay Nor’baal much attention at this point - largely factoring the Hutt out of the equation. He’d started the negotiations with thinly-veiled threats and offers of tribute, but offered little else. A part of the half-Annfyn knew the Mogul would be perturbed by her lack of regard and relished in it.

 

[Reyna Vernize]

It was not the intention of the Sith delegate, who spoke of a formal and binding alliance between Ambria and the ISC, to discredit her own argument with the statement "No party here—actively at war—could guarantee free trade for Ambria and its mining corporations and still maintain a shred of credibility," to discredit her own argument, but the Sith, too, were actively at war—had already lost every planet in the southern reaches of space, as a matter of fact. In a matter of days. Weeks. How much longer could they hold out against the consortium, ever marching forward? For how long could they fulfill all of the promises they made to the Mining Guild of Ambria?

"Forgive me," the princess replied, pausing as she tilted her head to one side and stared across the table at the dark side practitioner, evidently unfazed. The Sith Master's presence was discomposing, but the half-Sephi found it more repulsive that anything else—the darkness that enveloped her a gangrene that ate away at every shred of humanity until nothing was left but the darkness. "I had not realized it was your intention to use third party merchant vessels to transport your goods, given you're currently at war with the most powerful government in the galaxy."
It was certainly a risk, to trust neutral, third party merchant vessels in the middle of a war that could be paid off by the highest bidder while they transported supplies necessary to furnish the Sith war machine. If the Sith Master was correct, too, in her assumption that the Sith's fuel shortage would not affect their ability to conduct trade, that meant that no Sith convoy, with fuel dwindling, would accompany those third party merchant vessels, making them more vulnerable to attack. Particularly as those vessels traveled thousands of parsecs from Ambria, situated at the center of free worlds space, to Sith space.

"That certainly is a risk, especially when you take into consideration the rumors that one of your own trade convoys recently exploded after a fuel storage failure at the Imperial border." She turned back to face Mythra. "If the Sith are unable to protect their own convoys within their own borders, how will they protect Ambria, thousands of parsecs away? They can't guarantee Ambria's safety, nor the safety of transported goods, and their isolation—not to mention their track record—makes them dangerous partners.

"Should the ceasefire between the free worlds and the Sith ever be broken," Reyna continued, "Any merchant vessels passing through alliance space destined for Sith space would be vulnerable." That was war. It didn't make sense to allow the enemy's supplies to pass unchecked through your own borders. "No sane third party would want to make that trip, thousands of parsecs through hostile space, and that's assuming the Sith even have the funds sufficient to consistently pay a third party to facilitate the transportation of their resources." Given all of the recent embargoes against them, Reyna doubted they did.

"Do the Sith have the manpower to leave behind a garrison on Ambria?" All indicators suggested that they were losing this war. They would need every trained man and woman on the frontlines, fighting, not twiddling their thumbs on Ambria. "Given their current fuel shortage, they don't have ships to spare either. How will they protect Ambria's atmosphere from pirates? Invaders? Will you provide them the fuel they need to retain a naval presence?" It was doubtful that any neighboring alliance worlds would be willing to sell the fuel necessary to the Sith.

"With all due respect," Reyna began, in answer to the question Mythra put to she and Senator Victoria. "No, Onderon would not accept. It is a glaring misstep, to place Onderonian soldiers and Sith soldiers within close proximity to one another. Our governments have been at war with one another for years. A ceasefire does not make the hearts of men any more forgiving toward their enemies. The Sith invaded our planet—murdered my father and our Consul—and that is not something a nation forgets overnight." The Sith, too, harbored resentment toward Onderon she imagined, after that strike against the Sith Academy on Dromund Kaas. Otherwise they would not have sought their revenge of Onderon soil.

"Such an adjacency would put not only Onderon and Sith soldiers at risk but the lives of your citizens. It would jeopardize our ceasefire. Surely it is in your planet's best interests to do business with those planets around you, that can step in and protect your people?" That included the consortium, but Reyna would not do business with the Mining Guild if they persisted on entertaining the Sith. The friend of her enemy was not her friend. Not when it came to Onderon's safety. "Onderon will protect you. Onderon will trade with you, and I will encourage neighboring planets to do the same if they are not already, but Onderon cannot do business with you unless you cut ties with the Sith. For the safety of Ambria and Onderon.

 

[Nor'baal Desilijic]

Nor’baal did not have much to add at this point, preferring instead to speak little and allow the other powers to fight it out, until it became clear that there was only one main rival to his bid. He gestured for his translator and whispered to them. The being nodded, and communicated it’s masters words in basic ”His Eminence is displeased to hear thinly veiled threats to your neutrality being proposed by those present.” the translator bowed to the CEO respectfully.

”My Master agrees with Madam Vahliri, there is no government here, active in a conflict, that can guarantee the safety of your products and of your people. Therefore, my Master, in his infinite and bountiful wisdom, would like to propose a unified deal. The ships and credits of the Cartel and the Order, combined, could proffer both neutrality and safety to your enterprise. A combined effort, securing both the Clans and the Order in this endeavour, would be far better than any deal the Alliance, Consortium or Republic could bring you.” the translator stepped back.

The Hutt had proposed a new deal, expanding on just doing business with one group, to a partnership with the Hutts and the Sith Order. He was confident that such a unified bid, should the Sith accept, could outdo any single offer made by the other assembled parties.

 

[Victoria]

Victoria watched the proceedings quietly, happy to let Reyna lead their delegation for the time being. There were a number of issues with the current proposals, many holes in which the esteemed guests had already illuminated, but perhaps one might add her own thoughts into the mix, to see where they may lead.

"It is true, the ISC despite its bloodied nose against the Sith Empire, has vast resources to project and secure worlds far beyond the core. But we have also seen that in times of emergency, or a time of choosing, the independence offered, then reduced as the apparatus of the state nationalises industry or resource. This is not a risk in the alliance so why take the chance for a bit more security?"

Reyna already explained with the Sith were less than ideal prospects but there was two more points Victoria wished to raise.

"His Esteemed Hutt could provide a good partnership, as his pockets are as deep as any, no doubt. Of course, once it became known that Ambria was working with the cartel, I'm not sure it would be as beneficial for you as for the clans. Every world would surely heighten their security around Ambrian trade abd therefore cause delays, disruptions and who knows what else. Of course I make no suggestions, but merely offer my opinion."

The Consul looked around the table with a mute expression before continuing.

"A question for our host, if I may? It is well known Ambria was once a member of the alliance for many years before abruptly declaring allegiance to the Sith."

Victoria's tone was calm and without a hint of accusation.

"Although such a decision is entirely your right as a member of the alliance at the time, we must ask. Will Ambria's commitment to the auccessful party change as ebb and flow of power grows and wains or will your pledge today be more than just signing paper and be relied upon?"

@The Good Doctor