Ask Arbitation on Ailon

[Darth Tempest]

.

Vahliri hadn’t allowed herself to rest since departing from Korriban. Her duel with Caelian - the loss of her arm - had served as a wake-up call for the half-Annfyn, and she had promptly thrown herself back into Imperial engagements the moment she was released from the medbay. While much of the Sith were occupied by addressing the threat of the Kilik’s, Vahliri had turned her attention to south - towards the wealthy, prosperous worlds of the Inner Rim. In the midst of the crisis, the Empire was in need of new allies to bolster their ranks - and Vahliri was committed to bringing them into the fold. In this task, there was no margin for error.

As hours of travel came to an end, the Atropus finally burst out of Hyperspace - dropping into the Ailon system. The Upsilon-class shuttle was accompanied by small fleet of Imperial warships moving in close formation. Home to the Ailon Nova Guard, Vahliri had specifically targeted the fortified planet for its martial traditions and elite fighters - understanding full-well the value of bringing the warrior class under the Empire’s banner. It had taken no small amount of dialogue to finally establish a meeting with the Grand Marshall of Ailon, and it was not an opportunity that the half-Annfyn intended to squander.

An invitation had customarily been extended to neighboring governments - allowing an opportunity for others to make this case against the Empire.

“My Lady,” The voice of Vahliri’s pilot echoed through the cabin, drawing the half-Annfyn’s attention from her thoughts and back to reality. “We are approaching the surface.”

“Good,” She said with a nod, rising from her seat. “We will not keep our host waiting.” Despite the diplomatic nature of her visit, the half-Annfyn was adorned in her signature red-and-black Sith robes - armored and armed with two lightsabers on her belt and Crystal Vambrace. The people of Ailon were warriors of legendary renown - men and women who respected martial prowess and strength above all - and it was as a warrior that Vahliri came to address them now. Not some pompous Diplomat.

It didn’t take long for her shuttle to reach the designated landing platform - and Vahliri quickly emerged down the durasteel ramp that extended to meet the ground. With both hands tucked against the small of her back, the half-Annfyn began to make her way towards the colossal amphitheater ahead - thousands already gathered to spectate the negotiations.

Spoiler: OOC note - PLEASE READ

Diplomatic Open Thread. Open to 1-2 opposition. 48hr posting deadline.

@Logan

 

[Tazlen Axil]

Tazlen didn’t know too many groups in the galaxy that could go toe to toe against the Mandalorians. The Ailon guard was legendary across the galaxy for their combat prowess. While the planet had been entangled with the Sith in the past, the Jedi had sought out a meeting with the Grand Marshall. Unfortunately Tazlen was already at a disadvantage: 1) The Ailon had worked with Palpatine over a century ago and 2) They used to be slightly more humanocentric and Tazlen was a mixed humanoid. Nevertheless, he was a humanoid that had natural abilities that gave him a slight edge which he hoped would overcome the xenophobia.

After mouthing off to Councilors, Tazlen had been assigned more missions than ever to contribute to the Order. He had also stupidly signed up to change the image of the Resistance shortly before Renji and his crew mucked everything up. The half Firrerreo was dressed in a form fitting Jedi tunic, sabers clipped on his belt. He made no great show of being a warrior or pretending to relate himself to the Ailon. He knew he was outclassed by soldiers trained practically from birth. He had done his research, but he would have to adapt to the situation as the dialogue progressed.

His shuttle landed - it was just him and a droid. There was no fanfare for his arrival, his entrance humble as was common for Jedi. Tazlen walked down the ramp and towards the meeting chambers, but he stopped in his tracks when he saw her.

Seriously?

His ears visibly twitched just a bit, and it took extreme self control to not have them flat against his head. Tazlen gave Vahliri one of those smiles and nodded his head before turning to face forward. He waited for himself and Vahliri to be led towards the Marshall.

@Altaris @Logan

 

[The Storyteller]

While their numbers had waned heavily from their peak during the time of the Galactic Empire, the Ailon Nova Guard still numbered in the hundreds of millions and their reputation was very well earned. The Mandalorians may have been a more household name, but they had been a shadow of themselves for decades. The ANG had only grown stronger.

It wouldn't take long after Tazlen had arrived and joined with Vahliri that both would be met by a pair of ANG soldiers. It would be clear that they were wearing armor that was more ceremonial in nature as well as holding ornate polearms. From their hips hung Ailonian eklots - swords coated in fast acting neurotoxin that were famously only wielded by the ANG.

The High Marshall is prepared to see you. One of the soldiers said, his tone even and formal. Please follow us.

The two soldiers would lead Vahliri and Tazlen into the amphitheater in silence. Their footsteps moved in perfect tandem, not even a half seconds difference between them. A result of years of strict training and military life.

After a few minutes walk, the soldiers would stop moving and motion for the two to pass them by. Beyond their escorts, T&V would see the amphitheater proper, their eyes drawn to the rows and rows of seats that seemed to go all the way to the ceiling. In each one was an ANG soldier, though there was none of the accompanying fanfare one would expect from such a place. Only the quiet whisperings and peering eyes of judgement.

In the middle of the staging area stood a stern faced woman standing behind a large mahogany table. Her armor was shiny and gold, adorned with numerous awards and designations of her accomplishments and stature in the ANG.

As Tazlen and Vahliri made their approach, the High Marshall would peer at them with skepticism. It had been some time since the ANG had offered its true allegiance to anyone and there was a good reason for that.

Welcome, delegates. I am High Marshall Zeygan. Zeygan's voice was raspy and weathered, evidence of a hard woman who'd lived a hard life. Tell me, why did you request this summit?

@Altaris @Sreeya

 

[Darth Tempest]

As Vahliri closer in on the grand amphitheater, Vahliri couldn’t help but marvel at the militant presto age of the capital city. The promenade she walked was decorated with statues of ancient, renown warriors - scenes of battle and Nova Guard wrought in gold that glittered against the evening sun. It was a reminder of the history and traditions that steeped Ailon, and what the Empire stood to gain if they would be swayed to their side. It had the potential to be the half-Annfyn’s greatest contribution to the Empire - and she felt confident approaching the meeting place. Even if she wasn’t a storied diplomat, she had a plan and case to make that she herself believed in, and hoped the Grand Marshall would as well.

She walked with a gait that oozed confidence and with her head held high - up until the exact moment she saw the Jedi sent to deliberate against her. The half-Annfyn had go do a double take upon seeing Tazlen - fluted ears immediately flattening in response. Seriously? Of the countless thousands of planets and star systems, Vahliri had been cursed to encounter Tazlen on two of them prior to this point - and wasn’t the least bit pleased to see him a third time. Of all the things she had prepared for, Tazlen appearing like a gopher every time she looked over her shoulder simply hadn’t been accounted.

Never particularly good at hiding her emotions, Vahliri flashed Tazlen a smile and nod that didn’t mask her irritation whatsoever - expression dropping into deadpan the moment she glanced back ahead. Maybe if she didn’t look at Tazlen, she could momentarily pretend he simply wasn’t there. Up until the debates started, of course. Fortunately Vahliri had entirely too much experience bickering with his ass.

Luckily, they didn’t have to wait very long. Members of the ANG promptly led them into the amphitheater - filled to the brim with members of the Nova Guard, silence and judgmental as they peered down upon them. Vahliri didn’t pay their gaze any mind - striding ahead until she reached the staging area where the Grand Marshall was sitting. She immediately greeted the stern-faced woman with a dip of her head - opting to stand until indicated to do otherwise.

“Grand Marshall,” She began, “Thank you for agreeing to this summit.” It had been a generation since the Ailon had sworn allegiance to anyone but themselves - and Vahliri wasn’t blind to the weight of the summit she constituted. “I have requested this summit, to propose an alliance between the Sith Empire and the people of Ailon. Over a century ago, Ailon aligned itself with the Galactic Empire and fought together for a common cause - and with the emergence of the Kilik’s a threat to us all, I would hope to rekindle such a partnership - to the benefit of both our peoples.” She didn’t quite begin to make her case - allowing for Tazlen to respond and the Grand Marshall to reaction before beginning actual debate.

@Sreeya @Logan

 

[Tazlen Axil]

Tazlen allowed Vahliri to make her initial pitch before he turned to face the Marshall.

“Greetings, High Marshall Zeygan,” Tazlen began, emphasizing the correct title of the diplomat as she introduced herself, “I’m Tazlen Axil. I am here to represent the Jedi Order and hopefully explore opportunities of a partnership that benefits us both,” He was calm and poised, his face not betraying anything other than genuine interest in what he said, “While it is true we have not allied in the past, I hope to highlight some topics that will ideally lead us to a mutual understanding.”

Tazlen paused there briefly before he continued, “However, instead of leading with the benefits of an alliance, I would like to understand you and the state of Ailon,” He explained, “Why has the Nova Guard largely withdrawn from any political play or any role in the wars so far? What is your take on the Killik situation? Or the wars between the Jedi and the Sith?” Tazlen wasn’t the type to come make a pitch without uncovering a need first. He wouldn’t bother with this if he genuinely had nothing to offer a planet that remained happily neutral thus far.

@Logan @Altaris

 

[The Storyteller]

The High Marshall remained quiet as the two delegates began their spiels. While generally a stony faced woman of little outward expression, Zeygan couldn't help but raise a very questioning eyebrow at Vahliri's.. selective memory when it came to the relationship between the ANG and Palpatine's Empire.

Zeygan also found the Jedi's questions curious, and appreciated somewhat the unconventional approach to the negotiations. Zeygan was much more accustomed to the very straight forward way that Vahliri spoke, as it was common in her own people as well. Though, sometimes it lacked nuance. Zeygan liked nuance. Plus, the Jedi had already won a few points by using her correct honorific, something that the Ailonians took quite seriously.

You and I have very different recollections about the relationship between the old Empire and the ANG, miss Kahtal. Zeygan said, eyeing Vahliri intently. There was a rough edge to her voice, a mix of annoyance and accusation. They used us as cannon fodder, sending us into the frontlines just to gauge enemy tactics and encampments. The Sith did not care how many of us were slaughtered. Why should we trust you now?

Turning her attention to Tazlen, Zeygan pondered his questions for a few moments as she took a pack of cigarettes out of her pocket and plopped on into her mouth, lighting it with a small flip lighter.

In the past, the ANG has offered its allegiance to any and all who appealed to our societal ideals. She said, a solemn look in her eyes. Because of this, my people have often been taken advantage of. Used for the scheming and machinations of others. Similar to the Mandalorians, unfortunately. But unlike them, the Ailonians pulled inward and became more isolated. If for nothing else, to preserve our culture.

Zeygan paused again, taking a long drag from her smoke before smashing the butt in a small ashtray on the table. Smoke billowed from her nose as she eyed Vahliri and Tazlen.

The emergence of the Killik threat has done enough to change my view on this isolationism. We might be able to protect our own world, but what use is that if every other world is overrun by those bug-eyed fucks. Zeygan's eyes narrowed in seriousness before she spoke next. But I will not let my people be exploited again. The ANG is one of the best and most equipped fighting forces in the entire galaxy, but that means nothing if we are wielded by someone with no plan. Tell me, what are the Jedi's and the Sith's plans for dealing with the Killik?

@Altaris @Sreeya

 

[Tazlen Axil]

Tazlen listened calmly as the High Marshall spoke. Despite the subtle digs at the Sith, the Jedi didn’t gloat or display any smugness on his face. He let the Marshall speak to the prior alliances with the Sith, a talking point he intended to bring up if she hadn’t. As the question turned on them, the Jedi nodded.

“We have partnered with various companies and efforts like the Star Guardians to first learn exactly how the Killik operate to begin with,” Tazlen explained, “The Jedi have engaged the Killik on Thyferra, Corellia and even on Korriban. At this point we have ideas on how to defeat them, but we need the aid of a trained and efficient military force to truly push them back. The Jedi also have healers at their disposal that would be able to offer your people assistance.”

The half Firrerreo paused for a moment before he continued, “But more than anything, we offer you the chance to fight against the bigger threats in the galaxy. The Guard always prided itself in being the few and the proud. You have the likes of making the Mandalorians tremble,” He glanced over at Vahliri, “The Sith are the biggest and mightiest forces in the galaxy right now. No one can deny that. Is it like ANG to join the bloated, winning side or is it more like them to take up the challenge of facing down a true challenge? To uphold the pride and honor your people have had for centuries in being able to stand against any enemy without fear. Against overwhelming odds.”

Tazlen thought over his words, “We do not offer an alliance as a means of having you do our bidding. You will do this by choice and you will join us as equals if you do. You will only join us if you believe in our cause, not because we would like meatshields for the warfront. Jedi will fight and bleed alongside you just the same. That is the kind of alliance I propose, not one where you will be subjugated or bossed around by a single dictator or regime.”

@Altaris @Logan

 

[Darth Tempest]

Vahliri was silent for several moments, allowing both the High Marshall and Tazlen to say their piece before interjecting her own voice into the mix. Her hands knitted together neatly against the small of her back, posture poised and rigid as arguments were made. She didn’t miss the pointed question from the ANG leader, nor the potshots that Tazlen proceeded to take towards the Empire. If he wanted to immediately turn their discussion into a sparing match, Vahliri had no qualms with obliging him - but opted to address both of the High Marshall’s questions before firing off with pointed remarks of her own.

She exhaled softly before stepping forward ever-so-slightly, finally breaking her silence. “Because despite our shared history, the Sith Empire of today - despite what some would claim - bears little resemblance to the Galactic Empire of a century-passed. Just as we bear little resemblance to the Sith Eternal most recently. The Empire of today does not subscribe to the same brutal, totalitarian tactics of Palpatine’s regime.

“Nor do we tolerate the humanocentric ideals that plagued the Galactic Empire - the very same policies that saw your people turned to cannon-fodder.”

Vahliri allowed her gaze to flick over to Tazlen for a long moment before settling back onto the High Marshall. “Like you, the Empire believes that the Kilik Swarm is a far more pressing threat. Far more pressing than the current Imperial-Jedi conflict,” She glanced at Tazlen. While the Jedi offered a chance to fight ‘bigger threats’, Vahliri keenly noted that the High Marshall had only strayed from isolationism for the insectoid menace alone. “There is no bargaining with them, no peace treaties, no ceasefire. And it is for precisely this reason that we have dedicated considerable resources to their destruction - not least of all the our research and development departments, which have only just had their first breakthroughs with a cure.” Her gaze returned to the High Marshall. “While still in development, these breakthroughs represent the most advanced solution to the Kilik threat thus far. Aligned with the Empire, the ANG would have priority access to such resources to protect your people both at home and abroad.

Only then did she turn to address Tazlen’s comments. “As Knight Axil has brought up the current Imperial-Jedi conflict, however, allow me to address his points.” She folded her arms over her chest, allowing her gaze to linger on the Jedi even as she spoke to the High Marshall. “Allow me to speak plainly, High Marshall. I do not come here offering you flowered words or attempts to appeal to ANG pride. Your people know their worth - you know you are the finest in the Galaxy.”

“Sweet as they might sound from Knight Axil, they are nothing but flattery in a vain attempt to gloss over the glaring flaws of any alliance with the Jedi Order.” She began to pace the dias, speaking as she walked. “Knight Axil claims that you would stand as equals in this alliance - but that isn’t particularly true, is it? How could it be, when the Jedi’s own numbers have dwindled into the thousands, while your own - rested and well-trained - number in the millions? How could it be true, when they’re greatest ‘asset’ is an ties to an Extremist Resistance - one whom has no centralized leadership itself and whom the Jedi have no functional control over.

“How could it be true, when their partnership with the Free World’s Alliance is, at its very best, tepid.” Her gaze flicked harshly onto Tazlen. “The government who has arguably been your greatest supporter. Half of whose members despise you, while the other half are too decentralized and financially strapped to adequately support you.”

“Allow me to be blunt.” Her gaze promptly flicked back to the High Marshall. “An alliance with the Jedi would turn your people into exactly what they were under the Galactic Empire; cannonfodder. The ANG would form the bulk of their fighting force. You would be their shieldwall, their spears in the sand, their men dying on the front lines. And for every hundred ANG soldiers, perhaps a single Jedi might join them in death.”

“An alliance with the Jedi, High Marshall, is nothing more than a thinly-veiled attempt at using your people to fight a war that the Jedi are losing. On Eriadu. On Dantooine. On Felucia. On New Alderaan. Losing.” She shook her head.

“If you wish for an alliance amongst equals? There is no better choice than the Empire.”

 

[The Storyteller]

Zeygan was actually somewhat surprised that both Tazlen and Vahliri made coherent points. She was also hard pressed not to smirk when the two traded barely concealed barbs at each other, though Zeygan did appreciate it. Being prim and proper wasn't really the ANG way. She liked it when people bucked traditions and showed tenacity.

However, Zeygan couldn't help but take umbrage with a few of the Sith delegate's assertions. Or rather, their implications.

You speak of your cure as if only those under the Empire's banner would receive its benefit. There was a judgmental tone in Zeygan's voice as she spoke. You don't seem so different than Palpatine's Empire to me.

Zeygan paused for a moment as if she were gathering her thoughts, considering exactly what her next words might be.

Eriadu, Dantooine, Felucia, and New Alderaan? Zeygan repeated, raising an eyebrow and casting Vahliri a curious expression. You talk of Sith worlds and canon fodder. Are you implying the Empire would simply roll us over, that any alliance not with you is a death wish for us? Are you, Zeygan couldn't help but chuckle, her lips splitting into confident smirk. Are you threatening us, Miss Kahtal?

Murmurs would echo through the spectators in the amphitheater following Zeygan's accusation. The sound of hundreds shuffling in their seats, leaning forward, desperately wanting a better view.

Your Empire may be less racist than it was in the past, but it seems you still hold the same unwarranted arrogance. An arrogance that has before left those you see as beneath you crushed under fascist bootheels.

Turning to Tazlen, Zeygan eyed him with some skepticism. She lit another cigarette and took several long drags from it before stamping it out in the ashtray in mild annoyance.

As for you, Jedi - you only mention ideas on how to defeat the Killik menace. Are you being unintentionally obtuse, or what kind of ideas do you actually have to aid the galaxy in this? Zeygan shrugged her shoulders and let out a sigh. Or are you too only concerned with helping those that ally beside you, and hope to use my people as a meatbat to fuel your religious war when the Killiks have been dealt with?

@Altaris @Sreeya

 

[Tazlen Axil]

Tazlen’s eyebrows rose as Vahliri spoke and for a moment he couldn’t help but turn to look at her. He was no formal diplomat that could keep a poker face throughout discourse he didn’t agree with. The shock was clear on his face.

“Why…why would there be priority access to a cure?” He blurted out before he could stop himself, “That’s a dangerous thought and ethically wrong on so many levels. When MorataCorp found the vaccine for AMS, it was globally offered to everyone in need. Why would a Killik cure not be based on need instead of the banner a nation flies? You’re further proving that the galaxy shouldn’t put any stock into the Sith efforts towards a cure because they will be gatekeeping.”

He turned to regard the High Marshall, clearing his throat, “I apologize for my… distraction,” His face was tinged slightly red from embarrassment, but it was clear he was genuinely concerned about Vahliri’s comments. He would have to relay this back to the Jedi and perhaps the other governments.

“Ms. Kahtal is correct,” Tazlen nodded, “The Jedi have been losing. I would like to thank her for supporting my points that the Sith are the greater enemy and the greater force. Which is exactly why they are not in need of any kind of assistance. You would be yet another winning notch on their belt. The ANG fight for cause and honor, or at least they had in the past," Tazlen didn't shy back from challenging the Marshall herself, "Upholding those principles is why you would align with the Jedi. If the ANG would like to join the winning side to be sent to burn down civilians and further the personal agendas of Sith, then yes, they should join the Empire. The Jedi will not give you such opportunities. The Jedi are not the winning side. We lose most of our battles. We are objectively the weaker force. With us, you would be defending worlds well outside of our banners and fight for those that cannot. With us, you would be needed. Not wanted. When was the last time your soldiers felt a true call of duty?”

He smiled sadly at the High Marshall’s question, “Things would be far easier for us if we only aided those we are allied with, High Marshall. However, we go to any and all in need. That is why we fought alongside Sith and set aside our differences to combat the Killik on Thyferra - in space where the Jedi are not trusted. It is why we would assist planets where the leaders despise us. Even if you do not ally with us today, you will still be able to call upon the Jedi to come to your aid because those are the principles we strive to uphold. Principles, honor and devotion to everyone that needs it.”

Tazlen tackled the Killik point last, “The reality is that we do not know enough about the Killik to effectively eliminate them. We have ways to physically deal heavier blows and target certain anatomies based on fighting them, but there is no true and established weapon. And after hearing Ms. Kahtal’s implications of cures being gatekept, a point I’m sure she will backpedal on immediately, I fear we know even less. Which is why it’s imperative that we go on the offense and prevent Killik from gaining a foothold to begin with. That means we go where the problem is, not just where it is most beneficial for the Empire,” Tazlen looked at Vahliri for a moment before turning to regard the Marshall again.

@Altaris @Logan

 

[Darth Tempest]

Although she said nothing initially, Vahliri couldn’t help the way her fluted ears flicked and flattened when both the High Marshall and Tazlen spoke - calling into question her claim that those affiliated with the Empire would be prioritized. She was silent only long enough for both to make their points, gaze briefly flicking over to the Jedi to observe his outrage and shock. She exhaled sharply through her nostrils, amber eyes promptly flicking back onto the High Marshall, “The Empire had no intention of blocking access to any cure that is developed within our borders,” Vahliri stated flatly, her hands remaining knitted together at the small of her back. “And it is for that reason that we have made every effort to collaborate with others in its development. But the resources and manufacturing capacities of the Empire are not infinite,” She glanced between Tazlen and the High Marshall, “Initial production of any cure would, naturally, prioritize our own innocent citizens and planets, alongside our allies, before branching out. That is hardly unreasonable. Third party pharmacies and medical distributors would have full access to produce their own supply.”

Her gaze flicked to Tazlen just then, “Of course, cooperation in development of a cure was the very purpose of the ceasefire between the Jedi and Empire.” Her eyes narrowed, “A ceasefire which the Jedi and its resistance allies broke, at the soonest convenience. Why should the Empire trust you through this process whatsoever? What reason do we have to believe that any attempt to work together in the development of a cure, or distrubtion to enemy planets, would not simply be used as an opportunity to stage another attack against us?”

Vahliri allowed her attention to settle back onto the High Marshall, arching a brow ever-so-slightly. The half-Annfyn leaned forward ever-so-slightly, her gaze unwaveringly fixed onto the woman before her. “Anyone who aligns themselves with the Jedi Order thus declares themselves an enemy of the Empire. That is not a threat, High Marshall. It is reality.” Her gaze briefly flicked over to Tazlen. “I demonstrate that the Jedi Order and its subservients boast an absolutely dismal record of military success,” Her gaze returned to the High Marshall, “And I imply that the ANG would become nothing more than foot soldiers in their crusade.”

“If the proud members of the ANG wish to devote themselves to lesser warriors incapable of fighting their own battles, then by all means.” She said flatly.

“For the second time,” Vahliri began with a small sigh, “Knight Axil has taken the opportunity to grace us with his anti-Imperial rhetoric, attempting to paint the Sith as enemies of the Galaxy. And yet we have managed to maintain peaceful relations with the Consortium and Republic for years. A great wonder why that is.” She shook her head. “Knight Axil makes hollow appeals to your warrior’s sense of honor, in an attempt to mask the simple reality that.. He had nothing of tangible value to offer you. And his presence at this summit is little more than a call for charitable aid in a conflict that has yet to effect a single one of your civilians.” She tilted her head a bit. “How is that any different to the way the ANG have been used in the past?”

She turned to flash Tazlen a humorless smile. “You speak a great deal of honor and principles, Jedi. Tell me, was it for ‘cause and honor’ that the Jedi and its FWA allies bombed the Academy on Dromund Kaas - filled with countless Imperial students? Was it for ‘cause and honor’ those same terrorists employed Thermal weaponry to hide the real number of children casualties?” Her words dripped venom a bit more pronounced than before, and while it was a minor shift, it was plain this particular topic struck a cord with Vahliri. “Or, perhaps, was it honor that led the Resistance to attack the Empire - violating the ceasefire - using the Kiliks as a distraction?”

Her gaze flicked to the High Marshall. “You may disagree with Imperial methods, but we are not hypocrites. The Jedi will preach false piety and principles here, High Marshall, and yet habitually fail to live up those principles in practice.” She straightened a bit. “Is that the sort of alliance you can rely upon?” Her gaze flicked to the soldiers all around them. "Is that the sort of ally any of you can trust?"

Vahliri exhaled once more. “Unlike the Jedi Order, I did not come here to use the ANG as a weapon in our religious conflict. Clearly Knight Axil did.” She shrugged ever-so-slighty. “But the Kilik Swarm is a threat to us all. We will not defeat them if we remain isolated - and it is for precisely that reason the ANG should ally with the Empire.” She said. “When - and only when - the Kilik Swarm is defeated, we may discuss further terms of the alliance, both martial and economic.”

@Logan @Sreeya

 

[Tazlen Axil]

Tazlen’s baffled expression only deepened as Vahliri actually doubled down on her position that initial cures should exclusively be for Imperials and allies. It was the clear opposite of how the AMS cure worked. Instead of countering that point, he simply glanced back at the High Marshall with his look of disbelief. Vahliri was spectacularly shooting herself and the Sith in the foot with that stance and she didn’t need Tazlen’s help in adding fuel to that dumpster fire.

“The galaxy shouldn’t trust us in the process,” Tazlen interjected, “Which is why the Jedi aren’t pretending to be the best scientific minds in the galaxy to come up with a cure. We’d rather leave it to the experts instead of what the Sith have done… putting that, quite frankly eerie, Sith on Holo that claims to be a scientist. Is he also an accountant in his spare time when he’s not killing civilians?” The Jedi couldn’t help but scoff at the absurdity of it, “No, ideally the cure would be developed by a neutral party that has raw data to work with and without any sort of political influence.”

Tazlen sighed at Vahliri’s point about a ceasefire, “Ms. Kahtal - if attempting to stop a civilian genocide from happening once local authorities failed is considered a breach, then so be it. We have breached. And we will stand by it. If I see you attempting to murder the High Marshall right here, you bet I will step in and cross blades with you to protect her even at the cost of a breach. I implore you to consult with your conscience now and then, clearly you haven’t been on speaking terms for a while.”

He glanced at the High Marshall and then looked at Vahliri, “I’m thrilled you brought up Dromund Kaas. There has been something that’s been on my mind and I’m sure the High Marshall is wondering the same - since supposedly countless children were wiped out, where are the voices of their parents? When Kashyyyk happened, we saw an outcry from the locals and heard the anguished voices of those that survived. Why is it that no parents of these supposed students or their family members ever vocalized their grief? Why did none of these civilians ever demand justice? Why were the pictures of these lost students never flashed to help the galaxy honor their memory? This topic seems to only come up when there is a need for a red herring, never in terms of grieving those poor lost lives or any vigils. Either the Sith recruit strictly orphans and forcefully indoctrinate them to fight their wars or….” Tazlen simply smiled at Vahliri then, not needing to finish the point.

He looked back at the High Marshall, “The Jedi are a small group. While we can offer you trade and economical benefits with our allies, I believe you are beyond capable of sustaining your planet just fine without needing to be governed by an outside force. The reality is, the Jedi would help you and protect your people if they need it regardless of whether or not you agree to this. We do not bargain with our basic support and virtues - they are offered freely to anyone in need.”

@Altaris @Logan

 

[Darth Tempest]

[size=65%]Vahliri had to fight the extreme urge to roll her eyes when Tazlen criticized the Sith on their cure research. The worst part was that she actually agreed with his view of Sol on an entirely personal level, and wasn’t the least bit happy she had to glaze over that due to playing a more diplomatic role. She arched a brow when Tazlen mentioned breaking the ceasefire, blinking a few times at the answer he gave.

“If the Jedi solely broke the ceasefire to - as you have dramatized - prevent a genocide, then why did the Jedi and Resistance stage follow-up attacks on Imperial facilities on Dantooine shortly thereafter? Was there genocide occurring aboard our Star Destroyers I am unaware of?” Her eyes narrowed ever-so-slightly. “The reality is that the Jedi and their allies use military invasion of a neutral system as a pretext to violate the ceasefire, and have since launched follow-up assaults into Imperial Territory. To which the Empire has responded with no large-scale escalation since. Why?” Her gaze flicked towards the High Marshall. “Because the Empire has, up unto this point, been actually committed to addressing the Kilik threat as a priority. Unlike our Jedi counterparts, who will use every distraction and crisis to their advantage.”

“I can assure you, this would be no different should you align yourself with them.”

She expression darkened when Tazlen levied his accusation regarding Dromund Kaas. “I can assure you, Knight Axil, that vigils for both dear instructors and students were held in the aftermath of the academy’s destruction. The true death toll may never be known, if only due to the method in which the Academy was attacked.” She shook her head. The rest of the Galaxy had shown little interest in Dromund Kaas after its attack, and whatever the truth, the usage of Thermal Weaponry has ensured that the reality would always be a matter of contention. “Is your argument that grieving Imperial citizens need to publicize their grief, in order for it to be believed? When a heavily populated Academy was bombed in broad daylight?” She sighed. “Perhaps it is you who needs consult their conscience.”

The faintest hints of a smile brushes her features when Tazlen made his last statement. “Anyone?” She repeated. “Might I ask, then, where the Jedi were when Korriban was attacked? Your Order showed up in droves - as did the Sith - when Thyferra and Corellia were attacked, and were rewarded handsomely for it. Perhaps that was your intention all along,” She shrugged a bit. “But the same cannot be said for an Imperial World coming under siege - where a single, token Jedi made an appearance.”

Her gaze flicked back to the High Marshall. “I will give Knight Axil the benefit of the doubt, and assume he might live up to his promise. To fight and die in defense of any world that needs it. But the rest of his order? Will not lift a finger to aid any Imperial world, nor will they Ailon should it align with the Empire. Otherwise they would have done so in the past.”

“It would seem their virtues are not to freely given after all.”

 

[The Storyteller]

One of the primary traits that separated the High Marshall from her peers was her immense level of patience. It was because of that patience she was able to withstand the immense amount of nonsensical bullshit that came with a position like hers. Under most circumstances, Zeygan was damn near unflappable.

But everyone had their limits.

I think I have heard quite enough. She said sternly, her voice carrying a level of authority that even the two delegates before her would know to respect. This discussion has descended into little more than a microcosm of the ever running conflict between each of your organizations. As I've said before, none of that matters to me. Only dealing with the Killik threat.

Zeygan's gaze flicked between Tazlen and Vahliri, lingering on each of them for several long, tense moments. She took out another cigarette and lit it, biting the filter between her teeth in frustration and she inhaled damn near half of it in one go. Her stress and mild annoyance would be palpable.

Quite honestly, miss Kahtal, your comments regarding the supposed cure your people are working on and its priority status among those who serve you are quite alarming. You've done very little to dissuade me of that, despite the immense amount of words you've said. She paused again, stamping her cigarette out into the ashtray that at this point was nearly filled to the brim with half smoked butts. It seems to me you've resorted into whataboutism and straw grasping to make the Jedi look bad instead of actually providing reasons why the Sith should look good.

Zeygan let out a sigh and rubbed her eyes. She may have been the High Marshall, but petty politicking was never something she enjoyed. Several minutes of silence would pass before she would once again bring her gaze back to the delegates before her.

Knight Axil,. She said, finally, her tone stony and forward. Your comments about the ANG not being beholden to an Emperor or a regime have not left my mind. It is an important distinction between the both of you, and I don't think I can just ignore it.

She turned to look at Vahliri.

Champion Kahtal, you've done little to assuage my fears of falling into the same fate as my ancestors. Coupled with your other dubious comments, I'm afraid I simply cannot accept your alliance. The High Marshall would wave her hand, calling over the guards that had escorted the two delegates to meet her initially. You will be escorted back to your ship.

Once the guards had arrived and escorted Vahliri back to her ship, Zeygan would turn her attention back to Tazlen.

The ANG officially accepts your declaration of alliance, Knight Tazlen. My Guardsman are ready and willing to be deployed in whatever manner we are needed to dispatch this galaxy of the Killik menace. If you wish, you may consider this planet a safe haven for other Jedi and maintain a consulate here, but my authority over my people and my planet will always remain absolute. If you wish, we could also begin training what soldiers you do have. They will never be as good as the ANG, but we can get them close.

High Marshall Zeygan would extend her hand to shake Tazlen's, officially sealing their partnership, should he choose to reciprocate given her terms.

@Altaris @Sreeya