The Diathim's Decision

[Serie Fond]

Serie was not sure what to expect. Sure she had dealt with a myriad of beings in the past, but this was something she knew was unlike those she had encountered before. There were myths and legends told about angels and demons, but here she was proving they weren't just legends. Discovering something no one else had before. Well besides the exiles, but they had submitted already to the Sith, and as such, the Sith, not them, would write the history books. And she knew she would make sure those books said Serie Fond and Darth Evandus discovered and categorized Iego. If those books got written at all that was.

In the meantime, she needed to make sure that they did indeed become a part of the empire. So onstead of wearing her armor and having her many weapons adorn her waist, she dressed in a long flowing red dress, decorated with small snake like symbols from a tribe long lost to time and history. She stood along side Cregan, or Evandus rather, and awaited the matriarch of the angels to grace them with her presence.

Considering they had helped liberate them from slavery, she felt like they would have a bit of a bargaining chip in this endeavour. Beings of all different cultures and creed could understand having freedom and not having freedom, and they had been given freedom from the exiles and slavers, something she would make sure to note in their talks.

She shifted her weight to her right leg and leaned over just slightly to whisper to Evandus.

Well I hope she doesn't keep us waiting long. I don't know if I ever told you, maybe you've heard, but I'm not a patient person.

@Nefieslab @Plebometer

 

[Darth Evandrus]

Evandrus had dressed himself in his more ceremonial armour today, knowing that he was going to have to actually be presentable before someone of some kind of stature today. He wasn't entirely sure exactly how much the Diathim leader was going to resist the idea of becoming part of the Empire, if, indeed, she resisted the idea at all. For all he knew, she could be very much interested in the idea.

He would say she should be considering her people would be protected and allowed to go about their days in peace so long as they continued to trade some of the natural spice with the rest of the Empire. But that was trade - trade helped everyone involved. The other species here, the demons, were already subjugated by the Empire so it wasn't like they were going to be an issue to the 'Angels' these days.

All just proof that the Empire was the way to go.

Evandrus chuckled lightly at the mention that Serie wasn't patient.

"I hadn't heard." he joked lightly before adding, "I don't suppose it matters - they're almost here. I can sense them. Don't mention that they're late - it won't go over well."

With that, the angels were starting to arrive and Evandrus put on a bright smile for them.

Show time.

Spoiler: Ceremonial Armour

@Plebometer @anzat17

 

[The Storyteller]

What started as a light thumping sound soon grew closer as into a series of dull thuds, as a series of powerful beating wings drew closer from above. As the sound of flapping wings closed in on the two Sith a group of three winged figures came into an increasingly clear view, at the front was a dark haired figure visibly clad in black, flanked by two equally dark haired figures wearing an ornate set of gunmetal silver armor. After a brief over head circle of the two Sith the three figures dropped down and landed infront of Sith delegates, at the fore front a raven haired female figure clad wearing a black form fitting overcoat, form fitting black leggings and a pair of knee high healed boots. On her right arm was a simple red band baring the crest of the royal household, the other two angels were clad head to two in ornate armor plating, the two male angels towering over the slight feminine form of the one female.

Lowering the ceremonal vibroblade, so that the tip was pointed to the ground the female figure stepped forward as her dark eyes scanning over the two Sith delegates standing before her. A simple bow was cast to each figure in turn as the two male guards knelt down either side of the female. "Welcome to Iego My Lords" the female spoke as she stepped closer towards the two Sith. "I am Tal'sia Protector of the Royal Household and the peoples of Iego" the figure continued as she bowed once more towards the two Sith visitors to the Angel homeworld. "The elders are expecting you, if you would kindly follow" Tal'sia spoke as raised back to her full height, before gesturing to the side to allow the two Sith to proceed past their gathering point.

As the two Sith proceeded the winged female fell into pace two stepps behind and to the side of Evandrus and Serie. The two taller male guards falling into a position following at a rough distance of two meters behind the entourage as they followed the solitary path towards the large ornate temple that dominated the skyline of the capital city. "I trust your Journey has been pleasant?" Tal'sia inquired, after a brief moments silence, "If there are any arrangements or facilities you wish that would make your visit comfortable, please don't hesitate to ask"

 

[Serie Fond]

Serie wasn't entirely sure what she was expecting, but a literal angel wasn't exactly what she had thought of. Of course, in this galaxy, nothing really surprised her anymore. She nodded at the high judge at his suggestion about not mentioning the fact that they were just a bit late. She wouldn't say anything for the sake of making this a smooth transition, but it almost made her eye twitch suppressing the urge to.

She smiled pleasantly at the "angels" as they arrived and the female stepped forward to greet them. She bowed respectfully at the Sith and Serie returned the courtesy, albeit a little bit less enthusiastically, doing just enough to be considered passable.

Oh quite pleasant to be honest! Besides the slavers. Oh, and the brawling match I had with "demons".

She said, adding the air quotes with her fingers as she walked along side the woman and Evandus. She didnt say it with any sort attitude, but it was evident she wasnt exavtly on the mood for small talk. She was pretty happy to be meeting with the elders in short order. Between the exiles, the slavers, gunships, her having to fight a creature much larger and stronger than herself with armor plated skin, she was more than ready to get this whole thing settled.

She looked over at Evandus and did a quick smirk, thinking about how badass he had looked fighting the aforementioned demons. And also the favor she had asked him for in the fight with the slavers thereafter. It was hard for her to concentrate on the mission with her grandiose thoughts swirling through her head. Things were straying to finally all come together for her.

 

[Darth Evandrus]

Alright so the angels were a little bit difference to how he had imagined them but he was hardly going to make a big fuss now was he? He was also rather glad when Serie decided that she wasn't going to take it further and tell them that they had been waiting - that would have been incredibly unfortunate! He nodded his head to the first angel to actually speak to them,

"A pleasure, Tal'sia." he assured the young woman with some easy going charm and a light smile, "I hope that we aren't causing the elders any inconvenience."

He honestly didn't care if they were but it was one of his many talents - being able to sound entirely sincere when actually he really, really, didn't care at all. As they were walking up to meet the Elders, he shook his head,

"Aside from the besting the demons it has, indeed, been rather easy going." he admitted with a small smirk, "The slavers were... less of a challenge for the might of the Empire."

@Plebometer @anzat17

 

[The Storyteller]

"It is of no inconvenience my Lord, it is the Elder's sacred duty to handle matters of state on behalf of the Royal household" Tal'Sia responded with a light nod, as they continued through the capital city. A light sigh soon escaping her lips as the talk moved towards the Sith's encounter with the demons, the young angelic woman's head hanging low in contemplation of the words spoken to her. "The Maelibi are an unfortunate blight on the planet, more so than the slavers" Tal'sia spoke after a moment's contemplation. "For many a decade we have tried to prevent their burrows from encroaching on our Cities, but for every tunnel network we clear another two are formed" she continued to explain the hardships that her people had endured at the result of what was viewed as an infestation. Slavers on the other hand were still as much as a detriment to the planet's safety, but unlike the demons they were a visible threat and deemed the lesser of the evils the planet faced.

As the group approached the large black wooden doors of the temple, the guards standing either side of the doors swung the doors open before dropping to their knees as the procession passed. As the winged female lead the group into the great hall that was formed of a light ash toned marble, she bowed to each of the large white marble statues that encompassed a raised semi circular platform that stood at end of the hall. Each of the statues representing various angelic figures of varying builds and sexes. Sitting in the very center of the of the collected statues was an elderly man, upon a white marble throne.

Accelerating her pace so that she was ahead of the two Sith delegates, the young female knelt down as her broad white feathered wings opened out to their full span. "Grey Feather, I present to you the Lords of the Sith Empire" Tal'sia spoke whilst her body remained low against the floor. "They wish to seek our allegiance for their cause" she continued as she raised her head upwards to regard the venerable figure. "Very well my child, for what deeds to they stand before us?" the elder inquired through a tired raspy voice, conveying the age and frail nature of the elder. "They have helped stem the Maelibi plauge and removed the blight of the slavers that threaten our kin" the female spoke in response to the question raised by the elder.

Nodding in response to the answer, the aged male guestured for Tal'sia to raise. For what was panning out to be the formality of the proceedings, the broad white wings folded back into place and the raven haired angel stepped off to the side before beconing the two Sith to step closer. "Honored Sith Lords, You have assisted us with the blight of the Demons and Slavers alike" The elder addressed the two Sith as he leaned forward with a light groan. "On behalf of the people of Iego, you have our gratitude. On behalf of the Royal household, it is my duty to request the terms of your Empire's allegiance" the man continued his aged raspy voice carrying through the reverberating acoustics of the great hall.

 

[Serie Fond]

Serie was doing her best to humor those preasant with the conversation they were having. She smiled and nodded at them both as they spoke but for now she didn't really feel like talking. Especially considering how evandus was an acting council member. It would be rather unorthodox for her to speak up about their demands.

But that didn't mean she wasn't going to wait and watch for the opportunity to interject. She had something she wanted out of this afterall, and she wasn't going to let anything happen without her getting exactly what she wanted at the end of the day.

 

[Darth Evandrus]

And they were getting closer to the actual elders now.

But it was nice to see that the Angels and the Demons were just as opposed to each other as all the stories made out that they were. It did make the whole thing a lot easier now didn't it? He chuckled a little bit,

"Well they shall be a blight no longer." he assured their guide with a bright smile, "I beat the patriarch and Master Fond beat the matriarch - by their own savage customs we are their rulers and we are having them moved to other parts of the Empire. They will find their own place in the Galaxy and you shall have yours."

He didn't mention just yet that the demons were going to be used as shock troopers in the Imperial armed forces but, since they weren't Imperials yet, he supposed that didn't matter just yet. He followed into the chamber and just smiled at some of the assembled as they spoke.

What deeds?

That annoyed him but he didn't let it show - he was the Prince of a planet and a Sith Lord of the highest level. He didn't need to have 'done deeds' to speak to a primitive species that hadn't even managed to leave their own system. But he was controlled and he wasn't about to lose his cool.

"Esteemed Diathim... the Sith Empire is the single most powerful collective in the Galaxy as it stands together. Our fleets outgun the rest of the Galaxy, our warriors are without match and our leaders without equal. Our power is unrivalled and virtually unchallenged! And do you know what that means for our citizens?" he looked around at the Diathim before speaking to the elder, "Peace, prosperity, protection and progress. What we offer is much and what we ask for in return is small; Formally recognise that Iego and it's moons are a dominion of the Sith Empire, become Imperial citizens, recognise Empress Andraste as your overlord and engage in fair trade with the rest of the Empire."

Evandrus paused for a moment.

"And in return? Trade. Credits. Travel. Healthcare. Protection. Employment. Training to those who are Force sensitive." he spread his arms wide, "And you shall become part of the wider whole - you will be welcomed home."

@Plebometer @anzat17

 

[The Storyteller]

Silence fell over the hall of Elders, well elder and the statues of his predecessors. The silence was soon broken by the High Judge as he outlined the prospective terms of the Diathim's allegiance with the Sith Empire. The speech touched upon the weighted benefits of the planet's alliance with the Empire; the military might, the subsequent peace, security and prosperity. And all that was required was to recognise the planet and its Citizens become the denezins of the Imperial Empire.

Pursing his lips in thought, the elder titled as Grey Feather leaned back in his seat with a barely audiable groan. There was much to be gained from becoming part of the Empire, that could not be denied. However there were several aspects that he feared may be lost as a result. "My Sith Lord, whilst i cannot deny that the benefits of an allegiance with the Empire are vast and would allow the peoples of Iego to prosper once again" the elder spoke through a weezing and raspy voice. "We are a people of tradition that spans millennia" he continued before pausing momentarily in thought. "If you would indulge us, what would become the Sovereignty of the Royal Household? And the matters of state that the Elders before I have attended to since records began?" he added casting a brief fleeting glance towards Tal'Sia, who remained stoic and contemplative throughout the proceedings so far.

Whilst dealings with outsiders was rare for the Diathim, beyond local trade deals with neighboring planets and civilizations. There was a deeply rooted culture that had maintained a balance within the relatively reclusive planet. Whilst there was an appeal to align with the Sith Empire, there was an air of hesitance over the potential prospect of loosing their culture's tradition and social order.

 

[Serie Fond]

Serie knew her time to speak had arrived. While Evandus had buttered them up and given them probably all the incentive in the world to join the Empire, she just needed to finish addressing their concerns, and of course, make sure she managed to sneak what she secretly wanted into the deal as well.

To be brief, nothing. The sovereignty of your rule will remain as it has stood for millennia. You seem to have done extremely well ruling your planet as it is so far, and as the old saying goes, don't fix what isn't broken.

There is one thing I'd like to request however. As a show of good faith on your people's part, I think the Sith need someone to act on behalf of its interests. This person would mostly just be a figurehead however, a title holder and nothing more. Just as a start to build a relationship between our two civilizations of course.

She said smiling at the man, and then the woman who had spoken before. She paused for just a brief moment and cleared her throat before continuing.

Of course this person should already be familiar with your people. And of course Lord Evandus here is far too busy for such things, I suppose that leaves just me for now.

 

[Darth Evandrus]

Evandrus knew that the offer was weighted rather heavily in favour of joining the Empire but was it his fault that the Empire brought so many benefits? Well, partially, but he wasn't one for taking credit where it wasn't going to serve a purpose to do so. And he got the feeling that this elder really didn't care that Evandrus had done much to get it that way himself.

Ah.

Tradition.

The crutch of the weak and the enfeebled - those who wanted to cling to their past in the vein hope that they would once again reach the heights of their fabled ancestors. Pathetic in Evandrus' mind but something that many clung to. The actual question itself was actually, thankfully, something that was rather easy to answer openly and honestly.

And then Serie pushed for what she wanted.

Oh she was reaching wasn't she?

Evandrus chuckled a little bit as he shook his head slightly,

"Though Master Fond may wish for a title, an honorary one at best I assure you, the reality is that the existing government handles it's own internal affairs however it likes." he assured them, "This has been the same for Lothal and Mandalore and it shall be the same for anyone else who elects to join the Empire as well."

@Plebometer @anzat17

 

[The Storyteller]

Nodding in understanding to each of the Sith Lord's words, Grey Feather brought a frail hand up towards his chin in thought, as he weighted over the proposition. The Diathim would have a powerful ally, one that lend them the strength and security that their civilization would need. Whilst allowing for the younger generations to perhaps reach further than any of their kin had achieved in centuries, without loosing their heritage and culture. All it required it seemed, was to allow for the Empire to Seat the female Sith Master as a representative in the governance of the planet.

With a wisping sigh, the greyed male pursed his lips in thought for a moment before speaking. "The Elders would not raise any objections to the proposition" Grey feather spoke, as he raised his gaze towards the two Sith delegates. "Though the allegience would need to be consented by our queen" continued before slowly turning his attention to the raven haired Angel. "Queen Tal'sia, what is your view?" he added as his focus settled solely on the winged female.

Raising her gaze, as she broke out of her own contemplation, the winged female pursed her lips for a moment as her fingers slowly ran along the length of her vibro sword's hilt. Her dark eyes shifting over towards the Elder for a moment before nodding and turning her attention towards the two Sith. "As the protector of the Royal Household and the peoples of Iego, I accept the terms of the allegiance with the Sith Empire" Tal'sia spoke as she stepped forward so that she was standing between the Sith and the aged elder. "I would grant Master Fond, the title of Office of Council to the Sith Empire and make arrangements for a Bastion to be provided to serve as the Empire's Embassy"

 

[Serie Fond]

Serie blinked hard. Then harder. She couldn't believe what she was actually hearing. Office of council? What would that even be? Not that it mattered though, she didn't want anything less than what she wanted specifically. She seethed and her breathing became much more audible.

A whole new future opened up to her in that moment. One where her name wasn't in any history books. Evandus just by being preasant would receive the credit for this. Despite her being there, she wouldn't so much as be mentioned. The title was as insignificant as one she could think of. No one would even honor it most likely, she had nothing. Everything she had done, every single perilous thing she had put herself through had only gone to make others even more famous than they already were. How exciting was that? Not very, in her opinion.

Great.

She barely even managed to push the words past her gritted teeth. If nothing else, it only showed her how quick Evandus was to make sure she wouldn't get any credit for her part in the whole grand adventure. All she had managed to get out of the whole thing was a fake title and fake friends. She hated it. She deserved better than this. Especially after she had gone so far as to help free these people from captivity, she at least thought, there would be some gratitude for her there.

She turned on her heels and started to leave, as another thought blossomed in her mind.

She had freed slaves. Done something good for someone else, and all she could think about was titles and recognition. She had never cared about any of those things before, but here she was, seething with rage at the thought of being ignored again despite everything she had done. None of it was right. She couldn't wait to get off the planet and away from everyone. What she wanted more than anything, right now, was to just get away from everything and everyone.