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Cipher Six

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The Dram Line. Six had to smirk at that. Max Dram was becoming quite a popular name within the Imperial ranks. She told herself she would take a long break after her last deployment, but she couldn’t resist. She didn’t know what it meant to relax and she found herself signed up for the next operation. Six volunteered for this one specifically because of her work in securing a shipyard for the Empire prior. Ava Durst was the cover she used then, and she would use it again.

Six walked down the ramp of her ship, pausing to smoke a cigarra as she waited for Eight. She hadn’t seen him since they last worked together months ago. This mission was almost strictly diplomatic in nature and they would have to play their cards right. The Verpine were attractive to practically everyone in the galaxy for their engineering skills. Now that the New Republic and the Alliance collapsed, many neutral worlds were trying to get in good with Roche.

While Six could speak to the success on Anaxes, she truthfully didn’t understand much about Verpine or how they operated. That was where Eight would come in. With their shared skills, she had full confidence in getting the job done. And she certainly didn’t mind seeing the cute cipher again.

@Altaris
 

Cipher Eight

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It didn’t take long for Eight to find himself another Imperial assignment - clandestine and far from home. Since the moment he graduated from the academy, the Cipher had practically lived for his career, bouncing from one mission to the next. Perhaps it was his belief in serving the Empire, or maybe just the thrill that came with every new identity. While he’d started to rack up some serious PTO.. Most of his relaxing and pleasurable moments take on the job, more often than not.

The assignment to Roche - all part of the “Dram Line” was something that Eight had studied for extensively. There was no mistaking his important a Verpine Alliance could be for the Empire, bringing one of the most skilled shipwrights and engineers into the Imperial fold. Everything from Verpine culture, language and social norms had been drilled into the Cipher for weeks prior. The nature of their assignment was diplomatic, and he needed to be prepared for how to maneuver the negotiations.

The news that he would be working with Six? Well that certainly brought a hint of a smile to his lips. In truth, Eight couldn’t help the way she had lingered in his mind those past few months, though he hadn’t the slightest idea what she’d been doing or if she was alive until his final mission briefing revealed a partner. Of course, Eight kept his own internal thoughts - and the fact she was a frequent topic - squarely to himself.

It didn’t take long for Eight to begin approaching the fellow Cipher. His identity was that of a certain ‘Damien Silco’, and had naturally dressed up for the occasion. He sported a crisp black suit with matching tie, tailored and fitted perfectly to his athletic physique. His light brown hair was styled and combed into place, while the scent of woodsy cologne hung from his collar.

“Ms. Durst,” He said with a smile, extending a hand towards her own. “It is good to see you again,” Whatever role they were playing, whoever was listening, that bit was genuine.

The city around them was a marvel to behold. While the asteroids looked like exactly that from the outside, the Verpine had carved a civilization out from within. Natural tunnels were sealed in most places and installed with hanger bays elsewhere. Artificial environments and gravity were established, and allowed for their subterranean society to flourish without ever leaving the infrastructure they’d established.
 

Cipher Six

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“You too, Mr. Silco,” She said with a smile. He always looked sharp in a suit and like the quintessential spy from the Holomovies. Then again, she likely reflected the same herself, “Did you dress up for the job, or because you knew I’d be here?” She asked with a wink, her inflection playful. Six didn't think Verpine were the type to care about formal attire. She knew Eight was damn good at his job, which made it all the easier to relax around him. Six didn’t have to spoonfeed him.

She walked with him to their destination, genuinely impressed by the engineering she saw. There were several prototypes of ships lining various hangar bays that looked far more sleek than anything she had seen before, “We’re meeting with Xos, the director at an R&D lab. These directors hold the most power on this asteroid instead of any political figure. Not only does Xos design incredible ships, but also weapons,” If they could secure this deal and also set up a new weapons trade, it’d be a massive influx of credits.

“I have an approach based off my work on Anaxes, but do you know what else might resonate with them? I hardly know anything about their society,” Six was normally more prepared than this, but truthfully she barely came back from a mission before being thrown into this one.

@Altaris
 

Cipher Eight

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Eight didn’t even attempt to hide that he was pleased to see her. It had been months since their successful mission on Ciutric, and the Agent looked just as stunning as she did the first time they met. She was intelligent and cunning like few others he’d encountered, and it made working with her seamless. His own recent encounters with a certain Imperial Knight were a reminder how poorly his assignment partner could affect the mission.

“Depends,” He said smoothly, staring back at her with a grin. “You a fan of the tie?” The inflection to his voice was equally playful, brown eyes lingering on her for a moment before flicking ahead.

He hooked his thumbs into his pockets, walking alongside her as they advanced into the impressive city. Growing up on an agricultural world - lush with violet flora as far as the eye could see - left him with little appetite for the sterile cold of space stations and urban facilities. Even still, he couldn’t deny that the structure spoke to the engineering prowess of the Verpine.

“Anything we have on Xos himself?” He asked with a raised brow. The agent was an expert at his job, and resorting to blackmail and extortion - even for the vote of a single Director - was always on the table. The Agent glanced ahead, spotting the rather sleek and elegantly crafted building where their meeting was scheduled to take place.

“Appealing to their history and culture will be vital,” He said clearly, glancing over to her. “As a whole, the Verpine are a peaceful people - pacifistic idealists. They left the FWA when Belasi stepped down, and only aligned themselves with the Mandalorians after being strong-armed into submission.”

“There is a reason most haven’t been able to bring them on board.”
Eight paused at the entrance to the executive building, pulling the door open for Six to step inside. He waited for her to pass before continuing. “We need to appeal to those ideals most of all. Highlight our recent peace accords with the Consortium, and efforts to distance with our violent path. Increases in piracy, Warlords and the Kilik’s are a risk to the Verpine that Imperial partnership can alleviate.”

“We need to show the Verpine that the Empire is here to offer them something - and a definitive method to avoid coming conflict - in addition to any monetary gains.”
 

Cipher Six

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Six flashed him a fanged grin, “I may actually prefer you in nothing but the tie,” She gave him a wink as she fell into step beside him and gear shifted right to work.

“Pacifistic? Nauseating,” She said with a sigh. These types were always a pain in the ass to convince. It was the same old story of “we’re not the Sith Empire! We won’t kill people!” only to turn around and do just that. The Empire was gearing up its war machine and all of these deals would contribute to the cause. These pacifist societies needed to get with the program or risk getting caught in the crossfire.

“Xos, curiously enough, dabbles in a lot of weapon creation,” Six explained, “Which leads me to think that he may not be averse to us presenting a case for defense,” She said with a smirk. Six smiled at Eight when he held the door open. She always did have a soft spot for gentlemen.

They were let in rather easily, led up to a meeting room where Xos was waiting. His mouth clicked a few times in between his speech, “Welcome to Roche,” He said, looking between the two, “I’ve met with many different governments and people promising me a great many things. I hope this won’t be a waste of my time.”

Skeptical. He wasn’t turned off by them, but they weren’t exactly starting off on a great note.

Dice: 9/20

@Altaris
 

Cipher Eight

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“That can certainly be arranged,” Eight said smoothly, allowing his light brown eyes to shamelessly linger on the fellow Agent. There was no masking the attraction between them, especially given how their last encounter had ended. Despite the confident delivery, he couldn’t quite help the smile that tugged at the corners of his mouth, nor the way that his cheeks shifted the faintest bit towards red in response.

In truth, Eight didn’t really disagree with her sentiments on Verpine pacifism. It was those same principles that ultimately caused Roche to be subjugated by the Mandalorian Crusaders only years ago, and would continue to make the Asteroid Fields an easy conquest. It was only an Imperial desire for Verpine designs and expertise that drove them to seek a more diplomatic approach to their mission. Even still, Eight knew that disregarding their philosophies entirely ran the risk of merely offending the Verpine and killing negotiations before they even began.

His lips twitched upwards when Six gave her own input on Xos - pointing out his own participation is weapons creation. Unlike others of his find, the Director had a vested interest in the sale and proliferation of arms throughout the Galaxy, despite any ideological differences. “Let’s hope you’re right. If we can make a case for mutual defense, future conflicts might be a pill the Verpine are more willing to swallow.”

Eight followed her into the conference room - gaze settling upon the Insectoid that was seated across from them. He had the good sense to keep the Kilik comparison entirely to himself, and instead extended a hand towards the Director respectfully. “Director Xos,” He began. “The Empire thanks you for accepting this meeting - and for allowing us the privilege of seeing everything Roche has to offer.”

“I cannot speak to what other governments might have offered to Roche,” He began, taking a seat beside Six and across from the Verpine. “But I can assure you that this will not be time poorly spent. It is my fervent belief that Verpine and Imperial interests are closely aligned.”

“I do not exaggerate when I say that Verpine Engineering is among the finest in the entire Galaxy, Director. And as the Empire seeks to move past our split with the Sith Order, I believe that there is ample opportunity for the expansion of trade and business relations between our two peoples - in the sale of both traditional weapons and fleet modifications.”
He said, staring back at the Director. “Beyond mere investment, the Empire is offering to extend defense protection to the Roche system. A commitment to defend the asteroid fields and your infrastructure in the event of invasion by aggressive parties.”

“Defense?” The Director said with a twitch of his antenna. “It is no secret that your new Empire has already begun the process of ramping up hostilities across the Galaxy - starting additional conflicts to replace your failed war with the Consortium.” He brought his insectoid fingers together, steepling as he spoke. “Why should I believe that an alliance with the Empire wouldn’t simply make my people a target? A key piece of your infrastructure to be included in someone else's wargames.” His mandibles clicked together between words. “Roche has long maintained a stance of neutrality to remove our people from such squabbles. What can the Empire exclusively offer to our people, than a policy of unbiased trade could not? As far as I can tell, there are more credits to be had in selling our goods indiscriminantly."

“Respectfully, Director,” Eight continued. “Roche will always be a target for the Galaxy. Mandalorian occupation demonstrated that fact - and there will be others who seek to claim your resources and technology by Force. The Empire would offer you the protection of our fleet and banner against such incursions.”

“As for how Roche might benefit under the Empire?”
He extended a hand to the woman on his right. “I would introduce you to Ms. Ava Durst.” He knew the name would immediately attract attention, especially after her successful work on Anaxes and bringing renewed business to the shipyards there. “I believe she can best explain what the Empire has to offer, in that arena.”


@Sreeya
 

Cipher Six

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Six was bristling, already beginning to lose her patience. However, she kept a calm resolve, knowing that they had to carefully navigate this dialogue. She politely nodded with Eight turned the conversation to her, “Director, we came to speak with you specifically because you are innovative,” She said honestly, “You are bringing innovative designs that go beyond ships and into weapons as well. Is that not a sign that you see the critical need to evolve with the galaxy?”

She couldn’t even tell if she was making a dent here. It wasn’t like she could identify facial expressions on an insect. She had to go by the clicking and the slow clicking sounded less irritated than the rapid ones, “Not only will allying with us allow you a measure of protection, but you will have access to shipyards we’ve obtained lately. Shipyards such as..Anaxes,” She said with a grin, “And a direct access to the Core.”

Now this was something that had never been offered before.

“With the collapse of the New Republic, the Empire is making strategic moves in the Core that it couldn’t before. This is the perfect time to join this movement and become a part of something bigger,” Six said, “So yes, you can sit in this corner and hold off until someone like Darth Raze comes along and takes your products forcefully, or you can find a market for the product designs and engage in trade with the Core.”

@Altaris
 

Cipher Eight

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If Eight was becoming impatient with the Insectoid, it most certainly didn’t manifest on the exterior. With both hands knitted together on the table, the Cipher Agent maintained his cool and collected demeanor - largely unperturbed by the barbs launched by Xos. Even if the Director traded in weapons and arms, the Verpine were pacifist by nature. What was decided in that very chamber would almost certainly decide the political future of the man Director, whether to his benefit or detriment.

Eight pressed his back into his chair, allowing Six to handle her side of the negotiations. Without any knowledge of the intimate details, he knew about her successes on Anaxes - opening the door for Imperial influence in the Core. It was an open market with the collapse of the Republic, and undoubtedly an appetizing offer for anyone in Xos’ line of work.

The Director - to his own credit - played his cards close to his chest. Or perhaps the nuanced reactions were simply lost on the humanoid, Imperial delegation? In any event, the Verpine drummed his pointed fingers against the conference table, deeply considering everything that Six had to offer.

“Observation posts would be established across these uninhabited asteroids and outlying planetoids,” Eight finally broke his silence, pulling a small holo-beacon from his pocket and placing it on the table. The tap of a button brought a map up of the system. “Allowing for Imperial surveillance of hyperlanes and nearby systems. If Roche were ever to come under attack, we would know about it long before arrival - and we would have the means to utilize naval forces to defend the system.”

The Director slowly clicked his mandibles together, silent for a few moments. “You offer much,” He finally said, glancing between them. “I believe that access to Core Markets would be a proposal of interest to my people,” He raised a hand, summoning a protocol droid with a datapad in its hands. The fact that the Verpine had pre-arranged conditions - perhaps - spoke to the fact that he was more open to such an agreement than he initially let on. So long as the deal was adequately sweetened. “That said - the people of Roche would additionally ask for these conditions to be met, before we are able to commit to any official agreement with the Empire.”

-Total Tax Relief on all products originating from Roche, effective for a maximum 5 years.

-To ensure the safety and security of Roche and It's People, official commitment by the Empire to begin construction of a Golan-Class Defense Platform stationed within the system. ConstrUction mandated to begin within a maximum of three years.

"I believe that these terms will help to ease any grievances or concerns from other members of the Board."
 

Cipher Six

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Six listened calmly as the Director spoke. The terms he offered made her bristle slightly, but she was sure she could navigate around this, “You must understand that us opening a direct line to the Core and the Anaxes yards gives you a prime opportunity to have your designs built into mainstream production that gets dispersed to a broader market than you ever had before,” It was only partially true, but it only mattered that she convinced him now, “The taxes will be reinvested towards efforts that ultimately help Roche as a planet. It’s a mutually beneficial agreement.”

She nodded after that, “We will construct the platform, but we recommend it as a joint operation where Imperials are allowed to be posted there. This will allow us to have a quick response team instead of having to wait on Roche to relay any troubles for the Empire to assist.”

The Director thought for a long moment, his mandible clicking thoughtfully. After a long moment, he finally nodded in agreement.

Though things may have started off a bit less than ideal, the two agents were able to turn things around into an agreeable solution.

Roll:16/20 convincing

/End

@Altaris
 
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