Private Political Manoeuvres

[Okera Vekra]

A fractured Republic and a fledgeling Empire struggle to take hold in a scared and war wery galaxy. After the fall of Dooku and the reveal of Palpatine as Sedious, the Confederacy of Independent Systems was able to hold what it had in the chaos that followed. Propaganda and pandering leading it to become a strong and secure faction whilst the Republic split into two warring groups.
The confederacy thus became a significant player in the galaxy taking swathes of territory and forming itself into a third independent group, The Seperatist alliance; no longer hindered by the Sith tampering. Recently some of the border worlds opened up to trade with the two factions. The focus for both Factions was the system of Charros, an access point for both to Kashyyyk, a central trade hub for the wider outer rim and a rumour of vast reserves of the droid army up to the highest bidder. Both the republic and the empire would send representatives to the world, but would they be able to maintain composure in the presence of their enemy, or lower themselves to slandering the other? Politics is a dangerous and often slow game

 

[Okera Vekra]

CPT Okera Vekra
Riverie Vekra
Political Manoeuvres

The Republic had gone back and forth on who to send, finally coming to the decision to send a young Togruta diplomat to negotiate trade with the Confederacy. Such a play was two-fold, one to show support for the Togrutan people and sway the independent faction their way, and second because not only was the young Togruta good at what she did, her sister was better at what they did. So the two were sent to the talks, one to do the talking and one to do the shadow work.

That was how Riverie and Okera found themselves together waiting on an audience with the appropriate nobles.
"You know, I was out hunting vermin on Kashyyyk when I got the call to come here." Using her native tongue and a rather casual tone. Okera was in simple fatigues and chest guard rather than a full plate. Every bit the soldier but a bit more relaxed for what was a social mission.
"I am aware. I needed an escort and the republic saw fit to keep it family. That and your reputation. Whilst not exactly a grand general you have the right eyes in the right places." Riverie was a contrast to her sister, and it would be hard to tell the pair were related, her crown was more curving out and she was shorter than her elder. The clothing was an elegant yet practical gown, a long blade at her side both for show and practicality.
"Besides who else would you trust to keep me safe in the heart of Separatist space." That was true, whilst they trusted Riverie to be able to look after herself there was still a protective instinct.
"No one comes to mind. Plenty of good clones but I feel that would be somewhat insulting. Then there is a Jedi but they are again a possible insult to our hosts and I can't think of a single one that could keep up with you."
A soft twitch of her lekku and the corner of her lips turning into a grin.
"Maybe your girlfriend could" Riverie teased, gently jabbing her sister in the side.
"She is not my girlfriend!" Okera snapped back with a soft growl. "A mentor and a friend but not my girlfriend. Besides she's a Jedi"
"Please Kera, I know your type and it's the woman that could kill you. Besides you learnt Ryl to impress a girl in college."
"Just because they're both-" A quick click at the back of the throat from Riverie ended the conversation as the two were then presented inside. "Apologies for the delays Representative Vekra. We are ready to recieve you for negotiations." A polite bow and the pair were led into a large grand hall the games had begun.

 

[Lego28475]

Aden had just given a progress report to Furos Borgin, before joining the rest of the nobles. Aden was dressed in his noble regalia, a red tunic black trousers, and his house formal black cape, with a white trim. He moved around he other nobles, engaging in polite small talk. He did keep a glancing eye on Cathi, he did want to talk to her, but something else was a foot. The Republic scum was here. He too was in on this negotiation, he had to keep his cool, this was neutral territory, and would remain so, unless the Republic scum attacked him him first. He wonder if they sent a Jedi, or where they too cowardly to come this close to Sith space?

He stood near the back, and waited his turn to be greeted by them, he would give a warm reception, as he wanted to see if he could exploit this situation. He knew other delegates would be coming here soon, but his priorities were the same as they ever where.

 

[OriVerda]

Spotting Aden in the crowds of gathered delegates, nobles and other distinguished guests, Vatek made his made to Aden with the bottle of Echani Red in hand. He was dressed in a slightly more formal version of his regular get-up, which was to say Vatek left the armoured elements of his outfit behind and only wore the remaining ensemble of Sith robes along with some minor accessories to give him more of a refined look.

 

[Okera Vekra]

CPT Okera Vekra
Riverie Vekra
Political Manoeuvres

Delegates filled the hall, different colours and cultures, the murmur of idle chatter as servers in plain black suits moved around offering entries and drinks to the respected guests. Evidently the New alliance had decided to invite everyone who was anyone in what looked like an attempt to rebuild the Galaxy after a long and bloody war in which neither side found itself the better, aside from removing the Sith from their respected Governments. There was a lot more to it under the surface, and that which the general public did not know, but when was history every clear cut.

The Togrutan pair moved through the hall, Riverie greeting those around her as she filtered through. Okera remained quiet with a smile, scanning the room and making sure she knew where all the exits were, the quickest way to them, and who was armed. Both of them had a part to play in this game, and both knew just how important every move was. They made way for a man that looked like he had somewhere more important to be with a bottle of Echani Red, Okera tracked the man as he approached the recipient. Riverie made idle talk about nothing, giving the pair a excuse for the stop.
"Nothing out of the ordinary yet. Lot of very important people with nothing important to say" Naturally every word to her sister was spoken in Togruti, not the common version that most others would know but their local tongue. If anyone around them was paying attention enough to the conversation to listen in, the local variant would make it just that little more difficult.
"When is this anything but. My current question is who is hosting this event? I don't see any House banners, the servers are mixed and too well dressed to be slaves."
"And not a dancer in sight. The orchestra is good though." It was so normal, Okera expected some sort of tension after the last four years but everyone was smiles and some were genuine. Anyone with a grudge against the Republic would have right to bring it up to the pair but so far nothing. Was it not wanting to cause a scene so early into the game, or were people genuinely willing to call white field.

The orchestra changed tempo quickly, moving from the background ambience to an upbeat march. The crowd quietened down and shifted there attention to the stage and the wing above. Two grand doors opened at the crescendo and out walked a well dressed feline humanoid in a blue jacket and well fitting white shirt and tall boots.
"Estimated guests, welcome one, welcome all. From distant stars to neighbouring systems I welcome you all here as friends." She gave a polite gesture to the crowd, giving a short pause. "Whilst I would love for this celebration of unity to be unhindered by the past, it would be disrespectful not to address it and those that sacrificed so much. The Galaxy has been in a state of turmoil for two long, brothers and sisters at each others throats over a war orchestrated by those seeking power with any means to that end. Since the crises on Naboo the galaxy has begun to fracture and the once great unity of progress was destroyed in the ideal of supreme power over all. That is why we have made the decision to open the doors once more, to offer our hands in piece to our galactic neighbours and once more strive for a galaxy of prosperity and freedom." She let it sink in, scanning the crowd as she took a breath for her next address.
"I look upon this hall and see representatives from across the stars, and yet we are all so similar. We have all suffered in this turmoil, some more than others, and for some it seems unfair that they had to suffer whilst others did not. I am asking that for this meeting we put aside those vendettas in the interest of cooperation, let justice be carried out elsewhere, for we are here to discuss the future and strive for a better tomorrow. Tonight meet your neighbours, the dining hall will be open in a half hour and after you will find fitting quarters for the night. Tomorrow we shall begin our work but for now let us enjoy ourselves" There was a polite applause as she bowed and dismissed herself. A long speech with a lot to take in and what was left unsaid.

For the sisters, they waited for the chatter to begin and the band to start again, Riverie keeping her composure and calm. Looking back at her sister who was stood at ease, staring dead ahead as if she were on parade. It wasn't a conversation of words, just a small gesture of the lekku, roughly translated into common it was a question. The pair took a breath, and moved back into the fray

 

[Lego28475]

Aden looked at Vatek, as he approached with a bottle of Echani Red, he had taste Aden would give him that. He looked at him with a raised eyebrow, and said “You know we not really meant to reassemble Sith here?” he then looked down and chuckled, and looked up at him and said “Well, don’t give it away that I am, okay.” Well, he hoped to keep his position a secret for as long as possible, so he can make maneuvers in more than one realm.

He paused and listened to the delightful orchestra, whilst thinking of a safe subject to talk to Vatek about, they much in common, but not many safe subjects. As he did, the orchestra died down, to mere background noise, and then a speech was given. He listened to it whilst pouring a glass of Echani red wine. The drink was quite exquisite, and the speech rolled on, he listened to it, but not as intently as he should. The speech was little more than, be respectful we have al suffered. He slightly rolled his eyes, they started the war, by not keeping a check on the Jedi order, and proper control over the Senate. As ultimately those two things led to war. Jedi and their inability to keep in check their ranks, and well the Senate did let Palpatine orchestra a civil war. Actually, he was quite pleased with that, it should how weak their system of government is, and going back away from Democracy, to rule of the Elites was the right thing. As if the Jedi ruled over The Republic, as they should, then none of this would have happened.

He himself was here to bid, and to mingle. Then by chance he spotted a Republic Ambassador guarded by a thing, not sure what it was. Obviously they were related, she was older, and had that look in her eye that all combatants get. He looked at Vatek and asked, “Should we mingle?”, and pointed his glass their way. He wanted to see cold he be capable of keeping his Sith identity a secret, if so Vatek would be an asset, in other encounters, if not, well it was just a republic aliens that knew.​

 

[OriVerda]

Vatek responded with a wry chuckle, "No worries. Look, that Alderaani noble seems to be sporting a palette-swapped version of my own attire." He waved his hand nonchalantly. "I'm just another nobleman here, nothing special to see."

As the pair savored their drinks and enjoyed the orchestra's melodies, Vatek's attention shifted to the surrounding crowd. It didn't take long for his gaze to land on the Republic delegation. It struck him as peculiar that they would be permitted on Charros, considering his perspective that they were the enemy.

As the music faded into the background and the chatter receded, a speech commenced—a long diatribe on peace, love, and other notions disregarded by the weak. The Sith way was crystal clear: it was superior, the natural order of things. These politicians, with their weary and hollow gestures, not only betrayed themselves but also defied common sense itself.

Before Vatek delved further into contemplation on the essence of life, his comrade nudged him. "Shall we mingle?" They gestured toward the Republic ambassadors. Vatek responded with a smile. "Let's."

 

[Okera Vekra]

CPT Okera Vekra
Riverie Vekra
Political Manoeuvres

To tar one species with the same brush is often an unfair and unjust practice, with Zygerrians though that tar was well earned. Calling for a white slate when your Empire was complicit in an attempt of genocide by Dooku was a massive insult to the two Togruta present. The issue was though their host could equally be a Cathar, then the call for white slate was simply that, a want for peaceful discussion.
"Burn that bridge when we cross it." Riverie grabbing a drink as a waiter passed, sculling the small flute and returning it to the tray. Okera would pass herself, one she was on duty, and two she didn't understand how her sister could stand those drinks. For most Togruta wine was not something to be drunk as anything other than a 'relief.'

It was there she noted the two well dressed men from earlier gesture at and then approach the pair. Riverie was elegant in her approach, 'mask' coming on as she moved to great the two approaching representatives, without a hint of anything but politeness. It was rather creepy for Okera to see this even after so long.
"Comrro vhee tah, I am of the open plains and shining stars, Representative Riverie of the Northern sectors, here as delegate for the republic. This is my aid, of the hunting grounds and Akul slayer, Captain Okera. May I say you sa'daar, your dress is very striking, the contrast and of dark and bright is delightfully unique" The performance as well done, making all the cues of emphasis and mannerism; or pandering as Okera put it. Still she went with her sisters act and bowed politely to the two representatives, whilst trying to pick up any clues on where the pair were from.

 

[Lego28475]

Aden nodded to Valtek, and as they approached the things, he smiled as the younger one spoke. The younger one was obviously in charge, and probably the more intelligent of these two creatures. She was also having a drink, the other was obviously expendable, as she was here merely to protect the younger one. He looked at Valtex, with a sly smile, and said “Divide et impera” which he should easily translate into divided and conquer.


As they approached the pair, the younger one introduced themselves to them. He gave a look and said “It’s an honour to meet you”, as he took a step to the side, but maintained eye contact with her. The purpose of side step, was to put her between him and her bodyguard. He had no ill intent, but wanted to see if he could out manoeuvre them. Then replied “I am Aden of House Malvern of Serenno, obviously we have been on opposite sides of this pesky conflict.” He paused as he took a sip of the wine, and then continued, as he hoped Valtek would do the same, but talk to the older thing. “That said I think Serenno finds itself at a crossroads, so I guess it time for us to build bridges.” This was a lie, whilst Serenno might be a crossroads, he was going to make sure it didn’t go to the republic. As he had no idea what would happen in reprisals, if the nobles plot succeeded.​

 

[Okera Vekra]

CPT Okera Vekra
Riverie Vekra
Political Manoeuvres

The assessment of Aden was slightly off, sure Riverie was more learned and had higher education than her older sister but both were equally intelligent and worldly. Additionally Okera had just as much skill and ability in the situation, if in a different direction to her diplomatic sister. "A pleasure Aden of House Malvern. Whilst an unfortunate past I hope we can strive towards a better future. Both sides had their plight and ultimately neither of us have become better off, so perhaps peace and negotiation would suit the galaxy better." What exactly was his angle, Riverie wondered, years of experience was telling her that he wasn't being full with his words. He had his own agenda, and figuring that out would be the fun of the game
Okera watched with slight interest as he split the pair. It was definetly an interesting move but at the same time put his back to the most dangerous of the two.