STAR WARS: A Galaxy Divided IC

[Agent Sorchus]

The initial ceremonies opening the 1000m yard were over and the rather informal party afterward on board the Golan Ones had dragged on into the late hours. The Founding Officers Club band was winding down with a relaxing vocal piece. The invitees were still making a show of enjoying the party.

Prime Minister Setka had been filling the ear of Chairman Abena; good news, because a lot of the party was less than appealing for someone in a pressure suit. Alicia was not entirely certain what the specifics of the discussion actually were, the last time she had past they were talking about rights to interstellar battle scenes.

The Kuati ambassador was the most quiet, but had taken the drinks and to the view that the observation deck offered of the shipyard. Probably thinking of home and how they had to rebuild their once mighty shipyards themselves.

The Corellian entourage was the most relaxed overall and mingled with the various members of Signus' diplomatic committee. Ambassador Lilian Shoshana was engaging Officer Elect Antipater, not even finding his old stories to boring. Obviously she had done her homework and had known what the traditional ruling body of the TSAB once was.

The Corellian entourage had brought one of the few people who had been interesting to talk to capt. Asta Elpis. However she had left the party a while ago to keep up her professional image. Being one of the few flag ranked officers at the part had its down sides, namely having no peers to talk to.

The real talks would be in two days when the internal affairs minister arrived. Alicia had been forewarned about the meetings goals: bringing the former Imperial and Separatist factions to the table of polite discourse. That was the reason for all the stun weapons present, even the armored gauntlet was a stun weapon.

The TSAB might not have showed it by they were definitely tense from even such a simple diplomatic meet. Our inexperience really is obvious, even I can sense it. One more walk around to ease out of the conversations and I'll retire for the night.

OOC: proposal for joint battlefield salvage operation somewhat similar to New Republic original timeline operation
Permanent Ambassadors will be assigned to the invitees after the initial confrence.
EDIT: fixed spelling of Kuat

[DarthShady]

Border of the Kuar System, the Shadow Empire
ISD MKIII Stormfront
Lord Praji stood at the bridge of his ship and wished he had anything to do. But like any good fleet commander he knew when the time had come to turn into a statue in order to project confidence into the hearts of his men. Not that they needed it, he notied - like the crew of veterans they were, they went about their tasks dilligently and in a calm manner, apparently not disturbed by the prospect of venturing into Sith territory. Although, maybe the presence of the Red Guards had something to do with it.


Imperial Red Guards on maneuver

Praji glanced over at them. Dressed in stormtrooper-like armour, the Red Guards were the official council guards of the Remnant. The reason they had been taken along was that every fifth man carried a Yalsamiri on his back. However, to a trained observer it was obvious that half the animals were old and would not survive much longer. In fact, of the 400 Yalsamiris they had taken along with them on this trip, 14 had already died.

We will need to secure a new sources of Yalsamiri soon. I wonder how to do this....

Any further thought was stopped by the exit from Hyperspace and Praji immediately watched as the captain went into action.

"Action Stations. Launch all fighters. All batteries, stand by." As per standard operating procedure, the shields had already been raised before reentry.

After it was clear that no force was waiting for them in ambush, Praji took over. "Have all fighters form parade formation around us. Send the standard diplomatic signal and inform our neighbours that we wish to discuss possible diplomatic relations."

Kuar System, Kuar, The Shadow Empire

A young officer ran up to the observation deck, a little out of breath, he saluted the stations commander and then proceeded to give him the news. "Sir, we have a contact, just came out of hyperspace at the edge of the system. It appears to be an ISD, they are sending the standard diplomatic signal and wish to discuss diplomatic relations.", the officer said and waited for his instructions.

"Send the Lancer frigates to escort our guests to the station.", the Commander said, "I will inform the Emperor that we have made contact."

"Yes, Sir.", the officer said and went to his duties.
--------------------------------

Lancer class Frigates approaching the ISD MKIII Stormfront
The frigates slowly approached the ISD, their mission was to escort it to the Golan III Defense Station. The Diplomatic Signal was answered and the Imperial Remnant was informed that they would be meeting with a representitive of the Empire aboard the station.
-------------------------------

Imperial Golan III Defense Station, in orbit of Kuar, later...
As Lord Praji and his guards exited the shuttle, they were greeted by the station commander and a cadre of Stormtroopers. The Station Commander, a man named Sirah, approached Lord Praji and shook his hand.

"Welcome Lord Praji, it is an honor to meet you.", Sirah said and gestured to the Lord to follow him, "Please join me for a drink in my office, while we wait."

"Wait for what?", Lord Praji asked.

"For an Imperial Representative, authorized to negotiate with other empires, to arrive.", Sirah said.

The two men entered the Commanders office and shared a drink and idle chit chat for a while. Their discussion was cut short when the Stations Commander was informed that Lord Terest had arrived. The two men stood up as Terest entered the room a few moments later, Sirah knelled and greeted the Dark Lord.

"Interesting guests you have here Commander.", Lord Terest said to the commander and then turned to greet Lord Praji, "Welcome, Lord Praji. I speak on behalf of the Emperor, so please speak freely."

[Thanas]

"Interesting guests you have here Commander.", Lord Terest said to the commander and then turned to greet Lord Praji, "Welcome, Lord Praji. I speak on behalf of the Emperor, so please speak freely."

Lord Praji glanced at the visitor. It was obvious to him that the man was a Sith, for the lightsaber was a dead giveaway. But he's no Vader.

"Very well. I come with an offer by my government for a trade agreement and diplomatic exchanges. The details are as follows:

a) diplomatic contact.
Due to us neighbouring each other, diplomatic contact shall be made between the empires not by exchange of ambassadors, but via long-range communication. Signals shall be boosted by the relay station of Foerost to Axum and then from there to the Capital world of Ord Cantrell. Our scientists are confident that this will result in nothing more than a slight time delay and nearly instantaneous communication.

b) trade
My government feels that Koros major has much to offer, as do we in return. We would like to sign a trade agreement selling you Industrial products from Axum, repulsorlifts from Bakura and food products from our agriworld at Ruan in exchange for construction materials and industrial products. I have provided a list.

Trade is to be conducted at fixed rates between our nations, not between individuals. Trade prices will be renegotiated yearly."

Praji handed over a datapad, then proceded.

"c) In order to stave off any possible border conflicts, we would like to determine a meeting point between convoys. We propose the use of container carriers. These convoys can meet at the edges of the Kuar system and then exchange containers. As no pirates operate in this area, we feel this would be an acceptable solution."

Praji finished and looked at the Sith.

"I hope you find these terms aceptable."



TSAB
Cmdr. Mirith Sinn walked around the officers present and scanned for old faces. Sadly, none of her former colleagues had seemed to have survived the battle.

System of Corellia
Marshal Jir's cruiser jumped out of hyperspae at the edge of the system and transmitted diplomatic codes, asking for an audience.

At the same time, similar things happened at the Core Protectorate with Moff Saenger's cruiser.

A few hour later, at the Rim Alliance, Clan leader Secura's frigate, the Harkness, followed.

[darthkommandant]

Prime Minister Setka relayed the idea for a joint salvage operation to the Neimoidians and they approved the idea. He realized that he would need more details of the treaty as soon as it was done. Hopefully the meeting with the imperials would go well to.

[DarthShady]

"Interesting guests you have here Commander.", Lord Terest said to the commander and then turned to greet Lord Praji, "Welcome, Lord Praji. I speak on behalf of the Emperor, so please speak freely."

Lord Praji glanced at the visitor. It was obvious to him that the man was a Sith, for the lightsaber was a dead giveaway. But he's no Vader.

"Very well. I come with an offer by my government for a trade agreement and diplomatic exchanges. The details are as follows:

a) diplomatic contact.
Due to us neighbouring each other, diplomatic contact shall be made between the empires not by exchange of ambassadors, but via long-range communication. Signals shall be boosted by the relay station of Foerost to Axum and then from there to the Capital world of Ord Cantrell. Our scientists are confident that this will result in nothing more than a slight time delay and nearly instantaneous communication.

b) trade
My government feels that Koros major has much to offer, as do we in return. We would like to sign a trade agreement selling you Industrial products from Axum, repulsorlifts from Bakura and food products from our agriworld at Ruan in exchange for construction materials and industrial products. I have provided a list.

Trade is to be conducted at fixed rates between our nations, not between individuals. Trade prices will be renegotiated yearly."

Praji handed over a datapad, then proceded.

"c) In order to stave off any possible border conflicts, we would like to determine a meeting point between convoys. We propose the use of container carriers. These convoys can meet at the edges of the Kuar system and then exchange containers. As no pirates operate in this area, we feel this would be an acceptable solution."

Praji finished and looked at the Sith.

"I hope you find these terms aceptable."

Lord Terest smiled at the man and took one last look at the datapad.

"These terms are agreeable to us.", he said, "I will send my assisstants to deal with the details and the signing of an agreement. I have business to attend to elsewhere. Commander Sirah, please make sure that our guests enjoy their stay at the station."

"Yes, my Lord.", Sirah answered.

With that the Dark Lord left the room, leaving Lord Praji and Commander Sirah alone.

"Another drink your lordship?", Sirah asked. But Lord Praji ignored him and stared through the window.

"Something wrong?", Sirah asked.

"Such a large fleet...all those ships are not here just to escort Lord Terest, are they?", Praji asked.

"No...", the Commander answered, "They have another mission. One, I'm afraid, I'm not at liberty to discuss."

"Of course.", Lord Praji said and returned to his seat as the fleet went to hyperspace.
-----------------------------------------

30 minutes later, Shakari System

The First Imperial Fleet exited hyperspace at the very edge of the Shakari System. The ships took up formation and began to move towards Shakari Prime, a minor world home to a insignificant species. A species to which the Empire had offered assistance and protection, and in return they killed the Imperial Ambassador and diplomats sent to negotiate with them. Now they would know the wrath, of the Empire...

[Thanas]

OOC1: Darthkommandant, which imperial faction do you mean?
***************

Shadow empire, Kuar System
ISDII Stormfront

1 hour after the shadow fleet had left.

The shadow commander had been very well trained in the art of diplomacy and had managed to stall him for quite some time without the slightest appearance of doing so. So it was not without a little frustration that Praji turned to the Captain of his personal flagship.

"Captain Brakkas, please tell me that you managed to get the hyperspace vector of that fleet."

Brakkas, a grizzled veteran of many battles, answered in the affirmative. "Yes, Marshal", addressing Praji by his military rank. "Their vector would allow them to reach as many as 15 different system along that vector. But I doubt they are so stupid as to jump directly to their destination."

Praji nodded. "As soon as we have left their sensor range, send out priority calls. Place all sector fleet on alert and have search parties send out to all those systems. A fleet this size..."

No other words were necessary. Both men knew from experience that a large fleet such as this was moved outside the boarders in this time of limited resources for only one reason - going to war. And it irked Praji that he did not know anything about their destination.

"Captain, notify the Regent of this development. As for ourselves, we will jump bak to Foerost and then proceed to Kuat post haste."

**********
Results:
Praji underway to Kuat.

OOC2: If you make heavy fleet movements before the very eyes of the Remnant, do not be surprised when they get curious.

[Agent Sorchus]

Cmdr. Mirith Sinn walked around the officers present and scanned for old faces. Sadly, none of her former colleagues had seemed to have survived the battle.

One sad face stood out in the crowd as Alicia passed through the crowd near the bar. The expression was one that was quite recognizable as one who was thinking about commrades long lost. The face and uniform was not one that she recognized from the briefing though. Half turning she questioned the nearest diplomatic corps members. The story of the unexpected arrival of another imperial faction envoy just before the ceremonies finished was breif enough to be inconspicuous.

Approaching the envoy Alicia tried to put her most confident smile on. "Good evening, I am Commodore Testarossa." "Cmdr. Sinn of the Imperial Remnant." "And who isn't a remnant in this Galaxy now. Anyway, I hope the party has been to your liking, even with your late arrival. Have any plans for this trip or is it just a meet and greet?"
OOC> Thanas you may carry on this part of the conversation if you like.

"The real talks start in two days and I am certain an observer position can be worked out for your entourage, but the diplomats are more concered about our neighbors and the possiblitity of separatist and imperial conflicts. I do hope that we can make some peaceful arrangements with you though."

*******Two Days later********
Cirrus Writhe had arrived to do the talks real justice. The Short Brown haired woman got up before the crowded council chamber of the former governor's skyhook. Alicia was veiwing the meeting from the arboretum's holo repeater along with Cmdr. Sinn and lead Diplomat Signus Arthur, who was setting up the talks with Commander Sinn. Speaker Writhe started teh opening speach.

"My dear neighboring states it is a pleasure to finally be able to sit together at the table and talk in peace. It is our hope that we can work together and keep the peace. We are open and willing to discuss anything, but we are going to politely insist that we all agree to exchange ambassadors.
It is a new age in the galaxy, with a new future for the Successor States. Hopefully we can forget our wartorn past and can move on to a prosperous future."

She sat back down, her final words a reminder of the old wars that the guests had fought between each other when the galaxy had truly been united. It was the guests turn to speak.

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Correllian System

The CR90 arrived at the edge of the system bearing the ambassador to the Second Correllian Empire. Following the exchange of messages via the hyperspace transponders that continued to function in the aftermath of the devastating war, the ambassador had arrived in the Correllian system to present his credentials, and to present a set of proposals to the Correllian leaders.


==============================

*******Two Days later********
Cirrus Writhe had arrived to do the talks real justice. The Short Brown haired woman got up before the crowded council chamber of the former governor's skyhook. Alicia was veiwing the meeting from the arboretum's holo repeater along with Cmdr. Sinn and lead Diplomat Signus Arthur, who was setting up the talks with Commander Sinn. Speaker Writhe started teh opening speach.

"My dear neighboring states it is a pleasure to finally be able to sit together at the table and talk in peace. It is our hope that we can work together and keep the peace. We are open and willing to discuss anything, but we are going to politely insist that we all agree to exchange ambassadors.
It is a new age in the galaxy, with a new future for the Successor States. Hopefully we can forget our wartorn past and can move on to a prosperous future."

She sat back down, her final words a reminder of the old wars that the guests had fought between each other when the galaxy had truly been united. It was the guests turn to speak.

Balmorra

The Kuati Ambassador to the TSAB rose. "My Master Hadrian Kuat of Kuat, bade me to present to you these proposals.

• 1. That trade ties be opened between the TSAB and the Kuat Imperium in that trade tarrifs are lowed.
  2. That the TSAB and Kuat Imperium establish permanent embassies in either empire to allow for a line of communication between both worlds.
  3. Our existing borders will be recognised, and should there be any changes, our respective ambassadors will notify either side.
  4. We will not infringe on either borders.

What say you?"

[Thanas]

Two Days before
TSAB

Approaching the envoy Alicia tried to put her most confident smile on. "Good evening, I am Commodore Testarossa." "Cmdr. Sinn of the Imperial Remnant." "And who isn't a remnant in this Galaxy now. Anyway, I hope the party has been to your liking, even with your late arrival. Have any plans for this trip or is it just a meet and greet?"

"The real talks start in two days and I am certain an observer position can be worked out for your entourage, but the diplomats are more concered about our neighbors and the possiblitity of separatist and imperial conflicts. I do hope that we can make some peaceful arrangements with you though."

Cmdr Sinn analyzed the mercenary with a short glance. The fact that she hadn't been noticed as Head of intelligence could mean that they were either smarter than they appeared or had little knowledge of the Remnant. Either way, she would be careful, having learnt that particular lesson a long time ago as rebel guerilla fighter.

"The party was lovely, thank you. As for peace, the Imperial remnant strives for peace in all things. I have arrived here to see how former imperial subjects are doing and for all it looks, you seem to be quite succesful." Unless you count the numerous gards and security precautions, Mirith thought.

"Anyway, I hope that your faction does not harbor any resentment towards us."



*******Two Days later********

The Kuati Ambassador to the TSAB rose. "My Master Hadrian Kuat of Kuat, bade me to present to you these proposals.

• 1. That trade ties be opened between the TSAB and the Kuat Imperium in that trade tarrifs are lowed.
  2. That the TSAB and Kuat Imperium establish permanent embassies in either empire to allow for a line of communication between both worlds.
  3. Our existing borders will be recognised, and should there be any changes, our respective ambassadors will notify either side.
  4. We will not infringe on either borders.

What say you?"

Mirith Sinn rose after he had finished his proposal, noting how he used the word master. Master is a sith term, I wonder why he used it.

"I have arrived here and I carry the following proposals:
1. Trade shall be openend up between our worlds. Tariffs may be imposed by a seperate agreement to be negotiated later, but in general we would prefer not to impose any save for the worlds Coruscant and Anaxes.
2. An ambassador by your nation will be housed at our cost at one of the luxury resorts at Ord Cantrell, our current seat of the council. Likewise, both states would aknowledge the sovereignty of each other.
3. Immigration from your nation to the core worlds and vice versa may happen with the consent of both governments.
4. In order to protect the convoys from piracy, we shall coordinate our convoy efforts as well as to make a general effort to curb piracy. "

Mirith Sinn looked around and then decided to test the waters. "If I may ask, what is your poliy regarding force users, especially the sith?"

[Coyote]

THEED PALACE, NABOO
The Next Morning






"I am so pleased that an actual head of state chose to attend our first official event," Queen Saviya said as she strode along the open balconies that faced the Royal Palace's inner courtyards. "Although, in honesty, I was pleased to have much turnout at all."

Gariel Captison had a pretty good impression of the young Queenm and nodded as she replied. "I am glad to be here," she said, "Naboo is a world renpwned for its beautiful architecture in the cities, and the peaceful countryside. I am glad to see that it was largely spared the ravages of war."

"We had a strong garrison here," the Queen said, her voice neutral. "I'd not normally credit Palpatine with a sense of nostalgia for his homeworld, but I suppose he had political reasons for wanting to maintain stability here."
"Well, him and his advisor, Sate Pestage," Gareiel said. "He was from Chommel Minor, right?"

"I believe so," the young Queen agreed. "It wouldn't look good for them, politically, if their homeworlds fell to the Rebellion, so I suppose that explains why Sector Group Chommel was rather well-staffed for such a quiet sector."
"How many of them stayed?" Gariel asked.
"About a third of them," Queen Saviya replied. "I suspect that Queen Kylantha had a lot to do with it; Admiral DeClann was stationed here during her reign. She played a masterful game of appearing loyal to the Empire."

"DeClann seemed to have developed a blind spot for certain things... at some point, anyway."
"You don't get to be an Admiral in the Imperial Navy by being a fool," the Queen said, "He knew when the turning point had been reached and decided that it was better to become an integral part in a small, new --hopefully successful-- government, and when it was time to cut ties with that which had been."

"Any friction between the Imperial and Republic remnants?" Gariel asked, curious.
"Procedural things," the Queen said, "Different customs and courtesies. The Imperials are spit-and-polish, punctual, efficient.. the Republic forces are egalitarian, scruffy, and unpredictable. Both are united in grief at their losses; juast as both are now united in the desire to build something new from the ashes. For the most part, they've put aside their differences... since those differences are based on dogmas that have been washed away with the failure represented by spilled blood."

Quite the philosopher, this young Queen, Gariel thought. "Well, in regards to the business at hand, what say you?" she asked. The young woman walking beside her was fully a head shorter, and she looked up at Gariel and smiled. There is still some of the little girl in those eyes, Gariel noted sadly, But it is fading fast with each day she sits on the throne.

"We would welcome an exchange of Ambassadors," the Queen said, "Your people would be more than welcome to use the Diplomatic Wing of the Palace-- very nice Royal Apartment suites that are currently unused. Or you could build an Embassy in Theed."

Gaeriel smiled. "As a sign of trust, our ambassador will be glad to be housed in the Diplomatic Wing of your marvelous palace, provided an Imperial sweeper team may also be stationed there."

Her Majesty smiled. "I will see to it that any security detail will be accomodated as well, of course, and understand the peace of mind that comes with a sweeper team." They walked a fe wmore paces, enjoying the cool spring breeze and warm sunshine. "I also have just the Ambassador for the Remnant," she continued, "Pooja Naberrie. Well, Pooja Amidala-II, since she took her famous aunt's Royal name when she served her term after Kylantha. She was Ambassador to Coruscant during Kylantha's reign and served as Queen before helping me in my campaign. As a senior Representative, hopefully she can add a level of political continuity and legitimacy to re-establishing political ties... and maybe even to the eventual restoration of Coruscant as a center for diplomacy."

"We feel this is acceptable, but would urge the ambassador to relocate to Ord Cantrell, which is the current seat of the council and would save travel expenses as well as provide easy access. Of course, it is you Majesty's decision. Please understand that an ambassador at Coruscant would be under constant stormtrooper supervision in order to guarantee safety." She thought for a moment and smiled. "As an aside, I am sure Regent D'Asta would like to meet his old colleague again."

"I will take your advice," the Queen said, "Ord Cantrell it is, then. Until we can rebuild the old Senate. As for trade, shall we take the bold step of free trade compacts between us, then?"
"We need some stipulations on that," Gariel said, "We need to fix prices on Coruscant and Anaxes due to the... severe economic pressures there. Until it stabilizes. As they stabilize and rebuild, we will lower any trade barriers gradually."

"Very well," Queen Saviya said, "I wonder, would direct food shipments to those planets be welcome? We also have excellent Space Station engineers at Umgul, with the Ugnaughts..."

"Food sales would of course not be turned away, but due to the low fixed price it would be a massive loss as it would hardly recoup the transportation costs. As for the Ugnaughts, the empire can always use good station engineers but currently has to decline that offer for security reasons.

However, what we had hoped for most was the chance of contracting one of your big architecture firms. Coruscant and Anaxes both need rebuilding and we would like to have at least a small part of each planet to reflect the diversity of the galaxy. This policy has not been made public yet, but an area of 100 km² is to be set aside on coruscant for a representation of the different styles of the galaxy. An area of 10km² is to be set aside for the style of the world of Naboo. I am sure that you know about the height of Coruscanti skyscrapers before the fall, so you know the rough volume involved.

Meanwhile, on Anaxes, we would like to reconstruct the Southern Central Parade Ground in Naboo fashion. As you know, the art style has always been Naboo, and we strive for authenticity. Naboo has always been known for its artists and culture and if possible, we would like to help continue that tradition."

"In return we would like to sell your planets repulsorlift technology as well as industrial products from Bakura and Axum."

"Excellent," the Queen said, "All this can be arranged. As for convoy safety for trade... We can establish joint patrol areas, and agree on where one of us hands off responsibility to the other."
"Such details are best coordinated with my husband, but you should know that the empire has already fielded an anti-piracy fleet currently operating in the Ryloth System centered around the VSDII Pride of Bakura. If you like to spare a few warships, this would be a perfect opportunity.

With regard to convoys, I regret that our corvette fleet is already stretched thin. We can contribute a few heavy units, but support craft would have to come from you."

"Ryloth," the Queen said, her eyes subconsciously allowing her vision to drift skyward in the general known direction of the Ryloth system. "Very close to the Hutts and typically a prize world for them, for their slaves," the Queen said, her lips flickering to a disgusted frown at the thought of slaves. It is in our interests to see toit that the region is secure. If it is possible, may we establish a surveillance and supply post there, for watching over the Hutts and sharing any intelligence we gather?"

"I'll have to think about that one," Gariel said, surprised by the question. "I can go ahead with an exchange of military officers, though. One military observer at the embassies, maybe? This observer shall be notified of all military construction taking place, if that is amenable."

"I think we have a deal, then," the Queen said.






Result:
- Trade pact formed (+25 points per year for each economy, starting next year)
- exchange of ambassadors and military attacheés

***

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

4. In order to protect the convoys from piracy, we shall coordinate our convoy efforts as well as to make a general effort to curb piracy."

"How serious is the piracy issue may I ask? Would it necessitate the use of Q-ships to patrol the hyperspace corridor? Especially considering that a favourite pirate tactic has been to plant asteroids in hyperspace routes and force ships to emerge from hyperspace due to the asteroid's mass shadow."

=============================================

Naboo

The Kuati ambassador, in flowing ropes, walked silently in the reception hall. She bowed to one of the Queen's aides, and indicated to him that she would like to present her credentials and to present to the Queen a set of proposals from Hadrian Kuat of Kuat, CEO of Kuat Drive Yards, and Emperor of the Kuat Imperium.

[Agent Sorchus]

"The party was lovely, thank you. As for peace, the Imperial remnant strives for peace in all things. I have arrived here to see how former imperial subjects are doing and for all it looks, you seem to be quite succesful." Unless you count the numerous gards and security precautions, Mirith thought.

"Anyway, I hope that your faction does not harbor any resentment towards us."

"Former Imperial subjects who tried to through off the Empire when they saw an opportunity, yes they are doing okay. Really though if the TSAB wasn't demonstrating the ability to keep stability it wouldn't be quite as ... nice around here." The fact that the commander was hiding something keep Alicia from revealing anything more of the Enforcers that she liaised with.

"Of course we do not resent anyone yet. It was something that got in the way when we were free mercenaries. 'One has to act professional and remember that it is only our job to fight the opposition, not to bring our personal hatred against them.' We were all taught that when we joined and it is as applicable then as now, although not as much literal combat as verbal."
*******Two Days later********

The Kuati Ambassador to the TSAB rose. "My Master Hadrian Kuat of Kuat, bade me to present to you these proposals.

1. That trade ties be opened between the TSAB and the Kuat Imperium in that trade tarrifs are lowed.
2. That the TSAB and Kuat Imperium establish permanent embassies in either empire to allow for a line of communication between both worlds.
3. Our existing borders will be recognised, and should there be any changes, our respective ambassadors will notify either side.
4. We will not infringe on either borders.

What say you?"

"Trade is acceptable, and we can make space for an embassy on Ord Mirit near the Fleet Operations HQ. On the case of borders however we have to know how you would define them. We can understand having light-hour or greater exclusion zones around all claimed systems, but it could become difficult to persecute piracy if the border is a irrational line in space. We do promise to observe your borders in real-space. Is that to your tastes?"

1. Trade shall be openend up between our worlds. Tariffs may be imposed by a seperate agreement to be negotiated later, but in general we would prefer not to impose any save for the worlds Coruscant and Anaxes.
2. An ambassador by your nation will be housed at our cost at one of the luxury resorts at Ord Cantrell, our current seat of the council. Likewise, both states would aknowledge the sovereignty of each other.
3. Immigration from your nation to the core worlds and vice versa may happen with the consent of both governments.
4. In order to protect the convoys from piracy, we shall coordinate our convoy efforts as well as to make a general effort to curb piracy. "

We are happy with these proposals. Piracy canbe dealt with, usually we send bulk cruisers to take the most valuable cargo with carrier support if we think it is necessary. We can find a location to house an embassy on Ord Mirrit, and when your ambassador is settled we can work through any other details. Deal?

EDIT: eliminated reference to force sensor

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

"Trade is acceptable, and we can make space for an embassy on Ord Mirit near the Fleet Operations HQ. On the case of borders however we have to know how you would define them. We can understand having light-hour or greater exclusion zones around all claimed systems, but it could become difficult to persecute piracy if the border is a irrational line in space. We do promise to observe your borders in real-space. Is that to your tastes?"

"That indeed is a fair question to ask and a fairly tricky one. Various empires have their own ideas of economic exclusion zones and so forth. This might require actually a larger kind of agreement and we are indeed open to possible suggestions on what constitutes as 'space'. I note that some empires are not singular monolithic entities but someone scattered across the galaxy, just as the Kuat Imperium itself lays claim to Gyndine and Rothana, which are far away from the Kuat Sector."

[Thanas]

Naboo

"Ryloth," the Queen said, her eyes subconsciously allowing her vision to drift skyward in the general known direction of the Ryloth system. "Very close to the Hutts and typically a prize world for them, for their slaves," the Queen said, her lips flickering to a disgusted frown at the thought of slaves. It is in our interests to see toit that the region is secure. If it is possible, may we establish a surveillance and supply post there, for watching over the Hutts and sharing any intelligence we gather?"

"I'll have to think about that one," Gariel said, surprised by the question. "I can go ahead with an exchange of military officers, though. One military observer at the embassies, maybe? This observer shall be notified of all military construction taking place, if that is amenable."

"I think we have a deal, then," the Queen said.

As soon as the agreement was signed, Gaeriel's communicator beeped, notifying her that she had to do more.

"Your Majesty, I regret to say that I have to go. Please understand that this is not meant as a slight, but the needs of my constituents and urgent matters of state necessitate me leaving so soon.

I shall raise the issue of a listening post with the council. Thank you for your kind hospitality and I will hope we can return it in kind soon. I would love to personally show you my home planet sometime - Bakura is lovely in spring and our symphony orchestra has never been better."

With a small bow, Gaeriel retreated. "Your majesty, with your permission, I'll withdraw."

[OOC: Coyote, you may carry it on from here if you'd like].

************

Balmorra

"Former Imperial subjects who tried to through off the Empire when they saw an opportunity, yes they are doing okay. Really though if the TSAB wasn't demonstrating the ability to keep stability it wouldn't be quite as ... nice around here." The fact that the commander was hiding something keep Alicia from revealing anything more of the Enforcers that she liaised with.

"Of course we do not resent anyone yet. It was something that got in the way when we were free mercenaries. 'One has to act professional and remember that it is only our job to fight the opposition, not to bring our personal hatred against them.' We were all taught that when we joined and it is as applicable then as now, although not as much literal combat as verbal."

"Yes, the sides have changed, but the weapons used are just as lethal."

[OOC: I don't know what to say, so better end it here].


*******Two Days later********

Mirith Sinn rose and used what others had described as her command voice to make herself heard.
"First, the Remnant agrees to a trade deal, but would like to emphasize that any warship entering our borders will be searched and be placed under strict supervision. We would therefore prefer an exchange of goods at the edge of the Axum system in order to prevent any hazzle or mishaps.

Other than that, I have no objection and would like to have this treaty signed as soon as possible. I'll have my people prepare a draft and submit it to you as soon as possible."

[OOC: I'll leave the signing ceremony to you, Sorchus]

Mirith took a sip of her water before continuing. Diplomacy or blunt instrument? Might a well go with blunt the way the Kuati ambassador is behaving.

"Furthermore, I might just as well inform anyone present that the idea of economic exclusion zones are somewhat baffling to me. Unless there are special circumstances present, my government will not recognize any such zone. Maybe some can make sense out of them, but I am just a simple commando. We recognize the need for nations to defend themselves, but we see no use in any exclusion zone or even border zone outside the edge of a system. It would add little to the defence of any nation with hyperdrive capable ships. And I am confident noone here is suggesting anybody dividing the galaxy, as that sounds like a pretext for expansion and annexation."

She looked around and eventually focused back on the mercenary leaders. "Rest assured, my government takes wars of aggression very seriously." Well, except Praji and his ilk.


**********
Kuat system

ISDII Stormfront

"Marshal Praji, we have arrived at the edge of the Kuat system." Praji nodded. "Yery well, Captain, prepare to broadcast the -"

He didn't get to finish the sentence as at that moment the sensor operator yelled out: "Incoming ships. Reading at least one ISD-sized mass, several following."

Praji arched an eyebrow at this. "Looks like someone's defence systems are still in working order. Turbolasers stand by. Abort fighter launch, we may need to make a quick retreat. Boost shield power, ready for hyperdrive jump."

Captain Brakkas nodded. "Yes, Sir. Communications, send out the following message -"

The Kuati vessels appeared of the starboard bow, with fighters swarming from their bays. Whoever commanded them must have had an imperial education, Praji thought.

"Attention, Kuati vessels. This is the Imperial Star Destroyer Stormfront on a diplomatic mission to the Kuat system."

[OOC: Fingolfin, I leave it to you from here.]

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Mirith took a sip of her water before continuing. Diplomacy or blunt instrument? Might a well go with blunt the way the Kuati ambassador is behaving.

"Furthermore, I might just as well inform anyone present that the idea of economic exclusion zones are somewhat baffling to me. Unless there are special circumstances present, my government will not recognize any such zone. Maybe some can make sense out of them, but I am just a simple commando. We recognize the need for nations to defend themselves, but we see no use in any exclusion zone or even border zone outside the edge of a system. It would add little to the defence of any nation with hyperdrive capable ships. And I am confident noone here is suggesting anybody dividing the galaxy, as that sounds like a pretext for expansion and annexation."

She looked around and eventually focused back on the mercenary leaders. "Rest assured, my government takes wars of aggression very seriously." Well, except Praji and his ilk.

The Kuati Ambassador turned and looked at Mirth Sinn. "While the gentle lady has a point, the Kuat Imperium views defence in depth to be a valuable asset. Further, it also will ensure that no state will feel threatened due to encroachment by a rival, and thus prevent possible future disputes and tension. However, given the very arbitrary nature of this, the Kuat Imperium is willing to for now, view borders to be as delineated by systems."

**********

Kuat system

ISDII Stormfront

"Marshal Praji, we have arrived at the edge of the Kuat system." Praji nodded. "Yery well, Captain, prepare to broadcast the -"

He didn't get to finish the sentence as at that moment the sensor operator yelled out: "Incoming ships. Reading at least one ISD-sized mass, several following."

Praji arched an eyebrow at this. "Looks like someone's defence systems are still in working order. Turbolasers stand by. Abort fighter launch, we may need to make a quick retreat. Boost shield power, ready for hyperdrive jump."

Captain Brakkas nodded. "Yes, Sir. Communications, send out the following message -"

The Kuati vessels appeared of the starboard bow, with fighters swarming from their bays. Whoever commanded them must have had an imperial education, Praji thought.

"Attention, Kuati vessels. This is the Imperial Star Destroyer Stormfront on a diplomatic mission to the Kuat system."

Aboard the IKS Imperium Storm
"This is Captain Xylon Kor of the Kuat Imperium Star Destroyer IKS Imperius Storm, to whom am I speaking and of whom do you represent?"

A small pause, then the holoprojector came to life, "I am Marshal Praji of Imperial Remnant. I come as a representative of the Imperial Remnant to speak with someone of importance within the Kuat Imperium."

Captain Xylon Kor, gestured to the communications officer, who promptly relayed the message to Kuat Segmentum High Command. "Hold a moment. We await a reply from Segmentum High Command." Twenty Minutes later, Captain Xylon Kor told Marshal Praji, "Your audience with Emperor Kuat of Kuat has been granted. We will escort you into orbit of Kuat. The IKS Imperius Storm escorted the Stormfront into orbit around Kuat. "Marshal Praji, you may take a shuttle down to dock AA1. We will send you the coordinates."

A shuttle emerged from the Stormfront's hanger and landed in the hanger. An honor guard of Stormtroopers, not in the Imperial White, but rather green, stood in formation waiting. They did not wear the helmets of the Stormtroopers, but instead a hard green helmet that covered their head but left the face exposed. Attachments were there to allow for the fitting of NBC gear however. At the end of the line stood Macharius Slavo-Kuat, Chairman of Kuat Drive Yards and one of Hadrian Kuat of Kuat's right hand men. "Marshal Praji of the Imperial Remnant, welcome. I am Macharius Slavo-Kuat, Chairman of Kuat Drive Yards. I hope my captain was polite. Kuat system however continues to maintain high security standards as always."

"No, he was fine."

"Then let's proceed to meet Hadrian Kuat of Kuat." Macharius brought him to the office of Hadrian Kuat of Kuat, who was flanked by two Dark Troopers...

[Thanas]

Elsewhere in the galaxy
Clan Leader Secura's frigate exited hyperspace at the edge of the Rim alliance.


__________________________________

Kuat system

Lord Praji approached the emperor's seat and nodded, his status as head of the Praji family forbidding him to bow to anyone save the galactic emperor. "Your majesty, my sincere apologies for intruding on you on such a short notice."

Hadrian Kuat of Kuat nodded, "It is fine. I am fascinated to meet someone else from within the Core worlds itself. How is Coruscant? I have not quite visited that world since that devastating war."

"Coruscant has not changed much since then, your majesty. I am afraid the planet is still in ruins."

Hadrian Kuat of Kuat sighed, "A pity. But I gather you have something to show me."

Praji handed over a datapad.

"Your majesty, we would like to propose the following:

- a general trade pact between our nations. We are mostly interested in procuring durasteel and construction materials as well as hiring some Kuati architects to design a 10 km² skyline areal on Coruscant. Construction of those would also import Kuati art and decorations. In return we would like to offer you various industrial products from our worlds, including Bakurian repulsorlifts, consumer products from Axum and high-class food products from Ruan who have found little buyers among our worlds but who I believe Kuati's might appreciate a bit more.

- diplomatic contact, to be made by an embassy stationed on Ord Cantrell in one of the luxury resorts of De-Purteen.

- a mutual recognition of our borders.

- a general assurance that neither side will harbor pirates or assorted groups"

"Ruan? How is that verdant world doing? I hear you have done yourself good for that world, with its fine harvest," Hadrian Kuat of Kuat grinned. "We will appreciate what you are willing to sell, as well as repulsorlifts. Though I would point out that unless your products exceed those that are produced at Rothana Heavy Engineering, we might not purchase many, except to meet the short fall no thanks to the collapsing trade situation. With Coruscant in ruins, it is hard enough to reestablish order in some corners of the galaxy itself.

However, Kuat Drive Yards has much to offer beyond quality durasteel. We are more than happy to aid in the reconstruction of Coruscant, but we still retain much of our research capabilities and construction know-how for capital ships and starfighters. Perhaps joint research in some projects hmm? We have been considering the possibility of building a variant of the Imperator class such that it has a more efficient turbolaser and ion turret and battery placement, to allow for more frontal coverage. The New Republic did commission the Republic Engineering Corporation to design the Nebula class, which KDY was to have undertook construction under a contract, that has a more efficient battery arrangement, but lacked the stamina for long term operations, because of some fears that the Republic Navy would be used as a weapon of war. However, we have been looking for partners in this project which will help alleviate costs. Currently, some 1600m shipyards are scheduled for completion next year, and in the mean time, the requirements and specifications could possibly be drawn up.

On the other proposals, we more than agree on those, and we might be able to provide some Q-ships that might prove useful with dealing with these pirate scum. Leaches of the galaxy they are."

Lord Praji nodded. "Your majesty, of course I cannot talk about any sort of arms trade or cooperation at the moment. However, your ideas have merit and are very similar to what some of my design staff has been saying for the last year...I believe Byss did have an advanced idea of that class before it was destroyed, but I disgress. My apologies."

"If it would be alright with you, your majesty, I would like to have terms drawn up immediately, with any of the details being left to be worked out by your ambassador to Ord Cantrell. I regret that my time here is very limited due to other occurences."


******************
Ryloth-Anaxes primary hyperlane

It had been a good week for Sol Mon and his crew. Just yesterday they had managed to "extradite" twelve Twi-Lek's under the eyes of the imperial Navy (or rather they had managed to escape while the other ship had been incinerated by an enraged Imperial Bomber squadron) and now they had captured an unescorted Imperial freighter.

Of course, only the very small and very heavily-armed freighters traveled alone in these times anymore, but even the most heavily-armed bulk carrier was no match for his group of starfighters and his Marauder corvette.

The fight had been short and brutal, the freighter having fought back severely. But in the end, the superior weaponry of the pirates had prevailed and the ship had been taken. Grappa the Hutt would be pleased. So would his allies, the Zanibar and the governor of Baramorra, Boss Banjeer. In fact he would most likely take the majority of the cut for having provided them with the grav generator. However, the proceeds would still be large enough, especially when the captured crew had been sold to the Zanibar for being used in a cannibalistic ritual.

***********
4 hours later

VSDII Pride of Bakura
Captain Hortel Ossilege commanding
VADM Pter Thanas, flag
Ryloth

"Yes, Admiral. The ship has been completely abandoned by the pirates." Vice-Admiral Thanas nodded at the small figure displayed on his holoprojector. Thanks to the destruction of the holonet, what had once been a clear transmission to anything was now a flickering image, barely holding together despite being boosted by the transmitters of an entire warship, in this case a his former ship, the Carrack Cruiser Dominant, detached to patrol duty.

Smart pirates, only taking the cargo instead of the ship which could be identified. "Anything out of the ordinary, commander?"

"Eleven men and five women killed, three missing. The lucky ones were killed out of hand. The others . . ." His voice trailed off, and he shook his head. "More vicious than anything I have seen so far, Sir. No indication what happened to the rest, but it can't be good."

No, it can't be. "Cargo manifest?", Captain Ossilege asked, standing next to Thanas.
"All computers were wiped, but we have found traces of industrial fertilizer."

Thanas nodded. Yes, that would make sense - fertilizer sent to Ryloth in order to improve the meagre harvest of the planet - and virtually untracable on the flourishing black market of Nar Shadda and other hutt planets.

"Very well. Escort the ship back to Anaxes and then report back to your duty station."

The contact flickered out, leaving the two men alone in the dark. "Lights".

Captain Ossilege, one of the finest minds Bakura had ever produced, took the liberty of saying the obvious. "We have got to find out how the pirates intercept our ships so fast"

Thanas merely nodded. Of course, in many ways, pirates were the least of his problem. Slavers had flocked all over Ryloth in the course of Imperial collapse and it had only been to a concentrated effort of the clans and their entry into the Imperial Remnant that a Twi-Lek could now travel on the surface of Ryloth with only a 5% chance of being abducted. The worst had been the hutts - suddenly any hutt wanted to have Twi-Lek's as status symbols, something the new republic had largely clamped on before. Of course, some Twi-Lek clans had made it their main business of selling their expendable young members and those clans were now in almost open revolt since the Imperial decree forbidding the sale of any person to another had been passed.

Then, there was the matter that the Ryloth system didn't have any defences worth the name, necessitating that at least part of the fleet nominally dedicated to anti-slavery efforts had to stay behing in order to safeguard it. Counting times for refits, training exercises and yard time, he had less than a dozen ships to actually spare for convoy protection, much less anit-piracy work.

"Captain, I am sending you to the council in order to plead for more funds. You will embark on the Corvette Slasher immediately."

Thanas held out a data crystal. "If possible, give this to my wife."

Ossilege nodded. "Yes, Sir."
*************

OOC: Revealing my major plotline for the first years.

[Mr Bean]

Myrkr outer system
Three light days from hyper-limit
The best mobile sensors money could buy could see everything around then for a few light-hours. A full on station based array could track everything with a light day. To cover anything farther than that you needed drones or a sensor net. And no one bothered with a sensor net out this far. The only thing it could see is ships like the ones now decelerating from the hyperspace jump, and the cost of such a system to cover that much volume would be staggering. Only the Coruscant itself had such a system and it had been built over centuries, and there system was limited to two light-days out.

Myrkr was no Imperial Center, no vast center of weath, it was in fact a minor world at best, less than half a million residents with nearly two thirds being concentrated within a hundred kilometers of Hyllyard City. 30% of the livable surface was nothing more than unending forest, which had never been charted, much less explored except from orbit.

As the small flotilla of ships lead by a single Carrack class cruiser came out of hyperspace they set to work. All three ships accelerated toward the inner system The pair of Star Galleon class transports that had been set along began dropping small egg-shaped containers out of two side hatches. With brief bursts of flares the drives on each one kicked in, setting it angling out on a pre-determined course. Picking up the pods would be tough as they were design to look very much like chunks of spare debries. The two Galleon's deployed close to forty of them between them. Then both Galleons arched out to the side moving away from the Carrack as they moved to the second part of their mission. Moments later each dumped a medium sized Elegance message drone into deep space. Old model, these drones were typically only used for highly classified messages, roughly 80% engine the drones could only be used a very few times before their hyperdrive burned out. When they kicked on their hyperdrives four days from now each would read as having been sent from a distant star system. And their very nature precluded doing more than two or three side jumps.

Three hours later nearly 200 degrees away on the other side of the hyper limit, another flotilla of the same makeup repeated the proccess, an hour later the proccess was repeated again by another three ships. In all over one hundred and sixty drones had been dispatched to scout the Myrkr system, some set to scout the planet, others set to scout the system itself. The Elegance message droids contained a mix of false information and true. Some warning of a possible attack by unknown power, others warning the attack was false and just an attempt to trick the natives into fleeing. Other messages seem to have nothing to do with the system itself but appearing to be false movement orders that indicated Neimoidia was about to be seriously attacked by the Hutts. Each droid came in from a different hyperspace track, each one either ignoring the system defenders and ordered to move across as if to hyperspace out, or would head right for them, beacons blazing that a message pickup was required.

Meanwhile, before and after, and even during in some cases, dozens of small stealthy pods with a probe droid inside scouted the system, storing up and recording information ready to be broadcast when the order was given.


OOC:The CP has begun scouting the Myrkr system in a serious way as well as running a disinformation campaign.

[Mr Bean]

(Some time ago)
Chandrila System
Orbit of Gas Giant Quenus
CPS "Gale" Victory II Class Star Destroyer
0940 Galactic Standard Time
Admiral Rowan smiled to himself as the CPS Gale reversed hard to slide in orbit near Quenus Station, a combination orbiting mining platform and a current CP supply depot. Once on a time, it had also been a smugglers den, and the station while on the smaller side had a surprising lush accommodations for conferences. True they had originally been the private chambers of a Duros crime boss, but when the fleet had shown up in Chadrila the Duros had fled leaving most of his furnishings in place. It had become a handy parking place for visiting diplomats if there was anything going on in-system. As there was right now with the entire 2nd Victory Wing lead by Captain Samuel conducting exercises as Red Force against the inner system defenders. Some eight Victory II's and another fourteen Carrack's tried to run pass four Imperial II class Star Destroyers with the CPS Serenity acting as flagship. He had been watching and critiquing the exercise the entire run over here while the Gale's commander officer, one Captain Jan sat far to still in front of him, outwardly seeming calm, but the signs were there to point out how agitated he was to be under direct surveillance of one Admiral he dearly wanted to please. Combat he could handled, six to one odds at the third assault on Byss he could handle, having a high officer just two meters behind him was far worse it seemed.

A short time later he was walking up the ramp to the Sentinel class landing craft to take the short trip over to Quenus station and meet this Ambassador. The trip was uneventful and in now time in all he was sweeping into the former throne room of the Duros smuggler, noticing at once the Manticore representative standing gazing out the three meter tall clear viewpoint facing towards the rolling storms of Quenus below.

OOC:Leaving you to pick that up Manticore

Brentaal System
Outer system
1200 Galactic Standard Time
The Crusader had a lively time on entering Brentaal
Moff Saenger had expected some kind of response on entering the system, be it positive or negative. However the arrival of the ISD was not quite as expected as seconds after the system exited hyperspace broadcasting it's diplomatic call signs the collision alarm shrieked as the helmsmen took the Crusader into a dizzying right turn that the accelerator compensator could not quite keep up with as a Star Galleon transport, a fourth the size of the ISD pulled a similar sharp turn out of the ISD's flight path. Moff Saenger noted with distraction that no civilian crew should have reactions that fast, which was interesting in and of itself. The second was that there was already half a dozen ships inbound on their position. However it seemed the diplomatic ID codes did the trick as neither of the Carrack cruisers nor the trio of Corvette's turned to attack but instead fell in as a kind of odd escort.

Three standard hours later Moff Saenger was being led into the office of one Jenilee Grenn, Governor of the Brentaal system. The Governor herself was there along with two assistant, and a rather short stature man in a dark blue uniform of Imperial cut whom the Governor introduced as Captain Tabori. With a small wave of her hand Governor Green asked the Moff to begin.

Chandrila System
Outer system of Chandrila
1110 Galactic Standard Time
The Starflare made her way towards Quenus orbit following the directions of the trio of other CR-90 corvette's shadowing her. They passed by a dozen larger ships ignored, their sensors easily able to see the nearly fifty capital ships engaged in exercises. They had been offer the choice to wait in Chandrila orbit for the Admiral's return or head directly to him where he was engaged in "official activities" near Quenus. The diplomat aboard had requested to meet with the Admiral without delay. Which is why the four Corvette's were skirting the edge of the exercise area headed towards the gas giant on the far side of the system. It would be an few hours before they got there....

OOC:Ok all ambassadors acknowledged

[Shinn Langley Soryu]

League Militaire Private Communique
FROM: League Militaire
TO: Core Protectorate; Imperial Remnant; Kuat Imperium; Second Corellian Empire; Shadow Empire; Star Empire of Manticore

Dear sirs,

Though our nations were on opposite sides during the Galactic Civil War, now is not the time to pursue old grudges and vendettas. The restoration of peace, order, and unity to the galaxy takes precedence above all else, and we must set aside what differences we may have had in the past if we are to see that goal accomplished. To that end, we propose an exchange of ambassadors in the hope that our respective nations may see closer cooperation in the future.

Sincerely,

President Kamina
Commander-in-Chief of the League Militaire

---

League Militaire Supreme Headquarters
Fondor, Fondor system, Tapani Sector

"So, you're really sincere about extending a hand to our old enemies in the Imperial remnants?" Simon asked.

"We need all the help we can get in order to help rehabilitate this entire galaxy, even if it means making deals with the damned Imperials," Kamina replied. "Personally, I'd rather smash all the remnants and scoop up the pieces, but even in its decidedly fractured state, what's left of the Empire can still easily destroy us militarily. At this point in time, we're best off making peace with them so we can buy time to build up our forces. Maybe we can even play them all off against one another and watch them destroy themselves if we play our cards just right."

"I never knew you were that devious, Kamina. You're still right, though. In our current state, mounting an open attack on even one of the Imperial remnants would be suicide. We do need to buy time to rebuild, and making peace with all of them is the best way to go about that."

"I'm glad you agree with me, Simon. So, how are negotiations with Giju, Kinyen, and Yag'Dhul going right now?"

"The Givin, Gran, and Herglics all want to join up, mainly because it's a choice between us and the Imperials, and we all know a few things about Imperial xenophobia," Simon replied. "Official treaties should be drawn up by the end of the month and ratified by the League Congress shortly afterwards."

"Also, how's the rest of the Tapani Sector doing?" Kamina asked some more. "When will Houses Caadrian and Pelagia officially join the League? Are there still Imperial holdouts in the Mecetti and Melantha Provinces?"

"Achillea and Pelagon are due to join the League around the same time as Giju, Kinyen, and Yag'Dhul. The few Imperial forces in the sector that haven't already joined us or sought asylum with the Imperial remnants have now been pushed to the former House Mecetti capital world of Obulette."

"If they're that stubborn and they don't want to join us or their friends in the remnants, crush them."

"Consider them crushed, Mr. President."

[Fingolfin_Noldor]

Meeting with Marshal Praji

"Alright then. We will leave it to the bureaucrats to haggle out the details. Thank you for your visit," Hadrian Kuat of Kuat said.

Shortly after they left, Hadrian turned to Macharius, "Anything you learnt of the ship that carried them?"

"The Stormfront seems well-maintained, judging from her emissions. As well maintained as any ship that came out of Kuat Drive Yards or any of her subsidiary yards."

"And now they occupy a corner of the Core, including Coruscant."

"Yes indeed."

"We will be watchful then.'

===================


A few days later

"Take care of matters here. Is the board almost ready with the budget proposal?" Hadrian Kuat of Kuat walked towards the waiting shuttle.

"Yes they are. They would be ready when you return," said Macharius.

"Good. The restoration of Kuat Drive Yards must be begin with earnest."

The shuttle headed out to the waiting IKS His Will, where Admiral Slaydo waited. Shortly later, the ship set course for Koros Major, and engaged the hyperdrive.

[OOC: Shady, take it from there. We will have a private meeting at your palace]
=================

League Militaire Private Communique
FROM: League Militaire
TO: Core Protectorate; Imperial Remnant; Kuat Imperium; Second Corellian Empire; Shadow Empire; Star Empire of Manticore

Dear sirs,

Though our nations were on opposite sides during the Galactic Civil War, now is not the time to pursue old grudges and vendettas. The restoration of peace, order, and unity to the galaxy takes precedence above all else, and we must set aside what differences we may have had in the past if we are to see that goal accomplished. To that end, we propose an exchange of ambassadors in the hope that our respective nations may see closer cooperation in the future.

Sincerely,

President Kamina
Commander-in-Chief of the League Militaire

The Kuat Imperium welcomes the exchange of ambasadors between the League Militaire and the Kuat Imperium. We will send an ambassador shortly.

[Thanas]

Brentaal

Three standard hours later Moff Saenger was being led into the office of one Jenilee Grenn, Governor of the Brentaal system. The Governor herself was there along with two assistant, and a rather short stature man in a dark blue uniform of Imperial cut whom the Governor introduced as Captain Tabori. With a small wave of her hand Governor Green asked the Moff to begin.

"Governor, we feel that your state and mine has much in common. We applaud you for your success in dealing with pirates and upholding order. And as a politician, might I just say that your manipulation of the press with the holonet remains was masterful."

Saenger produced a datapad.

"On this are the formal provisions our government has drawn up, signed by all members of the Imperial council."

Green took it and read the following:

Preamble:
The CORE members recognize that they share a common goal in mutual security and trade as well as common enemies in pirates and other undesirable elements. Therefore they, out of their own free will, have decided to form this Alliance.

A. Sovereignty
1. All members recognize the sovereignty of each other and acknowledge that they all have a legitimate claim to each and every world they hold.
2. All members promise to desist from any measures taken to destabilize each other.
3. Disputes shall be sent to arbitration.

B. Trade
1. All members will enter into trade pacts with each other. No tariffs of any kind may be imposed upon each other.
2. As the planets Coruscant and Anaxes are currently in ruins, the members recognize the right of the Imperial Remnant to fix prices on these two planets. This right expires upon succesfull reconstruction of those planet.
3. In order to safeguard convoy routes, each member state will make an effort to curb piracy as much as possible.

C. Defensive alliance
1. An unprovoked war of aggression against any member state is a war against all member states. The council determines what counts as a war of aggression.
2. The members recognize the right of every state to start a war of aggression. However, should this result in a defeat of that particular state, no other member state is required to come to the aid of the beleagured party.
3. If a member state attacks another nation which also has a defensive alliance with another member state, all hostilities are to cease immediately and the case shall be sent to the conference.

D. The CORE conference
1. Every member state will sent one (1) Representative to a continous conference until the holonet regains it former capacities.
2. One state, one vote.
3. The Council shall have a presiding member. The presiding member has tie-breaking abilities. The presidency shall rotate every year between member states according to this rotation:
a) The Imperial Remnant
b) the other signatory state in order of their signing
4. Issues brought before the council are to be decided by a simple majority.
5. Any disputes shall be sent to the conference for arbitration.
6. The seat of the conference is Coruscant. Until the planet is rebuilt to a satisfactory level, the conference will convene on the capital world of the presiding member state.

E.Miscellaneous
1. All member states must inform each other about military projects in planning before publication.
2. Violations of this treaty shall result in punishment decided upon the council. Serious violations (such as sabotaging another member) will result in expulsion from the alliance.
3. No member state may interfere with the domestic policies of another member state.
4. The treaty of alliance shall be signed on Coruscant.

"What say you?"

**************
Kuat

The Stormfront entered hyperspace, carrying Praji to his next destination.

**************
Ord Cantrell
As Mirith Sinn was still busy on Balmorra, Mahd Windcaller was dispatched to the League Militaire

OOC: I'll leave it to you, Soryu, how to handle the arrival. She is traveling in a Neb-B frigate.

**************
Results:
- Praji underway to Ord Cantrell, will take a little sidetrip.
- Trade pact signed with Kuat, +25 points for each economy starting next year.
- Mahd Windcaller dispatched to the league militaire.

[Siege]

The ten corvettes, stark white but for the livery of the diplomatic service, simultaneously jumped into hyperspace. Each of them carried an ambassadorial team, and each of them was destined for another location: Naboo, Manticore, Kuat, the Rim Alliance, the Bothan Confederacy, Balmorra, the League Militaire, the Core Protectorate, the Second Corellian Empire and the Shadow Empire.

All over the galaxy, the ambassadors would deliver the same message:

Esteemed gentlebeings,

Greetings from the Gordian Dominion. We are a small state located between the Hydian Way and the Daragon Trail, looking to come in touch with the greater galaxy. It is our belief that trade and diplomacy are the way toward a prosperous galaxy, and as such we were hoping to begin negotiations on these subjects with you.

Cordially,

Marlos Durell
Governess, Gordian Dominion

The message was disseminated on all standard diplomatic frequencies, and would be repeated for a week, hoping for some kind of reaction from the locals.

Result: This probably takes place in unreal time (already? Yes, already…) considering my ambassador is already on Naboo in one of Coyote’s post. We're looking for diplomatic ties and trade pacts at this stage.

[Master_Baerne]

Star Empire of Manticore
Imperial Palace, Bilbringi


The Emperor's conversations with the various ambassadors and envoys proceeded much the same, with only minor variations between them. In all cases, pleasantries were exchanged, refreshments offered, and the real work of diplomacy begun. Also in all cases, ambassadorial exchanges were proposed if not already offered, and accepted if not. Trade pacts were also proposed with all the Imperial states and with the TSAB.

[RogueIce]

OOC: Ok, here goes. Let's see if I can get everyone in one post. If I fuck up and miss you, shoot me a PM.

---

Kuat System

The Pride exited hyperspace at the edges of the Kuat system, and began transmitting diplomatic codes. Captain Valin Drago looked over to his embarked diplomat, Ambassador Jacen Korr. "Looks like a pretty strong response to visitors, Ambassador," commented Drago as various Kuati ships set course for them. Ambassador Korr merely nodded.

"Captain, transmission from the Kuatis, sir."

"Very well, put it through..."

---

Corellian System

The CR90 arrived at the edge of the system bearing the ambassador to the Second Corellian Empire. Following the exchange of messages via the hyperspace transponders that continued to function in the aftermath of the devastating war, the ambassador had arrived in the Correllian system to present his credentials, and to present a set of proposals to the Corellian leaders.

****

"Welcome to Corellia, Ambassador. I am Aeron Bell, Emperor of the Second Corellian Empire. It is my honor and pleasure to meet you."

---

Quenus System

The Starflare made her way towards Quenus orbit following the directions of the trio of other CR-90 corvette's shadowing her. They passed by a dozen larger ships ignored, their sensors easily able to see the nearly fifty capital ships engaged in exercises. They had been offer the choice to wait in Chandrila orbit for the Admiral's return or head directly to him where he was engaged in "official activities" near Quenus. The diplomat aboard had requested to meet with the Admiral without delay. Which is why the four Corvette's were skirting the edge of the exercise area headed towards the gas giant on the far side of the system. It would be an few hours before they got there...

Ambassador Faye Hundi met with the Admiral, and presented proposals for trade and economic cooperation.

---

Corellian System

Marshal Jir's cruiser jumped out of hyperspae at the edge of the system and transmitted diplomatic codes, asking for an audience. They were escorted in by a pair of SCE corvettes, and then Marshal Jir was presented before the Emperor.

"Greetings, Marshal. Welcome to Corellia. I hope you will stay as my guest? I am sure we have much to talk about."

****

The Arrow had arrived in Remnant space, and Ambassador Bob Conrad requested an audience with Remnant officials.

---

Balmorra System

Cirrus Writhe had arrived to do the talks real justice. The Short Brown haired woman got up before the crowded council chamber of the former governor's skyhook. Alicia was veiwing the meeting from the arboretum's holo repeater along with Cmdr. Sinn and lead Diplomat Signus Arthur, who was setting up the talks with Commander Sinn. Speaker Writhe started teh opening speach.

"My dear neighboring states it is a pleasure to finally be able to sit together at the table and talk in peace. It is our hope that we can work together and keep the peace. We are open and willing to discuss anything, but we are going to politely insist that we all agree to exchange ambassadors.
It is a new age in the galaxy, with a new future for the Successor States. Hopefully we can forget our wartorn past and can move on to a prosperous future."

She sat back down, her final words a reminder of the old wars that the guests had fought between each other when the galaxy had truly been united. It was the guests turn to speak.

After the others had made their offers, Ambassador Lilian Shoshana stood up. "I had a nice speech prepared, but my distinguished colleague from the Imperial Remnant seems to have beaten me to the punch," she said with a smile and nod to the mentioned representitive. "Our proposal is essentially the same as their own."

---

Naboo System

Ambassador Chertyl Kimotte presented herself before the Queen of Naboo. "Good morning, Your Majesty," she began. "I am honored that you have granted me this chance to speak with you."

---

Bilbringi System

Ambassador Talon Miller aboard the corvette Hope arrived in the Bilbringi system. He nodded at the captain, who began transmitting diplomatic codes.

The Emperor's conversations with the various ambassadors and envoys proceeded much the same, with only minor variations between them. In all cases, pleasantries were exchanged, refreshments offered, and the real work of diplomacy begun. Also in all cases, ambassadorial exchanges were proposed if not already offered, and accepted if not. Trade pacts were also proposed with all the Imperial states and with the TSAB.

These offers were accepted.

---

Corellian System

The Gordian corvette entered the Corellian system, and when queried by system defense forces, returned a diplomatic transponder. Upon landing, the Gordian Ambassador met with Emperor Bell and presented a message:

Esteemed gentlebeings,

Greetings from the Gordian Dominion. We are a small state located between the Hydian Way and the Daragon Trail, looking to come in touch with the greater galaxy. It is our belief that trade and diplomacy are the way toward a prosperous galaxy, and as such we were hoping to begin negotiations on these subjects with you.

Cordially,

Marlos Durell
Governess, Gordian Dominion

Emperor Bell looked up from the message and smiled. "I believe we can work out details for a trade agreement and exchange of diplomats."

---

Corellian System

It had been a busy, but productive, time for Emperor Bell. And it wasn't over yet. An aide handed him a message:

League Militaire Private Communique
FROM: League Militaire
TO: Core Protectorate; Imperial Remnant; Kuat Imperium; Second Corellian Empire; Shadow Empire; Star Empire of Manticore

Dear sirs,

Though our nations were on opposite sides during the Galactic Civil War, now is not the time to pursue old grudges and vendettas. The restoration of peace, order, and unity to the galaxy takes precedence above all else, and we must set aside what differences we may have had in the past if we are to see that goal accomplished. To that end, we propose an exchange of ambassadors in the hope that our respective nations may see closer cooperation in the future.

Sincerely,

President Kamina
Commander-in-Chief of the League Militaire

"An interesting proposal..." mused Aeron Bell aloud. "Well, it never gurts to talk. Prepare a diplomatic mission to Fondor. Standard package of a CR-90 and a senior diplomat."

"At once, sir." The aide saluted and left to carry out the Emperor's command.

---

Results:
Trade pacts and diplomatic exchanges offered to all!

Again, if I missed anything, send me a PM. Or start something up, or continue. Probably won't be able to respond in detail until Tuesday, though.

[Thanas]

Star Empire of Manticore
Imperial Palace, Bilbringi


The Emperor's conversations with the various ambassadors and envoys proceeded much the same, with only minor variations between them. In all cases, pleasantries were exchanged, refreshments offered, and the real work of diplomacy begun. Also in all cases, ambassadorial exchanges were proposed if not already offered, and accepted if not. Trade pacts were also proposed with all the Imperial states and with the TSAB.

Feena D'Asta smiled at the Emperor.

"Thank you, your majesty. Signing a treaty of alliance is more than we had hoped for, and I'll await your majesty's arrival at coruscant for the official ceremony."

With that, she took her leave.

*************
Corellia

Marshal Jir's cruiser jumped out of hyperspae at the edge of the system and transmitted diplomatic codes, asking for an audience. They were escorted in by a pair of SCE corvettes, and then Marshal Jir was presented before the Emperor.

"Greetings, Marshal. Welcome to Corellia. I hope you will stay as my guest? I am sure we have much to talk about."

"Of course, your majesty. Permit me, as a military man, to cut straight to the chase: We would like to present you with an offer of a defensive alliance treaty with these terms...."

[OOC: For the terms, check above]

****

Edge of the Ord Cantrell system

The Arrow had arrived in Remnant space, and Ambassador Bob Conrad requested an audience with Remnant officials.

The arrow was escorted in by a vindicator cruiser and soon, Ambassador Conrad was lead into D-Purteen, the luxury resort of Ord Cantrell, being soon greeted by the Regent.
"Welcome, ambassador. It looks like talks are already in place between Marshal Jir and your emperor at Corellia. Therfore, it would make more sense to wait for the conclusion of those talks. However, in the meantime, would you like some refreshments? The Namana fruits of Bakura are excellent this year."

*********
Imperial probe droids arrived at the territory of the Barras Pact and the Gordian dominion, asking for an ambassador to be sent.

*********

results:
- Trade pact signed between the manticoran star empire and the Remnant
- the Core Alliance has its first member besides the Imperial Remnant
- Feena D'Asta on her way back to the Remnant