A Sarkan Breakthrough

[Kassa]

Grethallion had received her mission earlier that morning before gathering authorization to dock on planet Sarka. Directed by the Dark Lady of the Sith herself, the Force-sensitive Moff had been in the diplomatic business for years. She knew what to say, when to say it, and how to avoid incriminating questions.

Today, her mission wasn't totally easy. She had read on Sarkan custom and whilst she could feign an interest in their culture, the long, drawn out eight hour speech about her life would undoubtedly make her life miserable. The woman felt she had lucked out when she found out she wouldn't have to dance.

Grethallion had gathered a few of her sisters and a BD-3000 luxury droid which had been retrofitted with a protocol droid's language processor. The luxury droid would provide a translation of the Sarkan language, whilst her sisters would come bearing gifts, like luxury fabrics, jewelry, and other goods that could show the Empire's generosity.

Shortly after all the preparations had been made, her luxury yacht pulled out of hyperspace, hovering over the planet of Sarka. Grasping her DarkHound's leash, the Moff beckoned for three of her Reaver bodyguards to come with her on the shuttle, her clanmates and droid filing in last.

After everyone was inside, Grethallion entered the coordinates and the oversized shuttle broke away from the yacht and flew into Sarka's atmosphere, docking at the designated port. She stationed her Reavers at the back of the shuttle to guard her way off the planet, whilst she had the DarkHound, droid, and other women accompany her.

They then exited the ship, waiting to check in with customs.

 

[Lupe]

Groskr walked through the station to reach his assigned ship, he was already in a pissy mood. He had been sent from one side of the station to this one and had one of the most boring days a Sarkan can have. He was accompanied by five more custom agents, all armed with blaster rifles and armored. This was more then the usual three and a little bit more heavily armed because of the risk factor, they were dealing with a Grand Moff of the Empire and they all knew how dangerous and unruly they can be so more men were called. When Groskr saw the old frail lady along with her entorauge, he could tell these were the Imperials, they always an air about them that was different then most other visitors. Groskr approached the old woman and said "This is Customs, we don't want any trouble, we just need to check all the goods you are bringing into the city" he said in a hissing voice. He towered over the lady and held his blaster rifle sideways, not wanting to threaten anyone.

 

[Kassa]

The old witch grasped her cane and stiffened her back. The Customs Officer would be no trouble, even though there were monsters on board just in case something terrible happened. The Nightsisters carrying the gifts looked at one another for a split second, as if wondering if their Clan Mother had thought bringing Sithspawn through.

The truth was, Dathomir wasn't really explored. There could be many new creatures no one knew about; hence why the woman brought her dog out with her. Having creatures like the reavers out and about would prove awful if discovered.

"I assure you," the elderly woman spoke in a crackly, but soothing old voice. She also seemed to make a subtle hand gesture "That my vessel does not need to be searched. You know that everything in there is strictly regulated and nothing dangerous or illegal is inside,"

Hopefully her Force Persuade had worked. Whilst she knew it was unethical to bring Sithspawn with her, their potency would prove effective. The wonderful creatures were stronger than any warrior and more resistant than Durasteel.

The elderly woman seemed to balance on her cane; waiting on the Sarkan's next move.

 

[Lupe]

Groskr nodded, he agreed though he did not know why, but he did. Still that did not change the fact that he needed to check the imports. He looked at the woman "Ok, but we still need to check your gifts and items you are bringing into the city then you may go on the shuttle to the city." he hissed, gripping his blaster, he did not want any problems, he had two hatchlings and they needed him, so he tried to be as polite as possible wanting this to end quickly.

 

[Kassa]

Waving a hand, the boxes in her sister's hands levitated and moved to form a straight line in front of the Sarkan.

"We offer no trouble. See the fine fabrics and other niceties the generous Empire has sent?" the woman was still playing up the whole Don't-Check-My-Ship idea. The goods, however, were indeed legitimate and luxurious, ranging from cloth to processors.

The boxes then went to peel back the wrapped paper, unlatching themselves and pulling apart, allowing the man to thoroughly check each and every item. Once he finished checking each box, the box would reseal itself and float back to the corresponding Nightsister's hands, as if nothing happened.

"Now then, if you'd please show me to the shuttle..."

 

[Lupe]

Groskr checked each box and gift, everything was legitamite, he nodded at her request. "Follow me" he hissed, as he walked to the shuttle, which was awaiting and would take them straight to the royal palace. The driver, who was leaning on the shuttle and smoking, looked up "About time" he hissed as he stepped inside, throwing the cigarette away, and got in the cockpit. Groskr motioned to the shuttle "Have a nice day" he hissed as he walked away. He would later check more ships and live life as a normal Sarkan. The pilot started the shuttle and awaited the Passangers to arrive

 

[Kassa]

The elderly woman glowered at her cab driver, but only for a moment. Such disrespect would result in instant termination, which generally means death in Grethallion's case, on an Imperial world. However, the old woman bit her tongue, with the odd entourage boarding the taxi.

The ride through the cave city seemed uneventful. There wasn't much to see, other than lizard men going about their daily lives. Some went to the Hot Springs, others were rounding miners into the nearby mine. Sarkans seemed to be based around four things: Culture, Luxury, Survival, and Money.

Shortly after the taxi arrived, Grethallion pulled her group off to the side.

"You three. I'm relieving you of your current task. One of you is to go to the government offices and explain to them how the Empire's wonderful. The next, go influence the labor force," she turned to the last. "Your job is to listen to the gossip of the people. Learn their stance on the Empire and perhaps even the Republic,"

The sisters obeyed, each going off in a different direction, but not before Grethallion relieved them of what they were carrying. The diplomatic items were hoisted by the Force and stacked on one another before floating beside Grethallion and her droid as they searched for the Ambassador.

 

[Lupe]

The ambassador was quite nervous, very nervous indeed. He was to meet a Grand Moff of the Empire, but this was not the cause of his nervousness, he was to tell the Grand Moff that he would have to report to the higher level of the Palace, to meet with one of the Chieftans. Ambassador Sadin knew that Imperials hated suprises and are very cruel, despite this he sought out the Grand Moff. He went to the lobby and saw the Grand Moff, it was a her. Ambassador Sadin still was nervous but he knew better then to show it, so he hid his feelings and approached the Grand Moff. He stood infront of her, towering over her as much of his species did, and bowed "Grand Moff," he hissed "I am here to tell you your meeting with me is cancccceled." he had extended the second c in cancel due to his way speach in which he extended most of his c's. "But you have the greatest honour of having a meeting with Cheiftan Ma'kin." he hissed with a smile, his tail slightly elevated "I shall be escorting you, if you will please follow me" he said, finishing, as he turned around and walked to the elevator.

 

[Kassa]

The elderly woman seemed to mock shock when she was told she'd be meeting with the actual leader of Sarka. Such things were generally unheard of; it actually seemed that Sarka wanted this relationship as much as the empire did.

Grethallion, her droid, and the rotating boxes walked along with the diplomat. Grethallion matched his stride, while the droid and the boxes staying behind them.

The group then approached the elevator. Grethallion neatly stepped inside, positioning the boxes in a stack to make more room.

"So tell me, Mister Ambassador, what makes this planet's great leader want to speak with me personally?" she asked, waiting on the Sarkan to press the button sending them to the office.

 

[Lupe]

Sadin pressed the button and turned to the imperial. "You are an Imperial.." he hissed, it should be obvious that in a deal this big an ambassador will not do. Sadin stood by the controls as the elevator rose to the top level of the building. When it did the doors opened to a hallway, Sadin looked at the Imperial "Through the doors you go madamme" he hissed at her.

 

[Kassa]

Grethallion nodded. So, the Sarkans were slightly intimidated, if not completely. She walked out of the elevator and passed the guards. She thought she might of caught an uneasy glance or a small nod in approval from a few individuals, but other than that, they remained their post.

The Imperial Moff entered the large chambers. It reminded her of her quarters on Bastion, only the amount of decoration was tremendous. The meeting chamber was in a dome with fanciful cloth hanging form the tremendously high ceiling, which had the rare crystals adorning the glass panes.

After taking in the place with a glance, she perused the Force out, identifying if there were any stray assassins or protection nearby...

 

[Lupe]

Sarko had been looking at a painting when the Imperial entered. He turned to face the Imperial,

Sarko grinned, he already knew about this specific Imperial and had done some preperations. There were no spies or anybody else for that matter and it was an empty room, the reason was that if he died or was harmed in anyway the deal would be canceled. He approached Grethallion, his robelike clothes swaying with him, giving him a sort of elegance "Are you looking for someone, my lady?" he said with a polite hiss, bowing slightly. "I am Sarko, High Chieftan of the Sarkan people" he said affirming his position as the leader, and for now negotiator of the Sarkan people. "I imagine one such as yourself would know our traditions, or so I hope" he said, letting the last part warn her that if she failed to comply with traditions, the negotiations will go sour. Sarka paced around the room, cool and collected, the reptile seemed to have no worries or fears. Perhaps this was because he was so physically fit and intimadating. Perhaps it was because he was confident that negotiations will go well. No one knows, but what is certain is that he was not going to be an easy person to sway. He turned to the nightsister "Sit" he hissed smoothly motioning towards a seat right next to him. It was going to be a long eight hours and he wanted his guest comfortable.

 

[Kassa]

Grethallion acted impressed by the High Chieftain. He would prove valuable in the long run, but he seemed to have an underestimating air about him, which could prove deadly in the long run.

The old woman wasn't used to being commanded. There was little about her on the holonet, other than that she was the Moff of Dathomir. Only the Sith who had been to Dathomir would have found out about her slave complex and ritualistic behavior as the Clan Mother there.

"My life started in the Singing Mountain Clan..." she began. The woman began her life story, setting it up so that her tragic fall to the dark side would look as if it were imposed, as if meaning to say that she wasn't evil, just misunderstood.

It was then that she talked about her rise to power, proficient training, and how she conquered the nearby Clans and assimilated them into her own, as if she were a great military might. Her conquest stories lasted for the majority of the diplomatic meeting.

The elderly woman was far from finished, though. Her rise to the seat of Moff was an extremely long one, along with the tale of losing her daughter tragically. Grethallion then continued to tell of her many exploits under the Empire's watch. By the time the entire diplomatic meeting was over, the speech had lasted twelve hours, going on thirteen.

"I've also brought humbles gifts from the Empire," she said wearily, hoping her sisters have had ample time to influence at least a few minds. The boxes floated around and laid themselves in a line, waiting for the chieftain to open each one. Inside, he'd find an assortment of oddities, comprising of mostly luxurious items.

 

[Lupe]

Sarko listend to the story patiently. Oh he could tell she was stretching some details, but he did not hold that against her as he had did the same, and still does. When she had finished, Sarko ordered some refreshments, and looked at his guest, she had brought gifts, all good and well but Sarko truly did not need them and ordered some servants to take them to his private quarters in respect. "Now, Grand Moff, Why are you here?" he asked, getting down to business, staring at her.

 

[Kassa]

Grethallion knew the man knew perfectly why she was here. Still, if he was going to prove to be difficult to make an alliance with, she'd nonetheless go full throttle at first, perhaps as a way to draw him in.

"I am here on behalf of the Empire and her loyal servants," the old woman rasped.

"The Empire has found that Sarka is a neutral planet, which in this day and time, can prove incredulously dangerous and perhaps even fatal. The Empire knows of Sarka's strengths and it's weaknesses. My Emperor and Empress believe that, together, the Empire and Sarka can work together, putting a stop to any fatal weaknesses that you may be addressing even now as we speak and perhaps adding a vast influence of trade on your planet, increasing your income drastically,"

The woman did her best not to sound over zealous or make the Empire come off as some fatty rich man who doesn't know anything about politics.

"Sarka has a very coveted gem in her mines. The Sarkan race is also an affluent civilization and incredulously good at marketing. With Sarka's addition to the Empire, you'd receive the fastest hyperspace trading lanes in the Galaxy, as well as an immeasurable amount of troops in the result that your planet is attacked,"

The elderly woman waited patiently, observing the man.

 

[Lupe]

Sarko smiled "But if we are neutral why would we need troops? I know the Galactic Alliance is not going to make a move against us, so who would attack us? Also we have no need of riches, we already have riches, no need for trade, as we already have trade. On another point, I was wondering if you are aware of the skirmish the Sith have caused a few weeks ago, you need much more to offer then simple riches and troops." he said, he was not simply going to hand over his planet to either side, they needed something to offer, something Sarka did not have. Sarko sat down across from the Grand Moff, and awaited her response.

 

[Kassa]

"Perhaps the you are correct. Perhaps the Galactic Alliance won't attack you. I can't speak for them, the Bothans, or the Hutts, though," Grethallion said blatantly.

"Furthermore, the Empire sent the Acolytes to assist your federation leader. Your allotted Jedi, however, have proven to become overzealous in their safety precautions, asking too much of a Jawa. I'm sure you would be offended if someone disrespected your culture, Chieftain. I assure you that such battling wouldn't go unprovoked,"

"You must also realize the predicament you're putting your planet in. Whilst your nova crystals are sent between both the Empire and the Republic, you must realize that both are heavily sanctioned due to your neutrality. I'm sure the Empire would be much more welcoming to buying and welcoming a larger, steady source of crystals,"

"Plus, Chieftain, I can assure you that the Empire will allow you any advances in technology that we find,"

 

[Lupe]

Sarko sighed "You carry a good argument, but the people you represent have no honor or respect for traditions, you are just a special case." he said sternly, shifting in his seat. "And if we allow you to set up base, all Sith in Sarkan space will have to follow our traditions to the letter or be deported, or in more serious cases, executed. Is that understood?" he stated, staring at the Grand Moff.

 

[Kassa]

"My Sith Overlords have their own unique culture. I'm sure one of such profound power, like yourself, can understand the cultural advances using the Force, and occasionally, other methods of power,"

"I assure you that, any Sith who sets presence in your planet's vicinity will abide by your unique customs unless the matter is of great urgency,"

She smiled a full lip, mildly creepy smile. One could equate it to Beth's smile from Desperate Housewives, should the TV show have ever existed in the galaxy far, far away.

 

[Lupe]

Sarko grimaced and looked at the woman with saggy eyes, almost as saggy as her pale skin. He then spoke with a low voice, almost in a defeated voice, politics had never been his forte and he did not know wheter not the choice he was going to make was correct but he had no choice. "Get the documents." He then looked down, thinking of the choice he had just made.