Building Friendships

[Valiance Waszylla]

Valiance couldn't think of the last time he felt so excited. The Republic had been reformed and here he was on Kuat, spearheading diplomatic efforts to try to be friends with the illustrious ship-builders. As much as the man hated violence, he knew that the growing Republic would need protection, and thus would need a fleet. It would never be a one-sided thing, of course, as any good relationship is built on trust and mutually beneficial agreements. They were here to open trade between the Mandalorian-controlled world and Chandrila, of which Val's friend and fellow senator Alton Hawks was here to speak on behalf of. He couldn't have picked a better partner for the negotiations, trusting in the young man's ideals and quick mind.

They would be meeting some of the Mandalorians that controlled Kuat in one of the conference rooms on the orbiting shipyard ring around the planet. They brought no weapons, as none would be needed. Their most powerful tool would be their words and their wit, as well as the added bonus of truly wanting to deal with the Mandalorians instead of trying to screw them over like a lot of businessmen would do. Of course, they had to be careful not to give away too much on their side of things. Resources were still an important thing for the Republic at this stage, so fairness on both sides would be required. Fixing his bow-tie, Valiance looked at his reflection in some of the durasteel making up the side of the shipyard outside the conference room they were about to enter. "It's showtime, Senator Hawks. You ready to make some history?" He smiled at the younger man, though internally he was shaking with nervousness. Maybe he could make the Mandalorians laugh, break the tension a bit. Hopefully they wouldn't want to break his face. He liked his face.

@Faster Than Light @Rom @Faded

OOC: Death/Fighting disabled (just a habit to put these here)

 

[Romeo Kryze]

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Romeo was already inside the conference room, Mandalorians were never late for a meeting. His cold, predatory gaze glancing out of the window with his back turned to the door. Unlike the Senators, the Death Watchman was in his armor though freshly polished to give it that glistening look. It was a brilliant suit of ebony, adorned with gold while the tinted T visor shielded his face. He was planning to have some fun right before the meeting but his more serious counter part told him that he needed to be on his best behavior, after all, they needed some supplies and what not.

Weapons, well what was a Mandalorian without his weapons? Just a Republic soldier...No, he was joking, the comic relief running through Romeo's mind as he attempted to ease himself before Dalyn and he met with the senators. No armaments or ordnances would be visible on the Kryze's armored figure, but armored nonetheless for ceremonial purposes. "What do you think they will be like?" He asked towards Dalyn, the older Mandalorian had been around the block a bit, perhaps he had met some of these social / political figures before.

Romeo was a fighter, diplomacy wasn't really his suit though he supposed given the current state of the galaxy, there was always room to learn something new...

@Insalius @Faster Than Light @Rom

 

[Dalyn Solus]

Steepling his fingers from his place at the table, expression indecipherable beneath the cold metal of his helmet, Dalyn glanced at the chrono on the wall before turning to regard Romeo. The younger Mandalorian was a bit of a hothead - somewhat atypical for a Kryze in the warrior's experience - but he was willing to put in the work to help their People, whether it was in glorious battle or in the halls of bureaucracy, and for that Dalyn respected him.

Like Romeo, he was armored in his beskar'gam - painted an ashen black and trimming of faded gold with a red badger painted on the side of the helm, the armor was as much a badge of office as anything the Mandalorian people could have in these negotiations with Senators of the fledgling Republic. Despite the martial strength they could bring to bear under the guidance of Mand'alor the Crusader, the attacks on their worlds by the Sith had severely depleted the arable land the Mandalorians had access to and if they wanted to feed their people they would need a new source of foodstuffs... fortunately, there was a new power in the galaxy who had a desperate need for one of the things his people would always have in abundance; weapons and ships to carry them.

"Rich. Soft. Not Mando'ade... but we need them regardless. Our job is to make sure they don't find out just how much."

 

[Alton Hawkes]

It really hasn't been that much work since the Republic's re-founding. Sure everyone can throw their hands in the air and fly into the sunset but there is much that needs to be done. If they don't put in the work needed to maintain independence then gaining it was a failed venture. The young Senator Alton Hawkes is more than willing to put in any amount of work needed of him to help secure the Republic's future.

On Kuat they are here to make a deal with the Mandalorians. Exchange of ships from Kuat in exchange for food and the likes from Chandrilia. Of course being representative of the planet, it's prudent Alton is here. Chandrila is well known for being a agriworld. Alton did really feel bad for the Mandalorian's predicament, the genocide of Mandalore was just vile and the effects of it could linger for centuries. Also Kuat and Corellia are now isolated from the rest of the Mandalorian controlled space. This trade will help the Mandalorians just as much as this will help the Republic.

The Chandrilian senator was wearing a business suit and tie and had a datapad on his person, just in case. Nothing else unnecessary was brought. He was with his friend Senator Waszylla, ready to go into the conference room. This meeting is important. "I'm ready" he nodded. Ready as he will ever be, although he is less concerned with making history and more concerned with the welfare of the Republic and that of the Mandalorians.

Alton has hasn't met a Mandalorian in person yet. This will be interesting to say the least. Although the other Senator was representing a Mandalorian owned world in the United Protectorate right? So Val would know more about them than him. "You can speak their language right?" he asked as he wondered. No school on Chandrila taught anyone how to speak mando'a.

Well, here they go. Alton would open the door to the conference room and then go in. Once inside he would approach the Mandalorians, fully armored from head to toe. "Greetings" he would smile in a friendly manner towards them. "Senator Alton Hawkes of Chandrila. Nice to meet you two" he introduced himself and nodded his head and then would extend his right arm for a handshake to the both of them. He'd leave room for his colleague to introduce himself as well. Unable to see the Mandalorian's facial expressions underneath their T-visors, he'd have no way of telling if they would be off to a good start

Once the formalities and pleasntaries are started, they can get to the meat of this meeting.

@Insalius @Faded @Rom

 

[Valiance Waszylla]

"Oho, CAN I speak their language! When Obroa got taken over I figured it was a good thing to learn how to speak with them. New cultures and all that. Well, not realy NEW new, but newly relevant. Anyway, I'm rambling. Yes, I'll be able to understand them if they don't want to speak Basic." Val patted his friend on the shoulder and gave him a smile, trying to reassure him that everything was going to be okay. To be honest, that was ONE possible outcome of their talks. He didn't want to think of some of the others. Being hog-tied to a basilisk droid while it was going through atmospheric re-entry without any kind of protective suit on was something he didn't like to ponder on too much. Did either of these two have a Basilisk? He'd always wanted to study one, despite being used for war they had such an interesting point of prestige in Mandalorian society. There must be something with the design that helped create that special place, yet before he went too further he stopped his wandering mind. Man, it was REALLY easy for him to go off on tangents.

When Alton entered the room, Valiance followed. He gave a big smile and bow, part out of respect and part because he couldn't think of anything else to do in that moment. He let his comrade introduce himself before he started to speak, for now in Basic. "Senator Waszylla, of Obroa-skai. You can call me Val, though, most people do. It's nice to meet you two gentlemen." He then blinked, looking at the armor. Even as an outsider he knew some things about Mandalorian society having grown up on a planet that was occupied by them. That color choice for armor was not just the interesting choice of a teenager going through a 'phase'. "You both are members of the Death Watch, aren't you? I'm honored that two highly trained warriors such as yourselves would wish to meet with us. I hope there isn't much death to be watching out for here, though, I find I'm quite allergic to it, you know. I'd prefer to be on the lookout for life, instead. Mutually beneficial life, in fact. What do you guys say, shall we see how we can help each other out?" His smile was kind, having wanted to start off with a bit of a lighthearted joke to break the tension. He hoped he hadn't offended them, yet maybe these were two Mandalorians who would have a sense of humor or at least not be wanting to treat this meeting like a battlefield needing to be conquered. Val was allergic to being punched as well.

@Faster Than Light @Rom @Faded

 

[Romeo Kryze]

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Romeo listened to Dalyn's words though didn't say much of anything as a response. He knew what the Solus brother had said would have been likely true, though regardless, this was a new experience for him and diplomatic relations made him a bit uneasy. His attention grabbed by the opening of the doors as two well dressed gentlemen entered the room; Romeo didn't make any quick movements and rather simply stared at them with a slight tilt in his head, almost as if he was caught in absent-minded thought.

As one of them extended their hands, he returned the hand shake with a brief nod before shifting attention to the other. A lofted brow came at the notion of Death Watch, causing the Mandalorian to quickly glance at his own insignia on the chestpiece to remind him. He chuckled lightly before claiming a seat at the table for himself. "Quiet the attention to detail Senator, I am sure those skills come in handy when running in politics". He spoke, his voice slightly more bass than anticipated. "Congratulations on your ascension to Vice Chancellor, Senator Hawkes." He said to the other.

He'd wait for Dalyn to speak up in regards to the business talks, after all, Romeo was just tagging along to have some fun.

@Rom @Faster Than Light @Insalius

 

[Dalyn Solus]

Dalyn reached a hand out to return the handshake of the Senators from Obroa-skai and Chandrilla, briefly assessing their grips and features. Gesturing for both to be seated, he hesitated for a moment before reaching up and removing his helmet. As loathe as he was to do so, it would not be right to negotiate while hiding his own face; the Senators were the key to feeding his people, they were due the courtesy of being able to meet his eyes.

"Welcome to Kuat. It is an honor to host you both, Senators. I am Dalyn of Clan Solus; I trust your trip was... uneventful?"

He intentionally left the question about his affiliation with Werda Verda unanswered, keen to leave a history of violence separate from negotiations with a Republic that seemed hellbent on leaving that violent history behind.

 

[Alton Hawkes]

Alton's friend Valiance's insight into Mandalorian culture will be a plus. Although ultimately everyone is here is on the same side, they are here to secure favourable deals and help each other out. All is good, and then Valiance pointed out that those two are maybe members of Death Watch... that's the group who blew up a large cities worth at Coruscant years ago? Well this will be interesting. With Dalyn's gesture, he would get seated with Valiance sure to follow.

He smiled towards "Thank you" he thanked Romeo for congratulating him. Truth be told Alton could hardly believe it himself. "And thank you for the welcome, it a good trip here" he responded to to Dalyn, nodding towards him as well as he smiled.

Now that the pleasantries are over it's time to get started. Alton will start off, aiming to get to the chase sooner rather than later. Now with a stern expression he would speak "Gentlemen, my government has a proposition for the Mandalorians for our mutual benefit: In exchange for ships from Kuat to help rebuild our fleet, we can arrange for food, medical supplies, and other living necessitates to go to the Mandalorians. My homeworld Chandrila is more than willing to step up to provide these things and have plenty to spare." he nodded his head as he finished, clearing the air for Valiance to chip in. The offer is there, now will the Mandalorians go for it? That is the question.

 

[Valiance Waszylla]

When Dalyn took off his helmet, the meaning behind it wasn't lost on Valiance. His planet had been under Mandalorian control for years now, which he would have been foolish to not learn what he could of their customs. Their armor was a very important part of their societal and personal identity, so taking it off to reveal one's face was a great sign of respect. Or so he believed, anyway. The simple gesture moved him, forcing him to take his mind away from the usual path of shrewd negotiations and making him think deeper of the situation. Yes, they were the most powerful military force in the galaxy at the moment, yet they had also had two of their planets glassed within the last decade. Million of people, families, homes, all gone in a rain of turbolaser fire. No, this wasn't a time that they should spend haggling over a trade deal. With the recent broadcasts it was easy to see that as a people the Mandalorians were in pain, beneath the tough face they put forward to others. With all the fighting that had happened over the last decade, it was easy to close one's heart and focus only on one's own problems. No, if the galaxy were to truly find peace and heal, it would need to start with some genuine empathy.

"I'm going to cut right to the chase, here. I know that the Mandalorians have been hurt over the last ten years. Two planets gone, along with their people, homes, crops, culture, and that was a terrible thing that should never have happened. I can't imagine the pain you and yours must have felt, even imagining Obroa-skai glassed is something my mind cannot comprehend. This isn't the time for negotiations, bickering over numbers and trying to one-up each other. It genuinely is our desire to help your people in return for aid in our own ventures. So what I'm going to ask if that we both put down on the table what we want, exactly what we need, and we go from there. No beating around the bush, no double-talk, just working to get exactly what we need. Sure, we might not get as good a deal as the other way, but I don't think you guys deserve to be treated that way. So, what do you say?" He held up the datapad listing what they needed and had the authority to offer, looking at the Mandalorians and also at his compatriot. These people weren't like others, when making deals. It would be best to be as honest and straightforward as possible, in his mind.

@Faded @Faster Than Light @Rom

 

[Dalyn Solus]

Dalyn met the eyes of both Senators, struggling to school his features into a mask of impassiveity that would not fool these seasoned political animals for a moment; one of the difficulties in wearing a helmet for so long was losing the reflex to not display your emotions for all to see on your face. He had not expected the straightforward candor of the Vice Chancellor, nor the compassion from Senator Waszylla - in Dalyn's own experience, politicians would speak righteously for the cameras and then become ruinously cutthroat behind closed doors. While he feared an ulterior motive, he felt a small stirring of hope.

"We need foodstuffs, the longer it can last the better. We need seeds, imported soil, and agri-machines to help bolster what little harvest we have and to expand the fields on the arable worlds remaining to us. We are in desperate need of medicinal supplies, especially treatments for burns and lung damage for those of us who were on planet during the bombings and in the recovery afterward. Temporary or pre-fabricated dwellings rated for harsh environments are in short supply. Clean water, air filters rated for armor and domiciles, fertilizer and pesticides."

Reaching for his datapad, Dalyn closed the conservative estimates he'd been given by the War Council and instead opened the true list of needs and quantities facing the Mando'ade.

"We are not asking for these supplies to be given to us; we are willing to barter for the supplies and credits we need to rebuild with the one resource we have plenty of; tools of war, crafted here in our shipyards."

Sliding the datapad to Senator Waszylla, Dalyn crossed his arms over his chest and waited for them to review the list and list their demands. It hurt his pride as a verd of the Mando'ade to show their weakness to outsiders, but Dalyn had spent weeks in the healing wards trying to heal the wounded with medicine that was in short supply and fill bellies with food that was even scarcer. His pride was not worth his peoples suffering.

 

[Romeo Kryze]

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Romeo maintained a cold glare at the two senators, not saying much until after his associated was done speaking. He had allowed Dalyn to delegate a majority of their end, after all, the older Mandalorian was wiser in his ways and perhaps more diplomatic. Though, there were a few issues that the Kryze felt that needed to be said in this meeting, though seemingly still pleased overall with the amicable discussions.

Folding his arms across the armored chest he tilted his head to the side before speaking after Dalyn had finished. "As my associate mentioned, we are prepared to barter our resources as necessary in order to obtain what fills our needs. Is there a numerical amount of supplies that your worlds would require for us to come to an agreement? Or shall we keep numbers for a future discussion?"

He spoke, slits through the visor never leaving their attention on the senators.

@Faster Than Light @Rom @Insalius

 

[Valiance Waszylla]

As expected, they really were on the same page. With a few taps on his datapad Valiance brought up the numbers that they needed for their side, a tally of the number of ships to be created and other concerns needed to properly build their fleet to protect the worlds of the Republic. It wasn't the cheapest set of numbers, though it would still be well within what the Mandalorians could handle. It was time for a show of good will, though, that would hopefully allow their side to work with them on their needs. With a glance at the Vice Chancellor, seeing approval on the younger man's face, he took the offered datapad from the Mandalorians and handed them his.

"I personally find these numbers very fair, and I know my colleague does as well. As I said, I'm not going to negotiate these terms down. On behalf of the Republic, I accept them in their entirety. There is a caveat, though." He smiled and gave the two warriors a small bow of respect. "Things change, situations change. I would like to ask to keep the terms of this part of the deal open to said change, so if something happens and you need more, for whatever reason, we can more easily adjust on our side to help you. As I said, I'm not looking to make the best business deal, here. I'm looking to make the best moral deal. If our side looks good to you, then I hope that this is the beginning of strengthened ties between our peoples." He extended his hand, in case the other men wanted to shake on the deal.

@Faded @Faster Than Light @Rom