Ask [New Mandalore] A Twelve-Starred Crown

[Jal Widase]

Theme​

War was on the horizon. It seemed to perpetually be on the horizon; there was always some brewing conflict in a galaxy teeming with life. Border skirmishes and enforcement actions were routine, mostly not notable. Planets fought against one another constantly, pirates raided civilian cruisers, military vessels toed the lines against each other to enforce their borders. These were just the minor powers, barely noticeable on a galactic scale. No, at that level, even a small skirmish could claim millions of lives. Billions of lives, even. Soldiers threw their bodies into an ever-churning machine, leaving little more than ash and bone to their families back home. And for what? Grand gestures towards 'justice,' or 'freedom' felt hollow in societies so marred by oppression, where the rich lived millions of times better than the hungry poor, where the Twi'leks and other species of the galaxy were enslaved for little more than their species.

Conflict over the smallest points on the Galactic Atlas could shake the entire galaxy, as recent events had shown. The Sith invasion of Free Worlds Alliance space, and the New Republic's reprisal to such attacks, had strained a galaxy already ravaged by rampant disease and corruption. To the Crown of Mon Cala, this tumultuousness became threatening. They were an isolationist people, the Mon Calamari. Their planet was constantly terse with the ethnic conflict between Quarren and Mon Cala, leaving them at times stand-offish to the general galaxy. Further, their key roles in the Clone Wars, Galactic Civil War, and the First Order/Resistance wars were involuntary. They were, at every time, unwilling participants in three great, Galactic wars. The interceding years had been no less challenging: Civil wars brewed on the surface of the planet while pirates and Hutts raided the peaceful trading ships of the Mon Cala fleet. Meanwhile, their galactic partner in the Free Worlds Alliance continued to be, by the Crown's estimation, an eclectic mess. Senators motivated by zealous hatreds of the Sith set the tone for ultimately ineffectual legal declarations. The galaxy was so blinded by its hostility towards the Sith that its diplomats had failed to advocate for diplomacy.

The Kingdom of Mon Cala would no longer be dragged into galaxy-spanning conflicts against their will. No, today would set the tone for the watery world; their And the New Peace Park Plaza on New Mandalore was as perfect a place to begin negotiations as any could be. The world, now reaching galactic prominence as a holdout of peace and diplomacy in a galaxy with little of either. Most importantly, it lay in neutral space; neither on an FWA world or a Sith dominion. The humble hosts of New Mandalore had agreed to host this diplomatic visit, and these same hosts watched with curiosity as the Mon Cala delegation descended from their ship towards their meeting space.

Mon Cala and Quarren dignitaries stepped in unison, clothed in the traditional clothes of each of their peoples. The Mon Cala Knights descended first, wearing attire fitting for their station: bronze-plated armor with sweeping capes. They walked slowly, pridefully, as the group of six made their way across the spaceport's square. The sun was far too bright for their old eyes; any trip off Mon Cala brought a frown to their sullen faces. Following them were a pair of Quarren advisors, clothed in ancient robes that that their long tentacles brushed. The pair chatted quietly, reviewing the old laws of their people on protocol off-world as they took their station alongside their knights. After a brief moment, one of the Mon Cala produced a horn and sounded into it, announcing the arrival of someone of great importance.

The King descended in his wheelchair; it seemed operated by his intellect alone. His life-support machine clicked loudly behind him - various vats and tubes filling his helmet with an odious green liquid. He was flanked by his Royal Guard; tall, broad-shouldered Quarren that wore little more than waistcloths and tridents. They stared forwards, heads never turning, but moved in perfect unison with their King. Motions were small, perfected over a lifetime of serving their beloved ruler.

Filling out this 12 Days of Life Day-esque throng was Commander Jal Widase, a military attaché to Mon Cala's diplomatic efforts. His work varied by the day in this role, but certainly, today's work was among the most interesting. He had been assigned Speaker, the mouth of the King, for the following negotiation. His recent work with the ISC, New Alderaan, and Lothal had demonstrated to the Council of Mon Cala that he was equipped for the position, despite his peculiarities as a speaker. In fact, Widase had advocated for the meeting after watching footage of the speech at Denon. It was clear to him then that there was more to the Sith beast than mere bloodthirsty violence; they could twist their lies, as he saw it, into truth. Perhaps, Widase thought, it was time to test this reportedly new leadership. Yes, Widase had positioned himself as something of a diplomat in recent days, far more refined from his boozing-and-bruising youth. Just thinking about his younger days made him rub his knuckles with anxiety.

He replaced this anxiety with focus on the present moment. He was at the negotiators table atop the plaza - him and his King alone - while the diplomatic staff waited in the wings. A pair of guards stood behind King Rikkles, their tridents rested on the marble floors of the building. The glass-covered room he sat him leaked tremendous light, a beam of such light illuminating Mon Cala's aging king. It made him look regal, despite the harsh conditions his life support system forced him to take. He was more machine than man, now, but just a little touch of sun flooded memories of him as the jovial, proud King to Widase's mind.

He could not fail today. And he would not, with his King safely beside him. Now, all they needed was the Sith delegation to begin.

@Phoenix @Wit

 

[Renfry]

Empress Andruil was still dubious about taking this meeting because she didn't not trust the FWA anymore than they trusted her. As much as the rest of the galaxy saw everything the Sith did as lies and propaganda, there was more truth to it than most knew. She knew better than most where truth and lie intertwined and separated, but anyone that assumed their politicians were telling them the truth - FWA, ISC, NR, or Imperial - was duping themselves. Everyone in politics was out for something.

Though she truly was here in peace, she had made the mistake of being too trusting once before. The Arbiter and Pursuer combination of warships that had become her personal escort dropped out of hyperspace above the planet, but no hostilities ensued.

Instead, a group of transports began to descend with a fighter escort, carrying the Empress and her personal guard down toward the surface. Though Sheehan had remained as captain of her guard, many of the faces that now filled those ranks were Imperial rather than exclusively Nightsisters.

They landed at the designated location and the Empress disembarked. Although simple, her black and red robes were made from an incredibly fine silk, saber hanging at her hip.

She headed inside, her guards coming to a stop outside the room they were to meet in. After seeing that there was only the pair within, she entered, closing the door behind her.

Your Highness, Senator, she said, nodding her head respectfully to both as she moved over to take a seat at the table.

I admit I was a bit surprised to receive this invitation, but I look forward to our discussion, she said.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Jal Widase]

Senator. Widase was ashamed at how much pleasure the words brought to his ears, as he nodded gently towards the Empress. "Your Grace." He had not forgotten his manners. Whether or not he believed the Empire's actions legitimate, today's efforts were to advance a resolution to ongoing conflict. Or, to see if such a possibility was on the table. He would not disgrace his King, as he had in days past, by making basic diplomatic blunders.

King Rikkles remained silent. If Darth Andruil were to probe his mind through the force, she would find a dreamlike feeling of content washed over his consciousness. It was a combination of things, in truth; the drug cocktail that constantly flowed through his mind helped to soothe his fading spirit. In his youth, he was a lion amongst Quarren; a small flame of his original soul still burnt. But, today, he was little more than a symbol; most without the Force could even see that.

"I am loathe to correct, Empress, but I am merely a Commander in Mon Cala's Navy. I am no Senator." Not yet. "I imagined it was an unusual request. We, too, look forward to the coming discussion." He meant it in earnest. The Empress had stated that she was a different Empress with a different government in publicly followed recordings of her diplomatic efforts on Felucia. If that truly were the case - if the Sith Empire had undergone some civil war to replace an old genocidal regime - than diplomacy was called for, regardless of personal feelings about the Sith ideologies. He hoped to inquire about as much today.

"Many have opted for violence when words have been just as effective. As a conflict continues to develop between the major powers of the Galaxy, it is the innocent who pay the greatest price. Rarely heads of government." Continued civilian deaths, invasions of neutral and unaligned worlds, bombings and reprisals that destroyed the fabric of the galaxy; too many had had their lives destroyed without cause. He had a duty to exhaust every option to guarantee peace to the war-weary denizens of Mon Cala before committing his world to war. "And it is for the innocent that we must be here, today." A little preachy, but a way to establish a tone for the coming discussion.

"Empress, I understand there has been a great deal of hostility between the Sith and the Free Worlds Alliance and its partner governments in the galaxy." An understatement. "The Crown has a great deal of concern about the cause of this conflict. And your government's role in it" He took a sip from a glass of water resting on the table. Bubbly and salty, just how he liked it.

"You have made it clear in public statements that yours is a different government than your predecessors, for which you offer no apology. You " Yes, recent statements both on Felucia and in Denon signaled that. The reorganization of the "Order" into an "Empire," with a standardized military replacing religious adherents, also certainly signaled a turn to normalcy for the Sith. Even if it was all just propaganda, at this point, one could not wave away the public response to this; some of the tribes of Felucia even trusted the Sith more than the FWA. And while politicians in Senate squabbled to decide Denon's fate, there was obviously some turning public opinion.

"It is not possible to just forgive and forget, you must understand. Not while you fly the same banner used by Emperor Palpatine in his oppressive, warmongering rule. Not while sovereign territory that was invaded by your predecessor remains in your hands," Denon again shot to mind, alongside Taris. Two worlds that had been subjugated, and cried out for liberty in the Mon Cala's mind. "And statementts from these occupied territories seem to justify your occupation."

"But the King is here today as a the representative of Mon Cala alone, not the government of the Free Worlds Alliance. We are still obviously concerned about the fate of our sister worlds, though. We have a great hope that we can reach an understanding today, and that begins not with accusations or judgements but with open dialogue." It was obvious that he meant it - Mon Cala was a notoriously isolationist world. Despite its moral and historical reasons for being a member of the FWA, mainly its participation with other FWA bodies in several wars over the last centuries, the world was known to be neutral. Its trading fleet often was just that: A fleet more interested in commercial or cultural exchange than warfare.

"It appears to me, to Us," he gestured to his king, "that these border skirmishes began as a result of Sith retaliation to a lawful Sector Rangers investigation. Conflict erupts after such an occasion, it can be expected. But before we, all of us, commit either of our peoples' lives to war, we must interrogate it."

He gestured towards the Empress, unsure fully how to regard her. It was highly possible that her diplomatic voice was a carefully-designed ruse to assign legitimacy to the Sith Order's rule; a cold calculation by whatever body truly ruled the sith. If that was the case, the cost of diplomacy was high; even these conversations risked playing into whatever propagandistic aims she had.

But Widase has known conflict, severe and terrible. The kinds of wars that children are sent to fight in; that they cannot return home from. All of Mon Cala remembered a horrid civil war, frequent violence against civilians, children without parents and parents without children...The cost of war was horrid. He would take any risk to avoid that.

"Perhaps this could be an appropriate place to begin our discussions. What is your own accounting of the violence, the invasions, between Sith and FWA? Where does it all begin?"

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Her mind flowed gently through the room, feeling what was there and wondering if the man in the chair was even alive. She could barely make out the sparks of life, but little more. It was clear that he was about as useful as a statue, and that told her a great deal about the role the other man would play in this discussion.

Mm, my mistake, she said as he corrected her title, a small warning bell going off in the back of her mind at the statement that he was a Commander. Soldier, she thought to herself. Yet she didn't move. It was an overreaction to assume anything at this point.

Then he launched into his spiel. It wasn't the start that bothered her, it was the same preachy arguments that he used further on in his statements. And yet, her face was like stone.

"Not beginning with accusations or judgement" is an interesting way to start considering you've done both of those already since we've been speaking, she said as he reached those words, smiling in a way that wasn't quite warm. He had already offered two "accusations and judgements" since he'd begun speaking, first about Palpatine and thus her association with him and then again about the Sith occupations. Obviously unlawful occupations while the FWA's occupation of Felucia was appropriate. She decided not to let the double standard get further under her skin.

Rather than belabor those points, however, she let him continue.

As he finished speaking, they finally reached the question at hand. The room had no cameras, reporters, or listening devices. They were alone and so she opted to speak plainly.

Before I answer your question, I'd like to clarify a point. If we're going to hold the Empire responsible for Palpatine's actions then when will we be holding the Republic responsible? Supreme Chancellor Palpatine was repeatedly voted into power. Or perhaps the ISC because Naboo is in the ISC and that's where Senator Palpatine was from? she asked. She knew the suggestion was preposterous and that was the point. The ISC had not even existed at the time of Palpatine's Senatorship, but it led precisely into her next point.

Holding entire governments responsible for the actions of a single individual who lived long before any of us were born seems a bit unreasonable, no? she asked.

As to your question, the conflict began because the FWA opts to support the Jedi. Our war is with the Jedi and always will be, and those who support their genocide of the Sith are our enemies as well, she said.

No one has thought to ask why the Empire hasn't attacked the ISC - who has gained popularity because they want to stay out of the conflict - or why our conflict with the New Republic - until the Chancellor recently opted to publicly endorse the Jedi - has been so limited, she said. No one stopped to actually think. In fact, this was one of the first intelligent conversations she'd ever seen a member of the FWA have on the issue.

What do you know about the Jedi and Sith? she asked, a genuine question. She knew that the majority of the galaxy couldn't actually tell you the difference between the two and those who did know were often polluted by the propaganda of the Jedi. Educating him may be a valuable place to start.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Jal Widase]

Widase leaned back into his chair as she spoke. He occassionally glanced towards his King - his presence helped to guard his spirit as she spoke. And he was glad to be listening, as she raised some rather salient retorts. He had, of course, begun with judgements and accusations - it felt impossible not to since they had already spilled blood. It was harder to admit fault when it seemed to position one into weakness, too; it would take further discussion to lower his perceived moral superiority, a useful guard against manipulation.

He disagreed with her point about Palpatine. His culpability lay precisely in his Sith position, Widase figured; he was long their corruptive agent, until he became Emperor. He refrained from comment because he understood her point: Litigating the past millennia of various Sith warcrimes or Republic warcrimes would hardly help to settle their dispute today. They were here to take a path rarely taken between the descendants of the Rebel Alliance and the Sith Order - the path of diplomacy. Widase would have to sacrifice his preconceived notions about the Sith to continue - for the sake of the King.

"Holding a government responsible for the actions of its decisionmakers, Empress, feels quite fair. The buck must stop somewhere." He paused to acknowledge the spirit of her argument. "Though, I admit, many of the corruptive influences that have driven our galaxy into conflict historically remain commanding today. The rule of the powerful to oppress the powerless. It has ever stoked the tensions of our governments. This is what propelled the old Empire to power, no? The foundations of oppression had already been deeply laid, and subsequent governments have done little to built a truly just galaxy." He had seen it firsthand on Mon Cala; the long-oppressed Quarren had never been allowed governance before King Rikkles emancipated his people. Today, Mon Cala traditionalists still opposed their opposite's rule, governed only by an ancient and pervading bias against their world's kin. "My King cannot answer for the New Republic's Supreme Chancellor, "

He had analyzed the Empress's diplomatic actions on Felucia. There were many things that were impressive about her conduct: She spoke Felucian, for starters. She also had a keen ear for the perceived hypocrisies of her rival powers, But, more importantly, she had come herself to represent her Empire. No delegates or ambassadors. It was the same, today, and the presence of an Empress demanded the audience of the King himself.

Her comments about the ISC were well-received. The Consortium had recently become an important trading partner of the world of Mon Cala, and he had a small amount of admiration towards their worlds' conduct. They had turned a number of individually weak Outer Rims worlds into safe havens from crime, corruption, and the violence that awaited them in the rest of the galaxy. They had also fully committed to the fight against the despicable Syndicates, an ever-whirling gale of destruction that lingered just outside Mon Cala's space. Far more Mon Cala lives had been taken by pirates and raiders from the outer reaches of space than by Sith warriors, today. He nodded towards his King. "Yes, the Independent Systems Consortium has voiced its displeasure with both ends of the Force-governed philosophies. They have an obvious desire to avoid any wars with Sith or Jedi. And yet, President Thorne himself attests that he was attacked by Sith while he was already at the Syndicate's mercy." He referred to the President's statement after his kidnaping. "And Kabal, a world of obvious strategic importance to a Sith advance, is actively under siege by your Empire's forces. Kabal is otherwise neutral to your active conflicts, no? Do all worlds harbor some secret Jedi presence that the sword must flush out?"

He spoke before thinking - his desire to be right had once again overpowered his need to be a diplomat. He tried to craft a more conversational statement out of his previous accusatorial one. He paused to take a deep breath, closing his large eyes while he sipped his water. He looked towards the pitcher - a gaseous saltwater in an ornately-crafted glass bottle. It had the shape and color of a long seashell, curving around and grasping the liquid within. "Might I offer you a glass before we continue, Empress? It is a saltwater of Mon Calamari import. It is quite unlike most beverages outside our world - the slight saltiness of the drink is known to cleanse the palate and promote clarity." It was a minor herbal remedy back on Dac, bottled from small inland geysers on remote islands. If accepted, he would pour a small glass for her to taste. "We do seek understanding, today, so I will be more restrained as we continue. I apologize if I have caused any indiscretion, your Grace."

As he listened to her continue, he nodded at her comments about Jedi and Sith. Both religions were largely a mystery to him; he had never actually met a Jedi and only knew the vaguest hints about the Force as a source of power or as an object of worship. "I will admit, I know fairly little." He knew that a Jedi had betrayed his people and drawn them into conflict with the Galactic Empire, after the civil war. He also knew the Jedi to disciplined, spiritual leaders; they had a connection to the galaxy's life that he thought rarely possible. "I know that the Jedi have had no quarrel with Mon Cala's current government." The Sith largely had not, either, though the general galactic situation worsened.

"This is a topic of some personal interest, though. From a cursory glance, it seems as if your ancient feud is a fundamental part of either religion." He made his hands into cups, gesturing with each one separately as he spoke. "Light side," he shook his left hand. "And Dark." He shook his right. "Each claiming to have a more perfect understanding of the Force, that compels them to fight against each other." He clapped his hands together after he spoke, a simple gesture to illustrate the conflict between Jedi and Sith. How she responded to this question had already been illuminating. "But, I imagine You have greater perspective into this, your Grace."

She had no outward interest in conquest. Though, as the Empress herself had just stated, neither did Palpatine until it was too late. Nonetheless, her aims were targeted and specific: a decisive end to the war with Jedi and those who harbored them. The FWA would not be quick to condemn the Jedi to their fates against the Sith, but it was as he had suspected: There was something deeper to learn here.

He eagerly awaited her response, a deeper exploration into the history of the Sith and Jedi War.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

Renfry's eyebrows rose as he doubled down on his statement. Holding me responsible for actions from 130 years ago? No, I don't think that's rational, she stated bluntly. Unless you'd like to suggest how perhaps I could have stopped those actions that took place a century before I was born, she went on.

Holding those who committed an action responsible, most certainly. But as I've stated before, the Eternal attempted to kill me because it disagreed so vehemently with my position, she said. While I may bear the same name, we are quite obviously different entities, she said. But people seldom wanted anything more than a "gotcha" statement. She hoped that perhaps he was different, however.

I suppose it is my turn to correct, then, she said. President Thorne was shot down by the Sith nearly seven years ago, she said. And indeed, the Sith had not shot down his ship during his captivity, it was not a lie. The Sith have made no aggressive moves against the ISC since that time, she said.

As he continued launching through his accusatory statements - now tactically undermined by his incorrect facts - she simply sat there. He seemed to compose himself slightly, though the damage had already been done by that point.

She paused a beat, but ultimately that spark of snark that she'd never quite tamed got the better of her. So much for no accusations and judgment, she said, once again smiling and this time it was even colder than before. It was quite obvious even without the Force that she wasn't particularly pleased with the way he conducted himself.

I'm fine, she said in response to his offer of beverage. Salt water didn't sound particularly to her taste or the taste of any near-human.

She paused several more beats, deciding that becoming angry or acting in rash impulse was worthless, but noting to herself that further outbursts from the Commander might not be brushed aside so simply.

The first Sith members were Jedi, she said. Cast out of the Jedi Order and hunted because they thought that having emotion wasn't something to be condemned, she said. It was the simplest explanation of what had happened. Even the grudge match between them was something that most through history didn't really understand.

The Andrastian Dynasty was the First Sith Empire, and a prosperous one, she said, and it was true. They had stood for 500 years and had been an incredibly prosperous time for the galaxy. The Old Republic and the Jedi have tried to expunge facts like that from the record. I don't deny that the Sith have done terrible things through the generations, but the Jedi warp and twist things to fit their agenda. They've worked very hard to wipe all records of the fact that Andraste even was a Sith, she said. All true statements from the prosperity of the First Sith Empire to the attempts the Jedi had made to expunge it.

History is written by the victors, and the Jedi were the victors for over 1000 years, altering history as they saw fit, she said. The truth was that Andraste was Renfry's role model in many, many ways. Her vision for an Empire was modeled largely after that of the old Sith Empress. Just several thousand years apart.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Jal Widase]

Widase clicked his tongue. He had been misinterpreted; he spoke his next words carefully, slowly, and deliberately to try to reduce the tension. "I apologize for the confusion, Empress. No, I do not mean to say that you, today, must stand trial for the government of Palpatine and the First Order, which are long dead. What I mean to say, though, is that the prosecution of the old Empire and its government was legitimate. As, assumedly, your own prosecution against your predecessor was legitimate. Leaders must be accountable to their laws, at the very least." It would be foolhardy to try and arrest the Empress here, or to even accuse her of misdeeds before her reign. He knew very little of her reign, or of the Eternal's, but the fact that she represented a different government was the reason why they had met here today.

He was lost at the conversation around Jedi and Sith, especially at the Andrastian . He had no doubts that there was some cause for grievance between the Jedi and Sith, and that the Jedi were not purely heroic and self-sacrificing; however, he struggled to see why the conflict was still active today. It was, truly, between the Jedi and the Sith; there was no reason to drag others into their long-fought war.

"This Andraste...It is a name unknown to me. Perhaps you can educate me further. Who was she? And, what is it about her rule that inspires Your own, Your Majesty?" He hoped that she would explain the story of Andraste further, so that he could see the kinds of political or moral precedent the new Sith Empire drew from. "Or perhaps, more importantly, what is it today that sets your rule apart from your predecessor? Aside from the fact that We sit at the table together, an impossibility in the past...perhaps you can help Us to understand just who or what the Sith Order was before your rule? And what it is today?"

Before he allowed his curiosity about the history of the Sith truly overwhelm this discussion, he returned his focus to the present. "Many see a galaxy-wide conflict on the horizon, and see the Sith as nothing but the violent excesses of some of its leaders. I see something different. I cut my teeth in anti-piracy operations. They're the scum of the galaxy, pirates: Enslaving and pillaging the destitute just to sate their spice habits and feeble desires for power. Palpatine's old Empire dealt in piracy, favoring Hutts when it suited them to draw criminals to their own ranks. Your Empire, on the other hand, has pledged support to the fledgling world of Felucia against piracy." There was truly a question of whether or not the Sith accepted any rule-of-law among his peers in the FWA. It was clear to Widase, at least, that voluntarily committing military and police forces to a world of minor strategic importance represented...something. Some gesture of goodwill was possible. The Sith were a sentient government, capable of negotiation, not the force-of-nature that Senators would depict them as. Of course, a useful piece of old Imperial propaganda was their commitment to rooting out the corruption and piracy of the Outer Rim. Imperial bureaucracy merely replaced the corrupt leaders of settlements, leveraging oppressive taxes and labor to bring profit to the human aristocrats who joined Palpatine's cabal.

"It convinced us that it was worth negotiating today. And while Mon Cala alone cannot speak for Denon, Taris, Kabal, and Felucia, we can set a precedent here. Perhaps we can, at the very least, establish norms of conduct for conflict. Reduce the infliction of violence upon civilian populations and leaders during conflict, provide adequate treatment for Prisoners of War, work with transgalactic aid agencies. Perhaps we could even establish clear, demilitarized zones in which we do not war." Total conflict was still undesirable for Mon Cala. While they were perfectly willing to go to war, establishing norms that reduced the terror the civilian population would face in times of war could help to strengthen legitimacy in the world's regime. Many Mon Cala had no interest in warring the Sith, a massive empire compared to their tiny world. Agreeing to any kind of temporary provisions with the Sith would help to strengthen the lone world, if not the entire FWA.

He hoped, in return, that the Empress saw the value of diplomatic conduct with a potential enemy combatant. If one of her strategic aims was a seat on the Galactic Senate, or at the very least, formal diplomatic recognition from the other powers of the galaxy, it was Widase's hope that an arragnement would be of interest to her.

"It is clear your peoples have some degree of grievances that need settling with the Jedi. As We are not Jedi, I cannot speak to those grievances. And so again, I must wonder if there is any way we can avoid bringing these grievances to the sovereign world of Mon Cala."

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

The Empress finally seemed to relent, appearing at least somewhat satisfied that he was not leveling these accusations directly at her as the last Senator she'd spoken to had. It was an aggravating and pointless process pushed by those who had already made up their minds. She reminded herself forcefully that she was at this table because he wasn't of that same ilk.

She nodded thoughtfully for a moment, knowing there was a great deal to unpack in what he had said, and knowing there was no way that she would be able to swiftly and easily cover it all.

Andraste had an alliance with the Republic in her day, believe it or not, she said. Her Empire had taken a great deal of the Outer Rim under her protection, providing peace and stability to worlds that were... she motioned toward him with a nod as if agreeing with what he had already stated ...harrowed by slavery and piracy and other crimes, she said.

The Eternal was a warlord obsessed with its own paranoia, she said. She'd seen it first hand when the Eternal had come to kill her. It didn't have loyalty, and she... was working on gaining it. Rule strictly through fear was no rule at all.

I'm not a warlord and my kingdom was not aggressive toward the FWA or its neighbors when I was a Sith Lord. My choice to make the Sith an Empire was not an accident. Unified, legitimate government is what I'm interested in, not pointless warring terrorism, she said.

And that brought her to her real concern.

I'm not going to make an empty promise to you, Commander, about not going to war with the FWA and Republic, she said. Though she didn't say it, she also couldn't promise that no invasion of Mon Cala would occur while they remained a part of the FWA. War was on the horizon, and lying about it wasn't going to help anyone.

You all look at the Empire and see the "Sith Empire," she began. And it was for good reason, they were called "the Sith Empire." What you may not see because the Jedi are far more nefarious is that the FWA and Republic are the Jedi Empire, she said, probably a shocking statement, but she held up her hand for a moment to indicate she wasn't finished and continued.

The Sith have their sins to be sure, and I work to overcome those, but you see what you get with us... good or bad. The Jedi, on the other hand, would never be so blatant to call it the Jedi Empire, but consider history, she said.

Jedi held full influence in matters of the Republic serving as ambassadors and diplomats for centuries, controlling the political scene from right on Coruscant, she began. She waved her hand dismissively, but I've already stated I don't like bringing in the past too much.

So let's consider the past few years: a relatively new politician comes to the scene with rumored ties to the Grandmaster of the Jedi and then only a few months later he becomes Supreme Chancellor and immediately declares his alliance with the Jedi, she said, pointing out something that was highly suspicious to those who paid attention. While she didn't give much weight to the rumors they were lovers, but there was influence there in one way or another.

Or let's consider the FWA: worlds convinced to invade portions of the Sith kingdoms that weren't even aggressive. Jedi repeatedly leading armies of FWA soldiers into battle... battles that are against the interest of the very worlds that are sending their soldiers. It was what the leaders of Taris eventually realized and turned on the Jedi, she said.

And why is it that the Jedi - a religious organization - even has a seat in the Galactic Senate, she said. They were valid questions to ask, and questions everyone in the FWA should be asking.

The simplest way to keep the Sith Empire from Mon Cala's door is to not be a part of the Jedi Empire, she said. But I will defend my people from being wiped out by the hands of the Jedi.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Jal Widase]

This Empress did have a way with words. She spoke truth to concerns that had long been raised about the Jedi and New Republic's collusion in galactic affairs. In truth, Widase had not protested the military attacks against Denon because he saw the necessity of such strikes; the thought had nagged at him, though, that it was all political maneuvering by the Republic. Perhaps the Jedi had manipulated events, used the political blocs of New Republic and FWA as disposable assets in their war against the Sith. It was folly to put too much trust in the words of the Jedi's ancient enemy, the Sith, but it was also true that the key figures of galactic politics seemed to avoid negotiating with the Sith like they were an anathema. And here, Widase found the Empress perfectly human, a living, breathing representative of her mysterious empire.

And indeed, this human spoke truly to the popular resentment against the Jedi. Mon Cala had suffered at their hands before, and their outstripped political representation relative to their actual size and activities was always a cause for concern. Perhaps, she raised important concerns. Concerns that were no doubt strategically useful to her and the Sith, but concerns nonetheless. Had they been manipulated to the brink of total war, genocidal devastation, over a grudge match that the Jedi had dragged to independent worlds?

"Your desire for legitimate government for your territories is agreeable, perhaps laudable." Indeed, when his colleagues made gestures towards the extinction of the Sith, he wondered for the fate of their sovereign territories and homeworlds. What would happen to the worlds of Exegol, Korriban, Dromuund Kaas, Morriband, Dathomir...those worlds that had willingly adopted the Sith ideology were no less deserving of their sovereignty than any others in the galaxy. And the prospect of a New Republic occupation of these worlds seemed tyrannical, while an FWA one seemed impossible to coordinate.

"You raise quite provocative points, Empress. There is, obviously, much for the Crown to consider in the coming days." He nodded again towards his king. "But while we are being candid, Empress, Mon Cala will not up and leave its allies in the Free Worlds Alliance so rapidly." There had been some interest from nobility and commoners alike to join the ISC. Concerns about the FWA's effectiveness as a political body were constantly in question across the galaxy, as well. Mon Cala desired both absolute sovereignty and a seat at the Senatorial table, both of which were guaranteed by a FWA seat. The Free Worlds Alliance was still a useful political body.

"But, you do have a great deal of insight into the Jedi's role in the galaxy." He whispered the next part conspiratorially. "It is said, during the Clone Wars, the Jedi had their children-students...." He snapped his fingers a number of times to remember their names. "Padawans. As young as Thirteen, Fourteen, Fifteen in human ages, commanding troops with ranks higher than soldiers who had been trained for years." He feared what would happen if the galaxy, again, let a religious order with its own self interests take the reigns of billions of lives. If the galaxy let children lead soldiers to their death because they were gifted with some arcane power.

"Perhaps they are a greater cause for concern than We had been led to believe." Yes, the most nefarious of thoughts settled into Widase's mind: doubt. He had reached out to the Jedi previously, to ask for their aid in training a militia. In response, he had heard naught but silence. Mon Cala's compatriot, Lothal, had a great deal of trust in the Jedi; a frank conversation about their role in politics would help to enlighten. But no matter what Lothal said, Mon Cala had to measure its own concerns first and...the Jedi were low on the list of organizations that they owed goodwill to. The ISC, again a trusted partner of Mon Cala in recent years, had a well-known distrust of the Jedi, despite President Thorne's willingness to bring them into the Senatorial fold.

"I must ask one more question, Empress. You have made it clear today that you fight for the survival of Your interpretation of the Sith Way of Life against the hostile Jedi and their perceived pawns." He hoped this was an accurate interpretation of her talking points. "But what would victory look like against the Jedi? Do you fight to eliminate their entire order? Or do you look for equal footing, equal representation, and an end to aggression from them?" These were certainly not the only options, but Widase cared to hear her response. If the war was solely about the Jedi's thousand-year genocide against the Sith, which the Empress was going to end by any means, what would actual independence from the Jedi for the Sith look like?

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

She nodded her appreciation as he acknowledged that her goals and points were valid and then mentioned the Crown's decision in the coming days. She looked over at the "King" and though she would never say this aloud, she had almost forgotten he was even there. He... was not what she would have wanted to end up as. She wondered how they even managed to have him make decisions. Well, actually, she knew how. Precisely as it was happening right now: he sat there while other people made the decisions. She almost thought it odd, but then considered how many unusual traditions Dathomir had. There were plenty of things there that others would probably consider to be bizarre.

As much as I may hope to see you leave the FWA today, I know that it's not a decision that most would want to make hastily, she acknowledged. She didn't really expect it to happen today, but if even the seeds were planted, then that was progress.

As he went on to speak about the Clone Wars, she nodded.

Odd, isn't it? she said, not expanding further, but letting him ponder how bizarre it was that a religious organization had such influence that they were able to acquire an entire army of millions and then place children in command of it. Just how much power and influence did the Jedi exert without others knowing it? It was the type of question that would linger in the mind.

His final question caused her to pause. The truth was she wanted to wipe the Jedi out or at the least force them back into a corner of the galaxy, but she had never really considered the answer to this question. She was fighting for survival when it came right down to it. The power to protect herself and what she cared about.

I find it unlikely the Jedi will ever allow us to live in peace, she answered. They didn't before and I don't see them making overtures toward it now, she said, an honest statement. Both organizations had hunted the other nearly to extinction before and she knew the cycle would continue. She knew neither the Dark nor the Light would ever truly wipe the other out. There would always be balance.

If they all went to live in isolated monasteries, I hardly see why we would come to conflict. I want them removed from positions of power where they can change the course of the galaxy on a whim and I want them to stop their genocide of my people, she said. They were strong words, but not untrue.

It was precisely what Andraste had managed: the outlawing of Jedi involvement in Republic affairs. She had ultimately forced the Jedi into hiding, and that wasn't the worst thing that Renfry could think of.

While I don't expect you to join the Empire, go neutral, join the ISC, or anything else today, I would encourage you to consider it, and I would encourage you to spread the word to the rest of the FWA planets that we are not the unreasonable animals that Jedi propaganda would have you believe. Should they desire meetings on the individual planetary or system level, they can be arranged, she said. While there would be no aggression toward Mon Cala in the coming weeks, she couldn't guarantee that would last forever should they stay in the FWA, and she imagined he knew that without her saying it. She truly didn't want war with every system in the Alliance, but she would do what had to be done. The Jedi Empire would end.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Jal Widase]

Empress Andruil's points had been well-received. While she was obviously a stern woman, a warrior-queen who was willing to war for her beliefs and her people, she was not the wicked demon that he had been led to believe. Widase had almost imagined a heroic last stand for himself, wherein he could go down in history as a defiant martyr against a bloodthirsty tyrant. No, this was a far more civil conversation, and Widase was all the more glad for it. They were negotiating today - no matter what happened in the future, they were negotiating today. War could come, but it also may not; and, should it come, he felt more confident that there could be some kind of resolution that did not entail genocide. An understanding could be reached, just as a small one had today.

And understanding was the entire point of the meeting. "You have offered the King and I a great deal today, Your Grace." He took a sip from his saltwater seltzer again. "A great deal to think on and a great deal to research." He obviously had more to learn about Sith history, especially about this Andrastian Empire. If a more peaceful Sith state was a possibility and inspiration for the Empress, this was a cause for galactic celebration. There would be no need to rehash the same war that had been fought time and time again, for they could reach the diplomatic conclusions proposed by ancient predecessors in the Andratsian regime and the Old Republic. Though, he figured no one would be pouring glasses of champagne just yet.

The Jedi concern was equally valid to the Mon Cala. It was less important, in Widase's opinion, to assign 'right' or 'wrong' to the Jedi or Sith in a war older than his own conception of time. It was true that the Jedi had betrayed the trust of Mon Cala, yes; it was also true that the Sith under Palpatine had arranged an oppressive regime of his people, too. He still believed that the New Republic and the Free Worlds Alliance were rightly-minded political actors, but this talk had shaken his faith the saber-rattling propaganda that emerged from the highest seats of government. At least, it wasn't clear to Widase that he should risk the life of Mon Cala on the Jedi, when it was not clear what their intentions truly were.

He noted her furtive glances towards King Rikkles. Indeed, he thought it a most curious display when he had first met the King. But, he had come to understand his King's importance. Explaining that could provide more context to their current meeting, as well. He gestured towards his king with a look of care. "Your Grace, have you heard much of Mon Cala? Our King, Rikkles Le'Fam, First of His Name, Liberator of the Realm..." He paused, chuckling at himself as he began to list King Rikkles' titles as if he were some aristocratic appointee. "He is the first Quarren King that Mon Cala has ever had. In thousands of years of history, our world, homeworld to both Quarren and Mon Cala, has only had the unbroken rule of Mon Cala kings. After the death of the last Mon Cala King, our world was left in crisis. He had left no heirs; and there were no living relatives of King Lee-Char's noble line to appoint. A brutal war of succession followed; military, civilians, Quarren, Mon Cala, broke into different factions and became increasingly depraved as combat dragged on." It created an environment rife with poverty, violence, and strife; the exact environment that Widase had been born in. The life that dragged him in the firing line of criminals, pirates, and police alike.

"It was this man, King Rikkles, who ended that. And you should have seen the man, then; he was a shark. As adept in the courtroom as he was on the battlefield, and ever a friend to the small people of the world. He dragged Mon Cala out of the gutter and back to a place of prosperity." He gazed with admiration at his king, and at himself for feeling this admiration. He once had cared for nothing more than credits and his next hit of spice. Now, he spoke with the heads of governments and defended his world. Much had changed, thanks to the grace of the King. "As you can imagine, it had a physical toll on our king. And after a number of attempts on his life, he has been forced into this machine to survive. He has earned his rest, certainly, but we still ask more of him." He was still a culturally huge figure, the single unifying symbol of a world always teetering at the bring of internal conflict. As more and more external conflicts piled up outside Mon Cala's gates, Widase often worried that his king was the only thing keeping the world from shattering apart once more.

"It is his fair rule that has inspired this meeting. King Le'Fam has always held the belief that, the status quo does not need to stay so; we should discard traditions that do not serve us today." He returned his gaze to the Empress, a softness and vulnerability present as he reflects on his world and his own past. "You are a...religious woman, no? I would like to think he is strong in spirit, that he still guides us today with his example."

"I can make a guarantee, Empress. I will speak to the Free Worlds Alliance about your fair conduct here today." Perhaps even more, should further inquiry from the Mon Cala government reveal that alliances with the Jedi are unfeasible. "And I will share your offer for negotiation."

He paused, bringing his chin to his hand as he thought about how to phrase his request. "If I may ask for something in return, Your Grace: Let your allied and subservient Sith know that we are not all puppets of your enemies, and that we, too, can have fair conversation. Not every exchange between us need be violent." He hoped to clamp down on egregious violence from all parties in whatever came next. If today's words could prevent escalation between the various Kingdoms of the Sith and the independent sovereignties of the Free Worlds Alliance, then this meeting would have done far more than satisfy a professional curiosity.

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

She listened with genuine curiosity as he spoke about the history of their King. Much of it was new to her and it honestly captured her attention. She was right, they were a people steeped in tradition.

She nodded as he asked if she was religious. In more ways than one, but primarily among her people on Dathomir. She had had training as a Shaman, and her understanding of the Sith would likely be considered a religion by many as well. She knew the value that spiritual guidance could provide, and she wondered to what extent his spirit still guided his people. She was almost inclined to offer a potential for healing of body and spirit, but decided that to do so would likely be to overstep the appropriate boundaries of this meeting so she held her tongue.

It is an honor to sit here, then, she said honestly. She wondered if she might have gotten along with the King were he still more coherent today. Perhaps it was a shame that he was not, but the conversation here today felt as though it had been shockingly pleasant and productive nonetheless.

She nodded as he asked if he could ask something in return and she listened closely to what he asked for.

I hope you are right. I hope to find more of the worlds have leaders like you: willing to speak and open-minded, she said. Thus far, she had not seen that, but hopefully those she had met were in the minority. Surely there were a great deal of nations who wanted no part in this war.

@Fine Dining Set

 

[Jal Widase]

Widase let out a deep breath, a sigh of relief that had been stuck in his chest since he sat down. She had an appreciation for their history, a willingness to hear them out, even if war was unavoidable. As Mon Cala deepened its connections to its sibling world, Lothal, it seemed unlikely that the ocean planet would avoid the conflict with the Sith; Lothal's outspoken Senator Starros was known largely for his bold diplomatic statements against the Sith.

But, Widase would be lying if he said he wasn't looking forward to future meetings. They were breaking unprecedented ground - after thousands of years of singular rule by the Jedi, and a brief period of rule by the tyrannical Sith, perhaps the galaxy was ready for diplomacy on its own terms with both parties. Secular, independent governance was a necessity for a galaxy where those gifted with the Force often became powerful conquerors or warped the minds of billions. And, although Widase personally believed that the spiritual guidance that Force users were given could be of great help, it was more than clear that there needed to be checks and balances on this.

"There are a great many worlds that tire of ceaseless conflict, your Majesty." Mon Cala was obviously one, but there were far more worlds in the FWA who were actively protesting the aggressive bloc that the Galactic Senate seemed to create against the Sith. Many who were beset by pirates, like Felucia; who tired of the Jedi, like Taris; who felt discarded by the Senate's machinations, like Denon. It was well within those worlds' interests to oppose any escalation of conflict between Sith and the Free Worlds.

"All thinks must go to my King and the Creator," a vaguely-defined Godlike figure in much of the galaxy. "And to you, your Majesty, for joining us here today. And the New Mandalorians, I suppose, for hosting us." He let out a chuckle - a genuine smile flashing on his face - before regaining his composure.

"I expect there will be at least a few reporters outside. I hope I do not overstep any bounds, your Grace, but we would quite appreciate an opportunity for You and King Le'Fam to be photographed together. I believe it could send a signal that, even in the most harsh of times, diplomatic conduct is still possible." Perhaps, even more necessary in such times. "But, I understand if You have little interest in being caught in the Galactic News Cycle." Yes, the galactic tabloids were quite irksome. Always talking about harems and President Thorne's abs. It was a strange time.

"If there is nothing else," He left a moment for any lingering questions from the Empress. "I am grateful we could meet today, your Grace. Know that, no matter what shall happen, it is never too late for diplomacy. Our world remains open to negotiation, you need only send a representative."

@Phoenix

 

[Renfry]

It wasn't shocing to hear that there were those who wanted to escape the endless cycle of conflict. Who wouldn't want to?

And thank you to and Mon Cala's King, she said. She didn't expect the New Mandalorians to be willing to host this meeting, but perhaps that was something to keep in mind in the future: a true neutral ground for all parties not in FWA, Republic, ISC, or Imperial space. But she also knew better than to let herself become too comfortable in any one location.

Not at all, she said as he stated he didn't want to overstep bounds. The request was not unreasonable, and was actually probably quite good for the Imperial public image.

Unfortunately being Empress means the news cycle is simply part of my job now, she said, though thankfully they found rumors about her much less interesting than rumors about the other international leaders.

I thank you both for your willingness to take a more reasonable line, she said. Though she was sincere in what she said, she wondered if it would end up being a necessity to war with him one day anyway. Their neighbors in the FWA were zealots for the Jedi and their blood was filled with acidic hatred of the Sith. She hoped Mon Cala would not be caught up in it.

She rose to stand and headed for the door with the Commander and King at her side, waiting for the inevitable barrage from the reporters.

//Exit

@Fine Dining Set