Ask Old Friends into New Allies

[Veles]

Sluis Van, Sluis Van Shipyards
2 weeks before the Battle of Ithor

The shipyard of Sluis Van was one of the most impressive sights Veles had seen in his journeys through the Galaxy. It encompassed the entire planet, bustling with activity at all times, cargo ships coming and going while heavy machinery welded together hulls and the brightest engineers in the Galaxy were hard at work within the various buildings and satellites, scheming out designs for craft that would later be built here. It was considered the best shipyard in the Outer Rim, and on good merit, because it looked to be an absolute powerhouse. This dwarfs Sullust every day of the week.

He soured as he recalled his trip to Sullust, irritated by his naivety in ever thinking that a world like that would ever consider willingly joining the Empire. It had been foolish to take the invitation, and even more foolish to go when the Empress mentioned the impossibility of the mission, but that was just a consequence of his ambition. Veles would hit walls now and again, but the important thing was to get back up and learn from his mistakes. He'd killed the bounty hunters that worked with the Sullustan governing body and set the entire building on fire, covering his tracks perfectly and ensuring no one will ever know he'd been there. He knew there was no chance that the politicians would speak of the failure, because there was no point in jeopardizing their careers to complain about a Sith Lord defending himself in the face of an attack planned by the corrupt diplomats hand in hand with actual criminals.

Sluis Van would be different, he'd told himself, and already could feel the optimism build within. Sluis Van had been loyal to the Empire even after its fall. They had refused to participate in anything the New Republic asked them to, though they were forced to eventually join the fold. Now they did not plead allegiance to any faction, but that was bound to change very soon. If they would not do it out of loyalty for the successor of Sidious' Empire, they would certainly do it for the massive economic growth that such an opportunity presented. Veles knew just the angles to play, the perfect words to say to persuade them.

As their shuttle neared the dock, he turned to his companion. Darth Draugr. The Zabrak had risen to power during the brief absence Veles had taken to meditate, and they had not interacted much with each other. This would be his first opportunity to size up one of the other prominent Sith Lords, and he certainly looked forward to it. He knew Draugr could fight--that he had seen with his own eyes--but he did not know whether the man's brain was equally sharpened. Nevertheless, the presence of not one but two Sith Lords would show the Sluissi that the Empire meant business.

"5 minutes to landing, my Lords," the pilot announced through the comms.

"This shouldn't be too difficult," he assured the Zabrak. "Lord Draugr, I appreciate your presence here today, especially considering your other commitments." Veles knew to be diplomatic, and hoped that Draugr was not the rash and headstrong kind of Sith Lord that would seek to overshadow him any chance he got. Embarrassing him in such a way--particularly on a mission that the Empress herself had approved of--and stealing credit from him for a mission he had planned would be a surefire way of making a very powerful enemy. But it won't come to that. You need to stop acting like your equals are out to get you. Still, the nagging thought remained at the back of his mind as he had no doubt it did for the other Sith Lords as well. It was a tumultuous time for the Empire, especially in the aftermath of the largest purge in its history. The last thing they needed was more inner conflict.

Their ship landed and the door hissed open. A figure stood alone on the dock awaiting their arrival, and he bowed at the two Sith Lords as they came into view.

"Lord Veles, Lord Draugr," the man greeted. "I am President Jaks Kyuss of Sluis Van. Please allow me to humbly welcome to our shipyard."

The Sluissi's President had greeted them, which was already a sharp contrast when compared to the delegation with armed guards on Sullust

The wisdom of the Empress is not to be doubted, I suppose.

@Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

When Lord Veles had asked Draugr to accompany him to the shipyards of Sluis Van, the Zabrak would agree to join the trip for a mission. Though the mission was a political one, meaning the Zabrak was going to be mostly there to adapt and learn how to articulate and work on his IPC skills. Something he wasn't very good at most of the time. He was mostly a warrior and strength benefactor. This was an opportunity to improve and he would not ignore it.

The pilot had mentioned the Lords would be landing in approximately 5 minutes. Draugr prepared to get the job done as Lord Veles began to speak.

"I did not think it would be difficult," Draugr would respond to the assuring comment, "Of course I would come. Beter for the Sith is betterment for us all. Especially if this works out to build the Navy's might. Failure is not an option."

The Zabrak would nod to Lord Veles and go back to mentally preparing for the mission. The ship would eventually land and the Zabrak would stand and make his way to exit of the ship where he would be greeted by a bowing man. The man introduced himself as the President of Sluis Van.

"Thank you President. It is a pleasure."

Draugr didn't care for the man, but he was important enough to ensure a completion of the mission to keep around. The Zabrak will follow his Dathomirian brothers lead on this mission.

@vamp

 

[Veles]

Failure is not an option. The thought echoed around in his mind for a bit, the Sith Lord almost sharing a knowing smirk to himself. It seemed he was not the only one to think that way, and it made him think that perhaps this was what Sith Lord material was. Maybe he had somehow molded his being for the role despite the lack of a master or guidance as he scoured the Galaxy alone. Truth be told, he had done well for himself, even though he had no fleets to show it or battalions traveling with him. Like a one-man crusade, he had painted the Southern parts of the Galaxy with splashes of red, and that was also why they were here today. Sluis Van would be a spectacular addition to their Empire.

"Thank you, President. Your willingness to meet with us today is commendable, and I, for one, can say that I certainly am looking forward to our discussion." It had not been hard to schedule the meeting, the leader having been receptive and quick to reply when the Sith Lord extended the offer to negotiate. Though he had not stated it explicitly, he was sure that the President knew the exact purpose of their visit here today and was eager to satisfy. That was good. Veles loved it when all the pieces fell into place effortlessly. After such a tumultuous few months, it was a welcome respite from the crash landings and dark illusions.

"The pleasure is all mine, my Lord. Please--allow me to show you to the meeting room." President Kyuss motioned behind him and the trio began to walk, the two Sith Lords a few steps behind the President, who talked as they strolled. "As you can see, we have been hard at work the past few years, as the growing tensions throughout the Galaxy seem to have spurred the ship-building economy. We have had orders for all sorts of craft from freighters and fighters to even a few frigates and corvettes from various governments seeking to bolster their defenses." They passed by the massive hull of a capital ship, and the President beamed with pride.

"891E Akorec Strike Frigate," he explained, hand waving toward the behemoth of a ship. "A work in progress for a client from the Outer Rim, set to be ready for launch a few months from now."

"Very impressive, President. I take it you've received such orders from all over the Galaxy?"

"Yes, my Lord, and as you can see, we move very fast. As I am sure you know, statistically speaking, we are the most productive shipyard on this side of the Galaxy."

Veles craned his head to look around, taking it all in as they walked through a tunnel made of glass. Hundreds--no, thousands--of ships of different shapes, sizes, and types littered every open space, either being worked on by droids welding together hunks of metal, or even being tested, held in place with their repulsors going at full power. It was indeed very impressive, and the prospect of having this entire shipyard converted to one to be used solely by the Empire was exciting.

"Right down this hall if you will, my Lords. My advisor will be arriving shortly, but we can take our seats in the meantime."

The three entered a decently-sized conference room with state-of-the-art technology from massive screens to the latest holo-projectors. Veles took a seat alongside Draugr and the President sat in front of them. His advisor entered just as they were settling in, taking the chair next to the President.

"My Lords, it is an honor. I am Chief of Engineering Gert Yvis, also chief advisor to President Kyuss."

"A pleasure, Chief Yvis. I believe we may begin the negotiations."

@Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

The two Lords would begin to make it forward as they followed the President of Sluis Van. They were on their way to meet with the man of hour. The Chief that would be able to give this arsenal to the Sith and future ships as well. Honestly in Draugr's opinion they could just take it if they wanted it, but of course being professional and allowing the decision to seem to be like theirs is always the better option. Politically the FWA, NR, and Jedi cannot make the Sith look like animals for it.

Veles had said it best though. The shipyards were very impressive to say the least. So many ships being made at a fast rate, the Sith's Navy would only grow stronger as they have yet to lose many ships in battle. The only thing he hoped was that the meeting wouldn't last long, patience isn't a strong suit that the Zabrak has in his arsenal.

"The honor is ours Chief Yvis. Please let us talk business."

The Dathomirian Sith Lord would take his seat and lean back with his right arm resting on the arm of the chair as his left rested on his lap.

This is going to be intolerable. Hopefully Veles can make this easy.

@vamp

 

[Veles]

"Indeed we can. We appreciate your offer, though have a few things to properly elaborate on and perhaps modify," the President began, and Veles almost rolled his eyes. This is going to be intolerable. "Your generous offer of 400 trillion credits falls a bit short of dockyard expectations when it comes to the pricing plan for prospective customers."

"Very well."

"Thus, we humbly suggest a small increase to 500 trillion." The man's tone was unyielding and determined. They were definitely set on what they were fighting for.

"That is understandable. However, we would appreciate a trial run to properly analyze your services and their effect on the Imperial economy. We must ensure our navy truly benefits from this agreement before committing fully, though I assure you that if things go smoothly, our decision will be favorable and we will bring Sluis Van into a golden age." His voice dripped with the tiniest bit of persuasion, just enough so that it is not noticeable. It would take some time to break the man this way, but it was the most subtle and efficient way. Already, he could feel the President perk up a little, but he held resolute.

"And I can assure you that our dockyard performs to expectations regardless of client. Should there be a legitimate interest in our services, then I would assume that a sizable initial investment would be a given." He blinked, his stare set on the Sith Lord, though not intensely. He gesticulated with his hands as he spoke, his demeanor relaxed.

Veles leaned back in his seat and put one leg over the other. He took a moment and made a show of it, tugging his hair behind his ear and drawing out the two men's attention as much as possible as a tactic to remind them just who was in control of the discussion. Then, his lips shifted into a brief sardonic smile. A flicker of orange flared in his eyes.

"I agree with your assumption. Very well. The Empire is willing to raise the investment to 500 trillion. And I am to assume likewise that all terms will be honored, no?" His question was not stated as a question, but as a declaration.

"No. I'm afraid we will have a few more details to hash out with you before we can fully commit to the plan. Please allow us a second as we convene." Veles nodded, and the two men stepped out of the room, leaving him and Draugr alone for the time being.

"Insufferable. They are insufferable." He exhaled deeply, throwing his head back onto the headrest.

@Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

Veles began speaking with the President and Chief for the sake of getting the details sorted out for the agreement. Draugr remained silent, as he would lean back in his seat and listen to the back and forth speak between the Lord and President over prices and arrangements.

As I presumed.. Intolerable.

"Perhaps a little more persuasion is in order if I may?"

Draugr would slide pert of his lightsaber out of his sleeve and open it to Veles' sight. The Zabrak had a small amount of patience for things like this. Not to mention when people get snarky or try to change deals. In this moment the Sith Lord Draugr was offering to use a little force during this meeting, but of course trying to use words would be just as feasible.

"Or we can talk more. See how much they want to change and show us they do not respect our generosity."

The Zabrak sat back and awaited the others to return and would respond accordingly to how his counterpart answered his questions.

@vamp

 

[Veles]

Veles thought for a moment, his eyes set on the ceiling ahead, gears whirring in his brain. A little threatening would go a long way and be simplest, but risk forming an uneasy alliance where their ally could be conspiring against them. It wasn't worth it to ruin relations just to make the meeting last less time. No, it would be difficult to crack them, but he would much prefer making them believe that it's in their best interest to strike a deal with them.

"That can serve as a last resort," he replied. "If we do something like that, they will always hold a grudge." Until the next administration, at least. Which still had a good couple decades going. People ruled for longer in space. Besides, the entire planet was essentially a massive corporation, so it would make sense that nepotism and corruption run rampart. Their job was to find a way to please them without having to bend over backwards.

The two stepped into the room, and Veles watched them as they approached. His eyes bore deep into their beings, his gaze analytical and perhaps a little judgmental. The President noticed, and his movements seemed just a little more jerky, a bit more nervous. The man hastily sat down.

"Where were we? Ah, yes," the man cleared his throat. "First things first: we would like to retain some control over the shipyard insofar as to allow us to work with other clients as well. We propose that we cede half the yard."

"And yet you want more credits than we initially offered?" his voice was sardonic.

"Yes. We cannot allow you to put us out of business when the economy is booming in these times." The President sat back, satisfied. Veles scoffed. So diplomacy would not work. It was no problem.

"Allow me to remind you that the initial offer is simply the first offer that we are putting on the table. The continuation of our dealings together will result in an exponential increase in profits for you--and I assure you--you will be making many more credits than if you had been dealing with all sorts of the parts of the Galaxy." He was manipulating the Force weakly again, but this time a bit more pronounced. He'd gotten a good grip on the situation earlier, but it seemed the discussion the two had outside had spoiled it.

"If you want the 500 trillion now, you must make concessions as well, President."

The man furrowed his brows for a moment. "Maybe I should," he muttered under his breath, rubbing his chin. The persuasion was getting to him.

@Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

Draugr would respect the wishes of his fellow Lord as this was Veles' mission in the first place. Not necessarily the choice Draugr preferred but it was the one that was being chosen and that was just fine for the Zabrak. The President had come back in that time to continue negotiations of the deal, which the Sith would not tolerate should he ask for more and offer less.

He.. offered less for more money.. idiot.

"You should. There is no maybe, the Sith offer you the best deal the galaxy can provide, or will provide. You will gain steady income instead of here and there credits. You will become like kings under our care. Be a smart man.. sign the documents and we will be on our way, and you will finally begin living."

The man seemed intelligent but also foolish. Offer temptation to the fool and he will be tempted. It was only a matter of time before the Sith would have to bring in a puppet to replace the President of Sluis Van. The Zabrak hoped it wouldn't come to that in this meeting.

Take the deal.. for your sake fool..

@vamp

 

[Veles]

"But that is not all," the President stated suddenly. Veles almost sighed in exasperation, his eyes narrowing and boring directly into the man's in a glowering battle of eye contact. Then, the President averted his gaze.

"Oh?" he asked, feigning surprise.

"Our supply lines have been... iffy... as of late. Pirates keep raiding all the ship, leaving us without crucial materials that we must use in shipbuilding." They had a request of them. That, Veles could do. It was easy to get people to do what you want if you did them a favor.

"If you were to be able to secure the sector of this problem, we would be willing to make significant concessions." He let each word come out slowly, as if he was thinking of what to say on the fly. The man did not like asking for help, especially from someone he did not want to negotiate with. And yet, the Sith were likely the only ones who would actually do it and keep it discreet.

"President, if our negotiation was to come to fruition, we would naturally secure the sector's perimeter even a hundred thousand lightyears away. If it were that we would be defending our interests as well, rather than just aiding you with only a promise that you would follow through on your end." He was forcing the man's hand, but it was especially risky, because by putting so much pressure, he risked breaking the President and making him be turned completely against them.

For a moment, the man considered. "I will not say that I agree, Lord Veles, but let us move on to the next topic of discussion. Perhaps things will all tie together closer to the end of the list." This would take a while.

@Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

After listening to the man continue to speak, it was becoming more clear the man thought the Sith were just going to do as he says. In a position of need, there should be little to demand here and there. Both Lords sat and listened as he bantered on about pirates attacking his shipments. A common thing that happens, even happens to Sith shipments. There was no way to avoid it entirely. In fact adding bigger security around the shipment calls for the pirates to want to raid it more.

"Pirates.. you remember who you are talking to? The galaxy's finest Empire offers the best care to their clients."

Of course, he didn't need to know the details of how the Sith would handle said problems.

"We can take care of that but it might cost a little extra. Gotta be able to compensate the families of the men that might die defending your equipment."

The man continued to not cave in, but now they make progress to the next topic. If anything pissed Draugr off it was drawing out meetings with men that were like this one. Greedy and wanting to try and put Sith under him.

"Let's move on to the next topic then.."

@vamp

 

[Veles]

The man recollected his thoughts before continuing. He did not like the idea of paying extra, especially since he'd been trying to bring expenses down. He did not show his irritation, instead opening his mouth to speak.

"This is, in fact, our last point." He cleared his throat. "We would greatly appreciate if the Empire was able to source the materials and imported them to Sluis Van, as we are looking at potentially hundreds of spectacularly ambitious projects and our resource pool has been getting dry as of late due to the increased scrutiny of ships passing through Syndicate space." Why their cargo ships were passing through Syndicate space was not mentioned, but Veles could draw his own deductions. They had to cut down expenses for the shipyard somehow, even if it meant purchasing durasteel on the black market.

"That would not be a problem, Mr. President." Finally, a reasonable request. For once, Veles loosened his intense gaze.

"Very well. As that was our most glaring issue, I feel much more comfortable saying that we will consider your proposal and come up with a response within the next few hours." The two officials rose, and Veles followed, taking the President's extended hand and shaking it. "Darth Veles, a pleasure--Darth Draugr, it's been an honor. Thank you, gentlemen." He turned with his advisor and the two left the room, leaving the two Sith Lords standing there.

"Seems like we've got a few hours to kill. Perfect time to scout out the yard and see what we're signing up for." It was good to check beforehand if it was fully operational as the President claimed.

@Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

Shipments of potential Sith material going through Syndicate space was not kosher for the Zabrak, but of course there would be adjustments made to the routes. If longer but safer routes were necessary then so be it. The Sith could not risk accidently supplying an enemy faction.

"This we can agree on."

Draugr would only nod and extend his hand for a shake. Showing respect would get the Sith further than if they didn't. Cooperation was always valued so much.

"I assume we could. I was interested in a Frigate I saw back there, though I imagine soon I will have a capital ship built for my use. Maybe Sluis Van will build it for me, who knows."

Draugr would chuckle for just a brief second before standing up and motioning to the door for his comrade to lead the way. It was time to look at the ships and see if they were entirely worth the trouble. Hopefully so, this is costing the Empire quite the fortune.

@vamp

 

[Veles]

The two stepped out into the hallway, earning a few stares from diplomats passing by. Veles paid them no mind, striding through, eyes scanning the shipyard outside the floor-to-ceiling windows. The entire building was covered by them, very clearly to showcase the yard's capabilities, size, and activity. This was, essentially, their portfolio, laid out bare right in front of them. And the truth was, actions did speak louder than words. The Sluissi had a lot of actions.

"I was thinking of getting an Upsilon III myself." Good shuttles, based on First Order era shuttles, notably the same as Kylo Ren's. They were reliable ships and had a flair for the dramatic that was perfect for any Sith. "If this deal goes through I might just do that."

From behind, the President approached them, walking at a brisk pace. "My Lords!"

Veles stopped, then turned slowly, facing the man. He said nothing, instead simply waiting for him to speak. For a moment, there was silence as the President was intimidated by the two Sith Lords suddenly turning to face him.

"I would like to be the first to congratulate you on your new acquisition of Sluis Van's shipyards!" he beamed. Shaking both their hands, he nodded. "Our people will be speaking to your people very, very soon. The documents I will send to your datapads. I thank you for your presence, and wish you a good day. If you need anything, you can call me."

As the man walked away, Veles turned on his heel to look at Draugr, raising an eyebrow. "I guess we got spared a few hours."

@Scoobert

 

[Darth Draugr]

As the two made their way out and towards the ships they began to speak between each other trying to make the best out of the next few hours. Draugr listened to the fellow Sith Lord speak of what he looked for in a ship and it was interesting, though Draugr only knew enough about ships. Not a the level of knowing all the names and different builds because there were so many.

Just then the President came rushing back to inform the Sith Lords that the deal was accepted and that Sluis Van was now a Sith Territory. That wasn't so hard, just a lot of mental displeasure.

"Good to hear. We will be in touch."

Finally it was finished.

"Well, on we go hm? Have to give our report to the Empress."

Draugr began making his way back to the ship. It was time to return to Dathomir with the news.

@vamp

 

[Veles]

"On we go, indeed," he agreed, sauntering side by side with Draugr in the direction of their ship. "Interesting how eager he was in accepting the deal after all that arguing."

The President hadn't even mentioned the other terms that he had contradicted the Sith Lords on, but Veles didn't particularly care. If the contract he sent was favorable, he'd have no issue passing it along the chain of command with his signature for approval from whoever else needed to approve it. He'd have to discuss this with a few different Imperial agents once back on the ship, get started on drawing up the routes and figuring out the logistics for sourcing the materials needed. It wouldn't be an issue, although it would have been infinitely helpful if the Sluissi hadn't made them source them. Yet, he found that he somewhat preferred it this way, since it eliminated any chance of incompetence ruining the ship-building process.

The two entered the hangar, which was a massive, cavernous chamber filled with the constant whirring and roaring of thrusters, the sound of tools clanging on durasteel and flames melting things in and out of place. Veles spotted his shuttle next to Draugr's, untouched and just as clean as he'd left it. That was good, because he had been a bit worried about parking it anywhere there were engineers tuning up other ships.

The two Sith Lords stopped in front of the ships, Veles giving Draugr a nod. "Thank you again, Draugr. I daresay we might both be getting some new ships made very soon." He'd see to it personally.

With that, the two separated and went to their respective vehicles, and Veles threw down his cloak directly on the floor as the door hissed shut behind him, tearing off his shirt and then lighting a cigarette. "Rev it up!" he called out to the droid piloting, and the shuttle slowly rose vertically and tore back out into realspace.

@Scoobert

The End.​