Shoring Up: Turn the Tide

[Elix the Fifth]

Ahto City simmers with disquiet in the shadow of galactic war. Acting as one of the more important locations in the galaxy, the solitary city on the surface of Manaan was always in touch with galactic politics and now times grew dire indeed. The Empire had split in twain with the Dark Lord pretending to the dominion of the territory and government of Elix V Drast. And it was in the best interest of the Imperial Republica that Manaan become most friendly to the rightful Empire.

This could not be done without local support from politicians, and Shulu Hras seems willing to deal, but others in the government of Manaan are not so friendly to outsiders despite Manaan’s importance. It is of paramount importance that we visit with these officials and several Sith have been dispatched to deal with Larga Llorga, who represents a major kolto extractor in negotiations with offworlders who is openly critical of Premier Hras. Ensure that Llorga becomes more open to dealings with the Emperor, that we may be more well-received by Premier Hras and the Selkath.

@christhebarker @Lazy Swordsman @Insalius

 

[Rowan Harlow]

The scent of the sea was something that Rowan enjoyed, closing his eyes as he took a deep breath of the tangy breeze in the air. There was something invigorating about it, lending him some additional strength for the battle he was about to wage on behalf of his Emperor. It wouldn't be an actual battle, it would be a war of wits and a duel of silvered tongues. That was just the kind of fight that Rowan preferred, though he hoped that his companions would be just as skilled at wordcraft as he was. He waited for them outside the office that they would be meeting with Llorga at, already mentally preparing himself for the worst while staging his best for the fight ahead. Still, if they were people chosen by the Emperor, then they should be skilled enough to pull off a victory beside him. Hopefully, anyway.

@christhebarker @Lazy Swordsman

 

[Allerius Katress]

He had taken his time crossing the city, having arrived early for the upcoming meeting. Allerius had never been to Manaan before but he’d always wanted to, Ahto City was an absolute wonder, a gem. More importantly however it was a tool, one that he would see working in their Empire’s favour. Yet today he’d be helping the Empire in a somewhat different capacity than normal. Instead of driving a blade through someone’s back the Alderaanian would be trying to delivery some sense to a certain Selkath. Luckily his cover since serving Imperial Intelligence had been as a member of the Diplomatic Corps which backed by his aristocratic upbringing and education on Ossus prepared him well for such situations. Beyond that, he enjoyed this sort of battle. The Sith was dressed in a tunic, horse-riding pants and leather boots which reached up to his knees, all of which were black. The look was finished off with a dark brown cape. All of made by the fine craftsmen of his homeworld. He preferred robes but the typical Sith apparel tended make one look somewhat less than friendly.

Reaching the meeting spot, just outside office the meeting was arranged at, he saw one of the group dispatched by this Empire. It didn’t take much for the Sith to recall that name.

Flashing a friendly smile and a short bow. ”Mr Harlow I presume?” he greeted pleasantly.

Harlow. That wasn’t something he would forget easily.

”So we’re just waiting for the last of our number then?” he asked idly. The Zeltron if he wasn’t mistaken. Now that would be a pleasure.

 

[Zarya]

"I'm sorry I hope didn't keep you waiting?" her voice echoed from further down the corridor alongside the clicks of her heeled boots hidden under her robes as she approached. of the two men in front her she recognised both them as they were members of venatori though she was more familiar with rowan Harlow.

This was her first diplomatic mission though she was more than prepared for it, she prided herself her ability to use words and rhetoric to her advantage to either tear apart an opponents argument or to convince someone that it's in there best interest to help her or the empire. Hopefully, her talents would shine in the proceedings and catch the eye of the emperor.

"Shall we proceed" she said before walking through the door into the meeting with Larga Llorg.

 

[Rowan Harlow]

As his companions arrived, Rowan gave them a polite bow as was his duty as a member of nobility. "Indeed, Rowan Harlow, at your service. I assume you both know why we're here, so let's go ahead and get started. Allow me to lead off." As the door was opened by his companion he slipped in, wanting to make a good first impression. As he crossed the threshold his whole countenance seemed to change. His face became bright, respectful, but also had a forcefulness to it that belied a hidden strength. They were there to show this man that the Imperial Republica was the right choice for him to do business with, that they were strong enough to protect his product yet also diplomatic enough to be able to solve problems without having to resort to violence. It was an incredibly fine line that he had to walk, yet this was exactly the kind of thing he had trained to do. Everything about him, from his body language to his voice, radiated the perfect mix of reverence, diplomacy, and force. He could see the man they were to meet, who was wanting to start off blustering to keep the Imperials on the defensive, pause a moment as he saw his opponents for the first time. The opening was there and Rowan decided to pounce on the offensive.

With that perfect poise and voice, Rowan removed his hat and gave the man a grandiose bow, showing all the ceremony he was supposed to do yet without a single wasted movement. "Greetings, Master Llorga. My name is Rowan Harlow, representative of his Imperial Majesty Elix Drast. My companions shall introduce themselves shortly. I want to thank you for allowing us to speak with you today. I must say, even though this is my first time visiting your world and city I feel more welcome and refreshed than I have in years. You must truly be blessed to live in such a magnificent place and it only goes to show your prodigious business acumen to make this place your headquarters." The man's reticence belied that the first forays in this battle had gone to the Empire. Once his companions had spoken, Rowan would continue with their negotiations. Unless one of the others decided to continue themselves, which they were allowed to do. Hopefully they would build on their advantageous start.

@christhebarker @Lazy Swordsman

 

[Allerius Katress]

Flashing the Zeltron a smile and giving a polite bow as she arrived Allerius was already feeling good about this assignment. Rowan was of Alderaanian blood, despite the failings of his forefathers and Zarya was a Zeltron. Diplomacy was in their blood. Even both were members of the Venatori and although Allerius had little interactions with the other members of the group the fact that they were aligned with that philosophy spoke well of their approach to serving the Imperial Republica.

Striding in behind Rowan Allerius took position to the other man’s right, slightly back, allowing him to take the lead. Once Rowan was finished Allerius give a respectful courtly bow of his own. “Allerius Katress, envoy of his Imperial Highness, at your service Master Llorga. I too would like to extend my appreciation for sparing us the time for this meeting.” he said formally while wearing a reserved smile. ”I must agree with my colleague, your City is quite beautiful and I feel honoured to have been allowed to see it first hand. I hope that I will have reason and the privilege to visit again in the future.”

Allerius kept his friendly expression but internally he was grimacing. He had little experience backing up others in diplomatic meetings, being more used to attending them alone, and he was realising that he would need to be more adaptive with his approach to fit in with his partners. However this was just the start and the Sith had no intention of failing either his Emperor or his fellow Sith.

@christhebarker @Insalius

 

[Zarya]

the smile and bow from Allerius were unexpected from him, she returned it with a smile and a bow of her head. she always assumed the worst when dealing with humans for the first time, most of the time they're just outright rude or insulting, other times they begrudgingly work with her, whispering insults under there breath. so it was nice when someone treated here with respect albeit to her surprise.

she stood behind Rowan, flanking the opposite to Allerius. It seemed Rowan wanted to take the lead, he certainly did have a way with her words with that opening, she waited for the others introduce themselves before she did hers."Acolyte Zarya, at your service Master Llorga." she wanted to keep this concise and on topic. She began releasing her pheromones this would make him more amicable towards her, hopefully, this wouldn't adversely effect the other two "not that pleasantries are done, shall we proceed to business? Our emperor Wishes to create a special relationship with mannan and it's people, as you represent one of the major exporters of kolto, he sees you as one of the figures to help that goal," hopefully this was a good start to the meeting.

 

[Rowan Harlow]

Rowan had to suppress a wince at Allerius' attempt at diplomacy, but it happened to everyone. He wasn't going to be upset, especially since Zarya had managed to pick up perfectly and salvage the attempt. Their host's bluster had been firmly plugged before it could even generate a breeze, let alone a gale, and to emphasize who were in control of the talks Rowan tapped his cane against the ground to make a resounding thud. "Now, Master Llorga, allow me to give the details of this proposed deal. I understand you are hesitant, yet let me assure and show you that this offer is quite lucrative. Here, let me show you the resources and security that we'd be able to provide for you..." He trailed off, showing the documents and diagrams that obviously interested the other man. The true negotiations had just begun.

@christhebarker @Lazy Swordsman

 

[Allerius Katress]

Allerius was desperate to try and redeem his previous efforts, although a smooth talker in a social setting that was Imperial high society or even official talks with other humans. He was distinctly not so good at dealing with Aliens such as the Selkath, a lack of ability he was showing off in spades at the moment. Clearing his throat he listened as the others spoke with his hands clasped behind his back. At the mention of the security by Rowan he decided to latch onto that. He remembered a mission he’d accompanied a Sith Crusader on years ago, recalling the success he had with a certain approach to diplomacy, and decided to replicate the effort.

”My colleague is quite correct. We are quite capable of protecting both our assets and those of our friends. Not only would the security of the military be available if needed but also the strength of the Sith Order which will always be ready to protect it’s allies.” Allerius stated and thinking of the memory of that Crusader he gestured towards one of the man’s bodyguards. ”A demonstration we would be more than happy to provide if you wish.” Maybe a little sparring demonstration would heat things up!

Both Llorga and even his bodyguard looked distinctly unimpressed with the offer. Suddenly the Sith got the distinct impression he was very lucky for his allies earlier successes. Allerius frowned wondering what had went wrong, the tactic had worked so well for that Crusader all those years ago… although that man had been 2 meters tall and wore full battle armour at the time. Perhaps that made a difference?

@christhebarker @Insalius Oops

 

[Zarya]

Things were going well for the moment, Zarya's and Rowan's efforts were being rewarded and were working well off one another but Allerius was struggling to keep a grasp on the situation, his proposal wasn't a bad one per se but one that did not suit the situation. The selkath were peaceful species they don't care for strength, that was misjudgment from him and she would have facepalmed if she wasn't in the middle of negotiations. now her and Rowan have to try and correct his error before it becomes a mistake.

"I believe what my companion was trying is that should you have any concerns, the Imperial Republica is more than willing to prove itself againest such concerns. now I will let Mr Harlow continue."

It seemed her words worked with Llorca nodding to gesture to continue the negotiations. Though he still seemed unimpressed by Allerius offer. Now that was out of the way she hoped thing would continue smoothly there was no guarantee they would but she trusted the force wouldn't let her down.

@Lazy Swordsman @Insalius

 

[Rowan Harlow]

With a snap of his fingers, Rowan drew the attention of everyone in the room to him. From his coat he pulled out a couple cigars, the highest quality he could find. He twirled them in his fingers as he kept his gaze on Llorca. "Youth can be awkward at times, yet do not mistake it as just huff and bluster. What you see here, with these two, are the passion to do their best that everyone working with me in the Imperial Republica has. It is this zeal with which we will protect your shipments and interests. I think you can see beyond the exterior, just like any businessman worth their salt. After all, there's a reason we chose you to work with instead of so many others. Now, we've been over the terms, you've seen our desire to do our part. Shall we finish things up?" With a smirk he set one of the cigars down on the table, right next to the pen that Llorca would end up using to sign the deal. Cowed and impressed in oddly equal measures. the man had been beaten down into submission without a single blow being thrown.

It was when they were outside that Rowan offered his companions their own cigars, having bought a whole case just prior to arrival. He lit his and theirs, if they accepted, and took a nice long drag. "Well, that was fun. Wasn't as hard as I was expecting it to be. You guys did well, I'm sure the Empire will look favorably on your success. But not within the next few hours or so. C'mon, let's go get some goddamn beers. I think we earned a bit of shore leave." With that he would lead his new friends to drink and make merry, as for just a little bit all was right in their little slice of the galaxy.

/Endthread