Open Silver Tongues

Lukas Aurelius

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Exhilian
Joined
Mar 13, 2022
Messages
123
Reaction score
65
Planet: Urce


Lukas Aurelius would be stepping out of his ship on the space port in Urce as he wore his usual brown robing attire along with kit as his lightsaber hilt hung on his belt. His steps would clack after each step down the metal ramp as he made his way towards the delegation of Urce that were expecting him. Guards of the delegation were stationed around them as the Jedi made his way down to the ramp quietly. Jedi Aurelius along with another were tasked to sway the planet to join in the cause against the empire. The fighting was basically at their doorstep and it would eventually be coming through the front door. The Jedi was tasked to at least try to get them to once again fight against the over reaching hand of the Empire and to hold their own. Jedi Aurelius would smile softly as he approached the Magistrate of Urce in the front. The stern human male would cast him a gaze before nodding respectively. "Welcome Jedi Aurelius, we appreciate your time you have taken to join us. Will we be expecting anymore of you?" As Lukas would bow slightly and nod. "Thank you Magistrate, it is a honor to be here." he would stand upright as he heard the last comment. "Yes, Another Jedi shall be here shortly. Jedi Aarstal shouldn't be long behind me." as the Magistrate would nod and let their hand stray to join him. As they waited for Jedi Aarstal to come down the ramp and attend the company. "Please, follow me and let us talk."

As they walked Lukas would glance around him. Small children, families, soldiers and everything in between would look at the Jedi as they moved. The sounds of a buzzing market and port would be all around him as wails of people selling goods or general chatter still filled the air by the sights of Jedi arriving usually meant something was close and majority of the citizens new it. The wind would whip along them as his robes fluttered. The busy space port would have its usual ships going in every direction along with security ships stationed above if needed. The population was nothing to crazy and their military fairly a decent size but it would be no match for them if the Sith decided to come full force for them and any help would be needed, if only the two Jedi's could get that message across to them.

Lukas would walk alongside him as the guards followed quietly. His arms would fold in his robes as he walked alongside him. "
I am here because of the issues and fighting we had on Ithor. It was hostile as you're aware and the Sith are at your door step. " as Lukas would begin to talk the Magistrate would cut him off sharply. "I have no desire to go war Jedi Aurelius, my people are my priority and sending them off to help your cause will be of no use to us." Lukas would remain quiet to let his companion speak up if needed. Once or if not his companion decided to chime in, Lukas would add to it as his icy blue eyes looked at the delegation leader. "Our cause is to protect the people of the galaxy from tyranny. We don't wish for your people or anyone's citizens to die." he would sigh as he had a feeling this was going to be tougher than what he imagined. As they made their way closer to the palace, Lukas would follow behind him as they went through the doors.




@Casmer
 

Illouen Aarstal

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Casmer
Joined
Jun 1, 2022
Messages
12
Reaction score
8


For a Jedi who had vowed to retire from active service in the Order’s ever-growing conflict with the Sith Empire, Illouen Aarstal seemed to be unable to make it happen. He hesitated at the top of the ramp of fellow Jedi, Lukas Aurelius’ ship as said Jedi strode down to meet the representative of the Urcean government. Illouen had promised to lend Lukas his aid because, whether Illouen wanted to admit it our not, he was quite capable at diplomatic negotiations. Despite his reluctance, his exploration of the mysteries of the Force would have to wait. At least it was a break from the ‘aggressive negotiations’ that most of the war between the two Orders consisted of. He had had what felt like a lifetime of that already.

Luckily, the objective was fairly simple, even if the process very likely wouldn’t be. Given its placement relative to Ithor and other important worlds that had seen recent activity related to the war, Urce’s historical neutrality was no longer an assumption, but a consideration. And while the planet wasn’t ‘militarily essential’ to the Order – even using the term ‘militarily’ in association with the Order tasted foul in Illouen’s mouth – it’s close vicinity to Ithor meant that, in the eyes of the Council, Urce was an essential part of the defensive ring that they wanted to create around Ithor in order to make the Sith think twice about another attempt at reaching for the sacred jungle world. And whilst Illouen didn’t always agree with the Council, he knew deep down that tolerating the presence of and alliance with the Jedi Order was a far better option than the inevitable suffering that would ensue should the Sith onslaught reach the system – even if the Urceans did not.

With a sigh, Illouen descended the ramp and joined Jedi Aurelius and the Urcean representative. He had kept the hood of his indigo robes down, showing his boyish features and chestnut short hair. The unmistakable stain of war had crept up on him over the years, though, and his boyish face no longer displayed the same innocence it once did. Something which he believed would work to his benefit in the coming talks. If the Urcean officials didn’t believe in the severity of the situation, then maybe the fatigue visible on Illouen’s face would convince them otherwise.

Illouen walked alongside Jedi Aurelius as the company made its way towards the location of their talks. He listened to his fellow Jedi and the Urcean magistrate as they exchanged initial observations about the nature of the meeting. Adding his voice to the debate, he addressed the magistrate: “With all due respect, Magistrate – the decision to go to war is not yours to make. War will come to Urce, whether you decide to remain neutral or not. Master Aurelius is right – the Sith Empire is at your door, and unlike us, they do not knock to ask if they may enter.”

Illouen gestured in the direction of the citizens that went about their lives around the delegation as it moved. “These people – your people – cannot afford to remain neutral. And the longer you wait, the more the decision will affect them. We are not here to pull your people into a war they would prefer to avoid; we are here to offer the Jedi Order's protection from a war they cannot avoid.”

After sharing his beliefs, Illouen stayed silent, awaiting further comments from Lukas and the magistrate.

@Exhilian
 

Amira Din

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Champion

Character Profile
Link
OOC
llamallove
Joined
Apr 28, 2022
Messages
189
Reaction score
184

Large, white cauliflower-shaped clouds hung above the capital's spaceport, gradually drifting west across an azure sky with the stiff easterly wind. Ucre was beautiful, in its own way, and thriving. Children dashed across the marketplace, narrowly avoiding collisions with shoppers, shop keepers, and worst of all—their own mothers. But with the Empire, Amira knew it could thrive even more.

This was the Tiefling's first 'big' assignment since returning to active duty a few months ago, and the first sign that her superiors trusted her with something greater than catching every day criminals alongside Peacekeepers. Today she had an opportunity to prove herself, not only to the Empire but to herself. If she failed this assignment, she'd have to start from scratch all over again. If the citizens of Urce couldn't be persuaded to join the Sith Empire, the least she could do was convince them not to join the Jedi. Death and destruction followed the fanatical cult wherever they went, theirs a history that could be traced back a thousand years.

Amira spotted the Magistrate ahead, walking alongside two Jedi, their customary long, brown robes unmistakable. She had come alone, with only a pilot for company. He remained in the shuttle, along with her lightsaber, stored in a locked compartment for safekeeping. Whether or not another Sith official would be joining her, she did not know, and she would not wait to find out. The Sith Champion wore dark robes, the sigil of the Empire prominently placed and proudly worn on each shoulder. She had forgone a mask and hood, opting instead to wear a black and yellow headdress. Over the years, she had learned that when you dressed them up, people tended to be less afraid of the horns. She easily could have concealed her identity behind a mask, but the people of Urce needed to associate a face with the Empire. Not a nameless, faceless Sith, hidden and dethatched behind lifeless armor that instilled fear and suspicion. They needed to realize that the Sith Empire, like the planet of Urce, was made up of living and breathing people—just like them.

"With all due respect to my Jedi counterpart, I disagree strongly," the Tiefling interjected as soon as there was a lull in the trio's conversation. "The decision to go to war is Urce's to make and Urce's alone. Only its citizens and its leaders can understand the best course of action to take, and it should be left up to them. The people. The Empire would never presume to declare that Urce has no choice in the matter, when it is its citizens that will face the consequences of those choices." The Jedi would probably call foul, that she had twisted his words into something tyrannical and vile, something he never meant, but they were his own words. "With all due respect, Magistrate – the decision to go to war is not yours to make." As civil as their discourse might be today, they were still two opposing sides. Opposite sides that hoped to witness two very different outcomes.

"That is why I am here, to listen and to learn, on behalf of the Empire. We want to know what it is the people of Urce want." Amira smiled and bowed her head to each of them in turn, first the Magistrate and then the two Jedi. "Champion Din, at your service, Magistrate," she introduced herself. "It's a privilege to be here, and on behalf of the Empire, I thank you for your hospitality." To the Jedi she added, smile never fading, "I look forward to working alongside each of you today. Like the Empire, I'm sure our interests are aligned at least in this—that above all else, we wish to see the people of Urce flourish." @Exhilian @Casmer

 

Lukas Aurelius

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Exhilian
Joined
Mar 13, 2022
Messages
123
Reaction score
65
Lukas Aurelius would walk along the pair as he listened quietly with his arms folded beneath his robes. He wasn't surprised a member of the Sith had also arrived as he listened to what they all had to say respectfully before he would add to anything. This may be a political matter and they may not be in the Senate but respect was a thing all needed in politics. Lukas never had time for games or twisting of words. It was amazing to Lukas how the Sith have shifted tactics from being blood thirsty and savagery to more a political stance and respect. Either way Lukas was weary as anything is to good to be true but for now he would continue as once the Tiefling was done before he would speak his peace among the group. "The decision is indeed Urce's to make. You are correct in that statement but the Empire is going to arrive here or way or another. Either you bend the knee or you go against them." Lukas would sigh softly as they continued walking with them all.

He would continue as it seemed the Tiefling thought the Sith invading across the galaxy was completely normal. Lukas would continue to add to the debate with his respectful tone. "Pushing your way across the Galaxy and folding planets beneath you to your will isn't exactly the will of many planets and its citizens. If you truly wished what was best for them you wouldn't be stepping foot on their porch or area at all." He would continue walking next to the Tiefling as he was curious to the stance on this. It may not be the individual Sith's cause to invade other planets across the galaxy but the banner they represented did and there was no mistake about it with plenty of proof behind it. Lukas would continue walking as he wondered what the rebuttal from the Sith would be. Politics wasn't a game many played but Lukas could play it well enough, for now. Though it did help his other Jedi partner was there as well.

Lukas sighed a little as it seemed the war against the opposing two seemed to be going on for far too long and it would be easier if both sides would just lay at rest in their respective areas without dragging other planets into the fold. Though both sides had a story and it was a never ending pointing match between majority and the diplomatic talks are almost near impossible when one side absolutely refuses to listen to the other. History laid out many evidences of this and Lukas couldn't help but think of it all when he walked with the group. His arms still folded and eyes looking down for a brief moment as he waited for the responses.







@llamallove @Casmer
 

Illouen Aarstal

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Casmer
Joined
Jun 1, 2022
Messages
12
Reaction score
8

“Indeed, we do share that very same goal,” Illouen answered the Tiefling. “Though I highly doubt that we have the same means in mind by which to reach it.”

Although his tone was still kept at a respectful level, the hostility he felt towards the Empire shone through. He was surprised to see a Sith here. After what happened on Ithor? He had assumed they would think twice before approaching this part of the Galaxy again. Then again, the Sith practically revered insolence, although they apparently often paid a very dear price for it. This move was not entirely out of character.

Although the Tiefling was probably shrouding her footprints in the Force, the presence of the Dark side was unmistakable. Its allure, its corruption came at him in tiny waves, still enough to make him feel icky. It as a sensation that was entirely too familiar. He never took his eyes off the Tiefling. Frankly, he half expected her to lurch at him at any point, crimson lightsaber drawn. This negotiation had suddenly taken on an entirely new meaning to Illouen and to the Order. Part of him regretted even stepping foot off the starship. The other part of him was ready to show the Tiefling the door.

He shot a glance at his colleague. Lukas Aurelius was, it seemed, wholly unaffected. Illouen had noted his calm demeanor when he first encountered him on their mission on Generis, and he had gotten to appreciate it. It was a commendable quality to have, especially in situation such as the one they were in now.

Inspired by his fellow Jedi’s words, Illouen tucked away the uncertainty as best as he could. “Magistrate, you would be right to be surprised to hear that the Empire is here to listen,” Illouen said. He added, looking at the Tiefling: “I certainly am. But I will listen to the voice of the Empire, respectfully, even if it is only so that I can better point out the fallacies in their message.”

@Exhilian @llamallove
 

The Storyteller

Dungeon Master
Rank
Member DM

Joined
Dec 24, 2017
Messages
3,794
Reaction score
2,533

Magistrate Rayod of Urce was used to being put under pressure in his role as the highest authority upon the planet of Urce. It was a role he had campaigned for, hard, because he honestly believed in his younger days that he could make a difference. As a former Imperial stronghold in the area, Urce was more densely populated with humans than the surrounding area and it showed - they had concerns and the Empire of Palpatine had brought out the worst in their people in the name of protecting them. They were hundreds of years removed from such dark times but it felt like they were slipping back into the darkness through no fault of their own.

The entire Galaxy was growing darker.

It seemed that the Sith had sent a representative as well and one who was, perhaps, a sign of a change in the old Imperial ways. Aliens within Palpatine's Empire had been rare, with pro-humanism being not so much a hidden element so much as literally part of their recruitment drives. Still, Magistrate Rayod eyed the Sith woman with a little bit of apprehension. There was tension in the air already and he detested it.

In the interests of the people of Urce, Magistrate Rayod had extended the invitation to both the Sith and the Jedi. It was a conversation that needed to happen and it served no one to have it exclude one third of the argument so to speak.

"Before we continue, I will say that I will have sniping at each other kept to a minimum, please."
he declared, raising a hand to forstall any complaints, "I am a father of many children; I care not who starts the arguments, only that they are conducted and ended in a civil manner."

The comparison to his six children was something that made him feel bad about comparing his children to the bickering Sith and Jedi. At least when his youngest two fought over a toy the worst that happened was tears and a broken toy - not hundreds of thousands of people dead, millions displaced and decades of peace shattered. He shook his head ever so slightly.

"You both speak of your peoples helping the natives of a planet... I am curious how you view the recent events on Glee Anselm."



@Exhilian @Casmer @llamallove
 

Amira Din

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Champion

Character Profile
Link
OOC
llamallove
Joined
Apr 28, 2022
Messages
189
Reaction score
184

An invitation had been extended to both delegates of the Jedi Order and the Sith Empire alike, and Amira believed that she had just as much right to be here, negotiating with Magistrate Rayod, as her Jedi counterparts. The Magistrate made it abundantly clear that bickering amongst themselves would get them nowhere and would curry no favor in his calculating eyes. It was for this reason and this reason alone that Amira bit her tongue when the Jedi spoke up and said she shouldn't be 'stepping foot on their porch.' The Tiefling's blood boiled beneath dark skin, but her face betrayed nothing. She could have pointed out that the Jedi were doing the same thing, but she remained silent and let the comment slide without retaliation or finger pointing, which wasn't in her nature.

Multiple news networks and the Jedi Grandmaster's own holonet appearance had painted a clear picture of Glee Anselm and the latter end of the negotiations on Kril'Dor for the entire galaxy to see. There was no denying that the ensuing events had been a tragedy, a loss of life on a colossal scale. Amira would not insult the Magistrate's intelligence or the memories of the Anselmi people by pretending or suggesting otherwise.

"A tragedy," the Tiefling didn't hesitate to answer, countenance falling. The Magistrate had asked for their views, and she would share her perspective. "A choice made by the Nautolan people and their leaders. The Nautolan and the Anselmi had been at war with one another for decades, feuding and killing one another whenever the opportunity arose." It could not be called a war in the strictest definition of the word, but war took on many different forms. Disputes and scrimmages with no end in sight—that could be called war. "Countless politicians and humanitarians stepped in to try and put an end to the fighting, but none of them were successful. Diplomacy, violence, bribery—none of it worked, and no real, effectual change ever lasted."

Briefly, amber eyes wandered to the two Jedi. The Nautolans were determined to remove the Anselmi from their society, regardless of the Empire or the Jedi. One would wrought the other's destruction eventually, and we could not stop them." War, death—they were ugly but sometimes unavoidable. War had already come to Glee Anselm, and by its own people's doing. "The Empire did not bring war to Glee Anselm, and we regret that it could not be prevented." @Nefieslab @Exhilian @Casmer

 

Lukas Aurelius

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Exhilian
Joined
Mar 13, 2022
Messages
123
Reaction score
65
Lukas Aurelius would continue to follow the group quietly while they all spoke their peace. His arms still folded in his robes softly as he went along side them. Magistrate Rayod lay down the terms of this negotiation. The Jedi would nod in the agreement of a tragedy. "A tragedy indeed." as his blue eyes would focus on the Tiefling for a moment and hearing her out as he nodded when she was finished to respect her opinion. "If you wish the same for us Champion Din, why do you roam across the galaxy taking planets in your name? The Jedi only come to these planets to help the citizens stop your invasion. Simply give back the planets you have taken under your banner. Go to your corner of the galaxy and the Jedi will simply do the same. You provoke something, you really don't expect for consequences and those to rise up to fight back? I believe the word is tyranny and currently we are dealing with a tyrannical movement.".

The Jedi would continue. "Look at New Alderaan? And of course Ansion? That wasn't being held under rule of the Jedi against their will? We haven't made anyone bend the knee?" Lukas would sigh a little as it seemed a bit delusional to try justify an invasion across the Galaxy in your name but try to negotiate peace. What peace? Conform or be conformed? A true movement wouldn't push and bully themselves onto any planet. "Whether the Nautolan and Anselmi would've brought destruction to one another or not can be up to debate as you can't tell the future. Regardless it doesn't change the fact of two things. 1. Sith pushing the fight to kick start that war by leading and 2. The main issue we're even standing here and having this discussion. Sith occupying themselves across the planet and claiming them." Lukas would finally quiet as he looked at the other Jedi shaking his head. It was flabbergasting to say the least.

Regardless though the Jedi would still hear what had to be said. His emotions seemed rather calm and relaxed. He wasn't yelling or screaming but rather just making simple points. Stating the literal obvious as he waited to see what their answers would be. The Jedi would continue to move amongst the group with his arms folded over one another. His blue eyes looking ahead for a moment with a quiet almost soft look on his face. He asked simple real questions and only wanted simple real answers. He wasn't there to bicker over mistakes or war. War wouldn't be on the table in the Jedi's eyes if everyone would simply stay in their corners of the galaxy and not try to gain lands for themselves and glory. The Jedi certainly haven't.






@llamallove @Casmer
 

Illouen Aarstal

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Casmer
Joined
Jun 1, 2022
Messages
12
Reaction score
8

Illouen nodded along to Lukas Aurelius' words. "My fellow Jedi makes a good point," he said, once again directed mostly to the magistrate and his Jedi kin. He preferred to give the Sith ambassador as little of his attention as possible. It was better for his emotional state too. He hadn't expected to have to fence words with the torturers of the Galaxy here on Urce, but now that he did he decided to give them only as much attention as their presence warranted. And whilst in battle he would give them his full attention - for the Sith were formidable fighters, one couldn't deny that - he didn't care much for their arguments in diplomacy.

"While our Order is not without its faults, we have not been the instigators of this galactic war that is currently waged. We have stood firm against the attacks of the Sith Empire, that's true. But we have not imposed our will on independent worlds in the way that they have. We have collaborated, made pacts, alliances, that we've requested be upheld and kept true. But we have not invaded. If we have attacked, it has primarily been to liberate those who were once free but are now in bondage."

The Jedi walked on, keeping a steady pace next to the other diplomats and the magistrate. He paused for a moment, allowing his thoughts to gather. "If you ask my honest opinion, Magistrate, I believe the Sith exacerbated the troubled inter-species relations between the Nautolans and the Anselmi. Had our Order been allowed to, you can be sure that we would have sent diplomats there with the intention of relieving the tension and aiding the world of Glee Anselm in finding a peaceful solution. But we were not. Instead, the Sith were there, and they did nothing." As he said these final words, Illouen couldn't help but sent a quick, narrow-eyed gance at the Tiefling. "My colleague and I would like nothing more than to explain how the Jedi might aid Urce in retaining its independence, but if you ask me, I think it much more relevant for the Imperial ambassador to explain how, with the honourable Imperial track record, the Empire can ensure that similar catastrophes wouldn't happen here if Urce were in alliance with them."

@Exhilian @llamallove @Nefieslab
 

The Storyteller

Dungeon Master
Rank
Member DM

Joined
Dec 24, 2017
Messages
3,794
Reaction score
2,533

Rayod allowed both Jedi and Sith to speak.

Recent events had coloured the perception of the Galaxy after all and a firm understanding of them was required for someone to engage in diplomacy. Unfortunately for some, diplomatic visits did not exist in a vaccum - they needed to be held in the Galaxy they were currently involved in after all. The Sith spoke first and Rayod merely listened, not giving away anything as he just regarded the Champion in silence.

The Jedi, however, he immediately spoke out against.

"I said, Knight Aurelius, that I would not tolerate sniping at one another. I asked you a question regarding your view of Glee Anselm; I did not ask you to list every slight you believe the Sith Empire has committed in recent memory."
he eyed the Knight warily, "We get the news here as well, thank you."

The other Jedi, Knight Aarstal, supported his ally in the first instance but in the second instance gave more of an answer to the question asked. He gestured to the second Knight with a hand.

"Indeed, it does appear that your Grandmaster attempted to do such once the true extent of the issues on Glee Anselm were made public - late but well-meaning I suppose."
he mused, turning to the Sith Champion with a small frown, "Glee Anselm received no assistance from the FWA in relation to its racial tensions before it was abandoned by that same Governing body. There were no attempts on record to bring a peaceful resolution to the racial tensions - but it was with Sith support that the forced relocation was enacted and lethally enforced. I find that curious; and worrying."

He gestured for a protocol droid to fetch them drinks.

"However, I am not blind and I am not dogmatic. The past is not the future - and we must consider both before we truly live. Champion. Knights. Tell me how your orders will bring prosperity to my planet in the future."



@Exhilian @llamallove @Casmer
 

Amira Din

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Champion

Character Profile
Link
OOC
llamallove
Joined
Apr 28, 2022
Messages
189
Reaction score
184

Amira was hesitant to counter the Knight's words, undeniably directed toward not only her but at the Sith Empire at large, particularly after the Magistrate was quick to reprimand one of the Jedi, the one he addressed as Aurelius, for "sniping." The Tiefling did not want to step on the Magristrate's toes or to risk being accused of similar behavior, but when the second Knight suggested she defend the Sith's track record, she decided to oblige him. The statements he made regarding the Sith "doing nothing" and the Jedi's willingness to "relieve the tension" could not go unchallenged.

To her Jedi counterparts she cast a fleeting glance, before amber eyes settled on Magistrate Rayod again, as if begging his pardon. "I would be more than happy to discuss that," she conceded, keeping her tone as even and unconfrontational as possible. "No disrespect intended toward the Jedi present, but can the Order truthfully claim they handled the situation on Glee Anslem any better?" The Jedi had sent a diplomat, the Grandmaster herself, and she, like the Sith, had been unable to stop the bloodshed that had followed.

The Jedi Order had not risen to the defense of the Anselmi, and they had not battled the Nautolans to protect the very people they had entered into an agreement with. The details of that agreement were not clear, as the Grandmaster and the Anslemi Chieftess had conducted their business behind closed doors, away from the prying eyes and pervasive ears of the press. Whatever their agreement might have been, the Chieftess had not looked pleased as she stormed past the Grandmaster at the conclusion of the meeting, brushing up against her.

These were details Amira did not need to spell out to Magistrate Rayod, as he had time and time again made it clear that he was not a foolish man and remained apprised of galactic affairs. But Amira would say this, "The Grandmaster promised the Anslemi people her dying loyalty, assured them that the Jedi would lay down their lives to protect them without question."
That had been a public promise, made in front of the Nautolans, the Anselmi, and a live holonet audience. "That promise was never fulfilled." No Jedi had died fighting for the Anslemi people, and no Jedi had tried. Perhaps neither side were blameless.

Transitioning her defense to an answer, the Champion continued. "The planet Kril'dor, whose people knew the problems of the Nautolans and the Anselmi better than most, chose the Empire. They chose the Empire over the Jedi, and their planet has thrived ever since." She hoped that that would speak volumes to Magistrate Raydo. "Thanks to the Joint Fuel Bill, there has been a 10-15% drop in fuel prices for Imperial citizens. Urce can be a part of that, if that is their choice."

When the protocol droid returned, the Tiefling accepted the proffered drink with the nod of her head and a 'thank you.' "The Empire is changing, Magistrate. Improving. We are not perfect, but nor do we claim to be. We are not the Sith Empire of old—the elitists and the slavers. We can offer Urce protection. Stability. Our military is strong and more than sufficiently equipped to defend this planet. We do not need to call upon its people to fight in a war that we can fight for ourselves. The Sith Empire fights its own battles, and it does not ask others to do for it what it can do for itself. Unlike the Jedi, we do not ask for asylum or protection within your borders, but we offer you asylum and protection within ours. That is what the Sith Empire can offer Urce."

Amira fell silent after that, awaiting the Jedi's answers. @Nefieslab @Exhilian @Casmer

 

Lukas Aurelius

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Exhilian
Joined
Mar 13, 2022
Messages
123
Reaction score
65
Lukas Aurelius would quickly be snapped on by the Magistrate as Aurelius kept his mouth quiet as he proceeded to be scolded. The blue eye'd Jedi would just listen quietly as his partner and the Sith exchanged their views and statements while Lukas walked. The Knight wasn't usually the one to attend an ass kissing match but unfortunately this is what the Jedi needed. Not everything was done in pure combat and large portion in negotiations and peace keeping. This would be replaying in Lukas's mind as his arms folded in his robes would finally break and let a finger ponder on his stubbled chin for a moment as he listened to the Sith's words. The Champion seemed to angle her points and deflect the nature of the Sith invading across the entire galaxy and more towards the Jedi are useless so just bow under their will. Unfortunately Lukas didn't sugar coat the grand scheme of things as he took a drink from the Droid with his other hand and continued when it was his turn. "And I Quote.." Lukas would close his eyes for a moment in thought.

"The Empire wants control. No matter the platitudes, the niceties…everything they do is to grow their boarders. They don’t care what happens here as long as they walk away with control. Wraith will make whatever promises are necessary to achieve that...?" He would open an eye as his finger continued to rest on his chin. "Many Jedi have died protecting many planets, just because you don't see bodies stacking, doesn't detect they aren't doing what is best for the people. There wouldn't be talks of Defense if you simply didn't invade? Go home? If not, we will continue to rebel these invasions." Lukas would sigh as once again his tone wasn't sour or distasteful but just flat. Simple. Nothing sugar coated or sweet whisperings of crap like many would politically say. "What is a 10-15% Fuel drop in prices when we own everything you have? You realm under our banner? We have accesses to your finances? Recruiting of people? Whether they will say they won't, has been proven wrong in the past. You are simply a chess piece in their grand scheme of taking over the Galaxy. We can go all day on the back and forth of this. You say Urce is thriving with a fuel bill, but we can recall your attack on Kashyyyk and leaving millions dead when Jedi were evacuating refugees." Lukas would look at the Magistrate as his blue eyes seemed a bit disappointed before shifting his gaze back over to the Sith.

Taking a sip of his drink as Aurelius would focus his eyes now back to the Magistrate. "The Jedi have never killed thousands because of an invasion, We have never struck down planets that stood "Against us" and forcing those who do not bend the knee to kneel or face prosecution. Our Military can go toe to toe with the Sith. It's the very reason they haven't taken over the entire galaxy. They show their chests trying to prove strength and stability but the Jedi are keeping eye to eye with them. We are giving you help to continue having freedom without rule that EVERY planet should have the right to make. We are fighting for those against the Sith and there has been Holonets, Tombstones of Jedi's and enough blood shed of my fellow kin to show we fight for what we believe in. Whether it be through diplomacy or combat we are the ones coming to fight with you, not against you if you don't conform. What is a 10-15% Fuel bill compared to lives of your people and their way of life? Is a tax break the higher road than dignity and freedom? Your kin?". Lukas would end it as his words were clear with Magistrate Rayod, his eyes not leaving him as his tone was still as the same as before. He wasn't trying to sell a pyramid scheme of vaccums 10-15% off to a potential customer, he was there to help them fight against tyranny.





@Nefieslab @Casmer @llamallove
 

The Storyteller

Dungeon Master
Rank
Member DM

Joined
Dec 24, 2017
Messages
3,794
Reaction score
2,533

The Magistrate listened as Amira did her level best to defend the actions of the Sith in regards to Glee Anselm and challenged that the Jedi could not have done better. It was a tried and true argument, but one that ignored the truth of the Sith's own involvement and, somehow, involved the Sith declaring that the Grandmaster had made some grand promise and been unable to fulfill it. In the end that was something he would raise against her point.

"The actions of the Grandmaster saved more Anselmi lives than were left alive after the forced migration aboard Sith ships with the support of Sith logistics. Most Anselmi populations are in 'Jedi' space these days."
he pointed out, bluntly, "Would you have had the Jedi invade a planet who's majority voted to join you in order to help protect the people that same majority your government supported committed genocide? Strange. I thought you were offering protection to planets, not daring Jedi to invade to counter your advance."

Left unsaid was what that strong military would be capable of doing should it not be used to defend his planet. One point of clarification he would ask for however.

"If you do not ask for material or manpower for your military from your planets... where does it come from?"


A curiosity more than anything.

The Sith offered much with a velvet glove and a dagger at the ready - that same dagger could be used to safeguard them or kill them. It was the nature of a dagger and he held no ill-will toward the military might that the Empire had. He would just very much prefer it never be used against his people. Taking a sip of his own drink, the Magistrate decided it was time to turn the other cheek.

And eviscerate the Jedi's argument as he had the Sith's.

"You quote... someone... but I must admit I've never heard of the quote - or at least don't recognise it. A lovely coincidence then that you quote someone blindly who agrees with you completely.
" he dismissed the 'quote' with a small frown, "And then you bring up another solid point; Kashyyyk. A point against the Sith, to be sure, but not one in your favour. What excuse does your Order have for pressing mentally deficient children onto the frontlines?"

He raised an eyebrow.

"After all, that can be the only reason for the infamous 'wookiees on the outside of the ship' debacle can it not?"
he raised his eyebrow higher, "You would protect my people with children? I am not a moralist, master Jedi, but even my planet has never sanctioned child soldiers. Lastly... you offer... nothing?"

The Magistrate seemed rather bemused by this.

"You offer Freedom but, as far as I can tell, right now we have Freedom. The Sith Empire are offering vassalage, it is true, but unless I have missed the comment I hear no comment of 'or else' from our Sith colleague. If you leave and they leave - we remain free. And if we choose to limit our Freedom we gain in other ways. Try again Jedi. What do you offer that we do not already enjoy?"



OOC - Going forward, we're going to try and stick to a 48 hours posting window guys since this has gone on a long time.

@Casmer @llamallove @Exhilian
 

Illouen Aarstal

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Casmer
Joined
Jun 1, 2022
Messages
12
Reaction score
8

Illouen listened on as the ambassador to the Sith and his fellow Jedi Knight presented their arguments. The Tiefling led with a more practical approach, detailing how Urce could benefit financially from being aligned with the Empire. Jedi Aurelius, on the other hand, tried a more philosophical approach, and one that once again described the horrors perpetrated by the Sith Empire. The Sith's tactics were commendable and impressive, mostly because they stood in such a stark contrast to what the Galaxy had come to expect from the Sith. However, in Illouen's mind there was no doubt that whatever good intentions were behind the ambassador's diplomacy, the real, nasty, belligerent side of the Sith Empire would always show itself eventually.

And his fellow Jedi? Illouen agreed with all that he had said. After all, it was the same impression that Illouen had got of the Sith from the many years of fighting them. However, the Magistrate Rayod of Urce did not seem at all impressed by the descriptions of the crimes committed against the Galaxy by the Sith. He was clearly a smart man, and well-informed too. A different approach entirely was needed if the Jedi were to convince the Magistrate that the future of Urce lay not in vassalage to the Empire, but in a dialectic, open diplomatic relationship with the Jedi.

At that moment, the talk turned to the disaster on Kashyyk. The Magistrate rightly pointed out the flaws and mistakes of the Jedi. Illouen's chest ached with remembrance. He hadn't been there, but he had heard about what happened. It was a story that had grown in infamy throughout the Galaxy and the Jedi Order too. A hurtful, shameful reminder.

"Magistrate, if I may," Illouen said. "The incident on Kashyyk is undoubtedly a blemish on the Jedi Order's reputation. The Jedi present at the attack came with good intentions. That has sadly been forgotten in the aftermath, no doubt because of the infamy of the enormous and abbrasive error in judgment by a few Jedi that day." Illouen paused for a moment before he continued: "The actions of those few misguided Jedi were appaling, and the responsibility is one that the entire Jedi Order carries. We are not without fault, as I am sure you can understand. Nobody is. However, those Jedi were swiftly apprehended, and the Grandmaster has worked hard to regain the trust of the peoples of the Galaxy on behalf of the Order. It has become a lesson for every Jedi, one that we must all learn to live with, and learn from."

"Our Order has Padawans working actively for our causes, that's true. They are under strict supervision of their masters, Jedi Knights or even higher-ranked individuals. In this instance, the bad judgment of the Padawan was equaled by that of their master. Accidents do happen; bad fruits make it into the system. Steps are being taken to make sure something similar does not happen again. However, I would remind you that we are not the only Order whose apprentices are actively participating in the affairs of the Galaxy. If that is an issue for you, your Excellency, then you should take it up with not just the Jedi, but also the Sith."


Illouen clasped his hands together under the drooping sleeves of his blue robes. "As for what the Jedi Order can offer Urce, let me say this: we do not ask for military personnel or materiel, should Urce decide to accept the Order's help. But we would hope that by accepting our help, it is because you recognize the threat the Sith Empire poses to all free worlds in the Galaxy. The ambassador may not have added an 'or else' to her statement, but that is only because she does not need to. The Empire has continuously expanded since its resurgence - there is no reason to believe that it would stop out of its own accord. The 'or else' is implied in the nature of what we see happening on a galactic scale - the absorbtion of independent worlds either 'freely' or through necessity, because the growth and expansion of the Empire in certain regions of the Galaxy would cripple the few worlds in those regions that stay 'neutral' or 'independent' economically, politically, and militarily by its sheer size."

The Jedi paused again, allowing the Magistrate to digest his words. He sighed. "Even a gundark cannot survive on its own if its surrounded by a swarm of mynocks. That is why the Order is reaching out to other worlds, to Urce. So that we may band together and share what we have to stem the tide of the Sith. The Order is not stingy with its resources, Magistrate Rayod. We have knowledge of healing, of technology, of warfare and peace-time legislation. The Order's legacy is, however faulty and flawed it may be, generally one of diplomatic prowess, of peacekeeping aid, of knowledge of statecraft. All of which we gladly share with those who stand with us against imperialism. In many cases, as I'm sure you know, we've even been known to share it regardless."

The Jedi would stop then, fully aware that he had talked for a long time. But the Magistrate had wanted an idea of what the Order had to offer Urce. And that was what Illouen had given him.

@Exhilian @llamallove @Nefieslab
 

Amira Din

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Champion

Character Profile
Link
OOC
llamallove
Joined
Apr 28, 2022
Messages
189
Reaction score
184

A pawn? Amira bristled at the Jedi's suggestion that she was nothing more than a chess piece in the Empire's "grand scheme." She was not a chess piece, and she was no one's play thing. Not anymore. She had come here today because she believed in what the Empire stood for. She'd witnessed firsthand what it had done for her and for her loved ones and for every citizen that called Sith space their home, what it could do for Urce if that was their choice. She was not simply a spigot that spouted out the Empire's propaganda, and she resented the implication.

The Tiefling realized that she had upset the Magistrate with her comments regarding the Grandmaster, but it was too late revoke those words now. Nor would she, if given the chance, because she believed it. Even if it hadn't won her any points with the Magistrate, she believed it was the truth. She could not deny that the Grandmaster had taken around 600,000 Anselmi with her when she'd left that day. She recalled Magistrate Rayod's words, that the past was the past and the future was the future. Whatever the mistakes of the past might have been, it was the future she wanted to look to today. Urce's future.

With that in mind, she said no more about the Grandmaster, out of respect for Magistrate Rayod. She titled her head with regard, acknowledging the Magistrate's words. On this point, it was clear that they were not in agreement, but Amira would not press the issue. No good would come from tearing the Jedi down, and it was obvious that Rayod had no respect for such an approach. She would simply present the facts. It was not necessary that they agree upon everything. The Empire was not the monster the galaxy painted it out to be—where differences and disagreements were crushed beneath its heel. Its citizens were as diverse as the Free Worlds Alliance.

Instead, she would answer the next question put to her. "Simply this, Magistrate: that we do not ask. It is volunteered. The Sith order and the Empire's military are made up of participants, not draftees. Should you decide to join our borders, it would still be up to the discretion of each of your citizens to decide where their future lie. You need not worry that we would press our war upon your people."

Amira took a brief sip of her drink, swallowing before she continued. "Our soldiers believe in the Empire's cause, and they believe in what they're fighting for. They proudly wave its banner, all the while building a brighter future not only for themselves but for their families. They're paid fairly and receive the benefits worthy of their service—healthcare, housing, and education. The military is an opportunity, not an obligation. It elevates the impoverished and gives them the chance to carve out a new life for themselves."

The Magistrate was practical. He understood that this was a give and a take proposition, from not only the Sith but the Jedi as well. This was how all governments worked, from the ISC to the New Republic, and undoubtedly he wanted to know what the Empire would gain from an alliance with his planet. "As for what Urce could do for the Empire, we are far more interested in your exports, in the resources you could contribute to the Empire's trade network. The Empire is growing, and our planets are thriving. Opportunity awaits Urce within our borders." It was more than could be said for the Free Worlds Alliance these days. It wasn't an unreasonable request. Urce would benefit from trading with the growing list of worlds within the Empire, and so would the latter from trading with Urce.

As for what the Jedi offered—healing and technology—it was nothing the Sith could not also offer. But the Magistrate would make his own mind up about that. @Nefieslab @Exhilian @Casmer
 

Lukas Aurelius

Character
Jedi Order
Rank
Jedi Knight

Character Profile
Link
OOC
Exhilian
Joined
Mar 13, 2022
Messages
123
Reaction score
65
Lukas Aurelius sat quietly with his arms now folded beneath his robes. A soft shake forming from his head as he listened to them all. HIs eyes flickering down to the floor as he couldn't help but just refrain. He could say many things on ignorance but chose to bite his tongue as he waited for them all to speak their peace before he had a chance. Choosing not to repeat for the third time the obvious as the Jedi Knight seemed to have not struck a chord in Magistrate Rayod for the reasoning of the Sith invading planets. Lukas listened to his counter part add what was achievable with the Jedi if they joined them but everyone in the room knew the Sith or many others could offer the same in the grand scheme of things. Lukas would wait for the Tieflings response as he continued to look to the floor in thought and wait to hear what the Champion Sith had to say. She only once again brought up how everyone under their banner is happy, educated and "Free" as Lukas waited until she was done to finish up what he had to say in the matter.

"Magistrate Rayod, you are free at THIS very moment. Many under the Sith banner were before as well and many believed to not be invaded. They won't announce an invasion to your people on the holonet. It will happen before you blink. We can sit here all day and go back and forth in what we have to offer as in the end it all seems to be quite nearly identical. Our Padawans are trained to keep the peace, are the Jedi perfect no? But we can wage Apprentices of the Sith are trained in the Dark arts and their countless history of violence and invasion surpasses us by a milestone? Millions dead? On whose side? Is the out come the same when Jedi are angry as to a Sith? No, a bad deed is a bad deed your Magistrate. This I know, but a millions dead? By the hand of a red lightsaber? The evidence of their ways is laid out like a stone walkway." Lukas would end it at that as it seemed freedom may not be free at all but a blind. Lukas would remain quiet and wait to see what would happen.

Lukas had to give it to Magistrate Rayod. He surely was a analytical thinker and had some deep concerning questions about either sides mistakes but Lukas wouldn't sit there and pretend that a handful of Jedi's not being perfect can equate to hundreds of years of the Empires destruction and before so. None the less the Knight gave an honest and blunt approach and it was only the choice of the Magistrate to make. Lukas was thankful his counterpart seemed to think more towards provisions and offerings to please the people of Urce as Lukas focused more on historic facts and general tyranny.





@Casmer @Nefieslab @llamallove
 

The Storyteller

Dungeon Master
Rank
Member DM

Joined
Dec 24, 2017
Messages
3,794
Reaction score
2,533

The Jedi were insistent on their case - as they should have been. He would hardly have respected them had they abandoned their position at the first sign of opposition or push-back to their narrative. And that, at the end of the day, was what both sides were trying to convince him of; their side of the narrative. They both wanted him to believe that they held the monopoly on how the Galaxy actually was right now.

At least the Jedi didn't try to dismiss Kashyyyk - they acknowledged it, they accepted it as the terrible result that it was. He hummed as he took a sip of his drink as the Knight Aarstal continued to outline their position. Naturally, the Sith spoke next and laid out her case as well. One thing he was beginning to notice was that the picture was quickly becoming far clearer. Both sides were painting the same picture and he didn't like it.

Not one bit.

"If you are equal in your disdainful tactics of including children in war then I have no choice but to judge your appeals based on what you offer. Based on what will happen to my people."


Turning away from assembled dignitaries, he closed his eyes for a moment and thought in contemplative silence for several moments. In the end, he opened his eyes, down the drink that he had been nursing and set the glass to one side. Without turning around, he addressed them all.

"The Sith offer my people infrastructure, commerce and voluntary inclusion in their war, not conditional on our acceptance. A ripe and fertile land for our trade."
he glanced over at the Champion, "Correct me if I am wrong, Champion Din. Masters Jedi - say nothing. I shall ask you your question in a moment."

He would wait for Amira's answer before turning fully to look at them all.

"The Jedi offer my people force-based healings, diplomats and government assistance. Alongside technology and knowledge of warfare - because you would have my planet stand against the tide of aggressive Sith expansion."
he itched for another drink but pushed on, "Rightly or wrongly, you believe that the Sith will invade my planet if I refuse to join them here - based on historic evidence? You may very well be correct. But why does that mean I should join yourselves? They will also invade my planet if I side with the Jedi - all the while you would also ask that I support other planets in their own struggles against such tyrannical actions."

The Magistrate didn't wait this time.

"My choices, as you have laid them out Masters Jedi, are to either invite invasion alone or invite invasion alongside you. Champion Din, on the other hand, asks that my people surrender some of their freedoms, to bow to an Empress they have never met and who doesn't know them in turn."
he scowled, "But she is correct. Conscription isn't a law in the Empire - the poor and the zealots join their military in droves. If the choice is between certain war against the war machine you describe or vassalage...? Pride will not keep my people safe and a 'scoreboard' view of your war shows that neither can the Jedi."

Magistrate Rayod of Urce held out a hand to shake toward the two Jedi.

"Masters Jedi, this has been an enlightening discussion and I wish you well on your paths but I'm afraid I must ask you to leave. Champion Din and I shall be discussing matters of state that shall not concern your Order."


A rejection of the Jedi Order and their calls to join their war. A polite rejection, true, but a rejection never the less.


@Exhilian @Casmer @llamallove
 

Amira Din

Character
Sith Order
Rank
Champion

Character Profile
Link
OOC
llamallove
Joined
Apr 28, 2022
Messages
189
Reaction score
184

The incorporation of Acolytes in the Sith war machine, and the morality of such an encompassing allowance, was something the Champion had never considered before. Now that the Magistrate brought it up, she supposed it should have occurred to her before now, but it never had. This was how the Sith Order had always operated, for as long as she could remember, as far back as history books recorded. Was it a disdainful practice, as the Magistrate suggested? That was something that she would consider.

"You are correct," Amira nodded, and left it at that. She could tell by the look in the Magistrate's eyes that he was not finished, his next words most likely already forming in his mind, and she did not want to interrupt his momentum.

There was a gleam in the Champion's amber eyes, her shoulders held back, as she listened to Magistrate Rayod's next words. Urce had decided to join the Empire and reap the rewards. Security. Protection. Trade. Everything that the Jedi could not give them. He spoke of pride, of a people bowing to an Empress they had never met, but she hoped that the people of Urce would find a renewed pride within the borders of the Empire. She was confident that the planet would burgeon from here on out, and that today was just the beginning of a bright future. If she hadn't believed that wholeheartedly, she never would have stepped foot on the Mid Rim planet.

To the Jedi, she offered a respectful nod but did not extend a hand for them to shake as the Magistrate did. "Thank you, Magistrate Rayod. I am confident that your people will not regret the decision that you have made today."


/ exit thread. I really enjoyed writing with you guys! Thank you for DMing for us, Nef!

 
Top