Ask Sirloin and Steel

[Jin Vaisra]

Senator Lassiter's Estate, Brentaal IV​

Senator Lassiter certainly knew how to make a first impression.

Her estate was short of astounding. A quiet residence in Cormond, the capital city of Brentaal, it was circled by a wealth of colorful gardens and groomed hedges. Lavender bloomed across the fencing. Grand trees rose above the grounds, budding with figs and sweet plums, just like those back in the royal palace on Fondor. To say Jin was dazzled would be an understatement. Mesmerized, perhaps. Intimidated, even.

The future of his career was banking on this dinner. He couldn’t mess this up, else he would have no choice but to turn to more questionable avenues to achieve his goals.

Tonight, he was accompanied by a single Midori guard, Venka. She wore a lovely emerald green dress, short and sleeveless, but under its sparkling flaps was a concealed blaster, just like the one Jin had stashed under his suit jacket. It was a necessary precaution. He had no intentions of using it, nor did he distrust the Senator of Brentaal, but threats lurked around every corner. Building a military for Fondor would attract unwanted attention. Enemies, too.

He prayed Sybil would not be one of them.

As an attendant welcomed him into the senator's home, his eyes instantly latched onto the older woman standing in the center of the foyer. Although Sybil was ten years his senior, she was absolutely stunning, not a wrinkle or gray hair to be found. She looked better in the flesh than she did in all the media reports and interviews Jin had been observing up until this meeting—for preparation, of course.

“Senator Lassiter, it is an honor to finally meet you.” Jin executed a particularly fine bow. “I’m grateful for your invitation. It is not everyday you get to meet with the Queen of the Hydian Way.” It was a nickname from the press, given Brentaal’s strategic positioning on key trade routes leading into the New Republic. “But please, let me not waste your time with formalities. I was told you had dinner prepared?” He tilted his head in question, expecting Sybil to guide him through her residence and to the dining room, where they might speak in a more private setting.

@LouJoVi

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

When Senator Vaisra contacted her asking for a meeting between them, Sibyl promptly proposed a dinner in her estate in Cormond. She justified it as an opportunity for them to discuss in a private place, but in reality it would be an opportunity for her to impress the Fondorian Prince. Sibyl's estate was a stark contrast with the rest of Brentaal. While the planet was arid with deserts and steaming oceans, her estate had a large green garden, with several species of flowers and trees from across the Galaxy.

After the Fondorian asked to meet her, Sibyl searched about his career in the media and what she found made her think that they are similar. Perhaps this hypothesis could be confirmed today.

When the Senator of Fondor and his guard entered her home, Sibyl analyzed them. Jin Vaisra was a very handsome young man and also very well dressed in his fancy, and probably expensive, suit. Anyone near him would feel underdressed, but Sibyl wasn't anyone, she is the Senator of Brentaal and knows how to dress well. For this dinner she was wearing a long fitted black feather boa dress, bought specially for this occasion.

Jin's guard wasn't badly dressed, but her dress was too simple and cheap for Sibyl's taste. The Brentaalan woman deduced that she was one of the famous Midori guards, the ferocious protectors of the Queen of Fondor and the heirs to the throne. Probably she carried some type of weapon hidden in her dress. It wasn't too hard to come to that conclusion, as her own bodyguards often do the same. Sibyl would do it herself if necessary.

After Jin greeted her, Sibyl smiled at him. He called her "Queen of the Hydian Way", a title that she received from the press some years ago. The Brentaalan Senator recognized his attempt to flatter, after all she did the same with others several times "The honor is mine, Senator Vaisra. It's not every day that royalty visits my humble home." She returned his bow with another. "Yes, the dinner will soon be served. Follow me, I'll guide you to the dining room." She walked through the main hall of her estate, which was full of golden ornaments, paintings and chandeliers made of crystals from Christophsis.

Upon reaching the dining room, which luxurious decoration matched the rest of the house, two of Sibyl's attendants moved the chairs of the dining table so she and her guests could sit. The table was filled with plates of porcelain, silver cutlery and crystal glasses. At this point Dongwa, Sibyl's C4T-Series Protocol Droid, approached "Good night, my Lord" he said to Senator Vaisra, then turned to his owner "My Lady, the dinner is already done. Should I order it to be served?"

She turned to the droid "Yes, Dongwa." then he bowed to her and to the other guests and leaved the room. Turning to the Prince, Sibyl smilled "I hope that Your Highness like tonight's dinner, I asked for the best of the Galaxy's gastronomy to be served today." she signaled for one of the attendants, who approached the table with a drink car, full of the most expensive beverages. Sibyl chose to drink Emerald wine from Lothal. "While we wait for the arrival of the first dishes, we can talk and drink."

@Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“Humble home? You’re too modest, Senator. This is easily the nicest estate I’ve had the pleasure of visiting since departing Fondor.” And that was the truth. In the foyer, a jewel-bright chandelier hung from the ceiling, like stars captured in glass, and handwoven rugs stretched through the hallway leading to the dining room. The whole manor was bursting with wealth. Antique vases, oil paintings, silk curtains and frosted windowpanes. Jin wasn’t sure whether to be jealous, or in awe.

The dining room was no less extravagant, either. Gold was practically dripping from the walls, and he couldn’t resist running a finger over the banquet table in the center of the room. Real mahogany. Seven hells, everything in this mansion had to be worth a fortune. Just where did a woman like Sibyl manage to accumulate such wealth?

Queen of the Hydian Way, Jin reminded himself. Brentaal was an essential trade world to the New Republic, and representing it was sure to bring in plenty of credits. Bribes too, depending on how Sibyl operated. He had a feeling she was not the reserved type, what with all the gilded mirrors and expensive relics she had sprinkled across her residence. If anything, she was terribly vain.

Jin smiled. Already, they had something in common.

As dinner was called and an attendant approached them with a tray of drinks, Jin was quick to pluck the extra glass of emerald wine, raising it to his lips for a taste. Sweet, satisfying liquid rolled down his throat. “I have to admit, Senator Lassiter, when I came to visit Brentaal, this was not at all what I was expecting.” Another sip. “Not even at the Palace of a Thousand Stars do we live or drink so lavishly.”

There was some truth to that statement. The Vaisra family lived in extreme luxury, but rarely did they go so far as to have cutlery plated with gold. When it came to the public, they at least wanted to portray an image of modesty—mostly. “I mean no offense, of course,” Jin continued. “As a matter of fact, I’m impressed. You would put Queen Leyti and her antique collection to shame.”

As he seated himself in the cushioned chair opposite from Sibyl, he took a sip of his drink, ready to talk business. “But if you don't mind, I am curious," he began. "With a residence like this, Brentaal must be doing quite well. Tell me, how goes the trade industry? Not too affected by the declining Republic credit, I hope?"

@LouJoVi

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

Sibyl noticed Jin Vaisra ran his finger in her banquet table and smirked discreetly. He was impressed. Through her research about the young Fondorian, she discovered that he liked luxurious things. So far her plan to impress him seems to be working.

“None taken. This property was originally a small vacation house of my family. I only expanded it.” Sibyl made a pause to sip a bit of the Emerald wine in her glass “I like beautiful things and nothing more natural that the place I chose to live would also be beautiful. However, most of the things that you see at this table are only used during special occasions” she smiled to him “It is because of my love for all that is beautiful that I collaborate with various charities, in Brentaal and in other worlds. This way I can bring beauty to the life of the unfortunate and vulnerable of the Galaxy” in reality it was to maintain her image of a kind and charitable woman for her electors, but no one needs to know that.

Then Jin asked her about the economic situation of Brentaal and Sibyl appreciated his conciseness. She sipped more of her wine “Like the other members of the New Republic, Brentaal is also having problems with the decline of the Republic credit. Much of it is due to the new currency created by the ISC, which is making ours less attractive. The Brentaal Houses, the noble families responsible for controlling the planet trade guilds, are restless. They fear that the credit’s decline is a signal that soon the Republic will enter a great recession. I heard that this sentiment is also shared by traders from Neimoidia and Esseles.” Sibyl put her glass on the table, then crossed her hands while looking directly at Vaisra “Some of them say that this Credit Crisis is due to the inability of Chancellor Eder Owusaan in doing politics to protect our economy.”

At this moment Dongwa returned with an attendant bringing the first course of the dinner, appetizers made of small slices of toasted bread and toppings of cheese with vegetables that were imported from Ithor. After it was served, the attendant left the room.

@Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin cocked an eyebrow at Sibyl’s response. It was the answer any wealthy politician would give—it’s for the people, for the unfortunate, the vulnerable—it never had to do with vanity or for selfish reasons. Every senator was obligated to present the image of charity and perfection. After all, Jin was the exact same. To the people of Fondor, he was the charming prince of Queen Leyti, a gentleman and a hobbyist musician, but behind closed doors, he was an ambitious schemer.

“I understand completely,” Jin said, mirroring her smile with similar grace. “When it comes to charity balls, the rich seem to give thanks only when the most expensive wine is present.” He shrugged, taking another deliberate sip of his drink. “I suspect its softens their minds. Allows them to consider possibilities they wouldn’t typically think about. Opportunities, if you will.” He stared at her for a long moment, letting his words sink in. Jin had come to Sibyl’s lavish estate for such an opportunity, and he prayed she’d invited him looking for one too.

“It is a shame that the Republic credit is in decline, of course. The Consortium’s rise may pose a problem for the continued stability of our worlds—or, again, an opportunity. Depends on how you see it.” He tapped the side of his head. “Either way, Chancellor Owusaan is an even greater problem. So far, he has done nothing in properly financing and safeguarding the New Republic. The pandemic, the Sith. He is a thorn in our side.”

As Dongwa and an attendant returned with a tray of hors d'oeuvres, Jin nodded gratefully and helped himself to one. He had to stop from sighing by how delicious it was. “Let me be honest with you, Senator,” Jin said once he was finished, “I intend to unseat the Eder Owusaan. The Core Worlds cannot last very long with him in power, and one of the reasons I’ve come here tonight is in the hope that you might support me in this endeavor.”

He had a distinct feeling she would. The two were startlingly alike. Both wanted the same thing: power and prestige. With the Chancellor gone, they would each have an opportunity to make their worlds great again.

@LouJoVi

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

Sibyl eats one of the hors d'oeuvres while listening to Senator Vaisra. As she had predicted, he wanted to unseat Eder Owusaan from the office of Chancellor and wanted her support. Owusaan’s leadership was basically non-existent, he did nothing when Taris fell to the Sith or while the AMS ravaged the Outer Rim. And the most important, the Chancellor allowed the Republic credit to decline, threatening the economy of the Republic and of Brentaal.

“Indeed, Eder Owusaan has been a tragedy as Chancellor. He hasn't done anything all this time as Chancellor. Actually he did something, he talked a lot about being the savior and protector of the New Republic, for leading it away from the FWA. But no action came from his speeches.” she made a pause to eat another of the appetizers. Eder reminds Sibyl of an old dog: constantly barking, without never doing anything. “ I agree with you. Eder Owusaan must be removed from his position if we want the Republic to survive.” she took her glass and sipped a bit of wine.

At this point another attendant arrived bringing the main course of the dinner, smoked tip-yip with risotto and sour-sweet sauce. While they were served, Sibyl looked directly to Jin while crossing her hands and smiling “ Now that we’ve agreed, comes the most important question of this conversation. Who should succeed Eder Owusaan? I assume you already have a candidate, or perhaps you want me to nominate you?”

@Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

Jin snorted, trying to contain his laughter. He hadn’t expected Sibyl to take such a passionate stance against the Chancellor, and he felt his spirits lift to hear her speak so poorly about him. Before meeting with the Senator, he thought she would have rejected any idea of removing Owusaan from office, but here she was, pushing for it. The news was wonderful. Now, at least, Jin could trust her to stand by his side should he call for a vote-of-no confidence.

“I’m delighted that you agree, Senator,” he said. “Chancellor Owusaan, determined as he is, has done nothing for this Republic other than let it rot as its enemies, like the Sith, run rampant. With your help, the Senate will finally be able to force him out and allow new, improved leadership to step in.” His eyes glided over the next course for dinner, almost salivating at the sweet smell of chicken and risotto. “As for who that is, I cannot say for sure.”

Although Jin knew he could trust Senator Lassiter in deposing Owusaan, he wasn’t quite ready to spill the rest of his plans. They’d only just met. Should she choose to betray him, or leak the information to the press, it could throw everything he’d planned for into disarray. The best he could do was give her a morsel of the truth. A taste of what was to come.

“There are plenty of candidates for the Chancellory. I won’t deny that I’ve considered the possibility of taking his place. I’m sure, even now, you are thinking the same. But there is always someone else. Someone who could serve both of our purposes quite nicely.” A wicked smile tugged on his lips. “Either way, the important part is that we oust the Chancellor. When it comes to a replacement, that is a bridge we may cross when we get there.”

He turned his attention to the food. With the practiced etiquette of a royal prince, Jin enjoyed the smoked tip-yip, eating slowly, leaving Sibyl to wonder. Once he was finished, he cleared his throat and added, “Of course, I did not come to you only seeking your support against Eder Owusaan. There is a more important matter, in my opinion, that I hope to accomplish.”

Jin set down his fork. “I require a steady flow of four million metric tons of refined steel. Ah, and billions of credits in financing.”

@LouJoVi

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

Sibyl knew that Senator Vaisra was lying, or at least partially. A man like him would already have planned all his steps, before and after the vote-of-no-confidence would be cast. Jin probably also has a contingency plan in the case of Eder Owusaan not being ousted from the Chancellery.

Instead of feeling offended by the lie, the Brentaalan Senator's admiration for the Fondorian Prince grew. He is proving to be clever and cunning, characteristics that in Sibyl's opinion were essential for a politician. If Tristodd, her aide and apprentice, was like that, she would probably have no problem with having to work alongside him.

After being served one of the plates of smoked tip-yip, the Senator of Brentaal started to eat it with class and elegance worthy of a member of the aristocracy of her homeworld. She paused to listen to Jin's proposals. Four million metric tons of refined steel, this was a significant amount. Sibyl wondered what the young man before her planned to do with it, but soon she remembered the famous Shipyards of Fondor. Jin Vaisra was really an ambitious man.

"I'll gladly accept the trade proposal. My family, like many of the noble houses of Brentaal, control trade guilds on this planet. I usually do not deal with trade myself, preferring to act more in the political healm. I'll talk with my cousin Helyes, who is responsible for the administration of the Lassiter's guilds while I'm in my senatorial duties, to prepare the documents necessary to make this agreement official." she paused, watching Jin's reaction "However, so much steel being shipped off the planet will probably attract the attention of the other Brentaal Houses, but I have my ways of making them not be a problem." Sibyl did not explain these ways, leaving it open to Senator Vaisra’s interpretation. "Now, about the investment. Before giving my money or convincing the other Brentaal Houses to do the same, I would like to know what I'm going to invest in."

As soon as they finished the main course of the dinner, an attendant arrived bringing the dessert. It was a cake made of berries and one of the rarest delicacies of the Galaxy, chocolate. It was her favourite sweet and Sibyl had paid a good sum of money to have it on this occasion.

@Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“Why, the protection and preservation of this Republic, of course,” Jin answered, slicing through another serving of tip-yip. “You and the rest of Brentaal would be investing in what will amount to the most powerful fleet in the galaxy, and therefore, our greatest defense against the threat of the Sith. With my shipyards and your financing, the Republic will finally have a guarantee for peace.”

A possibility, more like it. War was coming. Their friends in the Consortium had already seen it, given the recent mobilization of their military forces in the last several months. It only made sense that the Republic, the wealthiest and most populous sector in the galaxy, caught up with them.

“As for your political rivals, you are welcome to tell them the same. But should they move to obstruct our deal, well… I’m sure you’ll have it handled.” His smile was cold, calculated, and there was a dark glint in his eye. An unspoken pact had been struck between them, an understanding that they would bury anyone who dared to oppose them. It certainly wouldn’t be the first time Jin got his hands dirty in order to succeed. He had, after all, orchestrated the unfortunate passing of Fondor’s last senator.

Victory always came at a price, and Jin was never one to lose.

As dessert came last, a beautiful chocolate-layered cake, he accepted a slice from the serving attendant and took a careful bite. So, this was what winning tastes like, he thought.

“If I may also add, Senator, your support will not only earn Brentaal and this Republic its much needed protection, but you will have a claim in this grand armada. These ships will be as yours to command as much as mine.” He leaned back into his seat, swirling his glass of wine. The mask he wore as Senator Vaisra was starting to slip. Now, he was wearing the face of Jin, the businessman, the son of the Jade Queen. “Imagine what you could do with an Indelible-class Star Destroyer.”

@LouJoVi

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

While listening to Senator Vaisra talk about keeping the peace, Sibyl wanted to laugh. She knew very well that peace would soon end. It was a matter of time until the Sith’s expansion would become a direct threat to the New Republic. In her opinion, and of many others in Brentaal, a decent military should have been organized since the Republic split from the FWA.

“Yes. With the Sith expanding so fast, a fleet is the only way we can guarantee the Republic's survival. Due to that, I'll invest in this fleet.” she made a pause to sip a bit of her wine. “Most of the Brentaal Houses agree that a fleet is necessary, so it won't be difficult to convince them to invest. House Brentioch, in particular, has a keen interest in military matters. I believe you must have heard of them. One of their members appears in the opera The Kallea Cycle. I’ll ask my aide, Tristodd Brentioch, to arrange a meeting between me and his father.” at least for something he served. With Tristodd as her aide, it became easy for Sibyl to meet with Caledan.

After Jin talked about handling her political enemies, Sibyl smilled. It seemed that the Fondorian Senator had ways of dealing with opponents, interesting. Perhaps the rumors regarding the fate of his predecessor were true. “I’ll inform you if any of them prove to be an impediment to our agreement. “

If Sibyl hadn't agreed to invest in this venture before, she would have after hearing the Prince of Fondor say that the Brentalaan Senator would also share the command of the fleet. “Perhaps this Indelible-class Star Destroyer and some other ships could protect Brentaal. After all it arguably has the most valuable location in the entire galaxy and we are important to the Republic economy. Isn't it fair that the planet be protected?” she made a pause to eat a bite of the chocolate cake. It was delicious. “After all this talk, I think that we are friendly enough to call each other by their first names. Don’t you agree?” Sibyl smiled at Vaisra. Friends is a strong word, for her they are close allies, but for the sake of this alliance she would let him think that there is a friendship between them.

@Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

House Brentioch. Jin had heard of the noble house in his studies of Brentaal—as he always did his research prior to visiting a foreign world—and while they were nowhere near the influence Senator Lassiter commanded, they would prove equally vital in the construction of a Republic navy. He only hoped Sibyl could handle them. It wouldn’t be easy reeling in the nobility, not like it was on Fondor, but Jin would put his trust in the woman, just as she was trusting him to deliver this grand armada.

“Don’t fret. Your homeworld, of course, will be the top priority for the Republic military should the Sith, or anyone else for that matter, choose to invade. You have my word.” Jin nodded once, confident in his promise. The Core was both geographically and politically close-knit, and unlike the Free Worlds, the New Republic would actually come to the aid of its member planets.

“And I think you are right, Sibyl,” he continued, pleased to hear the senator was ready to go by a first-name basis. It would cement their partnership and lay down the foundation for a lasting alliance—a powerful one, too. Perhaps even more than his relationship with Senator Ro of Balmorra. “You’re welcome to refer to me as Jin, or whatever name you see fit.” He raised his half-full glass into the air. “How about a toast? To a lasting friendship—and to a strong Republic.”

With Sibyl’s approval, he clinked his glass to hers and drank. Now that the wine was gone, dessert served, and a trade deal struck, Jin knew their dinner meeting was nearing its conclusion. There was only one thing left on his mind. It was a matter he didn’t think to discuss tonight, but given how well he and the senator had connected, Jin felt comfortable enough to bring it up.

“Now that we are friends,” he began, a dangerous smile playing on his lips, “I am quite curious on your thoughts about the Free Worlds Alliance. Tell me, do you think they are worth saving?”

@LouJoVi

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

Sibyl agreed with the toast proposed by the Senator of Fondor and clinked her glass with his. After having drunk the rest of the wine, she listened to Vaisra's question. It was a trick one. Crossing her hands, she looked directly to the Fondorian.

"Well Jin, in my opinion the FWA is fated to fail. Their organization, mainly the lack of an organized military, is the main factor for why I think that this can happen." that and Sibyl's opinion that most of its members were a bunch of idealistic fools. It was as if all these planets were ruled and represented by Tristodds. However, she would maintain this opinion for herself. "A government like that can only survive in a place where large scale wars don't exist, but that is an Utopia, impossible to be achieved."

"Due to that, I don't believe that the FWA as a government can be saved. I even think that why it's taking so long to be destroyed is because the Sith are disorganized." she watched the reaction of the Prince. "However, I believe that its members should be saved, by being convinced to recognize how flawed their government is. This way they can reorganize it in a way that is more suitable for the reality of the Galaxy. Or we also could convince them to join the New Republic." this last part was said with a joking tone, but Sibyl wanted to see how Senator Vaisra would react to this possibility.

"Now that I answered your question, Jin, I want to ask you something too." She smiled at him. "What is your opinion about the Independent Systems Consortium as a whole? Do you think that they can be a threat or long term allies?"

@Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“Excellent,” he said, in response to Sibyl's answer. “I agree the Free Worlds is a failing organization. It’s only a matter of time before they completely break apart, and it’s important that we try to catch the pieces that fall. They were once Republic too. They could be again.”

Even if Sybil had joked about members of the Free Worlds joining the Core, Jin seriously considered the idea. Why waste their resources on individual security when they could serve a collective? Worlds like Kashyyk and Ord Mantell wasted their potential in the Alliance. Jin hoped, someday, they might be convinced to leave such a ridiculous system behind in favor of the New Republic.

Regardless of what he thought, Jin was surprised to find Sibyl had a question for him, too. Not an easy one, either. He had many thoughts about the Independent Systems, good and bad, and even if he anticipated the possibility of joining their ranks, right now his loyalties was with Queen Leyti and the Core.

“I like to think the Consortium are our friends and I want to believe they can be trusted, but that is only wishful thinking,” Jin answered, polishing off the rest of his wine. “Truly, they are not a force to be reckoned with. The Independent Systems have not only established a powerful voting bloc in the Senate, but they’ve reshaped the galactic economy as we know it, and at the same time, organized a military rivaling the Sith.”

“And when you account all of this happening in the span of several years,” Jin continued, “you cannot help but question their veracity. Their intentions.”

He looked at Sibyl for a long moment. This was a dangerous topic of discussion, something the Republic had opted to willfully ignore for the sake of ‘friendship,’ so he chose his next words carefully. “There is a saying on Fondor. ‘When the eagle flies, it’s not to spread its wing, but to search for prey.’ And let us be honest with ourselves, the Consortium is circling for a meal. Maybe not now, but in the future, they will make their move. Against the Sith, or the Free Worlds, or even the Five Syndicates, who’s to say?”

“It is the destiny of all great empires.” His eyes flashed hungrily. “To expand.” Jin slumped into his cushioned chair, draping a hand over the armrest. “I only wonder where the Republic could expand to, if given the opportunity.”

@LouJoVi

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

She smiled at Jin. Sibyl hoped that her “joke” about having the members of FWA return to the Republic would cause some reaction from him. She was not disappointed with his response. The Brentalaan Senator believed that these planets should be convinced to return to the Republic. They were wasting their resources with a government that would inevitably fall.

The Fondorian’s answer to her question regarding the ISC was satisfactory. It seemed that like her, he also had doubts about their intentions. They had assembled a strong military and she wasn’t convinced by their excuses that it was only to protect the ISC from the Five Syndicates and from the Hutts. Perhaps they are waiting for the New Republic and the FWA to destroy each other, so they can take the spoils. If this scenario really happened, Sibyl would convince the Brentaal Houses to petition for the acceptance of Brentaal as a member of the ISC. She would never side with the losers for silly reasons like loyalty, that sort of thing was for fools like Tristodd.

After Senator Vaisra finished talking about the expansion of the Republic, Sibyl decided to answer that “Well, I think that I believe there is only one direction the Republic can expand into at the moment: over the Free Worlds Alliance. However, the Republic isn't interested in expansion, is it?” she made a pause while looking at Jin, analyzing his reactions. “After all the FWA are our friends and we not seek to overrun them, even if it’s government is incompetent. It would be very discourteous if we started doing secret diplomatic actions with some of its members with the intention of bringing them to the Republic, don't you think?”and there was another suggestion under the disguise of a joke.

“Forgive me, Jin, but I would like to make you another question. What is your opinion about people that are Force sensitive?” she paused to look at an attendant that arrived bringing a tray with caf and served it to Sibyl in a porcelain cup. “I don't particularly care about the Jedi since they are useful as our allies and, like the vast majority of people in the Galaxy, I consider the Sith to be a threat to our existence. What is your opinion about these two groups? ”

@Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“You bring up a fair point, Sibyl. It would be quite discourteous, indeed.” His fingers steepled, he smirked at the older woman, the tone of his voice making it clear what he really believed. Jin was a man of ambition. He not only wanted to expand Fondor’s shipyards and influence, but that of the New Republic, even if it meant feeding on planets and assets in the Free Worlds. After all, it wouldn’t be the first time it happened. The Consortium had been doing it since day one.

As an attendant came by with a tray of steaming caf, Jin raised a dismissive hand. Instead, he tapped onto his empty glass, requesting a refill of emerald wine. While he enjoyed caffeine, he wasn’t looking to stay up all night, especially at this late of an hour. Not unless he and Sibyl had more to discuss than their opinions on the general state of affairs. Still, her question about force-sensitives was an interesting one. It was a subject Jin had been considering well for sometime.

“True enough,” he replied, nodding in agreement. “The Jedi are practical, for now. The relief they’ve been offering amid the pandemic and Sith invasions are admirable, but we will have to wait and see how long their use lasts. Lately, they’ve been rather… unproductive. I can see the Republic aligning its interests with them, but I find it hard to believe they will serve as an effective defense against the Sith. More like a magnet.”

A close partnership with the Jedi Order would put an enormous target on the Republic’s back. Opposites did attract, and just by looking at history, wherever the Jedi went, the Sith were soon to follow, and so was death.

“As for my thoughts on the Sith, it’s hard to say. They’ve been sending mixed messages lately. One day it’s a ceasefire, and the next it’s an invasion. They are certainly a threat that needs to be contained, but I feel as if they aren’t as dangerous as we believe they are. They are disorganized. Slow. I’m sure if we were to roll a Republic armada through their territory, they would fold like a deck of cards.” Jin laughed softly. “I would be more worried by the pandemic, or the Syndicates, if anything.”

@LouJoVi

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

Sibyl listened carefully to Jin’s answer. She agreed with him, the Jedi seemed to attract the Sith, but at least they were useful as allies. His considerations about the Sith were acceptable. While the Fondorian didn’t consider them as a direct threat at the moment, the Senator of Brentaal believed that the Sith should be destroyed as fast as possible. She feared that by allowing them to exist for much more time, they would solidify their position.

"Being old enemies, the existence of the Jedi seems to attract the Sith. We must observe how far their usefulness goes. I they start to be a threat to the Republic, I believe we should disassociate from them" Sibyl took the cup of caf and sipped a bit of the hot liquid.

“While I agree with you that the Sith at the moment are disorganized, Galactic History shows that they cannot be underestimated. If we allow them to continue to exist, their power can grow to the point that we would not be able to stop them.” she made a pause to sip more of the caf “Anyway, let’s talk about nicer things. I hope that you enjoyed the dinner.”

@Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“You bring up a fair point, Sibyl,” said Jin, nodding sagely. “The Sith are currently divided into fiefdoms, but there’s no telling when a leader will crawl out of the pits and rally them against us, the Jedi, or the rest of the galaxy. It’s why an armada for the Republic is so essential to not only our survival, but our future.” And the future of their individual worlds, Fondor especially. Jin was an opportunist, after all, and it was obvious Senator Lassiter shared the same mindset.

Perhaps not entirely, he thought, as Sibyl directed the conversation toward niceties. Then again, Jin knew that dinner, and their negotiations, were finished. There was no point idling around the table when they could return to their duties and begin working on this grand fleet for the Republic. No point at all.

“I will say, my compliments to the chef. The dinner was wonderful. Easily the best I’ve had outside of the Palace of a Thousand Stars,” Jin replied, thinking back to the extravagant feasts his family and the Jade Queen would serve in the banquet hall at the royal palace. “You certainly have outdone yourself, Sibyl, and I have a feeling I’ll be visiting you again. Perhaps in the not-so-distant future, too, should our plans go off without a hitch.”

This wasn’t only a hope, but an expectation. Both of them were throwing their careers behind this pact, and if it failed, their reputations were sure to take a hit. And if Jin cared about anything, it was his position and standing.

Seeing as they had little more to discuss, Jin rose from his comfortable seat and offered the senator a thankful bow. “It has been an absolute pleasure to meet you, Sibyl, but I’m afraid I am on a tight schedule. You know, a Republic to lead, a military to build, another political rival to crush.” His smile was wicked. “I am a man of business, after all.”

@LouJoVi

 

[Sibyl Lassiter]

“Thank you!” she said smiling at Senator Vaisra “For your next visit I’ll make a banquet. Perhaps to celebrate our plans bearing fruit.” Sibyl might be counting with the victory before the battle, but she is nearly certain that they will be able to remove Eder Owusaan. The Senator of Brentaal knows many other senators who consider the current Chancellor as an obstacle to the progress of the Republic.

However, if by a very remote chance their plan fails, it could cost Sibyl’s career dearly. Chancellor Owusaan would start a campaign to alienate those who stood against him and the Brentaal Houses would probably remove her for the position of Senator, in an attempt to show their support to Eder.

She watched Jin rise from his seat and announce his departure “I say the same, it was a pleasure meeting you, Jin. I’ll accompany you to the door.” Sibyl rose from her seat and guided the Fondorian Prince through the same corridors from before, until they reached the foyer, where an attendant opened the door. “I really hope you will come visit me other times, I also hope to visit Fondor as soon as my schedule allows. It was a pleasure to spend this evening talking to you. Send my regards to your mother, Queen Leyti.”

@Feng Mian

 

[Jin Vaisra]

“A victory banquet? Sounds like a grand idea. How does next week sound?” He grinned. Jin was only joking, of course, but his confidence shone through. He wholeheartedly believed that they could depose Chancellor Owusaan within the month, especially with Senator Ro of Balmorra at their back. Even if they were alone, together they posed a serious challenge to the Chancellory. Three of the wealthiest, most powerful Core Worlds in the Republic against, what, a spineless bureaucrat?

They would have that banquet in no time.

As Sibyl guided him through the lavish halls of her estate, passing marble statue heads and gilded paintings, Jin nodded at her every word. He was grateful for her company and support. Tonight, he knew, would be the start of a beautiful friendship—and a very lucrative arrangement. “I will certainly keep in touch, Sibyl. I’m sure you already have my contact information, so just know I am always one call away. Whatever it is you need, I will see it done.”

Under the glittering chandelier in the foyer, Jin bowed and kissed the back of her hand, as he typically would in Fondor’s royal court. “And I will be sure to give your regards to the Jade Queen. Perhaps you could meet her someday. I have a distinct feeling the two of you would get along quite well.” He grinned at that, knowing that wasn’t true at all. His mother, Queen Leyti, was as blunt as a hammer with a knife’s point wit. She’d probably eat the senator alive.

Or maybe not. Jin had only just met Sibyl, after all. Who was to say what other secrets might be hiding underneath her shiny veneer? Nothing good, he hoped.

Now that formalities were dispensed, Jin stepped out of the door and back into the cool, night air of Brentaal. “You have a lovely rest of your evening, Senator.” He continued down the path into the gardens, Venka trailing behind him. “Until next time.”

end of thread.​