Negotiations(locked - Serena)

[Xira Stone]

Grand Admiral Xira Stone watched with a steel gaze as the Wookiee planet of Kashyyyk came into view. With hands clasped behind her back, she stood at the head of the bridge as her flagship, also the pride and joy of the Confederation fleet, the Atonement, neared the forest planet. There was a small buzz of excitement on the bridge as her officers milled about, preparing the vessel for the coming meeting.

Her lips were pressed together as she thought about the meeting that was to come with the self-proclaimed leader of the Cult of Sadow. The entire thing was risky...far too risky to bring before the Council of the Confederation. Thus, this meeting wasn't entirely sanctioned...at all, in fact. However, it did not matter since Xira knew she had the Confederation's best interests at heart.

"Mistress," said a dark voice from beside her. "Am I to accompany you during these...negotiations?"

She looked to her right and then up at her Togorian bodyguard who seemed a bit on edge. "Yes," she said. "I do not trust these Cultist types to keep to their word. If things begin to go foul...you know the plan."

The Togorian parted his lips, giving her a toothy grin, and nodded.

It was not long before another ship came into view, and she turned away from the massive viewport.

"Prepare for the Cultist's boarding," she ordered one of her officers. "See that she is brought to the main meeting room and attend to any of her needs. Make certain that all the security protocols are prepared as necessary. I will meet our guest shortly after she lands."

And with that, the Grand Admiral strode from the room, her black boots clapping against the steel flooring, with her loyal bodyguard following suit.

[Serena Laryss]

Serena looked out of the side view port of the small, civilian freighter she was travelling on. It wasn’t much, but the Cult didn’t possess much. They had a few freighters and a handful of followers, nothing more. That was the whole point of this meeting. It had been arranged, surprisingly, by the Confederation itself.

The Cult of Sadow liked to think it was secretive and relatively unknown. Their goal wasn’t that of controlling the galaxy. Not yet. They were trying to rediscover the Sith and their lost ways. They weren’t trying to hide, but they weren’t trying to be seen either. It had surprised Serena Laryss that the Confederation knew of their existence. It wasn’t what she had hoped for, but it might not turn out as a disadvantage.

The Cult freighter was nearing the enormous Super Star Destroyer designated as the Atonement. They were dwarfed by the ship and could easily be blown out of this galaxy by it. This disturbed Serena immensely, but she knew it was a condition of this meeting. She would have to set aside her pride and make herself vulnerable just for once.

The freighter moved closer, eventually entering the main docking bay of the larger ship. Laryss let out a deep breath. She was now in Confederation territory, they outnumbered and outgunned her. She selfishly hoped that the meeting would go well. But still, she wouldn’t let the threat of numbers make her negotiate any differently. It was for the greater good of the cult, so to speak. She would lay down her life for them.

Many soldiers lined the bay, all armed. They didn’t cock their guns or aim, they acted merely as a security measure. Serena had the same security message for herself. She had her unique curved-hilt lightsaber at her belt, and although she would never make it out of there on hostile terms, she would certainly take down as many enemies as she could.

A lone soldier led her through the many corridors of the huge ship, eventually coming to a scarcely decorated room with a large, oblong table. She was told to sit down, but she didn’t do so. The soldier stood patiently by the door like the obedient drone it was. Whether Serena could be as patient was another matter, but she would have to wait for her counterpart just the same.

[Xira Stone]

The door slid up with a quiet hiss, preceding the Grand Admiral's entrance. She did not even glance at the Cultist as she made her way to the head of the table and took a seat. Nrghrr stood behind her as a watch dog would, glaring at the Cultist with suspicion. Behind him was a rather large viewport, giving all the occupants in the room a lovely view of the neutral planet below.

After a few moments of tense silence as the Grand Admiral situated herself, she finally looked at the Cult leader who remained standing.

"Please," she said, her voice curt, polite but with a cold edge to it. "Take a seat. As you know, I am here representing the Confederation of Dolomar. My position as Grand Admiral is such that any agreements made here will be dutifully fulfilled on the Confederation's end, I give you my word on that."

Of course the Council did not know of this meeting, but the Cultist need not know that. It was a trivial bit of knowledge anyway, considering that the Confederation would more than likely welcome the Cult of Sadow as allies if possible. Of course, the Jedi Order would not approve, but their time was growing to an end, anyway...and they were becoming more of a nuisance rather than anything else.

"Before we begin, however, I would like to make certain that you, as leader of the Cult of Sadow, are willing to hold to your side of the bargain should we reach an agreement of sorts," Xira said, folding her hands in front of her and resting them on the table, awaiting the Cultist's response.

[Serena Laryss]

As the door slid open, Serena’s lips curled into a sinful sneer. She saw the woman enter and knew who she was. She had heard much of this Xira Stone, the Grand Admiral of the Confederation. It was a famous name, and one to be handled lightly if you didn’t want to get into trouble. The Confederation was now dominant in most systems and on most planets, and it didn’t do well to throw around high names.

Of course, Korriban had never been affected. Neither the planet nor the Cult had ever declared neutrality. It was an unspoken rule that Korriban was not to be attacked, it seemed. Rightfully so, as many consequences would follow if anything did happen. The Cult were few in numbers, but they made up for it in skill and determination.

At Stone’s request, Serena finally did sit down. The chair was uncomfortable, the cushioning was too hard and the chair’s height was out of proportion. Typical meeting rooms, the place of negotiation and diplomacy. Always an underlying uneasiness. It almost made the fallen Jedi laugh.

Serena didn’t show any sign of acknowledgement to what the Confederation representative was saying, in fact not even acknowledging her presence. She simply listened with a cold, critical ear. Serena thought it was strange that she was the only higher ranked officer in the meeting, but she didn’t linger on the idea long. She was well aware that she was on a ship filled with top level officers, either way. Maybe Xira had already consulted the other members of the infamous Confederate council, too.

Finally reaching the officer’s monologue’s end, the Cult lord grinned. It always amazed her how some people could keep on talking without any acknowledgement or answer. Serena herself tended to keep to herself as much as she could. Then again, these were negotiations, even if Serena didn’t entirely realise it yet. It was unusually informal.

“But, miss Stone, we have not even begun discussing if an agreement of any kind is feasible, and I already feel maligned. I assure you that if a conclusion is made, it will be definitive.”
“Besides, Sadow’s followers,” As she addressed her humble sect, “Would not let you down if you don’t let us down.”

[Xira Stone]

The Grand Admiral's face was impassive as she regarded what the Cultist had said with an attentive ear. She spoke with clarity, which was refreshing after being around so many officers who usually only spoke to her in hushed, mumbled tones. However, Xira would see just how diplomatic this Cultist could be in the coming conversation.

"Contrary to popular belief," said Xira, her voice unnervingly steady, "the Confederation keeps its word. I cannot say the same for the Alliance, but we are not here to discuss them. We are here to discuss what the Confederation of Dolomar can do for the Cult of Sadow...and what the Cult can do for us in return."

"But how rude of me not to offer you something to eat or drink first," Xira said. It wasn't really an offer or invitation of any kind, rather a formality than anything else to give the impression that the Confederacy cared.

[Serena Laryss]

“So many words, crafted and sculpted words.” Serena murmured, although she made sure what she said was still perfectly loud and clear.

Laryss wasn’t a diplomat. She didn’t usually participate in negotiations. Even as a Jedi she didn’t care much for niceties like these. She knew the Confederation woman was being superficial, simply trying to set the best environment for the following deals to be made. Deep inside, she wondered if she should do the same, but at the moment the Cult was the party in least need, and thus the one with the upper hand in the negotiations.

“Miss,” Serena began, pausing slightly as if she wanted to call her by her name but couldn’t remember if she had been told it.
“I am not a person of words. I have a feeling you aren’t either. Not usually.”

She looked her counterpart in the eyes, trying to pick up on any possible reactions, no matter how subtle. Even if she wasn’t a diplomat, she was force sensitive and trained. She knew how to read a person, and even without her Jedi and Cultist training, she knew how to use this to her advantage.

“I presume the Confederation has reasons for these sudden and unplanned talks. I feel there is something you require from us. Am I correct?”

But the Dark Jedi didn’t wait for an answer. The question was solely to emphasise that she wasn’t some generic diplomat, trying to please the other party until they could gather enough information on them to twist against them in turn.

“So I ask you simply, present your request or offer, and I will answer. I have no time nor need for empty words.”

[Xira Stone]

Xira had to admit that she was not one for diplomatic speech, fancy words only seemed a hindrance more than a help. The Grand Admiral was a woman of action and so this, in and of itself, was out of her comfort zone...though she felt as if it was a necessity, nonetheless.

"Very well," she said. "The Confederation's offer is this: ally with us against the Alliance--and possibly Mandalorian--threat and we will guarantee that you receive all the privacy that you would like on Korriban and that never will the Confederacy touch its surface. In addition, we can provide you with many resources that you currently lack. I doubt that you would get a better offer from the self-proclaimed Alliance of 'Free' systems."

[Serena Laryss]

“Now, now,” Serena said, once again taking up a patronisingly offended tone that wasn’t all too unusual for her.
“You wouldn’t be implying that if we do not agree to this offer, our… Privacy, I believe you called, would not be guaranteed? That the Confederation would set foot on Korriban?”

Serena pursed her lips, looking up impatiently but respectfully at Xira, even if her words did not heed the same respect. The Dark Jedi knew very well that the Confederation could overwhelm Korriban, but she also believed that the Cult could fight back effectively, despite their few numbers. It was all about the way of fighting. Sith of any time, even this new kind, weren’t strangers to guerrilla tactics.

“But very well… I will set that aside for thought. Considering the other half of the offer… Which resources does the Confederation believe we lack?”

[Xira Stone]

“You wouldn’t be implying that if we do not agree to this offer, our… Privacy, I believe you called, would not be guaranteed? That the Confederation would set foot on Korriban?”

Xira didn't bat an eyelash at this reply. "I imply only that which I said. Whatever else you infer from it is your business."

The Cultist was intelligent, that much was obvious. It had been a while since Xira had been challenged, either intellectually or strategically...So she found pleasure in their cat and mouse game of give and take. On the other hand, much was riding on the outcome of this meeting, so she could not indulge the Cultist too much.

“But very well… I will set that aside for thought. Considering the other half of the offer… Which resources does the Confederation believe we lack?”

"Isolated on Korriban as you are, you would naturally lack resources such as food from lack of fertile soil on the planet, and water is also scarce...but I need not bore you with those details as I'm sure you already know it," Xira said. "Among other things, the Confederation is in possession of many weapons that would be at your disposal."

She paused for a moment, watching for any expression from the Cultist's face, and then continued, staring at the Cultist with her typical steel gaze. "I've researched much about your Cult; your presence here simply reinforces that which I know. On that point, I feel I should inform you that the Confederation recently found some rare crystal caverns on Ilum...the same sort of caverns that house focusing crystals and such to power your lightsabers. It would be a shame if they simply went to waste, don't you agree?"

[Serena Laryss]

Serena’s eyes suddenly darted up to look at Xira when she mentioned the crystals. She hoped the Confederation representative hadn’t seen it, but it had been pretty obvious. Normally these things could make or break negotiations, certainly if one party throws a curveball like this. It was an interesting twist to the otherwise so-far bland discussions. But that wasn’t really important anymore - Serena had to make a decision, and she had.

She got up from her seat with a new, cold-blooded darkness on her face. For a long moment, she looked her counterpart in the eye. Then, in a slow, imposing movement, she unclipped her lightsaber hilt from her belt and held it up between them. Then, again slowly, she lit it and held it with the blade menacingly near Xira’s neck and face. She wasn’t going to kill her, or even wound her. She just wanted to see her reaction and make a point.

“I can tell you, miss. Our weapons are not that which you possess.” The dark Jedi said, looking down at the long, thin stream of light extending from her hilt. That wasn’t even her only weapon, and she was sure the Confederation knew it.

“Nor is our hunger that for food… Nor is our thirst that for water. You might have researched, but you do not understand us. Not yet. Nothing you have said has been interesting for me or the Cult, save for the crystals.”

She carefully swept the blade around over Xira’s head in a slow, circular movement. It was more of a test of courage than a real threat, but she kept an eye out for the guards anyway. She was doing something risky, and she knew it. But then again, allying the Confederation was risky too.

“However,” She started as she distinguished her weapon, “I will agree to these terms for now. I will guarantee you one thing though. If the Confederation for any reason whatsoever sets foot on Korriban without consent from us, there will be consequences.”

For a short moment, she looked at the representative again. After not too long, her lips curled in to the friendliest smile she had shown during this meeting, even if it was still rather patronising.

“I believe this is acceptable, no?”

[Xira Stone]

Nrghrr's lips pulled back to reveal his sharp fangs as he growled at the Cultist, and Xira knew that he was only remaining complacent since she had given him orders to make no move on her guest unless specifically directed to. In all truth, Xira had not been expecting the Cultist to make such a deliberately provoking action...and she had to admit that it was bold, tenacious even.

However, she remained stoic as ever, safe in the knowledge that if anything happened to her, it would be igniting a war between the Cultists and the Confederation. The fact that she was even here meant that she wanted to avoid that, or so Xira could assume.

“I believe this is acceptable, no?”

The Grand Admiral was silent for a moment, thinking on what the Cultist had said. She raised a slender finger up and shook it back and forth slowly. "Ah, ah, not so fast. We have yet to discuss what the Cult of Sadow can do for the Confederation. I would like to hear what offer you have in mind first, of course. So, please, go ahead."

[Serena Laryss]

Serena felt as if she had been told off like a little child. She would be offended in any other circumstances, but she had been playing the same game earlier. It was exactly that. A game between Xira and herself, disguised with a thin layer of politics.

“You are the one who suggested this meeting. Obviously you had something in mind.”

Once again the Dark Jedi sat down. She crossed her legs, one leaning nonchalantly on the table in front of her. She felt at leisure here, there was no pressure at all, compared to fighting or piloting. This was just entertainment to her, harmless. She kept in mind the intentions of the Cult as a whole and was still trying to secure those first, but they seemed almost guaranteed already. Now it was her turn to have fun.

“I am sure you had your share of intentions and plans for us. What did you have in mind?”

[Xira Stone]

Xira gave her a patronizing smile. "I'm glad you asked. As you no doubt are aware of, the Confederation recently made a move on Mandalore. The Mandalorians are, of course, furious. On top of that, the Alliance continues to hound our every step and it's growing tiresome."

She paused, gathering her thoughts into a single proposal. "I am no fool. I know that the Cult of Sadow will be, if it is not already, a definite presence in the Galaxy. Quite frankly, I would rather you be on our side than against us. What the Confederation needs is solid allies willing to do whatever need be done to end the Alliance nuisance.

"Do not mistake me, however. I do not mean that you will be no better than common assassins or bounty hunters. I would not want to insult your...prowess." Her words seemed layered with skepticism. "However, as per our agreement, in return for the crystals, we would need Cult assistance in matters of war, not diplomacy. I will let you draw your own conclusion in that sense."

[Serena Laryss]

“Very well,” Serena said, “I believe I understand.”

Everything that had happened in the negotiations had been pretty straight forward. It was what Serena had expected. Things like these were always easy to predict. Serena had been thinking of the possibility to ally for a while, and she knew it wouldn’t be bad for the Cult. They needed an ally more than Serena let show.

“But let me tell you one thing. We are not mere soldiers. We are allies. We can still think independently, remember that.”

She stared at Xira for a long moment. She thought everything that needed to be said had been said and didn’t really know what else to do. She assumed that after the agreement the coordinates of the crystal cave on Illum would be sent to the Cult somehow or another. Everything was going according to plan.

“Very well indeed. If this is agreed then, the Confederation will be granted access to the outer areas of the Sith Academy on Korriban. I presume we in turn will be allowed on your ships and in your bases. If necessary, a representative can be arranged to stay with the Confederation. If there are any other matters to be addressed, please do…”

Honestly, Serena grew tired of such drawn-out talks. The thing with negotiations was that you couldn’t just say ‘yes’ or ‘no’. Everything had to be arranged. Either way, it was nearly finished. Soon she would be able to go back to Korriban, unless of course she was assigned to be the Cult representative to the Confederation. More so, she knew that Xira probably had missions lined up for them already.

[Xira Stone]

“But let me tell you one thing. We are not mere soldiers. We are allies. We can still think independently, remember that.”

Xira pursed her lips. "I would expect nothing less."

“Very well indeed. If this is agreed then, the Confederation will be granted access to the outer areas of the Sith Academy on Korriban. I presume we in turn will be allowed on your ships and in your bases. If necessary, a representative can be arranged to stay with the Confederation. If there are any other matters to be addressed, please do…”

She nodded in concurrence. "You have everything covered as I see it. All the arrangements will be made; the location of the crystal caverns will be sent to the Academy on Korriban. As soon as possible, however, I would like a representative on the ship. I believe it would be most effective if you remained on the Atonement, but it is your choice, of course. Likewise, I would like to send some of my men to Korriban in my stead, as my own representative."