Collab between [@Liotrent] and [@Sigma]
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Augusta Secundus
New Cortin
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A rather lavishly designed limousine drove through the now cleared streets of New Cortin, escorted by members of the Imperial Guard as two speeder bikes flew over the vehicle, signaling to citizens present to steer clear and make way for the vehicle, the once bustling streets now silent, making the trip to the Scarran Embassy all the more smooth. Although it was previously agreed that the meeting would be between fellow diplomats, there was a slight change in plans that can be traced from the top, or as top as one can go in the frontier. The 4th Prince and Appointed Governor of the Frontier Regions, Xavier Valdrim himself would act on behalf of the Empire. Within the limousine he laid against the plush and comforting cushions upon his seat, sampling a glass of fine wine, while on the on the other end of the vehicle was his entourage, his top Talaran advisor, the Vizier Jaram Ulthus, who was hunched over as the vehicle was exactly designed for someone of his stature, and next to him were several members of the Imperial Guard, including the captain of his personal guard detachment, Alica Graceford. 

"How close are to meeting our new guests?" Prince Xavier inquired as he took another snip of wine, savoring the fresh flavor. 

"Just passed the 5th street, your highness." Vizier Ulthus replied. "We should arrive in a minute." 

"Mhm, good, good." Xavier said as he gulped down the last of the wine, handing the glass over to a servant droid. "Hold this for me." He said as he prepped himself for the meeting, making light presses on his clothing. He could feel the vehicle slowing down to a halt, he grinned as he looked forward to the others. "Well then, shall we get to work?" 

The speeder bikes that were escorting the prince's limousine had made their descent to solid ground, both guardsmen dismounted their bikes and rushed over to the limousine's door, one of them standing at attention while the other grabbed a hold on the handle and opened the door wide open. The first to exist were Captain Graceford two other guardsmen, followed by the Vizier, and lastly, the prince himself stepping out. "Presenting his imperial highness! Prince Xavier Valdrim!" Vizier Ulthus announced Xavier's arrival to whole Embassy.

The embassy's guards are Scarran Marines in navy black, with a blood red stripe down the side of their pants, their caps a stark pale white under the clear light of the morning. They make way, from facing front to facing each other with a crisp click of their heels. Their movements precise. They do not follow with their eyes, they simply stare ahead. Their rifles resting at their shoulders to being snappily presented vertically, the bayonets pointed up to the sky. Another marine opens the door and grounds his rifle keeping the door open for the Prince's arival. The master of the watch then echoes the Vizier's announcement, "Aye, Scarran Detachment of the 3rd Guard Marine Regiment of the Scarran Embassy on Augusta Secundus recieving, imperial highness, Prince Xavier Valdrim and his retinue! Acknowledged and under guard, aye!" it was an announcement, the entire guard detachment at the embassy was now on alert status. The Prince is high value.

The men of the 3rd Marine Guards were at the forefront of the Mereekan war's earlier stages. They were the ones who repelled repeated attacks against the border worlds. This detachment was no different. They were veterans. They bore scars that indicated deep plasma burns, some had augmentations, but the Scarrans never shy away from practicality. It had been years since then. But these men were young and fresh when the Mereekan war started. Now the border worlds captured from the Mereek are both a trophy and a scar. One that still bares instability as the Prydwenites experience internal strife and Augusta still an open question. Now that the recent Reclamation war had ended, the political terrain is now unexplored grounds.

Gheller Logus had not expected the prince and his retinue to appear, however, surprise never much shook Scarrans, it more or less made them more alert, caused them to observe, and evaluate. Augusta Secundus is the frontier capital, he reasoned that the prince wanted to settle matters himself. Gheller stood to receive them, he of course was a Astrus Hand appointed to the role of ambassador stationed in Augusta Secundus, New Cortin. In the government office, his position as a Hand would be equivalent to a prince if one were to break things down, but equating hierarchical models between a monarchist Empire and a Federated Union of systems is not the concern of Gheller. His former military background had him standing at ease with his hands clasped behind his back. He watched the door as he heard the approach. 

The marines giving a crisp snap as their boot heels once again clicked together in the halls and they presented their weapons vertical, in front, and bayonets up. The Embassy itself was not entirely just an office, there was a level of decoration and style. Not ornate, but one that was both practical, but not just steel and stone. Marble, granite, polished floors and patterns of tile. However, the utilitarian nature of the Scarrans saw the clerks and office workers simply rise to incline their heads or stop to do so before carrying on with their work. Augustans who had visited here in the past had noted that Scarrans were 'busy bodies'. Finally the marines open the doors to Gheller's office.

Before he entered the embassy, the Prince made a motion with his hand, looking to his guards, signaling them to remain outside. "Captain, Vizier." Xavier spoke as the trio proceeded into the embassy, greeted by the Scarran Marines tasked with safeguarding this small pocket of Union territory. Before long the three had arrived to Gheller's office. The Prince making a slight bow, one befitting of man of his background, honoring his guest. "Although it has been announced, allow my personally introduce myself." Xavier paused as he cleared his throat. "Price Xavier of the Imperial House of Valdrim, fourth in line of the throne and the latest appointed governor of the frontier provinces." He paused as he took a breath, it was a line that he endless repeated to foreign dignitaries, ambassadors and so on. He then motioned to introduce his retinue. "And a few of my inner circle." He begun. "My captain of the guard, Alica Graceford." 

Alica nodded and gave a crisp salute. "An honor to meet you, sir." 

"And my Vizier, Jaram Ulthus." The lanky Talaran gave a respectful bow. "A pleasure." 

With introductions on the Augustan's side had been settled, the trio proceeded to take their seats. "I apologize for any abrupt change in plans, but an operation of such a scale would require my immediate attention."

Gheller, the former military man he is simply, let himself smoothly stand at attention and incline his head ever so slightly as a small bow, his hand moving to his chest as he says, "It is both unexpected and an honor..." he then straightens himself and gestures to the open seats, "Please, have a seat. The matters of politics and governance demands we be made people first." He then introduces himself, "I am Astrus Hand of Tyrras, Gheller Logus. Appointed representative of the Federated Union of Scarrus', Systems Council. As you know I am here to discuss a change of arrangements from the Tyrras Agreements at the end of the Mereekan conflict. I am also here to deepen cooperation and seek a joint operations for for anti-piracy and peacekeeping forces in the area for both the Union's and Agustan naval forces."

He then clicks a holotable open, "What you are seeing now are scan and radar reports from Scarran and Augustan merchant vessels and their light escorts. It is a recurring issue at the contact point. My former military experience tells me that these raiders and pirates are probing for weaknesses at the border handoff." He then clicks the the table again and it presents noticeable gaps that could present issue, and then he clicks again that overlays incident report heatmaps, "These are the heatmaps from incident reports and raised by merchantmen and naval vessels alike. They've increased in frequency in the last two years and have only grown bolder."

Then he clicks it again, "This is combat footage from Scarran fighters and Scarran naval patrol vessels. The pirates have acquired heavy merchant vessels and have converted them into weapons platforms requiring a more coordinated and heavy response. Our best estimates show them hiding out in unclaimed or unexplored border systems on the Scarran's galactic north." he clicks the table again and it shows the map and indicated area. "The Scarran System Council proposes deepening military cooperation and a combined expeditionary push into that area later on to secure the border regions." Gheller then looks at the prince and says, "I will not lie, Prince Valdrim. It is no secret that we Scarrans are a deeply wary people. Honesty is currency, trust is costly, and ideals get people killed." he braces himself against his desk and leans down, not to look down or demean, but a practiced form of grounding from someone who has led men into battle and survived. "From what I can tell from your handling of the Augustan Frontier, you are a deeply practical man. So I will say this without flourish. The expeditionary force may be a joint effort, but the Scarrans will offer governing those worlds. We will operate as neutral buffer between the Concordat and the Augustans in that territory and lessen the strain for Augusta's frontier. It is no secret that the Scarrans are good trade partners with the Concordat, but the system council's stance is firmly neutral between Augusta and the Concordat."

He then clicks to Tyrras, "That brings me to the next issue. We've been tithing raw materials to Augusta as part of the Tyrras agreement after the Mereekan war. We would like this to mature as trade and not as tithe. Scarran approval of Augusta would rise, and it would lessen border friction between our respective military forces in the area. The arrangements would be negotiated of course. It would remove free material income from the Federated Union to Augusta, yes, you are losing something guaranteed. However, this would open trade to the rest of the Scarran union. Trade in this local area would also help Augusta and its supply lines towards its push into former Yrrani space. I will say this, we are not interested in Tar Yrra ourselves. We would remain as a neutral party to help crack Tar Yrra when the time comes. However, we Scarrans believe in making our own 'path' if you will, however, personally, I feel this is a foolish notion. That being said, that is also the official stance of the Federated Union's System Council. These are all the issues presented." Gheller straightens himself and stands with his hands clasped behind his back once again.

An attendant comes in bringing a choice of water or wine for the guests, Gheller himself reaches out for a glass and brings it to his lips, the clear liquid going down with practiced movements - a severe, military form of grace, "We are people first, before politics."

Xavier leaned back on his seat, as Gheller spoke his piece and presented his proposals to the prince. The first matter of course, was the persistent pirate problem, the aftermath of the war had left the region in tatters, making it fertile ground for pirates to flourish, unleashing a reign of terror upon the border systems. This cooperation between the Union and the Empire would prove to fruitful no doubt, and in the end, it seemed the Scarran's ruling council is keen on making a power move, claiming systems previously contested for decades, that's something Xavier finds respectable. 

Xavier's train of thought was put on pause as the drinks arrived, although he had already partook in fine wine....he couldn't possibly say no to wine being offered by a guest, as he grabbed a glass. Both Alice and Jaram however, chose water instead. Xavier took a sip as he savored the flavor, his gaze meeting Gheller's. "Yes, these pests have had their fun for long enough, you'll have our support for this endeavor, I'll need to make some arrangements, but you will have your ships in due time. As for after all this is settled, your Council may do as they wish with those systems once the vermin have been rid of." Xavier took a second sip, preparing to address the next matter at hand. 

"Regarding the tithe.... this is a rather bold request but one that should be rewarded. Your people aim high enough to not upset the galactic balance, I find this endearing, and from I've been told about the Mereekan War, I would say you've earned it." Xavier finished the last of his glass and returning the empty glass to the attendant as he adjusted himself on his seat. "Consider the tithes lifted, and in exchange, the worlds of the Union be open for trade, and in return, the worlds of the Frontier Provinces would be open as well."

Gheller nods and places his now empty glass on his desk and clicks the holotable close. He then returns to his preferred stance, hands clasped behind his back, he turns the Prince's choice of Phrasing twice, but in the end Gheller had achieved what the System Council had been aiming for and so lets it go. He inclines his head and as he is quite a frank man, "Your acceptance of the terms is far more generous than I had hoped." he then looks up,no less serious than when discussing politics, but far less edge "Man to man, with no titles attached, no politics, no angle. What do you personally hope for Scarran-Augustan relations? You had not directly intervened in politics between our two nations until now. Indirectly, perhaps, but never directly - never like this - color me curious as to why a prince would suddenly take interest now of all times."

Xavier pondered on the question, he already knew some of the answers but there was that lingering thought that maybe there was something more that just "snapped" in a way. Jaram and Alice looked to the Prince with curious anticipation, a chance to see a side of his highness, he took notice of their expecting gazes and decided to put on the show for his small audience. "Where to start? Perhaps with my title. I'm fourth in line, meaning there's no way in all the hells that I will ever get to sit on that throne. It took a while to finally realize, but I've long since given up any ambitions of becoming Emperor."

Hearing him utter such words was a mild shock for both the captain and vizier. "Sorry to disappoint." Xavier said, addressing the both of them. 

"N-no my lord, there's nothing to be sorry about." Alice said with a reassuring tone. "Emperor or no, I'm still at your service as your captain of the guard."

"And I as your ever faithful vizier." Jaram added, displaying his loyalty. Still, it is a rare sight for a scion of the Valdrim Dynasty to simply give up any prospects of ascending to the throne, no matter their placement in the line. 

"Tossing out such a distant fantasy was like shaking off heavy weights, instead of chasing that dream, I chose something else." Xavier paused, for effect of course. "I wanted to focus on my own destiny, one different from my siblings, who just bicker and bitch. This little corner of the Empire would be the start of my own legacy, my own chapter in the history books. In short Mr. Gheller, rather then waste time waiting to be Emperor, I rather instead forge my own path in the Frontier Provinces, to become a leader worthy of respect for all my subjects, and worthy of respect for outside powers."

Gheller nods thoughtfully, he picks up a pitcher of water and refills his glass and sips from it, "That is indeed possible. Honesty is currency. At least that's what it is to me and my men. So I will be truthful in return. You may have heard rumors, but the truth is this. The Scarran Federated Union does not trust Augusta. Your empire had demonstrated its willingness to flatten things in the way of your imperial goals." Gheller then sets down his glass, "I however, see things differently. The Scarran Federated Union and its people are right to be wary of Augusta - Augusta as a whole. But the man of the frontier. The man who kept it together despite pressures from all sides..." He sits and leans and meets the Prince's gaze as he steeples his fingers, resting his elbows on the table, "... The man who's ambitions are different from the Empire as a whole, may not be the enemy that we see him to be." He lets the statement sit before leaning back.

"My personal goal, Prince Valdrim, is simple. To secure my people's future.  The Federated Union trusts the Concordat for the time being, but I do not trust so easily after a few good trades. Religion is a poor guise and a poorer moral compass. Far less predictable, and far less trust worthy than someone who's honest in their ambition." Gheller clicks the holotable open and a figure appears, younger man, shorter, wider - stoud, "My counterpart thinks differently. That's union politics, discussions, bureaucracy and arguments. I can't really say he's wrong - not completely. But I know this, we do not follow their religion, we do not believe in dogma, we are people who trust in what we see, what can be tested, and what has survived. There are those in the concordat who would view some of our practices or lack thereof as disdainful. The Empire of Augusta, as far as I can tell, has no qualms with the Scarran Federated Union on a cultural level as far as I know, our disagreements lie in our political engagement and public perception of the other. That can be smoothed out. 

A large cultural difference like religion? That cannot be addressed without a serious civil upheaval." He finishes his glass of water then says, and holds up a hand "The concordat are permissive and cordial even. But we know how they treat their own. You do not run trade and not learn a few things about the people you trade with. They seem permissive, until they aren't, they've strangled isolated - integrated worlds for simply having a divergence of faith." He closes his fist tight until his knuckles go white then he releases, "Here is my perspective, one day the Federated Union will cross a like we'd not seen. One day the Concordat council may decide we are the enemy - perhaps some them are already talking about it in hushed whispers. I'd rather be on friendly terms with the Empire than be fearful of them. The question is whether we can bridge that gap" Gheller pauses for a heartbeat.

"I think we can." he finishes the thought.

Xavier met Gheller with a grin after he had spoken his piece. "I'm glad to see we both found reasonable voices from our prospective homelands. You're leaders are right to fear the Empire, our history is...less then clean to say the least. "Xaiver leaned forward as his chin resting his clasped hands. "But as you can see, you've nothing to fear from me, and I agree, I think we can bridge an understanding between our peoples, so long as the...correct voices take the helm, that is." Xavier leaned back in a relaxed stance. "One friend, no matter the size, is always welcome.

"Then I will share this..." Gheller then slides a communication holo across the table, it is heavily modified and is above the normal military grade, "... This is a direct line to the Head of Scarrus himself. He is a pragmatic man. He believes in keeping the peace between the Concordat, Prydwenites, and Augusta for as long as possible. He is also a lot like me. Straightforward and to the point. The Council and the Head guide the will of Scarrus. However, there is the hand that you see..." He gestures to the himself and the embassy, "... And the hand that you don't." he reveals an encrypted file on his Holotable. Gheller's Combat records from the previous war with the Mereekans, but most importantly, his current deployment status: Active - Special Actions Warfare Division - Intelligence Branch. "I am now acting as intelligence liason and ambassador. Consider me and the Head of Scarrus to be the unfiltered voice. If you hear our media or yours cover something that feels dubious. We will reveal information as necessary. This is an off the books deal that most of the Council is unaware of.

 Full disclosure, there are agents deployed in the Concordat as well. It is no secret there are factions within the Concordat that view the Scarran way of life as disrespectful to their way of life. We share a lot of aspects. But one aspect is held above most. This is a legitimate security concern. We are also aware of the growing Prydwenite divide among the houses. We understand that there are also interests for the Augustans in that theater. We would prefer that the Prydwenites remain cordial as two of their houses have shown good relations. There is also the growing concern of Concordat presence there according to the suspicions of our intelligence network. However, this is unconfirmed as of this time."

The trio were caught aback with Gheller's rather open confession of both his mission and the rather ambitious actions of the Union's intelligence network, although to be fair, Imperial Intelligence has no doubt embedded their own agents in the Scarran Union, so it would seem only fair, not that the Prince has any concrete intel on, that is far above even him. Xavier maintained his calm demeanor as he skimmed through the files presented to him, figures and powers within the Empire would be less tolerant of such displays from a minor power, but for Xavier, he could only be impressed by the Scarrans once more. "You're quite acquainted with the political climate, yes, a galactic scale civil war among our Prydwenite cousins would do the Empire or anyone for that matter no good, and the Concordant slithering in would make things worse, to the point that my father has sent a personal directive to remedy situation as quickly as possible." He paused as he thought things over. "As for what you've revealed to us, you have my word, as well as the word of my two most trusted hands that what you've spoken of does not leave this room." The Vizier and Captain both given approving nods, and a quick nod to Gheller.

Gheller smiles, a rare thing for Scarrans who make work their entire personalities. "Then SAWD Intelligence will coordinate on the houses in Prydwen alongside your agents. Our aim is to consolidate the houses that will be hospitable to the Union a shared goal perhaps could be achieved with the Empire's own intelligence division and have Prydwen's amicable houses take precedence for both the Union and Augusta. Until then, our lines are open." He then stands and offers a shake of a hand, "It is rare to find a man of your caliber outside the union, Prince Xavier. May our work be fruitful."

Xavier stands up, stretching his arms up in the air, and gave Gheller a firm handshake. "A pleasure to be among such men, and yes, to a more bountiful tomorrow."