Diplomatic Overture (SWG Reboot Only)

[Arenumberg]

Office of the First Secretary, Drev'starn, Bothawui, Bothan Systems Alliance.

Borsk had barely, just barely, made it back in time for the twilight hours of the Council's closed session with the Lannik Delegation and the Guineo representatives from Dohlban. Or so it had seemed. The trip to New Cov had been necessary, and importantly, perfectly timed to arrive at the tail end of the meeting, when Borsk's presence, hurrying back apologetic would have the greatest impact. As predicted, they had been pleased by his seeming fawning apologies and it had ingratiated the Alliance further in their minds and hearts. Consequently, the negotiations had ended far beyond the scope of what they had initially prepared for.

Not only had the Lannik and Guineo as two distinct species and governments agreed in principle to the Alliance's proposals, they had, at the tail end of it all, proposed that they simply join the Alliance. It had taken much for the Council to hide its surprise, let alone Borsk's own disbelief. The Lannik and Guineo of Dohlban had been closely intertwined with the Alliance, largely by necessity, but many had not perceived them joining the Alliance for at least several decades. It would push the Alliance up against Hutt Space earlier than was preferable, but the Bothan's had already dealt with that menace in the past.

Borsk mused on the fact even now. The Galaxy was being thrown into chaos, and logically, they had chosen what seemed to them as the most reasonable choice. It was obvious that worlds and entities long independent were no longer protected by the Conclave, and even the seeming beneficiaries of the Conclave were now unilaterally annexing, or, force forbid, starting wars of control. On a certain level, such chaos caused some level of fear, it was foolish to feel otherwise, yet, for the most part, it simply smelled of opportunity. Power.

He let out a half stifled laugh, he had worked hard to achieve what he had - and now it was as if the galaxy was offering itself on a platter. He had come a long way from Kothlis, and his ambition had taken him as far as ny bothan could aspire to politically. Now, perhaps, guided by The Way and master of his ambitions he could forge a legacy for the Alliance.

Borsk took a moment to look over all that had occurred recently. It was obvious, now, in hindsight, that the Dressel Accords had truly been a matter of providence. The Alliance had, at the agreement of a number of other local governments, assumed a protectorate over Dressel. Dressel was not a member of the Conclave, indeed, its inhabitants had been found to be primitive and the Bothans had let them develop for centuries in peace. It was almost as if they had sensed the danger, and consequently, the Bothan's had sought fit to extend protection to them, first through agreement of peers before approaching the Dresselians themselves. It had been pleasing to see them accept, as he had learned over the past few days, and consequently the Bothan's were engaged in a quickstart program to at least get them to a state where they could defend themselves. They had come far over the centuries, and it would not take much.

However, it spoke much of the Bothan Systems Alliance. They had, before the galaxy had begun to slump into crisis, offered a form of help and protection to a species deserving of it without any benefit that was overwhelmingly obvious. The Alliance had been content to follow a long term, perhaps century spanning program of diplomatic back and forth combined with espionage to systematically align every willing world into the Alliance, but it seemed that plans would need to be accelerated. Such a challenge, a pursuit of power, pleased Borsk like few tasks lain before him ever had. The Alliance would become to dominant power in this area of the Mid-Rim, perhaps even as far a field as New Cov if his last visit had made the impression he had intended.

He turnt his focus to the computer system in front of him, a few words here and there would see the Diplomatic Corps and the SpyNet would begin their work. He pondered for a moment, just how ambitious was he willing to be? More Importantly, how much of the Fleet was he also willing to put into action over the few criminal hold outs in this area of the galaxy. So many questions. For Borsk, there was always an answer. Aim as high as you can reach.

From New Cov to Dalaang, back down to Radnor, and, he had figured, why not tempt the beautiful world of Christophsis? There, the Alliance would begin its task. There would be Alliance Diplomats, and in the shadows, those who would gain the information necessary to this endeavour. He knew that not every world would be willing - at least not until others fell in line, and there were past stereotypes to overcome - ones current actions by other governments and treaties his own had signed would no doubt overcome.

The Council would no doubt be interested in his plans. And, as with any, an appropriate distraction was also necessary. It took him but a moment to consider an obvious solution that held more than peripheral benefits.

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Code: Select all

Dispatch from the Bothan Council on public HoloNet Channels
Routed to appropriate Foreign Ministries and Ambassadorial Delegations present on Bothawui.
---

The Bothan Council cordially extends an invitation to your government to attend a diplomatic conference doubling as a fund raising opportunity in respect to the refugee problem evident in the Core and, indeed other nations as order begins to slip sadly, into a manner of particularly violent chaos.

This Conference will be largely informal and a hope is that it will function also as a neutral meeting ground for respective parties to air their grievances, if they are so willing. Consequently, this event will be held in the Intergalactic Trade Mission in Drev'starn.

As a former member of the Galactic Conclave, The Bothan Systems Alliance respectfully requests that any parties respect the neutrality of the Bothan Systems Alliance whilst in its territory.

First Secretary Borsk Fey'lya of the Bothan Council,
On behalf of the Alliance Assembly,
Bothan Systems Alliance.

[Thrashia]

Bothan Space


Prompted by the invitation given by Borsk Fey'la on behalf of the Bothan Alliance, the Empire of Thrashia felt it could not ignore such a chance at making diplomatic inroads to the Bothans. As such, a diplomatic team was sent from Eriadu with orders from Moff Tarkin to establish relations with the Bothan Alliance. Friends were needed around the galaxy in this day and age, with Chaos threatening from one side and the disintegration of the Galactic Conclave on the other. While some might have called it a friendly phrase, Thrashians knew all to well that it was more often a curse to be told "may you live in interesting times."

The Arquitens-class light cruiser Deep Runner came out of hyperspace into the system of Bothawui. The cruiser was more heavier armed than the usual diplomatic ships sent on such missions, but in order to pass between Eriadu and Bothan Space -- so close to Hutt territory to name but one potential threat -- it was felt to be a required precaution. Ambassador Gaius Norell felt that it was a better compromise than using an Imperial-class Star Destroyer; it didn't bear thinking, the diplomatic consequences of an action that overt in different aspects in relation to the subtle and politically attuned minds of the Bothans. Moff Tarkin, though disappointed, had understood. The man was overly obsessed with security at the time being and so Gaius had not thought less of the governor for his attempt at heavy-handedness. With four new sectors to help organize and prepare against a possible attack by the Terminus Conglomerate, things were tense on Eriadu.

"We're now approaching the planet, Ambassador," Captain Vorrents announced from his command chair.

"Good Captain, please allow me to announce ourselves via the comlink," answered Gaius.

"As you wish...comm line is open."

Greetings to First Secretary Borsk Fey'lya of the Bothan Council, and the Alliance Assembly of the Bothan Systems Alliance. I come in peace to accept the invitation issued by your government to attend a diplomatic conference. I am Ambassador Gauis Norrel of Eriadu, representing the Empire of Thrashia. I humbly request landing coordinates to your planet and directions thereof to the conference site. Accompanying me is Magistrate Josef Dorius, of the Kuat Drive Yards corporation, also attending the conference. We patiently await your reply.

Gaius motioned to the comm officer who quickly turned off the channel. "Please send a message to Magistrate Dorius' room," said Gaius, looking out the bridge portals to see what was before him. "We will be landing soon and I'm sure he won't want to miss anything."

[Arenumberg]

-=Bothawui Local Space, Both System, Bothan Systems Alliance.

Bothawui was not a core world - and her local orbit was, at least to your average Coruscanti or Alsakan, strangely dereft of bustle. It was not a completely accurate stock of the situation, of course. Bothawui sat at the centre of her own little corner of the noted hyperspace trade routes, and was not without considerable economic and industrial clout in the region that had only grown as the Alliance itself had done so. It was, at least, not uncommon for the Both System to be home to several hundred myriad different ships, most of which had nothing to do with the local security forces or Bothan military. The presence of at least several dozen other diplomatic ships added a small element of disorder to the approach lanes, but it was only so much as had been orchestrated.

It was hardly unexpected that any world with at least a modicum of political sense in the local region had already arrived, and the main element of what was now present was from farther afield or carefully selected to be present in order to make subtle political points. The Thrashians - amongst others - would hardly be able to miss the presence of a, if not the only, Lannik registered Cruiser "Spirit of the Wild", albeit flying Alliance symbols, providing an element of security as diplomatic vessels received their mandated scan as they slotted into the approach order.

Bothawui's own orbit was not particularly cluttered for orbital installations, most that were not of a military nature were farther out than first appeared, and the ever present looming shapes of the Bothawui Shipyards were the only other real object of note aside from the Customs station handling this particular approach. It was not hard to notice that the Shipyards were actively at work. They had long since switched to refits - the Bothans had not indulged in indigenous ship design for many years, and the designs provided from the many agreements the Conclave had accorded with its members made corporations wealthy, while simultaneously providing numerous powers with ships that met the various agreements regarding strength or other such matters. It did, however, speak volumes that despite the lack of the next generation of vessels, the Alliance was quite busy making sure their fleet - which was no small matter in and of itself - remained competitive. It was of course, no secret that the Bothan Systems Alliance had some manner of interest in securing newer ships, though few corporations had yet made inroads to securing such a deal.

There was a carefully calculated delay before a response reached the Deep Runner. A symbolic matter of politics, but no snub.

"This is Approach Control Aurek Four, Deep Runner. We have cleared your ship for approach to Bothawui. Planetary Traffic Control have assigned Docking Bay 12 of Drev'starn Primary Spaceport for your delegations use. The Cruiser "Spirit of the Wild" will handle your security scan during approach. Your positioning places you directly behind the Christophsis luxury liner "Crystallos". We are pleased to inform you that The Intergalactic Trade Mission is currently accepting the presence of delegations for the duration of the Conferences running time and you may make your way there as you please. You may direct any further inquiries to the Assembly or Bothan Council once you have registered your arrival.

Please, enjoy your stay on Bothawui. Aurek Four out."

[Thrashia]

Drev'starn Spaceport

The city turned out to be much more pleasant than Gaius would have originally given it credit for when looking down from above. Though Eriadu was not the Core, it had adopted most of its architectural style from such worlds as Coruscant, Kuat, and Alderaan. Bothawui and the Bothans had gone in a subtly different style, more blocky but svelte in its way. Everything was organized and well ordered, which was more than most systems could say for themselves in the Outer or Mid Rim.

When the Deep Runner landed, Gaius had the accompanying clone troopers change into their ceremonial armor, all polished white with their particular unit markings -- a blue eagle with a golden Imperial cog over its breast -- emblazoned on their shoulders and chests. While the platoon of troopers had stood about the entry to the down ramp, Magistrate Dorius had arrived, wearing impressive robes that were the current fashion on Coruscant. He was short and stout, seemingly strong by his broad shoulders. Dorius kept a sleepy expression permanently fixed on his face, as if everything around him only sought to make him more drowsy.

"Coming along then, Ambassador?" asked Dorius, one eye perking up for a moment as he jibed Gaius.

"Just waiting for you, Glen," replied Gaius, knowing how much Dorius hated people using his first name. Without further ado the ramp was lowered and the Thrashian delegation marched out, the clone troopers doing their usual routine of creating a formal honor guard outside the ramp, facing inwards with rifles shouldered high.

There was a docking official there to greet them, take a small docking fee, and then pointed them in the direction of the nearest government facility. Gaius decided it would simply be easiest to hire a speeder and contact the Bothan Council representative by comlink.

"Yes, we're heading towards the conference site now," Gaius spoke into his comlink. "We shall expect to meet your representative at the main entrance momentarily."

[Arenumberg]

Security, over all, was low key. If nothing in orbit had triggered anything particularly worrisome, the Bothans were going to let things be. No-one, realistically, would be foolish enough to attempt anything untoward, not right in front of the dozens of droids and cameras or otherwise indistinguishable individuals who would either deal with the matter, or make sure someone else knew what they were up to. Everything was relatively standard, enough to deal with obvious threats but the rest was left to implication. None, at least, seemed willing to become marked by the SpyNet for anything other than was necessary,

There was, of course, a reasonable measure of activity at the Intergalactic Trade Mission, a dozen or so delegations had already come, had a quiet word or two with friends or officials of the Alliance they had wished to speak to in person, made a reasonable, but not exactly generous donation to the "Refugee Resettlement Fund" and promptly gone on their own way, either to peruse what Bothawui had to offer before returning later, or to head homeward once again. For now, the Mission was somewhat busy, though most of the delegates were concerned with small talk rather than anything of major importance as a current round of closed meetings cycled through. The Mission itself was rumoured to be a front for the SpyNet, but no-one had yet been bold enough to inquire. All the same, it was spacious, if spartan, though some amount of effort had been undertaken to make it appear comfortable enough to a dozen or so delegates at once - and of course, a variety of food and refreshment was available, it was, as the bothans had intended, largely an informal gathering.

Most of the Alliance's network of Ministries were involved in some way or another, though few Assembly Members themselves were present. First Secretary Borsk Fey'lya himself had spoken a few words with the Rodian delegation, amongst others, before departing to deal with his own business of that current day. A few other ministers from various departments were now in the meetings they had made themselves available for, ranging from everything to economic development, of particular interest to the Lannik delegate, to defense matters, where the Argovians were particularly concerned.

The staff on hand had handled the Thrashian request deftly, as they themselves took a moment to work out who exactly was available, and consequently they had agreed to have someone meet them on their arrival. As fortune what have it, Girov Saiga'dren, Foreign Minister, happened to have a wonderful sense of timing. He gave a few passing orders to the staff present before making his way to the main entrance. Here, Security was present, but light, handled by a pair of droids and some policemen that personally, Girov had no insight on.

Girov fell squarely into the realms of older, but not quite old. He was, like his kin, as brown in fur as they came. His eyes, too, were brown, inlaid in a face that was welcoming, gentle, but not too soft. That certainly wouldn't do well in negotiations at all, he had once told himself. He had chosen to wear standard ministerial wear which, it was an interesting combination, that of predominantly black, inter laid with red panels on the chest and once more accompanied by orange ones, a uniform he had realised long ago, did not differ much from the Officer Corps own designs. As they said though, duty to the leadership of a state was a combat role all of its own. He allowed his thoughts to return to reality as the Thrashian delegation approached. He himself walked down the small number of steps to welcome them, though giving them space to exit their chosen vehicle and compose themselves without imposing himself. Once they approached him, he spoke.

"Welcome to Bothawui, my friends. I am Foreign Minister Girov Saiga'dren and I extend my own personal welcome. I believe you wished for a meeting with a representative of the Bothan System's Alliance, and you have in so much as been granted your wish with myself. If you would accompany myself into the Intergalactic Trade Mission, I have made certain to secure a conference room for such a purpose. Your escort may join us or take some time for themselves, suffice to say were all being kept an eye on here." He said, in his customary fashion of talking almost melodically while underlying it with a harsher tone. Gentle and kind, yet firm. The last remark was accompanied by a knowing smile.

He let them speak their responses and offered them acknowledgement as was appropriate. He weaved through a few of the meandering delegates, and himself nodded at a Bothan Woman, one of the diplomatic corps, and the Naboo gentleman she was talking with, he made sure that the Thrashians were kept close enough behind to be prudent, but not too close as it to appear he was simply a guide. He rounded a corner and nodded at a figure, armoured largely from head to toe, though the chin was visible, and denoted a human whose jaw was probably too well defined to be a female, while a cursorary glance over the form fitting armour overall made that assumption appear correct. The figure returned the gesture but little else as a door opened, and Girov stepped through.

He motioned at the table at the centre of the room, which was itself, much like the rest of the Mission, though this particular conference room had a large series of windows looking out over the gardens at the centre of the Mission, a few figures could be seen there, they were largely delegates, though a few were clearly security. Care had been taken to provide some food and refreshment largely palatable to a large number of species in the room itself, and the table and chairs were not the typical harsh metal one expected in most official conference rooms. They were, clearly, wood of some kind, and clearly quite old - though well built. The fabric and cushions inlaid on the chairs themselves had been maintained well, and would provide a manner of comfort, though not enough to let one forget where they were.

Girov himself sat opposite the Thrashians, and smiled at them briefly as he sat.

"Ah, there we go, once more, a welcome. I am looking forward to our coming discussion. Please, feel free to get us going on the right track." He said, politely.

[Thrashia]

Gaius sat down and Magistrate Dorius took the seat next to him. It had been quite strange and unorthodox, thought Gaius as he considered how they had come to be in the Intergalactic Trade Mission building. He had made a note of all the various beings that he had passed on the way here, noting the Rodians and Naboo. Unfortunately it had not given him any clues as to what to expect from the Bothans. If anything the manner in which they were currently acting and behaving was at great odds of Gaius' past experiences.

“You will have to forgive me, Foreign Minister,” replied Gaius. “I was led to believe that we would be taking part in a diplomatic conference. Instead we are in – I guess you could call – a bi-lateral discussion.”

“Slightly unorthodox,” added Dorius.

“But,” Gaius interjected before Dorius could say anything else, “this is not to say that we are displeased. Am I correct in assuming that you can negotiate in full terms with me? I have been given carte blanche by the Imperial Moff Council in these discussions and to bring about an agreement between the Bothan System Alliance and the Empire of Thrashia. Should we discuss things directly with First Secretary Borsk Fey'lya himself or do you have appropriate powers of negotiation?”

Foreign Minister Saiga'dren nodded. "We are making the best with the opportunities presented to us, as I'm sure you can understand. The First Secretary himself is attending to some personal matters, and myself and the defense minister have both been graced with the responsibilities, and duties, of state, such as they are. Suffice to say, any agreements we reach will be honored by the Alliance."

"Fair enough then, my good sir," agreed Gaius. "I just wanted to clear to the air. As it stands now, the Thrashian Empire is seeking trade relations, transit rights, cooperation with the Imperial Mission to help those in need during this crisis, and the possibility of a deep-space station for Imperial naval use in Bothan Space."

[Arenumberg]

Girov listened to the proposed areas of discussion and considered for a moment. He decided to take the matters in turn, and perhaps there would also be room for more on his own part. He began to speak.

"I will address each of your proposed areas, of course. Firstly, in the matter of trade relations, we can of course come to some agreement. Primarily Alliance trade is handled by resident corporations, the Baobab Merchant Fleet, so on and so forth, primarily we could address bulk agreements and give our resident mercantile interests a nudge in the right direction. As you know, Alliance tariffs, particularly in Bothan Space proper, are appropriately tiered for foreign vessels and merchants. While I make no promises, there may be some movement on this matter if we can make other relevant agreements - I believe such things would fall under your second point, you will have to elaborate on what particular transit rights you desire." Girov said. He let that hang for a moment before continuing.

"As delegates here are contributing to a Refugee Resettlement Fund, and we still lack a Conclave to co-ordinate its usage, we would, with a certain degree of discretion, be willing to use such funds in conjunction with the Imperial Mission. In terms of co-operation, you would have to provide specifics, I can hardly recommend to the Council that we give free reign to a foreign organisation without knowing just exactly what it seeks to accomplish." Girov said, offering a conciliatory smile.

"For the latter, that is a, particularly unexpected request. What purpose, exactly, would the Thrashian Empire have to set up such an installation in Bothan administered territory? Indeed, what would we, exactly, stand to gain? Having our own such installation in your space is unlikely to be accepted, so you must forgive the bluntness of my response. The proposition, as I say, is unexpected, and as such I expect that you must have something of great gain for our own particular interests on the table." Girov let his gaze switch from Gaius to Dorius.

"In terms of also adding to the discussion, we would like to inquire as to Kuat's interest in fulfilling certain contracts for the Bothan Systems Alliance. We are interested in certain ship classes, including the possibility for a long term contract for cruiser class vessels, as well as entertaining the possibility for a larger vessel to serve in a command capacity. We are also interested in certain licensing arrangements to put our own Shipyards to work, at least until our own natively designed vessels can be made reality." Girov laid out, he was sure his "friends" in defense would no doubt of ended his political career if he didn't at least get that on the table as soon as possible. It also served his interest, of course, if he could secure agreements of his own accord.