Chp-65: Negotiations(Threats)
At one point early on during my tenure as a governor, I cursed the universe upon my realization that I would have to engage in politics.
This was, of course, after I had a mental breakdown or three in my room over being dragged into another reality, never to see my family and friends ever again.
Now, I was once again cursing the universe because not only do I have to engage in politics, but I have to engage in politics as the colonizer.
Fuck.
So, to make things less awkward and to hopefully come up with some kind of plan to reduce the negative impact of all this, I was reading.
Specifically, a report on the Verndari. The species native to Minda-2.
They reminded me somewhat of the Na'vi, but shorter on average, though still tall. 7-8ft seems to be common.
Green skin with some varying hues, prehensile feet, hair with varying colors, two eyes, four fingers, and odd crystal growths along their forehead.
As for culture, it varied greatly. The clans in the jungle valleys rarely had more than a thousand people, with few city-states existing within the harsh conditions.
The northern part of the continent contained a large amount of volcanoes that created conditions ideal for farming, leading to larger nations.
As expected, the cultures varied as well. Clans and tribes from the jungles had their own traditions, but generally stuck to a culture of survival due to some event of some kind a few centuries ago that is ill defined. The jungle is not a god to be made peace with, or an enemy to defeat, but a challenge to be overcome.
On the other side, the northern nations have more varied cultures, but curiously follow a similar cultural ideal as well. Of course, theirs is more on the side of growth and the like, seeing the world as a place to conquer and learn from.
Obviously, a lot of these details are vague and mostly grabbed from Corleone's internal logs, but it's better than nothing. I'll just have to get the diplomats to explain more.
It wasn't long before my shuttle landed. I had wanted to fly it myself, since it's been a while and I quite enjoy flying, but I had reports to read.
Stepping off the shuttle, I am immediately met by the intense heat of the jungle. Combined with a humidity that makes Florida feel like LA and I instantly want to go inside.
Mugwuffin seems to agree, having practically flown towards the door and was pawing for a way in. Though, Myr'thos seems unbothered. Sith shenanigans, I swear.
Heatbadstuffypleaseplease
I don't answer verbally, if only to avoid seeming insane in front of my bodyguards. Gotta keep up the image, right?
Exhausting.
Entering the facility, I'm greeted by the blessed environmental control and the facilities newly assigned Commandant. A tan skinned togrutan man named Lare Tanezi, who I chose specifically because he was not a human and because he was from Minda. I couldn't have some arrogant human-centrist officer in control around here, after all.
"Sir. We've gotten into contact with the major native nations and tribes in the area. Their representatives are waiting for you."
"Good." And it really was. I was half expecting to be forced to meet them halfway in the jungle or something. Thank god for the small mercies.
Wait…don't thank god! That fucker probably stuck me here!
As my little war against the heavens raged within, I made my way to the meeting room. As I understood it, negotiations with the locals had amounted to giving them their princess back, flying some TIEs around to discourage violence, and meeting a few times with protocol droids to get the language down pat. Combined with what Corleone got, it meant the droids were now practically fluent.
Now, I had to deal with the rest of it.
Honestly? Paperwork sounds better.
Entering the meeting room, I glance around. There are quite a few representatives. Means they're divided.
The room itself was simple. The muted blue leftover from Corleone's tenure, along with a large table. The representatives sat on one side, while I sat on the other, none of us sitting at the heads of the table. Kept things feeling civil, even though I had the advantage.
The reps themselves were varied to say the least. I could tell the difference between city and tribe folk, however. The general quality and complexity marked a difference.
After I sat down, the protocol droid shambled on over to me.
"Sir." It spoke. "These are the representatives of the most prominent local factions of the Verndari species. Please note that many titles and names are approximate translations."
It then began introductions.
"This warrior is Gotan, the Sworn Brother of the Chieftain of the Stone-Grit tribe. They are the largest jungle based tribe."
He was a larger man, abnormally tall even for the Verndari, at nearly 9 feet. The pelts he wore were unusually thick for such a hot environment. Script of some kind was scrawled across it, intricate in its writing and denoting clear patterns. Likely a religious meaning of some kind.
"The princess is Princess Ula, current heir to the city-state of Luminous Canopy, one of the apparently few jungle city-states."
Standing at around 7ft, she wore a mask made of some kind of wood that had clear bioluminescence, with glowing patterns shifting across it. She wore far lighter clothing than her compatriot, though far more of it was made of the same wood as her mask, in an almost armor-like composition.
Then came the city-folk.
"This is Archduchess Limali, ruler of the heartlands and heir to the throne of the Fulcrum Dynasty."
First in the lineup was a woman of their average height. Her skin was a darker green than the tribesfolk, and she wore what resembled a tailored coat, ash grey in color. It was criscrossed with geometric patterns that resembled rows of crops. The outfit was accented with what looked like polished bronze at the cuffs and other areas. Her poise spoke of power, but her eyes spoke of caution.
"Next is High-Warden Juntal, council member of the Ash-Mark confederacy."
The next man was a tad taller, with similarly dark skin, and sported something resembling a toga, with magma red flowers dotted with black spots woven into the outfit, seeming to bloom along the seams. Many pockets dotted the outfits layers, though where the toga began and the pockets ended was unclear at times. He seemed interested in me, as if I were an opportunity. Political player, maybe.
"The covered lady is Lumina-Seer Idala of the Ember-Heart Covenant."
Another came clad in many layers of grey, obscuring their body entirely save for the eyes. Ornaments of volcanic rock and obsidian adorned them, hanging from their neck, waist and wrists. The fabrics themselves, while dull at a glance, caught the light in odd ways. It seemed to redirect light, making the figure blurry at times. I couldn't tell their gender at a glance, though the eyes were shaped more similarly to the women at the table, and were seemingly of a lighter tone. Seer? Religious figure maybe? It's called a covenant after all.
"This gentleman here is Marshal Olbret of the Obsidian Wardenship"
Then came what was surely a military officer of sorts. Clad in a color reminiscent of basalt rocks, the man was broad shouldered and wore what had to be a uniform. The lines were simple, near brutalist, with pauldrons and all. When he moved, I could see the hint of rectangular shapes beneath the fabric. Likely armor panelling of sorts. To keep the two sides of the upper part together, instead of buttons or zippers, the sides seem to have been woven together in an intricate pattern. Likely a tradition of some sorts. His gaze was narrowed, aggressive. Might be a problem, likely a show of force would be required. Then an integration into local defense forces in some way. Culturally tie them to us. Point the aggression elsewhere.
"And finally, the Prime Cartographer Elwere."
The final representative was another man, though more diminutive than the others, closer to 6'8. His skin was a similar tone to the others, but his outfit was quite simple. A tunic of some kind, with a few layers and a hooded cloak. This outfit also had many, many pockets, but they were more visible. An amethyst stone of some kind made up the majority of his jewelry and accents, most in the form of necklaces and bracelets, of which he wore many. He seemed…curious. A society built on more adventuring, perhaps. A more exploratory spirit. Could be harnessed, easier to connect with. A whole galaxy to offer them, after all.
Then, the protocol droid spoke some words in a foreign language to the representatives, before turning to me once again.
"They are ready for your address, sir."
Okay. Got it. Keep it cool. Let's start with an introduction. Then segue into the whole Empire shtick. Have a whole presentation ready for them and everything.
"Hello. My name is Las Mola. I am what is known as a Governor in the Galactic Empire." Quick, precise, simple. I watched as the droid relayed my message, and the envoys reacted. Most seemed…annoyed. Insulted, even.
Then, the military one, the Marshal, spoke up. His voice was guttural, really emphasizing his military role. Quite powerful. I could see how it could inspire troops and cause fear in his enemies.
"Governor? This term is for those lower on the rungs of power. Tell me, where is your leader? Your Emperor?" He said, annoyed. Seems he's not happy that someone higher up didn't show. Time to break the ice.
"The Emperor, or someone more important, isn't here because this world, your world, known to us as Minda-2, is not important. It is one of millions of worlds within the Empire."
As the droid relayed my words, I watched their response. At first, they seemed somewhat shocked and, again, insulted. Unimportant!? How could their world be unimportant!? Then, I said the last part. '...within the Empire.'"
At that, they all seemed agitated. The warrior, Gotan, quickly stood up.
"You DARE claim dominion over us!?"
He seemed to be on the verge of drawing his weapon, when a pressure fell over the room. A dark thing, like death itself, was looking into your eyes. It lasted only a second, and only Mugwuffin's power saved me from it.
Gotan, on the other hand, fell back into his seat like he had just stared into the eyes of God, and feared what he saw. The rest were clearly shaken, though they maintained decorum fairly well. The Lumina-Seer seemed to be quietly muttering what might be prayers.
Of course, there was no God here. Just Myr'thos, bored out of their minds and deciding to mess with the locals a little bit.
Honestly? Well played.
"Please. Don't make a fool of yourself." I state simply.
"Now. The Empire, through overwhelming force, could conquer this planet. It could burn your jungles, turn your cities to ash, and enslave your people. Thankfully for you, Governors are given a good amount of independence on how things are run within their systems."
Even in their fear ridden state, these professionals could tell what I was alluding to.
"So, you claim to have power over our freedom? Over our people and lands?" Asked the Confederate Warden, Juntal. He was curious, if still quite scared. I suppose he really was a political climber, if he saw this shitshow of a situation as an opportunity.
"You misunderstand. I don't have power over you. The Empire has power over you. I am simply a Governor, one of many, who will determine how best this planet, its lands, and your people, will serve the Empire. To be honest with you, I am your best bet for survival."
"Oh? How so?" Asked the Cartographer. Why a cartographer? Was that the best approximation the droid could find? Weird ass culture.
"The two star systems I rule, like all inhabited star systems ruled by the Empire, must meet a quota. Resources, dependent on the system's capabilities. Now, due to some special capabilities, the systems I rule have a reduced quota, to increase productivity towards special interests. To be honest, I have no real need for this planet, and neither does the Empire."
"Then why bother us? Why fight our people and take me prisoner?" Snarled the Princess. Clearly, someone was still pissy about the Corleones bullshit. Why was she sent anyways? She would obviously be biased in a bad way!
"That was not the Empire. It was a company. A group of independent merchants. We allowed them to create outposts here, in the mountains, to study the planet, and see if there was anything of use. Then, they broke Imperial Law and started expanding into territory owned by the Empire. So, we arrested their leadership, and took their things. That's when we found you."
"If not for that company, called Corleone, I would've continued ignoring this planet. It's incredibly dangerous, and I never really wanted to deal with it, or you. Corleone forced me to act."
For the first time, the Archduchess spoke.
"Why are you the best choice? In fact, why are you a choice at all, Governor? That…trick of the mind…useful, but can it fell cities? Nations? Where is the power that backs your authority? Your word?"
Ah. So she was calling my bluff. Fair enough point. It was time I did this.
A subtle button press on my wrist mounted PDA as I start to speak signals an officer to begin their descent.
"I am your best choice for a simple reason, Archduchess. You have no better options. If I fail to show that this planet is firmly in Imperial control, the Empire will send someone else to replace me. They might even kill me."
At this point, I lean forward ever so slightly.
"And heres the thing. I don't condone slavery. I don't condone wanton destruction and slaughter. If I stay in power, your people will enjoy relative freedom, along with the improvements in technology, education, and other sectors the Empire will bring. But other Governors? They won't see it that way. You will not be people with potential, but an asset to be used. Labour to be exploited. A planet to be ravaged."
It was then that my PDA dinged, signalling it was time. Leaning back, I gestured towards the window as the blinds fully rolled up. Despite being nearly midday, a shadow started to grow on the building.
"As for power? Suffice to say, we have it."
The envoys could do little but stare in awe as the Heavy Judgement floated above the facility, the dagger shaped battleship stretching farther than the base itself.
Their body language seemed on the verge of breaking, as I similarly broke their worldview.
The last straw? When the ship started to fire its weapons.
Aiming at the nearest mountain, avoiding any jungle so as to not burn it down, the mainline batteries fired.
And fired.
And fired.
Enough to leave notable damage on the mountain side. Noticeable from miles away.
As parts of the mountain crumbled into the valley below, the shades started to retreat back into their previous position, and the envoys stumbled back into their seats. They were all shaken, breaths quick at a display of more power than any empire of theirs had ever had.
"So. As you can see. The Empire very much has the means to destroy you. So, let's work on making sure that won't happen, yes?"
They seemed to nod, bravado gone.
"Good! So, let's start with trade and economics. We can move onto education and the uplift program afterwards."
As I say this, the protocol droid brings me a large stack of flimsi, and spreads it, along with writing implements, across the table. It was business mode now baby! Time to start getting these people up to speed with the rest of the galaxy!
"Obviously, more detailed work will be done over time with bureaucrats and the like, but for now I want everyone to get on the same page. Resources, trade routes, allies, other nations, etc… We need to get this information down so we can start to properly uplift this planet."
Confusion was evident across their faces, and for a second I wondered why. Ah! It must the flimsi!
After I took a few minutes to point out how to use the writing implements, the Warden asked a question.
"...Governor? Why are you doing this? Is this not…beneath you?"
"Hah!" At that, I can't help but laugh.
"Governors who delegate too much, who aren't willing to get elbow deep into the work of it all, tend to fail or become corrupt. I don't want to be corrupt, and failing means death, so I work! Its the Empire after all. Failure is not tolerated."
They all seemed a tad worried about that.
Honestly? Mood.
That was my last non-work related thought before I settled in for a long period of work. And long it was. 6 hours with these delegates, coordinating info, getting rudimentary plans made up. Obviously, they weren't experts in this, but this was mostly so their bosses had an idea of what was going on.
They would be escorted back to their homes by the Heavy Judgement to ensure each and every one of their nations knew what was good. A trooper garrison was to be set up nearby, LECA's included, of course. Mostly to keep a tab on them all.
It wasn't the smoothest start, and there would very likely be more challenges to the Empire's authority in the near future. Well, there's a reason I had Shal bring her deadly dorito down here. I may not like being near her all that much, but she's got the biggest stick, and I don't want her sitting around doing nothing. Might as well put that logistical nightmare to good use.
-
Hi there folks! This chapter was originally going to include Shal's POV and Gary's POV(dw, that's next chapter), but it grew too big, and I want to get it out tonight. I would write for longer, but I started my summer semester(a week after spring ended, fucking wild), and class starts at 9:45 so I can't sleep in.
I tried giving some intrigue to the natives, because they will be filling the role of B plot for some time. A more consistent place to center the alternate POV's on that is actually interesting and impactful to the story without being part of the main plot.
Also, I've been thinking. The ISD is kinda not great for the situations the Outer Rim needs. Both the ISD 1 and 2 are almost completely chock full of turbolasers and ion cannons, which is great for brawling with other capital ships. It's a beast in battle, of that there is no doubt, especially with a competent commander and its TIE's running interception.
The thing is, the Outer Rim doesn't need that. But it still has a fuck ton of them. I've been thinking that Las might eventually offer refits of the ships, to expand on their functionality. More efficiency, more adaptability. Hopefully cheaper to run. I have ideas, fairly fleshed out, but I want to hear yours. You guys out-nerd me at every turn, so I figure y'all have this one in the bag. Also, you guys get real hot and bothered when ship theory comes up(at least on SB), so I figure why not.
Feedback and commentary appreciated!
Thanks for reading!
-Freefaller
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