Log:Troiken Meeting

Troiken Meeting - Senator Deserra meets with the intel agent to discuss what to do with the current situation.

OOC Date: May 13, 2020
Location: Shadow Light - Aurean Senatorial Yacht
Participants: Aure Deserra, Ektor as Silver Astro, Qesteris Uvallian

[Ektor] The Republic Intelligence agent ostensibly in charge of the information gathering mission to Troiken was a professional. The meeting with a Senator was treated with utmost gravity, especially in the wake of the recent assassination attempt on the Chandrilan Senator: the agent had sent a precise schedule and location to Aure's head of security (Qest), with surveillance information and access codes for the meeting in advance. Any verifications the Senator's office might request would also be promptly provided, prior to the meeting at whichever location she desired. Silver Astro- a Zeltron in an impeccable Republic uniform- had arrived punctually, carrying a secured case, with the necessary information inside. She had offered to surrender her sidearm, if security (still Qest) should wish it.

[Qesteris Uvallian] The security chief did wish it - having arranged the meeting in the small dining area of the ship, with a prime location for The Aure to escape while Qesteris bottlenecked, if the situation required. Staff in hand, blade sheathed - the blue skinned Squamatan stood in place at his ladies side while other security staff stood paired at each of the entryways and the cook, the ships own, was being very closely watched.

Paranoia! PARANOIA.

I mean it keeps people alive in times like this.

[Aure Deserra] For her part, the Senator is not on public display so her attire is much more muted than normal. A simple mint colored silk dress ensconces her form as she waits at the table while Qesteris sees to the initial greeting of the intel officer. One can not be too careful after all that has occured and a residence on Chandrila has been forestalled in hopes of finding a secure loctaion now that the First Order had been found on planet.

"Qesteris, please show her in." The Aure says as she reaches for her tea, the set ready for another cup should her guest want.

[Ektor] Silver Astro had handed over a plain, Republic standard issue blaster pistol to Qesteris, then- in a feat of sleight of hand that might earn admiration, produced a heavily modified Czerka 411 holdout from- somewhere. Seriously, where the hell had she been carrying that gun and how did it get into her hand?? (Qesteris wasn't surprised). Anyway, she handed that over, as well. When shown in, Silver greeted Aure with a composed smile. "Thank you for seeing me, Senator. Thank you," she repeats with a nod, accepting the offer of tea as she takes the seat facing the Aurean. "How may I be of assistance?" she asks as a formality.

[Qesteris Uvallian] It's true. Not surprised. He's been around people that needed to hide weapons in various locations. It didn't look comfortable. The Czerka now was questionable, but taken (hurray for gloves). The blue man moving to stand in proper 'nooo!' posture should the situation require, at the elbow of The Aure while she received her visit, Qesteris watching like a snake. Man. Security. Guy.

[Aure Deserra] Reaching for the pot, the Aure begins to pour for her guest. "I am glad you could meet with me. I realize the Senate is attacking innane problems right now, likely because it is still trying to ride with training wheels but we have truly pressing matters. I reading in the report there are 'elements' that are asking for the Republic's aid. I am curious exactly who these elements are if their very people our wary of our intervention." Setting aside the pot she pushes it over slowly and then motions to tea and other dressings such as honey and milk. Deserra draws her hands back to rest in her lap as she observes the intel agent.

[Ektor] Silver nods to Aure, keeping eye contact through the question as she sets her secured case on the table, discreetly allowing SNAKE MAN SECURITY GUY the opportunity to inspect it before it is opened. Spy game recognizes spy game. "The answer is complex, Senator. I will summarize, and provide any more in depth information you require afterwards.." A glance aside to Qest, to verify she is clear to proceed, before the case is opened. "The planet Troiken has no single recognized legitimate government; rather, as of nineteen days ago, there were five rival claimants to the position of Xexten Primarch, all further entangled by the strength of a wealthy and influential spice mining Syndicate. With the Hydian League intervention taking place at the invitation of one faction, another would-be Primarch has appealed for help to the Republic."

[Qesteris Uvallian] He doesn't say a thing. He's not a politicy type! He's a NOOOO! and Stab stab type. So Qest does set to scanning the case - even opens it so that the lid is pointed at no one in case of directional explosives. It's doubtful, but one never knows. Looking to the contents without reading or study, save for implements OF DEATH.

[Aure Deserra] A now of understanding is given and she frowns, "This is unfortunate. The poor people of Troiken. They will likely only know upheaval for a while yet, even if the Hydian League is involving themselves." A breath drawn she reaches for her tea, lifting it to sip from the cup as she considers the information. "So, we have a government divided, we have a corrupt influence aiding one of them trying to seek power." She clicks her tongue. "If the League were not involved, how would this Primarch be selected? What is the natural order of their politics?" The Aure glances across, shipping from the cup again beofre her eyes tick up at Qesteris offering him a faint smile before she regards Silver Astro once more.

[Ektor] "The Xexten as a species have not often been unified in their governance, Senator," Silver answers with a faint frown drawing her pale brows together. "Division and internal competition are common for them, which is curious given their societal value for stability. As a people, they have shown a deep rooted distrust for any strong centralized authority, dating back at least to the decline of the Old Republic and subsequent rise of Palpatine's Human Empire. I suspect it is an older trend than that, but I cannot document such, at this time." A drawn breath as a holoemitter within the case projects an image of the planet, with colors representing various zones of control. "Typically, whichever claimant secures the most favorable relationship with the Syndicate and secures the best stability for it's people will grow in power, in theory until they control the planet. This is why Nosin Falco- the weakest of the five Primarchs, prior to the current invasion- was able to frame his use of the Hydian League to sieze control as an operation against criminal interests: repression of the Syndicate and a purge of political rivals, using foreign forces and calling it a crackdown on organized crime."

[Qesteris Uvallian] Looking to the display and hearing the description of situations, Qest's head tips one way to the other now. He has no idea of the politics but much of that sounds like a film he watched in the past. There'd likely be more clandestine acts here, with much more shooting than quippy action and swordplay though. His mouth drops open, just a moment, but he shuts it again and observes.

And then his tongue flips, flicks and is sucked back in with a quietly embarrassed look. And then a dark blush. Zeltron pheromones ... ugh.

[Aure Deserra] "Forgive me for saying this," The Aure begins, "But it sounds like the Hydian League is an attempt to uproot the Syndicate. Which, I can not blame them for honestly. Depending on a corrupt power to stabilize ones government is not favorable. Perhaps change /is/ needed. But that puts the Republic in a tough place. While it would be good to help them sort out their internal problems, it is not necessarily our job to do so. It has been their form of government for years and it could paint us in a bad light should we try to help strong arm a change." Breathing in deeply, she folds her hands before her. "I think there will be those in favor of 'doing what is write for the greater good' but. We do not necessarily have the right to declare what the greater good is for this world. This is a very tricky situation. Is there any undo harm or death thus far from the progression of events?"

[Ektor] The precisely uniformed Zeltron makes a firm effort to rein in any physiological effects of her presence, quietly making every effort to focus wholly on the business at hand. Aure's summary earns several nods. "You are not wrong, Senator. Surveillance indicates the Hydian League ground forces have seized the largest spice mines and consolidated control and fortification in the five largest cities... here," the hologram reflects the report. "As to the obligations or priorities of the Republic, I cannot speak, Senator. I can only address the situation on the ground, which is.. messy. The flow of information coming out of Troiken is heavily restricted, while there have been many cases of persons going missing, specific numbers are an impossibility, at present, as is knowledge of their fates. Political repression on this scale- evidence supports arrests numbering no fewer than nine thousand in the forty eight hours following the invasion. Since then, I cannot say without speculation. But it will be significantly higher. I have suspicions, but cannot provide evidence to support them.'

[Aure Deserra] "I think the question should be," the Aure begins sa she leans forward. "Does the Hydian League mean to replace the Syndicate? If so, this would be our avenue to help send aid to oust them and then help find a better way to centralize their government. Aid the people insofar as they wish to be aided. The League is not of that world...in that case we would have cause to vote on the matter and the movement of aid and forces to restore the world to the control of its native population." She frowns. "I would like to see if we might vote on an act to move an infiltration group into the League, see if we can not confirm what they plan to do now that they have the power as it were. I do not see them giving it up if they manage to keep hold if it. They could take over everything."

She sighs and rubs at her neck before sitting back to think. "I would hear your suspicions."

[Qesteris Uvallian] Infiltration groups, syndicates... That'd make an interesting flick. There probably are a few. Will need to check. Qest, though, continues to look at the map as presented. His tongue flicks again and he blinks. No pheromones. Alright... He can handle that. Ugh. Should have had the omelet on muffin toast sandwich with the porcine and shredded avian. Hungry. No more 'just a muffins'. Eyes again on a racket ball match between Silver and his charge.

This could be a ruse.

There could be... MURDER

[Ektor] Silver Astro draws a slow breath, her eyes narrowed in thought as she takes a silent moment to organize her thoughts before responding. "With respect, Senator, voting on any covert action could compromise the secrecy of that action. Authorizing further covert investigation can be arranged through Republic Intelligence. As to the League, the Primarch who invited their intervention has legalized every action of their ground forces, including granting the League's army sole jurisdiction of the mines, going do far as to displace and decommission native law enforcement. At present, the League appears entrenched deeply enough that Primarch Falco may lack the ability to remove them, even were he to wish it." As to her suspicions... a slow exhale. "Colonel Nim's operation matches the profile of several Imperial occupations: seize the most valuable assets, fortify among a civilian population to deter counterattack, minimize civilian oversight of the military. Another aspect of such operations are mass purged, Senator. I consider it likely that any Syndicate personnel on Troiken will disappear, as will any dissenting political elements. I suspect disappearances to number.. at best, in the tens of thousands. Either removed as captive labor to mines, penal colonies, or to be executed. At worst.." she hesitates a moment, choosing her estimate carefully. "At worst, casualties could exceed a million in the capital district, alone."

[Aure Deserra] "You are not wrong but Aurea is new to the Republic, very new." Frowning, the Aure settles her hands into her lap to listen, a nod given in understanding as she lapses into silence for a moment or two as she forms her thoughts, dark brows still weaving furrows into her skin. "Tell me." She says frankly. "What would it take to perform a covert action? For information only at this time. The League won't leave and the Primarch is likely to be come a highly paid puppet. This gives nothing to the people." She looks uncomfortable at best. "I think, despite possibly overstepping myself and finding that I might be in the wrong. I would like you to see about returning. Covertly of course. We need to find those amongst the population that need our help and we need better information of how to oust the Leage and push Nim out of control as well. The people of Troiken deserve a right to have a say in their lives." Pause. "This is a mess but we can not stand by as predicted death tolls could start increasing. Would you object if I ask that my guard go with you. If I might go with you as well. If that can be arranged?"

[Qesteris Uvallian] Guard go with. On stealth mission. Qest is about to actually speak out against this - but now The Aure is offering to go. So he -has- to go. This could be an adventure, or a nightmare. He might have to sword someone! He might have to keep her from being sworded! He doesn't know as of yet. But he has a bad feeling about this.

[Ektor] Silver Astro nods. "Getting an approval for intelligence gathering should not be difficult, Senator, so long as no direct action is taken which could amount to an act of hostility." As to Aure and/or Qesteris, the special Agent considers for a silent moment. "Any personnel with the appropriate skills could accompany such a mission, Senator. But any unskilled personnel could endanger the operation. Intelligence has certain contacts with former Syndicate associates which could also be of assistance in such an operation."

[Aure Deserra] "Good, I am glad this might move forward without too much impediment." The Aure looks up at Qesteris. "Qesteris, do you feel your skills are up to the challenge that will be presented in this fact finding mission?" This is asked as the Aure seems to be considering her own aid in the endeavor. She watches him and waits for his reply before looking over Silver Asro. "I am a politician and before that, a fact finder and aid in my mother's own office. I do not hae the ability to move unseen, not covert if you will but I have a good hold on reading others and looking for what is not meant to be found. I will allow you however to decide whether I would be of use. If not, Qesteris is cleared to join you if he feels he would be an asset."

[Qesteris Uvallian] "As far as combat, yes. I can provide defenses as needed. I am not intelligence trained, but I can act the tourist as required, no?" Qesteris admits, looking to Silver now to see what her thoughts on that skillset present.

[Ektor] Silver draws another slow breath. "There is room for open inquiries. A tourist, as you say-" the Zeltron notes, with a glance to Qesteris. "But I am loathe to risk a Senator being captured on a hostile planet. If you are present, it must be with the protection of diplomacy, which would rather undermine a covert investigation. At best, it could provide a public distraction from more secretive operations. But that would be for the Senator and the Intelligence director to decide."

[Qesteris Uvallian] "The Aure's safety is of my utmost interest. Where she goes, I go. Even if I must dress in plain clothes to appear to be otherwise." Qesteris affirms. "I do not leave her side, unless she orders - and only if a security situation does not warrant me countering a request of her made to me, I assure you." lips drawing into a hard line. "My life is forfeit should it be sold to save hers."

[Aure Deserra] "I know the risk that would be taken, we would not wish to disrupt the work you are to do. But I would like to see the people and this planet for myself. On ground experience. I can arrange for a diplomatic visit with the current primarchs as well as the people. Bring gifts, bring simple shows of support." She settles her hands to her laps. "I will not push for anything. Only as recommended but you have my official endorsement to infiltrate and find out as much information as you can." She looks up at Qesteris and smiles faintly. "There will be no need. If we go, we go officially. If it helps the motions being made by the Intel division then we will work with them."

[Ektor] Silver Astro inclines her head. "Of course, Senator. I'm sure an accommodation can be reached." Questeris' statement earns a simple nod. This is as it should be. "Are there any further questions I can answer for either of you at this time?"

[Aure Deserra] "I think for the moment that is all we need speak of. Keep me in the know about the operations and if we can be of help. I would of course like to reconvene to discuss whta is found before putting forth a proposal to the Senate on what action to take. I admit this will not be easy but we can not stand by. As messy as it is likely to be." She inclines her head. "Thank you for your time. I appreciate it. I will wait to hear from you."

[Ektor] The agent powers down the holoemitter, closes and secures the case, and rises to her feet, bringing booted heels together and offering a short bow. "Senator," is voiced in parting before the precise Zeltron takes her leave of the secure vessel.

[Qesteris Uvallian] Don't flick your tongue. Don't flick your tongue. Dont. Flick. Tongue. Qesteris's tongue flicks as he moves to escort Silver from the ship. Keeping behind her once her weapons are restored. That might look even worse. Ugh. This tongue.