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 Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 8:11 pm
"Of course." Giddean answered as he took the contract and signed it. Without another glance he handed it to his secretary who walked to the turbolift and left the room. "You'll have a copy before you leave." Grinning he pulled a case from a drawer in his desk along with two tumblers. "Mandalorian rum, I've been saving this bottle for a special occasion. It's been tough getting goods out of Mandalorian space since the war. Evidently they're not to keen in trading with someone who sold the Republic ships."
Slowly he filled a tumbler and slid it over. "Times change, enemies become allies, the poor become rich, the weak become strong. Unfortunately the Mandalorians tend to a have a long memory of those that have aided their enemies in battle." He filled the second tumbler and took a hit. "I've been meaning to see about some way of apologizing to them, few peoples by weapons like they do, and despite having a pair of shipwrights of their own they are just as willing to buy Corellian or SoroSuub if it suits their needs. I'd like to be able to sell to them."
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Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 8:21 pm
Interesting. Here Giddean Kuat was commenting on wanting the Mandalorians as clients, and Dillon was on good terms with them, through his comradery with current Mandalore Fenn Shysa on a few occasions.
Or rather, he was about as good friends with them as anyone was. Noone could really say they were friends with a Mandalorian without actually being one, in his experience.
Taking a sip from his glass, he relaxed a bit, smiling. "As a matter of fact, I might be able to help there. I once fought alongside their Mandalore during the War. I wouldn't say we're friends, but I can certainly talk ot him. I've actually been meaning to pay him a visit, to see whether they still want entrance into the Confederacy."
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Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 9:13 pm
"I hope you're not expecting that to get you an amendment on the contract you just signed." Giddean grinned. "Now that we've shared a drink. I must get back to work, getting your order filled."
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Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 9:25 pm
Dillon laughed, draining the last of his ale before giving the glass back. "Nah, it's no trouble. Consider it a favor. Although, I will say, I'm interested in that other project you told me about on our way here. But you need to get to work, so I suppose we can discuss it another time..."
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Darkened Angel Vice Captain
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Posted: Fri Aug 07, 2009 9:41 pm
Aura was in a half-meditative state, feeling the Force flow through everyone around her as she danced for them at the Jedi Enclave on Tython. She wasn't paying attention to who exactly each person among the handful of spectators was, only that their minds were at ease as they enjoyed the entertaining sight.
It was a peaceful time, or so it seemed, but she hadn't kept up with recent events in a while. She was focused on other things for some time, but something in the back of her mind kept telling her something was about to happen, but such thoughts only brought uneasiness with them, and that was what she was trying to avoid.
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 1:18 am
It had been two days since the most recent attack on Republic shipping.
In deep space off the Hydian way, the pirate ship Ruusan rested, docked with a huge, though dilapitated, Container ship. The Vigo Gunships, Aran and Pirun, and the Consular Class Frigate, Kaden Kad, all sister pirate ships to the Ruusan were docked as well, their crews offloading the cargoes stolen from the Hydian and Perlemeian.
The Container ship, a relic from before the Clone Wars, was called Vheh'yaime. She served as a mobile headquarters for the Mandalorian Pirates, ever moving from one location to another to keep ahead of the law. here the ships could offload plunder and captives, refuel and repair, and relax for a spell before returning back into the spacelanes.
Ruusan, Aran, Pirun, Kaden Kad, Vheh'yaime; All these ships belonged, by trade, theft, or purchase, to Jag Rohtul. Over one hundred beings who called themselves Mandalorians served under him, and by the Resol'nare and Jag's own articles did they live.
In ages past, we numbered in the billions. Mused Jag. Now we are but scattered groups like this. Our numbers grow slowly, but we may never be what we once were...
"Alor'ad."
The voice brought Jag out of his musings. His gaze shifted from watching his men unload their gains to the tall, blue armored Mandalorian that had appeared at his side.
"Me'bana, Gorobe?" He asked.
Gorobe paused for a moment, the recently minted mando still grappling with his new language.
"Sir, I just checked the fuel reserves for the Vheh'yaime. After we all get topped off, we'll need to replenish our supply or we will be without fuel."
"Then have the droids reconfigure the holds on the Ruusan." Jag said. "Then tell the other captains. We will need to move fast, and a mission like this is of utmost importance."
Gorobe gave a curt nod and went to fullfill his duty, leaving jag to ponder his next moves.
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 4:33 am
The Senate floor was a buzz with conversation; it ranged from the simple topics of interstellar theft of the pirates, to the taxation of public, to civil grants. However, the particular moment of intervention which seemed fresh on the minds of many came from the newly commishioned ideology of ending the civil war on Dac permanently. While the Mon calimari and Quarren both held a seat in the senate, Neither of their represenatitves could agree to anything. It was hopeless, as Vossa looked on. A fellow Aquatica species, she had little desire for the whims of either race, only knowing both sides of the issue played a massive part. Her planet, just like most of the republic's grasp, was behind the CIS's front. AFter the war, she had been surprised that the CIS had not already swallowed everything up as it was, considering that they surrounded each of their planets by a vast and indsurmountable margin; such a precarious position, especially on the lands of Dac and Kashyyyk, meant serious potential for another political loss should the people consider trying to change sides. The reports of CIS brutality, albeit baised, were nothing less of genocidal on certain planets by reputation. Vossa cared not for any of this major issue, however. She knew that the CIS was biding it's time, licking it's wounds. With heavy blows to military production, the republic was losing it's power day by day. Rendili, Kuat, they all were sided with the enemy now, and Dac was the last bastion of major power that the Republic believed possible to maintain. Even with slow production, they still had the ability to produce ships, but it would never be enough unless the enemy could be forced out of space majora.
In spite of all the constant bickering and fighting, Vossa only had one major concern on her mind: the Unitarian party. A party which, though not founded by herself, she had quickly risen to be the poster child for. As if it wasn't enough that she had a fiery tongue and loquatious power, but she was also fairly good looking amongst the aquatic species. The photoshoots, the interviews, the limelight was always designed to focus on her. In fact, some had even said the Quarren's constant trips to Coruscant had arisen from her electorate position and fame. Such rumors not only disgusted her, but only made her more passionate to quell these rumors, although she knew that the publicity could only swing favor in her favor. Her plans were grand; to force a peace throughout the entire Republic, to force a talkative existance, and to lead by civility and grace rather than through the corrupt backstabbing inefficency and militaristic brutality which republic refugees constantly talked about in the CIS.
"The Chair recognizes Senator Meena Tills and Senator Tundra Dowmeia from the Soviergn System of Mon Calimari," Bail announced. The Quarren was of particular note and concern. He had entered the senate under the abilities of the older ages. His existance was proof that the republic could identify itself with the minoirty. Even though that he had constantly fallen under attack that he no longer represented his people, he fought on. The reports that it was as black and white as quarren and calimari were naieve; it was said nearly 1/3 the quarren were loyalist to the Republic at times, although this was just yet another figure, another stat which could be tossed out at any time, any place. Vossa motioned to be recognized, as she witnessed the begging of the Senators going nowhere.
"The Chair recognizes Senator Vossa Kito from the Soviergn System of Glee Anselm," Bail announced. Vossa sat straight up, as the hovering platforms maneuvered her to the center. All eyes focused on her; the normal senators who hated her, began talking with themselves. The ones who supported her opened their ears up with power and desire.
"Supreme Chancellor. Delegates of the Senate. A war with no civility can only give rise to massacres...that's why all the previous battles in the Clone Wars have been so tragic. As long as this disunity exists, there will be battles. Denouncing battles will not bring peace. As hard as it may be for us to understand, we cannot denounce the fighting that exists on Dac. It does no good for us to sit here in the Core, wagging our fingers from afar. It gives no help to those who need it, and those who fight remain unchecked. I have heard people say that war just isn't what it used to be, because all the lyers and hypocrities running the galaxy. The fighting of the Clone wars came from corrupted policies made by corrupted senators advancing their own goals and ambitions. I seek not to fight another war of the past. I seek not, a barbaric bloodbath that douses the galaxy red.
"There are some who say that we fear losing our rule. To rule is to control. It might seem arrogant. However, I think that we need a government to control our greed. A desire presupposes the possibility of action to achieve it; action presupposes a goal which is worth achieving. To this, I announce my desires to create a new form of Republican rule, one which desires order, control, and peace of all systems, like we once had. But one which does not succumb to the power of the majority, the power of the corrupt, but rather one which helps the minority. Remember also that the smallest minority in the galaxy is the individual. Those who deny individual rights, cannot claim to be defenders of minorities. Today, we witness that the individual rights of two people are being oppressed, unable to be contained by the powers of the Republic, as they have for years. We all know the Mon Calimari and the Quarren do not exist in a state of civilized peace. They have tried to proceed towards civilization. But what is civilization? Civilization is the progress toward a society of privacy. The savage's whole existence is public, ruled by the laws of his tribe. Civilization is the process of setting man free from men. For too long we the Republic sits and lets these fine Senators go home, to watch their people die. I do not suggest changing the civil war to a republic one; On the contrary, I suggest something more than just a committee discussing this situation, sending these poor people home to tell their races that nobody will help.
"You two, sitting there fighting, believing there is a problem, a difference in opinion. Contradictions do not exist. Whenever you think that you are facing a contradiction, check your premises. You will find that one of them is wrong. I suggest that I go to your planet. I suggest that I lead by example. I do not ask others to live my life, nor do I expect them to live mine. I wish to go to Dac, and personally negotiate between the parties involved. Some of the senate may view this as some form of extreme thinking. In politics, some may view extremes as synonomous to that of ill content, of corrupted natures and of defeated dictatorships. I point out that no matter how righteous the cause may be, this rarely changes. But, in this dire time for the republic, where planets slaughter each other in a feud of blood, I offer the ability to mediate this civil disturbance, and help forge a stronger, better bond in the Republic. I will do this for the Republic, and the minorities upon the planet's surface. Unlike the Confederacy, I do not find motivation from profit, or from militaristic inventions to capitalize upon the genocide of races. I willingly sacrifice my blood, sweat, tears to improve the conditions upon the planet. I dare not wish to see the Confederates move in with robotic soldiers and fight a war from the press of a button. The embodiment of that blasphemy is the Battle Droid armies and their directors. If you take humanity out of the equation, victory and defeat will become something deplorable. But I will not fight with weapons, but with words, vernacular. I do not seek to find peace readily given. Something given has no value! When we vote, we exercise political authority, that of a kind of force. I will use the supreme authority from which all other authority is derived from to work for a solution to this problem. Why? Because I believe that I am a citizen, and a citizen will accept personal reponsibility to defend the body of the state politick. In the republic, we believe in citizen rule, and that, my fellow delegates, is why I humbly request authorization to become the official republican mediator placed in charge of the project. A committee may be formed around me, but I intend to fly out come the morrow and defend the body of the individuals."
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 8:59 am
The secretary re-entered the room holding both a datapad with a digital copy of the contract and a flimsi copy. "Here you are sir. Your ship is ready to depart, and Giddean your next appointment is waiting."
"Yes, yes." Giddean stood and showed the Confederacy ambassador to the turbolift. "Sorry to rush you out of here but my schedule is quite full today."
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 9:05 am
"I understand," Dillon offered, allowing the man to lead him and his guards back to his shuttle. "Perhaps another time then."
Once at the shuttle, he offered his thanks to the man, taking his copy of the agreement with him, and then left to return to his ship.
~
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 9:12 am
As the confederate buyer left Giddean sat back behind his desk and took another hit from the glass. Then he hit the com, "Contact Research and Development Section 9, tell them they are to head to Pammant. Get the production orders to the shipyards, and make sure that we have reserve capacity. Considering how many ships we provided the Republic and how fast they lost them we should still have a significant reserve with the Pammant lease. Also, have my ship prepped for departure. I think its time for a state visit to the Republic."
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 9:50 am
The Hydian Federation claimed total ownership of the Hydian way, its military constantly patroling the route to ensure the Federation's claim. Their tarifs and taxes had a signifigant impact on the impovershed Mandalore Sector, resulting in massive price hikes for supplies shipped in from that route.
They were a perfect target for Jag's band of pirates.
A trio of Hyperxenon fuel haulers, escorted by a modified Munificent-class star frigate, dropped out of hyperspace to re-align their position and make another jump. The ships reasembled lazily into a formation as the Star Frigate took point to lead the way.
And then, a pair of assault concussion missiles anihilated the Star frigate's bridge.
Like wolves descending on their prey, Jag's Pirates pounced, the Vigos going for the transports while the Ruusan and the Kaden Kad made for the confused and beheaded Star Frigate.
Aboard the Ruusan, standing despite the Captain's Chair available, Jag directed his group's movements.
So it seems the Informant was right. He thought, reflecting on the tip that put the Convoy in his lap. I'll have to make sure they get a bonus.
Within a few minutes of intense gunfire, the Convoy had surrendered, prey to the swiftness and ferocity of Jag's Ambush. Quickly, the Mandalorians deployed boarding teams to possess the fuel ships, leaving the mangled Star Frigate in their wake as the pirates and their plunder jumped to Hyperspace.
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 10:49 am
As soon he was back on his ship and at his room, Dillon left the two guards outside his command room, leaving him so that he could communicate with the government. First on his call list was the Free Dac representative.
Waiting for the hyperwave to connect him, Dillon idly toyed with his vibroknife, before looking up to see the hologram of the Quarren male. "Ah, Representative Tok, good day. I bear news regarding that business meeting we talked about earlier this week?"
"Of course I do. You and the War Minister wanted to buy warships from Kuat. If I recall, you mentioned as well that with the size of our order it was likely they'd need additional shipyards to produce the ship. You asked if Free Dac would be available."
"Indeed I did. I just came from meeting with Giddean Kuat, and we came to an agreement. He'll provide ships for our modernization, and in return, he needed use of some Lucrehulks for bulk transport, one of our shipyards, and by personal request, access to certain of your technologies."
"...And you simply sold Free Dac's secrets to them, for your ships? I have half a mind to refuse your request-"
"I did nothing of the sort," Dillon cooly contested. "Your technologies are your own. I merely arranged for them to have production rights at your facilities. Aside from some portions we set aside for Free Dac interests, and CIS interests, Kuat has been given production rights to the yards to produce their ships. I'm not requesting to give them your technologies, but allow them access to it, since I'm sure they'll want to incorporate it in their crafts. In return, we'll be paying your shipyards an increased stipend, adding another 500 billion credits to your government contracts. Weren't you just complaining that we weren't paying you enough?"
"....... I see. I was prepared something like this had transpired. We will cooperate with the agreement you brokered. In return, you have to keep up your end of the bargain."
"Yes, I know. The Civil War on Dac. The Minister of State was supposed to be meeting with the Quarren Senator later today, or so I'd heard. If they officially request our aid, then I'll make sure we provide any and all help to ensure they come out on top. It might mean the Mon Cal have to retreat to their Republic allies, but I will do what i can to honor our agreement."
"Good. I suppose I should be expecting a call form Kuat soon, so excuse me."
~
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 11:47 am
In his cabin aboard the Vheh'yaime, Jag was checking the pressure seals on his battle armor. It was part of the ship's articles that everyone maintain their gear, a common enough article for any pirate ship.
The fuel was in the process of being piped into the stores aboard the base, the ships hauling it soon to be stripped of ID and sold elsewhere. A good haul that would keep the Mandalorian Pirates operational for a while longer.
As he looked over his armor, the Mandalorian Pirate Chief heard his comm buzz and answered it.
"Jag here."
"Captain, we just recieved a message from one of our contacts. You might want to read it. It should be on your computer."
Jag looked back to his computer with a frown. "Alright. Be ready to cast off then."
"Aye, sir." The comlink shut off as Jag turned to the computer and checked what his contacts had to say. Scanning the message, his brow furrowed in concern.
"Time to move." He remarked as he doffed his helmet.
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 6:39 pm
The first ships from the Kuat Drive Yards arrived at Pammant, loaded down with technicians and staff. There were the dockworkers, foreman, and retraining staff for the shipyards themselves. Additionally there was the scrapping team, and a group of specialists attached to it. As the ships arrived the convoy leader called the local authorities and informed them of the new way of things.
* * *
Giddean Kuat settled back in the chair of the shuttle as it lifted off from the Kuat Space Dock and aligned for the jump into hyperspace. It was a relatively short journey but it'd take a few days. Days that Giddean could use to perfect his proposal.
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Posted: Sat Aug 08, 2009 10:54 pm
Jag said, speaking native speed Mandalorian to a grey armored subordinate while he strode purposefully down a marked up, wire strewn corridor of the Vheh'yaime.
"Yeah...I think so." The man said hesitantly.
"Yes or no, Starwind." Jag said impatiently. "Did you understand anything I said to you?"
"Guard the container ship and lay off the Federation. Snatch any Kuati or CSI courier we see."
"And keep the Vheh'yaime moving. I want there to be a home I can return to."
Reaching his destination, he looked down at an astromech droid that was plugged into a data port. The Astromech unplugged itself and turned to face Jag on his aproach and whistled a confirmation noise.
"Good." Jag said. "Then come with me."
Jag then looked one last time at Starwind. "Make no mistake, boyo. If you kark this up, you better hope you don't survive it. I am putting my people and ships in your hands until I return from Kothis. I expect them all to be here when I get back."
Starwind swallowed nervously and nodded.
"Good." With a gesture to the droid, Jag proceeded to where the Ruusan was docked.
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