Hoth: Blood and Ice

[Darth Baras]

"Or one that poses an opportunity to destroy the Republic forever, as we bide our time," he ventured.

[Luth Khalan]

"It will destroy The Empire as thoroughly as it does the Republic. The Eternal Empire is Valkorian's attempt at institution building with The Sith Empire already under his belt. He built it knowing that this new one would eventually be sent to consume it, and accounted whatever we can do on our own. I'm sure of that," she said. "The Republic and Empire will become one as part the Eternal Empire if they fight on their own, part of a total autocracy that makes ours look like child's play. Eventually losing their identity to increasing capitulation."

[Darth Baras]

“And you feel certain of this course of action, my Apprentice?” he said to Luth. “Or do you simply cling to any errant affection given to you? Your time spent i\on the ship of my enemy has not gone unnoticed.”

“And now this is the best you can muster, collaboration with our hated foes, who even now are plotting our destruction.”

[Luth Khalan]

"Completely," she stated, unequivocally. She didn't even acknowledge the jab. It meant nothing in the face of everyone. "Does your hatred blind you so thoroughly that you can't stand to work with them even in the face of an existential threat? The Emperor described Zakuul as the closest thing he could create to his vision with actual other people still involved. Do you really think there's any room in it for anything other than his will, with that in mind?"

[Darth Baras]

"His will has been defied before, has it not? He was hardly infallible, and even he could be fooled," Baras responded.

[Luth Khalan]

"Yes, I agree completely," she replied. "This is the way to do it. Giving them the opportunity to dig in is going to make it pointlessly more difficult, and success less likely."

[Darth Baras]

“I see it differently, abuse their ignorance, bide our time and use the mechanisms they believe will keep us in bondage against them. But if you feel so strongly that this is the proper course, well perhaps I should allow my best Apprentice, some leeway to act as she will,” he responded.

“I trust your judgment more so than the minister,” he said dismissively.

[Luth Khalan]

"It's a little harder to buy that following personal attacks about my response to affection... but I'm willing to drop it for now. I trust his judgment because it lines up with what I've already observed, if that's good enough for you for now," she responded, tone salty. Honestly, was he treating this like a proper argument on which trillions of lives hinged or a spat between them? "That's not to say that I think the tactics you're talking about are necessarily a bad idea in the places they've already conquered. We'll need breathing room to build strength, even working fully together, which means keeping the Eternal Empire busy." The thoughts on tactics tried to distract her, something nice and concrete to think about.

She shook her head. "Whatever. The hows are undoubtedly a debate for another day, when we're not in the middle of a blizzard."

[Darth Baras]

"Leeway should not give way to rebellion," he chided and then agreed, "I expect a full report, later. My apprentice."

He returned to the blizzard the sound of a shuttle spooling up.

[Sylvain Torsin]

“Darth Baras… If you will…” he stopped the retreating lord.

“The information your apprentice desires will require credits to be delivered to the informant…”

He paused, “We will need to requisition what you may have brought for the use in the campaign.”

[Luth Khalan]

She sighed and waited for Sylvain. He was right, this did need to be done. It didn't make her less angry, but she held it at bay. For now.

[Aphr Ahaya]

Aphr enjoyed being invisible, just watching the scene unfold and keeping her head lowered to hide her amusement.

Yeah this is totally better than the Eternal Empire

[Darth Baras]

“Darth Baras… If you will…” he stopped the retreating lord.

“The information your apprentice desires will require credits to be delivered to the informant…”

He paused, “We will need to requisition what you may have brought for the use in the campaign.”

He paused and turned and said, "You wish for me to spend good Imperial credits for information we plan to give for free to the Republic?"

"What extortion has been asked?"

[Sylvain Torsin]

“5 million credits. Though only a portion is needed now. Since we have no other reassurance that the intel is worthwhile, we will provide nothing more than a tenth… that should be sufficient for now. The informant doesn’t have many options.”

[Darth Baras]

"That should be manageable, for now," he responded.

[Sylvain Torsin]

Sylvain nodded in polite acknowledgment.

“As soon as it can be prepared we will return for the exchange.”

[Darth Baras]

"Lord Draahg will deliver in due time, once I review what we can afford," he responded. "Give your assurances to this person and we can alert the Republic when it is best for us to do so."

[Sylvain Torsin]

"I will wait here then; until the exchange is made."

He turned to Aphr and Luth.

"You may return now if you wish. With Baras if his transport has sufficient space... Or with my ship if he is unwilling to escort you back home."

[Luth Khalan]

"I don't mind waiting."

[Aphr Ahaya]

"I'm happy to wait" Aphr confirmed also with a nod.

[Sylvain Torsin]

"At your earliest convenience then Darth Baras." He said.

"Thank you for your assistance."

[Darth Baras]

Darth Baras leaves.

OOC: if you are staying the money will arrive at Early Night.

[Sylvain Torsin]

OOC: Would we know that IC? And opt to come out with Draahg then?

[Dapper Dog]

OOC: Would we know that IC? And opt to come out with Draahg then?

OOC: No, just letting you know OOC when it will arrive since you said you will stay, petty Baras be petty.

[Sylvain Torsin]

Sylvain turned and looked at his companions.

"I'm not sure when he will send the money... He has a streak of..." He stopped himself.

"Anyway... I plan to go back inside and ask for the hospitality of our informant. You may depart anytime you wish... I will not hold you here longer than you wish to stay."