Thrawn's Jaw tightened and his eyes narrowed as the second Taiyou entered the room, and his eyes moved to the Tenchi-Ken intently as Shimizu spoke. His gaze softened slightly as he looked to the Aschen in the room, even towards the Confessor, who seemed to be throwing an almost childish fit with her unstable emotions running amok. As Shimizu finished talking, Thrawn returned his gaze to the young Emperor, and his eyes narrowed ever so slightly, his gaze becoming hard.
Shimizu's change of mood and sudden dominance has changed the mood of the room. The Aschen have all gone stiff under their clothing, and have become extremely uncomfortable. The Young Emperor's Dominance attempts to overtake Thrawn. Regardless, the agreement of a Defense Force for Terra is being reached."Thrawn smiled. For once, he smiled, and his visage of stern, unwavering determination was cracked.
"You will have your weapons inspectors, and as soon as the Shipyards are built within the Sol System you will be given their locations. I assure you, the Terran Self Defense Force will meet your... parameters." Thrawn answered Zarek's demands almost dismissively. Shimizu had his attention now.
"As you wish, Ten'nō-heika. But in that respect, I must also request you address me solely as Grand Admiral. Equal Respect Given as it is Received. The Taiyou are a respect and honor driven society after all." Thrawn paused. Shimizu was different. His smile faded, and he straightened his posture. He wasn't backing down from that demand, and a rivalry was born between the Chiss Grand Admiral, and the young Taiyou Emperor.
Turning his attention to the Confessor, Thrawn's smile completely faded, and his stern visage returned. He smoothed out his uniform where her unwanted hand had been, and lowered his tone. Now he was establishing dominance.
"Chiss do not make Idle Threats. I have not made a threat, nor a promise, of harm to the Aschen people on Terra. What I have made is a proposal that would logically put the minds of Aschen leaders at ease. You have proven me wrong." His tone had become stinging, like a whip. He wasn't wrong, and surely even the Aschen big-wigs could see childishness in the Confessor's outburst.
Thrawn stood smoothly as he was addressed as Minister - something that was not correct. He didn't bother correcting her - she would only lash out like a child again.
"My proposal remains the same. A Terran Defense Force would stand to defend everyone on Terra. Terran, Taiyou, and Aschen like, from outside harm. Granted that there is little to no hostility between each respective people..." his Crimson eyes trailed to Shimizu. The Young Emperor's devious games were beginning to be unravel before Thrawn, and he was working to pick the man apart in his mind.
"...I speak of war because of how often it happens on Terra. I speak of peace because ultimately that is the goal of all life: To live in Peace. However Everyone in this room knows that without a strong Force of War, Peace can rarely be achieved.
"You, however, have tried and failed to intimidate me throughout this entire process by strategically placing yourself behind me, invading my personal space, and even going as far as to lay a hand on my person." Thrawn walked away from his seat, pulling gently on the bottom of his tunic to straighten out the wrinkles, before clasping his hands behind his back and stopping near a window to observe the city.
"Your presence is likewise a threat to my existence. A ploy by the Aschen in order to gain dominance over these negotiations. Something taken by Ten'nō-heika.".
He turned to look over his shoulder, glowing red eyes taking in the scene behind him. Killing him would only spark an incident, and while both Aschen and Taiyou could easily swat any Terran reaction to such an action, the political nightmare of dealing with the death of an unarmed diplomat, in this case, was something many would rather not deal with. Thrawn was playing a
very dangerous game.
"The Aschen and Taiyou both will be allowed as many inspectors as they wish for anything within the Terran Defense Force. From training to manufacturing. Trade and Transport of the previously mentioned weapons and troops will be allowed to proceed without hindrance. The location of the Terran Defense Force's Shipyards will be openly provided once they are built, andp perhaps most importantly: My Colleagues and I representing the Terran National Government will be allowed to leave Aschen Space unhindered." he finally turned to face them fully, having gone over what has been agreed upon, or demanded in much of it, of himself and the hope for a revived and bolstered Terran Defense Force. His hands remained behind his back, his expression remained stern, and his eyes swept the room's occupants.
"Are we agreed?" he asked cordially, lifting his chin slightly, his eyebrows lifting.