Sire Thomas Zarek, from The Multiverse, a roleplay on RPG

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Verinotte Square

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#2013-07-11 06:33:30, as written by Gasmask

Jack was whining, his lower legs scrambling for a foothold on the wall, finding a small window, his legs kicked it in as he stared death up at this woman, Maurana. There was a hollow sniffing noise as he made sure to remember her scent, every single sickly sweet drop of poison in his veins a reinforcement to remember the pain she had delivered him.

Sometimes a man with nothing left to die for was reckless. The wolfed out Jack gave her a violent stare and his teeth were bore in a threatening snarl, drool slipping out between the gaps in his mouth. Maybe in another world, they would not be enemies, she seemed his type, just as violent, strong and yet... Merciful as he was.

The wolf struggled free of her grip around his mane, leaving tufts of his fur in her hands and smashed though the window he'd found, scampering inside and like a wild stray dog, stumbled home.

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Verinotte Square

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#2013-07-11 06:47:27, as written by CrystalRose

Maurana shook her head as she watched him disappear inside a window. Immediately, she rubbed her hand off onto her hip; drool was not her moisturizer of preference.

At once, she noticed movement from the air ship that floated above. She needed to get out of site, quickly!

Maurana skidded across the roof tops until she came to Risika's shop. As much as she wanted to take refuge inside, she thought twice. She would just have to leave the city, or at least, hide elsewhere until things seemed to blow over.

Just as fast as it had all started, she made her way towards the city limits.

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Verinotte Square

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#2013-07-11 13:25:45, as written by Teo

"Hold, huntress," a calm voice cut through the yells and roars of the hour, as the small red-brown fox that had been following the chase darted across the rooftop to intercept Maurana's escape. Achaeos had observed the fight between her and the wolf from a short distance, intending to intervene sooner, but sadly unable to for... indeterminate reasons.

Instead, he took his opportunity now, standing before her in the form of a nine-tailed fox with wise, intelligent eyes. Flames flickered tamely around the tips of his tails. "Your flight does you no favours. I saw you show the werewolf mercy, I sense you are not the same cruel and malicious entity as the man who called these bats. But if you flee the scene now, you will become an outlaw - hunted, perhaps even killed."

The fox paced across, tails swaying as he observed Maurana for reactions. "Stay, face the justice that the law here sees fit. It is the honourable thing to do. Fight, or flight - both are the escape of a coward, the base instinct of the animal I have seen you are not. Both are to retreat from responsibility."

Achaeos inclined his head back towards the square in the distance, "Would you do this, huntress? You have my word on your safety. Revenge is no true justice, and I would not have this 'Gae Ceann' seek it on you for your actions."

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Verinotte Square

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#2013-07-12 01:23:18, as written by Mike53210

It wasn't long until Victor returned to Maurana's side, having only caught a glimpse of her fight with Jack before he fled the scene. He landed on the rooftop with a gentle thud, bony wings folding against his back.

"We need to leave." said the man with bat-like features, his vicious gaze fixed on the fox that stood before them. "You can't take the word of a stranger. They'll just lock you away, or kill you." Victor was prepared to end the life of the feline, or merely kidnap him as a bargaining chip.

To be honest, he wished the woman hadn't spared the werewolf; he wouldn't have done it. Now he had her scent, and would likely come looking for her once he recovered. She had done nothing but delay the man's death. Though he wouldn't go looking for him, if Victor saw the over-sized dog again, he wouldn't hesitate in killing him.

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Verinotte Square

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#2013-07-12 06:55:51, as written by TheNoremac42

The elemental paradox continued in the square as the wrath of Pagos and Fotia turned upon the werebeasts. A thick blizzard swirled and churned at one side of the square. From within the frigid winds and snow materialized a figure that towered over Man and Beast alike. His body was a pale azure and rough as granite. Two sets of long horns curved away from his forehead and jaw while enormous wings penetrated through the arctic mist, disippating it like vapor. A thick mane of white hair filled the space between his goat-like horns. Piercing red eyes scanned the town accusingly as they searched for the trespassers.

Pagos reached with massive muscled stone arms behind his back and gripped the hilts of two blades. They met the night air with a hair-raising groan as they exited the granite scabbards. Thick layers of jagged ice coated the blades while demonic runes of malice, hate, frost, and death shone through with ghostly auras.

"Some say the world will end in fire,
Some say in ice.
From what I’ve tasted of desire
I hold with those who favor fire."

So rumbled the voice of Pagos the Ice Revenant.

A twister of inferno erupted on the opposite side of the square. It raged with turbulent indignation and fury and towered over the buildings like an offended tyrant. The flames roared and hissed with condemnation. Crimson robes, red as the furnaces of Hell, took shape from the fiery tongues. Hands of molten stone clenched in disgust and ire at the chaos that unfolded in her realm. Fotia's robes and frame were black as hewn obsidian. Stone melted into slag at her presence as hellfire danced around the flaming gargoyle.

Her hand unclenched and the fire that danced across her palm stretched and and took shape. A long ebony bow etched with runes of rage, fury, damnation, and hellfire solidified in her grip.

"But if it had to perish twice,
I think I know enough of hate
To say that for destruction ice
Is also great
And would suffice."

Thus replied the hiss of Fotia the Infernal Sorceress.

"Who dare disturbs the peace of this realm?!" they thundered in unison. "Who dares invoke the wrath of the Guardians of Fire and Ice?!"

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Verinotte Square

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#2013-07-14 00:56:40, as written by CrystalRose

Maurana paused mid stride, and slowly turned heel to face the fox. Again, she was impressed with the demonstration these Vankoryth put on. "If I wasn't already an outlaw, as you put it, I don't believe you'd be here right now." It was directly a statement, but her body replied questionably.

As the animal paced before her, she positioned herself to keep eyes square on his movements at all times. She listened to his requests, and held back her sarcastic nature as he judged her character. She couldn't help but want to correct people when they misread her behavior as honorable; then fill with rage as the word coward danced about as well. She wasn't sure of the fate that would wait her if she did indulge these requests, but she was still just as certain now as she had been: This was where she'd find her witch.

She would try for reason. Raising her fingers to pinch the bridge of her nose, "Exactly how many law enforcers do you hold here within your grounds!?"

Victor's wings brushed the air as he landed at her side, he didn't share the same political views as she did. Which, why would he? He didn't mean anything to her, nor she to him. How had she become the pawn to what seemed to be his game!? She was beginning to feel cornered.

Backing away to even the space between herself and the two, she hissed, "I'm growing very tired, very quickly, of my life being threatened here! For the love of Isis! I buried the wretches body at the base of the tree there on the edge of the wood! As powerful as you walk around, I would like to think there's at least a Priest who could resurrect her soul!"

She turned directly towards Victor, "And YOU! Would you take me as a puppet? As I stated before, you've slumbered faaarrr too long!" She lowered her voice, talking through grit teeth, "I told you of my business here in this place. Surely you'll understand why I cannot leave my name to be thrown about the gutter for such a statement as that!" She pointed to the top of the square, where the body still dripped into the fountain.

Her eyes turned from their dark black to the yellow hue taken on when in her animal state.

"Who dares invoke the wrath of the Guardians of Fire and Ice?!"

Maurana scoffed, "Oh. Guardians now, is it?" She nodded her head, "Of course."

"You see? This is the opposite of what I had in mind back at the tavern when I decided to go for a 'drink'." She said to Victor beneath her breath.

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Verinotte Square

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#2013-07-14 22:35:34, as written by Teo

"These are not my grounds. I am not a law enforcer. I stand for what is right, irrespective of law." The fox's reply came, uncannily bright blue eyes flicking over to the bat-like man who had rejoined his panther companion. Or were they companions? It seemed that they were not as clearly associated as he had first assumed. Perhaps merely an alliance of circumstance.

The appearance of the guardians did not cause him pause. They rose in defense of this place, and so too did he. They should not threaten him.

With an ethereal blue glow, the fox's form shifted and rose upwards to reassume Achaeos' human shape. His katana and lantern were once more in his grip, and his kimono swayed slightly in the breeze. "To take a life for a life is the most base form of justice. An alternative is desirable, where there is good in the heart of the perpetrator, as I judge there to be in you." he said, shaking his head. He gestured with his tail towards the square, where both vampires and humans were gathered. "This is a place of vampires. If they do not understand the tug of necessity when it comes to feeding, none will. I too know of such a need. I would not have your life be threatened."

His eyes swept across to Viktor, "I cannot say the same for you. You take pleasure in your work. Your arrogance would place your pleasure above the lives of those you consider lesser beings. Your lack of repentance or regard for life - whatever its nature - marks you beyond redemption." The katana was levelled towards the bat-being, his lantern swept out and swirling with flame.

Achaeos looked briefly back to Maurana. "You are not like him. If you flee now, I will find you, I promise you that. If you stay, I will speak as your advocate to the authorities here. In this," he gestured to Viktor, "I do not ask that you take a side. Merely allow justice to be done."

Then the flames came again, like a horde of wisps that flooded through the air in erratic, weaving movements, seeking the bat creature's flesh. The heat from the unnatural fireflies was more than enough to reduce even stone to ashes, the air around them rippling in their flight.

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Verinotte Square

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#2013-07-17 01:02:26, as written by lostamongtrees

Zosimos strode from the shadows, tiring of the escapades. He eyeballed the flame with a wry sort of smile. As the fireflies finished their path, something unusual happened. Every single light in the square was muffled out, The glows of the side streets flickered light and cast shadows. He moved through them, here, then there, over here, then there closer to everyone else. It was a great performance, from all. He could see there was still much work to be done here in Verinotte Hollow, from this little incident. Pondering some of this, Zosimos took center stage near the fountain. Impressive fires from the Gargoyle, he had yet to figure out how to address that. And the Aschen thing that landed. What of that?

"Feeding is one thing," He pronounced with the air of someone important, eyes leveling on where the Victor fellow had disappeared through the buildings, "Monumental desecration and bats-" patooey! "-and public endangerment, resistance of authority, assault and battery! Indeed!" He folded his arms, a few soldiers scrambling after Victor. "You there, the Fox with Athourity," Dropping all formalities the greek man aimed his eyes at Achaeos, "You are not a law enforcer, but with manner like that you ought to be. And you," He looked to Maurana, "Ought to be under question about that one." Again, Zosimos nodded after where Victor had gone with mild distaste, playing the part well as he straightened himself. Suddenly, Zosimos turned on his heel and stared sharply at the Aschen things and peoples milling about. He had bigger things to take care of than minor terrorism in a sleepy town of the supernatural and cranky. Argh! Just think of the repairs to be done here from the blasted bats!

The setting changes from Verinotte Square to Quorum Building

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Quorum Building

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#2017-05-29 06:14:04, as written by barney_fife

It was a relatively private meeting within the Imperial Throne room of the United Aschen Empire; a closed meeting between the representatives of two powerful military states.

The sun was dark, rain clouds rolling over the sea and the city, dropping heavy rain that battered on the windows of the Imperial Palace.

Isambard Prince stood there in silence, considering the treaty that sit before him. This was the first time in Aschen history that they were going to recognize the legitimacy of a foreign power willingly, though the circumstances offered them little choice.

It was a treaty that in reality was going to be mutually beneficial to both parties, the Aschen would share their technology with the Taiyou Empire, as well as provide them access to their research. They would construct an astral gate in an easily defensible position, to facilitate Taiyou travel between the galaxies. Additionally the Aschen would join the AXIS, and be the first Milky Way nation to do so.

In exchange the Taiyou would grant the Aschen military protection, in the form of ships, troops, and Materiel, though the Aschen commanders would not command their Taiyou counterparts.

All in all it was a large step towards unification of the Galaxy.

And perhaps the first steps towards the undoing of the Aschen Empire.

Isambard Prince took his pen, with Sire Zarek, and Prime Minister Kayabuki as witnesses, signed the document, with Shimizu following suit.

A news crew filled the room, and over the clack of camera shutters, the two Emperors shook hands.

The setting changes from Quorum Building to Caprica City

Setting

Caprica City

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Character Portrait: Confederation Protection Force

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#2018-09-01 04:28:35, as written by barney_fife

"That's a matter of perspective; a military can be trained, and equipped to pre-emptively crush your enemies, fulfilling the 'goal' of defense through offense." Hanley retorted, while sipping another sip from her glass of ambrosia. "Our Peace through Power doctrine outlines such methods in detail." The Admiral added, crossing her legs in the plush leather seat of the limousine.

Hanley considered her next words carefully, as the palace began to draw ever closer. She was calculating, but in the grand scheme of things, offensive war calculations weren't her strength, she was trained and drilled in Aschen defensive doctrine, how to best respond to the manifold threats against the Aschen Empire.

"We have no quarrel with the people of Terra, any action would be limited to curtailing military armament." Hanley replied, while placing the glass of ambrosia down into the cupholder, quietly she tapped her communication earpiece, everything was moving on schedule. One thing that set the Aschen Empire apart from the numerous foes that Thrawn has likely faced in his long service, was their sheer tendency towards irrational paranoia, and unpredictable capriciousness.

Aschen officers ordered the destruction and methodical genocide of entire civilizations over the slightest perceived insult, and they boasted about it.

The Limousine stopped short of the road to the Imperial Palace, at the doors of the Caprica Panoramio, a lavish, opulant, and luxuriant hotel that was worthy of great kings.

Standing in front of the main doors to the hotel were four individuals, three women, and one man. As the limousine came to a stop, along with the motorcade, the Hotel's doorman moved swiftly, adorned in a brilliant red uniform to open the door, allowing Admiral Hanley, and Thrawn to step out.

"This is Chairman Gina Inviere, supreme commander of our military; Fleet Admiral Sheila Nagala, supreme commander of the Imperial Navy, Her Honorable, Defense Minister Helene Chaska, and His honorable, Sire Thomas Zarek, Sire of the Province of Sagittaron, seated member of our Parliament." Hanley said, gesturing to the individuals standing at the curb to greet them.

"Tango is in sight, mind the security contingent..." An IIA Sniper chimed into the radio, as EVE's voice played in the earpieces of every Aschen officer present.

"IIA Operatives, and CPF Personnel are advised to maintain sights on security personnel, in the event of hostilities they will need to be dealt with first by rapid response... whom have mobilized and cordoned off the area, scans indicate resilient armor, but will require further field testing to update parameters..."

"Preliminary scans indicate security has armor comprised of high-thermal tolerating alloys, recommend redistributing loadout to Magnetic Carbine series of weapons..."

A series of cameras, and high fidelity sensors slowly swiveled to orient themselves towards Thrawn, and his clones, focusing in, their movements likely went unnoticed by nearby Aschen, as these surveillance systems were ubiquitous. These specific ones were mounted on a light post across the street from the Hotel.

Sire Zarek was the first to extend his hand, and offer a smile.

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Caprica City

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#2018-09-02 07:31:34, as written by Scorpion01

"Indeed..." Thrawn responded simply to Haley's retort. His own research into the Aschen was still ongoing, and likely would continue to progress as long as he was ever convinced that they would pose any kind of threat to the Terran people, or simply as long as his curiosity existed in and of itself. That would be a long time - to the point where after a while, Thrawn would be so knowledgeable to the point where he may as well have written Aschen doctrine, law, and language. But that was a long ways away. As the woman set the cup down, Thrawn leaned forward, taking his legs and uncrossing them - They had arrived.

His eyes turned to those outside the limo while his Personal Guard formed on either side of the door they exited from. Up close, now, the Aschen dignitaries could likely see the differences of male vs. female. Notably, slightly shorter, and more slender shapes in the otherwise relatively unisex armor. Their discipline was unshakable, and their armor was well maintained, as were their weapons.

Thrawn emerged from the Limo and looked to each of the Aschen dignitaries as they were introduced, offering slight nods in greeting to each. As Sire Zarek extended his hand, Thrawn extended his own, and firmly shook the man's hand. "An honor to meet all of you, and to have been allowed this opportunity to come and negotiate." Thrawn said in turn, then extending his hand to the others he was introduced to. "I am Mitth'raw'nuruodo. But you may call me Thrawn. I am acting as Defense Administrator for the people of Terra, and hope to have a productive meeting with you while I am here."

The clones knew they were being watched. Their sensors didn't say anything about the Snipers, but they had that gut-feeling that someone was watching them. They stiffened a little, and became more alert, their heads scanning more frequently. One tightened her grip on her rifle - a slight nervous tick she was working on. But where were they being watched from?

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Caprica City

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#2018-09-03 03:16:27, as written by barney_fife

The Sire took Thrawn's hand in a firm shake, before whispering briefly in Anquietas to Minister Chaska.

Inviere briefly cast a glance to a nearby camera, which adjusted itself and honed in on the clone's nervous tick, EVE was using everything, from stance, to the very nervous tics and subtle movements that the clones were exhibiting. These subtle behaviors were compared to a database comprised of trillions of different psychological profiles, these were analyzed and fed real time to Inviere's earpiece.

"Analysis update... detecting increased psychological, and psychological stress in the guards."

Inviere looked to the clones, and nodded for a moment. "Your guards are not allowed to have their weapons past this point, they can either surrender them, or wait outside in a secure location." The Chairman said, while Zarek gestured them inside.

"You've made enough of a statement." The Sire responded. "In order for these negotiations to continue, your guards must surrender their weapons, and armor, we will not tolerate armed foreign soldiers on Aschen soil." The Sire said flatly. "Nor will we tolerate provocateurs." The Sire added.

"Our government has a lot of hard questions about your intent, and this army of yours, but these things are best discussed over a hot meal, one that our finest chefs would be pleased to provide.

"Admiral Hanley, you're dismissed, you may return to your duties." Inviere said, offering the woman a salute.

"Ad Victoriam!" Hanley said, bringing her fist across her chest.

"Ad Victoriam." Inviere replied, repeating the motion.

"We've prepared a conference room for our meeting, while your rooms are prepared; Unfortunately our Emperor is preoccupied at the moment, so we will be handling negotiations from here." Minister Chaska explained, her demeanor calm, confident. Even with the statement being made by the presence of the clones, the Aschen officials did not faulter, they trusted EVE's work behind the scenes, as she worked to analyze them, their movements, their weapons, and their armor. The slightest shift in posture, even heart rhythm, breathing, digestion, all was under EVE's purview through highly sensitive surveillance equipment.

Her analyses were like an open book for the Aschen officials, and every one of them knew it.

EVE had already put into motion messages, to be delivered via courier to embedded operatives in the TNG to acquire as much intelligence as possible, through infiltrating the ranks of this new army, EVE had also began preparations for protocols to be delivered to Aschen privateers, and state sponsored terrorists. All machinations of Aschen domination being slowly set into motion while the leadership was preoccupied.

The lobby of the hotel was opulent, towering marble columns inlaid with gold, and precious stones, well dressed Aschen socialites attending a cocktail party in the nearby hotel bar.

Large propaganda posters adorned the lobby as well, with a common motif.

"Big brother is watching you."

A motif that Thrawn would likely do well to take to heart during his stay on Langara.

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Caprica City

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#2018-09-03 04:10:37, as written by Blazezon

Big Brother was indeed watching, and in more than a myriad of ways. Cameras on every corner, satellites, and rifle scopes provided much, especially under the unflinching, and nearly omniscient EVE's control, but they were merely the first wave of security. The tip of the Imperial iceberg that was Intelligence, akin to foot soldiers. Behind them rested many more machinations, embedded IIA agents, plain clothes officers, informants, and most menacingly of all the Emperor's personal eyes, and ears. The dreaded Confessor Cabal.

One such being was present in the lobby, a woman of impressive height standing within the throng of socialites. None around dared to meet her listless, gaze, finding any excuse imaginable to look elsewhere, and a "casual" birth was given to her every movement. Clad in the beautiful, plush robes of deep royal purple that both signified her status, and complimented her bright pink locks nicely. She too was sporting her own fine crystalline glass of Ambrosia, and kept to the outer, entry-facing edges of the crowd. Confessor Ayla meant to stand out, a nearly forgien action to her. But today was not a day for inconspicuous disguises, or the cloak of a well shadowed corner. Today was about impressions, and making the might of the Empire clear.

She listened carefully to EVE's expert analysis as the small procession stood just out side, her stern blue eyes leaping from where the A.I reported each to be. From Sire, to Minister, to outsider in short order. The last causing her teeth to grit. She was more than wary of the ulterior motives of Terrans. If she had her way he would've been in an interrogation cell by now.

"Maintain a constant vigil on his heart rate, and pheromones EVE," whispered the woman in Anquietas. "Any change, no matter how slight it may be, in real time." She took a sip from her glass, luxuriating in the sensations it brought. Not a drunkenness, but a feeling of home these days. "Please," she added. The moment they decided to enter she'd be ready to meet them, prepared to offer a handshake to her kinsmen.

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Caprica City

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#2018-09-03 04:46:36, as written by Scorpion01

The Clones' movements and levels of stress would eventually even out as they remained at a heightened state of alert, but became used to it. The Clone relaxed her grip on the rifle's grip, and straightened her back just a little bit more as they began to walk towards the building. The Clones figured they would never be allowed inside, where their training would be most effective if they decided to become hostile, and so they stopped outside the doors. Thrawn gave them an acknowledging nod, and they all relaxed slightly. Their boss would be fine, they knew.

Thrawn listened to all of what was being said with an open mind and took in the sights and sounds and smells as well while they walked towards, and into the building. The great poster of propaganda that Big Brother was always watching caught the focus of Thrawn's glowing red eyes for a moment as he made his observations.

"The Aschen continue to fit into the paranoid shoe they have made for themselves. Their tone and movements suggest discomfort in the fact that Thrawn's Guards have even been allowed on planet, let alone this close to the Imperial Palace. The propaganda suggests the presence of numerous cameras, and for a society of this magnitude, an AI watching everything going on."

Thrawn nodded gently. "My Guards will wait outside in a Secure location as you wish. However, I must insist they keep their weapons and armor. They will be of no issue, I assure - They will cooperate with every other order, and you will find no ill-will towards you or your people from myself, or from them." Thrawn stated. The Clones' indeed did comply with all orders except the handing over of their weapons and armor, and without hesitation moved to a more secure location when directed to do so, whether that be a tent, a shed, or simply off to the side of the building where they were away from the prying eyes of the public. But not from EVE.

"Rest assured, my purpose here is not to create tension, but to alleviate it. I will answer any and all questions you have for me, and hope that these negotiations will be fruitful for both sides." Thrawn added as he clasped his hands at the small of his back while they walked. His Stark White Grand Admiral's Uniform almost seemed to shine in the light of the Aschen building, and while surrounded by the others in the room. The Rank Insignia of the old Empire shined brightly, freshly polished on his chest. Analysis of Thrawn would reveal that he had no ill intent, and while he was in no way submissive to anything the Aschen were doing or intending to do, he was not threatening.

Thrawn's very nature was calm and collected, and he displayed that entirely. He could not help but let his eyes wander back to the propaganda strewn across the walls, and to the various artworks, if there were any, along the room as well. Just how much was Thrawn learning about the Aschen, and how much were they learning about him in return?

Setting

Caprica City

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#2018-09-03 05:18:22, as written by barney_fife

The walk through the hall was rather short, and Zarek eventually led them all to a large conference room, bottles of ambrosia, pitchers of water, and glasses full of ice adorned the table, which was circular in shape.

At one end of the room was a large display of the Aschen Empire's flag, and a large telescreen where Big Brother's face was superimposed, as if he was watching the conference room.

In the center of the table, was a plastic model of a Reverence II, skillfully placed next to a model of an Executor class Super star destroyer.

The Bulbous Reverence II was a contrast to the sleek, arrowhead shape of the Executor, but the models were to scale, the Reverence II was almost twice the size of the Executor.

Once everyone was seated, EVE Chimed in Ayla's earpiece.

"Psychological tactic; position yourself behind Thrawn, oriented slightly to the right, make your presence known, and impose upon him, this can potentially serve to break his facade."

Shuffling some paperwork, Zarek cleared his throat, once everyone was seated.

"Tell me the process in which you became acting defense administrator for the TNG. I'm curious." Zarek said tapping some notes to his pad, the old fashioned Sagittaron opting to use pencil and paper.

Chaska, and Inviere quietly whispered amongst themselves in Anquietas, exchanging notes and listening to EVE in their earpiece.

"Who appointed you...? just to clear up a discrepancy in our records." Zarek added.

Tom Zarek was a smooth, charismatic man, but he had a sordid past as a member of the Sagittaron Resistance, responsible for a bombing that took many lives. He was a man who served his sentence in an Aschen prison, and opted to make change through government office.

His motives were always a mystery, and he was known even among the IIA as a treacherous man.

There was one empty chair at the conference, though, and it was soon to be filled by a young man, who offered the group a smile.

"Sire Zarek, Chairman Inviere... Minister Chaska... Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this meeting on such short notice." The man said smoothly. His eyes locked onto Thrawn's, but he, unlike the Aschen was cordial, all smiles as he offered Thrawn a cordial nod of his head.

"Grand Admiral Thrawn; you're a long way from the Galactic Empire; but none the less, I welcome an esteemed individual like yourself to our little corner of the universe. I have no weight on these discussions, I merely implored my esteemed colleagues within the Aschen Government to allow me to observe." He said, letting the words roll off his tongue. "I intend to serve as a... ah a neutral moderator for these proceedings."

The young man smiled towards Ayla, and then Zarek, whom looked briefly uncomfortable.

---

Outside the clones would be shown towards a hotel parking lot out of the public eye, there, Aschen adepts of war, towering hulks of powered armor stood waiting for them, an added precaution.

Setting

Caprica City

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#2018-09-03 05:55:24, as written by Blazezon

Second to last into the room, Ayla had opted instead to stand. It suited her role both as Confessor, and an observer of this meeting, it also reinforced her inherent aloof persona. She merely watched from behind her glass, an action heavily mirroring that of her mentor, as everyone shuffled about to find their seat. If the sudden "surprise" guest phased her however, she didn't show it, although she did afford the man an extremely subtle, but respectful nod. Suddenly her requested presence made a lot more sense.

At first she simply stuck to the background, standing still, and statuesque beside the massive flag display. A fitting place for a Confessor. Once EVE chirped in her ear however the fun could begin.

Moving languidly she pushed herself from the wall, and stalked over to the table. With great care she positioned herself uncomfortably close to Thrawn, just behind him and to the right as instructed. While Zarek, a man she barely trusted herself, and almost considered the graver of threats in the room spoke, she leaned in to the table. By no accident the heavy, velure-like fabric of her robes brushed against Thrawn's neck as she practically bent over his shoulder. "Excuse me, Grand Admiral," she offered with a predator's smile, but ice-cold tone. "I don't mean to intrude, but.."

She extended her left arm, the servos of her pristine exosuit issuing a barely audible whine as she reached for a bottle of Ambrosia. "My glass seems to have run unacceptably dry."

Taking no rush to pour herself a refill the other foreigner had joined the conversation by the time Ayla returned the bottle to the table. In much the same way, of course, and again excusing herself. Manners were paramount after all. She proceeded to lsten to the Taiyou gentleman intently, though she very pointedly refused to budge an inch from Thrawn's personal space. A sort of subtle eagerness set in as she awaited an update from EVE regarding their "guest." Maybe this wouldn't be quite so dreadfully boring after all.

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#2018-09-03 23:40:23, as written by Scorpion01

Thrawn's attention came almost immediately to the models of the Reverence II and the Executor SSD, and he picked up the Rev II model, examining it thoroughly, glowing red eyes taking in every crevice, weapon, hangar, etc. It wasn't until Ayla leaned over his shoulder that his attention was broken, and with a fluid wave of his hand, he removed the cloth from his shoulder that had hung off of her body. His expression however remained the same.

"They are beginning to hammer down with the questions, and an attempt to intimidate Thrawn. However, their attempts seem to backfire at the presence of a young man - whose presence seems to unnerve the otherwise stoic Aschen.

Thrawn placed the Model of the Reverence II down on the table again, and leaned back into his chair, relaxing ever so slightly so he could take in the whole scene before finally speaking to answer the questions asked of him. "A hyperspace anomaly brought me to this... Multiverse of worlds, putting me within jumping distance of Terra. Once I arrived at the planet, I was greeted by members of my own universe, and someone within their Parliament requested I join them as their Defense Administrator. They had heard of my exploits and battle prowess, it seemed." he explained. "I accepted the offer, and now find myself sitting here across from you." he added.

His stern gaze turned towards the young man, Shimizu Takayama, and he inclined his head in greeting; a slight nod. He did not know who this young man was, but his question had been sufficiently answered in Thrawn's explanation.

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#2018-09-04 22:38:51, as written by barney_fife

"Intriguing..." Zarek replied, it seemed the Aschen delegation had nothing further to say, and in that silence, Shimizu made his own move.

Shimizu's eyes were placed solely upon Thrawn, the seated Taiyou Emperor quietly began to take in the Grand Admiral's every move, every subtle gesture. Even the motion of brushing the confessor's robes off his shoulder didn't go without notice.

Shimizu slowly, purposefully leaned forward to reach for the model of the Executor SSD, and in doing so, whether accidental, or intentional, exposed the wooden hilt of Tenchi-Ken, which to Thrawn would likely resemble a lightsaber hilt, the only differences being that Tenchi-ken was carved from some kind of wood, with three red circular gems embedded in the pommel.

Once he picked up the executor model, he looked over it with a hint of disdain, it was the symbol of excess, inefficient design, Shimizu cast his glance down upon the model much like a jeweler inspected a diamond, before returning to his seat, and placing the model down in front of him.

"I'm going to instruct my cabinet, and the Imperial General Headquarters to deploy two combat fleets into the Sol System, as well as deploy one hundred million soldiers of the Imperial Taiyou Army to the Shintenchi Islands in response to this buildup of forces... for the purposes of defense of course." Shimizu said cooly, unflinchingly.

His narrowed, chocolate eyes met Thrawn's, but there was a malice, Thrawn was staring into the eyes of a devious snake, rather than a paranoid Aschen. "I'll be shipping ten thousand tons of munitions, and materiel to the armies of the Shintenchi Shogunate, as well." Shimizu said, making every Aschen seated in the room visibly uncomfortable. "You understand, Grand Admiral, for the purposes of defense." The Taiyou Emperor said, inclining his head.

EVE's voice quietly chirped in Ayla's earpiece.

"Analysis... a Taiyou deployment of that magnitude would disrupt local trade, and the astral-political balance of power within the Sol System, and the surrounding local region, this escalation would also put the Aschen Empire in a precarious position. This would likely lead to further escalation, and the outbreak of an arms race-- a rethink is necessary... Advice; Inquire as to what the Aschen Empire would gain for allowing this buildup of Terran forces..."

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#2018-09-05 00:49:02, as written by Blazezon

The Confessor very much agreed with EVE's assement, especially as she caught the subtle, but murderous glint in the Taiyou's eye. However to openly question, or contradict the sitting Emperor of Niihama would have its own repercussions. Ayla swirled her Amborisa for a moment, taking a second of the tense silence to plot her verbal course. Kesslee had not fully prepared her for politicking, but a life time of lies would hopefully be enough to suffice.

It had to be.

"Well now," she opted to speak first, shooting Zarek, and Chaska a quick glance. If they were going to tip-toe around the obvious that was their prerogative, but she had no intent. "As always you show great prudence, Emperor Shimizu," she did however have to maintain the appearance of respect. "But unfortunately such a pragmatic course is currently hinged on an assumption. And a large one at that."

Her heavy, gauntleted right hand fell onto Thrawn's shoulder, and gave a feather light, "friendly" squeeze. Even without the Exo she was more than capable of denting the hull of a starship, so such delicacy took great restraint. "And that is that such a build up of forces even occurs to begin with." Taking another slow sip, she gave the foreigner a moment to digest her words. Ayla had no doubts that Thrawn was foolish enough to assume he'd simply get what he wanted for asking, but a reminder never hurt.

Continuing with a purr, she purposely left her hand where it was, "You see, by far the most important question has yet to be answered. Or even asked, in fact, so allow me to cut to the chase if you will. What do we, the Aschen Empire, have to gain from letting a far flung, often violently rebellious, and politically disrespectful faction amass strength of arms? We do not tend to shoot our own feet, after all."

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#2018-09-05 08:20:53, as written by Scorpion01

Thrawn's eyes took in everything as usual. From what appeared to be a lightsaber in the Taiyou Emperor's sleeve, to the hand that now rested on his shoulder, and the close watch Shizumu had on him as well. He inclined his head slightly in order to get a better view of the hilt a bit, but it was a subtle move, and only lasted a second before he returned his head to its natural position. His glowing red eyes met Shimizu's, and narrowed slightly.

"The Taiyou speaks with Authority, and is likely the Emperor based on his words. Or at least high Military Governor of a province within the Empire. He is devious and cunning - testing the waters to see what Thrawn will do. To see what the Aschen will do." Thrawn's eyes then trailed to the Aschen in the room, watching their reactions. "The Aschen are entirely uncomfortable with this announcement, and are now more open to working with Thrawn to revive the TNG Military - at a price."

Thrawn leaned forward slightly, resting his forearms on the table while bringing his hands together at the fingertips, forming a steeple of sorts, and his gaze shifted back to Shimizu. "Of course I understand the need for protecting your people. At the same time, however, allow me to reply with this: I have no intention of harming any Taiyou or Aschen people on Terra that are not openly hostile and committing acts of Terrorism. I of course ultimately cannot stop you from doing what you see fit to protect your people, but I can ask you this: Do you really think it is wise to send that many resources to Terra? Surely that money could be spent on Infrastructure or healthcare, or the building and training of a better military force of your own?" Thrawn gestured gently with an open palm towards Shimizu. His tone remained neutral. He was not suggesting the Taiyou Military as weak or lacking in the slightest, but the fact that improvement was always possible was true, no matter who looked at it. Even the Emperor of the Galactic Empire could see that through his Sith Hubris - to an extent.

He then turned his attention to the question the Aschen provided him with next, slightly turning his head towards the Confessor to lock eyes with hers. His eyes, as they had been the entire time, were stern and just. However they were perceptive and knowledgeable. One must be careful when under his gaze. "The safety of the Aschen people already on Terra, and of Aschen Trade ships supplying them with Aschen goods to be sold. The protection of course not being from the Taiyou." Thrawn paused - he needed to be careful with his next words, lest he set off a war with Terra in the center of it.

"To do so would be to provoke the Taiyou Shogunate on Terra, and by extension the Taiyou Empire. However at the same time to leave your vessels and people unguarded would only serve to provoke the Aschen into eliminating Terra's already weak ability to defend itself. Likewise, such a build up of Taiyou Forces is cause for alarm to the Aschen, who may send their own fleet and army to counter-act this build up. Leaving Terra in the middle of a crossfire that could be entirely avoided.". His eyes and head came back to center, looking at everyone at the table.

"If I or the TNG wanted to start a war, this meeting would never have taken place. The build up I am openly suggesting would likely have already taken place, and the treaty would have been ignored." he stated plainly. The volume of his voice rose ever so slightly as he projected his voice. His point was clear, and he was correct in his statement. No one could refute that.