Ziost - Crown of the Sith Empire

"I am familiar with their exploits during the war. I have only spoken to Darth Hofu briefly, but his cause seems just."

"I have not heard much about the Dread Masters or Darth Hofu. May you tell me more about them if possible?" Remmington asks.

After speaking, Hala went to join the rest of the petitioners. She had a slight smile, likely due to the unanimity of the opinions before the court so far.

Dapper Dog wrote:The Chiss diplomats are old friends of your ally, not super close now but they have prior relationship of sorts. The diplomats are confused but taking it all in stride and speaking with other Imperial dignitaries, the alliance was always an odd one and so it's doubtful if there will be any long term harm.

After a time of small talk on common acquaintances to learn their names and circumstances, Lor Bellious shifted to a more substantial subject. "Has the situation with the petition prevented you from addressing any issue today?"

The woman responded in Huttese, “It will simply push back joint operations in the region, more of a detriment to your Empire than us. It will reflect in our assessment of continued partnership, but such things happen.”

“Darth Malgus has assured us that he will get the matter brought before the Emperor.”

"Darth Malgus is not on the Council, while I may well soon be." She mused. "As far as joint operations go, I'd like to see them enhanced, not rolled back."

“Meaning you are not on the council, and Darth Malgus has a powerful fleet, and resources and is a known quantity, when you… if you get on the Dark Council we would gladly treat with you but we work with what we have, not what might be,” he said not terribly impressed.

“We do agree we could use more coordination but the lack of advancement for our fellow Chiss in Imperial departments has been a stumbling block to greater parity.”

Moyr arched her brow, ignoring the blunt remark. Chiss be Chiss. "And what advancements do you seek in particular?"

Lord Bellious wrote:Moyr arched her brow, ignoring the blunt remark. Chiss be Chiss. "And what advancements do you seek in particular?"

“We have allowed many gifted military officers to work in your ranks and they ae continually stymied and passed over for inferior humans… we do not imply that humans are inferior, only that these humans that have been promoted lack credentials and accolades, and field experience that our Chiss officers bring to the fighting force,” she responded.

“We have seen some success in the forces deployed by Darth Malgus and Darth Hoshi.”

"I have seen my share of suboptimal military promotions based on patronage and heredity rather than merit, so I can corroborate. I would single out Bex Company as one that cries for a more competent command." Bellious nodded. "It is indeed true that lack of racial prejudice makes things easier, and it's hard to miss that either with Malgus' wingwoman or Darth Hoshi herself these are Twi'leks who pave the way."

She paused. "And it may be so again. I have just recently spoken with Darth Ravage about the merits of your military. In terms of war, he leans toward efficacy and you may thus find unexpected support in him. Is it an avenue you want to try, with my help?"

They glance at each other and then she said, "if you can get results then yes."

"Let's try." She checked if Ravage looked like he was available for this kind of a conversation.

Ravage was glaring at Vowrawn after a rather saucy exchange.

Even though a Radical and not dissimilar in some views from Moyr, Vowrawn could not be expected to be her ally or sponsor due to his commitment to Tenebrous. Lord Bellious had little to lose in manfesting her preference for Ravage after whatever spat had just occurred.

"My Lord Darth Ravage, may I ask for a moment of your attention?" She bowed on approach. As it stood, she was likely the most successful Aspirant at this point, though her small headway would likely dwindle soon due to martial finale of the Council bid. So, if political outcomes could be secured, there could hardly be a better moment.

Ravage motioned for her to come forward and said, “Lord Bellious, hopefully you bring something worthwhile to my attention.”

Remmington Thalalas wrote:"I have not heard much about the Dread Masters or Darth Hofu. May you tell me more about them if possible?" Remmington asks.

"The Dread Masters were a powerful asset to the Empire during the war. They are masters of a unique kind of Battle Meditation which fills the enemy ranks with fear to the point that they often turn on themselves. They were extremely effective, to the point that the Republic sent a specialized strike team to remove them. Many thought they had been destroyed, but it appears they have been contained somewhere instead. Their return is a valuable addition to our forces."

"That does certainly sound pretty impressive. Do you know how grand of a scale that their fear power affects?" Remmington asks and then ponders.

"Is is strange that the Republic didn't destroy them. Or maybe it was that they simply could not and had to imprison them instead."

He nods. "I look forward to seeing how much chaos that the Dread Masters unleash on the Republic as well. Once they break this peace treaty of course."

"They?" He asked.

"I think we are more likely to break it... with all those thirsting for it in this room."

Lord Tenebrous wrote:"You seem troubled by this turn of events, master," it was a statement and a question.

“The Dread Masters were never much for playing well with the team, not that any Sith a team player but they were always… skirting the line of what I could consider to be loyalty to the Empire. Loyal to the Emperor perhaps… ah… it’s old history,” he said trying to clear his thoughts.

“You certainly did come to me to ask my thoughts on a matter that seems to be all t rage in Court, a voice of dissent does not have much chance to sway anyone,” he finished.

"It appears not. Even some surprise votes, to be honest." She said truthfully.

"And you know I always appriciate your insights. Especially when the Council seems so... diverse in their opinion on the matter. Though it makes one wonder about the precedent being set, even from the conservatives, that an aspirant for the Council is now bypassing the trials."