Nar Shaddaa

Adrianaa yawned and stumbled half awake from her living quarters to the eating area. She rubbed her eyes and stretched sleepily, plopping down at a table. She sipped slowly on some coffee and waited for her counterpart to arrive.

"Good morning, Senator Morindel," Seir'oto announced. He was far more peppy than the average person awake at the hour. "How was your sleep? Are the quarters satisfactory?"

"They are more than. The Hutts gave us a splendid area to work and live in. I slept well, though much is on my mind. And yourself?"

The Mon Calamari nodded. "Excellent indeed, as is having you on my team. Tell me: what has been on your mind, Senator Morindel?"

"Well, I called you to discuss something a bit...unorthadox."

She produces a data pad and sets it down between the two of them.

"Ras Urdo. Head of the Black Sun here on Nar Shadda. Are you familiar with him?"

"He must be one of the Vigos. I have heard of his name but I do not know him." He looked at the datapad and then back to her. "You have something in mind involving him then? A deal?"

"Indeed."

Adrianaa takes a sip of coffee and swipes the screen to show an SIS lock.

"I have worked with the Suns for a long time. They have been my go to agency for black ops against Republic enemies."

"Ras is calling in his dues. He wants to run for a senate slot. There is a few things prohibiting that at the moment. The first being his record"

"He wants to be a Senator? Why? Does he hope to have a similar position as you?"

"I think I might be a bit of an inspiration to him. Little does he understand that the Senate and the Republic will chew him up and spit him out if he doesn't conduct himself in a manner that benefits the people."

"The colony he wants to represent will absolutely vote him in, but he would have such little say it wouldn't do much harm to allow him the role. I figure he would get one or two terms before realizing all the red tape and heightened scrutiny of being in the public eye would turn him off to it."

"However, that does mean we would have an excellent ally for at least 4 years. A lot of resources and agents that could operate outside the Republic."

Another sip of coffee.

"I explained to him there would be stipulations. No slave operations for example. He agrees and would follow the laws. But as I said. His record needs to be wiped first."

"Can you tell me more about this man before I come to a conclusion? What reasoning could he have to give up so much to become a Senator?"

"I am not quite sure what his reasoning is. I believe he thinks the position will give him more power. Again, it is quite short sighted. I doubt he fully realizes what he is asking for. But, he will come to that realization on his own. We do not need to point it out to him."

"Considering the Black Sun is one of the largest crime organizations next to the Hutts, it is invaluable to have them in the pocket of the Republic."

Adrianaa stifles a yawn.

"Our Democracy will protect us from any with supreme evil intentions. Anything he might try to enact that would be ill recieved will be blocked by the Senate votes. And if the people he represents deem him unworthy to represent them, he won't be voted back in. In truth, there is little harm he can do."

She pauses.

"But great good the alliance with the Suns could bring. Especially if these peace talks go south..."

"This may be a good move with the Hutts as well. It would be a good sign to show them we are willing to work with those whom possess prior records."

A pause.

"Do you know if he truly will earn these votes or does he plan to influence them?"

"From the sound of it, he said he would earn the votes. I haven't been to the colony personally, but I imagine if we want to ensure a fair election, it wouldn't take much to send someone to watch over the ballots."

"Very well. If the ballot is won fairly, then I can allow it to pass." A pause. "Do you have access to his criminal record?"

"I do not. It is currently locked by SIS. The agent I spoke to last night was quite abrupt and would not let me explain before ending the call."

"Then we should do our best to find out." He smiled. "But I believe this may work. When I can be sure he will be an upstanding citizen of the Republic, I will approve of his running in the ballot.'

Adrianaa smiles and nods.

"Any idea who I might need to chat with at SIS? I believe the agent I spoke with was named Wren Yuris"

Senator Seir'oto paused to reflect on that. "I am unsure. Many of them may give you the same response. Perhaps other members of this delegation team may be of assistance."

"Understood. I'll ask around."

Adrianaa finishes her cup and stares at the bottom of it.

"What is your goal here, Senator? In regards to peace?"

Senator Seir'oto smiled. "I want peace that will be suitable to both governments. I do not wish to give ground nor do I wish to make any unreasonable requests."

"I wonder how many of the Sith will be agreeable. My stunt with the Darth seemed to make an impression at least."

"I am curious, Senator Morindel: why did you do so?" he asked without judgment in his voice.

"It was a means of showing the Sith we are open to their customs and ways. Much the same, I have been organizing a few jobs where my coworkers are Sith, and I even have gone on a date with a Sith. The more we can show them we are willing to deal with them, the more likely we can ultimately get our goal of peace"

"A date?" That was the one part that stuck out to him the most. "I must admit, Senator Morindel, your methods are most unorthodox. But if you can successfully cooperate with the Sith Empire, then it will bode well for the negotiations."

Adrianaa grins.

"I've always been a bit unorthodox, Senator Seir'oto, but I also almost always have results."