[D0, Umbral Vanguard] Hey Hey Haydriss

[Zeno Deathwright]

He had gotten contact information for some of the other lords when he received assignment for this mission. Among them was a Lord Haydriss, who he had been told, was a true servant of the Empire. Not one that served personal political ambition. That seemed like the right type of person to know going into these talks. After finishing up in the small refresher, he moved back to the cockpit and opened up a Holo call to her, wondering what she would be like. Probably very serious and straightforward. Hopefully open to discussing the circumstances of the talks and what her goals and intentions were.

[Nekoinu]

Lord Haydriss appeared on the other side of the holocall. With her mask on, it was impossible to read her reaction to the being addressed. "To what do I owe the pleasure, Lord Zeno Deathwright?" she inquired, her tone aligning to a noble background and without any judgment for the time being. It appeared that she was in her personal chambers aboard a ship. The Imperial regalia in her room hinted at a more permanent residence than the barges offered by the Hutts.

[Zeno Deathwright]

"Lord Haydriss," he says with a curt nod. "I wished to use a bit of this hyperspace time to get to know one of my fellow delegates at these talks. Hopefully to see how we might be able to assist each other to the end of strengthening the Empire's position. I must admit that diplomacy is new to me and I found myself hoping I might potentially find a mentor and capable partner in negotiations. My experience with negotiation has thus far been at the end of a lightsaber or in a cockpit."

[Nekoinu]

The woman stayed silent for a few moments. "I had heard that Darth Zash was a charmer. She did not pass on these skills to you?" She shook her head and let out a chuckle, one more foreboding due to the robotic effect her mask gave it. "I have witnessed your exploits. The ones published for the glory of our Empire. I admit I am impressed by your quick ascension to your title. You are the first among your class, correct?"

[Zeno Deathwright]

"Not as of yet, but currently I am in training with her on how to better utilize my connection to the force towards that end," he responds. "Though such things take time and I'm still learning."

He smiles slightly at the mention of his propaganda videos. "It was a mixture of fortunate timing, and a bit of recklessness. I have a tendency to seek out new and difficult challenges and thus have been blessed to find success in such endeavors. I was first, in the class though more because of extracurricular activities than strengths in the the actual training. Killing Death's Shadow with a few other students and some important archaeological finds did a lot to propel me to the top of the class."

"And now peace talks... another new challenge. Figuring out a position to work towards is likely my first goal here. And someone as seemingly level headed as yourself would be welcome in helping temper my natural violence to such a purpose I believe."

[Nekoinu]

"Has your master bestowed upon you other teachings?" Her voice now hinted at a rising curiosity. "Darth Zash has garnered a reputation for her gift with the Force." The masked face tilted. "I am sure you have heard other rumors surrounding her."

Lord Haydriss let out a small chuckle. "I prefer to not leave my affairs to chance. Total success is paramount to Darth Malgus. However, it may be the case that you are underestimating your own talents. You could not reach your position through sheer luck."

Her posture shifted to one more formal. "I was surprised that you come to me for advice. After all, my rise to power has been slow and deliberate." She paused. "There is no secret to my restraint. Before I make my decisions, I check to see if our Empire's future is included in it." Another laugh escaped her. "I doubt you worry about that much, given your exploits. However, I merely suggest that you consider if immediate action is in the best interests of our Empire."

[Zeno Deathwright]

"I'm aware of her research projects, even if I often don't really understand them," he says with a nod. "We're from two different worlds honestly, but that helps me. I don't really need educated on how to fight or fly. A master that would teach me those things would be a waste."

"It should not be so surprising. After all, that is exactly the mindset that makes one effective at diplomatic pursuits I imagine. The talks are not the same battlefield I'm used to. Personally, I would see the Empire crush the Republic and grind them into nothing, but I'm sure there are much more nuanced ways to see the situation. What is your view on the situation?"

[Nekoinu]

"I see." Lord Haydriss dropped that line of questioning.

"My master views the war in the same way. However, there is a necessity to change our course of war. It is not sustainable. If we conquer the Republic now, then we will not be able to control it. Our new holdings will squirm. That would not be a major concern if it were not for our dwindling resources.

Thusly, I see it apt to wage war in another matter. Via proxy is an excellent start."

[Zeno Deathwright]

"Mercenaries? Or home grown rebellions?" he asks, curious about fighting via proxy. "That can weaken them but it won't likely destroy them. There isn't a force large enough to do so other than the Empire."

[Nekoinu]

"Exactly. We supply other forces to weaken our enemy." Haydriss gave a single nod to the last remark. "We need to regroup. That is my assessment even if Darth Malgus disagrees with me." She turned to her datapad for a brief moment and then looked back to Zeno. "However, a substantial contribution to our war effort from the criminal syndicates may be enough to alter my opinion. Black Sun and the Exchange would be helpful but the Hutt Cartel is the most influential."

[Zeno Deathwright]

"If resources are an issue then how do we pay such groups?" he asks.

[Nekoinu]

"We exchange upwards. But yes, your concern is valid. Any agreement would have to clearly benefit us." Haydriss tilted her head. "It may benefit us to show them that a galaxy ruled by our Empire is more profitable for them than the Galactic Republic. However, they may not concur on that notion.

"I must admit, I do not have high expectations that we will leave this moon with our coffers filled with Hutt credits. I will be impressed if anyone manages to sway the Hutts to such an extent."

[Zeno Deathwright]

"They would at least have to understand that some of their income sources are more acceptable to the Empire than to the Republic. Acting counter to the law, while potentially lucrative also comes with heavy costs. We might not be able to sway them to fight at these talks but there are aspects of the empire that are more financially helpful to them. Slavery for one."

[Nekoinu]

"Indeed. Slavery thrives in our Empire," she replied without judgment. She then paused for a moment of reflection. "The weapons trade is in flux. It thrives during warfare due to demand. However, proxy wars demand smuggling to be done." Haydriss let out a short chuckle. "I admit I am not overtly familiar with their proceedings. I am unsure what would be more profitable for arms dealers."

[Zeno Deathwright]

"I would think that a proxy war would be smaller in scale. Smuggling of weapons would cost more on their end and they wouldn't have as much volume as they would during open warfare I imagine. Though they could likely be incentivized somehow. But that's not my area of expertise."

[Nekoinu]

"They could charge more for the effort. Due to the smaller scale, I imagine fewer smugglers would profit but they may profit more." Haydriss nodded. "It is not my area of expertise either. Although I must admit I am now curious. What do you believe my area of expertise to be?"

[Zeno Deathwright]

"Given your thoughtful and careful nature I imagine something that benefits from such aspects. Investigation or research of some sort on behalf of Darth Malgus?" the pilot guesses, not really certain.

[Nekoinu]

"An apt conclusion. I prefer to be in my own remote stronghold where I can perform my research without interruption. However, multiple obligations have pulled me to the Y'Toub System." She paused. "Do you wish to be present for the negotiations or do you have another locale in mind?"

[Zeno Deathwright]

"I wish to do my part for the Empire. I'm more comfortable with violent solutions to the empire's problems but my comfort is not really the empire's concern. My master has research interests in the region as well so it works for her for me to be here. I go where I'm needed."

[Nekoinu]

"It is good to see someone so loyal to the cause." She paused. "I hope that your loyalty in Darth Zash is not misplaced. It uneases me to speak ill of any other Sith but she harbors a bad reputation. But I am certain that you must be already familiar with the accusations."

[Zeno Deathwright]

"I am. And I'm familiar with her work. She is a great source of knowledge and power, though I have no illusions about my value to her. As long as what I learn from her is useful to the empire and I am useful to her I find our relationship as master and apprentice to be valuable," he says with a nod.

[Nekoinu]

Lord Haydriss ceased speaking for a few, long moments. "Your master's research would prove useful to me. It would prove useful to all Sith. I imagine she would not be eager to share it without a price, if at all." She tilted her head. "Do you have a suggestion for this predicament?"

[Zeno Deathwright]

"Make it worth her while. She doesn't speak with me about all of it all the time, and much of the time she likely shares things that I have a hard time drawing conclusions about. I'm not the cleverest Sith in the empire. I think for her, she feels that what she has gained is hers by right because she worked for it. To get information out of her about her research would likely require a trade of something she is equally interested."

[Nekoinu]

"To be an apprentice of Darth Zash, you must possess some cunning. Otherwise you will not survive."

Haydriss paused to reflect on the rest of his words. "I will consider it. It would appear we are both guarded over our research. I find such caution to be a wise course of action. However, perhaps it impedes progress."

She took a deep breath. "Were there other matters you wished to discuss, Lord Zeno?"

[Zeno Deathwright]

"Nothing in particular. I had simply hoped to get a better understanding of the situation from a more sensible mind than my own and you've helped. Hopefully we can work together once we are both planet side. I think it would be beneficial to meet in person once we get to the compound, if it would please you to do so," he offers with a nod.