*** An Imperial Embassy on Caspar *** *** Cast: Lord Director Pantek Hul Loris, President Avalyshaar Laarken, Vice-Director Umbriel of Vequess ******************************************************************************************************** Scene: Pantek and Umbriel are on O'Paal Spaceport. ... Pantek is standing just a few steps from the shuttle Vindictive, his attention totally focused on the blast doors as if expecting somebody. He checks his chrono from time to time but does not seem to be too nervous. Technicians can be seen doing the pre-flight checkup on the shuttle and soon one can hear the whine of the engines being warmed up. The Spaceport is, unsurprisingly, busy at this hour -- Lots of people are coming from the -A- door next to Umbriel. She moves on checking her chrono. Many people can notice her, Umbriel's actions and mannerism show a life of military service. She just looks at the beautiful Lambda Class shuttle, her deep green eyes looking for something. A little smile appears on Umbriel's as she sees her Director. Pantek offers his Vice-Director a smile and a short nod across the spaceport. Then he turns towards the ship, lowers the ramp and walks to its lower end. There he turns around and waits for the woman who will accompany him in this mission possible galactic importance. Apart from the black tunic that slightly waves in the warm winds of O'Paal there can be no movement seen, the Director almost like a statue in a museum on Imperial Center. Umbriel look relaxed but hurries up a bit. As she joins Pantek, she decides to stop, and checks the area. 'Noone next to the Vindictive' she thinks. Umbriel glares at her blaster, noding like if she wanted to check if she were really ready. She looks up from her blaster to Pantek and says with her evil smile, "Ready Director." Pantek nods contenly and gesture with his left arm towards the open hatch of the shuttle, "Very well, Vice. We can discuss the details of our negotiation tactics during the flight. We are already expected so:" He smiles and gestures towards the shuttle again, "After you!" While waiting for the Vice-Director to enter the shuttle he scans the spaceport one more time, not because it it necessary but just because he can't shake this customs after years of intelligence work. Umbriel nods curtly, and then flicks her head towards the Lambda Class Shuttle. "Thank you." replies Umbriel as she moves on. Pantek enters a code at the entry ramp of the STARFIGHTER: Sienar Lambda Class Shuttle -- Vindictive and the door opens. You enter the ship Imperial Shuttle -- Vindictive The interior of the shuttle isn't as roomy as it appears from the outside. The main compartment consists of a number of seats lining the outer bulkhead facing inward. Above them are several equipment bays. To the aft of the compartment is a hyperdrive service door which leads to the engines. Located in the fore part of the ship is a small cockpit with seating for a pilot, co-pilot and two observers. A soft hum eminating from the idling repulsorlifts can be heard coming from below the deck plates. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => NavComp -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- ft leads to Cargo Bay. leads to Central Spaceport -- O'paal Major. Umbriel enters Imperial Shuttle -- Vindictive Pantek has arrived. Pantek enters Imperial Shuttle -- Vindictive As soon as he enters the shuttle, the Director heads towards the pilot seat and sits down, pointing at the seat next to it, "You should strap yourself for the jump to hyperspace, Vice." With this he begins to guide the ship through the sky of O'Paal towards the point outside the planet's gravity well where they can make their jump to Caspar. SF-7352 has just entered the system at -2,-372,191. SF-7352 takes off. Pantek engages the hyperdrive. Umbriel examines the interior of the shuttle, looking at the typical buttons and lights. 'Still from the same manufacturer' she concludes. Umbriel takes quickly a seat and prepares for the hyperspace. She replies, "Ready Sir.". Pantek just nods at Umbriel's statement and doesn't speak a word until the shuttle makes the jump and bright lights can be seen through the viewports. Then Pantek unstraps himself and turns towards Umbriel, "Well, we have some time now to talk. We won't have an easy time during the negotiations. We want something, they want something and I am pretty sure that this isn't the same." Despite herself Umbriel lets a grim smile slip to her face, it is obvious that she is thinking about her blaster right now, she says, "We can negociate". Skipping quickly her smile, Umbriel's her face falling back into its cold mask, she adds, "I know." - Umbriel's eyes do not leave Pantek's, she simply adds, "We need to find the right arguments. One of the arguments, is that opening an Embassy on Caspar can confirm peace between them and us. " Pantek nods slowly then looks through the viewport into the sea of light and says without looking at Umbriel, "I think they will not refuse us to reopen the embassy, Director, they know perfectly well that this will improve the relations towards the Empire. But I want more!" His gaze comes back to Umbriel, lying firmly on her eyes, "I want the Casparian government to pay the whole reconstruction and I want the embassy made by our plans. I want the right to have troops inside the embassy, since it should have the status of Imperial ground on Caspar. And I want the landing pad reopened with the guarantee that no ships landing there will be hassled or even searches by Casparian Security Forces." Pantek's voice has raised and it's clearly audible that he knows very well what he wants and why. With a smile he adds, "And who knows? Maybe we will want even more. Don't forget, we are the Empire. The only rightful government in the galaxy." Umbriel regards you with the same intensity she always does, for a few more heartbeats, her eyes shifting then to the viewport. She doesn't need to look at the viewport though, her eyes quickly back at yours. She says on a low voice, "I totally agree Sir. " . She blinks -twice- "But i dont think they will permit all that without any stupid concessions. " Umbriel thinks that the only way to get what we are looking for is still with using other things that simple words. She turns her head towards Pantek and says, "We can't directly menace them. We will play on Caspar, and it will be a hard game. " - She stops, trying to make a summary of the situation, then shes goes on, "Do you have something in mind? They will demand a lot from us." - Umbriel does not seem to be really anxious, but she just wants to calculate ALL the possibilities. She looks away briefly and closing her eyes as she continues, "They will submit to our demands. No need to waste any more breath discussing that. But what can we 'give' them?" she asks. Pantek's face remains absolutly serious when re replies, "Of course they will demand something and of course it will be hard game we are going to play. But these are the reasons why the Bureau is playing it and not somebody else." He pauses for effect and then continues, "I don't know what they will demand and I don't know how they will try to find a reason not to give us what we want. We have to be very careful in those negotiations and the main point for you is to show them that you are not just a Vice-Director but a fully competent Officer of the Bureau of Operation. I want them to see two strong Imperials when we talk to them. Don't hesitate to say so if you think that something isn't the way it should be." He pauses again, his gaze deep in the woman's eyes, "Down there, /we/ are the Empire, Umbriel." The fact that Pantek addresses her with her first name shows the importance of his statement. Umbriel settles back in her chair, the confidence and cold professionality in the man before her seemingly to her liking. She just flashes a smile, and adds with her green eyes "Do you really see me as a shy person?". This question does not need any answers, but Umbriel's determination is matchless. She nods slightly to acknowledge Pantek's last words, "Yes, we are the Empire, and i think they will notice it." Pantek nods contently. Suddenly a small red light begins to flash and a countdown appears on a display in the cockpit. After it has reached zero the light surrounding the ship all of a sudden transform in long white beem and finally a star field appears outside the viewport when the shuttle drops out of hyperspace into the system of Caspar. SF-7352 has just entered the system at -2,-372,191. Hyperdrive disengaged. SF-7352 has moved to 13,-332,165 SF-7352 has moved to 28,-292,139 SF-7352 has moved to 43,-252,113 SF-7352 has moved to 58,-212,87 SF-7352 has moved to 73,-172,61 SF-7352 has moved to 88,-132,34 SF-7352 has moved to 103,-92,8 SF-7352 has moved to 118,-52,-19 SF-7352 has moved to 133,-12,-46 SF-7352 has moved to 148,28,-72 SF-7352 has moved to 155,47,-85 Autopilot destination reached. SF-7352 Just moments after the shuttle has dropped out of hyperspace, Vindictive engages the sublight engines and heads directly towards the largest planet of the system, Caspar. Pantek landed the ship successfully. After bringing the ship safely down to the planet's surface Pantek reaches for the opening mechanism and activates it. He stands up, straightens his uniform while the hiss of the ramp can be heard through the whole shuttle, "It's time." He doesn't say more. Without waiting for Umbriel's reaction he heads to the hatch and down the ramp. Umbriel shows no reaction to the fact the shuttle has finally landed. She looks at Pantek and says, "Yes, its time." She stands up, her face is an impassive mask, like during before any Operation. She follows her Director without adding a word. Pantek departs the ship. Pantek has left. ... ... ... ... // moving President's Office - People's Hall A huge Alderaanian Oak desk dominates the center of this room and is a whirlwind of papers and datapads. On the front edge sits an etched glass nameplate that reads "Avalyshaar Laarken, President, Caspian System". A large antique chair sits behind the desk, upholstered in a rich royal blue. Engraved onthe wall behind the desk is the Caspian crest, and crossed in front of it are the Caspian flag and the Presidential flag. In front of the desk sit three chairs, each upholstered in a creamy ivory fabric. The floor is carpeted in a similiar ivory and has the Caspian Cason Hawk emblazoned in it. The walls are painted in a pale blue, enhancing the overall spaciousness and warmth of the room. The eastern wall is covered from floor to ceiling with rows upon rows of books set into the heavy bookshelves. On the western wall hang the portraits of the CDU's former presidents, in order of their tenure; Gerrin, Lyr_Dunwell, and most recently, Kadgie Rodo. The scent of warm coffee fills the room, wafting from an archaic pot that sits on a small table near the door. Through a large window along the northern wall, you can see the picturesque view of the residential districts of Plaxton City, and that the mid-day sky is filled with puffy white clouds as snow falls quickly coating the area and forming drifts where it can collect. -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => HoloTerm <03-00-01> -=-=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=-=- => Pantek => Avalyshaar => Desk -=-=-=-=-=<>=-=-=-=-=- outh leads to Presidential Reception Room - People's Hall. As the deligates from the Galactic Empire step into her office, the Caspian President stands and bows a formal greeting. "A pleasure to welcome you both." She smiles, motioning to the cushioned chairs before her desk. "Make yourself comfortable. May I get you some tea?" Pantek steps into the presidential office, has a quick glance around and then bows deeply and formally. When he straightens again he looks at President Laarken and says with a solemn voice, "We, the Imperial Bureau of Operation, are honoured to be here, President, the pleasure is on our side." Making his way to the chairs Avy indicated he adds with a trace of a smile, "A tea would be wonderful. Milk, no sugar please." When he reaches his chair he remains standing, waiting for Avalyshaar to sit down first. Umbriel enters the preisdential office, following Pantek. She meets Avalyshaar's gaze and bows respectfully. She glances Pantek and turns her green eyes towards the President. When she speaks her voice is low, and very polite, "Nice to meet you, President." Like Pantek did, she just stands next to a chair, waiting for Avalyshhaar to sit down. Making note of the curtious gesture, President Laarken perches on the edge of her desk chair and nods, awaiting the two to make themselves comfortable. She taps a nearby comlink and requests refreshments from, presumably, her mousy-haired secratary who sits in the lobby. "It is an honour to have you here." the redhead agrees. "There seems to be a focus for today's meeting, and that should make this a smooth afternoon. I am looking quite forward to exchanging ideas with both of you on this front." Seeing the President sit down, Pantek takes a seat himself. He leans back into the chair and seems to be really comfortable in spite of the delicate situation, "This is indeed what this meeting should be. We will exchange idea and together we will build a small piece of Caspar's future. I see that your negotiator has already reported to you. Very good. This will save us time." Then he lifts his right arm and gestures towards his Vice-Director, "I think we should begin right away. Vice-Director Vequess will now explain to you why a reopening of the Imperial Embassy on Caspar would bring advantages for both sides, The Empire and the CDU." He slighty turns in his chair, half-facing Umbriel now. Umbriel takes the offered seat too posely. She speaks in hushed tones, while turning to face the President. Her green eyes immediately lock on her, "From time to time, the Empire mentions they would like to have a relation between them and some governments. In the current case, we deeply believe that establishing some.." She pauses, and leans back into the chair, "..relations between the CDU and the Empire could be more than important". Umbriel blinks and glances at Pantek before looking at the President, " The Empire just try to establish friendly relations with several types of business.". She flashes a smile, before adding, "Not only Economically, but also socially. We really think that the CDU and the Empire have lots of things to exchange, and this could start with the Opening of an Embassy on Caspar.. " She settles back into her chair, she considers a moment, silently, before concluding with a confident smile, "We can get lots of advantages for both sides. We are sure of it. " Now she remains silent as she stays locked on Avy's eyes, waiting for her reaction. "Re-Opening the Imperial Embassy here on Caspar is something that has been on the forefront of my mind for quite some time." Avy begins, leaning back in her chair and folding her hands. She looks between the delagates for a moment, then smiles. "The previous conflict between our entities is something that our government is not proud of, I'll be quite honest. We would sincerely like to re-establish a firm non-aggression pact and show our gratitude for the ensuing calm between our systems by re-erecting the embassy. There are things to be concidered of course, due to our recently re-acquired Neutral stance, and the open possibility of embassies being opened for other systems, including your enemies." The door to the office pushes open nearly silently, and Dawn, the mousy-brown haired secratary enters balancing a tray of tea & refreshments. She offers and distributes the refereshments quickly, and with a silent bow, she dissapears again, closing the door behind her. Pantek obviously listens carefully to Avy's words, not even looking at the secretary bringing in the tea and other refreshments. Almost absent-mindedly he reaches for the cup of tea and sips on it, his eyes never leaving the president's face. When Avy has finished he puts down the cup on the tray and nods slowly, "The conflict between the CDU and the Empire has been a set-back for the relations between our governments but fortunately both sides are mature enough to forget this and go on writing galactic history." After a short glance towards the woman sitting beside him he continues, "I am aware of the neutrality of Caspar and I must say this makes it even more attractive for us to re-open our embassy. Caspar will be a place of pease and a place of communication as will the whole galaxy as soon as this unnecessary wars end." He pauses again, sighs softly and then adds, "I suppose that the Casparian workers will build the new embassy on the same place where the old one has been. So, if the embassies of any other factions are not near enough to endanger our privacy, the Empire has no objections." Umbriel nods at Pantek's answer, continuing "We are glad to learn that Re-Opening the Imperial Embassy was one of your preoccupations." She nods before continuing, "In return the Empire would be honored to send you some of our Engineers for the construction plans. " Umbriel tilts her head; her expression has a few odd questions lurking, but she doesn't voice most of them. Umbriel asks curtly - even if she thinks its more a confirmation than a question -, "Does this Embassy re-opening involve the addition of a landing pad?.. " Moving her eyes from Pantek to the President, she just waits in silence. The President ponders thoughtfully as the question is poised. "If the Empire requires a landing pad, then most certainly, a landing pad will be provided. It is not something that is standardly offered in Embassy preceedings, but it could readily be added upon your request." Reaching for her mug of tea, she takes a slow sip. "Of course great precautions will be taken to ensure that any embassies of opposing forces will be placed in a proper and comfortable manner. I look forward to a time when all is peaceful in the Slice, but while it is not in our hands at the time being, every effort will be made to create harmony planetside, and avoid unnecissary conflicts." Umbriel offers a nod in agreement with Pantek, green eyes remaining locked on the President. She takes a sip of her cup of tea, - delicious - she thinks. Umbriel looks up at Avalyshaar, ".. We really dont like to create trouble, thats why we think it is important to precise details. We are sure you can understand us." She pauses and adds, "Our main preoccupation joins yours, i mean we are looking forward to a time when all is peaceful too.. " She nods curtly in conclusion. Avalyshaar chuckles softly and nods, cradling the warm mug in her hands. "Excellent points. A landing pad would, indeed be most benificial. I highly appreciate the concern you've expressed for the population of our planet and their marbled emotions twords your Empire, among other political entities. Something of this magnatude is indeed going to cause some commotion with the people, but on a whole, the residents of Plaxton are very aware of the governmental stance on things and take quite well to the desicions made. Although, you're quite correct. The indepentant views of individuals may differ strongly from those of the Union, and the least upset that we can cause, the better." Another sip from her mug warms her through as she looks to the iced over window that encompasses a veiw of most of downtown Plaxton City. "Will an Ambassador be assigned to Plaxton, much like the former Chantinelle Thistlebourne? Or shall there be a rotating roster of diplomats who will come through?" Pantek's smiles grows a bit when he sees the conversation going in a direction everybody approves. With a slight shake of his head he says, "No, no. We think that it is important for the population and the government of Caspar to have one person to talk to everytime this is necessary are desired. Like this we hope to improve the relations between our governments. Ambassador Ar-Draug will arrive on Caspar as soon as we have concluded our talks. He will be responsible for the connections between everybody on Caspar and the Empire. And of course he will look after the customs on the landing pad at the embassy as well but I doubt that there will be a lot to do." Switching topic Pantek straightens his uniform and says then, "We have planned to organize a ball for the reopening of the embassy as soon as the building is reconstructed. I hope this idea is approved by your side, President Laarken." It is hard to say if this was a question or just a plain fact. The Imperial Officer nods slowly, taking another sip of her tea. She moves her eyes from the warm mug to the President. However she remains calm, listening carefully as if recording information for later use, like Umbriel always does during negociations. A smile touches the Caspian President's lips. "A ball would be wonderful, and I'd be glad to aid in arrangements or security." She notes, perhaps recalling the last Imperial Ball held on Caspian soil. "Is there anything else that your people might require from our Government in the building of the new Embassy?" Pantek leans back and ponders for a while, "No, I think if your workers will hold to the plans our engineers will provide we should get what we need to do a our job on your planet. A few offices, a conference room, a storage room and of course a hall for official events should be enough. You will be able to read the details out of the plans I will be happy to transmit to you." With this he reaches for the cup of tea and finishes it as if to make sure that he wouldn't have to leave it still half full. Then he adds with his everlasting smile, "We could indeed need a little help for the ball. A lot of things has changed since my last visit on Caspar and I don't know which company would be best to be given the order to organize the food and drinks." As Pantek speaks, Umbriel holds him in an intense gaze with her green eyes. Then, she looks at the President and asks curtly, "I have another question.. " - she hesitates, trying to find her words - ".. We wonder if we use the same terms as regards the Embassy definitions and implications.". She leans back, and glances at Pantek. A few seconds after, her gaze come back to the President, "The Empire would like to get a kind of confirmation that no member of our Embassy will be attacked on Caspar, both physically and politicaly? " - She pauses, and with flashing a smile she continues, "Without this immunity, regrettable and _undesired_ consequences could happen." Umbriel shakes her head like if she wants to enhance her last words, she finally adds, "We just think a lot about our citizens, but i am sure you agree with me." "I may be a little biased," Avy grins, she too, finishing off the last of her tea, "But the Sandbar has a great catering package that may very well suit your needs. But, I digress, I am, of course, getting ahead of our situation. When the time comes, we will have to anylize our options fully. I will look forward to seeing the plans for the upcoming construction. I have every confidence that your people will do a phenominal job with it. Immunity to the members of your Embassy is certain. I can't blame you for your concern, at all, but I want to give you my assurance that their saftey is of our top priority." Pantek nods contently, hearing Avy's answer, "I am very glad that our talks have been that smooth, Mrs. President. The Imperial Bureau of Operation hereby officially agrees to the reopening of the Imperial embassy on Caspar. If you have nothing to add or comment, I'd say that these talks are successfully finished. In this case the plans for the embassy will be transmitted to the person of your choice as soon as we reach Imperial space." He slowly stands up and bows formally, "I thank you for this conversation." and then sits down again. Umbriel finishes up her tea, and nods slightly. Although her face remains impassive - showing her more Imperial - she stands up and bows respectfully at the President, "Thanks for this conversation, President Laarken. ". She sits down, waiting for the President's last words. Avalyshaar stands as well, reaching out her hand to shake both of the Diplomat's in parting. "You're both quite welcome. It's been a great success having these conversations today. I look forward to receiving word from your people on the ground-breaking of this Embassy, and all of the events to follow." Pantek rises, bows again solemnly with a friendly smile, then turns without a further word and leaves the office with the same slow steps he used to enter it before the reopening of the embassy what not only a plan but a decided fact. Umbriel rises, nods curtly at the President. Her cold green eyes appear again on the face of this Imperial Officer. Umbriel steps through the door - clasped hands in her back - following Pantek. Pantek exits into the atrium. Pantek has left. You leave People's Hall and descend the stairs onto the street. ...