Year 24, Day 12
Tor Aashrur, Morta
After a recent report on the Galactic News Network revealed One Nation Under Jou had entered negotiations with the Confederacy of Independent Systems in regards to a possible partnership, several members of the local media have publicly raised the questions on what this may mean for both groups. Could this spell the end of Independence for the One Nation? How does the One Nation benefit from such a partnership?
A clandestine informer from one such media group, who wanted to be identified by a code name ‘Nightfish’ for their personal security, was dispatched to Morta on a fact finding mission.
With the recent news, it was speculated by ‘Nightfish’ that Kutol was likely to meet with the One Nation leadership. With some work, and a bribe, it was revealed that this was not the first time this ship had passed through security. Several weeks prior, the locals pointed out there had been an increased number of soldiers in the city. Most claimed that this only happens when someone important plans to visit, causing the local authority to clean up the streets. Though one local fervently described how it was a sign of the end times and the lava seas would swallow the continent any day now.
Another increase in security seems to suggest another diplomatic engagement may secretly be planned. ‘Nightfish’ was monitoring chatter while in orbit when a private craft registered to Siejo Kutol, Chairman of the CIS, was observed approaching Morta and landing in Tor Aashrur. The craft was then documented as having landed in Tor Aashrur and ‘Nightfish’ followed behind.
‘Nightfish’ was able to discover that the meeting took place in the tavern run by Galactica Security Services, after they realized the increased security seemed to be limited to the proximity of this tavern. A landmark location as it was the first tavern offering bounty hunting contracts on Morta, this specific tavern is frequented by passersby and locals alike.
Due to the increased security, it was all but impossible to enter the tavern through the front door without raising suspicion. Using extensive skill, ‘Nightfish’ was able to enter the employee entrance and observe the person Kutol meeting was no other than Countess Lilith herself, who did not appear as keen on the location as Kutol was, who according to ‘Nightfish’, already had a substantial number of empty glasses on his table.
Countess Lilith reportedly only drank whiskey, which ‘Nightfish’ found highly suspicious because who drinks such a drink in a pub?! Kutol was working through one of the many local specialty ales on tap.
The conversation was difficult to follow, but ‘Nightfish’ released a description of the audio file he recorded. On the recording, above the crowd noise, two voices were prominently heard. One was a Male Voice, speaking Basic with an odd accent. The other voice was female, speaking slowly and calmly. It was insinuated that this was Chairman Kutol and the Sovereign Countess herself, Lilith Delcroix.
Charimain Siejo Kutol: Ever since the Scrappers settled in Zrak, there has been nothing but … [inaudible] … and those damn red glasses were genius. They are good people for sure.
Sovereign Countess Lilith Delcroix of Vorsia: Scrappers are certainly good at … [inaudible] … all of our dirty work … better future for us all.
Siejo Kutol: If this works, … [inaudible] … I am sure Kil’astra would not be thrilled. He has been busting his ass developing the region. Royal Vorsian Healthcare is likely more organized than the Outer Rim Medical, which focuses on harvesting and small time sales. If they develop in the south, it could … [inaudible] …
Lilith Delcroix : I am sure they could help each other. Sevala is not as … [inaudible] …but I digress. Royal Vorsian only sells in local hospitals … [inaudible] … should not take each other’s business. Speaking of business, this affiliation business … [inaudible] … CIS has the kind of galactic reach that we do not. We are pleased that our citizens will be able to travel safely to explore newly allied systems and spread the word of Jou.
Siejo Kutol: … [inaudible] … can assure you … [inaudible] … merging. While democracy is something we like to support, the CIS strives to represent independent systems.
Lilith Delcroix: *scoffs* Democracy lost in Year 21… Republic was a failed experiment… structure, authority… safer for the people.
Siejo Kutol:: How each system is locally governed is up to those sentients. To be clear, if there is oppression, then we are very much against but, personally, monarchies are much easier to work with. Less drama typically.
Lilith Delcroix: Oppression is a tool of the weak and insecure. It has no place in a prosperous society. I do not rule to compensate for my failures. As such, I believe we are in agreement.
Siejo Kutol:: I can see, just from our few meetings together, that religion is important to you. The Order of Kampar has long been a member of our movement, but we believe in tolerance. When you represent a large population, there are bound to be differences and mutual respect is key. We have never mandated our citizens to follow one particular set of viewpoints, as long as there is peaceful interaction between believers.
Lilith Delcroix: For us faith is a framework for people to develop better lives, even for non-believers, and for authorities to be measured against. We will welcome the opportunity to spread our message further across the galaxy but we do not aim to force anyone to accept it. We will endeavor to understand this Order of Kampar more, perhaps our goals align.
Siejo Kutol: Personally, I had followed the ways of my people for a long time. On Glee Anselm, we strive for balance and to spend eternity in peace within the Endless Ocean. One is to be judged by our ancestors at the time of our death, and hopefully will be found worthy.
Lilith Delcroix: We do not concern ourselves with death, Jou’s message is for the living, but to be at peace is a worthy goal.
Siejo Kutol: I can appreciate that. It’s hard, going through all of this, and wondering about past mistakes and what it may mean. The Anselmi Race once threatened that balance and were destroyed by the water goddess.
Lilith Delcroix: Goddess? I struggle to believe in ‘higher powers’ that are not the Force.
Siejo Kutol: Potentially. Either way, I think that a partnership between … [inaudible] … could greatly benefit both of our organizations. We would have to be … [inaudible] … with this, but I will discuss it with Dex privately. He and I are overdue for a … [inaudible] …
Lilith Delcroix: Well keep me posted… I think we spent enough time in this [inaudible] … next time we need a better location.
Overall, it is unclear what will become of a potential affiliation between the Confederacy of Independent Systems and the One Nation or when an official announcement is to be expected.
An inquiry was placed to the Head of State office, who refused to comment. Strategically, the move makes great sense. Both governments share many of the same ideals. The Confederacy has Sovereign space in both the Northeast and Southwest and Morobe system serves as a perfect midpoint for a hyperlane between the two. The Morobe system is within the top 10 systems based on the number of known hyperlanes. This should only increase the ideas behind the Separatist movement to spread to new areas of the galaxy. While a full merger between the two governments seems unlikely, the CIS Gossip publication has proposed that soon Sovereign Countess may even ascend to the leadership helm of the CIS. Only time will tell.
