Ossan Parliament Embassy, Etti IV
"Of course,"
Gash Jiren said, smirking slightly. "There is always a catch, is there not?"
The smile was not returned by the man opposite to Gash, seated comfortably in one of the two Cardooine oaken-chairs which were positioned in the the Council of Ten office. That man was Cerl Quentor, one of the Council of Ten appointed by the business community on Etti IV following it's conquest by the Rogue Jedi Order. The Council of Ten acted as the official ambassadors of the Ossan Parliament's will on Etti IV, and, as such, were the rulers of the urban world.
While Aargau, the capital of the Corporate Sector, had recieved a similar treatment, in terms of electing new leadership, Etti IV's election process had been especially important. The sheer amount of credits which flowed in and out of the Banking World on a daily basis rivaled Coruscant and far surpassed Aargau. In the wrong hands, those funds could be devastating to the New Republic war effort.
'I do not appreciate your humor, Sovereign-Elect Jiren. This is a serious matter requiring the serious attention of the Ossan Parliament; in all honesty, I am quite displeased that the Parliament chose to send you instead of an impartial ambassador."
Cerl did not break his somber demeanor even once.
"And I do not appreciate your tone. The Parliament does not "send" me anywhere; I chose to come. I built the Rogue Jedi Order with my bear hands; and I rule it. Personally, if necessary."
'The Ossan Parliament doesn't seem to think that,'
Replied Cerl cooly, smiling a thin, predatory grin. 'They managed to oust you pretty efficiently, just in time for Thrawn to occupy Ossus.'
That stung. The Chiss War was still pretty fresh in everyone's memory. "Admirable candor. What is it that you want?"
'In exchange for the Precautionary Measures Tax act, I want the Alpha Division of the Neo-Katana Fleet to defend the Higian Trade Route from Etti IV to Aargau.'
Gash snorted. "I think you overestimate my sway in the New Republic navy. High Admiral or not, I cannot just snap my fingers and make a task force appear."
'Then we have nothing to discuss. You may leave my office.'
Then... there it was. In the back of Gash's mind, an awareness of impending danger--one which told Gash he hadn't the time to waste haggling with some nonsensical beaureaucrat. "As you wish."
He stood, and with him, the various bodyguards and aides, both of Gash himself and Cerl Quentor. Yet, Cerl himself remained seated.
Gash stepped away from the desk, glancing back briefly--and noticing that Quentor had remained seated. Fire burned in his red eyes as he turned to face him again.
"No. Here's what
I think we have to discuss, Councilman Quentor. I am quite well aware of your business interests, legitimate and less so, on the Higian trade route. I can call a hundred different business associates of yours, and in minutes, not only have you ousted from the Council of Ten, but have your corporation's business destroyed. I am the Sovereign-Elect of the Rogue Jedi Order, and I don't have the time to pretend to humor your petty personal interests. The Ossan Parliament is not a tool with which you may futher your profit margins. You will vote in accordance with the Council on the Precautionary Measures act, or I will have you arrested, exposed, court marshalled, and imprisoned faster than even you can cheat and lie your way out of.
"And
everyone stands when I leave the room."
Cerl Quentor stood, grimacing, and defeated. He extended his hand, unblinkingly holding the crimson stare of Gash Jiren. 'Always a pleasure, Sovereign.'
Gash nodded, paying no heed to the extended hand. He turned on his heel, storming from Quentor's office with his entourage in hot persuit. One of his aides, a young human, kept pace with him. 'Superbly handled, sir.'
"Thank you. But contact the New Republic, and inform them we will not be returning as planned."
'Sir?'
"Return to the Presidential Office with the rest of the men. I am capable of handling myself."