Wilkar’s jaw dropped like a super star destroyer, crashing into a half finished death star.

The admiral was notorious throughout the armed forces as an insatiable smartass, but today, on a cold landing platform, everything changed. Wilkar had met his match in the crusty, old, son of a bitch that was Grand Moff Azrael Zell.

Wilkar exchanged glances with Major-General Rollins, who was all but curling up into the fetal position.

The Army… what an excuse…

Wilkar then noticed that Captain Tillis was trying, very unsuccessfully; to not reveal how truly repulsed she was by Grand Moff Zell. Her face seemed to change from a façade of quiet professionalism to horror in a matter of seconds, then back to professionalism and then back to horror again.

I knew she liked them young. Or younger…He pondered as he vainly tried to tuck a graying hair into his service cap.

The first official meeting between the Commonwealth and the New Order was on the brink of becoming a circus.

The kind of circus that you hear about people getting stabbed for a credit chip, not the kind you see on VNN with the pretty trapeze artists.

"Is she cute, Admiral?"

Wilkar stopped dead in his tracks and turned to look at Zell.

“I honestly could not answer that Grand Moff Zell. I’ve never met her, but I have been told she is of the highest caliber. Though, I’m sure when Mr. Vinda found out you would be coming, he got her off planet.”

Satisfied, Wilkar continued walking towards the transport that would take them to their meeting with Mr. Vinda.

“Supreme Commander Kaine, Major-General Rollins will take you to the Trade Hall for your meeting with Mr. Vinda. Grand Moff Zell, I’ve been instructed to give you a tour of Bonadan.”

"Very well. Come on, you nationalization dodging son of a rancor's whore. Let's see if your defenses can impress me."


Flabergasted.

Natalya watched out of the cockpit as the Firespray climbed its way up into the upper reaches of Bonadan’s atmosphere, her gaze melting into the thin cloud layers as they disappated before her.

Her thoughts still raced through her mind…

Slowly but surely as the ship roared upwards, she could begin to make out the curvature of the planet, where it ended and where the deep vastness of space began…


As the Hyperdrive kicked in , she felt herself sink into the seat, yet still her mind flashed with her thoughts…

…Mnestra…


…What was it?


…Was it a name? A place?…


Even merely thinking about the word itself was enough to send a cold shiver down her spine, she felt the hairs on the back of her neck tingle…

She had barely registered Ishara’s comments prior to leaving Commonwealth space….

Natalya was so deep in thought, it was only when Ishara questioned her directly, that the young woman tore herself from her reverie…

"Hey, are you ok?"

Realising she had forgotten herself, Natalya self-consciously brushed a few rogue strands of her hair behind her ears as she nodded then smiled in response…

Feeling compelled to get to know her new companion better she found herself looking around the ship, it was well kept, and tidy, Ishara seemed to run things with a military-like manner…

While Ishara was focused with setting the co-ordinates , Natalya rose from the chair and looked around, her curiosity getting the better of her…

"You've never asked what it is I do and we seem to have some time so maybe we can learn about each other. I work primarily as a bounty hunter, although I have been known to take other questionable work as well. It's a living, and it pays the bills."

Nat turned around a little embarrassed to see Ishara standing behind her, evidently having finished her piloting duties for the time being…

She knew Ishara could handle herself alright, but she was still surprised to hear that she was a Bounty Hunter…


…interesting…


Her eyes stopped at a picture of a younger looking Ishara , and again Nat noted the military theme…Ishara seemed to pick up on this, and by way of explanation replied…


"I used to be in the Black Nebula Legion. I was taught a great deal on how to survive. They turned me into a very successful pilot, saboteur, and assasin. The men you see in the picture remain very close friends to me today...


"...and like I told you when we first met, I have very few."


“I see..” Said Nat nodding in acknowledgement…realising there was more to Ishara than what met the eye…she threw the Bounty Hunter a kind of cautious glance mixed with an element of humour...


"...should I be worried?" She said grinning...


As the journey progressed Natalya listened and watched as Ishara gave her the tour of her ship , showing her the equipment onboard. Nat found her to be both practical and methodical, true military traits that were probably very necessary in her line of work, (Natalya found herself thinking…)

Then, as the tour finished, Ishara turned and gave her passenger a serious look…and she asked the question Nat knew was coming…

"You haven't told me why you're going to Brion. What exactly is making you go on this trip?"


Taking a seat, Natalya sighed…


…how the hell do I explain this?…. She thought to herself ruefully…


Slowly, Natalya relayed to her new friend all that she had experienced , about what she had learned about her mother, her dreams…

She found that once she had started it all came out…
Nat had kept it all to herself all this time and just being able to tell someone about it all was cathartic…

“I Think, Salazar is a person, of that I am sure, don’t ask me why …as for Mnestra…”

Natalya shrugged…

“I haven’t got a clue what it is or what it means, or even if it means anything!”

She took a sharp intake of breath as she continued…

“I’m sorry Ishara I really hope this doesn’t turn out to be a waste of your time…”

A thought flashed through her mind, plainly evident upon her face…

“I’ll pay for everything, I mean you’re out of pocket at the moment, I don’t expect you to just go chasing rainbows, for nothing…”

She grinned…

“Money’s not a problem, trust me on that…being a Vinda does have some advantages you know….”

Her face grew serious…

“You don’t think I’m going crazy do you?” Nat asked suddenly…


She looked up at Ishara her eyes wide…

Bonadan Trade Hall - Private lounge




As the door to the huge windowed lounge slid aside, the two men came face to face with each other once more…

Instantly memories of their last encounter flashed through Vinda's mind…

Dressed impeccably, the businessman greeted the Imperial as he entered …


“Welcome to Bonadan, Grand Marshall…”

“Would you care for something to eat or drink?…”

Kaine simply raised his hand and shook his head to decline…

…and as the Imperial entered the room, Vinda, with a quick cusary nod indicated for his aides to leave them in private.


They were simply just two men now.


Vinda couldn’t help but size up the man standing before him, he looked older now, a few more lines here and there, but then again he wasn’t getting any younger either…

The corporate leader gestured for the visitor to take a seat upon the lounge’s comfortable chairs…

Vinda took the initiative…

“I have to confess, I had been expecting a visit from the Empire at some point…but I did not expect it to be from yourself…I’m flattered”

His smile contained the hint of mischief as he continued…

“The Empire must be worried”

Ishara listened carefully as Natalya explained why she needed to get to Brion. she appeared to be truly plagued by these visions and also seemed equally desperate to get the answers.

"I Think, Salazar is a person, of that I am sure, don’t ask me why …as for Mnestra…
I haven’t got a clue what it is or what it means, or even if it means anything!”

Ishara thought about what Natalya had just said.

"Mnestra could be a name as well, although..."

Ishara came up with a suggestion.

"...it sounds like it could also be a code or password. I could be wrong though."

Natalya then cut in and voiced her concerns of taking Ishara on a trip which could produce nothing.

“I’m sorry Ishara I really hope this doesn’t turn out to be a waste of your time…”

“I’ll pay for everything, I mean you’re out of pocket at the moment, I don’t expect you to just go chasing rainbows, for nothing…”

Ishara began to smile as she listened.

“Money’s not a problem, trust me on that…being a Vinda does have some advantages you know….”

Ishara smiled at Natalya and motioned to her to stop.

"I didn't come on this trip for payment Nat. It's been a very long time since I've done a favor for anyone. Besides, you seem like the type who would remember something like that in the future. I may need a trip to Brion from you someday!"

Ishara laughed with Natalya at the comment. She then noticed her friends face get serious.

“You don’t think I’m going crazy do you?”

Ishara knodded her head in disagreement.

"You're not going crazy Nat. I've heard the stories of the Jedi and the Sith and I'm sure you have too. They see visions like these which guide them in certain directions. Have you ever thought you might be force sensative?"

Ishara got a reaction from Natalya as it seemed the very notion had surprised her.

"I'm not trying to scare you Nat. I just recently discovered I have a sister who went through a great deal to find me. Maybe the force lead her, maybe it didn't. Either way, she found me."

A low alarm sounded and Ishara returned to the cockpit. She turned back to Natalya.

"You'd better get strapped back in, we're coming up on Brion."

The ship exited hyperspace and entered orbit around Brion. As the ship began to decend to the surface, Ishara turned back to Natalya.

"It's time for you to get some answers."

Bonadan Trade Hall - Private lounge


A smile tugged at the Supreme Commander's lips. "I am supposed to tell you that sheltering the 'usurper' of the Hapan Throne, Dakkon Darksword, will provoke a swift and terrible justice upon your head from the 'true and rightful' heir, Lupercus Darksword."

He sat back in his lounge chair and chuckled softly, "Though Lupercus is enjoying his Governorship just a little too much right now to really care about Hapes." He shot a look towards Vinda, "I guess a hedonistic lifestyle will do that, no?"

"Why am I here?"

The Imperial seemed to ponder the question a moment taking in the details of the room. Confortable. Designed to put guests at ease. Allowing Bonadan to fleece their credits and leave the hapless victim smiling all the while, no doubt.

"Why am I here, Mr. Vinda... why indeed."

As if to himself, Kaine mused out loud, "Seth Vinda. Power of the Corporate Sector. Dependable. Reputable. A rock in times of distress and a symbol of order in an otherwise disorderly galaxy.

Vinda's word is his bond. A fact demonstrated by the Hapans wanting your signature above all others in your Hapan Accords. Quite a political coup, if I do say so myself.


Why am I here?


Because you decided that instead of one reasonable opinion ruling over all, that every crackpot and closet politician should have a voice in determining the course of this entire region of the galaxy."


Before Vinda could respond one way or another, Kaine shrugged. "I am sure you have your reasons. Altruism, even foolish atruism is reason enough, I suppose. I don't agree with this new system you're supporting but in the end, history judges us all anyway."


Kaine's grin turned sharp. "And since we are writing that history, it makes sense that for this little part in history, we make sure to back someone we.." Kaine paused, "..dare I say, trust?"

Shifting slightly, he continued, "I believe your part in bringing Hapes into the Commonwealth alone will skyrocket your political bid to victory. But in a democratic organization, getting to the top is not usually hard. You just need alot of money and something that captures the attention and admiration of the mortals below. No, in a democratic system, the trick is staying on top.

Of what good is it to deal with you and gain certain...understandings.. if you are not going to be in power next year?"

Kaine shrugged, "An Imperial needs a rock to lean on. Not water."


"So why am I here?

Why to ensure that there remains a rock in this part of the galaxy to depend on. I know I can trust you not to fall for the Coalition's tricks and insatiable desire for warfare. Just as I know you will not fall for our own," his smile grew wider, "tricks."


"I respect intelligence. Even if that intelligence leads someone along a different path from mine.


Mr. Vinda, this Commonwealth is an unknown quantity. It represents an big glaring question mark on the galactic map because we are not sure if we can trust your people to be as .... reasonable as you are. Therefore, it stands to reason that it is in our best interests to ensure that, if it is your desire to level the field of Corporate Sector politics and share that field with every Johnny-come-lately, you remain in a position of influence for a good long while.

In a democratic society, the name of the game is not power but influence. Wield the most influence and you will move the democratic gears into action. Slowly and, in my opinion, inefficiently but moving nonetheless.


So I would like to support your foundation of influence and keep you in power." Kaine raised up hand, "I am not talking about illicit funds or anything illegal or thinking of some 'dastardly Imperial plot'."

He leaned forward, "I am talking about some real political capital that will pay off dividends in your election and relection efforts.

I am talking about proposals of the kind that only you will be able to make because the Empire will deal with no other representative but you.


I am talking about Aargau joining our League of Nations. A group of independent planets that are working toward a more stable Core where they do not have to surrender their soul to the Empire or Coalition to enjoy a protected existence. It is a project we are working with that seems to be working. The Empire apportioned some ships to serve as patrol craft for each of these worlds but is merely a member of the greater League. The League enjoys it's own status on Coruscant and meets in the old Senate Rotunda.

I am sure, stuck so far away from the center of this Commonwealth leaves many planetary leaders on Aargau worried about their chances in such proximity to potential conflicts between the Empire and Coalition or other misled people.

I am talking about giving you hard data on the GLF, which I am sure you will find very interesting, and the next key to not only routing them but ensuring they gain no foothold in this," he waved his hands, "as Zell would say, virgin territory."


Kaine looked rueful, "You know, I think I could use that drink about now. I think we have quite a bit to talk about."






As Admiral Wilkar began to lead the codgy old Moff towards their planetary batteries, the old man scowled.

"NO! You nerf-headed fool of a rancor's turd! Let's see what you have INDOORS! Not out in that kriffin cold!"

Bonadan Battlements - Sector Alpha


“Zell, you’re going to drive me to drink again,” said the Cineburg as he struggled to light a cigarette.

“To freeze your asses off on this fucking ball of ice just this side of Coalition territory you must be drunkards. I'd say alcohol would make it easier for the Coalition Peace Keepers to assassinate you but they can't hit the side of a Star Destroyer. I should know, I fished enough of their fucking bodies out of Corellian space and every one of the bastards had some sort of surprised look frozen on their faces as if they could not believe their fucking gods would send them off to die.”

Wilkar blew out a puff of smoke as he finally got the cigarette to light. “Now Zell, why would one of those Coalition Peace Keepers want to kill me?”

“Because you look like a bastard that won't take orders from a scaley! Also you're an Admiral, even if you have shit for brains, and the mere fact that you're talking to me would make you the epitome of evil. The Coalition would kill you to destablize the entire sector though a Nationalization Dodger like you would only destabilize your woman's once-a-year chance for sixty seconds of sex. They'd try to start another war but then again you're probably not important enough for them waist they're precious scum sucking alien time. Sorry to get your hopes up Bantha fuck. And Cineburg? It’s Grand Moff Zell to you, shithead.”

“That’s funny Zell. You struck me as a xenophobe too. A very old xenophobe but a xenophobe none the less.”

The Grand Moff pulled his white coat closer to his shoulders as a gust of frigid wind came across the platform.

“You know what’s wrong this Commonwealth of yours?” said Zell, rubbing his hands to fight off the numbness.

“Enlighten me Zell…” replied Wilkar.

“It’s too fucking cold and filled to the brim with nationalizing dodging sons of whores, smartasses like you!”

Wilkar shrugged.

“And there’s hardly any decent ass here! No trip this fucking long, in this fucking bitter cold is worth it without decent ass. What Simon sees in you dumbshits is beyond me. You’ll all die out because there are no attractive women to reproduce with!”

“All the ‘decent ass’ is hiding from you Zell,” parried the Admiral, alluding to the Grand Moff's reputation as a womanizer.

“Maybe you use Tauntans instead,” growled the Grand Moff. “I hear some dumbfucks will stick anything in those things. Even fucking Jedi!" He looked around squinting in the wind, "Where’s that underling of yours? Tillis, is it?”

Wilkar became lost in his thoughts as he watched a flight of A-Wings, coming off patrol, land at Starfighter Command.

“Hey, shit for brains, I’m fucking talking to you. Where the fuck is Tillis? I’d rather her give me the tour than a nationalizing dodging son of a bitch like you.”

“She volunteered to inventory the Third Fleet’s torpedo propellant stores,” said Wilkar, snapping out of his mental haze.

“What? You have to fill your fucking torpedoes with gas? Likely story nerf shit, I bet you ordered her to go inventory all that shit. You knew she couldn’t resist me. Well, I don't want that up tight bitch anyways. I've bedded queens of entire sectors. I don't want your underling bitch.”

Wilkar threw his cigarette butt off the platform as he lit a new one. “Okay asshole, the tour’s over. I need a fucking drink.”

“What? Did I hurt your feelings you pile of rancor shit?” ripped Zell.

Finally, thought Zell. I was almost running out of options to get out of this fucking cold!!!

The Casque and Mug – Commonwealth Flag Officer’s Bar


“The Casque and Mug? What kind of a place is this, Cineburg?” complained Zell, his eyes darting back and forth as if some Jawa in a toga holding the secrets of the universe would reveal that the Emperor Hyfe was really Regrad in disguise.

Wilkar took off his service hat, took a seat at one of the bar’s booths, turning to Zell he said, “I never said that you had to come with me. You could--”

“An Imperial Grand Moff roaming the streets of this fucking ice ball? Think bigger, nerfscum! I could go see that little Captain of yours... bet she's a tiger in bed.. Of course, you're probably sweet on her which makes you a fucking idiot and would probably have me shot as a spy anyway. So, so much for that great fucking idea. So, just go get me a drink!”

Wilkar left the booth and made his way through the sparsely populated bar. It was midday, after all. Most officers were at Starfighter Command, a part of the General Staff or serving his or her shift on one of Bonadan's orbital battlestations. Some officers remained, however, enjoying the priviledge of rank by having a light cocktail with midday meal.

“Give me one Graverobber, and how about a...," he turned to the old man seated, "… Defeated Imperial for that old crone back there,” ordered Wilkar.

“Is that all sir?” asked Staff Sergeant tending the bar.

“Uhm…” Wilkar leaned over the bar. “You got any Deranin or Exodorep back there?” questioned Wilkar half jest, half serious.

“Excuse me sir?” asked the Sergeant, obviously confused by the Admiral’s reference to prescription sleep aids.

“Just kidding, I’ll just take these drinks.”

Wilkar sat Zell’s drink in front of him, and quickly knocked back his own. Zell took one gulp and spit it out all over the table.

“What the fuck is this shit, Cineburg? I ask you to get me a drink, and you bring back this pussy shit? This is about as weak as your fucking courage! I would expect better out of a bona fide alien hater like you, Cineburg, but you are a nationalization dodging sob. Don't stand there looking stupid, go get me another!”

Wilkar returned to the bar.

“Two more Graverobbers, please,” said Wilkar, exasperated. He was already beginning to feel the affects of the very hard alcohol.

Sensing Wilkar’s situation, the bar tender already had them ready. The Vice Admiral walked back to the booth.

Zell was feeling magnanimous, “Should we toast, Cineburg?”

“Sure Zell… sure…”

“To your kriffin’ cold, ass backwards civil rights lovefest of a Commonwealth!” toasted Zell, in his raspy voice.

“And to your sadistic, military dictatorship of an Empire!” returned Wilkar.

The digs at each other's governments seemed to roll off as the two attended to their drinks. Wilkar watched in amazement as Zell knocked back the double in one gulp.

“See Cineburg, let me give your shit-for-brains approach to life some advice. When you get to my age, make every drink a good one, because god damn, it could very well be your last. So no more pussy shit,” he added

Wilkar nodded. Zell took another pull on his drink.

"This is a good drink, Cineburg. It makes me feel like Regrad the Azguard came up behind me and kicked me right in the balls. You're not completely worthless Wilks; don't let anyone but me tell you otherwise," he add, clearly as an afterthought.

"Thank you Zell, you're too kind to me. Keep those drinks coming Sergeant,” he yelled over to the bar.

"Damn right I'm too kind. I give you more than you deserve, Cineburg, and is it fucking cold in here or is just me? Tell that lazy shit bartender to turn up the heat! It's colder than a Coalition whore in here! What kind of atmosphere is that for a fucking bar? Your fucking Commonwealth is so kriffin backwards, it's a wonder you can even travel at light speed!"

Nat listened intently as Ishara gave her suggestions and refused her offer of payment, and smiled to herself, something told her the young woman would not accept.
In the short time they had spent together, there had not been one awkward silence or the usual forced politeness that tended to happen when one met someone new.

They both were completely relaxed and at ease with each other’s company.

Natalya was beginning to feel it was as if they had always known each other, it was strange, she noted, how one could just connect with another instantly…

It was unusual, but most certainly welcome.

Nat didn’t have many friends, mainly due to the twists and turns life had thrown her way.

Perhaps it was simply…about time...


Her thoughts drifted back to Ishara’s startling theory of Natalya’s force sensitivity…


...was it really startling?…


It made sense, and it would certainly explain a lot…

Inwardly Nat chided herself…


…denial…


In that moment , Natalya realised she had known all along, but had not been honest with herself, in her effort to try to regain some semblance of a normal life she had all but pushed it aside, looked the other way…


…but it would not go away…


The force would not be refused…


…Perhaps she was not destined for what people would call a ‘normal life’


Now, evidently, there was only one thing left to do…

Even now as these thoughts flashed through her mind, she suddenly became aware of the hilt of her lightsaber against her waist…


…Embrace it.



"I'm not trying to scare you Nat. I just recently discovered I have a sister who went through a great deal to find me. Maybe the force lead her, maybe it didn't. Either way, she found me."


This revelation brought Nat from her thoughts instantly, and she tilted her head slightly as she looked upon Ishara with a quiet understanding…

“I’m sorry Ishara, that must have been quite a shock… thank goodness you found each other…”

She smiled sincerely…


At that moment a shrill alarm interrupted their conversation, they were exiting Hyperspace…

Natalya felt herself tense, and her thoughts sharpen, quickly…


"You'd better get strapped back in, we're coming up on Brion."

As the pair of them strapped themselves in, the ship lurched out of Hyperspace and after a brief flash, the cockpit was flooded with blue light from the planet up ahead, casting sharp angular shadows across both of them…

Natalya eye’s focused on the planet before her as Ishara manoeuvred the ship into its orbit. Its mass of swirling clouds and weather systems still obscured what lay on its surface, teasing her further, as if it was not ready to give up its secrets just yet…


...Was she now seeing the same thing her Mother had done many years before her?...


There , looking down at the blue and green orb , Natalya could feel something within her pull her closer, then as if on cue, Ishara spoke…


"It's time for you to get some answers."


...and as they began the steady descent to its surface, Natalya steeled herself for what may lay ahead...

















Masada City Spaceport…




Brion, to all intents and purposes, was a backwater planet, off the Galactic radar so to speak, it was sparsely populated , and from what Ishara indicated, there was only one major city, if you could call it that.

A settlement which awkwardly surrounded where the inhabitants had managed to carve a functional spaceport out of the hard rock, the obvious point of focus for trade.

Brion itself was a rocky and mountainous planet, scattered with loose pockets of alpine forests, and as Natalya stepped out of the ship and along the gangway, the scent of pine teased her senses…

She breathed in the air , it was cool and fresh, despite being in what amounted to an industrial docking area, it was nothing next to Bonadan’s vast and sprawling ports…

It felt good after being stuck inside the ship for the entire journey, recycled air had its own distinctive odour. Nat felt her body tense up giving her the urge to stretch…

As the young woman stepped off the gangway her footsteps scraped with the sound of grit underfoot, accompanied by a second set as Ishara eventually joined her…

“What now?” The young Bounty Hunter asked quietly…

Natalya looked around her in reaction, and shrugged, letting slip a faint smile as she replied “I guess we ask around…”

She turned to face her friend…



“Know any good places to start?”

Ishara considered what her friend asked. The kind of answers Natalya needed could not be just answered in a cantina by any of the locals. She needed someone more familiar with Brion.

An idea came to Ishara. "There's an elder who lives here. It almost seems like he's been on Brion forever. I've never spoken to him personally, but we could start with him."

Ishara tapped on Natalya's shoulder and began to lead the way. "He's on the far side of Masada in the older district. It won't take long to get there."



As they walked, Ishara realized she had a comfort level with Natalya she rarely ever had with anyone else. She found herself just talking.

"My sister and I were seperated at a very young age and left for adoption. I was brought to Coruscant and she was brought to Naboo where we lived very different lives. I'm not sure why were were seperated, but in her research she discovered something. A Jedi brought us to the adoption centers we were left at. She also discovered that our parents were deceased at the time we were left."

Ishara laughed and shoke her head. "I can't believe I'm telling you all of this Nat!"


Ishara and Natalya had been walking for quite sometime when they had finally come to decrepit building. It looked like it had been here for years and was in need of being torn down. They walked up to the door.

"This is it Nat."

Bonadan Trade Hall - Private lounge



As the Supreme Commander of the Empire finished, Vinda nodded slowly, and activated the comms, requesting refreshment for the both of them….

“Certainly…”

His mind was in overdrive. The businessman took a moment to digest all of what the Supreme Commander had said…

It was plainly evident, that Kaine did not like nor feel comfortable with the direction the Commonwealth was taking, but he had chosen to accept it, at least for now.

Barbs aside, his dismissive attitude towards all Vinda had worked to achieve was both unsurprising yet mildly offensive to say the least…


…Johnny come latelys?...


…crackpot politicians?...

But then what did one expect from an Imperial?...

Vinda controlled his both his indignance and annoyance well, he was used to it by now…

Even Simon’s message from Lupercus did not phase him, threats had long ago lost any currency with the Corporate figurehead.

The Empire was not stupid though, and it did not wish to create yet another unnecessary enemy , when there was no reason to.

The fact still remained however, they were worried.

So the lines of dialogue had been opened, the feelers put out…

Vinda was still curious as to why Kaine himself had come to Bonadan, after all, any experienced diplomat could have handled this affair…

The Corporate leader found himself looking upon the Imperial with a curious gaze…

He had wanted to know himself…wanted to look Vinda in the eye…

If one thought about it, it was absurd, one could almost forget the two men sitting face to face talking were who they were, they could have been two old friends perhaps, catching up…

The Imperial’s comments regarding the terrorist faction the GLF certainly caught his attention…

Their cowardly attacks on Aargau were still not forgotten, and as far as Vinda was concerned , still a debt outstanding…

Vinda calmly selected a cigarra and removed one end with his cutter, then lit it with his lighter, taking a few puffs …

The familiar drill set him at ease…

He rolled the Cigarra around as he chose his words carefully…(while gesturing with his pouch for the Imperial to have one…)

“Firstly, Supreme Commander, you honour me with your support, and I am certainly grateful for it. I understand your concerns, and I would like to set your mind at ease…”

He paused to take a thoughtful toke, sending a swirling plume of blue smoke unfurling upwards…

“I too value and respect intelligence, and as such I believe we have an understanding…your good faith shall be returned…in the interests of security and stability for both our sides , I believe my small part in this shared history demands I accept your offer…but I would like to know more about this…League”

He smiled faintly…

“As for the GLF, any information regarding these…terrorists , would be highly appreciated…I would also go as far to suggest that perhaps in future, if any of our respective governments receive information relating to this GLF , that we could gain a lot more by sharing what we know as a matter of standard, we would reciprocate in kind, of course…”

The businessman seemed to consider something for a moment, before venturing…

“Perhaps even some kind of intergovernmental taskforce could be created to specifically handle this threat…with both intelligence, manpower and funding from both of our governments…”

He trailed off , and looked up at the Supreme Commander as if testing the water…

At this moment , a discreet chime indicated the refreshments had arrived, and an aide entered the room with a full tray, of both food and drink…