"Rear Admiral, one of my most pressing concerns right now is the TNO. What is the likelyhood that the New Order may come here?"

Corise thoughtfully leaned against one of the chairs.

"I am assuming that by here, you mean the Kasshyyk system? I do not think likely, at least for the moment. The Empire is beginning to stretch itself too much, almost near the breaking point. As you know, it currently is attempting to pacify and occupy nearly fifteen planets of the Onyxian Sector. On top of that, they are also occupying several other, smaller hostile territories, such as Bothan space, not to mention the various rebel groups springing up the galaxy. Rumour also has it that they're involved in fighting a motley group called the Palestar Crusade. This isn't to say that they won't come here, they might, but it's risky.

But there are ways that almost ensure that the Empire never does come here. And first way to do that is through deterrence. This is the route that the Confederation has taken. Most of holdings are protected by planetary shielding and ground-based anti-orbital weaponry. The only option for them then is to engage us in siege warfare, which promises to be more costly for them then any possible gains they could make from conquering us. And that is assuming that they could somehow break through our defences. TNO knows this. No, if TNO wishes to conquer anything, they'll pick an easier target, and one that's worth taking."

Corise lifted a glass from the table and hesitated. "Can I ask something? This is not to belittle the greatness of your nations, but would there be a reason why TNO would want to specifically come after your homelands?"

"In the case of our homeworld...payment of a past debt." Naosha said grimly. "No doubt you remember during the reign of the first Empire that my people quickly joined them so they could hunt and enslave wookiees and do other inhumane acts without fear of punishment. To ensure our continued loyality, they assisted in building the shipyard on one of our moons, which increased ship production time tramendously. We still owed alot to them in terms of payment by the time the first Empire fell."

"A sad reality indeed." Trazu growled. "The smarter of our kind back then, saw the true reason for the shipyard's construction: to keep us under their thumb until they felt we were no longer of use to them. Unfortunately their concerns fell on deaf earholes, as those in power only saw the immediate profits that would go into their coffers...not the threat to our people in the future."

"It is a fact that factions of our kind still fail to realize even now." Naosha said. "A good number of Clans wanted to join TNO when we were looking for an organization to ally with a while back. They only see the propaganda TNO spews, not the ugly truth behind it."

"When the Council voted to join the Coaltion, those Clans seemed to cut themselves off from the rest of socity." Trazu added with a growl. "And whatever it is they are doing being very careful about not revealing it, as we've been keeping their contacts they have under constant survillance."

"But again we deviate from the topic at hand." Naosha said with a sigh. "Truth is, there's a good chance TNO doesn't even know about this debt we owe. But I have thought of another possible reason: Kashyyyk. Unlike our homeworld, Kashyyyk has abundent natural resources only barely tapped into, resources my people tried to strip them of in the past. If they come for any reason, it would be for that and they'll have two planets full of potential slave labor to use to extract it. Plus...unlike wookiees, my people breed more quickly, so labor populations could be maintained more easily. On top of that is our ability to regenerate our limbs in our younger years, so with all that we would make a rather...ideal....slave race."

"That you thought of all that....frightens me mother." Trazu muttered.

"As a politician...I have to." Naosha replied sadly.

Corise nodded empathetically. This was the reason that the New Order was viewed as abomination throughout most of the surrounding region, and for many places across the galaxy from the Deep Core to the very fringes of galactic civilization. It was a government driven by a mania to conquer, even massacre. And it was almost done in the name of the most trifling of reasons, or if that lacking, one as factitious as an old man's dentures, courtesy of Imperial High Command. The Rear-Admiral knew of this firsthand, when TNO attempted to starve Metalorn's citizens and seize the planet itself. The failed attack had continued to affect the Confederation in many ways, especially that of its military forces and security protocols. There was a price for continued freedom, and that was not only eternal vigiliance, but an eternal effort to make their worlds impregnable. The younger Lucerne cleared his throat.

"Several planets within the Confederation have faced similar issues that your own people have faced," replied the officer, "one would be Thomork, the world which built Palpatine's World Devastators. But as the Confederation expands and unites more governments together, Imperial forces have become increasingly rare from our fields of space to the point that they are seemingly completely deterred from even lingering our borders.

Freedom from the empires of this galaxy is a possibility outside of the Coalition; the Confederation is proof of that. But it is best done in numbers to deter our would be attackers. And that is one thing we can offer you."

A smile creased Lavality's professional face. "My organization, as you might well know, makes our home on the outer rim where the New Order either doesn't view as a worthwhile venture, or just they don't seem to care either way," she said.

"Other than what you have offered," Tzhali said, his droid translating his words. "What else can you offer us, the Seren's have provided much in terms of defense for both of our worlds," Tzhali shifted his glance to Lavality and said. "Is it true, Lavality, that the vast majority of your forces are here?" he asked.

Lavality sighed. "I can't give an exact number, but yes, since the war I have diverted much of my forces here to help protect this area of space," she said.

"And is it true that your own bo--?" Tzhali asked, before Lavality raised a hand and shook her head. "I believe we are getting off topic," Lavality said, causing Tzhali to let out a sigh. Sorry old friend, but that is something you really shouldn't bring up in these types of meetings, condition's related to my organizations borders shouldn't be discussed in front of a potential ally, it could cause problems later on, Lavality thought.

Turning her attention back to the Admiral. "There is something the Serendivus can offer the Confederation, something that might help tramendusly in the weeks, months and years to come," she said. Not waiting for his reply she continued. "I think I've told you already, but in case I haven't, my father developed this organization as both a mercenary outfit, but also as a shadowy group. We prefer to stay out of the lime light and away from the eyes and ears of groups like the New Order.

To that effect, our stealth and cloaking technology is, rumored, to be top notch. In fact, our next drive into this technology is set to be released in a matter of days. Much like how I plan on offering our current cloaking drives to the Wookiee's and Trandoshans," she said and glanced over at Naosha and Tzhali. "I feel it would also benefit the Confederate's to have access to this technology as well, while I would have to ask my scientists and technical officers explain the process to your own officers, it shouldn't be that much of a problem," she said, clasping her hands in front of her.

Lavality knew that handing over the cloaking drives to the Confederate's would be a good idea; she also knew this because of their newer one, which was a thirty three percent improvement over the one's they currently use.

Corise nodded at Lavality. "I thank you for your offer. We too, will share what technology we have. I'm not entirely sure what technology you have that we don't, and vie versa, but I am sure that it will be useful for all involved."

The younger Lucerne focused his eyes on Tzhali.

"Getting back to your question, esteemed guest. Many governments these days are concerned about protection from foreign powers, or sometimes even conquering foreign powers, such as the Empire. These governments focus most of their attention outward for 'what is good for their government.' But we believe that a government should do more. A government should not only protect the lives of its citizens, but it should strive to improve their daily life in ways in accordance to what the citizens want and need.

That is precisely what the Confederation does for its members, mostly through economic and social programs. The Confederation not only acts a military alliance, but also as an economic group. Brisk and protected trade from the various members of the Confederation bring goods and income to citizens throughout the Confederation. Bacta is exported from Genon to the sick, the factory world of Metalorn makes any type of droid that could be possibly used, Jabiim and Valinor supply other worlds with industrial grade metals, Audacia and Almas with grains, and et cetera. And with the Confederate credit being particularly strong because of the Confederation's stability and eminence within the region, our economy is particularly well-suited to trading with other local governments and corporations outside our own government. What we can do, is provide more access to material goods for your people, such as bacta, and provide more markets for your own goods and services.

In addition, the Confederation does provide some universal healthcare to its citizens, including the use of cloning centers to provide free replacement organs, blood, and cells along with surgery, done usually by 2-1Bs. Medical research taking place on Treppok and Almas also promises to provide more salves and medicines which will improve our healthcare. There are other, smaller programs, such as education grants, that also available to Confederation citizens. Thus, not only do we improve the length of life, but we also improve the quality."

Tzhali muzzed over what Lucerne said. "If we decided to join with Lavaity in this alliance, would you need to construct anything here? Like outposts and such?" he asked.

"Other than what we've already done and are in the process of doing," Lavality smiled. "Currently there are plans to construct a more 'permanent' trading station along with a shipyard to be utilized by both powers," she adds.

"Of course," say's Tzhali with a low curteous nod.

Corise's lip slightly twitched at the alien's questions.

"Power within the Confederation between local governments is something that is decentralized. The Council does not give orders to local governments aside from the provisions already stated within the charter. Thus, there is nothing that your governments would have to build. However, most of the Confederation has developed and adopted some standards for planetary defence; these we, and myself as a military officer highly recommend, that your government build. It will not cost much, as it is almost fully subsidized by federal economic operations. If you give your consent, Federal construction units will arrive to build them for you. If you are curious as to what they are, it is planetary deflector shield network and a planetary wide anti-orbital gun system. We believe that the two of them combined together makes a highly effective defense and an excellent deterrent to any attack."

Naosha seemed to be not paying attention to the exchanges between other parties, though in reality she was listening to every detail while mulling her own people’s position. The Confederates definitely sounded like they would be better able to provide them with protection, however it is also a rather big group: one that was rapidly expanding from what she heard. That TNO seemed unwilling to set foot in their borders was comforting…at first. The problem was that eventually TNO would likely want to do something about the Confederates before they became a major threat to them, if they weren’t already.

While she doubted Corise would expect them to help them in such an eventuality, especially in their weakened state, Naosha couldn’t help but feel her world would be a ‘weak link’ in their armor. They could be seen as a strategic location, with a convenient resource world like Kashyyyk close by, from which to attack the Confederation. Such a fate would no doubt led her people to be driven to slavery or extinction. Her gut was telling her that while they may benefit from the alliance in the short run, in the long run…?

She looked after at Trazu, whom looked to be in deep thought as well. Did he have the same concerns? “Is tho Ferco tolling yea unything?” She asked him in Clan Dialect in a soft whisper.

The younger Trandoshan’s gaze met with hers, a small frown on his lips. He was quiet for a long time before answering. “It sooms te shew thut te jein thom directly weald bring ear deem…bat tho Ferco is ulwuys cryptic and incemploto with it’s visiens.” He replied in kind.

Directly eh? She thought, tapping a claw on her the table. As if there was any other way…

Then an idea struck her, one that now seemed so obvious she almost laughed out loud. Naosha was able to temper her glee and keep a neutral face, though the triumph she felt could be seen in her eyes. The biggest hurdle was convincing the Council, but considering the relationship between them already it shouldn’t be too hard. “Trazu, cun yea aso tho Ferco te sond u mossugo?” She asked him.

The lilac eyed Trandoshan nodded. “Hurd te de with semoeno thut’s net Ferco Sonsitivo theagh…”

She shook her head and leaned in closer to Trazu. “It’s to Lavality.” She said in plain Dosh. “Tell her I have a proposal to make to her when we have a break. One I’m sure she’ll agree with.”

“We could ask her now…” Trazu said quietly. “What’s the proposal?” After Naosha whispered it in his earhole his eyes widened at first, but then nodded with agreement.

Trazu looked right at Lavality and waited until she looked his way before sending his message. ~Lavalty, sorry to talk to you this way, but Mother had a proposal to make she didn’t want the Corise to hear.~ He said. ~She wants to know if you would agree to having Trandosha officially become part of the Serendivus. We practically are already if you think about it….~

Any why didn’t we think of this before? Trazu thought to himself privately.

Lavality listened to Corise as he explained things about their government, she was about to speak up when she felt a voice in her head. She didn't look around but instead let out a hidden sigh and glanced somewhat toward the ground.

Listening to Trazu's message, she clasped her hands in feigned thought over Corise's words before responding to Trazu. ~I was actually about to make that request myself, the Wookiee's had requested such a few days ago. If Naosha is interested in discussing this further I'm all ears when we go into break~ she said to him.

She then glanced up to Corise. "With your permission," she stated to Corise. "May we have a break period?" she asked.

"Certainly," replied the Rear-Admiral, leaning back, "if you would like to use any of the private quarters here in the diplomatic complex, you are welcome to for your convience. Or if this is something rather sensitive, you are free to go back to your ships in the hangar and talk. I myself should report to the bridge to make sure everything is going well. When you come back, simply give me a call via comlink, and I will be back within a few minutes."