I do not own any of the Star Wars and DC characters and ideas represented in this work.
Efforts to repair the Warhawk by the small task force went underway immediately after Vader gave the command to do so. INS Stargazer made accommodations in its main hangar as best it could as it shuttled in the wounded. The ship's new captain was more motivated than his predecessor, as the old captain refused to help the aliens. In addition, it sent shuttles of engineering teams to support and helped the Thanagarians repair their war cruiser.
Almaara's Shield was sent out amongst the wreckage of the Gordanian ships to search for any survivors and survey the surrounding area. Survivors who avoided death by going into escape pods or sealing themselves shut in pressurized compartments were quickly captured by swarms of buzz droids who destroyed their electronics and specially equipped space troopers to detain the lizards.
In a regular circumstance, the captured Gordanians would've been shot or left to die, but with plans of a future war with the reptilians, Vader had ordered his forces to capture any survivor Gordanians for information retrieving and interrogation.
Within the command tower of the Eternal Vigilance was a dining room intended to host dinners for high command and guests of special interests. With a window that showed the wild space outside, Vader sat at the end of a long table with Maxima and a few other Imperial Officers. On the other side of the table sat Commander Hro Talak, Lieutenant Paran Dul, and their fellow Thanagarians.
His wife offered them a meal in a show of friendliness and as a pseudo-diplomatic gesture of goodwill. Food and drink were set on the table, and most of the serving dishes were deliberately made for Thangarian tastes. While the others ate and talked about simple things Vader couldn't care about, the Dark Lord sat quietly, studying the Hawkmen under his inanimate gaze.
He was fairly surprised.
Once under his presence, Vader had probed their minds through the force to understand these winged warriors better. But when he had tried to extract information, their minds were unexpectedly fortified, which possibly meant their wills were strong enough to withstand any mental intrusions.
Vader knew better; this was not the case, however. A being with sufficient willpower can fight back against most basic telepathic attacks and probing, but one strong enough in the force can bypass such defenses. This can be achieved either by completely destroying the barrier in a show of psychic might or by quietly entering. Vader suspected that this wasn't an example of individuals having enough willpower to repulse against his probing. He theorized it was rather something else.
Vader has encountered species from his galaxy that were notoriously difficult to read and influence through the force: Toydarians, Hutts, Yinchorri, and a few others. They have eluded Jedi and Sith's attempts to coax them and are even able to guard against master-level thought reading.
They were extremely difficult, not totally immune—not impossible. If one were to be a master in the arts and willing to be diligent, they could, with great care, peer into such beings with subtlety to get around these barriers. If Vader had done the far simpler way of bulldozing their mental fortitudes, then it would have been possible that the attack could have rendered their brains into mush and made any information gathering pointless afterward.
And so here, slowly, he dwelled into Hro Talak as he talked with Admiral Ultraa. In a shadowy fashion, entering cautiously, attempting to avoid detection on the Thanagarian's part. He gathered basic emotions from him: anxious and happy, terribly worried and almost anticipating something.
Going deeper, Vader managed to get a glimpse of the Thanagarian's innermost thoughts. A mission gone wrong, hatred against the Gordanians, a plan to win the war—a convoluted plan involving someone he loves. A lover? No…a soon-to-be wife. A backwater planet that would lead them to victory?
In that second, Vader sensed that Talak was about to perceive the intrusion, and he quickly drew back into himself. Talak may have stopped talking for a moment with a sense of disrupted focus, but he resumed with a shrug and drink of a fine alcoholic beverage.
Vader was about to process the information he obtained but a telepathic voice called to him, and he reluctantly heard it, for he knew who it was. "What is it, Maxima?" He asked with what usual annoyance one could make in a telepathic connection.
Though Maxima was sitting right next to him, she looked like she was just viewing the scene while she talked to her husband in speech beyond most could sense. "I asked you, why aren't you eating?"
"I have no need to eat at the moment."
"Not even a little drink?" She asked teasingly
He sighed internally, "I am fine with such indulgences."
Maxima did actually sigh tiredly through their telepathic communication. "Alright then…also, I know that you're trying to get something from our guests."
"And?" He confessed with no hint of remorse.
"And, that's very rude, my dear husband."
"I do not see why you take the time to follow meaningless rules when I sense you do it yourself all the time!"
She scoffed, "Well, that's because I do it to our fair subjects; we have a right to do so. But doing it to our guests is another thing."
"Then that is a courtesy you can happily perform," Vader said with mock seriousness and ended the conversation. Maxima dropped it.
Vader went back to his thoughts that were interrupted by his Almeracian wife. Talak's thoughts, yes, he remembered, such an array of thoughts that deeply resonated within the warrior's head. So important they were to the hawk that they stained the back of his mind, which was why Vader had the chance to sense them.
If Vader were to believe the Commander's thoughts, then there was a military operation in the planning for years that involved a world of little significance that could help the hawks win their war against the Gordanians. All of this is important to the commander because a woman he greatly loves is centered around this plan. Would this mean that this war would be drawing to a close soon? Or maybe this attempt to break their stalemate would result in failure?
Regardless, Vader will no doubt have the Galactic Empire make a preemptive attack on the Gordanians, whether with Thangarian support or not. A drawn-out war with the Thangarians has possibly exhausted the Gordanian war machine, and Vader could theorize that they wouldn't be able to conduct another vast war for years without recovery and reconstruction. But if the Empire gets involved— an invasion on the Gordanians Galactic East—caught between Hawks and Imperials, they would have no choice but to mount a defense that would not be properly maintained and manned.
The Empire could benefit from Thanagarian cooperation in the upcoming multi-front war, but only if they were willing to. While Thanagarians and soon the Empire do hate the Gordanians, the latter being Vader's options, of course, could possibly spark an alliance of some meager sort, but it would not be enough to guarantee it fully. By seeing their reluctance to accept their help in dealing with the Gordanian cruisers, they would be less so inclined to accept Imperial intervention in a war that they may consider theirs to have.
Thus, an incentive must be created—a deal—something that could strike the fancy of the Hawks to the point where they couldn't even say no. And Vader might know what might tickle those feathers.
Patiently, he waited till the Thanagarians were mostly done with their meals. He made a gesture, and all of the Imperial officers invited to the banquet, including Ultraa, left the dining hall. This roused confusion among the birds, and Maxima also made a puzzling look.
When it was just the Thanagarians, Vader, Maxima, and a contingent of Imperial shock troopers left in the room, Commander Talak was the first to break the awkward silence. "I hope there's nothing wrong happening at the moment, Lord Vader."
"That depends, Commander…" Vader paused, pressing the comlink to his chair and sending out a message to the bridge, "Contact Almerac, inform Chancellor Sazu of the situation, and her presence is required in a holo-transmission." He faced Talak, finally responding to his concerning question, "I would worry not, Commander; we will be discussing pressing matters."
"Such as?" Talak said.
"Your war with the Gordaninans and how the Empire will intervene."
Vader's words died into silence that seemed to stun the Thanagarians while Maxima's befuddled look left her, and she realized Vader's game.
Hro Talak took a moment to think and traded looks with Lieutenant Paran Dul, who had barely talked and only observed this entire time. He said, "That's…very interesting Lord Vader. I'm sorry to be the bearer of bad news. However, most of the information about the war is confidential." He made an uneasy chuckle, "I hope you understand. We can't have important sources leak out to our enemies."
"I think," Maxima budded in, "What my dear husband is trying to say, he believes a natural alliance between Almerac and Thanagar can happen with our shared interests."
Both Thanagarians looked at each other. Hro asked in genuine interest, "An alliance?"
"Of course," she elbowed Vader for an answer, "Right, husband?" Vader didn't say anything. Maxima chuckled and made a dismissive wave, "He said yes with his eyes."
Lieutenant Paran Dul, a Thanagarian engineer that Vader noticed to be reserved and observant, voiced her opinion. "On behalf of my commander, may we ask why you would like to pursue an alliance?"
"A common enemy," Vader explained.
"The Gordanians…" Talak answered then asked, "But I thought Almerac was not at war with them?"
"Yet." Vader corrected. "We may not be at war with them, but I doubt that they will be content in the Empire's continued growth by peaceful interactions."
"And Thangar?" Hro pressed.
"For now…neutral, but we can be allies if a partnership could be met."
On the empty seat next to Vader, the in-built hologram projector up in the ceiling made a chirp and then created a blue light within the vacant chair. The blue light morphed into a ghostly blue form of Chancellor Sazu, sitting as if she were there in the dining hall. "My Emperor, my lady," the shimmering hologram said, "I recently received your message, I wasn't expecting to—"
"Have you been informed about our meeting?" Vader said to cut her off.
"Well yes, I have."
"Then what task you were performing up to now is immaterial." Vader honestly put it.
Maxima looked on the other side of Vader and looked surprised to see Sazu, her long time handmaiden, former handmaiden. "Oh Sazu! It's been a minute, hasn't it? How's the job?"
"There is always work to be done," said Sazu, "And Lord Vader has never been at a loss to provide me with work to do." Vader detected her voice was a mixture of satisfaction and weariness.
Sazu, to Vader, had come across as a woman who has above average intellect but was confined to a position as an advisor before he elevated her to a chancellor. He was sure that being such a consultant to Maxima would have been frustrating, if not contemptible, but Sazu mostly kept those thoughts to herself and for good reason. Maxima wasn't exactly, and still is, a woman who can take criticism fairly. Sazu seemed to be somewhat relieved or even joyful that she was put into the newly created chancellor seat, but quite possibly didn't expect the responsibility she would have to endure.
That responsibility was to ensure that the economic and financial system of Almerac, now the Galactic Empire, could fully support and sustain the Imperial armed forces. Vader knew that he wasn't the one to do such a thing, nor could have the patience that required it. He fully understood that the New Empire, despite his dismay, needed a sufficient economic output to produce military power effectively. Yes, fear and discipline were good tools that had no price tag, but even the Sith Empires of old needed some form of economy to survive as a foundation.
Vader only allowed a position like a chancellor to be made and exist out of necessity, not from his most wanted wishes. He could tell that Sazu, while achieving a position that involved more subjects that she liked and could perform, had troubled her because of its main purpose of ensuring Imperial military strength through economic management. But, like the role before, she mostly kept any complaints it to herself, and in cases where she did question him, it was more out of clarity than an inquiry of moral or ethical considerations.
"Well," Maxima said, "I'm sure you always wanted that. You were always a brainiac."
Sazu made a smile, forced out of appeasement or genuinely constructed, Vader couldn't tell or care. "I am, my Lady."
"Commander." Vader announced to Talak and ended the two Almeracians pointless talk, "This is my Imperial Chancellor, Sazu. Sazu, Commander Talak of the Thanagarian Empire."
"Uh, that is nice and an honor, Chancellor," Talak said to Sazu's hologram and then looked at Vader for more information. "But I'm afraid you have us at a disadvantage in terms of what is currently going on."
"This is a negotiation, Commander. The discussion that will happen in this room might heavily influence your war with the Gordanians."
Talak and the other Thanagarians were stunned by what Vader said. "Negotiations?" Talak repeated, then made an uneasily short laugh, "Lord Vader, While my crew and I are honored by your words and request, there is so much I could only do as a Commander, diplomatically, that is. What you are asking is well above my rank. If anything, the Ruling council of Thangar or even a diplomat might be a better and safer option than myself."
"So you are refusing my hospitality?" Vader questioned, "In which, I expend it for a selected fortunate few, and you deny it?
Talak raised a placating hand armored in a gauntlet. "Now, that's not what I meant. What I'm trying to express politely is that the powers of my rank may limit how I deal with foreign affairs."
"Let me explain, Commander," Vader told Talak and his fellow Hawks, "My patience is finite, and talks of this sort are below me. However, I am willing to make exceptions for important beings like yourself and your people because of my interests. I can consider your limitations; if this cannot be an official matter of diplomacy, then let this be a test of character." He explained, "In the following proceedings, if the way you and your men talk and discuss my cases intrigues me, then let that morph my view on your people. If this is not a negotiation, then this shall be a foundation which one could be laid upon."
Commander Talak ruminated with Paran Dul, but reached a silent conclusion. "Very well…what is your plea?"
Satisfied, Vader went on. "I understand your war with the scaly barbarians has lasted for many years, has it not?"
"It unfortunately has," Talak confirmed, though Vader sensed a hint of past pains. "But soon that could change."
"Regardless, it is a matter of 'when' not 'if' a war between the Empire and the Gordanians will happen. In such a case, The Empire can cooperate with the Thanagarian endeavors to destroy Karna."
"You said that earlier." Talak looked somewhat tempted. "That is an appealing idea, but in what ways?"
"Militarily, The Empire can launch an Assault on the Gordanians' eastern flank within collected months of preparation and intelligence gathering. I am confident that they will not be able to mount a defense, for their proper focus will be put on your side beforehand. Even so, they will be exhausted by your generational war and will not be prepared for a multi-front war." He shifted his gaze at Paran Dul. "Tell me, Lieutenant, what is the manner of time before the Gordanians collapse in a scenario?"
The table looked at the female hawk, Paran was surprised at her focus being put on her, then cautiously eyed Vader. "And in what ways do you think I am able to make an idea on that, Lord Vader?"
"A hunch," Vader said.
Paran Dul kept looking at Vader suspiciously but let it up. "If your military is up to the task, strategically and logistically, of engaging with the Gordanians and do actually attack their eastern borders, five years to seven years is the best I could summarize. That is to say if they don't change tactics and increase their numbers in the fleet and army sectors out of desperation."
Vader considered it. As much as Imperial reconnaissance can obtain, a source from a Thangarian would be reliable information on the Gordanians. If a being with experience in handling Gordanians says that they will be a tiresome group to deal with, then Vader can not entirely scoff at her speculation.
However, such theories can only go so far, especially given how little information Paran Dul knows about Vader and his Empire. She does not know the full extent of the Imperial fleet, projects Vader had been storing for some time now, his powers in the Force, or the past knowledge of Sidious' empire; when he came to think about the last part, no one does.
Since the creation of his own Galactic Empire, Vader had eschewed away the usage of super weapons that were a staple point in his master's hegemonic militaries; this was because Vader thought the time was not right and resources would be too demanding that his own Empire will not be able to suffice it. However, with a stable foothold and a war with a major power looming, Vader might have to reconsider such decisions.
He had seen Sidious' vast weapons projects in planning, under construction, or nearly completed. Super Star destroyers that can match the firepower of an entire fleet. Defoliator weapon systems and manufactured diseases that can utterly devastate biological life. Stations like the Death Star that can destroy planets in one blast and war machines piloted by droid brains that can crack open planets with tractor-beam technology and devour them to mass-produce ships and equip entire armies.
Vader had taken glimpses of these weapons of mass destruction; some he had very good knowledge about, while others only had rare glimpses. He had wondered why Sidious would pour heavy amounts of wealth and resources into such projects. The described weapons would have been suited just fine under galactic spanning open conflicts like the one Clone War, but the Galactic Civil War that the Empire was in before Vader left was a war with an enemy that hides and strikes when least expected. Super weapons would of been slow and eaten costs.
Nonetheless, while these weapons might've been pointless under Sidious' rule, the same cannot be said under Vader's domain.
"A bold speculation." Vader finally said after completing his musings. "But what would you say if there were ways of bringing that collapse faster?"
Paran Dul regarded Vader, "That greatly depends on what it is, a strategy? A weapon of sorts?"
"We will come to that in a moment. For now, I would like to set this alliance with a trading deal."
Both Talak and Dul looked into each other with hesitant faces. "What kind of trade deal are you looking for, Lord Vader?" Hro Talak asked.
"A simple one." Said the Sith. "An exchange where both of our Empires can greatly benefit from it and lead to a higher understanding." He paused. "Tell me, commander, what do you think of my Star Destroyers?"
Talak considered Vader's question as Paran studied the Dark Lord. When making an answer, Talak replied, "Well, I'm not going to sugarcoat it for you; they are impressive ships." He admitted, "Admiral Ultraa has explained some of what they can do, and I'm surely impressed by them."
When Talak was done talking, Paran continued the Thanagarians' impressions, "Your starfighters are also noted interest; if not we, then I am certainly curious about them."
"Are you confessing their superiority?" Vader amusingly pointed out.
"I can't say I would go that far." Talak said, "But they are definitely the works of wonders."
"Could you say that Thanagar would benefit from procuring such things?"
"You mean you provide for us?"
"Trade to you is an appropriate term."
Hro Talak heavily thought about what Vader was getting at. "I'm not a man who really involves himself in Thanagar's manufacturing process." He gestures to Paran, "Lieutenant Dul may have longer words than I do about that matter. But I can say that having additional cruisers would greatly help the war effort."
"A sentiment I agree with," Paran concurs. "But, if we do agree with the trade, in what form such ships will be sent to us?"
"That greatly depends." Vader explained, "I could have ships manufactured and sent directly to your territory directly at a fixed price. But if you wish to have plans to build these ships yourselves, then I would demand a higher cost for the insurance of these blueprints being openly known and their secrets possibly being revealed to the wider galaxy."
A bolt of realization strikes Hro Talak, and he becomes more rigid and intensive. "And this cost? What are you wanting from us?"
"It appears that you already know the answer to your question, Commander…" Vader revealed.
All of the Hawks were startled, offended even, by what Vader was asking for in exchange for ships and Imperial war material. Talak asked in a slightly unbelieved voice, "You're not asking for Nth metal, are you Lord Vader?"
"Well duh," Maxima snorted, putting her elbow on the table and placing her chin into her hand in a gesture of boredom. "What else are we gonna ask from you, feathers?"
"Lord Vader," Talak shook his head, more out of the audacity of Vader's demand than saying no. "What you are asking for…that's a serious matter we Thanagarians hold dearly. Trading Nth metal to foreigners is an affair the Ruling council of Thanagar only deals with; even then, we give so little to outsiders. Any Thanagarian that is caught delivering Nth metal to outsiders without Council approval could be put to death."
Sazu felt the need to further assure the Thanagarians, whose feathers seemed to be riled up by Vader's talk. "That is why," her holographic voice entered the conversation. "This is the basis of a future discussion, Commander. What my Emperor is simply asking has not been fully cemented. When you return to Thanagar, you can show my Emperor's proposal to your council and have them and Lord Vader finalize the agreement."
Though eased, the Thanagarians still took a visible umbrage. "Regardless, that's still a tall order, Lord Vader." Commander Talak issued.
Sazu made an attempt to reason. "We haven't yet set the amount we demand, Commander, surely whatever percentage we ask in Nth metal in exchange for starships and weaponry wouldn't affect your total mining and output of the ore."
"And what exactly is that amount, Chancellor?" Paran Dul asked the hologram figure.
Vader glimpsed at the holographic form of Sazu, and the Almeracian chancellor thought about the question, possibly considering the exchange rate between one Imperial Star destroyer and refined Nth metal. "There are many factors to an answer to that question. What is the total Thanagarian production of Nth metal at a yearly rate? Information about the metal is limited out here in the galaxy."
"On a need-to-know basis," Paran deliberately cryptically described, "Millions of tons."
"One million or in the hundreds of millions?"
"Like I said, a need-to-know basis."
Vader allowed Sazu to talk some more. Sazu, impeded by the defensive Thanagarians, still continued. "With the information I have about the rarity of Nth metal and the overall cost of a fully functional Imperial I-class star destroyer, the amount of Nth metal to ship can depend on what format you want to deliver the cruisers. If you wish to purchase fully made Star destroyers, we could go to a certain tonnage per ship or a set percentage of your Nth metal production. If you desire to have the manufacturing blueprints of the series, then we would have to go with the latter for an easier approach." She heaved her shoulders, "Regardless, the starting point of Nth metal to Star Destroyer would be one standard ton of refined Nth metal ore to one standard Imperial I-class destroyer."
The Thanagarians were exasperated and aggrieved, fully showing their displeasure at that price. Talak would have said, "Chancellor, that's!—"
"A starting point, Commander Talak; even if so, it is a straight equivalent on which each good is priced."
Vader recognized the Thanagarians' mixed feelings. "Perhaps you should converse with Lieutenant Dul in a quieter space…"
Talak and Dul exchanged gazes again, and Talak sighed with a tolerant breath. "That might be best." Both were guided out of the dining hall by Imperial shock troopers, stormtroopers in red-colored armor that symbolized their presence under the Imperial Guard.
***
In a room just across the dining hall in the hallway they shared, the stormtroopers ushered the two Thanagarians into a room that seemed like a guest room for people of special status. Now alone, Lieutenant Paran Dul watched Commander Hro Talak pace around. The Dark Lord's proposal of an alliance through trade was fresh in their minds, and both were equally troubled.
"The council would never agree to what Vader is asking." Talak imagined to himself and Paran. "Star Destroyers or not, I met the council, and they wouldn't dare think about a deal like that."
"I think the same way, sir." Agrees Paran Dul. "But like what Chancellor Sazu told us, this was the foundation of a future agreement. If anything, the price could be subject to change. If the council gains interest in Vader's deal, they could convince him to lower the price."
"That's still a stretch."
"I think so too, but what Vader is offering us is valuable, the demand for Nth metal notwithstanding. Their cruisers and starfighters are highly effective; the way they dealt with the enemy task force shows that." She stopped to let a thought go around her mind. "As much I value the plan we have," she made no official reference to the hyperspace bypass operation, in the worry that the room had a listening device. "To have more ships to the fleet would greatly increase our war effort against the Gordanians, and more so, an ally willing to participate in the war would be even better."
"I know this, Paran." Talak quit his pacing. "But can they be trusted?"
"If they weren't, then we would have been dead some time ago."
"You believe this?"
"Either they could have let the Gordanians finish the Warhawk and destroy them in the aftermath, or they could have easily destroyed us after their swift action against the Gordanians. We wouldn't be a major threat to them at any point."
"That much I know. So I guess that's the basis of our "trust," they don't like the Gordanians; they see us as an added bonus, and killing us would be a waste of time."
"'The enemy of my enemy is my friend.'" Paran Dul paraphrased. "If I correctly remember that wording."
Talak nodded, though out of concession. "As much as I want to destroy the Gordanians with the help of an ally, we don't know the Almeracians that well. What's to say that they don't follow through the pact, and once the war is over, they attack us?"
"Hard to say, sir…" she said.
"But I can't pass up the opportunity like this either, Paran."
"No, we can't…" she and Talak didn't say any words after that for a long moment. Paran then ran multiple ideas through her head, trying to figure out the best course of action for Thanagarians everywhere. "Commander." She finally asked her senior officer.
Talak, regarding the Lieutenant, "An idea?"
She nodded. "Indeed. What if we left a dedicated officer with the Imperials so that we may establish a diplomatic network between us and them?"
Commander Talak thought of the plan. "What, like an ambassador?"
"In a sense, perhaps." She said, "But what role they would be playing, specifically, would be as a military attache." Talak let Paran further develop the idea. "If the Imperials are dedicated to attacking the Gordanians without prior experience with them, it would suit their needs if they had an Officer who had such understandings of the Gordanian way of warfare. This attache would help guide the Imperials to tactics and plans they would need to have to be successful in a future campaign."
"And us?"
"Not only would we be getting an opportunity of the Gordanians being overwhelmed by a two-faced war and ensure our victory, but we will also be establishing communications between the Almerac and Thanagar, with the attache getting a better understanding and view of Almerac to make a cohesive alliance. If so, we could have a future ally in need if this were achieved."
Talak's face went into deep understating and thought. Paran was pleased that her Commander had considered her idea and perhaps saw it as a good one. "Alright," he said, "It could work if we manage it carefully. But who will be this attache then? Kragger?"
Paran Dul couldn't decide between choosing sneer or making a laugh at the idea of Kragger being a military diplomat and constrained both emotions. It would be a sight to see that Kragger, being his usual self, would anger Vader and grant Kragger a well-deserving strangulation, assuming that Vader does that often, of course. But that would quite possibly develop into an intergalactic incident, and that wouldn't help Thanagar by any means. They could get an actual diplomat when they get back to Thanagarian space, but it is better for them to deliver an attache now and work out the logistics later than waiting to return back to friendly space and perhaps losing Vader's patience.
"It would be best if I stayed and be this officer, Commander." She suggested evenly.
Talak was caught flat-footed by what Paran said. "No," he firmly stated afterward.
"Commander, this isn't—"
"I said no, Lieutenant. You and your work are needed elsewhere."
"Work that can be carried over by my colleagues at the project."
"Which would go faster if you were there, to begin with," he said.
"It would be completed regardless." Then she added, "Commander, I am rightly aware that the project hold is very important to the war. But this could be just as important. I am confident in Thanagar and me's ability to proceed with the mission, but we must consider the possibility of failure if that comes to it." The idea of losing went into Talak, and Paran knew who and why he had that feeling. "Talak," she expressed honestly, "I am not a person who believes in preordained moments of time or destiny for that matter, and I doubt you and any sane Thanagarian would. But I have a feeling that these decisions we make today can base the survival of the Thanagarian race and our place here in the Galaxy."
Surprise was shown in Talak's face. "I…never seen this side of you Paran."
Paran Dul was dumbfounded about herself, too, but kept that surprise within her. "It is a dire time, and we can't afford to exclude every avenue of approach towards victory, no matter how foreign and new it is."
Talak, in deepening thought, paced away and looked outwards through the room's only window. He gazed at the star-riddled void for many silent moments.
***
"I am assuming you made up your mind?" Vader asked the two returning Thanagarian officers escorted by Imperial shock troopers.
They settled within their respective seats, and Talak eyed Vader. "We have." He answered. "We're honored by your proposal, and we will have to consider it heavily and take time, especially when the Ruling Council has the final say. I will, of course, take this idea of an alliance to them, and they can hopefully agree to what my Lieutenant and I have concluded."
"And?" Sazu said.
"If it were up to me, I would accept your decision of an alliance; though the trade deal can be discussed further to satisfy us and the Galactic Empire, I would gladly approve the offer of a friendship between the Thanagarian Empire and the Galactic Empire."
"That is comforting to know," Vader said.
"And because of my agreement," Talak continued, "I thought it was best if we could extend a token of gratitude and to show cooperation by offering a military diplomat."
"You have my interest." Vader replied, "And this diplomat will be?…"
Talak gestured to Paran, "Lieutenant Paran Dul volunteered to do so."
Lieutenant Paran Dul bowed from where she sat, "As a Lieutenant of Thangar, my services will be extended to your rule, and I hope that it will deepen the relationship between our Empires."
The recent development was unexpected, but Vader wasn't going to pass up a Thangarian officer as a diplomatic envoy. He certainly wasn't going to deny the offer of an intelligent woman such as Paran Dul to his assets. If nothing else, a veteran of fighting the Gordanians would be useful.
"Your offer is accepted, Commander and Lieutenant. I can assure you that this will dearly benefit us. That is rather a prediction than a promise."
"I am glad you agree as well," Talak said
Maxima, relieved by exhausted exhale, looked at Vader, "Well, since that's done and other with…" she rubbed his passed arm, mechanical arm, "Now, can we please go back to our lovely time of hunting down those pirates?"
Vader made a simple response, pleased with the bargain he had gained. "Yes, we could. Our business here has ended."
***
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