|
Visiting Mical de Crion
| |
| Ambassador_Varos | Date: Tuesday, 26 Jun 2012, 10:15 PM | Message # 1 |
 Private
Group: Users
Messages: 14
Status: Offline
| On a sunny morning on Mical de Crion's estate on Tallaan, the former Representative-turned-anti-Imperial pariah would find himself the unsuspecting host to an Imperial Ambassador. The Ambassador—one of presumably few visitors to Crion during his self-imposed exile, the result of an impolitic speech that had gotten him expelled from the Senate—a Mr. Darryl Varos, had shown up at the estate unannounced, and been so forceful in demanding an audience with Crion that he'd been admitted to the man's home before Crion had even been informed. Varos knew well that his Imperial title opened many doors; that, and an imperious demeanor.
The Ambassador stood in the sitting room of Crion's home, looking out a floor-length window on the estate's well-maintained grounds as he waited for Crion. No doubt, an apologetic aide was informing the man of his presence now.
 
Darryl Varos
Ambassador of the Derso System
Ruusan Reformation League
Former Brigadier General, Ketarisian Planetary Defense Force (as "Jeffen Varos")
|
| |
| |
| Mical_de_Crion | Date: Saturday, 30 Jun 2012, 12:31 PM | Message # 2 |
|
Colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 151
Status: Offline
| He was mid-conversation with his advisor and chief aide, Jules Petit, when the other aide came into the room to inform him of Ambassador Varos' arrival. The fact that a member of the Diplomatic Corps, let alone any Imperial official, was visiting him was odd. With exception of a bounty hunter who had found nothing but a man tending his vineyard for several months to report back to the Empire, he had become something of an afterthought it seemed; with exception to recent Senate debates. Jules showed his concern openly, the estate having been preparing for Mical to make his first leave of the residence in several months on a trip to Tion for a conference on opposing local government imperialism on behalf of the All Stars Burn As One Foundation. Jules and himself were in fact going over the itinerary for his arrival, when the aide interrupted.
"Very well, I will see what Ambassador Varos wants. In the mean time, continue our preparations," he said to Jules as he left the study and strode through the halls of his estate to see Varos. He let it rush through his mind what he could have possibly wanted, or the Empire for that matter. Perhaps against his better judgement, he dismissed any bodyguards that attempted to take his side on his way towards the front until he was finally in the sitting room. "Ambassador Varos, an honor to make your acquaintance. I do not believe we have ever met, I am Mical de Crion."
Mical Léo de Crion
Director, All Stars Burn As One Foundation
Chairman, Urban Youth College Fund
Owner, Château Hiver Rivière
|
| |
| |
| Ambassador_Varos | Date: Saturday, 30 Jun 2012, 10:35 PM | Message # 3 |
|
Private
Group: Users
Messages: 14
Status: Offline
| Varos, his hands behind his back, turned to face Crion as he entered the room. He nodded. "Darryl Varos, Ambassador of the Derso System," he said, crossing the distance between them and extending a hand to shake. Varos's bearing hinted at a martial background that was rather uncommon to Ambassadors, who tended to be wealthy donors to Imperial causes and campaigns appointed for political reasons. But there were was no military record in his file, if Crion had looked it up—in fact, there was practically nothing in his file, not so much as his education or even his homeworld. This wasn't too unusual for an Ambassador from the Outer Rim, however; most of the time, little attention was paid to them.
"Forgive my unannounced entry here, Mr. President," he said, though his tone of voice was quick and crisp, as though he had nothing to apologize for. "I think you'll understand my reasons if I can have a few minutes of your time. I wonder," he added, his deep voice—Socorran, one might guess—becoming more quiet. "Can we take a walk about the grounds? I'd rather speak in confidence." Who it was he didn't want to overhear their conversation wasn't immediately clear.
Darryl Varos
Ambassador of the Derso System
Ruusan Reformation League
Former Brigadier General, Ketarisian Planetary Defense Force (as "Jeffen Varos")
|
| |
| |
| Mical_de_Crion | Date: Sunday, 01 Jul 2012, 4:48 PM | Message # 4 |
|
Colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 151
Status: Offline
| He shook the man's offered hand, as he studied his postier. Crion also, while more relaxed, gave an air of a military background as well. While he was not standing ram-rod straight, and had no qualms about putting his hands in his pockets, among other behaviors, his posture, demeanor, and the air of confidence that emanated from him would suggest a military background as well. He did not care to have looked at the man's file; he was one who believes that it was not who a person was, but in fact what they did, that defined them. Thus, he preferred these blind meetings. Regardless, with an Imperial official, part of him wanted to always check them out first. It was likely Jules was in fact doing this.
He nodded to Varos, and motioned a hand to a nearby door. "Your entry is not an issue, Ambassador. I've been alone with my family and staff on the premises for over six months; a visitor, no matter who, is a welcome sight at times." He opened the door which led out into a courtyard. Various furniture showing that he preferred to use the area as a conversation space, but as Varos had requested, they kept walking. "And I must correct you; the official term of our head of state is Premier, but I am no longer holding that title. I resigned all of my governmental positions six months ago. Now, what can I do for you, Ambassador?"
Mical Léo de Crion
Director, All Stars Burn As One Foundation
Chairman, Urban Youth College Fund
Owner, Château Hiver Rivière
|
| |
| |
| Ambassador_Varos | Date: Wednesday, 04 Jul 2012, 10:51 PM | Message # 5 |
|
Private
Group: Users
Messages: 14
Status: Offline
| Varos could be forgiven for using the wrong title for Crion—Outer Rim worlds had a tendency to fashion their governments on the Colonies model, which generally had a President, not a Premier. The slip of the tongue was understandable from a man who, if one were to judge from his provincial mode of dress, didn't have occasion to visit the Core Worlds often; either that, or made a deliberate choice to reject the popular Core fashions in favor of his simpler, more traditional garb. He nodded, acknowledging the error, but said nothing until Crion asked what he could do for him.
"I'm not here on official business," he admitted, his hands behind his back as the two men strolled the grounds, Varos's gaze drifting to the well-maintained lawn, hedges, and trees. "I'm here representing an individual of means who was moved by your words, Mr. Crion," he explained, dispensing with formalities, "He laments, as do I, that there are so few who are willing to say what must be said about the Empire, and that those who do so are cast out of public life, as you were. Sir, I will be blunt—" he said, stopping in his tracks and turning to regard Crion "—thousands were murdered on Alurion, and potentially tens of thousands on Carratos. A million dead or displaced in the Dressellian war so far. The same, or worse, can be said of the Nosaurians, Wookiees—it goes on, Mr. Crion. It will go on."
"Words matter, it's true," Varos said, quoting from Crion's famous speech to the Senate, "But sometimes words aren't enough." There was a quiet intensity behind his words; it was obvious that the man believed strongly in what he was saying. This was no ISB ploy.
Darryl Varos
Ambassador of the Derso System
Ruusan Reformation League
Former Brigadier General, Ketarisian Planetary Defense Force (as "Jeffen Varos")
|
| |
| |
| Mical_de_Crion | Date: Thursday, 05 Jul 2012, 9:38 PM | Message # 6 |
|
Colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 151
Status: Offline
| He was a man of protocol, and he knew the Imperial Diplomatic Corps was as well; especially to a human, no matter their standing. It was one of many clues that confirmed that this was no ploy, the man's disposition and attitude chiefly among them. It was because of this, that he considered the man to be genuine, as opposed to an attempt to silently "disappear" him. While the man was of the Imperial government, he just admitted to far more than any other Imperial had thus far, or would likely ever will. This peaked his interest further, and left him considering the man as much as he could, conducting one more study upon his person.
For now, he was silent, still fearing an ISB sting operation in the back of his mind, and wondering where this was going. "While I'm glad you heard my speech, I must ask; what do you mean words aren't enough?"
Mical Léo de Crion
Director, All Stars Burn As One Foundation
Chairman, Urban Youth College Fund
Owner, Château Hiver Rivière
|
| |
| |
| Ambassador_Varos | Date: Thursday, 05 Jul 2012, 10:07 PM | Message # 7 |
|
Private
Group: Users
Messages: 14
Status: Offline
| Varos seemed to peer into the distance as he considered the question for a long moment, then—"Words don't stop lasers," he said, grimly. He looked at Crion again, his expression hard. He was a bearer of unpleasant truths. "You see the problem, Mr. Crion, and I know you'd prefer a peaceful solution to it. But there's no peace now for the millions of beings the Empire has murdered. Where are their words, Mr. Crion? Yes, we can speak for them and give them voice, but what good are the voices of millions if the Empire won't listen to them? If the people of the Empire won't listen? Let alone the voice of one..." he paused. The reference to the unceremonious end of Crion's career was an unsubtle one, and rather undiplomatic for an Ambassador. But, as Crion had noticed, Varos was surprisingly blunt; indeed, he'd said so many self-incriminating things to Crion already that he'd clearly put his trust in the man, and asked for the same.
"There are many of us who feel that speaking for them isn't enough," he explained, "That we have to fight for them. We don't want war," he hastened to add, "But the Empire must be made to listen. At the least, the mass-murder campaigns have to be stopped."
Darryl Varos
Ambassador of the Derso System
Ruusan Reformation League
Former Brigadier General, Ketarisian Planetary Defense Force (as "Jeffen Varos")
|
| |
| |
| Mical_de_Crion | Date: Sunday, 08 Jul 2012, 3:06 PM | Message # 8 |
|
Colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 151
Status: Offline
| "Words can stop wars..." he mused for a moment, considering Ambassador Varos. Ever the diplomat, ever the pacifist. He only believed in fighting when one had to, and he was yet to believe he had to fight to restore the Republic. However, the various atrocities of the Empire could not be ignored. He reached a moment when his curiosity took over, and his instinct to avoid this line of conversation with Varos disappeared. He listened to the rest of what he had said, and considered it for a time. After a moment, he would look away, and up the hill at the vineyard and towards the mansion of the estate on the top of the hill.
"What would you have me do?" he asked, simply. If her were to act, preparations would have to be made. His family and staff would have to be made safe. His assets and those of his various companies would have to be made so the Empire could not reach them. He would have to ensure the Chateau would be intact. All could be done, but it would take time.
Mical Léo de Crion
Director, All Stars Burn As One Foundation
Chairman, Urban Youth College Fund
Owner, Château Hiver Rivière
|
| |
| |
| Ambassador_Varos | Date: Sunday, 29 Jul 2012, 4:41 PM | Message # 9 |
|
Private
Group: Users
Messages: 14
Status: Offline
| "Don't get me wrong," Varos hastened to add, "We need your words—they need your words, and I hope your words can prevent this war. But unless words are backed up with a real threat of consequences, a threat of force, the Empire won't listen. Innocent people will continue to die." These were heavy words from a man who meant all of them. Varos's most chilling phrase was, perhaps, 'this war,' as if the war were already a matter-of-fact; underway, or soon to be. Beneath the resolve in his voice, though, was a hint of regret. Varos was as tired of war as everyone else and he sincerely hoped that peace would prevail, but he wasn't the optimist that Crion was.
"We know that you're a man of peace," he said, "And we respect that. But you know many people—many, no doubt, who secretly agree with us. What would we have you do? Reach out, as I have with you. We need people who don't want to fight, but will. And people who know how. Leaders, Mr. Crion. Force is all the Empire seems to understand, and it's our hope that a show of force will strengthen the position of reformers in the Senate and compel the Emperor to negotiate with them, as he did with the Separatists prior to the Clone War. The people are tired of war, and we expect they'll support the negotiations now as they did then."
He let Crion consider it for a moment before adding, softly, "We're willing to risk our lives for this, Mr. Crion. It's a difficult decision. We've made it, but I understand if you want some time to think it over. You have much to lose; a family, a respected foundation. We don't want you to do anything you feel uncomfortable with, or recruit people to a cause you don't believe in."
Darryl Varos
Ambassador of the Derso System
Ruusan Reformation League
Former Brigadier General, Ketarisian Planetary Defense Force (as "Jeffen Varos")
|
| |
| |
| Mical_de_Crion | Date: Monday, 13 Aug 2012, 11:35 AM | Message # 10 |
|
Colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 151
Status: Offline
| "Where shall this force come from? Separatists?" he asked, the disbelief of the idea in his voice barely veiled. It was perhaps one of many reasons no full armed resistance had risen up to the Empire; the only source of heavy warships anymore was from the one faction the populace of the galaxy would immediately side against. Yet, no armed resistance against the Empire could possibly succeed without including the Separatist hold-outs within its framework. It would take a "force of all talents" to fight the Empire, and it would take a particularly skilled individual to unite those forces and ensure that they stayed united, in addition to keeping a good image to the galaxy at large.
He tone changed for a moment, from doubtful to resigned. "This is a decision, Mr. Varos, that I have been contemplating making on my own. I've gone so far as to plan it out, and could carry it out with a mere moment's notice; the disappearing that is. Despite that planning, I always figured that it would be the worst-case scenario that brought about its use, not to go to war." He turned from Varos, and looked up the hill from his home, across the vineyard, and to the winery at the top. "If I am to do this, we need to trust each other in the most absolute of terms. Tell me, who is this individual of means you are representing?"
Mical Léo de Crion
Director, All Stars Burn As One Foundation
Chairman, Urban Youth College Fund
Owner, Château Hiver Rivière
|
| |
| |
| Ambassador_Varos | Date: Monday, 13 Aug 2012, 12:25 PM | Message # 11 |
|
Private
Group: Users
Messages: 14
Status: Offline
| Varos nodded, sympathetically. It was reasonable of Crion to inquire about this mysterious benefactor. "Personally, I agree with you," he said, "But this individual has asked that he remain anonymous until the time is right. But he understands, as I do, the importance of trust—he is prepared to demonstrate with his actions his commitment to this cause with an initial supply of gunships and small arms, if we can raise enough men. He'll also provide information on Imperial installations, troop movements, and so on. But, and I must stress this, his ability to do this depends on his anonymity."
"On a personal level," he went on, "I can tell you he is a principled man among unprincipled men—a Republic patriot, and someone I trust completely. He's also an admirer of your stand in the Senate. If you can come to trust me, Mr. Crion, I hope you can come to trust this man until the time is right for him to reveal himself. And rest assured, you'll be the first to be told."
"You see now what I mean. This is asking a lot of you."
Darryl Varos
Ambassador of the Derso System
Ruusan Reformation League
Former Brigadier General, Ketarisian Planetary Defense Force (as "Jeffen Varos")
|
| |
| |
| Mical_de_Crion | Date: Saturday, 15 Sep 2012, 7:55 PM | Message # 12 |
|
Colonel
Group: Users
Messages: 151
Status: Offline
| As he stood and thought, his arm unconsciously lift his hand to his mouth, which he held it again for a moment. While it was likely a few seconds, it felt like an hour to him. He weighed out all of the pros and cons of rebelling, all of the positives and negative of the situation; he considered every point-counterpoint of the conversation, mentally replaying every word that was said, as much as he could. "You come to a disgraced Senator, who has been kicked out of the Senate, become reviled by his own people, and now so looked down upon that he can barely sell a bottle of wine... and ask him to commit High Treason, without any real explanation of who you are or who the backer is, only telling him that he has support and he could make a difference. That's not much of a pitch, Ambassador..." he said to him, with a smile forming when he was done speaking. He took a breath and exhaled slowly but audibly.
"What could possibly go wrong?" he asked, with a slight laugh. It was, indeed a rhetorical question. He knew exactly what could go wrong, and for all he knew, still, he was being set-up. He was waiting for Varos to crack and tell him the mysterious supporter was Oriel. Being possibly unfair to Varos and leaving him hanging for more than what could be called a moment, he turned to him, hold out his hand to shake that of his opposite. "I will lead this effort, Ambassador Varos. What shall we be called?"
Mical Léo de Crion
Director, All Stars Burn As One Foundation
Chairman, Urban Youth College Fund
Owner, Château Hiver Rivière
|
| |
| |
| Ambassador_Varos | Date: Thursday, 18 Oct 2012, 11:44 AM | Message # 13 |
|
Private
Group: Users
Messages: 14
Status: Offline
| Shaking Crion's hand, Varos laughed in spite of himself. A deep, abiding laugh. There was, to be sure, a bemusing contradiction to what it was they were doing; men who longed for order, who had to upend the established order to get it. Men of tolerance, who had to be intolerant of intolerance. And men of certain, defining moments in their respective pasts compelled to do something greater than themselves. There was also the more immediate irony; that Crion couldn't be sure he trusted Varos, and nor could be Varos be sure of Crion. But his benefactor had assured Varos that Crion was, indeed, a man of his word since, according to the man's speech, "words matter."
The Ambassador frowned as the solemnity of the moment returned to him. "To tell you the truth, I hadn't thought about it. I suppose the Empire will have many names for us, but I expect our actions will speak more clearly to the people than the Empire's propaganda." He shrugged, "I leave the name up to you—you're a more educated man than I am."
He took a long moment to look about the pristine grounds of Crion's estate. It was a peaceful moment, perhaps the last Varos would have for some time. "I must go before my absence is noted," he said, eventually. The Ambassador reached into the folds of his diplomatic robe and produced a comlink, which he handed to Crion. "Secure, diplomatic encryption. The finest the Empire has to offer," he explained with a grin. "Please let me know who you talk to, and who we can trust. I'll keep you updated on the gunships and weapons—I'm going to visit some less pleasant worlds in search of people to use those weapons."
He nodded firmly. "Good luck, Mr. Premier."
Darryl Varos
Ambassador of the Derso System
Ruusan Reformation League
Former Brigadier General, Ketarisian Planetary Defense Force (as "Jeffen Varos")
|
| |
| |
|
