Participants: Xiq’Vuular, Vion’Quiol
Location: Mercantile Trading Market, Dal Xelen <Idar Prime>
The markets have been closed for hours, as the sun sets on Dal Xelen. However, Mercantile security watches the doors to the trading market building, allowing members of the Mercantile Authority to enter. A number of them, from all over the Hegemony, have gathered to discuss the recent executions, amongst other things.
The director of the Mercantile Authority, Xiq'Vuular, stands near a group of merchants. Some of them yelling, others talking calmly. He raises his hands, trying to get them to calm down. "Yes, yes. We need to worry about these public executions. They are starting to crack down. You are only at risk if you directly give them reason to arrest you. Leave the fighting to our off world military forces." The green scaled merchant replies, to one of the Idarans.
Vion'Quiol walks into Dal Xelen, her hair in a low ponytail. She looks to be busy, walking around with confidence as she listens to the other Idarans speaking, recognizing one as the director of her secret spy work.
One of the merchants from the back shout out, "We can't keep living in fear!" The crowd rumbles, some in approval, some not so much. Security personnel take a few steps in, they don't want the crowd to get out of hand.
"You are right. And let me assure you, as a member of the Board of Directors of the Mercantile Authority, we have a plan in place. Our Chief Operating Officer has set out a clear plan, what it is, I cannot say. What I can tell you though is that I have personally made in-roads with the Myini on Circe." Vuular replies. "Members of the Mercantile Authority can now travel freely to and from Myini space, without fear of assault or arrest. We have officially taken a neutral position in this conflict. As such, we risk losing favor with the Quorum itself."
Vion'Quiol listens carefully as she turns to give her full attention to the crowd. With nothing to add, she continues to listen carefully, taking careful note of those in the area.
The crowd goes quiet as Vuular indicates something is afoot, but does not go into detail. "I'll let you all think about that for awhile. Just stay out of the way, and let the Board take the brunt of what is to come. We will get through this." Vuular says, stepping away from the crowd, and finding his way to a table to sit down.
After Vuular steps away from the crowd, Quiol lifts a brow and moves quietly over to his table, standing beside him. "I think you have scared them." She smirks, gesturing to the merchants with her eyes.
"They should be scared. If the Imperial Guard comes for them, there is little we can do to protect them now." Vuular replies, his red eyes staring into nothingness. "There is a darkness ahead of us. I don't know how this ends." He replies, motioning for the woman to sit at the table.
Vion'Quiol sits at the table, nodding her thanks to Vuular. "I agree, but it would be their own doing if the Imperial Guard comes for them, would it not?" She eyes Vuular, a brow raised. Her bright blue eyes looking inquisitive at Vuular
"No." The director replies, coldly. "The three that were publically executed were, well, at least two of the three, innocent. One had been peddling low level military secrets, but on his own. He got caught and paid the price. The other two were simply in the wrong place, at the wrong time. The Guard needed to make an example. A warning to those who may follow."
Vion'Quiol nods slowly. "Ah. I see." She keeps the face of this being news to her, though she had already known this. "And we may now travel to Circe?" She asks softly.
"Indeed. I returned yesterday from a secret diplomatic meeting with some of the leadership of the Myini." Vuular replies. "It went well. While they are suspicious of the Mercantile's claim to neutrality in this conflict, I have given them my personal assuranc this is the case. We will render assistance to both sides, if requested. And as such, so long as we do not break the laws of their world, we are free to come and go as we please."
Vion'Quiol nods slowly, "Well, that's good news indeed. It's about time they allowed us in there." She smirks quietly. "I am glad the meeting went well for you, director. Are you going to be staying here mostly or moving about?"
"Moving about, for now." Vuular says. "My contacts in the Quorum indicate there is trouble ahead. I will be needed elsewhere soon. Toro, here, Circe, with the fleet. If we are to move past the coming darkness, there is much to prepare for."
"Coming darkness?" Quiol asks. "What do you mean by that? Is the war not over?" She speaks quietly, for no one else's ears but Vuular's.
The green scaled creature shakes his head. "By the gods, no. Far from it. We are simly.. in a time of transition. Between one battle and another. Both sides tending to their own. It will flare up again, it always does. The path ahead is not a clear one.. and it is dangerous. We need all the information we can get. Travel to Circe, if you wish, gather information and allies. If we can get more ears within the military back home, at would help too. I have some, but they will remain hidden until the time is right."
Vion'Quiol nods slowly. "The never-ending cycle." She sighs as she looks back up at Vuular, smiling. "Would you like me to travel to Circe first?"
"That is up to you. There are many on Circe that would be good allies. The fact of the matter is, even after being at war for so long, we know so little of the Myini. It could prove insightful." Vuular replies. "It is upto you, however. There is much to do on both sides of the border."
"Very well. Report back when you can. You should run into no issues there. I don't think the Naval Authority or Imperial Guard have agents there, so you should be safe." Vuular replies. "In any case, I will be making trips to and from there, so we may run into eachother. There should be other Idarans there now, as well, setting up trade routes."
Vion'Quiol nods quickly. "I will be fine, even if I am not safe." She smirks, narrowing her eyes on Vuular. "I hope to run into you again." After a few moments, she continues. "I'll let you know what I find, director."
"Just, please, try not to cause any diplomatic issues? My worry is that if we cause issues, they will hand over those involved directly to the Imperial Guard, secretly." Vuular says, expressing his concern. "But I trust you will be alright. If you need anything while you are there, let me know, and I will make the required arrangements. If there is nothing else, I need to head back to my office to gather some files."
Vion'Quiol nods and winks. "I'm good at not stirring up issues." She laughs softly. "Have fun in your office, then." She gets up slowly, smiling as she looks around the area.