The Dark lord of the Sith, Lord Prognie had landed his craft upon one of the head base of the military on Kuat. The small shuttle was nothing spectacular, he was simply arriving from duty elsewhere. He had planned a meeting with the Supreme Commander hoping to secure something from him, something he felt was vital to his cause.
The guards escorted him off the platform and through the base, he went through a few check points but nothing that would delay him too long. As a Dark Lord he had a privilege and was second only to the Emperor. His word was followed and his requests heeded, so he had expectations and duties he wanted done.
Prognie's name was spreading through the Empire more and more, out of the Dark Lord's he had made sure his face and name were out and above the rest. The relieving of a Moff on his own planet and then foiling a rebellion on Naboo plastered his name on the Holonet for days, he had tightened the Empire's relations with alien run planets or at least the Empire had thought. Things were prospering for him, he was a big name and pretty much a big deal. His approval rating was almost something to envy beneath the Emperor's of course.
being lead to the room where the Supreme Commander was he did not worry, there was an air of confidence that seemed to uplift the guards leading him. They felt it, they knew there was something different but they accepted his power and his powerful control.
Supreme Commander Alor
Darth Marix; yet installed with the rank of Dark Lord of the Sith but every bit as competent, more so in all likelihood, the Supreme Commander of the Sith Imperial Armed Forces, was sitting in the Command Center when the call that Lord Prognie had arrived. Darth Marix had been anticipating Prognie’s arrival since the Inquisitor’s message came a few days ago from Mon Calamari. He finished up his current work in the Military’s High Security Kuat Commander Center, and then moved out to less sensitive areas to meet the Grand Inquisitor.
He stood by the large window that overlooked the capital district before the Military Headquarters, Kuat Department building. His office was near the top of the building, allowing him quick access to his shuttle, and also the better view of the capital. He could sense the Grand Inquisitor as he came closer and closer, sure that Prognie could sense him as well. As the Inquisitor entered through the door, he stayed facing the window.
"Grand Inquisitor Prognie," He opened in a cold voice. Darth Marix hated Inquisitors and Bureaucrats. Separate they were merely annoyances, but existing together made them a large inconvenience. Bureaucrats and Inquisitors had long been the bane of running a successful Military, whether it be the former trying to run the show and command themselves, or the latter always investigating and hindering Military Intelligence and operations. "What brings you to the Military Head Quarters? I thought you had enough operations to ruin and careers to end so that you would leave the Military alone to defend the Empire."
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
"Do you normally ignore the faces of your highly respected visitors, or are you afraid I'm here to relieve you of your own duty?" Prognie did not wait for the Supreme Commander to answer his snide remark before he continued. "I am here to discuss a few matters with you, if you will have a seat perhaps you can display some sense of respect to those above you especially when it will save your name."
Prognie wasted no time taking a seat for himself, arrogance wasn't something you could label his personality as, mostly just confident. He knew no one beyond the dark lords could defy him and because he had always managed to convince and support his ideals no one below him stood a chance at getting the Emperor to back them. Plus with Shadow's everlasting reign of tyranny and Prognie's diplomatic skills the Emperor hadn't tried confronting Prognie about his ways, he figured it was simply a balance to his beneficial skills.
When the commander had taken his seat, Prognie had pulled out a few datachips, some of them were completely false and others had some truthful information but nothing that Marix could say were false, even with his own pathetic excuse for a military intelligence group. "These datachips contain information regarding rebellious groups in the Empire, ones that are too quick, silent, and highly organized for you to simply jump on them with your flotillas of ships and bombard into dust. In a modern time more modern tactics must be used, so on the matter I am requesting that you give the Inquisitors more troops and ships to better find, root out, and destroy these rebellions before you have to be called in. I can assure you the Emperor would not protest this as he understands and agrees with my efforts, especially after my artful display of intolerance on Naboo."
There was no wasted time on getting to the point, he could beat around the bush with the commander and lead him astray, compliment him on his ineffective reign or talk politics. But Prognie had duties and those duties had to be done, he had no time for simple talks with those beneath him.
Supreme Commander Alor
Supreme Commander Marix ignored Prognie's opening remark and continued to look out the window. His eyes followed a Sentinel-Class Shuttle as it carried Commander Sol from his Star Destroyer to the Military's Kuat Head-Quarters. He was due to speak with Marix in 0030 hours about something Marix thought of as more important than what Prognie presented. Turning, he looked down on the desk to where Prognie had placed the data-chips and glanced at Prognie himself, only to find the Dark Lord picking his nose.
Coughing, he took his seat and took out his Tertiary Data Pad. This was just a normal data pad that did not contain any information on the Military or Marix, just for times like this when the Inquisitors brought data for him to view. He did not trust them, and had known data-chips to carry viruses, and other malignant programs that would transmit all it found on a data-pad back to a pre-chosen place.
He scanned over the data, a few charts and political bantha-crap about a rise in violence and the need for new command of the Military. These were clippings from the local news stations and politicians, which meant nothing to Marix. Looking up, he stared at the Grand Inquisitor, searching for facial betrayals of Prognie’s real position and the integrity of the data which lay before him.
"Before I even consider thinking about giving you your ships and troops, I want to see your sources and data triple-checked and other sources given. Which would then to be cross-checked by Military Intelligence." He merely received a nod from the Inquisitor, which he expected. If Prognie was trying to lead him astray, he would merely agree to Marix’s terms and fudge the data some more, and then try to outwit the Military Intelligence division, which would prove harder and harder with each passing month as they gained experience and a larger network of agents.
Taking a breath he posed his only questions of the Inquisitor’s strange request.
"First you say that using ships and troops is not effective against these groups, and then you go on to ask for ships and troops to use against them, why is that? Just changing commanders will not change the men that would execute your commands. The Inquisitors are no where near the level of commandment and leadership skills that the Military and its Officers possess, so by giving you the ships and troops, would merely serve to decrease their effectiveness. Why not tell me where the rebels can be found, that you obviously superior Inquisitors know of, and let trained professionals deal with it? Or are you merely jealous that the Royal Guard received a fleet and you did not?
"Do not bother me with pointless requests that would be a waste of my men and their training. I have more important things to do than deal with corrupted bureaucrats and their political bantha-crap."
Supreme Commander Marix finished his statement with confidence. While he might not be a Dark Lord, he was the most capable Supreme Commander the Military had seen in its entire history. He knew that Prognie thought low of him, along with other politicians, bureaucrats, and diplomats, but that did not concern him. He knew from experience that he was competent and well suited for the job, and while he was peeved by his current Sith rank, he knew that Sith rank did not matter that much. Yes one might be Second only to the Emperor, and all that crap, but it really didn’t make you more of a man or Sith. Many of those who became Dark Lords were incompetent political assets that held the title for no other reason than they had money. Sometimes Marix wished the Empire was under the Military’s control, where rank was given out in response to experience and proven abilities.
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
Prognie beamed inside, Marix knew how to follow a path and it was like throwing bread to birds, he simply saw crumbs and followed. He was incompetent just as he knew him to be, there were many reasons why prognie wanted the military under his thumb, it made it easier for him to assert his authority over idiot loyalists to the even dumber commander.
"I never said your military commanders were incompetent Commander," there was venom in the way Prognie said Commander. He dared Marix to leap upon his chances to argue with him, there was so much more to frame Marix with regarding his failures, all one had to do was add a few notes in, sign his name and there would be a scandal with the man's name on it running in the holonet across the galaxy. Marix liked to depend on himself, he felt he was the only way to save the galaxy and that's why he created his own inquisitors so that he could avoid Prognie at every step, stupid man.
"Your military cannot move as fast as the Inquisitors, you are bound to procedures and dictations. I am not, I follow what I need to and as every incident has showed it has lead me to the problems that plague our Empire. I also never said the Inquisitors would be in command of your ship, the Inquisitors--the entity itself that is run by me, would control these ships which means I would control these ships. And unless you-" Prognie eyed him closely, "think I am incapable of leading these troops I would suggest you double check, triple check, and if you would like you could even ask Aequitas, how I handled Naboo with grace."
"You rely too much on your intelligence group, which is fine but you will soon start infringing upon my area of expertise and if you are to do that then you are to let me infringe upon your area of expertise. Tit for tat, Commander, you want a piece of the intelligence I need a piece of the military. I am doing you the honor of being the one who signs the papers that say I get a fleet for the Inquisitors. You will live as the man who wisely affiliated himself with me as I help purge this galaxy of rebels. I could easily go to the Emperor, get his signature, and be on your docks in time to remove your authority but I have not. I want to do you the favor of working with me, because if you wish to isolate yourself, you can do so but I can assure you that you will not find the cooperation of the Dark Lords to be in your favor."
Folding his hands tightly Prognie had given Marix two choices but either were lose lose in his eyes. It was just a matter of whether or not he could budge on his ego enough to see that for some time he would benefit from this agreement. If not he could be the Commander who neglected Prognie's extended hand and lead to the eventual destruction of his own intelligence group as well as embarrassment with the Dark Lords for having been outplayed.
Supreme Commander Alor
Supreme Commadner Marix paused here, letting himself formulate a response that would serve both to give his desired reply as well as remove the possibility of Lord Prognie twisting his words against him. He despised the way of the Inquisitor, it held no honor and only betrayal for personal gain. In his mind, only 10% of the Inquisitors were in it to protect the Empire and Emperor, the rest were in for the power they gained, the ability to destroy someone's career and life because they stole your girlfriend in high-school, or some other petty grudge. He was yet unsure where Prognie lay in that categorizations, but he was sure he'd know by the end of this meeting.
"And I never accused you of saying such. I said that by giving the command over to the Inquisitors, one would be decreasing the effectiveness of the troops. What you seem to not be able to grasp is that all of my ships and men are bound to the procedures you refer to when defending yourself, no matter who the Commander is. They would still be required to follow the Military Protocols. Renegade ships and troops is something I will not allow, no matter what Order is in command." Here he paused and looked Prognie in the eye, or tried to, but the Dark Lord's ribbon around his blind eyes got in the way. So Marix did the next best thing, and just glared at him.
But then picked up again. "Perhaps I am questioning your capability of commanding an entire fleet of ships and troops, not just the security contingent on a slightly less than important Military world. Anyone can rise to lead a few men against their unified enemy. But to fully plan strategy and tactics, along with keeping an open logistics trail and defending your bases, that takes training and experience, of which I doubt you have either.
"I created the Military Intelligence to check the Inquisitors information and sources, as well as keep the Military safer. The Inquisitors care very little for the well-being and continued service of Military Officers, whereas the Military Intelligence Officers are slightly more in tune with the situations faced by Commanders. As well as the fact that victory is not a right, but a privilege. I have seen too many historical documentaries that depict Military Officers being removed from duty for one minor defeat. The Military Intelligence is also much better at acquiring the needed Information. The Inquisitors look for traitors and political enemies, whereas the MI looks for logistics, strengths, weaknesses, and other such information pertinent to completing our mission. If the Inquisitors were slightly more efficient at working with the Military, I might not have create the MI. It was not that I wanted a bit of the Intelligence world, but that the Military needed it.
"It is no honor or privilege to strengthen the worst part of our Empire. You are not a Military man, and I am no Inquisitor, but I do not run the MI, but rather fund it and use it, letting those fit for the job to do the work. It seems not to be a wise choice to affiliate myself with the likes of you, the despised and scum of the galaxy. History does not kindly remember the Inquisitors and those affiliated with them. And I doubt even you could purge the galaxy of rebels and still have a populated galaxy. There will always be those who speak ill of the Empire and its leaders, but many will not act upon it unless provoked by the very things your Inquisitors do."
Marix paused, allowing himself to calm from his slightly raised emotional state, which he normally got when dealing with Inquisitors. He reached into a draw and pulled out a canteen of water, and took a drink to further pause time and allow himself a reprieve of speaking to the Inquisitor seated before him. But he knew it would not last, and formed his thoughts into words, presenting another option to the table.
"I see a third option that becomes available. Being under the command of the Inquisitors will not make ships travel faster, meaning that basically the same time will be required for the Inquisitors to execute an operation as it would take the Military. Procedures can be completed on the way to the objective, invalidating your argument there. Why not work with the Military, increasing the MI's abilities, decreasing the strain on the Inquisitors, allowing both to be more efficient in their own areas. During such time, possibly, a fleet may be considered for the Inquisitors. But your options hold no gain in my eyes, merely loss for me, the Military, and the Empire."
Supreme Commander Marix sat back in his comfortable chair, crossing his arms across his chest, and stared at the Grand Inquisitor. While he hated the man for his chosen office and position, he had never gotten to know Prognie very well. The other Dark Lord Order Heads Marix knew well and got along with them fine, but Prognie, being an Inquisitor, was not someone he had gone out of his way to meet and potentially befriend. That did not seem likely to change either.
Supreme Commander Alor
[[Prognie?? You are usually more prompt in your replies...]]
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
(You waited a month to respond, I will respond when I have a moment to make you more angry. )
Supreme Commander Alor
[[I had good cause... College Stuff... Besides, it won't make me angry, but then I'll just wait 2 months for my next reply...]]
Grand Inquisitor Prognie
Prognie smiled, the man was very good at burning his bridges and the Dark Lord would enjoy disposing of the ignorant but egotistical Commander. "Commander Marix, you obviously do not see an opportunity when it is before you and you're ignoring the greater reward. You seem to think I am an inept leader simply because I have not been in your military. That's fine, you insult the Emperor by suggesting he could not lead his navy and you insult all the greatest Commanders who were never trained in the military but have made a larger name for themselves."
"It is evident my proposal is meaningless to you, which is fine but do not expect kindness in return. You have insulted me and my order and as such you have gained no ground with me." Prognie had become rather annoyed with Marix but knew the man was too self-involved to see a good possibility for himself.
Marix would have his victory, but alas he was not absolute authority and Prognie had made sure he hadn't eliminated all his options. Standing up he did not bow or show any sign of respect, "It displeases me to see you make such a amateur move but not all of us are political and apparently not tactical. Perhaps you should return to your military school Commander, they might teach you a bit more." Turning on his heal, a new grin formed on Prognie's face as he walked out of the office.
Pulling out a comlink that was pre-set to a private channel. "Yes, my lord" was the quick response, Prognie liked to avoid using names now just to avoid having aliases tied to people and it would keep his watchers guessing.
"Cancel my appointments today, I have work to do."
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