The war between the Empire and the Coalition is about to enter its bloodiest phase as 2227 will go down as the 'year of battles'. Meanwhile the Jedi Order keeps fighting a parallel war against the Sith and the Imperial Federation is entangled with a...
T'au was very much a beautiful planet. It was no wonder the Tau were so refined, coming from a world that offered such captivating scenes.
Its position in the Attican Traverse also meant that it was the perfect place for a diplomatic meeting between the Imperial Federation and the newly-created Terminus Commune of Free Nations.
What seemed ironic to Jane, however, was that both sides were represented by two members of the imperial dynasty, even if one of them had renounced his claim and titles.
She had been tasked with making sure that the talks went smoothly and there was nobody trying to interfere violently. Which was why she had flown all the way there with the Normandy and now she and her crew were inspecting the Water District with the security forces of the Tau, making sure every visitor had been registered and was accounted for.
The Water District, being the residence of the Tau diplomat caste and seat of the various species' embassies, was already quite tight with security, but one could never be safe when it came to the protection of the Emperor. Francesco didn't want to send the Imperial Guard forward as the Tau would likely consider an insult to have the personal bodyguards of the Emperor take over this task. After all, they were still only a Sister-Nation, with a nominal and factual autonomy inside their borders.
On the other hand, since the Tau had been granted a seat on the Council, they were willing to accept the assistance of a Spectre to ensure that no diplomatic accident happened on their homeworld.
Jane was certain that she had done everything possible when the shuttle bringing down Federico and his entourage arrived at the landing pad.
"Your Majesty." Shepard greeted cordially, not hiding the friendliness that there was in their relation.
"Nice to see you again, Jane." Francesco replied in kind. "Sorry to take your time like this. I know you have many things at hand."
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Jane raised a hand sternly. "Your safety is the top priority, Francesco. If there's a chance at peace, it is my duty to make sure it happens."
Francesco made a few nods. "Of course. And I trust your work. I hope I can live up to the expectations."
"Just follow your instinct, then your mother's teachings, and I'm sure you will do just fine. After all, it's still your brother you're going to talk with."
Francesco shortly deviated his gaze. "I'm not even sure if it's the brother I remember."
"If I may, Your Majesty," the new Chancellor of the Emperor, a Human male named Darwin Presshood, spoke up. "Federico has always been a diplomatic person. I believe his offer of peace between our nations is genuine, we only need to find out if there are some tricks behind this accord."
"Thank you, lord Presshood. I'll keep that in mind." the Emperor humbly replied.
The privy Council of the monarch, Jane remembered, tended to change when a new Emperor took the throne, and Francesco was no exception. He had selected a handful of trusted people so they could advise him on political, state and economic matters.
