The diplomatic chamber was not ornate, but it radiated presence.
Housed within one of Elysiar's central civic towers, the chamber had been completed just days prior. Its curved ceiling shimmered with faint constellations—projected from the planet's own sky—and the room was ringed with tall crystalline panels etched with softly pulsing runes. The lighting adjusted based on mood and voice inflection, guided by subtle system inputs to promote calm, focus, or authority as needed.
It was, as Tywin Lannister had put it, "a stage where optics were as valuable as truth."
Adam sat at the head of the room—not as a ruler, but a witness.
Today was about strategy, not supremacy.
And Tywin was the architect.
Count Dooku sat across the long table, clad in finely tailored robes of muted charcoal. His eyes, sharp and contemplative, took in every detail of the chamber—but his attention remained fixed on Tywin.
"The environment is… unexpected," he said calmly.
Tywin nodded. "Intentionally so. We find that expectation breeds limitation. Better to make others recalibrate before speaking."
Dooku's lips twitched in mild amusement. "A tactical philosophy. One I can respect."
Tywin didn't waste time. "The situation is simple: Elysiar is a developing power. Our planet is rich in resources, strategically located in an obscure but stable sector. You and your contacts seek options outside the bloated mechanisms of the Republic. We offer opportunity. You offer legitimacy."
"And what guarantees do you offer for discretion?" Dooku asked. "Should this become… public knowledge, Elysiar may find itself courted or threatened."
"That," Tywin said, "is where your interests align with ours."
He activated the holotable in the center of the room. Several translucent figures shimmered into view—holo-projections of key political voices from Serenno and nearby mid-rim systems.
Adam glanced toward them as they formed a circle: nobles, magistrates, commercial governors. Not Republic senators. These were the true power brokers—ones who knew how the galaxy truly turned.
"Let us begin," Tywin said smoothly.
Holo-Session Transcript Excerpt – EncryptedParticipants: Count Dooku, Tywin Lannister (Elysiar), Lord Vened of Serenno, Magistrate Relem of Vallus, Administrator Halvex of Quorn's Reach, Lady Kraya of the Border Moons
Vened: "We've heard scattered accounts of this… Elysiar. Your presence there is unexpected, Dooku."
Dooku: "Unexpected, yes. But not unwelcome."
Relem: "What is this world, really?"
Tywin: "A sovereign, neutral world. Unaligned. Unburdened. Its people are unified, its leadership intentional. Its resources are considerable. I speak for them in matters of diplomacy."
Halvex: "And why now?"
Tywin: "Because you are all—quietly—searching for something different. And because your networks are strong enough to keep this conversation private."
Lady Kraya: "What are you proposing?"
Tywin: "An initial trade compact. Materials, infrastructure, medical supplies, rare ores. No Republic intermediaries. No taxes. No strings."
Vened: "And in exchange?"
Tywin: "Recognition. Mutual silence. And eventually, when the time is right—support for Elysiar's sovereignty should questions be asked."
Dooku: "Consider this a trial alliance. Nothing binding. But enough to test the waters."
There was a long pause.
Then one by one, the projections nodded.
As the session ended, the lights dimmed slightly and the holograms faded.
Tywin turned toward Adam, who had watched the entire exchange without interruption.
"You kept quiet," Tywin said, a subtle question woven into the statement.
Adam offered a small, approving smile. "It wasn't my voice they needed to hear."
Tywin inclined his head, accepting the compliment.
Dooku stood and faced Adam. "You've chosen your representative well. Ruthless, yes—but not without vision."
"He speaks for us," Adam replied. "But only because he believes in what we're building."
Dooku studied him for a moment longer, then gave a faint nod.
"Then perhaps... this is the beginning of something greater than I imagined."