[EpII - M10 - Balmorra - NR3F] Dinner with Governor Beltane

Cherro Swale strode down the narrow hall, under the watchful eyes of the guards who flanked the door at the far end. The Governor's Mansion was ancient, and he could feel the pressure of the years leaching from the stonework.

With a low hiss, the door slid open. Before him, a table was laid out in a small private dining room. At the other end sat Governor Beltane.

"Welcome to Balmorra, Mr. LaRizzian. Please, enjoy. I poached my chef from a Kuati noble - a waste of his talents, there - and I think you'll be quite taken with his work."

Cherro slid gracefully into his seat, cape collapsing behind him.

"Thank you, Governor. If I may, however, I'll skip the niceties and cut to the quick."

Beltane frowned at the casual dismissal of the social nuances of dining with a planetary governor in the Empire. A faint alarm started to buzz in the back of his mind.

"I am not from I'Att Armament. In fact, I've never been to Druckenwell. Nor is my name LaRizzian, although it will do for our purposes. I represent the New Republic."

He raised a finger as the governor started to redden and stand.

"Sit. You are, as Imperial Governor's go, far from the worst. You have not participated in or directly approved atrocities. Within the limits of your power, you've even softened the Imperial hand on Balmorra, until the Central Authority made you nothing more than a figurehead."

His lips pursed.

"That is why we are extending you this offer, rather than a blaster bolt or a vibroblade."

"The terms?" inquired Beltane softly.

"You will have Balmorran troops seize a list of key locations, which I will provide."

"You will turn over certain individuals for trial, known the to Republic as war criminals."

"You will cease trade with any Imperial faction or warlord who is not in compliance with the Concordance."

"Balmorra will join the New Republic. Under your hand, or some other individual or form of government, we don't care."

"You will allow a team of investigators and auditors to examine every file, every factory, every office."

He paused and sipped at the wine.

"Chandrilan, is it not? An interesting choice for a loyal Imperial such as yourself."

"In exchange for these things, you will be permitted to remain the governor here, provided you follow Republic law. Balmorra will remain intact, rather than being broken by invasion or siege."

"If you refuse, however, Balmorran barracks, factories, and government officials will be placed on the target lists of the teams of Republic Pathfinders and Free Systems fighters who have infiltrated your world. You yourself will be a marked man. The fleet which broke Kuat is only a jump away."

Cherro rose, placing a communicator on the table.

"The people of Balmorra know what they want. You should follow them, for you are their leader."

He quaffed the rest of the wine.

"Choose wisely, Governor."

With that, he turned and strode out the door.

Previously: Intelligence Infiltration

Next: Seize the Barracks!