The ambassador went off for some hours, enjoying the amenities the resort had to offer. However, he may have (or not) realized that it was all a deception. There was no starfighter simulation scheduled. It was all a ploy to intimidate the Stoinian envoy in a subtle manner, and if not, then see how much in regards to military technology he could grasp at a glance. The topic of discussion remained the Stoinians, which were the new mystery the high command had to contend with.

"It appears our guest had no discernible reaction to the hologram. Rather, he seemed fascinated by it", said Tarkin.

"I don't think the Stoinians have the advanced holographic tech we do, Tarkin. The guy's brave alright, and the rumors of those politicians look spot on. He talks like one of those Mandalorian honorbound warriors. I've met a lot of military personnel over my years at the deck, and the Mandos I've met were very similar to him, constantly speaking in martial lingo and so on", said Goxo.

"The Stoinians shall not reveal their cards to us when asked. Based on what we could perceive, I believe it is highly likely that they have no world-destroying technologies akin to the ones we have developed, or at the very least he has no access to such information. He did seem perplexed by the hologram", said Sloane.

"This is only conjecture. However, it is adequate to begin forging an image of their military capibilities with whatever information we can obtain as of this time. To commence any spying operations now would be premature, as we do not understand the Stoinian culture sufficiently enough for our agents to blend in and complete their tasks in an efficient manner. We must plan for the occasion, as I am certain they shall attempt to do the same to the Empire someday. Whatever tendencies we possess for naïvete cannot be entertained", said Tarkin.

"Have you analyzed the sweat that he was drenched under at the time of his arrival? I nearly covered my nose when I took notice of the foul odor. These Stoinians are perplexing, and it appears they have no eye for formality. An Imperial Prince who covertly went to a vacation in the Stoinian capital described the atmosphere to me. Everything and everyone were pedestrian in nature and in appearance-", said Ms. Sorventia.

"Pray tell, General, what does your aristocratic tirade have to do with the discussion at hand?", said Wei.

"I am making a point, Lady Wei. These Stoinians must be extremely pedestrian, and thus they think and act accordingly. Their elites abstain from extravagant luxury and are unnaturally compassionate to their subjects. Whether this is a genuine way of life or an act of deceit to fool their people is as of yet uncertain to me. If their aristocrats are indeed as selfless and as ascetic as has been rumoured, one can expect a high degree of camaraderie and communalism across their ranks, and they must be incredibly kind to their soldiers in battle. These attributes, under the correct circumstances, can become flaws. Say, for example, that a Stoinian general dares not leave the wounded behind due to their excessive compassion, even when it is necessary. An effective commander of ours shall be perceptive, exploiting the enemy's sense of duty and striking whenever applicable"

"You're quite scary with that brain of yours thinking such ruthlessness, General. That's maybe even illegal", said Goxo.

"Admiral, it is neither malice nor compassion which motivate me my decisions in military engagements. It is the pragmatic conclusions I come to. If our Empire must be merciless to its enemies in order to achieve victory, so be it"

"The Stoinian ambassador has returned, m'lords", said one of the staff.

The ambassador returned in the afternoon. Discussion had ceased, and a decoy TIE fighter hologram was turned on. The admirals quickly pretended to frantically shut the hologram off in order to keep up this farce.

Tarkin approached, speaking to the Legate.

"Greetings, Legate Sinclair. We are pleased to receive you once more. I hope your trip around the town was pleasant to you?"