A Deal With The Dark Lord

[Robogeber]

BASTION ORBIT
First Imperial Shuttle DX-54
First Order Personnel: [member="The Major"] | [member="Arador Terrix"] | [member="Delilah Graham"] | [member="Vonnegut Pyre"]
The Sith Empire: [member="Darth Carnifex"]

​

The shuttle streaked through Bastion’s orbit with an escort of both First Imperial TIE fighters and Sith Empire fighters dispatched in formation to see to the arrival of the shuttle. As the vessels closed into the formidable palace, the First Order TIE’s broke off, returning to the FIV Malice which hung in orbit. Surrounded obviously by Sith vessels. It was meant to be a show of force, one obviously eclipsed by the strength of the Sith. Grand Admiral Rausgeber, from within the confines of the lead shuttle displayed no emotion. But he was wracked with both fear and loathing. Dark Lord Carnifex, no, Emperor Carnifex was a figure who had accrued a well earned infamy. The two had never met, but Carlyle nonetheless felt anxious about meeting such a figure.

Still, necessity meant that they had to. The Sith Empire were one of the few friendly regimes still in the Galaxy. But even then, the First Order could not rely on the mere generosity of the Sith. He assumed that after their intervention at Bakura, the Empire were not quite so keen to spill any more blood or resources on the First Order. But there was nonetheless hope. Some hope that things could be swayed in their favour in this conference. They had of course agreed to hear him and his counsel, but he could not tell how receptive they would be to his requests.

The shuttle docked itself a hangar bay on the upper portion of the palace. The automaton glanced through the pilots viewport, and watched a parade of Sith Empire legionaries standing to attention outside. A phalanx to greet them. Something not unlike what Carlyle would have prepared had the Dark Lord visited them upon Pa’Desh. Still, it was yet another tour deforce for their hosts. The droid turned to the other compatriots of the delegation, Moff Terrix, Director Sybil Shepard and Special Agent Graham had personally accompanied him. “Seems to be show time.” The droid mused, with a playful smirk. “Activate the landing ramp.” He snapped.

The docking ramp extended with a pressurised hiss. Carlyle ventured forth first. He did not take up his holographic form. There was no need for such a ruse before a force user of the Emperor’s reknown. Instead, he slowly lead the group out, flanked by the two gargantuan Death Troopers of ALPHA squadron. “Lord Carnifex,” The Grand Admiral began, “My apologies, I am not able to attend personally.” He continued, “Unfortunately urgent business on Bakura and Endor requires my personal attention.” He then paused.

“Nonetheless, I appreciate you taking time to hold an audience with us.” he gestured to the compatriots behind him, “These are some of the esteemed personnel of my staff.” He curtly introduced, “Director Sybil Shepard, Special Agent Graham, and Moff Arador Terrix.” He paused, and gestured to the other shuttle, “And there is Lieutenant Commander Pyre.” He then stood attentively, slowly creasing his back into a bow. “Consider it a pleasure to finally meet with you, your majesty.”

 

[Darth Carnifex]

​

​

The wide parade grounds surrounding the Imperial Palace had been blocked off and cleared of civilian foot traffic. On these wide expansive flats were arrayed entire battalions of Legionnaires in their full combat regalia, a drill purpose rifle held passively against their side. Between the rows of battalions roamed Sith, draped in their distinct black robes and armor, each one idly inspecting the troops as they stood in statue-still formations. Fortunately for them, the weather of Ravelin City was downcast and dreary with a sun-blocking cloud cover casting dark shadows across the majority of the continent-spanning city. Triangular swallowtail pennant, embroidered with the crest of the Sith Empire in black over a crimson field bordered by golden bands, fluttered in the shifting winds atop thirty meter poles.

Raised above the parade grounds, and connected directly to the Palace itself, was a octagonal landing pad reserved for visiting foreign dignitaries. It afforded the visitors an unparalleled view of the surrounding grounds, overshadowed by the looming edifice of the Imperial Palace. The pad's only occupants were the Emperor himself flanked by two lines of Imperial Crownguard, the scarlet-armor protectors of the Emperor and his Imperial family.

Above them the shuttle descended, drawing the eyes of Sith and soldier alike as it slowed to a gentle idle before coming to rest at the center of the pad. As the ramp descended far enough to let the passengers exit the craft, hidden speakers began to play the first half of the First Order's national anthem before transitioning into the first half of the Sith Empire's; the sounds of which could be heard for miles across the horizon-spanning cityscape. Then everything quieted as both parties met, a deafening silence rushing to replace the echoing din.

The Grand Admiral spoke first, offering the expected usual familiarities. "You needn't apologize, Grand Admiral. I am quite aware of the dire situation engulfing the Galactic South." The Emperor spoke smoothly, every word articulated and paced so that there could be no misunderstandings. His eyes glanced between each of the Grand Admiral's guests, silently appraising their worth in turn. "I welcome you and your compatriots to Bastion, and place the full extent of my Empire's hospitality at your disposal. Come, let me acquaint you with suitable accommodations."

[member="Robogeber"] | [member="The Major"] | [member="Arador Terrix"] | [member="Delilah Graham"] | [member="Vonnegut Pyre"]​

 

[Delilah Graham]

Delilah surveyed the reception provided by the towering [member="Darth Carnifex"]. She tried to keep her face impassive, but the display was actually rather impressive. The banners, the music, the Crownguard -- it made Delilah oddly homesick for Avalonia. The two empires had been very different, but there was something about the unbridled jingoism of it all that made her nostalgic for the First Order. That was all gone now -- for how long, she couldn't be sure -- but it gratified the intelligence operative to know that somewhere in the galaxy this kind of thing was still observed.

She listened to the exchange of pleasantries, clasping her hands behind her back as she listened to the Grand Admiral make his opening gambit, and then the Emperor's courtly return. When the gargantuan figure's eyes traced over her, Delilah felt a little cold. He was an intimidating presence. She looked down and waited for the proceedings to begin, inching closer to [member="The Major"] who, as Delilah's superior, was the closest thing to a security blanket that a grown woman had in this scenario.

She murmured her thanks at the offer of Imperial hospitality and glanced sidelong at Director Shepard, ready to follow her lead.

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Bastion

---

---

---

Ravelin City.
Imperial Palace.

Lord Admiral Raaf's shuttle descended from the sky with ease, passing by the wide parade grounds where the Legionnaires had been put on display. A show of power, and strength for the incoming delegates of the First Order. Once a thriving power within the Unknown Regions now little more than a remnant working to put itself back together. The downcast and dreary skies of Bastion seemed rather calm all things considered. As the sounds of the two national anthems played with one transitioning into the other the Admiral's shuttle touched down on a landing pad behind a wall of Legionnaires. The loading ramp unfolded from the shuttle and Lord Admiral Raaf accompanied by a detail of honor guards walked down.

Dressed in her white and gold uniform, the Lord Admiral crossed the expansive grounds toward the Emperor and his crownguard. The banners bearing the Sith Empire's sigil were more than obvious as they stood for all to see. Even now while one pair of triangular swallowtail pennants faded behind her another came into view. Her black boots pressed against the paths leaving behind nay a mark. Clean boots that had yet to see the dirt, and uniform pressed and clean to inspection standards. Out of her peripherals, she could see the Sith inspecting the troops.

As she approached the delegation it was almost all to easy to make out an old rival.

Almost.

The details of the meeting had only just been revealed on the shuttle ride to the Imperial Palace.

Rather than intrude on the introductions as they were ongoing, the Lord Admiral her honor guard quietly stepped beside a single crownguard. Silently and with bearings, the Lord Admiral gauged the rest of the delegation that had accompanied the Grand Admiral - or rather - what was left of him. Perhaps more of a curiosity than anything else it had been quite some time since she had spoken with anyone bearing First Order sigils.

[member="The Major"] | [member="Delilah Graham"] | [member="Robogeber"] | [member="Arador Terrix"] | [member="Vonnegut Pyre"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"]

 

[Vonnegut Pyre]

Uniform pressed. Brass polished. Well, it wasn't really brass now was it? The saying stuck either way he supposed. LCdr Pyre had been promoted ahead of the long journey, LCdr Valencia having being re-assigned to the FIV Seax. Former XO of the Falcata, it was only natural that he would rise to command the vessel. This time however, he was merely a passenger aboard the FIV Malice and then the shuttlecraft as it descended to the surface of Bastion.

The request of his presence was a small shock to the junior officer but as they well knew - a request from the Grand Admiral wasn't really a request. Vonnegut could have counted the number of reasons why any senior officer would have made a better attendee than he on more than two hands. More than four even, but reality was what it was. As for the mission itself? LCdr Pyre didn't know how he should feel or truly how he felt. On the one hand, this was something of a 'Loth-cat and bantha show'. The sheer regale of it all was exorbitant. As the Order's delegation had exited the shuttle and were met by the representatives of the Sith Empire, Vonnegut couldn't help but feel like this was incredibly out of place given their position. On the other hand, perhaps that was the point, to show them their place. Another option sent his eyes narrowing slightly at the vastness of the procession - perhaps the Sith Empire simply reveled in grand displays. Hadn't the First Order done the same before their own sundering? It was a string of thoughts that would lead nowhere and while Vonnegut hadn't needed to do more than follow in the wake of his betters, he quietly silenced himself to pay attention to his surroundings.

Perhaps by chance, perhaps by fate, Vonnegut's return to attentiveness allowed him to catch a shimmering of light against a brilliant white and gold uniform. Far different than the drab and dark colours of his own uniform it was still indicative of a naval uniform - a high ranking officer no doubt. Just beyond the statuesque figure of the Emperor's Crownsguard the officer took up position and waited, LCdr Pyre's attention drawn forcibly as the Emperor of the Sith Empire himself stood before the delegation. Whatever Vonnegut had thought this meeting would be like, feel like - he was wrong. Equal sense of power, confidence, and royalty emanated from the man with an intensity the officer was unaccustomed to. *Gravitas*. The word echoed in his mind. He felt like little more than a bug waiting to be crushed underfoot but rather than do so the Emperor greeted them with open arms. Despite the LCdr's uneasiness in the presence of this living legend he revealed nothing in the form of demeanor or facial expression. What would transpire as they sought aid from the Sith Empire he couldn't guess but he would do his part.

[member="Robogeber"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Delilah Graham"] | [member="Fiolette Raaf"]​

 

[The Major]

How drab, how grave, how intense the moment must be -standing in front of lines of stiff troops as the city somberly stretched outwards from beneath a canopy of frothing cloud in charcoal hues. Each tower of the engineered scape seemed to wax stoic, peering down as silently and as coldly as the ranks of frowning armor helmets so equipped by the emperor’s devoted troopers.

It was enough to chill everyone to the bone - except probably the leader of the Sith himself.

Pleasantries were exchanged on this freezing note from all except the Director who remained quiet. Suddenly she bristled as the last member of her side murmured their thanks at mentions of hospitality, as though taken in a fervorous trance.

​

“. . .Kaine. . .”​

This was the end. As she marched up at flank speed upon the towering figure of the Dark Lord the insanity must have taken deep hold of Director Shepard, encouraging her to this suicidal push. Slowly her fist raised up towards the Terror of the Galactic North -it wasn’t common for Sybil to require raising the level of her eyes in order, but his stature necessitated the action. Around her energies assembled into a swelling aura that added just an extra slice of ice to the proceedings. She paused just within arms’ reach, mouth exploding into a mile wide grin.

“Saw you really gave it to that Coalition scum on Pantora. Let them still fear the crunch of Imperial boots in the Outer Rim, Emperor.”​

They then broke into a series of infernal hand gestures that no doubt expressed nefarious purposes much too vile to recount to you, dear reader.

[member="Robogeber"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Delilah Graham"] | [member="Fiolette Raaf"] | [member="Vonnegut Pyre"]​

 

[Arador Terrix]

Moff Arador Terrix, as Grand Admiral Rausgeber mentioned, was also present among the First Order dignitaries. He was relieved to see friendly forces after the, ahem, ​unpleasantness on Bakura. The moff's gloved hands were clasped behind his back, his sharp features not revealing any hint of emotion as usual, but he was nonetheless somewhat impressed by the display the Sith had put forth.

Boots polished, uniform pressed, he stood alongside his compatriots, bowing his head slightly as his name was mentioned by Rausgeber. "Moff," he had been introduced as. Perhaps his title was finally official. Power and authority emanated from the Emperor who stood before him, even and especially non Force-sensitives like himself could feel that. He remained silent, knowing in situations like this to only speak when appropriate.

Terrix pondered, like Lieutenant Commander Pyre, the intentions of this grand display of power. Was it grand for the sake of being grand, or was it meant to remind them that they were a shadow of what they once were and the Sith had the upper hand? Nonetheless, grand it was, reminding him of he First Order in its heydey. Perhaps they could make a return to that state, he mused. But it would take time, effort, and no doubt a fair share of blood.

[member="Robogeber"] | [member="The Major"] | [member="Delilah Graham"] | [member="Fiolette Raaf"] |[member="Darth Carnifex"]​

 

[Robogeber]

BASTION, THE IMPERIAL PALACE
First Order delegates: [member="Arador Terrix"] | [member="The Major"] | [member="Vonnegut Pyre"] | [member="Delilah Graham"]
Sith Empire delegates: [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Fiolette Raaf"]

"Of course, your majesty." The Grand Admiral mused before he followed the Sith Emperor, a melodic hum following thanks to the repulsor life generator. The appearance of Fiolette Yvarro however did not go unnoticed, and a derisive sneer did appear on the Grand Admiral's features as he passed by her. Seemed she had managed to gain some standing. Even in exile. However, the officer would not allow the appearance of his former colleague spoil the mood. Rausgeber was acutely aware of the shortcomings he had, and followed Carnifex closely, ala a lapdog. Humiliating perhaps, but a necessary evil given what he was expecting to request.

"I trust things are well in this part of the Galaxy." Rausgeber noted, "Besides from the obvious unpleasentness with the Mandalorians." he added with a serious tone, "I do have to confess," The Grand Admiral added quietly, "That some of the business discussed is pertinent to the Mandalorians." the droid added, "My colleagues in the security bureau will nonetheless provide a brief of this details," He added, "But I believe that given the sustained attacks upon your subordinates on Mandalore, the Sith may need allies elsewhere in the Galaxy." The droid continued, "Ones, with less of a proclivity to agitate the other powers." The Grand Admiral smugly drawled.

"But for us to pose any threat to your potential enemies, we will need resources a plenty."

 

[Darth Carnifex]

Knuckles bumped knuckles, palms slid across palms, and a little waggle of the fingers thrown in for good measure.

Such were the esoteric gestures reciprocated between Emperor and Director.

The edges of the Emperor's mouth were curled back in a sly smirk, but only for the briefest of moments before his face readjusted back into implacable stoicism. He turned, the First Order delegation falling into line behind him, and the twin ranks of the Crownguard falling in after them.

The entryway into the Imperial Palace was large enough to pilot two scout walkers through side-by-side, with harsh geometry sharpening each corner until the whole threshold resembles a bottom-heavy trapezoid. Beyond was a massive hall, marble pillars flanking a seemingly endless walkway decorated with inlaid aurodium and illuminated by floating glow-probes that lazily listed through the empty air above their heads. Massive tapestries depicting the iconography of the Sith Empire hung from buttresses nearly thirty meters in the air, while every wall was decorated in elaborate mosaics that depicted galactic history from the perspective of the Sith.

"The Empire prospers, Grand Admiral. The people are content and distracted by the internecine conflict that engulfs the Mandalorians and their detractors." Oh, the Emperor had kept a sharp eye on the Jedi and Confederate punitive crusade against the Mandalorian Clans, how deep the Jedi were allowing themselves to be pulled into violence. He shouldn't have expected anything less from the Silver Jedi, he was intimately aware with how they operated. "And the First Order has always been a friend to the Sith, even after the tragedy that has befallen your great nation; we do not abandon our allies, not when they have staunchly stood at our side."

They passed through another ornate archway into a massive internal courtyard, marble flooring stretching out in every direction while the space directly above their heads was completely empty; revealing ten entire levels stretching up further into the pyramid. At the four cardinal directions were massive statues, far taller than anything or anyone in the room. Each one depicted an ancient Sith Lord held in great esteem by the modern Sith; Naga Sadow, Darth Malgus, Darth Sidious, and Darth Krayt. There existed other chambers exactly like this one, the only difference being the figures depicted on the massive statues.

"And yes, my Empire has a great wealth of resources. One might even consider it a gross surplus. I am sure the correct allocation of materials can be of use to the First Order, something to confer between our logistic divisions, no?"

[member="Robogeber"] | [member="The Major"] | [member="Delilah Graham"] | [member="Fiolette Raaf"] | [member="Arador Terrix"] | [member="Vonnegut Pyre"]​

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Bastion

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---

Ravelin CIty.

Imperial Palace.

The gesture had not been lost on the Lord Admiral as she maintained her bearings. She waited as the First Order delegation fell in behind the Emperor and the twin ranks of his Crownguard followed suit. She, in turn, would fall in, and with her own honor guard mirroring the His Imperial Majesty's own guards. The Imperial Palace was always a marvel to behold such opulence, aurodium decorated the walkway that seemed endless as they marched. Tapestries with the iconography of the Sith Empire hung with authority as mosaics from the Empire's history were etched into every wall.

The Emperor spoke to the Grand Admiral who seemed to be the de facto leader of the First Order these days. He must be overly gratified with finally having some semblance of true power, it only took her niece to die heroically along with the deaths of many of the Grand Admiral's betters. She kept that opinion to herself as the Emperor's voice carried on, it held a deep timbre one that always managed to catch your attention. Lord Admiral Raaf inwardly agreed with providing for their allies, though the same could not be said if the situation had been reversed. Or, at least that had been the state of things when she resigned her commission and left. Perhaps the First Imperials managed to grow something of a conscious in the interim, or maybe what little they had perished with the Grand Moff.

As they continued to pass through another reminder of the Empire's opulence, another ornate archway they were led into a massive internal courtyard. A fierce pyramid sat stretching ten full levels upward. Four statues stood guard at each of the cardinal directions, each statue was a representation of a Dark Lord. Taeli had been kind enough to point them out but the Lord Admiral let the information go the moment they passed it.

So it had been somewhat refreshing to remind herself as to who they were as she gazed upon them once again.

[member="The Major"] | [member="Delilah Graham"] | [member="Arador Terrix"] | [member="Vonnegut Pyre"] | [member="Robogeber"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"]

 

[Robogeber]

BASTION, THE IMPERIAL PALACE
First Order Delegation: [member="Arador Terrix"] | [member="Vonnegut Pyre"] | [member="The Major"] | [member="Delilah Graham"]
Sith Empire Delegation: [member="Fiolette Raaf"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"]

​

"A comforting thought, your majesty." Rausgeber heartily concurred. It seemed he and the Sith were on the same page in regards to wants and needs. However, the Grand "But on the question of logistics, our issues are twofold." The Grand Admiral curtly informed the foreign head of state. "Firstly, in more civilian supplies, and secondly in more practical military aid." The Grand Admiral mused. "However, I'll delegate to my subordinates for such briefings." he paused, and turned slightly, "Moff Terrix, Lieutenant Command Pyre, come forth." The Imperator snarled.

He turned his head to the Emperor, and cast him a reverent gaze. "Lieutenant Commander Pyre here has compiled an extensive list of the military industrial supplies needed to keep our navy running." The Grand Admiral informed the Sith Emperor. "Our naval forces, while not nearly as expansive as our previous status entitled, nevertheless are arguably the most advanced in the Galaxy." Carlyle allowed a smirk to purse his lips, "Despite what present company, may believe." A satisfied drawl escaped his vocaliser.

"Moff Terrix here, will expand upon the needs of our civilian populace." The Grand Admiral continued, "We have recieved thousands of refugees from our dominions, and with us training an army, it only means more mouths to feed." The Grand Admiral paused, "We sit potentially, on the precipice of humanitarian disaster."

 

[Arador Terrix]

Moff Terrix nodded solemnly as he came forth, silently noting that Rausgeber seemed to be less enthusiastic about his work, as if he saw as less important than that of his colleagues. Though, he mentally added, the Grand Admiral still deigned it important enough for him to have been brought at all. "Indeed, your majesty. As the Grand Admiral so elegantly put it, the First Order requires aid on the humanitarian front as well as the battlefront. If we do not address the needs of our populace, riots will be our undoing before any enemy combatants have the chance," Terrix said curtly, arms still folded behind his back respectfully. "While I do not doubt our military would be able to handle the rabble, I am a strong believer that peace maintained through force is tenuous at best, and if we want the people to follow us we must prove the First Order can provide for them, that life is better under our flag rather than the flag of our enemies." Terrix paused for a moment, contemplating his words carefully before continuing.

"Simply put, the First Order requires the resources to keep the populace happy and therefore compliant; food, clean water, adequate clothing; things that make life sustainable for the average person. Ample supplies of duracrete, plasteel, and other such building materials would also be greatly appreciated for the purposes of infrastructure renovation and construction, as well as the workers to make such efforts possible. We are already short-staffed, and most of our engineers are preoccupied with military endeavors." Terrix would likely have more luck pulling a Nexu's teeth than getting the military junta that now controlled the First Order to see his projects as worthy of their time, a fact he was well aware of. "I will not bore you with all of the logistics and minutiae of my station, your majesty, but these are the basics as it stands currently."

[member="Robogeber"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Fiolette Raaf"] | [member="The Major"] | [member="Vonnegut Pyre"] | [member="Delilah Graham"] | ​

 

[Vonnegut Pyre]

It had taken the Lieutenant Commander a sizeable portion of their journey to read and re-read the final reports, estimates, and aggregates concerning the logistical requirements of maintaining their fleet. Typically the millstone of an Admiral it was surprising he'd been tasked with the endeavor - though in a Post-Sundering world everyone had been required to shoulder more than their fair share. It was the hallmark of their Order. Value through merit, strength in duty. Duty he'd done. As the Grand Admiral's facsimile introduced the man he issued a respectful bow before quickly stepping forward, producing a datapad, and aiming to returning to the ranks of their entourage. "Your Excellency."

LCDR Pyre wasn't sure who would step forward and take the pad from his grip but the mere presence of the Dark Lord kept his mind from wandering. It was like a sensation one couldn't shake. The man's bearing, his posture, his... aura. Equal parts intoxicating and revolting - the First Order Officer wasn't sure what to think. Swallowing, he waited to be released back to his peers.

[member="Robogeber"] | [member="Fiolette Raaf"] | [member="Arador Terrix"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="The Major"]​

 

[Darth Carnifex]

"I see."

The Emperor accepted the datapad from Lieutenant Pyre, his mismatched eyes scanning over the information scrolling across its backlit screen. It was a well-known fact among Sith Intelligence that the First Order had suffered a massive hemorrhage of resources and manpower since the attack on Dosuun, a deficit that they would be hard-pressed to rectify on their own. For years, the First Order had harbored him and his followers until they could strike out and build their own domain, a debt owed that Carnifex had never forgotten nor cast aside.

And for the First Order's chief problems; the scarcity of refined resources and the overabundance of refugees, the Sith Emperor had a solution.

"There is a technology that the Sith Empire maintains in abundance, Grand Admiral. It is known as a molecular furnace. Through this engine of renewal, we are able to break down useless materials and reconfigure their molecular composition into something of value." It was by this technology that the Sith Empire had grown so large and so fast, because the Sith could consume any material and completely transmogrify it into building materials, consumables, fuel, literally anything that could be fashioned from pre-existing elements found on the periodic table. "We can spare older model furnaces, if you are inclined to use them. Use them on asteroids belts, lifeless planetoids, whatever you have in abundance that does not contribute to your survival."

Though unspoken, the suggestion lingered freely in the air.

In secret, the Empire had discovered that organic material could substitute the inorganic as fuel. The First Order currently had a refugee crisis on their hands, an overabundance of mouths to feed as one of the Grand Admiral's adjutants put it.

Surely, a decline in their population would prove fortuitous.

​

[member="Robogeber"] | [member="The Major"] | [member="Delilah Graham"] | [member="Fiolette Raaf"]| [member="Arador Terrix"] | [member="Vonnegut Pyre"]​

 

[Vonnegut Pyre]

"If I may your excellency." the Lieutenant Commander interjected. "There are several systems in which these molecular furnaces could likely be used to great effect. I'd not been aware of their existence. Grand Admiral, might I also add, that in the wake of the obliteration of fleets above and upon the world of Bakura, that it might prove to be a useful testing ground for these devices."

He had stepped beyond his comfort zone more than once in his career but this was another thing entirely. The datapad had contained the raw numbers, figures, calculations, and projections but there was something lacking - an agile mind to decode it and forge it into something useful. To the eggheads of the Sith Empire it would be an easy task, but in the here and now numbers were just that. Numbers. "For the moment as we're all well aware, our existence remains tenuous on the world of Pa'Desh though our roots grow deeper by the day. Even so, what we're lacking is the logistical networks to support any sort of prolonged presence outside the system. Much of our fleet was diminished during the Sundering, furthermore, many of our Battle Cruisers and larger vessels have become entirely unsustainable, the reactors drained of power. Without the supply to maintain them... our entire fleet composition has been reduced to Frigates, Corvettes, and in some of the most critical areas - a single cruiser or two." LCDR. Pyre's expression maintained its veneer of professionalism but in his minds eye he could see the devastation of his kinsmen play over and over again.

"In addition to our concerns regarding fleet logistics, there have been a concerning number of reports from our leftover assets on our old worlds. Anti-imperial sentiment is growing. Without the means to reassure our former populations and the inability to maintain our FOSB networks, we're struggling to root them all out. Perhaps, if not too much to ask, we could request assistance from your.." he paused. "..less conventional forces?" Force users as a rule creeped out the Lieutenant Commander but to ignore their strength would have been folly. Simply put, they could do a lot of things better and more efficiently than conventional military forces, especially when a subtle and precise touch was necessary over the heavy hammer of a military body.

[member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Robogeber"] | [member="Arador Terrix"] | [member="Fiolette Raaf"]​

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

Fiolette was not only slightly amused by the words spoken not just by Grand Admiral Rausgeber but by Pyre afterward. Terrix seemed to speak to a First Order that seemed to be more concerned with its military than its civilians. "Pardon," Fiolette interjected, "I know that we have not been formally introduced... but was it not just mentioned that the First Order had the most advanced naval forces in the galaxy, even, arguably so?" These were the words of the Grand Admiral, were they not? Had the First Order been so focused on their military that they've simply neglected their citizenry? If that was the case then, surely, these furnaces could put an end to the populace quickly, for mercy sake.

Now this officer, Pyre.

Asked for additional military support? Unconventional at that - were these representatives without their precious, what were they? Ren? Knights of Ren. Yes, the supposed state secret that none of the militaries were to know about and yet did. The officer's words seemed to somewhat contradict the Grand Admiral's if this so-called most advanced naval force - she stopped her line of thinking there. Maintaining her bearings she was comforted by the thought of Taeli's laughter after all this was over. "So then perhaps, Lieutenant Commander Pyre is it? Could you elaborate on the unconventional forces you seek assistance from?" Sith. Most likely, but she wanted him to be honest and out in the open. Or was this a way for them to have another group do their dirty work? So that their hands would be clean? It wouldn't be out of character for the First Order to get another to do their bidding. "Be out with it, after all, you've all come such a long way why mince words?" The First Order had already asked for everything but the kitchen sink and were given molecular furnaces.

Lord Admiral Raaf turned toward the towering Emperor, Dark Lord of the Sith. "if I may be so bold, your majesty, if the First Order is in such dire need. Perhaps we could aid them just as the First Order once aided Panatha. It would only be so kind to return the favor."

[member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Robogeber"] | [member="Arador Terrix"] | [member="Vonnegut Pyre"]

 

[Vonnegut Pyre]

LCDR Pyre listened, an impassive expression painted across his features as the uniformed woman spoke her part. At the biting edge of her words, he responded, though calmly. "I believe what Moff Terrix was implying was that despite our superior naval technology, we no longer have the resources to maintain our defense of the populous. Our numbers were severely diminished during the Sundering - the upkeep of our fleet is taxing even in its current state. As you well know.." he made eye contact with the woman. "..maintaining a military fleet and providing for a population is far more complex than a simple decision between one or the other. Our industrial complex is nearly non-existent and our stockpiled resources only slow the bleeding of our daily consumption both in the military forces and our subject population. There simply isn't enough to go around. At what point do you cut off the dying flesh to protect the remainder?"

It wasn't a true question, the answer was arbitrary at best - less an excuse for their current predicament but an explanation of the state of the Order. He wasn't proud of it but it was common knowledge. When necrosis began to seep in at the edges, when death and decay began to creep, when draw began to outweigh value - you cut out the disease. It was a wolf eat wolf world out there, the galaxy didn't care who you were or what you believed. A cold chill had settled across his features, his jaw tensing momentarily as the woman officer made her call to not mince words.

"As I've explained, our Security Bureau is perhaps one of the worst affected agencies by our collapse. There simply aren't resources to act on every piece of intelligence we're receiving regarding anti-Imperial upstarts across our former vassals. We maintain the ability to gather intelligence but we lack the power to act. What I would suggest, is that we collaborate. Anti-imperial sentiment especially on this side of the galaxy might seem minor in comparison to the other problems faced by your own Empire but we well know all it takes is a single spark and a couple of dry tufts of fuel to start a blaze, one large enough to ignite the galaxy. It is in both our interests to squelch these upstarts. In collaboration with your gifted warriors and our collected data, I believe these malcontents could be rooted out with alacrity."

There he held his tongue. It was of course, not his business to interject in affairs not of their own however if the Sith Empire could be convinced to assist in rooting out these small cells and suppressing the growing discontent, they would be in a far better position to surge forward once the course had been set. As of yet it was still somewhat unclear to the Lieutenant Commander exactly what the chain of command looked like. In truth, he was more than ready to return to the bridge of his small hunter-killer corvette and leave the big picture to those with more color on their collars.

[member="Robogeber"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"]​

[member="Fiolette Raaf"] | [member="Arador Terrix"]​

 

[Fiolette Fortan]

"Then the molecular furnaces provided by the Empire shall suffice to aid in your endeavors," there was a cool touch on her words she gave the Lieutenant Commander her full attention. It sounded like the First Order needed to get its priorities straight. If they had no industrial complex then they have done nothing for themselves and are now asking for the Empire to do their work for them. "I believe the Emperor has already laid out a solution to your problem. Additionally, you're asking for gifted warriors and I asked for you to elaborate on such which you have not. So then I take it that you're asking for the Sith Empire to get involved so that when a hammer falls the First Order is able to get away from it and the Sith Empire is left carrying the burden?"

Tsk. Tsk.

"But surely that is not your intention, is it? You merely need help after all with such an advanced naval force, and now a way to curb your population troubles..." the Lord Admiral's voice trailed off, "I believe the Grand Admiral here is more than capable of having the First Order put its foot down on these minor resistances." She stopped there and looked between the members of the delegation. It seemed in their hurried motives they had forgotten the underground of Dosuun. Pity that the Grand Moff's work had gone to waste after all these years. "And no do not attempt to put the words of Grand Admiral Rausgeber into Moff Terrix's mouth, dear sir."

"Moff Terrix has done his part in making sure the First Order is able to gain aid for future endeavors."

Pyre? Well. Fiolette stopped there, it was clear this man was running in circles looking for the Sith Empire to step in and do what the First Order clearly could not. If this is the case then as suggested to the Emperor - the Sith Empire could help but if they were going to help it would not be to the First Order's liking. "But perhaps I've overstepped my bounds," with that the Lord Admiral gave small-curt smile and stepped back with her honor guard's weapons glinting in the light.

[member="Darth Carnifex"] | [member="Arador Terrix"] | [member="Robogeber"] | [member="Vonnegut Pyre"]

 

[Arador Terrix]

The slightest hint of a smile slipped momentarily through Terrix's typically unemotive face as he slightly bowed his head when Raaf mentioned him. "My thanks, Lord Admiral." He would save his proverbial venom for certain parties for later, this was neither the time nor place for it. The Lieutenant Commander clearly did not have the mind necessary for his work, which suited Terrix just fine. The population was not Pyre's problem to solve, it was his. 'Dying flesh,' he had called them. Bah. How crude. And how he had attempted to puff his chest by twisting Terrix's words. Now was not the time to stew in his discontent, though. "I will see that the resources that find their way to me will be utilized to their fullest capacity."

[member="Fiolette Raaf"] | [member="Vonnegut Pyre"] | [member="Darth Carnifex"] |[member="Robogeber"]​