Dev A Weapon to Surpass

[Darth Strosius]

Project: Kissai Starfighter
Location: Degan Gas Clouds
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War did not merely loom on the horizon, it was present and exceptionally potent already. The Sith Order's recent attack on Woostri was the perfect reminder of that. It had been a brutal affair, requiring almost an armadas worth of vessels and forces just to ensure a landing planetside had any chance of success. War was not just decided on the battlefield or in the halls of strategists but also by the very weapons that were used to fight it.

And while the Sith themselves were the deadliest weapons of all, there was no harm in bulking out the arsenal a bit. A service that Darth Strosius and the company that His followers had formed in His absence, Sanguine Defense Works, would happily assist in. Since His return to the Sith Order, the Prophet of Bogan had wasted no time in attempting to reinsert Himself and His followers as a new source of armaments and vessels for the wider Sith forces. Something that had begun during His time as Lord Inquisitor of course but now was a major focus in order to restore Himself in some position of influence.

In particular though the SDW would put together a display of their latest and most advanced project, a starfighter meant to be almost unrivaled in firepower and speed that would hopefully change the face of fighter combat and firmly set it into the Sith Order's favor going forward. Invitations were sent out, calling not just for attention but also investors and potential allies that wished to be the first to receive such a new weapon to their arsenal. Cutting edge technology wasn't cheap after all.

Darth Strosius Himself waited in the main showroom of the station, sat an ornately carved and grand sized conference table that offered a spectacular view of the nebula clouds beyond the station's hull. This relatively remote area within Sith space was perfect to demonstrate the new starfighter that would be presented today, allowing for a seamless show of its capabilities. And hopefully draw in plenty of investment requests and offers of resources that the SDW would desperately need to establish itself as a proper Sith manufacturing power.

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Compelled by both duty and curiosity, though primarily the latter, A'Mia made sure to be in attendance for this exciting display. Korriban was mighty but small on the grand scale, her defenders fierce but finite. The Lord Seer had been expanding her reach of late, making connections and forging new avenues of influence. In fact, she even endeavored to open her own company soon. A niche service which catered toward the selling and trading of botanicals, pharmaceuticals, and other such goods. Though that had little to do with this, there was no telling what opportunities might present themselves.

Not only was this an opportunity for the woman to explore some personal interests, but she hoped to gather information on behalf of Elmindra Xitaar and Darth Caedes as well. The newly re-emerged Darth Strosius was a potential ally and it behooved them all to keep a close eye on the man's career now that he'd been granted a second life.

A'Mia drifted into the showroom, simply dressed in Kor'ethyr robes but looking as ethereal as ever. Her skin was a bit paler than usual, her tones more muted. It was impossible to tell whether that was a style choice or if she was sickly. Her nymph-like face turned to survey those gathered, serene as always and with little to no true emotion found there. Large, blue green eyes eventually found the man of the hour and she approached slowly as if making sure she wasn't interjecting in an unwelcome manner.

 

[Darth Strosius]

Project: Kissai Starfighter
Location: Degan Gas Clouds
Tags: Madrona A’Mia / Open!
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The console embedded into the table provided the main source of His focus these past few minutes, with Darth Strosius tapping away to arrange the coming diagrams and recordings into the proper order once the event began. For the most part this was already done of course but some last minute tweaks to the show plan due to maintenance had led to some timing mishaps which had to be corrected now. Just some tedious trifles really.

His hidden gaze flickered up as someone stepped into the meeting room, briefly having to glance A'Mia up and down twice before He recognized her. The more formal attire and oddly pale look weren't familiar but her features still were. For now at least, He knew that she had a form more flexible than most. And not in the acrobatic sense.

"Lady Madrona." He inclined His head and beckoned her closer with a wave of His hand, gesturing to one of the seats in the same motion. "I never presumed you to be the technical sort, it's a pleasure to see you again." Korriban was getting more active it seemed, and finally stepping out of the Caldera as well. A development which could prove concerning and advantageous in equal measure. "Have you come to see our new project?"

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

"A pleasure to see you as well," she said as she sat gracefully in the seat offered.

Niceties— A'Mia would probably always struggle to understand their subtleties. She genuinely did enjoy Alisteri, he was one of only a few people she wasn't indifferent about or bored by, but in truth she had no idea where she stood with the gruff man on a personal level. The neti made note of that introspection because it was yet another example of the orchid core subtly altering her internal processes. Never before had she concerned herself with the opinions of others from an emotional standpoint.

"I'm not yet the technical sort— though my niche within the Force might yet allow me to be."

She tapped her temple with one long, woody finger as she continued.

"I'm most practiced with seeing and understanding living creatures or the properties of inert materials and objects. However, I've found that machines and technology have a kind of life of their own when I shift my perspective a bit."

A'Mia tipped her head, her faint smile growing a bit and actually touching her eyes this time.

"So yes, I eagerly await further details about your project!"

She clasped her hands neatly in her lap as if awaiting a scholarly lecture.

 

[Seela Leini]

Location: Degan Gas Clouds
Objective: Test the Kissai Starfighter
Attire: FAE/A-09 Anti-G Suit
Tag: Darth Strosius Madrona A’Mia

Seela Leini arrived in the main showroom not long after the arrival of the Lord Seer of Korriban, A’Mia Madrona. The Twi’lek had spotted the towering plant lady while she was entering the station, but had not expected to meet her here, inside the showroom. Thus, her preconceived notion that a Neti would not be at all interested in standard mechanical (inorganic) technology had been proven incorrect, causing her painted, high-arched eyebrows to very briefly rise up her forehead before her expression returned to a more polite set.

However, the Neti’s presence was not even the strangest thing that was set to transpire.

More bizarre was the fact that Seela, a Kainite starfighter ace, found herself inside the corporate showroom of a company with known connections to the Wonosa. In essence, the Twi’lek had been tasked with testing their new Kissai starfighter and thereafter, offering her feedback on the design.

Although an ace, Seela was not famous (or at least she did not believe that she was), so there seemed to be no immediate opposition to her arrival. None that she could comprehend, at least. The Twi’lek might have very well been walking into a trap, but she remained secure in the fact that she had been given an explicit mandate from Darth Carnifex for her task.

Entering the showroom, Seela was clad in a form-fitting flight suit with the helmet held under her arm, secure against her body. She offered a polite, shallow bow to both of the Sith inside, before slowly rising back to her full stature.

“This is the showroom for the Kissai starfighter project, yes?” Seela spoke up in a polite, subued tone, her gaze shifting between the two Sith as she did.

 

[Commodore Helix]

Objective: Observe the test flight
Tags: Darth Strosius /OPEN​

Helix arrived somewhat late, taking a seat in the display room and folding his hands. He was interested to receive this invitation, and more interested to see what this new craft could do.

Strosius becoming a nascent manufacturing magnate was not something he'd predicted, but he was pleased to see it happen. While the Sith had battered through Woostri's defenses with gusto, that didn't mean the next would be so simple. Or the next, or the next after that. Helix knew well that the Order's ambitions would not be satisfied until there was nowhere left to expand to. He also knew that the Galactic Alliance would learn from Woostri. The Sith would just have to learn faster.

He hoped this new fighter was one of many to come, for all their sakes.

 

[Darth Strosius]

Project: Kissai Starfighter
Location: Degan Gas Clouds
Tags: Madrona A’Mia / Seela Leini / Commodore Helix / Open!
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"I think you'll find this project rather intriguing then, blends your newfound curiosity with some more familiar elements." Not quite as familiar, there weren't any flora involved in the new starship after all, but He had no doubt that the Neti had some experience with Kyber and sorcery. Korriban was the birthplace of Sith Sorcery after all. "This new ship is very lively indeed." If nothing else it would certainly have some style and personality, only a droid brain could make it any more lively.

Right as He was about to continue with the "sales pitch" as it were there was a new arrival, His visored gaze snapping to the apparent pilot. Darth Strosius paused and cocked His head to the side, regarding the Twi'lek for a long moment. "It is indeed." With a wave of His hand, a rather simple and stiff motion all things considered, He beckoned the pilot forward. "If you'll stay for a brief presentation before you make your way to the craft, we wouldn't want you...unprepared."

He watched the pilot for another moment before nodding as the droid commander stepped around her. "Commodore, a pleasure as always." Given what He had seen during their last outing together on Woostri He doubted that He'd have anything to impress Helix with but if nothing else perhaps the droid commander would want some starfighters for his own forces. Perhaps He had acted too hastily in not including any models with droid brains after all.

"Now, I must thank all of you esteemed guests for coming to our humble showcase. But of course pleasantries aren't the point of the evening," He tapped on the console in front of His seat and the room darkened. A crimson holoprojection formed from the center of the table, grids weaving together to form various ships. "Starfighter design is nothing new for my forces and I." The Massassi, Tyro, and Shyrack rotated for a few moments before dissolving and reforming into one single projection.

"Never before have we quite gone so experimental with our work however. You could label this new starfighter as an interceptor due to its speed, but I believe you will all agree that it is far more special than any simple classification could describe." This starfighter was noticeably different in design, less traditional and more like some wicked blade. "The Kissai is a single pilot ship, outfitted with the standard defensive systems but boasting advanced targeting and manuevering systems that ensure its pilots are always on the offensive and never caught unaware in battle."

A grin was evident in the masked man's words as the hologram enlarged to display the cockpit and engines better, rotating and zooming in to provide plenty of angles with which to view the craft from. "But of course the main event lies in the weaponry of the Kissai. Laser cannons and beam cannons allow it to deal heavy damage to any target it might face, even those with extensive shielding and thick armor, but there is one defining weapon that surpasses any other placed upon a starfighter."

The hologram pulled back as four points along the vessel's "blade" lit up, lines soon forming between them before they met and launched a beam. "Composite beam laser tech is nothing special. But, the power core of the Kissai is very unique." With another press the hologram zoomed in again on the vessel's internals, showcasing a revolving cylinder filled with crystals. "The Kissai is powered entirely by Kyber. Every weapon and engine has been crafted to utilize this power rather than standard power systems, but the composite laser allows the full strength of Kyber to be utilized all at once. With rather...dramatic results."

A recording replaced the holoprojection, showing a common civilian cargo corvette drifting through space. Before a crimson beam from just off camera lanced the vessel in half, the knife shaped craft that fired it soon speeding by the camera before the recording cut off as the corvette exploded in a grand fire. "Thus far all of the Kissai have only been outfitted with synthetic crystals due to the rarity of the natural kind, but with a few investments we would be more than happy to install natural crystal power cores which should be far more potent and powerful." He turned to regard the assembled guests and crossed His arms behind His back with what must have been a smug look beneath His mask.

"Quite a tempting offer, is it not?"

 

[Seela Leini]

Location: Degan Gas Clouds
Objective: Test the Kissai Starfighter
Attire: FAE/A-09 Anti-G Suit
Tag: Darth Strosius Madrona A’Mia Commodore Helix

Seela acknowledged the masked Sith with a nod, before making her way to a seat and situating herself on it. Just as she did, another figure arrived in the showroom. She turned her gaze to the entrance, her eyes catching sight of a droid who she immediately noted was received with considerably more warmth. In that regard, Helix and Strosius seemed to have a working relationship, perhaps pertaining to business, factional alignment, or simple mutual interest, compelling the Twi’lek to wonder if she was the odd one out in the group.

Nevertheless, Seela listened in attentive silence as Strosius went over the starfighter pedigree of his company. Naturally, the Twi’lek had reviewed the files that the Shadow Armada Starfighter Corps possessed regarding the Massassi, Tyro, and Shyrack. Just as it was possible that she would fly against those craft, it was also possible that she might one day fly them herself, due to the fact that both the Tyro and the Shyrack craft were being delivered to all manner of groups across the wider Sith Empire, not just the Wonosa Order.

In fact, the wider distribution of the Tyro and the Shyrack made it all the more likely that she might one day fly against them.

“The starfighter is an asymmetric design.” Seela spoke up after Strosius had finished his initial presentation, her tone neither condemning nor praising. “What measures have the designers taken to ensure that the craft’s weight distribution does not negatively affect its flight characteristics?” She asked, not wanting to waste time with further preamble. “That said, the firepower of the composite-beam laser is extremely impressive. However, my other concern is the blade wing structure itself.” The Twi’lek continued. “Does it serve any other purposes in the design, aside from its role as a projection system for the main weapon? Cooling, perhaps?”

 

[Madrona A’Mia]

Keenly attentive body language was forthcoming from the neti as newcomers approached the table. She was tall, even while seated, and had a hawkish air with how still she held herself, how unblinking her gaze. She made note of the way that Darth Strosius greeted them and inclined her head ever so slightly in acknowledgement.

Then her attention returned to the display she'd come for, and there it remained. Riveted.

Suddenly her datapad was out before her and she was typing notes at an unnatural pace with a dozen or so fingers tapping rapidly away as her eyes never left the visual displays. Though her expertise did not give her anything but a basic understanding of ship-crafting or weapon's manufacturing, she had a ravenous mind for new information and linking it with pre-existing knowledge.

Tap tap tap tap t-tap tap tap​

The page of notes went on even as Seela Leini spoke up. A'Mia listened raptly, adding the woman's observations and questions to her ever growing annotation before chiming in brightly herself.

"I have some thoughts on how to improve the environment of the cockpit, in terms of increased connectivity for the pilot and safety in the case of an overheating ship. It'd be a shame to waste good stock."

A'Mia was looking at the design like a miniature ecosystem, because it was indeed a more lively vehicle than she'd taken such a close look at.

"As for natural crystals, that would be quite something..." the Lord Seer of Korriban let the words trail off, heavy with implication as her eyes glittered when they finally re-alighted on their host's masked face.

It wasn't subtle, but it was a hint at resources which might be offered from the bounty of the Holy Worlds. She would say more later of course, perhaps seek to strike some kind of furthered alliance or trade with Strosius one on one after the demonstration. For now though she wondered what Commodore Helix might add, and what else they might be shown today.

 

[Commodore Helix]

Objective: Offer feedback.
Tags: Darth Strosius / Seela Leini / Madrona A’Mia​

Helix gave a nod in return at Strosius' greeting. "The pleasure is all mine. I am always delighted at the chance to rest my nanites and enjoy a show. I understand you have something of interest here today." He turned to observe the holo-display as it flickered on. He listened intently to the explanation of the vessel's features.

Helix spoke up after a long pause, waiting for the others to say their piece. "Manned fighters are not my forte. I prefer to not have to pay pilots, no offense intended to present company." He folded his hands. "Still, its firepower certainly seems impressive. Where would one acquire these natural crystals? It cannot simply be a question of money. That is rarely any obstacle to the Sith."

He stood, and peered at the holographic specs with more intensity. "It seems a functional enough design. If I were to offer any comment, it would be to acquire a sizeable stock of these supposed superior crystals before beginning production. The synthetic ones seem to function well enough, but why take chances?" He pointed at one part of the display. "The shield strength also concerns me. You may expect a vessel capable of such destructive firepower to draw a great deal of attention in return. Enemy fighters will prioritize it when they see it, once its capabilities have become known. Ideally, it should be able to survive long enough to make another pass."

"Certainly, it seems agile enough to evade pursuit, but all it takes is one mistake, and you are short one trained pilot and one of these crystals, neither of which seem to be in great supply. Something like this would be an expensive investment, and such investments merit protection."

 

[Darth Strosius]

Project: Kissai Starfighter
Location: Degan Gas Clouds
Tags: Madrona A’Mia / Seela Leini / Commodore Helix / Open!
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"Dual linked Gyrocomputers, an advanced Lateral Stabilizer system, and some clever engineering with counterbalancing and weighted hull segments has ensured that that the Kissai will provide a stable and reliable flight at all times." Darth Strosius seemed to be almost expecting the question, quick to respond and gesture towards the cockpit of the starship where such components were housed. "Indeed, cooling of the Kyber lattice is most efficient when spread across a wider surface area. The wing facilitates that as well as providing housing for the longer range sensors."

With a press of the console the projection enhanced on the wing itself, noticeably not zooming into the internals to show off the weapon system as it had done with the cockpit earlier. "We had briefly considered the addition of s-foils into the wing section but determined that doing so would disrupt the narrow profile and compromise structural stability."

His hidden gaze flickered over to the Neti as she spoke up, a slight turn of His head in her direction rather than that of the pilot as it had been previously. "I'd be interested in hearing them. Overheating has been one of our primary concerns, second only to pilot safety of course." One of the costs of making such a powerful weapon was that it was difficult to wield. Pilots adept and elite enough to fly the starfighters at all were in short supply, for Wonosa at least. A program to correct that lacking skill was underway of course but it hardly related to the Kissai's development.

A smirk slid onto His hidden features for a moment at the almost coy mention of natural crystals by A'Mia but only a nod served as the response to it. Such a grand request for materials was better done later but it was something to dwell on in the meantime. The Commodore would soon add to the discussion as well, with the Sith leaning forward and resting His chin on His hands as the droid spoke. "A handful of worlds are where they reside, some of which do lie within Sith control." He said nothing more, hinting but not outright stating anything of note.

"Your concern is noted and understandable, Commodore. These fighters aren't designed to engage in dogfighting all that often, but when encountering other starfighters their speed and weaponry makes them more than capable of dispatching most foes." There wasn't much that He could say to refute Helix's point entirely, the defenses of the ship were indeed somewhat lacking. A cost to streamline production as best as they could manage. But where simple engineering failed there was something else to rely upon. Something far more esoteric.

"There is a secondary function to the Kyber power core that may ease your concerns somewhat. Kyber, synthetic and especially natural, make excellent conduits of the Force. A Force Sensitive pilot, even one with lower than average sensitivity, will be able to make use of their blessings and talents with the Force from the cockpit of the Kissai. Whether that be as simple as a surprise bolt of lightning into an enemy fighter or as dramatic as crushing one before it can fire a killing shot." Darth Strosius sat back and gestured to the droid with a wave of His hand. "That very feature is what made a manned fighter so ideal rather than a sophisticated droid brain. Although I wouldn't mind seeing some models outfitted with those if you'd be willing and able to provide them."