Dominion Blood On The Sand | DE Dominion of Ord Cantrell

[DARKCOM]

BLOOD ON THE SAND: A DARK EMPIRE STORY

​

ORD CANTRELL - Known for its tropical climate, beaches, and vast oceans, this former ordnance/regional depot has long been an exclusive resort for some of the galaxy's most elite, well-off, and famous individuals, and within the past fifty years, a secure, laid-back retreat for the high society citizenry and upper echelons of the former GALACTIC EMPIRE.


In the decades since the fracture and collapse of the Imperial State, Ord Cantrell has fallen into the grasp of ex-Imperial JORN ANDREN, a native son of this paradise and minor warlord in the the AGE OF DEGRADATION, who has grown increasingly corpulent, indolent, and hedonistic in his rule, which appears to have had a knock-on effect on the order and vigilance formerly enforced by elements of IMPAF and COMPNOR to provide for the security and privacy of the officials, dignitaries and nobility that once frequented the world.


Nowadays, security is enforced in a manner deemed at times traumatising by some locals. The commonly-held reason for this - tied to fishing restrictions and the enforcement of forbidden zones in various locations throughout Ord Cantrell's waters - is the once-sacred resource of Kolto to Ord Cantrell's natives in ancient times, and a contributor to the world's enduring wealth.


But this covers up something deeper that has contributed to Andren's continued grip on the world: the discovery of Ionite in the darkest depths of Ord Cantrell's seas within the past decade.


It is this that draws the forces of the Sith'ari to the world.




​

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OBJECTIVE 1: SMOKE IN THE WATER

"There are some things far more frightening than death."​

Under the leadership of the former Imperial warlord, JORN ANDREN, a remnant of the GALACTIC EMPIRE has established a presence on this oceanic world, extracting precious resources such as the rare IONITE from the depths of the sea floor.


Your task is to travel to the sea-floor near the mouth of an underwater volcano and seize control of ORD CANTRELL's mining rigs and prevent the rogue ex-Imperial forces from sabotaging our efforts to take control over their industry. However, be warned, the turbulent nature of the ocean poses a significant threat, with blast mining occasionally triggering raw ionite explosions in the deep. These explosions have the capability to produce tsunamis and powerful underwater currents. Be wary of constant danger.

Spoiler: Character Recommendations

ISB, Dark Side Elite

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OBJECTIVE 2: EMPIREWAVE

"Rebel scum."

​

Our mission on Ord Cantrell is to establish a foothold on the strategically vital coastal enclave that serves as the planet's crucial defensive installations and capital city.


Your role is to lead the charge against local planetary defense forces and the ex-Imperial remnant. Execute a daring beach landing and establish a beachhead under heavy fire. Push beyond the outskirts of the city to reach the imperial security complex, where crucial munitions stockpiles, planetary defenses, and the seat of Warlord Andren are located.


Secure the munitions stockpiles and disable planetary defenses to pave the way for Imperial dominance, sabotaging communication arrays, power generators, and other key infrastructure. Locate and clear out Warlord Andren and his 'council' from their stronghold within the complex.


Victory on the beaches of this tropical world will serve as a testament to the unwavering strength and resolve of our EMPIRE REBORN.

---

OBJECTIVE 3: THE TRIBUNAL

"The ability to speak does not make you intelligent."

​

The Imperial Ruling Council, now known officially as "the Tribunal", is a conclave of the most influential figures within the Dark Empire. Convening on Cademimu V under the supreme authority of Imperial Despot Ignacious Korvan, this gathering marks a pivotal moment in the shaping of the Empire's future, as Sector Moffs, Governors, the Military Executor, and representatives from the Mawite Khanate such as the Great Khan himself come together to deliberate on matters of utmost importance.


Your objective is to assert your presence at this prestigious assembly and exert influence over the proceedings. Whether through reporting on the current state of affairs, engaging in political maneuvering to gain power and favor, or advancing the agenda of your faction within the Empire, your actions will leave a lasting impact on the direction of the EMPIRE.

Spoiler: Character Recommendations

Mawite Khanate Reps, Moffs, Generals, Admirals, Ministers/Administrators

---

 

[Nute Griimda]

Meii-Nu maintained her usual indifferent expression as she observed the power-hungry despots and radical lords of change at the gathering. From one end of the table to the other, her gaze shifted, taking in each individual as they sought to engage in self-interested discussions about the Dark Empire's future
on Cademimu V under the watchful eye of the Imperial Despot. The Galactic Alliance's formidable might was a challenge they were determined to overcome with the support structure of the Trade Federation and the other Corporations that had signed up to join this little escapade in empire building.

"It should be commended that we have established quite the powerbase in a limited amount of time, although I would like to suggest we focus on further expansionary efforts up the Braxant Run Trade Route. Taking in Scipio, Mygeeto, Entrilla and Muunilinst to formalize an increase in currency generation while depraving the Sith Order-Aligned Bankers from further revenue to support their Holy World State nearby."

She explained with rather long-drawn out words to the rest of the gathering, offering some praise of the Dark Empire's ability to gather so many resources quickly but also offering opportunities for them to cut off capital to the Sith Aligned Holy Worlds by taking several vital planets up the Braxant Run Trade Routes.

 

[Jon Hojkstra]

Objective II
​

Jon Hojkstra prowled through the chaotic streets of the Capital City like a man with a purpose. The kind of purpose that's written in plasma and sealed with blood. The city was a mess—a beautiful, damned mess—and Jon was its unwilling artist, painting a path of silent destruction towards the self-proclaimed Warlord's secure complex.

The deal he had struck with the creeps at ISB—Agent Vigilant and Sabine Korvan —was one of those deals that dug its claws into your soul and didn't let go. The weird bedfellows you make when you're out for blood, each with their own secrets and sins. Jon couldn't shake the feeling he was just another weapon in their arsenal again, a blade to be wielded until dull and discarded. Again.

He spat to the side and took a deep breath clearing his mind. The air was thick with the stench of war, a pungent mix of blood, sweat, and fear that clung to the veteran like a second skin.

This was his element.

Jorn Andren was going to die tonight.

 

[Minako Aoki-Barran]

Ascending From The Waters Like Demons Of Chaos

Explosions resounded across the coastline. Blaster fire rang out as the transports descended upon the planet. Former imperials, still wearing stormtrooper armor, defended the coastline with heavy canons dating back to the days of the New Imperial Order. Surrounding the ship Minako rode in were many. Under the unified banner of the Dark Empire, imperials, Dark Side cultists, Mandalorians, Scar Hounds, and more all made an assault upon this beach. Minako really had no care for who the kark she fought with. She had no true care for whatever goals the Dark Empire and their imperials had. All she knew was that they had saved her uncle, Thomas Barran , and freed him from prison. She supposed, she owed this Dark Empire allegiance for that. At least, as long as her uncle decided to keep the Scar Hounds aligned with them. She had no care for politics, she just went where her uncle told her to.

And so, here she was, riding a transport as it made way to the shoreline. Blaster fire continued to rain around them, as a neighboring ship crashed into the water and sprayed salty water and foam through her ship's windows. The girl scoffed, rolling her eyes as she briefly pulled her mask down to spit the taste out. The ships drew closer, and she pulled her mask up once again. She approached the front of the transport to watch, and she saw just how close they were - until

BLAM!

An explosion rattled the transport, sending it careening towards the ocean. Minako was thrust to the side of the ship, feeling winded as fellow Scar Hounds shouted around her.

"Someone open th' hatch! Swim!"

The girl scraped herself off the rattling floor, slamming a button and opening the transport doors early. As wind and sea spray blasted them, she ran for the exit.

"Swim!"

The Scar Hounds all chanted the order, grabbing their equipment and jumping out of the ship before it even crashed into the waves. As she fell through the air, feeling the smoke and flames of the transport, Minako grumbled about how she hated swimming. The Scar Hound marauders plopped into the ocean, starting to swim the rest of the way towards the shore. Breathing through her mask's apparatus, Minako watched from below the water as hazy, blurred blaster fire rang over them. The crashing ships were increasing the strength of the waves slamming around them, and Minako struggled in the currents.

Eventually, however, she kicked herself towards the shell of another transport, located in the shallows. She clawed at the course, irritating sand and kicked back wet sand as she thudded against the side of the ship, resting and taking cover. Her little body panted as she looked up to the blinding sunlight. She at least had made it to the shore! However, she had no idea what was going on right now, or how anyone else was fairing.

She eventually clenched her light repeating blaster. She brushed clumps of sand off the small rifle before rising to w crouching position. She edged towards the corner of the downed transport and peered around. Luckily, despite the heavy casualties of the first wave, aerial reinforcements and a second wave of transports were working to overcome the beach's defenses. As some troops landed successfully, others pulled themselves up from the waters like demons ascending from the flames of chaos. Minako joined the march, firing with her light repeating blaster at the enemies of the shoreline. Soon enough, the Dark Empire would have their beach resort. Or whatever. Minako didn't care. She only cared about fighting... and surviving.


Thomas Barran Kurineth Cull Hex @other scar hounds and stuff

 

[Zethran Cott]

Nute Griimda | Any attendants at the Tribunal | Open


Tedium.

That was the word that described such a gathering. It perfectly encapsulated the distinct flavour of triviality that pervaded at any gathering of politicians, overseers or governors. The very real threat of the Sith somewhat made things less predictable, that Zethran conceded, but in general any place where the good and gracious of Empire could assemble would fill the assemblage with hot air, stifling any real sense of creativity.

He mumbled to himself. He was a Fleet Admiral, a serious rank in the Imperial Navy. He was charged with the Home Defence Fleet, answering to the Grand Admiral and the Despot himself. Despite this, he found being away from his duty to be less than enjoyable, finding the inflated and puffed up sense of self that accompanied them to be less than enjoyable and arduous at best. He sipped some water, savouring its taste. Chemically cleaned, like most purified water available to high ranking officials. He longed for time planet-side proper, where he could drink from a spring or a lake, not something that had gone through all sorts of processing to ensure it was clean and safe from harm, both natural and manufactured; one could never be too careful when the powerful got together.

He nodded along to the speaker, Cott himself surrounded by various high-grade military types, sure that what the banker was saying was of great validity. Except that the admiral was a 'flyboy' at heart, one of the few who had seen action during the formative years of the Imperial Order. He had seen action at Dantooine, at Tython. He had fought at some of the great battles of the last four decades and lived to tell the tale. So few had.

He coughed, accidentally drawing looks from his neighbours, one an adjutant who smirked a little. The young officer tried to hide it but it was too late. He had caught the eye of the Fleet Admiral himself.

"Steady yourself, Bunnel. You're at risk of appearing interested in this." He whispered with some good humour. He was a severe officer, he knew this to be true. But he also showed some levity with those that served loyally. His cadre of adjutants and assistants were to be trusted until they weren't.

He adjusted his gaze and zeroed his focus once again into the voices of the many. He nodded and listened. His lot today was not to talk but to listen to far superior officers give their thoughts. He was known to many of the upper echelons, that was true.

He had been one of the Prefsbelt Command, afterall.

 

[Alicia Drey]

Tags: [OPEN]
Location: On board the Initium
Objective 1: Smoke in the Water

The finest engineers in the Imperial Engineering Core had worked tirelessly on retrofitting the Initium for this most important mission. A modified Star Yacht- completely unique, and the only of it's kind- the Initium was the personal choice for Darth Ayra as she traversed the Galaxy due to it's cloaking generators, and PDF technology which made the ship neigh undetectable save for rare circumstances. In preparation for the mission Ayra had put the engineers to work so that the ship would be capable of water submersion. At a cost of added weight, if the Initium were to go underwater, then it's occupants would be protected from the overwhelming tides of the ocean from crashing in.

Darth Ayra was a member of the New Sith Order. Liberated from the Galactic Alliance prison on Coruscant by the Dark Empire Ayra had commenced with her work on behalf of the Sith'ari through the infiltration of the Empire of the Lost. The nature of the work was clandestine, covert and kept to herself. Eventually, Ayra foresaw the inevitable confrontation between the upper echelons of the DE as questions were surely to come up in the future. She had yet to meet or speak with Solipsis personally, nor had she interacted with other members of the NSO and the multiple other organisations that served him until now.

"We are coming into orbit," Ayra informed the others. The Initium was filled with the strike team set to assault the underwater facilities on Ord Cantrell. As the Initium entered orbit of the planet Ayra engaged the cloaking systems of the ship, and activated the PDF. Invisible to the naked eye, with a dampening field active to prevent scans, Ayra and the other occupants of the ship were now undetectable. She did not anticipate grav crystal technology, or a Force-user strong enough to detect their approach. The ISB had made no such report in their preliminary scouts of the facilities made weeks in advance before the assault was set to begin.

"Engaging pressurization procedures now." With the strike team set to be deep underwater for the assault all the occupants of the Initium (including Ayra herself) were set to be pressurized so that, in those depths, they would not be killed by the intense pressure of the ocean. Above land everyone was exposed to pressure but in those depths- the deeper you ventured- hydrostatic pressure would kill if not for the preparations the engineers had made for the Initium and her crew.

As the air within the ship begun to vent in anticipation for the dive Ayra called up on the viewing port a holographic representation of the facility, and the route that she would need to fly the ship towards the assault point. As the skies of Ord Cantrell started to clear, Ayra announced: "Skies clear. Heading to sea depth in five, four, three, two, one..." Light gave way to inky blue darkness as the Initium dived into the ocean. Activating thrusters Ayra diverted the ship on course for the mining facility using the viewing port as her guide.

 

[Onrai]

Ord Cantrell Orbit/Beachhead
Objective 2
Maestus Donne Toulemonde Adeline Noctua

In orbit, a number of aged Pluton-class battleships disgorged their cargo, which quickly disappeared from sight and sensors. The transports, old GUIDE models from the days of Emeritus Industries, were filled with Onrai's direct contributions to invasion on the beachhead. Her intent was to take a different approach - since the transports were cloaked, and the planetary defenses lacked a crystal grav-field trap to detect them, a direct insertion atop the point of maximum enemy resistance would surprise the defenders and make establishing a command post on the beach significantly easier for incoming Imperial forces.

Within the lead transport, one of Onrai's shadowed manifestations stood alongside three others. The first, Donne Toulemonde, had been an ardent acolyte, well trained in the use of the Anti-Force and well-molded by the forbidden knowledge she had learned. In contrast, the red Twee who was next to her bore little of the gnosis she had been through, but her avaricious nature had further encouraged Onrai to guide her along the path towards eventual acquisition and conquest. The last was an enigma - a being tainted by the servant of the Father of Shadows himself, and one the twice-false goddess had deliberately done her best to ensure did not cause her forces harm.

"So far, so good." Onrai said - barring the rumblings of flak fire, the enemy had yet to gain awareness. Communications were opened with the other transports that were inbound, a message meant for all the Darktroopers and droids that had joined them. "The moment the doors open, we drop. We and the bloodtroopers will make first fall, followed by the jumptroopers and the droids, then the powered armor, then the infantry once the transports land. Coordination is key - we want to give the enemy as little opportunity as possible to take advantage of their position. Now get ready."

As the comms closed, Onrai looked at the trio. "Learn to coordinate with those who serve you. You will be magnified on the battlefield tenfold if you view your servants as something of value instead of fodder to be wasted." A couple of the bloodtroopers preparing to drop with them looked at her for a moment, wondering if the Sith and acolyte had known this before going to the battlefield. "This goes against everything you've been told as Sith, to value yourself and only yourself. But consider why these men still serve me and the soldiers of the past have abandoned their lieges." She motioned to the bloodtroopers in question. They were close, no doubt about it now.

-

Cademimu V
Objective 3
Nute Griimda Zethran Cott

Onrai's manifestation that represented her faction's interests at the Tribunal listened to what the Trade Federation representative had to say. The logic was sound enough, however she did have at least a modicum of disagreement with it, and so it was that the blonde-haired figure decided to voice such, plain robes clearly defining her visage as normative compared to the often elaborate displays she tended to showcase.

"Acquisition of funds is good, but hardly necessary - any resource we need can be either mined or salvaged from the worlds under our ever-growing domain. Even worlds outside our sphere can yet be the source of goods. It would be beneficial to initially push for the conquest of Yaga Minor to further fuel the Imperial war machine, as repurposing the shipyards for dedicated military use has historically been beneficial. Acquisition of Aeten II will also allow us ease of access to the stygium deposits there, which will be critical for a number of future projects. Much of our hardware is legacy, which isn't a true issue given the skill of our soldiery, but keeping parity with the enemy would be beneficial."

Onrai was eager to hear rebuttals to her arguments, as well as support for the Federation representative's own.

 

[Adeline Noctua]

Equipment | In Bio

Location | Awaiting drop [Objective 2]

Tag | Onrai Donne Toulemonde Maestus

The rumbling, distant sounds of flak trying to break the very ship she stood in... Ah how lovely indeed. Conquest was not something Keres didn't know, at one point you could say it was a profession of hers, now? Well it was just simply her nature, to live and breathe war, to become the epitome of conqueror.

And so, the armored woman listened as her newest acquaintance spoke, detailing in what order each division was meant to drop.

"And what of the dead? Any reservations as to what happens to them? I speak of the dead on either side of course... Best not to waste tools that can still be useful in my opinion my dear."

She spoke in a soft tone, her accent leaving room to question where she was from.







​

 

[Hex]

Tag nearby: Minako Aoki-Barran
Location: beach
Objective: beach assault with newbies

Spoiler: Equipment

• Neon Lady suit
• ap-25i SIMP pistol
• 'Candles' Heavy particle blaster
• 'confetti' Rocket launcher
• Party Poppers - 3 explosive 3 gas
• Firebee swarm - inferno pattern
• Chewing gum
• Dancer repulsor board
• Jade Void Amulet
• Dervish Knife
• Two grav belts

Spoiler: Hex dialogue colors

Poor Hex hears voices in her head

Hex speech to others
Hex speech to herself

Hexes inner voices
'...Neutral...'
'...Doubt...'
'...Anger...'
Coloured '.....' are also words that Hex can hear , but I decided not to write them to reduce clutter

How long ago was the last time she had been to a beach? Her 18th birthday party on weilu nearly a year ago when she had convinced her girlfriend to hook up with that blue guy? She smiled with the memory, but It seemed forever. As her and T'aemin Squad clung to the bottom of the high speed infiltrator she watched sandbanks and reefs whip past below her. There were five other recruits with her, all about her age or younger and people that Thomas Barran and Mercy had helped her pick out for their love of extreme sports and the like. They were all equipped with a variety of light armours and Hex had frantically been building more copies of her Dancer repulsor boards to equip them all with. She herself was wearing her Neon Lady suit for the first time in ages, it didn't quite fit right any more and she needed to put in a couple of alterations to make it more comfortable, even wearing a bikini underneath it (just in case) it felt a little tight around the hips and chest. She really hoped she was done with starvation, prison, puberty and all the treats that affected a woman's figure and she could finally adjust her kit and be done with it.

<<30 seconds>> came the call from the scar hounds pilot in her comm and she saw all of her team tense up and get ready to drop.

When the time came they all released as one and fired up their repulsor boards, streaking low over the waves. Hex took a few moments to orientate herself and ran her gloved fingers across the light blue water as they turned towards the beach where the scar hounds were assaulting, they would come in as a flanking force at high speed. Hex launched are swarm of firebees that streaked ahead of her and would burrow themselves into juicy spots to give the defenders something to think about.

<<OK T'aemin! this is boarding on easy mode compared to cademimi! Just got a few more people shooting at us but that's nothing new to you guys yeah!>> she laughed in her comm, trying to reassure everyone even though her own heart was in her throat.

'...this isn't denon, these guys are proper soldiers...'

Hex's eyes widened as she tried to block out the most doubtful of the voices in her mind. But it was true, and blaster fire was streaking towards them as they all linked back and forth amongst the waves. They were approaching the beach at at least 150km/h and Hex had taught everyone to jink while boarding bit it was dangerous.

The blaster fire abated a little and she saw tracers going in all directions as her firebees arrived ahead of them and the first few began to explode. Seconds later T'aemin squad crossed the beach and engaged with the defenders, their flaking move allowed them to get in behind the main line so they could pick off defensive positions. Hex pulled off a party popper and dropped it into a machine gun nest as she flew over, she missed the nest, but it was close enough and the blast took out the defenders quite handily.

'...this is fun!...'

She was about to reply with some funny comment when she saw one of her squad get blown into mist by a direct hit from a rocket propelled grenade. It was fun... but it was real and she needed to take it seriously.

 

[Jon Hojkstra]

Objective II
​

Ahead, a lone stormtrooper stood watch, oblivious to the killer creeping up behind him. Jon's heart clenched, a mixture of regret and anger stirring within, as he reluctantly approached his former brother-in-arms.

The stormtrooper, like so many others, was simply following orders. Just as Jon once had. I point, you shoot. He could tell no longer who was friend and who was foe; the lines between loyalty and betrayal had since become blurred in the chaos of the Empire's dissolution into a hundred petty kingdoms such as Jorn Andren's. As he closed in on the unsuspecting trooper, his steps grew heavier, weighted down by reluctance and a purpose previously so clear now obscured by doubt clouding his mind.

With a heavy sigh, Jon reached for the garrote wire at his belt, his fingers itching with uncertainty. The ex-storm commando wrapped the wire around his former brother-in-arms and yanked with enough strength to break his neck. Silent, but quick. Almost painless.

Almost.

The stormtrooper struggled beneath the veteran's grasp, his muffled cries echoing in the dimly lit room. Jon's grip tightened, his resolve faltering as he grappled with the murder of one of his own.

It was only a moment, but it felt a like lifetime.

He was just another pawn in this game, in this ruthless struggle of power.

Another soldier following orders to the bitter end.

Jon released his grip on the garrote wire, the lifeless body of the stormtrooper crumpling to the ground before him.

"Rest in..." the veteran didn't finish the sentence. Was he another soldier truly, or a man equally complicit to the sorry state of his once great nation?

As he stood alone in the silence of the abandoned building, contemplating over the stormtrooper's dead body, Jon's comlink clicked.

"Point Grau. Moving into the tunnels." he put the device back on his belt and glared at the darkness ahead. An ancient aqueduct beneath the ground that had once fed with water whatever seat of power Andren's complex was built on.

 

[Nute Griimda]

Onrai Zethran Cott

A few murmurs of agreement could be heard among certain officers of the disbanded New Imperial Order in response to the Trade Federation's proposed approach. They saw it as an opportunity to acquire more capital to sustain a war front if they properly engaged the Galactic Alliance. Naturally - the Tribunal was filled with dissenting opinions regarding the proposal.

The prominent voice of opposition at the moment belonged to Onrai , who if memory served correctly, was a former member of the Brotherhood of the Maw. This faction was known for their over-reliance on slaves and other exploited resources, not exactly a respite for solid economic foundations.

"Mindless exploitation of resources will not generate positive economic growth to sustain our future war-efforts, certainly not against the economic powerhouse that is the Galactic Alliance at this stage. Not to mention that the majority of the planets nearby have already been exploited by the New Imperial Order to fuel their own war machine before their collapse, they would naturally be exhausted and provide little benefit to the new Dark Empire."

The Gossam would push back on the notion that they could mine or salvage worlds under their growing dominion, by making a point that much of the worlds nearby their faction sphere of influence had been exploited by the New Imperial Order and were naturally exhausted. They still need to recover despite the gap between the fall of the New Imperials and the rise of the Dark Empire in terms of time.

"Although your plan to acquire Yaga Minor and Aeten II is forthright, we need to take economic worlds first in order to integrate ourselves with the galactic economic market at least temporarily until we can establish a proper war industry at home to utilize said shipyard and stygium crystals."

 

[Salvor Thul]

Objective Tags: Hex | Minako Aoki-Barran | Jon Hojkstra | Adeline Noctua

​

As the transports lowered towards the beach I took in all the sights. The heat of the burning beach could be felt from up here. Reminded me of Dubrillion. 40 years later and I'd never stopped getting that jittery feeling of excitment right before the landing. Back on that beach we'd been fighting the Sith Empire. I'd been wearing red, they'd been wearing black. Now both sides were clad in white, two sides of the same Empire, coming together now instead of splitting apart. The difference between us was not one many of the soldiers in my command could see. They thought we were up against wayward brothers being brought into the fold, a few of them had even quietly expressed their concern for killing other stormtroopers, a concern I would gladly put to rest with a bolt in the back of any man who failed to do his duty. Because the truth was, this wasn't about the Empire, it was about who had yet to submit to the Sith.

When the transport touched ground we hit it running. Scar Hounds had beat us down, no surprise. They were wild and free, which got them killed faster, but somehow they always managed to fill their ranks with more psychos. I had once seen myself joining them, back in the Hyperspace War, but I could never have lost sight of my devotion to the New Sith Order. Though my years were gaining on me, I wasn't going to let them outdo us. The machines in my legs spurred me harder and faster up through the sand where weaker men stumbled and fell, perhaps becauseas their leader I had to put myself ahead of them, perhaps too because I would be firing on any and all white armour that was before me.

The way up the beachhead would be easy, not because we weren't opposed by fervent traitors, nor because we would kill without mercy, but because we had something they didn't, something I would remind the troops of, something to inspire both hope and dread,

"For the Emperor!"

​

 

[Aerarii Tithe]

THE TRIBUNAL // CADEMIMU V
Nute Griimda | Zethran Cott | Onrai | Open

For all its rhetoric, the Dark Empire was proving to bear all the hallmarks of its predecessors. A nightly warfighting force, intent on vanquishing their enemies, led by a charismatic leader. And behind the scenes, bureaucracy. Beings sitting around tables, debating minutiae as they shored up their fiefdoms. Not that the Aargauun minded. Tithe was well versed in bureaucracy - he had been a Sith-Imperial Moff and the Chancellor of the Galactic Alliance in a previous life. The Tribunal of the Dark Empire would surely pale against the cutthroat boardroom of the Trade Federation.

“I must concur with the sagacious insights of my esteemed colleague,” Tithe declared. “The endeavor of mining and reconstructing shipyards demands a substantial allocation of resources, diverting our attention from our imminent goals. At this pivotal juncture, we possess the priceless treasure of surprise – a fleeting advantage that implores us to galvanize into swift action and lay claim to our rightful throne in this tumultuous and fiercely contested market!”

Tithe and his colleagues had invested substantial capital in rebuilding Scipio, Mygeeto, Entralla and Muunilinst in the aftermath of the Sith-Imperial war. Occupation by the Dark Empire would no doubt impact the flow of free trade through the sector, but if the worlds were to be subsumed, it was better that happen by an empire Tithe and Meii-Nu were in allegiance with. The planets would also provide the much-needed injection of capital and expertise Tithe required to overhaul the Dark Empire’s financial structures.

“Ah, yes, the Trade Federation boasts quite substantial holdings on the esteemed Banking Worlds,” Tithe explained, turning to Admiral Cott. “It stands to reason that dispelling any lingering dissidents would be a trifling matter for a force as formidable as ours, wouldn't you agree, Fleet Admiral?”

 

[Monos]

---

OBJECTIVE 2​

cornered
​

Into the dimly lit interior of the recently confiscated Cantrellian surface ship leaked both water and the noise of the oncoming assault. The distant grinding of artillery and the sloshing water flowed together with the drone of the surface ship's overclocked engine behind them, pistons drumming to the beating of the heart. Armor banged against armor each time a projectile missed the boat – or hit its rapidly depleting energy shield; some fell to their knees, but got up without a word. Each second of a minute left a bitter taste in the stormtroopers' mouths and minds. This unit, a wave of many, were the passengers of the rudimentary water-treading vehicle now barreling toward a tropical beach of Ord Cantrell.

Given the name MONOS by his fellows, one trooper held onto the overhead rail with metallic poise. A simple, unremarkable cog he is in this newly formed machine of the emergent Dark Empire. Although possessing a story that overlaps in many regards with his rugged comrades, a traumatic

event not too far in the past distanced him from the norm. He is now a true, unromantic marriage of both Mawite and Imperial tradition; one who signed on early to the remnant Imperial forces. To escape, to earn, to eat… to survive. Injured as an Imperial – remade by Heathen surgery. The two arms he lost are now replaced by illegal robotic machinery, grinding, aching, every day and every night; when he is staring at the ceiling, or counting breaths before deployment.

A projectile strikes the front of the group as their boots first sink into the picturesque sands. Warm mud and gore wash over the deafened, stumbling troopers as they are unleashed from the boat, but with tight jaws, they charge onward – only their ringing ears and still-beating hearts breaking the silence of the explosion's aftermath. As the chaos of the landing unfolds, the instruments of the battle paint a clearer picture; bodies, ammo, dirt, and in the near distance, a light artillery installation.

Monos, still running, rolling, zig-zagging toward the target, unclips a smoke grenade from his belt and with servos whirring where his shoulder used to be, hurls the device forward with mechanical might. The item zaps forward, just in time before a barrage of laser fire cascades across the struggling trooper's personal energy shield, draining its power. He slides toward a discarded blaster rifle, and begins maintaining cover fire, initiating a lock-step advance toward the plumes of smoke now engulfing the artillery installation.

---

Open for interaction.​

 

[Amena Kader]

VIPER
MINING RIG | ORD CANTRELL
TAG: Xochilt | Alicia Drey | Open

AGE OF AQUARIUS​

The splintering of the Empire was a dark time.

The Knights were divided greatly, many losing their purpose as they didn't want to side with any particular remnant. Amena had been one of them. With her assignment to the 501st having been voided and the fighting for Imperial assets and resources fully underway, the Viper did what she did best - disappeared into the shadows, waiting until the strongest came out on top.

It was in these shadows while searching for purpose, that some Spooks found her and coaxed her to what would be later known as the Dark Side Elite. Turned out she wasn't the only aimless Imperial Knight that was picked up. A good a place as any, Amena settled in, welcoming clear-set goals and purpose once again, even if it meant going against her grain to serve alongside Sith at times.

The op to Ord Cantrell was one of those times.

Assigned to descend into the deep on some Sith's ship along with some others, including a Spook, the Inquisitor stood in deathly silence. She didn't have to like them, they just had to get the job done as quickly as possible. As long as they didn't hamper her, there would be no issues. Few things were as dangerous as facing other Imperials. She had learned that the hard way when the Empire had faced the Chiss Crisis.

As the mining rig finally came into view after some time after their submersion, Amena finally moved toward the viewport and the Sith Lord.
"Your ship might be cloaked from scanners, but any idiot looking out a window on that rig can raise the alarm. How do you plan to get us into that thing completely undetected?" she said plainly. The Kandaran wasn't one to mince words, not even on a good day.

She briefly glanced at the Zeltron ISB agent. She had to be careful around this one. If Korvan still enforced the ISB as it used to be enforced in the Empire, every little detail on this op would be reported back to the Bureau. They were a necessary part of the Imperial cog, but Amena had no love for them. Spooks always got in the way one way or another. That was something an Inquisitor could not afford.

Especially not when facing other Imperials.

 

[Maestus]

Objective 2: EmpireWave
Onrai Donne Toulemonde Adeline Noctua
On Approach...

Standing aboard Onrai 's ship, Maestus remained silent so far. She stared straight out a viewport as the dropship hurled towards the surface of Ord Cantrell. Her mind, however, was lightyears away on Cademimu V. Where she should, by all rights be present. The temperature had shifted, though, and she no fool. This was a pattern, a cycle, repeated since the dawn of time. Names change, but the cycle never ended. An empire rises and rules for a time. Inevitably, once shining beacons of integrity and honor lose their way and do honorless things to the very people who helped them get where they stood. Corruption was not something the Sith cornered the market on, it encompassed all sentients. Interestingly, concepts such as greed and decadence were largely absent in most non-sentients.

Funny concept, non-sentience. Perhaps Maestus defined it differently, she certainly viewed it different than others. Or perhaps she held a far greater respect for most living creatures. In her opinion, applying humanoid thought processes to non-humanoid beings always disrespected the other beings. Each being had their own unique qualities, it is these Maestus understand and respects. Biologically, if their bodies had a nervous system, humanoids and they were more alike than most give them credit for.

She believed this humanoid-based arrogance was the key factor in the never ending cycle of war and death. But the cycle was no complete, and it would not end until it reached completion.

Rebirth.

It was this Maestus focus had shifted to over the last 28 years. War was expensive, and she was finished throwing her credits away for the vision of others. That is why she stood on Onrai dropship alongside Donne Toulemonde and Adeline Noctua .

Finally did she rip her gaze from the viewport and the sight of Ord Cantrell. She studied each in turn for several silent moments. She knew all but one to varying degrees previously. Adeline Noctua was a new face to her; Unknown. Maestus considered exchanging pleasantries, idle chit chat to "break the ice" with her new comrade. Ultimately, she decided to let the other woman and her actions define her. As it should be.

Donne Toulemonde and Maestus had become well acquainted over the years. She the student of Caelitus, Maestus the student of the Dark Voice, Darth Solipsis . Each scorned, only to rise on their own merit as phoenix from the ashes. And then there was Onrai . They knew each other professionally for a long time. This may be their first time actively working together. She knew the enigmatic woman was skilled in ways different than herself. Ways Maestus did not fully understand. Onrai was a devilish puzzle Maestus was interested in learning more about.

As Onrai offered words of wisdom on the calue, and responsibility, of loyalty, Maestus watched the other women's eyes for reactions. Absent this mission were Maestus Chosen. Her personal fighting force. 40 strong, led by their very dedicated and battle scarred Commander. She had legions at her disposal, yet she only ever brought her Chosen into battles with her. The rest were kept largely as planetary defense and police forces on Crakull and the planets under her control in the Tion Cluster.

Onrai is correct. Loyalty can be bought. Complete and unyielding loyalty must be earned. It requires effort as well as sacrifice on your part if you wish to inspire and earn real loyalty.

She paused in speaking to glance around the ship at Onrai's crew, diligently performing their like a well oiled machine. Gaze returning to the trio with her, and a smirk cracked her usually stoic veneer.

Of course, credits have a function as well. Time and place for everything...​

 

[Xochilt]

​

Objective One
Alicia Drey | Amena Kader

​

Go tsao de, Special Agent XoChilt Zhar pondered, her citrine gaze fixating on the Knight as Amena tersely conversed with what the Zeltron could only presume to be either an Imperial contractor or another Force adept. A faintly disinterested expression graced her coral-hued visage, her sleek white bangs falling effortlessly over her brow, while the rest of her alabaster locks cascaded in an angled shoulder-length bob.

In accordance with the mission's covert nature, the Special Agent adorned herself as expected, donning lighter armor to blend seamlessly with the troopers. Flexibility was paramount in such endeavors, after all.

With a standard-issue blaster holstered at her side and an array of intel-slicing tools secured on her belt, Xo stood prepared to offer her expertise in slicing or programming if the situation demanded. While cyberhacking wasn't her forte, her proficiency lay in the realm of covert espionage and interrogation. However, her arrangement with the ISB necessitated her assistance in all matters contributing to the Empire's advancement.

For the time being, she chose to remain silent, assessing the atmosphere before interjecting with her customary wit. Besides, she was intrigued by the strategy that would be employed to ensure their undetected arrival at their destination.

 

[Detritus Ren]

Tags: Aerarii Tithe Nute Griimda Zethran Cott


The doors would open and what soon followed was the cloaked form of Detritus Ren as he slowly entered into the room, his very presence had brought an unsettling chill to the air. Truth be told, meetings had always bored Detritus for he was a spiritual man, he wasn't a man of politics, for he had spent most of his life out on the frontlines facing one enemy to another. Now he had been appointed to a position befitting of his role. He was the Shadow Priest within the Maw Khanate. He was the shaman to the great darkness that they carried. Barren handled all military matters, but faith and spiritual matters were restricted towards Detritus's own domain. Still, the question remained was what he could bring to the Imperial Ruling Council. He knew little in regards to worlds of importance, what resources that the Emperor required for his plans, or what was needed for the plans that were in store.

Detritus would enter, as he would hear a discussion taking place. This discussion had little to which the holy man could insert himself into. Regardless, a few looks awould enter his way, and all one would see was the helmet that covered his face. One could see the glowing yellow eyes of his, as he would give a nod in both respect and acknowledgement of the council, with whom he felt may not take well to his very presence. In either case would he walk towards the various seats assembled for the members of the ruling council. He would do his best not to interrupt the discussion taken place between businessmen, traders, admirals, and politicians for they would care little of what a holy man had to say. Detritus didn't wish to bog down such discussions with is own sermons, or his preaching for that matter. Instead he would only offer input when asked, for now he remained a silent observer of the proceedings taken place.

Detritus slowly emerged through the shadows, as he took his seat among the council. He was very fascinated to see the Empires brightest all gathered into a single table. Detritus would rest his gloved hands on the table, his gaze shifting from each face, as he didn't wish to interrupt, nor be a nuisance. Enjoying the discussions of what the Empire would need, from it's growing economy to resources that would feed the Imperial war machine. Even to talk of what to do with those that didn't look to all of the Empire as favorably as the council did. Detritus would remain silent as he listened closely waiting for a topic to put himself into, or if there was any advice he could offer. For now all one could do was watch to see how such proceedings within the council would play out.​

 

[Marlon Sularen]

B L O O D_O N_T H E_S A N D
Objective : The Tribunal

DARK EMPIRE
CADEMIMU V, OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

"The Imperial Navy should have no issue in cleaning up the Braxant Run from any dissidents roaming the area, Director Tithe." Sularen said, announcing his arrival as he emerged into the meeting room shortly after Detritus Ren. While the Grand Admiral always disliked politics given his horrible experiences in that field, navigating the realm of political affairs was vital for the success of his plans even if it meant dealing with unreasonable individuals that would rather act on their emotions rather then with rational thoughts. As such he would find himself here at Cademimu V, representing the interests of the Imperial Navy as the Tribunal moved forth to discuss the future plans of the Empire.

After taking a seat right beside Admiral Cott, the Grand Admiral would proceed to continue. "While it is true that worlds such as Scipio, Mygetto and Muunilinst are key to generating the necessary capital to establish a proper War Machine, we shouldn't ignore the strategic and economic value of Yaga Minor, which holds major shipyard facilities as pointed out by Onrai in addition to being a major trading hub in this region of the galaxy, which would only further boost our economy." Sularen added. "We have already secured a considerable amount of capital through the merging of Imperial and Mawite Remnants and as such we should have enough resources to bring the Yaga Minor Shipyards back to peak condition to begin churning out new warships for the Empire."

As Sularen finished speaking, he couldn't help but think about how Tithe spoke about the Trade Federation already having an interest in the planets that his colleague had mentioned earlier. Those four planets would soon be at the core of the Empire's economy and it seemed that the Tribunal was already ready to hand it over to a single megacorporation without any issue, something which itself was problematic in Sularen's eyes especially in the long term. Regardless the Grand Admiral would keep these thoughts to himself, having already devised his own plan to limit the Trade Federation's control over the Imperial Economy once the Empire would move into those sectors. For now he would observe the Trade Federation and see their thoughts on the matter, hoping to be able to learn more about their plans.

Tag | Detritus Ren | Onrai | Aerarii Tithe | Nute Griimda | Ibaris Varanin ​

 

[Ibaris Varanin]

THE TRIBUNAL - CADEMIMU V - IMPERIAL SPACE
OUTER RIM TERRITORIES

Nute Griimda • Onrai • Zethran Cott • Aerarii Tithe • Detritus Ren • Marlon Sularen

​

Ibaris Varanin emerged from a separate entrance than the two men that had preceded her, coming in from a wholly different location - few were privy to the particulars of her schedule lest they were on it - but she did not need to be present to have kept abreast of the meeting on her approach; so little restricted the reach of her darkness. Yet when she entered the chamber, she did not evoke anything quite like the chill of The Ren when he walked in. Rather, she was difficult to get a bead on at all, in that respect.

Varanin began to make her way around to the most sensible place for one of her rank and position. “I acknowledge your viewpoints, gentlemen,” flat words after which she spared a glance at the only other woman as-yet present in the room to include her, “Auditor Suu,” she acknowledged in passing, “and take them under advisement.” The Executor stopped at a seat to one side of where the Despot, Ignacious Korvan , would otherwise be if other matters had not detained him. Then she changed the subject… somewhat.

“Consider what lies to the galactic south.”

Varanin directed, hazel eyes downcast momentarily as she queued up a multidimensional projection of the galaxy and it sprung to life, central to all viewers. Then swiping and zooming in with the gestures of one hand, she focused the map on just one planet - Mandalore.

“Mandalore rebuilds,” she stated; remaining unseated, she looked to those that had gathered here thus far, drumming her splayed fingers for a moment, her ring tak-tak-tak-ing against the surface of the table. “And if you are at all a student of history, then you just might be aware of what comes next. There are few things so predictable as Mandalorian vengeance; it’s only a matter of time before they situate themselves right at the doorstep of the State of False Sith," to coin the Despot, "rattling their beskads, baying for blood for what was done to their homeland.” They’d be distracted, surely. “In the meantime--”

Varanin zoomed the map out from Mandalore, and resituated it over the systems to the closer galactic south-southeast. She peered at the map while continuing to speak.

“--it would serve us to continue to strengthen our border in that region; our imminent goals,” she skirted a glance at Tithe for having invoked that subject, then flicked her gaze back to the map, “put us in a position of risk that makes that aim of greater concern than securing the north for the immediate future, at a minimum.”

Her tongue flicked at one of her canines, her lips pursed lightly, then she indicated what might be the one world to most immediately work towards the concerns presented here, to some extent.

“While our forces have presently descended on the wealthy resort world of Ord Cantrell,” Varanin continued as she sat, crossed her legs, and settled her head against a thumb and two fingers, propped up against one arm of the chair, “what lies beyond it is the major trade hub near the south terminus of the Braxant Run--" she smiled thinly, flicking hazel eyes from one banker to the other, "--tell me, how much more beneficial to the economy would it be to control... nigh the entire route?"

That was far, far from their goals, but it was not within the realm of the impossible.