Faction Dark Clouds: Aftermath of Lothal and Mon Cala [Empire of the Lost]

[Ivixa Nera'kas]

Location: Station Nilfheim, Island - Mon Cala
Objective: III - The Holy Body
Tag: Pawky

Ivixa’s expression remained impassive beneath the mask of her helmet as the quasi-verpine features of a Squib salvager manifested in her holoprojector. She took her helmet off then, revealing pastel cyan-hued features and a long mane of white hair styled in plait braids. In much the same fashion as the subtle, unconscious movements of the Squib’s ears, Ivixa’s own ears twitched as her features narrowed in focus, silently considering the lead salvager’s offer in the process.

“You and your crew are shipbreakers, yes?” Ivixa questioned, immediately getting down to business. While being referred to as an ‘Agent of Staves’ caused the small-statured Asa’nyx’s brow to furrow in annoyance, she could not waste time attempting to assuage her own ego by correcting the happy-go-lucky salvager.

“The Empire has need your skills. Or at least, the skills of one of your number.” Ivixa continued. “We need to reach a certain area inside of the dreadnought, in order to extract a valuable package.” She explained. “If one of your salvagers agrees to assist us in this task, we will allow the rest to take whatever they want from the ship, unmolested.

At least, as much as your crew can salvage before the ship goes underwater.” The tiny sniper clarified.

“After this, the Empire will purchase all restricted technologies that your salvagers acquire, with the rates to be negotiated at a later date. The rest, you may sell to whoever you like.

“Is this offer acceptable to you, Pawky of the Squid Merchandising Consortium?”

Spoiler: Loadout

• Ivixa’s Phase II “Glitter Ghost” Sniper Armor
  
  • Gauntlets
    
    • FAE/M-02 Energized Gauntlet Vibroblade (2) - R/L
  • Modifications
    
    • FAE/S-14 Headgear System Suite - Updated Version
    • FAE/S-12 “Dream Sight” Combat Sensor System Mk. II - Updated Version
    • Redundant Systems Removed
  • Energy Shield
    
    • Radiation Screener
• Bluebell Heartpiercer
  
  • Attachments
    
    • 1-100x FAE/S-08 Electro-Scope
  • Ammunition
    
    • 10 Round Magazine (2) - Standard
    • 5 Round Magazine (3) - Standard
    • 5 Round Magazine - Void-Touched Ammunition
• CP-01R CryoBan Pistol (2)
  
  • Ammunition
    
    • CryoBan Cell (5)
  • Attachments
    
    • 1-5x FAE/S-08 Electro-Sight
    • Reflec Coating
• ASBF-X86p “Njósnari” Probe Droid
• Class-D Detonator (2)
• CryoBan Grenade (2)

 

[Pawky]

Objective: III - The Holy Body
​

Pawky smiled.

Whatever it was they wanted, they must want it bad if they were ready to deal with the SMC on short notice. Then again, this Empire seemed different from some of the others. This pretty blue girl bespoke of different priorities than racial superiority, which had been a hallmark of many previous Empires over the years.

Well, Goodie on them. There was no room for racism when there was money to be made. Any plunker knew that.

"Sounds Spacey to me, Pretty Blue Ivixa. 'An I'll be your Squid if you want some arms on you." He winked and stood at the edge of the airlock, swapping channels to the Squib squadron.

"We've got a deal with the Imps. Hold 'er up. I'm goin' down to grab something they want. Then we carve this bird and eat her.

'An before she gets here, I got dibs on the Blue Stormie Girl, kaykay?"

With that, he leapt off of the edge of the airlock, falling down to the hull of the super-star destroyer twenty meters below. His Bounding Boots' gyros kept him pointed right-side up, the repulsors keying in to slow him just before he landed.

Above him, Tensor cannons fired in tractor mode, their beams descending like sunbeams upon the superstructure. Twenty powerful beams latched onto the ship, slowing its descent into the seawater and magma that seemed hungry to consume it. The tensor beams couldn't do this forever. Eventually, pressures would force the ship apart. But for now, it'd buy them some time.

Pawky raced ahead, his boots binding him to the hull as he looked for a breach or airlock that he could use to get inside.

When he found a likely spot, he paused, waiting for Ivixa to join him.

A girl like that would want to supervise.

'An he wanted to supervise her, too.



Ivixa Nera'kas

 

[Myri Dara]

Objective: I: The Return
Location: Rebel Communications Bunker, Capital City, Lothal
Equipment:

• Light Armor
• HUD goggles
• Overseer-pattern HPI Biochip
• FAE/P-02 "Phoenix" Winged Jetpack
• KC-77N Hybrid Pistols x2
• Knuckle plate vibro blade
• Explosive Charges

Tag: Amiggie Lutih
Dialogue Legend: "Galactic Basic" | << comm. channel >>

Although Myri was given leave to be deliberate with her mission, she had no intention of doing so. The process was time consuming because there were several hoops the programming would make Myri jump through. They were simple hoops however with no consequence for tripping in an attempt. If she messed up a step she would just right herself and try again. So going as quickly as possible was the only logical manner in which to move forward.

The young field agent was through the first hurdle when more shooting started. Myri did the best to tone it out only to the degree that she would be able to know if Ami needed some backup. Even over the firing of multiple guns, Myri could hear Ami shouting. Ordinarily Myri would say that the shouting was merely Ami taunting an enemy and enjoying her work, but she had worked with the stormtrooper enough to know that there was more mixed in with the war cries. Ami was mad. Myri almost felt sorry for the rebels…almost.

Myri was through the second “defense” within the coding of the jammer when she heard the detonator go off. That was going to have more rebels onto their position. Myri was hoping the first big boom would be her explosives destroying the jammer. It would be much easier to get on to the next objective if they didn’t have all the rebels left in Capital City bearing down on them with only one good exit vector to their current area.

As Ami traded barbs with a rebel and declared herself to be death personified, Myri got through the last couple hoops and started the process of shutting the jammer down. ”Almost there Ami!!!” she yelled out. ”You got an exit plotted out or do I have to do all the thinking while you do all the killing? Explosives will be set in two. Your grenade is bound to bring in reinforcements. Hope you’ve got lots of ammo.”

 

[Darth Angonous]

Objective I: The Return​

Darth Angonous stood on the rooftop of one of the many buildings of Lothal City to observe the Imperial Star Destroyers beginning to glass the once large yet humble population center. In a way watching the Star Destroyers pour superheated plasma onto the remnants of the Lothal resistance was satisfying to watch. He could feel the screams and cries of terror of men and women alike as they were incinerated mercilessly by the looming ships. The Imperial's shock of the Emperor's death to the Tingle Arm Coalition quickly transformed into rage as many Imperial soldiers have marched into the capital city indiscriminately killing many Lothal inhabitants civilian and soldier alike.

To Angonous he could not care less about the Empire's reaction, they underestimated their foe and paid dearly. Though the rebels as cunning as they should've recognized the price of losing. This wasn't some cheap Holofilm where the underdogs always prevail. In fact, history shows that Empires always dominate. Still, Angonous managed to sneak in taking advantage of the chaos of Imperials losing their Emperor. Perhaps he could into their good graces by presenting the Moffs the heads of the remaining Lothal resistance leaders.

Sicarius Hekate was supposed to meet Angonous on the building as she was kidnapped by the Emperor and was forced to work for him. Angonous made contact with his apprentice and they were supposed to kill anyone on sight on their way to the rebel leaders. He hadn't seen her in a while, Agnonus hoped that time away had humbled her from her reckless behavior.

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

Objective: II Strategic Assessment
Location: One of the Heimdall's meeting rooms as a hologram
Outfit/Equipment: see bio also here
Tags: Maldor Mecetti | Darth Rasnuhl | Augustus Von Strauss

Karl, waited in his office chair as both Moff's Mecetti and Rasnuhl were shown to the meeting room. He of course was not in the actual room where it was happening, he was currently on Lianna dealing with a slew of paperwork and datapads. He had only just received the missive from the Grandmaster about him succeeding her when the clerical work started to, metaphorically, pour in. His son and a few of the command officers sat in chairs along the wall rather than at the table in the middle of the room.

Once they arrived he would say, "Ah, Moff Rasnuhl, it is good to see you again and Moff Mecetti is it good to finally meet you albeit, not in person, but I'm sure that will be rectified sooner or later. Hopefully, the quick jaunt to the Heimdall was no trouble." Once his compatriots sat down he would too. "Oh, and forgive me, Grandmaster Tane will more than likely not be joining us as she is spearheading the search for the Emperor's body." His facial expression deepened at the mention of the Emperor.

A clerk approaches him from the side, "Moff Von Strauss, there is another equipment request, this time by the Quarrens."

Karl sighs, "Please set it on that end of the table with all of the newer items. Thank You, Jetta." He would become engrossed in the datapad in front of him before realizing he was still in a meeting. "The Grandmaster naming me her successor has given me a lot of work to do. It has provided me with much insight into the going-ons in the Mon Calamari sector as well as what you both have to go through, although you probably have teams to do this work for you by now." He said with a chuckle.

"Well, let's not wait. We should get into the brass tacks of it, shouldn't we?" He said looking forward.

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

Maldor sat.

"I feel I know you well, Sir, if only by your impact on the fields where we both have operated."

On the call to get down to business, Maldor sighed.

"It will be months before my fleet recovers from the current debacle. The only thing worse than what we've suffered would have been a loss of territory. We avoided that, but some battles are so costly as to be close cousins to defeat, even when they are won."

He looked at the others briefly before returning his attention to the holopresence in the room.

"Given that our intelligence apparatus is in shambles, our leadership is in question, and our fleets are severely impacted, I suggest spending some time focusing on internal security and rebuilding order within the Empire. An offensive at this juncture would be foolhardy."

Maldor shrugged, "That having been said, we can't let this incursion go unremarked upon. We could hire assassins and saboteurs to take action against these rebels. Take out some key infrastructure and leadership. Sadly, my Auxilia have been decimated and will take some time to be reformed. But we could outsource to external parties for one operation. The galaxy teems with mercenaries and assassins who could take a contract."



Tags: Maldor Mecetti | Darth Rasnuhl | Augustus Von Strauss | K Karl

 

[Darth Rasnuhl]

Objective II: Strategic Assessment​

Tags: Maldor Mecetti | Illithor Du'thra | Augustus Von Strauss | Karl Von Strauss |

​

Finally upon entering the room Darth Rasnuhl motions for Illithor to wait off to the side. "Hello Maldor Mecetti are you well?" A hologram of Karl Von Strauss appears

"Ah, Moff Rasnuhl, it is good to see you again and Moff Mecetti is it good to finally meet you albeit, not in person, but I'm sure that will be rectified sooner or later. Hopefully, the quick jaunt to the Heimdall was no trouble." Once his compatriots sat down he would too. "Oh, and forgive me, Grandmaster Tane will more than likely not be joining us as she is spearheading the search for the Emperor's body."

Sitting down with his helmet on the table "It is good to see you again. Getting here was no problem." After the massive battle his ships faired a little better but not by much. A act that was witnessed by Illithor Du'thra as he was supposed to be going with Moff Rasnuhl to the capitol.

"I would have assumed as much considering her position, and this being her sector."

A clerk approaches him from the side, "Moff Von Strauss, there is another equipment request, this time by the Quarrens."

The news was actually exciting, it meant that he may have that sparring match with Teckla after all. And he has a brilliant minded Moff to help temper the aggressive part of the Imperial faction.

"The Grandmaster naming me her successor has given me a lot of work to do. It has provided me with much insight into the going-ons in the Mon Calamari sector as well as what you both have to go through, although you probably have teams to do this work for you by now."

Moff Rasnuhl nodded "Congratulations my friend. You will do well."

"It will be months before my fleet recovers from the current debacle. The only thing worse than what we've suffered would have been a loss of territory. We avoided that, but some battles are so costly as to be close cousins to defeat, even when they are won."

"Given that our intelligence apparatus is in shambles, our leadership is in question, and our fleets are severely impacted, I suggest spending some time focusing on internal security and rebuilding order within the Empire. An offensive at this juncture would be foolhardy."

"That having been said, we can't let this incursion go unremarked upon. We could hire assassons and saboteurs to take action against these rebels. Take out some key infrastructure and leadership. Sadly, my Auxilia have been decimated and will take some time to be reformed. But we could outsource to external parties for one operation. The galaxy teems with mercenaries and assassins who could take a contract."

What Moff Mecetti said was true, the forces that were assembled when the TAC fleet arrived wasn't enough, and luckily reinforcements arrived in the nick of time to rescue the day. "I agree Moff Mecetti, our Empire is weaker for the moment. But we will prevail in the end. As for mercenaries that is a viable action to boost our numbers for now." Taking a pause " On that note Karl Von Strauss may I have someone talk? He can speak to the technicals of what can help us far better than I."

 

[Sicarius Hekate]

Sicarius snorted contemptuously as the people of Lothal were being slaughtered. Weak. Pathetic. What did they expect? Rebelling against a superioir power without the resources, means or even military power to support them. It was a doomed rebellion. A lost cause. If one was to engage a superior force they better have assurance of victory.

And once they lost. What did they expect would happen? The oh so merciful Empire would just forgive and forget? Even without the madman Velran at it's head it was still a brutal empire. If Sicarius had been approached with employment rather than enslavement she might even like them. As much as she could anyway.

Currently Sicarius was just looking forward to seeing her Master again and hopefully taking her next steps out of this involuntary employment of hers. It hadn't been all bad. She'd had a steady supply of subjects, a decent budget and resources at her disposal. The restrictions on her freedom were an irritation. It was the indignaties of it that rankled her. After she had escaped from the enslavement of being a prize for a hutt she had sworn never again and yet here it happened again. Sicarius felt like swearing another petulant oath that it wouldn't but she had learned the hard way the Galaxy and the Force had an irony. If it did happen again she would escape. Again.

She made her way to the prearranged meeting point still fuming a little at the embarrassment, but when she saw her master she composed herself.

"Master" Sicarius bowed with her knee's. Then walked up with a glint in her eyes and gave him a passionate kiss. A starved kiss. Holding the moment for as long as she could. "That. Was long over due."

Darth Angonous

 

[Ivixa Nera'kas]

Location: Mon Cala
Objective: III - The Holy Body
Tag: Pawky

A simple deal. Ivixa nodded then, before giving the Squib (or squid, as he presented himself) a parting message.

“I will brief you more in-person.” Ivixa said, before the line was cut.

Then, Ivixa turned to the squad of radtroopers situated behind her, their gammaplast-armored figures standing at attention as they awaited further orders.

“Inform all Imperial forces that any assets or individuals bearing the mark of the Squib Merchandising Consortium are not to be fired upon or prevented from operating within the restricted area.” Ivixa directed as she made her way to the transport, at which point one of the officers nodded before stepping away to carry out the order. “Everyone else, with me.” She added.

From there, the tiny sniper made her way into the transport’s passenger bay, followed by a retinue of troopers. Moments later, the vessel took off from the rocky outcrop and flew towards the next island over, on a straight trajectory to the massive, flaming metallic hulk that was the fallen Eggman. For her part, Ivixa glanced out the nearby viewport, her yellow-hued gaze narrowed in focus as she scanned the charred, pockmarked hull of the fallen warship.

Ivixa had once thought such vessels—super star destroyers—invincible. Often the only thing that could take down such massive warships was entropy and neglect, as was the fate of many dreadnoughts fielded by the New Imperial Order and the Confederacy of Independent Systems. Indeed, it was almost unprecedented for such vessels to fall in battle. She supposed that was why the salvagers were here in spite of the risks. They would collect a veritable trove of advanced technology which they could then sell on whatever market they chose, at whatever rates they pleased.

After all, no one but them would be able to claim possession of salvage from a super star destroyer.

It did not take long for the transport to reach the designated landing zone, at which point the pilot guided the ship down to the dreadnought’s hull before touching down and opening the passenger bay doors. The radtroopers stepped out first, blasters raised as they swept the area for threats. Once it was deemed clear, Ivixia emerged from the passenger bay behind them, her shapely, short-statured form a stark contrast to the taller, more muscular builds of the radtroopers under her command.

Ivixa strode over to the Squib without delay, who was only slightly taller than the short-statured agent. At the same time, her helmet turned transparent, fully exposing her cyan-hued features as her eyes took in the Squib across from her in a half-lidded gaze, regarding his rugged, yet handsome (if furry) features with an all too Imperial conceit manifesting in her expression, whether real or concocted.

“Greetings, Pawky of the Squib Merchandising Consortium.” Ivixa began, as her gaze met Pawky’s own. “I will make this as brief as I can.” She continued. “We need to reach the primary bridge in order to retrieve a valuable package which can not fall into unauthorized hands. This package is roughly the size of a concussion missile, but considerably lighter. We will need to collect it and extract, before the island goes underwater.” She explained.

“As previously negotiated, we are allowing your salvagers to take what they wish from the ship, for however long the conditions permit.” Ivixa added, if only to let the salvager know that the Empire was and would continue to hold up its end of the deal. Being an intelligence agent, she had, of course, very briefly considered a double-cross. However, that line of thought was quickly rejected. Doing so would not only raise the ire of the Squib Merchandising Consortium, but it might also turn the entire Squib people against the Empire. As a result, the Empire would immediately find itself deprived of access to virtually all less-than-legal markets, in addition to research on valuable Squib technologies such as tensor weapons and exotic tractor beams.

Indeed, it seemed most prudent to build the Empire on cooperation, rather than deception.

“If you have any questions, you may ask them. Otherwise, my troopers and I are ready.”

Spoiler: Loadout

• Ivixa’s Phase II “Glitter Ghost” Sniper Armor
  
  • Gauntlets
    
    • FAE/M-02 Energized Gauntlet Vibroblade (2) - R/L
  • Modifications
    
    • FAE/S-14 Headgear System Suite - Updated Version
    • FAE/S-12 “Dream Sight” Combat Sensor System Mk. II - Updated Version
    • Redundant Systems Removed
  • Energy Shield
    
    • Radiation Screener
• Bluebell Heartpiercer
  
  • Attachments
    
    • 1-100x FAE/S-08 Electro-Scope
  • Ammunition
    
    • 10 Round Magazine (2) - Standard
    • 5 Round Magazine (3) - Standard
    • 5 Round Magazine - Void-Touched Ammunition
• CP-01R CryoBan Pistol (2)
  
  • Ammunition
    
    • CryoBan Cell (5)
  • Attachments
    
    • 1-5x FAE/S-08 Electro-Sight
    • Reflec Coating
• ASBF-X86p “Njósnari” Probe Droid
• Class-D Detonator (2)
• CryoBan Grenade (2)

 

[Karl Von Strauss]

Objective: II - Strategic Assessment
Location: One of the Heimdall's meeting rooms as a hologram
Equipment: Imperial Uniform
Tags: Maldor Mecetti | Darth Rasnuhl

Karl sat and listened to his compatriots, listening to their concern and statements.

"It will be months before my fleet recovers from the current debacle. The only thing worse than what we've suffered would have been a loss of territory. We avoided that, but some battles are so costly as to be close cousins to defeat, even when they are won."

"If you'd like I can have your ships sent to the Pammant Shipyards. They are still operating at one hundred percent capacity. I wouldn't be able to replace the ships you lost easily, but I can sure help facilitate the repair of your others." Karl said to Maldor, "I also have to agree with you Moff Mecetti, this battle was more of a tactical victory than anything. I'm glad you pushed them back, but it was too great a cost."

He meant the loss of the emperor, but he'd rather hint at it than keep talking about it for the moment. Of course, Maldor was right this battle tilted to close to a complete loss, the Empire would need to adjust their strategies to this new enemy. Karl hadn't been there, but he had the opportunity to skim through the earliest combat reports that came through.

"Given that our intelligence apparatus is in shambles, our leadership is in question, and our fleets are severely impacted, I suggest spending some time focusing on internal security and rebuilding order within the Empire. An offensive at this juncture would be foolhardy."

Maldor shrugged, "That having been said, we can't let this incursion go unremarked upon. We could hire assassins and saboteurs to take action against these rebels. Take out some key infrastructure and leadership. Sadly, my Auxilia have been decimated and will take some time to be reformed. But we could outsource to external parties for one operation. The galaxy teems with mercenaries and assassins who could take a contract."

"I have had a similar idea with the defense complexes, it was the local populace that broke down the securities in place and I will take the blame for that and the deaths cause by it. Focusing on internal securities would be the best use of our time at the moment; I do agree that we could hire outside assistance in the interim." he stated before Moff Rasnuhl spoke.

"I agree Moff Mecetti, our Empire is weaker for the moment. But we will prevail in the end. As for mercenaries that is a viable action to boost our numbers for now." Taking a pause " On that note Karl Von Strauss may I have someone talk? He can speak to the technicals of what can help us far better than I."

"Of course, Moff Rasnuhl. Any brought by you may speak freely in this room. This is meant to be a thinktank after all."

 

[Pawky]

Location: Mon Cala
Objective: III - The Holy Body
Tag: Ivixa Nera'kas
_____________________________________________
​

Her faceplate went transparent, and Pawky stared at her as she spoke. She was a lot less furry than the ladies he was used to, and her face was pretty flat. Still, she had remarkable eyes, and the vibrant blue color of her skin was a treat.

So... she wanted something the size of a concussion missile... on the bridge?

Why would an Imperial Super-Star destroyer have a 'package' the size of a concussion missile in its bridge?

Was it some super-secret tech? Some new Imperial weapon? Could be worth a fortune on the-

Ah. But a Deal was a Deal was a Deal. That was in the Squib Rules of Trade. Number Fourteen. After all, if you didn't keep your deals, then why would anyone ever make a deal with you?

"Yuppers, you bettcha!" He gave her a thumb's up and headed towards the bridge tower of the vast vessel. Unfortunately, some of the bubbling, bursting magma of the crumbling island had thrown blobs all across the hull of the ship. Some of it had solidified over the bridge tower itself. So they'd have to get in another way.

"There's always an airlock roundsabouts this way," he declared, and led her in a march across the hull. Sure enough, they came to one of the multitude of airlocks in the hull which were provided to allow crew outside for repairs and maintenance.

Of course, such airlocks were provided with code-locks to prevent unwanted intrusion by boarders and unauthorized personnel.

"You gots the code, pretty blue Ivixa? Or does we gotta break in?"



Ivixa Nera'kas

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

Objective: II - Strategic Assessment
Location: One of the Heimdall's meeting rooms
Equipment: Imperial Uniform
Tags: Maldor Mecetti | Darth Rasnuhl
_____________________________________________________
​

This meeting was going much more smoothly than most did in the Empire. There was a general consensus on the needs of the moment, and the best way to pursue immediate goals.

It felt good to be among people who shared similar sentiments and priorities to his own. Too often, meetings with the senior leadership were entangled with maniacal threats and diabolical schemes. But... Maldor supposed things may have changed now that the Emperor was gone.

What sort of a leader would his heir be like? During his brief glimpses of her in the past, she'd seemed like a strange little chip off of the proverbial 'old block.' But people could change when circumstances tested them. She might yet become some other sort of creature altogether. Pain. Loss. Moments of Crisis. They were all anvils upon which life hammered you. The sort of mettle you'd have at the end of it was hard to predict.

After all, had he himself not become something new since encountering his own difficulties?

"Your offer of shipyard support is welcome," he said, "Voss is at full capacity, at the moment. This generosity will be remembered."

This was how the Empire ought to work. How things should be. A team, joined in mutual support.

He turned to Raasnuhl, then, interested to see what sort of new voice would be speaking here, today.






Darth Rasnuhl Illithor Du'thra Illithor Du'thra | Augustus Von Strauss Augustus Von Strauss | Karl Von Strauss Karl Von Strauss |

 

[Shov Brald]

HIMAR-1 Heavy Imperial Multipurpose Assault Rifle
Personalized IPAPA-1 Imperial Power Assisted Personal Armor
NCE-MW02 "Multi-Blade Vibrosword"
x4 Thermal Detenator
x4 Dioxis Grenade

Objective I: The Return​

The ramp went down inviting a shower of blaster bolts to pepper the charging Stormtroopers. Not even five seconds in and 6 soldiers were already killed holes filling their duroplast armor. "What kind of command post doesn't make sure that the landing space was secure?" Shov muttered the blaster bolts harmlessly bouncing off his power armor. "Get behind me!" He ordered the troops as he raised his rifles. "Clone!" Shov ordered. "Flank from the right! I'll absorb their blaster fire!"

B/U-800 "Evelina"

 

[Illithor Du'thra]

Objective II: Strategic Assessment​

Tags: Maldor Mecetti | Darth Rasnuhl | Karl Von Strauss |

---

The last decade was the most exciting for the head of Du'thra Engineering. The contracts with Darth Rasnuhl faction had bore the first fruit of shipyards farther out into the rim. Pivoting from mostly creating pieces and engine upgrades for the two allied families to designing whole ships of war Illithor took pride in their versatility. The surprise attack by TAC put the ships trough tests that were unfathomable, like bring rammed by a 4km long ship. He had a lot of notes and upgrades in mind.

Walking from the side of the room near the crew over closer to the holotransmitter and table.

" On that note Karl Von Strauss Karl Von Strauss may I have someone talk? He can speak to the technicals of what can help us far better than I."

"Of course, Moff Rasnuhl. Any brought by you may speak freely in this room. This is meant to be a thinktank after all."

"Thank you Darth Rasnuhl, and thank you Moff Strauss for allowing me to speak. I am Illithor Du'thra, current CEO of Du'thra Engineering. The few ships Darth Rasnuhl had in the fight showed the promise of the designs versatility but also showcased their flaws. So with upgrades underway at our orbital yards in the Thule system I present this technology." With that he brings up a holo-display of Coreplast Hulls showing the various technical numbers and the modularity & adaptability to what ships or stations it is added to.

"Currently the allied families are entering talks to bring the system to the Empire of the Lost. Along with bringing a space station shipyard to market." He lets there be a pause for a little while longer than he should.

"Moff Mecetti, I offer eight newly made Corplast hulled Impetum's and two Cynosure Nidus's to replenish your fleet. If you are so inclined that is, also if you want the droid crew complement that can be done. If not then we can discuss delivery methods."

He had no ulterior motive to the gesture, just the want to shore up the biggest market Du'thra Engineering had in the rim. And secondarily increase the number of data points to improve the designs in the future.

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

Objective 2 - Strategic Assessment​

Maldor blinked once as Illithor spoke.

A Sephi, it seemed. He proclaimed himself the head of Du'thra Engineering. He also mentioned Coreplast, which the Ministry of Inquiry had reported to be a product of the scientist Aleratha Tel'alith. A Flaxian citizen, if memory served.

The Ministry routinely kept a close eye on potential rivals to the House Mecetti Nationalized Industries within the shipbuilding trade. Little could be done about major competitors like Correllia, Sienar, or Kuat. But comparatively small-scale manufacturers were always ripe for acquisition or sabotage. By carving them up and incorporating them into the growing behemoth of House Mecetti, it might yet be possible to compete with the big three one day.

Coreplast was not quite a revolutionary material. It would not change shipbuilding across the galaxy. But it had certain advantages over the armored hulls traditionally manufactured by House Mecetti. It was better on strength-to-volume ratio. He'd thought to acquire some in the near future for study.

Now he was being offered eight of them.

It seemed this Illithor knew enough to see Maldor as a threat that would need to be dealt with. The fact that he'd chosen carrots over sticks was either a recognition of their comparative power, or a clue about the man's character.

"Forgive me, Mr. Du'thra. I am unaccustomed to being offered free product by shipbuilding competitors. I will certainly avail myself of such an offer. Droids as well, if they are on the table."

Droids which would need to be carefully disassembled and studied for tricks or traps, with their programming analyzed line by line by counterintelligence operatives. Maldor did not envy the tedium of working for the Ministry.

"...or do I misunderstand? Is this a gift, or were you merely offering to sell me the product?"

He glanced to Rasnuhl, wondering how deeply the pair were connected. Perhaps the Darth had a stake in the company.

"In any event, it could only be a boon to see Thule brought willingly into the arms of the Empire."



Darth Rasnuhl | Augustus Von Strauss | Karl Von Strauss | Illithor Du'thra

 

[Illithor Du'thra]

Tags: Darth Rasnuhl | Maldor Mecetti | Karl Von Strauss | Augustus Von Strauss

---

Illithor knew exactly who Mecetti was, the fact he was far from home and the Empire bled. He also knew that a small amount of ships to the man strengthened the Empire. Sure the Mecetti were powerful but with the other two houses this corner of the galaxy afforded the largest growth for
Du'thra Engineering in centuries.

Moff Mecetti seemed taken by surprise by his presence, which no matter being of Sephi subspecies meant that unless murdered he would out live the mans great grand children.

"Forgive me, Mr. Du'thra. I am unaccustomed to being offered free product by shipbuilding competitors. I will certainly avail myself of such an offer. Droids as well, if they are on the table."

"...or do I misunderstand? Is this a gift, or were you merely offering to sell me the product?"

"In any event, it could only be a boon to see Thule brought willingly into the arms of the Empire."

Illithor chuckled "You are not a competitor. I know of your families holdings within the Galactic Alliance, which is impressive. My market is here within the Empire of The Lost, you are a Moff and one of the better fleet tacticians from the data. It is indeed a gift, you have bore the brunt of the battles so far and also border the Sith Order like Darth Rasnuhl."

The droids were the same made for use by the other two families and whoever purchased groups of them for whatever use.

He pauses for a time
"But further your territory also is a gate to the capitol... So it is a fitting gift to give new ships to the other side of the defensive line."

 

[Maldor Mecetti]

Objective 2 - Strategic Assessment​

Maldor inclined his head, weighing the man's response.

It seemed he was making a genuine offer of goodwill, while recognizing Maldor's accomplishments. As an offer, it was a valuable one much in need. Such was a rare enough commodity in the galaxy.

He would take it at face value until it proved otherwise.

"Thank you," Maldor said, "I will gratefully accept this offer."

He paused. Takers were always despised, eventually. Etiquette and custom demanded a reciprocal gesture.

"My seat of power is currently on Voss," he went on, "and that is where my shipbuilding efforts are centered. As a token of friendship, I will offer your ships at-cost maintenance and refueling at my orbital facilities there if they should ever need to pass in that direction.

In addition, I will waive any transit tariffs and fees normally associated with passing goods in and out of Imperial space through my borders."

The prerogative of Moffs included 'inspection fees' and other nonsense financial irritants and delays levied upon traders and travelers, which allowed the Moffs to fatten their wallets in exchange for easing red tape. It was a policy that straddled the line between bureaucracy and corruption. Maldor was offering Du'thra and its affiliates the ability to cross his territory without being subjected to such nonsense.

It wasn't much, but it was presently at the limits of what Maldor could offer by way of acknowledgement and mutual goodwill.

Hopefully, in the near future, he would be in a position to be a better friend... assuming Illithor persisted in friendliness.

The Sephi were long-term thinkers, of course. Much of what they did were mere cobblestones for roads that were decades or even centuries in the making. Even if Illithor did have a knife hidden behind his back, it wasn't likely to manifest for quite some time.





Darth Rasnuhl | Augustus Von Strauss | Karl Von Strauss | Illithor Du'thra

 

[Darth Angonous]

Objective I: The Return​

Angnogus returned the kiss with a vigorous passion as he wrapped his massive arms around his apprentice's slender waist holding her tightly. As much as Agnonous wasn't the one for attachments, he missed Sicarius dearly. "Indeed," the Sith Lord could only reply as he released his hold from her. "I suspect the mad man wanted you to try to divulge the information regarding our hideouts?"

Who knew with Velran? But ever since Sicarius' kidnapping, Angonous went and established more..... legitimate businesses using funds from his criminal organization. A perfect way to wash credits with. "I've heard the Empire also has a criminal underworld as well," Angonous said. "While you establish connections, I could also start building businesses here."

He turned to Sicarius. "I've started a Chocolate Chip Cookie business while you were..... away," he said. "It's turning in huge profits and our credit flow is being cleaned."

Sicarius Hekate

 

[Sicarius Hekate]

Sicarius broke away from the kiss savoring the moment. It had been too damn long. Half of Sicarius wanted to drag her Master somewhere a little more private, to pursue the matter further. More so they wouldn't be interrupted or distracted than out of any false modesty.

"Actually he was more interested in searching for artefacts and funding my experiments." Sicarius shrugged "He was mercurial but other than his unpredictable nature it wasn't bad employment however involuntary."

"As far as being imprisoned he was a step up from the Hutt's that's for sure." Sicarius paused and grunted. "Not that that's saying much. The most annoying part of the experience was a babysitter who followed me around on every mission whenever Velran was too busy. Velran himself was atleast interesting or rather never boring."

Sicarius blinked and glanced an incredulous look at her Master.

"A Chocolate Chip Cookie business?"

"It sounds like something the mad man Velran would come up with in his less lucid moments." Sicarius snorted then laughed. "It's exactly something he would come up with. He wanted me to help brew a concoction, a sauce or a beverage that would be mildly addictive but no doubt profitable."

"Tell me are you using any sith magic on the Chocolate chip Cookie's?" Sicarius grinned.

"In any case perhaps now's not the time we are in a warzone after all. Otherwise I'd be pursuing much more interesting activities. What's the mission Master?"

Darth Angonous

 

[Darth Angonous]

Objective I: The Return​

Though Angonous wasn't worried that Sicarius would get tortured for information since Zabaraks had very high pain tolerance along with her machoistic tendencies, it was nice to know that the madman used Sicarius to hunt down Force Artifacts. "Not so different than what Gula did to you," Angnous said looking out at the skyline. "With the Emperor's death, we can use the items and experiments you performed to our advantage."

Despite Sicarius' laughter, Angonous face remained unchanged. Of course, her shortsightedness had blinded her to the big picture. "If we are to grow as an independent Sith faction, then we need to have more legitimate ways for our credits to be washed away. With all of our activity we've done over the years, we need to make sure that's under the guise of a business. Especially when we're operating in Alliance space."

He shook his head. "I've told you many times Sicairus," Angonous said. "We must wait for our opportunity to strike. Sometimes it's better to lay in wait, use subterfuge to understand the how our enemies act.:

But it was enough lecturing Sicarius, based on her collar, she already been through a lot. "But once things are settled," Angonous said. "You can come with more..... addictive qualities for the cookies."

A chuckle escaped his lips before looking down below. "We'll need to jump down and cut through any rebel resistance," Angnonous said. "I've been tasked to take out three leaders. Right now all Imperials and mercenaries have been given one order."

He stared at Sicarius knowing that she'll love what he's about to say.

"Kill anything that moves."

Sicarius Hekate