Populate Eternal Night | EE Populate of Echilon

[STRATCOM]

Echilon. A strange world of extremes. It’s star, Hyfire, was a pulsar, making navigation of the system treacherous, and limiting ships to fast cruisers or smaller, preferably frigates, fighters, and corvettes. The planet itself was tidally locked, leaving on side a fiery, magma filled hellscape and the other locked in eternal night, with it’s furthest reaches being colder than even Hoth.

And between the two hells of this world were habitable regions. Tundras, forests and jungles, plains and savannas, and a rim of desert in constant twilight. This dangerous world was not without its people though, and they were the ones the Eclipse Rebellion wanted to meet. Mostly scientists and their families, plus some security personnel. Their job was to study the unique world, but thanks to hearing word from either an A.I., droid, or hacker called “The Voice,” had also learned of what the Eternal Empire and the Eclipse Rebellion had been doing.

Now the scientists invited the Rebels to come. Both discuss matters, and to partake on an expedition. This would be an interesting meeting too be sure, and there were questions of whether the Rebels could insure they were alone there, but they would try.

Objectives​

Objective 1: Meet and Greet

The Rebels have traveled to Station Alpha on Echilon’s surface, and are planning to meet the leaders of the various research teams there. The hope was that all could attend, but a number of scientists have said they had time sensitive data to work with. Perhaps someone is looking for Rebel information though….

Objective 2: Eternal Night

The Rebels have been asked to join a small expedition team to, assuming the meeting goes well, help find a location for a Rebel base on world. The team will be provided with tamed Sandknights to ride through the darkness, letting their keen senses be a guide. Any Loyalists that may have followed could decided to follow the team from afar, using the forever night as cover, if they even can on a world like this.

Objective 3: Emergency Meeting

Simultaneously with the exploratory expedition, the Eternal Empress convened an Emergency meeting on Kalidan after the Enclave's attack on Panatha. The meeting bringing together STRATCOM leaders, high-ranking political figures and, of course, the Barons of the Imperial Assembly for the event. Where it will be about the situation in Panatha, and especially the betrayal of the CIS.

Objective 4: BYOO

In addition to these, countless another story wait to everyone, and anything you want, personal stories. Have fun in any way that you please!

Links: Echilon

Thanks to Kalic Daws for the description, the planet and the thread! <3

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud, Archon of the Primyn Group
Empress of Terraris, Supreme Commander of the Terraris Command, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Objective III.: Emergency Meeting.
Location: Spire of Eternity, Wulfngard, Kalidan
The Soulsabers | Hersir Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | The Last Gift || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Tag(s): Baron Reinhardt Ström | Open

[ Rise of the Empire ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

She does not usually attend the meetings of the Imperial Assembly in person; or at least not in a way that others are aware of. Rarely, when she was openly somewhere, did she mostly go to STRATCOM meetings. Plans, laws, and proposals passed by the Senate were always submitted to STRATCOM anyway, and it was accepted by the High Command then the woman then passed or rewrote as acceptable. Ingrid generally accepted the IA’s decision and did not change the law. Rewrite was rarely needed, the Eternal Empire was a well-functioning machine.

Now, however, there were important matters to be heard by the entire IA. The contract with the Ashlans at Ziost, and Eina's new position required changes. Last but not least, a new Overseer will be unveiled today. As she entered the Senate Chamber, the noise immediately became silent. Especially after the "House President" announced her arrival. The baronesses and barons greeted her with the usual salute, which the woman returned to them. Ingrid didn’t even want to drag the speech on for a long time today.

<"Baronesses, Barons, my fellow soldiers! Before we start discussing the CIS's betrayal and the Enclave's attack, I want to talk about two more agendas before that. One is that a new Overseer will take office today, and the other is that the rule of inheritance of the Empire, which did not come into force during the reign of Darth Tacitus; but it will become active today for the first time, since the existence of the Eternal Empire..

According to the law, if the ruler has an heir, in the event of their death, it is not the Overlord who takes over the title of Emperor or Empress, but the heir or heiress. This does not apply to absence or temporary problems. In that case, the Overlord is always in command as long as the ruler is incapable of acting. In all cases, the heir may ascend the throne only after the death of the ruler, and in any case not before. I thought for a long time about who might be best suited for the role.

And my decision is that from this moment on, Lady Eina L'lerim-Vandiir will officially be the heiress to the throne of the Eternal Empire and thus her position will be placed under the Overlord's but over the STRATCOM. The duties of the Princess will be outside the Empire, she will be our ambassador and diplomatic liaison in the Ashlan Crusade which is led by Lord Cedric Grayson .

The other topic is the Overseer position. Baron Reinhardt Ström has had a great deal of expertise in recent years, not to mention his great and important role in the contract with Ashlan Crusade. Thus, starting today, he holds the position of Overseer of the Armed Forces. Overseer, please step forward!">

 

[Baron Reinhardt Ström]

TAG: Ingrid L'lerim Open
OBJECTIVE: III - Emergency Meeting
LOCATION: Spire of Eternity, Wulfngard, Kalidan

Today was a day of days. In his youth, Reinhardt Ström had always known by virtue of his bloodline that he was destined for a life of leadership and greatness. As he grew older, much of that expectation of greatness was spent within years of pointless warfare and struggle amongst his fellow noblemen on Sondheim. Untold savagery and destruction were visited upon his own people, and upon his enemies two fold. He would realize the first taste of his destiny when the ships of the Eternal Empire appeared in orbit over Sondheim, and when he seized the opportunity to stamp out his rivals once and for all - bringing the planet under his unified rule. It wasn't easy, nor was it seamless - but he had achieved the goal his ancestors had long sought for centuries.

Ever since that day, he had spent every waking hour thinking about his people. How to lead them, how to guide them, how to bend them to his will. Eventually, Sondheim became a stalwart supporter of the Eternal Empire's regime under Tacitus, and yet again under Empress L'lerim. Decades had come and gone, with the Baron forging a name for himself within the new natural order of things. If someone had told him he would rise to this station - appointed as the Overseer of the Empire's Armed Forces, a part of him would believe the source's sanity was lost. Yet, that was the position he was standing in on this day. Near-three decades of political maneuvering, scheming, and posturing had paid off to this very moment. Baron
Ström was not a man who easily expressed his emotions, for doing so liberally exposed the weaknesses carried within a man's soul.

That said, the normally stoic and unbending demeanor of the Iron Baron swelled with a greater sense of pride and accomplishment. In truth, he was humbled at the Empress's intent to appoint him as the new Overseer of Imperial Armed Forces. Under the weight of his new assignment, his mind harkened back to the most distant of his former dreams. He arose from his seat within the Imperial Assembly, uproarious applause filling the chamber, the sources of which a mixture of those genuinely happy for the Baron's ascension; along with those joining in on the mirth out of a sense of duty or inducement. It mattered little to Ström at this point - he knew that all of them in their own way would be plotting to supplant him in some form or fashion after today. So he'd enjoy today - it may be one of the few days he would be able to enjoy after his formal appointment.

With the aide of a cane, the Baron made his way to the central dais with a slight limp (courtesy of the Mandalorian Enclave invaders on Panatha), taking a slightly elongated moment to step up the stairs to the podium. He gave his Empress a crisp and eager salute, waiting for her to return it before he proceeded to the podium to give a speech to the assembly. He pulled out a small datapad with his notes, cleared his throat before he began: "All of us gathered here today are unified. We are united by many things: common values, common enemies, and a common cause. We value the strength and stability which our people have lived under for decades. We are surrounded by those who would undermine our way of life, yet we stand defiant, even in the face of defeat on Panatha. We are UNITED -"

His fist pounded the podium for emphasis, a near-reverent silence prevailing within the chamber for several moments before he continued: "United in common cause against terrorists who want nothing but death and destruction - justice as long as it favors them and only them. What about justice for the innocent men and women who died on Panatha? What about justice for the countless sons and daughters who fought bravely for their countrymen, only to be buried under the rubble of the very city that rejected them? WHAT ABOUT JUSTICE?" The roar of the crowd became tumultuous, with many of those within the assembly rising from their seats as they beat their hands together into a cacophony of national fervor.

Eventually, the din died down sufficiently for the Baron to conclude his speech: "During my service as Overseer of the Imperial Armed Forces, under the guidance and leadership of our Eternal Empress, I will stop at nothing to avenge those who died on Panatha. It shall be a rallying cry when we visit fire and death upon these criminals who dare call themselves honor-bound. FOR PANATHA!" The assembly erupted in a chant, echoing the words 'FOR PANATHA' in a unified cry. The Baron turned to his Empress, giving her a very deep bow as he crossed his arm over his shoulder, then rose to walk over to an empty seat upon the dais.

 

[Kalic Daws]

​

How exactly this had become Kalic's job was beyond him. He was a pilot, someone who understood space combat, a... fortune teller of sorts. A public speaker this Outer Rim Spacer was not. But here he was. Meeting various scientists and hoping to convince them that the Rebels were forth supporting. To avoid having to become part of the Empire, assuming they'd eve take the risk of travelling to this world. He would sigh though. He had to mingle while some of the others went off to find potential base locations with cool creatures. Kalic just sighed a little, knowing this would be an interesting night to say the least. He just didn't know how interesting yet.

"Mr. Daws? Dr. Belo Jorish. Head researcher here at Alpha. Have to admit, when we got that signal we were a bit surprised."

"I can imagine so. I can say I've seen the Rebels in action though. They're good people. Don't want the Empire to exact control over basically everything. Plus.... They've done a lot of... not so savory things in the past." Jorish raised a brow.

"You stumbled to say that."

"Don't worry about me, Doctor."

 

[Vidalu Na'an]

"Look, I'll say it if no one else will."

The slim little figure following half a length behind Kalic Daws and Dr. Jorish had finally spoken up. It lifted a thin-fingered hand to push back the wide hood obscuring its face, to reveal a young woman with a bright, sardonic expression in her one visible eye.

"The Eternal Empire's a totalitarian nightmare cult of a government and nobody here wants a part of it. It's okay, Doctor, we're completely in sync."

She grinned at the wide-eyed silence her statement caused in the Doctor; indeed, in the entire delegation. "Oh, come on," she continued. "That's one of the reasons you agreed to our request, isn't it? I mean, they're a stated meritocracy with literal laws on their books codifying hereditary rule. To proper scientists, they must seem insane." From deep inside her robe she flashed a tiny screen, on which was paragraphs and paragraphs of even tinier dense legal text--text, naturally, dominated by one of the Empire's many, many official sigils. The screen was in view for only a second, however, before it vanished back into a hidden pocket, and the woman sidled up to Dr. Jorish with an expression of inexplicable familiarity.

"We're friends now," she said warmly. "We have no need to mince words with each other."

She looked up at the doctor, who didn't seem to be quite sure where to rest his eyes. His gaze rested momentarily on her hair (braided, a little unkempt for a diplomat), her mouth (which felt somehow too intimate for a first meeting, at least to him), her eye (bright grey and widely, uncomfortably direct), her eyepatch (barely hiding a mass of scars). He seemed to finally settle on a spot he thought safe--her chin--before responding.

"..Yes. I suppose so," he said, sounding just as unsure whether he should be charmed or unsettled by this delegate's gleeful bluntness. But she did have a point, after all--why dance around the nature of their truce? He at last settled, cautiously, on 'charmed,' and flashed a toothy smile of his own. "You have a point, Lady..."

He offered a hand, and that of all things seemed to take the woman by surprise. She blinked down at the hand for a moment, hesitating before clasping it in one of her own. "Ah," she said, after another moment's hesitation. "You can call me--Vi. And I'm not really a delegate. Or a Lady. I'm just here for the tour of the labs. A friend of mine told me you have a rather fascinating new facility for the study of neuroscience."

At that, Dr. Jorish brightened. At last, they were in his territory. "Of course, of course! Very sensitive stuff--we've had the good fortune to receive scads of funding in the last cycle or so. Dr. Perrin's had to hire an entirely new rotation of staff to keep up with the pace."

The woman's smile only widened as she stepped back, jabbing a knowing, amiable elbow at Kalic Daws' ribs at the mention of Dr. Perrin. Her other hand had vanished beneath her robe; her fingers in her pocket danced across the tiny screen to send a short, encrypted message across the planet.

::Confirmed. You were right.::

LE-03 (Leigh)​

 

[LE-03 (Leigh)]

::Confirmed. You were right.::

For being pre-planned, the message was a welcome sight on her dome. Leigh gave herself a microsecond of satisfaction at how well the datamining had gone to lead them here.

When her group had emerged from their task cleansing the Nexus on Zonama Sekot, Na'an had given her what little data they had retrieved from the cave with a desperate insistence that it not go on the Rebellion's backburner. This is big, she'd said, with Ms Bastiel just as fervently backing her every word. Bigger than the Empire. I know that sounds nuts, but please. Please. And the look in her friend's eye as she begged was bright, feverish, in a way Leigh had seen before. This was the look Na'an word whenever she activated Babylon and her blood turned to quicksilver, but the eye and the program were silent. Even unaided by the implant, this look was the Force at work.

And so Leigh had agreed. Not to set aside the Empire, but to at least look into the name her human had said with tears in her eye.

The name Kadi Yan didn't register any major pings, not on its own--it turned out "Yan" was just an uncommon Cerean surname, originating on their southern continent. A general search pinged several hundred male Cereans named "Yan", although none of them had the first name of Kadi. The droid broadened its search at that point, beyond identifying individuals and into etymology, history, any thread that would give information that might be relevant. She had to filter out Kaminoan, Rodian, Human results, news mentions from Nar Shaddaa and Nal Hutta and the Core Worlds, before she came across an interesting academic article on the complicated translation of the Cerean language.

Apparently, in some of their older tongues, "Yan" could be translated to "mind."

The droid had refined her search considerably after that. If whoever had performed the experiments the Enclave were describing were focusing on the mind, she could expect to see the imprints of such an interest on the galactic record. And sure enough, it was there--a subtle footprint, to be sure, leads with connections so well-hidden as to be beyond notice to any organic mind. A few scattered financial institutions taking a sudden interest in investing in neuroscience. The movements of large amounts of medical equipment, tagged with an Imperial sigil, vanishing en route and blamed on the Black Suns, who were happy to take the credit. The movements of an agent the Empire themselves had tagged as 'Shadow Empire' changing subtly, indicating a visit to an unnamed world in this sector. (Leigh had had to wipe that lead off Imperial records after finding it.). The establishment of a new research facility here, on the unhospitable--and scientifically unregulated--world of Echilon.

It was when Dr. Amil Perrin, head researcher of this facility, sent requests specifically for Cerean staff that the Voice of Abbaji made an executive decision.

Echilon, after all, was notoriously independent, and had already vocalized support for the Eclipse rebellion's fight for the same. Reaching out and making diplomatic ties was only logical, as the world would be an ideal location for a forward base--it had already proven more than resistant to Imperial occupation. The concept that said forward base would give the Enclave access to Echilon's famed research facilities was only a bonus.

Leigh did not respond to the message. After this point, she and Na'an agreed that each of them would be on their own. Leigh would serve as a survey unit for the expedition out into Echilon's less-inhabited areas, scanning the desert for a suitable location for their less-mysterious, less-magic-driven objective.

And Na'an, along with Kalic Daws ...well, Dr. Perrin was about to receive some very unexpected visitors.

The droid turned out to face the desert with a grimly pleased feeling. It felt good when her algorithms allowed her to make a good, proactive call for once, rather than constantly reacting and having to make the best of a bad situation. "So," she said, more to the massive beast the people of Echilon had provided to her expedition than to anyone else. Given her weight, she wouldn't be able to ride it, but she had to admit the animals they'd called 'sandknights' were certainly anatomically interesting. "Where do you think we should go?"

Eyeless, the sandknight only snuffled at her outstretched hand, as if expecting flesh instead of durasteel.

 

[Anashja Tal]

​

Objective 3: Emergency Meeting

The Mandalorian Togruta sat in the chamber and stood to applaud with everyone else as the announcement was made regards Eina L'lerim-Vandiir and Baron Reinhardt Ström although she didn't really care about all that, politics is politics. She was here about the attack on Panatha, she would never have been allowed to attend if it wasn't for her involvement there. With her dual Enclave and Imperial Citizenship she had tried to remain neutral over Panatha, acting only as a medical force, and she had stayed true to that, even flying into the face of Enclave bombardment to rescue civilians from the slaughter.
After the battle, she had been 'asked' to come in for questioning, she had gone calmly, knowing the request was not one she would be allowed to decline. It was a fair interrogation, she had arrived at the heels of the mandalorians and was openly an Enclave citizen, and she had told them everything she knew. The Enclave had broken her heart with the actions on Panatha and she no longer felt she owed them and favours. She wasn't privy to true state secrets either way, so she was sure that the Empire likely knew everything she knew already.

During the interrogation she had asked to be allowed to speak to the Imperial government, should a hearing ever take place and was told she would likely be called as a witness either way. So she had been sworn in and signed several non-disclosure agreements. She wondered if they knew she was secretly a rebel agent. But that was absolutely not why she was her, the Enclave posted such a threat to peace and harmony that she was here as a citizen of the Eternal Empire, she would act truthfully and faithfully to her agreements on this occasion, the crimes on Panatha were to important. If she was honest with herself though, her dealings with Ingrid L'lerim , Adenn Kyramud , Felmorante L'lerim and others from the Empire, not to mention being party to the discussion between the Empire and the Ashlan Crusade, she was feeling less passion about the rebellion itself and beginning to wonder if it was an old cause that was losing its raison d'être.

Either way, as her pregnancy progressed, and she gingerly felt her newly showing bump, she needed to take a step aside from active rebellion duties and would be transferring to a residency on Tanaab to open a rehabilitation clinic. If she couldn't prevent Enclave brutality, she could at least try to repair the damage.​

 

[Kalic Daws]

Vidalu Na'an

Kalic gave a slight sigh in relief as Vidalu spoke up. The Miriluka obviously sucked at this, and his fellow Force User tended to be a bit better at this kinda stuff than him. Ok a lot better. Didn't mean he couldn't be helpful at least. But as Kalic stood there listening, he didn't seem to notice the voices fading, and it seeming like he was somewhere else entirely. He looked around a little, only really noticing that he seemed to be in some sort of forest. What just...? It was then that a felt an elbow in his rib, and soon he was back in the research station. Wait. What the kark just happened? He looked at Na'an, confused for moment before shaking his head a little, with one of the doctors noticing.

"Are you ok?"

"Oh, f-fine. Just a long flight in." It wasn't.. exactly a lie, but he was pretty sure at least Vidalu would figure out it was pretty quickly. He just had to focus right now was all.

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Tags: Ingrid L'lerim | Baron Reinhardt Ström | Anashja Tal
Links: Armor and Gear in signature

When the Enclave had attacked Panatha, Adenn hadn't fought them. They were Mandalorians, and he refused to fight fellow vode unless he had to. However, when the Ashlans had attacked, he had defended the planet, despite his misgivings of the Zambranos. No doubt this was why he had been asked to attend this meeting, to answer why he hadn't been there, and perhaps explain why the Enclave had come. Of course, that was speculation, the message had simply requested he attend this meeting. Whatever the reason, he was now here, sitting and watching.

Adenn sat near Anashja, helmet off and impassively watching the proceedings with a blank face. Where others clapped, Adenn himself politely clapped along, but it was merely to be polite. As the new Overseer gave his speech, Adenn politely clapped as the people all around showed their fervor. He himself was lost in thought however, thinking back to similar times long since past. The rallying cry of 'For Tanaab' had been prevalent for a time, but even now that was past.

He understood their fervor and desire for revenge, but he himself would not join in it. There were other foes he would face, jetii, dar'jetii, or the shabla CIS were they still around. But never his fellow Mando'ade, not while true foes still roamed the galaxy. Though, as Adenn leaned back in his chair, he wondered who truly was left of those old foes. The TSE had fallen, recent times had seen to the collapse of the CIS, and all the others had crumbled into dust. Individuals yet remained, but the groups themselves were gone.

Shaking his head, even as a grin crossed his face, Adenn focused on the now. Turning to Anashja, he spoke up, just loud enough to be heard over the din.
"Ner'vod, what brings you here this day?"

 

[Ladybug]

Mikilanna Mihaly (Darth Kauhu) - Overseer of Science Development, Director of The Royal Institute of Science

Location: Spire of Eternity, Wulfngard, Kalidan
Equipment: Dark Blessings of Kuolema (Twin Lightsabers), Feravvax XVI (Cybernetic Eyes), PITA CV1 (Cybernetic / Bionic Tail), Omni VI (Bionic Arm), Varjokävely (Battle Outfit)
Ship: Aries XIII
Tags: Ingrid L'lerim / Baron Reinhardt Ström

Silently she sat back in her chair, tapping both her organic and cybernetic fingertips together. Having recently arrived to this emergency meeting from the confines of her personal homestead, Mihaly Castle, where several projects drastically needed her immediate attention, she was summoned to these proceedings due to her position in the STRATCOM; and she sat listening intently. She was absent from Panatha, overseeing several scientific pursuits. But she heard the results from the Mando invasion. She was indifferent to them, estimating their threat was insignificant to that of the Jedi, and more importantly the Sith. One victory was unimportant. Let those warriors relish in the victory, history has taught the galaxy the Mandos always burn and fizzle. They were obsolete in her eyes.

The betrayal of the CIS, on-the-other-hand, was far more interesting to her. Her homeworld, Felacat, was under their direct rule. Unless of course the reports she heard the CIS was no more, which in case the planet was free of one oppression. She wondered if the Empress had designs to take Felacat, because in the event she did; one more phase of her revenge could be carried out. But for now, as it was her nature, she sat quietly plotting. The sandy grains in the hourglass were running low, and at the top of that list; her Father.

Ripping the fantasies dancing gingerly in her deranged mind, the crowd burst into roars and chants. She remembered, now, a new Overseer was being appointed, one in charge the armed forces. Inquisitively, she wondered where this new appointed Overseer will send the might of the Empire. The chants of 'For Panatha', it would seem, become a rallying cry for now. Was this man and the Empress seeking to wage open war with the Mando Enclave? On one hand, she understood the concept of revenge, striking back for those that died in the attack. But on the other hand, was waging war worth overextending the Empire? In truth, it was not her place to make this choice. Her duties were to create and destroy; and sometimes simultaneously if the opportunity presented itself.


​

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Lady Ingrid L’lerim Ragal Terassi Vandiir
Eternal Empress of the Eternal Empire, Lord Commander of the Wardens of the Shroud, Archon of the Primyn Group
Empress of Terraris, Supreme Commander of the Terraris Command, Head of the House L’lerim, CEO of the HPI Consortium​

Objective III.: Emergency Meeting.
Location: Spire of Eternity, Wulfngard, Kalidan
Equipment: The Soulsabers | Hersir Imperial Uniform | Viper Mk. I Skinsuit | The Last Gift || Empyrean gland | OPBC-01m
Tag(s): Baron Reinhardt Ström | Ladybug | Adenn Kyramud | Anashja Tal | Open

[ Rise of the Empire ]
<"High Nelvaanian"> | ~ telepathic communication ~ | << comm. channel >> ​

Ingrid watched silently as the Baron began to speak. She still thought differently about the events. To her Panatha was no loss or defeat. Of course, the lost soldiers, the ships, they were losses, but overall, they won the attack. The attack put an end to the rebellion, although the entire city needed to be rebuilt, but at the moment the rebellion and uprising seemed to be over. And that was the most important thing that you didn’t have to worry about.

The other question… the other question of why she considered it a victory was already more important. Circumstances did not matter, but Carnifex was taken prisoner of war; and already enjoyed the Ashlan Crusade's hospitality. Probably not too much, but that was no longer the woman's problem. Although the woman did not want the former Sith emperor to escape. It was time to finally pay for his sins.

However, yes, it was also true that some answer would have to be given later. Because it's no excuse for an attack that well "we just wanted to kill the Sith", they weren't the Ashlan Crusade. And meanwhile, they are burning an entire capital, along with a civilian population. Although Panatha is a fighting society, others have lived in that city. And this could not go unpunished. But there will be countless other things before that. First, Dromund Kaas, where they will assist to the Ashlan Crusade. Against the Sith.

<"Thank you for your inspiring words, Overseer!"> she said. <"However, there is also a more important question about Panatha. To strengthen its alliance with Ashlan Crusade, Darth Carnifex captured during the Panatha invasion already enjoys the hospitality of Ashlan Crusade. We will, of course, be present at the trial when it begins. And so, we got to the most important part.">

The Empress paused for a moment when she saw Adenn Kyramud arrive. She looked at the man and nodded briefly at him and in the direction of Anashja Tal standing next to him. She also met the girl at one of the joint actions. But to return to the original agenda, the CIS was the point, it was an even greater betrayal and more important than the Enclave attack. Mainly because the Eternal Empire does not have many allies.

<"The reason I convened the Imperial Assembly today is not really an attack by the Enclave, although they seem to have won, but we benefited more from it. Although many of our comrades died, the rebellion was over and we captured Lord Carnifex. However, we also learned that not all of our friends are our friends. The betrayal of the CIS is what I want to talk about today. We know the CIS crashed after that, but that is no excuse for what they did. There is no excuse for their betrayal…">

After all, the CIS somehow took revenge for Kuat…


//OOC: ofc I admit the Enclave's victory, this is totally IC that Ingrid considers this not a defeat, but rather a victory, because to the EE, everything went good…//

 

[Beltran Rarr]

​

As The Imperialis dropped out of hyperspace, Beltran felt something akin to apprehension. He'd never been to this area of the galaxy before. In truth, since leaving Lorrd and joining the Antarian Rangers, he'd rarely been out of the Silver Sphere. In the months since the last of the Bryn'adul threats was extinguished, he'd made a point to travel beyond the territory of the Silver Concord. He'd visited Lorrd briefly, where he'd been sought out by Ingrid L'lerim for a conversation.

That conversation had left Beltran thinking, wondering more like, if perhaps there was more to his life. When he'd first left Lorrd, his aim had been to amass enough power that his enemies could never hurt him again. This had led to his secret takeover of the arms company Obsidian Star. Under his secret leadership, the company had grown into a major contractor for the Silver Concord and he had become wealthy beyond imagining.

Despite this, it was the Antarian Rangers to which he became dedicated. Starting as a Specialist, his career had begun as an outlet for his bloodthirsty nature. If he had to kill, he might as well kill Sith. It was there that he learned that soldiering wasn't the same as killing for hire. Soldiers became siblings, brothers and sisters, in the crucible of war. Ironically, it was the brutality of that knowledge that first taught Beltran something of empathy.

From empathy, he'd learned friendship. His first friend had been Valkren Calderon -the man who'd recruited him into the Rangers. His best friend had been Paxton Reece, who'd been killed at Ossus. Then Beltran had learned grief. The rage that followed he'd already known well. He'd used that rage against the enemies of the Concord, particularly the Bryn'adul. And finally, when they were defeated he learned of emptiness.

It was that emptiness that had brought him into the Kalidan system. It was the question of, if he no longer wished to be a mindless soldier, what else could he be? What more?

The Empress Ingrid L'lerim had once offered him a place here. At the time he had refused, but now he wondered what might be if he accepted? So here he was.

As he approached the capitol world of the Eternal Empire, Beltran was challenged by their port control. He provided his name, and a code that Ingrid had once given him-back when she had been held by the Galactic Alliance and he'd been looking to secure help from the Eternal Empire against the Bryn'adul. (OOC: Took a little creative license here, hope that's okay )

He was somewhat surprised when after a relatively short pause, he was given permission to land near the Spire of Eternity.

As he walked down the boarding ramp of his ship, he was greeted by a pair of guards. "The Empress is in a meeting with the Imperial Assembly. You may observe the assembly if you wish, but under guard. And you will have to leave any weapons you're carrying here."

Beltran nodded and returned his lightsaber to his ship before following the guards into the spire. He was taken to a somewhat secluded spot on in the assembly where he listened to the end of Ingrid L'lerim 's speech, naming a new Overseer. He suspected this area was used for VIP's or foreign dignitaries, as it allowed the guards to keep careful watch over him and ensured that he was not allowed into the assembly proper.

He didn't try to catch Ingrid's eye, or draw any attention to himself. He had not come to disrupt her work. The only thing he did, was allow his presence to be felt in the Force. It was something he rarely did, having learned from Darth Solipsis some time ago how to mask his presence. She, he had no doubt, would feel him here and hopefully would have time to speak with him when her duties were completed.

For now, Beltran waited patiently.

 

[Vidalu Na'an]

"Oh, f-fine. Just a long flight in." It wasn't.. exactly a lie, but he was pretty sure at least Vidalu would figure out it was pretty quickly. He just had to focus right now was all.

The little woman's expression didn't change an inch, but she did shift a little, her arm straightening out to move their point of contact from his ribs to his palm. She squeezed it once, gently, letting the warmth of her fingers seep into his and serve as a grounding point. I'm here, that small touch seemed to say. You're safe. You're doing fine.

"He doesn't fly well," she said to the doctors, sounding half-apologetic. "But you don't need to worry. His face just looks like that even at the best of times."

And she wasn't wrong, in a way. Ever since Kalic Daws had been healed, his visions had done anything but abate. If anything, they had become more frequent, more intense, more accurate than they had ever been when clouded by the torture the Empress had inflicted on him. It wasn't uncommon for Daws, led by wherever the Force wished to take his sight, to dissociate from his body entirely. He always returned--there was never any fear of him not returning, and when he did it was often with some strange and always useful bit of knowledge he could never explain. But he also didn't seem to be fully able to control when it happened yet. Most of the Hidden Enclave had learned to be extra mindful of him: to listen to and use his insights, to be aware of the shifts that meant a vision was imminent, to anchor him in the moment when necessary.

To protect him, so he could range as far and as free as the Force desired.

Doctor Jorish did not miss the touch--a small and surprising intimacy between two people who didn't seem similar in the slightest--but chose not to discuss it. "I see. Well, then, let's be off."

As he led the delegation onto a tram labeled "Perrin--Neuroscience Wing", He filled them in on the relevant details. He'd hired Dr. Amil Perrin, a Duros transplant from the Core worlds, himself after his dissertation on the neurological impact of telekinesis had made the rounds. He'd pioneered some interesting ways of scanning Force-sensitive minds, Dr. Jorish explained, that didn't get nearly the level of praise he believed they deserved.
"Most of the relevant discourse around Force abilities seems to rest on the laurels of the mystical," he groused to the eternally-smiling woman. "Faffle about gods and destiny and magic with no concern about measuring the tangible impact of this base element of the universe. I mean, Stars' End, if we'd thought that way about gravity or magnetism none of us would have ever left our homeworlds!"

The woman was seated on the tram, her uncovered eye regarding him with nothing short of fascination. "It's a hard mentality to break. So many Force Sensitives seem to think that their power makes them special. Superior to others."

"Exactly! As if it's not just a natural part of the universe!" Dr. Jorish thumped his hand on his knee for emphasis. "Dr. Perrin has a unique perspective on the whole matter. He believes that you can, in fact, measure the exact biological processes that occur when engaging with the Force in specific ways. Cellular, neurological, chemical...And if something can be measured..."

"Then it can be reproduced."

"And not just in the haphazard, sloppy way you see nowadays. Scientifically. Comprehensively. In theory, with enough data, we could--"

The tram jostled the delegation as it slowed to a stop, outside a shiny-looking building nestled into a rocky outcropping. Dr. Jorish turned towards the tram exit, now all but beaming at the prospect of showing off the new facility.

"Actually, I'll let him tell you," he said to the woman, and Daws at his side. "You're actually quite lucky--His work has only recently seen sufficient funding to really take off and start the kinds of experiments he's been proposing. This facility was only completed within the last year! You're in for an exciting visit."

He bustled the rest of the delegation out in a burst of excitement, not noticing that the little woman he had been speaking to the entire time was no longer smiling.

"I'm sure we are," she said, and her voice--and the silvery-grey of her eye--had gone quite cold.

 

[Kalic Daws]

Vidalu Na'an

Kalic was a bit surprised as he felt Vidalu's hand grab his, but it did seem to bring him fully back to the present. He would look at the doctor again before he started to follow, then looked down down to his friend. The Miraluka really needed to get a handle on these visions. Either way, he quietly tell her "Thank you," not wanting the others to hear him say anything. Or ask too many questions.

As he listened to the Doctor explain the research, Force research, one slight thing stuck out to Kalic. "Do people really still see it that way, Doc? I mean I know it might be my species, but it's never seemed to come off with me being better because of it." He was honestly always confused by the sentiment. It was just another sense for him for most of his life. Wasn't really until recently that that changed, and it being better originally would could definitely be up for debate. Now... he really hoped it would be just learning, cause needing someone nearby just in case he slipped into a vision at bad time wasn't the best situation ever. At least they seemed to understand. Kalic had sat down, but was hold a cool piece of metal in the hopes that it would similarly help anchor him somewhat. Hadn't worked the last... fifty times, but it made him feel better. When the doctor said they were in for an exciting visit though, Kalic simply nodded, and looked at the area the lab was at. Something look... off to him. Maybe it was just his nerves.

 

[Baron Reinhardt Ström]

TAG: Ingrid L'lerim Ladybug Anashja Tal Adenn Kyramud
OBJECTIVE: III - Emergency Meeting
LOCATION: Spire of Eternity, Wulfngard Kalidan

The words of the Empress rang throughout the halls of the Imperial Assembly chamber, with murmurs arising amongst the assembled nobility at her final words. Of all the events to recently transpire within the Empire, the treachery of the CIS was the most grave. They had been among the Empire's staunchest of allies over recent years; to turn their back upon the scions of Kalidan now, when Panatha lay a smoldering ruin - it was enough to not only puzzle, but also completely throw all assembled off guard. Silence prevailed for several moments, a pregnant pause as if the body collectively looked toward their Empress for the resolve to handle the crisis developing. The Baron knew well that the Empire would once again need to rely on her strength to push through this time.

After maintaining a respectful silence for several more moments, the Overseer cleared his throat and spoke into the audio receptor before him at his seat, adjacent to the chair in the center assigned for the Empress herself. He reached for the datapad set in front of him and scrolled through the itinerary it contained. Under normal circumstances, one of the Empress's Overlords would have the honor of presiding over the Imperial Assembly regarding the more mundane business set forth within the agenda. But in their absence, the Empress saw fit to delegate the responsibility to him. It mattered little to the nobleman - whether it be the Imperial Court on Kalidan, or his holdings on Sondheim, he was accustomed to handling the affairs of state with the cold, rigid professionalism he was known for in all aspects of his tenure. "With the main matters on the agenda now addressed before the Imperial Assembly, this august body will now transition to other matters on the agenda." He picked up a small gavel, ornately carved from an ash-wood and plated in silver, and wrapped upon a similarly crafted plate upon the dais, signaling that the assembly shall be called to order. He exchanged a glance with the sergeant at arms, who called the chamber to attention. Leading the formality, the Overseer rose from his seat, and was followed by all others in the chamber as they awaited for the Empress to take her seat upon her 'throne' within the chamber.

Upon doing so, the Overseer would return to his seat, followed once again by the remainder of the chamber. After another moment's pause, the Baron spoke up again: "The next matter to be brought before the Assembly is that of the testimony of Ms. Anashja Tal , a Mandalorian affiliated with the Mandalorian Enclave, as well as Alor Adenn Kyramud over the Panatha Matter." With the record being stated and established thusly, the sergeant at arms would beckon for Anashja to enter a small 'box' like enclosure near the center of the chamber, containing a chair, and a 'lip' along the edge of the box forming a table of sorts, which contained an audio receiver and a pitcher of water, with a pair of glass containers to drink from. The sergeant would also beckon Adenn Kyramud to enter the chamber as well, led to a seat alongside Anashja. The Baron would wait in silence as the two Mandalorians settled within the box, which was meant more for allowing the pair to sit in relative comfort rather than to 'restrict' their movements. After so settling in place, he spoke again:

"You are both here upon the invitation and good graces of her Imperial Majesty, to testify regarding the events surrounding the Invasion of Panatha, as well as your individual roles - or lack thereof - in the matter." Baron Ström eyed Adenn with the last bit, but continued on without much of a pause: "It is my understanding that you, for your part, have requested being able to testify in this matter Ms. Tal. Therefore, the chair will cede the next ten minutes to you for an opening statement before we proceed with any questions. You will follow Ms. Tal, Alor Kyramud." At that, the chamber fell silent as they awaited the pair to make their opening statements, whether it be in their own defense or otherwise.

 

[Anashja Tal]

Objective 3: Emergency Meeting

Tags: Baron Reinhardt Ström Ingrid L'lerim Adenn Kyramud Ladybug

Anashja stood and began to speak first introducing herself for the record. "I am Baar'ur Anashja of clan Tal, citizen of the Eternal Empire and also the Enclave. I was present during the attack on Panatha as a neutral party."

She took a sip and began, nervous but strong. "I wish i knew more about the situation with the CIS, their treachery enabled the crimes that were committed against the citizens of Panatha, with several of their fleets allowing the Mandalorians to reach the grounded.

The mandalorian threat is something that must be addressed quickly. These are not conqurers that wish to take territory, they live for violence, the attack on Panatha had no justification other than an excuse for bloodshed. I joined the Enclave at its founding to try and prevent this, it is my shame that I have failed, and worse, been ridiculed and mistreated for being not being a proper mandalorian simply because I have talents beyond killing."

She had to bite her tongue at her anger over her treatment, the mandalorians, who could befriend a Sith in the midst, could not forgive her because she was also a lightsided healer? Hypocrites.

"When the attack happened, it was initially unannounced how far they were willing to go in their goals for a high body count. It is their claim that every living thing in the capital is a valid military target because of a warrior culture?" She stood and pointed both of her hands at her swollen lower abdomen. "I suppose in their eyes, that makes this a valid military target then? Seeing as her mother is a mandalorian?" And she sat back down, her anger was boiling over with the implication that innocent children could be damned by the sins of their parents. She needed a moment to calm down. She would happily die for her children, but would not see them die for her until they were old enough for the field of battle.

"And what of the people in the city who were not natives to the warrior culture? They were killed too? What about my medical fleet? Were were not fired upon certainly, but the Mandalorian war master told me quite clearly, that my humanitarian fleet would be fired on, if it were not for the fact that I was vod?.. Sorry, a mandalorian. That is a clear, and damning sign that they were their to kill as many as possible and even medical vessels were fair game."

She held her breath for a moment and wiped a tear out of her eyes, why is every mandalorian society doomed to a path of violence, how long before she was burying members of her family after yet another mandalorian civil war?

​

 

[The Battalion]

Wearing: Warrior's Skin

Armed with: Flesh Needles (Purple Shotos)

Current Persona: The Assembly (See Bio)


Objective: BYOO (Consecrate Dark Side Temple)


Earlier.

Though they were not physically present at the meeting Ingrid L'lerim was holding, and had sent no representatives despite having directly played a hand in why the Shield Generator Facility hadn't fallen, (Panatha had still been bombarded, but only because the Mandalorians had used mainly Shield-Ignoring weapons, not from any failing on the part of the Generators), they still had ways of observing events. The Battalion, Consort to Darth Xiphos, had weaved a spell that allowed them to passively see and hear everything on an enchanted mirror.

But even Xiphos had been caught off guard by the unexpected withdrawal of the CIS. Her Consort proclaimed it betrayal but Xiphos wasn't so sure.

Of course, The Battalion wasn't just one person, but many. It largely depended on which version of The Battalion was the likeliest to view it as treachery.

And the version in control of The Battalion's flesh at the moment was a rather nasty piece of work called The Assembly, who, after the mind of the long ago corrupted Elaine Tear herself, was the personality in The Witch that Xiphos had the most interaction with. And she definitely viewed it as such. There was no way they couldn't have known what would happen if they withdrew from that battle.

The Assembly snorted at the proceedings, observing all from her and Xiphos's shared bed aboard the Leviathan of Sev Tok, clad in The Battalion's enchanted white catsuit, her head resting on Xiphos's lap. Xiphos, wearing a dark blue armorweave catsuit herself, sat up in the bed, feeding her lover an Olive.

"I can hardly wait for the opportunity to slaughter yet more Mandalorians. This whole fire and death thing Baron Reinhardt Ström has going is incredibly enticing. I hope they let us use Nerve Gas on them. It'd be fun watching them twitch and melt."

"I have something much worse than Nerve Gas in mind, my dear..." Xiphos promised. "It'll be a slaughter. You'll be right at home..."

"Of that I have no doubt, my Love..." The Assembly cooed, dark skinned hand reaching out to stroke Xiphos's face gently. Xiphos fed her another Olive.

"You never disappoint when it comes to murder."

"In the meantime, we can busy ourselves on this Shadow planet. Intel says Rebels are having a meeting there. I've dispatched units to observe and, when necessary, crash the get-together."

"You're really not bothered by the Totalitarian nature of the Empire.

"Plenty bothered, actually. But it's not my duty to change the Empire or how it thinks. I don't want The Galaxy. Just a nice enough chunk of Galactic real estate to properly conduct our operations. If The Eternal Empire falls it shall be by blood and fire. But not by our hand. Or the hands of those we command. (And then the ants came for Dwayne Johnson: 1400 XP) "

"Be ready for treachery, Julia. Be absolutely ready..." The Assembly warned after Xiphos popped another olive into her mouth.

"So Assembly..." Xiphos trailed. "What was your name, before The Cult?"

"Lucinda Skybrace..." The Assembly answered. "And if you absolutely must refer to me by that occasionally, by all means. But only in Private."

"I have a present for you, Lucinda. My scouts have detected an old temple of your cult on Echilon."

The Assembly perked up. "Oh?"

"Real strange one, built into the rock. Translation from Sith calls it The Temple of Kaleidoscopes..."

The Assembly shot up.

"You found The Temple of Kaleidoscopes??!" The Assembly asked, totally shocked.

"Yeah. Why?"

"That temple was controlled by one of the most powerful of the Cult. A Sorceress who mastered using Hatred itself as a weapon. It was destroyed by a group of rogue Jedi Consulars called the Resistors of Darkness. We must reconsecrate it. With any luck, some fragment of the Sorceress herself remains..."

The Assembly got off the bed fully. "We cannot delay. This temple issue must be addressed immediately..."

Xiphos blinked, shrugged, rose and headed for her armory.

One hour later...

They had come to this shadowy world in a salvaged IPV-2C Corvette, The Assembly having taken only her Twin Shotos with Gold Electrum Hilts and a ritual dagger.

Xiphos had come in disguise, wearing a purified Naath Cowling and Bronzium mask, along with that blue Armorweave Catsuit, armed with a red Lightsaber made from metal of Darth Vader's castle from the Vjun Campaign.

The pair approached it. It had been built into the rock, deep in a canyon. The eternal twilight cast a strange pallor over the sky.

"This temple has underground networks. Hundreds of tunnels and hidden chambers, stretching across either side of this planet." The Assembly explained as they headed up a stone staircase hidden normally by magic.

"This Pulsar is perfect. Our ships can get closer to gravitic Anomalies like this..." Xiphos noted as they strode past General Purpose Nuetralizers in metallic green catsuits armed with DC-15S Carbines, serving in a light security capacity.

The temple itself was cracked and barren. It's sigils deliberately tarnished. Stains of rotted yellow organs splashed everywhere. The Dark Side Presence was here but...muted...

Xiphos pulled off her mask as The Assembly held out her hand.

"Walk with us, our love."

Xiphos took the Assembly's hand and they began to walk through the deathly cold mausoleum.

"Last time we were on a date together, You asked me to teach you about fear. Well, this is an excellent place to start. The most powerful Sith are those who master their emotions...not those who are slaves to them..." The Assembly explained, leading her to what appeared to be a long, shadowy passage where the shadows moved of their own accord.

The Assembly pulled Xiphos close, kissing her passionately.

"Passion can be a great motivator to overcome fear, Julia..." The Assembly explained. "You must go on ahead..."

Xiphos moved towards the dark passage.

"Your weapons, Our Love...you will not need them..."

Xiphos heeded her advice and tossed The Assembly her saber. The dark skinned Witch smiled and kissed her again.

"Don't run from your fear. Face them. Master them, and you'll understand the value of fear and terror." The Assembly warned. "Emotion is always stronger than peace. Always."

"What's in there?" Xiphos asked.

"Only what you take with you..."

Xiphos nodded and went in.

The Assembly, while Xiphos went off through her Sith Trial decided to explore the rest of the temple's relic archives...

 

[Hi'los Krai]

Baron Hi'los Krai stepped off the ramp of his KS-5700 ‘King Raven’ Combat Freighter, followed by 2 soldiers in Sk-RS MK. IV Armour. "Baron Krai, the meeting has already begun, if you'll follow me." An officer in front of him said. Hi'los Krai had recently been appointed Baron of Tygeria after his time as Lord Commander in the Wardens of the Shroud, and now he had responsibilities, which unfortunately meant meetings. No doubt he would be a strange sight for most.

They came up to the meeting location as the officer turned gesturing towards the location. "It's right over there."

"Thank you." He spoke as he walked in on the current discussion, taking his place.

"--captured during the Panatha invasion already enjoys the hospitality of Ashlan Crusade. We will, of course, be present at the trial when it begins. And so, we got to the most important part." The Empress spoke.

 

[Joffrey del Fuego]

Joffrey del Fuego​

Tags: //
Planet:
Location:
Theme: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NqRnik4OyOE
Clothes: black robes
Gear: //

Out of one of the ships, that arrived a bit later on the planet, a hooded figure went out. Completely anonymous this creature made its way up to the building in front of it. "Sir stop. Name please" was the first thing the guards said towards the figure. "Joffrey del Fuego". The guard looked into the database when he looked up again at Joffrey. "No weapons allowed sir. Please leave every weapon outside". A moment of silence crept up as the bony fingers rose up to slowly remove the hood from the robes, revealing the skull head with its head on fire. Illuminating the area around him and even heating everything up surrounding him, with a tortured voice Joffrey began to talk " I, don't need weapons......I've got fire!" he said, followed by an even scarier laugh.

The guards had no choice, in that case, to let him in, since he was in the database, even though they had a bad feeling about this. Joffrey wasn't well known but judging by his looks he looked like an unstable fella. Nonetheless, Joffrey passed the two guards while slowly pulling back his hood again, concealing the flames of his head again. But just in front of the door, he quickly turned towards the guards again. "Excuse me!..... Which way?" The guards looked confused at each other, then one of them explained him the way. With a little nod he left them both and continued his way towards the room, probably everybody was. When he arrived, he looked at the room, the guests, then he decided which place to take. Not really caring, if that place was maybe reserved for somebody else, he just sat down and listened to what this was all about, while constantly snipping with his fingers and creating little flames through the force out of pure boredom. This wasn't a place for Joffrey. Too much talking, too much arguing and too peaceful. But yet he had to come and therefore he was now here.
​

​

 

[Stirric Vetch]

Objective 4: Reinforcement.
Current Objective: Assemble Fleet positions around Echilon.
Equipment:
KC -95 Blaster Pistol
Location: Aboard the Ember Cresent
Flagship: Adjudicator class Star Destroyer- Ember Cresent.
Fleet:
3x Gala Fighter MK II Squadrons
1x Luna Troop Transport Squadron
2x Levasseur Class Corvette
1x Baron Class Escort Frigate
1x Adjudicator class Star Destroyer

'An unusual place for a peace meeting' Stirric thought as he gazed at the hellscape that was Echilon. Admittedly, from a distance, one could be forgiven for assuming the planet was like any other in the galaxy. But, reflecting on its true fiery atmosphere, the Admiral grimaced visibly.

"Everything okay, Admiral?" one of the bridge officers called- having looked up from her station just long enough to catch Stirric's uncertain gaze.
"Hard to say" Stirric responded as he turned his face back to the bridge's viewport. "We are entrusting rebels to co-operate with us. By all accounts, that's usually a bad idea".

"Yes sir" the officer responded, busying herself once again. The bridge itself had fallen into a maccabe silence that was only pierced by the hum of terminals as the crew of the Ember Cresent began their long wait.

Stirric had been cautioned against bringing the Ember Cresent for this instance and, to an extent, he could see the tactical reasoning. After all, nothing brought an end to peace sooner than the arrival of a star destroyer. However, ultimately, Stirric had decided to bring his flagship if only to keep it at a distance whilst the remaining fleet took up position closer to orbit.

In truth, it was all that could be done- at least, until proceedings took a sour turn. For a brief moment, Stirric thought back to the peace attempt on Panatha and considered how well that had turned out. It did little to set his mind at ease.