Dominion Gloves of Metal | Dominion of The Redoubt | NIO

[Julius Haskler]

LOCATION : Aboard diplomatic Escolta-class Corvette, NIV Ultimus Imperialis
TAG : Irveric Tavlar

The old diplomat was unsure of how to put it. His failure to negotiate a proper surrender of the Redoubt meant precious men and resources would be lost against the Chiss, but as a political symbol, it was most useful. Julius decided to tell the truth, and, simply put, he would present the pros of such a failure to the Sovereign Imperator. While he waited for the communication to open, the Anaxsi decided to ready his battle plan : while the Anaxsi and Imperials would seize the Redoubt, the ground troops would conquer the housing facilities and the urban centres. He himself would report the result of the negotiations and warn the Imperator of the dangerous negotiations that were to come.

Very well, Haskler. What do you have to report?

​

Julius refused to bow as the hologram lit up. He was a proud, stubborn man, but most importantly, he was Heir to a house free from the New Imperial rule, not subjected to it but rather willingly partnering with the New Imperial Order. It was something important to remind the Order of : the Hasklers would bow to no one.

"Imperator, this is Julius of House Haskler speaking. I have recently ended the negotiations with the Chiss commander, a teenaged Captain, full of contempt and arrogance. He has expressed insulting view over the New Imperial Order, but has accepted to transmit the treaty we are offering to the Ruling Families. I didn't obtain the surrender of the planet, but I think it's the perfect opportunity to show the Chiss what we are capable of. The military might of our forces will subject the Redoubt to the imperial rule. This will serve as an example for the Chiss Ascendancy, and as a foothold for future conquests if we have to."

The Anaxsi was not dissatisfied by the short summary he had given to the Imperator. There were many subjects to discuss, but he could only focus on one at a time. As such, he decided to begin with the most general of the subjects.

"The Imperial Diplomatic Corps has published over the last days many Imperial Diplomatic Issues, from 20 to 23. They explore the will to reunite the Empire, and have identified several individuals whom the New Imperial Order had to terminate or abduct. You may have already read the IDC 22 which explores the fate of various imperial leaders, warlords, and Sith characters. The IDC has decided to order the termination or capture of many warlords of the Core, and of various Sith or Dark Side-affiliated rulers. These include, but are not limited to : Darth Prazutis, Maliphant, Voyance, Carnifex, Vulcanus, and of our prisoner the Eternal Empress Ingrid L'lerim-Vandiir. In the name of the Imperial Diplomatic Corps, I respectfully ask you to consider these termination marks as a will to extend Operation Kyber Dark to the Dark Jedi factions, and prepare the ground for a future New Empire, which could include the territories of the First Order and Eternal Empire. I think this is all I can report for now."

 

[Irveric Tavlar]

I M P E R A T O R
NEW IMPERIAL ORDER
THE REDOUBT
Imperial Warlord Zovesa | Julius Haskler

​

The Imperator nodded along with Haskler's words, ever fixated on displaying that cold exterior. He sparked a cigar alight, tucking it between his lips as he listened to Julian's report. Anaxsi. They were a peculiar breed, as were many of the noblemen in-exile who'd flocked to the New Imperial Order. It was a dream, an ideology that transcended borders. A Galaxy and a people under the security and pride that order and empire brought.

But so too, was the drive ever evident...to return home. To do best by familiar faces. A new home could be made in the New Imperial Order...but it'd always be slightly off.

"If they refuse surrender then we will do exactly such, the New Imperial Order's military will move to take The Redoubt by force. This is a statement to the Chiss. We are willing to fight harder than they will for their homeland. They can only cower in their corner for so long. Imperial Warlord Zovesa 's forces will force the subjugation of The Redoubt by force, then." Irveric remarks, evidently content with the negotiations. Then the Anaxsi came with another proposal, a far more convoluted matter. Irveric immediately narrowed his eye, furrowing his brow to the suggestion. While there was nothing remarkable controversial on the matter, it held little relevance to the matter at hand.

"This can be discussed at a later date, Haskler. For now, I wish to see what can be done here. Did this 'Commander' suggest another round of diplomatic talks, perhaps with a Chiss of actionable authority and power? Or, as you stated...did he simply leave you with no avenue to pursue further talks..." Irveric inquired.

 

[Julius Haskler]

LOCATION : Aboard diplomatic Escolta-class Corvette, NIV Ultimus Imperialis
TAG : Irveric Tavlar

If they refuse surrender then we will do exactly such, the New Imperial Order's military will move to take The Redoubt by force. This is a statement to the Chiss. We are willing to fight harder than they will for their homeland. They can only cower in their corner for so long. Imperial Warlord Zovesa 's forces will force the subjugation of The Redoubt by force, then.

As Tavlar spoke, Julius could see the Chiss and Imperials battle for the space facilities. The vessels faced each other in a rain of lasers and explosions. The Anaxsi served as the speartip of the assault, Herlock's frigate probing the enemy line in an attempt to open the way for Zovesa's battleships. The Chiss were resisting with all the forces they could gather, but it was almost pitiful to see such a noble species run to its death so gladly. For someone prompt to condemn martyrdom, Thale was exceptionally irrational, throwing away the lives of his soldiers.

The diplomat was disappointed to hear Kyber Dark was not the priority of the moment, but focused on the end of the sentence. If he could settle the negotiations quickly, then he would be able to rally Carlac and meet with Sularen. That was another point to discuss, he realised. But first he needed to end the negotiations by informing the Imperator of the next operations.

"The Chiss commander first expressed his desire to airlock me, Imperator. But then, he accepted to resume the negotiations when he had gotten in touch with the Ruling Families, with which we'll arrange a meeting soon. If you allow that personal interpretation of mine, I think we may have engaged the negotiations the wrong way. We should have maybe tried to integrate worthy humans into the Ascendancy and begin to prepare the ground for the arrival of the Imperial culture. The way we started to conquer their worlds will immensely displease them."

Julius took a breath, pausing a moment and tried to formulate an idea that would allow them to resume the negotiations without much disadvantage. What could be done...

"We could send diplomats specifically educated to fit the ideals and culture of the Chiss. And we may even ask for the Chiss's aid to help educate the Imperial population. And open the idea of a renewed partnership as under the Empire of the Hand. If they accept, the hybrid Chiss-Imperial culture would enrich us and would appease them. I don't really have any other idea for the moment..."

Again, a pause, where Julius let the Imperator assimilate what he said, then he formulated the last of the matters he had to present to Lord Tavlar.

"Now, my Lord, I am heading to Carlac. Lord Halketh has organised a party which I'd like to attend to. Of course not for the drinks, but to meet a character which has drawn much of the Alliance's attention recently. The self-proclaimed "Lord Imperator of the Core", the infamous Marlon Sularen, has requested a meeting with me, which I'll attend too. As the party is starting soon, I have to leave the Redoubt Cluster, once my mission here is done. Do you have any instructions regarding the warlord ? We could arrest him at the end of the party, if the Alliance has issued an order of arrest before. What do you think ? I have not forgotten we have to get rid of these parasits before we can restore the Empire..."

 

[Albrecht F. Herlock]

Location: on baord of escort frigate Pride of Anaxes, the Redoubt Cluster

Tag: Julius Haskler

​

The Pride of Anaxes was engaged in a fierce battle against a Chiss fleet. It looked like the ship was doing a last stand, alone against at least ten ships.

"Damage status ?" asked the Captain.

"Our shields are almost down, turret number eight has overheated. Our fighters are still flying." replied the Engine Officer.

"Operations Officer, status of the ennemy fleet ?"

"Two ships heavily damaged, one sunk and three lightly damaged."

"Captain, we're receiving a message on the encrypted line" announced the Comms Officer.

"I want it on my console" replied Herlock

"Aye Sir ! Sending to your console."

Herlock looked at the brief message containing his next instructions, frowned and then finally answered to the short missive.

"Tactical Officer, call back the fighters and cease fire. Engine Officer, I want a full throttle to the main engine. Navigation Officer, take us out of this battle and join the Ultimus Imperialis. We have new orders."

"Aye Sir" replied the three officers.

The Pride of Anaxes ceased fire, the guns now facing forward and backward. The Hayabusas and the Rei-sens starfighters were flying back to the ship while she was gaining speed and getting out of the battlefield, her shields almost disabled as she received a few shots from the lightly and uninjured Chiss ships. She then flew towards the Ultimus Imperialis and, once near the diplomatic ship, started flying with her.

"Comms Oficer, open a link with the Ultimus Imperialis."

"Communication established Sir !"

"Ultimus Imperialis, this is Captain Albrecht Herlock, commanding officer of the escort frigate Pride of Anaxes. Our ship will now escort you on your diplomatic mission to Carlac. Pride of Anaxes over".

 

[FN-999]

​

LOCATION: REDOUBT, PLANETARY SURFACE
SUPPORT: Silas Sunfyre | OPEN TO COOPERATION
HOSTILES: CHISS NPC/PC GROUND UNITS | OPEN TO ENGAGEMENT
EQUIPMENT (FN-999): In signature & Smartblaster Pistol

THE 454TH STORMTROOPER REGIMENT - PAX IMPERIALI

[Reinforcements arriving from the west!]
​

The radio built into FN-999's helmet suddenly crackled to life, one of his lieutenants delivering a report to him.

[Can you come into contact with them and slash or discern their quantity and quality?] asked FN-999 through the two-way radio channel.

[They appear to be a special forces unit slightly smaller than our company, identifying as Taka Group. Many of their troops are equipped with personal jetpacks and launching a strong offensive from our left flank. They seem to be using the same radio set as us, just on a different frequency. Try 03.]

[Understood. Thanks for the report, lieutenant.]

FN-999 then pushed a small lever on the front of the neck area of his helmet, switching the frequency. Surely enough, reports began to pass through his helmet to unseen soldiers, though those orders were far less numerous than that of a typical detachment. The lieutenant legion commander never failed to be surprised by the actions of the special forces, but did not doubt their experimental tactics.

[Taka Group, this is Lieutenant Legion Commander FN-999, callsign Nines. We're glad to have you here. From now until the end of this battle, I am your nominal superior. However, I do not intend to be overbearing or take away from your own battle plans unless the tide of battle turns against us. In the meantime, continue to support the companies on our left flank. Our left flank has orders to encircle the Chiss left flank, contributing to a larger envelopment plan also occurring in the right and center. That is all. Good luck out there.]

FN-999 concluded his message not a second too soon, for the Chiss EW engineers had succeeded in temporarily jamming all New Imperial frequencies after their reprieve of several minutes.

 

[Silas Sunfyre]

Redoubt Planetoid
OBJ: Support 454th Regiment
173rd Legion | Taka Group
FN-999

The thrum of the vibrosword added to the sound of battle around him. Blasters, charrics, explosives, even repulsors all made up the haphazard din that sought to overwhelm his senses. But still he persevered. It was no different than on any other battlefield, and as he raised off the ground, his vibrosword punched a hole through another breastplate of armour, before being wrenched out, and leaving a gaping wound in another Ascendacy chest. A brief respite was granted in that focused intensity of battle, and the scene before him could finally settle in. Across the lines he looked, dug in Chiss providing covering fire for their advancing allies, and the 454th rising up to meet them.

The incline of the hill made things even more difficult.

Silas could hardly fault the Regiment for taking as much time as it did to ascend... But when the voice of the commanding officer cracked over the commline, the corners of his lips twisted unpleasantly.

His new command as Lieutenant saw that he had plenty of work to do in ingratiating himself to the rest of the Myrmidons, and through duty and servitude to Lucien Dooku, the rest of the Stormtrooper Corps beyond Nirauan. Like many others, he had grown accustomed to his direct superiors. Another, unrelated commander issuing commands caused a pang of annoyance to race through him but he suppressed the urge to retort vocally.

Instead, his response was a series of mechanical clicks, produced from his channel through the channel. Acknowledgement, before the line was shut off.

And to Taka Group;

<<"The operation is the same. Ascend the mountain, breach the Ascendancy Outpost.">>

A calculated thinker would see the battle was lost, and the troopers deployed were a stalling element. Further incursions into the Chiss regions of Unknown Space would be made even more difficult.

<<"Squads 3 to 5; continue the fight.">>

With the Myrmidons appearance on the battlefield, the Chiss forces buckled, their eye blackened, and the flow of the battle had shifted into the favour of the New Imperials. With three squads of the effectively power armoured stormtroopers left engaged with the western flank, the Chiss found themselves again and pressed back into their advance. Forces from the centre were undoubtedly shuffled through the line to secure the left flank that had been thrown in disarray minutes ago.

 

[Enlil]

Show of Force
Irveric Tavlar

​

He stood flanking the Sovereign Imperator as the words of their diplomat reached them. The Grand Vizier listened carefully, one arm across his chest while the other hand tapped his chin thoughtfully. When the transmission finalized, Enlil clenched the fist of his right hand and touched the knuckles of his gauntlet to his lips, pensive.

"The attempted diplomacy was not in error," he decided immediately. "It seems our enemy is one that takes great pride in their ability. Their unwillingness to bend does lead me to believe that further diplomacy or attempts to appeal to their cultural pride will only cause them to perceive us as weak."

He stepped forward to the transceiver and flipped over to the live topographical map of the battlefield. There was no reason to waste further thought on diplomacy when the enemy's stance was perceived superiority.

"There are portions of the Diplomat's testimony I find vague, though I respect his informed, expert opinion. I would like a more thorough idea of what the Chiss representative had to say. They pose a greater threat than meager insurgents should we forcibly subjugate them, and while we are not unprepared for a war on two fronts, we ought consider the cost to our people and their perceptions."

He closed his eyes and considered their options. "Perhaps a more surgical method would serve us?" The King offered. "Rather than simply waging total war against the Ascendancy, we might strategically eliminate key players in their command structure and weaken the immediate hostility toward Imperial rule by sowing dissension in their ranks?"

If there was an answer to this that limited the bloodshed to a minimum, it would be favorable. The Imperium already bled itself heavily in war efforts.

"There is also the chance that we could utilize propaganda, or seek out sympathizers to our cause who we could arm and advocate for to create a need within the Chiss infrastructure to rely on a foreign agency to restore order, thereby bringing them around to our cause."

 

[Irveric Tavlar]

I M P E R A T O R
NEW IMPERIAL ORDER
THE REDOUBT
Imperial Warlord Zovesa | Julius Haskler | Enlil

​

The Imperator narrowed his eyes in innate skepticism as Haskler spoke of continuous ambitions. He admired this trait in those, banking on the competency of his subordinates to continue to run the cogs of the great machine that was the New Imperial Order but even still, it meant consolidating his vision among each of them.

"I want another round of talks between the Chiss Ascendancy before we discuss an angle of cultural and political subversion. Regardless, the Ascendancy has been a traditional collaborator of Imperial regimes and thus I think an amicable dynamic may soon be established. The Human High Culture which the Galactic Empire adopted centuries prior is a means of Sith control and not one I care to adopt into our New Imperial State. Regardless, your efforts here have certainly begun our way upon this path and our greatly valued, Haskler. Enjoy Carlac, it is a beautiful, if frigid world." He concludes with the diplomat before his gaze shifts to the Grand Vizier as he spoke.

"Ideally, we conduct another round of diplomatic talks ascending in both our respective hierarchies, ourselves and their leaders present. Then we can truly gauge the best path forward. Regardless, this show of force here will need to be accompanied with a follow through and a subsequent military deployment deeper into Chiss space. It will set the tone that we will become a permanent presence in their space and act as deterrent from any Galactic power from gaining influence in the region. The Galactic Alliance, while our tentative ally has shown ambition toward Chiss space in the past, threatening the defunct Zweihander Union to relinquish the world of Ilum." Irveric explained.

"Regardless, I take great interest in absorbing the Ascendancy, they can prove as a lesser asset to the New Imperial Order such as the Sons of Mandalore and the Thyrsian Hierarchy have to us with increased stability in a increasingly perilous Unknown Regions...so we'll set on a second round of talks before we decide our path forward with them." Irveric suggested.

 

[Enlil]

"A sensible course of action," he conceded. It was culturally known of the Chiss that they took great pains to understand their enemy. Even the King was aware of this as he considered the next vector of approach toward the Ascendancy. What he could not know was the extent of their inherent pride or the political climate surrounding their space prior to this engagement. Most of his affairs were previously conducted within New Imperial space, and thus he took lesser interest in the Greater Galaxy. That paradigm shifted with this new position.

Enlil took the words of the Sovereign Imperator into consideration and adapted immediately. "I advise, then, another probing effort with greater oversight. While I have every faith that the Diplomat we've sent is skilled in his craft, his report lacks substance and leaves us guessing at too many imperative factors. Best that we have an open line of communication with the Chiss rather than a liaison, given the vital nature of this endeavor."

Had the man offended the Chiss sensibilities in some way? Were there other elements at work that they had yet to become apprised of? The King had to be certain of every angle before he could execute an effective plan.

"At the risk of fretting over you, I do not believe we should hasten into talks with the Chiss where you are present. If Haskler's words are sound, they may show some measure of hostility the next time we engage them diplomatically."

He paused.

"Perhaps there may be an opportunity to show good faith, thus opening the doors for more amicable discourse?" Enlil suggested.

Irveric Tavlar​

 

[Dagon Kaze]

NEW JEDI ORDER | GALACTIC ALLIANCE | THE TETA CONSPIRACY
Djonas Val | Saaveina

UNIDENTIFIED FACTORY,
ROTH, TRADE WORLD IN THE REDOUBT

Roth was one of the few worlds on this side of the galaxy that could flaunt with a diverse demographic. Trade - because no sentient species in the galaxy dislikes money. A temperate planet, it boasted with the fact it served as a trading point between the reclusive Chiss, the Unknown Regions and to a lesser extent the rest of the galaxy. Given its location, Dagon never imagined he'd end up here. There should've been nothing of note here.

Should have.

Yet there was. Kori and Dagon's little stint - call it fiasco - on the Excelsior luxury casino barge over Coruscant had produced surprising results; a manifest of chemical deliveries from the casino's mainframe. An odd item to have on a gambling yacht. The Jedi then spent days investigating every bit of it till he found a pattern - ships, under the ownership of Kable Shipping Enterprises (or KSE), had numerous and repetitive freight routes towards New Imperial space and...Ilum. So Dagon followed the Ilum trail - a KSE freighter carrying detergent raw materials and other similar goods, according to its manifest, with its destination being Roth. Metellos, Ilum, Roth. It sounded ridiculous to follow a lead of detergents to a trade world until he ended up monitoring a heavily guarded factory in the industrial zone of the planet's port city.

Who the hell protected a detergent factory with assault rifles and state-of-the-art armor?

Even if it was owned by some seventh nephew of a sixth cousin of a minor Chiss Ruling House.

Chiss were odd, cold, and overprotective from what Dagon knew but he doubted they'd be guarding a washing powder facility with a heavy weapons platoon.

Standing atop an adjacent building's roof, hidden by the night and his black outfit, Dagon had been monitoring the factory since early evening. It was almost midnight. The air was humid, hot, and no wind to brush away the sweat forming on his brow. His mouth was running dry and the plastic water bottled next to him lied empty. A faint twitch in the Force startled him, making him instinctively reach for the lightsaber hilt hidden within the inner lining of his black jacket. The presence through the ethereal was familiar but vaguely - like a fledgling dream you struggled to grasp for. Another Jedi?

Couldn't be. Dagon hadn't mentioned his venture to anyone. Nothing on his outfit indicated his identity either. The New Jedi bomber was replaced with an unbranded black leather jacket and his lightsaber was concealed. Nothing to spark any attention, nothing to invite snooping curiosity.

He followed the Force's signal with his eyes. A structure on the other side of the factory basked in shadows. Dagon squinted - pitch black. Nothing to see, nothing to discern. Yet, the Force held his gaze almost hypnotically guiding his eyes to follow something they could not visualize.

 

[Djonas Val]

Dagon Kaze

The macrobinoculars lowered from his ebon features, the heat signatures of the Chiss guarding the building had been spotted earlier in the day. The sight of them left a bitter taste in his mouth. Mounting a campaign into Chiss Space has got to be the worst idea. They were a cold, calculating species that prided themselves on their tactics and intelligence. Their military leaders started from young, and despite their near pompous attitudes, they had every right to be as pretentious as they were.

Few things annoyed him more.

Should've gone back to the Caldera, Val thought. The Helgard excursion had been months ago, but missing out on the operation had left a cloud over him that he couldn't escape from.

"Right," he started, pulling from the ledge of the window. "We'll take the back entrance, I don't want to fight charrics head on," tugging down the sleeve of his jacket, he hid the silver gauntlet that extended up his forearm; concealed by the outerwear. They may have been enforcers of the Imperator's will, and protectors of the Empire, but, they couldn't exactly go sauntering around the world in their grays and blacks. Not when they were sieging other worlds in the very same region. It was only a matter of time before word reached here. Then, it'd be almost impossible to get out. "They probably got an underground facility here," in reference to the detergents that seemed to be stored here. "Or so the brief says," he shrugs.

Along with frequent shipments from worlds on the south-western border of their empire, the worlds furthest from the capital's influence, it made sense that shadow organizations would congregate and take advantage of the Empire at war.

"I'll create the meld when we cross the street -- Stay close."

A single bound brought him close to the window, the second saw him leap out of it with the aid of the Force -- visually a shadowy form in the dark -- before he crossed the gap to the other side of the street, a smaller structure adjacent to the warehouse they planned to breach. Tucking into himself, Val rolled head over heels until his somersault ended with him sitting on his haunches. Of which, he remained still; listening for if his landing had been noticed.

When no guttural sounding voices sounded the alarm after a few moments, he straightened.

The familiar sensation of Saaveina 's mind sought out and touched, establishing the connection. It's clear, Djonas spoke through the link. To the edge of the building, he paused, instinctively, his hand moved to grasp his concealed hilt when he felt a familiar presence press to his own. Beyond that of his assigned partner in Saaveina, the connection with this one was greater. Older.

"What?" He said audibly before his eyes widened, glancing behind him to see if the Codru-Ji had joined him before he dropped down into the back alley and approached the back entrance. A speeder lot, it was fenced off, yet still there were a handful of heavily armed guards outside. Fewer than the front, a more comfortable amount for the duo, at least.

With nothing but a nod sent in the direction of Saaveina, he leapt into the fenced speeder lot, silver hilt in hand.

Right atop an unsuspecting guard.

 

[Saaveina]

V E I L
Q U E E N O F S W O R D S
Dagon Kaze | Djonas Val
// Excursion //

She was not the type to skitter about in the darkness and launch surprise attacks on her foes, nor was she built to achieve stealth by any stretch of the imagination, however, she had been relegated this assignment and thus she went. She had afforded those around her no complaint with the nature of the task, rather she had graciously accepted it as an opportunity to test her new meditations firsthand and attempt to ease herself beyond a zone she had grown far too comfortable in.

She guarded the door while her partner did his reconnaissance, as unlikely as it was that they had been followed to this roost- one could never be too cautious. His voice drew her attention and she nodded, humming a note of affirmation to his words then. "By your lead, I've got your back." She answered, gesturing to the window with one hand while the uppermost pair tucked her hair into her hood and drew it up over her head, better obscuring her features. He thrust himself into the darkness.

And she would follow.

Her leap of faith was far less graceful than his, but her landing remained as poised as she could manage, and much as he had, she froze, bracing the palms of her lower hands to the ground to feel for disturbances. When none came, they moved.

Head on a swivel, she soaked in their surroundings, instinctively reaching behind her with an arm to grasp at the lengthy hilt of a slumbering staff. Djonas's voice spooked her and she quickly snapped her attention back to him, raising a brow in silent question. 'I didn't say anything.' She cast from her mind to his, shaking her head in punctuation, 'Let's keep moving.'

The yelp of surprise from the other side of the fence was enough to make her curse silently and she cast herself up over the barrier to pause along its upper edge, surveying the situation and taking a snapshot to decisively form a plan. Djonas could handle the poor soul he had startled, she would handle the second closest and stun the farthest.

The fence groaned in soft protest as she lunged from its shoulders and landed just before the second guard, torquing her upper right shoulder as the others swung back, keeping the momentum flowing, and she sent her fist crashing square into the guard's chin. His knees buckled and he dropped with a ragged groan, settling politely into a nap without hindering the Knights' progression further. The queen of multi-tasking, naturally, this punch had been executed in tandem with an outward shove of her lower right hand towards the third guard, forcefully casting them away and to the ground to buy a few precious seconds of time.

With the non-lethal dispatch of her first target she rushed the second, arms outstretched to grapple them to the ground.​

 

[Dagon Kaze]

NEW JEDI ORDER | GALACTIC ALLIANCE | THE TETA CONSPIRACY
Djonas Val | Saaveina

"What?"

Dagon blinked at the whisper - a ghost of the past?! He quickly brushed it off as a figment of his imagination and focused on the task at hand. Whatever was moving in the shadows urged him to move, too. Pulling himself back a few steps before leaping with the aid of the Force, the Jedi landed near silently on the steel roof of the factory itself. Surprisingly, there was no one but him. Not even one sentry. Oversight. Arrogance.

On his part.

A beeping, red flash at the corner of his vision indicated as much - a motion wire. From the shadows a sentry gun materialized to life, lighting maser fire on his position relentlessly. The Force yanked him into a series of pirouettes, cartwheels, and somersaults until one of the less maintained metal plates caved in and he found himself plummeting into the factory. Only instinct saved him as his hand caught a steel beam in his fall. Dagon barely glanced around to scan the area - all looked standard, generic - when charrics began to fire salvo after salvo after him. He swung fast unto another beam, then another, barely escaping with a burning graze of a bolt each time. He dropped off from his vulnerable position down on the head of one of the guards, the Force enhancing his punch and socked the Chiss to sleep.

Just like he had taught himself in the underbelly of Coruscant, Dagon used all of his surroundings to his advantage. Tight spaces, covers, sending objects flying, shifting fast between positions, never in one spot for long; he'd tackled multiple armed assailants without a saber before but never a well-trained and well-armed Chiss honor guard. The Jedi quickly realized that, while he could keep the enemy on their toes and perpetually evade their attacks, he really couldn't hope to escape without rolling the dices. Even if he reduced their numbers, two more always seemed to appear out of nowhere. Underground facility?

 

[Irveric Tavlar]

I M P E R A T O R
NEW IMPERIAL ORDER
THE REDOUBT
Imperial Warlord Zovesa | Julius Haskler | Enlil

​

It seemed each and every conversation between the Imperator and the Grand Vizier further vindicated his decision in tapping him as his second in command within the New Imperial Order's political leadership. Where Tyrell brought reassurance to his reign, Enlil was not content to live in the Imperator's shadow, he brought a perspective all his own, different yet valuable.

"Classic active measures..." He remarks to Enlil's proposal, nodding once.

"In truth, the Chiss region is a geopolitical luxury, it is not essential yet shoring up relations with them, perhaps to the point of satellite status would be an ideal circumstance. Perhaps - it would be better suited that you lead these discussions with the Ascendancy. If you are willing. You seem to have a cohesive vision for this and I trust in your ability to execute on my behalf." Irveric suggests, reaching into a pouch attached to the leather belt around his waist, producing a cigar and sparking it alight between his lips.

"We need to begin projecting our power on a Galactic scale...and this is the first step. The Sith Empire's degrading state will not stagnate our own Imperial growth, of this I am determined." Irveric states.

 

[Djonas Val]

Dagon Kaze | Saaveina

Djonas' fist crashed into the open face plate of the not-so-vigilant Chiss. He felt the give of the alien's face falling away, and the crack of his nose, was audible enough, that in the dead of the night, it was out of place. The body lurched away from him, crumpling, and he shot his hand out to weave the latent energies of the Force around him. Unconscious, but planted carefully on the ground.

Afterwards, he shot a glance over his shoulder, watching as Saaveina made quick work of the trio of guards. His typically placid features pulled back into an amused grin. Rising to his feet, he moved to the door and pressed his hand to its surface. The gauntleted digits splayed out tentatively as if he were feeling for something. Djonas' eyes shut, and through the metaphysical he sought the answers behind the locked door. The bolts that held it in place, the silent alarm system that'd be triggered if the proper credentials weren't implemented in the correct sequence.

A shock of static electricity lanced through the doorway, frying what he determined to be the alarm. And through telekinetics, the door began to shift open, just as the sound of blaster fire erupted. Had he been so focused he ignored his danger sense? We need to get inside. Now. His eyelids flew up, and the metal doorway was shunted off to the side. Stepping in, the door was held open for as long as necessary before they left the unconscious bodies outside.

They were met with a dimly lit interior. An open and empty space, evidently the loading room. Towards the other end of the room there was a doorway, that Djonas was sure would lead them to the rest of the warehouse complex. It also just so happened to be where the sound of charric fire was coming from, and after a moment of deliberation, he shot unclipped his saber from his belt.

Before he could open the door, he felt the scent of stale air meet his nose, and instinctively, his saber burst to life as a side door that he hadn't noticed manifested. Djonas twisted, facing the group of Chiss guards that stepped off the lift that had been hidden by a seemingly empty wall. Due to his close proximity the door he had been heading, the one that separated him from Dagon Kaze cycled open.

The argent blade sparked to life, the need for stealth vanished.

The charric bolts lanced at the duo quickly. The Chiss didn't take long determining that the two Imperial Knights in plainclothes were intruders - not the ones that triggered their defenses - and shouldn't have been there. His argent blade swung, as he lurched forwards, propelled by the Force to the first of the Chiss. Simultaneously through the bond, "Deflect, only when it's lethal." The kinetic force of maser tech rendered lightsabers a subpar tool for defense, often knocking them off the users intended course and leaving them open.

Djonas' saber shot forwards, arcing in from the side at a speed that didn't seem possible before it cleaved the barrel of the rifle in half. Melted to slag, he swung his empty hand across the Chiss' face and slapped them to the ground.

 

[Saaveina]

M A C H I N A
Q U E E N O F S W O R D S
Dagon Kaze | Djonas Val
// Excursion //

The struggled, gurgling chokes of the Chiss she had brought to heel were rapidly smothered with a lower hand pressed firmly over his mouth, and it was only after his frantic clawing at the bare biceps snaring his neck in a rear-naked choke ceased that she released him. Danger pricked the hair on the nape of her neck and her head snapped to, peering at the door briefly before she focused downward- sharp ears flicking beneath the curls shrouding them. Gunfire?

'Surely you hear that too.' Her brow furrowed deeply, though she bounced forward regardless, following Djonas into the building. With her instincts edged to high alert, the codru-ji reached beneath her jacket to the small of her back with two hands while the others unclasped the buckle cinched against her waist, and she slid the folded frame for the compact particle shield into her hands. And thankful, she was, that her instinct to guard was as insufferable as it was.

The door slid open and immediately the woman snapped the frame into shape, gripping it by the sides hastily and sloppily, but accomplishing what she sought to do regardless. The projectors whirred to life, casting the web between the metallic arms, forming the lasered blue of her barrier. She wasn't the type to deflect when absorption was far more effective. Unimpeded by the need for stealth, her rushed footsteps thudded after her partner and slid by as he dropped his first target.

Saaveina tucked her head behind the compact shield and leaned into it with her left arms, twisting her body to thrust her momentum into the charge- barely hindered as the arcing shots fizzled against the shield she wielded. Her lower right arm unclipped the staff from her lower back and whirled it in a hand- left sleeping, her saber became an electrum baton, one she promptly used to smash the helmeted head of the Chiss she singled out so hard something cracked.

The Knight hoped it was just the helmet and not the body beneath it.

Abruptly, she twisted her heels to redirect her trajectory, skidding to a halt. An invisible wall carried her strength forward without her, smashing into the cluster of guardsmen and toppling them over one another back into the compact space of the lift.

'Who else could be here?'​

 

[Dagon Kaze]

NEW JEDI ORDER | GALACTIC ALLIANCE | THE TETA CONSPIRACY
Djonas Val | Saaveina

It was a whole different ball game when it came to fighting without the lightsaber. Made him think about how much they all relied on it. The blade was more than just a weapon - it was an extension of the Jedi. And right now he felt handicapped. Severely.

Dagon swung from a loading hook, a bolt grazing his shoulder, and landed with his feet on top of a Chiss. He couldn't even throw a hook at the soldier as a hail of maser bolts followed every step of his. The Jedi lunged away from the Chiss, leaving him to the merciless fire of the other guards who discerned no friend from foe. Ruthless.

He turned a couple of handsprings, one after the other, the masers strictly on his tail. Two, previously unnoticed, guards emerged from behind a column of steel crates; one went for his head, the other for his chest. Both connected. The blunt punch of the buttstocks cracking ribs and splitting lips. He groaned in pain, ducked from the next salvo, and retaliated. A sweep across the first's legs then a failed attempt to tackle the other - a half-cyborg. Instead, the Chiss managed to fling him like a rag doll across a door that had unexpectantly opened. Dagon came tumbling and skidding to a halt. He muttered a curse underneath his nose and rose up only to find another skirmish before his eyes.

A group of Chiss guards engaged with a duo, one pulverizing the sentries with a blunt weapon and the other wielding protectively an argent lightsaber typical of Imperial Knights. These, though, wore outfits befitting civilians. Whatever audit his mind was performing over the newcomers, it was cut short the moment he saw a face he'd never thought he'd see again.

Wild-eyed, "Djon?!" it had been years, many years since Dagon had last seen his friend. Their parting - a memory he preferred to not relinquish, alas inevitable - had been on the Prosperity on that sorrowful day; that cursed day when their team was shattered after gambling the life of one of their brothers. Dagon's first failures of many more to come.

"What are you doing he--" his voice trailed off when a barrage of bolts forced him to cross his hands and project a telekinetic Force barrier to protect himself.

 

[Julius Haskler]

LOCATION: Aboard diplomatic Escolta-class Corvette, NIV Ultimus Imperialis
TAG : Irveric Tavlar ; Enlil

Julius was clearly cast aside the discussion as plans for the integration of the Chiss Ascendancy were further elaborated. The Grand Vizier's suggestions were clever and showed a great measure of his skills, however, they shadowed the Anaxsi's own proposals and questions. Clearly obsessed by his lackey's manner of speech, the Imperator had dismissed Haskler swiftly, somehow irritated by his plans or by himself. But he would not let Enlil win that one.

Such a man was precious to the Empire, but it was a danger for the Hasklers' objectives. And Julius intended to remind him why Tyrell Paxxus had gone mad. The charge of Grand Vizier was heavy, and it'd be a shame if Enlil broke under pressure, discretely helped by a poison or something else... It would be the Anaxsi's last resort because he wanted to spare an imperial resource as valuable as a skilled diplomat. For the moment, intimidation and sabotage could suffice.

Julius went back to his prime concern: Sularen, and by extension, the Imperial Diplomatic Corps issues regarding the New Empire. And, miraculously, the Imperator gave him the perfect sentence to be back in the discussion again.

We need to begin projecting our power on a Galactic scale...and this is the first step. The Sith Empire's degrading state will not stagnate our own Imperial growth, of this I am determined.

The old diplomat cleared his throat and took a moment before talking again, as Tavlar ended his sentence.

"I am sorry to interrupt your discussion, but surely my Lord you have read the issues the Imperial Diplomatic Corps wrote in these last months? They regard the extension of our galactic power at scales never planned before. I directed the publication of these bulletins, which you should have a copy of, and I am proud to say the first steps are unfolding progressively."

Julius remained silent for a moment before speaking again. He intended to make the next sentence dramatic, and a good way to express his frank hostility towards Enlil while comforting him in his privileged position.

"I guess, Lord Imperator, that you trust your Grand Vizier? If it is the case, then I can reveal to him the most secret project of the Imperial Diplomatic Corps. In the other case, I'll wait the opportune moment to speak with you, my Lord."

 

[Djonas Val]

Dagon Kaze | Saaveina

As Saaveina raced past him to engage the next pair of guards, Djonas stared down at the unconscious Chiss at his feet. His mind reached out, first to the disconnected Chiss' mind at his feet, and then the ones that his partner rendered inert. Still alive - for now - he expected the retribution of the Chiss was great. For a people so cold, and so welcomed in Imperial culture, Djonas could only imagine that their strike back would be great.

Besides the clump of limbs that made up the disposed Chiss guards, it was a familiar, yet deeper voice that brought his mind to the forefront.

'Friendly.' Djonas pushed outwards to Saaveina mentally.

The blank gaze stared back at his older... Taller, friend Dagon. Even with years spent apart, he could still recognize the Jedi. The blue eyes, the black hair. It was him.

Features pulling back into a widening smile, he didn't get the chance as as blaster fire came through the doorway that he had come from. The Chiss at the front of the warehouse no doubt. Without killing anyone, it'd be impossible to avoid them all unless they escaped now.

"Get into the lift," Djonas said none too hurriedly to Saav, despite the situation. The humming of his argent blade vanished, shunted off into its hilt and hooked back into his jacket. Stepping in, he shoved the bodies up against the nearest wall, flicking his gaze about the compartment. Save for a blank screen protruding from the wall, there was no buttons. "Dag!" Simultaneously, the pads of his fingers pressed into the blank screen. Dormant, the only thing present was the outline of a hand. "We're going!"

Naturally, he pressed his own to the console, and when nothing happened, he shot a glance to the Chiss. Gloved hands everywhere, except one. Shooting a glance at Saav and then nodding to the unconscious form wordlessly, he looked back out the door.

'When he moves towards us, hit it.'

Djonas reached out and through the metaphysical, tugged.

As far as he knew, the man his once friend had grown into was a psychopathic killer. The mission's level of priority in his mind dropped.

 

[Waymar Dathrohan]

F A C E L E S S
99th Stormtrooper Legion 'Reclaimers'
New Imperial Order
Stormtrooper Corps Basic Training | Adumar

My face slammed against the harsh, muddy earth before I crawled back up to my feet after I scaled the small steel barrier. My legs were cooked through with muscle and bone pains as we continued further in line of the obstacle course. We'd spent an hour, our heavy bags above our ends getting smoked for what felt like an eternity until we had a moment to rest and then we were on the course. The rain continued, heavier, making the conditions all the more adverse as we continued. Deep brown mud caked our field grey fatigues as we continued unto the artificial sound of blaster fire and explosions pounding through enveloping sound systems. Accompanied with the barking, guttural yelling of the instructors, it did well at fabricating a high stress environment.

"Faster! C'mon you filthy f*cking maggots!" The drill instructor barked out, motioning his arms to continue. I reached an ascention rope leading to a metal railing with bars between them. I began to pull myself up the rope with labored breathes, crossing my legs one over the other as I did, but my gloves lost grip with the water slicking the rope, I plummeted into the earth beneath, earning the attention of the instructor as the next trooper ascended the rope behind me.

"Recruit! Get up!" I pulled myself up and stood before him at attention.

"What's your name, recruit!?"

"Tavish Steiger, sir!" The instructor shook his head.

"No you're not, filth. You are TK-127! That is your name while you're in my Corps! Drop!"

"Sir, yes, sir!" I plummeted to the ground, beginning to do push ups against the ground until my arms felt like they were going to shatter.