Dominion Housekeeping | EE Dominion of Endor / Annaj

[Will Westender]

Post#4 (Tacitus Alt)
Interacting With: Karma Jayne Attn: Vidalu Na'an || LE-03 (Leigh) || Curtis Learchin || Loreena Arenais-Valhoun
​

Eyes fixed on the instrument panels in front of him, Will bit back a witty retort about how if she didn't like the heat, she could make do without her fancy outfits. But, in the brief time since he had come to know the Zeltron, he learned enough about her to know why such a comment would be a terrible idea that would absolutely come back to bite him. With her typical sass, Karma Jayne would probably do exactly that. Make do without her fancy outfits. Or any outfits at all, for that matter. And that was a distraction he did not need, especially when trying to fly the ship.

So, instead, he decided on a much more neutral response. "Hey, its not my fault the Empire suddenly decided this part of the galaxy is now prime real estate to parade half its blasted navy through," he said, tugging at the collar of his shirt in a futile attempt to find some small escape from the suffocating heat. "Remember what the message said? Easy delivery job, in and out and be back home by weekend? Yeah, they failed to mention the five Star Destroyers and the, what was that, a Battlecruiser? We're lucky they didn't have an Interdictor." And that the Firebird was fast. Otherwise, they'd be a cloud of microscopic cosmic dust.

Still, even he had to admit the heat was unbearable. Luckily for them, they'd soon be grabbing some fresh air and with that in mind, he maneuvered the small freighter towards the ramshackle compound, transmitting the clearance codes the message instructed him to give upon arrival, the landing gears connecting with the duracrete pad with a noticeable thud.

Checking the strap which held his blaster secure in its holster, he pushed himself out of the pilot's chair and made his way towards the Firebird's cargo bay, a button on his datapad sending the command to lower the cargo ramp. "And yeah, this shouldn't take long. I don't wanna' be here any longer than we need to," he said, hand resting on his blaster, lightsaber hidden away in the folds of his sleeve.

 

[Tiberius Bayne]

Post #5 (Tacitus Alt)
Attn: OPEN
​

• ENS Agamemnon | Invictus-class Battlecruiser, 7th Fleet Section​
• In space above Annaj​

The Grand Admiral observed the tiny yellow dots as they disappeared from the holographic display on the bridge of his ship, surrounded and obliterated by formations of red triangles. Like the yellow dots on the holographic display, the real ships which they represented, disappeared, deleted from existence by the ominous hulking forms of the Star Destroyer bringing their wrath down upon them.

It was a large scale deployment, one might say unnecessarily so, for a measly bunch of pirates. But the Eternal Empire wanted to send a message, to make a statement to those who had clearly forgotten what the pecking order of things was in the Unknown Regions and thus clearly needed a fresh reminder of who's in charge.

The shoddy, modified hulls of the freighters and old, decrepit frigates which the pirates used as their ships, may have scared civilian traders into handing over their valuables, but compared to the Eternal Navy, they may as well have been held together by tape and prayers. And fat lot either of those would do for these pirates, now. When it came to laying down the law, the Eternal Empire gave neither mercy, or quarter.

"<Have the interdictors close in, bearing foxtrot-seven-niner. That frigate is trying to make a run for it,>" Bayne ordered, instructing his forces to close around the beleaguered criminals like the iron jaws of a cosmic beast. "<Have bombers swoop in and disable its engines, then redirect fire from the closest Star Destroyer to finish it off.>

 

[Sakri]

​

Part of her couldn't believe she had taken this assignment. Part of her couldn't believe she had taken any assignment, period.. yet here she was, on escort duty.

It made sense though, as reluctant as she was to admit it to herself. Once the situation on Endor had made itself known, she had had her sights set on the forest moon unwaveringly. The current's pull moved in that direction as well, but she didn't need to feel the tides to know where she was going. When she saw an opportunity to obtain passage to her objective at another's expense.. it would have been madness to pass up such an offer. So, Sakri had kept her face a silent mask and did what she needed to do to ensure her arrival.

So often, she had followed the flow of the current, treading its paths as they were laid before her. This time, though.. this time, she was leading it, pulling it behind her as she traveled with determination. She had chosen this destiny, and the current moved to match her. It felt different.

It felt good.


Vidalu Na'an | Shavara

​

 

[Arturo Braga]

"'Orders from the Emperor.' Looks like you've stepped on some very big toes, brother." Looking up from what he was doing, Arturo took a moment to regard one of the few Suns that were escorting him, giving the man the evils before going back to what he was doing. "Looks that way, don't it?" The contractor admitted after a time, zipping up his duffel bag, a boot heel pushing it back beneath the seat as he sat up. "Can't say I'm keen to attend whatever it is he has planned." Grinning, the other mercenary watched him with barely contained glee. "Doesn't matter whether you are or not. Can't say no to a man like him, not ever. Especially with ships in orbit and boots on the ground. How many Ultranauts you reckon he's got guarding him anyway? A hundred? A thousand? More than you can handle, that's for sure." Smiling, Arturo didn't deign to answer as he rested his head back against the bulkhead, his eyes closing, the gentle shake as the dropship descended giving him some semblance of comfort. It wouldn't last. Before long he would be stood before an Emperor, and who was to tell what would happen then.

"I'm sure he only wants to share a few words." Arturo said, his voice flat, clear. "If he wanted me dead, he could of just sent some troopers round to clip me. Easy. No hassle." An eye opened, cutting off the other Sun before he could speak. "And no, I don't know what he wants. If I knew, I wouldn't be bricking it right now." A pause. "Then again, maybe I would." A noise from the cockpit drew his attention away from the conversation, a sudden shift as the dropship pitched to one side making Arturo's guts shift uneasily. Spinning, unseen forces working their wiles on his body, the mercenary could only sit and listen as a third voice interrupted the groups thoughts. "Thirty seconds to touchdown!"

Looking around at the three Suns who'd chosen to come along, he said, "looks like it's showtime." Indeed, that sure seemed the case as the ship eased to a halt above governmental grounds, repulsorlifts whirring as it began to sink down, down to where the Emperor awaited.

---

Disarmed by the guards, Arturo could only keep pace as he was guided through the former government's building, each turn and twist disorienting him further, making the flight over pale by comparison. From the moment he'd landed to the moment he'd scaled the steps leading into the building's foyer, Arturo had felt like a man out of place. Since the Empire's arrival the building had been fortified, Ultranauts and troopers setting up defensible positions in and around the grounds, their numbers great enough to dissuade any of the locals from attempting to retake the place. Not to mention, the gear they toted was military-grade, expensive, highly effective. I know a few people who would kill for a chance to get their hands on gear like this, he thought, a wry smile twisting the corner of his mouth, gone before the guards could notice. I know a few who have.

Minutes passed before they came to the room where the Emperor waited. With one final warning -and a few glares from the guards- he was ushered into the room, finally coming face to face with the man who'd called him here. Drawing to a halt before the room's three occupants, Arturo cursed his luck as his eyes met the Emperor's, a sudden wave of apprehension sweeping over him to settle in his bones. "Emperor," he said, bowing in what he hoped was a show of respect, an aura of strength and power making the mercenaries head dip lower. It took sheer willpower to straighten, and when he did, Arturo was quick to incline his head towards the lone woman who stood a few feet off to the Emperor's side. The ghost of recognition pulled at his memory as he regarded the woman, a force pushing him to recall where last he'd seen her face. The HoloNet? The Ball on Kalidan-- no, yes. Maybe. His time there had been fleeting at best, his presence there a mystery. It remains so even now. The mystery included the redhead's name. "Ma'am."

Turning, Arturo was glad to find that the third and final figure was one he knew well. A Chiss, one the mercenary had worked for in times passed, a businessman who went by the name of Malicar. So far as Arturo could remember, that wasn't his real name. It was, however, the only one he could pronounce without his words sounding like insult. Crushing the grin and crude greeting working its way up his gullet, Arturo settled for a curt nod. "Ser."

Not knowing what to say, Arturo said nothing as his gaze returned to the Emperor, nerves subsiding as he waited, ready, he believed, for whatever was to come.

Kainan Wolfe Ingrid L'lerim Malicar Broka the Hutt

 

[Curtis Learchin]

​

Curtis took his seat and listened to the comms, his heart dropping as they were told to stay out of the way for now. He wasn't the type to wait and watch, he was a man of action. His body slumped slightly as Loreena Arenais-Valhoun brought the ship into a steady orbit.

"So we're just going to sit here and wait? Doesn't sound like us..." He replied, still annoyed at the prospect. That was the problem with being part of an organisation, they were held to rules and regulations. He had always been a free spirit, and being stuck in what was essentially a flying metal box wasn't his ideal position. "Think you could sneak me in there?"

The proposition was a bold one, but in the long run it made sense. Two agents were better than one, and he had skills that could prove useful. It was down to Lori though, he wouldn't betray her trust.

Vidalu Na'an / LE-03 (Leigh) / Minna Balin / Will Westender

 

[Minna Balin]

LOCATION: ABOARD THE JASTER'S SPARROW
EQUIPMENT: IN BIO
CURRENT MOOD: READY​

Minna really loved the Jaster's Sparrow.

It was the kind of homey, dependable ship she had always dreamed of owning when she was a kid, packed full of dependable friends and dodgy acquaintances, bouncing from place to place, untethered like a seabird over the ocean. Stalking targets like a shark below the briny deep.

She was in her quarters of the ship, cleaning her weapons. She had become a professional at cleaning them, by this point, but her wrist tensor had warped slightly on her last shot, and had needed to take the mechanism apart to repair it. It was intensive work, but it gave her hands something to do in the great nothing of hyperspace.

But once she felt the Sparrow leave hyperspace, she left her bunk, still finishing the last touches of her tensor. Walking into the cockpit, armor on and weapons newly-scrubbed, she looked like a professional. Even if she didn't quite feel like it yet.

"Sneak us in there," she corrected, making her presence known. She gave Curtis a shark-like smile, shrugging. "Everyone needs someone watching their back." It would give her the chance to prove herself to Curtis. She knew he didn't entirely trust her yet. Minna wanted to prove she was trustworthy.

- Vidalu Na'an - LE-03 (Leigh) - Loreena Arenais-Valhoun - Curtis Learchin -​

 

[Shavara]

Shavara had had to get help in getting off planet, as usual. Though she was getting more accustomed to being able to work with the Eclipse Rebellion. They had helped her get a ship that would transport her to the designated location. She quickly grabbed her stuff before they left. Even before the ship arrived she had taken a false appearance, lightening her skin color, eyes to brown, And increasing her height by around two inches. These might seem small, but it was all that was necessary.

LE-03 (Leigh) gave orders, including getting her inside to the communications station. She had called herself Sar Vun as the name she'd be using from now on when operating outside her governments authority. To most of the Eternal Empire it would mean nothing, but it would be the perfect name to use when getting help from others of her own kind. She sat next to the pilot of the ship and responded clearly, "I understand." she said simply, then leaning back and waiting uncertainly as they traveled down. She took deep breaths, trying to keep herself calm. Over her existing robes, she wore another larger that wrapped around her. Disguising her shape considerably, and when they came towards landing, she put on a mask. More of a helmet really, but that was not it's purpose. It was to further ensure that Sar Vun was not easily recognized. Even though the shapeshifting confirmed she was not easily recognized.

She looked out the window nervously at the starships. Ships of the enemy. Ships that, if they knew who she was, could have her killed. But it seemed for now there were other concerns. And they were cloaked, which probably wasn't what they were looking for. There were other things she was thinking about too though, people down there were fighting, and she wasn't in there. For some reason, that hurt. Like she wasn't doing her part. But she wasn't here to fight. She was here for what she knew.

Shavara came from a world that valued knowledge more than almost any other. Biology and the force being far at the forefront, though 'force' was not the term they used for it. She also came from a planet that had a history of slavery, though perhaps it was a good deal different than other worlds. And she was a scientist, and a studious one. She knew what was necessary to know how to figure out who was where, what was needed, what was convenient. She was going to be used for that purpose. And she was ok with that, she could use her knowledge to help.

Still, there was that feeling that she should be down there helping them fight as well. She didn't do that often, she wasn't a warrior by nature. She sought knowledge, not battle. Of course, that was probably the only reason she was here in the first place. She took in a breath, again trying to stay calm, "Just wait until they're done. Wait for the all clear."



Appearance changes:
Height: +2 inches
Eyes: Brown
Skin: Made lighter
Hair: Thinner strands and made lighter

Equipment:
shavaras-kestralis-ring
shavaras-robes
Akrash
Some basic medical equipment brought on board ship

 

[Broka the Hutt]

Broka and his escorting soldiers' welcome was a few ultranauts and a man who was dressed in robes. A consul maybe? It did not matter though as all he said was (in High Nelvanian), "<Follow us please.>"

Broka did not say anything as his repulser-lifted mobile thrown hovered down the shuttle's ramp. The former town hall was palatial for a place of local government, and the occupation made the place more simplistic and less gaudy. No matter. Broka has been dealing with the Imperials long enough to expect such things though.

Eventually Broka made his way to the Emperor's chamber. To his surprise there was a familiar Chiss, and a mercenary, already there with Ingrid, whom Broka has gotten acquainted with from Bursoll. However, the most notable figure in the room was the Emperor himself. It was about time Broka has gotten to meet the leader of the Empire he has aided through the partnership with Black Sun.

Broka's entrance was very ostentatious, as one may expect. His mobile throne gliding into the room with an escort of his soldiers. About 10 of the soldiers with the Nem'ro Clan symbol on the right shoulder of the uniform, and the Black Sun symbol on the left shoulder. Broka then parks the throne in a spot out of the way of foot traffic in the room, and open enough to have his throne land with a light thud.

Broka then begins his address to the Emperor in Huttese: "<Greetings to you Emperor. It is about time we both meet. I trust you know of my services to your empire.>"

Broka then sat back in the mobile throne. The Emperor was impressive for sure. Hopefully the Emperor's policy on the world's "businesses" would be a little flexible to those who have served it to a degree.

Kainan Wolfe Ingrid L'lerim Arturo Braga Malicar

 

[Kainan Wolfe]

Post #6
Attn: Arturo Braga || Ingrid L'lerim || Malicar || Broka the Hutt || OPEN​

"<We start by securing this planet as quickly as possible,>" the Emperor responded Ingrid. "<With that in mind, I'll have a task for you, but let's wait until our guests arrive.>"

-------
​

Those whom the Emperor had summoned, would find a lot less pomp and decor than was common for a man of Tacitus' station, not to mention far less in the way of amenities. Aside from the standard complement of troops, the former governmental building may as well have been just a regular field command post, furnished with utilitarian equipment required for its proper function and not much else besides that. The Eternal Empire tended to put very little stock in the way of unnecessary comforts, which, at the best of times, it considered as nothing more than a waste of time, space and valuable resources that could otherwise be directed towards the military.

One by one, the arrivals were ferried through the security checkpoints and procedures and ushered into the former assembly hall of the now-defunct local parliament, now converted into a command and communications center staffed by military personnel, the old politicians' desks now covered over by wiring, crates of equipment and the multitude of electronic devices required for the proper organization of a military operation.

It was evident why this room has been chosen, as its half-circle arrangement, with a wide space at the center allowed for the placement of a holographic projector which displayed a hovering representation of the planet, with points of interests marked at various coordinates, other icons representing troops on the ground and ships in orbit.

At the center of it all, stood a silver-haired man in a white uniform, the Emperor's Chains of Office draped over his shoulder. He addressed the guests in a clear, harsh voice that carried his words with the weight of authority, the voice of a man who was used to having his orders carried out immediately and without question. "<Ah. Sirs Malicar Raith and Broka the Hutt,>" he spoke in High Nelvaanian. "<If you will excuse me one moment, I have a task to assign to the mercenary and my apprentice,>" he said, turning his attention to Ingrid and Arturo Braga .

"<The operation to restore order on this planet is going smoothly, according to my reports,>" the Emperor spoke. "<However, in order to make the changes permanent in the minds of the world's inhabitants, we need to do more than just rid the streets of the criminal elements. We need to make an example.>"

Handing them each a datapad containing several files with details about two persons of interest, he continued. "<The individuals in those files, are prominent leaders of the local criminal underground,>" he explained. "<They're holed up inside their compound, surrounded by what they consider to be heavy security, all the coordinates and details are enclosed within the files. I want them brought in alive and I want this done by nightfall,>" he commanded, tapping a few buttons on his datapad to wire the mercenary a sum of a hundred thousand credits. Addressing him directly, the Emperor explained. "<Downpayment for the job, I trust this is adequate. There will be another hundred thousand for you once the job is done. See to it that it is,>" he ordered.

"<Ingrid, I want you to take whatever troops you require for this operation, including two Wolfguards. You're in charge of this operation, the mercenary is to follow your orders, but make sure to give the man and his associates enough free hand to carry out their tasks without impediment. Contractors tend to work best when they don't have to follow strict regulations,>" he instructed his apprentice.

With that out of the way, his attention returned to the Hutt cartel leader and the Chiss businessman. "<Now, gentlemen, lets get down to business,>" he said.

"<I am sure we can all agree that the disruption of commerce that the petty criminals running amok on this planet, have caused to our efforts to reconstruct the economy of the Unknown Regions. Therefore, drastic measures must be taken in order to redress this issue and in this case, I would prefer not to waste too many troops with a lengthy deployment onto this planet.>"

"<As such, I am now designating Annaj to be a corporate planet, a special economic zone with less strict regulations and tarrifs, the enforcement of Imperial law being delegated to private security contractors rather than government forces,>" he explained, knowing full well that such a move would be a breeding ground for the kind of corruption the Hutt's organization and shady businessmen like the Chiss would be able to profit off. As much as he disliked the prospect, the Empire could not afford to waste time, troops and resources to completely purge Annaj of the criminal element, so it would have to instead be managed and brought under some semblance of control, for the time being, at least.

"<I would like to hear your thoughts on this matter, along with your proposals.>"

 

[Tiberius Bayne]

Post #7 (Tacitus Alt)
Attn: OPEN​

• ENS Agamemnon | Invictus-class Battlecruiser, 7th Fleet Section
• In space above Annaj

The huge grey form of the Agamemnon drifted through the field of debris that was the aftermath of the battle, if it could be called such. The pirates never really stood a chance, against Imperial warships, their scrapyard fighters and frigates may as well been made of paper. The 7th Fleet Section had carved them to pieces before the pirates even had the chance to figure out what was happening. It had been a massacre, decisive and swift, one which the Grand Admiral intended to make complete.

Pacing back and forth on the bridge of his ship, he made a show of seemingly considering the fate of the wretches kneeling at his feet. Survivors from the battle, pirates who had been captured, or had surrendered. "You're not very smart, are you?" he asked them, his voice causing the prisoners to cower even lower than he thought possible, wimpering like mewling bantha.

"Did you really think the Empire would fail to take notice of your activities in this system? Or did you simply not think about the consequences at all and trust me, oh, there will be consequences, there always are, for scum such as you..." he said, a bored expression on his face as he chastised them. "Things have changed, here in the Unknown Regions. This is no longer the no man's land you wretches knew it as. Civilization has come to tame the frontier and with that, there is no longer a place for such as you. And as this is a military operation and you are considered prisoners of war, there is no need for a trial."

Eyes snapping to one of the guards hovering over the prisoners, he passed judgement on the pirates in the harsh language of the Eternal Empire. "<Spare a handful of these vermin and let them go to spread word of what has happened here to others who are thinking of raiding Imperial shipping lanes. Throw the rest of the trash out the nearest airlock without spacesuits on,>" he commanded.

As the prisoners were hoisted to their feet and dragged away from the bridge, the Grand Admiral turned to face the empty void beyond the ship's viewports, hands clasped behind his back, taking no notice of the pirates' appeals to mercy.

 

[Adelle Bastiel]

​

The only good part of this mission was that it was easy to set up. Leigh tapped a few buttons on the ship controls, sending it into a hover, then checked the comms. Imperial shuttle comms were remarkably thorough; it had taken her the better part of an hour to ensure that any routing dampeners she installed would not draw notice from the forces on the planet below.

When the Empire's eye had fallen on Annaj and Endor, declaring their intent to clear the system of slavers in their leader's name, the opportunity was immediate and obvious. If the Empire already wished to clear out the slavers, they would not question her human's interest in joining the mission. In fact, they had supplied her with a small troop transport, munitions, and full access to their intelligence on the slaver base as soon as she had enlisted. The clearance had even come without so much as a peep from the Empress. The understanding was that she was there as an agent of the Empire, and that she would report to the Emperor directly as soon as the base was clear of slavers, ready to raise the flag.

This restriction, however, only held to the human. There was no reason to order a little-regarded battle chassis to limit herself from outside communications, or from using Imperial intelligence for outside purposes. Access to the slaver network from here would allow the Eclipse a unique opportunity not just here, but across the entire sector. And a rural moon like Endor, with a history of brutal occupation, a native species dead-set on maintaining their independence, and ready access to the central tradeways of the Unknown Regions?

It would have been illogical NOT to act, even if innocent lives were not at stake.

The comms were clearly demarcated--red for Imperial, green for Eclipse. She tested the switcher one last time, then modulated her vocal controls before opening the Eclipse channel. It was time for the Voice of Abbaji to act.

<<Arenais, we are in position and going in. Contact must be limited, but watch out for friendly fire--we are flying Imperial colors today. Sar Vun, stay cloaked until you receive the all-clear to enter the facility. Our goal is to eliminate the slavers quickly and with minimal damage to the superstructure. Any communication centers must be undamaged until Sar Vun is inside.>>

The droid turned and shot a pointed look into the main belly of the ship. "That means you."

​

"Hey, have you seen me? I'm barely armed for this mission."

Na'an had been half-hanging out of the transport's belly for the last ten minutes, letting the forest air ruffle her hair. These days, she almost never got to leave the palace either without Imperial accompaniment or wearing an Imperial helmet. The breeze on her face, cool and earthy-smelling, was wonderfully refreshing. No wonder the Ewoks always fought so hard against outside occupation, even if the occupation amounted to little more than a single base.

A single base of slavers. Slavers keeping people in cages, sending them...who knows where. And based on what the reports had shown...Na'an's expression cooled, her hand at a lump on the back of her neck. The transport had stopped within spitting distance of the compound, so pulled herself back into the transport for one last debrief with Leigh, checking her weapons. The CR-1 blast cannon strapped to her back was a ready weight, along with the spare energy cells at her belt. The lesser weight, but no less present, was the mag-sheath hidden in the small of her back, just under her uniform. Na'an palmed it as she ducked her head into the cockpit, the feel of it a friendly pulse under her fingertips. She wasn't planning on using it--not in the state she was in, and certainly not without a disguise--but it had become a comfort just knowing it was there.

"I'm not going to promise I won't pick up some shabuir's thermals and start blowing stuff up, but I think you know I'm taking this seriously," she said.

Leigh looked up at her for a moment, that projected face the picture of perfect calm. There was always something so damned grounding about that look, Na'an knew--it was the face of someone who kept her cards close, knew the ins and outs of every situation, analyzed every angle before even thinking of sending someone into danger. Leigh had taken months to create the Eclipse out of nothing, even before Na'an had even been told what was going on, because Leigh knew Na'an trusted her implicitly.

If this was where Leigh trusted Na'an to be...then damned if any of these slavers would leave the building below alive.

She leaned in and pressed her forehead to the droid's dome, only for a second. "Keep the engine warm for us. I'll call if we need backup."

With that, she turned on her heel back into the transport's belly. A few steps carried her to the opening, and a small hop carried her out of it into a nearby stand of trees. The foliage was sparse enough for her to make her way through to the other side, but thick enough to hide the ship from the compound's guards. They wouldn't expect her coming from this angle...she crouched on the branch, breathing the Force into her legs, feeling the muscles coiling in them. She held her breath for three...two...

One.

Silence reigned in the main hold of the transport as Na'an and Leigh had their moment. Adelle strapped on the last piece of armor, more than a little jealous. That kind of trust hadn't been in her life for a while and she had her doubts if she really deserved it at all. She took a deep breath as Na'an passed by, bracing herself for their mission. She couldn't afford to be distracted now. Not when so much could be done here. Her helmet went on quickly; as far as anyone official knew, she wasn't here.

::She'll be in good hands,:: she told Leigh. The helmet's voice modulator distorted her voice, making her sound more droid than organic. Stay on mission. Don't get distracted.

A short leap later, Adelle followed behind Na'an through the branches, getting her first look at the compound. Ancient Galactic Empire ruins, if she had to guess, rebuilt and remade to fit the needs of whatever force occupied it. A couple of guards stood talking to each other closest to them in the compound. Na'an leapt for them, launching through the air like a blaster bolt. Adelle took a deep breath to steel her nerves again and used the Force to leap up and over the wall, landing on the ground inside of their base of operations. The blaster cannon would lure more fighters out here but Adelle didn't intend to let a lot of them get outside. She sprinted for the door and put enough Force into her front kick that the blast doors caved inward, just enough for one person to fit through.

::Going to try and keep most of them occupied inside but I bet a thousand credits, they'll be trying to move slaves out of here,:: she said over her shoulder. ::Call me if you need me.::

She pulled the well-worn hilt off her hip and stepped into the dim interior, hunting.



Vidalu Na'an | LE-03 (Leigh)

 

[Karma Jayne]

Checking the strap which held his blaster secure in its holster, he pushed himself out of the pilot's chair and made his way towards the Firebird's cargo bay, a button on his datapad sending the command to lower the cargo ramp. "And yeah, this shouldn't take long. I don't wanna' be here any longer than we need to," he said, hand resting on his blaster, lightsaber hidden away in the folds of his sleeve.

Outfit || Interacting With Will Westender ​

​

A disappointed huff followed Will as Karma trailed after him, her apple red romper wrinkled with sweat. “Why not? Endor’s a large place, I’m sure we can find a vacant..tree or something, y’know, for a bit of rest.” She gave up on her braid, distracted by the possibility of an extended stay. “Y’know?” she repeated, trying to draw his attention as he fussed with the cargo. “It’s been jobs back to back for a month now, I’d say you’ve earned yourself a holiday, hmm? A break from these stifling corridors?”

As if to underline her point, the cargo ramp lowered, the sudden wave of cool, fresh forest air passing over them earning a sigh of pleasured relief from Karma. She stood there in silence for a moment, relishing it before darting in front of Will as he began to move. “C’mon, Will, think about it,” she cooed, slipping into his personal space with starlight in her eyes and juicy promises on her lips. “Crisp forest air, quiet nights under green canopies…” She reached up, slowly pulling apart his collar, close enough for him to see the glitter dusted across her tattoo. The tiniest smirk sat in the corner of her mouth, but it was growing. “…cannibalistic teddy bears… Not my first choice for a retreat but you take what you can get.”

The air rushing in ruffled her hair, bathing Will in the scents of sticky bronzed honey and tipsy-sweet berries. Karma brushed her fingers briefly against Will’s neck, but it was long enough to dose him with just enough pheromones. “Just a few days here, that’s all. Catch our breath, enjoy the area. Then we’re back to business, yes?”

 

[Vidalu Na'an]

::Going to try and keep most of them occupied inside but I bet a thousand credits, they'll be trying to move slaves out of here,:: she said over her shoulder. ::Call me if you need me.::

Na'an nodded into the command, surprised to find herself oddly pleased with the moment. The stunt with the dragons months ago aside, she had never seen Adelle Bastiel fight properly. She'd always preferred to slide into the role of the Healer, working support rather than acting on the front lines. Of course, she should have known Doc would be brilliant, taking out the gate first thing. Now the main exit was cut off, and they could work their way into the facility in the chaos without worrying that one of the slavers would escape.
With that, Na'an cocked the blaster cannon and made her way across the wall at a sprint. If she could take out the guards in the station at the far side as well, they could secure the entrance fully for Leigh's other agent to get in over the wall. Getting their attention was the easy part--one of them was already emerging, alerted by the sound of the cannon and the imploding gate.
"What the devil-"
This one was faster than the first two; at the sight of Na'an barreling towards him, his first instinct was to raise own blaster and start firing. Na'an juked sideways, zig-zagging and using the crossbody of the her weapon to block fire until she was in range. His string of curses and yells for aid were cut off in the spray of her next shot, and he dropped at her feet, face sizzling.
A second guard was emerging from the station. "Lun!" he bellowed, his face already a rictus of rage at the sight of his dead partner. He carried no blaster, but a vibro-axe large enough to cut through durasteel. He raised it, lunging at Na'an. "You'll pay for that, you queen--"

"Yeah, no."

Na'an ducked to get under the axe swing, sliding on one knee to get inside his reach. One twist of the blast cannon in her arms, and she thrust the barrel upwards to smash into his jaw. He stumbled back, clutching his face and making just enough room for Na'an to fire point-blank.
The resulting blast took out most of the guard's chest--and blew a hole in the door behind him. It must have damaged the circuits in the door as well; it made a feeble half-attempt to open, then shuddered back shut. Na'an stepped over the guard's body and peered into the station. Lucky for her, the slavers didn't seem to have the manpower to fully garrison the wall. Na'an sucked in a shuddering breath, her skin tingling with adrenaline and the Force, and felt for her ear to open her comm to Leigh.

<<We've taken the entrance and guard stations. No escapes. Pretty sure they'll know I'm here, but Doc's gone quiet. Have the agent get into position, we should be able to give the go-ahead within a couple minutes. Ahead of schedule, as requested.>>

She shouldered the blaster cannon again, then sidled past the station to continue her way down the wall. The best way to get to the main barracks, after all, would be from the high ground. Based on the schematics, the ceiling carried a ventilation shaft that would be an easy fit for someone her size. Besides, It was always a good idea to retain the high ground.
Time to make some noise.

Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Shavara | Adelle Bastiel | LE-03 (Leigh) | Sakri | Curtis Learchin​

 

[Will Westender]

Post#8 (Tacitus Alt)
Interacting With: Karma Jayne Attn: Vidalu Na'an || LE-03 (Leigh) || Curtis Learchin || Loreena Arenais-Valhoun​

His only response to her pleading was an exasperated sigh. Endor? What had gotten into her? He understood she was getting stir crazy, after being stuck on the ship for so long, but still. Why Endor, or all places? He tried to think of something to say, perhaps some witty remark to throw back at her, but before he could finish his thoughts, she was past his guard and all over him, her slim fingers tugging at the collar of his shirt, mischief in her eyes as she whispered sweet nonsense to him.

Her perfume invading his senses, the feeling of her fingers on his neck threatening to overwhelm him before he even had a chance to get his bearings. How did she manage to pull this off, to slip past his defenses all the time? He was a trained Force Wielder, a smuggler with some experience under his belt and an agent of the Eternal Empire. So why did he always find it so damned hard to say no to her? Was he so foolish, that he could not resist the charms of the first pretty girl that crossed his path?

"You know," he said, his voice barely a whisper despite his labored breath. "We really should focus on getting this delivery over with," he tried to plead with her, trying in vain to put some authority in his voice. "We can see about some time off afterwards. I'll take you somewhere nice," he added that last part after a few seconds of thinking.

Footsteps interrupted their conversation, snapping him back to reality as he turned to stare at the scruffy face of the man standing in front of the ramp, surrounded by his guards and bedecked in mismatching finery of dubious hygiene. Surrounded by equally scruffy guards that looked like they meant business, the man was clearly the boss of this whole operation. Behind him, several emanciated figures dressed in rags, cowered frightfully, their eyes trying to avoid contact.

"You two lovebirds done? I ain't got all day!" announced the boss, an annoyed expression on his face, prompting Will to step back and assume a more serious posture. "Got the goods?" the man insisted, to Will's annoyance. There was just something about this guy that annoyed him, something about that self-assured, derisive attitude of his.

"We do. Have you got our pay?" Will responded, slipping into his usual smugglers bravado and letting his hand rest on the grip of the heavy blaster which hung from his hip. The customer grinned, revealing a mouth of rotten, yellow teeth. Pointing his arm at the cowering figures behind him, he blurted out "Y'er looking at it."

Taking a good look at the beleaguered captives, a cold shadow settled on Will's visage, the look in his eyes hardening to steel.

 

[LE-03 (Leigh)]

​

<<Good job, you two. The faster we can clear out the slavers, the larger window we will have before we have to worry about Imperial scrutiny.>>

From the transport, Leigh was following the audio coming from Na'an and Adelle with satisfaction. She had made it particularly clear to the two of them that while their...status...in the Empire was what made this mission possible, it also put them on a timer. Na'an would be expected to check in as soon as she was able to claim the base and raise the flag. If they expected to have any time to get what they needed to establish a foothold before that happened, emptying the facility of slavers as fast as humanly possible was necessary.

Fortunately, the Force seemed to make such demands look like a pittance.

The droid opened the comms wider, relaying the message. <<Sar Vun, confirm your position outside the gate. Your escort should be nearby waiting for you. ETA in five minutes. Miss Arenais, can you hear me? I need your position and approximate plans, I can relay them to my agents on the ground. Unless that is you landing just....now...>>

A new signal was pinging on the edges of her demarcated comms--a ship, taking up key space in the base's tiny landing area. Not the Jaster's Sparrow, but a smuggler callsign not listed among the Eclipse resources they had on hand. More slavers? Reinforcements? Whatever it was, it was an unknown variable in what should have been a mission without them. She opened the line to Arenais again, patching Na'an and Adelle in.

<<We have another ship in your landing zone,>> she said urgently. <<Source unknown. Agents on ground, stay on course. Avoid the landing pad until I can make contact and identify their intent. Miss Arenais, I need you closing in in case they try to take off before then.>>

She heard the boom of the blaster cannon again, and mentally winced. No plan ever fully survived initial contact with reality.

Will Westender | Karma Jayne | Vidalu Na'an | Adelle Bastiel | Loreena Arenais-Valhoun | Curtis Learchin | Sakri | Shavara
​

 

[Loreena Arenais-Valhoun]

Objective: 1

Lori grinned as Minna Balin joined in. And just like Curtis Learchin , she wanted in on the action. A look from Arla gave her a bit of a warning, however. Not from those two but from something....else. Lori gave her a nod, letting her know that she understood. "Alright, you two can drop in on the base. Arla and I will patrol the air and stop any from escaping. It's been a while since I've gotten to man the guns."

Just then the messages from LE-03 (Leigh) came in. Lori furrowed her brows and signalled Arla to get into position, before flicking on her comms to respond. "Understood. If they're foes, they'll certainly not be going anywhere. Two of my team will be dropping down. They'll be on this frequency." She turned to Curtis and Minna. "I have Ol' Sparky and another jetpack in the cargohold. Feel free to use them and drop in that way. Should come as a surprise, don't you think?"

 

[Ingrid L'lerim]

Ingrid L’lerim
The Red Witch; Emperor's right hand; Director of Blackwatch; Baroness of Vengard​

Objective: The Rats of Annaj
Location: Annaj
Equipment: Assassin armor with this look | sniper rifle | Black blade lightsaber | Red blade lightsaber shoto | 2x vibroblades | Stealth field generator
Tag: Kainan Wolfe | Broka the Hutt | Arturo Braga | Malicar | Open

She raised her head when she heard movement from outside, she would have instinctively reached for her weapon, but the Emperor had already said that others would come as well. She was very fond of it, when she did not receive enough information about situations such in time, nothing could be planned. First a chiss came, Ingrid met him before one of the balls, maybe the wedding. But there she was busy thanks to Jude Falkrowe, the OPA spy. Though she wore gloves, she left the greetings to the chiss.

<”Welcome back to the Empire Sir Malicar!”> she greeted the man.

After the chiss a man arrived, she never met him before, but he looked a warrior, mercenary to her. Maybe she was wrong, but he was definitely a warrior. Who did he work for? Mandalorians, Black Sun, or the Court? She guessed she would know it very soon.

<”Welcome!”> she nodded at the man after his greetings.

After this she remained silent, she watched the two new men under her helmet. She does not turn her head in the direction of the men, so they can’t see this. Not long after an old acquaintance arrived, she expected him; Nannaj was an underworld planet, so that was naturally to her when Broka shows up his face here. This was the second time when she was meeting him, the first was Bursoll. If he does not show up there and not allow his droids help to the Eternal Empire’s army, maybe they can’t solve the situation. But that was the past. The hutt and the Black Sun were valuable allies.

<”Lord Broka, good to see you again! This time really face to face!”> she said to the hutt.

It seemed to her, everyone had arrived finally, so Kainan Wolfe started the briefing. She was not wrong; the mystery man was a mercenary. The operation was simple and clear to her, and that was the first time when she got Wolfguards. She saluted her Emperor after he said his order. Making examples, it was a good choice, no one can defy them after this.

<”Roger that, my Lord!”> she replied.

She signed to Arturo Braga to follow her, who after this left the room. Outside she waited for the man to join her.

”I’m Ingrid L’lerim” she introduces herself in galactic standard.”Do you speak High Nelvaanian, or I have to use the Galactic standard? While we're leaving, what can I expect from you and your man? What are you and they capable of?” she asked.

​

 

[Arturo Braga]

Tucking the datapad he'd been given into a satchel at his belt, Arturo turned to follow the woman from the room, glad to be away from the room, and the powerful men that occupied it. Not every day you see an Emperor and a Crime Lord having a civil conversation, he thought, the sounds of the Emperor's voice fading as they left, receding until nothing was left but the sound of his boots echoing as he stepped out into the corridor. Guards closed the door behind them, the creak of ancient, well-oiled hinges a sharp contrast to the voice that greeted him. Casting a glance at the redheaded woman, Arturo nodded as formal introductions were made, his memory finally deciding to catch up as she said her name. Ah, I remember you now. The wedding.

"Arturo Braga. A pleasure." He replied, gesturing for them to walk, happy to share words in motion. "Galactic Standard's fine, thank you. Never was a man of many languages." Smiling slightly, he stepped aside as a group of military aides passed by in the opposite direction, their attention fixed squarely on the datapads in their hands. He paid them no mind as a turn took the group out of sight, the space around them widening as they stepped into the grand foyer, it's high ceiling and open spaces giving the place a cavernous feel. Staff busy with their duties darted about the place, guards stationed here and there keeping a watchful eye. For all intents and purposes, it seemed to Arturo that the men and women he saw were treating the conquest of Annaj as just another day in the office.

Which was fair enough, he supposed.

Turning, he raised an eyebrow as Ingrid inquired after the capabilities of his men, questioning his own in the process. "Many things, given the chance. You want us to police the local populace? We can do that well enough. Want us to kick down doors and take death to your enemies? Well, we can do that too." Pausing on the steps outside, Arturo took a breath, basking in the sunlight that broke through grey, smog-like clouds. He stared out across the city, surprised to find himself sickened by what he saw. Crime-infested, sure, but this is no Nar Shaddaa. Turning, he sought Ingrid's gaze. "Point's this; the crew I plan to task is competent. They're no Wolfguard mind, but they know what they're doing, and if you ask something of them, they'll do their damnedest to see it done." For a price, of course. Arturo chose not to mention that part. Nor, too, the case of their ever-shifting loyalties.

"Will that do, Ingrid? If you've any doubts, you'll see my own capabilities soon enough." These last words he said with confidence, a strange mix born of bravado, experience and the knowledge of his own limits. He knew what he was capable of. He hoped that that would suffice as he began his descent down to where his dropship waited in the courtyard, the three-man escort still waiting patiently, albeit with disgruntled looks on their faces. They handed him back his weapons as he approached, the mercenary giving them the customary once-over before turning to face Ingrid. "Do you want to go together or shall I meet you at the coordinates? I'm sure you've preparations to make, and if need be, you can reach me over comms."

Ingrid L'lerim Kainan Wolfe Broka the Hutt Malicar

 

[Curtis Learchin]

A wild smile stretched across Curtis' face as Loreena Arenais-Valhoun gave him and Minna the go ahead. It would be their first mission together, but she seemed like a professional at least. He'd noticed Arla's look, but he couldn't read it the same way that Lori did. He and the droid weren't too well acquainted.

"That's what I'm talking about!" He said excitedly, kissing Lori on the head before leaving the cockpit. Speedily he made his way through the ship, stopping briefly to grab his saberstaff. Entering into the cargo hold, he grabbed Ol' Sparky. It was the same jetpack he'd used during training. Strapping it on tightly, he tapped his comm a few times, adjusting the frequency.

"Curtis online, callsign Hawke, will rendezvous with ground agents" With that, he waited for Minna to get herself ready, hand on the cargohold door release button. "You ready?"

LE-03 (Leigh) / Vidalu Na'an

 

[Malicar]

"Thank you Lady Ingrid, it is good to be back. Happy hunting."

Malicar returned the grin given by Arturo. They ran in the same criminal circles during the last few months of his time as the Underlord Eshro of Black Sun. He was competent and loyal—Malicar was quite sure the mercenary had many possible contracts lined up one after the other. A simple nod of the head acknowledged the former colleague in a gesture of respect.

Once Arturo and Ingrid padded off, tending to the tasking ahead of them, he turned his attention fully to Emperor Tacitus as he laid out his plans for Annaj. It just so happened that Malicar was eyeing the largest shipyard orbiting Annaj called Annaj Vessels Corporation (AVC). If this proposal were to come to fruition, Interstellar Starship Technologies, the subsidiary of Interstellar Shipping, would be able to build without restrictions that he faced in orbit of Kinoss with the Chiss Ascendancy…

Folding his arms behind his back as he listened, the Chiss began running through other scenarios of the Emperor’s proposal. It was a good opportunity for both Interstellar Shipping and Black Sun. It was certainly a farcry from the governmental control and restrictions on the other planets within the Eternal Empire. His calculating mind ran through the possible issues that would arise from such an arrangement, but in the end, none of the issues that he foresaw were insurmountable.

“Emperor, I cannot speak for the Esteemed Broka, but this is a most generous opportunity that Interstellar Shipping would be quite interested in. I am familiar with administering planets such as this and can do so in such a way that we can entice businesses from across the galaxy that never would have considered setting up their business within the Eternal Empire. From an economic and publicity standpoint, I can think of no better use for this planet…”

He looked over to Broga for the Hutt to weigh in (pardon the pun)…

Kainan Wolfe
Broka the Hutt
Arturo Braga
Ingrid L'lerim