Live Together, Die Alone (Levantine Sanctum Dominion of Etti IV)

[Lina Ovmar]

Mia's eyes lifted from the business clad to settle on the new entry to the meeting. Spattered with gore, mud and wet from the rain he bore something that set Mia's sense tingling. her eyes never left that heart, not until the newcomer sat down. There was an odd sort of tension that settled in the room. Mia knew soldiers, knew them inside and out. This was not a soldier, there was a keenness in his eyes that said he was something far more dangerous. A hunter.

Grateful for the chair being on wheels, she pushed away from the tables edge and scooted over to him. "May I see?" she asked, gesturing at the heart.

[member="Seydon of Arda"] [member="Cade Lee "][member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Danger Arceneau"] [member="Jaxton Ravos"]

 

[Arage Bao]

While downtown a Jedi Knight covered in literal poodoo was clawing himself to literal hell, and the other members of the furious covenant of the Levantines were generally making themselves useful in one way or another. There was at least one guy on Etti IV who wasn’t particularly busy in either way. The sewers weren’t really his scene, and neither was he in the mood for endless discussions in the board rooms.

Instead of cloaking hypervelocity guns, building cloaked interdiction missiles or even analyzing the old eating apparatus of a fat old Sith Emperor.. the man known as Jared Ovmar was busy haggling with a shopkeep over the price of a coffee supreme latte.

“What do you mean three hundred-twenty credits for a single cup? Are you at of your mind? Do I look like the CEO of a galactic corporation? Do you think money just grows on my back?!”

“Sir, I am very sorry, but with the growing animosity of the Graug Hegemo-- the New Order.. the prizes of coffee beans are over the top. So.. do you want a straw with that?”

“...fine. And get me a damn muffin with that, or are you charging five hundred credits for the McGuffin too?”

This went on for a few more minutes, before Ovmar finally was able to settle down on the boulevard with his coffee, his chocolate muffin and a just-lit cigar. As he took a bite from his tasty baking product, Jared sighed being content for the moment.

“I am glad I ain’t some stupid Jedi Knight running around in the sewers, oy vey.”

 

[Jorga the Hutt]

[member="Valik"]

"You make a good case for starfighter scale," he said. "Expensive, minor or limited production for sure. Unarmed, weak shields - but if we're going for something this exclusive, expensive, light and small, we could get exotic with the hull. I happen to have a file on electroplating small vessels with phrik -- a project that was never finalized. That could let the ship power a small asymmetric grav well, decent engines, and the cloak. No need for a gravitic modulator, though I'd tack on thrust trace dampers for sure. Tactical scale -- Tactical Asymmetric Gravwell Projection, Advance Deployment. TAGPAD? Not horrible.

"You're right about the power issue, too. This might need something special. Hypermatter's too volatile...but I might, and I emphasize might, be able to get my hands on the miniaturized Roche technology that the Republic-

"Wait a second. The Roche generator heist, and its adaptation -- that was your project, wasn't it. The Republic miniaturized it; I don't doubt you could too, if you haven't already."

 

[The Red of Sinner]

[member="Delila Castillon"]
Romeo nodded at the woman in agreement in all she said. It was true, quick decision required precision, and no second thoughts. You either did this, or you did that. When did one begin to shoot like a mad man though? Romeo think he knew. "Echo! Push them hard, and fast!! Don't give them a chance to breath!!" He yelled out as Echo was beginning to get understand the drill. Soldiers were the backbone to any army, and if they were not any good, then you could kiss your military career goodbye as it came to a bloody end.

"Soldiers need a good leader. They need someone who can issue that command without second thought, but they also need to be free thinkers. Loyal, yet able to think for themselves." He offered his agreement. He removed his mask, only to have his jet black hair swirl in the wind from the battle. His blood red eyes looked into hers. He offered his hand. " I'm Romeo Sin, and I hope to be useful for you. I would say your my commander, and that I look forward to working for you ma'am."

 

[Seydon of Arda]

[member="Mia Monroe"]

Field Marshall Monroe bled enough presence to stifle the chamber. Reputation and sneering word-of-mouth tried to paint her embittered, some war-hardened battleaxe out of touch with due process or femininity, the only one bold enough to bring down a fleet over the crown of Coruscant to virtually choke the Senate by its emasculated scrotum. Seydon thought her a hard, beautiful woman strapped to the hilt with web-gear, hanging firepower off her frame like nobility draped jewelry; bandoleers for cut diamond stones, strapped magazines in place of silk waist-sashes, womanly, deathly, rich with experience bought in bone and spent shell-casings.

Seydon hefted the mutant organ up in his grasp, trading it into her outstretched hands and remaining taciturn.

 

[Lex-El]

Seydon of Arda [member="Mia Monroe"] Siobhan Kerrigan Danger Arceneau Jaxton Ravos


Many people were in the room, and Cade faded into the background. This was by design, when the time came for him to discuss his weapons with the group he would. Until then, he simply sat at the table with the others. His mind was flooded with thoughts, and he kept them to himself.


It was both by design, and well those were private.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

Siobhan quickly typed up a reply for [member="Delila Castillon"] on her comm thingie, which apparently could also send SMSes. Or maybe it was like an i-pad. "I think about explosions, sex and buying pretty things too! Keep up the good work. I appreciate it. We'll have lots of fun together! At a meeting. Talk to you later." She did not sound like an overeager teenager at all. With that she switched her comm device off.

She smoothed her skirt and wanted to make a snarky comment to [member="Mia Monroe"] but then their little convocation suddenly received a new arrival, namely [member="Seydon of Arda"], though Siobhan would not be familiar with his name. Covered in mud, blood and gore, someone with the stance and the aura of a fighter, more than that a hunter. Someone who knew his way through darkness. She glanced over as Mia spoke and then drew a bit closer as the newcomer passed over the mutant heart, that of the monstrosity which had been slain.

"Must have been a hell of a fight," she commented simply, though there was respect in her tone, for strength and a willingness to battle vile monsters that lurked in the dark was something the woman who had wiped out the Bando Gora Reavers and helped kill Lotek'k could respect. She might have adapted to aristocratic life and come to enjoy it very much, but she had not put down her blade.

 

[Valik]

[member="Bard of the Hyperlanes"]

Valik put out a bit of a wry grin.

"That was a long time ago, but yes, it was my project. While other Sith were trying to assassinate verpine diplomats, fighting in libraries or killing Jedi's children I was taking apart a generator bit by bit, and getting it the hell out of the fight." He said, before putting a bit of a laugh off. "Funnily enough, it could be said that one of our biggest contributors to that fight was a mouse droid. Managed to scan a prototype fighter some of the verpine were trying to build for the Republic. Wonder whatever happened to that little tyke." Valik continued, showing a rare moment of reminisce.

"In any case that generator should be able to power a stygium drive and interdiction field simultaneously. Let me see if still have the blueprints." He said, pulling out a datapad. He knew he'd kept them somewhere, but it was an old old project, and he wasn't sure if he kept it on this particular datapad. "Still have it. What do you know?" He said, before hooking his datapad up to a display and putting a 3-dimensional hologram of the generator. "Scaling a command ship sized generator into a starfigher. Shouldn't be too difficult."

 

[Lina Ovmar]

Mia hefted the large organ, calculating it to between twenty to twenty five pounds, that put the creature at around 3 tonnes. She turned the organ over in her hands, oblivious to the rest of the room now, uncaring of what they thought. On closer inspection it was more than one heart, but many hearts flesh melded together, almost seamless unless under that of an experienced eye Mia traced her prosthetic fingers along the lines. Velok's knowledge was proving more and more useful every day, that annoyed her, but only slightly.

She looked up at the hunter as Sio piped up. "Sithspawn. About 3 tonnes, originally a meld of maybe...five or six creatures. But its old, and its mutated on its own." she noted the dried blood around his nose and ears. "Mental attacks." There was something about the hunter, something that prickled at her senses like a nagging sensation that said there was more to him than met the eye. "How many did it take to bring it down?"

[member="Seydon of Arda"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"]

 

[Seydon of Arda]

[member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Mia Monroe"] @Ia'raklane Beorht

"Just myself and her," Seydon nodded Iara's way, patting down a ragged handkerchief with spits of canteen water then dapping at scabs drying over his ears and lips. "She's wicked good with a gun. If she'd been kitted with a good rifle, the story would've turned out quite differently. ...It must have been about thirty feet, from shoulder to tail. ...There was no head. There should have been one, but there wasn't. I don't know how to describe it without sounding like I need a psychic restorative. But we slayed it. She with her guns. Me with this - "

And he briefly peaked Winterfang an inch out from its scabbard, glittering silver-plated steel, clicking it back into place.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Seydon of Arda"], [member="Mia Monroe"], @Ia'raklane Beorht

"Remind me to get you a bolter. Wicked good for killing monsters," Siobhan said half-seriously as she glanced over to Iara. She listened attentively as the huntsman spoke, keen eyes scanning the large mutant heart that Mia held in her grasp. "Sithspawn," she muttered more to herself. It certainly seemed to have been a ferocious beast.

"Sounds like I missed a good fight." Truth be told presently she did not have much of an appetite, but a three ton Sithpsawn would have been fun to try and crush. She took in the impressive blade the hunter presented. As had been said Siobhan was not much of a duellist, preferring to pick off her enemies at range using guns and superempowered telekinesis, but she could appreciate good craftsmanship that went into such a weapon and could recognise it where she saw it. She did have a couple Sith chainswords lying around in her armoury after all. "Congratulations then on a good hunt. Nice sword."

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

[member="Seydon of Arda"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Danger Arceneau"] [member="Mia Monroe"]

As the Mandalorian examined the heart and the Fireman executive complimented Seydon's skill Jaxton couldn't help but feel a little more at ease. He'd taken the roll of ambassador lately out of necessity, but at heart he was a warrior, if perhaps an inactive one lately. Tales of monster hunting, fights, and weapons brought him a degree of comfort.

"I'm glad to see that you've been having fun Seydon. Next time we might have to switch off on duties." He joked. Seydon was a good man, but his penchant wasn't for politics. Jaxton would have said the same thing about himself not long ago, but as the Levantines grew he found himself taking on the role more and more.

"Ahem." Jaxton heard one of the Corporate Sector executives cleared his throat. Apparently they were not as amused with the passing around of Sithspawn hearts. Though one had brought attention to the meeting the rest seemed in fear of the monster hunter and his twi'lek aid, the Mandalorian who wanted to touch it, the brunette who offered different firing solutions, and the towering zeltron with a lightsaber dangling on his hip wishing he could switch roles.

He supposed in that manner it was the best meeting he'd ever been a part of. Maybe politics weren't so bad after all.

 

[Velok the Younger]

It was not often that Rave Merrill looked at an object of historical value and obvious power and found herself repulsed. Found herself sayig I have no desire to possess this, no matter what its utility. Perhaps it stemmed from the mistuned Mindharp's ability to overcome her mental defenses, which were ranked fairly high -- like most in this day and age, it seemed. Perhaps it stemmed from her inability to categorize the Mindharp's letheic effect as technological, Force-based, both, or neither. On balance, she was prepared to assume that it was a technology which affected the Force at a deep level. That should have fascinated her, much like Thaissen crystals' admittedly low-level ability to convert the Force into radiation, and she could think of a dozen ways to use this effect on a variety of scales-

She still wanted nothing to do with it. But money was money, reputation was reputation, and she'd already taken the job.

There were standard protocols, things she'd drilled into her collection teams, items she'd prepared for situations like this. They might help, they might make things worse. A hardshell case disgorged crystalline assemblies, which she placed around the perimeter of the room. The effect began to dim. A reminder, if she needed it, that Voracitos' command of the Force had been exemplary. With a grimace, she began to approach the Mindharp once more. No alchemist got far without the ability to analyze, and she braced herself to put her mind in contact with the Harp. That was what she'd always done-

Like staggering back from a cliff edge, she recoiled before she could make full contact. That was one way to get a fresh start, should she desire it.

The Jedi called desire ugly, and now she tasted a portion of that. She was, at heart, a Merrill -- she had to know, had to fly into the teeth of the storm to see what was inside. And that desire was despicable, right here and now. Antithetical to the principles that kept her alive and successful. Even here, at the edge of her knowledge and maybe beyond it, she couldn't stop moving forward.

To do otherwise would be to walk away, to admit defeat, to refund the commission, to give up the possibilities. None of those outcomes were acceptable. But to risk the complete erasure of her memory and even her genius, like the Sharu-

"Hell with it."

Her voice rose in a grim chant and she drove her mind into the Harp.

I don't want you, I don't want to break you, but I will understand you.

 

[Not Ordo]

Kal sat for a long time with his hands out channeling the force into the seed. On a very small scale he caused the plant to be nourished on the energies of the force. Hours passed as the plant slowly sprouted from the ground and unfurled two tiny needle like leaves. He continued to used his strength and energy to help the small tree grow. Time continued to go by. Minutes became hours, hours became days, days became a week and finally Kal pushed up to his feet. He has stopped to rest of course throughout the process but as far as eating and such were concerned both he and the small tree had plenty of sun, the soil although a little too alkaline for many plants was still fertile enough to nourish, and water was not terribly far away.

The week long nourishing of the plant had produced a small half meter tall sapling and Kal having once again expended him self for the day walked a few meters away and slowly began to put down roots. His body grew and twisted as his hair became high branches. His arms elongated as did his fingers and they wrapped around his satchel and pressed them close to his chest. His legs seemed to fuse as they to grew longer and his body thickened. He stood there looking like nothing more than a old gnarled tree, closed his grey eyes and drifted off to sleep.

 

[Lina Ovmar]

Seydon. So that was the hunters name. It didn't ring any bells though, which was unusual for Mia. She offered the heart back to him as the official cleared his throat. "I could use a man with your skills, but," she smirked "Maybe we should have that discussion on our own time."

She rose smoothly from the chair to address the room. "My main objective in coming here today was to offer the support of the United Clans. You've got a nasty enemy on your doorstep and you haven't got the man power to defend against. In the event of an attack, you can call on us for help. We're not looking for a formal alliance, we're just offering a helping hand for those who need it. Besides, any mando jumps at the opportunity to shoot at a sith."

[member="Seydon of Arda"] [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Jaxton Ravos"]

 

[Danger Arceneau]

[member="Mia Monroe"] [member="Jaxton Ravos"] [member="Cade Lee "][member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Seydon of Arda"]

Well, nothing like a bit of blood splattering on the floor from the hunk of flesh Seydon held to get the conversation going. Thankfully, Mistah Ravos did good at redirecting the topic of conversation. Cleaning droids would also come behind the newest arrival to clean up any blood that might have dripped on the floor.

Never one to be shocked by any sort of new development, Danger gave a nod, sliding into her own seat as the Mandalorian representative made the proclamation of aid.

The Corporate heads and representatives of the Etti expressions appeared a bit wary, but that's where Danger came in, "That is a magnanimous offer from the United Clans, Miz Monroe." she'd say, turning to the representatives. "Ain't no other nation with their firepower that will have the ability to quickly and efficiently come to the aid of the Corporate Sector like the Mandalorian clans." she'd purr out.

She made her introductions, and now would allow the representatives of each company to have their say. A glance would go over to @Cade Lee , with a shining smile in encouragement for him to have his say.


@Cade Lee

 

[Jaxton Ravos]

[member="Mia Monroe"] [member="Danger Arceneau"] [member="Cade Lee "][member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] [member="Seydon of Arda"]

Prompted by the flame-haired executive Jaxton stood to address the council, admittedly a bit worried about accurately representing his people.

"Well, my name's Jaxton Ravos, I served with the Jedi Order for some time, so I have some experience fighting Sith and other disorderly character, and I have a decent enough ability to judge the strength of an opponent. That being said, while we aren't a formal military or government we'd like to extend an offer for Etti IV, and the rest of the Corporate Sector, to join the Levantine Sanctum. We're not looking to burden you with taxes or impose domain, just keep people protected and let them travel as they wish. If you're keen on Slavery or Entechment then we might have an issue or two, but otherwise we'd just be around to spread a few patrols and lend a hand where we're needed." Jaxton said, hoping the prospect didn't sound too intimidating.

 

[Siobhan Kerrigan]

[member="Mia Monroe"], [member="Danger Arceneau"], [member="Seydon of Arda"], @Cade Lee, [member="Jaxton Ravos"], [member="Valeria Aetani"]

So they had gone back to doing...business things, which involved advertising. As much as the sight of the dead Sithspawn's massive heart had reawakened her appetite for the hunt for a while. Still there was a time and place for that and it was not now. So after she had received confirmation that she was allowed to speak Siobhan arose from her chair to address the board after the representative of the Levantines had said his piece.

"Siobhan Kerrigan, Vice President Firemane Industries, former Exarch of the Protectorate. Thank you for receiving me. Our company would gladly offer aid in form sophisticated military technology and mercenaries for a reasonable price. We can provide our signature weapon, the boltgun, and its variations in substantial quantities, likewise armour, tanks, artillery, anti-aircraft systems. Equally we have access to rare Sith tech acquired during the Empire's fall, geared towards fighting force-users. I understand Silk Holdings is the premier supplierof top-quality military starships here, but Firemane has moved into the business of creating military vessels and so we have some designs you may be interested in," she said smoothly.

A holographic display would show some of the products that Firemane had to offer, such as bolters, the Reaver-class assault tank and the newly designed Hydra-class self-propelled antiaircraft weapon, metal-eating insect grenades and web rifles. Equally they had designed vessels like the Ariane-class assault cruiser and the Adril-class starfighter, the latter named after Siobhan's dead teacher and lover. Obviously Siobhan was keeping the presentation short because others would like to speak as well, though people would see a selection.

"Many of our private contractors are OP veterans, with experience fighting Sith, Bando Gora Reavers and slavers, even zombie outbreaks. They stick to their contracts and can provide training as military advisers, such as Captain [member="Delila Castillon"] has been doing. Likewise we have our own force-users, myself included," she briefly glanced over to Mia before continuing. "The United Clans are among our valued clients and close friends. And we aren't interested in political leverage, just in doing business. I've fought the Sith for most of my life and suffice to say we have reason to oppose them."

 

[Delila Castillon]

Delila shook the hand of one [member="Romeo Sin"] , taking her mind off the vapid message she had gotten from [member="Siobhan Kerrigan"] just moments earlier. The woman would rather face a horde of Sith than go shopping with the death dealer turned socialite beauty queen. She would have to fake an injury or sickness in order to get out of the latest excursion thought of by the brunette. Sweating to death in the heavy combat armor, Delila was quite amused by the mans words.

"I am no member of the Sanctum. I have a few friends in these parts is all. I'm not your commander or anything really. Just arriving here to help shore up defenses for this planet. Nothing more, nothing less. Now I ain't greedy and I do have good intentions for doing this. Just don't think I'm something cause I'm not."

Soldiers were slowly winding down their fake battle. Groups were cleaning guns and equipment or checking out the borrowed tanks.

 

[The Red of Sinner]

Romeo her shook her hand with a firm grip, and smiled. He found it impressive that people would just come and help the Sanctum out. He shook his head in defense to her suggestion about being a no one. "You're someone. I can tell. Someone I don't want to piss off." That heavy armor looked like it was heavier then himself. He preferred medium, to just normal clothes personally, but he knew just what heavy armor could do...it could get you killed if you underestimate it.

"You would make a fine commander anyways. I'm actually quite new to the Sanctum...don't even really know how I got myself associated with them. Why would you come to help? Owe them? Or kind hearted? Maybe both." [member="Delila Castillon"]