Private Of Wolves and Eagles

[Jorik Valnora]

Location: Valnora Enterprise Headquarters, Golacot City, Yesmireen
Tag(s): Adron Malvern​

An icy wind swept through the streets of Golacot City as the first of the year’s winter storms blanketed Yesmireen’s capital in a thick layer of pure white. Spears of ice clung begrudgingly to the eves of the metropolis’ many buildings. This year seemed to be colder than normal and the sheer cold it forced its citizens to endure brought with it the ominous overtures of prophecy. A prophecy the indigenous clung to, though in all likelihood, they’d probably proved to be nothing more than the murmurings of myths and legends. Warped and skewed through decades of oral storytelling and interpretation. Jorik had heard many such tales since he’d come to the world and worked with it to bring it properly into the Confederacy.

He’d worked swiftly to implement various policies and strengthen strategic areas, namely those of defense and of providing commerce to the world. Most recently had been the construction of two Interdictor Mk1 Heavy Rail Guns and the massive hospital station the cast its shadow over the planet’s northern pole. Defense and stability in that regard had been the number one priority, but Yesmireen had grown on Jorik. It had grown to the point that he found himself severing his stronghold of Druckenwell in favor of prioritizing operations on Yesmireen. Its immense amount of valuable resources and its proximity to various trade routes, those under the jurisdiction of the Confederacy and those outside of it. Jorik saw an immense potential in the planet to shine bright among the stars. He saw so much potential in the planet that he had even moved the headquarters of the corporation that bore his name here. Yemireen had become his home and he was perfectly content with the circumstances.

But today brought forth more for the man than the mundane meditation and reflection upon one’s own accomplishments and endeavors. Today was the day he would receive the Exarch of the Confederacy for an inspection of Yesmireen’s ability to garrison the troops of the Confederacy's might. Of the various facilities that could support the will of the Confederacy for the stability and assurance of the future. This wouldn’t be the first time that Jorik would be conversing with the man, but it was the first the man would step foot on this newly Confederate world. To see the planet’s progress and discern for himself the effectiveness of Jorik’s leadership. His ability to guide a people and develop a civilization to a better and more distinguished future.

“Mr. Valnora, sir,” came a voice to his rear as he looked out over the capital from the balcony of his office. “Your brother is here. He says he has some news to share with you.”

“Very well, send him in.” Jorik’s reply was short and direct, something his father would have greatly applauded if the man were still alive.

“Yes Mr. Valnora, sir,” came the voice once more.

A minute wouldn’t even pass before Jari turned the corner into Jorik’s office, receiving only the older brother’s back as a welcome. “Jorik,” Jari said as he approached Jorik’s desk, laying a data pad upon it. It seemed to show a DNA sequence on one window and an endless sea of names on the other. Jari had been devoted to his work for so long and could never seem to leave it behind. “Jorik, I’ve been so wrong. Tracing back father’s tree was never going to lead me anywhere. We know that side of the family is gone,” he said. “But, I took a look at mother’s and . . .” He paused, noticing that Jorik still had not turned to face or even acknowledge him.

“Jorik!” His voice was louder and more assertive now. Demanding in tone, begging for Jorik’s attention. “Listen to me! This is something you want, no, you need to know.” He let out a huff and crossed his arms.

Jorik could be a difficult man. His father had raised and molded him to be that way. Destined to take over the family’s corporate empire, or so his father had decreed it to be, he couldn’t be allowed to be his own person. Couldn’t be allowed to be a child. Wasn’t allowed to even be a brother to Jari. Nor Tess Valnora . Instead he was just this hardened shell of a man who thought in numbers and profit. Who knew of and held little love in his heart. If it hadn’t been for the arranged scenario, the man might never marry, but alas he was fated to marry, but even then, it seemed that scenario would not work. After all, why force yourself to love and commit to someone who doesn’t reciprocate that same affection?

Jorik’s hand rose with a single lonely finger pointed skyward as though either shushing the younger Valnora or delaying the urgency of Jari’s pleas in his direction.

“Jorik, we’re directly related to the Malvern family. You know, the same family that the fancy Exarch Adron comes from?” He rolled his eyes and began to turn away before his froze as Jorik finally spoke.

“You are certain of this?” Jorik questioned, unsure of how his brother even came about the information. After all, blood to test from the Malvern family would not be easy to come by if Adron was in fact the man Jorik believed him to be.

“Yes, Jorik. Perhaps if you’d actually be a person for a moment instead of a corporate robot you’d see this. Perhaps you could have made this discernment for yourself.” Jari’s voice snapped back to Jorik. One thing that got under his skin was having the validity of his work questioned.

“Genealogy is your field, not mine,” Jorik said dismissively. “Thank you for the information. You can go now.”

It wouldn’t take Jari long at all to gather his datapad back up and see himself out of the office. Meeting with Jorik these days was a chore and not one he particularly enjoyed. Jorik never made it easy.

 

[Adron Malvern]

YESMIREEN​

Tags: Jorik Valnora ​

The shuttle breached Yesmireen's atmosphere with a harsh descent. It was jet black with powerful thrusters bringing it into the planet's airspace. On either side were a half-dozen specialized vulture droids. Their mechanical heads were on a swivel, scanning the skies for anything that may pose a danger to the Exarch's transport. They zoomed ahead of the ship, flowing over the landing pad that had been designated for the Exarch's landing. The Vulture droids were...intrusive. Their mechanical legs jutted out as they landed along the nearby platforms and even along the building's rooftop. Their focus was security, not manners. The shuttle came down in an even landing, the mechanical ramp extending down to the platform with a low hiss.

The Exarch's security detail descended first. Twelve Magnaguard began marching down the platform, six of the droids lining up on either side of the shuttle ramp as they awaited their Master's descent.

Exarch Adron Malvern descended his ship with that same cunning expression he always wore. It was very assuming and leaked of the belief that he was better than all that was before him.

Yesmireen. The world was pointedly well-defended and had all the makings of a Confederate Super-World. This caused the Exarch to smile. He looked over the city before him and immediately found a respect for this man who held the title of Viceroy.

"Yes, the Golden Age is truly within our grasp." He muttered to himself before a representative approached him with a respectful disposition. The Golden Age of the Confederacy was upon them and the Exarch was keen to see them press forward. The representative brought Adron through the halls of the Capital building. When finally they reached Valnora's office, Adron stepped in, extending a hand out to the man. "Viceroy." He greeted him with a firm handshake before nodding at the man approvingly. "I see Yesmireen is doing well, are you prepared for my inspection?"
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[Jorik Valnora]

Location: Yesmireen
Tag; Adron Malvern ​

It’s true. Yesmireen had come a long way since it was brought into the fold with the Confederacy. The old and corrupt regime had been taken out and replaced and its borders and products opened to the greater part of the Confederacy. Navigating the planet’s surface was still something that was being developed as the various deposits of neuranium across its surface led to drastic shifts in the planet’s gravity. It also led toward a unique style of training from time to time as scores and scores of troops were often subject to the changes in order to better learn how to adapt and overcome even in the most seemingly dire of situations.

As the Exarch entered, the Viceroy rose to meet him and extended his own hand to accept that of the Exarch’s as the man offered his to him. “The city and the planet are your, Exarch,” Jorik echoed in response affirming with the Exarch that Yesmireen was ready for his inspection. “I trust you had no issues traversing your way here. Yesmireen has a particular proclivity for throwing something new and unexpected in every direction.” Jorik wasn’t exactly the best when it came to small talk, but he wanted to be certain the navigational charts and maps they’d sent prior to the Exarch’s arrival had been fruitful in their intent. “There is still much of this world to be unraveled and we are constantly learning more. Most recently, Mandalorian Iron was discovered in the rings around the planet. We can mine the material at Valnora Enterprise, but we do not have the engineers adept enough to work the ore. Makes you wonder what other secrets it is she hides.” Jorik paused and motioned for the Exarch to step up to his side in order to take an overarching look at Golacot City before them. Of its sheer size.

Jorik understood there was an itinerary to be kept, but he would play off the will of the Exarch. Whatever it was the Exarch wanted to see in relation to the planet’s ability to defend and support not only itself, but that of the thousands and thousands of troops the Confederacy wished to garrison here. The initial Itinerary had them set to inspect the extensive military base which was located beneath the city proper known as “The Underground.” From there, they would visit Muzutsi, which was currently undergoing refurbishment to create a massive complex for the engineering and maintenance of various ships and vehicles alike. Finally, they would head to orbit and inspect the latest addition to Yesmireen, the massive hospital station designed, developed and manufactured by Valnora Enterprise in order to support the medical needs of not just the system of Yesmireen, but beyond as well.

“Whenever you are ready, Exarch, we can begin.”

 

[Adron Malvern]

TESTED​

Tags: Jorik Valnora ​

Jorik Valnora. From the moment the Exarch entered into the room he payed careful attention to the Viceroy. His mannerisms, his behaviors, the way his eyes shifted. Every little detail was taken in by the Exarch with a hawk-like gaze. Still, nothing seemed to upset or unsettle the man through the greeting. "And so they are." He said in response to Jorki's words.

The man spoke of Yesmireen's particular mess that the Force had decided to shuffle into it's planetary bin of bad. It was something he'd been glad to find was unique to only a few world and from his intel Yesmireen was handling it as well as they could hope to. The Exarch held his hand out towards the door, as if hoping to continue the conversation while on the move. They moved into the hall and the Exarch spoke with a nod. "Yes, refinement is a tricky task for the most advanced of worlds. The various ores can have untold components that make their refinement a pesky process. For example, the chemical compounds in one mineral may be more reactive in another, therefore increasing or decreasing the refinement process. This is something we can lend aid to. The Confederacy has a number of worlds with advanced refinement works. A simple holocall and we can certainly find a company to fill your need and I am certain it will be cost-efficient as well."

The two moved back towards the Exarch's landing pad. As Jorik spoke, the Exarch showed a rather amused expression on his face. "I've learned that a planet hides all that you do not seek for. If you wish to uncover something you merely need to dig deep enough. Just be careful not to dig too deep before you are ready. It is often frightening, that which lies under the surface."

As they walked onto the open landing pad, the Vulture droids all singled in on Jorik, however their optics quickly recognized him as the Viceroy of the planet and they went back to their sentry modes. "We'll start in Muzutsi." He informed the man, letting him understand that the itinerary as they had known it had just been thrown out of the window. "Now. I want an accurate account of the planet's military force and what programs are in place to support this force. Also, the population of the world and the most prevalent disease that can be found and what you are doing to handle it?"

The Exarch walked to a seat in the shuttle, taking a seat as his Magnaguard escort loaded into the space with them.
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[Jorik Valnora]

Tag(s): Adron Malvern ​

For Jorik, he wasn’t surprised in the slightest that the Exarch was moving to cast away the previously proposed itinerary in favor of his own; it’s what any man of authority often did as either an act to show their dominance in a predicament or simply to further enforce their authority. It was something Jorik, himself, had done many times over and had paid witness to as well. Power begets power and one would know their place. At this moment, Jorik did not sit atop the ladder of authority on this world. Adron had taken that rung as soon as his shuttle had touched down. Sure, Jorik had an authority, but he answered to the Exarch, and in turn the Vicelord. Everyone had a place in the ever shifting balance of power in the galaxy.

He offered a nod of his head in acknowledgement to the Exarch and the man motioned for him to join him on their venture to his shuttle. He listened as the Exarch spoke, once more inquiring of the capabilities of the planet to support not only itself, but an addition of thousands of Confederate soldiers. Yesmireen was well suited to become a strategic stronghold of the Confederacy and that’s exactly why Jorik had answered when the call came for volunteers.

Yesmireen was a large world with a fairly unexploited base of resources. Both on the planet’s surface, and within the rings that encircled it. Beskar and neuranium were but a small fraction of what she had to offer; it was just a matter of continued excavation and exploration to find it. But the Exarch had come here to talk resources and raw materials so that would not be the subject for Jorik to initially approach. And so Jorik would move to answer the Exarch’s first questions of Yesmireen’s ability to support a Confederate force as well as its abilities to fend for itself for a time if such a need were to arise.

He pulled a small datapad from the folds of his coat and presented it to the Exarch. On it, numbers and figures would be displayed, outlining the military strength of the planet, as well as the ongoing projects. “The Yesmiri Planetary Defense Force, to include reserve components, currently consist of a force totaling 19.7 million personnel designated to various specialties. The Yesmiri Naval Command plays host to a force of 8.2 million personnel. Yesmiri Ground Command plays host to a force of 7.4 million personnel. And the Yesmiri Reserve Command plays host to a force of 4.1 million personnel. Along with these numbers in the personnel count, the Yesmiri Planetary Defense Force supports a fleet of a wide variety of vessels and specialties. These range from small craft to a Battlecruiser which serves as the Flagship of the fleet. Further, Yesmireen plays host to two Interdictor Mk2 Surface to Orbit defense platforms.” He paused for a moment, allowing the Exarch to digest the information Jorik had just fed to him. “Furthermore, the engineers of Valnora Enterprise are constantly working to provide new, advanced technology to the fight if one should ever grace our borders.” He motioned to the construct that could be seen in the sky above them. Though a rough sight in that particular moment, the structure being constructed was one of two military stations that Jorik had promised in a previous communication to the office of the Exarch.

“As for the population of Yesmireen, it would be considered moderate for its size, though the latest census data indicates a sharp rise to the previous number notated by the regime in which the Confederacy supplanted here. A larger than average percentage of the population seems to be in some way affiliated with the ranks of its military and all of age citizens have had previous experience within it as was the rule of law here. My office is currently reviewing that law with regards to the martial strength here to determine what changes must be made with, if any.” The next question from the Exarch somewhat caught Jorik off guard. Though he did not give off any visual indication, he had not expected to be questioned of the most prevalent disease that the world faced.

The theatre belonged to Jari who was still researching such things. But to date no diseases or ailments outside the ordinary seasonal viruses came to mind. But that did mean there wasn’t anything to be had.

“For diseases, there’s only been signs of the routine seasonal ailments. Things such as the common cold and the flu. Routine medical examinations and practices tend to alleviate such conditions within a few days of their diagnosis.” He paused a moment to further gather his words and then began again. “A vaccine is developed each year as the strands of the diseases mutate and change, but as with any medicine, it is not 100% effective in the complete nullification of them.”

He waited a second before continuing, allowing the Exarch to catch up with any notes the man may have been taking as he spoke. “There is a certain condition that seems to come about, however, with citizens that spend extended periods in the marshes. The locals call it Molgeth. When people spend time in the area, they experience sharp increases to their negative emotions. Namely their passion and rage. The effect only seems to persist outside of the area longer the more time someone spends within the area. I am personally making plans to approach the Knights Obsidian about the circumstance as there seems to be no biological trace to what causes the onset which leads me to believe this is something beyond nature and better handled by their expertise. For now, access to the area is heavily restricted.”

Jorik frowned. He didn’t like the idea that there was something here that he couldn’t fully explain. In fact, he prided himself on his ability to prepare and have an answer for any occasion which might arise. But when the source of something showed no biological traces, there wasn’t much he could do. Perhaps it was something to do with the Force, but not being Force sensitive, Jorik had no answer for that. “There is an old temple nearby the area which is believed to have belonged to a race long since extinct to the planet. Our scientists have been looking for answers there as well, but have come up with nothing. Language translation software does not seem to be able to translate the texts on the tablets excavated from the ruins.”

 

[Adron Malvern]

EXARCH​

Tags: Jorik Valnora ​

The trip to Muzutsi was a fairly long one, however there was plenty of conversation to fill the gap of time. The Exarch's eyes were fastened on the sight before his windows. The great wastes of Valnora had been mentioned in the initial report he received from the Viceroy, as was attempts to refurbish the area for the planets corp of engineers. The Exarch expected to see a good deal of construction and some signs of progress to show something more than conceptual dreams. As they flew he listened to Jorik's report, nodding silently until he'd explained the planet's military might. "Few planets within The Confederacy boast such an earnest military host. Yesmireen's martial might may prove to be one of the greatest in the Southern Systems. Is your large military placing a notable strain on the economy? Are there any specializations your people find difficult to master?" He asked.

The man spoke of the Rule of Law dictating support to the military and the Exarch showed a knowing smile. "Associate your population with the theories of war and they will be understanding when the time comes." He said softly, before turning to the man. "Another boon to your cause. Warrior planets or soldier planets with heavy ties to their military are more accustomed and understanding of war. Which makes them more appeasable when war is upon them, relatively speaking."

The Exarch could see his line of questioning had run to an unexpected turn. Still, Jorik was equipped to deal with the situation. As he answered, the man nodded his head in understanding.

As Jorik spoke of this thing, Molgeth, the Exarch turned his eyes to the man with a lofted brow. "Molgeth? Negative emotions? It sounds as if the Dark Side of the Force is present in your world." Well, that would explain why the Exarch had felt the sudden chills and pull of the Dark Side. It was not something once could miss, however so many worlds these days were hosting Force Users that it was actually becoming less distracting than usual. "How long has this been going on?" He demanded. "You've been making plans to contact the Knights? Are you awaiting an invitation or do you breed your incompetence in a nest of procrastination?" Harsh words with an icy tone. "Have you ever dealt with a Force Nexus of any sort before?" The Exarch wondered. "If you have, you would know they present a certain danger to all those around them. A danger that can be immediately magnified by something as simple as a Force Sensitive individual wandering head-long into them and granting them an avatar."

"They can be ticking time bombs awaiting explosion and you are fumbling with engineering works? When did you plan to finally alert the Knight's Obsidian so they may do their job?" He demanded an answer.
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[Jorik Valnora]

Tag(s): Adron Malvern ​

Jorik was attentive to the Exarch as he continued the conversation, first complimenting the planet on its military strength and prowess before then digging deeper for more and more information. That was expected. Afterall, the Exarch’s concerns were beyond Jorik. Where Jorik’s focus was trained simply upon his home and its people here on Yesmireen, the Exarch had to take a wider angle with his responsibility being that of the entirety of the Confederacy. “While records show that before the arrival of the Confederacy to Yesmireen, that the economy was actually in a bit of a recession,” Jorik began, pulling a chart of various economic figures and indicators up on his datapad as an affirmation should the Exarch wish to confer the notes himself. “With the removal of the previous tyrannical regime, the Confederacy has been able to provide stability to the planet’s economic status. External trade has increased, as has internal trade within the system.”

He set the datapad down next to him. He didn’t need the information he had on the device and if anything, it was becoming more of a distraction. He had prepared for this day and whatever curveball the Exarch might throw in his direction. Or so was his hope. “As for specializations the people of Yesmireen have found difficult to master,” he paused a moment to consider his next words, “strategic naval engagement. Until recently, the navy here was rather small and inadequate, however with the increased resources of ships and technology provided by the relocation of Valnora Enterprise from Druckenwell to Yesmireen, there has been a notable improvement. That said, lack of actual experience outside a simulation has been difficult to come by. Yesmireen has had no significant threat beyond pirates in many years outside various regimes on the surface making their bids for power.”

Jorik felt a swell of concern within him as he finished. Though he trusted in the strength of their numbers and the advancement of their technology, as well as the admirable conduct and performance within their quarterly simulations, without a true test against a formidable foe, it was hard to say just how effective they would be. One thing was for certain, however, the culture of the planet lived, breathed and thrived through its military might. Since the Confederacy had come in at a time of revolution on the planet, the Southern Systems superpower had not had an opposition that posed a threat to them. And the people of the planet were all too happy to finally see a sense of prolonged stability brought to their world. And the growth such membership was destined to bring them.

But then came the proverbial curve ball from the Exarch as the man broached the subject of Molgeth in which Jorik had just previously brought to the man’s attention. That, however, didn’t mean that he was completely unprepared for whatever concern the Exarch would raise with the subject.

Jorik would allow the Exarch to finish his thoughts before he, himself, would proceed with any answers. He would take a second to gauge the man, his anger and frustration evident and seemingly without restraint outside of the physical type. “My office is taking into account every resource and tool at our disposal before placing the burden beyond our own hands. If there is a chance the issue can be identified and resolved without calling upon the resources of the Confederacy, the Yesmiri are more than happy to do so.” he paused a moment, gauging whatever change in temperament may or may not have occurred within his counterpart. “I cannot call on any knowledge of my own in regards to dealing with Nexuses of the Force, and having a non-existent force-sensitive presence on Yesmireen, such hypotheses have yet to be attacked, wishing instead to exhaust our own tools and apply the capabilities at our disposal.” He paused briefly. “I’ve little knowledge of the Force outside of what’s written through history about the continuous conflict present amid different ideologies surrounding it. I assure you that it is not procrastination that has delayed my hand in delivering the requisition, but rather an attempt to not stretch the resources of the Confederacy for a matter that has the potential to be resolved in house.”

In truth, Jorik didn’t know whether or not his answer would relieve any anxiety in the matter that had no doubt grown within the man before him. But it was his decision to make and at what moment to make it. He was strongly against wasting the resources of another if there was a chance a matter could be resolved from within. It was his background as a businessman that saw him to this determination. He would not call upon another’s resources if there was a chance doing so would waste theirs.