Project: Imperial Krayt

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Imp NPC"]

"You'd be correct in your assumption that they are a refined anti-matter furnace that was based on designs from the past," Taeli said, leaning back in her chair and seeing no problem stating that fact at least.

"In all honesty, more funding and secure facilities," Taeli answered with a shrug as her pot of tea was brought in with her pastries. "While Coruscant is safe enough, it is also the most commonly recognized Sith world currently and we've had to up security on our Mark I in orbit over Coruscant. Further research will be carried out here though, since your worlds are not under the scrutiny that ours are. I'm hoping, once the facility is fully up and running, that we can begin developing a specialized reactor for large capital ships that goes beyond anything currently in production, if that would interest the Empire for investment."

She knew, after the meeting Alex had before she gave birth to her twins, that the Ession Reformation was looking for targets to attack to weaken the Sith, and she knew she couldn't move the one above Coruscant without alerting them to the fact that they knew and someone told her. Still, the Empress seemed intrigued by the anti-matter and for good reason. Anti-matter, if harnessed properly, could be more powerful than current reactors in production because of the nature of anti-matter.

"I suppose there is also little harm in mentioning that I'm quietly commissioning research into developing blaster technology that would utilize anti-matter within the blaster bolt, but that is still in the very early stages of being researched to see if development is even possible."

She poured herself a cup of her tea, and inclined her head to see if the Empress wanted to partake while they talked.

 

[Bubba Da Hutt]

“Yes there appears to be a number of factions crusading against the One Sith. In fact Caius briefly had a diplomatic meeting with a representative from the Mandalorians who wanted to lean on us to lend naval aid against the One Sith. I flatly refused such war mongering but I did attempt to promote economic growth between our two governments though to no avail. I have also encouraged economic ties with the Republic if that is of any interest to you. A few smaller companies have taken interest. One prominent company is Tanlab Industries who have provided a civilian holonet communications systems throughout our territories. The Empire is always interested investing in new technology that either aids in enhancing our security or further improves the standard of living.” She paused for a moment as the Sergeant who returned from the kitchen with a bottle whose contents looked like a protein shake. “My daily formula… nothing like a boat load of vitamins and minerals and probiotics in a delicious bland blend” Kista spoke with a wry smile before taking a gulp “Gash this stuff like saw dust… not saying I’ve ever ate saw dust but I mean it has that texture like quality if you ever feel the stuff in your fingers” She took one more grimacing gulp. Before setting it down to wait for a while.
“A necessary medication…” Kista spoke with a sigh also leaning back in her chair. “Like my husband, I actively desire to promote prosperity. But despite this I only wish to desire peace in this region of space. That is part of the reason I commissioned a hospital ship was for humanitarian missions. While on the same token we’ve also commissioned a new assault walker far more powerful than that of AT-AT. You mention this being utilized as a blaster bolt? What scale? Use on vehicles or small arms? If so that would be very top of the line technology”

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Imp NPC"]

"I doubt any Republic companies would want to work with me anytime soon," Taeli chuckled, not mentioning that she also controlled L&L Robotics, she did have access to those markets if need be. It always paid to have a good alias that could withstand background checks by your competition and others. The fact the Republic and Mandalorians were essentially ignoring the Empire did pique her interest a bit, and while the Empress wanted to have peace, Taeli could see an opening to gain at least a non-aggression pact if not an outright alliance with the Empire. Civilians and military men would not like being spurned by their other neighbors, but she would need to figure out a way to stop the Primeval from attacking Remnant space.

As the Empress essentially gagged on her shake, Taeli only gave a small smile as she described how it tasted and the texture.

"Might I recommend adding some chocolate to the mixture, not much, but a pinch," she said. "I know when I was on the fencing team at Lorrd how bad those type of shakes were, but a pinch of chocolate when it is mixed up helps with that and doesn't take away from the benefits of the shake. Just my own humble suggestion."

"The scale for the project would be to eventually replace all standard blaster technology with it, at least for our allies and ourselves," Taeli said, taking a sip of her tea. "That would include the blaster cannons on walkers and tanks. This is a very large undertaking I'm planning, you see, but we are only in the very beginning stages of even working on the problem."

 

[Bubba Da Hutt]

"Well my dear [member="Darth Arcanix"] I will certainly take that recommendation once the Flavian Star Corporation starts planting some cocoa plants in the near future, I'll have to prod Caius to do so next chance he returns home" Kista gave a wry smile. "Arcanix you just let me know if there is anything that we can help with in furthering this research."
She leaned forward and peered at the station. She couldn't see any of the storm troopers out there but a sense of pride was clear on her face as to the work these men and women were performing out there. In a way they were aiding in the laying the foundation of future diplomatic action between the One Sith Government and the Imperial Remnant's Government. Perhaps there could be further dealings in the future. For now though Kista had a number of worries on her mind. Yes these unknown forces had struck from beyond the outer rim, but thus far they have struck once. There have been sightings though our the Kad Region of space. A few merchant vessels traveling the Outbound Trail had been struck by these religious zealots.

Kista sat back her thoughts starting to drift to far and she took a breath and relaxed. She turned to the young sith and smiled "You say you were part of a fencing team? My my you had quite the journey in life. If you don't mind me asking how did you come about to using the dark side of the force?" Kista inquired with genuine interest. The Empress's few reservations of young sith had faded away by this point and she felt that she would tip toe to the idea of making diplomatic ties with the One Sith. Not that the Empress had any inkling to dabble in the dark side, but rather find common ground just as she had tried with the Mandos and the Republic.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Imp NPC"]

"Any aid would be appreciated," Taeli responded, nodding her head gratefully at the Imperial monarch. And that was when she asked about her life. Oh, such a complicated answer.

"It was an . . . unfortunate event that brought me into the fold of the dark side," Taeli said quietly. She usually didn't give out her personal story, but honesty would work best here with the Empress. Taeli could sense they were on the cusp of something here, and she felt it only fair to indulge the Empress in her question. It might not be the best answer, but it was true and she hoped the Empress would understand.

"When I graduated from the University of Lorrd, I was studying the Force had I had begun to manifest signs of it," she started to explain. "I convinced my parents to allow me to take the family shuttle off-world to study different sites of the Force, such as Korriban, Ossus, and so on. Before I left, I was running to a shop to get some extra datapads when the incident happened."

She turned to look out the window, the memories, even after all this time were still raw. Her workers and the Imperials were almost done with the drydock and she knew the equipment for the anti-matter production and research would be slowly installed and brought into service by now.

"I was almost to the shuttle and I took a side alley to get back to the dock, and I didn't see it coming. Three of my fellow students from the university had been attacking girls in the area, and they assaulted me. They were going to . . . violate me, and then kill me . . . and I just lost control. My emotions got the better of me, the fear, the anger, the despair . . . I lost compelte control. I hardly remember what I did, just . . . flashes, but when I came to, they were all dead."

Looking back at the Empress, her eyes slightly distant, she continued saying, "That was when Darth Praelior found me, my hands covered in blood, and she took me in. I wanted to control my powers, to not lose control like that again. I think its safe to say I succeeded, but that is why I am loyal to the Sith. They gave me a chance at a new life, to never be the victim to such depravity again. It's why I abhor some of my colleagues and their practices, but I'm loyal to the idea of the Sith, not individual Lords or Ladies."

Sighing, she finished by saying, "I'm sure you understand your Majesty, it is a painful subject for me, but I hope that answered your question . . . adequately."

 

[Bubba Da Hutt]

"My dear that was more than adequate... My sincerest apologies and I am also quite grateful for your openness" Astonishment, sadness, and even a little anger had flashed across the Empresses face as [member="Darth Arcanix"] spoke of those fateful moments. She could sense those same emotions that must have been risen that day flash momentarily in the force. The Knights in the room did not react this time to such a disturbance.
Kista was surprised by how much she had divulged of her life. She wasn't really certain the answer to expect and certainly wished she hadn't offended the young woman by asking. Kista decided to reciprocate such openess with a story of her own.

"Well one thing is most certain, is that despite the circumstances you have grown into a lovely young woman with much potential" She remarked and moved to place her hand on the young woman's arm. "My own life has been quite tumultuous and was marred by the loss of my family at the hands of Sith at a young age. I spent the better part of my child hood in a labor camp on the very world of Kalee. I grew up under yoke of the dark side. The scars on my back from the whips of those colleagues of yours only taught me resolve rather than breaking to their will. I watched as each of my family withered away in those camps. I nearly succumbed to the common flu if you would believe that. Every night I spent staring up at these very same stars and wonder why me. Was it because I was a Fel? Just born in the wrong time? Anger, rage, and hatred was what my captors wished to sow into my soul. I remember clearly the day a sith acolyte had snapped the neck of an elderly man who could no longer swing his pick axe. He went to take the grandson of that elder and made a show of why it was best not to defy someone who was superior. Anger did flow with me that day, but the zeal of justice burned brighter. I still recall that bastards face when I used the force to pull him into my fist. I spent nine weeks in a hole in the ground." The Empress did not hold back and freely allowed the emotions from that time be visible in the force. "It was in that pit that I found myself not drawn to the lightside nor the dark but simply just the force itself. I contemplated my existence to find any meaning in it. No answers were granted to me, no vision or grandiose destiny seemed to come to me. I spent 81 days going mad. By the end I had considered suicide as the only way to end my miserable life. After pulling me out of that pit I found myself being cared for by that young boy I had saved. He thanked me for standing up for him." Kista kept her composure. A small tear had formed in her right eye but she batted it away. A day so long ago that felt just like yesterday. The acidic rain of the planet's ruined atmosphere was in a down pour. Work had been halted. A teenage kista lay in pain with a child curled up next to her. "I discovered myself that day. I found the answer to my existence. To bring peace, order, and justice back into this insane galaxy of ours... The irony of my dealing with you is not lost on me. Revenge is a petty desire. I have learned to forgive the past and learn from those experiences. This has what has shaped me into the woman I am today. Of course there is much more to my stories in life. Perhaps later you can share with me some of your daring adventures"
She gave a squeeze and a smile before pulling a tissue out to wipe away another tear that tried to escape her eyes.

One of the side doors to the room opened an Ensign entered the room. He approached, clicking heels together smartly while snapping to attention. A swift salute was given by the Ensign which was promptly returned by Kista
"My Empress the Expeditionary Battle Groups have arrived in system they will be here at sublight speed in thirty minutes. The Hospital Ships are reporting max capacity. Commodore Parra has directed them to land at Imperial Center Valc. There are also a half dozen civilian freighers in tow as well, the majority of them refugees related to the patients on board the IHS840s"

"Instruct Commodore Parra to deploy the all units not participating the construction operations to be diverted to the handling the refugees. Send word to Julia Flavian that we'll need three of her vessels to arrive in system by no later than 0400 tomorrow morning to prevent a hunger crises..."
"Yes Majesty, your will be done" The Ensign spoke with reverence.
"Thank you, dismissed" Kista's tone was again the durasteel cutter. She knew Parra could handle those matters. It pained her that this situation would arise now of all times. It hopefully didn't cast a poor light on the state of affairs in the Empire. The Ensign saluted once more and departed.

"Lady Arcanix, I hope I didn't spoil your appetite..." Her soft voice had returned and she released the younger womans arm from the friendly grasp.

 

[Taeli Raaf]

[member="Imp NPC"]

"Thank you for sharing, your Majesty, and my apologies for anything a colleague or former colleague of mine put you through," Taeli said, shaking away the memories of what had formed her into the being she was now. "I might be a dark sider, but I abhor the excesses of some of my fellow Sith and the butchery they can perform off the battlefield. I might allow my academic nature to get the better of me during experiments and such, but I have never tested anything on a sentient being, and certainly don't condone of torture. When I gained my first apprentice, I was on Ossus actually gathering information on past events from the planet. She was a Jedi, just as hungry for knowledge as any young and ambitious woman will be, and while I defeated her in combat, I didn't resort to torture or harshness in convincing her to my side, I simply talked with her for a time and convinced her to join me."

As the message about the hospital ships reached her ears, and the state of affairs of what was going on, Taeli frowned slightly even as she gave the Empress a smile for the friendly gesture.

"My mother raised me to be Mandalorian, so no my appetite is still here," Taeli replied. "Regardless, perhaps I can be of some assistance to help your refugees? The second convoy of my construction crews will be arriving soon, along with their escorts. If you would permit me, we could also participate in the construction of shelters for the refugees and provide them with some of our ships' consumables. free of charge."

She knew it would put a slight strain on her workers, but they followed her orders without question because she had gained their trust and loyalty, not by ruling through fear.

"I understand these are trying times, and even a powerful government such as the Empire needs assistance every now and again," she replied with a small smile.

She wasn't being very Sith-like, true, right now she was just being Taeli Rae, a 22 going on 23 year old woman who found herself in a position to make useful inroads with the Empire. She just happened to be a Sith, but that didn't make her evil or blind to the plight of others. She knew other Sith were also helping those displaced by war or the poor of the people within their territories, and while it was good propaganda, it still served a useful purpose beyond showing Sith weren't all monsters.

 

[Bubba Da Hutt]

Kista’s smile turned into a frown. Her gaze moved to the view port again to look at the station. As much as the offer was tempting there was a distinct number of political ramifications involved with allowing such aid. The refugees aboard those vessels were predominately displaced from the core worlds. As the war between the OS and Republic escalated over the last few years the emigration had pushed people further out and away. As each planet was conquered by the One Sith and Lost by the Republic the numbers had rapidly increased.
The Empress cleared her mind for just a moment to ponder.
The offer was tempting. Even now she knew that the Intelligence and Security Bureau were fervently making the appropriate censorship to both the construction of these shipyards and the careful placement of these civilians. The timing was inopportune to say the least. However the Empress could no longer delay the transfer of these civilians, the unrest in the Inevitably this young women would seek further power and authority within the One Sith such is the inherent nature of such an order. It was certainly no different in comparison to the Empire. Her mind rested on [member="Darth Arcanix"] herself not the One Sith. She had demonstrated the qualities of a diplomat with a sense of humility.
Kista’s frown was replaced with a soft smile and once more her eyes rest on Arcanix.
“My dear, I am moved by your gracious offer. I sadly must decline. There is much anger, frustration, hate, and sorrow within those souls. Any whiff of association with the One Sith would right now incur a deeper problem. I am already tiptoeing the political tight rope by having allowed this deal to even materialize. Our Intelligence and Security Bureau is heavily involved behind the scenes of this operation. Despite the short term woes of the people here on a regional level, I must ensure that on the galactic stage the myriad of threats that exist are either kept in check or eradicated. These are the fears that may haunt my dreams sometimes,” Her smile grew wider as she again considered the young woman to be a very intriguing individual “Your mother certainly instilled some strong qualities in her daughter. I hope to do the same with my children.”

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Taeli sighed slightly. That was a disappointing answer, but understandable. While Coruscant had largely remained unchanged under Sith rule, other worlds had been far more affected, Alderaan and Zeltros springing to mind. Still, perhaps there was a way she could help indirectly. . .

"That is disappointing to hear your Majesty," she said. "I know the war has done much in terms of damage, but I still would like to help. Perhaps I could arrange for several loads of food and water, plus building materials to have been 'accidentally' left behind when we finish construction. That way your ISB could pass it off as un-needed supplies the workers didn't need and left for use by the Empire. An idea no?"

"As for my mother, well she kinda was the one who taught me how to fight," she answered with a sheepish grin. "Mandalorian mother, not so good at the diplomacy. My father, on the other hand, is a professor of history and politics on Lorrd and he was the one who taught me proper manners. Mom just taught me how to fight in a dress if need be."

She added the last part with a small laugh and a wide smile. She was certainly enjoying her time with the Empress, as it was always refreshing to speak with intelligent people who understood the great game.

"Did your Majesty have any question she would like to ask me?" Taeli asked, tilting her head slightly. "I'm open to answering any you are curious about, whether it be about myself or my views, or etc."

Outside, the Mark I was starting to near completion and just in time too as a larger convoy of ships began to appear out of hyperspace, carrying the modules and parts for the other two shipyards. Broadcasting a message to Commodore Parra about how they were Krayt Industries Convoy Gamma, requesting permission to move into the construction zone to begin work on the other two shipyards.

 

[Bubba Da Hutt]

Commodore Parra
A light green male Twi’lek who wore the uniform and insignia of an Imperial Naval Captain stood at the observation port at the fore of the bridge. A gaze of mixed emotions was visible to none except his own reflections. “Sir, we are being hailed by the newly arrived vessels from the Krayt Industries” A chief petty officer spoke from the port side bridge pulpit. The captain turned and walked the length of the command catwalk that separated the two pulpits. He approached the bulkhead doors that parted to give entry into the Combat Information Center. The quiet murmur of the Bridge differed from the cacophony of noise that greeted the Captain as the bulkhead doors slid apart. “Get me the Commodore” he spoke to a lieutenant who stood at the door. The Lt gave a crisp salute “Aye Aye Captain,” then adjusted a knob and to a jack out of an auxiliary port and plugged it into another. Next the man handed a headset to the Captain “Sir, the CCC is on the line”
Commodore Parra was standing over a terminal with a stack of a half dozen charts alongside double that size of a data slates. The Imperial Officer furrowed his brow as the mountain of paper work as both acting governor of this sector and the flag officer of the Empress’s Imperial Guard. A petty held a headset up to Parra who sighed momentarily and took the device begrudgingly.
“This is the Commodore,”
“A convoy of vessels from Krayt Industries have entered the system.”
“Is there an issue Captain?” Annoyance pervaded the Commodores voice.
“Sir the convoy is making a request to enter and continue the work effort, I would like to bring the Pillar of Order to a near stop so that the Empress and her guest may have a better view of the initial construction”
“Permission Granted to their request and your own. Now if you’ll excuse me Captain I have a troublesome star system to subdue…” The Commodore hit the end key on the headset and returned to compiling data on how to swiftly bring a non-compliant world into the fold…




Empress Kista Fel
“There is one thing certain in the universe, how we view things around us is subjective… The ISB are masters of shaping perspective. I thank you for the donation.” Kista grinned, happy that at least a conciliation could be reached. Questions? Hmmmmmm. She pondered for a moment. “I might have a few for you. For instance what is your perspective with the war between the One Sith and the Republic? I know it’s a broad topic to start off on but I do have a few specific questions in mind with that one.” She noticed that the Pillar of Order had begun to rotate on its medial axis to the portside. For a brief moment the shipyards disappeared as the view slowly changed to that of the open void and the galaxy that lay out there. The Empress grinned at the coincide to pose such a question at this very moment. The ship continued to rotate while it simultaneously its starboard thrusters initiated several bursts of acceleration which propelled the vessel to a 45 degree turn to port. As it continued to rotate the vessel leveled out and the view had returned to that of the shipyards. The disciplined maneuver of a 1600 meter vessel was a feat a well-trained crew could make look easy. The Pillar of Order then reversed its thrusters and brought the ship to a near stillness.


[member="Darth Arcanix"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

Receiving the clearance from the Commodore, the Krayt convoy began moving towards the construction zone while work was starting to finish up on the Mark I. Once they reached the area, Jaxson, Krayt Industries Chief Engineer, asked for the large Imperial presence to help with offloading the modules for the two Type III orbital construction and repair docks. Luckily, most of the modules could be built off site and brought in on large ships, but they still required a great deal of work to get them assembled and operational.

"You're welcome, your Majesty, anything to help," Taeli said with a smile. As the Empress asked her questions, Taeli thought how best to reply. She decided blunt honesty would be best, both for why she supported the war and why she disagreed with some of the actions taken during the war. While she framed her words, she appreciated the maneuver of the Star Destroyer so they would have a better view of the construction.

"I view the war as . . . history repeating itself yet again. The Republic became bloated and bureaucratic, almost complacent I would say. When the Sith emerged and the war broke out anew, I was on Lorrd and far from the conflagration that was engulfing the Core Worlds. When I joined the Sith, I became involved with fighting in this war . . . but I would say I support it because it's my duty to support my government. I do not support what happened on Alderaan and Zeltros, Manaan didn't need to have Ahto City sank . . . but then neither side is free from atrocities. The Republic, as I understand it as I was not present during Alderaan, were the ones to bombard the palace and such. They sank part of Ahto City before on Manaan, and they bombarded areas on Zeltros."

Sighing, she continued by saying, "War is an ugly thing, but necessary sometimes I guess. I would prefer a policy more in line with yours actually. Hearts and minds are important, along with a strong military that can act against enemies of the state. I know you want Victory Through War, but we both know, war will inevitably reach the Empire. Our galaxy is too messy of a place for anything to happen. I suppose I'm saying I support the war against the Republic as it is my duty to, but I would prefer other routes to taking their territory."

[member="Imp NPC"]

 

[Taeli Raaf]

It took several more hours, but eventually the shipyards were completed. All the while, Taeli continued her conversation with the Empress and enjoyed every second of it. She was a wise head of state in these troubling times, and Taeli was willing to work with her on any project or thing she deemed fit.

Their philosophies, while slightly different in regards to their stances on the Force, were rather similar and Taeli hoped she and her Emperor would have a strong rule in this area of space. As their meeting adjourned, Taeli made her way back to ehr shuttle with much to think about. The establishment of the yards and the anti-matter station in this space were most certainly in the best interest in the company . . . and if this area of space was taken by the Primeval eventually or held by the Empire, Taeli and Krayt would still be able to work in relative security.

As her shuttle flew back to her ship, she smiled almost triumphantly as she passed the two Type III drydocks and the Mark I yard and research station. Yes . . . she had made the right decision after all in pursuing this with the Imperial Remnant.

(OOC: Since Caius is going to be gone for a long time or forever, I put this up to conclude the thread so it didn't remain hanging in limbo forever)