Dominion Swoops & Shadows | DE Dominion of Corsin and Shili

[Marlon Sularen]

S W O O P S & S H A D O W S
Objective : BYOO

DARK EMPIRE
SHILI, EXPANSION REGION

Sularen listened carefully as Moff Antipater and Director Ghadi offered their responses with Onrai even making a surprise appearance which somewhat caught the Imperial Warlord off-guard as he wasn't expecting anyone else to partake in this meeting beyond the Moff of Jaemus and the Director of the OIT. However all three of them shared similar opinions with both Antipater and Onrai speaking of the unfeasibility of harming the large corporations that opposed the Empire and their little Corporate Interests Guild while also speaking further about the importance of seizing control of the economically important worlds along the Braxant Run, an opinion that even Director Ghadi shared.

While it was somewhat disappointing to see his ideas for a direct retaliation against the Corporate Interest Guild quickly downplayed, dismissed and then buried under further suggestions, the Warlord did not blame these individuals for sharing such views. The Corporate Interests Guild had more cards to play then the Empire, more political connections and greater reach which gave the illusion that these Corporations could not be humbled, that the CIG was untouchable and could not be harmed. However Sularen was not going to let this defeatist attitude blind his judgement. The Corporate Interests Guild would be put down, one way or another.

"I am well aware of the need to incorporate the Braxant Run and take action to ensure economic independence and self-sufficiency but as Onrai said, that is something that can easily be achieved. Beyond the Intergalactic Banking Clan and the elements of the Corporate Interests Guild protect them, there is little opposition that stands in the way of the Empire's conquest of those worlds. Not to mention that we have access to sufficient resources both within the Empire and beyond in order to fuel our war effort against the Alliance and grow our economy." Sularen responded.

"However the real issue at hand is the threat that the Corporate Interests Guild poses to the Empire, a collection of corporations with enough political connections and reach across the galaxy, not to mention a considerable military force given the combined military strength of Strill Securities, the Trade Federation and the N&Z Umbrella Corporation among other corporations that they can wield at ease. Already they have made it clear that they oppose us with their embargo and intolerance for our domestic policies and hold the belief that they have some right to dictate our economic policies."

Sularen paused for a while and looked at Moff Antipater, Director Ghadi and Onrai before continuing to speak. "I have made the mistake of making enemies and turning my back on them only for them to stab me in the back plenty of times in the past. If we let this Corporate Interests Guild continue to waddle about with their delusions then i fear the Empire as a whole will suffer the same fate. To be stabbed multiple times in their back and bled dry by these Corporations until we are crushed by the Galactic Alliance and eradicated." the Warlord explained. "Assassinations and Bounties may be a good starting point but we need more then that. If corporate executives can be easily replaced, then we must ensure no one will want to step up and replace them. If assets can be required to make up for previous losses, then we must make sure there are no avenues to acquire new assets."

"If this Empire is to prosper, if we are to emerge victorious against the Galactic Alliance and stand taller then the Old Empire formed by Irveric Tavlar then we must leave no stone unturned regardless of how heavy it is. Every play and every move the Corporate Interests Guild makes must be countered with our own plays and moves with great efficiency until nothing is left of that wretched orginization. Our Empire cannot stand if we have enemies stabbing us in the leg and as such we must take action to sever their hands before they can act against us."

Tags | Antipater | Reiner Ghadi | Onrai ​

 

[Jin X]

SWOOPS AND SHADOWS

Objective: BYOO (Criminal Underground)
Voice: XX
Tags: N/A​

The man just stared at the cyborg-looking girl, trying to gauge how to respond and how to approach her defiance. Then an idea came to him. "It seems to me you are a problem, a cancerous sore growing on my patience. However, I would be a fool to ignore such a proposition. As you say, times are changing, and I believe the Circle would benefit from the winning side. But I require a test from you," he said chuckling.

"What sort of test," the Fiend replied back, her own patience wearing thinner by the second. She didn't appreciate the hospitality she was already receiving, and now she grew to despise this man who thought it would be entertaining to make her jump through hoops in the form of a test. "Let's call it a test of your loyalty. No..no..no! A test of your ability to represent this Dark Empire properly. A simple task. I want you to kill the wife of the Circle's main opposition, The Brood. Her name is Helenia Mariuson, she is the wife of one Delister Mariuson, leader of the Brood. Carry out this task, and we will talk further about a pact between our two organizations."

"I do hope you give me more than just a name," she chimed, "Less your memory is already in the early stages of failure, I am a stranger to your lands. A name means nothing without a starting location attached to it."

Rubbing his chin, his mind like a hamster on a wheel, he clapped his hands before decreeing, "Very well. A starting point. Your starting point, girl, will be the Lostin Industrial Complex. She oversees the daily operations for that thing she calls a husband. And before you moan to me about that location, I'll be so inclined to send two of my men to guide you. Simple, kill the woman and bring back proof of the deed."

"Very well," Jin X said turning around. As she made her way to the exit with her two guides, she said over her shoulder, "Call me girl again old man, and I will cut your tongue from that mouth and feast on in front of your crying eyes."

 

[Brutalis]

Objective II
​

The massive dark side elite was a sight both ludicrous and horrifying, towering over the battlefield like a god of destruction with a massive, 15-foot-long lightclub in his grip. Despite its absurd size, the lightclub seemed almost natural in his massive hands, its crimson blade roaring to life with a deep, guttural hum that echoed across the chaos of the battlefield. To the ordinary soldier, it appeared less a weapon and more a blazing, oversized wall of death, its arcs wide enough to catch entire squads in a single sweep.

As Brutalis waded through the lines, he swung the lightclub with abandon, each sweep carving fiery gashes through anything in its path. The blade cleaved through steel, stone, and flesh alike, cutting foes in two, vaporizing limbs, and leaving charred smears where enemies once stood. The sheer radius of his strikes was so enormous that friend and foe alike were caught in its deadly arc. Brutalis's comrades scarcely had time to react before they, too, found themselves cleaved by the monstrous weapon.

Yet Brutalis showed no care for those who fought beside him; his entire being was focused on one purpose: destruction in the Emperor's name. As he swung the blade in a wide, sweeping arc, he bellowed, "Victory for the Emperor!" His voice was thunderous.

 

[Antipater]

Marlon Sularen | Reiner Ghadi | Onrai

"I was asked to suggest a method of retaliation," Antipater flatly informed Onrai, "How strange that you are of the Sith and yet have little conception of the power of fear. If it is not a lesson you have learned already, I will not bore you with the details."

The spirit's intrusion was practically fraying Antipater's circuits. Onrai was an ambassador of everything wrong about the Empire. An overreliance on Dark superstitions and middling sorcery, unleashed from secular authority and wisdom. These things had failed them at Coruscant and they would fail the Empire again in the long run. Not that he could lodge such complaints openly.

That would be politically incorrect.

He returned his attention to the warlord. Antipater did not admire Sularen's candor, but he did find it intriguing. Very few people would have admitted quite so plainly that this vendetta was strictly personal. Oh well. The ability to do something unexpected was very often a valued quality in military commanders... Not that Antipater could appreciate such a thing. Precision and reliability were more to his liking.

"You are proposing we hound the Guild at every conceivable turn while simultaneously prosecuting a two-front war against the Alliance. Are these... People... Truly enough of a threat to warrant such expenditure...? What else have they managed aside from their embargo?"

 

[Onrai]

Reiner Ghadi Marlon Sularen Antipater

"So long as we are forced to rely on external corporations, they will have power over us. Every good of every Imperial citizen should be provided from within the Empire - when that happens, they can do nothing to harm us, in truth." Onrai chose not to point out that such had already happened on Ord Mantell, which she had specifically crafted and reshaped to fulfill precisely such a situation. The world would continue to survive if not thrive even if the Empire fell down around it - how much better off the Empire would be if every world in its systems was similar.

Onrai listened to Sully's concerns before promulgating a response. "Then we need to push for complete and total autarky insofar as the Empire. Your concern about corporations stabbing us in the back goes away if they haven't a stiletto to shove between our ribs. If you truly do want to do something to harm them, then the Empire needs to claim a world that is the sole source of a given valuable natural resource in the galaxy and refuse to trade it to galactic powers that align with this corporate coterie. People will disengage from them rather rapidly in that case."

Ah yes, the droid moff. Onrai addressed his comments herself, calmly and collectedly. "And you responded properly, yet your dialogue is according to command chain. I have more than enough of a concept of the power of fear - more than anyone in this room, and I know, contrary to your logical algorithms, that sometimes people make the illogical decision to face and defy their fears, no matter how strong they may be. Go look at the ashes of every other Sith or Dark Side Empire, from the Maw to the ancient Rakata. How long did fear keep their enemies in line before one single solitary soul decided to face it and destroy their leadership, or some of them started a rebellion that led to their destruction? How long before they fell to infighting, squabbling over the carrion carcasses of their forgotten fellows while the Jedi and those of their ilk celebrated another year, decade, or century of "peace and freedom?" A good plan is built on understanding man's logic. A superb plan is built on understanding man's chaos."

She made the sound as though the incorporeal abomination had cleared her throat. "But I do agree with you, Antipater. Aside from their embargo, these corporate crones offer no threat to us. Their armed forces, imposing as they may seem, are inferior to our own, they lack the resources to pursue a sustained offensive, and so long as we demand nothing of them insofar as goods they have to offer, they have no leverage over us. In short, we shouldn't waste our time and should continue pursuing expansion to wield the axe of our arsenal against the Alliance."

 

[Domaric Mordane]

---

Allegiant General Mordane followed Empress Dyans Keto into the chamber, his expression as measured as ever, though the hint of tension in her words did not escape him. The Empire had reclaimed much of what was lost in the Core, yet, as she rightly noted, this was far from the war's end.

He waited for her and her delegation to settle before speaking, choosing his words with the cool precision of a strategist.

"Empress Dyans," Mordane began, inclining his head with respect. "As I've expressed, your commitment to your people, to what it means to be Tetan, is understood and respected within the Empire. We know the toll the Alliance exacts on those who dare to resist its authority. We too fight to preserve our worlds, our heritage — and in many ways, our autonomy."

Settling into his own seat opposite her, Mordane steepled his fingers, his dark gaze meeting hers with a tempered resolve. "We come here today not as mere allies of convenience but to build something enduring. The Dark Empire and the Krath have had their differences in the past, and we acknowledge the betrayal of the...previous regime. Rest assured, our purpose today is to correct that course. My mission is to see that you and your people find your rightful place within a greater Imperial unity — one that respects, rather than consumes, the unique legacy of Teta."

He leaned forward, voice lowering as the seriousness of his words took on an almost ritualistic weight. "This conflict has only hardened our resolve to see a galaxy where worlds need not sacrifice their identities in the name of 'Alliance'. Today, with your aid, we forge the path to that vision — one founded on strength, heritage, and the will to endure."

With a slight nod, he gestured for her input. "As for who we await, the decision remains yours. I do not need a delegation, your grace. Let us make this
moment count."

Dyans Keto

​

 

[Zaven Trask]

Location: Corsin, outskirts of Governor Palace

Objective 1: Final Assault
​

The sounds of blaster fire and explosions would continue to rock the city streets. The occasional roar of TIE fighters could be heard loudly overhead. Trask and his squad mates would cautiously move from street to street, the blaster fire only kept inching closer while the squad mates would inch ever closer to the Palace, it seemed colossal compared to the Stormtroopers that were moving closer and closer. “I don’t like this.” Kat said with some ice in her tone. Trask would grumble in response. “What’s there to like?” He pointed out as the troopers watched every corner and angle. Something told Trask that they wouldn’t make it to the palace without struggling for it.

“Keep moving and keep quiet.” Trapper would say, his finger was itching to squeeze the trigger of the heavy blaster at any moment, still neither of the troopers were left with much options. There was an unsettling silence that persisted through the damaged streets, the squad would cautiously cut through corners and alleyways. The giant of a palace seemed to become less intimidating while they inched ever closer to the source of their mission. If Admiral Tay couldn’t be arrested he would be executed in the name of the Empire.

“Thank the Stars.” Trask would say after passing through the empty streets. Right in front of them was the large metallic wall in front of them. “You sure they weren’t expecting us?” Kat would ask suspicion had creeped into her tone, while Trapper looked all around the opening, his heavy blaster waved back and forth, the heavy gunner of a trooper was to the back of his squad mates, while the other two stormtroopers would slowly move towards the wall. There was little cover, with much of the enemy forces distracted by the clash between Imperial forces wishing to throw the rogue Warlord out if he wouldn’t come willingly.

“I’ll set charges to blow an opening.” Trask would say, his tone was filled with worry as he set his blaster to the side. Grabbing some charges from his pack, he carefully started the process of placing them in the wall. “Kark!!!” Trapper shouted as several turrets would sprout from the walls, immediately did the first blaster shot strike the gunner in his shoulder. A cry of pain echoed from his helmet, he immediately squeezed hard on the trigger, the barrel of the gun would heat up, red bolts shot out against the turrets attempting to pin the squad down.

“Son of a Murglak! I knew this was too easy, both of you provide suppressing fire while I blow our way in.” Trask said urgency crept into his voice. His steady fingers now shaky, as he started to press the controls to arm the charges. It would take several minutes, while both Kat and Trapper would cling to the back of the wall, returning fire towards the turrets while trying to avoid returning fire in the process. Nothing about this was far from easy.

 

[Reiner Ghadi]

Marlon Sularen , Antipater , Onrai

He listened to each in turn, an deep down he couldn't help but to internally scoff. Not that any one of them didn't have their share of valid points... they surely did. Yet, it seemed that the art of nuance was lost on most of them. Reiner didn't expect more than that from them. Sularen had proven himself countless times over in battle, yet despite his political background, Reiner only ever could see him as a tactician. As for Onrai, well... Reiner simply didn't trust those that used the ever-elusive magic known as The Force. Antipater, on the other hand, would find himself in line with Reiner's own thoughts the most, yet how much does one really rely on the words of a droid?

No... it would be his place to help this council stick the course, and as such, he would finally speak, leaning forward in his seat as his cold gaze met each one in turn.

"The corporate entities do present a threat to us, no matter how strong our economy may be."

He could feel his knuckles turning white beneath his gloves as he spoke, yet the Director would manage to keep his cool.

"I urge those present to entrust the handling of such machinations to the OIT. Should any threat be made clear, we will handle it. If we cannot, then we will present a clear plan of action to those that can."

He shot a quick glance to both Onrai and Sularen as that last remark left his lips. His last shot of gaze would be aimed at Anipater as he continued.

"The droid may be operating on logic and algorithmic function, yet such logical and logistical thinking has great merit. We must approach this from a rather methodical position. We must cover all bases. Yes, we must maintain a strong economy. Yes, we must keep foreign economic powers in check."

He would stand up from his seat, taking one more moment to look them each in the eye.

"All I can say is this... we are watching them, always... should anyone have concerns, bring them to me. Do not bring them to Tithe. Though I have conspired with him in the past among the ranks of the Alliance, believe me when I say that I know the man can not be trusted."

He turned away, only to stop right before passing through the doorway...

"Long live the Empire..."

 

[Zaven Trask]

Objective: Final Assault
Location: Corsin, Governor's Palace

Trask was biting his lip underneath his helmet, his fingers were pressing down the various buttons to activate the charge to blow the wall. All around him did the blaster fire continue to echo all around him. Heavy blaster fire would echo all around, it was defeating while he carefully tried to put the detonator in place. The turrets along the wall kept repeating. Bolt after bolt of blaster fire kept coming in a swarm, while the two troopers besides Trask would try to return in kind with suppressing fire. Barely able to hug the wall, keeping both of them safe while Trask was busy with trying to trigger the explosive against the wall.

Trapper managed to land a hit on the turret, the resulting blaster bolt had caused the turret to explode through one of its openings. However, this would only cause two more turrets to spring from the wall. “There always has to be more!” Trapper would grumble following another spray of blaster fire. “Just shut it and keep shooting!” Kat would shout out to Trapper while Trask would finish setting the charge. “Got it, Fire in the hole!” Trask said activating the detonated causing the three troopers to break from the position. They moved away from the wall and the turrets that were firing at them. The charge pack would start to glow, an alarm sounded before it finally exploded along the wall of the palace. A loud boom sounded, cloud of dust would form but when it cleared in just a matter of seconds.

“Finally, we can start pushing in!” Trapper would say in relief after allowing his blaster rifle to cooldown. “Better late than never.” Trask would say with a grunt, looking to the offensive wall, both of the turrets had been destroyed in the resulting explosion. The three stormtroopers now had a clear way into the palace. If everything went well, they would reach Admiral Tay in no time.

The inside of the palace resembled Imperial architecture, gray metal surrounded by bright white lights, a sterile atmosphere adorned with banners of the NIO. The work of a rogue Warlord seemed to be obsessed by the past. All seemed quiet for now, all three soldiers looked to each corner, blasters raised and ready to fire upon any unsuspecting troopers that dare to stop them.

“We’ll take the lift leading to the top of the spire. If it isn’t a trap.” Kat would point out as she moved towards the nearest turbolift, Trask followed behind while Trapper covered them. “We just go in and come out.” Trapper said nervously while the controls were inserted. Soon with great speed did the turbolift ascend high towards the tower. It would be a straight shot towards confront the Warlord, unless surprises were to be expected.​

 

[Marlon Sularen]

S W O O P S & S H A D O W S
Objective : BYOO

DARK EMPIRE
SHILI, EXPANSION REGION

As Moff Antipater, Onrai and Director Ghadi continued to argue and debate over the merits of going after the Corporations, Colonel Rackham entered the conference room politely greeting the collection of Imperials that had been gathered here by the Imperial Warlord. "Sorry for the intrusion, but the ISB has just caught wind of a recent development that i think you all might find interesting." Rackham said before walking over to Sularen and handing over to him a small datapad. Upon receiving the datapad, Sularen slowly lit up with a smirk appearing on his face as he read the contents of the datapad. Finally something that might convince the other Imperials to take action against the Corporate Interests Guild.

Once he finished reading the datapad, the Imperial Warlord would gently place it on the table with the screen facing the surface of the table before proceeding to address the three other Imperials in the room. "It seems that your question has been answered, Moff Antipater." Sularen began before sliding the datapad towards him. "It appears that one member of the so-called Corporate Interests Guild has launched a bounty against the entirety of the Dark Empire. Ank Dec of the Colicoid Creation Nest based on Colla IV within Alliance territory." the Warlord explained.

"It might not appear as threatening at first, but this bounty demands that all targets must be confirmed as killed in action. By issuing this bounty, Mr. Dec is inviting people to harm Imperial personnel for profit, which is most certainly an indirect attempt to undermine us by the Corporate Interest Guild of which Ank Dec is apart of. Like i said before, when you turn your back on the enemy, they will always try to stab you in the back."

Tags | Antipater | Reiner Ghadi | Onrai ​

 

[Antipater]

Marlon Sularen | Reiner Ghadi | Onrai

Director Ghadi was leaving. A pity. This meeting would have benefited from what little edification he had to offer, but apparently there were more pressing matters to attend to. Perhaps the multi-front war that Antipater had heard so much about...

Antipater took the datapad in hand and considered its contents. It was, indeed, the Colicoids. But they were only observers to the Guild as far as he was aware. He continued to peruse its contents. Aliens liked to place themselves above humans, but in this case it appeared their neuroses were uniform. This was a waste of the Creation Nest's time and credits as assuredly as any response would be a waste of the Empire's.

If only Dec were as fixated on his craft as he was on galactic politics. Then perhaps his little nest could develop something beyond the worryingly substandard.

"Very well. Your point is made. It is conceivable the Guild will encourage or directly pursue more aggressive action in the future," Antipater offered the datapad to Onrai in the event its contents were of any interest to her. If not, he simply slid it back to Sularen. "And yet it remains more efficient to deal with them through willing proxies."

The droid Moff meshed his hands. "Implanting selectivist agitators among their employees may yield results, given time. Strikes and unionization campaigns will either disrupt the Guild's profits or force them to respond with violence... Which will then discredit them in the eyes of their largest market, the Galactic Alliance."

 

[Onrai]

Reiner Ghadi Marlon Sularen Antipater


Onrai took the datapad from Antipater, examining the message and audibly chuckling before passing it back to the Warlord of the Empire. "This has to be a joke. If they actually tried to harm any of us, their world would be sterilized and subjugated. I agree with Antipater that pushing fifth columnist action amongst their employee base might be the best and least interventionist option we can press for - how unfortunate the director has already left. This would've been right up his alley." She sighed. "In any case, our operational effectiveness against these knaves shouldn't be impacted."

The wraithlike figure headed to the shadows of the corner of the room, seemingly melting away among them until only her eyes remained. "Let me know if there are any developments, Sully." With that, her eyes closed and she at least seemed to leave the area.

 

[Dyans Keto]

Post: 4
Objective: BYOO Krath & DE Negotiations
Location: Corsin Retreat
Theme: Vendetta
Tags: Domaric Mordane

​

---

Dyans just nodded her head. "Very well, then Allegiant General Mordane." It was time to lay the cards out on the table it seemed. This knew alignment of the Dark Imperial regime seemed to at least want to try to work with the Krath. At least from Mordane's demeanor it seemed that way, though he was a very composed man making him hard to read fully.

"The Empire is currently divided by alliance territory. The Deep core from the mainland, and it may take time and a lot of military effort to unite them. We propose the Empire makes the Krath more specifically me the provisional governor of the deep core territories. Giving me autonomy to defend it as I see fit until such a time it is connected to the mainland then we can renegotiate terms." She paused for a moment, knowing there would be concerns with this proposal and thinking through her words very carefully. "Empress Teta would be the temporary capitol of the territory; we would not take aggressive acts against the alliance or other governments unless pre-approved by the Emperor or the ruling council only defensive ones that encroach on the territory. In return the Krath would fully adhere to Imperial standards and edicts."

She slightly adjusted her arm as it slid a bit in her lap. "We would also offer all our intelligence to Imperial Intelligence. The Krath have spies and informants in almost every territory." It was risky Dyans had people everywhere and had since the days of the Maw and this could jeopardize their positions, but it was worth it to put it on the table. Granted her higher up in the alliance was no more thanks to the Dark Empire.

"One other point we would like to put on the table, if for whatever reason the deep core territories have to be abandoned or are lost, we need to ensure our alliance. We request governorship over Muunilinst as well, when the Imperials finally decide to move on it, we would have much preferred Onderon as it a holy site to the Krath, but we have heard the Mandalorians have recently made moves on that world." She knew in return for the Krath's allegiance she was asking for a lot but she was looking at all possible outcomes that might arise.

"Final point, we will be recognized as a member in the ruling council, so we can help pass ideals we think will strengthen the Empire and secure its future." Dyans had many ideals she felt could make the Empire stronger, she was an Imperial first idealist with the more sith aspects playing the shadow hand that guided. She looked at Mordane with a steely gaze of her jade eyes, determined in the future she wanted to see for both the Tetan people and hopefully the Empire. She awaited his counter, acceptance, or additional wants from the Empire's side.

 

[Zaven Trask]

Governor Palace, Corsin
Objective: Final Assault








​

The turbolift would rumble as it made the ascent towards the top of the spire. Inside both Kat, Trapper, and Trask were all waiting to confront Admiral Tay. None of them said a word, but many could feel the private thoughts to be shared between them. The tension was clearly evident, that for a few bucketheads like them there was a possibility that there would be no coming back. The three would check weapons, reload on ammo for the blasters, make sure the last few thermal detonators were ready. All three seemed prepared to take out the Rogue Warlord one way or the other.

The door would open, the three troopers were welcomed with an empty hall. “Alright, let’s go.” Said Trask as he would lead his fellow Troopers down the hall. Kat would step cautiously while Trapper would eagerly move up. “I don’t like this. Wouldn’t he expect us?” Kat would ask with some skepticism into her tone. “He is nowhere in sight!” Trapper would counter her words with gruff irritation. Trask continued to move on ahead, his boots against the cold durasteel would cause an eerie echo to sound out through the hall. There was a sense of uneasiness that no one could shake off so easily.

“Should be beyond this door.” Trask would say, his black gloved fingers reached for the controls. Before a single digit could make contact he heard a sharp activation noise. “Wha-“ Trask would say his tone sounded confused. Above him a Ray Shield activated seeming to trap both Trask and Trapper.

“I’m sorry, but you won’t be getting in my way.” He heard a sharp Core World accent sound brimming with arrogance. He saw the billowing cape of an Imperial naval officer flanked by Death Troopers. However, Kat remained unseen and unhanded through the darkness. In her hand did she grasp a thermal detonator, though she couldn’t decide whether to free her fellow troopers first, or get the job done.

 

[Zaven Trask]

​

Objective: Final Assault
Location: Corsin, Governor's Palace

​

Admiral Tay stood flanked by his death troopers, as he stared both Trask and Trapper down. Through the shadows of the dark hall the Warlord stood there a confident smirk, the death troopers on either side of him raised blaster rifles ready to open fire. Trask stood there, his blaster was lowered but he kept a fist raised in defiance. Neither one of the troopers could comprehend being captured, but it seemed the arrogant Warlord had planned ahead so throughly that infiltration seemed impossible, “I will not fall so easily to some pretenders. Nothing will stop what has come before.” He said with a mixture of defiant fury and persistence.

“Great! We got another talker here.” Trapper would complain to Trask while they remained stoic. Trask would give a side glance to his fellow trooper, both powerless it seemed to get out of the rayshield. “You know how the officers were, always arrogant and pompous Karks.” Trask would whisper back to Trapper as if also annoyed by the Warlord’s grandstanding. “Yeah, we get it. Why don’t you come in here, say it louder.” Trask would say to Admiral Tay, his body language expressed feigned ignorance over the Warlord’s words. The resulting response was a huff from Tay. “Keep it up! I’ll make sure that being slagged is the last thing. No, I’ll be sure to make a public example out of you both.” He said a smirking triumphantly.

Trapper could only groan in response. “Kat better hurry up, if he doesn’t stop the boasting we might have to get out.” His squad mate almost howled with laughter, instead he held himself together. His eyes tried to scan for any alternatives, but quickly noticed that there seemed to be nothing neither of them could do. Stormtroopers standing in front of a mad Warlord, with only a rayshield that had kept both of the troopers from doing anything. Unknown to the both of them was that the missing squad mate stood close by, blaster in one hand and a detonator in the other. She kept close to the dark waiting for any moment to attack the Warlord.

She gritted her teeth as she pressed down on the detonator. The detonator would quickly start blinking in a mixture of white and red. The ticking would quickly start to speed up. “Now I wonder if I should fry you or blast you.” Admiral Tay said with a thumb rubbing his chin pensively. Then a voice would call out through the shadows. “How about disintegrate you!” She shouted as she fired out her blaster. The Rayshield was destroyed free the to troopers. Before either Trask or Trapper could thank Kat, they immediately ducked for cover.

Tay at first seemed confused then angered. “How dare-“ Before he could finish did Kat chuck the ticking thermal detonator straight towards the warlord. Before the detonator could make impact with the Warlord, did a fiery explosion was released. The one dark hallway was quickly illuminated in an orange fireball, with the squad mates clinging to the very corners hoping for some relief against the destruction.

​

 

[Marlon Sularen]

S W O O P S & S H A D O W S
Objective : BYOO

DARK EMPIRE
SHILI, EXPANSION REGION

As both Onrai and Moff Antipater were presented with the evidence of the Bounty Issued by the Colicoid Creation Nest on the entirety of the Dark Empire they finally came to the conclusion that the Corporate Interests Guild presented at least some form of a threat to the Empire although still they were hesitant to take more direction action against them, insisting instead of fifth-columnist action to weaken and undermine the economic and political power of the Corporations for the time being.

It was a prudent strategy that could yield results although Sularen still found it somewhat unsatisfactory, he desired to see the power of Megacorporations broken their delusions of grandeur shattered. But perhaps caution and a slow approach might be a better approach to deal with the Megacorporations considering Sularen himself had been unable to find a method to deal with the Corporations in direct conflict that wouldn't put a strain on Imperial resources given at his their industries were scattered across the galaxy and how they could easily entrench themselves within rival factions while also calling favors with such factions to fight back against the Empire.

"Then it is decided then. We will make use of fifth-column agitators among their employees and other groups to disrupt Corporate activities. Given that Director Ghadi has left already i'll let him know of our final consensus and see how we can move forward with such a decision." With both Onrai and Director Ghadi already gone, Sularen figured that now would be the best time to end their meeting. "I guess that's all for today. Long live the Empire."

Tags | Antipater | Reiner Ghadi | Onrai ​

 

[Domaric Mordane]

Allegiant General Mordane fixed Empress Dyans with a calculating gaze, carefully measuring his response. In her words, he saw ambition, a willingness to serve, and—perhaps—a means to bring the Krath fully into the Empire's fold. Still, her terms presented complications. Control over Deep Core territories was not something he was authorized, nor inclined, to grant freely, but he would play along and leverage her ambitions to test her sincerity and gauge how best to use her influence. He knew he needed to tread carefully, presenting neither outright rejection nor full concession, for the Empire's sake and his own.

"Your Majesty," he began, tone diplomatic but tinged with the hard edge of Imperial expectation, "your proposal is... formidable, and speaks to the needs of our fractured Core territories. We are indeed divided in this theater, cut off by Alliance forces, and the situation has deteriorated into something that cannot be sustained long-term. An insurgency there, particularly in the Deep Core, would drain resources we can ill afford to lose, and would undercut the larger war effort in ways few of our other operations could recover from. I'm relieved to see the Krath's perspective on reinforcing Imperial standards and operating in adherence to our shared values."

He paused, as if considering the implications carefully. "Temporary governorship over Core territories is, understandably, a complex ask. Such authority would require far-reaching cooperation not just with my command, but with the rest of IMPERA and likely the Emperor himself. They would need firm assurances—not only of loyalty but of restraint. Empress Teta as a temporary capital could be suitable, provided it allows for close collaboration and direct lines to Imperial command. You would be expected to consult closely with Imperial advisors to align local operations with the Empire's broader strategy."

As for Muunilinst, Mordane chose his words carefully. "Regarding Muunilinst, your interest is noted, and it is not outside the realm of possibility. While the world holds considerable significance for the Imperial financial apparatus, I believe a Krath presence there could be a strategic boon, as long as it aligns with the Empire's interests in the region. But understand this would not be an independent governorship; it would fall under certain Imperial constraints. A more in-depth arrangement could be discussed when the time is appropriate, though I anticipate COMLIT's involvement in these decisions."

Mordane leaned forward, a glint of steel in his gaze. "Membership in the ruling council is more than attainable; in fact, I would support your place there. If you wish to strengthen the Empire, there is no better forum. Your ideals, as you've put it, may well strengthen the foundations of our order, provided they support our shared objectives. In fact, I would see you as an ally in that regard."

He maintained a steady, inscrutable expression. "These are not trivial requests, and you should know that in offering such a role to the Krath, the Empire will hold you to the highest standards of loyalty and cooperation. We will work with you to secure these goals—but know, Empress, that the Empire's resources and loyalty are not lightly given. If you are prepared to fulfill these terms, we may yet achieve a Core united under Imperial strength and resolve."

Dyans Keto​