The Collected Accounts of the "Future Planning Committee"

[Sennion Crestmar]

High Duke Sennion Crestmar of Iseno was a man who always wondered what was over the horizon. He attempted to foresee the problems of tomorrow. He was a patriot and full blooded supported of the Commenor Systems Alliance. He was old enough to have lived through the decades where Lady Kay was not in control of a growing region of space. He knew what chaos was like and he feared it, he feared the break down of order, he feared the tsunami that might wash over their island of peace and prosperity. He was also covetous in his age. Like a dragon guarding its treasure, Sennion worked to ensure their continued existence.

He had just finished testing his son's understanding of the ancient Chiss Admiral Thrawn's victory over the Elomin. He had not been satisfied until young Varion Crestmar demonstrated his understanding that the Chiss Adiral had used his knowledge of Elomin psychology against them, achieving a crucial tactical edge.

"Excellent Varion, Admiral Kern is proving himself a competent tutor. Now I have matters to attend too." He said and with a wave of his hand disabled the holoprojector. His son's bowing form in a crisp naval uniform exploded into static pixels. The room's lights grew brighter, revealing a sleek, yet spartan conference room.

Years earlier Sennion had allocated resources to repair, refurbish and upgrade Voktunma's famous ancient fortification, an imposing structure named Golthan's Fortress. When the fortress was restored it was used as a forward operations center for the CSA's ground forces and now served as the headquarters for Sennion's military think-tank, the so called "Future Planning Committee."

The aging general glanced out the window, appreciating the hues of the sunset through the transparisteel. He lowered himself into his at the conference table, patiently awaiting the arrival of the other members of his committee. He had assembled some of the leading thinkers in the CSA's government, military and private sector with the express purpose of creating a comprehensive crisis response plan. Their meetings had proceeded fruitfully and he believed that after this meeting they would be prepared to begin their assessments of CSA planetary assets and resources...

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Sennion Crestmar"]

Times were beginning to look troubling, a growing sith presence on their borders had seen more patrols then normal, keeping a eye just in case unable to go any further to stop the blockades that plague the trade routes

And yet no one could do a thing...without causing war

For stardust this meeting was long overdue, her job was the defense of commenor she was a peace keeper, a guardian, and more importantly this was her home where she and her family lived...she would rather die then lose the planet

Entering the room she wore her armor with her usual, sabers sword and two brand new westars...having lost one at a recent battle...she glanced anout the room before she spotted the general and offered a smile as she approached

general crestmar, pleasure to finally meet you, I'm Stardust Astrulias Skirae, master within the commenori knights

 

[Sennion Crestmar]

Sennion rose and offered a crisp salute to green skin twi-lek. "Master Stardust." He said reverently. "Thank you for accepting my invitation. I sincerely hope my Committees work will earn your order's support." This had been the last year and a half of his life, the work of slowly courting sponsors and supporters for perhaps the most ambitious wartime economic restructuring plan in the last century. "Please make yourself comfortable. If you'll indulge me, I followed that little incident with the KDY's president as closely as I could and I must say I was impressed and relieved by your level headed response. I feel as if we are tiptoeing across a minefield these days." It was an accurate enough analogy. The KDY incident had brought no less than 3 combat ready fleets within sublight distance of the Commenori border. The KDY's president's petition for asylum could have created a galactic incident. At any moment a miscalculation or misplaced passion by any of the fleet's naval officers could have lit the powder keg and caused an irreversible chain of events.

These were the fears that kept Sennion awake at night, why he had left Iseno and founded this committee, to prepare for the worst.

Members of the Committee were now beginning to arrive. They were a diverse and varied cast of chracters, as Sennion had intended. Firs to to appear were the Zhug Brothers from the Duro colony world of Atapap I. The brothers were perhaps the most famous Duros in CSA seeing as they were amongst the best astronavigators and hyperspace explorers in the alliance.

There was Sheila Yurt, President of the lauded Institute for Sentient Studies, who winked at Sennion as she sat down causing him to blush slightly.

Vera Joshi, Commander of the infamous Tarhassan PlanSec, had entered the room as quietly as one would expect from a spy chief. She ran a tight operation on Tarhassan that had drawn criticism from the more liberal/progressive elements of the CSA, however no one could deny their success at counter-espionage operations and the assistance their teams provided to other CSA worlds. Sennion considered her a formidable woman.

Bellowing echoed down the halls into the conference room indicating the arrival of the Fondorians.. High Admiral Isop and his aide Admiral Luc hailed from the Fondorian colony world Zaloriis and had served in the same operating theater as Sennion decades ago as young men. They had become fast friends. It was always good for an army man to have friends in the fleet.

 

[Jaster Awaud]

Jaster walked the halls of the fortress, on one side was his Droid Companion who recently got an upgrade now that his company was experimenting with AI Programming. On the other was a Diathim, Angelic Gloritory, someone he saved from slavery years ago and was now his right hand in service to the UTC. He was requested by the Queen of the Commenor Systems Alliance to step in and assist this 'Think Tank' with whatever they needed. Kay had helped Jaster get back on his feet after his defection from the First Order. As repayment for her kindness, he decided to assist where he could. The UTC was mainly a Trade Company, transports from all across the galaxy passed through his hands and were brought back to Commenor through its Free Trade. Commenor was a money steal for him in the Transport Market. It was all thanks to [member="Lady Kay"] and her neutrality before war aspect of the galaxy, he did not mean to take advantage of her ideals. However, Jaster was making a large monopoly on Raw Goods and Refugee Transportation, as well as bulk goods traded between nations and the companies he signed agreements with.

The mandalorian walked in a buisness suite, weird to see such a warrior figure in a monkey suit, but there he was. Reading a Data-Tables, he passed it off to his assistant. "Inform the Weapons Division that I want no more push backs on those weapons test, we need them for the prototype destroyer," Grabbing another Data-Table from the droid he read and spoke to the droid, "Twoozer, whats the status of the Corporate Fleet around Gydine, one of my shipments from Ession were captured by Sith Raiders, I really don't care what the Commenoran Government says, void space is free rain and those Refugees are costing me a lot as it is." He passed the Data-Tables back to the droid and they both pealed off.

He walked into the room with the others there and bowed his head a little. "Greetings, Viceroy Jaster Awaud of the United Trade Conglomerate, I was requested by Queen Arenais to assist with this venture," He pulled out a data-pad and placed it on the table for the General to take a look at, "The UTC has subsidiaries in Weapons and Ship Manufacturing, Mining and Exploration, with a focus on Transportation of Goods, if there is anything you may need you just need to ask as this is a favor to the CSA Government."

Jaster had just returned from Merc work of the Battle of Dubrillon so he still had many rounds to make before he was to return to the Fel Empire. Trade relations were still on the rise, and with the new agreement with the Mandalorian Empire, he was looking to making billions. Giving free hand outs to Commenor was a side note in his heavy thinking head. Remembering this was for Kay, he attempted to slow down his roll and make the attempt to be less business orientated.

[member="Sennion Crestmar"] [member="Stardust Bloodstone"]

 

[Sennion Crestmar]

As Sennion was still engaged in conversation with Master Stardust, he could only offer a small wave of acknowledgement to Jaster. It was reassuring seeing so many important faces joining them.

As a Gaggle of Urban District Administrators from Denon brushed past Jaster a Neimoidian delegate from the Trade Federation approached him. "Viceroy Awaud. My name is Lord Creta Vice President of Intergalactic Distribution, Trade Federation." He said with all the pride and arrogance of a highborn Neimoidian. However he did extend his mottled green hand towards [member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"] as a sign of respect. He then leaned closer to the human and dropped his voice. "I have heard that you had a rather unpleasant run-in with one Rahn Haaku. We of the Trade Federation have always found him to be an obstructionist of the worst order."

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Sennion Crestmar"] [member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]


She visibly groaned and rubbed her temples...that had been one of the most annoying things...she took a breath and composed herself

be honest there wasnt much I could do had a fight broken out except for push them as far back away...even then I'd of been risking war...

She paused, then spoke again

however your correct with managing such peace we have to tiptoe around carefully lest we anger one of our allies and cause total war...and I fear with the siths actions currently...war is not far away

She finally smiled however, she had to relax a bit. She looked around the room as everyone gathered and then looked to him again

seems like our attention should go elsewhere, after this meeting maybe you'll join me for a drink we can talk a bit more

 

[Sennion Crestmar]

As they concluded their pleasantries, Sennion returned his focus to the group at large. As they began finding their seats, he cleared his throat and began. "Friends, thank you for your time. I propose a motion to suspend the rules of order in order to immediately jump to our pressing business. All those in favor?"

"The ayes have it, thank you." Said Sennion. The secretary would record the proceedings for the public record. It was important that this process be as transparent as possible. "To those of you not yet aware, we have been awarded the tacit approval of Lady Kay to conduct our planetary surveys. The tireless work we have put into our research and advocacy has finally paid off and with official seals of approval we can follow through with our plans to engage with planetary stakeholders and evaluate the ways they may contribute to the common defense."

Sennion activated small holoprojectors at each committe member's seat that displayed the 3D image of their assigned planet. From Denon to Dressel, it was Sennion's intention to create a report on each world in the CSA and eventually puzzle them together to create a wartime economic juggernaught.

"In front of you you will see your assignments. You and your teams will have one standard year to conduct your studies. We have also been awarded funds for this project, however I encourage you to establish working relations with the planetary governments and build friendships. You are all ambassadors now, the faces of the most ambitious economic restructuring proposal we have ever dreamed and not everyone will appreciate our greater mission. Therefore it falls to you to make the best impression possible."

Committee members looked over their assigned planets and then began whispered conversations with one another. Some had been assigned to their homeworlds where it was determined that their connections at home would improve their chances of success. Others were assigned to planets that could use a fresh, objective set of eyes. "My friends, I bid you good fortune on your journeys. I shall remain here for the evening to answer any of your questions after which, tomorrow, I will be departing to Zolariis on my assignment."


[member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"]
[member="Stardust Bloodstone"]

 

[Jaster Awaud]

Jaster listened to the Neimoidian, he had dealing with their species before in his negotiations with the Trade Federation. He was still on great terms with many of the Highborn and Executives of that company. As such he knew how to deal with that type of man. "I have meet the Minister, he is a hesitant man with loyalties to the queen stronger then his bond to profit," He placed his hand on his chin, "So if one was to increase profit for the state, he would approve and thus continue to prosper within the confines of this Nation of Planets, don't you agree?"

He was interupted by the show of the start of the meeting, "Apologies friend, it looks as though we will be starting," He took his area by the table and listened to the meeting. He then got a Holo-Projection of a mission for the Government, it looks like he was being sent to Gydine. That was good, his trade relations with that planet made it a prosperous planet. His trade lanes and investment into their shipyards were one of his better investments on a planet. He would have no problem turning the planets into a production powerhouse to construct warship and tradeships for the nations government. If he was able, he would turn the planet into a fortress world and increase all production of military grade weapons for the nation. However, he knew that Kay continued to want peace, and would only push for an increase of weapons to defend the nation.

"Looks as though I will be sent to Gydine, if Denon is still free game I don't mind taking on that one as well." Jaster said from his little corner of the table.

[member="Sennion Crestmar"] [member="Stardust Australis Skirae"]

 

[Stardust Solus Skirae]

[member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"] [member="Sennion Crestmar"]

Stardust turned back towards the table as the meeting began, she hated stuff like this politics...she wasnt one for them at all preferring to work within the field, then again if she was to retire she needed to learn how to fight without a blaster or saber. To wear a business outfit instead of armor and helmet

She looked down at her data pad as she tapped it a bit...denon... seemed like a simple thing to do, she represented peace and strength as a knight so she should be able to win them over...she hoped. Looking up to the general she took her data pad and put it up as she watched a few people leave to go do their business and talk with one another

 

[Karacan Rigten]

[member="Sennion Crestmar"] | [member="Jaster of Clan Awaud"] | [member="Stardust Australis Skirae"]

Ferron felt discouraged, since he wasn't invited to this meeting. Of course, he wasn't Commenori, nor did he have his Company based in Commenor space, but still. Commenor Systems Alliance was the closest thing to a Major Entity Home as any other place. Since he had good relations with them, it would be horrible not to keep those relations, and keep them intact. He generally decided against helping major organizations in the galaxy, but it was obvious darker times were ahead. If the CSA were taken out, or stretched thin, it would be obvious that Kuat Drive Yards would again be targeted for their shipyards and orbital array, and captured, or destroyed, all over again. CSA was just a hyperjump away, it was foolish not to enter these talks.

Ferron had heard the reports of this event, it wasn't exactly classified, a thinly stringed up project that could use a little extra support under its feet. He arrived without invitation, and for the first time, pushed his agenda. He would be on thin ice with the Queen while he didn't wait for approval, but as an ally of the Queen and no threat from his ships, and with obvious intent, he would not be fired upon. However, by the time word had reached Sennion of Ferrons arrival, he was walking into the room.

"Greetings, friends, allies, and compatriots. I understand we are trying to gain more assets for the coming war," Ferron smiled, having only one of his KDY Clones escorting him, who seemed intimidating yet did nothing but look around the room. "One of your possible assets, Gyndine Shipyards; Kuat Drive Yards continues to own and operate the shipyards Research and Development block, as for the Shipyard, we maintain it, but we don't own it. The planet does." He continued, walking towards the table. "Yes, yes, pleasantries, but I understand you all have a lot of work to do, so let me set down the ground rules. Kuat Drive Yards is ready and willing to support this campaign, but they take no orders. Instead, however, we are prepared to build you dedicated Shipyards. What I am saying is.... a minor rival to Kuat Drive Yards Orbital Array. I know this is a discussion for the Queen, but I want to know if this would help your cause. I would not slap any logo on them, which means you or CSA would have to maintain it, but the owner can be anyone you choose - with that out of the way, I need to know if this would support your endeavors."

 

[Sennion Crestmar]

Sennion's eyebrows raised with surprise at the appearance of the President of Kuat Drive Yards. This was most unexpected. While not a "secret" committee Sennion had hoped that the dull, uninspiring committee name would dissuade investigation. Ideally they would have completed and prepared their research reports before engaging with the larger corporate entities that operated within CSA space. He had wanted an ironclad argument with insurmountable factual evidence to justify the extraordinary war-time measures he hoped to levy on the CSA's industries.

Sennion leaned forward, giving Troste his full attention. Those who had lingered at the table and around the room also ended their quiet conversations as Troste's voice dictated KDY policy in real time. Sennion silently cursed, the man had done his homework and he had ambushed them at a critical juncture. Sennion knew that he was in no position to make demands of the KDY and he'd lose valuable time and political capital trying to alter Troste's verbatim deal.

Looking somewhat uncomfortable, Sennion replied slowly. "President Troste... I thank you for your candor and frank speech. I must admit my surprise that you came to us with such a proposal." He cleared his throat and looked around the room. "We had hoped to have a more concrete manifesto before we took up your and other's time, however what you offer...It appears that you continue to prove yourself an ally of the CSA and we would be fools to trust anyone else but Kuat Drive Yards to construct military capable shipyards over Gyndine."

 

[Sennion Crestmar]

Holo-file: FPC-HF5495
Planet: Zolariis, expansion region
Subject: Fondor II AT-AT Factory/Training Center

As the holoprojectors start up cascading blue lines emit, generating a blue tinted 3D image. Within view was the crew compartment of an imperial era AT-AT. The probe droids recording the troop deployment exercise panned their cameras to catch CSA Infantry repelling to the sandy, windswept surface below. The holoprojectors then focused on an extended gunnery platform and the trooper that kept a vigilant watch over the deployment...

___________________________________________________________________________________________

Vera Orson was a Zeltron civilian analyst in the employ of the future planning committee and it was her mission to document Fondor II's AT-AT training excercises. She removed the restraints that had fastened her securely to the bulkhead and cautiously approached the gunnery platform. The gunnery sergeant, an older veteran by the name of Horace chivalrously moved to give her a view of the ground far below.

"Woah" she whispered quietly as she look over the deployed soldiers who looked like ants scurrying under the legs of this durasteel beast.

"Wanna closer look?" Asked Horace as he gently gave her a push.

The Zeltron gasped and hung on to the guard bars for dear life as the rest of the AT-AT's support crew laughed heartily. Vera composed herself and managed a small embarrassed smile. Their humor was no doubt an acquired taste. "Hilarious Sergeant Horace, but if we could begin?"

"Of course" Replied the sergeant as a probe droid focused its camera on him. "What you're witnessing is a tactical deployment of this AT-AT's trooper complement. According to battlefield conditions and mission requirements the men and women ride into battle protected until a crucial point in the engagement that necessitates their deployment via repelling to the surface. This could be to reinforce ground troops or to attack an otherwise inaccessible. In a normal combat scenario I would have already blasted a thousand rounds down-range. We operate as a well oiled machine." Said the sergeant with pride. "My spotter, private Koff would be on stand-by to quickly replace the turret's barrel and power cells to ensure a steady stream of suppressive fire."

Koff, a young private sighed with frustration. "Yeah, but for now we have too..." He paused thinking for a moment "Uh, what does the manual say?"

Another trooper responded "It rhymes with maintenance."

"Oh yeah." Koff moved to check the condition of the replacement barrels "In training we were continually reminded that we must constantly and vigorously maintain and upkeep equipment. Without proper maintenance the massive hydraulics and other systems can corrode and decrease combat efficiency, especially on worlds with adverse climates."

Sergeant Horace coughed for attention before beginning again. "Ahem... As I was saying. When these cargo doors open and the troops are deploying into a hot combat zone, things get real crazy. We rely on the instincts developed from countless simulations and hours of training. We gunners here are the only thing keeping the enemy saturated with suppressing fire while our boys are vulnerable."

Another gunner chimed in from the other cargo doorway, "We know what its like to rely on the guys in our position. We put in our time on the ground and now we get to see how we looked when we jumped out of a perfectly good armored behemoth into enemy fire."

"That's right. Which is why our responsibility is so important. Our comrades rely upon us heavily. For me there is no other job. There's nothing like the sound or feel of firing a gun like this," Said Horace as he patted his cannon lovingly, "This job takes a special combination of quick reflexes, killer instinct and sharp eyes."

"Maybe if your eyes were sharper old man, you'd have as many kills as me." Said the adjacent gunner in jest.

"Least I only hit the enemy you collateral bastard." Replied Horace and the crew compartment erupted into laughter.

Vera sighed and shook her head. "I think I might need to edit that last part."