The Second Collapse

[Null1]

Tantorous, Part II: The Second Planetary Collapse​

​

The sun gleamed over Tantorous as Alexander and [member="Michael Davis"] sat aboard the HMS Indominatable. The Bridge was alive with movement as the young Self-proclaimed Emperor of the Fel Empire stood next to his head Guardsman at the Holotable. The map was open in view of the planet below and multiple lines of dialogue were open as a conversation ensued.

"Make sure they are before we land though."

"Yes My lord, but we cannot guarantee that the troops could defend in case this goes south." The disembodied voice of General Vickers was Shaken worried, for he didn't know what the situation was exactly.

"As long as they are ready for it to, Reinforcements are in only a system away, and there is a shipful in orbit." Alexander smirked, "I'm preparing to go down to the surface."

"Alright sir, I'll be in contact soon."

Alexander closed the call and swiped across the tablet and opened another contact. The silhouette of a man appeared on the screen as it rung and picked up. A man answered from the other end. "@Maxamilian , I hope you enjoyed your ride aboard the Indominatable. We are going down to the surface now, meet me in the hanger."

Michael and Alexander walked towards the elevators and stepped in.

As The Emperor and his guard stepped into the hanger, they began towards a rather large luxurious craft in the center. There, next to the ramp, stood a man in rather nice clothing adjusting his gloved hand. He was leaning against the white polished exterior of the ship as the Emperor Approached.

"Hello your highness!" The man saluted. He was tall and thing, rugged look with an air tank on the back of his fine leather suit with light armor and a half mask.

"Hello Max, let's get aboard."

Max, The Emperor, Michael, and a few guards gathered onto the ship. As Alexander turned right around the corner, he spotted [member="Kalic Daws"] and [member="Premier William Harris I"] talking. Kalic was in his standard flight suit and greeted Alexander as he passed. The emperor and his small posse sat on the luxurious seats in the red and white interior of the ship. Alex looked at Harris, smiling.

"A little red for a Fel ship."

"It's my personal ship, couldn't tell you the last time I wasn't going somewhere important, doing something important, or leading someone important." He shook his head nostalgically.

Noticing this, Alex looked Harris in the eye, "How do you believe this situation will be bare for us?"

"Assuming that the central government of Tantorous doesn't collapse, we could directly integrate the world into our reformed empire. You'd be the second Fel Emperor to ever do such a thing in Tantorous."

"And if the government fails?"

"You and the queen get the hell out of here until we can help the local armies restore order."

"Mr. Premier, I've read the logs about what happened, and I do have a question about the people."

"Of course, Ask away m'lord."

"Well," Alexander stopped for a moment, "Won't this be an easy fix should the government maintain gridlock and fail? There should be no way of them opposing us, if the talks don't work."

"If it was the old Tantorous, the one I charged into with our air wing and 1st infantry division, I'd say it was no problem. But the world has developed, and this government has out technology. They have produced a venators with our license, they standardized equipment and created a federal army. They trained their men, and they have advanced a lot. Let us hope for peace, for this war will be a costly one should it fail."

Alexander nodded as the ship took off.

Spoiler

OBJECTIVES:

1:Stand by as security for the meeting with the queen

2. Survey the land on the world

3. Hope for the best, prepare for the worst.

 

[null3]

William looked out the window as the city approached quickly. They passed over a massive bridge under construction as they zoomed towards a distant circular city. As the ship approached, it slowed and then lowered. It touched down quickly on a makeshift landing pad next to the castle atop the circle. Harris stood along with the group and looked at the young Emperor.

"Come on My Lord."

 

[TK-7475 (Storm Sentinal)]

Vickers, accompanied by a couple stormtroopers in silver armor with encrusted gold designs and grey cloaks, approached the vessel as the ramp lowered. Vickers saluted as the Emperor, The Premier, and the guards poured out. There were two rows of the special stormtroopers saluting the group as they marched past. Vickers saluted the group as it approached before shaking the Premier's hand.

"Right this way sir."

 

[Michael Davis]

Davis looked out in amazement as they walked in through the door of the chamber where the government would once again convene. Though he had to stay professional, he couldn't help but let his eyes wander towards the massive window in the cobblestone wall. The group all sat around at a round table and began discussing something in private as He and another guardsman stood at the door and revealed their lightsabers hanging on their belts.

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Objective
1 & 3

When Adenn had heard the King had died, he was shocked. He didn't really know the King that well, but he seemed nice. This new "Emperor" was a new factor, one that Adenn didn't trust. When he had heard that there was an Emperor, Adenn had scoffed. He didn't believe it until he'd seen it. Adenn didn't judge a book by its cover, but someone who had just become the leader, and immediately named themselves Emperor, didn't sit well with him. So, when he had been offered the chance to accompany him to a meeting with a queen, Adenn had accepted. So, that's how he ended up here, in Tantorous.

Adenn had arrived some time before the scheduled meeting and been in the castle. He'd asked that he be informed when the new leader arrived, but that message had come a bit late. Thus Adenn found himself speed walking towards the meeting area. He didn't know what to expect, who, or what may come, so he had brought 2 squads and 2 AT-ADs with him. After all, one never knew what may come. It took a few moments, but eventually they got the meeting room. There, Adenn had 1 squad remain outside with one AT-AD, while the others would enter the room with him. That's how they entered, with Adenn at the front, the squad of Mandos behind him and the AT-AD forming up the rear.

With a quick head movement of Adenn, his men spread out across the room, with the AT-AD remaining near the door. Adenn himself walked towards the Premier and Vickers. At the same time he noted the new leader, or the Emperor as the presumptuous person called himself. Looking towards the Premier and Vickers, Adenn realized what this could look like, but frankly he didn't care. Instead he walked towards the Premier and said.
"Hey there Premier, Vickers. Good to see you both again. And this is the new Emperor." At that Adenn turned towards the man. "Hello there, sir. I'm just here to help protect the Premier, and I suppose yourself. I'll leave you to the talks."

With that said, Adenn turned on his heel and walked back towards one end of the table, said end just so happened to be opposite of where the Emperor sat. If questioned, Adenn would simply say it was to ensure the delegation didn't do anything, but he and his men knew, it would be to keep more of an eye on the Emperor than anything. But thoughts aside, Adenn simply stood and waited, along with his men. He did note the others in the room, but payed them little mind. None would be a challenge to him, should any need arise.

[member="Premier William Harris I"] [member="Alexander Fel II"]

 

[Null1]

Alexander II stood as [member="Adenn Kyramud"] walked to the other side of the table. He nervously smiled and began, "I know what it may look like, a man comes to power and declares himself emperor, but it was what I was advised to do to my father when I felt the time was right. He told me, 'A king governs one group, while an emperor governs many,' well, I am about to govern many."

He held out his hand to shake Adenn's, "I will do all that I can to be the best I can be, for all my citizens. And war heros like yourself will not be forgotten." He stood with his arm extended, waiting for Adenn's response.

 

[Kalic Daws]

Kalic brought himself up to the pilots chair of the personal ship, while Jee was in the socket of the Starcrest. The fighter and other vessel soon flew off towards the planet Kalic hadn't forgotten. He looked out at the familiar world, which looked less war torn now. It was definitely interesting. As he pulled the personal craft in to land, the pilot gave word to the passengers that they were landing. Once on the ground, Kalic slid his T-21 over his shoulder and followed them out of the ship and into the building. Once in the meeting room, Kalic quickly waking up to Harris.

"Kinda crazy ain't it? Seeing this place when it isn't going to poodoo."

[member="Premier William Harris I"]

 

[null3]

Harris cuffed his mouth, tuning away from the queen who was seemingly pre-occupied talking with vicker, he leaned in to [member="Kalic Daws"] "The word your looking for is sh1t, and I agree." He chuckled lightly and turned back to the queen.

The door on the far side of the room slid open and the queen stood before walking to her section of the round table. Several senators poured in and began greeting as they began to sit. The table was only about half full around.

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Adenn had begun to make his way towards the queens side when Alexander stopped him short with his words. Deciding not to be even ruder than he had been, Adenn stopped and listened to what he had to say. Adenn let his impassive helmets face plate greet Alexanders words. It seemed rather pompous to Adenn what he had said. After all, this meeting hadn't even started yet, he still only ruled over one people, one group, not multiple. Instead of saying anything to his first line, Adenn merely tipped his head slightly forward. Then he straightened it fully while listening to the rest of his little speech. He very nearly scoffed, but kept himself in check.

"Respectfully sir. I'm no war hero, I simply did my job. And that's all anyone can and should do, the best for their people." With that said, Adenn began to turn away from Alexander, but then he noticed his outstretched hand. It seemed almost like a plea, as if he wanted him to accept him for who he was. Adenn turned back towards the new Emperor, and noted fully how he was acting. He waited a moment or two before slowly reaching out his hand and shaking Alexanders hand. In the handshake, Adenn gave a little more pressure than what was needed, simply to show that he didn't quiet trust or believe him, but he was getting there. Then Adenn let go, nodded his head and walked towards the other end of the table with the queen.

There he stood as still as a statue, it seemed even as if he weren't breathing. Adenn was there to ensure everything went A-OK, but he would still keep an eye on Alexander. He wanted to see what the kid would do.

[member="Premier William Harris I"] [member="Kalic Daws"] [member="Alexander Fel II"]

 

[Vampis Noros]

After finishing a game Dejarik with 2 of his agents. Vampis becomes bored and heads to the deck of The Inception. Upon entering the room they exit out of Hyperspace and a great view appears in front of him. Walking up to the front window past the various screens and surveillance equipment, Vampis looks out at the planet below. The view from the ship was amazing. He called out to one of the officers

"How goes the study, are there any signs of unrest present on Tantorous."

"No Sir" responded the agent.

"Do another scan something seems fishy, about this. They cant have recovered this quickly. Are you sure the scanners are working properly." Vampis responded inquistively.

"Yes sir, the equipment is functioning 100%. We ran for anomaly`s while exiting hyperspace."
He scratched his chin, pacing back and forth before stopping to again look out the window.

"I guess we`ll just have to wait and see".

[member="Adenn Kyramud"] [member="Alexander Fell II"]
[member="Premier William Harris I"] [member="Kalic Daws"]

 

[null3]

Alexander, seeming happy with what he believed to be gaining some trust from [member="Adenn"] kyamus walked over and sat next to Harris. The delegates were arriving in numbers and before long, the table was filled. Harris stood from his seat, followed by the Emperor.

"We are here in order to assist you, we understand that the queen has had all of you stack your votes against her anytime a bill is proposed, and we stand here today to break this gridlock. I personally faught in the establishment of this government," Harris pointed at the scar above his eye, "A whole damn building fell on me and I survived. If i could put aside my fears and differences, and my men could do what was best for you, putting themselves last, then you can put your views aside and do what is best for your people." Harris nodded before feeling for the seat underneath him, "Thank you!" He slid down into his seat.

Alex stayed standing while the room clapped. It silenced and then he smiled, "Hello Everyone, I am Alexander, Son of the king of the Fel kingdom, and First Emperor of the Fifth Fel Empire. I stand here today as both an observer and, as I hope, voice of reason to guide you through these trying times. I refuse to see anything that took so many good lives fall apart do to beaurocratic disagreements."

The group slowly rumbled with voices and a scattered clap occured. Alex sat down and the queen spoke up.

"Alright, Thank you, now let us begin."

 

[null3]

The queen shuffled some papers around at her station before continuing.

"I would like to thank each and everyone of you for attending, for this situation is most trying. As you all know, we have been in gridlock for almost a month now, and thankfully, these leaders of the nearbye Fel Imperium have come to assist and advise us." She nodded her head in the direction of the Premier and Emperor across the table, "The situation is as following, our military is drastically underequipped, even with the assistance of the Fels, and if we are to ever be able to unify the world completely, and wipe out the Sith splinter faction in the far north, we need to standardize equipment. That is why, again, I raise the issue of defense budget. 12% will not cut it at all. We need to double, maybe even triple it and cut funding to un needed areas of funding."

A delegate slammed his hand on the table, "I refuse to vote to you warmongering policies, you 'highness." The man sarcastically yelled, "My people won't support it."

"Mr. Darren, The Sith have made it increasingly apparent they will not peacefully join us. We need to increase funding. Though you may not entirely agree, I see no reason that we continue to pour almost a billion credits a year into funding churches, and nearly 5 billion into publicly owned factories. We need to stimulate the economy, how can we do that if the people can't own businesses and make money?"

A man stood up and yelled some profanities, "My castle is at the center of a very religious community, and they would never support you cutting funding to the church. I refuse to such a bill!" A few delegates began quietly talking in agreeance, "We need to provide to those who cannot support themselves! We cannot arm our military if our people are starving!"

The queen stood as well to yell in rebuttal, "Take your seat! Both of you!" Her voice was sharp like a razor, "The people aren't earning money, and we need to free the business and abolish government owned corporations. Relief wouldn't be needed if citizens earned enough to buy the food, water, and clothing they need!" She watched the two men sit down, "I will not continue to fight a yelling match with you, our peoples suffer, and you refuse to seek an alternate option that involves less influence. An all powerful government can not work in such a divided nation such as ours. We need to be more of a confederation than an iron fist! Divided multi-national states can not stand! If we continue to try to stand disunited, then we will collapse in on ourselves!"

The delegates were mixed, some blocking out her words while other absorbed them.

Harris stood up, "Listen now, you will not be the only ones to suffer if a collapse occurs. Your people will be fighting over scraps and war will once again take over your world. A house divided can not stand. If not capable of completely agreeing, come to a compromise."

"And this comes from the Dictator! Who elected you? Huh? What is your true reason for being here? Do you come to force your rule down on us? This is not your debate!"

Harris stood shocked at what the man said, he shook his head, "I was elected by my people, I formed my government and the Emperor here was brought back at the request of the people. We have a united population with a set government, you do not. We come to assist you, for as you all know, very soon you may be integrated in. We would not be here if we didn't care for the needs of the people we will be governing over."

A couple delegates began to grab their belongings along the sides of the tables, "We are done!" Mr. Darren stood up, still hot headed. He slammed his fist onto the table, "It is apparent that this government can not continue. I refuse to follow the word of a queen who knows little for what her people need."

The queen, still standing scoffed at Darren, "I am expanding these bills to better the people."

Mr. Darren walked towards the door as most of the table joined in, he turned before stepping out, "Dear queen, you inability to listen to the delegates has lead to the splintering and collapse of this government. We will not stand for your laisze-fair reforms, they can not sustain us. Between us now exists tension. I regret to inform you, you and the western coalition are at war." Several delegates at the table joined him as he walked out.

Harris looked at the queen. "Well, sh1t.... That could have gone better."

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

Adenn stood near the queen and listened to the talks. He didn't have a say, or really an interest, in the matter, though the Fel Empire did, and so Adenn was here. However, Adenn did not what went on and was interested that 12% wasn't enough for a defense budget. The more interesting reaction though was the delegate, "warmongering" Adenn thought to himself, the delegate knew nothing about what a real warmonger was. Adenn also noted the way he said highness, as if he were mocking the queen. With his eyes narrowed, Adenn turned his head towards the delegate but said nothing.

All the while, no one on the Fel Empires side had said anything, the reason for that wasn't clear to Adenn, though he supposed it didn't really matter. That was at least until Harris stood up and spoke. Adenn agreed with what Harris said, it was after all true, and when the delegate said what he said, Adenn was not pleased. In fact, he was so displeased that he took a threatening half step forward before stopping himself. He did though place a hand on the holster of his westar.

Eventually the meeting was over, and though Adenn wished to put a bolt through their new enemies, a slight shake of Harris' head stayed Adenns hand. He wasn't happy about it, but he'd let it be.

[member="Premier William Harris I"][member="Kalic Daws"][member="Alexander Fel II"]

 

[null3]

It had been two days since the delegates had stormed out of the summit. The Emperor and Queen had boarded Harris' shuttle and an entire division of stormtroopers, AT-AT's, AT-AV's and support had landed. Harris stared outwards from the peak of this building spire as tie fighters and some tie strykers flew overhead. He watched as a trasport filled with engineers landed near the incomplete bridge and they poured out in their white and orange armor. Harris shook his head unamused.

Turning to [member="Adenn Kyramud"] Harris looked uncomfortably, "I think today is the day. Get your pack, and alert Vickers to prepare. If what my scouts seen in correct, then we need to prepare for one hell of a fight. They have a brigade of special forces, tanks, some AT-TV's, and a massing army of troops in our Naval Infantry armor we leased them. For that reason, naval infantry won't be participating."

 

[Kalic Daws]

Kalic really didn't know what to think. Two days ago, everything went to poodoo, and now he was patrolling the skies in the Starcrest.

[member="Premier William Harris I"] [member="Adenn Kyramud"] [member="Vampis Noros"]

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

As Adenn stood next to Harris, he thought about what could have been. If Harris had simply let him shoot them on their way out, or have his men do it, this war could have been averted. At least to an extent. Instead, they were here, looking out across troops and war machines. It was all rather useless in Adenns mind. They would fail either way, they were only prolonging the inevitable. Adenn shook himself out of his thoughts, he wasn't here to worry about that, only stop stop anymore killing, by killing the enemies of the Fel Empire, and now of this queen.

When the Premier began talking, Adenn stopped looking around and had turned to him to hear him out. His eyes narrowed when the Premier said "pack." While it could be considered accurate by many, Adenn himself believed in always calling it the clan, even if it was only part of it. He wouldn't directly voice it, but the Premier would most likely be able to understand what he'd mean.
"Of course Premier. I'll go and get my clan now. Also, they can have all the weapons, armor and troops they want. It won't save them in the end. They'll fall like wheat to a scythe."

With that said, Adenn turned and walked to the edge of the little balcony on top of the buildings spire. He turned around to the Premier and gave a little mock salute before jumping off of the edge. As he fell, Adenn opened a call to Vickers. He simply told him what the Premier had told him before cutting the call. Using his jetpack to slow himself down, Adenn landed a few moments later. He scared several nearby workers and soldiers who jumped back and shouted in surprise, several even aimed at him. However, when they fully saw him they lowered their weapons, he still got some incredulous looks from the people there, but Adenn ignored them.

Instead, Adenn moved out towards the location of the allied forces. His own troops would remain in orbit to provide shock potential when they dropped right on the enemy troops. It would certainly scare them senseless if a drop pod landed in their mist and angles of death came out in the form of Mandalorians. At that thought, Adenn chuckled to himself, he received a few curious looks that were averted when he turned his head to face them. Adenn simply continued to make his way towards where the front line most likely would be.

[member="Kalic Daws"] [member="Premier William Harris I"] [member="Vampis Noros"] [member="Alexander Fel II"]

 

[null3]

"The great questions of the day will not be settled by means of speeches and majority decisions but by iron and blood."​

Otto Von Bismarck, 1815-1898​

​

​

Harris watched the landscape as his wrist communicator began to beep. He looked down and opened it. General Vickers appeared on the hologram and saluted, "Sir, The enemy force has mobilized and are inbound, send out the signals, they have fighters." There was the sound of explosions in the distance as the hologram fizzled out. Harris looked off in the distance as a rain of explosions occurred, he pulled up his wrist and tapped an alert button.

Troops on the ground sprinted to their stations as raid sirens began to blow in loop. There was a great rush as friendly tie fighters screamed lowly overhead towards an unseen threat just over the horizon. Harris marched alongside some of his troops quickly to an APC. He turned backwards, watching as a strange open bottomed vehicle landed atop a massive AT-AT and grabbed it with two claws before gently lifting it up and over the wall of the city towards the action. Harris stepped inside the tracked vehicle and pounded twice on the inside as the doors were closed. The noisy engine gurgled to life as the vehicle jerked to life. Harris sat among 8 guardsmen and 11 stormtroopers in silver and gold with cloaks.

 

[Kalic Daws]

[media]https://youtu.be/C7NSUFDHFgg[/media]​

Kalic heard the call that fighters were coming, and he could see the explosions. The pilot pushed the engines to full throttle so that he could reach the fighter enemy fighters quickly. The young pilot put a fighter in his sights and quickly took some shots, trying to down the craft. He hauled the craft around, trying to avoid any enemy fire. As he disengaged, Jee turned the turret to fire on the fighters left behind them. Kalic knew he had a fight coming, and he was ready for it.

[member="Premier William Harris I"] [member="Adenn Kyramud"] [member="Vampis Noros"]

 

[Adenn Kyramud]

War had come to Tantorous, and Adenn intended to be on the front lines of the fighting. So when he heard an explosion, he immediately went in that direction. Even though he was headed there, he didn't hurry until the raid sirens were called, and when those activated, he simply walked faster. The regular troops here would need to see some semblance of calm, after all, it wouldn't do to have an officer of the Fel Empire run around like a chicken with its head cut off. In fact, his calmness helped so much that he saw several panicking troops around him calm down themselves. Officers took his example and NCOs were able to get their troops under control.

Adenn grinned under his helmet, it felt good to make such an impact on others. At the same time, he felt the slight admiration of the others towards himself. The way several of them were looking towards him reminded him of people who were expecting something. Adenn kept walking a few steps before he realized, they might be expecting a speech; and from him no less. Instead of saying anything, Adenn simply nodded to himself before using his jetpack to jump up onto a nearby APC. Already, several people had noticed and moved towards him, they were now waiting. So Adenn would oblige them their wishes; and with that, he began.

Listen up people. This so called western coalition has decided to make war with us all. In doing so, they've made a grave mistake. They believe themselves ready for us, they are sorely mistaken. Look around you! Turn to your neighbor, your NCO and your officers. Within each of you is a warrior, simply waiting for the chance to come out and fight! This is your chance, fight not for yourselves, but fight for your neighbors, your friends your people. Fight for Tantorous, and slay these fools that wish to take your homes from you. They want to take this all away from you, but you won't let them! You are warriors, and you will stand forever more in the halls of history. Your deeds shall be remembered in song; and though your names may be forgotten, your actions shall echo forever more!

That's all it took, a few simple words and the troops that had heard him were all riled up and ready for a fight. Adenn smiled to himself, these people would hopefully fight harder than ever before now. Then Adenn saw a cameraman, he had been pointing towards Adenn but then moved his camera around to face the troops around him. He was getting prime footage of this and the video would most likely be shown to the public later. It would make for a good PR video.

This however, wasn't Adenns concern. He had to worry about a fight. So rather than go to the reporter, Adenn simply jumped down and walked towards the wall. It took a few moments, but soon he was near an APC. He looked over to it as it gurgled to life. It would serve his purposes for now. So, using his jetpack once again, Adenn jumped over and onto the APC. He most likely startled the driver, but Adenn didn't rightly care. Instead, he went over to the gun hatch and opened it up. There, he simply said "friendly Mando coming in" before jumping down.

Once inside of the APC, Adenn looked around while grabbing a hand hold on the ceiling but then noticed who was inside.
Premier, you really shouldn't be here. This is a warzone, and the Fel Empire still needs you for future ventures. I'd suggest staying out of the fighting, but you'll probably ignore that. So please, at least stay behind your men.
With that said, Adenn simply stood there with the rocking of the APC. He'd wait for the Premiers answer, but for now, he'd have to stick by his side to ensure the man didn't get himself killed.

[member="Kalic Daws"] [member="Premier William Harris I"]

 

[null3]

"Battle is the most magnificent competition in which a human being can indulge. It brings out all that is best; it removes all that is base. All men are afraid​

in battle. The coward is the one who lets his fear overcome his sense of duty. Duty is the essence of manhood." ​

​

-George S. Patton​

​

​

The APC jerked to life as Harris found his seat. He had a large grin on his face and was excited to go to war. He did not like the death, or the destruction, but he was itching for a fight. He sat in the same uniform he fought in during the last invasion of Tantorus. He wore his black beret and had his blaster in a leather holster strapped around the side of his tunic's belt. He looked at the troops across from him as [member="Adenn Kyramud"] approached.

"Premier, you really shouldn't be here. This is a warzone, and the Fel Empire still needs you for future ventures. I'd suggest staying out of the fighting, but you'll probably ignore that. Please, at least stay behind you men."

"I have two things I hold to the upmost importance. My ability to fight the good fight, and my right to have a drink when this is done. Never take what a man holds dearest." Harris chuckled lightly, "Now lets earn those drinks."

The APC continued onwards for some time before it began shaking rapidly and slowed before stopping. The door opened and men poured out as artillery rounds struck all around the vehicle and the line of APCs behind it. Harris stood up, grabbing his blaster pistol, And ran out, leading several others out.